'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: Sexual situations

Chapter 33 – Interlude

In the days and weeks that followed, life seemed to settle into a relatively placid routine – and everyone concerned breathed a cautious sigh of relief.

Upcoming O.W.L.s were on the students' minds, largely due to Remus' consistent reminders. 'Reminders!' Sirius snorted one evening in the Common Room, choosing instead, 'constant, shrew-like harping!' as his description. "They're not 'til spring, Moony," the dark-haired wizard reminded his best mate, pulling his chair a bit closer to the blazing fire. "And it doesn't feel like spring will get here any bloody time soon!"

Despite Remus' rolled eyes as he reached for his Potions textbook, he was inclined to agree with Sirius. January had turned out to be one of the coldest on record, with below freezing temperatures during the day as well as overnight. To make matters worse, the middle of the month brought strong winds that wound icy tendrils into any gaps in robes and cloaks and proved challenging to even the strongest warming charm. As the unusual chill persisted into February, students and faculty alike were inspired to remain inside the castle, nestled in front of crackling fires and sipping hot chocolate when not attending classes.

The relationship between Sirius and Kate was developing nicely now that they were free to spend time together publicly. The emotional pull toward Kate was stronger than ever for Sirius and he found that he felt most grounded, most at peace and certainly happiest when he was with her. For her part, Kate relished spending time with Sirius. The conversation with and warnings from her mother no longer intruded upon her thoughts and Kate, too, found her feelings for the young wizard growing stronger each and every day. They had managed to secret themselves away from their friends on several occasions, burrowing down in the Room of Requirement where they talked and filled in the gaps of their knowledge of one another. While careful not to let things get too far out of hand, the young couple also explored their more romantic feelings for each other and Kate acknowledged that – young though she might be – she was now completely in love with Sirius. For his part, Sirius knew that he had fallen long ago.

To all outward appearances, the now-single Ofelia was a convincing "jilted fiancée" and often appeared pale and tired at mealtimes and in her own Common Room. While the Slytherins were grimly thrilled to place the blame on Sirius, Ofelia privately told Kate and Lily that morning sickness – and not her own acting abilities – was the true culprit. Although she could not openly consort with her Gryffindor friends as she did before, the group would periodically meet for tea, study or simple conversation in the Room of Requirement. One Saturday afternoon, a month or so after the Blacks had visited Hogwarts, Ofelia and Sirius met in the abandoned classroom beyond the library and he finally told her about the meeting with Dumbledore and his parents. Ofelia laughed merrily at the Headmaster's duplicity, finding so much enjoyment in Sirius' tale that he cast a quick Silencing charm in the event her voice carried into the corridor. The two Purebloods had, as Dumbledore had observed, become good friends – a great surprise to Sirius who had never considered that "birds" could be friends and not just romantic partners. Once she recovered herself, Ofelia shared that she and Michael had re-established their communications with weekly owls flying to and from London.

"He is planning to speak with his parents when he returns home for the summer holiday," the young witch told him. "He is confident that even if their initial reaction is not in our favor, they will come around quite soon. Regardless, I will tell my parents and we will make plans to meet with the Delacour family well before the baby is born." Ofelia's smile was so confident that Sirius refrained from sharing his views on the topic. He may not have spent much time in the presence of the Bullstrodes, but it had been sufficient for him to realize that Ofelia's family was as impressed with bloodlines, money and position as was his own. Based on what Ofelia had said about Michael's family, their estate in France would probably be enough to win them over. And, of course, the Bullstrodes seemed to actually love theirchild, so as long as Michael treated her well, Sirius supposed Ofelia would have the fairy tale ending she so obviously wanted. He scarcely begrudged her; while he realized that his own path was far from idyllic, Sirius certainly hoped that he and Kate would be able to stay together. Much would depend upon his parents' obsession with locating another "suitable" bride for their elder son. As reports of Sirius' behavior toward Ofelia swept through the dungeons, students shared the story, via owl post, with their families at home. Sirius was virtually certain that Walburga would find the road to the next marriage contract a very bumpy one, indeed. Trouble was, Sirius would most certainly be the focus of her frustration once he returned home for the summer holidays.

In keeping with his opinion of the Black family as a whole – and Sirius in particular – Arturo was very solicitous of his sister's apparent 'humiliation' at the boorish – if expected – behavior of her former fiancé. Sirius really had expected nothing less of the Bullstrode heir. After all, Arturo not only succeeded in breaking his family's connection with the distasteful Blacks, he also had taken back the unfaithful – then scorned – Delilah. Apparently, the young witch was sufficiently remorseful, allowing Arturo to magnanimously forgive her – and smooth his own ruffled feathers in the bargain.

