Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the things I made up. Good enough?
Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to two of my most loyal fans: HPDisorder (who reviewed the previous chapter less than 12 hours after I put it up!) and for Kat who always hangs in there with me. Oh, many thanks to Cinammon, a new reader.
~*~ I love this chapter. One of my favorites so far. Just read it!
THE RAIN ALWAYS FALLS
Chapter 14: Questions
The celebration for the Gryffindor win lasted throughout the week, which, of course, included several nightlong parties in the common room. Professor McGonagall was forced to come up to the Gryffindor Tower numerous times to cease the noise, but someone - most likely the combined efforts of Sirius and James - seemed to always keep it going.
What with the first match of the season over, everyone's attention, however, was soon directed to the Christmas Eve ball, which was less than a month away. There suddenly seemed to be couples springing up left and right in the corridors. Sirius was quick to notice this.
"Look, everyone is so - clingy," he remarked one morning as he, James, and Remus were strolling down the staircase for breakfast. "Even some first years are holding hands."
"Well, they just saw you and Carmen together, and since they admire you so much, they thought that they should be pairing up, too."
"Hmm. It's nice to be admired," Sirius said with a small grin.
"So, are you going to the ball with Carmen?" James asked.
"Of course."
"Have you asked her yet?"
"Of course not," Sirius said.
"That's what I thought," James replied, smirking.
"Come on, Prongs. I'll ask her. I'm just taking my time. I see you haven't a date yet, yourself. What ever happened to Natalie?"
James was thinking. There was a reason he had not asked Natalie to the ball yet, though he wouldn't dare tell anyone. He just wanted to see how something played out.
"Well, you see, I'm just taking my time, too. Leaving my options open," he answered. At that moment, Natalie caught sight of him from across a corridor and walked swiftly to meet him.
"Hi," she said smiling. "James," she continued, disregarding Sirius and Remus, "I was just wondering if you were going to go to the ball this year."
"Oh - err - of course! In fact, I was just going to ask you. How 'bout it?" he said, not looking at Sirius.
"I'd love to, James. Oh, would you look at the time," she said, looking at a band across her wrist. "I'm sorry, but I have to get some things done before class starts." She gave James a small kiss and strolled away.
"Keeping your options open, eh?" Remus said, smiling.
"Yeah, well, I don't see you with a date," James said, ruffling the back of his hair.
"Yeah, Moony. Get it over with and ask Morgan," Sirius chimed in.
"Oh, Morgan wouldn't want to go with me," Remus muttered, looking away from them. "She'd want to go with someone - well - I don't know. Just someone else."
"Come on, do you know how many guys she's rejected already?" James asked.
"Let's see: Bront, Thomas, Troy, a couple of Ravenclaws," Sirius said, counting off his fingers.
"She's probably waiting for the right guy to ask her," James said, giving Remus a nudge as they walked.
"Walker, King, that Hufflepuff seeker," Sirius continued.
"Just ask her already."
"Mullet, Platte, oh and -"
"Okay, I get it," Remus said, stopping. "I - I guess I'll ask her - soon. Soon."
By this time, they had reached the Great Hall. They caught sight of the girl's smiling faces and sat next to them.
"Last Hogsmeade weekend before break is next weekend," Carmen said as Sirius reached for some jam. "Want to go?"
"Sure," Sirius answered through a mouth full of toast. Carmen shook her head, smiling and began talking to Morgan.
James looked up from his own plate and gazed at Lily right across from him. He was so confused about everything. Was Lily just a friend? Or was she more? He thought he knew before, but he felt something at the quiditch match when they hugged. It was something that he had never known before. He stared at her for a moment, then realized that she, too was watching him out of the corner of her eye. They both looked away.
"So, who do you think will win Ravenclaw vs. Hufflepuff next week?" Sirius asked. Glad to have something to talk about, James turned away.
The post arrived shortly. A thin envelope landed in Carmen's lap. She opened it, read the few words scrawled on the paper, and gaped at it in horror. Seeing the color draining from Carmen's face, Lily turned to her. "What's wrong?"
