Sirius' Plan
Sirius stifled a yawn. "For Merlin's sake, Prongs. Will you stop acting like a parrot?"
James was so caught up in his own babbling that he only registered Sirius' last word. "Parrot? That's not a Muggle shop, Padfoot. I don't think it sells parrots."
His friends exchanged amused looks.
"He was asking you to be stop acting like a parrot," Remus explained while shoving some books into his bag.
Sirius slapped James' back lightly. "We've heard your story more than ten times. We get your point loud and clear, buddy."
"And we'll each take turns to accompany you to the shop at least once," Peter added. "I'll get some nice bubble bath soaps for my toad."
James adjusted his spectacles. "Do they actually sell those things? Why in the world would toads need bubble baths?"
"They carry a range of shampoos for owls too," the beady-eyed Gryffindor informed him.
Sirius wrinkled his nose. "I see you've been checking out that pet shop."
"I've not been there actually. My Dad put me on its owl list and I've received a catalogue last week."
"What's it called anyway?" Remus asked.
Peter hesitated before replying. "Hooting Cove."
James and Sirius roared with laughter while Remus snickered.
"That's just great." Sirius rolled his eyes. "We'll be spending part of our vacation in a cove that hoots. What kind of stupid name is that?"
Peter squirmed and looked as though he wished he had not told them what he knew. He breathed a sigh of relief when they turned a corner and spotted a group of sixth-year Slytherins having a heated argument with Peeves. "Hey, there's Strauss," he said, grateful for a chance to change the subject. His friends had already noticed the girls and were making their way towards them.
"Hello there, Peeves." Remus stood next to Natasha and eyed the ghost warily.
"Loony Loopy Lupin!" Peeves shrieked.
"We saw the Bloody Baron a minute ago. He was looking for you," James said.
"You're lying!"
James smiled innocently. "No, I'm not. You can choose not to believe me but I do think he'll be heading this way pretty soon."
"You're lying! I'm not so stupid, you know!" Peeves' actions soon betrayed his words as he turned his back on the group and glided away hastily.
"Good riddance," Natasha muttered under her breath. It was only then when the boys noticed the girls were all holding onto their wands.
"What happened?" asked Remus.
Natasha slipped her wand back into her robes. "Peeves was being his usual annoying self. And he's dumb enough to pick on Slytherins. We should really send the Bloody Baron after him."
"That'll be cool!" James quipped with a wistful look on his face.
Remus noticed that Kathleen, Pamela and Tessa had not uttered a single word. Sirius and Peter had been unusually quiet too. Perhaps it was time for them to get to know one another better. "Where are you girls heading?"
Something in Natasha's expression told him that she might be sharing the same thought. She threw him a sly grin. "The library. You guys want to come along?"
Before Remus could reply, James cut in, "I have to drop by the owlery. Need to send an urgent message."
Remus arched an eyebrow. "Doing a survey of all your pets at home already?"
James shot him a dirty look. "I suppose you'll choose the library. Sirius? Peter? You guys want to come with me?"
Peter looked at Sirius expectedly, waiting for the latter to decide.
Sirius shrugged. "I have some assignments to polish off anyway. The library sounds like a good idea."
James shot him a look of pure disbelief but did not protest. "Peter?"
"Maybe Remus and Sirius can help me with my Potions essay."
James shook his head at his friends before heading for the owlery.
"Can we make a move now or are we waiting for some invitation to be flown our way?" Tessa demanded, shifting her feet impatiently. Seeing no objections from the group, she led the way to the library.
Sirius and Kathleen's gazes met and held for the space of a couple of heartbeats. They inconspicuously lagged behind the rest to steal some precious moments alone.
He was the first to speak up. "What was that about?"
"What was what about?"
"At lunch. I saw you with Matthews."
The corner of her lips turned upwards. "Are you jealous, Mr Black?"
"Don't try to change the subject," he hissed. "He seemed awfully friendly. What did he want?"
"He –" she stopped in mid-sentence when she saw Peter turn around. Trying to hide his annoyance, Sirius went ahead to join his friend.
*
Remus silently observed his company. Natasha was the only one who seemed at ease. Tessa wore an unmistakable frown as she stared at her Transfiguration textbook while Pamela was chewing distractedly at her fancy-looking quill. Peter could hardly stop shifting self-consciously in his seat. As for Sirius and Kathleen who were seated opposite each other, their minds seemed to be anywhere but on the opened books in front of them.
