The Other Malfoy {Marauders Era}

You've Got a Plan? Fun...

     "If I hear one more scheme to get Sirius and me together I will hex the person next to me!" Aquila said in frustration. Lily jokingly scooted away, making Aquila laugh.

     "C'mon, Aquila, we're only doing it because we love you," she said, "almost as much as you love Sirius!" Aquila groaned and covered her face.

     "If I pull out my wand, don't be alarmed, I promise I'm not intentionally aiming for you." Lily laughed and patted her shoulder.

     "Just go ask him out! What's the big deal? You like him, he likes you, why wait?"

     "With that logic why don't you and James get together?"

      "Oh no, we're not talking about this again." Lily stood up and gathered her things, with Aquila soon following suit.

     "You can't escape me that easily, Evans!" She called and she followed the red-head. Lily hurried away to find a place to hide when she bumped into Sirius, making her smirk.

     "Why, Sirius, how lovely to see you. I'll just be going, then," she said loud enough for Aquila to hear, making her stop dead in her tracks. Sirius gave her an odd look but waved Lily off.

     "Hey, Aquila. I was looking for you." He greeted, making Aquila nervous.

     "Should I be concerned?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow.

     "No. Now follow me!" He said, grabbing her free hand and dragging her away. Aquila protested verbally but didn't make any move to stop, so Sirius took that as an OK to keep going.

     "Where are we going?" Aquila inquired.

     "The lake. That's alright, right?" Sirius said, suddenly doubting this plan.

     "Of course it's alright. Calm down, Sirius. I won't bite. Much." Aquila teased. Sirius rolled his eyes and tried not to think about how good it felt to be holding Aquila's hand.

     When the duo finally got to the lake, Aquila was surprised to find a small blanket and basket, making her smile.

     "Sirius, is this a date?" She asked, trying to play it cool and hide her excitement. Sirius chuckled and turned to face her.

     "If you want it to be," he said as nonchalantly as he could with his nerves bumbling about. Aquila grinned and walked over the the blanket, sitting down and giving Sirius a look, inviting him to join her. He took the invitation and the two opened the basket to find candy and chocolates from Hogsmeade, making Aquila laugh and Sirius smile.

     "Good idea, Remus!" James whisper-yelled to his friend. Remus rolled his eyes.

     "Of course it is- I came up with it!" He responded. "Now shut up! They're not supposed to know that we're here." James pouted but complied, settling to watch for any student or teacher that might be walking by so that they could lead them away.

     "Guys, a kid just walked out of the school and are heading in this direction!" Lily said, making everyone turn. Just as she said, a girl, Hufflepuff by the looks of it, was walking towards them.

     "I'll handle this," Peter said shyly, and everyone else nodded.

     "This is nice," Aquila said. "Just the two of us. No Marauders, no Lily, no distractions. Just us."

     "Y'know, I have to agree. It is quite lovely here." Sirius agreed. "And quiet." At that Aquila chuckled and nodded her head adamantly.

     "Do you think they realize that we know they're there?"

     "Probably not, and that makes it all the better."

     "What do you say we surprise them?"

     "Now you're speaking my language," Sirius grinned. Aquila did the same and leaned in, speaking her plan quietly so that only Sirius could hear.

     Lily turned to Remus with a satisfied look.

     "They're getting close now. I think we can call it a night." She stated as grandly as she could in a whisper. Remus nodded, but then stopped as he saw that Aquila was getting up and leaving Sirius there, making him frown. Lily looked where Remus was facing and followed suit, making the duo wonder where she was going, and why Sirius wasn't following her.

     "Be quiet, you pricks! She's coming this way!" Lily hissed as Peter returned. They nodded with wide eyes, wondering where they went wrong.

     Before Aquila could get far, she turned to Sirius with a sad smile.

     "I'm sorry, Sirius," she started, "but I can't do this. I think we're better off as friends." Lily and the others opened their mouths to gape at her.

     Sirius stood up and walked over to her slowly, trying to look her in the eye.

     "What made you change your mind?" He questioned gently. Aquila shook her head.

     "I-I'm sorry, I just..." she trailed off. "Look, you're an awesome person and I hope you find someone who you truly like. I'll see you around, Sirius." Everyone watched as Aquila made her way back to the castle, not once looking back.

     "What the Hell, Aquila?!" A voice sounded. James. "We go through all the trouble to set you two up and you had to go and botch it!" Sirius turned around and feigned surprise.

     "James? Why the bloody Hell are you here?" He inquired, pretending to be outraged.

     "I was just, erm, walking by, and saw what happened." He fibbed. "Look, mate, I'm really sorry." Slowly, the others filed to where James was standing. Secretly, Aquila was making her way back, going to surprise everyone and reprimand them for spying. Sirius glanced at her occasionally, but not enough to give her away. Everyone started stating their apologies at once, making the perfect time for Aquila to sneak up and tackle hug then.

     "Oh! I'm so sorry! I was just walking by and didn't see you there." She said, glaring at the group in front of her. "I expected more of you Lily! Spying on my date? That's a Marauder thing to do, not you!" Then she turned to James. "And you! I can believe you did this, but Peter, you as well? Bloody Hell I need new friends!" She then turned back to Sirius. "I apologize for the interruption. Shall we just be leaving then?" With a nod from Sirius, Aquila took his hand and they were off, leaving the rest of them to sit there looking sheepish.

     As soon as they were far enough away, Sirius and Aquila starting laughing.

     "I can't believe they thought I was mad! I mean, I am, but the whole situation was entirely ridiculous!" Aquila giggled. Sirius nodded in agreement.

     "I know! And James' face! He actually looked apologetic! I'll never know how you do it." He said with a shake of his head. Aquila shrugged and the two made their way to the common room, hand in hand and happier then can be.