The note in her hand was from Professor McGonagall requesting a brief meeting at three o'clock Sunday afternoon, before classes were to begin. Emily felt a flutter of nerves as she made her way to the Transfiguration Professor's office, wondering what she wanted to discuss. As she entered the office, McGonagall looked up from the paper on her desk, her eyes piercing as always.
"Ah, Miss Potter," she said, her voice firm but kind. "Come! Come my dear! I am glad to see you back for your sixth year. These last two years will be informative as usual. I trust you've reviewed the options we discussed last year about your goals after Hogwarts."
Emily paused a moment before sitting fully in the chair facing her Head, and stared at her a moment remembering the hour long conversation after Christmas where they went over this year and next. Vaguely she recalled the choices she had selected for courses this year.
"Yes Professor," started Emily digging her thumb into the chair's arm. "I've been thinking about becoming an Educational Coordinator at the Ministry for sometime, but I don't know how to apply that moving forward.
Professor McGonagall's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned back in her chair. She motioned for Emily to sit as well, which she took quietly.
"Ah, yes, the Ministry," she said. "A noble pursuit, indeed. But, I must say, it's not always a straightforward path, especially for those with a varied background. You'll need to work hard to stand out and make a name for yourself."
Emily nodded, feeling a twinge of uncertainty. She had always known it wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to put in the effort.
"I've been considering your abilities and strengths, Miss Potter. I believe you have great potential in this area," added Professor McGonagall. "However, I think you may benefit from gaining more experience and building your skills before applying to the Ministry directly."
Emily's curiosity was piqued. "What are you suggesting, Professor?" she asked, leaning forward in her chair.
"That leads into your NEWT level classes as well," Professor McGonagall said, a hint of a smile on her face. "Before that, I have some acquaintances in the Ministry who might be willing to mentor you and provide guidance for a summer internship. It would be a valuable opportunity for you to learn from them and gain the necessary experience to increase your chances of success. You'd need to fill out an application and selections are done after Christmas."
"Oh like the ones David and Arlo did? David told me his was with the courts, and Arlo's was the Healer program."
"Yes, Miss Potter," said Professor McGonagall, impressed despite herself. "Mr. Luke and Mr. Stone did participate in the internship programs at the Ministry and St. Mungo's. They equally fought for their placement and it's a competitive process for the Healer program in particular. Mr. Stone was among the top recipients. But I think you would be a strong candidate for the one I am thinking of."
Emily's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect. "That sounds amazing, Professor! I would love to apply for the internship. Daphne told me that Arlo helped deliver a baby, which he was very excited about welcoming new witches and wizards into the world. "
"I will let Professor Flitwick know about Mr. Stone." Professor McGonagall nodded as she scribbled down the note about Arlo for later. A moment later her expression became serious once more. "I will make the necessary arrangements, but I must warn you, it will not be easy. You will need to demonstrate your skills and dedication. I will also need to speak with your professors to ensure you are a suitable candidate."
Emily nodded eagerly, already mentally preparing herself for the challenge ahead. "I'm ready for it, Professor. Thank you for believing in me and offering this opportunity."
Professor McGonagall smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I believe you have great potential, Miss Potter. Now, let us discuss the details and make sure you are properly prepared for this opportunity."
Emily's eyes widened with excitement. This could be exactly what she needed! She leaned forward, eager to hear more. "What would I need to do, Professor?"
"I've been reviewing some of your notes and I have to say, I'm a bit surprised by Professor Slughorn's comments that you dropped Potions."
"Surprised, Professor?" she asked, trying to sound calm despite the growing sense of unease in her stomach.
McGonagall leaned back in her chair as she studied Emily. She had always been extremely gifted at Potions even when her father first taught her to brew basic health potions around age seven. There was a natural talent for it, and her grades in the class were consistently excellent. In fact, she had earned an Outstanding on her O.W.L. exams, but the desire for it did not remain.
"What made you decide not to continue Potions or Ancient Runes?" Professor McGonagall asked, her voice even but with a hint of curiosity.
Emily shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Professor McGonagall listened attentively to her concerns.
"Professor, it's just … Potions is so … unpredictable," Emily said, trying to find the right words. "I mean, I like the theory behind it, and I'm interested in learning about the different potions and all, but being in the classroom is just so … overwhelming."
Professor McGonagall's expression was stern, but her eyes twinkled with understanding. "Go on," she encouraged.
"It's the smells, for one thing," Emily continued. "All those bubbling cauldrons and the way they make everything smell like ... like someone let out a terrible fart all over the room. And then there's the risk of accidents. I mean, I've seen Professor Slughorn have to clean up after one of his experiments gone wrong, and it's just … it's terrifying. What if it happened to me?"
Professor McGonagall leaned forward, her eyes piercing.
"You're worried about the safety aspect, then?"
