We are soooo sorry that this took so long! Life just got in the way…plus Spring Break. I (Morgan) hope that there are still a couple of you reading! Enjoy!
Sirius turned on the spot pulling her and the trunks with him as he apparated to his loft.
Casselle wobbled as they landed attempting to get her bearings as the effect of apparating across such a long distance.
Sirius watched her somewhat self consciously, a trait she wasn't used to seeing in him, running his hand through his hair uncertainly.
"Well are we going to go in?" She teased.
"You have the key go ahead and unlock it," he replied grinning as she fumbled to extract the chain from under her sweater. She pulled it out and looked at him waiting for him to nod before making her way to the door and fitting the key in the lock, turning it and pushing the door inward.
She hesitated on the threshold for a moment before continuing into the apartment she flipped the light switch next to the door illuminating a narrow hallway.
She walked the length of the hallway which let out into a medium sized sitting room. The floors were wooden and the walls were an indistinct beige. The sitting room had a small couch and loveseat pushed up against the far wall and a small outdated fireplace. In the far corner sat a half assembled muggle motorcycle that made Casselle raise her eyebrows. The room led straight into the kitchen which was small and empty of appliances save a stained refrigerator, a small stove and a coffee pot. A small wooden table sat off to the side of the kitchen with two simple wooden chairs.
Casselle moved to the opposite side of the living room and opened the lone door there, it swung open silently when she pushed, and she fumbled for a moment to find the light switch. Once she flipped the switch she was meet with an explosion of red and gold.
The walls were draped with Gryffindor banners and other house memorabilia, including a picture of a lion that Casselle could have sworn once hung on the common room wall. Hanging next to the banner were pictures of various motorcycle models and muggles clad in skimpy bikinis. A King size bed took up a large amount of the room; the sheets were a dark dusky gold with a comforter in a matching shade. There was a lone dresser and nightstand on which a portrait of James, Remus, Peter and Sirius sat waving at her. Next to it was a smaller one of Sirius and the Potter's, apparently taken a couple of Christmas's ago since Sirius and James appeared much younger. Even one of her and Sirius at his birthday party last year. She smiled as she looked at the pictures; they were the first personal decorations she had seen.
Sirius leaned against the doorframe watching her anxiously as she looked through his room, "I know it's not much…well I don't really need a lot of room, and I don't live here most the time and all so there isn't much in the way of furniture…"
Casselle glanced up from the photos with a smile, "It's perfect."
Sirius shifted under her smile, "You really think so?" he asked uncertainly.
She stood up crossing the room so that she stood in front of him, "I really really do," she whispered taking his face in her hands and kissing him soundly.
Sirius grinned wrapping his arms around her waist, "You know I've never christened this bed," he purred his lips moving against her neck.
"Well then we'll have to fix that," she replied pulling him with her as she fell onto the bed.
Hours later Casselle lay wrapped in Sirius's sheets feeling utterly exhausted but happy.
"Mhmmm did I wear you out?" Sirius teased his fingers drawing lazy circles down her arm.
Casselle sighed in response closing her eyes enjoying the warmth of his hands against her bare skin.
"What do you say I make us some food?"
Casselle opened her eyes staring up at him a hint of smile playing around her lips, "You know how to cook?"
"Of course, I lived by myself all summer."
"Yeah but didn't you tell me you were over at the Potter's every night?" She replied with a laugh.
Sirius placed a hand over his heart feigning hurt by her words, "I will have you know I make the best breakfast this side of Big Ben."
Casselle laughed, "Breakfast it is then."
She watched with a small smile as Sirius extracted himself from the bed and pulled on a pair of black sweat pants before making his way into the kitchen.
Casselle sat up patting down her wild hair and wrapped the sheet around her in a makeshift dress; she simply didn't think she had the energy to get dressed.
She shuffled out into the kitchen leaning against the counter as Sirius fumbled through the fridge. He was balancing a number of ingredients which he placed on the counter his eyes moving over her frame with appreciation.
