'Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warning: None for this chapter.

Chapter 22 – Conversations

Mindful of his brother's marching orders from home, Sirius stayed behind until he was certain Regulus had made it to the castle before leaving the Quidditch pitch and making his own way up the steep hill.

'I win.'

As he walked, Sirius could not stop thinking of all that Regulus had told him. He wasn't particularly surprised that his mother had enlisted his brother's help in making sure the elder Black heir toed the line. He might have hoped the hag would just let the boy be, but Sirius had learned long ago that hoping anything where his mother was concerned was simply an exercise in futility. What had surprised him was Regulus' betrayal of their mother's plans and manipulations – at least insofar as the younger boy had understood them. Sirius was sure there was more; his mother's maneuvers were generally more complex. That Reg had broken family confidence at all told Sirius that his younger brother probably knew no more than he'd shared. Sirius knew he'd have to keep an eye on his cousins – and Malfoy – to see if more was revealed.

So intent on his thoughts was he that Sirius was surprised to find that he'd climbed the last of the steep slope leading to the castle. Approaching the steps he stopped suddenly as Kate's face popped into his mind. It was going to be harder to make an opportunity to talk with Kate; and it had been hard enough this week as it was. According to Regulus, Sirius would now not only have to worry about Kate agreeing to talk with him, but he would need to worry about where he talked with her, as well. And, of course, there was Ofelia. He would certainly need to spend at least a bit of time with her to satisfy the spies…and keep Walburga's howlers from the door.

'I win.'

The thought produced a deep shiver from the Black family heir. I hope not.

Sirius pulled open the heavy front door and stepped inside the school. Shifting his broom to his other shoulder, Sirius started to walk across the cavernous entrance hall, his heavy footsteps echoing off the stone walls. His goal was the staircase and the Gryffindor Common room beyond it. Once safely inside, his fears of being seen with Kate were gone. There were no spies in his House.

Finally, Sirius thought as he approached the portrait and gave the Fat Lady the current password. Slipping through the portrait hole, the Gryffindor Chaser was immediately met by the sound of raucous merrymaking; the celebration had well and truly begun.

"Oi! Sirius! Over here, mate," James' voice cut through the din; Sirius looked up to see his best friend surrounded by team mates and fellow Gryffindors, standing on a table and waving wildly. No longer in the mood to celebrate, Sirius summoned up what he hoped was a bright smile, waved back, then gestured to the stairs.

"C'mon, Sirius! Get over here. These blokes can't get enough of our thrilling exploits," James called, before being pulled down from the table by Frank Longbottom and Samir Patil.

Sirius shook his head and smiled. Let Jamie have the spotlight for a while; I've got enough people watching me.

After dropping off his broomstick, Sirius grabbed his Transfiguration textbook, stuffed it into his book bag with some parchment and a new bottle of ink and headed back down the staircase. The party was still in full swing and Sirius paused on the bottom step to glance around the room before making his way through the crowd and out the portrait hole. He hadn't really expected to see Kate amongst the partygoers, but as he'd seen Lily sipping butter beer and laughing with Alice, he thought it was worth a look. Disappointed, he continued along the corridors, intent upon reaching the solitude of the library and a remote corner where he could simply sit and, if so moved, finish the Transfiguration assignment that was due on Monday.

Sirius had almost reached his destination and had just turned the last corner when he collided with something soft.

"Ooof," came the startled huff from the pile of robes now beneath him.

Sirius scrambled to right himself. "I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't looking where I was … oh," he finished, taking an inadvertent step backward as his victim sat up and brushed her long hair away from her face.

"Yes, 'oh'," Ofelia Bullstrode said, her face flushed. "You really should either look where you're going or slow down," she added, extending her hand toward him.

When Sirius continued to just stare at her, Ofelia sighed. "Would you mind helping me up?"

Sirius moved forward and gently pulled the witch to her feet, immediately releasing her hand. "I really am sorry," he muttered. "Are you hurt?"

Ofelia shook her head as she brushed dust from her robes. When she looked up at him again, she had an amused look on her face. "No, I'm not hurt; are you?"