Kathleen abruptly drew back her chair and stood up. "I need to get more reference texts," she announced to no one in particular before disappearing behind some shelves in the Transfiguration section.
"I'll go check out the Charms books," Sirius told Remus as he too, left the table.
*
Kathleen gasped as someone grabbed her waist from behind, and lost her grip on an enormous book she was holding. Luckily, Sirius managed to catch it in mid-air before it crashed to the ground.
"You scared me!" she whispered, casting nervous looks around. "What are you doing here?"
"I told them I'm in the Charms section. No one will suspect a thing." The shelves of Charms books were nearest to the Transfiguration section. "I thought you expected me to meet you here. Don't tell me you really want to look at these books."
She looked apologetic. "I really need to read up for my assignment. McGonagall said I've shown some improvement and I don't want to let her down."
"Transfiguration?" He snorted. "Isn't that Head Boy of yours giving you private lessons?"
"Don't look so sour. I've stopped attending those lessons since that night. In fact, that's why Jed came to me today. He wanted to know why I've not been turning up in the evenings."
"We have only two days before the break. You have to tell him soon."
"I know," she sighed softly. "I'm meeting him here actually, at four."
"WHAT?"
"Shhhh!"
He lowered his voice. "You're meeting him in an hour's time? Here? In the library?"
Kathleen nodded.
"You're going to tell him about us, aren't you?"
"Well…not exactly."
"What do you mean by not exactly?"
She stared down at her hands. "I don't have the chance to tell Nat yet. I want her to be the first to know. But I'll make things clear to Jed today. Without revealing who my boyfriend is."
"So I'll be the mystery guy?"
"Till I break the news to Nat, okay? Anyway, there're two more days before our agreed deadline."
Sirius looked at her thoughtfully for a full minute. Then, his mouth twitched and his eyes twinkled with mischief. "Change of plans. We'll postpone our little announcement till after the Christmas break. Just make it clear to Matthews that you're taken. Leave the rest till two weeks later."
"Sirius –"
"Let's have a little fun in the meantime." He grinned happily. "Now, here's the new plan…" He bent his head to her ear and told her all about his latest scheme.
*
Natasha looked up as Kathleen returned to their table, with a few books slashed under her arm. "Anything wrong?" she asked when she noticed that the brunette appeared to be in low spirits.
Kathleen shook her head miserably. Just then, Sirius plonked into his seat noisily and glowered at the girl across the table.
Natasha immediately sent Sirius her nastiest scowl. "It's you, isn't it? You've made her upset again."
"What are you going to do? Hex me?"
"I don't see why not!"
Remus seemed alarmed at the exchange. Before he could do or say anything, Madam Pince had descended on the group and barked angry orders for Sirius and Natasha to keep their voices down.
"You'd better stay away from Kathleen if you know what's good for you, Black," Natasha hissed under her breath. "No one messes around with my friend."
"Oh, and I'm so scared," he replied mockingly.
Natasha was furious. She scooped up all her things and made for the exit, pulling Kathleen after her. Tessa and Pamela quickly followed their friends, glaring angrily at the Gryffindors.
Remus watched the whole scene with horror. He then threw his hands up in the air as a gesture of exasperation. "Can't you just learn to leave Kathleen alone? If you must be a prat, go pick someone else!"
"It's not my bloody fault, Moony. If anyone is to be blamed, it's you and that girlfriend of yours."
"What are you talking about?"
"OUT!" Madam Pince shrieked from across the room. The boys turned to stare at the librarian whose wand was pointed at them. "Mr Lupin, Mr Black and Mr Pettigrew, OUT! NOW!"
They left the library as quickly as they could.
"What were you talking about back there?" Remus asked again, this time with more curiosity than anger.
"Kathleen just told me that things are impossible between us."
"What –" Peter started.
"Remember those nights when I was not in the Gryffindor Tower?"
Remus frowned. "When you were giving her lessons?"
"Yeah. We realised then that we sort of like each other."
"That's impossible!" Peter responded in disbelief. "We all know she likes you but –"
"Stop hyperventilating, Wormtail. Kathleen and I almost started dating."
"Almost?" It was Peter again.
