Chapter 3
The week was spent in training, Sirius telling her that it was to strengthen her magical abilities and so she can refresh her memory. Kingsley, with several other Ministry officials, had met up with Sileni at Sirius flat to come up with a story of how it was she returned from the dead. It took nearly all day, Sirius letting the others know that wanted to visit with the woman to come back some other time. By the end of the night they had formed a story and would release a press conference in the Magical world in the morning, while in the Muggle world the Minister would remove any evidence of Sileni's death.
To say the least, the day–hours actually–after Kingsley did the press conference many had tried to get in contact with her through the owls, pressuring people in finding out where she was staying. Spell blocks had been put up in Luke's home and at work, not saying a word to those at the Daily Prophet because he knew that his sister wanted privacy and not answer any questions. They even had code words whenever they saw Rita Skeeter as a beetle, which frustrated the witch to no end. Friends and family had come and gone from Sirius' flat, her friends asking the woman about the press release as they were confused as to why Kingsley had done so.
"Because people would start asking questions about where I have been all these years and I would rather have Kingsley do it than me." Sileni explained.
Once Thursday came around it was spent with Sileni trying to calm her heart with the noon interview, telling herself that she could mix drinks thanks to the restaurant she worked nineteen (though it was only days ago for her) years ago. Sirius also gave encouraging words, but the woman wouldn't have it. Not from him, at least. Sirius only rolled his eyes and went to another part of his flat so he wouldn't be in her way as she got ready.
As they Apparated Sirius stayed close to the entrance as Sileni walked through the crowded pub towards the bar to speak with one of the employees. As Rick, the owner, walked over to her he told her to help out for the noon rush. With a sigh (Sileni hated crowds) the woman walks behind the bar and immediately begins to interact with the people, making drink after drink. Sirius grinned as he watched the woman in her element, which Rick had noted right away as well.
Serving a drink to Sirius, Rick leaned back on the bar with a smile, looking at the woman continue to work alongside his two other bartenders and the waitresses on duty, who were asking for drinks as well. Though the wizard didn't like how the man was staring at Sileni, he said nothing for fear he might jeopardize her chance in getting this job.
"Well, I say that the woman certainly knows what she is doing." Rick spoke, grinning back at Sirius. "Most of the regulars don't like new hires that they never met in this bar before, but Miss Thorn seems to have gotten their curiosity."
It took a moment for Sirius to respond for he didn't want to blow Sileni's chance, and Sirius didn't know if anyone saw them walk in together. Taking a sip of his drink to stall and wet his dry throat, the wizard cleared it, nodding to the woman.
"She does seem like a woman who knows what she is doing, and very kind." Sirius shrugged, drinking the last of the whiskey he ordered, wishing it was Fire Whiskey instead.
Rick laughed, filling his glass once more. "Though you don't seem the type to lie, there's no need to pretend that you don't know her. I saw the two of you walk in."
Sirius blushed lightly, though grinned in returned. "Sorry, I just didn't want Sileni to look bad because I came in with her."
Rick shrugged his shoulders. "Don't matter to me. Who her friends are show me her true personality as one tends to put up a front when interviewing."
"I see," Sirius muttered, looking back to the woman.
Rick smirks at this, shaking his head, as he looks back at the woman too. The rush hour was starting to calm down some and the bartenders started to speak with Sileni, relaxing a bit. The woman had a personality Rick liked very much, however it seemed that she was spoken for, even if she herself didn't know it. Maybe he would play the game and see where it takes them all. Who knows, maybe he can help this relationship along.
With a wide grin, Rick walked over to Sileni, placing a hand on the small of her back. "Well, I have seen all that I need. How would you like to start tomorrow afternoon? We open at three and close at two in the morning."
Sileni smiled widely. "Tomorrow will be fine. Should I come a bit early before three or right at three?"
"Right at three should be fine."
Sileni smiles once again, nodding. "All right, thank you. I will see you tomorrow."
With that said, the woman walked around the bar and over to the entrance. Rick nodded to Sirius who only looked back at him with a slight frown before walking out of the pub behind Sileni. They walked around the building into the alley and quickly looked around to make sure none of the Muggles were looking. Sileni hugged him around the waist and buried her face into his shoulder, holding on tightly as Sirius turned.
