A/N: New chapter woo. I'm ill, please forgive the crapiness that this is. Chapter 20 woooo :D Only 53 more to go...

Enjoy x

It was the morning of Valentine's Day and Remus was woken up by a large dog licking his face off. Remus had a growl at the dog who stopped licking and tried to pull his covers over him again and go back to sleep. It seemed however that Padfoot wouldn't let him. ''Go away Padfoot I want to sleep you mangy mutt.'' Remus was not in the mood to be woken up early seeing as his entire body ached and he had the world's worst headache. Whose idea had it been for him to go on a date the day before the full moon anyway? Oh yes that's right; it had been his sister's. Why the hell had she got him a date with Beth anyway? He was going to ruin it by his foul mood. There was suddenly pressure on his legs as Padfoot turned into Sirius.

''Lizzie said Beth with meet you in the Entrance Hall at ten. We'll be there and Pete and Vickie will be too. Think Prongs is going to try and woo Miss Evans for the day. Now get up soon or your sister will probably drag you out of bed and make you go out in just your 'jama trousers.'' Sirius said letting out a chuckle before getting off Remus' bed and making his way out of the dorm.

Remus just lay there for a moment before groaning and sitting up. He knew he would have to go or Lizzie would have his head. He had promised her after all that he would at least try and be nice to Beth even if it was extremely close to 'his time of the month' as the others like to call it. So getting out of bed slowly as to not make his muscles strain as much as they needed too, Remus made his way to the bathroom which was connected onto their dorm and cupped water from the tap in his hands before throwing it over his face. At least this woke him up a little more. Merlin he was going to be grumpy today.

It seemed however that he was going to be the only one moody. Prongs, Padfoot and Wormtail were extremely happy as were Lizzie, Beth and Vickie. It even seemed that Lily was enjoying her morning even though James had tried to ask her out twice already. After getting himself dressed, Remus made his way down to the Great Hall to have a late breakfast trying to ignore the pain in his back. He was the only one of his friends at breakfast and was sure they were all with their respected girl. By the time he finished eating it was near on ten and so he made his way to the Entrance hall to be greeted by Beth (who kissed him on the cheek which made him ever so slightly blush; not that he'd ever admit to it), Sirius and Lizzie who were both trying not to laugh at the sheer amusement of Peter and Vickie. They seemed a little to love struck for his liking and whilst they made their way down the snowy (yes it was still snowing) pathway to Hogsmeade they left them behind.

''It's gross it really is. Please don't say we're that bad.'' Lizzie said turning to look at Sirius who was smirking at her. She didn't think Peter and Vickie was a good match. To be honest she didn't think Peter with anyone was a good match. He was defiantly the one she liked the least out of the Marauders; not that she'd say that to any of the others. He was their friend after all.

''Don't worry; we're nowhere as bad as that love. At least we're not glued to each other's faces.'' This comment caused smirks from Remus and Beth who were walking next to each other. ''And at least we don't go to bloody Madam Puddifoot's.'' Sirius said in disgust.

''Oh Merlin, they're not are they?'' When Lizzie saw Sirius nod she groaned. ''Why would you go there? The place is delightfully horrible.''

''And you would know because...''

''Shut up Remus.'' Lizzie said scowling at her brother who had burst out laughing. He seemed cheerful which was good. Hopefully he wouldn't turn into Moody Moony later on. She knew how her brother got this close to the moon.

The teenagers made their split as they came up to the high street. Peter and Vickie bid their goodbyes and made their way to Madam Puddifoot's, being followed by quiet sniggers. Remus and Beth were going to The Three Broomsticks and Lizzie was happy to see that she and her brother were holding hands. Lizzie and Sirius' first stop was Honeydukes, and he brought her a massive bar of chocolate with a marshmallow filling and plenty of other sweets which Lizzie had tried and failed to stop him buying for her. In the end she gave up knowing he wouldn't stop spending money on her but making her feel bad in the long run for not being able to get him anything. Yes she had got him a present but it was back at the castle.

The day was cold and the wind was chilly but overall the time they spent in Hogsmeade was lovely. After Honeydukes they had made their way through every shop that Sirius thought interesting including Zonko's where he spent no time at all in stocking up on products. Finally they decided to make their way to The Three Broomsticks to check up on Beth and Remus and to see if they had kissed yet (if they hadn't then Lizzie had a plan to make them). However on their way they bumped into someone Lizzie had been trying her hardest not to come into contact with ever since she and Sirius had started dating.

Sam Riley had been walking out of Honeydukes backwards talking to one of his friends inside when he had accidently bumped into someone. He was about to apologise to whoever it was when he realised who was standing before him. A grin filled his face as he looked at Lizzie who seemed not to happy to see him. ''Ahh Lizzie how lovely to see you again. Haven't talked in a while have we.'' He saw Sirius glare at him from beside her. ''So your dating Black then? Didn't take you long to get over me did it.'' He could tell she was trying her hardest not to respond to him. Merlin how could he forget how stubborn she was? That had been one of the things he had loved about her. There had been lots of things he had loved about her, that he still loved about her...''Would you mind talking to me for a second?'' He saw Black take a step closer to Lizzie. ''Alone?'' He said more forcefully this time.

