Lady Stardust

09. Happy Birthday

November 3

It was a big day for all of them. It was just 3 days since Halloween, which was extremely fun, even though Ariene didn't particularly like sweets. She constantly flirted with Marlene, and she tried her best to let Sirius down gently, but it was incredibly hard to do so. He would constantly try to be around her, flirt with her, ask her out, everything short of proposing. It was exhausting. With this, almost every girl in her year and some in other years despised her. How could she turn down Sirius Black? As for the Halloween date, it came and went, and she was still there, much to her distaste. Sirius seemed exceptionally happy she was there for her birthday, so she decided to put away the attitude and enjoy the day.

***

She woke up much earlier than all the others, just as she hoped. She quietly exited her bed and got dressed. She picked her wand up and her spell books and left the dorm to get to work. She walked down to the hall. She'd been planning this for a while, and she definitely had the magic to do so. She turned to the first portrait and cast the spell.

***

About an hour later almost every portrait from the common room to the great hall had been charmed to look and talk like Sirius Black. It would wear off soon, in about a day, but it was her best work, without a doubt. Especially the ones she charmed that were wearing a dress, like the Fat Lady, who sang in Sirius's voice as well. She knew it was way over the top, but she hadn't exactly been nice to Sirius, and this would hopefully help get her out of there. She heard Professor McGonagall's familiar footsteps heading towards her and she cursed and stuffed the books away. Started to go hide behind a tapestry, when she changed her mind. Wasn't the point for McGonagall to see her? She walked towards the common room.

"Oh, hello dear. What are you doing awake at this hour?" McGonagall said. Ariene stared at her in disbelief. She had to have seen the number of portraits that looked like Sirius. I will never get out of here! Ariene raised her eyebrows at McGonagall.

"Nothing. I'm heading back to my dorm now." Ariene said, putting her head high. McGonagall opened her mouth to speak.

"Very well. See you at breakfast." She said. She walked in front of Ariene, and Ariene took the time to give her the finger.

***

"Oi! Happy Birthday, Fido!" James said, when Sirius woke up. Fido? What an odd nickname.

"Shut up, you wanker," Sirius said, burying his head in his pillow.

"Hey, Black, cmon! I have a little surprise for you," Ariene said, in a seductive voice. She cringed at herself for using it, but she knew what worked. Sirius lifted his head out of the pillow.

"Okay," They waited for him to get dressed, then walked outside the common room, where there was a crowd laughing and pointing.

"Oi, what are they on about?" Sirius asked, looking at the fat lady. His jaw dropped. In a puffy pink dress was Sirius Black with a huge smile.

"Happy Birthday, Gorgeous!" The portrait sang. Sirius ran his hands through his hair, a huge smile on his face. Ariene smiled inwardly. He turned to her.

"You did this!?" Sirius exclaimed. Ariene nodded.

"You beauty!" James said, hugging her. She blushed. They were clearly overjoyed. They pointed out every portrait with Sirius and laughed every time.

***

At the party, people were still talking about the portraits. Ariene was very proud of herself. The party itself was awesome. The whole common room was decorated in yellow and orange with gryffindor banners that roared every time someone said "Sirius" or "Happy Birthday". Ariene was watching Sirius mingle and collect presents, mostly from younger Gryffindor girls that gave Ariene dirty looks. She walked over to the couch and slumped down. Sirius looked over to her and she smiled at him. He walked over, determined.