Emily nodded. "Yeah. And it's not just that. It's the feeling of not being in control. With Herbology, at least I know what I'm working with. It's a living thing, you know? Plants respond to care and attention. But with Potions … it's like trying to conjure something out of thin air. And what if I mess up? What if something goes wrong and … and … I don't know, Professor, it just feels like a recipe for disaster."
Professor McGonagall leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful.
"I see," she said slowly. "And you feel that this feeling of unease is affecting your ability to focus?"
Emily nodded vigorously. "Yes, exactly. In past years, I've had trouble sleeping at times, thinking about all the things that could go wrong in Potions class. And when I am in class, my mind is always wandering … worrying about what might happen if I spill something or accidentally turn someone into a toad. I'm happy to finally get through the O.W.L., but I don't want to continue for those reasons."
Professor McGonagall nodded sympathetically. "I understand your concerns, Miss Potter. But tell me, have you considered speaking with Professor Slughorn about these issues? Perhaps he can offer some guidance or reassurance to help you feel more confident in your abilities?"
Emily shook her head fiercely. "No, I don't think so, Professor. I just … I'm not really comfortable talking to Professor Slughorn about this. We haven't really … connected."
Professor McGonagall's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. Your father is an excellent Potioneer, as you are too, Miss Potter. But I do want to make sure you're aware that Potions can be very beneficial for your overall magical education. Potions is an important subject paired with Herbology, and often these two are hand in hand. It's about understanding the fundamental principles of magical plants and being able to apply them in practical ways."
"Professor McGonagall, I understand your perspective. It's not every day that a student turns down Potions. But I suppose it's good to have a diverse range of interests and skills, which I think I'll achieve this year and next."
Emily sat there in the chair quite nervous under her Head of House's gaze. It was disarming a bit but then her face softened fully.
"I'm rather surprised you'd consider dropping Potions. Professor Slughorn recommended you highly for NEWTs and saw a great deal of potential in you for the subject. He believes you have a natural talent for brewing and thinks you would excel in the field."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. She hadn't expected McGonagall to reveal that Professor Slughorn thought so highly of her.
"Really?" she asked, feeling a mix of emotions.
Professor McGonagall nodded kindly while writing down her new schedule. "Yes, really. But even with that potential, it's still important to consider what's best for you and your own success. Let's focus on finding a solution that works for you, shall we?"
Despite her affinity for the subject, the decision not to take Potions in her sixth and seventh years was quite simple. She didn't want to be tied down to a class that would require her to spend so much time in the dungeons, surrounded by the stench of bubbling cauldrons and the constant risk of accidents. As someone who loved being outdoors and exploring a garden's worth of plants, it was suffocating to think of spending hours in a dimly lit Potions lab. As for Ancient Runes, she just didn't find it interesting anymore. She had tried to follow along in class, but the ancient language seemed dry and tedious to her. She didn't see how it was relevant to real life, and she would rather focus on subjects that had more practical applications. That was the one class David loved a lot but she couldn't see it for herself.
"Herbology, I still want to continue!" Emily replied enthusiastically after a few seconds of thought. "I love the idea of being able to grow and care for plants, and helping to create new potions and remedies - without making the actual potions. And Arithmancy is just so fascinating! I love studying how magic works and how to apply it in different ways to find patterns. Plus, I think it would be really cool to be able to learn some of the more advanced concepts."
Professor McGonagall nodded after a few quiet moments and final dots on her parchment. "Very well, Miss Potter. I expect you to keep up your academic performance and demonstrate a commitment to your studies, regardless of your elective choices and your prefect duties. Don't hesitate to come to me if you have any questions or concerns."
"Thank you Professor," Emily replied. "I'm looking forward to focusing on my strengths in other areas."
She handed Emily the parchment with the revised class schedule written on it in neat, flowing script. Scanning the parchment quickly, feeling a sense of excitement and relief as she saw that everything looked to be in order. She nodded and stood up to leave, feeling a sense of confidence and anticipation for the year ahead. She had a feeling that it was going to be an exciting and challenging year, but she was ready to take it head-first.
*dot*
Finally, everyone got into the rhythm of school again by the time it was announced the first Hogsmeade weekend in early October. Nothing seemed to help Emily as a constant, steady headache continued to plague her nights and days. It had begun shortly before school had started but it was tiresome nonetheless. Between the NEWT courses; Herbology, History of Magic, Arithmancy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfigurations; it left little time for anything with friends.
Since the series of blanks in her mind, she always wondered about the bruise on her arm leading to the prefect's meeting on the way to Hogwarts. She remembered sitting and waiting for Potter to return for her, and instead David found her. Next, she was sitting with him in a different part of the train with the rest of the sixth and seventh year Slytherins, his arm hanging loosely over her shoulders as he shared a laugh with everyone around. But Potter and Sirius were nowhere in sight. Maybe she had upset Sirius?