"It's a letter from my mother," Carmen said. "Another araur has been killed."
"What?" Remus asked. "It hasn't been in the papers."
"The Ministry's trying to hush it all up. It was my mother's old partner. 'We're very scared, Carmen,'" she read, "'So your father and I have decided it is best to be cautious and go into hiding. We would love for you to come with us, but we know that it is important for you to remain at Hogwarts. We won't tell you where we're going, and we don't know when we'll be able to see you again. Don't worry; we'll be fine. Just remember that we love you dearly. Mum and Dad,'" she finished breathlessly. She looked stunned. "I can't believe it," she whispered.
No one quite knew what to say to her. How could someone tell their best friend that even though their parents are in danger and they might never see them again, that everything will turn out alright?
Carmen stood up to go.
"Are you alright?" Lily asked, getting up also. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"Or me?" Sirius asked with a concerned look on his face.
"No, you don't have to. I'm fine. At least they'll be safe, right?" she said. "I just need some time to think." She gave them a small smile and left through the great doors.
***
The next day, Carmen was walking up to the Gryffindor tower alone. The others had been at quiditch practice the entire afternoon, so she decided to take advantage of the free time and finish an essay for Professor Gwen in the library. Of course, after she was done, she couldn't resist the pages calling to her from the shelves. So she checked out a couple texts for some light reading.
She stumbled up the staircase under the weight of no less than seven thick books. Reaching a piece of loose carpet, the volumes tumbled out of her arms, and she tripped and landed on her knees. She sighed and began collecting her books.
"Need some help?" asked a slightly familiar voice.
She looked up to see Lucius kneeling in front of her, two of her books in hand.
"Thanks," she said reaching for them.
"All this for you?" he asked looking at the titles. "A Study in American Wizardry? What class is this for?"
"Just some extra stuff. I can never hurt to do more than what's asked," she said.
"Oh, I got ya," he said with a smile. "You were always the smartest person in school. Wouldn't be surprised if you became the next Mistress of Magic. So, how are you?"
"Good. Busy with classes and such. You?" she asked, straightening up.
"Fine. Did you finish that potions test yesterday? Question 35 stumped me."
"I don't think it was that bad, though we are supposed to be graded on a OWL standard this year."
"Well, you'll do fine. You're the smartest in school."
Carmen gave him a sideways glance. "You said that."
"Right. Well, there's no denying the truth." There was a pause in which they both stood there. "Look, Carmen, I was wondering if you had a partner for the ball."
She flushed slightly. "Oh, well, I'm kind of seeing someone. Sorry," she added.
"No problem," he nodded. "Just let me know if things ever change, alright?" He smiled, ran a hand through his bright blond hair, and walked away.
When she got up to the girl's dormitory, she found Lily sitting on the window seat. She was looking longingly at the quiditch pitch across the way, lost in though. She didn't even hear Carmen come in.
"Hi," Carmen said, placing her books on her neat bedside table.
"What? Oh, hi, Carmen." She turned around. "What's new?"
"Nothing. Err, is there anything wrong?"
"Oh, no. Everything's just fine," she sighed. "Andrew asked me to the ball."
"You don't seem to happy about it," Carmen speculated, sitting down next to her. "Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Yeah, well - I just don't know exactly what I want anymore," she shifted her gaze once more to outside the window.
The door opened and Morgan came into the room, twirling a strand of hair around one finger. That's what she always did when she was impatient. She plopped down on her bed with a loud, "Humph," and fell backward onto the mattress.
"Something wrong?" Lily asked.
"No, nothing," Morgan answered, though it didn't seem like she was telling the whole truth.
"So, how's life?" Lily asked Carmen, not willing for the focus to shift back to her.
"Alright. Things are just all scrambled at the moment."
"Are you okay? Still worried about your parents?" Lily asked.
"I'm fine. A little shaken still, but hopefully that will all be over soon, and Voldemort will be caught. My parents told me not to worry." She gave herself a little reassuring nod.
"Is there anything else bothering you?" Lily asked, sensing something. "Sirius?"
