Love & Scars

A Long Night

He was squeezing her hand so hard that both of their fingers turned white. Another thump as she landed in her bed, what was it the eight time? Sirius had lost count.

"You're hurting me."

Everyone's head snapped up at the small voice. A voice they never thought they would hear again. Izzie's hand tried to wiggle free from Sirius death grip.

"Izzie?" Sirius breathed.

"That's my name." She smiled softly and wiped the tears from Sirius face. Sirius lunged forward and crashed his lips to hers. There was no force pushing them away anymore and he cupped both of her cheeks. He pulled back, resting his head against hers, tears still falling down his cheeks. His eyes were closed but he could feel her short puffs of breath ghost over him. She's alive, she's alive.

"Mr Black, I need to check on her." Madam Pomfrey's voice came from behind him. He kissed her gently one more time before backing away. But he didn't let her go, her clasped her hand in his again, pressing his lips against her knuckles as Pomfrey looked her over.

"It seems like there is no permanent damage." Pomfrey said after her wand did complex movements over her head and heart. "But you need to stay in the hospital wing for a few days, just to be sure."

"I understand." Izzie's voice was still small and fragile.

"I need to inform Professor McGonagall and the headmaster." She said curtly, but then placed her hand on her shoulder softly. "What you did was nothing more than heroic, Isabelle. We will talk about those spells you used later." She turned to the others, Lily and James had climbed out of the bed and stood at the end of Izzie's now. "You can all stay here but -"

"We'll be quiet." James said.

Pomfrey smiled a little. "I'll be back in a few minutes." She said before she flittered out of the hospital wing.

Sirius was just about to gather her in his arms again when Regulus' eyes flared with anger, but more so with concern.

"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS!? WE WERE LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT TOGETHER!"

"We weren't going to find one." Izzie said softly, weakly. "You know that you were getting weaker just like me."

"You - you died." Regulus fell on the edge of her bed, his voice was trembling, and his eyes were filled with tears. Sirius hadn't seen his brother so vulnerable in years.

"I know." She clasped her free hand with his. "But I couldn't let you die. You deserve a future with Remus, you deserve to be with your brother."

"So do you."

"You had more to lose."

"The hell he does!" Remus cried out. "We are your family, and you deserve to find out what it is between you and Sirius. You shouldn't have done this."

"If I hadn't." Her voice was still calm, and Sirius wondered how she could stay calm in all this. "We both would have been dead in a week, two tops."

"Where were you?" Sirius asked quietly, his thumb caressing her hand softly. "When you were -"

"I was in the in-between, I think." She said, her eyes found his. "I could hear my mum calling for me. And I wanted to go, to see her again." Sirius's held in his breath. "But then I heard your voice, you brought me back." She pulled his hand, tugging him closer. When his face was only a few centimetres from hers, he tucked her hair behind her ear, she smiled up at him. "I love you."

Sirius gave her a watery smile before he kissed her. The kiss was slow and sweet. Filled with angst but also love and possibilities. Vaguely aware, he heard the others shuffle and then curtains close. They were alone. Sirius laid down next to her and pulled her flush against him, kissing her a bit more firmly, his hand going into her hair, bringing her closer. "I love you. I love you so much." He said as he started to press kisses all over her face. "Don't you ever do that to me again!"