*Third person's POV*
"Goooood mooorning," Kitty walked into the kitchen grinning from ear to ear. "Oh, you guys are here too," she looked from Remus to Sirius.
"Ooh, someone looks cheerful today!" Sirius said.
"Yeah... Kind of," Kitty chuckled.
"Is it some bloke?" Sirius scoffed.
Kitty paused for a moment. "Umm...yeah. kind of," she looked into space grinning like a mad woman.
"Wow. So, this is because of some bloke?" Remus pointed at her shy, happy face.
She nodded. "He was sooooo...grrrr!"
"Are you drunk?" Lily giggled.
"No!"
"So, I suppose this bloke is Dearborn?" James asked.
"No," Kitty shook her head.
Sirius scoffed. "Is that the one you said you're in love with?"
"No."
"We're with you every time," Remus frowned in confusion. "And I don't remember you seeing or meeting anyone."
"Yeah. But you weren't in my dreams," Kitty shrugged taking a bite of her toast.
They all looked at her as if she's gone mad.
"Dream?" Remus asked.
She nodded and beamed. "He was sooooo beautiful. He's got this dark hair...a bit longer than Black's, falling into his amazing blue eyes," she looked into the space dreamily. "Ocean blue eyes...and he even got dimples you know? Like these cute dimples...and his jaw and neck...and there's the vein on his neck is sexy...and—"
"You mean like this?" Sirius interrupted and pulled his collar aside, exposing the vein on his neck.
"Oh! You've got a vein too!" Kitty said surprised. "I've never noticed it!"
"Yeah. But you kissed there once," Sirius muttered under his breath.
Lily who was sitting beside him choked on her juice and stared at him. And Remus' and James' animal ears caught it too and they chuckled.
"What?" Kitty asked confused.
"Nothing," Sirius said dismissively.
"Anyway," Kitty continued dreamily as if she wasn't interrupted. "His vein was more beautiful. It was more prominent. And he's got this exotic olive skin. He was wearing this transparent white shirt... showing off his collar bone...and his broad shoulders...aaah..," she took a deep sigh. "He looked dangerous. And sexy. Dangerously sexy..."
"Wipe the drool off your face, Pryde," Sirius cut her off. There was a hint of irritation in his voice.
"I'm not drooling!" Kitty retorted.
"30 seconds more and you'd be having an orgasm," he scoffed.
"You're jealous," Kitty scoffed.
"What am I? Your boyfriend? And why would I be jealous of an imaginary bloke?"
"He isn't imaginary. He is real."
Lily, James and Remus looked from Sirius to Kitty as if they're watching a tennis match.
"Yeah? Where did you meet him? Oh, wait! You didn't. Because you actually saw him in a dream!"
Kitty frowned. "Yeah!" She shrugged. "At least I'm turned on by him...or should I say his face," she looked at Sirius from head to toe and smirk. "He looked like a Greek god."
It was clear that Sirius was offended. But he didn't show it. "Have you ever seen a Greek god?"
"I did," she shrugged. "I've also seen loads of Greek men on the internet."
"Do you know most of the Greek men still think a women's place is in the kitchen? They are arrogant and egoistic."
"Do you know any Greek men? Would you introduce me to one?!" Kitty asked eagerly.
"Did you not hear what I said about them?!" Sirius asked in disbelief.
"Come on, Black! Don't be a jerk!"
"They don't go out with a woman who is egoistic and arrogant. Especially if they find the woman equal to them."
"You're lying."
"Why would I?" He scoffed. "I met few Greeks. Both Wizards and muggles. And guess what? They're hard to date. They love traditions and to them, family is sacred. So, if you want a Greek to date you for a while, you are supposed to impress his or her family too. And their families are big. Real big. I don't think that is your type. Think again, no equality, traditional, impress a big family, egoistic, arrogant and you're supposed to be submissive..."
Kitty paused for a moment. "Oh, come on! Stop stereotyping. What is this? Ancient times? This is 21st century for Helga's sake!"
"Umm.. actually, this is 20th century," Remus spoke at last.
"What?" Kitty looked confused for a moment.
"It is 1979," he chuckled.
She looked around. "Oh. Oh. OH nooo... This is 20th century," she groaned. "I'm in a really backward time. I'm in the ancient times!"
Sirius smirked. "So, do you still want me to hook you up with a Greek bloke?"
"No thanks," she mumbled. "I don't want to go too low for some handsome looks."
"Oh, you don't have to go too low. Getting on the knees is enough," Sirius chuckled.
Lily choked on her juice agian.
"What?" both the women said at the same time.
"What?" Sirius looked innocent.
"Your dirty jokes will be the reason of your death," Kitty told him.
"Oh, that would be an honourable death," Sirius bowed.
"Shut up, you two!" James sighed. "If not looks, what then?" He asked Kitty.
"A good heart," she shrugged.
"Like Dearborn?" He asked with a cocky grin.
"Maybe. I don't know him totally yet. But from what I've heard, he's a nice guy."
"Oh, he is a really good person," Lily said.
"So, it's always a guy with a good heart and a brain in his head and not in his pants," Kitty told James.
James and Remus glanced at Sirius. A very quick glance. They know he's a bit burning inside.
Sirius scoffed. "Brain in the pants? Most men have their brain in the pants."
"Like you said, most men. I don't think he's among them," Kitty shrugged. "He's a nice guy."
"Nice? You don't even know him. You met him what... Twice?"
"He was nice to me."
"Strangers are nice to women because of just one thing."
"Uhuh?"
"Remus, why are strangers good to women?"
"Umm... usually sex," he mumbled.
"See?"
"Oh, prejudice!"
"Mark my words. You will come running to me and say, 'Black, you were right. I should have listened to you!' "
"You dream a lot," she scoffed.
"So, anyway," James interrupted them. "What was this Greek god doing in your dream?"
Kitty frowned, thinking. "I don't know. He said something in a different language. It was brief. Like few seconds. That's all."
"Truth, Pryde. Admit that you were too busy occupied with his looks, drooling over to actually concentrate on what he was saying."
"Maybe yeah," she shrugged. "Like I said, it was like few seconds and he was gone."
"He must be a person you know," Remus said.
"Nah! I know I'm really bad at remembering faces. But that face...nah..it's hard to forget," she chuckled.
"Or maybe...he was a mix of people you've seen," Lily shrugged. "You are spending a lot of time painting people's faces. So, it's probably a mix of interesting features you've found in some people. You're quite good at imagining things...and people."
"Maybe," Kitty nodded. "Meh... I think I should draw this person too. I never knew I had a good imagination power."
"You said the same thing when we first met," Remus chuckled.
"Ah. Yeah," Kitty laughed. "I punched you in the face too," she turned to Sirius.
"Yeah. I can't forget your confession either," Sirius laughed and Kitty stopped laughing and glared at him. "You told us you were a lesbian."
"Shut up," she mumbled. "Anyway, I don't see mum, dad and Tinky," she said looking around. "Where are they?"
"Stinchcombe," James replied.
"Oh."
"And we are supposed to leave in an hour."
"Okay," she nodded.
"You lads go without us. We've good some chores to do," Lily said.
"What chores?" James asked.
"Ladies things," she shrugged.
"I don't see any," Sirius said.
"You should probably look at yourself in the mirror," Lily retorted.
"Yeah. Because I see one sitting right in front of me," Kitty added looking at Sirius.
Sirius scoffed. "I'd make a radiant lady than you both."
