Into the Hands of Fate

Chapter Eleven

Remus walked down the hall with James. "You should just ask her, how hard can it be?" he asked.

James sighed. "Someone's probably already asked her."

"And you know this how?"

"Just look at her, don't say you can't figure out why half the male population here at Hogwarts wants to ask her," said James with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, so what, she only likes one guy, it's obvious and if you haven't seen it, then you're blind as a bat."

~*~

"The plan is well thought out, Master," said Requillo. Voldemort turned his piercing gaze upon the man who didn't flinch like the rest always did. This often troubled him for the idea of someone not effected by his stare meant that the man wasn't afraid or fearful of him.

"Thank you, Requillo. Now all we must do is wait 'till the time is right." Voldemort looked to the sky. "They know not was is to come, and when they do, it will not be a pleasant sight."

Requillo looked at his master. The man's pitch-black hair gave his blanched white skin a hauntingly lifeless look. His eyes, which bore deep into one's never, sent a feeling of fright through him. It was strange really, but it didn't. Voldemort never had power over him, though he always pretended that he did. His rebellious side, however, and now it was slowly coming out. A feeling of loneliness that he had never felt before was starting to rise in him and he couldn't decipher its strange meaning.

"I said, Requillo, what is on your mind?" repeated Voldemort in aggravation.

The man looked up and ran a hand through his white blonde hair. "'Tis nothing of importance, master," he replied. "Please excuse me." And then he walked away and back into the castle. He had to get rid of this feeling, and any other feelings he may have. Feelings showed weakness, feelings made one give in when they mustn't

First he must find the cause of this feeling of loneliness. What was it? His family. But no, he doesn't have one. They were gone and were no more. Hadn't Voldemort taken care of them already? His family was extinct and was never coming back, and he didn't need them. He had all he could ever want. But then why did he feel so empty?

~*~

She walked down the hall and heard someone call out her name. Hallie turned around to see Sirius running towards her. "Wait up!" Grinning, she turned back around and kept walking. And then he was next to her. Breathing hard, he said, "I guess you didn't hear me."

She shook her head. "Nah, I heard you perfectly, I just decided to take no heed to it," she said with a sweet smile to him.

His insides turned and he swallowed. "Right - er - will you go to the Winter Dance with me?" he muttered softly.

She looked at him in wonder. "Sorry, I couldn't hear you," she told him.

He stopped and took her hand to make her stop too. She looked down at their intertwined hands and felt a feeling of warmth run through her. "Will you go to the Winter Dance with me?" he repeated again.

Hallie looked up at him. There's a catch somewhere here...yup, I see that look of corruption in his eyes. "No." And then she walked on.

Sirius watched after her and sighed. "You're going to me, Hallie, whether you know it or not," he said with a small smile on his lips.

~*~

She scribbled on her notebook and sighed as she found that a new one would soon be needed for the periwinkle one she held was running out of pages. Hallie put down her quill. She picked up the guitar from her bedside and strummed the strings.

"It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall

You say it best when you say nothing at all."

She smiled at how the song sounded so far.

"All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all"

Courtesy to Allison Krauss

For "When You Say Nothing At All"

Sighing again, she put down the guitar. Slowly she got up and put the curses and spells back on the book again and hid it under her bed. She then walked out of the room and ran into James. "Oh, hi!" she said.

He grinned. "Penny for your thoughts?"

She shook her head. "They're worth so much more than that."

He looked at her for a moment, then said, "Did Sirius ask you to the Winter Dance?"

With mild surprise, she said, "Yeah, why?"

James grinned and shook his head. "Nothing." He paused. "What did you say?"

He was responded by a look. "What do you think I said?"

With a semi-triumphant look he said, "No?"

She laughed. "He wasn't being serious was he?"

James looked at her searchingly for a moment. "Maybe he was."

She smiled and shook her head. "So when are you asking Lily?" she asked.

He blushed. "Who said I was going to ask anyone?"

Hallie smiled. "James, if I tell you something, do you swear not to repeat it again? And if perchance you do repeat it, don't say it was me. Do you swear?" she asked. He looked at her for a moment and then nodded. "Lily told me she likes you. We were talking and she wants you to ask her to the Winter Dance." She bit down on her lip and looked guilty. "You promised." He nodded again and tried to suppress the smile creeping onto his face. She smiled softly. "Ok, now tell me you're going to ask her so that my telling you she likes you has a good outcome."

James grinned. "Of course I'm going to ask her! Don't tell anyone though, okay?" Hallie agreed.

"You're really going to do it?" she asked as she clasped her hands together.

He laughed. "Yeah."

"Good! Hey, Lily! Get over here!" she called down the hall. James, in a panic, looked at the girl coming over.

He turned on his heels and ran off. Hallie laughed so hard she had to bend over and grab a stitch at her side. "What is it, Hal?" asked Lily when she came over.

"N-Nothing at all," was the reply.

That night, Hallie and Sirius met in the common room. He smiled when he saw her and they left the school through a secret entrance. "How'd you know about this exit?" asked Hallie on their way out.

He turned to her with an evil smile. "It's a secret."

She laughed then rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say." They took their seats in the Three Broomsticks and each got a butter beer. It tasted delicious as for it contrasted with the bitter cold outside.

