Enchanted

She was a best kept Secret

"James was asking about me?  I guess he figured out my name then.  I did challenge the poor lad.  Why would he be asking about the Merlin bloodline, though?” I asked of Moony, who was feeding me the gossip.

“I was hoping you’d know since he asked about that family right after bringing up you.” Remus answered. 

I looked out over Black Lake as a breeze ruffled my hair.  Since the first year, Remus and I have had this spot in a tree by the lake.  Whenever we get time from our friends, we find our way here and sit on a limb up in the tree.

“What did Siri say when James asked?” I asked as nonchalantly as possible as my legs kicked back and forth slowly.

I concentrated on the lake, trying to pretend like I don’t care.

“Don’t ask if you don’t want the truth.” Remus warned.

I winced and hoped it wasn’t noticeable.

“It’s whatever.  I don’t really care.” I said in a dismissive tone.

“Mmhmm.  He didn’t remember you.” Remus said and carefully watched her reaction.

It felt like my heart had been pierced by an arrow.  I’d given him my virginity, and he didn’t even remember me.  Remus didn’t know that part.  Only my girls did.  He didn’t know I’ve known Siri for years.  He couldn’t possibly understand why I’m so hung up when it was only for a month in his eyes.  James saved me from any questions Remus may have.

“Found you!  Moony, what are you doing here?  You didn’t say anything when I asked about her.” James said in a confused tone.

“Because she was the one special thing I had that was just mine!  But then Padfoot went and dated her for a month last year and doesn’t even remember her!  Now you’re clearly moving onto her.  Peter had her as a potion partner.  She’s not mine anymore!” Remus ranted as he hopped down from the tree and stomped away.

James and I stared at his retreating back in shock.

“Oh yeah, the full moon is approaching.  You know it always makes him grumpy.” I said with a nervous chuckle.

“True but wait!  How do you know about that?!” James asked in shock.

“I met him on my very first train ride to Hogwarts.  My wolf recognized his.  We spent our full moons together up until the rest of you showed up.  Remus had us stop meeting because he wanted our friendship to be kept separate.  I didn’t realize until today just how serious he was.” I answered.

“Wait you’re a werewolf too?  Wait, wait, wait, you dated Padfoot?  Wait you’re the only girl he actually dated?  He’s only had flings since.  How could he not remember?” James asked.

“Yes, yes, yes, and Je ne sais pas.” I answered with a shrug.

“I’m not French speaking.” James said.

“It was, I don’t know.” I translated.

“Ok.  Well, how about this question.  Why are you attending Hogwarts under an alias?” James asked.

“Je ne sais pas!” I answered as I jumped down and ran off before he could say more.

James began to make his way back when he was surrounded by Regulus, Rosier, Avery, and Crouch Jr.

“Swear on your magic you won’t tell anyone about her true identity, Potter.” Regulus said as he pointed his wand threateningly at James.

“Or what?” James said with a roll of his eyes.

“I’ll obliviate you.” Regulus said like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“What the bloody hell.  Are you mad?” James splattered.

“Mad for her, maybe.  I’ll do anything to protect her. Her body was never found, so my crazy mum refused to believe she’s dead and thus never arranged me to marry another.  And now that I know my mum was right I’ll protect Gwen with every fiber of my being.” Regulus vowed.

“Fine, I vow on my magic not to tell anyone Gwendolyn Sylvestrus true identity until she is ready.” James said with his wand out and lighting up with his vow.

Regulus and his friends left without further words to the Potter boy.  James pulled out his map to see where Jade currently was and spotted her in the forbidden forest.   He rushed to where she was and found her feeding creatures he couldn’t see, so he knew they must be threstrals.

“I won’t tell anyone.  Regulus had me swear on my magic just now.” James said.

“I knew he recognized me.  My cousin, too.  I wonder why neither approached.” I pondered.

“Probably didn’t want to spook you like I did.  Hoped you'd trust them enough to approach them.” James answered.

“You play the role of goof quite well, but there’s some intelligence in there, isn’t there?” I teased as I knocked on his noggin.

“Don’t mess up the hair, Silver!  Oh hey, we should come up with a Marauders name for you!” James said excitedly.

“Moony already did.  I’m Artemis.” I said with an easy smile.

“Man he really hogged you to himself.” James muttered.

“Aw we’re friends now, Prongsy.  So what have you decided to do about your Lilypad?” I asked as I elbowed him in a teasing manner.

“I’ve decided that’s she’s Evans from now on.  I realized we aren’t even friends, so all she ever was is Evans.  So I’m going to have a few flings until she’s no longer under my skin.  Once that happens, then I’ll find someone who enjoys my love language.” James said.

“I’d say that’s a solid plan.” I said with pride.

“If it’s a solid plan, then maybe you should try it so you can move on from Padfoot.” James said carefully.

“Alas, not everyone is the same young grasshopper.  I did the fling route.  That method didn’t work for me.  Maybe for me, the only way to move on is with someone else.  Maybe giving another relationship a chance will help my feelings grow for another, which will cause them to wither for Siri.  Then maybe he'll be just a Black to me instead of a Siri.” I said in a thoughtful tone.

“And you haven’t tried yet?” James asked.

“No.  I like to be pursued, James.  I don’t want to do the chasing.  So I suppose I’ll be waiting for someone who wants to chase me to the ends of earth.  Ah, speak of the devil.  This is where we say our goodbyes, Potter.” I said as I began walking away.

“Hey Moony came in with a really foul mood.  Yknow what happened?  Also, who was the pretty little hufflepuff you were with?  Moving on from Evans already, Prongs?” Sirius teased.

“Not yet.  She isn’t someone you play around with but rather someone you marry and hold onto forever.  I’m not ready for that yet.  But when I am…” James trailed off.

“Why am I not surprised.  Let’s go see about Moony.” Sirius said as he threw his arm around James.

I watched them walk away before resolving to find my almost betrothed and cousin.