"Oh, yes you do," Remus and James said in unison.
xxxxxxxxxx
"Hello there beautiful ladies," Sirius walked into the busy kitchen of Stinchcombe. "And Lily, Pryde," he smirked.
"Hello to you too, you ugly woman," Lily mimicked him.
Sirius made a face at her. "Mmmm...smells delicious. What are you making? Oh! You're making those sweet meatballs again? What are they called? Some jam..."
"Gulabjamun," Kitty sighed. "Don't," she smacked him on the hand as he was attempting to take the dessert that was before her. "Wash your dirty hands first!"
"I already did. I'm cleaner than you are," he scoffed.
"Your hand was in your pocket a moment ago and Ravenclaw knows what was in it!"
"This thing you have, isn't cleanliness. It's OCD," Sirius told her as he washed his hands grudgingly. "Happy?" He asked as he grabbed a spoon and took the dessert.
"Ewwwww... BLACK! You're spilling the syrup on my hair!"
Sirius didn't stop and did it again, spilling more syrup, purposely.
"Black!" She shrieked and pushed him.
The syrup trickled down her forehead.
"Ugh!"
Sirius laughed.
Kitty's wand slid down her sleeve and she pointed it at his throat.
"Woah!" Sirius was taken aback. "I don't think that's a good idea, Pryde," he chuckled. He found the look on her face amusing.
"You think so?" She raised an eyebrow.
"I know so," he shrugged. "And you know who is going to win. Me."
"You dream a lot," she scoffed.
"I make my dreams come true," he said with a cocky grin.
"And I can shatter your dreams," she said calmly, taking a step closer to him and looking into his eyes.
"You talk too much," he laughed.
"Only the facts," she shrugged.
"You think so?"
"I know so," she tilted her head.
"You know you'll lose," he said as a matter of factly.
"Try me," she challenged.
"How about tonight?" he tilted his head.
"Sweet. I missed my practice today anyway," she replied.
"Katherine Potter and Sirius Black," Euphemia's stern voice froze them. When you are called by your full name, it means you're screwed up.
"I should perhaps turn one of you into a clock and the other one into a mirror, so that you could look at each other and realize what you are doing," she raised her eyebrows, twirling her wand.
"Sorry, mum," they both mumbled.
"Umm... isn't there a story where a clock fell in love with the mirror in front of it...or the other way around?" Kitty asked nervously smiling.
"Or perhaps Guinea pigs?" Euphemia asked.
"No, we are good," Sirius nodded. "I'll go and check how the lads are doing," he said and ran out of the kitchen.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"No, Lily! I'm not putting anymore make up on!" Kitty exclaimed. "My skin needs to breathe!"
"Anymore makeup?" Lily scoffed. "What actually is on your face right now is a lipstick and a winged eyeliner." She was leaning on the door.
"Yeah, I don't have them on everyday so that's enough," Kitty mumbled.
"The hell it is," Lily snapped at her and walked in.
It was a regular drama. Lily tries to persuade her put on some makeup and Kitty keeps groaning and whining. But Lily wouldn't take any of it today.
"Lily," Kitty groaned. "I don't like makeup. I've never put on makeup. Well, not on my own," she shrugged. "And I don't even have any—"
"Oh, shut up already!" Lily cut her off. "I know. And I brought everything you need. So, give me your face for few minutes and I'll work my magic," she grinned and walked over to Kitty, showing her the small bag she's been carrying.
"I can't win, can I?" Kitty sighed.
"Nope," Lily smirked.
"Don't touch my eyebrows. No heavy makeup!"
"I know. All natural look. I've worked on your face before. On my wedding, to be precise."
"Fine," Kitty grumbled.
Just like she said, Lily worked real fast. She was done in few minutes.
"There. Now you look perfect," she grinned.
Kitty looked at herself in the mirror. "I look hideous!"
"No you don't! That is nude makeup. It doesn't even look like there's makeup on!"
"It does! Look. I told you not to touch my eyebrows! Mascara...wait," she said moving closer to the mirror. "Did you...did you do smokey eyes? Smokey eyes? Smooth skin. My face looks flawless!"
"Merlin's beard! That is why they call it make up! It makes you look flawless! What is wrong with you?" Lily groaned. "You look perfect. I just highlighted your best features. Your stupid big eyes with long lashes and those 'I don't need shaping because I'm so perfect' eyebrows. And it's all natural. Even you did not realize until you looked closer. Stop whining or I will hex you. Now, what should I do about your hair?"
"Don't even think about it. Leave my hair alone. I'll do something normal. By the way, your hairstyle is cool."
Lily did a waterfall braid.
A knock on the door interrupted them and they turned to look who it was.
"How long are you going to take?" James asked.
"Five minutes," Kitty replied.
He looked from Kitty to Lily. "You both look beautiful," he said with a smile that reached his eyes.
Both the women are in beautiful flowing red gowns.
Lily was wearing a sweetheart strapless red gown.
Kitty was wearing an off shoulder gown. Both the gowns were embroidered and studded with golden crystals at the necklines and back. They looked beautifully elegant.
"Okay. If this is where you go and kiss him, don't do it here. I don't wanna go blind," Kitty said.
"Oh, shut up. Anyway, talking about kisses, Sirius mentioned something in the morning—"
"Lily!" James cut her off hastily. "Come here. I want to show you this!"
Lily frowned. She knew he was trying to stop her from saying. Nevertheless, she walked over to him. "Do something with your stupid hair and come quickly. The guests should be arriving by now," she said as she followed James calmly.
"Spill," she said when they're alone.
"Do not mention anything. She doesn't know it," James said hastily.
"I figured that out myself funnily."
"Alright," James sighed running his fingers through his hair, messing it up. "This isn't my secret so I can't tell you completely. But... Long story short, one night she was having a nightmare and Padfoot was with her. There... There was moment...where she might have thought she was sleeping and dreaming."
"Uhuh."
"And... Something happened between them and she kissed him on his neck."
"What?!"
"Yeah," James chuckled nervously.
"And?"
"And?"
"What happened next, James?"
"Uh .. Well, Padfoot might've kissed her back. On her neck of course."
"And?"
"And that's all," he said running his fingers through his hair.
"James?"
"Well, they had this close moment. Padfoot did nothing, if that's what you're asking. They just cuddled."
"Cuddled?"
James nodded.
"Sirius and Kitty?"
He nodded again.
"He did not do anything?"
"Well, not to her anyway. And I think since that night, he might have been having conflicting feelings towards hear."
"Really?! Are you talking about Sirius?"
"I can't believe it either," he laughed. "But apparently he told me that he feels something different when he is closer to her. Tugging in his heart."
"So, that's why he was annoyed when he heard about Dearborn?"
"I think so."
"Wow!" She breathed. "I'm loving it."
"I know," he grinned. "It's totally an interesting game."
"They're totally oblivious!"
"Exactly. Moony and I are actually having bets on who would snap first."
"You mean gits," Lily laughed.
"Alright I'm done," Kitty said walking over to them.
She let her shoulder length feathery hair fall freely over her shoulders and added a small cute crystal side clip. Her hair was feathery and always side parted, so the side swept fringe usually fell into her eyes. She was wearing her new Potter gold chain, which looked pretty around her neck. And she looked really beautiful. "What are you laughing at?"
"Oh, nothing," James said. He looked from Lily to Kitty. "Did you...did you use Sleekeazy?"