"Now there's a sight I could get used to," he teased before turning back to cooking.
An hour later Casselle and Sirius sat down to a plate of hotcakes and bacon that Sirius had managed to prepare entirely on his own, he had turned away all of Casselle's offers to help claiming that he was perfectly competent of making breakfast.
He had relented and allowed Casselle to make the coffee which she poured for each of them, the two oblivious to the late hour in the day.
They enjoyed their meal in a companionable silence, and Casselle had to admit that the hotcakes were just as good, if not better than the ones her maid prepared at home.
"Okay you win your cooking skill are definitely admirable."
Sirius smiled, "See I am more than capable of taking care of myself," he teased wiping a stray drip of syrup from her chin.
Casselle nodded in agreement, "I guess you're not as much of an oversized kid as I thought."
Sirius growled at her playfully, "An over grown kid huh?"
Casselle's grin quickly turned to a surprise shriek as Sirius picked her up throwing her over his shoulder carrying her to the bedroom. "I'll show you who's a child."
Casselle woke up the next day to sunlight pouring across her face; she groaned rolling over and pulling the covers over her head.
"Morning sunshine," Sirius teased wrapping his arms around her and pulling her to his chest.
"Mhmmm no morning, still sleeping," she murmured snuggling against his chest and closing her eyes content to lie there forever.
Sirius chuckled rubbing large circles into her back, "I don't know if it still qualifies as morning, its well past eleven."
"Still AM," she replied grinning.
Sirius chuckled again tightening his grip around her for a moment and kissing her forehead. "So what do you want to do today?"
"Sleep," she teased earning a chuckle from Sirius. She finally sat up running a hand through her long hair to push it out of her face. "Actually I think we need to do some grocery shopping. Not that your pancakes aren't fabulous, but I don't think they'll last us all week."
Sirius nodded in agreement sitting up with his back against the headboard. "Sounds perfect, get dressed and we can head out."
Casselle nodded untangling herself from the sheets and making her way to her trunk, Sirius made a noise when she rose and she turned raising her eyebrows at him.
"New plan," he announced wrapping his arms around her waist, "We have wild passionate sex then get dressed and then go to the market."
Casselle laughed her arms circling around his neck, "Mhmm I think I like this plan better."
At two o'clock Sirius and Casselle emerged from his apartment and out into the hustle and bustle of London. The morning air was cool but not too cold and Casselle and Sirius walked down the street hand in hand. They made their way to a small farmers market a couple of blocks from Sirius's apartment complex.
"So any idea what we should buy?" Sirius asked glancing around at the multiple venders with curiosity.
"Yes actually, I know how to make a couple simple things and if we can use magic it'll be way easier."
The two spent the day going through the market place and buying various goods that were offered. By the time they finished shopping their arms where loaded down with bags and they were starving.
"Let's grab a bite before we go back," Sirius suggested nodding towards a little café.
Casselle nodded in agreement but grabbed his arm before he went through the door, "Wait lets charm these so we don't have so many bags."
After a quick stop in the ally the two emerged with a single grocery sack that Sirius was carrying and entered the restaurant.
It was a small but clean place with earthy tones and deep red booths and chairs. The waitress told them to pick a table and that someone would be with them shortly.
Sirius led the way to a booth scooting in one side while Casselle sat in the other.
A waiter took their drink orders and gave them both menus to look over.
"You would never know this place is so big from the outside," Casselle marveled secretly wondering if the owners were wizards that had charmed the place.
"I know it looks a lot bigger from in here," Sirius said lightly, looking around with interest.
The two ordered and shared an excellent meal of grilled Paninis and soup. When they couldn't possibly eat another bite their waiter took their dishes and the two sat in the café for a little while longer enjoying the fact that they had absolutely no where to be.
"Oh I almost forgot to tell you, Mrs. P invited us over for Easter dinner, if we want to that is."
