Chapter 2 – Last Year
The doorbell rang. Mark and Remus sprang up, followed by Trista. Maria was in the kitchen, sipping Hawaiian Punch out of a can and tapping her foot nervously.
"Hi, Sirius!" Three voices announced. Sirius was a bit taken aback at all the smiley faces, but he too smiled and said, "Hey." He shook hands with Mark, and hugged Trista and Remus. "Where's Maria?"
"She's in the kitchen." Trista answered. "Would you like something to drink, Sirius?"
"Sure," he replied, following Remus to the couch.
They made small talk until Trista came back, followed by a dazed-looking Maria.
"Hi, Siri," she practically whispered, sitting down next to him as Trista handed him a drink.
He greeted her with a bright smile, touching her knee. "Hey, Mia. I've missed you." He cracked open the can of juice.
Trista sat down next to Mark on the love seat, facing her three children – the Lupin-Ravenwoods considered Sirius a son, too. "So, Siri, are you excited about your seventh year?"
Sirius nodded. "Oh, yeah. I can't wait. After I finish school, I want to be an auror."
Mark smiled. "Great plan, Sirius." He was an auror. "It's a rough job, but it's so worthwhile. I don't know what Remus and Maria plan to do…" He mock-glared at his children.
Maria giggled. "Daaaaad! You know I'm going to be a writer. Even wizards need books to read."
"True, true," Mark agreed.
After a bit more small talk, Sirius and Maria prepared to leave. The rain had stopped, much to Maria's pleasure. Trista insisted they Floo to the Leaky Cauldron, so they both grabbed a pinch and left through the fireplace.
Maria came out coughing. Sirius, who had been waiting for her, slapped her gently on the back. "Whoa, easy there," he said.
She smiled. "I'm alright…in fact, why don't we get some ice cream?"
Sirius grinned, rolling his eyes. "How did I know that was coming? I'll buy."
"No, Siri, you already offered to buy dinner. Let me buy this." She turned puppy-eyes on him.
He remained adamant as they walked into the hot sunshine of Diagon Alley. "I will buy! This is…special. Besides, guys always pay on dates!"
"But…come on!"
"No!"
Maria sulked, crossing her arms over her chest. "Fine. But at least let me buy you something from Honeydukes later."
Sirius grinned. "You're on."
They sat outside Fortescue's, licking away at cones and smearing ice cream on each other's faces, giggling. They tried to eat fast; the ice cream was melting quickly.
After that, they went into the bookstore, much to Sirius's dismay.
"But Maria, we study books all year long! What do you wanna go and read over the summer for?"
She stared at him, awed. "But, Siri, they're so fascinating! I mean, have you read some of these books? I'm so glad they stock Muggle books now; mythology is so interesting! I absolutely love Greek."
Sirius looked blank. "Okay. Whatever you say."
Maria smirked. "That's it. I'm getting you a book for your birthday."
They had dinner later at a little shop near a dead end. It was small and cozy, with padded blue chairs and low lighting. Sirius grinned.
"Perfect," he whispered. "This will be it."
"Hmm? You say something, Sirius?" Maria was busy admiring the paintings hanging along the walls.
"Um, no."
Once they were seated and had ordered drinks, Sirius took Maria's hand. "Hey…we never really got to talk after last year."
"…what do you mean? We've talked plenty since then."
"I mean…I didn't get to tell you…that I was sorry."
Maria looked taken aback; she frowned. "Sorry about what?"
Sirius laid his head down on the table, on her hand. "Sorry for not protecting you."
Maria's face softened. "Sirius, there was nothing you could have done. I don't blame you."
"You could have died."
"But I didn't. And that's what matters."
"I was so scared." Sirius lifted his head, his dark hair falling across his eyes. "I was so scared." He placed his lips on her hand. "Promise me you'll never put yourself in danger again."
Maria looked down. "I…Sirius, you know I can't. Voldemort isn't gone yet. We both have a duty to fulfill."
Sirius looked ashamed," Let Remus do it."
Maria raised her eyes, piercing him. "What? I can't do that! We all have to do it together!"
"I know. I just wanted to see if I could change your mind…"
Their food came, and they ate in companionable silence, staring at each other. When they were finished, Sirius paid the bill, taking Maria's hand.
"Let's not go home yet…" he breathed.
a/n: OKAY! As the readers, you get to decide what you want to happen. Tell me what you want to see. I was going to end it, but I want to know what you guys want. Thanks to my reviewers: linnie, merisa,padprongs, harry's marauder chick, and of course, LazyLacy!
