Why? Because of Them. *Marauder's Era*

Chapter 44: Hope.

I staggered upstairs with my suitcase, Sirius behind me. I set it down near my bed when I got there.

"I-I'm going to go change." I nervously said, pointing to the bathroom, ready to change into my pajamas. He just sat there, emotionless. I walked to the bathroom, slipping my pajamas on. Looking in the mirror, I thought of Opal. She was the one who made me confidently gorgeous; a dream come true.

The memory made me smile; it all started when she got me those clothes for my birthday in first year.

My shorts were way too short for being with Sirius. Anyways, they were red with little puppies on them. My shirt was a tank: light blue, with half a lemon on it, beneath which 'Squeeze Me!' was written.

Shoot.

I don't wanna wear that in front of Sirius.

I pulled the shirt off and the shorts, too. Wrapping a towel around myself and tying it securely on the side, I opened the door and started to walk out.

I was greeted by a butt-naked Sirius, only now starting to change. He was back to me, which was way better than if he were turned the other way.

"HOLY-" I screamed at the top of my lungs and covered my eyes. A few seconds later, eyes still covered, I asked "Are you done?"

"Wait...uh, yeah." Sirius muttered.

"I can open my eyes?" I cautiously asked.

"Yes." He chuckled.

I mentally rolled my eyes, and peeked through my fingers to see Sirius covering his...ahem...with a pillow-my pillow.

"Ew!" I screamed, grabbing another set of pajamas from my drawer. "We are switching pillows." I said.

"Yeah, yeah." He rolled his eyes and I ran to the bathroom, locking the door.

I loosened the towel and it fell on the floor. I put on a t-shirt, my favorite color, which is a sky blue, and long pants, which are dark blue with light blue polka dots. Brushing my hair and teeth, I made sure I looked okay and walked out of the bathroom, sighing in relief at Sirius already changed.

Trying to act totally normal, as much as it was killing me inside, I pulled the blanket over me once I lied down.

"This is another pillow, right?" I glared at him.

"Yes." He put his arms up in defense. It felt natural...like old times, but awkward all the same.

Sometimes, I find myself wondering. What would happen if I did believe him.? What if what he was saying was the truth? The doubt was still there.

"Hey, Sirius?"

He looked surprised, but replied quickly.

"Yeah, Saph...ire?"

"Uh..." I hesitated. Should I make the move and ask? "Were you really telling the truth?" I blurted out rapidly, without even thinking.

"About what?" He asked.

"About...about Devil."

He looked at me confused, then I realized what I said.

"Whoops! I mean Angel." My cheeks colored.

Much to my surprise, he chuckled.

"Nice word play, Saph. I've got to give you that one," he replied. "But yes. I was saying the truth, about everything. I swear on the love of my life's life."

I rolled my eyes mentally.

That's a pretty big swear.

Well played, Black. Well played.

Wait.

He called me Saph.

QUICK BRAIN. THINK.

I saw a hand wave in front of my eyes.

"Saaaaaaaapphire?" Sirius asked.

My lips were frozen.

"If you don't answer me, I'll take my pants off." He said, smirking.

My eyes widened, yet I was still unable to say anything.

"I'm sure Angel would love to see that, or she already has!" With that, I smiled sweetly and lied down, turning my back towards him.

Sirius's P.O.V.

"I'm sure Angel would love to see that, or she already has!" Sapphire laid down, facing away from me.

That hurt, it really did.

It's not like I shag every girl, right? I mean, I didn't shag Opal, or Lily, and definitely not Saph.

I really hope she believes me.

Laying down on the bed next to her, I didn't dare close my eyes.

Hope is the only thing I have to hold on to right now.

Hope.