✓ | PARAMOUR, sirius black

chapter two

A week had passed since their trip to Diagon Alley, and now the sisters were standing on Platform 9¾, their suitcases packed and their hearts beating with anticipation. It was time for them to begin their new year at Hogwarts.

Marlene chattered excitedly, her energy palpable, while Kaia stood a few feet away, her facial expression as stoic as ever. The younger sister talked enthusiastically about the new classes and experiences they would have, but Kaia merely listened, only occasionally making a noncommittal noise or nod.

"You know, you could show a little more excitement," Marlene teased, her tone light.

"I am excited," Kaia replied in a monotone voice, her face not betraying any hint of emotion.

"Excited? More like completely indifferent" Marlene retorted with a chuckle, nudging her sister playfully.

As the train journeyed through the countryside, the McKinnon sisters had finally found an empty compartment to occupy. Not long after, the door slid open once more, revealing Lily Evans, Marlene's best friend and fellow Gryffindor.

"Finally! I've been looking everywhere for you two" Lily exclaimed as she entered the compartment.

Marlene greeted her enthusiastically, "Hey Lily, you're late. Did someone get a hold of you?"

Lily rolled her eyes playfully, "No, no one did."

While the two friends chatted animatedly about their summer, Kaia sat silently, observing their conversation. Her gaze flicked from one to another, listening to the gossip and stories they shared, but her expression remained impassive, as if she couldn't care less.

As Marlene and Lily continued talking, Kaia overheard bits and pieces of their conversation. She heard mentions of names such as Tabitha Longbottom and Evanie Scamander, as well as something about James Potter and Remus being involved. However, her attention was piqued when Marlene let slip a name she had not heard before - Ezekiel Scamander, Evanies twin brother.

The mention of Ezekiel's name and his potential connection with Lily caught Kaia's interest, but she remained silent and showed no outward sign of her curiosity. She kept listening to the girls' conversation, her eyes never leaving their animated faces.

As the conversation continued, Kaia felt a sudden urge to excuse herself. She picked up her suitcase, holding her uniform in her hand, and stood up abruptly.

"I have to head to the Prefect Carriage," she stated in her usual monotone voice, giving no explanation as to why.

Lily had started to stand up, ready to accompany Kaia to the Prefect Carriage too, but Kaia quickly dismissed her.

"It's fine, Lily," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "You can head there a bit later."

Lily looked uncertain, but Kaia reassured her again. "I'm sure. You can finish catching up with Marlene."

"It's fine," Marlene waved her hand, "Make sure you don't become a stranger, sis," she said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Kaia rolled her eyes at her sister's comment, but a small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "I'm Head girl this year, so you'll be seeing more of me than usual."

"Alright, but don't take too long, or my house Prefects might have to come after you and forcibly bring you back," Marlene said as she looked at Lily, who giggled in response.

"Well, I don't know, Mar," Lily said, folding her arms and playing along, "I have patrols to attend to, you know."

As Kaia prepared to leave, she leaned down and put a hand on Lily's shoulder. "See? This is exactly why I reckon Lily will be an excellent Head Girl in your Seventh Year."

Lily's eyes widened and she looked up at Kaia, a mixture of excitement and hope in her gaze. "You really think so?"

Marlene couldn't help but chime in, giving her sister and Lily a playful push. "Alright, alright, no need to get too excited. Now, off you go, both of you!"

"Are you sure you will be fine? I can stay a bit longer" Lily asked, looking at Kaia.

Marlene chuckled and tilted her head, a smirk on her face. "Alice will be here any moment now."

As if on cue, Alice appeared in the doorway, her hand intertwined with Frank's. Marlene scowled at the sight and muttered under her breath, "Another traitor in the mix. I think I might just go find James, Peter, and Sirius. I bet they're feeling the same way."

Frank chuckled at Marlene's faux outrage while Alice rolled her eyes affectionately. "Oh, let them be, Mar," Lily chided.

Kaia sighed and rolled her eyes, "I thought you didn't talk to Black anymore."

Marlene smirked mischievously, "How could I resist? He's the school's most eligible bachelor."

Kaia remained emotionless, her expression unchanged as she rebutted, "But he's also a notorious player."

"But he's hot!" Marlene retorted with a shrug, her eyes flickering with excitement.

Kaia's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of concern passing over her stoic face. She couldn't deny that Sirius Black was decent looking, but she also knew his reputation as a ladies' man.

"He doesn't care about your feelings once it matters and I heard he also was a paramour to a few married women. Not surprising with his track record." Lily interjected, her voice laced with conviction. The others, including Frank, nodded in agreement, all sharing the same sentiment.

Marlene looked momentarily taken aback, but then she shrugged. "I know, but..."

"Marlene," Kaia said in a firm tone, her eyes locking onto her sister's. "Just be careful. I don't want to be responsible for hexing someone who hurts your heart."

Marlene nodded quietly, walking past her friends and sister. Secretly, she was seeking out Sirius Black for a reason she hadn't shared with anyone. Rumours had filled her head before boarding the train, and she wanted to know if they were true.

There was a rumour swirling through Hogwarts that the notorious lady's man had declared he was done dating around. Someone had clearly captured his attention, but Marlene knew it wasn't herself. She was burning with curiosity to know who this mystery girl was that had stolen Sirius Black's heart.

Out of all the girls at Hogwarts, who was the one he had set his sights on?

Kaia lingered for a moment, watching her sister walk away. She silently prayed that she wouldn't have to step in to protect her from heartbreak. As she turned to leave, she recalled earlier when her sister had boarded the train, she had encountered some fellow fifth-year classmates, including Regulus.

Regulus had dropped an intriguing piece of information about his brother leaving home.

Despite Regulus outwardly appearing proud and happy about his brother's departure, Kaia could see through the facade. She knew it was a front, as she had often observed the younger Black in the Slytherin common room, bearing a look of guilt on his face every time the older Slytherin students fought with Sirius and his 'friends'.

She wondered how Sirius' departure would affect Regulus, and a pang of sympathy stirred within her. The thought of the younger brother facing the aftermath of their strained relationship tugged at her heartstrings.