Parliament Hill

Claudia barely got a chance to speak to Sirius for the rest of the term. He spent the remaining evenings at school in detention with Slughorn, who was watching him closely to make sure he did not get any more 'help'.

There were few smiles and winks between them when they saw each other in class or in the Great Hall. Claudia got a million butterflies in her stomach every time she saw him. She wanted nothing more than just walk up to him a kiss him, but she was too much of a coward to ever do that.

She spent days trying to summon enough courage to even just go and talk to him. But before she managed that, it was time to get on the Hogwarts Express and go back to London.

Claudia was getting some chocolate off the trolley on the train. She was just turning around, putting her money back into her purse when she collided with Sirius, who was just coming out of a compartment. He caught her.

"You should really look where you're going." He laughed. "Or are you determined to hurt yourself again?" He quipped.

"Myself? Really?" Claudia chuckled.

"Again. Sorry about James." Sirius said, before realising he was still holding her in his arms and slowly let her go. She really did not want him too.

"You coming to my parents party?" Sirius asked.

"Are you? That would be a first…" Claudia replied. Sirius laughed.

"I might make an exception this year…" He said, grinning.

"Don't tell my father. Otherwise, he'll definitely ground me again." Claudia chuckled. She heard someone clear their throat. There was a line to get to the trolley and they were in the way, completely oblivious. Sirius leaned closer to her, ignoring the complaining students.

"I hope you'll make it." He whispered and brushed his hand against Claudia's arm. The door into Sirius' compartment opened and someone yanked him back in.

"See you." He managed to say before the door shut behind him.

Claudia was still grinning when she got back to her compartment and dropped into her seat next to Alice. Everyone else had gone and they were alone. Claudia opened her chocolate frog and started munching it. Few second passed, before she noticed Alice looking at her.

"What?" Claudia asked, struggling to contain her laughter.

"I don't think I've ever seen you this happy…" Alice replied. Claudia laughed openly now.

"Why wouldn't I be? The artefact is gone..." Claudia said. Alice rolled her eyes and interrupted before Claudia could continue.

"Right… Because that's what this is about." She smirked. Claudia blushed and lowered her voice.

"He's totally flirting with me now." She said.

"He must be really obvious, when even you can tell!" Alice chucked.

"I know!" Exclaimed Claudia.

When they managed to stop laughing, Alice spoke again.

"Are you actually going to tell him that you like him?" She asked. Claudia shrugged. She was more inclined than ever to do so, but still nervous about it.

"Maybe. I want to know how he feels. I do." She paused. "But then again. If I'm wrong… That would be the end of our friendship. And I'd miss him." Claudia added. Alice sighed. She was frowning a little now.

"Whatever you do, just please think it through. You know what he's like." Alice said. Claudia smiled at her best friend. She knew Alice had serious reservations about Sirius. After all, his track record in the dating department was not great. But Claudia knew him better than almost anyone. He was a good friend to her. There was no reason why he would not be a good boyfriend too.

"I'll think it through, I promise." Claudia whispered and took another bite from her chocolate frog. They were almost in London.

Christmas had somehow been more bearable than usual. Claudia had been carrying the artefact fragment around ever since she got back. It was a source of strength to her. She reached into her pocket and squeezed it every time Marcus made fun of her, her mother made a disparaging remark about her appearance, or her father look at her with that deep disappointment in his face. It gave her a feeling of superiority. Nothing they said or did could get her down. She won. And that was all that mattered. The fact that the artefact also reminded her of Sirius was a definite bonus. She could not think of him without smiling.

"Claudia. Come in here." She heard her father's voice coming out of his study and stuck her head in.

"Sit down and close the door." He said, even more harshly than usual. "Your mother and I have decided that you will not be going back to Hogwarts. You will transfer to Durmstrang." He added.

It was like someone had punched Claudia in the stomach. She could feel her eyes filling up. They could not do this. Not now! She would never see Sirius again. Or Alice. This could not be happening.

"You can't do that." Claudia said, her voice trembling. Her father twisted his mouth.

"We can. And we will." He hissed.

