Author's Note: Hey there everyone! Here is the new chapter! I hope everyone enjoys and if you like, reviews are always appreciated! I hope you all can sense the shift in the story as things lead into more action and events as everything unfolds! Thank you so much to everyone who had read and loved this story! I appreciate every last one of you! Thank you and don't forget to review! Thank you! :)

"Men have wasted away before it, not knowing if what they have seen is real, or even possible."

~Albus Dumbledore

Lily Evans was never a girl to let love consume her entire being. She had always prided herself on having such a heavy guard around her heart.

Yet, James Potter had seemed to finally weasel his way into every inch of her soul. Shattering any previous animosity she had towards James. Certainly defeating that heavy wall she had worked so hard to build the last few years.

This hazel eyed boy who wore large rounded glasses managed to rewrite everything she thought she knew about people and relationships. Potter had shown her that people could truly change for the better. That one could learn to love, and be loved in return.

Never had Lily been so swept off her feet. She couldn't believe how ignorant she had been to how much James actually cared about others, how loyal he was.

That was until she had finally given Potter a chance to prove himself to her.

Lily imagined this last year of schooling couldn't have been more perfect, except...it wasn't. She just didn't feel right knowing something was terribly wrong with Scarlett. Sirius as well.

James had expressed his own concerns over his best mate with her in private one December day in Hogsmeade.

"He is always so distant, Lils. Always studying and stressing...I don't even know him anymore!" James had solemnly gruffled.

Lily turned her emerald eyes towards Scarlett's sleeping figure. Her friend's entire body was covered in bedding. The only sign of life was the steady up and down motion of the sheets. Lily had nearly gasped out loud when Scarlett finally strolled in at nearly three in the morning, her hands covering her mouth to prevent alerting Scarlett she had awakened.

Suddenly, Scarlett emerged from the covers. Her hair wild and frizzy. Confusion and drowsiness painted across her face as she smiled weakly at Lily.

"Morning," she grumbled. Huffing dramatically, she threw herself backward into her bed again. Closing her eyes, wanting nothing more to return to her slumber.

"Morning to you too,sunshine!" Lily giggled, tossing her spare pillow over. "What kept you out this morning?"

With a thump, the pillow smacked across Scarlett's face.

"Merlin, Lily! I'm outright exhausted!" Scarlett groaned, her voice muffled a bit from behind the pillow. "I think I'll just stay like this, this is nice. Relaxing even."

"Honestly,Scarlett. I would have thought you would've remembered what day it is!"

Scarlett sporadically tossed the pillow back to Lily's bed. Scarlett paused for a moment, trying to recall in her fuzzy mind what today was. Unable to come to come to a conclusion she simply shrugged.

"You got me there. What is today?" she finally asked.

"New Years Eve, silly!"

"Hmmm, why should I care?" Scarlett scoffed. "It's Saturday, my bed is calling!"

Lily leaped out of her bed, yanking the covers from Scarlett. "Get up! You are going to have fun tonight! Well, reasonable fun!"

Scarlett shivered, the sudden lack of warmth the blankets had been providing her caused her to jolt awake. "Bloody hell, Lily! It's cold as ice! Besides, I don't want or need fun, it's childish!"

"You can't be serious, Scarlett! Everyone needs a bit of fun in their lives!" Lily countered, grabbing Scarlett's arm to yank her out of bed. "Besides, it's your own bloody fault you're exhausted! What were you doing out so late?"

Mumbling curses under her breath, Scarlett began searching for clothing in her dresser.

"I'm afraid, my dear friend, you will have to ask James about that." Scarlett giggled, "go on to breakfast, I'll be down later!"

Lily's bright smile quickly faded into a frown. Some things never changed.

"Fine, but I'm saving you some toast and jam!"

Lily shook her head, tucking a strand of her flaming red hair behind her ear. Deciding it was best to take the moment to find James while she ate in the Great Hall.

