A Fall Through Worlds And Time Apart

Part 23

"I did this...." Both Tonks and Lupin turned to Sirius. "I did this...." Lupin shook his head but Sirius continued.."No Moony...she told me not to go after Harry. But ... But I went... I didn't reach back soon... She ... she went to look for me...I even proceeded to muggle area and brought her a gift... why .... am I hurting her over and over... this..... she .... she will never forgive me.... oh I should be left at Azkaban.."

"Padfoot " Remus thundered. "Shut your mouth. Yes, that was very stupid of you. But it doesn't mean you are responsible for this. She needs you now more than ever..stay with her...help her. We are all with you. But I won't let you wallow in this bloody self pity..."
Tonks added," She is going to push us all away. We should stay strong...for her." Sirius nodded and hung his head.

Just then a soft knock was heard. Remus went down and came back with McGonagall and Snape in tow.
"What do you want?" Sirius sounded so defeated. "She will wake soon. And it will be painful. I came with remedies. " McGonagall glared at him behind Snape. "Why do you care,Snape?" It was Tonks who asked. Snape sneered as he answered, "I do not ...care. Now I would rather treat my patient in a less crowded atmosphere. "

Remus and Tonks stepped out and Sirius made to follow, slowly. "Stay, Black." Sirius turned to Snape, surprised and opened his mouth. "But keep quiet" Snape added. Sirius smiled lightly and stayed at Ara's side.

They waited in silence and sometime later Ara let out a sob. She was trembling as she tried to move and crying in her mother tongue. Sirius was fighting himself to not hug her. Snape moved slightly closer and called, "Little one" Sirius stared as he watched Ara relax... "Se....Severus.... please...." she sobbed as she struggled to open her eyes. "You are safe. In headquarters. Tonks girl got you out. Open your eyes." Snape commanded. Ara slowly opened her eyes and on seeing the surroundings she started crying loudly. Sirius rushed to her side, "You are safe,my love. Please don't cry. I...I am so sorry...please...don't cry" Ara startled as she looked at him and scrambled away. Sirius looked crestfallen and sank to his knees, head in hands.

Snape handed her a vial of potions which she took thankfully. "Than.." Snape held a hand to silence her. He merely glanced at Sirius who was silently sobbing into his hands and looked back at Ara who was watching Sirius tearfully. Snape said very softly..

"Sometimes.... we push those we love away in hopes to save them. But.... it may not be the wise choice to do." Ara stared at Snape surprised. Snape's face was unreadable as he continued, "You both need each other. And.... Black is as loyal as he is stupid. Which is to say, a lot. Let him in, little one. Don't let your fears and insecurities ruin what you both have. You are stronger than them all put together." He turned to leave when he felt the lightest touch on his little finger.

He looked down to see Ara gently holding his finger with her index and thumb. Her head was down as she mumbled, "Thank you... for everything.  I... I needed to hear that"

Snape awkwardly patted her head and said, " take rest, little one. You will be alright soon." She nodded and Snape left soon.

Ara turned to see Sirius still shaking on his knees. She slightly moved closer to him and called, "Sirius...?"

He quickly wiped his tears," Am sorry, I didn't see him go... I will.. I will wait outside.. do you want.. er.. I will ask Tonks.." Ara stretched to hold his hand. He jumped slightly and said, "No Ara. I understand.."

"You don't. "Ara said. Sirius stared. "Stay with me Sirius. I...I mean if you don't hate me...I...I don't know how to ask..I..."
"Ara.. it doesn't matter how.. you don't even have to ask. You... just say and I do it,love. Anything...anything, my love."

Ara gulped." I ... I want to talk about it. C-Can...you... can you hold me?" Next second Sirius was at her side. He gently put an arm around her shoulders slowly holding her close. "Sirius, please don't be angry.. promise me you.. you won't..er..any revenge. Promise me, Sirius. " She turned to look at him. Grey eyes glistening as they met brown, he spoke softly, "I promise, love."

And she spoke. She said about how Bellatrix saw her walking alone, crying as she was coming back and called her ,"filthy crying scum." Next moment, she had apparated somewhere. And she went on crying and holding onto Sirius as she explained how Bellatrix and other Death Eaters would visit, for fun. She told how Snape was forced to accompany them and how they all made fun of him for never joining this kind of fun. She told about how Snape visited later and healed her partially so that others won't notice and gave her food and water.

Sirius saw Snape in a different light then. He never tortured muggles, he saved Ara..

But then she went on describing about the others..the pain... how she begged to die...and Sirius pulled her closer. He felt his heart shatter into pieces as she sobbed loudly.

He silently heard everything, stroking her hair and listened as she cried for so so so very long. Sometime after her rambling she had switched to her mother tongue. He didn't interrupt her. He knew the depth of her pain and that was it.

After what it seemed like hours, he sensed her fell asleep. His tears had yet to dry. Even in sleep she would give an involuntary shudder and Sirius will hold her closer. He kept whispering to her," You are safe,love. I won't leave you. You are safe..."

He silently promised that moment to stay by her side,always.