"That sounds perfect," Casselle replied. "It will probably help Lily calm down at any rate."
Sirius chuckled, "Not to mention Prongs, I've never seen him in such a state. I think he might actually clean his room for her."
Casselle laughed, "Ah young love," she teased.
Sirius chuckled paying the bill, despite Casselle's protest that she should get it since he had gotten the groceries, and left making their way back home.
Once they got back Casselle insisted on putting everything away before they did anything else. Once the chore was done the two sat in Sirius's sitting room, curled up together on the couch.
"So when did you get the bike?" Casselle asked her eyes wandering over to the far corner where the monstrous machine sat against the wall.
"Right after I got my inheritance," Sirius replied following her line of sight. "I've been tinkering with it and when I'm done it'll be able to fly."
Surprise colored Casselle's features, "To fly?" she asked looking at the bike with renewed interest.
Sirius nodded, "Here come take a closer look." He pulled her from the couch over to the bike where various pieces laid around the main body.
"I had to do some pretty complicated charms, but I think I've almost got it. You see when you push this button here it will activate an anti-gravity charm and then you'll rise into the air. The hard part was making sure all the steering and braking options still work while you're in flight but I think I've almost gotten it."
Casselle nodded impressed with his work, "Wow you really were bored last summer," she teased threading her fingers through his.
Sirius laughed before pulling her back to the couch, "When it's done I promise to take you for a ride."
"That would be…fun," Casselle replied glancing nervously at the bike.
Sirius laughed again hearing the anxiety in her voice, "We'll be fine Cass, you know I'd never let anything hurt you."
She smiled up at him, "I know."
The week passed by in a blur for Casselle, Sirius kept her busy with various activities, most of which happened in the bedroom. The couple managed to get out at least once a day though, walking through a small park near Sirius's loft or taking in a muggle film (a past time Sirius seemed to have taking a liking to ever since Casselle had first taken him and James).
The night before Easter Sirius told Casselle to get dressed up but refused to say more than that.
"Come on just a little hint?" she pleaded wrapping her arms around him and giving him puppy dog eyes.
"Sorry love, it's a surprise. Now go get ready or we'll be late."
Casselle scowled but did as he asked slipping into a dark blue wrap dress that hugged her figure perfectly. She used her wand to curl her hair creating long loose waves that flowed down her back. She added some light makeup before deciding she was presentable. She left the bathroom and went to the sitting room where Sirius was waiting.
"Wait here I have something that will go perfectly with your dress," he stated standing and disappearing into his room.
She stood waiting in the sitting room and Sirius returned a moment later, "Turn around," he whispered waiting until she complied before slipping the necklace around her neck.
Casselle looked down, "Oh!" she exclaimed as her eyes met the familiar sapphire necklace.
"I have these too," Sirius replied handing her the matching earrings. "I've been holding onto them for you," he explained with a slightly sheepish expression.
"You mean since I chucked them at you in the common room?" Casselle teased fitting the earrings into place.
"Well yeah…"
"I'm glad you did, I always loved them," Casselle replied kissing him lightly. "Now we better be off wouldn't want to be late for whatever we're doing."
Sirius grinned lacing her fingers with his and heading out of the apartment and into the night.
Sirius refused to give Casselle any hints about where they were going, insisting that it was a surprise and she would find out soon enough.
Sirius led her down to the subway and the pair got off at the West Dulwich stop. From there Sirius hailed a cab and the two climbed into the back, Sirius giving the address to the driver before the car lurched to a start. Casselle took in her surroundings with interest, they were obviously in the older part of London and the buildings and houses had a dated older century look to them. It was what she imagined traveling back in time would be like. Finally the cab stopped at the gates of a regal ancient mansion, Sirius paid the cab driver their fare smiling the whole time.
"We're here," he announced grabbing her hand and pulling her through the gate and into the building. The inside took Casselle's breath away, the carpet was a royal red and a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling. A roped off staircase lay directly in front of them while to their right a snotty looking hostess stood behind a podium greeting people.
