Nightly Strolls...

Date: September 8, 1975
Status: Open…but remember it’s on a weekday and almost nightfall so only those WITHOUT permission would be around
Completion: Incomplete

Glancing behind her to ensure she wasn’t going to get caught, Karen crept from the darkness of the trees near the Shrieking Shack. Although this place always gave her the worst goosebumps because it was deserted, Molly was right. It was the safest place to land as the isolation was in their favor this time. As Karen leaned against a large boulder, she took several quick breaths to calm her stomach. Flying was definitely NOT her strength as her knees started to buckle at the thought of being so high in the air with just a cleaning device under her. She didn’t care if the broom was enchanted to fly, a broom was still a bloody broom in her opinion. But it was necessary in sneaking out without here without notice. Once again she had to thank Molly as it was Molly’s idea and job to secure the broom for them. With the large initials A.W carved on the handle, it didn’t take a genius to figure out how she obtained the broom. Or why her cheeks were stained bright red after returning with it. If it were up to Karen, they would have snuck out the back of the castle, circled the Forbidden Forest, avoided Hagrid’s hut, and somehow climbed over the 20 foot wall. Okay, so it wasn’t the best plan, Karen was just glad one of them came to her senses and grabbed the broom.

Speaking of Molly, Karen turned around and whispered loudly. “Molly! Molly! Come on we’re already late.” Swiftly unfastening her Hogwarts cloak, she shed the cloak and white blouse and hid them beneath a large tree trunk. Muttering a spell to herself, she enchanted the skirt to become a bit longer and more business like. As she reached into her pocket, Karen quickly pinned the heavy mass of curls behind her head in a slight chignon style in hopes of making her look more mature. Adjusting the sleeveless black tank she wore underneath, she finished her primping and leaned against a tree.

Glancing at her watch again, Karen let out a sigh. “Molly! Just hide the broom and go! I promised Mr. Buchanan that I would meet him at the rental area 15 minutes ago! You know I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for ages. He can’t wait forever and do you want to be the reason my whole life is ruined?” She called out with a slight grin, having to resort to threats to get Molly out from behind the flower bush. Karen knew she was being impatient but she couldn’t wait. After months of communication, she was finally able to obtain an appointment with the owner of that rental space. After she had to swear on her grandmother’s grave that she was 20 and graduated from Hogwarts years ago. She’s sure her grandmother wouldn’t mind that little fib as she was vacationing somewhere in France at the moment. Having grand plans of a local bar/hangout spot that she could own, Karen shuffled her feet, impatient to get moving.

"I hope you're happy. We'll be risking suspension, maybe even expulsion, if caught. That, and if our parents find out...Well, I'll be home and dead within hours. Let's just hope that no one from the school comes to Hogsmeade tonight."

“Well,” Karen said as she swung her arm over Molly’s shoulder. “At least you wouldn’t have to be alone in death! Can you just see it now….both of us dead…together...forever. Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it?” Karen joked as she raised an arched eyebrow with a smirk on her face. Leading the way, she started toward the direction of Mr. Buchanan’s store. “I was thinking of names for my future store here, should my bar be called the Two Wands? Or maybe Three Broomsticks…or Four Charms” As she kept up the constant chatter, Karen hurried across the street, having eyes only for the empty store ahead of her.

An hour later, Karen walked out of the store with Molly by her side and the paperwork for the ownership of her new store grasped in her hands. “Can you believe it? We actually pulled it off!” Giving Molly a hug, she nearly danced on the walkway, barely noticing how dark it had become. Her honey brown curls had come undone and spilled down her back, making her look like a child walking home from the candy store. Suddenly a fierce wind swept past them causing Karen to shiver a bit. Rubbing her hands up her arms, she glanced over at her friend with a big smile. “Usually I’d say we take advantage of this moment, but I am getting rather cold myself. How about I send a house elf to get you a big cup of chocolate to thank you for coming with me?”

As they started to climb the hill leading up to the Shrieking Shack, Karen quickly wrapped her cloak around her and draped her blouse over her shoulder and laid on a rock for a moment. Finally she had something planned for after graduation. Although it wasn’t something great like being a healer or dramatic such as being an Auror, she was satisfied. This was what she wanted to do and she couldn’t wait for it to start. Even the prospect of flying couldn’t diminish her joy…not much at least. Hearing the rustling in the bushes stop, Karen sat up. “Well, Molly let’s head back now.” Seeing the wide eyed devastated look on Molly’s face, she slowly slid down toward the ground. “Molly? What’s the matter?” Slowly her gaze slid where Molly was pointing to the broom…or rather the space that the broom was.

