A Sirius Matter...

Beth Strikes Back

I awoke the next morning to complete silence except the light breathing of each of the girls in the dormitory and the heavy snoring of Lily.

I threw back my duvet and as quietly as I could, crept across to my wardrobe, careful not to let the worn metal hinges creek. I pulled out my robes and carried them into the next door bathroom with me. I quickly washed my face and brushed my hair so I looked as neat as possible - I knew taking a shower would wake the others up.

I tiptoed back into the room and looked at the clock I kept on my bed stand. It read 7am. Sighing, I picked up my bag and started to head down to the common room.

When I passed Tia's bed I heard a little gurgle and looked into the crib at the end to see Grace lying back but wide awake. I lifted her out and cradled her in my arms to stop her making any sort of noise that could awaken the rest of the room.

I cautiously pulled a ripped piece of parchment and jotted a small note to Tia saying;

'I've got her. Enjoy a lie in ~ Sofia x'

Then I took her with me down to the common room. Sirius was sat with James, talking quietly, looking into the newly kindled fire burning happily in the place.

"Gooooood morning!" I sung as I wandered towards them, bag over my shoulder and Grace in my arms.

"Hello" they both said together, quickly and almost a little guiltily.

I narrowed my eyes but said nothing, plopping myself down on the armchair nearby to them.

"Hey... Soph..." James said slowly.

"Hey... James..." I repeated to him.

"Why do you have Gracie?"

"I was letting Tia have a lie in, she was up in the middle of the night with her again".

James nodded at me and returned to the piece of parchment he was writing on. Sirius waved at me across James which made my lips twitch into a smile.

Without warning, James slammed down his quill causing it to snap neatly in two.

"I am so fed up of writing" he growled before getting up and walking very quickly around the empty common room as if he was trying to burn off an overload of energy - which to me, it looked like he was doing.

"Can I hold Gracie?" James asked standing next to me expectantly.

"Sure" I said, helping him arrange his arms in a way that he could hold Grace safely with little chance of dropping her (although with James, the chance was always there) and then passing her to him, her small tuft of hair sticking up and her night baby grow looking a little messy.

"She's actually so adorable" said James as he sat down carefully on the sofa, holding Grace tightly in his arms.

"Relax a bit mate" Sirius said, tugging gently on his arms to loosen them and then smiling over at me.

"Can I speak to you?" Sirius said getting up and walking to a corner of the room.

"Sure" I said again, following him and glancing quickly at James and Grace who was sleeping in his arms.

"I have a confession" he said and my heart seemed to freeze. What had happened? What had he done? Scenarios rushed through my head until I felt giddy.

"What is it?" I said hoarsely.

He looked at me for a moment, I was sure he could see the tears burning my eyes but I stared stubbornly back at him and folded my arms.

"I... Love you" he said, hesitating and then spilling out the words.

"I know" I smiled, a little suspicious but I decided not to start anything without good reason "I love you too"