The Art of Persuasion

Chapter 8 : John Lemon

The world seemed to stop for a minute as I saw Sirius Black standing right there, watching me cry. I couldn't move or anything, instead I just stood still in shock. Sirius, on the other hand, looked a bit uncomfortable. He did that thing where he ran his hand through his hair. He seemed to do that a lot when he was confused, frustrated, angry, etc...Of course, I meant that in non-stalker way.

"Bloody Hell" is what he said in response to my crying.

When reality was thrust back to me, I quickly turned away. Sirius Black was one of the last people to find me crying. I furiously wiped at my eyes with my sleeves, trying to get rid of the last my tears. The problem was that new tears kept gathering on the edges of my eyes. I covered my mouth to avoid making any more sobs.

"Ahem. Here." Sirius placed something on my shoulder. I turned my head slightly to see his hand leave his...scarf. I picked the scarf off my shoulder and held as if I didn't know what it was, which was true in a way. I looked over my shoulder to see him staring back.

"What's this?" I asked in a barely audible tone. I was surprised at my own tone with him. He just pointed to his grey eyes, which looked immensely deep. Perhaps it had to do with the lighting. I looked down at the scarf till I got what he meant. My face burned with embarrassment.

I wiped at each eye with the long, plush, red-gold cloth. I pressed it against my face to soak up the last of my tears. A somewhat strong but soothing aroma drifted into my nose. It smelled of a forest yet it had a citrus tinge to it. Shockingly, it smelled quite nice.

Sirius took a few steps and ended up standing next to me. Once again, I was brought back to reality. I peered from the scarf that was covering my face and quickly pulled it down. I, then, cleared my throat.

"'Hem...how long were you standing there...?" I asked bit nervous. I really didn't want to inform Sirius that he was what started the argument between Geoff and me.

"I caught the last tidbit really, then Wickett stormed off," he stated quietly. I nodded at this and turned my head to look at him. He turned back with a curious stare.

"Okay...err...did you, by any chance, hear anything about..." I couldn't really being myself to finish my sentence. I looked at Sirius as hope swelled in my heart that he would understand what I was talking about.

"About what?" Sirius blinked as he said. I looked down as the little bubble of hope burst into a million pieces. Sometimes, men can be so ignorant.

"Did you hear us...uh...talking about you?" I tried once more, hoping that my question didn't sound entirely stupid. He looked a bit taken back by this question but regained composure quickly.

"Well...err...yes, I suppose, just a little though. Was I the subject which you and Wickett were arguing about?" Sirius now asked a question himself. I remained silent for a moment, trying to figure out what the argument was exactly about.

I started to take slow steps, signaling that I wanted to head to the Common Room. Sirius walked in step with me, remaining silent for a few moments. I sighed and looked down at the scarf I was holding. I then stole at glance at the man walking next to me.

"Err...well, I'd say you were what started the argument...not the argument itself." I finally explained to Sirius. He nodded at this and we continued walking in silence for a few more moments.

"May I ask what the argument was about?" He asked casually but I had the suspicion he was more than a bit curious. I shook my head slightly and sighed.

"I'm afraid you can't. If I told you, it'd just piss Geoff off even more. He's angry about your whole 'brilliant' plan, you know?" I informed him at which he responded with another nod.