Sirius returned her rueful smile. "No, I had a softer landing than you did, after all."

They stood there for a few moments before Ofelia spoke. "This is awkward."

Sirius looked at her in surprise. "Yeah."

"We're here for an entire week and this is the first time we've spoken," Ofelia observed.

Sirius sighed, running his hand through his long hair. "I know. It's just that …"

"…this isn't what you want," Ofelia finished, gesturing between them.

Sirius' eyes widened and he searched her face. Finding nothing suspicious in her expression, he replied, "No, this isn't what I want."

Ofelia glanced around them. "Is there somewhere we can talk?"

Sirius nodded, still stunned to find himself in this situation – with this particular witch. "Yeah," he lifted his chin in the direction of the library. "There's an empty classroom just beyond the library. They don't use it for classes anymore; Filch stores a bunch of furniture and other stuff in it. We could talk there, if you'd like."

At her nod, Sirius shifted his book bag more comfortably on his shoulder and the two walked the short distance to the classroom. When they walked inside, Ofelia saw that Sirius wasn't exaggerating; all manner of old desks, chairs filing cabinets and other items lined the walls. With a wave of his wand, Sirius lit the fat, round candle that was jammed onto a plate on one of the desks. Ofelia summoned two mismatched, squashy chairs from the far corner and the two sat down across from one another.

"You don't want to honor this arrangement between our families, correct?" Ofelia leaned a bit forward in her chair as she awaited Sirius' answer.

Sirius debated his answer for long moments, scrutinizing Ofelia carefully as if seeking some inkling of how to handle the situation. Finally, with a shrug of his shoulders, he decided that he truly had nothing to lose; he might just as well level with the blonde witch. "No, I'm sorry, I don't."

With a small smile, Ofelia relaxed against the faded upholstery. "Neither do I."

Sirius smiled in relief. "It's not you, you know. I mean, you're pretty and – well, you seem ok, for a Slyth…" he stopped, the smile slipping from his face.

To his surprise, Ofelia laughed. " 'For a Slytherin'. That's what you were going to say, yes?"

Sirius nodded. "Yeah." There was no point in the lie.

"You should know, Sirius, that I do not care about Houses or the peculiarities, prejudices and loyalties in each. I'm assuming that I was sorted into Slytherin because I am Pureblooded, yes?"

"I would imagine that's true. Although, it doesn't work that way all the time," Sirius said wryly.

"Hmm. So I have heard," Ofelia responded. "I am also aware that those sorted into Slytherin have a bend for the Dark. That is another thing I do not share with my housemates." She paused and considered the wizard sitting before her before continuing. "I am like them in some ways, however."

"Really? How so?"

"Sirius, I have my own reasons for not wanting to go along with this agreement – reasons I don't propose to share. If we are, in the end, forced to … well, to marry, then I shall tell you. For now, however, I will keep my own counsel."

Sirius' eyes narrowed. "The Sorting Hat wasn't wrong about you."

Ofelia laughed shortly. "You will recall that I never said it was. No, Sirius, I am only concerned with myself - and my own interests. That probably has as much to do with my Sorting as anything else, based on what I've seen in my short time at Hogwarts."

"Sounds about right, especially given who you've been spending your time with. My cousins and their friends are Slytherin to the core, as you've no doubt noticed by now."

"Yes. I'll confess that I do not care for your cousins very much – nor for your cousin Narcissa's fiancé. He is boorish and cruel and has quite an exaggerated impression of his own appeal. I would prefer spending as little time in his presence as can be managed." Ofelia paused and sighed sharply, adding. "That has proven to be difficult enough; it seems that he is always present."

"Has Malfoy threatened you?" Sirius demanded. Even though their agreement was distasteful to them both, Sirius felt some degree of outrage that someone even remotely his fiancée would be forced to endure the attentions of Lucius Malfoy.

Ofelia smiled slightly in acknowledgement of Sirius' demeanor. "I did not ask to talk with you so we could discuss the revolting Lucius Malfoy." She suppressed a small shudder.

Sirius shifted in his chair; it did not escape his notice that she did not answer him. "So, why did you want to speak with me, Ofelia?"