"Yes," they grinned.
"Why? What are you trying to do to me?" He groaned. "Alright, just wait here for a moment. There's a last thing you should be wearing." He said that and hurried into the room on his right.
"Wear more? What are we supposed to wear? Cloaks?" Kitty scoffed.
"5 points to Katherine," James came out with two cloaks in his hands.
"You had to ask," Lily mumbled.
"Here, this is yours and this is yours," he gave them their cloaks.
"You must be kidding me," Lily said looking at her cloak. "All my life, I've never seen a golden cloak."
The cloaks fell like liquid gold. They were transparent and had the Potter's crest in the center.
"Well, it's the Potter family thing and it's just for few hours."
"They look beautiful," Kitty said in awe. "Where is your cloak?'
James was wearing an ivory suit which fitted his athletic body perfectly. He was hot.
"Oh, mine is more fancier," he laughed.
"I hope we don't look hideous," Kitty said.
"How could you tell without trying it on?" He asked. "Go on."
Lily and Kitty reluctantly put on the cloaks.
"You look good," Lily told Kitty.
"You too," Kitty replied.
"You both look beautiful," James said.
They stared at each other for a moment and walked back into the room to look in the mirror.
"Well, it's not that bad as I thought. It looks..." Lily trailed off examining herself in the mirror.
"Elegant?"
"You could say that."
"Well, I usually can't say what looks good and what looks bad. I find everything good. So, if you say I'm good, then I think I'm okay," Kitty sighed.
"Come on then. We don't want to be late, do we?" James called.
Lily turned back to say something but burst out laughing. Kitty joined her.
A red and gold cloak was dangling over his shoulder.
"Oh, come on! It's not that bad!" He sighed.
"I don't worry about my look anymore," Lily laughed.
James blew a raspberry and put on his cloak.
Kitty and Lily stopped laughing.
"I... I think we should be worrying," Kitty mumbled.
His hotness was doubled. The addition of the cloak on his suit made him look more hotter somehow. His cloak wasn't transparent. It was like flowing liquid gold and blood. It also had the Potter's crest on it. He looked a bit royal, from a different age. Except for his messy hair and glasses.
"You were saying?" He asked with his signature cocky grin.
"Shut up," Lily rolled her eyes.
"Come on, let's go," he said.
They three walked over to the stairs.
"Lily, can I wear trainers instead of these heels?" Kitty groaned as she wobbled. "The heel is more and this gown isn't helping."
"Oh, shut up! You are doing good," Lily replied from behind.
James and Lily were busy taking selfies in Kitty's phone.
"Stairs. Oh stairs," Kitty shook her head. "No stairs," she muttered under her breath slowly walking down the stairs. "Don't fall like you always do," she kept repeating. "Yes. You almost did it. A couple more steps—"
"Pryde?" A voice interrupted her.
Her heart skipped a beat. Reluctantly, she lifted her head to look at him.
"Confident, Kitty," she told herself. "Black," she smiled.
He was standing at the foot of the stairs, in a perfectly fitted black suit. "You look... different," his eyebrows creased.
"Sirius!" someone called and he turned to them.
"Lily?" Kitty looked over her shoulder. "See, I told you. Aaaahhhhh—"
And Oh so elegantly, she tripped. A wrong foot on the edge of the step and she was falling...
It was blank for a moment as she closed her eyes.
"Did...did you just fall for me?" Sirius nervously whispered in her ear.
Her heart leapt.
'I'm still on my legs,' she thought. 'He caught me before I could fall. But...why do I feel something different?'
She snapped her eyes open and his neck was before her eyes. She lifted her head up quickly to meet his nervous grey eyes.
"Are you alright?" Lily rushed to them. "OH!"
"Oooh," James cooed.
Kitty knew what was 'Different'. There was something pressing down there. At her chest. She quickly looked down. So did Sirius. There they were. Sirius' hands.
Kitty and Sirius quickly moved away from each other.
When she tripped, Sirius wasn't looking at her. But when she screamed, he quickly turned to her. He tried to stop her fall. But it was already late, she was almost on him. The most he could do to try and stop both of them falling was controlling the pressure and his body. Since she took him by surprise, he staggered when their bodies got in contact, with his hands ending up on her chest. His palms to be precise. He was cupping her twins.
All of this happened in seconds.
They quickly and nervously straightened themselves.
"Nice catch," James commented with a smirk.
Lily smacked him on his head and Kitty glared at him.
"Thanks," Kitty said without looking at Sirius and quickly walked away from them. Her heart was pounding and tugging. 'I don't want to be embarrassed anymore,' she groaned internally.
Sirius' eyes followed her.
"W...wait!" Lily went after Kitty.
"Ahem," James cleared his throat.
Sirius looked at him and then at his hands. He clutched his chest.
"You creep!" James looked at him in disbelief.
Sirius sighed and shook his head. "You're misunderstanding."
"Really?" James looked at Sirius' hand on his chest.
Sirius quickly grabbed James' hand and put on his chest. "Do you feel that?"
"Feel what?" James frowned.
"My heart pounding of course! And also the tugging!" Sirius replied.
James frowned. "I... I can feel your heart pounding. But..the tugging..." he frowned and shook his head.
Sirius took a deep breath. "Nevermind," he said dismissively. "She's beautiful," he mumbled.
"You fancy her, don't you?" James laughed. "Why don't you go and talk to her?"
Sirius scoffed. "After what just happened? And, no! I don't fancy her, James Potter!"
James scoffed. "About four years ago, after a brief encounter with Lily, I took your hand and placed it on my chest and asked you the same question that you just asked me."
"I told you I don't fancy her. This stupid pounding is because I was taken by surprise. Anyway, you look hideous," he said and scurried away.
"You don't fancy her? My arse," James laughed. "You fidgeted and didn't even look me in the eye when you said that," he mumbled to himself.
*My POV*
"Thanks," I quickly said and walked away...no...I ran for my life in those stupid heels. 'I don't want to be embarrassed anymore,' I groaned internally. "Why? Why? Why? Why? Whhhhhyyyyy?" I groaned when I walked out of the house and into the garden, where the dinner was supposed to take place... in a magical tent. "You stupid heart! Stop. Stop pounding so hard," I clutched my chest. "He...he had his hand on my babies," I muttered under my breath. "My babies! Why? Why now? Ugghh... That's not how I wanted it to be. And this damn dress is off shoulder and deep. Aaarrggghh!"
"Are you alright?" Someone asked.
I jumped startled and turned to look at the person.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," he said. "Are you alright? You seem to worry about something."
"Ken," I blinked. "You're here."
"Well, I was invited," he shrugged. "I'm a bit early, aren't I? By fifteen minutes," He chuckled nervously.
'Oh those dimples,' I thought."Nah! You are right in time," I smiled.
"You know, we were supposed to go out for our tea today but this came up and I.. and I know it would be impossible to talk today because you would be busy. So...I thought if I arrive a bit early..." he said with a nervous chuckle.
I couldn't stop gigglig. "Jacob Dearborn, did I tell you you're cute?"
"You might have mentioned it once," he smirked.
"Yeah. And I wasn't lying."
"You look gorgeous," he said looking into my eyes.
"Ah, don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Nothing," I chuckled and shook my head. "Thanks. You...you look se... gorgeous too."
He was wearing a light blue pinstripe suit that made his eyes stand out. His classy slick back and side combed hair made him look sexy.
