An Account of Falling Stars

Chapter 14: Sirius

It was lunch hour at Hallows Academy and I was just coming from a Latin class with Mary who was happily telling me about a guy who was willing to leave his fortune for her. I wasn't really listening despite being impressed by the power that that girl held over men. My eyes scanned the busy halls for James, Remus or Peter. I had the best idea for a prank thanks to Andy and I needed to share it before I burst.

I hadn't had any lessons with any of them that day apart from tutorial first thing in the morning but none of them were there. James was most likely out training with Marlene as he constantly reminded us that tryouts for the football team would be taking place that week. Peter could have been anywhere, I wasn't entirely sure what he did in his spare time and he didn't seem too keen to share that knowledge with me. And then there was Remus.

I always seemed to be very aware of where he was, like sixth sense. As long as we were in the same room I knew what he was doing, who he was with, what he was wearing at all times without even looking at him. It was probably because the giant took up so much space. But I didn't know where he was today. "Sirius? Sirius are you listening, mon amour?" Mary asked, shaking my arm slightly. I looked down at her, slightly surprised that she was still there. "Not really," I confess, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Ugh. you're such a man!" She huffed, but she didn't seem too offended.

"I do not accept that!" I yelled defiantly. A few passersby eyed me curiously, but this was nothing new. I enjoyed the attention, when it was for the right reasons. "Mary Macdonald you take that back!". She laughed and took a step back, her eyes teasing. "But you are a man Sirius!" She giggled. That did it. I rushed at her, and she tried to run but she had barely turned around when I scooped her up and threw her over my shoulder. She squealed in delight and beat her fists on my back "Let me down let me down!" she shrieked, but she was laughing her off.

"Admit that I'm not a man!" I demanded, twirling her around making her screech louder. Now there was a crowd of onlookers circling us and laughing along. "You're flashing my knickers to everyone!" She cried out, making me double over with laughter. I wobbled precariously as I laughed and Mary slipped a little further down my back. I gripped her calves tightly as she wailed out in shock. "Alright! Alright! You're not a man!" she yelped. I grinned in triumph but I wasn't done yet.

"I didn't quite hear you Macdonald!" I crowed, jumping up and down and rattling her a little bit. "I SAID YOU'RE NOT A MAN!" She yelled.

"Jeez no need to shout gorgeous." I laughed as I gently set her back onto her feet. Once she was safely on the ground, she shoved me hard in the chest making me stumble back and hit the wall, winding me slightly. "You're an arsehole Sirius!" She laughed. I held up my hands, palms facing forward in surrender. "You know you love me Mary Moo" I grin, smacking my lips together to make kissing sounds. "I love your face, that's for sure."

"His face isn't even all that." A soft voice said behind me. I felt my eyes widen and my stomach lurch. "I'd have to disagree with you on that one Remus, he's stunning." Mary chirped, skipping around me to hug her friend. I slowly turned around and saw him standing there, looming over everyone, a soft smile on his lips as he received Mary's hug with one arm. And he was looking at me. I brushed my hair behind my ear nervously. "Thanks for that M&M. It'll go straight to my head!" I joked weakly, expertly avoiding Remus' amber gaze.

"That it would." Mary giggled. She dragged Remus over to me and stood between us, linking her arms with each of us.

"Oh Remus, where were you this morning?! I had English Lit without you and I swear it doesn't make any sense if you're not there to help me." She preened, leading us to the Great Hall for lunch.

"Sorry Mary, I wasn't feeling well this morning." He said.

I chanced a glance at him and saw that his usual tan skin was a little paler, making the scar on his nose stand out a bit more. His mousy brown hair was a little dank and laying flat while it was usually wavy. He had bags under his eyes that stood out against his paling skin and he was limping slightly as he walked. Despite all of that, he was still smiling softly at Mary, his tired eyes filled with warmth.