✓ | PARAMOUR, sirius black

chapter nine

Across Hogwarts, Kaia had become the talk of the school after asking Sirius Black out on a date. The previous rumours about James and Tabitha quickly faded into the background, making way for the new and most recent source of gossip and speculation.

Every rumour and speculation about Kaia was spreading like wildfire through the corridors and common rooms, and everyone seemed to have an opinion on the matter.

Kaia's status as the Queen of Slytherin and her unwavering confidence made her quite untouchable in many ways. As a result, the girls who had pined for Sirius Black kept their distance, unwilling to compete with her.

However, there were a few foolish girls who thought they could challenge Kaia, but each attempt quickly hit a dead end.

For Sirius Black, this moment was a first for him. He had never experienced being asked out on a date, let alone by someone as bold and captivating as Kaia McKinnon. The thought of her asking him out was both thrilling and intimidating.

As Kaia and her younger sister walked together, Kaia shrugged, appearing unbothered by the attention the situation had drawn. "I don't see what the fuss is about – all I did was ask him out. It's not that big of a deal."

Marlene chuckled at her words, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "But you did it in the Great Hall, Kaia. That was quite a bold move! And didn't you see the looks on everyone's faces, especially Sirius's?"

Kaia let out a sigh of bewilderment as she spoke, "I don't understand people sometimes. Especially those girls who keep shooting me envious glances. If they think he's so great, why don't they just go for it and ask him themselves?"

Marlene responded with a smirk, "Perhaps they value the thrill of being approached more than actually taking the initiative. It's all about the image; they don't want to appear desperate."

Kaia raised an eyebrow in question, "So, me asking him out made me seem like I'm desperate?"

Marlene burst into laughter, "No, you didn't appear desperate at all. If anything, I think everyone was wondering, 'What in Merlin's name just happened?'"

Kaia stopped in her tracks and turned to her sister, a puzzled look on her face. "Did I do something wrong?"

Marlene shook her head and replied with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "On the contrary, I think you've done everyone a favour."

Kaia's tone dropped slightly when she asked the question, "As in?"

Marlene let out a small chuckle as the corners of her mouth curled into a smirk. "You know, the arrogant, confident attitude that Sirius has been sporting for years. You've effectively shattered it."

A wave of concern washed over Kaia as her sister's expression turned sombre. "That's terrible," Kaia murmured, her gaze falling to the ground.

Marlene's voice broke the tension as she quickly tried to clarify her words. "No, I didn't mean it in a negative way. In fact, that smugness of his needed a reality check; it has only led to countless broken hearts."

Kaia huffed deeply, a mix of perplexion and frustration clear in her tone. "Exactly. If I get to know him and find out that he's as arrogant and rude as everyone says, what's the point?"

Kaia's sister tried to convince her, "Trust me, just get to know him. You might be surprised. Maybe things will unfold differently this time."

Kaia's arms crossed as a questioning look crossed her face. "You seem to know something. What is it?"

"Well," her sister began, her eyes avoiding direct eye contact, "I found out something. Turns out, Sirius actually has a thing for you—the way he looks at you is unlike anything I've ever seen."

Kaia cocked her head slightly, a perplexed expression on her face. "Are you suggesting I date him?"

Her sister shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips as she responded, "Ultimately, it's your decision. Just agree to go on a single date, and at the end of it, you can decide whether you want to continue or not."

Kaia considered her sister's words. "You have a point, but I'm still wondering what it is about me that made him interested."

Marlene shrugged nonchalantly. "Perhaps you'll discover why during the date itself."

The conversation concluded when Kaia nodded slightly, acknowledging her sister's advice. "Thanks, that gives me something to think about."

Marlene chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. "No problem. Just don't wait too long to make up your mind, or someone else might catch your eye."

With a playful nudge from her sister, Kaia playfully swatted her arm in mock annoyance. "You don't need to worry about that. Besides, it's not like there's a line of people waiting to ask me out."

"Oh, don't be so modest, Kaia," Marlene teased, a smirk on her face. "You know just how many admirers you have. You're the Queen of Slytherin, Head Girl and literally best mates with Emma Vanity."

Kaia rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah, don't remind me. It's exhausting having people constantly coming up to me and trying to chat me up at every turn."

"I swear, sometimes I just want to have a quiet, normal conversation without everyone suddenly being overly friendly," she added, a hint of sarcasm laced in her voice as she playfully swatted at Marlene again.

"Oh, come on," Marlene laughed. "You have it so easy. Just smile and charm your way through those conversations, and they'll eat up everything you say."

Kaia huffed in mock exasperation. "But it's not easy! Sometimes I just want to have a normal conversation, without it turning into a fan meeting every single time."

"Well, welcome to your life as the most popular girl in school," Marlene teased, a smirk playing on her lips. "When you've got charm and looks, people are going to flock to you."

Kaia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "Yeah, yeah, I know. It comes with the territory, right? Being popular means having a line of admirers constantly trailing behind me." Her tone turned sarcastic.

"Exactly," Marlene agreed, "and as sisters, it's my job to keep you humble."

Kaia couldn't help but laugh at her sister's words, grateful for the love and support she had in her corner. "Oh, please, you're enjoying this way too much."