Forever Young

I know what you must be thinking... "What? It couldn't possibly be SophieElizabeth! She gave up on us months ago!" Guess again Potterheads because we back for business! I know I promised to post by the 22nd but things were still kinda stressful after my recital and then I went on vacation and then there was my birthday! Holy crap I'm old...anyways I'm back and you sure as hell aren't getting rid of me anytime soon. Although I kind of hate to say it Forever Young is drawing to a close. But fear not young ones...there is a sequel that will be taking place. I can't wait! Please enjoy this chapter! I have poured my heart and soul into it and I can't wait for some amazing feedback!

Now...LET THEM READ ON!

Chapter 44: Dance Like it's Your Last Night on Earth

Cassidy's POV:

"Cassidy hurry up," Marlene shouted at me. "We've only got 20 more minutes to get down stairs and you still need to get dressed!" I rolled my eyes and finished fastening my earrings. They were silver hoops with swirly patterns that matched the bangle bracelets on my right wrist.

"Hold on Marley," I laughed. "I've got plenty of time!" She groaned and left the bathroom to put on her heels. I snickered and shed my robe. I grabbed my dress off the door and unzipped it. I stepped into it and pulled it up and got Lily to zipper it for me. They eventually got tired of waiting and went downstairs as I slipped into my silver pumps and swiped a final layer of clear gloss atop my lips. I then looked at myself hard in the mirror.

My hair was pulled off my neck into an elegant bun with my bangs making a bump in front. My blue eyes looked bright with the silver eyeshadows and black lining. My lips were their natural subtle pink with gloss to make them shine. My dress was an elegant blue that was fitted on top and flared at the waist. It was a halter top with sparkly sequins that covered the straps and top of my chest.

I smiled at the person in the mirror, the person I had become. I smiled proudly at my reflection and the left the room to meet my friends downstairs.

"I don't care if he looked at my arse," Lily bellowed. "You can't hex people who've done nothing wrong."

I smiled to myself, 'Things never change,' I thought as I continued down the stairs and whistled to get their attention.

"Must you two be fighting? We are about to attend our final major party at this school," I scolded. "Must you two fight through it?" Lily and James both pursed their lips but stayed quiet. I rolled my eyes and took my place next to Sirius.

"You certainly clean up well," I mentioned kissing his cheek.

"Thank you love," he smiled and returned the favor. "And you look...breathtaking." I blushed and mumbled my thanks. We all linked arms with our respective partners and left the Common Room and went down to the Great Hall. When we entered the Hall everyone was milling around and getting drinks before sitting down with their friends. We took a table on the far right near the stained glass windows. A few minutes after we arrived Dumbledore cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Welcome students to the class of 1979's annual farewell ball," he called. "Over the past 7 years I've seen wonderful change in you all. You've all become extraordinary witches and wizards and on behalf of the rest of the staff, I congratulate you on your accomplishments in the past 7 years and for many more to come. Please enjoy your evening!"

We all clapped, hooted, and hollered for Dumbledore. I could even see a few girls wiping at their eyes. After the cheering had died down people began to order their meals. Then after dinner there was dancing and lots of it.

"I swear to Merlin Sirus if you spin me one more time I don't know what I'll do," I fake threatened after almost falling over for the third time that evening.

"Well maybe if you weren't wearing shoes with heels the size of the astronomy tower you wouldn't lose your balance in the first place," he teased. I laughed and placed my head on his chest as the song slowed down.

"This is so nice," I sighed. "I never want it to end."

"What don't you want end?" he asked since I had not specified.

"This night, the school year," I listed. After a moment I even added, "us." He gave me a funny look but then kissed my nose.

"Don't worry love. I promise we aren't ending," he smiled. "We are only just beginning."

"Good," I laughed as we continued dancing in a comfortable silence. After a few more songs we split to spend time with our friends. I sat down at our table breathless from all the dancing, but with a large smile on my face.

"Well someones having a good time," Marlene remarked.

"You have no idea," I sighed. "I'm going to get a drink."

"You stay," Lily insisted. "We'll go. Come on Marlene."

They left before I could get another word in. I took the time to breath and recollect myself. I took the cloth napkin sitting in front of me to wipe some of the sweat off my face and when I did a note fluttered to the floor. Curious I picked it up and unfolded it.

Astronomy Tower. 11:55pm. Do not be late.

-S.B.

'Sirius Black,' I thought smiling to myself. I looked over to where the boys were standing. They all had huge smiles on their faces. Sirius looked over at me as though he felt my gaze. I smiled and looked back at the note and then to the clock.

11:45

"What's that?" Marlene asked sitting down next to me. I handed it to her and then she to Lily.

"Are you going to go?" Lily asked.

"Of course she is," Marlene squealed at Lily. "Of course you are." She said turning to me.

"I guess I'm going then," I said standing up. "How do I look?"

"You look fantastic," they exclaimed. I smiled and looked over to the boys. Sirius was no longer with them.