“Oh, crap…” Karen slowly whispered as realization dawned on her. “What are we going to do now?”

"We're doomed. We're stuck, unless you feel like walking all the way back to school and somehow getting over the magically protected fence without wands and in skirts and heels."

Blinking dumbfoundedly at Molly, Karen waited for her to flash a quirky smile and announce that she was kidding. Yet every second that passed, Molly’s face became more worried and stressed. Taking a step back, Karen sat down heavily on the rock that just moments before she was so happily laying on. Running her hand through her curls, she tried to figure out a solution to their problems. When they got into any sort of mishap, Molly was usually the one who kept a calm head and stayed practical. But as this particular incident involved Arthur, Molly seemed to have lost her head completely as she paced around in circles muttering to herself. Feeling a pang of guilt as it was her fault they were out here to start with, Karen tried to be the practical one, quite hard for her nature actually.

“Okay, okay. No need to panic. I’m sure we’ll find a way out of this.” Karen said as she leaned back on the increasing cold rock. As she considered their options, she noticed that it was almost pitch dark which did nothing to help the cold in the air. Glancing at the Shrieking Shack, she noticed that it looked a lot creepier now then it did a mere two hours ago. Karen faked a smile on her face and turned to Molly, figuring as of this point there was only one thing they could do.

“Obviously we won’t make it back to the castle like this. Especially since it’s getting so dark I can barely see you as it is.” She started to say in a reasonable tone, knowing that Molly would not agree to what else she had to say. “Perhaps we should just head back to Hogsmead and wait it out a bit longer? After all, it’s not exactly safe to be out here on our own as it is. At least at Hogsmead we could be around people and warm up. Then maybe when we’re a bit more comfortable we could figure out what to do next.”

Looking around as the wind started to howl, she raised her eyebrow at Molly. “After all do you really want to stay out here all night?”

"We need to get back to the castle! Karrie, we have classes tomorrow! And do you really think people won't notice we're missing? We need to get back as soon as possible…"

Karen leaned back on the huge boulder and looked up at the night sky for a moment. As Molly started to ramble and panic, she couldn’t help but let it tune out of her head. After all there was nothing that could but done now. And until Molly came to that decision herself, there was nothing that could convince her otherwise. Quite stubborn that girl was sometimes. Strangely enough, the sky wasn’t as dark as it should have been as it was a full moon tonight Karen noticed as she looked up at the sky. Yet the clouds continued to move about, casting ghastly shadows on the ground. “As if this place wasn’t creepy enough as it is.” Karen murmured to herself as she watched the trees sway gently in the wind. Brushing a dark curly tendril off her face, Karen froze as she thought she heard a noise in the trees. As she turned in that direction, she carefully scanned the woods as she strained to catch any slightest noise to signal that they weren’t alone. After several moments of silence, she turned back to Molly, although she couldn’t shake off the feeling as though they were being watched.

Noticing that Molly had stopped talking and was waiting for her response, Karen nodded and followed her friend down the hill. Glad to be away from the Shrieking Shack, she decided not to mention anything to Molly as she suspected this would cause her friend to go into hysterics again. With her fiery rd hair, it was no surprise that Molly’s moods changed as suddenly as Sirius switched girlfriends. And that's saying alot. Cursing at herself for thinking of that prat again, Karen shook her head and tried to concentrate on the problem at hand. Analyzing the closed stores, she bit her lip as she debated where they should spend part of the night, hopefully part and not the whole night.

"Just try to not bring any attention to us. The less noticeable we are, the less likely it will be that someone will recognize us."

Hearing this, Karen couldn’t help but grin cheekily for a moment at her friend. “Me? Noticeable? Why nobody ever notices little ol’ me. You know I’m practically a wallflower at school, too ordinary and quiet to be noticed…” She said with a dramatic sad sigh as lifted a right hand to her brow.