"We realised that our relationship will cause tension in Remus' relationship with Strauss. So we decided to call it quits before things get out of hand."
Remus was observing Sirius closely, unsure as to whether he should believe what he was just told. "This is not some joke, right?"
"These past weeks haven't been exactly easy for us. We missed each other. I told her we should stop worrying about others. But she's afraid that girlfriend of yours will get all upset and pick up a fight with you."
Remus screwed up his face in concentration and his friends could tell that he was trying to sort out his thoughts quickly. "Are you serious about Kathleen? Your bet with Prongs is over, right? Or is there another one that I don't know of? Or is she one of your flings? If so, I've to tell you –"
"Yes, I'm serious about her. I know this sounds crazy but she's probably the first girl whom makes me want to commit."
"You're telling the truth?" Remus asked suspiciously.
"For Merlin's sake, Moony!" cried Sirius impatiently. "Anyway, that doesn't matter anymore, does it? Things are impossible between us and now all I can do is to sit back and watch her date that silly Head Boy."
"Sorry, buddy. It just came as a shock…nope, surprise, that's all. If you really want to date Kathleen, you don't have to worry about Natasha and I."
"You should know what terrible temper your girlfriend has," Sirius said grimly. "To be frank, I used to worry that I might jeopardise your first real relationship. But now, I'm almost past caring about that. It sucks to see Kathleen spend more and more time with Matthews."
"So if Moony doesn't mind, what's the problem now?" Peter asked.
"Strauss," Sirius replied curtly. "Kathleen cares too much about what Strauss thinks. She'll probably blow her top and take it out on Moony and then you two will call it quits and it'll all be our fault."
"Natasha –"
"Forget it. I don't want to talk about this anymore."
Remus and Peter were left staring after Sirius as he walked away from them.
*
Kathleen returned to the library at four and found Jed waiting in their usual corner. He gave a tight smile when he saw her.
She cleared her throat nervously. "I just want to make things clear. I'm really grateful for all the help you gave me in Transfiguration."
"And?"
"I don't want to continue those lessons anymore."
"That just doesn't make any sense."
"I don't want to lead you on, Jed," she blurted out at last. "You're a wonderful guy and –"
"I like you, Kate. I think a smart girl like you would have figured that out by now."
"Jed –"
"Am I applying too much pressure on you? I'm a patient guy. I can wait."
"Let's just be friends. There can never be more than that between us."
He winced as though she had just slapped him. "Is there someone else? Is that why you're turning me away?"
"To be honest, yes, there's someone. And he's the jealous sort and I –"
"Who's he?"
"It doesn't matter! What matters is –"
"Who's he?" Jed's voice was controlled.
"Please don't probe any further."
"Is it Burtus?"
"No. Just don't ask anymore, okay? Please, Jed?" She pleaded softly as she dropped her gaze from his face, not wanting to see the hurt in his eyes. It was then that she noticed his fists were clenched into tight balls and she gave an involuntary shudder.
"What do you want me to do now?" His voice was, surprisingly, devoid of any emotion.
"Can we stay friends?" she answered in a small voice. "I do hope we can be friends."
"If that's what you want."
Her gaze returned to his face. "I'm sorry, Jed. I'm really sorry if I've –"
"There's no need to apologise," he replied in the same monotonous voice, as he stood up. "You can still come to me anytime if you need help with your schoolwork. Friends do help one another, don't they?"
She smiled at him weakly.
"Bye, Kate. See you around."
Kathleen nodded mutely as she watched his departure. She should feel relieved now that she had finally made things clear to Jed. But why did she have the nagging feeling that something was not quite right?
*
"Is everything okay?" Natasha drew up a chair beside Kathleen in the Slytherin common room.
"I just spoke to Jed."
"What did you tell him?"
"I made it clear to him that we can never be more than friends."
Natasha sighed. "I do hope you know what you're doing, Kate. You're not still pining after Sirius Black, are you? He's well-known to be a heartbreaker and the last thing I want is to see you get hurt."
"I know, Nat. I know you're concerned about me and I really appreciate it. But Sirius is not what you think. He really likes me."
Natasha rolled her eyes. "Please, Kate. Don't let that guy sweet-talk you into believing his lies. He's a player, for Merlin's sake! And just -"
"He asked me to be his girlfriend."