As they landed in Sirius' living room Sileni continued to hold on to him, willing the nauseas to leave her. Sirius rubbed her back, placing his chin on top of her head, wishing that this comfort could be something more. Sileni was having similar thoughts, however she quickly cast them to the back of her mind as she knew she was not meant to be with this man. What she needed was to speak with Andi again to figure out a way for her to return back to her world; for reasons unknown she kind of missed the reality of no such thing as magic.
With an embarrassed smile Sileni pulled back, scratching the back of her head. "Sorry, I still can't get used to the side Apparating."
"No problem," Sirius muttered with a smile before clapping his hands together. "All right, we're supposed to meet up with your brother and the others at Regulus' home for dinner. Let's go early to help and eat something."
Sileni rolled her eyes but had a smile on her lips, "Always thinking with your stomach. Fine, but at least let me get a shower again so I won't smell like a bar full of smoke."
Sirius shrugged, not really caring. Pushing at his shoulder with a laugh, Sileni turned and walks towards the bathroom, Sirius watching her. He sighs at the closed bathroom door, rubbing at his chest where his heart laid. Oh, whatever was he going to do with this feeling he had for her? It was evident that she only sees him as friend nothing more.
Sileni turns on the shower head and leans back on the wall, holding a hand to her heart, closing her eyes. She desperately wanted to love the man openly, but rejection and hurting those she cared held her back. Inhaling a shaky breath as she tried to hold back her tears, the woman quickly strips off her clothes and walks underneath the spraying hot water.
By the time she was ready and Sirius had also showered and changed, the adults flooed to Regulus home a quarter after three, Glenda immediately taking Sileni away to help out in the kitchen. Sirius grinned after the woman, who looked back with wide-eyes. Regulus stood in the threshold, grinning from Sirius to Sileni, who gave him a glare then a rude gesture when he started to chuckle. Sirius walked over to his brother, slapping him on the shoulder.
"So, what should we do?" he asked him.
"Take care of the children!" Glenda yelled up the stairs.
Both brothers groaned when Marreik suddenly ran past, laughing, followed by a yelling Kailyn. Regulus however grinned as he watched his youngest daughter, Julia, run up to him with her arms high above her head, calling out to him. Sirius smiled sadly, watching his younger brother make Julia laugh out righteously before he turned and followed the fighting of the two older kids. Maybe he would make them forget whatever it was they were fighting about and do a prank on Regulus or even on the guests that were coming by.
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–Kitchen–
Sileni laughed at a story Glenda had told her about one of her house elf's, who was turning bright red at the memory. She was very surprised that Glenda Chittock Black did not mind working alongside the house elves or even treat them with respect, unlike most of the pure-blooded wizards. The witch also did not let fame go to her head, like most magical and non-magical people. Being the very popular presenter for W.W.N. (Wizarding Wireless Network) program, Witching Hour, no one wants to hear any other voice.
"How did you meet Regulus, if you don't mind me asking?" Sileni asked curiously.
Glenda laughed at the memory, blushing a nice red color that matched the robes she was wearing. Sileni still marveled how they can continue to dress in robes as though it was still the eighteen century. She was very happy to wear her jeans and t-shirt, preferring to be comfortable and human–for lack of better words–looking. That, however, was just how the Wizarding world wanted it; to keep the eighteen century alive and not forget from whence they came. Despite the fact the Muggle-born's or the pure bloods that fall for Muggles are bringing in more Muggle styles and customs into their everyday lives–with the help of Kingsley, of course.
"We actually met at school, I was in Hufflepuff and during our final year we had potions with the Slytherins; we were partners. So, throughout the year we were innocently flirting, running into each other in the halls or on Hogsmeade visits or even out in the grounds. Then we had a winter dance, both our dates had dumped us for those they were trying to make jealous, we danced, and we couldn't seem to stop hanging out with each other. The rest was history."
Sileni saw the wide, blushing, smile on Glenda's face, awing at the end of her story. She was happy for the couple, especially Regulus, as he was able to live and have a family of his own–like he should have in the books.
She smiled at the younger woman. "Good, I'm glad you guys saw past the colors, the hatred, and the name and merely saw each other."
Glenda stopped the stirring and looked up at the older woman continuing to chop. As all the others she has seen the sadness in the older woman's eyes whenever the couples and the kids were around, just making their lives. She feels for the woman, knowing that if Sileni didn't save her husband (yes, Regulus had told her) Glenda would have been single and work deprived; and she wouldn't have the kids she loves to the core of her being–even when she sometimes wants to kill them.
