Wands and Wishes

Fade Away

"I thought she didn't hate me?" Severus remarked as he took a seat beside Iris under her favorite tree.

Iris looked up in surprise, meeting his gaze for a moment then sighing as she returned her attention to the book she held.

"I promise Lily does not hate you." She repeated for what felt like the hundredth time.

"It certainly feels that way."

"Severus you hurt her, I really don't know what you're expecting."

"It's because of Potter." Severus hissed, his fists clenching at his sides.

"No, it's because you let your temper get the best of you."

"It wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Potter and his friends!"

Iris sighed again then looked back at him. He was more than willing to find the faults in James and the others but was all but blind to his own mistakes. She closed her book and gave him a sympathetic smile.

"Sev-"

"Hey Riss!"

They both turned their heads even though they knew who was calling out. Iris didn't need to look at him to know that Severus's jaw had clenched and she was pretty sure his entire body was tense. The last time the two had been this close they were fist fighting by the creek. Still this seemed to have no effect on Sirius as he bounded down the hill towards them.

"I see you've made some new friends." Severus hissed through clenched teeth.

"Please don't be like that Severus." Iris pleaded.

"You're free to be friends with whoever you feel like wasting your time with Iris." He shot back then quickly stood up, "I'll see you later."

Iris sighed yet again, it was seeming to become a new habit whenever she was around Severus, and watched him walk away. Sirius looked over his shoulder, watched for a moment as Severus walked back towards the castle, before continuing towards Iris and taking the spot Severus had left.

"I see Snivellus is his usual happy self." He remarked as he folded his arms behind his head and leaned against the tree with his eyes closed, "What did he want anyways?"

"A shoulder to brood on, nothing new." Iris huffed, opening her book but finding it impossible to focus on so shut it once more.

"You care about that toerag too much." Sirius grumbled.

"Anyways," Iris said, hoping to avoid the topic, "what did you want?"

"Oh nothing." He answered with a smirk, "I saw you with Snivellus and just wanted to get under his skin."

"Sirius!" Iris exclaimed with a roll of her eyes and hit him with her book, "Can't you act your age just once?"

"Hey, James promised Lily we wouldn't hurt the git but that doesn't mean we can't bother him in other ways."

Iris only shook her head. Sometimes the boys could be simply unbelievable. It was then that Sirius opened his eyes and looked at her, his gaze feeling almost protective.

"Besides," He added after a moment, "I see what being around him does to you and the last thing any of us want is to see you in pieces again."

She averted her gaze from him, the memories that came with the summer still brought a numbing sensation to her. Severus may have apologized but it didn't erase what happened. It was something she would have preferred to forget but it was unlikely that she ever would.

"Are you still interested in being mine?"

"Sirius!" Iris yelled, sapphire eyes widening as she looked back at him.