"So, will you go with me to the Winter Dance?" he asked her trying to look sincere, but he knew he didn't.

She looked at him squarely. "Why are you asking me this?" she asked softly. He wanted to look away but found he couldn't. A smile spread across her lips. "Well?"

"I-I..." Should I give away the bet? What do I say? "Er - I..." he stammered.

"Was it James and the gang? Or was it Lily and the other girls? Come on, Sirius, tell me, I won't snitch," she told him. She looked down and took a sip of her butter beer.

He looked away for a moment and then back to her. She brushed away a strand of charcoal black hair from her face. Hallie looked up at him and he leaned back in his chair. "Sorry, I can't tell you."

"Oh, well, that makes me want to go with you all the more," she said sarcastically.

"Really?" he asked in incredulity.

With a laugh she said, "No, you nitwit. What makes you think I'll go with you if, number one, you don't like me, and number two, you have a reason you're keeping from me of why you want to take me to the dance?"

"I do like you," he said with an irresistible smile.

Hallie's stomach did a turn but she just made a sweet smile back. " I like you too, but I'm not going to the dance with you." He pouted playfully and she laughed. "And besides, Will Hutchinson already asked me."

Sirius' brows rose. "Will? The sixth year?" She grinned and swatted at him when he made a face. "Why would you go with him?"

"I didn't say I was going with him, I just said he asked me."

"You aren't going with him though, right?" he wondered with a frown. "He's not a nice one - he's got a reputation, you know..." She shrugged and he said, "Hallie, I don't want you to go with him."

She rolled her eyes. "I wasn't planning on going with him anyway, jeez. Anyways, I told James Lily wanted him to ask her to the dance."

He leaned in with interest. "And...?"

"He said he'd ask her, you just had to see his face! And so I called Lily over and he turned and bolted away," she said with a laugh.

Sirius joined in. "I wish I could have been there to see it!" They laughed for a while. "Well, it's going great so far. They obviously like each other so when we finally get James to ask Lily to the Winter Dance, they'll get used to each other."

Hallie nodded. "They're just so shy when they're with one another. When they get together, it'll be better then."

"This was a very good plan, Hal," said Sirius, taking another sip of his butter beer.

She smiled. "I know."

He swatted at her playfully. "Well how lady like of you, and how very humble!" he said.

She swatted back at him. "Thank you."

"Aw, Janice, isn't it sweet how the young 'uns are together?" drawled a voice nearby. Hallie looked behind Sirius to the old couple who was looking at them.

"Yes, dear Rick, it's awfully adorable!" exclaimed the elderly woman. Sirius turned around and shot them a charming smile.

"Well, hello, sir, madam," he said politely.

"And so civil as well!" said Janice with a smile. She patted his cheek. "Such a handsome young man." He stood and offered her his seat and pulled up another for the man and himself.

"Thank you, young man. My name is Rick and this is my wife Janice," he introduced.

"Nice to meet you," said Sirius as he shook their hands. The two older people turned to Hallie.

"And who might this pretty young lady be?" asked Janice.

Hallie smiled at them. "I'm Hallie Forester." They shook hands. "Where are you all from?"

"We're from here actually," said Janice.

Rick nodded. "And we just came back from Greece."

Hallie's eyes lit up. "Oh! That's wonderful! I've always wanted to go there!" she said with a beaming smile. Sirius grinned.

"Oh, yes, dear, it's marvelous. It's the most beautiful place in the world. It's rather humorous what the early Muggles thought of creation," said Janice.

Rick nodded. "The statues and such are quiet a wonder though, it's extraordinary."

"What would you young kids be doing here at this hour?" asked Janice suddenly. A line of worry suddenly crossed in her eyes.

Sirius looked at Hallie and under Janice's and Rick's stares, he blushed slightly. "Just...er - having a night out is all," he said with a small smile. Rick smiled in understanding but Janice frowned slightly. "We were discussing an important problem you see," he continued sharing a glance with Hallie.

She nodded. "Our friends...well, they're obviously meant for each other."

At this, Janice clasped her hands together with a bright smile. "A lovers quarrel dears?" she wondered.

Sirius muffled a laugh and Hallie narrowed hers down to a smile. "Er - something like that, ma'am. They both like each other very much, but they refuse to do a thing about it. So...Sirius and I are trying to get them together."

Rick looked at them both with a childish grin. "Doing a bit of match making, eh?"

Sirius laughed. "Yes, sir. Any advice?"

"Well...who are these dear children?" asked Janice, gazing at them inquiringly.

"Their names are Lily and James," said Hallie.

Rick and Janice shared a look and then smiled at the two kids. "They sound good together."

Janice nodded. "I'm truly very sorry dears, but I'm awfully fatigued." She and Rick stood. "Would you mind it terribly if we left now?" she asked.

Hallie and Sirius stood and he said, "Of course not, Hallie and I should probably leave as well." They said their farewells.

"Oh, and Sirius," said Rick, "don't be shy about talking to any girl," he finished with a wink. Sirius looked at Hallie and they both held their breaths until the elderly couple was out the door before bursting into rounds of laughter.

~*~

Voldemort welcomed them back. "Did you find out what I wished you to?" he demanded. Janice and Rick bowed.

