A Marauder's Love Story

Chapter 7

"Where were you last night?" Kyle said, looking up from his food, the next morning at breakfast.

"What do you mean? I told you... I went back to get my potions book," I said evenly, not looking him in the eye.

"But I waited for you...and you didn't come back. I finally just went to bed, I was so tired."

"Oh well, it wasn't where I thought it was... so it took me awhile to find, is all," I replied simply.

He nodded, seeming to believe my easy lie, and falling back into conversation with Blake.

I turned to meet Gabriela's cold gaze, her dark eyes held suspicion as she watched me closely.

I gave her a questioning look, but she just shook her head and turned away.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw her glance at Sirius, who was sitting a few seats down with James, Remus, and Peter.

Her eyes lingered on him for a second before she narrowed them slightly and turned away.

I kept my gaze focused on my plate as I ate, trying my best to avoid anymore of her cold, accusatory looks.

"So you guys are coming with us right?" Blake said suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"To where?" I said, looking up at him.

"To Hogsmeade, during tomorrow's trip," Kyle said with a hint of "duh" in his voice.

My eyes widened slightly, I had completely forgotten the first trip was scheduled for tomorrow.

"Of course we are. Who else would we hang out with? Right Vanessa?" Gabriela said, turning to look at me expectantly.

My mind immediately flashed to the plans Sirius and I had made... Plans that Gabriela, Kyle, and Blake could NEVER find out about.

I hesitated before nodding slowly and giving them a small smile.

Gabriela's stare hardened at my hesitation. "That is, of course, as long as there isn't someone else you'd rather spend it with?" She said icily.

I shook my head quickly, "You're my best friends, who else would I go with?"

"I dunno... How about YOU tell US," Gabriela said keeping her dark eyes on me.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said with a soft laugh, shaking my head and standing up from the table.

"I'm gonna be late for potions, I'll see you guys later... okay?" I said, gathering my books up and smiling slightly.

Kyle and Blake nodded slowly, still looking hesitant and confused, while Gabriela gave a curt nod and turned away, looking thoroughly irritated.

"So you are going to Hogsmeade with us, then?" Blake asked abruptly, watching me closely as I paused to look back at them.

"Yes, of course I am," I said, nodding and trying my best to smile reassuringly.

He nodded and flashed me a grin before falling back into conversation with Kyle, both seemingly satisfied with my response.

But as I turned and walked out of the great hall, I could feel Gabriela's dark eyes on my retreating back, no doubt filled with the same look of suspicion they had held before.

As I walked through the corridors and made my to the dungeons, it became quite clear what I had to do.

I spotted him the moment I walked into Potions, sitting at a table in the back, talking quietly with James, Remus, and Peter.