0o0o0o0o0o0

"I thought I'd find you here..." a voice stated, prompting Scarlett to look up from her books.

Scarlett had yet again scurried off to the library, the discovery of Remus being a werewolf sparking a great thirst for knowledge from within her.

Scarlett narrowed her eyes as she realized it was Regulus who was speaking to her.

"Regulus...what prompted you to come find me?" she seethed. She shuddered, it was like he was a living reminder of the task she had been asked to complete.

Regulus sighed, flicking his wand loosely. The chair pulling itself out upon the command. His hazel eyes were darkened, and his skin appeared to be paler than Scarlett had last remembered.

"I have come to see if you have an answer for my parents. They demand to know immediately!"

A scornful laugh erupted from Scarlett's throat.

"Really, Regulus?" They demand an answer?"

"You know it isn't my doing, Scarlett."

"I know it isn't, but yet, you were all too willing to harass me on their behalf!" she shot back.

Scarlett's fists clenched her irritation morphing into anger.

"You have no spine! Tell me, when is your initiation?" she added when Regulus had still not replied. The urge in her hand to grab her wand was all too great at this point.

Regulus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, this retaliation was not expected, to say the least.

"It's a simple yes or no, Scarlett. What will it be?" Regulus finally pressed in monotone. His surprise never showing in his body language.

"Then my answer is no! What a disgrace you are! You don't think I haven't realized you're the one who has been stealing the Founders prized possessions for you-know-who?" Scarlett hissed, slamming her book shut.

Regulus narrowed his eyes, dismayed by the accusation that had escaped Scarlett's lips.

"How dare you accuse me of such things! If you weren't a pureblood and to be married to my brother I-"

"What?!" Scarlett snapped."You'd have me turned over to your new master?"

Remus bit his tongue, keeping his own anger in check. He knew he must, for the sake of his future as a Death Eater.

"Regulus, what business do you have with this sorry excuse for a pureblood?" a woman's voice hissed venomously.

"Calm yourself, Bellatrix. We're just going over some family matters." Regulus answered cooly.

Regulus then stood up from his seat, "Well, I guess I will tell them your answer."

Scarlett nodded, her eyes now solely set on Bellatrix.

Tisking, Bellatrix moved swiftly behind Scarlett. Her breath feeling as cold as Scarlett knew her heart to be. The words that she dramatically whispered as cruel as a murder.

"I've warned you before, Letty, you would do well to learn your place in this world."

Defying all logic that screamed from her mind, Scarlett chose to listen to her angry heart. She quickly grasped her wand, pressing the tip of it intently at Bellatrix's throat.

"And you would do well to mind your own business. You don't scare me! You're nothing more than a bloodthirsty sociopath!"

Bellatrix laughed hysterically, disregarding the ready wand that was at her neck. A half-crazed smile arose from her blood-stained lips.

"Do it...I'm not afraid either!"

"You're insane!" Scarlett gasped, retracting her wand.

Bellatrix smirked, her body now relaxed. The insanity taking its leave.

"And you're still too soft..." she argued.

Scarlett scowled, "Being humane isn't soft!"

The dark witch shrugged, "You cannot run from the darkness forever, Scarlett. We will be blood soon enough. You can't distance yourself from your fate any longer."

And with that, Regulus and Bellatrix made their exit. Leaving a speechless Scarlett behind.

O0o0o0o0o0

"Scarlett! You little twit! I've spent all day looking for you!" Lily exclaimed when she finally saw Scarlett enter the Gryffindor common room.

Scarlett threw her hands up in surrender. "Sorry, Lils...got lost in the library again!"

Lily grumbled, dragging Scarlett with her to their dormitory.

"You are going to the party tonight! No protesting! And only one drink this time!"

"Lily, I don't want to go! The new year means nothing to me!" Scarlett argued.

Lily twirled Scarlett around, clutching tightly to her friends bony and chilled hands. Her sparkling green eyes meeting Scarlett's ice blue ones.