Sirius sat in his bed located in the boys dormitory of Gryffindor house, unable to sleep or do any of his school work. Naturally this was often the case given his inability to focus on that boring stuff for longer than two seconds, he tossed and he turned but couldn't get comfortable enough to lay still. Finally with an exasperated sigh he sat up in his bed giving up the futile attempts at sleeping. Pushing himself from his four post bed Sirius snuck to where him and his friends kept the map, the very map that aided them through many of their amusing hijinks, it was a magnificent piece of parchment and quite genious too. A proud grin crept across his features as he retrieved the priceless item from it's hiding place and making his way back to his bed. His wand in hand he pointed the tip to the blank parchment and whispered, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." With that writing and everyone within Hogwarts began to appear in black ink across the paper. It was wonderous what one was able to do with magic, and immediately his grey eyes began to scan the map taking in everyone's posistion.


As he perused over the contents Sirius saw that just about everyone was where they were supposed to be at this time of night, the professors were either in their chambers or patrolling the halls. Each house's prefect's were making their rounds making sure everyone was in their rightful place. But all of a sudden and a quick brow raise Sirius noticed three figures out on the grounds, Agustus Rookwood, Molly Prewitt, and Karen Rosmerta. What on earth were those three doing out at this time of night he wondered, though it appeared the two ladies were unaware of Rookwood's postition and he was suddenly moving away from them making his way back towards the castle. He expected Karen to pull something like this given her stubborn nature and mischievious ways, always a fiesty little tart if he said so hisself. But Molly? Now that was unexpected, she always reminded him of a motherly type, always making sure things were in order, a goody two shoes or sorts, friendly though. A sweet girl, it's a shame Karen was corrupting her good name. Upon seeing this Sirius was unable to quell his curiousity and decided he would be nosy like Karen and make his way down to where they were. After all he couldn't sleep so why not?

Quietly getting out of his bed Sirius slipped on his black sneakers, pulled on his black hooded sweatshirt secured the map in his pocket and quietly snuck out of the dorm, making his way through the common room and out of the entrance leading to Gryiffindor house. Pulling the map out taking note of where the prefects were and anyone else that would get him in trouble Sirius made his way through the castle when the coast was clear, taking into account to not make any noise to wake any of the sleeping paintings that was hanging throughout the halls. He has done this so many times in the past it was like second nature, it was easier everytime he did it. Though he could have used James' invisibility cloak, Sirius didn't mind not having it, it just took him longer to traverse the grand halls. Finally coming to an old hidden tunnel Sirius eased his way into the cob web infested are, making sure to secure the loose stone that covered it's entrance. Pulling his wand out he tapped the map muttering, "Mischief Managed." And he watched as the ink faded away making it seem as he was holding nothing but a blank piece of parchment. Lighting his wand with the Lumos spell Sirius ran through the ancient tunnel dodging the webs and loose rock along the way until he was at it's end. Slowly he emerged from the exit, and was now standing outside of the massive castle.

The cool night air hit his face and it immediately refreshed his spirit, how he loved living on the edge always brought excitement and he couldn't kep from smiling as he stretched and took in the fresh air around him. He still had to keep an eye out for the grounds keeper but that shouldn't be too much of a problem, if Karen could keep from being found out with her loud movement and nonstop talking and Molly's nagging and worry, he shouldn't have one problem at getting through the grounds unseen. And with that, Sirius began moving towards the two girls, a grin on his lips the whole time.

Karen absentmindedly pulled a strand of hair off her face and starting twirling it around her finger. As she and Molly started down the nearly empty Hogsmeade street, her brown eyes glanced around for some shelter for the night. “How on earth could the street be empty already? I mean, I know it’s late but there has to be someone out at this time.” She murmured to herself. A fierce wind suddenly blew at her causing her to rapidly blink and subconsciously step closer to Molly for warmth. Just as she was about to voice her opinion again out loud, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Nice little cafe that's open at all hours of the day. I'm Matt, by the way, and this is Evan.

Karen exchanged a surprised glance with Molly and smiled. ‘Well, what do you know.’ She thought to herself as she snuck another look at the two guys. ‘We asked for company and they immediately arrived.’ Knowing Molly as well as she did, Karen knew that these two guys’ appearance would only heighten her worry. With her growing relationship with Arthur approaching, meeting other guys were probably the last thing on her mind. But Karen, however, was perfectly fine with the company as it is. After all, they’ll find a way back into the castle one way or another. Might as well enjoy themselves and the company as they wait. However, Karen kept her thoughts to herself as she didn’t want to get lectured by Molly while her emotions were sky high.

