Beautiful Mistake Chapter Eighteen:
The Truth
"Chloe, you have to get up." Lily ordered, shaking Chloe's arm.
"Tell McGonagall I'm not feeling well." Chloe mumbled, turning away from Lily. She didn't feel like going to classes, especially after the events that occurred the night before.
"You know she won't fall for that." Lily argued, tugging Chloe's blankets away causing Chloe to roll up into a ball.
"Lily!" Chloe shouted, reaching for her blankets. Lily stepped away, and Chloe almost fell out of her bed.
"Serves you right – trying to hide away in here rather than face your problems." Lily said turning away and throwing Chloe's blankets on her own bed. Chloe sat up, frowning, and watched as Lily checked her hair in a mirror by her bed, and then picked up her book bag.
"Do you really think I should go?" Chloe asked Lily, feeling a little guilty now.
Lily paused to look at her. "I'm not your mother," Lily stated dismissively.
"Lily!" Chloe groaned, throwing her pillow at her.
Lily put her hands up, sending the pillow across the room and on to the floor. Laughing, Lily asked, "Does this mean you are going to come to class now?" as Chloe struggled to get out bed. Falling to the floor when she tried to stand, her feet tangled in the sheets, Lily went over to help her friend, still laughing.
"Shut up," Chloe grumbled, as she was finally able to stand up properly. "I'll be ready in five minutes."
"Uh-huh," Lily smirked, sitting down on her bed.
Chloe rushed around, throwing some fresh school robes on, pushing her hair up into a knot on the top her hair, and at last, rushing to the loo so she could scrub her face and brush her teeth. There, Lily met her with her school bag, a smirk still on her face. Rolling her eyes, Chloe took the bag from her, and pulled it over my shoulders.
"Good morning," Kathy said cheerfully, stepping out of one the stalls. Chloe and Lily both turned to her and chorused a "Good Morning" back
"Do you want to come to breakfast with us?" Lily asked.
Kathy nodded. "Yeah, sure," she said, looking in the mirror real quick to check her hair.
Five minutes later they were walking down the fourth corridor, Chloe lagging a little, her stomach not feeling quite right. Lily and Kathy had been bantering back and forth about the up's and down's of having to graduate that year, and go off into the magical world. Curiously, Chloe decided to change the subject, and put any thought on the knots her stomach was in, and Kathy what was going on between she and Remus, if anything.
"Oh, you know," Kathy blushed.
"No, we don't." Chloe smirked.
Kathy blushed even more, and quickly shrugged. "We wrote a few times during the break, and, I don't know, I really like him." She finished bashfully.
Lily and Chloe rolled their eyes, grinning. "We know that, Kathy. We mean, can we expect that you two will become an item sometime soon?" Lily asked.
"Oh, I don't know. I mean, I know he likes me. And we've, well we've kissed a few times, well, really a lot. But we haven't talked about that sort of thing yet. I think he's afraid to get serious, though, which is weird because it's Remus, and he is one of those guys who gets serious about everything. But in his case, everything except relationships." Kathy went on like that the rest of the way to the Great Hall, Lily and Chloe both happy to listen to it, occasionally adding little quips to keep her going. There was no way they would get this much information from Remus.
As they entered the Great Hall, however, Kathy fell silent at the sight of Remus, and Chloe too felt any excitement drop from her stomach as she saw Sirius and James sitting next to each other, across from Nadine, Remus, and Peter. James had a moody look upon his face, while Sirius had dark circles around his eyes, and looked like he hadn't slept at all the night before. As she came closer she could hear Remus chastising Sirius for getting drunk again, and Chloe quickly forgot about her issue with James, and the funny feeling in the pit of her stomach as concern filled her. Sitting next to Sirius, she cut Remus off.
"What does he mean you got drunk again?" she asked, sounding like a mother without intention.
"He is allowed to do that if he likes," James grumbled, but Sirius and Chloe both ignored him.
"I just couldn't sleep," Sirius started to say. "So I got a bottle of Fire whiskey from the Three Broomsticks, and just drank enough to put me to sleep."