He chuckled. "Yeah. I'm not in my usual lime green healer robes. So, I might be looking good."
"Good is an understatement."
He laughed. "Shall we go somewhere inside?"
"Sure."
He stretched out his arm and I took it. 'You better not fall or I'm gonna kill you,' I told myself.
*Sirius'POV*
My eyes followed her.
"W...Wait!" Lily went after her.
I just kept staring. My heart was pounding so hard that I could hear it in my head. And the constant tugging in my heart was telling me to go after her. Why is my body reacting this way?
Is that because my hands were on her twins? But it was totally accidental. I did not mean to touch her there. But oh, damn that was the best place my hands have ever been all my life. Is it 36 or 38? B for sure. Oh, don't get hard now, Sirius. Don't be a dick. My hands. Even though it's not right, why do I feel like this is the best thing my hands have ever done? It feels a hundred times better than sending a wild bludger to a nasty Slytherin's head or punching a death eater on the face. Why are my hands tingling?
"Ahem," Prongs cleared his throat.
I looked at him and then at my hands.
Why is my heart pounding? I clutched my chest.
"You creep!" he looked at me in disbelief.
I sighed and shook my head. "You're misunderstanding."
"Really?" He looked at my hand on my chest.
I quickly grabbed his hand and put on my chest. "Do you feel that?" I asked him desperately.
"Feel what?" He frowned.
"My heart pounding of course! And also the tugging!"
He frowned. "I... I can feel your heart pounding. But..the tugging..." he frowned and shook his head.
I took a deep breath. "Nevermind," I said dismissively. Only I feel it sometimes. Especially when I get close to her. "She's beautiful," I mumbled.
"You fancy her, don't you?" He burst out laughing. "Why don't you go and talk to her?"
I scoffed. "After what just happened? And, no! I don't fancy her, James Potter!"
He scoffed now. "About four years ago, after a brief encounter with Lily, I took your hand and placed it on my chest and asked you the same question that you just asked me."
It was true. I made fun of him then. Now, this is happening to me. Is this what karma is? No.
"I told you I don't fancy her. This stupid pounding is because I was taken by surprise. Anyway, you look hideous," I told him and ran for my life before he says something else I don't want to agree.
Am I too obvious? Lately, Prongs and Moony have been talking a lot about Pryde and that Dearborn bloke when we are together. Why are they doing it?
Oh damn! I told Prongs about the tugging thing before!
Do I fancy her? Do I like her?
Prongs was right. When he started falling for Lily, his heart pounded like hell every time he saw her or talked to her, even though she was cursing him.
"What the fck is going in with me?" I groaned.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Pryde," I mumbled.
Time we spent together over the past four months flashed before my eyes. My heart took a leap every time moments where we were awfully close flashed. Smile crept on my lips when I heard our silly arguments in my head.
"Why don't you go and talk to her?" Prongs voice echoed in my head.
I sighed. I should maybe apologize? Why should I? It was accidental. But she did not look me in the eye. She might've thought that it was intentional. No, Pryde isn't shallow.
But... Should I talk to her? Or maybe not. I...
"I'm Sirius Black! Why am I confused and nervous?! What the hell are you doing to me?" I groaned.
My heart's forcing me to find her.
"Alright, fine!" I sighed. "I'll find her," I told my heart. "So stop bloody pounding!" I clutched my chest and made my way to the garden. She must be there.
Ah! She was looking beautiful in red and gold. No. She was sexy.
"So...I thought if I arrive a bit early..." I heard a voice.
I heard her giggle. "Jacob Dearborn, did I tell you you're cute?"
I stopped in my tracks. I got behind a tree so I'd stay hidden.
"You might have mentioned it once," he replied.
"Yeah. And I wasn't lying."
"You look gorgeous," he said looking into my eyes.
"Ah, don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Nothing. Thanks. You...you look se... gorgeous too," she replied.
Was she about to say sexy?
I felt a pang in my heart.
Late. I'm always late.
I couldn't see her. But I can hear the smile in her voice.
I did the only thing I could do.
I turned back to walked away. But stopped.
"Walk away? Walk away?" I muttered under my breath. "Why should I walk away? I'm Sirius Black. I don't walk away. I should do what I always do."
*Third Person's POV*
"Walk away? Walk away?" Sirius muttered under his breath. "Why should I walk away? I'm Sirius Black. I don't walk away. I should do what I always do," he said with an evil grin.
He stood there behind the tree and listened to their conversation, scheming.
He saw them walking back, arms linked.
"Pryde!" He called her running towards them.
Kitty stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes widened and heart started to pound again.
Kitty and Jacob turned around.
"Pryde!" Sirius panted as he approached them.
"B.. Black," Kitty didn't meet his eyes.
"Dearborn," he smiled.
"Black," Jacob replied with a warm smile.
"I've been looking for you," Sirius told Kitty.
"M...me? Wh... why?"
"Why?" He chuckled. "Well, maybe because of what happened moments ago."
Kitty's eyes widened.
"I... I wanted to apologise," Sirius said with a smile.
"Uh...it's okay," she told him. "Let's go," she pulled Jacob's hand.
"W..wait!" Sirius said. "How can you say it's okay?"
Jacob looked from Sirius to Kitty, totally confused.
"Black," Kitty said through gritted teeth. "It's okay."
"Pryde, if it's okay, you would look me in the eye and talk, right?" He said.
Kitty looked him in the eye. " It's okay," she told him. "Let's go," she said hastily and pulled Jacob's hand.
"Oh, come on, Pryde! It's clear that it's not okay. Why are you trying to run away?" He said with a smirk.
Kitty narrowed her eyes. She knew something wasn't right.
"I'm sorry for what happened near the stairs. It wasn't intentional," Sirius said with his cocky grin.
"It's fine. It was an accident," she replied. She was trying hard to get Jacob and herself away from him.
"But still," Sirius said. "I shouldn't have done that."
Jacob realized he should give them space. "Umm... I think I should be—"
"It's okay," Kitty cut him off. "We are done here."
"Pryde—"
"Black. It was an accident. Shit happens."
"Still," Sirius continued, with the evil grin etched in his face. "I shouldn't have touched you there." Sirius raised his hands.
Kitty's heart threatened to explode. Jacob's eyebrows shot up. 'What are you doing?' she growled at him in his head.
"I know," Sirius continued with a serious expression, totally enjoying the moment. "I know you don't like being touched without your permission and... I...I touched you... somewhere I shouldn't be touching at all. Especially in this dress. But in my defense, I was totally taken by surprise. One moment I was talking to someone one and the next moment you were falling from the stairs on to me," he started explaining animatedly. "It was late before I could do anything and...it happened. My hands reacted fast. I know it was an accident. But...the only reason I'm apologizing is because you hate anyone touching you," he said hastily. "She doesn't like human contact," he told Jacob looked nervously at Kitty and their hands.
"What?" Kitty said surprised. "No...no... he's just kidding. I don't hate human contact," Kitty told Jacob holding his hand tight. "Black," she turned to Sirius glaring daggers.
"Don't do that!" Sirius said mock hurt.
"Do what?" She asked confused.
"The eye thing. Stop glaring daggers at me," he replied with a teasing smile.
She took a deep breath. "Thanks," she said through gritted teeth. "For saving this damsel in distress. I'm so sorry that I tripped and fell...on you. It was an unfortunate event. Now, if you don't mind, Ken... Jacob and I have something else to do." With that, she grabbed a totally confused and surprised Jacob away from evil Sirius Black.
