Chapter 23

It was a Saturday afternoon. I had visited my parents earlier, my sister Eve had come to see them too and I was feeling much better about their condition. The improvements in their health were tangible and all the medi-witches and wizards were all extremely optimistic about they're progress and recovery.

But I was feeling stressed about all the payments that needed to be made. Eve had informed us that herself and Peter would be contributing whatever they could, but Father said that wasn't fair. With them in no condition to be working again soon, and myself at school, how were we going to cough up the money on time?

So here I was, doing what calms me down best whenever I'm stressed. Brewing.

I had snuck into Slughorn's potions classroom and set up my cauldron and began mindlessly brewing my favourite potion to brew in these times where my mind was preoccupied, a potion that mimics the scent of any flower petal dipped in it. It was a potion of my own experiment and invention, and soon the dank dungeon classroom was swirling with the delicious aromas of lotus, jasmine and freeshias. Only Lily and James knew of this quaint little habit of mine.

I dug into my small bag of flowers and selected a hibiscus petal and dropped it into the cauldron, stirring twice clockwise with my wand.

Perfect. I thought, taking a whiff.

"It smells like my naked body in here" a voice called from the door.

I dropped my wand in surprise and looked up.

I rolled my eyes, "hi Sirius"

"Hey" he grinned and walked over. "What are you doing?"

"Just brewing. I do this when I'm stressed" I chewed on my lower lip, embarassed.

"wait - Bells, did you come up with this potion on your own?"

"Yup" I popped the 'p'.

"That's - wow... That's amazing Bella!" He peered into the cauldron in wonder.

I chuckled nervously, "thanks, it took me a few months to come up with it. I call it the Florian Draught"

"It's incredible!" He exclaimed, leaning in a bit too close for comfort, continuing to stare confoundedly into the depths of the cauldron as if it held the secret of life inside.

"So do you want to be a perfume maker when you leave school? It smells heavenly in here" he inquired after finally pulling back.

"Um, no. Actually I've always wanted to be a healer."

He whistled, "that's great. You'll clearly be fantastic." He tilted his head down at me and grinned with appraisal.

I cleared my throat and muttered my thanks, flicking my hair over my ear, hoping it would cover my darkening cheeks.

"I've always loved potions ever since I was a little girl. I used to watch my mother make simple potions for scabs and cuts and try to learn them. So I already knew half the potions we learnt in first year before we got to school. I mean didn't make them directly at home because obviously I'm not allowed to use magic outside of school" I chuckled nervously again. "It's ah pretty nerdy but-"

"I think it's brilliant." He re-tucked my hair behind my ear, exposing my cheeks again.

After the eye contact was starting to make my breathing faster, I cleared my throat and looked away.

"So what do you want to be when you leave Hogwarts?" I asked.

He turned around and leaned on the table. "An Auror" he said with such certainty. "Always wanted to be, just like you. Since before I started school. James was the same, as you know. Part of the reason we bonded so fast."

"Ah so that's why you're taking Potions this year"

"The Auror program, yes. Though it would make it a heap easier if I had a quarter of your talent."

I smiled and continued to stir my potion.

"By the way," he said, standing straight again. "I came to give this to you. McGonagall found Lily and I this morning and handed us this letter telling us to give it to you right away, and seeing as she had a prefect meeting, here I am"

I tentatively took the envelope me handed to me. My stomach immediately tightened when I saw Miss Harper written in the same elegant cursive that delivered the bad news about my parents two months ago.

Seeming to sense my apprehension, he squeezed my hand briefly, and then turned to occupy himself with marvelling at my potion, presumably to give me my privacy. I reflected briefly on how sweet a gesture that was, before returning to my panic that set in as I tore the St Mungo's seal.

But it wasn't addressed from St Mungo's at all, no it was from my parents. They must have been allowed to have the letter posted directly from the hospital.

Like the first time, I read the letter. Then I read it again. And another time. I blinked, not believing what I was seeing on the parchment.

I must have stood there for about ten minutes, because Sirius who had been patiently quiet this whole time, whispered if I was alright.

I turned around, meeting his concerned gaze with wide eyes.

"This.. I don't believe this." I said, shaking my head, eyes scanning the parchment once again.

"Is everything alright?" Sirius asked again, the worry in his eyes growing.

I wordlessly handed him the letter.

He looked at me in surprise, then began to read it.

I watched his face light up, and told my self this was evidence that I had read it correctly the first time.

"Bella," He began to read aloud in an excited voice.

"You won't believe this, but a wizard names Phin has donated enough money to pay out hospital bills and house repairs! Your father and I can't believe it either!

The man left no other details and we have no idea who to find out who he is or thank him, but there is nothing to worry now dear, everything is alright!

We love you very much,"

"Bella this is amazing!" Sirius pulled me into a tight hug. I clutched at his back and tried to suppress my tears.

He was whispering encouragements and stroking my hair and back, and I closed my eyes, as an unbelievable wave of peace washed over me.

After rushing to the common room where we found Lily, Mary, Marlene, James, Remus and Peter, we told them the good news. I was so overwhelmed with relief that I couldn't soak in everyone's delight and comforts.

And so we all spent a perfect afternoon, chatting and relaxing together, I felt content and like everything was right.

So it was a whistle and a skip in my step by which I headed down to the Great Hall for dinner.

Sitting in our usual spot, we waited impatiently for our food, so I held back a groan when Dumbledore rose to make an announcement. Many other students didn't display the same self control.

The Headmaster raised his hands and all noises of complaints were immediately silenced.

"My dear students, I only wish to utter a simple sentence" he began in his mystical voice. "The Halloween Ball will be held in two weeks. Dig in"

He sat down with a sly smile and a twinkle in his eyes while the rest of the room erupted into all sorts of noise, excited gasps and tortured groans.

I blinked and looked down at my fork.

I looked up at Sirius who dropped a heavy wink followed by raised eyebrows.

I blushed and looked down, failing miserably to keep my lips from twisting into a smile.

From the corner of my eyes I noticed my friends were watching the interaction between Sirius and I with smug smiles, so I desperately averted my eyes.

I ended up locking eyes with Rodger.

He looked disappointed and...jealous?

Oh no how long was he looking at me?

I tried my best to apologise through my eyes, but he turned away.

Sirius looked at me and followed my gaze. I looked back at Sirius and saw his eyes tighten and look back at me.

I once again looked at my lap, the peaceful feeling I had been enjoying melting away instantly.

Review please!

- Sugar :)