"Wish me luck," I sang. They chorused they're good lucks and I was off. I slipped out of the Great Hall and up to the 7th floor. Once I reached the bottom of the Astronomy Tower steps I slipped my shoes off wanting to surprise him. I pick them up in one hand and my dress in the other. Once I reach the top I frown in confusion when I don't see Sirius.

"Sirius," I called ut. "Are you up here?" I walked to the edge where the thin, frail railing stood. I placed my hands on it gently and peered out at the Hogwarts grounds. Everything was dark but I could outline the shape of Hagrids hut, the Quidditch pitch, and the green houses. Everything seemed so calm and peaceful.

A creaking noise behind me alerted me that someone else was up here with me. I smiled knowingly and began to speak.

"And here I thought you were going to leave me to rot and die up here," I called over my shoulder.

"That's a bit morbid," a female voice proclaimed. "I was simply going to push."

The blood flowing through my veins turned ice cold. I closed my eyes and clutched onto the railing for support.

"Sirius," I called out hopeful.

"Try again," the voice cackled. I slowly turned around and opened my eyes. Standing before me dressed from head to toe in all black was the person I feared most right now.

Ellie.

Sirius' POV:

"I think I'm going to spend some time with the girls," Cassidy said as a fast song began to play.

"Alright love," I said kissing her softly. "Have fun." She smiled and we parted our ways. She made her way over to the table and I found myself near the stage with the guys.

"Did you guys ever think we'd get here?" I asked them. "Steady girlfriends, almost graduates….happy?"

"We've changed over the years and I have to say it was for the better," James said wistfully. Remus nodded.

"Change is good, healthy really," he agreed.

"Look at the saps we've become lads," I laughed and looked over to Cassidy. She was staring at me so I smiled and winked at her causing her to look away. I let out another short laugh and excused myself to the loo to freshen up a bit. Right as I was about to leave Snape walked in.

"Black," he greeted shortly.

"Snape," I nodded back at him.

"I would've thought you'd be spending every moment with your girlfriend what with the short leash you've been keeping her on," he spoke as he moved towards the sinks.

"She's with her friends in a room full of people," I said with a slight eye roll. "She'll be fine."

"I wouldn't be so sure," he muttered. My veins ran icy cold for a moment and then I had the snake pushed against the wall.

"Where is she!?" I snapped.

"Don't shoot the messenger but last I saw she was heading upstairs, alone," he said.

"Where is she going?" I demanded.

"Beats me," he shrugged. He then pushed me away and headed into a stall.

"Damn it," I hissed as I ran out of the loo and headed towards the Great Hall. I made my way through the crowd and over to our table but Cassidy was no longer there.

"Sirius?" I turned in hopes of Cassidy being there but I was greeted by Lily and James. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you with Cassidy?"

"What do you mean?" I asked her nervously.

"Astronomy Tower? 11:55pm?" she listed. "Ringing any bells?" I shook my head the fear in my body growing with each passing second. Lily's eyes grew wide as well like she was piecing together the deathly puzzle.

"You didn't write her the note...did you?" she conclude. I shook my head.

"Do you have it? The note," I asked. She grabbed it and handed it to me. I looked at the piece of parchment paper with handwriting identical to mine. "I didn't write this but the handwriting is identical to mine."

"We were so sure," Lily whispered tears making her emerald eyes glisten. I looked over the clock at the front of the Great Hall.

11:59

"Damn it," I hissed. "Dammit to hell! Go find Dumbledore or someone. I'm going to find her." I left before James or Lily could disagree with me. As I was racing down the corridor I heard James yelling after me.

"Sirius talk to me," he said. "What do you need?"

"Cassidy! I need Cassidy" I yelled at him. "This has Ellie written all over it and I'm not going to let her get away with it."

"What are you going to do your wand is back in the dorm," he asked.

"I don't know!" I yelled in defeat throwing my hands in the air. "I don't know."

"Sirius, listen to me," James said grabbing my shoulders. "Lily is going to get Dumbledore and McGonagall and everything is going to be okay. Okay?"

I let out a shaky breath and nodded my head. "Okay,"

"Good good," James smiled letting out a breath as well. Suddenly a scream that made my blood run cold sounded and James and I were off.

Cassidy's POV:

"Ellie," I croaked as I found my voice. "What are you doing up here? I was suppose-"

"Suppose to be meeting Sirius," she finished. "Change of plans."

"What did you do to him?" I asked dreading the answer.

"I won't have to do anything," she replied. "He won't even realize you're gone when I'm through with you."

"Listen you cold hearted-"

Pain suddenly shot through my body as her fist connected with the side of my face. I let out a cry of pain and fell to the floor.

"Shut up," she snapped and I followed her orders to immersed in the pain to speak. She started to circle me like a lion stalking its prey.

"What a lovely dress," she commented tugging on the fabric. "And you chose a lovely hairstyle. It'll make for a clean entryway.

"I thought you were going to push me," I commented. Suddenly there I felt the cool metal of her knife pressing against the base of my throat.

"And I thought we were friends," she growled into my ear. "Looks like we were both let down."

