Chapter Three:

Days turned into nights and night turned into days. Those days turned into weeks. Many weeks. Sirius hadn't spoken to Ariel since that day. Not because she was a Slytherin. Not because she was prone to cry at any small word he spoke. Well, maybe. Still, Sirius was afraid. He didn't know why. It wasn't like he cared about her and wished to never harm her again…to make her cry anymore…right?

Lupin stared into the mirror, mumbling things about Sasha. He hoped, out loud, that she would like him. James and Wormtail chatted about how good James was at Quidditch. Everyone could see how much it was annoying James, also.

Sirius sighed and looked at the door. Soon he would walk out there and face girls that liked him. Little did he know, he would finally unwrap the covering that hid the feelings he held inside for her. Ariel Tomaine. A feeling…an impossible feeling.

"Let's go. Hey, Sirius, are you alright?" James asked.

Sirius shook his head. "Yeah…yeah I'm perfect. Let's just go…"

~*~

Ariel looked around the room. Many people were dancing…holding each other in their arms. While she was alone…standing there. She still had no idea why she came to the ball without a date. She actually longed for her bed. Her dorm. Her peace.

Ariel caught herself wishing for at least a small glimpse of Sirius. She let out a small laugh as she took a seat in a velvet covered chair, straightening out the robe she wore that matched her sky blue eyes.

Then, she saw him. Sirius was leaning against the wall…next to the stage where the band "Salem" was playing their hits. A small smile came to her face as she stood to her feet. Slowly, she began to walk towards him. It wasn't long before she found herself in the middle of the crowd, pushing her way through the couples who were now dancing quickly to the upbeat song.

"Ain't no coming back. No more. No me. No you. No kiss. No hug. Tell the truth. See, I'm the only one that can have you. Babe your not that big a fool,"

The voices rang through the Great Hall loudly. They were talented singers. Very talented singers. Still, Ariel kept her eyes on him…not the band. Not the band. She sighed and decided to stop for a mere moment. Her eyes fixed on the lovely girl singing and the handsome bass player.

It felt like only a few seconds. When Ariel looked over her shoulder again. Sirius was gone. He wasn't standing there anymore.

The music began slowing itself. As it did, the couples went back together like magnets. She could now see clearly through the crowd. And it was just her luck that she spotted him again…dancing…with America Carter. America was one of the girls in her dorms.

She felt her heart break. Her legs were shaking and her throat burned. Why did she feel like this? She wasn't in love with him. She couldn't be. It wasn't possible to love a guy like Sirius.

Ariel felt a pair of strong hands grasp her shoulders. "Ariel," they whispered. It was Lupin. She knew by his comforting, boyish voice. She turned around and looked into his light eyes. Quickly, without thinking she hugged him tightly.

Lupin held her in his arms and danced with her slowly as she caught a glimpse of Sirius and America every now and then.

"If I smile and don't believe. Soon, I know I'll wake from this dream. Don't try to fix me I'm not broken. Hello, I'm the lie. Living for you so you can hide…don't cry,"

Again, the haunting voice of the singer, Lila, rang throughout the full foyer. Ariel felt a shiver down her spine. Lupin placed his hand there for comfort, and she felt the warmth of him seep into her once more. He felt like home. Like a brother you could always run to.

She pulled away from him a little bit and smiled. He let go of her body and kissed her cheek as she did smile. "Thank you, Lupin," She said softly. He shrugged.

"Anytime, Ariel," He replied. Ariel nodded and began to walk towards the snack table. Everyone seemed so happy that night. But then…she stopped.

Sirius had his hands on the back of America's head…his lips planted on her's in a passionate kiss. America seemed to be enjoying it…as did Sirius. Ariel gaped at the two for a moment. She couldn't believe it.

Sirius pulled away and smiled at the blonde girl. Suddenly, he looked at the stunned and shocked Ariel standing not even two feet away. "Ariel, hey…you look great," He commented.

"Do I look as great as it feels to have your tongue wrapped around her tonsils?" Ariel snapped. Sirius gave America an odd look and walked over to Ariel, his hands in his pockets and his eyes burning into her.

"Ariel what are you talking about? That's my girlfriend…" Sirius spoke. Ariel felt like a thousand knives had cut into her flesh burrowing its way down to her heart and even deeper to her soul. Her eyes felt fiery and her throat burned like the hells below. Her heart was whole but bleeding…she knew it was it had to be. It hurt so much.

"She's your girlfriend?" She asked, feeling it wasn't real…it was a dream. Sirius nodded and walked closer, towering over the petite girl.

"She's my girlfriend…"

Suddenly

I know I'm not sleeping

Hello

I'm still here

All that's left of

Yesterday…

If I smile and don't believe
soon I know I'll wake from this dream…

~*~

A/N: A very depressing chapter….very short too. Well, hopefully my love flow will come back and I will make things turn around for the two. So…I hope you enjoyed.