Chapter 3
Disclaimer: Yet again, no ownership to anything Harry Potter. Just the creations that came from my mind I own.
Thanks," I said giving her a genuine smile. "You want to come over for the rest of the day, and catch up. Maybe see if Marley can make it over."
"Sure, sounds great. Let's go!" She said as we both ran towards The Leaky Cauldron.
After my get together with Vita and Marley, I decided I'd rather be alone my last day home. I sat around and listened to music. It was nice to see my friends, and at this point I was looking forward to this school year, minus the N.E.W.T exams. Those would be nerve racking. Now being the 1st of Sept. I would be leaving for Hogwarts. I took a glance around my room. I grabbed my precious diary. I did NOT want to leave that behind. As much as I've changed, that is still what helps me clear things up. I flooed to Kings Crossing and made it to Platform 9¾ with my trolley filled with luggage. She quickly made her way onto the train and into an empty compartment.
'Her friends would find her' just as the thought passed her mind a certain group of boys opened the door.
"Mind if we join?" Remus asked as the other three just piled in.
"Erm, sure," I chuckled realizing I didn't really have a choice as to if they would join me or not.
I turned and glanced around the compartment. James and Peter, across from each other, were deep in a quidditch discussion. Peter didn't have much skill, like James on the broom, but he loved to watch the game. I believe he's said he's gone to every Quidditch cup since he was 5. Beside me sat Remus deep in his book. Then I looked across from me. Sirius was sitting there staring at me. The playful hint gone, lost in a mixture of emotion. Our eyes seemed to be locked for an eternity, until the door whipped open.
"Liz, we've been looking for you all over. Way to sit with a bunch of boys before finding us." Vita playfully whined as she sat down next to Sirius.
"Liz, you're looking amazing. Love the hair, but you should change into your robes soon. We'll be getting to Hogwarts in a half hour or so." Marley said quietly.
"Oh I didn't even realize the time. Thanks for the reminder. Do you want to come with? We can catch up." I say and smile at her.
"Sure." Marley says. So us two head out for the bathroom.
"So what's with you being in a compartment with the infamous Marauders?" She questioned me.
"To be honest, I'm not quite sure. I didn't think they were serious at the Three Broomsticks when they said they would see me this year. I guess I underestimate people's statements sometimes." I reply, in somewhat confusion.
I quickly changed into my robes and was walking back alone because Marley had stopped in at a different compartment. When I was 3 or so feet away, my arm was tugged and caused my body to follow it, tumbling into a compartment. My assailant and I fell to the floor causing our bodies to entangle. As we straightened out I was gazing into eyes that made me shiver because of the intensity. It was the deep blue eyes of Sirius Black.
"Sirius?"
"Oh Liz, fancy meeting you here," He flashed his toothy grin at me. "What brings you to this cozy compartment?"
"Well you, duh. I happen to remember being dragged into here by force. Was that not your doing?"
"When I see a pretty lady walking by, I just can't control my animal instincts. I just have to run out and grab them." As saying this Sirius edges closer and closer, until he's breathing the word them on me. I just nod.
I get dizzy at his approach. I just need to stay cool. I can do it, or not. His body is just too close. I think he's talking. His mouth is moving. Oh my, his mouth looks good. I just can't look away. Maybe I should listen to him. It could be important right?
"…so you up for it?" He finished with an inquiring look.
"Wait, what? Sorry I zoned out for a minute." I shake my head slightly and stare at him as to listen, not look.
"I think you might be useful in a prank for us. If we ever need you, will you be willing to serve in mischief with us?"
"Well, I'll tell you when you ask me to join on a specific mission." I replied.
"Fair enough, but I can't give the specifics unless you say yes."
"Fine, whatever you say." I edge closer to the door. Hoping to escape his intoxicating scent. "I think maybe we should head back to the compartment. They might be missing us by now."
"Oh they won't miss us. They'll just think I'm with another girl, and you got held up in the bathroom. Nobody will miss either of us." He said without realizing what he actually said. He tried to pull me close.
No! I was not just some girl to be swooned with a few charming words. I was not a whore. I pushed back from him and gave him a death glare to end all glares.
"Well maybe I should go get held up in that bathroom, and you find a floozy to be with. That way it'll be a truthful excuse where we were." At that I stormed out of the compartment and flew into the bathroom. I simply sat on a toilet and wrote in my journal until I felt the train lurch to a stop.