Her mind clouded a bit whenever she thought about Sirius, and the recent dreams of Grimmauld Place plagued her mind. She kept walking down a long corridor that seemed to lead to nowhere. The frequent dreams were taking over her sleep and it would often wake her violently. Each time though she would rush to the bathroom and vomit, then spend the next half hour dry-heaving. On several occasions, Daphne had followed and would hold her hair as she cried out in pain.
"Emmy, what the hell is going on? You're never sick," she whispered in concern.
Sitting in front of the toilet those nights, Daphne knelt beside cradling her gently as she cried. Nothing felt right at the moment. Her mind also played tricks on her memories of Sirius. The happier ones were blocked for some reason, but she knew they existed. Could they be blocked for something terrible he had done? What would make her any more special than the next girl, her mind mocked. Her mind kept fighting itself between loving and hating him.
Just as Sirius had said the full moon came and Potter and him disappeared into the night, returning extremely exhausted. It was probably near five when they returned one morning. That time, they plastered a fake smile on their face, before Sirius urged her brother to continue on. Potter paused but was too tired to object.
"Hey," offered Sirius, sitting at a far away armchair. His hair was tousled.
"Hi, Sirius," she muttered under her breath, feeling strange. Like something was beginning to rise in her chest. What was this feeling? How strange ….
Sirius smiled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he watched Emily with a quiet intensity.
"You look like you're feeling a bit overwhelmed," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Emily hesitated, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to admit that she was feeling strange and confused, but Sirius seemed to sense it anyway. He got up from his chair hesitantly and walked about three meters in front of her, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I'm fine," she said finally, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in her chest. Emily felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, and she looked away quickly, feeling embarrassed.
"What's wrong, Emmy?" Sirius asked again, his voice soft and concerned.
Emily took a deep breath and tried to shake off the strange feelings that were rising inside her. She didn't understand why she was reacting this way. It wasn't like her at all. Her mind screamed at her for a moment but something shut down the voice quickly. From where she had no idea.
"I just … I don't know," she said, feeling frustrated and confused with herself. "I keep having these weird dreams and headaches, and I just feel so tired all the time. I feel like I'm losing my mind."
Sirius's expression turned serious, and he took a slow step forward. The screaming voice came again…. Can't …. Be …. Near…. Me…. But again something else completely different quickly shut that down.
"You're not losing your mind, Emmy," he said firmly, kneeling a few inches in front of her. "You're probably stressed out from school and everything else. We'll figure it out together, okay?"
Emily looked up at him, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She didn't know what she would do without Sirius's help. The screaming continued inside her mind, causing her to close her eyes several times, but he looked onward with care. There was a warmth she recognized that enveloped her and it somewhat made the situation calmer. She felt her tension ease slightly, and she nodded again, trying to smile. She couldn't help but be drawn to his warm, gentle tone and the way his eyes seemed to bore into hers with a deep understanding. Without thinking, she leaned forward, her heart pounding in her chest.
Sirius's eyes locked onto hers, and he didn't seem to notice her movement at first. But as she drew closer, his gaze flickered down to her lips, and he hesitated for a fraction of a second before his eyes snapped back up to hers. The air around them seemed to vibrate with tension as they held each other's gaze. Emily's heart skipped a beat as she realized what was happening. She was going to kiss him. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. The screaming voice kept getting interrupted by the second, more calmer one.
Sirius's face seemed to freeze, his expression a mix of surprise and longing. He didn't move, didn't breathe, just stared at her with an intensity that made her skin tingle. For what felt like an eternity, they simply looked at each other, the only sound the heavy beating of their hearts. Emily felt like she was drowning in the depths of his stormy gray eyes, unable to look away. Finally, Sirius seemed to come back to himself, and his face relaxed into a gentle smile. He reached out a hand and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch sending sparks racing through her body.
"Emmy," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I think we should get you checked out by Madam Pomfrey. You're clearly not feeling yourself. You've been acting strange since we got back from New York."
Emily's heart skipped another beat as she realized that Sirius was trying to pull away from the kiss, but she didn't want him to stop. She felt like she was on the edge of something big, something that could change everything between them and this unfortunate situation she felt she was in. She leaned in closer, her lips inches from his, and whispered softly to him.
"I don't need Madam Pomfrey. I just need you."
"Then why have you been fighting me?" he asked, kindly rubbing her tears away.
"I don't know," she choked out. "I don't know why …. That's why I'm… I'm … so confused! Something is wrong … and I… and I don't know why…."