"Yes, master," they murmured.

"Good, now call in Requillo," he commanded.

"Yes, master," they repeated. It annoyed him greatly that they wished not try and defy him. His servants seemed to take delight only in what he wished them to, and seemed to speak not unless ordered to. None of them defied an order or showed any courage at a time when not told to do so.

None except Requillo.

This simple reason was why Requillo was second in command after him. The man showed defiance and an intelligent mind. He was a very powerful wizard as well and showed such potential that Voldemort took great notice of him.

At this time, Requillo stepped in. "You summoned me, master?" he said softly.

A small smile without mirth arrived upon the Dark Lord's face. "Indeed, Requillo. We have found out what needed to be found and the plan will come into action soon enough." Voldemort looked up to find the man staring off into the distance.

The great towers of the Slytherin Castle loomed frighteningly into the mystic and shadowed clouds up above. A swift and chilling breeze rushed by with a shriek of a howl. There was a slight rustle from below where the trees swayed to and fro. Voldemort followed Requillo's gaze to where he stared. It was to the horizon where a single tower could be seen. It rose high above most and shined in the rays of the glimmering sun that was just beginning to rise. In the other man's gaze was a look of longing and a wish formed in his mind.

Requillo closed his eyes for a moment and brushed away a strand of his white blond hair. His sapphire blue eyes sparkled with something inside that seemed surreal. This feeling wasn't one not known to him, but the last time he had felt it was so long ago. It was part of a memory he once had but was washed away leaving an unbearable emptiness in its wake.

A voice called him back into reality. "Requillo?" said the soft voice again. He turned to look at the man he called master and then back at the distance.

"Yes, master?" he replied, somewhat mockingly. Voldemort grinned with something like humor. This was the Requillo he knew so well, the one who challenged him in the most obscure ways. Though very powerful and now showed the same views as the Dark Lord himself showed, the man never used to feel the way he felt now. His ways were of complete white and not even close to gray. But now...now, Voldemort didn't know what they were now. Though Requillo was always at his side, no one ever knew the thoughts that ran through his mind.

Voldemort had stripped him of the memory of his past life in order for the man to come on his side, and changed him so that he became as black as he. Yet it was still hard to tell weather the change was complete and or lasting.

"I was saying, that you do not seem much like yourself. You haven't been all together lately, what is on your mind?"

Once again, Requillo replied with, "Nothing, master, 'tis nothing of importance." But there was something on his mind, and it was of importance. Things were slowly seeping back into his mind. Ever so slowly though they were, the memories of his forgotten past were slipping back to him, and as they did, a feeling of having to find out more overcame him.

 

~*~

"So what're you going to do now?" James asked.

Sirius looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"Well...what're you going to do to make Hallie go with you to the Winter Dance?" the boy repeated.

Sirius looked ahead for a while. "Hi, Sirius! Hi James!" said a girl passing by. James waved but Sirius seemed lost in thought.

"I have something in mind, but you'll just have to wait and see," he said, fingering his wand.

James noticed and raised a brow. "You're not planning on bewitching her with the Imperious Curse or anything are you?" he wondered.

Sirius laughed. "Not with a curse I'm not, but with something else that I have in mind."

Sirius couldn't hold back a grin. When she saw what he was going to do...he could just see her reaction. He almost burst out laughing just then as he saw himself doing what he would soon do. He couldn't wait. The boy stepped into the classroom and spotted Hallie sitting with Lily, Gwen, and Lydia.

With a smile, he walked up to them. "Hey, Hallie, will you go to the Winter Dance with me?" he asked with an alluring smile.

She grinned back. "No."

He shrugged and, with a smile he chanted a spell that made music start to play. With incredulity did her eyebrows shoot up and her eyes reflect the look of confusion that many of the other students in the classroom had.

"I guess you wonder where I've been

I searched to find a love within

I came back to let you know

Got a thing for you and I can't let go

My friends wonder what is wrong with me

Well I'm in a daze from your love, you see

I came back to let you know

Got a thing for you and I can't let go."

James was laughing his head off and holding onto Lily so he wouldn't fall to the ground. The rest of the class was in much the same mode. Sirius gave her an extra special smile and took Hallie's hand. She smiled and rolled her eyes. He placed his other hand on her waist and she placed her free one on his shoulder.

"Some people go around the world for love

But they may never find what they dream of

What you won't do, do for love

You've tried everything but you don't give up

In my world only you make me do

For love what I would not do.

My friends wonder what is wrong with me

Well I'm in a daze from your love, you see

I came back to let you know

Got a thing for you and I can't let go."

Sirius was leading the dance and it turned out he was a very good dancer. All throughout the serenade, a silly yet adorable smile was upon his face.

"But then I only want the best it's true

They can't believe the things I do for you

What you won't do, do for love

You've tried everything but you don't give up

In my world, only you make me do

For love what I would not do

Make me do for love what I would not do."

And then the music faded away and Sirius ended the dance with a dip. There was an eruption of applause. "So, Hallie, will you go to the Winter Dance with me?" Sirius asked softly with a charming smile playing his lips.

She broke into laughter and he stood straight again, letting her stand on her own two feet. "Sirius, how did you know to do that?" she asked when her laughs died off.