"Where are we?" She breathed glancing at Sirius.
"It's called the Beauberry House," he replied. "It's one of the best restaurants in London and the foods absolutely to die for."
Sirius gave their name to the hostess who promptly led them to their table. The dining area was even more elegant then the entrance and Casselle couldn't help but turn her head from side to side to take in her surroundings.
Once they were seated Sirius put in an order for some champagne, "So what do you think?" he asked after the waiter had left them alone.
"It's beautiful," she breathed. "How did you find it?"
"Unfortunately I've been here once before with my parents, though they don't come anymore too many muggles for their liking. But I've always been fond of it. Something about being in an old building makes the experience that much more enjoyable."
Casselle nodded her agreement still marveling at the beauty of the building. The rest of the night passed in a quiet blur of good food and laughter for the couple and after their second round of champagne Casselle was feeling warm if not a little buzzed.
"That was probably the best meal of my life," she sighed leaning back in her seat.
"I know exactly what you mean, are you ready to head out to our next destination?"
Casselle's eyes widened in shock, "You mean there's more?"
"Of course there's more," Sirius replied. He left the money for the bill on the table before taking her hand and pulling her from the table.
Once they were a good distance from the house Sirius pulled out his wand and grabbed her hand, "It'll be quicker if we apparate."
Casselle nodded squeezing his hand tightly as the familiar feeling of being shoved through a rubber tube overcame her. She stumbled slightly when they landed but Sirius quickly steadied her.
She shook her head shaking off the lingering dizziness that always accompanied apparition.
Once she felt normal she took in their surroundings smiling when she realized they were at the same beach they had went to on their first date. She took a deep breath of salty air bending down and pulling off her heels relishing the feel of sand between her toes.
Sirius moved behind her wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her against his chest. "This is one of my favorite places in the world."
"Mine too," Casselle replied putting her arms over his. The pair stood there watching the waves lap against the sand. "I wish we could stay here forever," Casselle confessed.
Sirius smiled kissing her on the cheek, "Well we can't stay forever but we can stay as long as you like tonight," he replied pulling away from her and pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and muttering an enlarging charm until it was the size of a blanket. He spread it out on the sand as close to the water as they could get without getting wet and then pulled her down. The two laid there for awhile looking up at the stars enjoying each other's warmth.
"Thank you for tonight, it was perfect," Casselle murmured turning on her side and snuggling against his chest.
"You're welcome," he replied wrapping his arms around her and kissing her gently on the lips.
Casselle surprised him by deepening the kiss, moving so that she was on top of him. The two broke the kiss for air and Casselle moved to his neck pausing when he chuckled.
"What?" she asked leaning back so she could look into his stormy eyes.
"I just figured you'd make us wait until we got back to the apartment," he teased trailing his hands up her arms.
"Well if you'd rather wait…" she teased making to move away from him.
Sirius's grip tightened around her holding her in place, "No no I'm more than happy to give you what you want."
Casselle laughed leaning down and capturing his lips with hers. Her fingers moved to the buttons on his shirt fumbling to undo them. Once she had removed his shirt her fingers drifted to his pants unbuttoning them and sliding them down his narrow hips.
Likewise Sirius's hands moved to the back of her dress and reaching the zipper and tugging it down. Her dress fell away from her body and she lifted her hips so Sirius could pull it all the way off. Once they were both disrobed Sirius flipped them hovering over her frame.
His lips trailed down her neck and to her chest capturing one of her taunt nipples in his mouth and sucking gently. Casselle groaned arching her back under his ministrations.
"Sirius," she pleaded knotting her fingers in his hair.
He smiled loving the need in her voice as he parted her legs slowly sliding into her. She gasped and wiggled her hips against his, attempting to accelerate their pace but Sirius was unrelenting. He continued his slow pace until Casselle was begging him for more.