Quickly without warning, Sirius leaned fully forward and wrapped his arms around her. Emily felt the familiar sensation of unease creeping over her. Her mind was a jumble of emotions, struggling to make sense of the strange feelings that always seemed to arise when she was near him. She could feel her heart racing, her breath catching in her throat, and her mind screaming at her to get away. But for some reason this time, she didn't scream. She didn't push him away or try to escape. Maybe it was because she was too tired, or maybe it was because she felt a spark of comfort from his presence, no matter how confusing it was.
Sirius sensed her hesitation and looked at her, his expression concerned as he took in her tear-stained face. He wiped away every single tear that had fallen from her eyes. The touch sent a flutter through Emily's chest, and for a moment, she felt like she was drowning. She didn't know what was happening to her. She didn't know why she was reacting this way, or why she felt so drawn to him despite the chaos in her mind. But at that moment, she didn't care. She just let herself lean into his touch, feeling a sense of comfort and security that she hadn't experienced in a long time. He smiled softly, his fingers still gently tracing the curve of her wet cheek.
"Hey," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "It's okay, Emmy. I'm here for you."
Emily felt a lump form in her throat as she looked up at him. She didn't know what he meant by those words, but she knew that she needed to hear them. Needed to believe that someone was there for her, even when her own mind was fighting against itself.
For a moment, they were just there, silent sobs between them in the quiet common room. Emily felt like she was suspended in time, unable to move or breathe or think. But Sirius's hand remained gently wrapped around her shoulders, holding her steady as the world around them melted away. And then, as suddenly as it had started, the moment was broken. Sirius's fingers dropped away from her face, and he took a step back, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Let's get you back to bed," he said softly. "We'll figure this out together, okay?"
Emily nodded, still feeling dazed and disoriented.
"Goodnight, Sirius," she said, trying to sound casual as she turned to leave, wiping her face. Sirius nodded, his eyes still shining with concern.
"Goodnight, Emmy. Try to get some rest, okay?"
Emily nodded and quickly made her way out of the common room, not stopping until she was back in her own dormitory. She flopped down onto her bed, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She was relieved to be alone, but also felt guilty for leaving Sirius there alone. As she lay there, trying to calm down, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was losing her grip on reality. The strange dreams, the headaches, the strange sensations when Sirius was near... it was all so confusing.
She rolled over onto her side, staring at the wall as she tried to make sense of it all. Why was this happening? And why did it feel like it was all connected to Sirius?
Just as she was starting to drift off to sleep, Emily heard a faint whisper in her ear.
… don't push him away ….
It was soft and low, but unmistakable. She sat up with a start, her heart racing once again. Who had spoken? As she looked around the darkened dormitory, seeing Daphne sprawled out holding onto Arlo's blue tie in her hands, Emily realized that no one else seemed to have heard the voice. It was as if it had been only meant for her ears. Laying back down and feeling more scared and confused than ever; who or what was speaking to her? And what did they want? As she drifted off to sleep once again, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
*dot*
Sirius's eyes locked onto Emily's tear-stained face, his heart aching with concern. He had sensed her distress for weeks now, but he had no idea what was causing it. As he approached her, he could feel the tension radiating off her. Moving slowly to not startle her further, and gently touching her shoulder, Emily's body seemed to relax under his touch. He wiped away the tears that had fallen from her eye, feeling a stab of sadness. He had never seen her like this before - so lost and scared. As he looked into her eyes, he felt a flutter in his chest. He knew that look - it was the same one she had given him when they were younger, when they were alone in the throes of passion, when they were happy. It was a look of trust, of reliance, of love.
Everything about her behavior recently though, this was something new; something he couldn't place his finger on.
Sirius's heart skipped a beat as he realized that Emily was leaning into him, allowing him to touch her for once. He cupped her cheek gently, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his fingers. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through him, but he ignored it, focusing on the distraught girl in front of him.
"Hey," he whispered softly, trying to calm her down. "It's okay, Emmy. I'm here for you."
He could feel the tension in her body begin to slightly ease as she looked up at him. For a moment, locked in each other's gaze, Sirius felt like he was suspended in time, unable to move. Under everything else he couldn't help the sense of longing in their embrace. Longing for the way things used to be between them - carefree and easy before whatever darkness crept in those summer nights before term started. He thought back to when he had tried to comfort her, to hold her close, and the feel of her struggling beneath his grip. Her small body tensed and rigid as she tried to break free physically fighting him off at times. The memory of it still haunted him, the guilt and shame twisting in his gut like a knife.
He remembered the way her small fists clenched and her eyes flashing with a mix of fear and anger. He remembered the way he had restrained her, holding her in place as she thrashed against him trying to reason with her words and actions. The way her body would go limb, and the way her eyes had glazed over, terrified Sirius by his strength. Her bruises remind him of his failure to protect her. He had never meant to hurt her, never meant to leave his mark on her skin. But in the heat of the moment, he had forgotten himself. He felt a wave of self-loathing wash over him as he recalled James's words
"What did you do, mate?" James had asked, his voice concerned but also confused. Sirius's eyes had welled up with tears as he realized what he had done. Emily was laying on his lap, asleep again, after fighting another match with him. Brushing her hair out her eyes, he looked at his best friend, and felt like the worst human on the planet.