"My father is very conscious of social standing and blood purity; he is quite happy, therefore, with my placement in Slytherin. He is also not very forgiving of those who do not embrace the old ways or those who would flaunt their disdain for our Pureblood traditions. You know that my brother has made my father aware of your rather colorful romantic reputation. You do not need to defend yourself to me," Ofelia raised both her voice and her hand to forestall the heated words with which Sirius was preparing to interrupt her. "I assure you that I do not care with whom you … spend your time, shall we say?" The blonde witch paused and gazed out one of the stained glass windows for several moments as if considering her next words carefully. When she again turned her attention to Sirius, he was quite obviously trying to keep his temper in check. Ofelia gave him a small smile. "I saw you in the courtyard, you know. With that girl."

Sirius nodded curtly. "Yes, I know. I saw you."

"Did you bring her there on purpose? Did you know that I would be there?"

"Yes. I asked a friend of mine to tell me whenever you were alone," Sirius confessed. In for a penny, in for a pound.

Ofelia seemed amused. "So your … performance … was staged for my benefit?"

Sirius colored slightly. "Not exclusively."

"But you brought that witch to the courtyard so that I would see you, yes?"

"It's not as if I had to force her," he huffed, standing and beginning to pace in anger. "She was bloody well willing to …"

Ofelia reached out and caught his hand as he passed between their chairs. "Sit down, Sirius. I can't talk to you properly if you're storming up and down." When he hesitated, she repeated herself. "Sit down."

Eyes still blazing, Sirius tugged his hand away from hers and resumed his seat.

"Thank you. Now, I never said the girl appeared to be acting against her will. No, on the contrary, she looked like she was quite enjoying herself." Ofelia's voice was quiet in an attempt to inspire something of the same calm in her companion.

Anger only slightly reduced, Sirius folded his arms across his chest and nodded. "She was – we both were." He looked sharply at Ofelia. "Why are you telling me this? Why do you care?"

"I'm curious as to why you'd want me to see such an intimate moment. I doubt very highly that it was simply that you wished for me to see how experienced you are in this area," Ofelia felt her face flush and was amused to see an answering rush of color to Sirius' cheeks. "Why did you go to so much trouble to stage this rendezvous?"

"The truth?"

"Of course."

"I know that your father expects me to behave like a bloody eunuch until I pass whatever test he's got that proves me worthy of marrying you. If I don't live up to his expectations, he goes to my parents and the whole arrangement is off. I've already told you that I don't want this; I reckoned that the best way to make sure it didn't happen was to make sure you saw me snogging as many witches as I could pull. You'd go running to Daddy – or Arturo, which would be the same thing, really – and I'd get out of it," Sirius explained, looking Ofelia directly in the eye as he spoke.

"That was your plan," Ofelia offered.

"That was my plan," he confirmed.

"And what of Kate Morgan?" Ofelia said, casually. When the young wizard jumped slightly at her question, she smiled. "I wonder where she fits in this plan of yours. I have heard that you and this girl are … close."

Sirius shook his head. "Were. I'm afraid we aren't close any longer. Because of my bloody plan." When Ofelia didn't answer and simply continued to look at him, Sirius continued, "I haven't been all that nice to her since we got back from holiday. I've been talking about you and then she was there when Peter came in to tell me you were in the courtyard so she's just added that to the reputation that you already know about and has apparently decided that I'm not really worth getting involved with after all." Sirius paused for breath. "She's been avoiding me like a bad case of dragon pox." He looked at Ofelia curiously. "And I can't for the life of me understand why I'm sitting here telling you about all of this."

"Perhaps because you know that I find this situation as unpleasant as you do," Ofelia said simply.

"Ofelia," Sirius said thoughtfully, "were you forced to give up someone you had feelings for?"

"I told you at the off that I…" Ofelia began, but Sirius was undeterred.

"Or have you found someone else since coming to Hogwarts? It's only been a week, but I suppose it could happen," he mused, seemingly unaware – or unconcerned – that she had spoken. "It's the only reason I can think of that you'd defy your parents in this."