"You should be careful of them, Sirius," Ofelia said somberly. "Their combined anger is very strong – and their egos have been considerably bruised in all of this."

Sirius snorted. "So you think they're out for revenge against me? Ofelia, believe me; Arturo's ego was tweaked by Delilah herself and he has forgiven her to the extent that they're together again – this time publicly. And Delilah has her claws into a rich, fellow Pureblood yet again, so she's happy. I'm certain that all I have to look forward to is some nasty gossip and, after all, I'm used to that!"

"I just think that you should keep your eyes open. If I happen to overhear anything I think you should know, I'll get word to you," Ofelia said.

"And I will do the same for you," he promised.

The two sat quietly for a few moments before Ofelia spoke again. "I want to ask something of you – and of your friends."

"Yeah, sure," Sirius shrugged. "What do you need?

"I know how you feel about Severus and, most of the time, I cannot blame you; he has a … difficult personality – for which there are truly many reasons," Ofelia leaned forward. "He has been most kind to me, however and I feel that he has proved himself a true friend to me – particularly since our 'breakup'."

"And…?"

"And I would like you to leave him be for a while. He has enough to contend with without having to look over his shoulder for you lot all the time. Please."

Sirius shook his head. "It's not one sided, Ofelia; he often provokes things. I also cannot speak for the others – but, if Snape steers clear of me, I won't provoke anything with him. That's the best I can promise you." And I can't believe I've done this much.

"Well, I suppose that's enough to be going on with," Ofelia replied, rising. "I must get back before I'm missed."

"I'll walk with you to the staircase."

As Ofelia walked ahead of him, she caught her robes on a jagged piece of wood that poked out from a stack of broken desk chairs. The result was a large tear in the front of the spruce green fabric. "Damn. My grandmother gave these to me at Christmas," she said irritably.

"Can't you do a spell to fix them?"

"Perhaps someone can; I am rubbish at household spells," came the rueful reply.

"Well, don't ask any of my cousins," Sirius grinned wryly. "They are no more gifted." He opened the heavy door and gestured for Ofelia to precede him. As she did so, her soft gasp reached his ears and Sirius instinctively moved back, flattening himself against the wall. Ofelia's hand soon appeared behind her and she waved at him to signal that he should remain where he was.

"Ofelia, are you quite alright?"

Snape, Sirius recognized the rich baritone of the Slytherin student. What's he doing here?

"Severus! You startled me," Sirius could hear the surprise as Ofelia greeted Snape.

"What on earth are you doing in an abandoned classroom? And your robes are torn! Ofelia, did someone force … is there someone else in there?"

"Severus, please. I assure you that I am quite fine. I simply wanted to …" Ofelia began, but stopped when behind her she heard the scrape of Sirius' boot against the stone flooring.

"Black," Snape's voice dripped acid as his eyes took in the wizard standing directly behind Ofelia.

"Snape," Sirius inclined his head. "Nothing like a bit of stalking on a cold winter's day, eh?"

"Swine. How dare you intimate that I would …" The tall wizard stopped, shifting his focus back to Ofelia, taking in her pale complexion and torn robes. His own face white as parchment, black eyes glittering, he reached out for Ofelia's hand, while fixing his gaze on Sirius. "Ofelia, please step away from the doorway."

Sirius tightened his grip on his wand, securely stored in the pocket of his robes. While he felt confident that he could best Snape in a fair duel, he also knew that the Slytherin was fast, cunning and rarely played fair.

Ofelia remained firmly planted. "Severus, no. Stop this at once. Whatever you may think is happening here, you are very wrong. Sirius and I were simply having a conversation."

Severus' eyes never left the other wizard's face. "A simple conversation that has left you so pale? A simple conversation that has left your robes torn? A simple conversation that has the other party hiding like the coward he is against the wall of an abandoned classroom?" With each sentence, the tone of the enraged wizard's voice became darker, more malevolent. Even Sirius was forced to acknowledge that Severus' rage was a force to be reckoned with.

Sirius took a deep breath and fought to keep an answering sarcasm from his own voice. "Not that this is any of your business, but I wanted to apologize to Ofelia for the embarrassment I caused her. I was not hiding, as you suggest, but merely trying to avoid causing her further discomfort within her House."