Falling in step beside Matt and Evan, Karen squared her shoulders and gave both of them a bright smile. They were cute in a town boyish sort of way. Endearing in fact. Including the fact that they were from Hogsmeade was a plus as Karen always had a soft spot for this little town and everything in it. Especially now including the people. Always having a small affliction for blonds and blue eyes (nudges Elana lol), Karen couldn’t help but smile at Matt.

“Perhaps we could just get a drink or a bit. We have a previous engagement but I’m sure we could delay it for the moment.” Karen casually said, carefully inserting the excuse they can use later to escape when they needed to. Ten minutes later, Karen found herself settled in the quaint little empty café beside Molly as the two guys left to get their drinks.

“Well,” Karen said as she leaned back in her seat. “I guess this evening didn’t turn out like we expected huh?” With a twinkle in her eyes, she smiled, indicating that she didn’t mind the sudden change of events.

"We are not going home without that broom. I don't know how we're going to find it, but we can't leave until we get it back."

Karen’s grin faded a bit when Molly reminded her about their situation. Feeling her face flush up as she had forgotten about Arthur’s broom and how they could return it to him, she dropped her face between her hands.

“Arthur’s broom! I completely forgot about that with everything that just happened.” Karen exclaimed as she bit her lip and glanced guiltily at Molly. Clearing her throat for a moment, she grasped Molly’s thin white fingers in hers and nodded assuringly. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll find a way to get it back. Don’t we always get out of our messes safely? Well, for the majority of the time!” She quickly added when she saw Molly open her mouth to object. Seeing the guys return, Karen made a slight shushing noise and turned away. ‘We’ll figure everything out later.’ Her brown eyes mentally said to Molly.

Nodding along as Molly mentioned the guy’s opinion about a new bar in the little town, Karen smiled gratefully at her friend. Even though she was worried about getting in trouble, she still found the time to help Karen achieve her goal about the pub.

“Yes, we thought that little plot of land across the street would be a perfect hangout spot for the students on their field trips. A younger, more open version of the Hog’s Head. And brighter of course for the students. After all I know I always have trouble finding a place to relax when we’re allowed for a visit.” Karen said before she realized her mistake. Seeing Molly's eyes widen a bit, she suddenly realized what she accidentally revealed. “I mean, I always had trouble before when I used to be a student at Hogwarts. After all it feels as though I just graduated yesterday.” She quickly said with a little laugh as she crossed her fingers under the table, hoping she effectively smoothed things over .

Sirius snuck through the grounds as a pro, ducking and hiding behind trees and low objects as he moved closer and closer towards Hogsmeade. It was one thing for him to be out after hours, but it was completely unexpected to see three other students out, especially Molly Prewitt! What on earth was going on, and Rookwood, Sirius never quite understood his motives, too good of a guy which often meant he was hiding something, what it was he didn't know but he could sense there was something there. Mentally shaking his head Sirius kept his fast decent toward the wizarding town, he had to stay alert and focused, he couldn't afford being seen again. As he approched and ducked behind a bush he pulled out the map saying the incantation to reaveal the writing, making sure so one was close enough to spot him. To his dismay the grounds keeper was lurking near by and was coming his way, a small curse was let out as Sirius frantically looked for a new hiding place. None could be found it was all open land and he couldn't reach Hogsmeade without being seen.

As he was twisting the hood of his sweatshirt snagged on a branch of the bush, and him not noticing it with his frantic movement the twig snapped and echoed through the grounds. Upon hearing this Sirius froze and the light from the grounds keeper stopped in its tracks and then began moving towards his hiding place. Another curse would follow under his breath as he tried to figure out what to do, and the only thing he could think of was changing into his Animagus form and bounding for the streets of Hogsmeade. With that thought he secured the map and his wand and changed into the big black dog his form brought on. His senses heightened as he could hear the footsteps of the grounds keeper approaching and h picked up his scent as well. Without wasting anymore time Sirius took off running making his way to Hogsmeade. To the grounds keeper he would just be a dog, and obviously return to his patrol.

Once emerging himself into some thick brush Sirius changed back and took out the map. Glancing down he saw that the two were not far up from where he was. Saying the incantation making it all disappear he secured it once again and began making his way up the lifeless streets to where Molly and Karen were sitting. It was so strange he thought, the two of them out here as his footsteps slightly echoed on the dirt road of the wizarding town. Once coming to the building he stopped, then brushed himself off with his hands making sure no leaves or debri could be seen. Once he finished he approched the doors and opened it smiling like he always did. Acting suprised to see them he glanced at the both or them before speaking. "What on earth are you two doing out at this hour?!?" Forcing the suprised tone in his voice, and not even realizing the two guys they were sitting with.