"Well, actually - yes," Carmen sighed. "I know that this is going to seem miniscule compared to my family problems, but when is Sirius going to ask me to the ball?" she said, shaking her head.
"He hasn't asked you yet?" Morgan asked, sitting up. "Aren't you two still going out?"
"Of course we are, but I am a little worried."
"Don't worry, Carm, he'll ask you soon enough," Lily said, returning her gaze to the window.
"You know how stubborn guys can be," Morgan said, rolling her eyes. "But you two are so sweet together," she added.
"I really care about him. Just so much. I can't imagine what it would be like without him." She leaned her head back against the cool stone wall and bit her lip. "I don't want things to ever change."
***
It was the Saturday before the last week of the semester. All of the students were hoping for a short break before a long day of studying for last minute tests, and it came in the form of a Hogsmeade visit.
A crowd of couples was grouped around the stone gates at the entrance to the school. Nearly all of them were wearing scarves and hats since the first snow had been several days before.
Not among the students, however, were Sirius and Carmen. They were just coming down from the front steps, arm in arm. Instead of crossing the frozen grounds that led to Hogsmeade, they turned left and disappeared along the castle. There was a stone walkway that was covered in lightly frosted ivy. At the end of the path was a beech tree with a perfect view of the lake in front of them. It was their favorite place to be together.
Carmen took out her wand and said, "Tarevia." Suddenly a small table with tea and cakes appeared in front of them. Sirius looked at it open- mouthed.
"Where did you learn how to do that?" He asked, sitting down on the newly-conjured white bench, looking at the detailed china.
"Just something I picked up," she answered happily, taking a seat next to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You're amazing," he whispered.
They sat together for about an hour talking and laughing. It was perfect. Carmen never felt happier. She felt like crying when she thought about this emotion she was feeling. Though neither of them said it, Sirius felt the same way.
***
Morgan and Remus were walking up the main street of Hogsmeade, looking at the window displays of the shops. Everything was decorated festively in preparation for the season. After all, it was December.
Morgan looked at the other students passing by, laughing and comparing purchased items. There was a set of people sipping butterbeer out of mugs and another pair holding hands. She looked up at Remus and smiled.
"Care for a drink?" she asked. It was getting rather cold.
They entered the extremely crowded Three Broomsticks and took a table in the back. Remus paid for two bottles of butterbeer, and they sat down together.
They began talking and the drinks were soon gone. Both feeling thoroughly pleasant, they got up to leave. Just before they reached the door, however, a rather good looking sixth year Hufflepuff approached Morgan.
"Hi, Morgan. Hey, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the ball with me next weekend."
Her face fell. "Oh, erm, no thanks," she said as politely as she could. She gave him a small smile and looked sideways at Remus who looked extremely uncomfortable.
They got out into the cold air again, and turned up a deserted street. It had begun to snow softly. Morgan turned to him and said, "I'm sorry about that, Remus. So many people have been asking me out lately."
"Err, and have you said yes to any of them yet?" Remus asked. He was surprised that he even had enough breathe left in his lungs to say those few words.
"Well, no. I was kind of hoping for this one guy to ask me." She stopped and turned to him. The wind wept at them and her long, snow-filled hair flew about her face.
He could do this. Heart leaping out of his chest, he took a deep breath and said, "Morgan, would you like to go to the ball with me?"
Feeling as though she would burst, she flung her arms around his neck and whispered, "Yes, yes, I would love to go with you."
***
An hour and a half after most of the school entered the village, Sirius and Carmen walked through the winged-boar gates.
"So, where to first?" Carmen asked, looking around at the shops.
"Anywhere. You pick," Sirius answered.
"I do actually need a new quill," Carmen said, spotting Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop at the end of the street.
They walked to the door, which Sirius held open. "Be my guest," he said.
Though it was only a shop for quills and parchment, the small room was flanked with students. Carmen slowly made her way to the far end of the room where boxes of quills were lined up. Sirius squeezed past students and tables, following her.
"Carmen," he said over the noise. "There's something that I wanted to ask you."