"Sirius please I need you," she groaned raking her nails down his back.
His self control was broken at her plea and the two continued in an increasingly frenzied pace until they were both sent over the edge.
They laid on the blanket a tangled pair of limbs, both panting from their efforts.
"That was possibly the best sex we've ever had," Casselle teased throwing her arm over his stomach and resting her head against his chest.
Sirius chuckled stroking her hair gently, "Well now that the bars been set I'll just have to work on setting it higher."
Casselle laughed relaxing into him, loving that she could feel his heart beating against her cheek.
The next day Casselle and Sirius spent the day cleaning and getting ready for Easter at the Potter's.
Once the house was spotless Casselle worked on making some cupcakes to bring over to the Potter's, wanting to contribute something to the meal even if it was something small.
Once they were both dressed and ready the pair apparated over to James's and were greeted at the door by a very happy Mrs. Potter.
"Excellent, you have perfect timing Sirius. Go see if you can calm James down, he's in a right state about his girlfriend coming over tonight."
Sirius shot Casselle a grin before disappearing inside the house. Casselle laughed handing Mrs. Potter the cupcakes she had brought. The older witch ushered her into the house fussing over the cupcakes and complementing her on her dress. Casselle smiled and accepted the praise graciously.
"So tell me about this girl James has been going on about for the past six years, he said you two are friends?"
Casselle laughed, "Yeah Lily is one of my best friends and my dorm mate and James has been head over heels for her since our first year. And Lily…well Lily is head girl and she's absolutely brilliant at everything…well except flying. She hasn't always been James's biggest fan but she's come around."
Mrs. Potter nodded, "Well in any case she seemed wonderful when she was here a couple of summers ago."
Casselle helped Mrs. Potter in the kitchen until the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Casselle called running into the entrance hall and pulling the door open. "Surprise!" She called laughing at the look of shock on her friends face.
"Why didn't you tell me you'd be here!" Lily exclaimed hugging Casselle tightly. "It would have saved me some sleep!"
Casselle laughed moving aside so Mrs. Potter could say her own hellos.
Lily greeted Mrs. Potter with a shy smile, thanking her for the invitation and complimenting her on her home.
James bounded down the stairs grinning from ear to ear, "Lily you came!"
Lily laughed letting out a surprised squeak as James swept her up into a hug lifting her off the ground and kissing her soundly on the mouth. When James finally returned Lily to the ground her face matched the shade of her hair but she was smiling none the less.
Sirius and Casselle shared a grin as they all made their way into the living room where James introduced Lily to his father and the group fell into easy conversation until dinner was ready.
Everything was going perfectly, the food was good and Mr. and Mrs. Potter were entertaining the girls with stories about Sirius and James from their earlier years.
Just as Mr. Potter was explaining how James had managed to slip one of the neighbor boys a joke candy from Zonko's that made him snort like a pig when an ear splitting alarm sounded.
Casselle covered her ears in confusion wincing at the loud noise and glancing around in alarm for the source of the noise.
"Stay here," Mr. Potter commanded, pulling his wand out of his robes and disapparating with his wife.
The alarm quieted and the two girls stared at each other in alarm.
"It's okay, mom and dad are aurors, it happens every time they get called in after an attack…"
The group waited in tense silence for twenty minutes before James suggested they move to the living room to wait.
It was over two hours before they heard the familiar pops that marked someone apparating. A tired looking Mr. and Mrs. Potter came into view and the teenagers breathed a sigh of relief as they realized both of them were unharmed.
"What happened?" James asked helping his mother into her arm chair.
"Death Eater raid…they got the whole family. They must have been caught off guard with it being the holiday and all," Mr. Potter explained. "It was a wizarding family which is rare but not unheard of."
"Do you know the name?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah the mailbox said Thompson on it," Mr. Potter replied.
Casselle's body went cold and the color drained from her face, "T-Thompson?" she asked her voice hoarse. "Was it in Liverpool?"