"- remember what he did to you back in the library, making you all upset for the umpteenth time. And his stupid bet with –" She paused in mid-sentence and stared at Kathleen in disbelief, as the latter's words sank in. "What were you saying about Sirius?"
"He asked me to be his girlfriend. His first girlfriend," Kathleen replied calmly.
Natasha looked totally lost. "Does he know what that means? He can't date other girls if he –"
"Sirius knows. He's the one who wants us to see each other exclusively."
Natasha's mouth fell open. After several long moments, she managed to find her voice. "When did this happen?"
"He asked me some time ago. A few days after I found out about the bet he had with James. He admitted that he first asked me out to win the bet, but the bet was only for one date. He was giving me Transfiguration lessons because he likes me."
"And you believe him?"
"Yes, I do."
Natasha shook her head as though to clear it. "You two have been dating ever since?"
It was Kathleen's turn to shake her head. "We know how much you don't like Sirius. The last thing we want is to cause Remus and you to have a big fight over us."
Natasha stared at her friend in disbelief. "Are you telling me that the only reason you two are not dating is…me?"
"Sirius was worried about Remus too. He said Remus is crazy about you and he'll be shattered if you break off with him."
"Why in the world would I break off with Lupin? Just because his friend is dating my friend? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"
"You don't mind?"
Natasha grabbed Kathleen by her shoulders and spoke in her firmest voice, "I can't say I completely believe that Sirius can ever stay committed to a girl. But if that's what you believe and what you really want, I'm not about to stop you. All I can do is to keep my fingers crossed that he'll treat you right." As an afterthought, she added, "And maybe keep my wand at the ready just in case he doesn't keep his word."
Kathleen stifled a giggle, and rearranged her features to look sombre. "Thanks, Nat. I just wish I'd talked to you sooner. It's too late now."
"Huh?"
"I just told Sirius back in the library that he should forget about me, and date other girls. I even told him that I want to date other guys too. He's so furious with me now and I can't think he'll speak to me ever again."
Natasha shook her head for a second time. "What a mess over nothing. I can't believe what a pair of idiots you two are. It'll take a lot more than that to keep me away from Lupin. In fact, I believe nothing in the world can separate us." She let out a breath. "So is there anything you want me to do now? Shall I have a talk with Sirius?"
"Let him simmer down," Kathleen said, injecting tinge of regret into her voice. "I'll speak to him myself after he calms down."
*
Late that night, Kathleen received an owl.
Katie,
How are things over your end? Did she believe your story? I've told Remus and
Peter and they told James. James still looks as though he's in shock! Wish you
were here when I broke the news! Their reactions are absolutely priceless.
We'll have fun the next few weeks.
Your handsome guy
She quickly scribbled a reply, with curtains around her four poster bed fully drawn and her wand illuminating just enough light for her to see her own handwriting.
Sirius,
Nat seems okay with us dating. Feel bad about fooling her and everyone else.
Shall we come clean tomorrow? Admit that it's all a joke before they get really
mad at us.
Your guilt-stricken girl
She did not have to wait long for a reply.
Katie,
Just two more days of school. Let's enjoy it while we can. We'll come clean
when we return to Hogwarts after the break. Come on, you're a Slytherin.
Unless our dear old Sorting Hat made a mistake, it's time to put your guile and
cunning to good use! Let's turn it up a notch tomorrow, and think of some way
to have a big fight at breakfast. That'll make them panic, and soon they'll be
begging us to get together.
Your charming guy
She knew there could only be one answer.
Sirius,
All right. You win.
Your I-hope-I-don't-regret-this girl
***
BlackLupin: I've received more than 30 reviews since my last update! Yippee! Do you know what that means?
Sirius (reading the reviews with a glum face): What?
BlackLupin: This fic is doing better than FBOFW! Well, at least the latest chapter of ICSY got me more reviews than the latest FBOFW chapter.
Sirius: You're sick. I don't understand why you crave for reviews so much. So are you going to torture me in FBOFW?
BlackLupin: Probably. You know how angst is so fun to write. C'mon, be a sport. At least I let you enjoy yourself in this chapter of ICSY.
Sirius (rolling his eyes): Yeah, right. Of all things to do, you've to conduct a poll on whether I should have some competition in the romance department.