Chloe knew he was lying, but she didn't want to push it. Looking at Remus, he gave her a look that told her 'what can you do?' and she decided to just drop the subject all together. Trying to think of something to change the topic, Chloe was happy when Lily filled in for her, asking James if he could get one of the prefects to cover his patrol duties as she had. James looked to Remus, and immediately an argument broke out about who should cover his patrol. Chloe fell silent, eating toast, trying to ignore Sirius's hand, which he had placed near her own under the table.
As breakfast neared an end, Chloe looked on instinct to see hundreds of Owls swoop into the Great Hall, carrying parcels and letters. All over students were receiving the things they had forgotten at home over the break, some just getting letter's from relatives. As usual her mother's old tawny owl, Earl landed in front of her at the table, a letter tied to it's leg. Giving him a piece of bacon, Chloe slipped the letter into her pocket, away from Sirius's curious eyes.
"Your mother writes to you a lot – I never noticed before." Sirius murmured to only her.
"Yes, well, she loves me, so what can I do?" Chloe said humorously. Sirius gave a thin smile, and then took a big swig of the straight black coffee he had been drinking. Chloe cringed in disgust – she had always detested coffee.
"Don't give me that look," Sirius smirked, not looking at her. Chloe smiled, and watched as he ate some more plain toast. It seemed to be the only thing he could digest without turning green. She liked watching Sirius eat when he didn't know he was being watched. He always looked so peaceful, content, and slowly he would look better and better as the food started his bodily functions to move a little faster. Watching him, Chloe become aware that someone was looking at her, and she quickly saw James glaring at her from down the table. Giving her a jolt, Chloe looked away fast and back at her plate.
She didn't like the way James managed to make her feel with that look. How he made her feel like she was dirt, and didn't deserve to even be looked at. She knew he was wondering how she could sit there and talk to Sirius with a secret like having a son on her mind. Sometimes, she too couldn't believe she managed to go through with it. But that was how things had been, and how Chloe had managed to get this far into the year without any major break downs.
"So it's decided then? Remus, you'll take James' patrol, and he'll do your next two with Robert Clearwater." Lily affirmed.
James and Remus both nodded, James looking sour, while Remus quite amused. "Have fun with Clearwater," he laughed, and stood up, Kathy quickly following his action.
"Where are you two going?" Sirius asked, looking mischievous.
"We have to go to the library real quick before class because he forgot my textbook there." Kathy explained.
Everyone glanced at each other. "See you in class then," Remus said quickly, pushing Kathy towards the double doors. When they were out of ear shot Nadine and Sirius both started to elaborate.
"They were probably going to sneak off to some broom closet," Nadine laughed.
"No, they're going to the library, but to some reclusive corner no one will find them." Sirius debated, and both he and Nadine laughed.
"You guys are so…" Lily trailed off, trying to think of a proper word. This caused Sirius to smile.
"My, my, I think I just caused Lily Evans to actually become speechless." Sirius teased, and Lily rolled her eyes.
"Just leave them alone; you should be happy that finally Remus has found someone to be happy with." Lily chastised him.
Nadine stood up, shaking her head. "You are such a dork Lily."
Lily frowned, but said nothing, collecting her bag from the floor. James stood up next to her, and waited for her to finish.
"Are you three leaving us now?" Chloe questioned. She saw James sneer at her, and then he started to walk away.
"No, it's time to go to class." Lily answered, pointing at her watch as she did. Standing up, she ignored James' present desire to go to class, and waited for Chloe.
Chloe looked over and saw that Sirius too was standing up, collecting his things, and grabbing a piece of toast before it disappeared. Groaning, Chloe stood up and grabbed her book bag from the floor. Walking quickly to join up with the others, she followed silently, James sending her a dark look when every time she stood next to Lily or Sirius. These were often countered with an apologetic look from Lily, but nobody said anything, and Sirius remained oblivious in his hung-over state.
They entered the Defence against the Dark Arts classroom, and as soon as Sirius sat down, James quickly decided to occupy the one next to him where Chloe would sometimes choose to sit if available. Lily and Sirius both gave him reproachful looks, but at last Lily sat next to Chloe in front of the two. Remus and Peter came in closer to the bell, Remus casting curious looks at Peter, as he seemed to be a lot more nervous then usual.