"Yes actually," Mr. Potter replied glancing over at Casselle with concern.
Casselle ignored the look her eyes locking with Lily's, "Emma," she breathed.
"Oh dear," Mrs. Potter murmured.
"We-we have to go make sure," Casselle announced. "She-she might not have been there or-or-" she fought against the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. "We have to check!"
"Casselle," Sirius whispered his face grim, "Cass they said the whole family was accounted for….I'm so sorry Cass."
"You don't know that!" She cried pulling away from Sirius. "We have to go check…we have to make sure!" And with that she turned on the spot disappearing with a crack.
She landed in Emma's yard and took off towards the house at a sprint. Please don't be here, please Em don't be here, she thought pushing through the lines the aurors had set up and running into the house. It was quiet and the feeling of dark magic lingered. The living room was empty and Casselle quickly moved to the kitchen her eyes widening as she saw Mrs. Thompson's body on the floor.
Tears flooded her eyes but she pushed them back continuing her search, she froze as she entered the dining room. The table was still set with food piled in the middle. Dishes were strewn around the room most were in pieces. Some of the chairs had been turned over but they didn't hide the forms laying still on the green carpet.
Casselle fought a bought of nausea as she moved from body to body feeling a pang of hope as each turned out to be someone other than her friend. Her hope was quickly crushed as she reached the far side of the room where Emma's golden hair lay in a curtain over her face. Casselle knelt brushing the hair out of her face. A sob caught in her throat as she stared at her friend's lifeless form. She looked as if she could have been sleeping but Casselle knew better. Tears over took her as she finally accepted that her friend was dead.
Minutes later, she felt two arms wrap around her, as she cried over her friends dead body. She turned her face into Sirius's chest and sobbed uncontrollably. Sirius rocked her back and forth as he tried to hold back his own tears as he took in the image of Emma lying on the floor. Despite his best efforts tears streamed down his face.
"Casselle," he choked out. "Casselle I'm sorry but we can't stay here. The aurors have to finish their work." Sirius said softly pushing past the lump in his throat.
Casselle didn't acknowledge his words, she just continued to cry. He pulled her up with him and led her out of the house slowly. As they left walked out the door she looked up to see the shimmering green skull and serpent floating above the house. She felt a wave of rage and grief rack her body as she glared up at Voldemort's sign.
Sirius followed her gaze, and squeezed her tighter, before turning them both and apparating back to the Potter's. As they landed on the front porch Casselle tried to pull herself together, she had gotten a handle on her sobs, but tears still streaked down her cheeks.
When they entered the house Casselle's eyes immediately landed on Lily who was sitting with James crying. She looked up and cried in anguish hurrying over to her friend wrapping her arms around her as they both slid to the floor crying into each other's shoulders.
After an hour of the two girls crying Mrs. Potter ushered them into the living room to have some tea hoping to calm them down. Lily and Casselle sat next to each other hold each other's hands knowing they couldn't get through this without each other. Sirius and James sat on either side of their girlfriends unsure of how to proceed.
They all sat in silence as Lily and Casselle sipped their tea not even tasting the warm liquid as it slid down their throats. As the sky darkened, Mrs. Potter suggested that Casselle and Sirius stay the night but Casselle shook her head saying they still hadn't packed. They left shortly after, Casselle hugging Lily fiercely before they said their goodbyes.
When they arrived at the loft Casselle was uncharacteristically silent, and it worried Sirius more than anything else.
"Cass…" He said laying a hand on her shoulder as she stood in the entrance of their apartment. But before he could say anything else she started crying again, she turned toward him and buried her face in his chest holding on to him tightly.
"Sirius will you just hold me?" She sobbed terrified that she might lose him too.
Sirius answered by sweeping her up in his arms and leading her to the bedroom where he laid her down and pulled her close rubbing her back with soft circles as she sobbed her sorrow away.