"Listen to me, you deserve to have fun! You deserve to celebrate with the rest of us! I want to see you smile again, Scarlett! Got it?"

Scarlett smiled, "I don't think I have a choice anymore, do I?"

Lily grinned as she shoved Scarlett back into the room they shared, "Absolutely not!"

Before Scarlett knew it, Lily had her thrown into a silky blue dress. It flowed beautifully as she turned around, inspecting the dress as she spun. She grimaced in disgust, who was she kidding? She still looked bloated and ragged. No dress or amount of makeup could ever change that.

Lily suddenly emerged from the bathroom. She had decided on a tight black dress that exemplified her curves, making her eyes as vibrant as ever.

A tinge of jealousy shot through Scarlett's heart, how come she could never be as pretty or desired as Lily? It just wasn't fair.

"You look great, Scarlett!" Lily gushed when she took in her handiwork.

Scarlett shook her head, "Absolutely not! You're just the belle of the ball!"

Lily rolled her eyes, "C'mon on then, we have some hearts to break!"

"You must be joking!"

Lily laughed as she opened the door, "After you!", she giggled with a bow.

"Why, thank you!" Scarlett replied, bowing in return.

"Do you suppose Remus is feeling better?" Lily asked as the pair made their way back to the common room. "James had told me he fell ill again this week, a rather constant occurrence..."

Scarlett gulped, truth be told she had no idea. Seeing Remus in such a state had plagued such a fear in her. Scarlett knew that it wasn't truly Remus, the wolf she had seen was something else separate from him.

But, still, it was hard not to be afraid. That and Dumbledore had given her and Snape a good lecture. Swearing them to secrecy. Never to tell a soul about what they had found that night.

"I think he should be feeling better today...maybe he will be at the party?" Scarlett murmured.

Lily nodded in agreement, suspecting the same.

The girls finally arrived in the common room, both pausing in their steps to observe the surroundings. Blue and silver balloons floated about, white streamers were also hung in all the corners and furniture. Other Gryffindors were merry, either dancing or drinking.

"You two look stunning tonight!" they heard a voice exclaim.

"James, where have you been all day?" Lily demanded as James nearly tackled her with a bear hug.

"Sleeping if you must know!" James chuckled, nodding as he silently acknowledged Scarlett.

Scarlett nodded as well, she knew James had been a bit upset with her the other night. But, after Dumbledore had reprimanded her, he had come around.

"How is Remus?" She asked.

"I'm fine, I appreciate your concern, really." Remus interrupted suddenly.

Remus indeed looked much better, his skin was no longer a ghastly shade of porcelain. His eyes no longer looked sunken and dark.

"Can I speak to you, Scarlett? Alone?" he asked, offering his arm to escort her away.

"Of course," Scarlett replied, accepting his arm. "I'll be right back, Lily, alright?"

However, it seemed her assurance fell upon deaf ears. Lily was too immersed in James swooning her. The giggles of her friend suddenly grew faint as Remus and her moved to a more vacant area.

"I hope...I hope what you found out doesn't change anything..." Remus finally said, breaking the ice.

Scarlett shook her head furiously, "Absolutely not! Remus, I may have been frightened but this doesn't change who you are!"

Remus sighed, he hated who he was. Having his friends justify the monster he was only made him feel worse.

"You don't have to lie, Scarlett. I know it must have been horrifying."

Scarlett tightened her grip on Remus's arm, "You listen to me, Lupin, and you listen to me good! You are not a monster! If anyone here is, I am!"

"You, how?" Remus scoffed.

Scarlett took a moment, closing her eyes as she prepared herself to unveil a truth that had such a hold on her.

"You know that offer I spoke to you about the other day?"

Remus nodded slowly, unsure where this was going.

"Sirius's parents made me a deal...if I get Sirius to join you-know-who...I can be free from having to marry him..."

Remus's eyes widened in surprise. Too taken to have immediate words.