"Oh, and by the way!" Sirius called after them. "Mum's been looking for you for hours!"
He laughed as Kitty screamed, 'I'M GOING TO KILL YOU,' in his head.
"Please don't mind him," Kitty told Jacob. She felt bad and angry. She knew it might have been awkward for him, listening to Sirius blabber bull shit. "He was..."
Jacob squeezed her hand and chuckled. "When I was at school, there was a group of young Gryffindor lads messing around with couples. They usually sneaked up on couples in broom closets or any secluded place, just ruining the moment. I was a victim too," he laughed. "I heard they even messed around in Hogsmeade. They were a nightmare to couples."
"James, Sirius, Remus and Peter," Kitty chuckled.
He nodded. "I still don't understand how they found people," he frowned. "You see, one moment the whole area is empty and the next moment you hear someone calling your name."
"No one ever did anything?" She asked.
"Well, they were quick. Also, if the teachers found out that you were out of bed, you are dead."
"True," she laughed.
"How was your school?" He asked.
"Uh... My school?" Kitty chuckled nervously. "What should I say? Ummm...". She was prepared for such questions. She was given a script to memorize. But he wasn't like everyone. He is a person who showed interest in her. So she decided to give her own answer. "Well, never liked it much. That place wasn't for me. I'm a free spirit...a feminist. But, the society wants women to live by some rules. Be it a wizarding or a muggle community. Being rebellious by birth, and who hates being bound by chains, I always got into trouble. So, I was homeschooled."
He smiled. "Like you said earlier, shit happens."
"Yeah," she smiled. "Oh, there's mum."
Kitty saw Euphemia talking to Remus and walked over to them.
"Mum!"
Euphemia turned around.
"Wow! You are gorgeous!" Kitty smiled.
Euphemia was wearing a red gown embroidered with gold and a golden cloak too. But they were totally different from that of Lily's and Kitty's. It was Victorian style.
Remus was wearing a black suit and cloak. His hair was slicked back and his green tie brought out his eyes.
"Thank you," Euphemia smiled brightly. "You are stunning. We believed we had five sons and a daughter. Today you made me realize it's actually four sons and two daughters. Oh, Fleamont will be pleased," she laughed and Jacob and Remus joined her.
"Mum!" Kitty groaned. "Anyway, Sirius told me you were looking for me. Oh, this is Jacob Dearborn by the way. Jacob this is mum and this is Remus."
Euphemia, Jacob and Remus laughed. "I know who he is. I was their mentor at Mungo's," she said.
Kitty was surprised. "Oh!" She chuckled nervously. "I didn't know that," she looked from Jacob to Euphemia.
"I was looking for you to let you know that he arrived," Euphemia added. "I told Sirius to tell you."
"Oh! He didn't," Kitty replied. She looked at Remus. He was trying hard not to laugh.
She mind linked him. 'What?'
'Lily told me an interesting story,' Remus replied.
'Remus John Lupin, I hate you.'
'Really?' he made puppy eyes.
'Sod off!'
"The guests will be arriving soon. Why don't you go in?" Euphemia said.
Kitty nodded.
"And get our guest a drink," Euphemia smiled.
"Noted," Kitty smiled back.
Jacob and Kitty walked into the enchanted tent.
Kitty gasped in surprise. It was beautiful. It was lit with candles hanging in mind air. It looked like a banquet hall. The tables were all set. They were all round tables, except one, which was in the centre, with five chairs.
The decorations had Potter's crest.
"Wow," Jacob whispered under his breath.
They got themselves a drink and talked for a while. And soon the guests began to arrive. Kitty excused herself from Jacob and joined her family. And Jacob joined his.
Fleamont and Euphemia were both in Victorian style robes and clothes, unlike James, Lily and Kitty. Kitty thought Fleamont and Euphemia looked sexier than anyone in the party.
Sirius' cloak had the Black crest, without the motto, that he wore grudgingly. His silvery grey tie brought out his eyes.
Peter too wore a black suit. And a blue tie to match his eyes.
People were all talking and having drinks and Kitty waited for everything to get over. She felt nervous and anxious.
'Would you just take a deep breath and calm down so we could be at peace too?' she heard Sirius' voice in her head.
'Woah! Is the mind link thing open?' she asked surprised.
'Yes!' she heard many voices.
'Ah! You are the reason why I'm anxious right now?' Regulus groaned.
'Wait! You are connected too?' Kitty asked.
'Yes!' came multiple replies. 'Who else is connected?'
'Woah! Seems like I'm connected to all and you aren't all connected,' Kitty replied.
'Maybe. We could just feel you,' Remus said.
'Sorry. I'll...control,' Kitty replied and took a deep breath. She concentrated hard and she felt a bit better.
"Better," Lily whispered in her ear.
When it was time for dinner, they were all seated at their tables. Fleamont took the high chair. Euphemia sat on his right and James on his left. Kitty sat next to Euphemia and Lily, next to James.
Kitty noticed that the Order was seated along the edges and the corners.
Fleamont clinked his glass to get everyone's attention.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you all and thank you for joining us, especially on such a short notice. I know these are dark times and most of us prefer to stay home. But I assure you that this place is protected with strong enchantments. So, we are all safe," he beamed. "We have quite talented aurors here with us and also Albus. Well, I'm in a good shape too," grinned.
Everyone laughed.
Dumbledore was sitting in the table next to them, along with Moody, Robert McGonagall and few older people.
"I guess you have all met Katherine. So without further ado, I officially introduce you, our daughter, Katherine Potter, a new addition to our small family.
Kitty got to her feet and bowed to everyone, and sat again.
"Mum...am I supposed to talk too? Please don't tell me I should," she whispered in Euphemia's ear.
"Of course dear! I thought James told you that?"
"No he didn't! Merlin's pants. What am I supposed to talk?"
"Anything. Just a few words. You were supposed to end it."
"I'm screwed."
"Don't worry. You'll be fine," Euphemia chuckled.
Fleamont continued talking about Kitty's family and how she came became a Potter. As they told before that she was a distant relative, they stuck to the story.
Meanwhile, Kitty was waging a mental war with James.
'James you absolute git! You gave me a script of answers but you never told me that I should talk!' she screamed as she mind linked him.
James slightly flinched.
'Blimey! I really forgot!' he replied.
'What should I do now?'
'Say something!'
'What?'
'Anything!'
'Anything? Like... Hello, jagsjdkdmlshaaggajsjsdn? Look at those people!'
'You can do it. It's just a few words. Be careful and be yourself.'
'Which one? I can't do both!'
'Oh, come on! You blabber non stop for hours!'
'Blabber? Yeah! This? Noooo!'
'You can do it. You are a Potter. Breathe. Breathe.'
'Yeah. Ok. Ok. Stay calm and breathe. And kick James' arse later.'
James chuckled.
Kitty took a deep breath and looked around. She found what she was searching for. A pair of grey eyes, already staring at her. He had his signature smirk etched on his face, struggling hard not to laugh.
'Having fun, Black?' she mind linked him.
Sirius, the Lupins and the Pettigrews were sitting at the table on their right.
'You should look at yourself now, Pryde. You'd be having fun too,' Sirius replied.
'I told Lily I look ridiculous!' she groaned.
'No. You look beautiful. I'm talking about your face. You look like a deer caught in headlights. I'm trying hard not to laugh.'
'Sod off, Black.'
'Why so nervous?'