He grinned. "I know you better than anyone else," he replied.

She smiled and jumped up to give him a big hug. "Of course I'll go with you!" She paused and pulled away. "I never knew you could sing so well!"

He shrugged and tried to swallow the silly smile on his face, but found he couldn't wipe it off. "I've been practicing." She hugged him again.

Professor McGonagall stood at the doorway with her arms folded across her chest. "Well, if we're finished here..."

Sirius looked behind Hallie and Hallie turned around to see the teacher there. Sirius blushed slightly and let go of the girl he held. "Er - hello, Professor."

She raised a brow but smiled. "Wonderful performance, Mr. Black," she said.

He grinned and went to take his seat. Most of the class was still in giggles and laughter. James looked at Sirius. "I guess you won the bet then," he said quietly.

The boy blinked at him in puzzlement. "Bet?" There was a short pause. "Oh! Oh yeah, right, I guess I did." James noticed a shadow of guilt pass upon the boy's face.

Peter turned to Remus. "He won then?"

Remus grinned. "Yup, he won big time."

~*~

Sirius sat with James in the common room. "Just ask her, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be," said Sirius.

James gave him a look. "That's because yours shouldn't have been hard. It was a bet remember?" That look of guilt passed on the other boy's face again.

Sirius said, "Yeah...well..." He shrugged. "I'm getting tired, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" James nodded and he sighed. "Just ask her, James. It'll be fine." Then he went up the steps to the boys' dormitory.

James sat staring at the fire late that night when someone came down. He knew who it was and his stomach did a flip inside him.

~*~

Well, if he's not going to ask me, maybe I should ask him instead...Lily thought. With a nod of determination, she stepped forward. "Er - James? Can I talk to you?" she asked softly. James turned around in his seat and blushed when he saw her.

"Um - yeah, sure." She sat on the couch next to the armchair. "What's on your mind?"

"Well...er - see...I-I just- I thought that...well..." she stammered. James looked at her expectantly and she gulped. "Wasn't it funny? You know, Sirius singing and that whole thing?" she said finally.

James' heart sank. "What? Oh, yeah," he said, forcing a laugh. Lily looked away. "So...um...the - the Winter Dance is coming up," he said after a short silence. Lily nodded. "And - er ...I heard they're going to have Hallie perform..." he finished off lamely. He sighed with irritation, why couldn't he just ask her? "Lily, will you go to the dance with me?" he said quickly. He held his breath.

Lily's eyes brightened. "I'd love to!"

"I - I thought you wouldn't, it was stupid of me to think..." he trailed off and looked at her. "You-you...you -"

"Yes! I will!" she repeated.

He smiled handsomely and walked over to take a seat on the couch next to her. She kissed his cheek and he kissed her nose and gave her a huge hug. James smiled. Everything felt right now; it seemed as if this was the way it all was supposed to be.

~*~

That feeling, that feeling that was so horrible overcame him once again. But didn't he have all he needed? Didn't he have everything he wanted? With a sigh, he climbed out the window and took a seat on the roof. He pulled his winter robes close to him to block out the air. What more was there in one's life?

Flashback:

He kissed her cheek and smiled. She beamed back at him and put her arms around his neck. "I'm glad you're home," she said softly. His world was perfect, everything was the way he wanted it to be.

"Me too. How was your day?" he asked, leaning his head upon hers. He ran his fingers through her charcoal black hair and kissed her forehead.

Ever so slowly did she pull away and smile wondrously up at him. "Phenomenal," was her reply. She took his hand in hers and led him to the nursery. Together, they looked over the walls of the crib at their daughter who was giggling at the hanging ornamental overhead. "She slept most of the day," she whispered fondly as she turned to gaze at him. "I think she missed you and wished to pass the time."

He kissed her cheek and bent down to pick up his baby. She giggled and waved her arms around. He gave the child a peck on her head where black fuzz was starting to grow. "She's beautiful, just like her mother." Cassandra gazed at him somewhat dreamily and put her head upon his shoulder. This was the man she had always dreamed of, her knight in shining armor. He was but twenty-one years of age then, and very handsome was he.

"I love you," she said in an almost inaudible voice.

He smiled in content and gazed at her lovingly. "I love you too."

End of Flashback.

Unexpectedly, a crystal clear tear dripped down his cheek. Where had that come from? And that woman, who was she? When he saw her in that memory, a feeling swept through him. A daughter...they had a daughter...

He made a sound of aggravation. All these memories...all these reminisces...I can't deal with them! He thought fiercely. What was he to do? What did it all mean? He placed his head in his hands and let the tears fall. Lines that over the years came upon his handsome face shown and his worries were portrayed in them. But what was he crying for? Requillo was crying for something that he thought he no longer had, but how wrong he was, he still had what he loved most.

 

~*~

 

"Dear Requillo, I send these remembrances for your own sake, you're missing out on something you should not have been deprived of. Soon, so soon will you know what do to, and I will be there to help you, forever shall I be by your side. Find her you shall, do not lose faith. Do not lose faith..." said Fate. She looked down tenderly at the poor man, crying for what he knew not. But there was, weeping for a loss he shouldn't have been denied. "My story is still in the making, and your life is still long, may my plans and your dreams intertwine to make your hopes become reality."