"I hurt her," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I hurt Emily."
James had wrapped his arms around Sirius's shoulders, holding him close as Sirius began to sob uncontrollably.
"It wasn't your fault, mate," James had said, trying to calm him down. "You didn't mean to hurt her. You just got caught up in the moment."
But Sirius knew better. He knew that he had lost control, that he had let his emotions get the better of him. He felt like he was drowning in his own guilt and shame. Taking a deep breath, trying to shake off the guilt and shame that lingered inside him, he knew that he couldn't change what had happened, but he could try to make it right. Try to be better.
But then reality snapped back into focus, he pulled his hand away from her face and took a step back, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Let's get you back to bed," he said softly. "We'll figure this out together, okay?"
Emily nodded, still looking lost and scared, but more steady on her feet than better. He could see the glimmer of hope in her eyes, and that gave him home.
"Goodnight, Sirius," she said, as she turned to leave, wiping her face. Sirius nodded, his eyes still shining with concern. Hearing her say that, gave him the strength to keep going. He knew with time and patience, they could overcome whatever was haunting her.
"Goodnight, Emmy. Try to get some rest, okay?"
Sirius could see the exhaustion etched on her features, the uncertainty in her eyes. And he knew that he had to be careful, had to be gentle. Emily nodded, but he saw something in her eyes - a spark of trust, of reliance. But even in the midst of all this turmoil, he stood alone in the empty common room. The silence was deadly. Having seen Emily's tear-stained face and retreating figure, he felt a strange sensation envelop his body. A draw to her that was unmistaken in source. His fingers had tingled when he touched her cheek. Looking at it closer, there were two lines that formed at the base of his pinky. Its bright red marks were concerning but it wasn't terribly big either.
He took a deep breath and recalled the tears still streaming down her face, and Sirius felt a spark of hope because she hadn't turned him away. Maybe, just maybe, he could make things right. Maybe he could learn to be gentle again, to love without hurting those around him. The thought was a fragile one, but Sirius held onto it tightly as he sat back down falling asleep in the common room.
… fight for me ….
Sirius's eyes snapped open, his heart racing like a wild animal as he scrambled to sit up. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the haze of sleep from his mind, but the whisper lingered, echoing through his brain like a haunting melody. The words were soft, but they sent a jolt of adrenaline through his veins. He looked around the dimly lit common room, his gaze darting around, but the fireplace crackled, casting flickering shadows on the walls that seemed to dance with malevolent glee.
Sirius's breathing quickened as he strained to hear it again, to catch a glimpse of the person who had spoken those words. But there was no one there. Just the quiet, oppressive silence of the night. He felt like he was grasping at air, desperate to hold onto something tangible, something that made sense. But it was like trying to grasp a handful of smoke – it slipped through his fingers and vanished.
The darkness seemed to close in around him, heavy and suffocating. His skin crawled with gooseflesh as he felt the weight of his mistakes bearing down on him. He thought of everything that truly mattered. The whisper echoed louder in his mind, a constant reminder that he still had a chance to make things right. But at what cost?
And who was he fighting for?
*dot*
The Great Hall was bustling with students chatting and laughing over their lunches. There was so much noise that Arlo and Emily could hardly hear each other. They sat at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the sound of silverware clinking against plates. Also in front of them were their bags holding their Herbology notes and projects. Arlo sipped his coffee looking at Emily with a thoughtful expression.
"Hey, Em, can I talk to you about something?"
Emily looked up from her sandwich, a hint of wariness in her eyes. "What is it?"
Arlo hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I've noticed … you've been acting differently lately. Tired all the time, and your appetite's changed. And there are other things too … like your mood swings."
Emily's defensiveness rose. "What are you talking about? I'm fine."
Arlo held up a calming hand. "Hear me out, Em. Daphne asked me about some stuff and she's worried for you. I'm not saying anything crazy. I just think … you might be going through some changes."
Emily's skepticism was evident on her face. "Changes? What kind of changes?"
Arlo leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Let's just say … I've seen some similarities to what I learned in my internship. The women there had mood swings, and their appetites changed too."
Emily scoffed. "Arlo, that's just a coincidence! I'm not pregnant!"
Arlo smiled knowingly. "I'm not saying you are, Em. But maybe we should check with Madam Pomfrey just to be sure? I'll go with you even."
Emily rolled her eyes. "You're being ridiculous. There's no way I'm pregnant."
Arlo persisted, his voice gentle but firm. "Come on, Em. Just one visit won't hurt. And if you're not pregnant, then we can both breathe a sigh of relief. And I can tell Daph to shut up about it all."
