A/N Thanks to Eira for her beta work and support!
Once again chapter title is a line from the lyrics of Sin with a Grin by Shinedown
~*~
“No, Sirius.” Alexia pushed his hands away again with a slight smile.
“Please Lex? It won’t take long I promise,” Sirius said, then kissed her on the neck.
“Then you have plenty of time to do it,” Alexia laughed. “And don’t give me that ‘Lily does it for James all the time’ bollocks either.”
“Fine. It was just one paper, and you know you’re much smarter than I am.” Sirius sulked, settling back into the chair. “I just thought that as my girl, you would be--”
“--a different person than I was before? It’s not going to happen, Black, so give it up. And smarter than you? Ha! You’re just too lazy to do it yourself! You do your class work and I’ll do mine. Besides, I have to go to Quidditch practice anyway.”
Alexia stacked her books on the table and stood up. She bent down but before she could pick them up, Sirius grabbed her and pulled her into his lap. Alexia looked around the common room quickly to make sure they weren’t being watched before she allowed him to pull her into a deep kiss. She still had trouble getting used to the idea of their being a couple and blushed whenever he showed public displays of affection.
“Sirius, I’m…going… to be late,” Alexia said in between kisses. His kisses still gave her butterflies.
“I’ll go with you, then,” Sirius replied, helping her stand up as he did.
“No, you won’t. I told you that you’re too much of a distraction, not to mention, I don’t want any more of those blokes taking the mickey out of me about ‘Romeo’ following me everywhere. They already give me enough trouble.” Alexia shook her head.
“Who called me Romeo? It was probably Samuel, that git. I’ll handle…”
“No! Sirius, please. I don’t want to be one of those girls that act all barmy just because she’s going out with someone,” Alexia frowned, lowering her eyes. “I can take care of myself, and it’s easier to do that if I don’t look like I have to get you to ‘handle’ things.”
After a few minutes, Sirius sighed. “Alright, you win. I’ll see you before dinner then.” With a smile, she kissed him and left to change her clothes as he sat down to write his potions paper.
~*~
“Where is the missus?” Lupin said, dropping down into a chair beside Sirius. “Quidditch practice?” “Yes. And believe it or not, she didn’t want me to come with her.”
Sirius looked up when Lupin didn’t reply.
“You know what tomorrow is, I assume. Does she know?” Remus asked quietly.
“No, of course not.” “How are you going to explain our disappearances? Surely she’ll ask. Lily’s already getting suspicious. I don’t know how much longer James can keep this from her and now Alexia,” Remus shifted nervously. “Eventually one of them is going to find out and then what?”
“They won’t find out, Mooney. James and I will think of something. Don’t worry so much.”
“Don’t worry? I’ve spent almost my whole life trying to keep this secret. If you or James slip up…”
“Don’t forget Remus. We found out and didn’t hold it against you. You know Lily cares deeply for you already and would never judge you. And Alexia wouldn’t either, I’m sure,” Sirius replied.
Remus shook his head. “No, Sirius. They can’t find out. Whether or not they would judge me isn’t the problem. We need to keep this quiet. Too many people know already. After Snape found out…”
“Mooney, it will be fine. Trust me okay?” Sirius put his hand on Lupin’s shoulder and squeezed. “If James and I have to get a little creative with our excuses, we will. But if you mope around here for the next few days worrying about it, they will definitely be suspicious.”
Lupin shrugged but looked resigned.
~*~
“Are you alright?” James asked Alexia as she limped off the field. She had dodged one Bludger, only to be hit in the shoulder by the next. She ended up getting thrown from her broom far enough off the ground that it knocked the wind out of her. She’d never admit it, but she felt like one big bruise.
“Brilliant move right?” Alexia laughed. “If I keep playing like that, Slytherin will slaughter us on Sunday.”
“So you had an off day. It happens.” James shrugged, but she could tell he was playing down his feelings.
“James,” Alexia stopped and looked at him sternly. “Don’t start treating me differently because I’m going out with your best mate. If I screw things up out there, I don’t want you sugar coating it and treating me like a…well, like a girl! Just because I am a girl doesn’t mean I’m any less of a player than you or any of the rest. I’d much rather you tell me off for playing like shite than have you placate me. I’m a lot tougher than I look.”
James held up his hands in mock surrender and laughed. “Fine! Fine! You were horrible out there today. First years could have played better. You’re lucky you only got hit by one Bludger. I thought a few of them were going to take your head off, not that it was on practice anyway.”
“That’s more like it,” Alexia said with a frown. Groaning, she added, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately. I used to be so focused, and now it seems like everything distracts me. I’m doing horribly in my classes too! I almost blew up Professor Slughorn in Potions yesterday.”