"Peter, where the hell have you been lately?" James asked loudly.
"I've been getting help from Flitwick in Charms," Peter stuttered quietly. James went to say something, but he was quickly quieted by Professor Fogerty, who had never appreciated James' loud behavior.
Chloe tried to ignore James' sour attitude toward her, and tried to ignore the sickening feeling that filled her every motion or thought. She did not know what was wrong, why she felt so… so iwrong/i when normally she would do everything in her power to move on, to put everything behind her. Defence seemed to pass slowly, as Professor Fogerty explained the theory behind the Flagrante Curse. Chloe had begun to think that the clock was slow, and every so often she would ask Lily what time it was according to her watch, to only find out that the clock on the wall was in fact correct.
"Professor, we'll we be able to test this out?" Sirius burst out, interrupting Professor Fogerty, who frowned.
"We will after you have proven to me that you understand the theory. That is why for your homework you will all be writing a four foot essay on the purpose and use of such a curse." The class groaned quietly to themselves, and before Fogerty could say another word the bell rang, and everyone seemed to jump up in excitement.
As they exited the classroom, Chloe made sure to keep her distance from James, and wished Lily goodbye as she went with James to be alone for Lunch. Chloe turned to Remus who was talking to Peter.
"…come to me if you need help." Remus was telling Peter.
Peter nodded, aware that Chloe was listening in. "It wasn't my choice; Professor Flitwick said I had to do it." Peter glanced away from Remus and at Chloe, looking a little embarrassed.
"How long do you have to get help for?" Chloe asked, feeling sorry that she made Peter so uncomfortable.
"On-only for a few weeks I-I think." Peter stammered.
Deciding it would probably be best to leave Peter alone, Chloe chose to start walking down to the Great Hall, Remus, Peter, and Sirius following. Partially listening to the other three talk, Chloe tried to think of a way to solve her problems. Obviously, the easiest choice would to be what James wants, and tell Sirius about Ryan. But somehow, even though that was the easiest choice, it was also the hardest. How was she going to tell Sirius in a way that wouldn't send him into complete insanity like it had almost done to James? She certainly couldn't just take him aside and tell him that the past two years she had been keeping a secret from him, and that it was he had a son. No, she doubted that would go over well.
Her other choice was to let James cool down a bit and then talk to him about possibly helping her by keeping her secret until after exams, and school was finished. Then, she would tell Sirius about Ryan, and he wouldn't do anything to drastic. At least, she hoped. But that still left her wondering how to tell Sirius about Ryan. Of course no matter how she told Sirius about Ryan, it wouldn't be easy. It would be hard all around, and Chloe knew that all she had to do was to find out a way to tell them that would cause the least amount of damage.
"Chloe?" Sirius said gently from beside her.
Glancing up at Sirius, Chloe suddenly felt very naked as he eyed worriedly with his cold yet warm grey eyes. Looking away as fast she had looked at him, she mumbled incoherently. At that, Sirius stopped her from walking, and forced Chloe to look at him. She saw now that the others had gone ahead, Remus glancing back anxiously.
"What's wrong with you today?"
"Nothing," Chloe muttered, her bottom lip quivering.
"Don't lie," Sirius frowned.
"It's nothing Sirius, really. I just… I haven't been feeling well, that's all." Chloe told him, not really lying.
"Do you want to go to the Hospital Wing?" Sirius asked, sounding concerned.
Chloe gave a small chuckle, shaking her head. "No, Sirius, I'm fine. It's all right – I just need to eat. Yes, that's what's wrong." Chloe told him, trying to convince even herself that the knots her stomach were in had nothing to do with her present situation.
"Are you sure?" Sirius insisted.
"You're starting to sound like my mother." Chloe grinned, trying to get Sirius off her trail of nerves.
Sirius rolled his eyes, but gave up. Moving away from her, he settled to just walk along next to her. Glad to have him off her trail now, Chloe calmed down a little. Of course, the strange feeling she had felt the whole day was still there, but Chloe was starting to get used to it. She wasn't exactly sure why she felt so strange, but she hoped it was just her nerves after the night before. Walking silently next to Sirius, she let him talk.
