Ginny

When it was time to go back to Hogwarts I felt rather relieved to leave the Potter's home. Don't get me wrong, I adored the couple and their lovely home but I missed Hogwarts. It was easier to forget that I don't belong in this time when I'm in Hogwarts because the castle was my second home. In the Potter's house I was constantly reminded of the fact that I didn't know how my family was doing. It was a bit torturous. Sirius didn't mind it there, on the contrary he absolutely loved it, but he hated his home so he wouldn't understand.

Speaking of, I felt odd about my relationship with Sirius. When it was just the two of us living together it felt so fresh, but maybe it was because the relationship was new. At the Potter's he and James would often be together leaving me with less time with him alone and though all three of us did have fun, mostly playing Quidditch amongst other things, and there was a couple of times that Peter and Remus visited, I missed him. I missed spending time with Sirius.

I know I promised James that I wouldn't ever hurt Sirius, and I would never want to, but I suddenly doubted if Sirius felt the same. I shook my head. I adored Sirius and felt something deeper for him than I ever had with Michael or Harry.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me you were staying at the Leaky Cauldron! You didn't even bother mentioning it any of your letter!" Lily screeched, it was worthy of Molly Weasley, when she spotted me in the train. I had said a heartfelt goodbye to the older Potters and left Sirius and James, who went to look for the rest of their motley crew.

I cringed. "I didn't want to bother you guys! I knew that if I told you, you would have done something about it."

Lily scoffed. "Of course I would have done something about it. You could have stayed at my house or something."

"After hearing you complain constantly about your sister being a sourpuss and all, I didn't want to intrude. Plus, I managed to earn a few here and there while staying at the Leaky Cauldron."

She didn't seem satisfied but I could tell she was itching to ask another question, and I knew what the question would be but she never got the chance to ask it.

"Sirius, you, spill." Alice said rather breathlessly as she barged in the compartment. Her lips looked slightly swollen, which I suspect came from Frank as she ignored us just minutes ago snogging the ex-head boy.

I blushed. "I saw him when we while I was staying in the Leaky Cauldron and since we both know each other I figured we could live together. Then things just happened." I omitted the details of why he was there on the first place. I think they knew the reason because they didn't question it.

"You know, he's a player," Alice commented. "I mean, I'm not saying you should break it off with him but you hear things from all those girls and stuff. He's been around."

I felt something burning inside me.

"Have you two, uh, done it?" Lily asked. Her face turned red as she did so.

I shook my head. "We just talked and we did sleep in the same bed but he hasn't tried anything." I was glad that he didn't try anything but a part of me was jealous because he's been with all those girls. I didn't want to think about it.

"What about you Lily? I heard you asked James out," I retorted.

Alice gasped. "How could you not tell me? Why am I always the last to know?"

"Well little miss in-a-perfect-relationship, I didn't even tell Ginny here." Lily said then turned to me. "How did you know anyway? Did James tell you?"

I nodded. "We were talking and he mentioned it. You don't mind do you?"

She shook her head. "I was just thinking about it the whole summer and," she sighed. "I'm just so confused. I mean, I hate him, well I did. Then I saw what he did for Severus and I just like that I just saw him in a different light."

She filled Alice in on the facts, in a very meticulously detailed manner that only a girl could pull off.

"And he said no?" Alice said in shock at the end of the story.

Lily looked thoughtful. "I think I'm glad he did. I mean at first I was just as shocked, but over the summer I realized that I only asked him out because of the spur of the moment thing. He's right, its better we wait and see what happens. Why should we rush?"

I wanted to give them an answer but I couldn't. At least they were moving forward with their relationship.

Lily looked happy though. She and James had exchanged letters for the whole summer, which I already knew. Alice on the other hand spent almost the entire summer with Frank. He was accepted in an auror program and they wouldn't be seeing each other as much anymore. They, Alice and Frank, were one of those sickeningly sweet couples who made all those other couples look utterly humiliating.

The compartment opened again, I thought it would have been the boys but it was Snape. He had an apologetic look but it was directed at Lily. He barely gave Alice and me a glance and it was filled with annoyance.

"Can we talk?" he asked in a soft voice.

I would have felt sorry for him had he not attacked me a few months ago. I think that fact was also fresh in Lily's mind as she stood up and blocked me from his view. She had her wand out and was gripping it rather tightly.