'Apparently James forgot to tell me that I'm supposed to say few words too.'
'What's the problem?'
'What's the problem? Look at those people. You know I'm rubbish at talking to older people.'
'You are rubbish at loads of things.'
'Sod off, git!'
She cut off the mind link.
Euphemia was talking by then. She was telling everyone how happy she is to have two daughters because she had been dealing with boys, Fleamont, James, Sirius, Remus and Peter, all her life.
Then James said a few words about Kitty and how he's happy to have a sister like her.
Then Lily said a few words about how happy she is to be a part of the Potters and to have a sister like Kitty who always had their back.
It was Kitty's turn and Euphemia nudged her.
Kitty took a deep breath and got to her feet.
"Good evening, everyone," she smiled. 'Shit! I'm dead,' she thought. "Thank you all for joining us tonight. Ummm... Pardon me for I'm not really a good talker. So I'll just say a few words."
People chuckled.
She took a deep breath. "Well, not even in my wildest dreams I thought I'd stand here and talk to you as a Potter. I'm really honored and blessed to a part of this family. I still wonder where would I be and what would I be doing, if not for these wonderful people here.
They taught me few things...
They taught me to never give up though you are powerless or if things are not in your favour. Be it a problem or a battle. And especially, never give up on the person you love.
They taught me to see good in everyone and everything.
They taught me to fight for what is just and right.
They taught me that family is the greatest treasure and do everything you can to keep them together and safe.
They taught me to trust and have faith in friends.
They made me realize that the greatest and the most powerful weapon is love and we need to spread it and share it. The more you share, the stronger and powerful you become.
They taught me that sometimes you have to sacrifice for a greater good.
At first, when I saw the family motto, 'Brave and Pure', I was like...meh...
But later I realized, on detailed observation, the crest was in the shape of a heart. And what the motto actually meant was 'Brave and Pure at heart'.
It fits, doesn't it?
You need a brave and a pure heart to never give up, see good in everyone, fight for what is just and right, secure your greatest treasure, trust and have faith in your friends...and above all, you need a brave and a pure heart to love someone.
I am truly honored and blessed to be a Potter.
A warm father, a loving mother, a brave brother and a fierce sister," she said looking at Fleamont, Euphemia, James and Lily. "I'm proud to be a Potter. Thank you for everything," she told them and turned to the guests. "I feel like I should tell you this. I know these are dark times. Let me remind you that we have the greatest weapon to defeat everything. Love. It is the light to defeat darkness. Don't... Don't fight to die. Fight to live... To live for the ones you love."
"Hear hear!" Few people shouted and raised their glasses and the others joined in and applauded.
"To love and to live!" James raised his glass and everyone joined in.
Kitty nodded and sat down.
'Breathe, Pryde,' she heard his voice in her head.
Kitty realized she was holding her breath. She looked at him.
Sirius and Remus raised their glasses, grinning. She smiled at them and turned to the table next to them.
Dumbledore was smiling at her, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Miss. Potter!" Kitty heard someone call her and turned to see the owner.
She then quickly snapped her head towards Sirius and Remus and mind linked them, and James.
'What the Fck is she doing here?'
'It's alright,' James replied.
"Ms. Potter, I have a question for you," Rita Skeeter smiled at her.
"Go on, miss Skeeter," Kitty smiled back.
The room was silent and listening to them.
"What you said was enlightening. But tell me, when you are facing a death eater, how can love save you?" Skeeter asked.
Kitty smiled at her. "What do you love the most, Ms. Skeeter?"
"I love many things," Skeeter replied adjusting her glasses.
"I mean apart from your... costume and make up, Ms. Skeeter."
Many chuckled.
Skeeter flushed red. "I love my job."
Kitty nodded. "Well, if you were in a duel with a death eater, you'd be on the ground before you say the word job," she smiled. "Black, what do you love the most?" Kitty turned to him.
"The Potters, Regulus, Moony and Wormtail," he replied.
"Remus?"
"My family and my friends."
Kitty smiled. Rita and many others looked confused.
"And they will fight and might survive," Kitty shrugged.
Rita opened her mouth to say something but Kitty cut her off.
"You did not follow everything I said, did you? I said don't fight to die but fight to live for the ones you love. It doesn't mean that the people we lost in battles did not love someone. It means they loved someone so much that they put up a good fight till their last breath. Being alive...it doesn't have to mean physically. Some people are alive even after their death. That means they fought to live."
"Hear hear!"
The young people cheered.
"Another question, Ms. Potter," Rita said. She was red in face.
Kitty groaned internally and smiled at her.
"Could you tell me about your parents?"
"I think I already spoke about them?"
"Not the Potters. Your birth parents."
"Oh! They were nice."
"And?"
"And...they're awesome because they gave birth to me!" Kitty grinned.
People were enjoying Kitty's and Skeeter's conversation.
"What is your age, Ms. Potter?"
"Hey! You aren't supposed to ask a woman's age. But... I can assure you that I'm way too younger than you."
"Yeah! She is a milk person. She doesn't have coffee or tea," James said.
People started laughing.
"Mr. Potter, were you not aware of the adoption laws?" Skeeter asked Fleamont. "Clearly, Ms Potter is not a teenager."
"Oh! Did I forget to mention that we've adopted her when she was 18?"
"But where was she all these years?"
"All these years?" Kitty scoffed. "You sound like it's been like 10years," she chuckled. "I was doing some research."
"Research? And what was that about?"
"Well, how to get away with murder. Hey! I'm not kidding. I studied criminal psychology," she added as everyone started to laugh.
Skeeter was getting redder and redder. She hated the way Kitty was answering her.
Though Kitty was answering with a straight face, she could sense the sarcasm in those answers.
Skeeter opened her mouth to ask another question but Fleamont interrupted.
"Alright, let the feast begin!" Fleamont said and in an instant the empty tables were filled with food.
"I messed up, didn't I?" Kitty asked Euphemia.
"No," she laughed. "You were cool. Oh, look at Skeeter's face."
"I was absolutely shocked to see her. She gets on my nerves. I don't know what she would write tomorrow."
"Don't worry about that. The editor warned her beforehand."
After dinner, Kitty was introduced to people personally again.
The others that were sharing the table with Dumbledore were Elphias Doge, Barty Crouch Sr and his wife.
The Weasleys, Longbottoms and the Prewetts were the largest families.
Kitty saw Sirius and Andromeda talking to two elderly women and laughing. They had the same aristocratic features.
Euphemia and Kitty walked over to them.
"Ah, Lady Potter," one of them chuckled.
Euphemia shook her head, smiling. "Callidora, Cedrella."
"Mum! I was just suggesting that I'd make T-shirts with the words 'Black Sheep' printed in bold letters. Aunt Cedrella, Andy and I would look dashing in them, won't we?" Sirius asked.
"I'm not wearing that, Sirius," Andromeda laughed and others joined in.
"Oh," Euphemia looked at Kitty. "Darling, this is —"
"Callidora Longbottom and Cedrella Weasley," Kitty smiled.
They all looked surprised.
"She sure knows us," Cedrella smiled.
"Well, Blacks can be spotted easily in a crowd," Kitty smiled. "You all have those striking aristocratic features. And, he called you a Black sheep," Kitty bit her lip. "So, I figured that you are Callidora and you are Cedrella."
"Striking aristocratic features, eh? You never told that you admire me, Potter," Sirius smirked.