BlackLupin: Well, you've read the reviews. Everyone who responded to that question had the same reply.
Sirius: I can't believe none of them is on my side! (Glaring at the readers)
BlackLupin: They're ALL on your side! While they want Jed to give you a hard time, they also reminded me that you should emerge the winner.
Sirius: Now, that's better. Peter got the worst deal anyway. All of them are saying he should either be ditched or not hook up with anyone in the first place.
BlackLupin: And that also mean you'll be taking away more 'screen time' from Remus. But of cuz, that's only temporary since it is supposed to be Remus' fic. I've already given you FBOFW.
Sirius: And SFTP right?
BlackLupin (looks nervous): You'll share the limelight with Snape there.
Sirius: WHAT?
BlackLupin: You look absolutely pale. Why don't you take a rest at the nice corner over there while I type my replies to the reviews? And I want to thank everyone who answered the polls!
Hannio: Thanks! I'm honoured to be writing one of the few non-slash stories you're reading. :)
welithien: I'll finish this fic eventually, but will not be updating for a month or so. But don't abandon this fic, ok?
Charmed88: Yes, I loved your long review!
fra: Remus and Sirius will continue to take centrestage, while James and Peter stay in the background.
isane-elf-girl13: Ok, you'll get a little surprise about the "whole Jed thing".
b.o.r.e.d-h.e.l.l-y.e.h: Thanks for your replies to my queries. That's exactly what I think too!\
lulu: Sirius will not be all jealous and evil. I promise!
rodebudlife: Hee…thanks!
LuvAsInfinity: In this chapter, Sirius is the one who holds the control. :)
Jove: You want more of James/Lily and Wormtail? They're not the 'leads' in this fic, but you'll read more about them. I want James & Lily to hook up soon too!
Ivy Crane: Are you supporting Jed or Sirius? LOL.
Ms. Padfoot: Oh, your review pleased me – without a doubt! ;) I'm always happy to hear from you!
Summerkins: Congrats on your part!
funky*superstar: Oh, thanks, thanks, thanks! :)
love-that-dog: I like your ideas!
Sallymander: Wormtail with someone gorgeous? Hmm...maybe! ;)
Sordidas: Poor Hannah…I think I'll give her a break and find another victim for Wormtail ;)
peachgirl1608: You want chaos? Hee…*evil grin*
elvesmagic010: I promise to keep writing! :)
phoebe666: The next update may take a while. Be patient, ok? Pls?
Titiou Moony: There'll be more Remus/Natasha in the next chapter.
LILRKCHK: Yes, Jed will not give up without a fight.
Velvet Revolution: James/Lily will continue to be a side plot. I'll also add the part about Wormtail which you had mentioned in your review. Thanks for your input!
Padfoot-dreamer: You were not rambling, cuz ALL your answers made perfect sense!
tenniStar514: Who would want to hook up with Wormtail? Hmm…I need to look for an unfortunate victim!
Herculeha: Welcome to my little world of HP fanfic!!! LOL. Remus will not end up with Kathleen, although I sometimes think Sirius and Natasha will make a good pair! Know something? You're the only one who felt that Peter should get a girlfriend who thinks he's special! A Peter romance may be fun, but it'll not be here cuz this fic will eventually end with Peter's betrayal of the Marauders.
OutofAzkaban: I missed you! *gives Mimi a BIG hug*
The AntiSuperMan: I'm sooooo glad you like Natasha!
snickerdoodle: I hear your views. :) There'll be much more of Natasha/Lupin in the later chapters of this fic.
Sheasera: Thanks for your offer! I post this fic on another site, and someone there is already my beta. But the going is slow, so we've only edited the first four chapters. Hopefully, I'll get to post edited and improved versions of the other chapters soon.
uNoeWho: Get someone to dump Wormtail? That sounds fun! ;)
***
I'll be taking a short break from this story. More details are posted on my author's page. But please don't give up on this story cuz the dramatic parts have yet to come!
In the next chapter (when I finally post it), you'll read about an exchange of letters between Remus and Natasha during the Christmas break. In later chapters, you'll find out everyone's reaction to Sirius and Kathleen's masquerade, how James & Lily hook up, Natasha's reaction to Remus' werewolf identity, and uncover some major secrets about Natasha (yes, this includes how she gets her freaky powers too.)
*