Her eyes flickered over to a movement by the door and saw Sirius watching Sileni with a look she knew all too well. However her husband had told her not to play match maker, so Glenda schooled her face and smiled over her shoulder. But maybe she can help move things along, if a bit slowly?
"Sirius, honey, I hope you weren't teaching my kids on any pranks for the evening?" Sirius gave her his famous grin. "Because I do hate to think of my kid's not having their favorite uncle around and my husband to lose his brother."
Sirius went to say something when a snort came from behind, Regulus walking in with Julia in his arms. "I think I can do without Sirius, luv; no worries."
Sirius glared at his brother, "You're very lucky that you're holding my favorite niece in your arms."
"You can't do anything to me even if I didn't have Julia in my arms, brother!" Regulus countered with a smirk.
Sileni laugh's throughout this, only to be cut off by crying out in pain when she sliced her ring finger. Immediately bringing it to her mouth the woman sucks on her own blood, feeling Sirius turning her to face him. Gently, he takes her hand and pulls her finger out to examine the cut himself. It was deep, but not so much that it hit the bone. Sirius went to pull out his wand when Sileni stopped him by placing her hand on his arm.
"No, no magic. I rather have it healed by itself instead."
With a mute nod, Sirius pulls her towards the stairs to use the first level bathroom he knew his brother kept a Muggle first aid kit. The reason was because Glenda was the same way in Sileni's thinking and wanted both ways of magical and Muggle worlds in their children's lives. Motioning her to sit on the lid of the toilet–Sileni protesting that she can do this herself but Sirius ignores it–taking out the things he needs for the wound. Sileni sighed in protests as the man kneels in front of her, taking her left hand in his once again.
The woman watches with a ghost of a smile of the concentration Sirius held. That was broken, however, when he pressed a small cloth full of hydrogen peroxide she cried out again, flinching her hand back. But Sirius held her fast, looking up at her apologetic. With a groan, Sileni placed her right hand on his shoulder and gripped hard, hissing as Sirius continues to clean the cut. She lets out a gasps when he finishes and places a band-aid over it.
Sirius brings her hand closer and kissed the top of the band-aid, Sileni chuckling at the gesture; even when her heart jumped at that. With a smile, Sirius looks up at the woman, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles in an unconscious gesture. He reaches up and tucks her hair behind her ear before holding her face in his hand. Sileni turns her head and kisses his palm–'it seemed so right to do so!' she thought–smiling shyly at him.
With a serious look Sirius leans up and kissed the woman furiously, holding her head in place in case she wanted to pull back. However, that wasn't the case as Sileni had her free hand fist his shirt to bring him closer, leaning down towards him. It was the second most passionate kiss they shared, but the third one they've had. The pull was there; the attraction that was trying to make two people as one, yet something seemed to want to push them apart. Maybe it was her that was trying to fight against it as her cool control broke the moment Sirius lips touched hers.
"What the hell…" Luke trailed off as he saw the sight before him.
Sirius jumped quickly to a stand and away from Sileni, whom blushed over at her brother, grateful he interrupted–but hated that it ended so quickly. Standing, the woman thanks Sirius before leaving the two best friends to talk amongst themselves, wanting to get away from the awkwardness as quickly as possible. Luke eyed Sirius, making the man uncomfortable but grinning to ease it.
"I always did believe you two had something going on. I saw how you, Sileni, and Remus acted around or with one another when alone, there was just something there."
Sirius paled at the information, first feeling guilty as this was Remus ex-girlfriend–his best friend, his brother–and second for having thought he was discreet at hiding his feelings–even when he thought nothing was going on at first. Luke walked up to the older man and placed a hand on his shoulder, looking ever so serious.
"Don't hurt her, Sirius, because when things come down to it I'm on her side no matter what."
Sirius nodded in understanding. "I don't want to hurt her or anyone else."
Luke knew who he was talking about. "I doubt it would matter anymore, he's where he should belong–not with my sister."
With a squeeze of comfort to his shoulder, Luke walked out to leave Sirius think hard upon the situation. The older wizard rubs a hand over his face, leaning back against the wall, noting that he needs to shave soon. Taking a deep breath, Sirius begins to put all the items of the first aid kit away before rejoining the group.
A/N: Slowly getting rid of my writer's block but not fast enough. Please review!