"I told you that my interests are my own; I will not discuss them with you," Ofelia's voice was louder than she intended.

Amazed to see her cool demeanor slip, Sirius went silent. Collecting herself, the young witch continued, "Perhaps it is simply that I do not wish my life to be dictated by other people – even if those people are my own parents."

"I think it's more than that," Sirius said shrewdly.

"I cannot help what you think," she said, quieter now. "I won't discuss this with you any further."

"Fine," Sirius shrugged indifferently. "I suppose it really doesn't matter in the end anyway. So, where does this leave us?"

"Perhaps we can work together to make sure our …respective interests … are protected." Her expression grew thoughtful. "My brother watches me constantly."

Sirius snorted. "We have something of the same problem. Regulus has been tasked with making certain I do two things: spend time with you and, of course, avoid Kate Morgan. I step out of line – he goes to my cousin Bellatrix. She will relay the facts – or her own interpretation of them – to my dear mother in London."

Ofelia leaned forward. "Won't your mother react badly if Bellatrix does this?"

A shadow seemed to cross the boy's face for a moment. "Yes, I believe she will." When Ofelia drew breath to speak again, Sirius held up his hand. "Like you, there are certain things I do not discuss. My relationship with my parents is one of them. Totally out of bounds. So, if I were you, I'd ask something else." Sirius' eyes flashed dangerously.

Ofelia nodded. "Of course. I'm sorry. Do you think there's a chance that Regulus might look the other way on any of the behaviors you've described?"

"There may be. He happened across Kate and I standing next to each other after the Quidditch match today. I asked him about reporting it back and he got a bit shirty with me and said that he wouldn't do that. I think he was telling me the truth," Sirius responded, calmer now.

"Right. Then, we need to make sure your cousins see us together often enough. Of course, my brother will also see us, which could be problematic. He hates you, you know."

"He's hardly the first one in line, there. What's his reason?"

"Oh, he doesn't think the Blacks are good enough for the Bullstrodes," Ofelia said lightly. "He thinks you're far too wild and unrefined; you know – the usual."

"So if he sees us together, I could get hexed," Sirius offered flatly.

"I don't think it's that bad. You're going to have to be careful about talking with Kate, though," Ofelia said carefully.

"I don't think that's going to be much of a problem …wait," Sirius' brow furrowed. "You really don't care about that? About Kate and me, and…?"

Ofelia shook her head. "No, I don't. Sirius, make no mistake; if we can't figure out a way to get our parents to agree to call this thing off, we're going to be married. Period. And then Kate and … well, then everything will be over and done with. If you have a chance to put things right with her then you should do it. At least you'll have something pleasant to look back on."

"It's Snape, isn't it?" Sirius blurted out, the recent revelation by James suddenly coming back to him.

"Snape?" Ofelia was confused.

"Snape," Sirius repeated, his face revealing his disgust. "It's true, then. Snivellus Snape is the person you're involved with at Hogwarts. You were seen whispering together in the Great Hall after dinner not long ago and you sat together today at the match, so clearly…."

To the wizard's great surprise, the blonde drew her wand and pointed it at his chest. "Severus Snape is my friend, you idiot! He has been kind to me, which is more than I can say for some of the students at this school. He understands what it's like to … oh, never mind." She pulled back her wand and replaced it in the pockets of her robes.

Sirius absently rubbed the spot on his chest where the wand had been. "There's no need for violence, you know. My relationship with Snape goes back to our first year and there is a great deal about it – about him – that you don't know or understand. You can hardly expect to waltz in here and in the space of a week expect people to change their minds about him – just because he's your friend."

"That's as may be, but I am not involved with him," Ofelia said defensively.

"Perhaps we should agree not to talk about Snape," Sirius said, shoving his fists into the pockets of his robes. "You and I will never see eye to eye on that subject."

"Fine," Ofelia said finally.

"Fine," echoed Sirius. "Look, I don't know how any of this is going to get us what we want."

Ofelia hesitated. "I have an idea, but I'm not prepared to talk about it yet. When I've worked out a few things, will you help me with a plan?"

Sirius' eyes widened. "Yeah, but why…?"

