*Third person's POV*
Kitty stared at him wide eyed. "Excuse me? I... I wasn't supposed to know? You all knew?" She looked around.
People were definitely having a laugh. Not their fault though.
Kitty read the article.
ROMANCE IN THE RUBBLE
During the attack on Diagon Alley by the followers of You-Know-Who, a couple turned rebellious. In the middle of chaos, these two young lovers were found to be making love in the rubble. They were also creative enough to create a strong shield to stay safe from the explosions. The Aurors found them and they were taken for questioning. The most interesting fact is that the rebellious young wizard is none other than the heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, Sirius Black. Graduated from Hogwarts last year, Sirius Black is now an auror trainee. Students who went to Hogwarts with him say that he was the ringleader of a gang of troublemakers. The details of the average looking witch are yet to be known. An eyewitness said, "I've been seeing them from the other side. They did not give a damn about the explosion! They were rolling on the floor like wild animals. The young people these days are so reckless. They don't care about anything that is happening around them!""This is war! We don't know when we are going to die or lose someone we love. Of course people want to spend every moment with their loved ones and I guess that's what they were doing," a ministry official said.
Kitty chose not to read anymore as it had more crap. Of course the picture looked like they were having a moment. Their bodies were hidden by the rubble and only their heads were showing. Kitty and Sirius in the picture were so close. Sirius was on top of her. One second they were staring into each other's eyes and the next second, Kitty's arm went around his neck and Sirius leaned in.
She looked at them. "I wasn't supposed to know? Who the hell wrote... Ah! Skeeter! That skunky stinky shitface!" Kitty growled. "There was a bloody explosion and Black saved me!"
"We know," they all said.
"There was an attack in Diagon Alley and all she writes is about... Wild animals?!" She asked incredulously. "Stop smirking, Jamesie!"
James glared at her. He hated that name.
"The Ministry wanted the Minchum's case to be kept secret," Moody said in his gruff voice. "Only the people who found them and two healers knew what really happened."
"So she turns a life or death situation to some erotica?" Kitty scoffed. "Three attacks and the fake news is on the front page! Oh, I'm so gonna crush that bug under my feet," Kitty growled.
"Honey, that's how the media works," Alice smiled.
"Oh, I know more about the media than you do," Kitty said and realized her mistake the moment Remus cleared his throat. "I mean... you've got Prophet here. But we've got some hundreds in India," she added hastily.
"Shit happens. People will forget about it tomorrow," James said.
Kitty glared at him.
"I know. We should have told you. But, we thought it would upset you," Lily said calmly.
"Of course it upsets me! People are now going to think wrong and low about Black!"
This caught everyone off guard. No one was expecting this. Especially Sirius.
Marlene muttered something and Kitty looked at her.
"McKinnon, I want to talk to you for a moment," she said sternly.
She scoffed. "Well, I don't want to," she said taking her cloak.
"I think you've heard me wrong," Kitty smiled. "So let's try again,"she said staring into her blue eyes. "Come outside. I want to talk to you."
Everyone were holding their breath and looking at them.
Marlene scoffed and gave Kitty a disgusting look. "No. I —"
"Listen, kid. I didn't ask for your permission."
"So, you think you could just boss around me?" Marlene squared on her.
"Yes. Or do you want me to say everything here?" Kitty smirked.
"McKinnon! Pryde! Enough!" Sirius snapped at them both.
"You stay out of this," Marlene scowled at him.
"I think you should take it outside," James said seriously.
"Guys! It's our wedding in a week and I don't want you to fight now! Please," Lily looked at the three pleading. "Especially the best man the maid of honour."
Kitty sighed. "I just wanted to have a word and that's at least my...right."
"Marl," Lily looked at Marlene.
Both walked out into the empty street.
"Alright. It was just a prank. Okay? I don't understand why you people are making such a big deal!" Marlene exclaimed.
"It's not about the sick prank, McKinnon. It's about Black."
"So, make it quick then. Because I'm not interested at all," Marlene said looking around impatiently.
"Okay. There's nothing going on between Black and I."
Marlene scoffed. "Yeah, right."
