Chapter 8

It was mid afternoon on out last day before the Christmas holiday and we were staying at Hogwarts. Snow was falling outside and we were all sitting by the fire silently. I think everyone was afraid to talk; you could feel the tension in the air and there was no place to escape from it.

"I'm going outside for a walk," I said quietly. Nobody said anything so I got up and left. Once I got out into the open air of the grounds, I felt so much better. Suddenly I as grabbed around the waist and spun around in circles. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Sirius," I gasped and he put me down on the snow and sat down next to me, smiling along with me too.

"It's like a graveyard in there; hard to breath," Sirius explained. I smiled; Sirius always knew how to cheer me up.

"So what do you want to do? I found a broom closet on the way here that looked nice," Sirius suggested winking. I laughed and stood up.

"Alright, let's go," I said enthusiastically. Sirius looked at me astonished for a moment.

"You do know I was joking, right Gwen?" Sirius asked.

"But I wasn't, so let's go," I said holding out my hand to help him up. Still looking hesitant I grabbed his hand and led him back to the castle.

"Where was it?" I asked as we wandered the halls.

"I told you I was joking. I made the whole thing up," Sirius explained.

"Then pick the best broom closet you have ever been to," I said looking for one down the hall. Sirius shrugged.

"I don't know Gwen. There's one right down this hallway," Sirius said. I grabbed his hand and led the way. Five minutes later, we were standing in front of the closet. I opened the door and went inside. Sirius had no choice but to follow.

"Gwen…" but I interrupted him by kissing him full on the mouth. His hands raised and he placed them behind my head pulling me closer. When we pulled apart Sirius was smiling, so was I.

"God, I forgot how good of a kisser you are," Sirius exclaimed. I smiled and turned a little red. Good thing it was dark in there.

"You're not too bad yourself," I replied. Suddenly the smile drained from Sirius' face.

"James would kill me if he knew we were here," Sirius said. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"Sirius, please don't worry about it, alright? James is a big boy; he can handle it. Also, when I'm with you I don't want to be James' little sister. I don't want that to run our relationship. I'm just Gwen. Tell me what is running through your head right now," I asked, my voice full of purpose.

"That you are Gwen Potter and I want to marry you," Sirius said instantly before turning bright red.

"What?" I asked completely stunned at his answer.

"Uh nothing, don't worry about it. We should probably get back before we're missed," he said as he grabbed my hand and lead me out into the hallway.

"Sirius," I said digging my heels into the floor to slow him down. "Will you please talk to me?"

"Uhh…" he hesitated but I glared at him so he caved. "I… this was planned for your birthday. I was going to give you this," and he pulled out a small box from his pocket.

"It's a promise ring," he explained opening the box to show me. "It says one day I plan on marrying you and I hope you feel the same way."

"I do Sirius, I love you so much," I said, and then started giggling uncontrollably. Soon enough, Sirius joined in.

"What are we laughing at?" Sirius asked trying to contain his laughter. This made me laugh even harder.

"You looked like I was the devil, you were so scared," I said gasping for breath. Sirius' smile drained from his face instantly.

"That's not funny at all," Sirius said looking affronted. I laughed harder unable to control it.

"You better watch out Gwen Potter. What I really would suggest is running or paying the price of being tickled to death," Sirius explained while slowly walking toward me. I backed away slowly before sprinting down the corridor and out of the castle into the snow. I could still hear Sirius behind me so I ran faster. Suddenly I was grabbed around the waist and spun around in circles before being flung onto the snow, Sirius pinning me to the ground.

"You're right, it wasn't funny at all. Sirius please don't," I begged. Sirius laughed mischievously.

"Do you think I am going to forgive you that easily?" Sirius asked. I nodded hopefully convincing him.

"Yes because you are absolutely fantastic," I exclaimed. Sirius' face hardened as he leaned in closer to my face. I took this opportunity to distract him. I pushed my head off the snow and my lips met his. His hands immediately let go of my wrists and so I wrapped my hands around his neck, pulling him closer to the ground, his chest up against mine and his warmth warming me up.

"I absolutely forgive you now," Sirius said after we parted yet we were still tangled up in the snow.

"Good," I said before pulling him closer for a second kiss.