Lizzie thought about it and went entirely against her instincts. She would hear what he had to say and then hopefully could have him leave her alone after this. So nodding reluctantly, she let go of Sirius' hand. Hearing him give a dog like growl she looked over at him and couldn't help but smile at his protectiveness. ''I'll be alright Sirius. Won't be long.'' She said before kissing him on the cheek and motioning Riley to go wherever he was going. They walked down the street a little, still in wide view of Sirius thankfully. Stopping outside a small shop Lizzie looked at him waiting for him to speak.

''You know I would have never have thought you'd go for someone like Black. You used to hate him. I recall you ranting about him a lot.'' He said smirking. He said the look on Lizzie's face that clearly read she wasn't amused and could he get on with it. ''He's no good for you. He'll get rid of you; he gets rid of every girl. You should know that by now. You deserve someone better, someone who properly loves you...''

''Oh and you think you're the person for the job do you? You were so close to destroying my life, do you think I'd let you back in again?'' She asked. Lizzie knew what game he was playing but wasn't going to let herself fall for it again. How could he possibly think she would just accept him after everything he had done to her?

Sam gave her a longing look and reached out to touch her arm. He saw her take a step backwards and grinned as he saw her eyes flash as scared.

''D...don't touch me.'' Lizzie felt her heart sink as she stammered. Now she knew she was in trouble. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to leave Sirius after all.

''You are mine. You will always be mine. I made a mistake letting you go but once I get you I will never let you get free again understand?'' He said his light blue eyes flashing danger. He would get her back if it was the last thing he did. Bending slightly he went to whisper something in her ear.

''I will break you.'' Straitening up again he chuckled as he saw how scared her expression had become. ''See you later Lupin.'' He said putting a hand on her shoulder and feeling her flinch at his touch before walking off.

Lizzie just stood there for a moment, frozen to the spot. She knew exactly what he meant and was scared to the bone. She had told herself she would never let him touch her and now he had. Breathing in slowly she made her way back over to Sirius hoping he wouldn't notice how scared she felt. As she reached him she put her arms around his neck and hugged him. At least she was safe with Sirius.

Sirius had been watched the two of them thinking he was too far away for his own liking. As soon as Lizzie hugged him he knew something was wrong. He hugged her back wanting to know instantly what he had said to her. ''Lizzie what did he say?'' He asked pulling her away to look into her eyes. He saw an emotion there he hadn't seen before. She looked...scared and Sirius felt suddenly extremely protective over her.

Shaking her head, Lizzie gave him a reassuring smile and grabbed his hand. ''Nothing important.'' She said before leading them to The Three Broomsticks. She really really wanted to see if her brother and Beth were getting along well with each other as more than friends. But as soon as she got outside the pub door she felt Sirius stop behind her. Frowning she looked at him, noticing his facial features were cold and hard.

''I've got a better idea.'' He said his voice low. Sirius set off up to the castle, Lizzie following behind. He wanted answers and he wanted them now. He wanted to know what Riley had said to her to make her look like that. He wanted to know everything about the Hufflepuff because he knew he was bad news. He didn't say anything as he strode up the path to the castle which loomed above them. He still remained quite as he made his way up to the Gryffindor common room and up to the boy's dorm. When they were safely inside, he closed her door a little more forcefully then was probably needed.

''You tell me everything about him right this instant. Understand?'' He said his voice unnaturally harsh. He knew in an instant his tone was the wrong one to use and his expression softened as he looked at Lizzie. ''Sorry love I-'' But he was cut across by Lizzie.

''No you're right, I need to tell you. It's not fair of me to keep you in the dark. '' She sighed at sat down on the nearest bed and looked down at the floor. She felt Sirius sit next to her and put an arm around her. ''I'd better start from the beginning then hadn't I.'' She said sighing.

''Take your time love.'' Sirius said simply.

Lizzie took a deep breath in and exhaled it slowly. She had had trouble in telling Lily, Beth, Kerry, Megan and Erin about this and now she had to tell the one person she cared so much about. This was going to be hell. ''Sam Riley is one of those people who, when you first meet them, take your breath away. He first approached me when I was in the library one day in October. He said to me that I had caught his eye and was wondering if I would like to go to Hogsmeade with him on Saturday? I jumped to the chance seeing as he was quite cute and I remember my mind was telling me he was extremely gorgeous and so not to mess this up. So Saturday came and we had a brilliant time in Hogsmeade and I got to know a lot about him and he walked me back to the castle like a right gentleman. After that we went on two more dates until he finally asked me out. Me being a stupid fourteen year old said yes and so it went from there. For the first two/three months it was amazing. He was lovely, kind, caring, anything a girl would want. Then one day he started to show the real side of him. He was moody and had a right go at me for nothing in particular. When he was shouting he was holding my wrist...a little too tight. The next morning I had a bruise there.''