“You’re in love.”
Alexia turned and smacked James hard on the chest. “Don’t you dare say that. I am NOT in love. Not yet at least. Even if I was, I wouldn’t act daft.”
James chuckled and shook his head. “Are you saying that Lily is acting daft?”
“No! You know what I mean…” Alexia groaned. “You’re an even bigger git off the Quidditch field, you know?”
“Lily once referred to me as a toerag.”
“You say it like it’s a good thing. Although, it does seem to fit.” Alexia was quiet for a few moments then stopped, putting her hand on his arm. “Can I tell you something that you won’t tell Sirius?”
“Of course,” James replied, looking at her with concern in his eyes.
“I haven’t even had a chance to tell Lily yet because we haven’t been alone since I found out.” Alexia began wringing her hands as she debated how much to tell James. “My mum wrote to me, and it appears that things are getting really bad for the blood traitors who have married Muggles, almost as bad as it is for the Muggle born. She works at the ministry, you know, and had some problems one night when she had worked late. She made it seem like it was no big deal, but James, I’m scared.”
“I understand. Dad says it’s very dangerous with the Death Eaters making their presence known. What is your mum going to do?” James asked.
“What can she do? What can any of us do? Wait and worry, I suppose. She wants to send my sister away to live with relatives in France, but Nina’s so young, still too young to even come here. She won’t want to leave my mum and dad.” Alexia began chewing on her fingernail.
“It’s natural for you to be worried or scared, Alexia, but why don’t you want to tell Sirius?”
Alexia avoided his eyes as she shrugged. When he didn’t speak, she glanced up at him to find him watching her impatiently. “Because…” she began then stopped and looked down with a blush. “I guess because I’m worried that a little part of him still thinks he’s better than me because he’s pure blood. Or he won’t understand since his parents aren’t in danger.”
“Naff! You still think he’s a prat like his family? Or are you so gormless that you don’t see that he’s mad about you?” James exclaimed, frustration in his voice. “I understand you don’t trust easily, but he’s earned it.”
“I know. I know. I know! I should be able to trust him, and I do…mostly but this is just something that will always be a big concern to me,” Alexia said and began walking back towards the castle.
“No, it doesn’t have to always be like that. Trust him--just once--and tell him what’s going on. You’ll see. Once you see I’m right, you won’t doubt him again,” James replied as he fell in step beside her.
Alexia waited until they were at the door to Gryffindor’s common room. “Alright, you win. I’ll tell him as soon as I get a chance. Just let me tell him though, alright? If you tell him and he finds out I told you first, he’s going to know it was because I didn’t trust him.”
~*~
Alexia didn’t have a chance to talk to Sirius alone that night so she decided she would talk to him after dinner tomorrow night. It was Saturday, so she assumed he’d take her to the Room of Requirement after dinner since this afternoon was the Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Tomorrow they had their match with Slytherin, and he knew she would be tired, bruised, achy, or in a bad mood if they lost.
Right now he was in detention with James while Remus and Lily were upstairs studying. She was sitting in a quiet corner of one of the many gardens, trying to study, but too distracted to do much of it. Reaching into her pocket, she withdrew the now well worn letter from her mother. As she re-read it, she felt tears fill her eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time she cried but knowing that her family was in danger gutted her.
“Ms. Morgan, I’m surprised you’re not with your friends. It is a lovely day but it’s a little bit nippy out here.” Professor McGonagall’s voice caused Alexia to jump in surprise.
“Professor McGonagall! You startled me.” She reached down to pick up her book then sat back with a faint smile. “I actually like it when its cooler.”
The professor studied her for a few minutes and Alexia looked away quickly while she tried to think of a good excuse to leave. Coming up with nothing, she tried to avoid direct eye contact.
“Ms. Morgan, what is it? Has something happened?” Professor McGonagall walked over and sat down beside her, watching her with concern.
Alexia’s lip trembled and she nodded. Normally she wouldn’t talk to any of her professors about anything other than class work, but despite her strictness, Professor McGonagall seemed to genuinely care very much for her students and Hogwarts, so Alexia felt closer to her than anyone else on staff. Although she greatly admired Professor Dumbledore, and though he cared for the students and the school just as deeply, if not more, she did not feel close enough to the Headmaster to pour her heart out to him. At last she finally spoke, “I’m worried about my family and I think maybe I should leave Hogwarts to be there with them. My mum is thinking of sending my little sister away until things settle down, and I know my sister will be gutted. Not to mention the fact dad has no way to protect himself.”