It took a long time before Casselle finally cried herself to sleep, Sirius continued rubbing her back unable to sleep knowing she would have a fit full sleep.
Casselle woke up more tired than she was when she fell asleep. She had woken up screaming at least twice in the night, and Sirius was always there to calm her down and lull her back to sleep. She rolled over to see Sirius asleep, she moved to get out of bed quietly but Sirius jerked awake at the movement.
He blinked his eyes focusing on Casselle, "How are you?" He asked his face taking on a sympathetic look.
She dropped her head as he sat up and put his arms around her. "I don't want to cry, but I can't help it," She said softly tears already building in her eyes.
"Shh, it's okay," Sirius said rubbing her back and kissing the top of her head. She wrapped her arms around him tightly as the tears came more freely.
"It can't be real. She can't be gone." Casselle sobbed.
Sirius didn't know what to say, he had never dealt with something like this and to see Casselle, someone who was always so strong, break down terrified him beyond belief.
After Casselle finally contained her tears she pulled away from Sirius steeling her face over. He looked at her worriedly, when she said, "That bastard is going to pay for this. Whoever did this won't get away with it, I'm going to make sure of it."
Sirius just stared back at her afraid to say anything. "Cass…the aurors will take care of this. They know what they're doing they won't let them go unpunished."
"Do you really think the aurors can stop them?" She asked incredulously. "Sirius the aurors have been trying to stop them for years now, but it seems that every year there are more deaths. How long is it going to take for them to finally put a stop to these deaths?" She asked anger taking over her sadness.
"Cass you can't think like that. Have faith in them. There have been deaths but there have also been arrests. Voldemort is attacking anyone to get his point across. They can't protect everyone."
Casselle sighed, "I know you're right, I just…I don't know what else to do."
"Come on, let's get some breakfast before we have to go the train station." Sirius said standing up and pulling Casselle along with him.
She settled at the table while Sirius cooked up some quick eggs and bacon placing it in front of her. She stared at it not feeling hungry.
"Come on babe, you have to eat." He said urging her.
She shrugged, "I'm not really hungry."
"Cass… please just a few bites."
Casselle humored him and ate a few bites before pushing her plate away. "I'm going to make sure I have everything packed," She said standing up and heading into the room.
Sirius sighed finishing his breakfast but not really tasting it, as he stared at the doorway to the bedroom wondering about Casselle. He washed the dishes and put them away before entering the bedroom to see Casselle staring at something in her hand. "Cass…" He called out softly moving to sit beside her.
She sagged into his side as he looked down at an old picture of Casselle, Lily and Emma in one of their earlier years of Hogwarts. "I found this in my trunk," she said quietly trying not to cry.
"Oh Cass," He said holding her tightly.
She brushed away the tears and stood up, "Alright we have to get moving we have to be at the train station in an hour." She said placing the picture in the trunk and moving around the room. Sirius stared after her confused.
"Do you have everything?" She asked turning back to him.
"Uh…" He didn't know what to say he was still confused about her instant change in emotions. "Yeah I think so, I'll check. Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine, well let's get a move on. I'm not going to let you make me late for the train." She said before moving into the next room leaving Sirius alone to stare after her.
He got up and made sure all his clothes and the few extra things he packed were loaded up. When everything was packed up and stacked together for easy transportation, he walked into the living room to see that Casselle had cleaned the whole kitchen and tidied up the living room, but he couldn't see her. He noticed the bathroom light on and walked in to see her bent over the tub scrubbing it.
"Casselle what are you doing?" he asked raising his eyebrows at his girlfriend.
"I'm cleaning what does it look like?" She said not looking up. "Your place is filthy, have you ever cleaned before?"
Sirius thought about it, "Uh, no."
Casselle let out a sigh and continued to scrub.
"Cass come on, we have to get ready to go." He said placing a hand on her shoulder. She sagged under the weight. "Cass…are you okay?"
"Sirius do we have to go back?" She whispered still not looking up from the bathtub.