As soon as she said that she felt Sirius take her arm and examine her wrist. He did the same with the other one and Lizzie couldn't help but smile at this. When he seemed to be satisfied, she carried on. ''From then on he was always a little more rough with me. He hit me once but after that I think he came to his senses because he never got angry at me again. Everything was fine for another month or so before I started to hear rumours. Separate girls came up to me and told me he was cheating on me. Although I trusted him I had a suspicion they were true. I found out I was right when Megan and Erin came up to me one break and told me what he had nearly done to them. They said that he had been coming onto them for some time and even thought they had both told him they weren't interested he wouldn't take no for an answer...''

Lizzie had no idea how she was going to carry on. This was the part that always got to her and she really didn't want to tell Sirius. ''...apparently he had had enough one day and had tried to r-'' No she couldn't go on, it was just too much. She rested her head on Sirius shoulder and felt his arm tighten around her. She was perfectly safe she had to remind herself. ''He had tried to r...rape Erin. She had thankfully managed to get away from him but he had threatened her that if she told anyone he would do so much more. From then on both Megan and Erin kept an eye on me, making sure he didn't make a move on me. There were some days where he was so close and...'' She couldn't help it. She could feel the tears escape from her eyes and run down her face.

Sirius felt something heavy on his chest. Riley had tried to hurt her like that? How could he be so...in-human? ''Please tell me he didn't.'' He asked his voice an almost silent plead. He never wanted to let her go ever.

''He was s...so close Siri...I was so sc...scared...he said he was going to break me...''

Sirius knew somehow that the last part was about today and he silently promised them both that he was never going to let that monster touch her ever again. Moving her a little, he got her to place her head on the pillow of his bed and lay next to her, pulling her body close to his as she cried. Sirius could feel his heart break as he heard her sobs and wished he could do something for her. ''I...I love you Lizzie. I always have. I will never ever let him anywhere near you again. I promise you sweetheart. '' He kissed the top of her head trying to calm himself down and hoping he wouldn't break down as well. She needed him and there was no way he was going to leave her.

Finally after what seemed like hours he heard her sobs die down. ''Who have you told?'' he asked quietly still keeping her close to him. He let his hand stroke through her hair, calming her down.

''Lils...Beth, Kerry...Megan and Erin.'' Lizzie said almost inaudibly. She had never had the courage to tell her brother or parents knowing they would have wanted to ask questions. At least Sirius' hadn't asked her any yet. ''Please don't make me tell Moony or Prongs.'' She said placing her head closer to his chest, breathing in and smelling the scent of snow, strawberries and a slight hint of wet dog and cigarettes.

He could hear her sound desperate and knew he couldn't force her to do anything she didn't want to. ''I won't make you love, don't worry.'' He said listening to the silence of her rattled breathing. ''I've got you a Valentine's present by the way.'' He said sitting up and unsettling her as he reached over to his bedside table and opened the draw. He pulled out a rectangular box and gave it to her. ''Happy Valentine's Day Lele.''

Smiling at him as she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her jumper, Lizzie opened the box with slightly shaking fingers to find a silver necklace with a sun and a star on it. She smiled before taking it out of the box and letting it dangle from her fingers. ''It's...it's beautiful. Thank you. '' She said. She felt Sirius take it off her fingers, undo it and put it round her neck.

''Your beautiful.'' He said kissing her passionately.

''And you're so cheesy.'' She said teasing him as she pulled away from the kiss.

''That I am love. Now shall we go and see how Moony and Miss Bethany got on?'' he asked wanting to take her mind off what they had just talked about.

Lizzie nodded. ''Yes alright then and she'll kill you if she ever finds out that you called her Bethany you know. First however, I just need to get your present. I'll be right back.'' She said before getting off the bed opening the door to the boy's dorm and running down the stairs and making her way to the girl's dorm where she had left Sirius' present. She grabbed it and made her way back up to where her boyfriend was waiting. Giving him an oddly shaped small package, Sirius undid it to find a miniature wooden version of Padfoot. As soon as he held him the little dog came to life and started to run around in circles on the palm of his hand chasing his tail.

Grinning, Sirius looked up at Lizzie. ''This is amazing love, thank you.'' He said putting it on his bedside table before giving Lizzie a quick kiss. ''Come on then let's find our lucky couple.'' Sirius said grabbing her hand and leading her down into the common room. There was no sign on them and so they stepped out of the portrait hole and out into the corridor. ''Ahhh must be dinner.'' He said and he set off to the Great Hall. It was indeed filled with food and people and so Lizzie and Sirius made their way to where their friends were sat.

Apparently the date had gone well for both Remus and Beth and also Peter and Vickie. Beth had told Lizzie the amusing story of Remus getting extremely grumpy, walking out then ten minutes later walking back into the pub sitting back down again telling her he was sorry and then kissing her. Remus had blushed all through the story in which Lizzie had found hilarious and had commented on how her brother was 'such a gentleman'.

Later on, in the common room both Moony and Prongs had come up to Sirius asking if Lizzie was alright. He had answered half-truthfully saying that they had had a little talk about something and now the whole thing had been dealt with. Their looks that told him that they didn't believe him 100% but Sirius was glad when they didn't press any further on the matter. He knew it would take time for Lizzie to tell them and perhaps she never would but he would always be with her whatever decision she made.