"Will you stop being a kid for a while? You are a teenager and I understand things. See, I don't know why you feel that there is something going on between us. Besides, we aren't even on first name basis. He's just good to me because I think... he thinks he owes me...for kind of saving their lives."
Marlene just kept rolling her eyes and looking around, which angered Kitty. But she kept her cool.
"And you being mad at me because of that is so stupid. If I... I'm not a person who ruins a relationship. Okay? I didn't even tell anyone that it was you in my bed that night... On Lily's birthday. I could've told. But I didn't. Because I knew it would ruin—"
"Sirius and I are in an open relationship. We can date anyone we want. There are no strings attached. And Sirius wouldn't care. Besides, he saw me that night."
"I know. But you're wrong. He cared that night. He was hurt...I guess... So he did other things to keep his mind busy most of the night. I know you are an important person to Sirius. Why would I do something to ruin your relationship?"
"Unless you want him for yourself," Marlene glared at her.
"Are you mental?" Kitty scoffed. "Haven't you heard anything I said? I'm not interested in him! Nor is he!"
"I know the way you look at him," she scowled.
"I know too. It's the same way I look at Remus, James and Lily."
"You can't fool me, Pryde."
"Why do you hate me so much?"
"You need a reason?" She scoffed. "It's you. Before you, everything and everyone was normal. But now, things are totally different. I don't understand why they care about you so much. James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, Dumbledore and even Moody! I've noticed it. They do most of the things you say, without a question. James and Lily were planning to live together. But then you happened. Lily moved and so did James, but to the Potter's Manor. It's good. I don't have a problem with that. But they never gave us a legit answer why they let go off the flat James bought. Even Sirius, Remus and Peter seem to be spending more time at the Manor. Whenever you are with us, especially on a mission, keeping you safe is their first priority. But you almost got Sirius killed everytime. I know you are James' cousin but the way you are trying to fit in is pathetic, and totally attention seeking. Do you really think that with those few smart ideas you've given, you could just fit in? I know, deep inside you are happy about the article. You always put up a fight with Sirius because you want people to think you're cool and—"
"That's enough, McKinnon," a stern voice interrupted her. "Do you realise how rude and stupid you sound?"
"Remus Lupin, again to the rescue," Marlene drawled. "I was speaking the truth."
"Well, it is more like your opinion," Remus replied. "And no one asked for it."
"So you were eavesdropping." It wasn't a question.
"I can talk for myself, thanks," Kitty shot a glare at him. "And you? Were you talking all this time? Because all I could see was your lips moving. So be a bit louder when you're talking. Anyway, remember this McKinnon. I saved your pathetic arse and face. Including your family's. Keep that in mind. Oh! By the way. I don't give a shit about what you think," she said and walked away into the dark night.
"What in Merlin's name has gotten into you?" Remus turned to Marlene.
"You heard already."
"Why do you hate her? What did she ever do to you except saving your and your...no our and our families' lives?"
"Also killed someone."
"Yes. The murderers. So did Moody and other aurors!"
"I don't owe you an explanation, Remus. I just hate her. That's all. Good night," she said and walked in the other direction.
He saw her sitting alone on a bench, lost in her own thoughts. He walked over to her.
... ...
"Wanna go for a ride?"
She sighed. "You followed me." It wasn't a question.
"Well, you came out without your cloak. And it's cold out here." He sat beside her.
"It's not cold."
"Hot chocolate?"
She shrugged. He took out two cups of hot chocolate and gave her one.
"You should've told me."
"Nah! It wasn't a big deal," he waved his hand dismissively.
"Now, people would think really really really bad about you."
"I don't really care what people think about me."
"I do," she blurted out.
He raised his eyebrows. "Really?"
"Yes. And that's why you...were misjudged and wasn't given a chance. Because of the name. They'll think you are one of them."
"I'm nothing like my family. Besides, I don't have to prove myself to anyone. The people who love me, know who I am. That's all I want. Never ever try to prove yourself to the society. Trust me, I tried before. You get nothing."
She stared into his eyes in awe. The corners of her lips turned up.
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing," she shook her head.