"Do you think James is acting strange today?" Sirius asked her. Without waiting for an answer, he continued. "I asked him what was bothering him and he said nothing. That's all he will say. He's never acted like that before. He usually tells me what's wrong. Well, normally I know what's wrong. It isn't hard with him. It always has to do with Lily, and really there isn't anything I can do. I'm just not good at this sort of thing – it's always me who needs the help." Sirius admitted, and glanced at Chloe again, who quickly agreed with a smile.
"We still love you for it, though." Chloe teased.
Sirius smirked a little, and fell silent. The rest of the way to the Great Hall they stayed with way, never catching up to Remus and Peter until they sat down. James and Lily weren't there, and Chloe hoped they weren't off some what arguing. She knew Lily was angry that James had acted so irrationally, but she also knew that Lily was completely in sympathy towards her. It had only been a matter of time before something happened, and Chloe knew Lily had always been conscious of that factor whether she let her know it or not.
"Does anyone know why James is so angry today?" Sirius asked Peter and Remus.
"I didn't notice that anything was bothering him." Peter admitted.
Remus looked up from his plate. "I saw him arguing with Snape the other day – it probably has something to do with that. Nothing to worry about, I'm sure."
Chloe glanced up at this and saw Remus give her a quick look. She wondered if Lily had explained to him what had happened, and she wondered what his opinion on the matter was, but at the same time feared it. Knowing Remus, she would probably receive a long lecture on how she should have seen it coming, and that it had been only a matter of time before James found out. To her surprise however, Remus looked at her again and offered a comforting smile as Sirius moved on to the topic of how greasy Severus' hair was getting.
By the end of Lunch, Chloe had somewhat calmed down a little. She had put all worry behind her, and finally decided that the knots in her stomach simply had to do with night before. Glad that her next class would be without James, Chloe excused herself from the Great Hall to go up and get her Astronomy textbook which she had left in her Dormitory. Remus joined her.
"So when are you going to tell him?" Remus asked, sounding humorous.
"I can tell you right now, though it may seem like James has won, it's still all on my terms. I am not just going to spring the information on Sirius like he wants me to. It won't help the situation at all." Chloe asserted.
Remus gave a short chuckle. "You can't be serious, Chloe? I can see past your words, I know that James scared the living day lights out of you."
"Well…" Chloe trailed off knowing that Remus was right. "Maybe he did, but I'm not going to let him ruin any chance I have to tell Sirius about Ryan, and make sure that they still have a bond after everything." Chloe went silent, daring Remus to refute what she had just said.
"Chloe," Remus started gently, "You and I both know that deep down what you fear isn't that Ryan won't have a father, but that you may never have a chance with Sirius again after everything is said and done."
Chloe stopped walking, and looked at Remus, frowning. "It's true, isn't it?" she said, looking at the floor. "I… I never really thought about it like that."
Remus gave her an encouraging smile, nudging her to look at him. "Tell him on your own terms, and make sure James doesn't ruin your chances."
Chloe broke out into a smile, and hugged Remus. She still felt sick, but she was relieved that Remus was on her side. She was happy that he wasn't lecturing her like she thought he would. Pulling away, she forced a smile, and Remus laughed. Putting his arm on her shoulders, the two started walking to the Gryffindor tower.
"Are you all right, though, Chloe?" Remus asked.
"Why?"
"You haven't looked good all morning." Remus explained, giving her a worried look.
Chloe scrunched up her nose, one hand falling to her stomach. "I'm not really sure what's wrong. I haven't felt right at all this morning. I thought it was just the stress from James, but I think it's something more. But what that something is, I just don't know."
"I'm sure your just anxious Chloe, it will go away." Remus agreed.
"I hope so," Chloe mumbled as they turned on to the seventh floor, the Portrait Hole just in view. They quickly said the password, got Chloe's books, and went to their Astronomy class, just below the Astronomy tower.
"He is being such a prat about this whole thing." Lily grumbled to Chloe as they walked down to the Great Hall for dinner that night. Chloe shrugged in exasperation.