"There's nothing for us to talk about. I suggest you leave now and never bother any of us again," Lily said coldly.

He didn't say anything, nor did he get the chance to even if he wanted to.

"Is he bothering you?" I heard James ask.

I scooted and saw him and the boys out. Snape was giving him and Sirius a deadly glare. Sirius didn't look at him and kept his eyes on one of the windows as if forcing himself to forget about Snape's existence.

"He was just leaving James," Lily answered. We all turned to Snape and waited for him to walk away. He eventually did, after sneering at James. Lily turned to James. "We were waiting for you to get here."

James smiled. "Sorry, we were just discussing tonight's grand entertainment,"

Lily pursed her lips. "I hope you're not thinking of doing anything horrid."

They entered the compartment and Sirius made his way next to me. He placed his arm around me and I relished the feeling of security. I always felt safer when I was with him. Alice sent me a suggestive look that I pointedly ignored.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Sirius

I love Hogwarts. There was just something about the castle that made my heart sing. Things were great for me, greater than it ever was.

It's funny how much things can change in the course of a few months. A few months back, you couldn't get the marauders and the girls in the same vicinity without a fight ensuing and now it's like we've been friends since birth. I guess that with all the tension about Snape gone, there isn't really anything we need to fight about. I always knew that greasy git was a menace.

We haven't bothered with him though. We've played pranks on the Slytherins as a whole (we fed their owls diarrhoea inducing potions and the birds shat all over their table while delivering letters that had sang shrilly, compliments of Ginny on the letters) but we haven't singled out the stupid git. Mostly it was because I couldn't do that to Snivelly without feeling like I've betrayed Remus (even though he's thankfully forgiven me) but also because James decided enough was enough.

I still couldn't comprehend why he wasn't going out with Lily. He stopped asking her out even though she's not biting his head off. He won't give me answers and I didn't push him for one either.

The main thing that makes me smile everyday was my wonderful girl. She was amazing, really. She was strong; I never had to protect her. She never needs anyone to protect her. We don't have a perfect relationship; in fact it's far from it. We've fought many times, but it's the first time I've wanted to stand by someone so much that I was willing to bypass all the anger and admit I was wrong (even though I wasn't).

With the worries about my parents far behind me (since they disowned me they had, legally, no say about anything in my life), the perfect girl besides me, the greatest most loyal friends anyone could ask for and my dashing good looks, I was on cloud nine. I don't think I've even been this happy and content with my life. It was pure unadulterated joy.

Despite all the good things, there were uneasiness that surrounded our daily lived. James and I have been take lessons required for the auror program (Transfigurations, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms). Remus didn't bother dreaming of entering the Ministry business since they don't allow werewolves but he still took all the subjects James and I were taking as well as Herbology, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. I called him a lunatic when I found out but I suppose I do understand; he would have trouble getting a low paying job even though he was overqualified because of his condition. I really hated the Ministry sometimes. Despite this, I wasn't too worried about Remus because we had his back.

If there was anyone I was worried about, concerning school work, it was Peter. His dream of becoming an auror with James and I disintegrated when he didn't get a passing mark in Transfigurations and Potions. His mother was also upset with him and I knew how much he liked to please his mother. His father left them when he was barely six and Peter became the 'man of the house' at an early age. He always felt like he had to be more to support his mother and his mother wasn't really the best mums out there. She wasn't as bad as my mum but she was nowhere near the kind of mothers Remus' or James' were. I think she expected too much from Peter and nothing he ever did was enough for her. Peter was now taking Care of Magical Creatures, Astronomy, Charms and Defence.

My girl Ginny (I loved calling her that) is pretty much taking the same classes as I am but she doesn't know what her career plans are yet. Lily is in all of Remus' classes so they've been spending plenty of time studying. Alice, well I didn't really know what Alice was taking. She was in our Defence class and Charms but I didn't know what else she took since the only thing that ever came out of her mouth was about how great and amazing Frank Longbottom was even though he had an overbearing mother. Frank graduated a year ago and was on the auror training program, James and I have exchanged letters with him, inquiring about auror training, the good champ replied back with much information that helped us.