“I see,” the professor replied, putting her arm around Alexia’s shoulder. “Surely you realize its folly to think of leaving Hogwarts, especially now.”
“But…”
“But nothing, Ms. Morgan! Your mother has enough to worry about with one daughter at home. I cannot imagine there is any place safer for you, along with your classmates, than here under Professor Dumbledore’s protection. Students always think they’re ready to be out there battling The Dark Lord themselves when their parents prefer them safe within the walls of Hogwarts. Your parents will do what is best for your sister, but do not give them more to worry about by attempting to leave Hogwarts during such dangerous times.”
Wiping her tears away, Alexia nodded. She knew deep down that the professor was right, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Perhaps Nina being sent to France was best Mum would have more peace of mind at least. Mum would have plenty to worry about protecting Dad and herself from the Muggle hating Death Eaters.
“Thanks, Professor McGonagall. I hadn’t thought about my parents worrying about me. You’re right that they would prefer me here. My mum thinks Professor Dumbledore is the greatest wizard of all time,” Alexia said with a slight smile. “And I think between all of the professors, we’re pretty safe here at Hogwarts too.”
“Yes as safe as any can be in these times. Try not to worry so. The game is set to start at the Quidditch pitch soon. Perhaps you should go put on a sweater,” the professor said as she rose. She walked a few steps then turned back and added, “Ms. Morgan, if you have any more worries about this and you wish to speak to me, do not hesitate to come to my office. I’ll not have my students feel they are ever alone at Hogwarts. The staff is here to not only instruct you on all things magical but to help you through these difficult years between childhood and adulthood.”
Alexia smiled and nodded. “Thanks again, Professor.” Gathering her things, she followed the professor into the castle then ran up the stairs two at a time. Not seeing her friends in the common room, she went up to her room to change and saw a note from Lily.
Dear Alexia,
We didn’t know when you’d return so Remus, Peter, and I went to the pitch. James and Sirius are going to meet us there so we’ll save you a seat.
Lily
Throwing on a sweater, she grabbed her Gryffindor scarf and wrapped it around her neck. She went to the bathroom and brushed her hair back into a pony-tail, washed her face, and brushed her teeth. Finally ready, she rushed through the halls, down the stairs and outside.
“Alexia!” she heard a familiar voice behind her.
Turning she was soon wrapped in a tight embrace. She laughed when Sirius lifted her off her feet. “I’m glad we caught you. Where are the others?”
With a slight blush, she smiled at James. “Your lady awaits you at the pitch,” she replied with a wink. “With two other blokes.”
“Trollop! Let us go and be done with her,” James said with a flourish of his hand, causing Alexia and Sirius to laugh.
~*~
Remus had left after the game to visit his mother. Apparently his mother was very sick and he had to return home frequently to visit her. Alexia had never noticed how often he was away before she started going out with Sirius, but Lily said it was at least once a month. At dinner, she noticed how Sirius, James and Peter looked like they were up to something. She caught all of them giving each other meaningful looks and wondered what they were planning.
In the common room, Alexia waited for Sirius to take her to the Room of Requirement. Curious that he didn’t suggest it, she waited until the room was mostly empty. Then she went ahead and told him about the letter from her mum and her concerns. She began to tell him what Professor McGonagall said but stopped when she realized he wasn’t really listening to her. Instead he had been giving James an impatient look. When she stopped talking, he turned to look at her with a slight smile.
“Alexia, don’t worry about it so much. After all, your mother said she was fine.” Kissing her quickly, he stood up. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m completely knackered. I think I’ll just head up to my room.”
Her mouth almost dropped open in surprise. Standing up quickly, she snapped, “Sorry I kept you up with my petty problems. Go to bed. I won’t keep you. While you’re at it, Sirius, why don’t you go to hell too?!”
Pushing past him, Alexia stormed from the room, ignoring all the people staring at her. She made it to her room before tears filled her eyes. Her roommates watched curiously as she slammed around the room, getting ready for bed. Without another word to anyone, she lay down and pretended to be asleep.
She couldn’t believe he was such a prat. How could he act like her family being in danger wasn’t even important? It was worse than she expected. ‘Well, if he thinks I’ll waste my time on a git like him just because he’s adorable and his kisses give me butterflies in my stomach, he has another thing coming!' She thought as a tear made its way down her cheek. 'I don’t need him. And right now, I don’t want him either.’
Story Summary:
Before Lord Voldomort ruined his life, Sirius Black enjoyed his best years at Hogwarts. In his final year, a fellow student manages to turn things up side down for him but he has no complaints.
PG13 for now - might rate higher later
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Chapter Four
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