"No questions," Ofelia stated firmly. "I'll make arrangements to meet with you as soon as I'm ready. Please. We must do this my way."

Sirius nodded. "Alright; we'll do it your way." He paused then leaned down to catch her eye. "Do you think your 'idea' will work?"

"I've no clue. There are too many unknowns right now. I promise I'll tell you everything as soon as they're resolved," Ofelia replied.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "I hate secrets," he muttered.

Ofelia looked up at him curiously and Sirius saw something that looked a little too much like pity in her eyes. "What?" he asked defensively.

"Not all secrets are about you," she replied quietly.

Sirius took a deep breath, but Ofelia cut him off. "Are you going to continue your – er – romantic conquests?" She smiled as she waited for his answer.

"Don't you think that might not be the best way for me to work things out with Kate?" he countered.

"Perhaps not, but it might be very helpful in our current situation," Ofelia responded sincerely. "And, Sirius, remember, if Kate can be trusted, there's no reason you can't tell her that those conquests are meaningless."

"You sound a lot like my friends," he smiled sincerely. "They've been telling me something similar."

"Gryffindor, are they?"

"Of course."

Ofelia shivered. "Perish the thought. Can you imagine what my brother would say if he heard me being compared to Gryffindor?"

Sirius frowned. "I thought you didn't have House prejudices."

"I don't. Arturo, however, is a very proud Slytherin – in every way."

"Hmm; good to know," Sirius murmured. "Hey, can I ask you one question?"

"You can ask, but I can't promise I'll answer you."

"It's not about your plan. I just wondered why you went to Beauxbatons instead of Hogwarts. Didn't you get your letter?"

Ofelia was silent long enough to make Sirius think she wasn't going to answer him at all. Finally, she spoke. "My father did not want me exposed to certain elements here. He preferred that I attend Beauxbatons because he thought it was more refined." Sirius was surprised to see her frown.

"But he changed his mind."

"Yes, because of your parents. When they contacted him to discuss our arrangement and he and Mother decided to consider it, one of your Mother's conditions was that I transfer to Hogwarts to be with you." Ofelia's smile was sad.

"It must have been hard for you to leave your friends," Sirius said quietly.

"Very," she said. "It was one of the hardest things I've ever done."

"Yet you did it."

"I had no choice," Ofelia shrugged. "My father expected it of me because it was important for our family."

"I generally do exactly the opposite of what's important for my family," Sirius said.

At that, Ofelia smiled. "So I've been told. Something of a rebel, aren't you?"

"Always."

"We should get back," Ofelia glanced at her watch. "They will be serving dinner in fifteen minutes and I need to stop in my room before I go to the Great Hall. I don't want to be missed by my housemates."

"Merlin! I didn't realize it was that late," Sirius said walking toward the door, Ofelia next to him. "Hey, Ofelia," he said softly, putting his hand on her arm as they reached the door. "I'm glad we got the chance to talk. You're really not what I expected."

Ofelia laughed. "I'm pleased to hear it, I think. I'm also pleased to discover that there's much more to you than I was led to believe."

"There always is, Ofelia," the dark-haired wizard replied. "There always is." He opened the door for her and Sirius closed it firmly behind them. They had just begun their trek down the hall when the library door opened and Kate stepped out, struggling with the zipper of her book bag. Finally succeeding in closing it, she straightened and glanced to her left – only to see Sirius and Ofelia.

"Kate," Sirius breathed. "I was …"

"Excuse me," Kate said, glancing from Sirius to Ofelia to the corridor beyond. She knew that the only room in this particular corridor was an abandoned classroom. She and Lily had holed up in that room for an entire Saturday first term, trying to get a Potions essay completed without interruption from the Marauders. It had been long rumored to be one of Sirius' favorite trysting places. Apparently the rumor was true.

"Kate, wait," Sirius called as the girl turned on her heel and hurried down the hallway ahead of them.

"I don't think we have to worry about anyone seeing me talking with Kate," Sirius said softly. Not waiting for a response from the witch beside him, he took a step forward. "C'mon, we don't want to miss dinner."

Noting the slump of his shoulders, Ofelia silently followed.