At that point I felt exhausted from letting out all tension. I was devoid of all energy. I slowly walked to the compartment hoping all had left. Lady luck was on my side today, for it was completely empty except for my trunk with a note attached to the top.
Liz,
I'm sorry I'm such a prat. Forgive me and go to the first Hogsmeade trip with me?
Sirius Black
I don't think he's ever tried with another girl to amend things. Maybe I'm different. If only I could be different from those other girls. But in life I am. I'm not pretty like them, or have incredible flirting skills, or a whore. I have self respect for myself. I will not fall easily for a few nice words to cover up for a hurtful many. I'll stand up for myself!
I hurried to a carriage, not caring who was in there. As I stepped in and sat down, I was staring into liquid black eyes. Severus Snape, outcast of Hogwarts. He was not blessed with the good looks of say the Marauders. He had greasy long hair, skinny so you could see his bones, and just a sour look to his face. I don't think I had spoken a word to him since first year, when I had asked him if he was nervous about the sorting. He had admitted he was, but knew he had to get into a good house like Slytherin. That, he said, was the house his mother had been in. He had looked very proud when he stepped off the stool and sat at the table of his fellow dorm mates.
"Hello. Excited for this year to start?" I said cordially.
"Yes. To be rid of this school will be sorrowful, but relieving. No more late studying for a History of Magic exam nobody remembered." He answered with what seemed like may have been an attempt at a smile.
"I know what you mean. I think what had to be my worst subject last year was DADA. I just couldn't remember that stuff. I can do dates and names. Just not anything that would be useful outside of school. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me."
"Well, I'm sure if you need help in DADA I could spare a few minutes. Next time you need help, just ask."
"Sounds great! Oh looks like we're already at the castle. That was fast. Thanks for letting me join carriages with you."
"Anytime. Don't forget about my offer." He finalized the conversation by stepping out and walking off towards some Slytherin classmates.
I noticed Sirius first with him being so tall, and his messy jet black hair. I stayed clear away from him. Keeping my eyes on him I wasn't watching where I was heading, I collided with Marley.
"Oh my, I'm so glad I found you. I was worried you had died or something. Sirius had come back into the compartment. He looked real moody and just sat in silence for the rest of the ride. I figured he'd had a row with whoever the current girlfriend is."
"Well you're correct about having a row. He had one with me. I think he has trying to be seductive and charming, but he came off as a big jerk. I was so infuriated by his words I couldn't stand it. Then he left this note on my trunk," I hand her the note to read, "and I think it's sweet, but I don't want to fall for him or his tricks. I don't want to be hurt. Nor do I need it. When did boys like Sirius even start trying to talk to me?" I finished with a sigh.
"When they do complete makeovers, and then expect nothing to change. I believe you just need to adjust how this change in looks will change everything else. Of course people will change when they see the beauty that some, like me, have seen for ages. You just need to see this. You are beautiful inside and out no matter what. And I will always be there for you, through the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful moments."
"Thanks Marley. I think that's what I needed. A somewhat pep talk, to get me ready for the school year," I smiled at her and then engulfed her in a great big hug.
"Liz! Just the girl I was looking for. Did you get my note?" Sirius said as he eased himself in between Marley and me.
"Yes I received it." I said shortly.
"And…"
"And what? I got it. And the answer is no to your question. Maybe you should try asking me when the trip actually comes up. Who knows what can happen in that time. Or how many girlfriends you can have. Let's challenge ourselves here."
"Yeah let's see. I don't need a girlfriend to survive."
"Maybe not, but you do need female company during most nights. That I don't think you can survive without." With that I grabbed Marley's hand and left, leaving Sirius to curiously watch us walk away.
"Marley, I think this is a beginning to a beautiful school year."
A/N
I am sooo sorry this update took so long. As I said I was gone for 6 weeks working at a camp. Which it was beyond amazing, I loved it thoroughly, and can not wait for next summer. And then HPDH took up some of my time when I got home. Then I had no motivation to write. Until tonight that is. I had about half of it written already, and wrote the other half just now. It's not excellent, but it's keeping the plot moving. And to get me back in the swing of writing.
Thank you to all the reviewers. You keep me motivated. And who absolutely adored Deathly Hallows? I did. And many of my suspicions came true. I love it. But I won't say much more, in case there's somebody reading the story who hasn't read the book. Which if you are one of those people, go to B&N and read it. Right now.