"No, tell me. What is it?"
"Trust me, I tried that before and got nothing either," she sipped her hot chocolate. "Still, you should've told me about that."
"Actually, it's interesting!" He chuckled. "We thought you'd go all 'Hulk' if you saw it and what she wrote about us. So, we thought it would be better to keep it away from you. Fortunately, you were asleep all morning. And it was really a relief. Little did we know things would turn out this way."
"I..." she frowned for a moment. "I'm raging mad at her. But the thing is, no one knows me. But Britain knows who you are. And that was the first thing that came into my mind when I saw that," she shrugged. "Well, the second thing actually. The first thing was, 'What the shitty hell! Is that me? And Sirius Black?! When did this happen? Was I drunk? Or was he? Or were we both?' "
Sirius laughed. "It was too convincing. I thought the same thing." He paused for a moment. "It was a payback."
"Payback?" Kitty raised her eyebrows.
"Well, when you people were rescuing the Minchums, we were in the South side. You see, she was my cousin's classmate and she knows that I am a Black. So, she came asking stupid questions. And I told her to write all those questions on a brick and shove it up her rear."
Kitty laughed. "Come on! You are better than that, Black. You should've said something more that would've burnt her soul!"
He laughed. "Well, I was preoccupied."
"Anyway, how did it go with your fan girls?"
"Ah! I woke up owls knocking on my window. Most of them are disappointed because I never did such an adventurous thing with them. Few wanted to know who the mystery girl was. I didn't read all the letters though. Just burnt them all."
"Wow!"
"I think I even received a letter from my dearest mother."
"Really?"
"A howler actually," he chuckled. "Swearing up and down. Something on the lines of blood traitor, abomination and all. I didn't get to know it completely. A grumpy Moony set it on fire. Charming woman."
"So, a wonderful busy day?"
"Oh! I didn't tell you what happened at the Ministry yet."
"I'm all ears."
"Our department was alright because they knew about the attacks and I had the strongest alibi, Moody. Plus they all saw me with a broken elbow —
"A broken elbow?"
"When we fell, my arm was around you, and the ground wasn't all spongy."
"Oh, sorry."
"Nah! Things happen," he waved his arm dismissively.
"Umm...listen, Black. You guys don't have to look after me all the time. I can take care of myself. I'm not your responsibility. I'm a grown up. And you are all teenagers. And it is I who should be taking care of you. I know I'm always a distraction whenever I'm with you during a mission. But you guys don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine."
"Yeah, like you were yesterday," he scoffed. "Are you done?"
Kitty sighed.
"Whatever you said, is bull. We look after you because that's what family does. And you are our responsibility the same way we are yours. And a grown up?" He scoffed. "Right now you are as good as a second year student at Hogwarts. No offence."
"None taken," Kitty shrugged.
"And yes, we are teenagers. But we are also soldiers. You aren't a distraction. Because family is a reason to be more careful during such missions. . . Marlene was just fckn out of her mind. I don't understand why she would be so stupid—"
"Were you eavesdropping?"
"Well, not really," he paused. "Your heartbeat was different the moment you saw the Prophet. The thing was, your mind and emotions weren't totally guarded. So, the connection was open."
"That's embarrassing," Kitty bit her lip.
"Marlene's got her knickers in a twist lately. Nevermind the shit she said. She is a drama queen."
"Like you?"
"Well, I'm better."
She smiled and nodded.
"Pryde, one more thing," he looked her straight in the eye. "I'm... You think I'm good to you because I owe you or some bullshit. No. It's because we are family and I like you."
"Wow. Sirius Black likes me!" she faked surprise.
"Shut up! And I'm not sure why we are not on a first name basis. I think I like the name Pryde. It sounds good. Katherine... Kitty... Nah! Pryde is good," he grinned.
She grinned. "Well, that's good to hear. Anyway, it's the same with your name too. Sirius is long. Black is cool."
"That's because it's my name," he smirked.
"You think so high of yourself, Black," she shook her head chuckling.
"I was told," he said with a smug grin.
"So, are you guys cool? McKinnon and you?"
"We'll be alright. This happens every time."