"I just give up on trying to get him to see it my way. He doesn't seem to understand why you were so scared to tell anyone. I told him you were hurt, and upset, and the last thing you needed was for everyone to know you were… well that you were what you were. But that's James, always being stubborn and seeing things only his way." Lily whined, and Chloe nodded.
"It doesn't matter, Lily. If I couldn't get him to understand, I don't think you can either. I just have to hope he won't going telling Sirius and destroying any chance I have at making things right. If only I could get him to give me a second chance." Chloe wondered aloud.
"I wouldn't bother, Chloe." Lily argued. "What James needs is time to think about it on his own. In the end he'll see what is best for Sirius, Ryan, and you. I just hope that in the mean time Severus leaves everyone alone." Lily scowled as if she were looking at Severus at that moment.
"Don't be mad at him, it doesn't matter anymore. I don't want you to waste your energy on it – there are other things that you need to worry about." Chloe reasoned.
"Oh, and like what?" Lily urged.
"NEWT's are soon, and then there is the matter of getting a job after Hogwarts." Chloe listed.
Lily gave a little laugh. "Those things come second to the sanity of my friends." Lily gave Chloe a look that clearly meant stop-being-so-damn-proud-and-accept-my-help.
"I'm glad you thinking about my sanity," Chloe laughed.
"I wouldn't be a very good friend if I didn't." Lily justified as they enter the Great Hall.
Not to far away, at the Gryffindor table, Chloe spotted everyone sitting. Remus was in animate conversation with Kathy, while Nadine and James were talking about Quidditch. Sirius was playing with his food, half-listening to what Peter was saying. As Lily and Chloe approached, Chloe hoped that maybe James had relaxed a little, but when James looked at the pair, his frown reappeared, and he looked back at Nadine, continuing his conversation.
Lily rolled her eyes at Chloe as she took a seat between Sirius and James. Chloe, instead, decided to sit beside Remus and Peter.
"Where have you two been?" Sirius asked, noticing that Chloe had arrived.
"We were in the Library," Lily answered.
"What could you possibly do in the Library?" Sirius smirked, stabbing a piece of pork with his fork.
Chloe fought the urge to laugh. "If you visited more often for reasons that actually had to do with school, maybe you'll find it is quite useful." Chloe teased.
Sirius barked out laughter, causing a few of the surrounding people to stare in surprise. Everyone else laugh, even James managing a small smile. For a moment Chloe believed that everything was normal, even the knots in her stomach seemed to relax. But just like a moment before, everyone returned to the way they were before, and Chloe saw once again the disgusted glare from James, and she shrunk into her seat.
Deciding it would be best just to keep quiet, and eat her dinner; Chloe pretended that she was quite happy being silent. Soon everyone but Remus and Lily, were engaged in a conversation about Quidditch, and the upcoming match. Chloe only half-listened, avoiding any temptation to join in the conversation, and possibly upset James. Sure, it went against everything Chloe was about, but she wasn't ready to make a big scene in front of so many people.
"I wonder where Professor McGonagall went?" Remus pondered, looking at the front table.
Chloe followed his gaze. Sure enough, the seat that was usually occupied by Professor McGonagall was empty, as well as Professor Dumbledore's. If one were empty it would not have seemed so out of place, but both put Chloe on edge. As if already knowing, Chloe quickly turned in her seat to see Danielle and Professor McGonagall at the double doors, their eyes simultaneously scanning the Gryffindor table.
Immediately Chloe knew something was wrong, and the knots in her stomach seemed to clench tightly together. Her heart beat madly under her robes, and she fought hard to breathe evenly. One shaky knee's, Chloe stood up.
"What happened…?" Chloe stumbled slightly as she moved out into the aisle between the two house tables, and Danielle spotted her. Without having to be beckoned Chloe was already started walking over to her sister, her knees refusing to stop shaking, as her thoughts ran wild. Something was very wrong, and not just with her anymore, it was Ryan. She knew it.
"Chloe where are you going?" Sirius called after her, but she ignored him.
Danielle reached Chloe, and not wanting to cause any more of a scene she pulled Chloe out of the Great Hall and to a side corridor, where McGonagall stood waiting. Fear filled Chloe as she saw McGonagall's face, and she quickly looked at Danielle for her to tell her what she didn't want to hear.
