Footnotes

Entry #9: November 1st

After the fight Hogwarts returned to a semi-state of normality though today breakfast was quiet. No one said anything to Emma about the bruise on her neck, which was still visible, even after Lily went to work healing and covering it up with magic. Instead we all pretended it wasn't there, though some poor first year had the misfortune of asking and had to suffer Emma's wrath. While that was going on Remus tapped my shoulder.

"Hmm?" I mumbled.

"You should go explain to Emma what happened last night. She's still confused and hurt and even though you did the right then she needs to hear an explanation from you," Remus said. I spooned a big bite of porridge into my mouth and nodded, as always he was right. Then as I began to get another spoonful I realized…

"What am I gonna say?" I asked dropping my spoon and looking at him. He paused, his goblet of juice raised to his lips.

"Tell her you did it to save her life, that you did it because you didn't have another option, whatever your reasoning is, tell her the truth."

"Easier said than done my friend," I replied and he only smiled. Yeah I figured as much, this one was all on me. I looked down the table a little ways at Emma who I caught looking back at me. When she noticed that our gazes had locked she turned away quickly. Great, how was I going to talk to her if she wouldn't even look at me? As I continued to slowly eat my now slightly cold porridge I overheard Lily say something.

"Em, you have to apologize to him. He was trying to save your life and you're treating him like garbage. I know his method of choice wasn't…ideal but what else could he have done without getting you injured? He did what seemed best to him, and he deserves better treatment than this."

"You're right, of course. I'll apologize, but what do I say?"

"I don't know…how about the truth?" Lily said to her best friend. I couldn't help but smile, and I even let out a little laugh. Emma turned to look at me and at that instant James let out a loud snore. I looked at him and laughed even harder, my cover thankfully not blown. Remus shook his head and punched James in the arm and James lifted his head, bits of his breakfast stuck to his face along with a dazed and confused look. As everyone laughed I excused my self to go to class early, so I could get a head start on my detention work, as much as I despised it. Lily pushed Emma to her feet and gave her a shove after me. Emma ran to catch up with me.

"Sirius, can I talk with you real fast?" Emma asked as we walked. I nodded and told her I had to talk with her as well. Before she started she paused by the staircase, and I heard a faint noise behind us.

"Sirius…"

"Hold on," I said looking about. The footsteps stopped. Emma rolled her eyes and for her sake I ignored the footsteps and focused on her.

"Peeves," I mumbled. "Em I wanted to apologize for yesterday…"

"No, you don't have to apologize; I'm the one to blame. I got mad at you when you had nothing to do with what happened with Lucius. You were trying to save me, and for that I thank you."

"Really? I mean…er…it was nothing," I replied. Emma laughed.

"So…we're...ah…on good terms about the whole…kiss thing…?" I asked. Emma nodded and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh, and the party thing…?"

"Yes Sirius, we're still friends, its okay…" She replied. I smiled and told her to go ahead to class.

"I forgot my crystal ball cleaner," I joked. She laughed and told me she'd meet me in class. I back tracked and went to find the source of the footsteps. Like I thought, it was Lucius.

"Malfoy, what are you doing up here, shouldn't you be down in the dungeons looking for some little kid to attack?" I sneered. Lucius laughed at me. I kept my ground.

"Shouldn't you be in your corner crying because Emma kissed me instead of you?"

"Oh right…that…you mean when she kissed you because I told her to…just so I could stun you. Yeah I'm all heartbroken about it."

"What do you want anyway Black?" He asked trying to act all cool. I got up in his face my wand drawn.

"I want you to leave Emma alone, do you hear me? Quit stalking her in the hallway, and leave her be. If you don't I'll make it my business to hunt you down like an animal and make your life a living hell. Got it?" I said pushing him roughly out of my way. Then I went to class to clean crystal balls.