"What on earth are you two doing out at this hour?!?"

Karen immediately froze when she heard a booming voice behind her. A very loud familiar booming voice. She closed her eyes for a moment and prayed. “Oh please don’t let it be who I think it is. I won’t ever sneak out or lie again if it isn’t.” Before she completely turned around, she paused for a moment. “Okay, okay, I won’t do it as often.” As Karen turned her head, she spotted the last person she would want them to get caught by. Well, second to last as McGonagall would have been last. The Transfiguration prof. still never forgave her for being out late last week. But then again she was hungry and it was just a quick trip to the kitchens…

Shaking her head to focus on the problem at hand, Karen jumped up and grabbed Sirius’s hand. “Sirius! It’s great to see you! Why don’t we go talk out here.” Between her clentched teeth, she pushed and muttered, “Just be quiet for once and wait for me outside please…” Turning to the Matt and Evan, Karen gave them an apologic smile. “I’m so sorry, this is my…my brother! He’s very protective of me and quite frankly not all there if you get my point.” She explained with a circular motion to her head. “I’ll be right back.”

As Karen slipped outside the café, she spotted Sirius leaning against the wall with that insufferable grin on his face. Letting out a long sigh, she hurried to his side. “Okay, before you ask, Molly and I are only out here on business! In fact, I had to drag Molly along as she had nothing to do with this. Nothing at all! And we would have went straight back to the castle except our broomstick was stolen and then we-” Karen suddenly stopped short as she took a look around her for a moment as realization struck her. “Wait a minute…” She started to slowly say. “What are YOU doing out here at this hour?”

Deciding to turn the tables on him, she sat down on a nearby bench and gave him a stern McGonagall-like look. “I think YOU have some explaining to do.”

As Sirius barged into the cafe, exclaiming his false suprise at seeing the two of them there, he couldn't help but a feel like he had accomplished some kind of goal. And before he could speak another word Karen jumped up from her seat and began forcing him back out the door he had just entered. It happened so quickly he had no time to react nor could he stop her from dragging him out, and then it hit him, they were doing something they weren't supposed to. Finally accepting he wasn't welcomed he voluntarily walked the rest of the way back out and leaned a shoulder against the wall of the old time worn building just outside of the small cafe. His grin grew wider as he recalled the many excuses and nervous tone she had in her voice. This was almost as great as getting away with one of his pranks, catching two fellow Gryffindors doing something they ought not to be doing. Leaning up against the wall Sirius folded his arms across his chest as he looked over at Karen, the twinkle of excitement could not be concealed in his eyes. His grin widened as he looked up at her from his position and he crossed his legs at the ankles making himself comfortable. He would take every enjoyment out of this and milk it for all it's worth, it wasn't everyday that others would be risking getting into trouble other than him, and it seemed that he had involved himself in the same risk as Molly and Karen had done. But he was used to it so it was just another night for him. As he watched Karen come out looking suprsingly older than she actually was which caused him to raise a brow at her appearence. Now he knew something was up, and he would wait for her explanation. She would tell him they were here on business, which at this hour made him wonder just what kind of business that was. This was getting better by the second, but all of a sudden the tables had turned, as he could see behind her Molly had came out just as she asked why he was out.


He would turn his gaze away from the two of them as he searched his thoughts for and excuse as to why he would be out after hours. He couldn't allow them to know of the map and that he knew they were out here already which caused him in return to venture out to satisfy his curiousity. He couldn't say that James or Remus was with him because then they would expect one of them to show, it seemed he had gotten himself into a situation without really thinking through things first. However he wasn't worried, he was always one to get out of situations with his quick wit and sarcastic comments. So instead of thinking of an excuse he decided to ignore the question all together. Remembering hearing something about their broom being stolen Sirius thought that that would be a perfect topic for a change of subject. "You say your alls broom was stolen? Well on my way down I saw a man, who looked awfully like that Slytherin fool Agustus Rookwood. I would say that would be a good place to start looking for you broom." A firm nod would follow at the end of his statement. The grin still not leaving his features he would look at the both of them for a moment before beginning his question. "So tell me, what is this business you two say you have out here at this hour? And what in Merlin's beard has you two making yourselves look older. If this is any indication as to your actual looks when you do get older, I pity your husbands. And whats this rubbish of me being hit with a permanent befuddlement charm?!?" Of course he was joking but he couldn't resist the moment to insert some of his sly sarcasm as he stood there grinning. It was getting late as Sirius turned his gaze to the sky taking not of the moon's position, and he couldn't help but wonder when the two would be leaving, even though he was sarcastic and poked fun at them, he was a gentlemen and felt it necessary to escort the two back into the castle.