~*~

James awoke and looked around. His heart was pounding. Another dream, it was another premonition he had. He had thought that part of him was gone, but he was wrong, so very wrong. One cannot push away a destiny. One cannot push away a part of them so important that if it were taken, that person would die.

He gazed up at the ceiling, deep in thought. The name, what was the name of that man? Oh yes, it was Requillo. His eyes, his features, they were so familiar, but how? James knew not why the man looked so familiar, yet he did.

He pushed all thoughts of the dream aside. Lily, yes, this was a subject he liked to think about. She said she would go to the Winter Dance with him. He couldn't wait.

With a smile upon his face, James fell asleep.

~*~

Sirius heard James awaken, and then slowly fall back asleep, but he remained awake. This feeling of guilt that occupied him made the boy consider calling of going to the dance with Hallie. It seemed wrong that he asked her out only because of a bet. Being reminded of it by his best friends all the time was also something that brought him down. But what was he supposed to do? Would he have asked her to the Winter Dance even if there were no bet to usher him along? He didn't know. Did he like her? Sirius almost laughed out loud.

Yeah, I think I do like her...he thought, but pushed the thought aside. Maybe it was just a small crush of no importance. He nodded - yes, it was probably just an infatuation. He was full of confusion and the puzzle seemed to be in a jumbled mess. And the thought of his little performance during Transfiguration brought a smile to his face as he remembered the look upon Hallie's face.

He supposed that he kind of cheated by serenading her. He knew that would bring down the wall of protection she had. He knew that even if it were even Severus Snape who serenaded her, she would have given in...no, maybe not Snape, but someone like that. Sirius sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

Maybe he should call the whole thing off. Would she mind it terribly? He knew she didn't hate him, not really, she probably liked him somewhat deep down inside...but could never tell with her. It was that blank expression of not giving anything away that she always wore to conceal any feelings she might have. He couldn't seem to get past it and it irritated him thoroughly because he could always read what girls thought or what they were feeling. It was a gift of his, or something like that, he could tell with guys too, his friends were examples.

However, if he did decide not to go to the dance with her, would she still go with Will Hutchinson? Sirius frowned at that idea. Will was known around school to always get what he wanted, and the idea of Hallie and Will going together made his stomach turn. During their trip to the Three Broomsticks, though, she had said she wasn't planning on going with him. He shook his head. He still didn't want her to even consider going with Will.

What was he to do? Should he, or shouldn't he go with her?

He had heard from James that she was going to perform an opening song. Sirius smiled at the thought. She would finally get her chance to do what she loved...but then he thought of this in another perspective. Did she really love to sing and write songs? Or did she hold onto that part of herself because of the loss of her mother? He didn't know. He had thought he knew all about her, but just now he was finding he didn't. Sirius shook his head.

It was going to be a long night.

~*~

Lydia sat up and stretched. She dressed and went down the steps. Everyone else was still asleep but she found she couldn't fall into a peaceful slumber anymore. "Hey, Lydia," said the sweet voice she longed to hear. With a smile, she quickened her pace and took a seat next to him. He hugged her tightly. "Will you go to the Winter Dance with me?" She pretended to think about this for a few moments. He smiled and kissed her. "Good."

With a laugh she said, "And who ever said I said yes?" Slyly she added, "Someone already asked me." Remus laughed and she pouted playfully. "I'm telling the truth."

He looked at her seriously. "Who asked you?"

At his protective expression, she looked at the fire. "Er - well..."

"Come on, Lydia, who asked you?" he repeated. He was looking at her out of the hazel/blue eyes she loved so much.

She couldn't resist telling him. "Anthony Roberts."

"Anthony Roberts? The Hufflepuff?" he asked incredulously. "But we're friends! Why would he ask you when he knew that you and I go out?" His voice had risen somewhat and she cringed ever so slightly.

"I don't know, but I said no, so it doesn't matter anymore," she told him in consolation. She hugged him tightly. He always got overemotional when anything had to do with her. He was protective but was always sweet. "I wouldn't go with anyone but you."

He looked at her tenderly. "Thanks." He kissed her softly. Remus felt her sigh and lean against him. They pulled away and he smiled and kissed her cheeks. "Love you," he whispered.

She smiled up at him. "I love you too."

It was only then that they noticed the person walking in. "Don't mind me, I'm just passing by," grumbled Sirius.

Remus laughed as the other boy exited. "He's still asleep," he told Lydia.

She grinned. "I could tell."

~*~

"Well hello, Mr. Black, you're up early today," said Professor McGonagall. "Hoping to start on work early?" she asked with a bit of humor. Sirius stopped and looked up. He drowsily rubbed his eyes.

"What?" he questioned in a tired tone.

She looked at him in concern. "Are you all right? Are you not feeling well today?"

Sirius said, "Nah, I'm fine." And then he walked on. The professor watched after him and shrugged. With a sigh, she continued on her way.

He was feeling crummy, terrible; horrible...he was feeling absolutely horrid. He needed something to cheer him up. Oh! He knew what he could do. Slowly he walked to the statue with the one-eyed witch and said the password. He then crept in and greeted Harold, the keeper of Honeydukes.

