Ah, fluffiness abounds. Only these two chapters, then back to our normal angsty programming. I'm sorry about the stuff about falling, and angels; I was writing a Good Omens fic at the same time. Go and read Good Omens! It's a kickass book.

He's watching me anxiously. "Are you sure you're up to this? It's only been a few weeks."

"Siri, I have to do this." I kiss him lightly on the nose. "And I have to do it without your help." He nods, still worried, and steps back as I start to climb the steep staircase to the top of the Astronomy tower. I have to do this. I have to stand at the top of the tower and see where I fell. If I can do it on my own it will also prove that I'm not ill anymore.

"Mind out," he says, catching my elbow.

As I struggle upwards, my leg muscles begin to protest strenuously. This is the most I've made them work since the Accident. It deserves the capital letter in my mind, having nearly killed me. I place the arm that Sirius isn't holding onto the banister and use it to pull me along.

"There are 101 steps here, you know."

I stop, and turn to him. "Are you trying to frighten me? I once walked up the steps at Covent Garden Tube Station."

"And the significance of that is?" His eyes are dancing.

"There're over 1000 of the things."

I start to climb again. My breath is becoming ragged, and I can feel my heart thumping in my head. "Re, are you ok?"

"Yes." I'm lying. My head is beginning to spin alarmingly, making it hard to see which step comes next. Somehow I manage to get to the top. I stagger into the room and lean back against a wall, sliding to the floor. My eyes are clenched shut, and my entire body is sticky with sweat. When I open my eyes Sirius is squatting next to me, his eyes wide with worry.

"Rem, you're not well."

"Really? Always knew you were perceptive," I gasp.

He sits next to me, pulling me into him and resting my head on his shoulder. "You're a bloody idiot. You knew you wouldn't be able to do this, but you still insisted. Stubborn bastard."

We sit like that for a few minutes until my breathing steadies. "I have to look out the window." He nods resignedly, and stands. Reaching down, he helps me up. I walk slowly, reluctantly, to the window.

Staring down, I can feel the terror I felt as I fell, the wind rushing past me, the sudden jarring impact…

Sirius stands in front of me, blocking my view. He grasps my shoulders. "Rem, look at me, it's ok, I'm here…"

I don't even realise I'm crying until I speak. "I remember falling, Siri, and I'm afraid."

"Shh." He pulls me into an embrace, wrapping his arms around my body. I put mine around his waist and bury my face in his neck. He speaks soothing words into my hair, rubbing my back in an attempt to calm me. "It's ok, Rem. I won't let you fall."

"But you might not always be there to catch me." My words are muffled by his skin.

"I will." Using his shoulder he pushes my head up and stares into my eyes. "Whenever you need me. Even if we're not talking, or you hate me, I promise I'll be there. I'll do everything I can to help."

"Promise?"

He leans in and kisses me gently. "Promise. Forever. I love you, and I'm never going to let you fall. My angel."

"Most people would say that I resemble a fallen angel more. A devil."

"Nah." He smiles dazzlingly. "You're my own perfect angel, and I'm going to keep you that innocent."

"Not planning on corrupting me, then?"

"No. I'll wait until you're ready."

I rest my head on his shoulder again, feeling safe in his arms. I sing a few words. "It started off so well, they said we made a perfect pair…"

He laughs. "Do they? I didn't think anyone knew about us, so how they could say that…"

"I think James knows."

"Well, he does spend nearly every waking moment with us. So does Wormtail, but he's a dense prat."

I hit him half-heartedly. "Don't be so mean. Peter just isn't as smart as us three."

Sirius sneers. The expression mars his face, turns him into what his heritage suggests he should be. "Not as smart? Wormtail barely knows how to spell his own name. He's only got through these years by cheating at tests and copying your homework."

I hate this, his habit of belittling others. The next few words come out of my mouth without thinking. "You're acting like Snape."

His face shuts down and he tenses. His eyes are flinty, and his voice cold when he speaks. "Snape? I thought you were calling him 'Severus' these days?" I hear the inverted commas drop into place.

I sigh, knowing something has to happen now to bring Sirius out of this bad mood. It seems as good a time as any to get to the bottom of this problem. "Why do you hate him so much?"

He steps away from me, releasing my body. I feel lost for a moment. "He's a bastard. He always hexes us in the corridor. He's a greasy long nosed prick. He's into the Dark Arts. He's also a complete and utter bastard." He looks down for a moment. "He still fancies you."

I laugh. "Siri! We went through this before. I wouldn't go out with Snape." I bring my hand up to cup his cheek. "If I wanted to, I'd be with him. But I don't, and I'm not. I'm with you."

We kiss again. This time is deeper, more passionate. I have my arms around his neck, and his hands are wandering. He pulls my shirt up and runs his long fingered hands along my bare skin. For a moment I enjoy the feeling, but then he touches a bruise. I can't help wincing, and a hiss of pain escapes me.

He steps away, smiling nervously. "Better stop there. You've got to stay well."

I nod, and readjust my clothing. "In that case, you'd better carry me down the stairs."

Lady of Faerie- Nah, sorry, it was Stromboli. Is your crystal ball acting up? Last time you managed to predict me. girl-in-the-moon- Mwhahahaha, you've gotta wait. Stromboli won't reappear for ages, but he shall return! carpe-nox-sulum-nox- Little and often. That's good for diets, and good for my fics. IssaLee- No more writers block? Do what I do, listen to depressing songs and eat chocolate biscuits, then sit in front of the TV and write. Versipellis- I like your random little reviews. Robyn1212- No more reaction is needed- you reviewed. freakanature- Ah, but creepy is good, neh? checkmarks- Short and sweet again. ;) Silverwitch07- I will do any POV. Ask for one, and I will probably do it. EsScaper- If I lost him, I'd go made with my inflatable silver hammer. Jessica Goldberg- This is just to make your day better. SlashyKitty- I would never throw you out, especially as you reviewed the other fic too. KawaiiMegami86- My fans can read the other fics as well- I do give you lots, just short lots. :huggles: Icy Sapphire15- Damn, Sisi is better than Sis, but I couldn't think of that. Lykaios Nyx- You'll have to wait… butterflywings32- Bit of fluff for you. I couldn't reply to the email address, so I sent it to the one on your profile… I think.
Thanks to Tanya J Potter and Toshide.
Next chapter will be long(er). Promise!