Over all things were great. Eventually our days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Sooner than I expected we were all donning our thick cloaks for the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend. I had missed the previews ones because of my ban and Dumbledore lifted said ban a week ago. It was a welcoming change to our daily school life and I was glad to be able to take Ginny on a proper date that didn't involve us sneaking about.

A flash of red appeared in my peripheral vision as I leisurely waited for my friends to arrive. For a miniscule second I thought it was Ginny but immediately after I figured it was Lily. Their hair was slightly similar but I knew just how different it was. Lily's hair looked more like roses and Ginny's were like fire. That's why I often refer to her as the fire that lit up my life and warmed my soul. Damn that sounded cheesy.

I noticed that Lily didn't look like she was in a pleasant mood. I would have ignored her presence had it been a few months ago when I barely tolerated her but not anymore. Ever since she got the stick out of her arse (Snivelly) she was rather amiable to hang out with. I could see why James was smitten with her. She even got me out of a few tight spots with Ginny (much to my eternal thanks) amongst other things.

"You alright?"

She forced a smile. "It's nothing, I just met Severus in the hall way."

I clenched my fist tightly as I tried to control my temper. His presence was a constant reminder of Ginny's helpless bloody figure and what I did after I saw her. "Did he do anything?"

She chuckled lightly and swatted my arm. "Are you seriously going all big brother on me?"

I grinned but I didn't answer. These days I have sort of been considering her as a sister I guess. Ginny doesn't really need someone to protect her.

"Anyway, he just was acting really weird –weirder than usual I mean. He kept telling me that he needed to talk to me later. I told him I was going with you guys in Hogsmeade then he grabbed my arm tightly telling me not to go. Of course I hexed him for that but it was just odd, don't you think?"

I shook my head. "That boy has been into you for years. Why do you think James hated him so much? He thought Snape kept feeding you lies about him, making you hate him."

She bit her lips. "You know, the reason I never gave James the time of the day was because of Sev –Snape. He always told me that James did something to him and he was always talking about how much of a jerk James was. Do you think he was lying? Did you really prank Sev-Snape that much?"

"Uh, I don't know if he lied to you or not, but we did it fairly often but I know for sure that he omitted the things he'd done to us. Most of the reasons why we kept targeting him were just retaliations. He was never an innocent victim really."

"I've always suspected he wasn't. He was really a nice boy back then but Mulciber and Avery just ruined him!"

I took her hands and held them tightly. "I know what's it's like to be constantly exposed to their world. Since I was a kid my mom constantly kept constantly telling me that mudbloods are horrible and that they didn't deserve to be a part of our world. I believed her, I mean what else was I supposed to believe? It was like she was telling me that bugs were dirty, it was normal."

"You know when I realized that muggleborns were no different from me?" She shook her head. "When you hexed me the first time, do you remember that?"

She looked at me in shock, unable to answer. I don't think she ever expected that from me. I never expected to tell her that, no one knew, not even James. "It was on our first day and I started flicking people with small balled up parchment pieces during History of Magic and a few hit you. Then you turned around and you had this look on your face and I kid you not I almost peed my pants. I realized that even though you were a muggleborn, you could still be scaring."

She burst out laughing. "I remember that! I was so sure you were aiming at me after the seventh one."

"Nah, I only got you twice, James was aiming for you."

"Holding hands while looking deep into each other's eyes? Should I be worried that my best friend is trying to steal my boyfriend?" said a teasing voice. I turned and saw Ginny smirking but I knew her enough that she was slightly jealous.

I let Lily go and grabbed Ginny, hugging her tightly. "Never my love, you have taken my heart and there is no one else on earth I'd rather give it to."

She rolled her eyes but sat herself next to me anyway. "So, what are we talking about?"

"Snape cornered me on my way here," Lily answered. I saw Ginny frown.

"What happened?"

Lily shrugged. "The usual, Lily I need to talk to you. Lily, please forgive me. Lily I didn't mean it. As if I could after what he did!"

The topic eventually died down after the others got around (and after James mumbled death threats). The weekend was upon us and Hogsmeade better be ready for the Marauders.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Ginny

The day was really nice. Sirius and I spent some time alone, walking around the town. Occasionally he would pull me in an alley and snog my brains out (not that I'm complaining). He was a fantastic guy; I can't imagine life without him. Sometimes I wonder how I even ever lived without him.