Suddenly, Claudia had a thought. It was dangerous but she was desperate.

She reached into her pocket and tossed the artefact fragment onto her father's desk.

"Recognise this?" She asked, sharply. Her voice suddenly much steadier. Looking at the fragment gave her confidence.

Frederick did not move a muscle. He looked at the fragment, then at Claudia, then back at the fragment.

"I don't know what you are talking about." He replied slowly. You could practically hear the wheels in his brain turning. "Go pack your things, you're leaving tomorrow morning." He added.

"No, I'm not." Said Claudia and folded her arms. She had no idea why or how she was this cool. She was blackmailing a Death Eater after all! She went on. "You know what this is, or rather was… But importantly, I know what it was. And I also know who Marcus was trying to get it for." She continued to stare coldly into her father's eyes, looking for any sign of an emotion. "It's gone though, and neither you nor he will ever find the rest of it." Claudia finished.

Frederick slowly stood up from his chair. Claudia could see he was clutching his wand and, instinctively, reached for hers. Frederick scoffed.

"Do you really think you could defeat me?" He asked, mockingly. Claudia shrugged.

"It wouldn't matter. If anything happens to me, the Ministry will know all about it." She said. She was only half-bluffing. Sirius knew everything, but whether he would go and actually tell the Ministry was anyone's guess. Alice would have to convince him. Despite the situation, Claudia almost laughed out loud. The idea of the two of them working together, trying to revenge her was hilarious.

"Do you think I'm scared of the Ministry? I am the Ministry." Said Frederick, his mouth twisted in an evil smile. But Claudia was not letting it go.

"Not of the Ministry, no. But I know he has spies everywhere. And if the Ministry knows, he knows too." She replied. A flicker of fear crossed Frederick's face.

"Get out of here." He hissed at Claudia. "I don't care that you're my daughter. If you ever mention this to anyone, even your mother, there will be hell to pay!" He added.

There was no need to say anything else. Claudia got what she wanted. There was no transfer to Durmstrang, she was sure of that. She reached for the fragment, but her father snatched it first.

"I'll keep this." He whispered. Claudia shrugged. It did not matter. Sirius still had the last fragment. Claudia turned on her heel and marched out of there. Her father's muttering followed her. "Filthy little blood-traitor."

She was horrified by what she just did. But also bit impressed and, frankly, proud. For the first time ever, she got to appreciate what the Sorting Hat was talking about when it sorted her to Slytherin. She could be ruthless, when she wanted to.

As a result of their conversation, Claudia had no problem convincing her father to be allowed to attend the Blacks' Christmas party. With Julius and Regulus also there, it was only natural that much of the conversation centred around Quidditch and their recent victory over Gryffindor. Claudia enjoyed it as much as anyone the first time around but having just listened to Regulus recounting his spectacular snitch catch for the fifth time, she just about had enough.

She hated these parties. They were full of stuffy relatives and her parents' acquittances quizzing her on banal topics. She was only looking forward to this one because Sirius promised he would turn up, but he is nowhere to be seen. She needed to tell him that her father knew.

To make matters worse, they were soon joined by Regulus' cousin Bellatrix, her sister Narcissa and her fiancé.

"I'm Lucius. Lucius Malfoy." Narcissa's fiance said and offered his hand to Claudia. "Bellatrix and I were just discussing the decree that the Minister of Magic passed… Disgrace. Father says that if the Minister keeps this up, the pure-bloods will soon be hounded out of the country. We might all have to retire to France and let this country fall into ruin." He quipped. Narcissa let out a tiny laugh and her older sister Bellatrix collapsed into a full-fledged fit. She turned to Regulus.

"Where is your brother anyway? I miss our little discussions." She asked. Her voice was unpleasant. Regulus chuckled. Claudia definitely had enough now. Last thing she needed was for Regulus to join the pure-blood brigade. She excused herself and disappeared to find a bathroom.

Instead, she stumbled upon a library. It was quiet and very impressive. The bookshelves were reaching all the way to the high ceiling and in the corner was an enormous grand piano. Just like the one that Claudia's mother forced her to practice on for hours and hours when she was little. To absolutely no avail.

