The Girl With The Emerald Eyes

A New Arrival

" Thank Merlin the sun is out, I'm almost the same colour as my shirt." Said Sapphire as she pulled off her knee high socks to expose her legs to the spring sunshine.

Scotland was enjoying a surprisingly warm week for March and they were taking full advantage sprawled out by the lake. They weren't the only ones - it seemed most of the student body were vying for a coveted sunny spot at the water's edge , thankfully being somewhat popular came with benefits.

" Oh please." Snorted Lily holding her wrist against Sapphire's leg for comparison, despite her claims she was still significantly darker.

" Lily no offence darling but I think you can be considered a special case." Said Sapphire.

Lily knew it was true, no matter how much she laid in the sun she never got a tan only endless freckles, but she stuck out her tongue regardless.

Sirius , sat against the trunk of the beech tree, rummaged through his satchel finally pulling out a battered box of matches and cigarettes.

" You know you could easily light that with your wand." Pointed out Lily as Sirius lit a match with a flourish.

" He thinks he looks cooler like that." Teased Sapphire.

" Love you know I look cool regardless." Joked Sirius dramatically tossing his hair.

" Sapphy." Chided Ruby looking up from her magazine as Sapphire took a drag of Sirius's cigarette.

" I've had a stressful day." Sapphire defended herself.

" You skipped two periods to have a nap." Lily reminded her.

"Exactly and now I have to spend two hours with Slughorn on Thursday scrubbing cauldrons while he interrogates me about dad. I'm glad mum didnt go to Hogwarts - listening to him rattle on about them both would be too much."

" You're in luck, I've got detention with Sluggy on Thursday as well. I'm sure he can get at least an hours worth of anecdotes out of the noble house of Black." Said Sirius.

" James is going to kill you, hes booked out the pitch for a special practice." Said Ruby. James had been ramping up their practice schedule in preparation for the upcoming match against Hufflepuff.

" Hard to kill someone when you're never around." Muttered Sirius as he aimlessly pulled out blades of grass.

" Not this again." Groaned Sapphire stubbing out the remains of the cigarette.

" How would you feel if your best mate had abandoned you for a bird?"

" He hasn't abandoned you. Besides Alice is dating Frank and Aria is off with Bernie right now and you dont hear us complaining." Retorted Sapphire rolling her eyes at her friend's childishness.

" It's not the same. Do you know we havent done a prank in a week? A WEEK!" Cried Sirus loudly enough for a nearby group of second years to turn their heads.

" You released a Niffler in the Slytherin common room not two days ago. Brown spent half our prefect meeting moaning about the necklace she lost." Said Lily incredulously.

" That was nothing. Besides I've seen that necklace the niffler did her a favour." Waved off Sirius.

" Is that Peter?" Asked Ruby squinting towards the castle.

Sure enough Peter was sprinting down the lawn towards them as fast as his legs could carry him. His robes billowed out behind him as several students were forced to jump out of his path. Sirius immediately leapt to his feet as his friend approached.

" Is it Remus?" He demanded , the worry plain on his face , as soon as Peter was within hearing distance.

Peter shook his head as he doubled over hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. His forehead was glittering with sweat and his uniform all askew.