crowned jewel ~ sirius black

Chapter Six- The Star Meets the Flower

Late May melted into late June quite fast, and, before everyone knew it, exam season was in session.

Regulus was immersed in studying, as he always was. Though Gemma hated it, she'd tolerate and do it for him, because he was very adamant on doing well in all of his exams. She breezed through her Defense Against the Dark Arts and Astronomy revisions (as Regulus had taught her all she needed to know in those areas), as well as Potions, which she knew she could ace blindfolded and her hands tied behind her back.

After her revenge on Sirius and James, Gemma expected them to be after her, but to her surprise, they weren't. At first, they made her feel freakishly on edge; lurking behind corners, staring her down in the halls, snickering to themselves whenever she walked by. It made her a little jumpy for the first week of it, but eventually, she gave no reaction to them, and they stopped doing it.

It was certainly relieving, but there was still a lot of tension. Something was missing. There was this empty feeling in her gut- an itching in her ear. Almost as if she wanted them to be after her. Maybe this prank expedition had pushed her to become an actual prankster, as Sirius and James were. She hated to admit it, but maybe they were a little influential.

On a particularly long day of exams, Gemma found herself in the company of Thomas Merrit and his other sixth year friends by the Black Lake. It was a gorgeous day; the dark waters of the lake lapped gently against the shore, glittering in the summers sun. A day like this was usually the type Gemma liked to spend with Regulus, but he was off studying with Amelie, and as their best friend, she was inclined not to disturb them. Besides, the fluttering in her stomach when Thomas pulled her to sit in his lap was company enough for her.

"Merlin, King, I'm never gonna get over that dive you made at the final," said Mark Bremmer.

"It seriously was wicked cool," chimed Mare Soarin, smiling brightly.

"The look on Potter's face was truly priceless," chuckled Thomas, resting his hand on Gemma's thigh.

The action erupted a sea of goosebumps across her skin, but she kept her cool. "Thanks guys," she said. "It was one of my best moments out there, I'll admit."

"The best was when you got Black all pouty after the game," said Thomas, grinning down at her.

"Getting him angry isn't that hard. He hates me."

"Eh, well, his loss then."

Gemma grinned back at him, biting her lip teasingly. All of Thomas's friends made loud 'Ooooing' noises at the two for their shameless flirting.

"Should we leave?" quipped Bremmer. "I'd hate to interrupt the new power couple-"

"Oh, piss off," laughed Thomas, kicking his friend's foot. "We're not together." He grinned. "Yet."

Gemma said nothing, only pursed her lips into a sweet smile. Her blush betrayed her, but everyone no more than laughed fondly at her. Usually, she was a little less blush-y and a lot more forward with the boys she liked, but she was younger than Thomas and all his friends, so it seemed fit for her to be a little more shy.

"Look," said Mare, pointing across the lawn. "The fifth years have been released."

The castle doors were flooding with fifth years, all trying to get as far away from their exams as possible. June was a crazy time for everyone, but the fifth years felt it the worst, as OWLs were a lot harder than a regular exam.

"Merlin," gasped Bremmer, leaning back on his hands, "I do not miss fifth year.  King, I pity you for next year. You're gonna hate it."

"It won't be all bad." Gemma shrugged. "I'm destined to be a Prefect, so...."