Claudia browsed the books for few minutes, running her fingers over the old leather-bound volumes. She picked out the Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Ancient Times and slumped onto a sofa, book in hand. The flames in the gas lamp were dancing around, creating a pleasant warm light. The noise from the party was barely audible. Claudia opened the book on a random page and got stuck in. No one would miss her for a few minutes. Or an hour…

"I came down here to rescue you. But I see I'm not needed - you are clearly enjoying the party." Claudia looked up and saw Sirius leaning against the door frame, watching her. Her heart skipped a beat or two. He looked like he even dressed up.

"Hey." Claudia smiled. "There is only as much Quidditch boasting as I can take... And your cousins are delightful." She added.

"Tell me about it." Sirius scowled. He walked across the library and sat down on the piano stool, facing Claudia.

"Anything interesting in there?" He asked, gesturing towards the book.

"Do you consider the differences between Greek and Roman wand-making interesting?" She asked, smirking. Sirius laughed and shook his head. "Then, no." Claudia added, shutting the book.

They looked at each other awkwardly for a moment and then, Sirius started to run his fingers across the piano.

"You play?" Claudia asked.

"A little." He replied, turning towards it and began to play. He played more than just a little, Claudia thought. She watched him. His long fingers running across the keys. His hair hanging across his face. It got longer. He must be growing it out.

She wanted nothing more than to kiss him right there. It was all she could think about. Claudia had no idea how long he played for, or that he stopped. He must have noticed her staring into space.

"Something on your mind?" He asked, startling her. There was something on her mind… Him! But she just could not summon the courage. Not yet.

"I need to tell you something. My father…" She said, hoping that talking about her father might help her find her bearings. Sirius looked around.

"Not here. The walls have ears. Let's get out of here. I can walk you home." He said. It was a good idea. Claudia like walking and it was a beautiful evening.

They wrapped themselves tightly in their coats. Claudia scribbled a note for her parents and gave it to the house-elf. She was not feeling too well… There was no way she would have done this few weeks ago. Having the artefact hanging over her father's head was liberating.

"We haven't celebrated getting rid of that thing yet." Said Sirius, just before they walked out of the door. He reached into a cupboard and grabbed a bottle of champagne. They walked out into the square. It was a long walk from Grimmauld Place to Hampstead where Claudia lived, but neither of them seemed to mind. They walked slowly shoulder to shoulder. They talked and talked. It was so easy to chat to him. Even with all the confused feelings. They had so much in common.

"Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me?" Sirius remembered after nearly an hour.

"Oh yes… I had to tell my father that the artefact is gone." Claudia said. Sirius stopped in his tracks.

"Why?" He asked, shocked.

"I had to." Claudia sighed. "He was going to send me to Durmstrang." Sirius frowned.

"Are you telling me you're blackmailing him?" He asked. Claudia smiled coyly and nodded. She loved how she never had to explain anything to him. He just knew what she meant.

"What happened to being careful, eh?" Said Sirius. But behind the joke, he looked anxious.

"Don't tell me you're worried." Said Claudia.

"Of course, I'm worried, you idiot… Your father is a monster!" He whispered. Claudia shrugged.

"Would you rather they sent me to Durmstrang?" She asked. Sirius put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. For a second, she thought he was going to kiss her hair, but he must have thought better of it. Or she imagined it.

"Obviously not." Sirius replied after a long pause. "I'd miss you… And besides, where would I get the illicit potions? Have you thought of that?" He added. Claudia chuckled, but did not say anything.

They walked in silence for a minute or two. Sirius sighed.

"I need a drink." He said, let go of Claudia and popped open the bottle of champagne he was still carrying. He took a swing out of it and passed it to Claudia.

"What is your father going to do?" Sirius asked.

"I don't know. But it's not the end of it. You didn't see his face. He was scared." Claudia replied.

"Are you sure you should be going back there tonight?" Said Sirius, his frown returning.

"Don't really have a choice. And anyway, I told my father that the authorities would be alerted if something was to happened to me." She said, before adding. "So you better make sure you live to tell the tale." Sirius gave her a brief smile but looked far from convinced.

