6. Rom-coms, scandals and flirting

Public library near the Potter's

Emilia's POV:

"I need a good rom-com," I told Eva.

"When do you not need a rom-com, Ems?" she asked.

I grinned, "You've got that right."

Walking through the aisles of the quiet library, my thoughts couldn't help but circle around to Sirius. Again. It had been two days since our last conversation, and we had settled back, albeit uneasily, into our old relationship- ignoring each other's existence. Honestly, it felt more like tip-toeing rather than ignoring. Every time I saw him, I felt this strong urge to clear the air. It felt like we were in some sort of a fight. I hated fights.

"Emilia?" A deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I turned to see Aaron Warner, a fellow Gryffindor.

"Oh hey, Aaron," I smiled, hugging him. "This is Eva. Eva, this is Aaron, we're in the same house at school and he lives uptown," I said.

He smiled at her.

"I see you've been sucked into the Broomsticks whirlpool," I said, pointing at the copy of Adam Broomsticks: Tryst of the Dragons in his arms. That series was never-ending, I swear.

"Seeing as I read your copy of Sphinxes first, I'll say you're to blame for that."

I laughed, "Guilty!"

"Oh hey I've been meaning to ask- did you hear of the Black scandal? You must've, he's your brother's best friend."

"The Black Scandal?" I asked, my stomach churning.

"Yeah, Sirius Black ran away from his house the other day. Seems that he was tortured into doing it. Didn't you hear? Everyone's talking about it," he said.

Bile threatened to rise to my mouth. Everyone knew? I felt the inane need to defend Sirius and protect him from this mess.

"I'm sure that's not the case, you know how these things get all distorted," I said.

"So, you don't know?" he pressed.

"I would've thought you were above mindless gossip, Warner," I said, trying to deflect, using his last name on purpose.

He took the hint. "Well, in any case, Carla's having a little get together tonight. You should come," he said.

"Parties aren't really my thing, but I'll think about it," I smiled politely. He nodded and retreated.

"He's cute," Eva remarked.

"Is he?" I frowned.

"Yeah, and he's definitely into you."

"I don't know, I'm not really into blondes. And he is not into me."

"He asked you to a party," she deadpanned.

"It doesn't matter."

I pulled out The Lining of My Cloak from the shelves and held it up to Eva.

"What do we think?"

"No, I've read it. It's like a damsel in distress type," she said.

"Ugh, for fuck's sake." I replaced the book and moved on.

"So, how do you feel about this whole Sirius Black thing?"

"Well, I don't know, considering that he's living with us."

"What?"

I nodded. "He's like James' best friend. He has to run away to somewhere."

"So, he just ran away?" she asked.

"Yeah. I feel really bad for him. Can you imagine what that must be like?" She said nothing, looking down at her feet.

We were just out of the shop when she asked, "Do you think I could come by to meet him? I heard my Mum talk about this whole scandal. Is he really as handsome as they say?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I didn't realise he had celebrity status. You can come by, but not for him. And don't pry."

She nodded.

We walked all the way to the house. At the door, she turned to me.

"Wait, how do I look?" she asked, fixing her hair.

I rolled my eyes. "Eva, for fuck's sake, don't make this into a whole thing. He's not a celebrity. He's our age and he's a kid. Don't be here just because you want to get a first-hand look at the newest gossip. And remember, don't pry," I said to her. She nodded.

We walked in. Sirius was sitting on the couch, reading a book. The Prophecy- my book. He went into my room? Since when does he read?

Out the corner of my eye, I saw Eva wipe her hands on her skirt. Here we go.

"Umm hey," she said. "I'm Eva," she continued, holding out her hand.

He looked up, giving her a quick once-over. Smiling, he took her hand. "I'm Sirius," he said in the smoothest voice ever. Since when did his voice sound like that? Since when did he smile like that?

"You read rom-coms?" she asked.

"Umm not really, but there's not much to do around here. Plus, I hate to admit- I kind of like this one." Of course, he does it's a-

"Yeah, it's a damsel in distress type. I've read it, it's brilliant." Eva's voice cut my train of thought. Umm what? Now she was just going to lie right in front of me?

Get a grip, Emilia.

I refuse to feel this way over Sirius Black.

As Eva and Sirius continued to flirt blatantly in front of me, I couldn't help but think of what Aaron had said. How everyone knew, and how they would probably all be saying ridiculous and vile things about Sirius at that bloody party.

Maybe I should go, set the record straight. Plus, I would do anything to get away from Eva and Sirius right now.

"I'm going to that party Eva," I said.

"Oh, do you think Aaron would mind if I came?" she asked.

"He didn't ask me, Eva."

"He totally did," she whispers to Sirius.

I roll my eyes and press on. "He didn't ask me so no, he won't mind."

"Okay, I'll be back in fifteen," she said. "Bye Sirius," she winked.

Oh my god my mind screamed, as I went up to my room to get ready.