A Sirius Matter...

Going Home

It was April the First, three days before my birthday, and I still hadn't spoken to Sirius. By spoken, I mean had a conversation- in potions I asked him to pass ingredients to me and once or twice, when I had been in a good mood, I had said 'hello' or 'good morning' but I didn't have the heart to try and speak to him now.

"Truth be told I miss him" I told Lily when we were walking swiftly to potions which we had with the Slytherins.

"I know. I'm sure you two will sort it out in the end though, you guys are-well were- best friends, apart from maybe you and I"

I nodded, hoping she was right. Lily was good company, but she wasn't funny like Sirius was.

I sighed, joining the queue of students outside the classroom in the damp and dark dungeons of the castle.

"Sofia!" James battled his way through a couple of students and jumped four steps to stand right in front of me.

"Oh. Hello, how are you?" Not speaking to Sirius meant I had not often found time to speak to James, neither of us had a problem with each other.

"I'm fine. I was asked to give you this" he had crumpled up piece of parchment in his hands which he passed to me.

"Okay... Thank you?"

He nodded and bounded off up the stairs to where I could see Remus and Peter standing, I assumed Sirius was there too - out of sight.

I negotiated the screwed up ball and unfurled it without ripping the thin paper.

Sofia,
Meet me in the courtyard at lunchtime.

It didn't need a signature on the bottom, knew exactly who wanted to meet me at lunchtime...

~~~~~ ~~~~~

I stood, a little fearfully, in the courtyard. The green grass was short and moist and there were little daisies springing up around my feet. Despite this peaceful setting, I couldn't help but fear that what seemed to be an honest note, would actually be a prank.

Breathing steadily, I started to make my way back into the school, I might just make it in time to get at least a small something for lunch.

"Miss Mandeville"

"Oh Professor Slughorn, hello."

"I was asked to tell you, while I was on my way out here, not to go back inside just yet. Mr Black is on his way, he told me he needed to get something but to distract you and I thought well there's no better way to stop her than going right up to her and telling her the truth. I tell you-"

I listened wearily to his monotone rambling. I was able to switch off and then nod my head occasionally and smile when he did.

Despite my trance, I picked up on footsteps running down the hall and saw Sirius burst through the doors where I was still stood with Professor Slughorn.

"Thank you Professor, I think I'll be able to take it from here"

The teacher smiled but seemed a little disappointed to have his conversation interrupted, he was clearly enjoying himself immensely. He wandered off back into the castle, talking to himself absentmindedly.

"Ok?"

"Well I'm a bit bored but otherwise okay." I smiled a little.

"I wanted to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry I ever shouted at you in the first place, I'm sorry I ever doubted you but I'm most sorry that I refused to speak to you for so long"

"It's okay, I understand you were just angry. I was too"

"Okay. So we're good?"

"Sure" I nodded.