They arrived at the top of Parliament Hill. The view was beautiful. Claudia crashed on the bench behind them. She was tired and, frankly, at this point also very tipsy. She had champagne before. But never more than a glass. It was a really strange feeling.

They sat on bench, sharing what was left of the bottle. Claudia shivered. It was December after all. Without a word, Sirius took off his scarf, wrapped it around her and pulled her closer to him for warmth. He cleared his throat and look across snowy London.

"You think Marcus is going to find another way of doing it?" He asked. It was a rhetorical question. He continued. "I suppose, we could start by looking at the necromancy book again. It might have some spells…"

Claudia sighed. She could not fight it anymore. If she ever wanted to do it, it had to be now.

"Are you ever going to kiss me?" She whispered, looking straight at Sirius.

He turned towards her. Their faces were almost touching.

"I didn't think you wanted me to…" He whispered back. Claudia shook her head.

"I thought you were supposed to be smart…" She barely finished the sentence, before Sirius' lips were touching hers.

It was as if the world stopped existing around them. All the feelings she had been trying to supress just burst out of her chest. She never felt anything like it before. Sirius slowly stopped kissing her and pulled away a little. Their foreheads were still touching. He looked into Claudia's eyes, almost as if he was asking whether he should continue or not. Claudia smiled at him, closed her eyes and kissed him back. She could feel that Sirius had grinned for a brief moment. He buried his fingers in the hair on the back of Claudia's head. They continue to kiss and lost track of time.

"We should go… It's late… Probably…" Claudia whispered between kisses. She had no idea what the time was.

"I don't want to…" Sirius groaned. Claudia slowly stood up, still kissing him. Sirius reluctantly stood up too.

"Fine." He whispered and kissed her for the final time. Claudia shivered again, suddenly feeling very cold. Sirius looked like he was about to take his coat off and give it to her.

"Don't be stupid. You already gave me your scarf! You'd freeze to death." She laughed. Sirius chuckled too and grabbed her in his arms.

"I have to keep you warm somehow. It's my duty now." He whispered and kissed her again.

"I feel warmer already…" Claudia whispered back.

They made their way down the hill in an embrace, stopping every minute or so to steal another kiss. This was what heaven must feel like, Claudia thought.

They were getting close to Frognal Gardens, where the Averys lived.

"Did you really not think?" That I wanted to kiss you?" Asked Claudia. She was definitely blushing. Sirius scratched his head.

"I never had to think about any of this before. Most girls are not very subtle… But with you, it's hard." He whispered.

"What do you mean?" Claudia chuckled.

"I mean… You're my friend. I've never wanted to kiss a friend before. Agonised over it for months." He replied. It was good to know that she was not the only one agonising over her feelings.

"Even when we were mad at each other?" Claudia asked, squeezing his hand.

"Especially when we were mad at each other." Sirius said and pulled her into a tight hug. They kissed and laughed together.

They turned a corner into a quiet residential street.

"This is me…" Said Claudia, nodding towards a large townhouse. It was not necessary, Sirius knew where she lived. She just was not sure what to do next.

"Good night then." Whispered Sirius. He brushed Claudia's windswept hair from her face and kissed her again.

It took all the willpower she had to go inside the house. Her parents could be home any minute and if they caught them, she would be on her way to Durmstrang tonight. Not even You-Know-Who's wrath over the loss of the artefact could save her.

In a dream like state, Claudia walked up to her room, shut the door and sank into bed. Her head was spinning.

She was not sure whether it was the kiss or the champagne. Or both.

She was waiting for this to happen for so long and it finally did. All her worries about the inferi, her father, Marcus and OWLs were gone. She never felt this happy before.

She fell asleep almost instantly, clutching onto Sirius' scarf. And she did not care how pathetic that was.

AN: I like to listen to old rock music when planning and writing, and sometimes a song captures the mood of the scene perfectly. For this chapter, it is 'Can't fight this feeling' by REO Speedwagon. Bit cheesy, I know. But every time I hear, I cannot help but picture them sitting up on that hill and sharing their first kiss.