Ofelia placed a conciliatory hand on Severus' arm. "It is exactly as he says, Severus," she said softly. "And my robes were torn because I caught them on a broken chair as we made to leave; Sirius had nothing to do with that."

Severus finally tore his eyes away from Sirius and he looked down at Ofelia, his anger now mixed with something very much akin to regretful recognition. "Ofelia, you do not need to make excuses for him out of fear. We can consult with Arturo and the three of us speak with Dumbledore. But you must not shield him if he has harmed you in any way; if he has forced you into something you did not agree to on your own…"

"That's enough, Snape," Sirius' fury was at full strength – it crackled the air around them and it matched Snape's in both power and intensity. "I would never harm a woman; I would never force myself on anyone. That's what you're insinuating here, isn't it, you great, bloody wanker!"

"That is enough," Ofelia stepped more directly between the two wizards and raised her voice to a level neither boy remembered hearing. "Severus, we have both told you the truth of why we are here. You may believe us or choose not to do so - I personally do not care. I will not, however, have you fabricating stories about what you think happened. I thought we were friends, Severus, but here you are, making up lies rather than accepting that I have told you the truth. Perhaps I grossly overestimated your esteem. Perhaps we are not the friends that I thought we were."

Severus drew back as if the young witch had struck him. He was silent for a few moments then inclined his head slightly in her direction, two identical spots of color appearing in his cheeks. "I apologize if I have offended you, Ofelia. I assure you that I hold you in the highest esteem; my behavior can be blamed exclusively on my sincere desire to keep you from harm. Forgive me, please."

Sirius' eyes widened. He had never seen Snape humbled into apology. While a part of his brain observed the scene with great glee, the more rational side recalled his earlier promise to Ofelia and he resolutely refrained from comment. But my tongue is likely to be bitten in half with the effort.

"I will forgive you, of course," Ofelia was saying quietly. "But this matter stays here – just among us three – yes?"

Snape's eyes narrowed as he glanced over at Sirius who calmly returned his gaze.

"Severus?"

"As you wish, Ofelia." Snape paused then leaned toward the witch and spoke. "But know this: Should I observe anything that convinces me that you are being hurt in any way – by Black or anyone else – the perpetrator will have me to deal with. And I will not be easily silenced."

Ofelia's eyes widened at the intensity of feeling in Severus' voice – and in his eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Severus; thank you." In response, the Slytherin extended his arm to Ofelia and, as she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, she glanced over her shoulder toward Sirius. "Thank you for everything you said, Sirius," Ofelia called out as Severus led her down the hallway. Sirius nodded in response and, once the pair had turned the corner, he stepped thoughtfully into the corridor and began the long walk back to his own Common Room. Keeping this promise to Ofelia was definitely going to be a challenge.

XXXXXXXX

The silence that greeted Sirius as he climbed through the portrait hole confirmed the lateness of the hour. The absence of lounging students was a good indication that dinner was in full swing in the Great Hall.

"And why aren't you downstairs eating dinner with your band of merry men?" Kate's amused voice sounded from the overstuffed chair in the shadows of the far corner.

Feeling an immediate warmth slide through his system, Sirius strode in the direction of her voice and found Kate smiling up at him.

"Must have sensed that you were still up here," he said quietly, extending his hand down to her. "Come here, you." Kate closed her fingers around his warm palm and squeaked a little in surprise as she was pulled up from her chair and into his arms. "Maybe there is something to that Divination rubbish after all!"

"Mmm," she said, smiling into the side of his neck. "This is much nicer than a bowl of mutton stew."

Sirius huffed a laugh that ruffled the hair at her temple. "Blimey, Kate, I would hope I have more appeal than mutton!"

Kate pulled back to look at him. "Just," she teased, leaning up to kiss his lips gently, smiling at the sudden and sharp intake of breath it provoked from him.

"I think I'll just have a bit more of that, thanks," he whispered, lowering his face to hers and kissing her much more deeply.

Kate's arms came up around Sirius' neck and her fingers played through his hair as she returned his kisses with equal feeling. "I've wanted this all day," Kate whispered against his lips.

"Katie," Sirius murmured, voice rough, when finally they broke for air. His lips trailed down her jaw line, coming to rest at her ear. He placed soft kisses on the sensitive lobe, delighting in the taste of her, delighting in the fact that he could do this after so many months of subterfuge. "I think I've wanted this since that day in the Common Room, right after Christmas. When you didn't run away after I told you about my family. It feels like I've known you so much longer than I have."