"It's Ryan, he's at St. Mungo's, he's-"
"He's no…?" Chloe pleaded, fearing the worst.
Danielle quickly shook her head. "No, he's fine, at least for now. He got into some magically cleaning products at home, got poisoned, and he went into such a fit at the hospital they had to put him under. They said he should be okay, they just don't know when he'll wake up. But I'm sure he's going to be fine." Danielle reassured her sister, hoping Chloe wouldn't lose complete control.
Thankfully, Chloe managed to put a sane head on, at least the best she could manage. The fear of something much worse and much more final dissipated slightly, but more then ever she wanted to see her son. Searching her sister's eyes for truth, she looked to McGonagall and spoke quickly. "I want to go see him; I need to see my son."
"Follow me, Miss Roberts; Professor Dumbledore has set up a Port-key that we can use up in his office. We have twenty minutes to get there in time.
"Thank you," Chloe nodded, falling on her sister for support. She had been so scared, and her knees were just starting to stop shaking. Following McGonagall they entered the Entrance Hall, and started up the Marble steps to Dumbledore's office.
"Chloe, what's wrong!" a voice shouted from behind.
Chloe turned to see Sirius running towards them, trying to catch up with them. Words seemed to escape her, and Sirius' face was so questioning. As Chloe searched her mind for the right words to explain, Danielle stepped in. "It's Ryan, he's ill."
"Ryan? That's your cousin right?" Sirius asked, looking bewildered.
Nobody corrected him. "He's at St. Mungo's; we're going to see him." Danielle explained.
Sirius looked to Chloe. She knew without saying that he wanted to come, and she nodded when he told her, "I'm coming with you."
"Just go back Sirius, don't worry about me." Chloe argued, her hands rushing to his chest, as she tried to push him away.
"No, I'm coming with you." Sirius protested, and fought against Chloe's feeble attempts to elude him.
Chloe glanced at Professor McGonagall who was wearing an incomprehensible expression. Searching for answers she could not get, McGonagall stepped in. "Mr. Black, this is of no concern to you. I would ask you to please return to your meal in the Great Hall."
Sirius looked at Chloe, seemingly being torn between two choices. Chloe almost willed him to fight back, suddenly having the over-grown urge to let him come, to see Ryan, and to find out the truth. But at last Sirius seemed to reach his decision, and backed away slightly, giving in.
"Fine, I'll stay." Sirius decided aloud, looking to McGonagall.
"Very well," she said to him and turned to Chloe and Danielle. "We must hurry; there is only a fifteen more minutes before the portkey leaves. Follow me." McGonagall turned on her heel, and started to walk up to Dumbledore's office. With a lasting look to Sirius, Chloe joined her sister in following McGonagall. Chloe couldn't deny that she was regretting her choice, to leave Sirius behind, but knew and hoped it would be for the best.
They reached Dumbledore's office, seven minutes to spare, and after giving the password to the Gargoyle protecting the Headmaster's office, they were standing on the spiraling staircase until it came to the door to the office. Without knocking, McGonagall opened the door, and entered without hesitation.
Only on two other occasions had Chloe been in the Headmasters office, both times having to do with her pregnancy and schooling. As she entered she was greeted with a warm smile from Professor Dumbledore who was standing behind his desk, holding an old wizards hat.
"Chloe, Danielle," he greeted, nodding his head.
"Thank you Professor for everything, I just…I can't thank you enough." Chloe was at a loss for words as she watched McGonagall take the old hat from Dumbledore's hands, and walk around the desk back to she and Danielle.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, as he continued to smile. "I would do anything to make sure that my student's are safe and that the families of the students are as well. And by law, I believe I am obligated to let you go so you can sign the papers for your son."
Chloe felt her heart lighten for a moment; Dumbledore always seemed to spread such calm when in the room with him.
"Take hold of the hat, it should be leaving in two minutes." Professor McGonagall was saying, holding out the hat for the two to take, which Danielle and Chloe both gripped firmly.
Holding up her watch, McGonagall watched the time, counting down the seconds. Once again the nervousness filled Chloe, and with her free hand, she leaned on Danielle.