"Pardon?" Carmen asked trying to hear him over a group of giggling girls next to them.
"There's something I want to - you know what?" he said, tired of yelling over the racket. "I'll just see you outside."
Carmen nodded to him, and he began to fight his way out of the small building.
Once outside, he breathed deeply, a mist rising from his mouth. He decided he would ask her to the ball. He, honestly, didn't know why he put it off for so long. He supposed it was because he assumed that they would naturally go together since they were seeing each other, but he felt that he should ask Carmen. But he wanted to tell her more than that. There was so much he wanted to say. 'She's perfect,' he thought, 'she's wonderful, she's beautiful, she's fun, and - I'm falling in love.'
He blew into his hands. It was getting rather cold. He looked up and saw Carmen's smiling face in the window, attempting to get to the doorway. He grinned.
In an alley just behind him stood two figures wearing green and silver scarves. They both had bright blond hair. "Here she comes," one of them said. "Go now."
Sally walked out from the shadows and with a sweep of her hair, headed straight toward Sirius. Shoulders back, she said, "Hi, Sirius." Reaching up, she put her hand on the back of his head, and pulled his lips to hers.
She wouldn't pull away from him. Wanting to get all she could from it, she put her arm around his shoulder and kissed more fiercely. She sent a piercing stare out of the corner of her eye.
Sirius was stunned. For a moment, he didn't know what to do. It was all so sudden, but this definitely wasn't right. 'Carmen,' he thought. Heart pounding, he pulled her away as fast as he could and just stared open- mouthed at Sally.
Sally took a step back and crossed her arms. With a smirk on her face she raised her eyebrows and stole a glance to her right.
Carmen was standing just in front of the quill shop with a look of shock and panic on her face. She looked as though she was about to cry. She couldn't breathe.
'Oh, God,' Sirius said to himself, his stomach plummeting horribly.
Carmen turned away and ran up street into the swirling white mist.
~*~ Oh, no! So sad! I hate Sally and the other git. Grr. Next chapter is almost done. So, review. *walks away crying* Just review.
Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to two of my most loyal fans: HPDisorder (who reviewed the previous chapter less than 12 hours after I put it up!) and for Kat who always hangs in there with me. Oh, many thanks to Cinammon, a new reader.
~*~ I love this chapter. One of my favorites so far. Just read it!
THE RAIN ALWAYS FALLS
Chapter 14: Questions
The celebration for the Gryffindor win lasted throughout the week, which, of course, included several nightlong parties in the common room. Professor McGonagall was forced to come up to the Gryffindor Tower numerous times to cease the noise, but someone - most likely the combined efforts of Sirius and James - seemed to always keep it going.
What with the first match of the season over, everyone's attention, however, was soon directed to the Christmas Eve ball, which was less than a month away. There suddenly seemed to be couples springing up left and right in the corridors. Sirius was quick to notice this.
"Look, everyone is so - clingy," he remarked one morning as he, James, and Remus were strolling down the staircase for breakfast. "Even some first years are holding hands."
"Well, they just saw you and Carmen together, and since they admire you so much, they thought that they should be pairing up, too."
"Hmm. It's nice to be admired," Sirius said with a small grin.
"So, are you going to the ball with Carmen?" James asked.
"Of course."
"Have you asked her yet?"
"Of course not," Sirius said.
"That's what I thought," James replied, smirking.
"Come on, Prongs. I'll ask her. I'm just taking my time. I see you haven't a date yet, yourself. What ever happened to Natalie?"
James was thinking. There was a reason he had not asked Natalie to the ball yet, though he wouldn't dare tell anyone. He just wanted to see how something played out.
"Well, you see, I'm just taking my time, too. Leaving my options open," he answered. At that moment, Natalie caught sight of him from across a corridor and walked swiftly to meet him.
"Hi," she said smiling. "James," she continued, disregarding Sirius and Remus, "I was just wondering if you were going to go to the ball this year."
"Oh - err - of course! In fact, I was just going to ask you. How 'bout it?" he said, not looking at Sirius.