"Well you're up early today, Sirius," said the elder man with a smile. "Preparing another prank I presume?"

Sirius grinned. "Nope, I just need something to make me feel better." He reached into his pocket and produced some coins. "Can I have some chocolate frogs and some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans please?"

Harold pushed the coins away. "This one's on me."

"Just take it, Harold," insisted Sirius.

Harold laughed and shook his head. "I'm rich 'cause of you and you're little friends already with how much stuff you guys buy from me. Just think of this as my Christmas present to you," he said.

Shrugging, Sirius smiled and took the bags of candy. "Thanks a lot, Harold, I owe you one."

But Harold shook his head and waved his hand. "Forget about it. Now get your scrawny behind outta my store."

Laughing, Sirius obliged and popped a chocolate frog in his mouth after taking off the wrapper and card. "Another Dumbledore? I think I've seen too much of him already!" he exclaimed and pocketed it.

Something caught his eye and he looked out the window nearest him. It was some sort of black shadow that had passed by so he looked out. When he saw nothing in sight, he went on walking down the hallway.

Janice and Rick looked at each other. "Did he see us?" asked Rick.

Janice shrugged. "I don't think so." The two weren't and elderly couple anymore, they were really in their mid thirties or forties.

"Good, now keep an eye out, if we mess this one up, the master will have our hides," said Rick gruffly.

Janice sent a glare his way. "Don't talk to me about messing up, it was you who almost blew our cover! That boy Sirius almost saw us passing by!" she exclaimed. He scowled.

"That's because you move slow!" Both their arms burned with a flame.

"Stop it, both of you and continue on your mission. Keep watch and then report back to me, understood?"

Janice and Rick looked at one another fearfully. "Yes, master," the said in unison. The occupance of their master left them and they sighed.

"Come on," Rick said, "We had better get a move on and get back soon." They put invisibility charms upon themselves and unlocked the window quietly.

Two Death Eaters were now in Hogwarts.

~*~

"I heard you're going to perform for the Winter Dance," Sirius said as he walked with her to the Grand Hall.

Hallie turned to him with a small smile. "They should have asked you." He grinned and felt his cheeks burn slightly. "My, my, are you blushing, Sirius Black?" she asked with a laugh. This made him turn red all the more.

"Maybe. So is it true then? You're going to perform?" he inquired.

She shrugged chastely. "Yeah, but I don't know if I'll do it."

He raised a brow. "You don't like singing and all that? But you do it all the time!" he exclaimed.

The girl laughed. "I do love it, I like making songs and singing them...I love music. It's kind of a part of me, you know?" He looked at her expectantly. "But I don't know...I do it mostly for myself, not for anyone else."

He understood. "It's sort of private, then?"

"Well, yeah, kind of. It's just that - it's just that I've never performed in front of a crowd before. No, I have, but not an audience, people who are actually there, expecting me to sing for them. Do you understand what I'm saying? Or am I speaking in gibberish?"

"Nah, I understand what you're talking about completely."

She looked at him in surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah, you're nervous."

She stopped in her tracks. "I am not nervous! I'm not!"

"Then what's holding you back?" A small smile was on his face.

"Nothing."

"Then perform your song. I'll even help you pick one out from your stash."

Hallie looked at him with wide eyes. "Oh my goodness! That's why that song sounded so familiar!"

Sirius laughed. "I was wondering when you would finally figure it out!"

"You - you...but you worked on it! It sounded different from the song in my book...and - and...but it was written a long time ago!" She paused and looked at him in something like awe. "I like the way it sounds now. I never thought I'd say this, but, Sirius, you have talent!"

The boy laughed and put his arm around her shoulders. "I know, but let's keep that between just you and me, shall we?"

She nodded. "But how'd you get the charms off?"

"I looked them up in our Charms book and took the curses and spells of it. You've got nice work in there, Hal, which one are you using for the dance?"

She paled slightly. "I don't know."

He grinned. "I can help you if you want."

Hallie looked up at him appealingly. "Would you?" He laughed and nodded. She jumped up to give him a hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I could just kiss you!" They pulled apart and she looked at him. "Er - but I won't." Her cheeks had flushed a soft rose pink.

"So when's the dance again?" Sirius asked after a short awkward silence.

"February fourteenth, Valentine's Day."

He smiled. "Then you know what song you have to sing, don't you?"

"Huh?"

"Think about this one, Hallie, you can get it."

She did as was told and thought of all the songs that she had made up and previous ones. Her eyes lit up which showed Sirius she knew. "It's perfect! But you have to help me fix it up, please?"

"Of course I will," he said instantly. She smiled and put her hand in his and led him back to the dormitory. "What, now?" Hallie gave him a look. "Oh, I mean, yes ma'am."

~*~

Andrea grinned. "I know! I can't wait! It's only one month away!"

Sarah laughed. "Has anyone asked you yet?" she wondered.

The other girl rolled her eyes. "Yes, of course, but none of them were at all appealing. How about you?" Sarah blushed. "Oh yeah! I remember! Frank Longbottom asked you! What a score, he's very cute!" This made Sarah blush all the more. "What was your reply?"

She gave Andrea a look. "What do you think?"