"What?" Sirius asked shocked. He knew Casselle's favorite place to be was Hogwarts and the fact that she didn't want to go back was something to cause alarm.
"Can't we just stay here? Together? Alone? Away from everything?" Her voice shaking as she tried to hold in her tears.
Sirius knelt down moving his arm around her shoulder. "Casselle where is this coming from?" He asked anxiously.
She leaned into him finally putting down the sponge. "I just don't want to go back," she admitted tears filling her eyes.
"Hey it'll be okay; I told you I'll protect you with my life." He said holding her tightly.
"I can't stay there, not without her," She sobbed holding him tightly.
Sirius felt a tightening in his throat as he rubbed her back. "I know it'll be hard Cass, but Emma wouldn't want you to give up your schooling because of this. She would want you to continue living your life. Not throw it all away."
"But it's so hard," She sobbed out.
"I know it is. But I'll be there for you, and we'll get through this together. We have Lily and James and Remus who will be there for support but Cass they also need your support. You can't leave Lily there alone she needs you more than ever right now." He said rubbing her back.
She nodded against his chest, "You're right." She pulled away wiping her face with her sleeve. "I just don't want it to be true."
He wiped the last tear from her cheek, "I know. Neither do I."
"We need to get going." She said finally standing up.
Sirius nodded and followed her towards their luggage. After they had everything together, they apparated to Kings Cross Station.
They hurried toward platform 9 ¾, they were running late after their conversation in the bathroom.
They pushed past parents trying to get to the train in time, "Excuse us," Casselle said as a man stood in front of them.
The man turned and Casselle stopped in her tracks in horror. "Casselle it's been a while," her father drawled glaring down at her.
Sirius stopped for a second before pulling Casselle away with a glare at her father. "Come on Cass," He said through clenched teeth.
"Casselle Marie, you do not walk away from me," He snarled after them.
Sirius turned around outraged. "Why? You've turned your back on her!" He growled standing inches from him. "Have you ever even loved her? You beat her and locked her away! She has every right to walk away from you, you bastard!" All his anger from the last few days let itself out on Casselle's father.
Casselle laid her hand on Sirius's shoulder, "Sirius we have to go." She said softly not looking at her father.
Sirius stared at him, until Casselle tugged at him pulling him away.
"Casselle you won't always have people to protect you." Her father called after them. "People are already dying."
Casselle stopped turning her head slowly, to see her father smirking at her. Did he know about Emma? She thought. Before she could question it the train whistle blew causing Sirius to pull her along.
They jumped on the train just in time, as it started moving slowly forward. "Come on let's go find the others." Sirius said grabbing her hand and pulling her through the train.
They found the rest of the marauders and Lily in one of the last compartments sitting solemnly none of them talking. Lily had her face buried in James's chest as Remus stared out the window, and Peter just stared down at his hands.
They all looked up as Sirius and Casselle entered, Lily's eyes were red and swollen as if she was trying not to cry. Casselle hurried toward Lily as Sirius put away their luggage and sat down next to her and across from Remus.
Lily turned to Casselle and hugged her tightly, Casselle hugged her in return. "Cass what are we going to do?" She sobbed letting the tears flow that she was holding in.
"We'll get through this Lil, we have to." She said fighting back the tears. "Emma wouldn't have wanted us to have mourned for her for so long. She would probably hit us if she saw us crying over her like this." Casselle said with a soft laugh.
Lily laughed as well holding her tighter. "You're right. Emma would want us to drink our sorrows away and remember the good times."
Casselle pulled back wiping her eyes as Lily did the same. "We'll get through this Lil," She turned toward James and then Remus who continued to stare out the window. "All of us together will get through this." She held Sirius's hand as she stared at Remus urging him to look toward her.
Finally Remus turned to her with his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and regret. The rest of the train ride passed in silence.
It's a sad sad chapter and we apologize for that. Emma was one of my (Morgan) favorite characters