A 'Sirius' Kind of Love (A Sirius Black Love Story) NO LONGER TERMINATED

Chapter 15

Courtney P.O.V.

Lily and I were up in our dorm, packing for the Christmas holidays. To be honest, I was terrified of going home. Who knew what my mother would be concocting at this very moment? You may think I'm being dramatic and overreacting, but you haven't met my mother. She's almost as psychotic as Walburga Black, and that's saying something.

My mother had, in the past couple of years, been talking about how great the things Voldemort was doing were and how she and my father would be so proud if my sisters and I joined up. But, I aboslutely refused point blank to ever even think of siding with that crazy lunatic. No way, no how.

I just couldn't shake the feeling that my mother had only allowed me back into the family in order to try and get my mind to think like hers. I was dreading returning home for the holidays, and was immensly grateful to James agreeing to come for the Ball to keep me company. If he wouldn't be there, I considered running away to Lily's house and never returning to my parents'. Though, my mother would probably find some way to track me down. Like I said, she's psychotic.

Lily paused in her packing and perched on the edge of her bed, watching me with a concerned expression. Ever since I'd gotten out of the Hospital Wing, I'd been more jumpy and spacing out a lot more than usual. And Lily, being Lily, knew something was bugging me. "Are you worried about something?"

I sighed, but nodded, stopping in my combing search of the room for any belongings I would want to take with me. "It's my mother. I'm scared, Lils," I admitted, turning my head away from her and frowning at the floor. "I know she's planning something."

Lily bit her lip worriedly before saying, "Well, at least you can do magic if she trys anything. And if she does, just come over to my house and we'll think of something."

I smiled in relief and warmth at my best friend. "Thanks Lils, that means a lot." Really, she had no idea how much it truly meant to me. My mother is dangerous and there's no denying it. We finished packing and charmed our trunks to float down the stairs ahead of us and into the common room.

We headed out to the front gates to catch the carriages to Hogsmeade Station. As per usual, I paused before stepping inside the carriage to stare at the thestral. I had no idea why I was able to see the thestrals. I couldn't remember ever seeing someone die in front of me, but someone must have or else I wouldn't be able to see the creatures.

I jumped slightly when Lily asked, "Are you getting in, or are you going to stare at nothing for the rest of the day?" I climbed in, closing my eyes and leaning back against the seat. Lily frowned at me, but decided not to press the issue as she knew I was thinking.

I'll spare you the details of the boring train ride to King's Cross. The main interesting things that occured were Davey Gudgeon working up the courage to ask me out. And me, deciding to be nice for once, said yes to him. And while the girls were busy squealing over our nonexsistent wedding and naming our never-going-to-happen children, I was busy staring out the window, lost in thought. Hey, you would be too if your mother was a complete nutter with a dark sense of humor.

I quickly said goodbye to Lily once we arrived at the station and pushed my way through the crowds of younger students before spotting Beth and Amy. "Hey guys," I said quietly walking up to them. Beth smiled at me while Amy rolled her eyes, pointedly ignoring my prescense. That was just fine with me though after what she said to me. She could go die in a hole right now and I couldn't care less.

"Girls!" my dad said happily, gathering the three of us up in a hug. He ruffled our hair fondly. Amy scowled and set about fixing up her hair, while Beth followed her example, though smiling at dad. I, however, left my hair the way it was and hugged him back tightly.