"I'd love to, James. Oh, would you look at the time," she said, looking at a band across her wrist. "I'm sorry, but I have to get some things done before class starts." She gave James a small kiss and strolled away.
"Keeping your options open, eh?" Remus said, smiling.
"Yeah, well, I don't see you with a date," James said, ruffling the back of his hair.
"Yeah, Moony. Get it over with and ask Morgan," Sirius chimed in.
"Oh, Morgan wouldn't want to go with me," Remus muttered, looking away from them. "She'd want to go with someone - well - I don't know. Just someone else."
"Come on, do you know how many guys she's rejected already?" James asked.
"Let's see: Bront, Thomas, Troy, a couple of Ravenclaws," Sirius said, counting off his fingers.
"She's probably waiting for the right guy to ask her," James said, giving Remus a nudge as they walked.
"Walker, King, that Hufflepuff seeker," Sirius continued.
"Just ask her already."
"Mullet, Platte, oh and -"
"Okay, I get it," Remus said, stopping. "I - I guess I'll ask her - soon. Soon."
By this time, they had reached the Great Hall. They caught sight of the girl's smiling faces and sat next to them.
"Last Hogsmeade weekend before break is next weekend," Carmen said as Sirius reached for some jam. "Want to go?"
"Sure," Sirius answered through a mouth full of toast. Carmen shook her head, smiling and began talking to Morgan.
James looked up from his own plate and gazed at Lily right across from him. He was so confused about everything. Was Lily just a friend? Or was she more? He thought he knew before, but he felt something at the quiditch match when they hugged. It was something that he had never known before. He stared at her for a moment, then realized that she, too was watching him out of the corner of her eye. They both looked away.
"So, who do you think will win Ravenclaw vs. Hufflepuff next week?" Sirius asked. Glad to have something to talk about, James turned away.
The post arrived shortly. A thin envelope landed in Carmen's lap. She opened it, read the few words scrawled on the paper, and gaped at it in horror. Seeing the color draining from Carmen's face, Lily turned to her. "What's wrong?"
"It's a letter from my mother," Carmen said. "Another araur has been killed."
"What?" Remus asked. "It hasn't been in the papers."
"The Ministry's trying to hush it all up. It was my mother's old partner. 'We're very scared, Carmen,'" she read, "'So your father and I have decided it is best to be cautious and go into hiding. We would love for you to come with us, but we know that it is important for you to remain at Hogwarts. We won't tell you where we're going, and we don't know when we'll be able to see you again. Don't worry; we'll be fine. Just remember that we love you dearly. Mum and Dad,'" she finished breathlessly. She looked stunned. "I can't believe it," she whispered.
No one quite knew what to say to her. How could someone tell their best friend that even though their parents are in danger and they might never see them again, that everything will turn out alright?
Carmen stood up to go.
"Are you alright?" Lily asked, getting up also. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"Or me?" Sirius asked with a concerned look on his face.
"No, you don't have to. I'm fine. At least they'll be safe, right?" she said. "I just need some time to think." She gave them a small smile and left through the great doors.
***
The next day, Carmen was walking up to the Gryffindor tower alone. The others had been at quiditch practice the entire afternoon, so she decided to take advantage of the free time and finish an essay for Professor Gwen in the library. Of course, after she was done, she couldn't resist the pages calling to her from the shelves. So she checked out a couple texts for some light reading.
She stumbled up the staircase under the weight of no less than seven thick books. Reaching a piece of loose carpet, the volumes tumbled out of her arms, and she tripped and landed on her knees. She sighed and began collecting her books.
"Need some help?" asked a slightly familiar voice.
She looked up to see Lucius kneeling in front of her, two of her books in hand.
"Thanks," she said reaching for them.
"All this for you?" he asked looking at the titles. "A Study in American Wizardry? What class is this for?"
"Just some extra stuff. I can never hurt to do more than what's asked," she said.
"Oh, I got ya," he said with a smile. "You were always the smartest person in school. Wouldn't be surprised if you became the next Mistress of Magic. So, how are you?"