Scarlett felt panic emerge, she knew Remus would be disappointed in her once he knew the truth. But, never had she imagined he would take it this hard.

"Say something, Remus...please!" she whispered.

"Don't you love him, though?" Remus questioned, folding his arms across his chest.

"I-I think so...but...the pressure is unreal...I told Regulus I wouldn't do it. But...who knows what will happen once they find out what my answer is…."

"You know...I think I know of something that may be of some help...if you're interested?"

Scarlett's eyebrows wrinkled in confusion, "You do? What?"

"There is a mirror in a place called the room of requirement, it's called the mirror of erised...it shows you the deepest desires of your heart. I think if you took a look at it...you may have a clear picture of what you want…"

"A mirror...the room of requirement…" she murmured to herself, dwelling upon the thought of seeing the manifestation of her deepest desires right in front of her. She couldn't help but ponder, what would she see?

Her mother?

Sirius?

Herself?

"It's located on the corridor on the seventh floor, just walk past it three times while thinking very hard and clearly about what you want...and then a door should appear," Remus advised Scarlett.

"Remus...thank you! I don't even know what to say…" she whispered, embracing Remus warmly.

Remus jolted in surprise as Scarlett embraced him, taken by how grateful she was. "It was nothing...go for it and see what it shows you."

"I will...thank you again, Remus." she whispered, letting him go.

Little did the two know, there was a figure watching them from a distance.

Sirius Black stood in an eerie silence as he watched Remus and Scarlett speak. Stunned to see Scarlett take Remus in a rather affectionate embrace. Something was going on, and he was determined to find out what. Sirius moved like a cat between people as he followed Scarlett out of the common room.

0o0o0o0o0o00o0o

The corridor was chilly and dark as Scarlett made her way through the seventh floor. Nothing but a few torches lightened the way for her as she continued further, doing her best to keep her heart rate down.

A strange surge of excitement had begun to travel through her body as she adventured to the mysterious room of requirement. It must have been the fact that the mirror she was soon to encounter would reveal to her the truth. Something she could not determine for herself.

She finally spotted the wall, "This must be it…" she whispered to herself. She closed her eyes and visualized what she was seeking as she began pacing. She clearly saw the mirror in her mind, despite it being more difficult because she had never seen it before in real life. However, she knew its name and purpose.

In her mind, she saw herself looking into a large mirror, stroking the golden edges with her fingers. Scarlett could only imagine what she would see when she looked deeply into the enchanted mirror. From what she could tell, she envisioned herself being happy for once. Beaming with a bright, white smile. Finally content with herself.

She figured maybe even her mother would be at her side, tightly grasping her hand.

Never letting go.

Scarlett opened her eyes, surprised by the newly placed door in front of her. She held her breath, grasping the cold handle. She slowly opened the large door, impressed by how effortless it seemed to conjure the room up.

As she entered the room, she immediately noticed the gold frame of the mirror gleaming in the moonlight as she proceeded with caution towards it.

Scarlett braced herself as she moved in front of the large mirror. She noticed the words erised stra ehn oyt ube cafu oyt on wohsi.

Scarlett tilted her head to the side, tracing the letters with her fingers. Starting from the end to the beginning.

"I show not your face, but your heart's desire…" she read to herself out loud. Her eyes then fixated on her reflection. As her blue eyes stared into the mirror, she began to see her image shift.

It was nothing like she had visualized earlier, she suddenly saw herself twirling around with Sirius.

"Sirius?" she murmured to herself.

Scarlett saw herself in a wedding dress, beaming with happiness. She was laughing, glowing even. Sirius was booming with laughter as well, his smile something she had not seen in awhile.

It was...beautiful.

Scarlett felt her face, a smile seemed to be growing there. A real smile.

So this is what her heart had truly desired? To be with Sirius? Married after all? Despite everything, the world had seemed to press against them.

Who would have known, that an arranged marriage...could be one that was destined to be full of love.

Yes, it had appeared that way. This mirror didn't tell lies. It revealed the truth, no matter how beautiful or ugly it was.