"Hey Rosie," Sirius greeted the robust bar lady when we went to meet up with the others. They seemed to be having a great time. I remembered how the first Hogsmeade weekend ended and it brought a smile on my face.

"How's it going?" Lily asked as she scooted to give me space to sit.

"Why is your lips swollen?" Peter asked.

"Snogging," I said simply while Peter spewed out his drink. I don't think he consciously knew what he was asking and my answer caught him off guard.

It was all good fun hanging out with them, away from all the lessons. For some reason the teachers think that we don't do enough school work. McGonagall rants on and on about our NEWTs as if we forgot about them the previews second she mentioned it. Slughorn keeps making us compete for potions; thankfully I got dibs on being Lily's partner so I'm good. Good ole Flitwick has turned devil incarnate with the amount of assignments he sets us. And the new Defence professor, Roger, is an Australian auror who made us duel almost every class. It was exhausting!

I looked at my friends. James, Peter, Sirius and Remus were talking animatedly about, what I suspect was an upcoming plan. Remus had a glint in his eyes as he started explaining something to his friends. Peter would interject at random and James would either agree or disagree. Sirius would nod and write something down on a 'secret' parchment. On other part of the table Alice and Lily were immersed in a conversation about the latest album of WROCK, a wizarding rock band. Occasionally James and Lily would share a look, which I don't think they did consciously. I would nod in agreement at the two parties but I was too busy appreciating them to really listen.

Sirius' hand found itself wandering on my hands and I gave it a gentle squeeze. His lips quirked in a smile that went unnoticed by everyone except me. It was really the simple things that I loved about Sirius. He made my heart race just by a small touch. He never bothered with sweet nonsense. He was always frank about what he was feeling. He doesn't treat me as something fragile. During Quidditch scrimmages he never lets me win (even though I do win). But what I love most about him is that I can't imagine being this happy with anyone else.

My heart skipped a beat. A sense of dread overcame me. The same dread that I felt when Harry was in the maze during the Triwizard tournament, the same dread when dad was bitten by the snake, the same dread I felt when I go near a dementor. The room felt it too. Deafening silence ran through. The candles flickered from the still wind. There was something out there, something bad.

A piercing scream was heard outside.

"Dementors!" someone yelled.

Chaos.

Sirius took me immediately and I saw James take Lily and Remus take Alice. Everyone was in a panic; some people were squishing themselves inside the already packed pub. There were lights flashing outside. I didn't know how many people knew how to cast a patronus but from the looks of things, I didn't think anyone knew at all, at least not a corporeal one.

"We have to get out of here, there's a secret passage to Hogwarts from Honeydukes," Sirius told James.

"No, if we go out there we'll encounter the dementors," he replied.

I was squished into Sirius as more people crowded inside. I could feel his heart beating rapidly.

People were crying and by the sound of things being blasted outside, dementors were the least of our worries. The chances of death eaters being there was high. I know I should wait for the teachers but I wasn't really the type to wait around when I knew I could help. I wasn't helpless. I could take on a few. I've already taken on more than a few. I can do this.

I slipped from Sirius grip and pushed my way out. It was difficult and I could hear Sirius and Lily calling after me but I had to. I needed to. I could see tearstained faces of my schoolmates, some I knew, others I didn't. It was only then did I notice the lack of Slytherins. They knew what was going to happen.

When I finally managed to get outside the biting cold wind chilled my very core. It wasn't this cold when we first came, this cold was something else. Then I saw them. It must have been a dozen of them, tall, dark, cloaked, vile creatures those dementors. Then near them, similar looking and just as vile, wearing those hateful masks were the death eaters. There must have been four of them, each as sickening as the next.

There were people screaming and crying. Spells flew from everywhere. Some tried running, others were fighting for their lives.

I thought of Sirius, of James, of Lily, of Alice, of Remus and even of Peter.

"EXPECTO PANTRONUM!"

It worked. But it changed. It wasn't a horse anymore. It was something else. I would have said it was the grim but it was silver and it was so beautiful. It turned to me and gave me what I would have thought would be a mischievous grin before tackling the dementors. The moment the soul sucking creatures fell I had caught the death eater's attention.