"Good. Busy with classes and such. You?" she asked, straightening up.
"Fine. Did you finish that potions test yesterday? Question 35 stumped me."
"I don't think it was that bad, though we are supposed to be graded on a OWL standard this year."
"Well, you'll do fine. You're the smartest in school."
Carmen gave him a sideways glance. "You said that."
"Right. Well, there's no denying the truth." There was a pause in which they both stood there. "Look, Carmen, I was wondering if you had a partner for the ball."
She flushed slightly. "Oh, well, I'm kind of seeing someone. Sorry," she added.
"No problem," he nodded. "Just let me know if things ever change, alright?" He smiled, ran a hand through his bright blond hair, and walked away.
When she got up to the girl's dormitory, she found Lily sitting on the window seat. She was looking longingly at the quiditch pitch across the way, lost in though. She didn't even hear Carmen come in.
"Hi," Carmen said, placing her books on her neat bedside table.
"What? Oh, hi, Carmen." She turned around. "What's new?"
"Nothing. Err, is there anything wrong?"
"Oh, no. Everything's just fine," she sighed. "Andrew asked me to the ball."
"You don't seem to happy about it," Carmen speculated, sitting down next to her. "Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Yeah, well - I just don't know exactly what I want anymore," she shifted her gaze once more to outside the window.
The door opened and Morgan came into the room, twirling a strand of hair around one finger. That's what she always did when she was impatient. She plopped down on her bed with a loud, "Humph," and fell backward onto the mattress.
"Something wrong?" Lily asked.
"No, nothing," Morgan answered, though it didn't seem like she was telling the whole truth.
"So, how's life?" Lily asked Carmen, not willing for the focus to shift back to her.
"Alright. Things are just all scrambled at the moment."
"Are you okay? Still worried about your parents?" Lily asked.
"I'm fine. A little shaken still, but hopefully that will all be over soon, and Voldemort will be caught. My parents told me not to worry." She gave herself a little reassuring nod.
"Is there anything else bothering you?" Lily asked, sensing something. "Sirius?"
"Well, actually - yes," Carmen sighed. "I know that this is going to seem miniscule compared to my family problems, but when is Sirius going to ask me to the ball?" she said, shaking her head.
"He hasn't asked you yet?" Morgan asked, sitting up. "Aren't you two still going out?"
"Of course we are, but I am a little worried."
"Don't worry, Carm, he'll ask you soon enough," Lily said, returning her gaze to the window.
"You know how stubborn guys can be," Morgan said, rolling her eyes. "But you two are so sweet together," she added.
"I really care about him. Just so much. I can't imagine what it would be like without him." She leaned her head back against the cool stone wall and bit her lip. "I don't want things to ever change."
***
It was the Saturday before the last week of the semester. All of the students were hoping for a short break before a long day of studying for last minute tests, and it came in the form of a Hogsmeade visit.
A crowd of couples was grouped around the stone gates at the entrance to the school. Nearly all of them were wearing scarves and hats since the first snow had been several days before.
Not among the students, however, were Sirius and Carmen. They were just coming down from the front steps, arm in arm. Instead of crossing the frozen grounds that led to Hogsmeade, they turned left and disappeared along the castle. There was a stone walkway that was covered in lightly frosted ivy. At the end of the path was a beech tree with a perfect view of the lake in front of them. It was their favorite place to be together.
Carmen took out her wand and said, "Tarevia." Suddenly a small table with tea and cakes appeared in front of them. Sirius looked at it open- mouthed.
"Where did you learn how to do that?" He asked, sitting down on the newly-conjured white bench, looking at the detailed china.
"Just something I picked up," she answered happily, taking a seat next to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You're amazing," he whispered.
They sat together for about an hour talking and laughing. It was perfect. Carmen never felt happier. She felt like crying when she thought about this emotion she was feeling. Though neither of them said it, Sirius felt the same way.
***
Morgan and Remus were walking up the main street of Hogsmeade, looking at the window displays of the shops. Everything was decorated festively in preparation for the season. After all, it was December.