The truth was the truth, and that was that.

Scarlett couldn't seem to peel her eyes from the intoxicating mirror. Mesmerized by the images it displayed to her. She took a seat in front of the mirror, finding it was much more comfortable than continuing to stand.

She placed her hand childishly on the mirror, her longing for what she saw becoming all too great.

Scarlett saw herself and Sirius beaming right back at her, the love that was oozing out of the mirror created such a longing in her heart.

Lost in her own world, Scarlett never even noticed Sirius slowly approaching her.

"Scarlett?" he asked softly, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.

Scarlett's eyes fluttered, "Huh, Sirius?" she muttered.

"What on earth are you doing here?" he asked, extending his hand out to help her up from the cold floor.

"Remus told me about it...the mirror...it helped me see something. Helped me see us." She explained, joy flushing through her cheeks. Scarlett grabbed Sirius's hands tightly, "Sirius...I saw us in that mirror! We were happy and married!"

"It showed you your deepest desire, Scarlett...it doesn't mean it's going to happen...Scarlett, that mirror has driven people mad!"

"But, that's the point, Sirius! It showed me what I desired...I never knew myself better until now...it means I want you!"

Sirius paused, seeming to finally understand what she was explaining to him.

Scarlett couldn't stop shimmering with excitement, forgetting all about the offer she had refused. She knew now she had made the right decision. She finally understood what she had to fight for.

For them. For justice and all the things that were good.

"Sirius, don't you see? When we finally marry do you understand what kind of message that would send? To our parents? To the whole pure-blooded world? We can change things, this world that is growing so dark...so evil...we can be the light. Together we can! I know it!"

Sirius smiled, dumbfounded yet moved by her words. Sirius had to admit, this whole year had awakened feelings that had been in a deep slumber.

The truth of the reality was all too clear now, he loved her. And she loved him.

Before Scarlett knew it, Sirius pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I love you…" he whispered in her ear.

Those three words he had spoken, held so much power. It was almost too much for Scarlett to grasp. Right now, nothing else mattered. The world stood still and only spun again when they said so.

Scarlett pulled herself away from his embrace, "Our parents can't know...they would do anything to make sure we couldn't go through with the arrangement if they found out how we really felt."

Scarlett didn't see the harm in leaving out the fact his parents offered her a way out, at the cost of his freedom. She didn't see the need to burden him with such knowledge. Especially now that she fully realized what she had desired.

Sirius nodded in agreement, taking her hand as he lead her towards the door.

"Should we get back to the party?" he asked.

"Yes, Lily is probably looking for me now." Scarlett giggling at the thought of Lily going frantic once again in her absence. "By the way...what made you follow me?"

Scarlett stared as Sirius curiously as he guided her out of the room of requirement, interested to see how he came to finding her.

"I saw you speaking to Remus...and I saw you hug and-" he started.

"And you got jealous and followed me? Right?" she teased.

Sirius blushed in embarrassment, hating to admit that he had been a tad envious of Remus and Scarlett growing closer.

"I'll take that as a yes. Sirius, Remus is my friend too...you are just going to need to learn to share!"

Sirius laughed, his bellowing laughter echoing throughout the hallways as they walked together.

"Share? Darling, he was my best mate first! You learn to share!"

Scarlett chuckled, shaking her head as Sirius muttered the password to the Fat Lady when they finally arrived back to the Gryffindor common room.

It seems there had been a new tide of events for the couple,Scarlett couldn't help but finally manage a true smile as the two entered the party once again. She couldn't take her eyes off of Sirius as he went over to greet Remus and James once again.

She took a glance of Peter dancing with some girl. Reminding her of what she had seen in the mirror of erised.

For once in her life, Scarlett felt excited about the future. She no longer saw it as a dark and ominous cloud. It seemed it was something of a new horizon. Giving her hope and peace for the future.

There seemed to be only one thing that stood in her way.

Her father.