Emily hesitated, her resistance weakening slightly as Arlo watched his words struck a chord deep within her. She glanced around the Great Hall as he looked at her earnestly.
"I'm the last person you probably want guessing this, but something is different about you. As your friend I also want to make sure you're okay physically … and mentally too."
"What else did Daphne say about me?" she grumbled, stabbing her carrots with a fork.
"She said she's worried about you," offered Arlo, placing a hand on her back. His green eyes were sincere and showed concern. "You're up half the night, head in the toilet; we are worried about you. And knowing you, you are pushing it down like everything else you do."
"Fine," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper several minutes later. "Let's go see Madam Pomfrey."
Arlo grinned triumphantly as he stood up, offering to carry their bags in his arms. Together, they made their way to the Hospital Wing. They were greeted by the sounds of murmured conversations and the occasional rustling of beds. As they waited, Emily's anxiety grew with each passing moment. She fidgeted in her seat, her eyes darting back and forth between the clock on the wall and Madam Pomfrey, who was busy tending to the second years with blisters on their hands. One of them had apparently gotten too close to a nasty plant, and Emily could only imagine the commotion that had ensued.
"This is taking forever," she muttered under her breath after they had sat for what felt like an eternity.
"I'm missing History of Magic for you," she said, folding her arms over her chest.
"I'm missing Transfigurations too."
She shot Arlo a pleading look.
"Can't we just find someone else to help us?"
Arlo chuckled softly and shook his head.
"I don't think that's an option, Em. Madam Pomfrey is the only one who can help us. Besides, she'll get to us when she can. Patience."
Emily let out a deep sigh and turned her attention back to the clock on the wall. It seemed to be moving at a glacial pace, and even Arlo was starting to feel like he was going to lose his mind. Just as he was about to speak up again, she asked him another question.
"Arlo, do all seventh years attend Transfigurations at the same time?"
Arlo nodded as she hesitated before asking another question.
"Does Sirius take that?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arlo nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, why?"
"Would he be there now?" Emily asked, her eyes darting back to the clock.
"I suppose," Arlo said slowly. "He sometimes is in and out but attends most... of his classes."
Emily's eyes widened as she appeared to process this information. If Sirius was in Transfigurations right now... it meant that Sirius wasn't far away.
"Arlo, would you... could you get Sirius for me?" she asked, her voice filled with a sense of urgency.
Arlo's expression turned sympathetic as he nodded. "Of course, Em. I'll be right back."
As he stood up and walked away, Arlo felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him. What would Sirius think when he found out what was going on with Emily? And what would happen when Madam Pomfrey finally saw them? The waiting was agonizing, but he knew that whatever happened next, it would change everything. It wasn't something he hoped for, but knew that this may become reality for himself with Daphne, sooner than he expected. Taking the stairs two at a time, he nearly tripped over a pair of third years coming from Charms. Transfiguration was his favorite class outside of Herbology. Walking up to the doors, he waited patiently as the class finished before trying to catch sight of Sirius laughing and joking with James as they exited.
"Hey, Sirius!" Arlo called out as he approached. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Sirius looked up from his conversation, a look of mild curiosity on his face. "What's up?"
"It's about …," Arlo began, trying to keep his voice low and not alert James as well. "I need your help with something ... important."
Sirius's expression turned confused immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Me? Why me? You've been missing all class."
"It's ummm … it's … about Daphne. I need some advice mate! Please will you come with me?!"
His sudden change in tone alerted Sirius and he glanced back at James before urging his friends along. Arlo smiled with a nod to them as they passed. James even looked back with concern but went onward.
"What's going on?" asked Sirius again, his voice low and urgent. "You'd never ask me for advice about Daphne Winters."
"No, I wouldn't. Look, it's about Emily. She's ….," Arlo hesitated, unsure of how to phrase it. "She's ... she's not feeling well. Physically. And she needed help, but she was being her usual stubborn self. I convinced her to see Madam Pomfrey about it."
"I told her the same, but she didn't heed my suggestion. Thank you for convincing her. I owe you Arlo! Let's go," he said, falling into step beside Arlo as they made their way to the Hospital Wing.
Emily wasn't there in the waiting room but the door to Madam Pomfrey's office was ajar. It hadn't been earlier. Arlo and Sirius walked over, they could hear Emily trying to explain Arlo's over concern. Madam Pomfrey looked up from her notes, her expression kindly but probing as they pushed open the door.
"Miss Potter. Mr. Stone brought some concerns about you to me. I wanted to check in and make sure you were okay. That's why I asked him to get you."
Emily turned slowly to face the pair of seventh years. Arlo felt a sense of trepidation, as she looked at him. He tricked her, yes …. In his defense, he would be the most logical one to figure it out.
"Arlo's been noticing some changes in me and he thinks I might be … pregnant," she said quickly turning back.
