the secret of Erised {s.b.}

chapter 34: fallen

When the rest of the group appeared from the green flames in the dark alley, Sirius and Esmeralda had already gone to Gideon's house. They were instructed to go over the plan with him so he would not do something stupid that could get him exposed and subsequently kidnapped. Gideon was to remain inside his house, which Remus and Clara would guard, until all the Death Eaters had gone.

"Everyone in the village has been evacuated, right ?" Sirius asked.

Gideon nodded his head.

"And are you positive your brother Fredrick will not come tonight ?" Esmeralda asked.

"Fabian," Gideon corrected.

"Right," Esmerlada said, "I get confused sometimes with your names."

Gideon chuckled.

"It's alright," he said, "And to answer your question; no, he won't be coming. He's with our sister since Arthur had to work tonight. She's five months pregnant and has three other kids to look after."

"I could never do that," Sirius said.

"What ?" Esmeralda asked.

"Have children," he replied.

Esmeralda looked at him, shock written all over her face. They had never discussed their future or anything. Hell, she didn't even know if Sirius and her were endgame, but she sure hoped they were. All of this talk about them being soulmates gave her hope for their future together. Having a family together is something that Esmeralda had begun to think about. They were still too young to have children, but she always thought that they would eventually get to have a family.

It probably had something to do with the fact that his mother never treated him the way a mother should. Esmeralda sensed the same thing that she was sensing right now with Sirius everytime she was with Regulus. She grew up with no parents, but at least she had Perla to take loving care of her. The Black brothers had no one. Even though Walburga was more keen to Regulus, he still knew her to be a cold hearted woman.

Esmeralda shook her head and returned her gaze to Gideon.

"So, do you need us to go over the plan again ?" she asked after letting out a breath.

"I don't think so," the ginger wizard replied, "Just have to stay in here until your friends Remus and Clara tap like this on the door, right ?"

He tapped the table beside him three times quickly and two slowly.

"Excellent," Sirius said, "We must go to our post. Be careful."

Gideon nodded in his direction. Sirius nodded back and grabbed Esmeralda's hand. A cold feeling rushed up his arm as he quickly let go of her hand. The witch drew her hand back and rubbed it with her other hand to feel some warmth.

The couple exited Gideon's house and encountered Remus and Clara already outside.

"Is he caught up with the plan ?" Remus asked once they caught up with them.

"Yes," Sirius said, "Everything's in order."

"Excellent," Clara said, "Well, good luck. You should be heading to your post, it's getting dark."

Esmeralda nodded and began walking down the street by herself. Remus and Clara raised an eyebrow and looked at Sirius, concern written over their faces.

"I have no idea," Sirius said before taking off after his girlfriend.

Esmeralda sat down on the pavement and rested her head on her hands. Soon enough, Sirius caught up with her and sat down beside her. Nothing was said for minutes, the two of them just watched as the sun set on the horizon. The sky turned from a beautiful mixture of orange and red two a cool purple and deep blue. The stars began to slowly appear across the sky, but were covered by rain clouds that made the night colder.