As Molly came outside, Karen exchanged a look with her friend. ‘What are we supposed to do now?’ She thought as she gave Molly a meaningful look. Sirius Black. Well, she might as well go wake up Professor McGonagall now as Black will never let her hear the end of this. And as tempted as Karen was to make a run for it and head back to the castle, she didn’t have a clue on how to get in undetected. And although she didn’t like to admit it, they needed Sirius. After all if he somehow found a way out, he’d most certainly have a way back in.

As she half listened to the conversation, Karen glanced around, hoping that an idea, any idea of getting back to the castle would hit her. After all, being at Sirius’s mercy and in his debt was NOT something she was looking forward to. However, she heard the name Augustus Rookwood, her mind automatically snapped back to attention. “What in Merlin’s name are you talking about? Augustus would never be out here after hours, he’d never break the rules. That’s only for people like you…” Looking at Molly, she added for a moment. “Okay, and us first timers only. But this would be our first and only Molly! I promise.”

As she glanced at Molly and her clothing, she realized that they still had on the hair and makeup to make themselves look older. Raising a hand, Karen unfastened her hair clip and let her brown curls fall down to her shoulders. “Much better,” she said as she fluffed her hair a bit. Sticking her hairclip back in her pocket, she gave Sirius a glare. “Just know that we had business to take care of. And that’s that. I don’t ask you about your business do I? Although I wouldn’t exactly call breaking girls’ hearts ‘business’ but whatever works for you.” Karen said with a laugh. “And fine instead of the befuddlement charm, we’ll just tell people that you’re just plain crazy due to a head injury when you were born which is most likely the truth anyway.”

Placing her hands on her hip, Karen wrinkled her nose at him. “So are we going back to the castle now or are we going to stand around and make outrageous accusations until morning?” She hoped to get back to the castle quickly and forget this ever happened. After all, if Sirius did leak tonight’s events to people, who would believe him? He wasn’t exactly the most honest person in the world. Many girls could vouch about that. She and Molly would simply deny everything. Turning on her heel, she started toward the castle gates before stopping for a minute. “Umm, this is the way back isn’t it?”

He couldn't help but laugh at the two as they both gave their explanations, it just told him that they were definitely up to something, but he wouldn't pry, not just yet anyway. "You know, you all would give James, Remus, Peter, and myself a run for our money in the mischief department." He said trying to conceal the laugh that statement brought to him. But Sirius felt it was necessary to keep their attention elsewhere and off of him, and if he's learned anything, it's that a woman will eat up compliments, and that was exactly what he would do. Feed them both compliments the whole way back. He couldn't help but grin at his genious but still had that worry of them finding out about the map, that was something he could not allow to happen. He stood there, shoulder still leaned up against the wall of the tiny cafe, watching the both of them, it was still hard for him to believe Molly Prewitt was breaking school rules, and if he had not been here at the moment he would have never believed it. Karen on the other hand, she was not all there and that was apparent the very first time he had met her. She had more mood swings and personalities than that cook professor Trelawney, in some instances he found himself wondering if they were related.

He was brought out of his thought process by the very nagging voice he was just pondering over, Karen had raised the question of Rookwood being out after hours. He of course knew for sure it was Rookwood but had to play it off, "Well, you know, it's dark so I really couldn't make out who it was exactly, but seeing as you two have been so chummy the past week I thought he might have been out here too." He spoke giving a small shrug of his shoulders. Finally she began walking away from him and Molly too, it was time they be heading back, as they both stood a few feet in front of him he would turn his back and pull out the map where he would whisper, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." The writing began to appear and it seemed that they had a clear shot all the way back to the school grounds they just had to keep to the thickets when they reached the end of the road. Quickly he would whisper the counter spell and hide the map in his pocket. "Yes we go this way until we reach the grounds, then we hide in the thicket and swing around." He pointed up the road as he began walking.

