It's Nice To Have A Friend

32 - I Will

Once Sirius and Regulus had finished talking, Sirius returned to Mallory, slipping his hand into hers. Wordlessly, they started back to Gryffindor Tower. 

For several minutes, the only sound came from the padding of their shoes. 

Sirius cleared his throat, interrupting their silence. "How's your brother and Diane?" he asked, stuffing his free hand into his pocket. 

Mallory shrugged. 

"They're still not speaking to each other," she replied. 

Sirius watched Mallory, lips pursed.

Mallory tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "They both think they're done for good." 

Gently, Sirius squeezed her hand. "It'll be alright."

"I just—"

"It's not your job to fix their relationship," he interrupted. 

Mallory dropped her gaze to the floor as tears lined her eyes. "You don't understand."

Silence fell over them. It was deafening—uncomfortable. 

"I'll get you home on Friday. You should be there for them at least," Sirius softly said. 

Mallory looked over at him. Her tears rolled down her cheeks as she burst into tears. "I don't want to lose them."

Sirius dropped her hand, looping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her into his side. "You won't lose either of them." 

"What if it's too awkward between Diane and me? What if she pushes me away?"

"Then she's a shit friend," Sirius remarked. "You'll move on."

"No. Diane isn't a bad friend." 

"Then she won't push you away." 

They approached the portrait hole and stopped, facing each other. 

Mallory tucked her hair behind her ears. "If I go home on Friday, I won't get detention again, right?"

Sirius chuckled, shaking his head. "No." 

"Good," she mumbled. "Let's do it then." 

Sirius smiled down at her.

Silence filled the air around them—not awkward, but warm. They stood still, neither speaking, neither moving.

And the distance between them was small. 

Too small for just friends.  

"Are you two going to come in?" 

Mallory jumped as she glanced at the fat lady portrait staring at them unamused. 

Slowly, Sirius pulled away, his hand finding Mallory's. 

"Let's head inside," he whispered, squeezing her hand. 

Mallory nodded. 

He led her inside the portrait hole. 

The top of Lily's red hair peaked above the armchair closest to the portrait hole. She spun around, peering around the chair. A smile spread across her face. 

"You're back!" Lily exclaimed as she sprang to her feet. "Finally! They other two came back over an hour ago."

Sirius glanced at Mallory, pulling her closer to his side. "Sorry," he muttered. "There were a lot of broom cupboards." 

Lily's eyes fell on Mallory. "Are you alright, Mal? What happened?" she asked. 

"It's alright, Evans. I got her."