The girl laughed. "Score for Sarah Wilson!"

Sarah was now as red as a tomato. "He probably just felt sorry for me," she said softly.

Andrea put her hands on her hips and raised a brow. "You don't truly believe that do you?" Sarah looked at her. "This is Frank we're talking about, would he ask you out of pity? I don't think so! He's too sweet to do such a thing. Now brighten up, you're going out with a cutie!"

~*~

"What if she said yes just out of pity?" asked Frank biting down on his lip. Hallie laughed.

"Oh stuff it, Frank, this is Sarah we're talking about. Now brighten up, you're going out with a sweetheart!"

Frank smiled slightly. "She is...isn't she?" Hallie burst into laughter. His eyes widened and he threw a pillow at her. "Stop it, you're so mean!"

She gave him a big hug. "It's okay, Frankie, I know you like her, you both look so cute together!" He blushed but couldn't fight down the silly smile upon his face. Hallie grinned and pulled him down the hall, back to the common room. "Now come on, I want to go talk to Sarah."

He stopped abruptly. "Er - you want to talk to Sarah?"

"Well, no, but I want to see how you both act with each other, now come on." She hauled him into the room and saw Sarah talking with Andrea. "Hey guys!" Immediately, when Sarah's eyes and Frank's locked, they both blushed, but smiled. "Andrea, I need to talk to you," said Hallie. Andrea looked confused. "Now."

"But I -"

"Andrea..." The other girl stood up with a small pout upon her face and marched up the steps following Hallie.

"Why did you -"

"To leave Frank and Sarah alone, you nitwit! Now we can go look at them," she said with a smirk. Andrea yipped with glee and raced back down the steps as quietly as she could go. Hallie followed but the other girl suddenly stopped. "Hey! What are you doing?"

"They aren't there!" exclaimed Andrea.

Hallie sighed and pushed her way through. "They couldn't have just disappeared..." she trailed off when Sarah and Frank were nowhere in sight. "How strange..." There was suddenly a loud 'Boo!' and the two girls shrieked with terror. Frank stood before them with Sarah; both had broad grins on their faces. "That was not funny at all," Hallie told them with a scowl. Andrea glared at the two and nodded in agreement. Hallie picked up a pillow and threw it at Frank.

He brushed it aside with a laugh. "Hallie, dear, you're a weakling."

She glared all the more and jumped on top of him. "I don't think so."

Sarah was laughing and pointing at Frank and Hallie when suddenly, a pillow flew her way from Andrea. The girl got knocked over and blinked at Andrea. After a short moment, the pillow fight commenced.

~*~

Sirius stood at the doorway and popped a Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean into his mouth. He spat it out almost immediately at the taste of rubber and searched for another disgusting one. When he found a sick green one, he put it in his mouth and at once started jumping up and down at the spice of it. It was hot pepper. When he stepped into the common room, a pillow came his way and he ducked on reflex. The pillow burst and out came a spray of feathers. He laughed. What a scene it was.

Frank, Sarah, Hallie, and Andrea were involved in a very vicious pillow fight. It was then that he got hit on the stomach with another pillow. All the fighting stopped and Andrea grinned apologetically. "So sorry, Sirius," she said.

He rubbed the aching spot. "You should be. Jeez, Andrea, it's a wonder why you're not a beater on the quidditch team..." They laughed and he glared at them playfully. He caught sight of Hallie and felt his insides turn with a shooting pain of guilt. The boy quickly waved and hurried to the steps to escape those large sapphire blue eyes.

"Wait, Sirius, wait for me!" said her voice.

He turned around and forced a smile. "How may I help you?"

She laughed. "Can you help me with the song again?"

"Now?"

She smiled. "If you don't mind, that is."

His heart did a turn and he tried to avoid her eyes, but couldn't. Oh well, it was kind of fun to work on her songs with her. "Sure, let's go."

Frank and Sarah watched after them. "Are they...?" asked Frank.

Sarah grinned. "If they're not, soon they will be."

~*~

The next day, Janice and Rick flew on their brooms back to the Slytherin Castle where their master was now located. They passed Requillo on the way who was looking rather distant. Rick stopped and waved his hand before the man's face. He did not blink. "Requillo, what's the matter with you?" asked Janice.

"Nothing, I'm just choosing to ignore the both of you. Now continue on your way and leave me be," was the calm reply.

Janice and Rick looked at one another before doing as was told. Never would they cross the line before Requillo, let alone their master. Both were powerful and were seemingly the darkest wizards ever known in time. But a change was occurring that they knew nothing about. Something was changing inside Requillo. Slowly was he going back to his normal and past self. He did not know why, nor did he know how, but he was becoming his self again.

Deep inside he knew the change was coming about, but he dared not show it to anyone else. No one must know about his alteration, it was for him only to know. He knew now he must find the key to his past so that all would make sense. Then again, there was a feeling that the key was gone, gone when Voldemort had told him, long ago though it was, that his family was gone and done away with. Requillo presumed this was correct, but something inside him told him to believe, and have faith.

This empathy was one so strong that he knew not else but believe it, and so he did. It was a new determination now that was full of vigor and he would not give it up. He just had to know, he had to know the truth of his past, he wanted that part of himself back. Without it he felt empty, empty like a crab without its shell. So soon would that part of him be found, but he just didn't know where to look. Little did he know it was close to him, and as time goes by, it would yet slowly get closer.