I wasn't afraid, no, I was terrified. I knew there was a huge chance this was my last day, this was my last moment. I found myself wishing I had told my friends I loved them, that I gave Sirius one last kiss. There were many things running through my head in that one split second moment, at the same time nothing was going through because I also knew I had a chance. They didn't look to old, meaning they might not have been too experienced. Each second I kept their attention to me is another second I gave the teachers to help others. I can do this, I had to.

The shock from the death eaters' faces was obvious the moment I sent a spell hurling one of them across the ground. The three aimed their wand at me and I ran for cover. I could see my patronus still taking on the dementors but I knew I would have to recast soon, I just needed time. A curse flew above my head. It was too close for my liking.

"REDUCTO!" I saw my spell miss them but it hit a hanging lamp on top of one of them making him catch on fire.

A green curse flew to my right, and I jumped behind a wall just in time. They were using unforgivable? This fight just became more dangerous. Perhaps the creatures behind those masks weren't as incapable as I figured. I huge part of me wanted to run but one glance at the scared faces of people inside this one building gave me strength. I had to.

Spell after spell flew from my wand, some missed, and others didn't. I was pushing my luck, I knew that. A blasting hex was thrown my way and it hit the rocks I was hiding behind. I only had enough time to block most of the broken rocks from my face with my arms, leaving me vulnerable. I saw some other students throwing a curse around me as well, I didn't know how many but they were pushing the death eaters back. A red light was headed my way and I was sure I was going to die until I felt something grab me from behind.

"Regulus," I said in shock. He wore a hood that covered most of his face.

"Are you bloody mad?" He looked a bit frightening as he glared at me. Why did he save me?

"Are the others safe?"

"My so called brave Gryffindor brother is hiding away with the rest," he sneered. "Now come on and stop being stupid, the professors are on their way."

A loud scream took my attention.

"Until then, I'm going to keep fighting," I yelled, pulling myself from his grip.

"You stupid -," I heard him faintly yell as I sent another patronus to push back the dementors.

Soon enough, Regulus was right, the teachers did arrive. They may look old and fragile but never would I try to duel with any of them. Flitwick, a tiny old man, threw curses like it was a small bouncy ball. Each one reached its desired targets. McGonagall drove the dementors with more power than I have ever seen. The others fought just as great, truly Dumbledore knew how to pick his staff.

I watched in stunned silence as the death eaters were captured. Faintly hearing someone say something about the aurors being on their way I let myself be led away from the action and towards the school.

"Shit," I hissed when I started to walk. The adrenaline had partially worn off and I noticed I sustained a rather large and painful gash on my leg.

"Here, let me," Regulus said as he placed my arm over him and he bore most of my weight.

"Why did you help me?" I whispered.

He turned away from me. "Would you rather I didn't?" he growled.

I chuckled lightly. I shouldn't have, people were hurt, I was hurt, and it was really not the time, place nor company to laugh with but it felt good to laugh. To my surprise Regulus let out a chuckle as well.

He looked very much like Sirius when he smiled. It wasn't difficult to tell that those two were brothers though Regulus looked younger. He wasn't a boy anymore but not quite a man just yet. He would be a handsome man when he gets older.

"Get away from her!" yelled a voice when we got closer to the school grounds.

I looked around and noticed that there were many students who looked terrified. I saw the source of the yell and saw Sirius glaring at Regulus.

"So much for Gryffindor bravery brother, hiding out were you?" Regulus taunted.

I saw a flash of shame on my boyfriend's face. He didn't retort, instead he just took my arm and pulled my away from his brother. I yelped at the unexpected pain on my leg and almost fell had Sirius not caught me easily.

He cursed when he saw my bloodied pants and carried me bridal style. He looked extremely angry, angrier than I've ever seen him before.

"Sirius?" I whispered as he made his way back to the castle.

He didn't look at me, he just continued looking straight. "Don't. I can't – just don't," he said behind his clenched teeth.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

A message from TemperedRose:

I know, I know, it's been aaaages! I'm really sorry. I've suffered from a bad case of writer's block, the fact that I had shit loads of home works and exams did NOT help one bit. I'm really sorry that my updates have been so few and far between but I really appreciate all of you who have stuck with it.

Oh, before I forget I want to recommend a story by 1CharmedPhoenix called A Changed Destiny. It's a good read.

Anyway, tell me what you thought of this chapter and leave a review before you go!