Morgan looked at the other students passing by, laughing and comparing purchased items. There was a set of people sipping butterbeer out of mugs and another pair holding hands. She looked up at Remus and smiled.
"Care for a drink?" she asked. It was getting rather cold.
They entered the extremely crowded Three Broomsticks and took a table in the back. Remus paid for two bottles of butterbeer, and they sat down together.
They began talking and the drinks were soon gone. Both feeling thoroughly pleasant, they got up to leave. Just before they reached the door, however, a rather good looking sixth year Hufflepuff approached Morgan.
"Hi, Morgan. Hey, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the ball with me next weekend."
Her face fell. "Oh, erm, no thanks," she said as politely as she could. She gave him a small smile and looked sideways at Remus who looked extremely uncomfortable.
They got out into the cold air again, and turned up a deserted street. It had begun to snow softly. Morgan turned to him and said, "I'm sorry about that, Remus. So many people have been asking me out lately."
"Err, and have you said yes to any of them yet?" Remus asked. He was surprised that he even had enough breathe left in his lungs to say those few words.
"Well, no. I was kind of hoping for this one guy to ask me." She stopped and turned to him. The wind wept at them and her long, snow-filled hair flew about her face.
He could do this. Heart leaping out of his chest, he took a deep breath and said, "Morgan, would you like to go to the ball with me?"
Feeling as though she would burst, she flung her arms around his neck and whispered, "Yes, yes, I would love to go with you."
***
An hour and a half after most of the school entered the village, Sirius and Carmen walked through the winged-boar gates.
"So, where to first?" Carmen asked, looking around at the shops.
"Anywhere. You pick," Sirius answered.
"I do actually need a new quill," Carmen said, spotting Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop at the end of the street.
They walked to the door, which Sirius held open. "Be my guest," he said.
Though it was only a shop for quills and parchment, the small room was flanked with students. Carmen slowly made her way to the far end of the room where boxes of quills were lined up. Sirius squeezed past students and tables, following her.
"Carmen," he said over the noise. "There's something that I wanted to ask you."
"Pardon?" Carmen asked trying to hear him over a group of giggling girls next to them.
"There's something I want to - you know what?" he said, tired of yelling over the racket. "I'll just see you outside."
Carmen nodded to him, and he began to fight his way out of the small building.
Once outside, he breathed deeply, a mist rising from his mouth. He decided he would ask her to the ball. He, honestly, didn't know why he put it off for so long. He supposed it was because he assumed that they would naturally go together since they were seeing each other, but he felt that he should ask Carmen. But he wanted to tell her more than that. There was so much he wanted to say. 'She's perfect,' he thought, 'she's wonderful, she's beautiful, she's fun, and - I'm falling in love.'
He blew into his hands. It was getting rather cold. He looked up and saw Carmen's smiling face in the window, attempting to get to the doorway. He grinned.
In an alley just behind him stood two figures wearing green and silver scarves. They both had bright blond hair. "Here she comes," one of them said. "Go now."
Sally walked out from the shadows and with a sweep of her hair, headed straight toward Sirius. Shoulders back, she said, "Hi, Sirius." Reaching up, she put her hand on the back of his head, and pulled his lips to hers.
She wouldn't pull away from him. Wanting to get all she could from it, she put her arm around his shoulder and kissed more fiercely. She sent a piercing stare out of the corner of her eye.
Sirius was stunned. For a moment, he didn't know what to do. It was all so sudden, but this definitely wasn't right. 'Carmen,' he thought. Heart pounding, he pulled her away as fast as he could and just stared open- mouthed at Sally.
Sally took a step back and crossed her arms. With a smirk on her face she raised her eyebrows and stole a glance to her right.
Carmen was standing just in front of the quill shop with a look of shock and panic on her face. She looked as though she was about to cry. She couldn't breathe.
'Oh, God,' Sirius said to himself, his stomach plummeting horribly.
Carmen turned away and ran up street into the swirling white mist.
~*~ Oh, no! So sad! I hate Sally and the other git. Grr. Next chapter is almost done. So, review. *walks away crying* Just review.