The Untold Story of RAB

Halloween III

Waiting had never been Diana's forte. She found herself tapping her fingers nervously as she waited for Dumbledore to leave. Margaret must have noticed her nerves because she repeatedly asked if Diana was ok.
The night passed slowly, Saoirse and Ginerva killed it on the dancefloor. Lily danced one song with James which made him look like he might burst from happiness. An hour into the festivities Sirius approached their table and asked Diana to dance, promising to "go easy on our wounded soldier."

Diana let Sirius lead her to her feet and onto the dance floor as a slower song began to play. Diana tried not think of Regulus probably watching them.

They danced for a minute before, quietly, Sirius said, "sorry about bombarding you in the team room yesterday. I got nervous."

"Nervous?" Diana asked, in a bit of disbelief, Sirius was the most confident person she knew.

"I suppose," he said slowly, and at barely a whisper, "I got scared. I-" he paused, thinking a great deal about what he was going to say, "I didn't like the idea of you two dating."

Realization dawned on Diana as she said, "it's him, isn't it?"

Sirius' eyes were wide like a little puppy. He nodded after a moment. "You can't tell anyone, please, I just thought I owed you an explanation for my, uh, interrogation."

Diana looked him in the eyes, "you don't owe me anything, but thank you for telling me. I won't tell a soul."

After a moment she said, and her curiosity got the better of her, "does he know?"

Sirius shook his head rather violently. "I can't tell him, he's like my best friend."

"Ok," Diana said. She glanced over at Remus, leaning against the far wall, smoking a cigarette. He met her eyes and nodded. She glanced away and when she looked back, he was staring at Sirius. Diana recognized that look, it was the same one she gave Remus.

Not wanting to intrude anymore she let the issue drop.

They left the dance floor after a few more songs and Diana risked a glance at Regulus who was staring at the door as Dumbledore disappeared out from the hall.

"You go first," Regulus said.

Not bothering to respond, Diana turned to Margaret. "I'm really tired, I'm going to head to bed."

"I'll come with you," Margaret said, rising from the bench.

"Oh no, don't bother yourself," she felt guilty about saying the next part, "go dance with Saoirse, have fun."

Margaret blushed the tiniest amount and agreed.

Diana made her way out the door and followed to Dumbledore's office.

She waited at the Owl statue, the entrance to his office, for Regulus. A few minutes later she heard footsteps, and saw him striding down the corridor, robes billowing behind him. He looked striking.

"Ready?" He said curtly as he arrived by her side. He reached out his hand to knock on the statue but Diana caught his arm before he did so.

"You ok?" She asked.

He nodded, "fine."

She turned away, unsatisfied with his answer but accepted it.

Before he could raise his arm again, the stone owl began to turn to reveal a small staircase.

With eyebrows raised, Diana whispered, "he knows we're here."

The two climbed the small twisty staircase until they were met by a small landing, a large wooden door the only exit.