Madam Pomfrey's eyes flicked to Arlo, her expression softening. Arlo smiled humbly, his face flushing slightly. Sirius, however, looked like he'd been punched in the gut.
"Pregnant?" he repeated, his voice incredulous.
Emily's eyes dropped too, shame and fear warring for dominance. Madam Pomfrey's gentle hands reached out to reassure her.
"Let's take a look, shall we?"
As Madam Pomfrey examined Emily, Arlo and Sirius hovered nearby, their eyes fixed on the shaking Gryffindor with concern. Sirius stood frozen, his face pale and stunned as Madam Pomfrey waved her wand around Emily, bringing up a diagnosis reading on the small screen.
Arlo's eyes scanned the readings quickly, recognizing the vitals that flashed across the screen. He saw Emily's heart rate was slightly elevated, her blood pressure was a bit high, and her body temperature was slightly cooler than normal. Nothing out of the ordinary for someone who was worried and anxious, but nothing that would explain the severity of her symptoms. But as Madam Pomfrey moved on to the next scan, Arlo's eyes widened in surprise. A small, fuzzy image appeared on the screen, and Arlo's heart skipped a beat as he realized what it was.
"Wait, what's that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he turned to face Madam Pomfrey. "Is that?!"
Madam Pomfrey looked up from her examination of Emily's abdomen, her expression grave. "Ah, yes," she said softly. "It seems Miss Potter … you are … pregnant."
Arlo felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He turned to Sirius, who looked just as stunned as he did.
"Sirius?" he said, his voice shaking slightly.
Sirius's eyes were fixed on Emily, his face pale and shocked. "Emily?" he whispered, his voice trembling.
Emily's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at them both with a mixture of fear and wonder. "What … what does it mean?" she stammered.
Madam Pomfrey nodded sympathetically. "It means you're carrying a life within you, Miss Potter. A child is growing inside you."
Arlo felt like he'd been dropped into a different reality. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Emily, one of his best friends, was pregnant? And Sirius ... Sirius was going to be a father?
"I'll need to run some tests to check your levels," Madam Pomfrey said a few moments later. "But it does appear that … Yes, you are pregnant, Emily. There are two heartbeats; yours … and the baby's."
As she spoke the last things, she pointed at Emily's heart which was beating strong, and lower on her abdomen where her uterus was. The room fell silent as the weight of the news sank in. Arlo's eyes met Sirius's. He looked like he had been hit by the Hogwarts Express, but Arlo offered him a reassuring smile. Emily's face paled as the reality of the situation sank in. She felt a wave of panic wash over her as she thought about what this meant for their future. Sirius, however, was already reacting differently. His face lit up with a radiant smile as he looked at Emily with newfound adoration.
"Emily," he breathed, his voice full of wonder as he stepped forward. "You're going to be a mother."
Emily felt a lump form in her throat as she met his gaze. For the first time in months, she saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes. The bond between them seemed to strengthen in that moment, as if they were connected by an invisible thread.
Madam Pomfrey cleared her throat, breaking the spell. "Well, now that we've established that you're indeed pregnant, let's discuss the next steps. We'll need to monitor your health closely to ensure both you and the baby are healthy. I will need to inform Professor McGonagall about this, as she's Head of your house."
As they began discussing their options and making plans for the future, Sirius held Emily's hand tightly throughout the conversation. It was as if he was anchoring himself to her, refusing to let go of this new reality. Arlo had politely excused himself after learning the news. Walking out of the hospital wing, the darkness outside seemed to fade away, replaced by the warm glow of hope and possibility. Sirius's grip on Emily's hand tightened, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. Her eyes were fixed on the ground, her mind reeling with the magnitude of their situation. But as she glanced up at Sirius, she saw something there that made her breath catch. A look of raw emotion, of sheer wonder, of unconditional love.
Sirius's eyes burned with intensity as he gazed at her, his face inches from hers.
"Emmy," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "We're going to be parents."
Emily's heart skipped a beat as she felt his words wash over her like a wave. She felt the weight of their situation settle around her like a mantle, but it was no longer suffocating. It was liberating. The screaming voice disappeared finally. Without thinking, she reached out and cupped his cheeks in her hands. Emily's eyes fluttered closed as she felt the warmth of his touch spread through her like wildfire.
"Sirius," she breathed, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.
Sirius's lips brushed against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes about the depth of their feelings for each other. A kiss that said they were willing to take on anything as long as they were together. Pulling away, her eyes opened to meet his gaze. They weren't cloudy or glazed over like before. They were a clear hazel and they were burning with an inner fire. And in that moment, Emily knew that they would face whatever lay ahead together, hand in hand, their love guiding them every step of the way.
"I love you," Sirius whispered against her ear, his breath hot and urgent. There were tears leaking from his eyes as he shook in place.