"Unfortunately, you did not inherit those classic Black features," Kitty shrugged.
"Oh, you both! Not again!" Euphemia sighed and the other three women laughed.
"Hello Aunt Callidora, aunt Cedrella," James walked over to them, smiling. "Did you stop aging? Because you still look like you are in your twenties. Stunning."
The women laughed.
"Don't let your wife hear that," Callidora said.
"Where is she anyway?" Cedrella asked.
"She might be here somewhere. I'll go get her. Kitty, dad's asking for you," James said.
Kitty and James excused themselves and left.
"Skeeter's gone?" She asked.
"I don't know. Haven't seen her. She might want to have few more words with you," James laughed.
"It was hard controlling myself to not say anything snarky," she shook her head.
Fleamont introduced Kitty to the Longbottoms, Prewetts, Weasleys, MacMillans, Smiths, Bones, Diggorys, Abbotts, McKinnons, Vances, Podmores, Dearborns, Meadowes'.
Kitty was totally surprised when she met Porpentina and Newton Scamander. She couldn't speak for few moments.
"Merlin's beard! I'm a big fan of yours," was the first words that blurted out of her mouth. "I just love your love story."
The Scamanders were surprised. Fleamont laughed and nudged Kitty indicating her to shut up.
"Meeting people and smiling," Kitty sighed. "My jaw hurts," she groaned.
She escaped to a secluded spot. The men were all gathered at one corner and the women at the other, talking about everything in the world.
And there was Rita Skeeter, eavesdropping on them.
"Constant vigilance, Potter!" Moody barked.
Kitty jumped startled. She did not notice him sitting near her.
"Keeping an eye on everything?" She asked.
Moody grunted.
"So how are things going?" She asked.
"The way they should never go."
She sighed. "One day they'll go the right way."
He nodded.
"Anyway, when are we going to Azkaban?"
He looked at her.
"We didn't finish the map."
"Those maps are giving me a headache. It is hard to read them in crowded places."
"We have to do something about it," she nodded. "We'll find a way."
After a long pause Moody grunted. "The kids."
"What?"
"The kids are trying to sneak butterbeers," he growled.
"I'll take care of them," Kitty said and got to her feet and walked over to the table Moody showed her. It was a table in the corner and no one was there.
"Ewww... I don't like this table. I will put this on fire," she said.
Quickly, six kids crawled out from under it.
Kitty looked at them and raised her eyebrows.
"Hello," a red head boy grinned.
"Hello, Bill. Having fun are we?"
Bill's eyes widened. "How do you know my name?"
"You must be Charlie, and you must be Dora," she said looking at another red head kid and a kid with bright pink hair. "And you are?" She looked at the other three kids.
"I'm Aldrich Bones and this is my brother Arnold," a brunet replied.
"I'm Olivia Abbott," a little blonde said meekly.
"And what are you doing under the table?" Kitty asked.
"Umm... We're playing hide and seek!" Bill replied.
"Hide and seek or hiding and sneaking butterbeer?"
Dora, and the other three kids looked like deer caught in headlights.
"Butter... butterbeer? What is it?" Bill put up a fake innocent and confused face.
"The thing you are trying to smuggle," Kitty replied.
"Smuggle? What does it mean?" Charlie asked.
'Oh, you are asking me what smuggling is? The one who smuggled a dragon from Hogwarts to Romania.'
"Do you know what your mums are going to do when they find out what you are doing?" Kitty sighed. "Butterbeer and all... Not today, kids. Some other time," she winked. "Now, off you go!"
"So...so... You won't tell our mums?" Dora asked.
"Do you want me to?"
They all shook their heads.
"Then off you go. Remember, I'm watching you," Kitty said sternly.
The kids nodded and scurried away from her.
Kitty kneeled and looked under the table. There were two glasses of butterbeers. She put her hand in to take them out.
"Is there another room down there?" Someone asked.
She quickly got up to see who it was.
There he was, with his hands in his pockets and smirking.
"Ken," she chuckled. "The kids left these under the table."
"You mean snuck?"
"You could say that," she laughed. "Enjoying yourself?"
"Maybe I'm starting to," he smiled. "Come on," he pulled out a chair for her. "By the way, you were quite good back there."
"Ah, I donno. I just blabbered whatever came into my mind. Hey! I didn't see your parents!"
"Oh, they couldn't come. It's just my sister and I."
"Your sister?" Kitty asked confused.
"Yeah. Alice. I guess you know her."
"Alice? You mean Alice Longbottom?" She asked surprised.
"I thought you knew," Jacob chuckled.
"No. No one told me," she shrugged.
They both talked and talked. Which of course did not go unnoticed by few people.
Especially a pair of grey eyes that searched for her always, either to annoy or prank her.
The Order members were sitting at a table and talking, laughing and drinking.
"Who is that Katherine is talking to?" Gideon asked.
"Wait," Dorcas frowned. "Is that..."
"Yes, it is my dear cousin, Jacob," Caradoc replied.
"What is he doing here?" Fabian asked. "I thought it was just heads of the houses and friends."
"Yeah. About that, mum and dad are in France at the moment," Alice replied. "And I heard that Jacob was personally invited."
"Woah! Stop right there. Come again?" Frank said.
"Personally invited?" Gideon asked surprised looking from Jacob and then to the pair.
"Yeah, I know," Caradoc shrugged.
"He needs it though," Alice smiled.
"How do they even know each other?" Dorcas asked.
"Hey, Remus!" Frank called. "Could you fill in us here?"
Remus looked at James and Sirius. "Uh...they met during that attack in Diagon Alley."
"You mean the attack that was covered up with Black's and her story?"
"Yes," Sirius replied.
"No. He told me he first saw her at Mungo's. There was an argument and she punched someone in the face," Alice said.
"Well," Lily cleared her throat. "She punched Cygnus Black on the face that day," she giggled.
"She did what?!" they all asked at once.
"You mean Bellatrix's father?" Dorcas asked.
"The very one," Sirius smirked.
"And he did nothing?" Alice asked.
"Well, Orion Black whipped out his wand but Sirius disarmed him before he could do anything. And healer Tonks asked them to leave the place," Lily replied.
"Woah! Why didn't we know about this?" Dorcas asked.
"Why did she punch him anyway?" Frank asked.
Lily told them the whole story.
Gideon sighed. "I was planning on to ask her out. I guess I'm late."
Marlene scoffed. "What do men see in her anyway?"
Multiple answers came out.
"Eyes."
"Those lips."
"Lips."
"Guts."
"That rear!"
"Bristols!
"Butt."
"Bazookas!"
"The ice sculpture."
James snapped his head at them. "Hey! That's my sister you are talking about!"
"Sorry, mate. Honest opinions," Gideon laughed.
Marlene scoffed.
"Pervs," Alice, Lily and Dorcas muttered.
"Prongs, could you get a bug repellent, mate? I see files and bugs here!" Remus said.
"Yeah, sure!" James nooded and got to his feet.
A fly which just landed on someone's cloak, quickly flew away from the place.
"Oh, the bug understood what I just said," Remus said amused.
James, Sirius, Remus and Lily shared glances.
A moment later, Rita Skeeter approached them.
Remus nudged James.
"James Potter," Rita grinned showing her pearly whites.
"Rita Skeeter," James mimicked in her voice.
The smile fell off her face and she straightened herself. "I'd like to ask you a few questions."
"Oh, you're still here? I thought you left already! Eavesdropping on conversations are we?" Sirius asked grinning.