"Ellie look," I breathed trying not to move. "I know I hurt you and I'm sorry for that. But we were just kids. Isn't it time you let it go?"

"Let it go?" she spat pushing me to the ground. "Let it go? You were my only friend. I didn't have anybody until you came along. My family didn't care about me, when you came around I thought I finally had a person who wanted me. But I was wrong." She then let out a yell and moved to slash at me. I tried to dodge it but she nicked my arm and I felt the warm blood spilling out onto my flesh.

"You ruined my sense of hope," she exclaimed. "You took me under your wing and then dropped me on my ass!"

"We were five," I gasped putting pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.

"Get up," she yelled yanking me up by the roots of my hair. I tried to hold myself up without shaking in fear she'd slash again.

"You brought this on yourself," she whispered wiping the blood from her knife.

"How?" I yelled at her. "I was hurting too Ellie! Did you ever think of that? My mother was dead! I didn't have anyone either! Spending everyday at her childhood home was hell Ellie. Playing where she played, napping where she did. It killed me. I had fun with you Ellie I did, but James and Marlene had known me practically since I was born. They understood me, you...you barely knew me."

"Shut up," she hissed.

"No," I stated firmly. "I will not be victimized. If you had just let this grudge go when I gave you a chance we wouldn't have to be here."

"AAAAAHHHHHH!" she bellowed and charged at me. She slammed into me and sending us both to the ground her knife scattering away. I kicked her in the stomach the get her off of me and began going after the knife.

"Ha!" I shouted as I grabbed it and turned to face Ellie merely inches away from me a menecing grin on her face.

"Nice try bitch," she growled knocking the knife out of my hand and pushing me back against the railing. The wood let out a haunting creak and I whimpered as I looked over the side.

"Any last words?," Ellie laughed as she pushed me hard against the railing.

"Ellie you don't want to do this," I said. She pushed again and the creaking of the railing made me more nervous.

"Please," I whispered. For a moment I saw a flash of guilt cross her eyes and she loosened her hold. I took the opportunity to push her away with all my might. She stumbled back and as soon as she regained her footing she was charging back at me letting out a battle cry. When she was merely feet in front of my I jumped to the right. As she crashed into the railing I heard the sound of wood cracking and then more of Ellie's screams. I braced myself for the next blow that was bound to come but it never did.

I slowly turned myself around and saw that Ellie was no where in sight. I slowly made my way over to the broken railing and looked over. When I saw the sight below I let out a blood curdling scream and scuttled away from the side.

"Cassidy!" a voice yelled from the stairway. "Hold on! We're coming!"

Sirius's POV:

"Cassidy," I yelled as I raced up the stairs. "Hold on! We're coming!" James and I burst through the doorway at the top of the stairs the led out to the tower. I saw Cassidy a few feet away from a broken railing sobbing and bleeding. Her once neat and elegant hair was falling out and black make-up was running down her face mixed in with her tears.

Ellie however was no where in sight.

James and I both made our way towards Cassidy. When we locked eyes with each other she started to cry harder. I took off my outer cloaked and wrapped it around her shaking shoulders.

"It's okay," I whispered into her ear. "It'll all be okay."

"Ellie," she sobbed. "She tried...and then...I didn't mean...Oh Sirius!" She threw her arms around my shoulder sobs racking through her body. I held her close to me trying to calm her down the best that I could.

"Sirius," James called from where he stood by the edge of the railing. "Take a look at this." I slowly let Cassidy go ensuring her I'd be right back and went to see what James was looking at. When I looked over the side I suddenly had the urge to vomit right there and then but I held it in for Cassidy's sake.

"Suicide?" I whispered. James shook his head and looked over to Cassidy and I did as well. She looked up at us with desperate and guilty eyes.

"It was an accident," she croaked. "I didn't mean to I swear."

"We know Cass," James said crouching down beside her. "Dumbledore should be here soon and we'll get this mess all sorted out."

And right on cue Dumbledore came swooping up with steps with McGonagall, Lily, Marlene, and Remus not to far behind.

"Where is she?" he demanded. "Where is Miss. Smith?"

James and I looked at each other and then to the broken railing. Dumbledore slowly approached it and looked down. He then turned to McGonagall and summoned her over. The spoke for a few moments their heads bowed together.

"Miss. Clark," he began. "Professor McGonagall will escort you down to the hospital wing and Miss. Evans you will be accompanying them. Miss. Mckinnon you should probably go find her something a bit more comfortable to wear for the night."

Cassidy began to stand and I helped her up and passed her off to McGonagall and Lily. Together they all began a slow trek down the stairs.

"Now boys follow me," he said once the girls had left. We nodded and followed immediately. We followed him to his office where he quickly wrote out a few letters and sent them off with Fawkes, his phoenix.

"Now," he said turning to us. "Lets start from the very beginning."

*Cue long slide whistle sound* That was...intense? I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing! Please review so I know there are still people reading this...PLEASE!

XOXO,

SophieElizabeth630