"I love you too," Emily replied, her voice trembling with emotion too.
The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them standing there, lost in each other's eyes, wrapped in each other's arms, Emily knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together – a journey that would be filled with challenges and triumphs, but above all, filled with love.
*dot*
James's eyes burned with a mixture of anger and pain as he watched Sirius hold Emily close. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut, like his entire world had been turned upside down. His best friend, the one person he thought he could trust, had fallen in love with his little sister. The betrayal cut deep. He felt like everything he thought he knew about Sirius had been a calming joke, or at the least a joyful time. He'd always known Sirius was a bit of a rebel, but he'd never imagined him capable of doing something so … so … personal.
As he watched Sirius's eyes burn with adoration for Emily, James felt a surge of jealousy coursing through his veins. How could Sirius do this to him? To their friendship? To their bond? He thought they were more than just friends, more than just acquaintances. They were brothers, in every sense of the word.
And yet, here Sirius was, holding his sister, his own flesh and blood, like she was the most precious thing in the world. James's mind reeled as he tried to process the magnitude of what he was seeing. He'd known Emily was growing up, but he'd never expected this to happen.
Never expected Sirius to fall in love with her.
James felt a bitter taste in his mouth as he remembered all the times Sirius had confided in him, all the secrets they'd shared. Had it all been a ruse? Had Sirius been using him all along to get Emily? The thought made James's stomach churn with nausea. As they pulled away from each other and wiped away tears from their eyes, James felt like he was trapped in a nightmare. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His hands clenched into fists as he fought to keep his emotions in check. He didn't want to cry, didn't want to show weakness. But it was no use. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he felt the weight of his betrayal settle around him like a shroud. He remembered all the times they'd talked about girls, about relationships, about how they would never get serious with anyone who wasn't worthy of their friendship. And yet, Sirius had done exactly that.
James felt like he'd been punched again, harder this time, than when Sirius had admitted his love for her. He took a step back, trying to distance himself from the pain that threatened to consume him. He couldn't bear to watch this anymore. Turning away, James heard Emily whisper something to Sirius, and saw them share another tender moment. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of emotions, suffocating under the weight of his own disappointment and betrayal. He knew he had to talk to them eventually, but for now, he just needed to get away from it all. Away from the pain and the heartache and the betrayal. Away from the realization that his best friend had become something more than just a friend to his sister. James turned and walked away, leaving behind the scene that would change everything forever.
James's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he tried to escape the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He felt like a child, sulking and pouting. But as he walked, he began to realize just how ridiculous he was being. Memories about all the times Sirius had been there for him, all the times they'd shared laughter and adventures together. He thought about the way Sirius had always looked out for him, even when James was being a pain in the neck. And then he thought about Emily. His little sister, the one person who had always been there for him, no matter what until he failed to meet her needs as an older brother. He loved her dearly, but he knew she would grow into a wonderful woman, and she deserved to be happy.
As he turned a corner, James caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror. He looked like a petulant child, his eyes red from crying, his face scowling with anger. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm himself down. Lily, his own girlfriend, would probably tell him to stop. He loved her with all his heart, but sometimes he was stubborn and frustrating. And yet, he wouldn't trade their relationship for anything. He knew that Sirius felt the same way about Emily. James's anger began to dissipate as he realized that Sirius wasn't some villainous character who had stolen his sister away from him. He was just a person who had fallen deeply in love with her, and she with him.
Making his way to the Great Hall, James felt a warmth spread through his chest. Yes, he saw Sirius and Emily holding hands, their faces flushed with happiness. And for the first time, he saw it for what it truly was - love. His heart swelled with emotion as he realized that he genuinely was happy for them. Happy that Sirius was the one who had captured Emily's heart. Happy that they had found each other.
Taking a seat beside Remus, he absently grabbed a plate and piled food on his plate, trying to settle his thoughts. His mind wandered back to the days when they were kids, playing in the streets of Godric's Hollow. The countless hours they'd spend exploring the woods, chasing after butterflies, and having the most ridiculous arguments over who was the best Quidditch player, or how Sirius taught Emily how to beat him at Wizard's Chess. James's eyes misted over as he remembered the way they'd curl up together at night in front of the fireplace, sharing stories and secrets in the darkness. Sirius was still the same loyal, loving, and protective friend he'd always been.
James felt a warmth spread through his chest as he realized that Sirius wasn't just a friend to Emily - he was her soulmate. As he looked at Remus again, the poor man had been trying to get his attention for several minutes as he had zoned out, James felt a sense of acceptance wash over him. He knew that he couldn't deny their love anymore. With a newfound sense of peace, James turned finally acknowledging Remus and smiled to himself. He knew that everything was going to be okay. His sister was happy, and his best friend was happy too.
And that's all that matters.