"I know. It's a bit frightening, isn't it? To feel this way after so little time together. I can't explain it, and I'm tired of wasting all my energy trying to figure it out – especially when it feels like it's supposed to be this way." Turning her face until she could see his eyes, Kate placed her hands on either side of his head and gently tugged him back down until their lips met again. This kiss was every bit as scorching as the first and Sirius happily allowed himself to be pulled closer and closer to the flames. Kate's teeth nibbled his lips, ceasing only when his tongue demanded entrance to her mouth, dancing over the sensitive contours and eliciting tiny whimpers from the back of her throat. He felt himself harden and he wound his arms more tightly around her waist pulling her closer until his erection pressed against her hip. "Katie," he breathed, shivering at the delicious feeling. He groaned softly. "Katie," he whispered once more. The heat was building and he knew it would overtake him if he did not stop quickly. He tore his lips from her neck and drew a deep shuddering breath, gently pushing back from her and striving to bring himself under control. A quick glance at her face was almost his undoing. Kate stood in place, eyes closed, face flushed, lips moist and slightly swollen from his caresses. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked at him. "Sirius," she whispered. "Why …?" Kate searched his eyes, then her gaze shifted downward and her expression cleared. She took a step toward him and smoothed his hair back from his damp brow. "Oh. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let things…" her voice trailed off.

"It's ok," he said, raggedly. "I'll be fine. I'll just head up to the …" Sirius' eyes shifted toward the stairs. "Showers are always cold this time of day anyway." He smiled ruefully.

Kate shook her head. "Let me … I'm not … you know, but Sirius, even if I'm not very experienced, I would certainly better than a cold shower. We could …" she reached for his hand, intent upon finding a decidedly more private place where they could be truly alone.

Sirius smiled and to his own amazement, he took her extended hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her palm gently. "Katie-girl, it's more than you not being ready; we're not ready." He paused and shifted uncomfortably. "Well, perhaps we're a bit ready." He smiled wryly. "Listen, I want this to happen because we're ready for it on all levels – not just physically. I won't lie; I've slept with witches for the physical reasons – just for the release. I don't do that anymore; I don't want to be that way anymore. I want it to be different with you, ok?"

Kate nodded. "I'm sorry I let things get so …" she cast about for the right word.

"Over heated?" Sirius supplied. At her nod, he smiled. "Well, then, that cold shower should put things right…and you weren't exactly the only person in the room, were you? Tell you what – wait for me, yeah? I'll be back in a few minutes and we'll go have dinner, ok? Sit down and – I don't know - read something; make Remus proud."

Kate nodded, chuckling and walked toward the corner chair and the book that had fallen on the floor when Sirius had pulled her to her feet. As she settled, Kate looked over at Sirius, who was just beginning to walk up the staircase toward the dorm. "Sirius," she called quietly and he turned, eyebrows raised in question. "It's not because I don't want you, you know. I want this very much." She bit her lower lip as she watched his face flush in response.

"Doesn't make it easier," he said with a slight smile. "But I love hearing it all the same."

With a nod, he turned and ran up the stairs.

"I know how you feel," Kate murmured, finding her page and trying to focus on the words in front of her. "I know exactly how you feel."

XXXXXXXX

"I'm pleased to see that your appetite seems to have returned," Arturo remarked at dinner.

Ofelia smiled as she glanced down at the roasted chicken, baked potato and sliced tomatoes on her plate. "Yes. My stomach doesn't feel as unsettled this evening."

Arturo nodded again. "I have been worried about you, you know."

Ofelia impulsively reached over and squeezed her brother's hand. "I know you have and I appreciate it – truly I do. I will be fine."

"I must admit that I was surprised to see you so affected by Black's … defection, particularly in light of our earlier discussions about the arrangement," Arturo continued.

"I was not then – nor am I now – infatuated with Sirius. As you know, we had established a rapport, as per our parents' mutual instructions and, I suppose I resented his blatant association with that Hornsby girl. Wounded pride, most likely," Ofelia replied as she picked up her fork again. "This whole thing has been most unsettling. I feel a bit like chattel, I'll confess."

"Families in our class always arrange the marriages of their children, 'felia. You know this. Now that the Black family is out of the picture, Father will seek a new arrangement for you; it is our way."