"Uh...no. Why would I do that? I've been interviewing few people," she replied hastily. "May I know where Katherine Potter is?"
"I guess you know already," Lily smiled. "I mean you are a journalist and no one goes unnoticed by a journalist's eye."
Rita giggled.
"I feel like I want to vomit," Remus commented.
Rita heard it and cleared her throat and opened her notepad. Her magic quill started to scribble. "So, Mr. Potter. How long have you known Katherine?" She asked.
"Since I was eleven."
"When did you first meet?"
"I think it was New year's."
"What do you know about her family?"
"I've never met her parents. But she was close to her grandfather."
"What do you feel about this whole adoption?"
"Well, it was my idea. She was already a cousin of mine. And when she lost all her family, I told my parents that it'd be nice if I have a sister."
"So it was that simple?"
"Like I said, she was family and my dad is her godfather."
"What about her other blood relatives back in India?"
"There's no one left."
"So how is your relationship with her?" She asked Lily.
"We're best friends."
"Were you aware of the adoption, before you got married?"
"Yeah."
"Mr. Black," she turned to Sirius. "I've heard you've been living with the Potters for years."
"Yes and no. I lived with them for quite some time. But now, I have my own flat."
"What is the relationship with the Potters?"
"Like I said before, they're my family."
"What is your relationship with Katherine?"
"My my...you are interested in us, aren't you? Why don't you ask her yourself? See, she's right there," Sirius pointed out to where Kitty and Jacob were sitting.
Skeeter nodded and quickly walked their way.
"Sirius are you really trying to ruin their moment now?" Alice asked.
"Nah! I just want to see Skeeter get burned," Sirius replied.
'Pryde, how much do you hate me?' he mind linked her.
He saw her sigh. 'What?' She asked.
'On a scale of 1 to 10,' he said.
'Ummm...3...but if you don't stop interrupting us, it'd be 8.'
'Awww... What if I told you I'm sending Skeeter your way?'
She literally jumped startled in her chair and Jacob looked confused. 'Oh I'm never gonna forgive you!' she growled.
At that very moment, Skeeter approached her.
"Come on," Sirius got to his feet. "Let's have some fun."
"You do know Skeeter's a bitch and writes absolute shite right?" Frank commented.
"Oh, we know how to shut her up," James grinned.
Kitty tried to run away before Skeeter got to her. But she was late.
"Ms Potter," Skeeter grinned.
"Ms Skeeter," Kitty groaned.
"I have few questions for you."
"Sure you do. But, can we do this some other time? I'm a little busy right now!"
By this time, the Marauders and the other members joined them.
"Just a few questions. I'll make it quick," Skeeter insisted.
"Three. Just three questions," Kitty shrugged.
"Choose you're best questions, Skeeter," Sirius said.
Skeeter nodded. "Question one. What do you do for a living?"
"Breathe, eat and sleep."
"Ha ha...that was a nice one. But seriously, what is your profession?"
Kitty sighed. "I... I'm an artist. You know... I sketch and paint people..."
"I know what an artist is," Skeeter said offended.
"I don't understand you, Ms Skeeter. Sometimes you want me to elaborate things and sometimes you don't."
People around snickered.
"Where is your workplace?"
"England is my work place."
Skeeter looked confused.
"I'm a... street artist," Kitty explained. "The streets of England are my workplaces."
"So, that means you don't have a regular job or income?"
"I earn enough. Besides, my work is challenging."
"Challenging?" Rita scoffed. "What's so challenging—"
"Because she could sketch a person in 5 minutes and paint in ten," Sirius smirked. "Without magic."
Skeeter raised her eyebrows. "Would you like to demonstrate?"
Kitty tilted her head. "I'm not in a mood. But you could come to my workplace and see for yourself."
Skeeter nodded. "So you must be happy to be adopted into one of the most richest families in Great Britain."
There were collective oohs and woahs.
Marlene chuckled.
"Hey!" James said.
But Kitty raised her hand and smiled at Skeeter. "By rich if you mean the best and the coolest family who have the biggest hearts and loves me unconditionally, then yeah I am happy.
And for your information, back in my country, my parents and grandparents owned two large houses, two cars, a motor cycle, some farms and lands, lot of gold... Indians are mad about gold, and my parents were paid good salaries too. So, if you're talking about money, I think I grew up in a rich household. And it's really a big thing for someone from a backward class community to be having such assets. Oh, by the backward class, I mean we're Christians and we belong to the backward class. It's complicated. Like we get discriminated by religion, castes, races, tribes and all...be it a wizarding or a muggle community. And, I graduated from a Muggle university too. So, I could pretty much get a job in a research or a science laboratory. But I don't want it.
I love music and art. I love adventures and challenges. And I hate to work in a closed room."
"Right," she nodded as the quill scribbled.
"So, we're done, I guess?" Kitty smiled.
"Skeeter! Weren't you supposed to ask the question you asked me earlier? You clearly wasted your opportunity," Sirius shook his head.
"Uh... One last question."
Kitty glared at Sirius.
"What is is your relationship with Sirius Black?"
Kitty was taken aback. "What?!" She looked from Skeeter to Jacob to Sirius and others. Everyone were looking at her intently. Remus and James were face palming. Lily groaned. Sirius was smirking.
Kitty took a deep breath. "What a disappointing question," she shook her head. "You seem to be interested in my love life. You think I, in your own words, 'an average looking witch' can be his partner?"
Rita looked around nervously.
"Can I ask you one question?" Kitty asked.
Skeeter shrugged. "How's your sperm bank business going?"
Everyone laughed.
Skeeter went beetroot red.
"No. I'm just asking out of concern. If it's not going well, here are some quite stunning men. Athletes and all. I could ask them to squeeze some for you so you could freeze it. The best specimen believe me," Kitty said with a straight face.
The men roared with laughter. Jacob hid his face in his hands and was shaking.
Skeeter was huffing. She grabbed her quill and notepad, and got to her feet. "Thanks for your time," she said with a fake smile and turned to leave.
Kitty quickly got to her feet and in two strides, reached her. "Skeeter," she called. "You know, that's how you hurt people when you ask stupid questions and write stupid stuff. So, I think you better keep in mind before you publish an article tomorrow. Of something goes wrong, you could be sued for defamation. And if you still don't care about it and are planning to write stupid stuff, then I will be forced to tell someone a secret I know. A little birdie told me that you are scared of bug repellents. I wonder why!" Kitty whispered with an evil grin.
Skeeter froze. Her heart started to pound. She was having a hard time to breathe.
"Someone give her water," Kitty said and Remus sent a glass of water towards her.
Skeeter took it and gulped down in one go and looked at Kitty wide eyed.
"Why would a fearless Rita Skeeter be afraid of a bug repellent?" Kitty stressed on the word bug. "I should ask some aurors."
"I'll...I will not write anything rubbish," Skeeter said nervously.
"Good," Kitty smiled. "I'm a very good secret keeper. I'll carry the secret to my grave then. Good night," she nodded and walked back to the group.
"What did you say to make her tremble?" Alice asked.
"Ah...this and that," Kitty smiled.
xxxx
Soon after, the guests started to leave.
"So, what about our plan tonight?" Sirius asked Kitty.
"You've got other plans?" Jacob asked.
"Wha...what plan?" Kitty asked confused. "And why are you trying to make things awkward?"
Sirius laughed. "Our duelling plan, Pryde."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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