"One minute to go," McGonagall announced. At this same moment the door to Dumbledore's office burst open, and all four people turned to see who had entered. In the door way stood Sirius who was out of breath. Seeming to take in what was going on, before Chloe could say anything, and for McGonagall to protest, Sirius jumped forward and took hold of the old hat, and with a tug behind her navel, Chloe was swept away from Hogwarts.
Landing into St. Mungo's main reception area, Chloe tried to grasp what had just happened. Sirius was standing next to her, and already McGonagall was fuming.
"Mr. Black, I have no idea what possessed you to pull a stunt like that, but once I have got Miss Roberts settled you will be returning to Hogwarts with me immediately!" McGonagall raged.
"It's all right Professor, he can stay." Chloe broke in, looking to McGonagall.
Speechless at the decision, McGonagall gave Chloe a questioning look. "Are you sure that is what you want?"
Chloe took a moment to think, but before she could she heard a familiar voice behind her calling her name. Turning around Chloe was meant with their Aunt's familiar face. However there was a much more worried expression upon her face then Chloe could ever remember. Noticing that there was a few extra people, she glanced back at Sirius who moved closer to join them.
"The Healer's say he's all right." Her Aunt Linda said gently, looking at Chloe. "He's up on the Third Floor, in the Dilys Derwent ward." Aunt Linda told them, sending a curious look at Sirius.
"Aunt Linda, this is Sirius." Chloe finally managed to speak, as he drew level with them.
"Sirius?" she repeated, glancing at the boy and then back at Chloe with a surprised look on her face.
"Nice to meet you," Sirius said, a little unsure of what was going on.
Giving her Aunt a hard look that told her to say nothing more, her Aunt Linda let go of the matter. Looking to Professor McGonagall, she took the woman's hand. "Thank you for bringing them here, please thank Dumbledore for me." Chloe's Aunt Linda said.
Itching to get to her son, Chloe tried to get her Aunt's attention, and with a quick 'goodbye' her Aunt Linda finally turned away, and started to walk. "The lifts are this way," she told them.
Finally walking on her own, Chloe followed her Aunt, Sirius and Danielle behind her. They clambered onto a lift with two other Healers. The lift went up, and after spending a few nerve-wrecked minutes as the lift stopped at each floor, at last the lift stopped at the third floor.
"Third Floor: Potion and Plant Poisoning." A voice said above them, and they stepped into a long hall that had five doors on either side, a title above each one telling them which ward it was. Without her Aunt's help, Chloe read 'Dilys Derwent' above the first door, and ran in front of her Aunt and entered the room.
"Chloe!" Mrs. Roberts called from the end of the empty room. It was a small room, but warm and inviting. Decorated for small children, the few beds that lined the walls were almost like cribs.
Chloe didn't answer her mother when she called her name, as her eyes fell on the black curly haired boy who lay asleep in the crib that Mrs. Roberts stood by. Rushing over to the bed, Chloe bent over it, her hands encircling her son, she picked him up gently, making sure not to hurt him. Holding him in her arms, she frowned at how small he looked, how pale his skin was, and at the dark circled surrounding his usually bright and open eyes.
"They say he should be waking up in a few hours." Mrs. Roberts said softly from the other side of the bed.
Chloe tore her eyes from Ryan and at her mother. "Thank you," she said hoarsely.
Mrs. Roberts nodded, her eyes filling with tears. Looking back at Ryan, Chloe started to rock him back and forth, closing her eyes as she felt his body move as he breathed in and out. He's okay, he's breathing, he's just sleeping. She thought to herself. Behind her, she heard Danielle join her. Fluttering her eyes open, Chloe remembered Sirius. Turning on her heel gently as not to wake Ryan she looked to the doorway.
There he stood, his hand gripping the door way as he stared at the scene before him, as he stared at Ryan. His chest heaved, his jaw tightened, and Chloe opened her mouth to explain, to stop him from doing what she knew he would do. As she did she watched him stumble back, his hand slipping from the door frame, and he shook his head, his eyes turning to the ground, and looking as if the world had just collapsed on top of him.
"Sirius…" Chloe heard herself say, but it was too late. Sirius was gone.