"And what about Rookwood? You won't be able to leave before seeing what he's up to,"

“Yes, I can leave without seeing what Augustus is up to because he is not up to anything!” Karen loudly muttered as she tugged on Molly’s sleeve. Turning on her heel, she started walking backwards so she could face Molly as she spoke. “After all this is Sirius Black you’re talking to here. He’s not exactly the most reliable person to believe. Honestly, reliability probably isn’t even in his vocabulary. Along with serious relationship and responsibility.” She dramatically said with a wave of her hand. Hearing Sirius’s comments, Karen glanced over at him just in time to see him mutter something and reach in his pocket.

Curiosity struck, Karen slowed down her steps until Molly walked right into her with a loud smack. “Ouch!” She said as she rubbed her throbbing forehead. Yet her mind was far from the pain as Karen wanted to know exactly what Sirius was up to. There was certainly no way he could have found them by accident like that. The café was too hidden and out of the way. Now that she thought about it, she wasn’t even sure why she joined two strange guys into a secluded café. Blaming her giddiness from her plot of land, Karen pushed the thought aside. What happened, happened, and now she was just concerned about the present. Which was that strange object of some sort that Sirius quickly stuffed in his pocket to ensure she didn’t see him.

“So, Sirius, tell me again. How exactly did you find us at that café we were at?” Karen asked suspiciously as she fell in step next to him. “After all that lovey dovey sweet café isn’t exactly what you’d visit on a daily bases is it? And what brings you to Hogsmeade so late at night?” As she asked each question, Karen stepped a bit closer to Sirius.

His finger still pointing in the direction they should go Sirius would close the distance between him and the two women he would be escorting back. He had safely looked at the map without them catching on, at least he thought he did. It wasn't long before Karen's nosiness got the best of her and she began her questioning of him yet again. Sirius stopped dead in his tracks, and as he did so his feet slid on the dirt road kicking up a small could of dust in the process. Why was he out here? He wasn't entirely sure himself, he saw them leave the grounds and decided to be nosy and maybe catch them doing something they weren't supposed to be doing. No such luck however, he would rake a hand through his thick black hair putting on the most innocent look he could muster, the boyish smile, the sincere puppy dog twinkle in his eyes, it was something he had gotten pretty good at doing over the years. However Prongs has given him a fat lip a time or two over the holidays, over what he thought to be just simple joking, one brother getting one over on another. Maybe he wasn't as good at the whole innocent look thing as he thought he was. Either that or it just didn't work on guys as well as it did the females, whatever the case Sirius kept it up.

He stared at her for a few moments, trying to come up with an excuse but none was forthcoming, so he did what any self respecting man would do, he made something up. "You caught me Karen, I can no longer keep my intentions hidden." He would smile at her, hands sliding into the pockets of his jeans, "James sent me here to get a few things he had ordered from Zonkos, something to do with a big celebration as he called it." It was a complete lie, though given his reputation he figured that would be believable. Normally he wouldn't lie, but in this case he had to, the map must be kept secret or him and his friends could get in trouble, and Remus' curse could possibly be revealed. "As for the cafe', I got thirsty and decided to grab a cup of tea or something, and as you said it is a small cafe, out of the way and hardly noticable. I figured that would be a perfect place to go, and it just so happened you two were there." He brought one hand from his pockets and place it on the nape of his neck, massaging the area, man did she give him a head ache. Did she ever stop asking questions? He almost began regretting he showed. Shaking his head the remaining hand placed inside of his pocket would grip the map, it was important they didn't find out.

Bee suddenly awoke from a deep sleep. She had had a horrible dream involving mice (no other creature earked her so). She sat up from her bed, breathing heavily. 'It was only a dream,' she thought. 'how else would i be stranded in a cave with mice 6 feet tall.'

She looked around the room, everyone was sleeping soundly, everything was just as i should be.... or was it? Molly and Karen... where were they? She placed her hands on top her head, thinking.... they had mentioned something earlier that day... they were talking about their next visit to Hogsmeade... or maybe they were talking about tonight... they did seem awfully secretive.... She threw her covers off of her and sat, pondering, on the edge of her bed... 'I'm bolistic... I'm going to fly to Hogsmeade... to look for two girls I'm not sure are even there...' she thought hard but quickly. She stood up, flew on her back cloak and picked up her broom.A smile spread across her face, she could go for a quick fly.

Before she knew it she was flying through the air. Her heart beat increased with every sound she heard around her. She loved mischeif, the chance of gettign caught was outragious.... getting caught... she hadn't thought about that... she would surely be expelled.