Ofelia thought of Michael's face and her free hand unconsciously moved to rest on her stomach. Hopefully, nothing will come of that effort before summer.

"Are you feeling ill again?" Arturo's gaze fell on Ofelia's hand.

"No, no," Ofelia's reply was quick. "I do believe I've had enough, however. I believe I'll return to our Common Room and read a bit." She made to rise, but Arturo reached over and placed his hand on her arm.

"Wait a moment. Black and his witch du jour are just coming into the Hall. You needn't risk running into them. It will ruin your meal," his voice was low and laced with disdain.

"Arturo, please. There's no need to carry a grudge. After all, you were determined to stop any affiliation with the Black family. You should be pleased that you got your wish. There's nothing to be gained by perpetuating ill will."

Her brother sighed, his eyes never leaving Sirius and Kate as they settled themselves among their friends at the Gryffindor table. "There's just something about that lot that I don't like."

Ofelia gave her brother an amused smile. "Something other than the fact that they're Gryffindor, you mean?"

"It's the attitude, the air of entitlement that surrounds the four of them – as if they can commit any transgression they choose without ramification or consequence. Times are changing, Ofelia and you mark my words – there will come a day when witches and wizards like them will not be able to put on airs and look down on the rest of us."

"Isn't that rather backward, Arturo? Aren't we the ones putting on airs and lording pureblooded superiority over everyone else? Really, their behavior is nothing more than schoolboy posturing…." Ofelia wasn't permitted to finish before her brother dove in again.

"It is from such 'schoolboy posturing' that adult wizards are formed, Ofelia. And those adult wizards will shape the future of our world. Already, that Potter boy has gotten himself involved with a Muggle-born witch, so that liaison, if it happens, will dilute the blood stock. Then, there's Black, about whom I need say nothing further. Pettigrew is a useless lump of a wizard who will amount to nothing, in my opinion. He's a follower, to be sure; Black and Potter dictate his every action – for now, at any rate. If they move on, Pettigrew will latch onto someone new, like a barnacle to the bottom of a ship. Why, if it wasn't for Lupin helping him along in Potions, Severus said that Pettigrew would have blown himself to bits by now." Arturo's eyes narrowed as he looked over at the Gryffindor table. "Lupin. There's something…off about him, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Severus says he's absent rather a lot; he certainly appears a sickly specimen, doesn't he?"

Ofelia glanced over her shoulder at the wizard in question. He did appear tired and had circles beneath his eyes. She recalled an earlier conversation involving Remus' health and he had assured her that he was quite fine. I hope he isn't seriously ill, Ofelia thought, returning the smile he sent to her when their eyes connected. He's such a kind person.

Turning back to her brother, Ofelia's voice was firm. "I think he's quite nice; very intelligent and respectful to others. There are members of our own House who could take a page from his book – your precious Malfoy amongst them. My advice to you is to tend to your own business and leave the Gryffindor students alone. They've done nothing to you, have they? In fact, Sirius' transgressions have even gotten you the fair Delilah once again." She rose. "And now, I am leaving!" With that she turned and walked swiftly to the door of the Great Hall, exiting without a backward glance.

Arturo watched her, somewhat stunned at her outburst.

"What on earth did you say that aroused such ire in your sister, Arturo?" Lucius Malfoy wore his trademark smirk as he slid into Ofelia's vacated spot.

Arturo shook his head. "Can't think," he said.

"Female trouble, perhaps," Lucius oozed. "Witches can be so unpredictable and high strung during such times. Perhaps I should offer her my company later to see if I can improve her mood."

Arturo thought of his sister's rather unflattering comment about the other wizard and shook his head. "I wouldn't recommend it, Lucius. Let her be for a while. I'm sure she'll seek you out if she wishes to spend time with you." But I wouldn't bet my last galleon on it.

Lucius inclined his head. "As you wish." For now.

Arturo's gaze shifted toward the Gryffindor table from which the sound of happy chatter and laughter could clearly be heard. Lucius turned his head to see what had captured the other wizard's interest. Settling his gaze on Kate who was seated between Sirius and Remus, his smirk returned. "Ms. Morgan has captured your eye, has she?" The sound of Arturo's derisive snort brought the blonde's attention back sharply to his own table.

"Hardly," Arturo replied. "She may be Pure, but her parents have long had questionable loyalties." He lifted his chin in the direction of her two dinner companions. "Obviously, she's inherited the gene pool. Consorting with Black and his crowd."