~*~

Serpise glanced down. It was funny really. Now that he was no longer in the living world, he got to choose what his environment was like. He sat on a cloud in the midst of the azure blue of the sky, just like it was on earth, though now he was with the clouds instead of looking up at them. It truly was a magnificent sight.

On his cloud he soared downwards slowly and ever so carefully towards his old home. The home in which he now despised for he had earlier been imprisoned in it. Life seemed as if it was only one day ago he was solid and standing upon the grounds of the earth.

Then there was a flash of ocean blue light. "Hello, Rowena," he greeted with a smile.

She took a seat next to him. "I love what you've done with your setting, I should try my own some time, it's really beautiful," said she as she surveyed the surroundings.

He grinned. "Yeah," he said looking at her with adoration, "it is."

And then she observed the Slytherin Castle below. "Oh, my, it looks horrid, what has happened?" she wondered.

"Another man is occupying it at the moment. He calls himself Lord Voldemort." Rowe looked at him for elaboration on the explanation. "He's on the Dark side of magic and brings terror everywhere he goes. At the moment, one with the Inner Eye has predicted his downfall and he is trying to find the Seer to confirm if it is true."

"The Seer? You mean James Potter?" asked Rowena with widening eyes.

Serpise nodded. "Indeed. And the Dark Lord has researched a Seer's capabilities and knows what power is in the boy's hands. A Seer is able to change the future if they are powerful enough with a vigorous spirit and if they have a strong will. James has both and Voldemort has observed him and knows it is so. Thus said, he wants to capture the boy and use him to change the future to his advantage." Rowena gaped at him. "I've been watching with interest. Fate has visited me often and we've conversed some."

"But...but she won't let that-that Lord - er, Voldemort did you say? Yes, Voldemort, do such a thing, will she?" she questioned with fright bright in her eyes.

Salazar shrugged. "I know not, but she told me it is the characters in her story that will choose the path in which the future will proceed." There was another flash of light though this one was crimson/maroon with a tinge of gold. "Hello, brother."

The man smiled. "Hello, Salazar."

"What brings you here on this fine day?" asked Serpise conversationally. Rowe chuckled and Godric took a seat with them.

"Nothing at all really, I just felt I needed to pass by. What have you been doing lately?" inquired Ric.

Serpise looked down at his home. "Just gazing at the present. There is toil in the world and trouble is yet boiling. Our dear young friends are flying straight into the middle of it."

"And your descendant?"

Slytherin shook his head. "Still knows nothing, but the memories and such are gradually slipping back into his mind. I hope he will find the key soon. It is keeping me in excited anticipation."

Godric looked at Rowena and smiled. "I'm sure it is."

Serpise raised a brow. "And that means...?"

Rowe laughed. "Why does this interest you so, Serpise?"

The man smiled. His handsome face seemed to become bright as if the sun was just starting to rise in the darkness of night. "I know not why, but it does. These are my descendants; I suppose it intrigues me to watch how they're lives proceed"

Rowena studied his face for a moment. "Serpise, you never did marry though, how could you have descendants without having a child?"

At this, the man blushed making his pale cheeks arise with a rose reddish color. "Er - well...do you remember Breana Bristol?"

Godric roared with laughter. "How could we ever forget her? She was after you like a dog is to a cat! I couldn't stop laughing for weeks!"

Serpise looked sour. "I know, you weren't off my case for a horribly long time."

Rowe smiled softly. "So you found love after all?"

He shook his head. "No, she intoxicated me with mounds of bottles of whiskey I think...I don't remember the events of that night exactly." Rowena's eyes widened. "I know," he said with a rueful grin, "it was terrible. I never even liked her, not one bit. To tell you the truth, I despised her. The fact remains that somehow, I awoke not knowing at all who I was but ended up beside her in my room."

Godric nodded in remembrance. "I remember that day! You were a dreadful old miser and would speak with no one and almost blew your top when she smiled at you at breakfast!" He tried to muffle his laughter but couldn't. Serpise rolled his eyes and placed his head in his hands. Rowena elbowed Ric in the ribs. "Er - I mean, it couldn't have been that bad..."

The other man gave him a meaningful look. "It was Coyote Ugly," he said simply.

Godric howled with laughter and Rowena joined with him. Even Salazar couldn't stop his laughs. "Oh yes," said Rowe, "I remember it clearly now, she was the ugliest one of the three hideous sisters."

With a pained expression upon his face, Serpise nodded.

 

~*~

James smiled at Lily and she smiled back. Andrea noticed and sank a bit lower in her chair. Sirius threw a spider at Hallie's hair and she threw it back after doubling its size with an Enlarging Charm. Remus doubled over with laughter and nearly knocked over his cauldron. Lydia gave him a look and kept working but couldn't help laughing when Remus couldn't control himself. Peter grinned around at the classroom. He was content.

They were in potions and the day was going by slowly. The dance was in two days and everyone was tense with excitement. The girls had already planned what they were going to wear and now they were just planning what they would do with their hair. The guys were just waiting for the day to come with impatience.