HEr thoughts were pushed away when she reached her destination. She spotted three figures.... And began walking towards then slowly... 'what iif they weren't her pals, what if they were a professor,' she bit her lip and continued walking. She heard a familar voice.... Karen was talking. And then Molly came into sight.... but who..... Sirius Black.... now wat was he doing there.

When their faces came in clear, her cheeks grew hot and pink... "Hello there," she said slyly. She looked around at the faces starring back at her. "I know I know, wat is She doing here, thats what you are saying.... but I just woke up from a stupid and yet horrible dream and then i noticed you two were gone." she pointed at Molly and Karen. "And I heard earlier on today, not that I was eavesdroping or any thing, I just over heard... so I flew here." Her babbling ended. She starred at the girls... they looked older.... "Why do you two look older?"

Just then she spotted a small, white creature crawling on the ground. She jumped up and grabbed someones shoulder... she didn't know who's exactly and as a matter of fact she didn't care. "There's a mouse or a rat, I don't know exactly but but," she held onto the shoulder tighter.

Sirius walked slowly with the two ladies, ever cautious of Karen's nosy nature, and waiting for the obvious griping Molly would start giving him about being responsible and all of that jazz. It was increasingly difficult for him to not just bust out laughing at catching the both of them out after hours. But it was indeed what had taken place and he couldn't go back on his word in helping the both of them get back. A slight breeze blew just then which caused him to stop for a second, long enough to pull the hood of his black sweatshirt up and over his head, concealing his features in the shadow it produced. Pulling his hand out of the pocket which held the map, Sirius would shove both of them into the pocket of his shirt, keeping an ever watchful eye out for any profesors or people that would get them in trouble. He of course didn't care if he got caught, and Karen probably didn't either, though he was half tempted to get them caught just to watch her try and talk her way out of the situation. Molly on the other hand would probably just faint, which would be humorous too, but Sirius prided himself on his ability to get away with things, and that conflicted with the half thought of getting them all caught.

As his brown hues scanned up ahead, he noticed a small glint of a cloaked figure approaching the three. Whoever it was had to have just arrived, for just moments ago no one showed on the map. His body began to tense slightly, Prongs would kill him if he got caught with the map, and there was nowhere to hide. They were caught. He stopped dead in his tracks, once again kicking up a small cloud of dust in his wake. The silhouetted figure crept closer and closer as he kept a keen eye on them. Another detention was in the making, or so he thought, but to his relief when he saw who it turned out to be, Sirius breathed a mental sigh. It was just Bertha Jorkins.

Another student had decided to come out after hours, and this situation was quickly becoming difficult. The more of them that were out, the easier it would be for them to be spotted. But he wasn't going to complain, here he was in the company of three lovely ladies, and it to him it felt as if christmas had come early. He gave a nod but did not speak, he would just stare her, eyes taking in her shapely figure. What happened next however suprised even him, something had startled her and Bertha leaped up grabbing onto him for dear life. A grin now ran the lenght of his lips, "Well hello to you too Bee." He began speaking as he removed a hand from his pocket and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "This night just keeps getting more and more beautiful." He flashed her a wink as he spoke.

Bee Jorkins searched the ground for the terrible little rodent. Her heart pounded, listening to the screeching sound of the rats sharp claws scrapping the ground. She breathed deeply. Her sigh echoed into the silence... She completely forgot that she was holding on to someone.

Turning around to meet a pair of dark grey eyes, Bee realized who she had just grasped onto...... "Well hello to you too Bee." The deep voice of Sirius Black whispered in her ear. He wrapped his arm aroundher waist, and said, "This night just keeps getting more and more beautiful."

A smile formed across her face... she glarred at him...but not in hatred... she was simply taking in his features. His long brown hair blew, but his face was not completely visible through the darkness. She chuckled a bit.

"Sirius Black," she continued to smile slyly. "Well, Well, Well. It seems as though I have been saved by a Knight in shinning armor...." Her grasp on him lightened, but she did not remove her arms....not yet.... "It is the imfamous Sirius Black, right here in my arms," her smile faded. "Well, we just can't have that now can we?" She released him and pulled away from his hold on her....

"So, what are you doing down here any way.... And how are we going to manage to get out unseen?" She looked towards Molly and Karen..... She stepped cautiously, looking at the ground, her heart just couldn't take another scare.... and she couldn't have another catch....especially by Mr. Black.