"Well, you know Black's story, of course; no surprises there. I suppose having the two of them paired off isn't as bad as it could be. At least they won't sully the bloodlines of respected, traditional families, will they?"

Arturo nodded, his expression thoughtful. "There's sense in that theory, I suppose. Still, you have Potter and that mudblood, Evans; if that holds, the Potter blood will be contaminated."

"At what cost, really? The Potters may be a pureblood family, but they abandoned the old ways long ago. It hardly matters what happens to their line as a result of …careless breeding, does it?"

"You two are certainly deep in conversation," Severus said quietly as he slid into the seat next to Arturo and began to ladle stew into his bowl. He glanced to his left and followed Arturo's gaze toward the Gryffindor table. "What have they done now?"

"Apparently, Arturo here objects to the fact that they're still breathing, Severus," Malfoy said, snidely.

Snape came as close to smiling as either of the other boys could remember. "An objection held by many, I'm sure. Regrettably, they all appear to be a rather durable lot, well …" his eyes narrowed. "…perhaps not all. Lupin appears quite unwell – yet again."

"Perhaps he should refrain from walking the grounds at night and his health would improve," Malfoy observed, helping himself to a large portion of apple crumble.

Snape's spoon paused midway between bowl and mouth. " 'Wandering the grounds'? Whatever are you talking about, Lucius?"

Malfoy swallowed a mouthful of crumble and shrugged one shoulder. "Narcissa and I were returning from a late afternoon walk near the courtyard on Thursday. It was dusk and 'Cissa was longing for a cup of tea." He rolled his eyes. "We heard footsteps in the distance and saw Lupin walking away from the castle in the direction of that blasted Willow tree."

"You didn't follow him?" Snape wanted to know.

"It's not the first time he's been seen on the grounds late in the day. Sinclair Parkinson saw Lupin heading in the same direction just before Christmas break; Black, Potter and Pettigrew tagged along afterward. Probably sneaking off for some illicit trysting with their respective partners. It was hardly worth my time, Severus. Besides, you know how Narcissa is when she's made up her mind about something," Lucius drawled. "I've found it best to simply go along with her and avoid the inevitable chill that comes from not doing so." He paused and looked over at his friend curiously. "Why do you care where he goes?"

"Black and his gang have managed to wreak havoc on our House since first year. I don't believe that Potter, Black or certainly Pettigrew have the combined intelligence to have planned any of those activities without help – particularly those incidents that have involved potions work. We know that Lupin has demonstrated some ability in that area and I'm sure that he has been the mastermind behind some of the more embarrassing stunts they've pulled. He's clever enough not to get caught; it would be interesting to catch him out at something to ensure that we are spared further embarrassment," Snape explained. "And, now that they've all been seen walking about, it seems worth further investigation.

"Severus, if we found something on Lupin, I'm certain the rest of that ragtag little group would be able to function without him. From what I've understood from Lucius, it doesn't sound as if they were out after curfew if other students on the grounds saw them as well. Really, it seems a bit of a wild goose chase to me." Arturo pushed his plate away and made to stand. "Personally, I've had about as much of Gryffindor House as I can take for one sitting. I think I'll go and check on Ofelia and make sure she's feeling better."

Severus looked sharply at the other wizard. "Is Ofelia ill again?" His thoughts turned to earlier in the day and the encounter he'd had with both the Black heir and his ex-fiancée.

Arturo shrugged. "I thought she was better. She had some dinner, but seemed to experience some stomach discomfort at the end. She's certainly in a foul mood," he recalled his sister's explosive commentary before she swept out of the Great Hall.

"Perhaps I'll go with you, Arturo. Certainly two wizards are better than one when it comes to raising the spirits of an attractive witch!" Malfoy stood and came round the table with a jovial air, clapping Arturo on the back as the two began to make their way toward the doors.

Severus watched them then shifted his attention to the Gryffindor table where the Marauders and their companions were preparing to take their leave as well. As Sirius reached for Kate's hand, he caught Severus' eye and frowned at the open hostility he saw reflected on the Slytherin's face. At that moment, Kate tugged on his hand so they could follow their friends from the Hall and Sirius tore his gaze away from Snape and walked toward the exit.

There's more to these little excursions than meets the eye, Black, Severus thought as he turned his attention back to his meal. And I'm convinced that you've somehow gotten Ofelia mixed up in your sordid little affairs. I'll find out what you and your little friends are up to; and make no mistake about that.