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Say It Back

Summary:

The five times he's said "I love you" and the one time you said it back

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I.
“I love you”

The words escaped his mouth before he could process the possible aftermath of them. You sat beside him, eyes closed as you leaned against the brick. He waited for your reaction, though, he was unsure if you had even heard him.

“(Y/N)?”

“Hmm?”

Sirius sighed in relief when he realized you hadn’t heard his confession. He had fancied you since the moment the two of you met, quickly becoming best friends after the first day though he wished to be something more.

Either you were too oblivious to realize his feelings towards you or you simply didn’t feel the same, either way it still hurt him like a stab to the heart so he created a reputation for himself. He started bringing a new girl into his dorm every night to satisfy his needs then moving on. He became what some would call, a playboy.

How ironic was it, that the supposed heartless playboy was heads over heels in love with the school jock. It was a little cliche in all honesty but he didn’t mind.

“You did amazing today.” Sirius said as he pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it.

“Thank you, you’ve been telling me that ever since I got off my broom.” You giggled, the sound making his heart flutter as he tried to conceal the smile that grew on his lips but you didn’t notice. You never did. You never noticed how much you affected him and it killed him.

“Do you think we should go back to the party?” Sirius asked, secretly hoping that deep down you’d say no.

“Nah, I wanna stay here. Why, you wanna go back?”

“Oh n-no, I don’t want to go back.”

II.
For the first time in forever, James came up with an idea that wouldn’t risk anyone getting detention or worst, expelled. It was a sunny day out and he thought it’d be great to have a picnic at the Black Lake before your fifth year ends in a few weeks. The Marauders came along of course, but you, Lily, Mary and Marlene were also invited. You all met outside the Gryffindor common room at 1 in the afternoon.

“Are you sure that this is all? No pranks or tricks?” Lily asked suspiciously as they set up a blanket for everyone to sit on. James rolled his eyes.

“Yes I’m sure, honestly Evans, why would you even think that?”

“Because the last time you planned something and said that no one would get in trouble we lost 50 house points.” Was her reply and James only sighed in defeat before continuing to help set up.

As promised, the picnic was all and there was no risk of getting in trouble. Peter and Mary were able to ask the House Elves for all sorts of food ranging from sandwiches to deserts along with some drinks and Remus brought some chocolate. The rest of you brought blankets, pillows and other stuff to keep you all entertained.

Though the first few minutes of the picnic was peaceful, it eventually took a turn when James decided to throw Lily into the lake. She pulled him into the water with him and you all laughed at the sight until he came out of the water and attempted to do the same to everyone else. You became hsi next target. After about 10 minutes of chasing after you, he had successfully lifted you up and thrown you into the water. Your swearing got cut off as you entered the water causing him to laugh.

“You have 5 seconds to run before I kill you.”

James has never ran faster in his life, though, not fast enough for you easily caught up to him and jumped onto his back. He tried to get you off his back but your grip only tightened.

“Stop it, you’re cold!”

“And you’re warm.”

He gave up after a few minutes, though, that didn’t stop you from clinging onto him. He simply walked back towards the lake and without any warning, jumped into the water with you still on his back. Anyone would’ve thought that would’ve been the end of your little feud but after both your heads were above water again, your playful fighting resumed.

The rest of yours friends stood near the edge of the lake, watching as you and James fought like children in the water.

“How long do you think this will last for?” Remus asked as he stood beside Sirius.

“I’d give them another 5.” Was Sirius’ reply before the two boys became engrossed into a conversation of their own. Particularly Sirius, who didn’t notice the person creeping up behind him with a bucket of water until it was poured onto his head.

His mouth formed an o shape as the cold water touched him but it quickly curled into a smirk when he saw you standing behind him with an innocent smile, the bucket still in your hand. “Oh you little-”

Your scream cut off his sentence as he easily threw you over this shoulder, the bucket falling from your grip as he headed towards the lake. Through the giggles that escaped your lips you were almost begging for him to not throw you back into the water.

“And why should I do that?” He asked smugly.

“Because I’ve already been in once?”

Sirius sighed before carefully setting you down. “You’re lucky that I love you or else I would’ve thrown you in by now.”

“I know.” You replied with a cheeky smile and though his heart ached, he smiled back.

III.
The corridors of the school were dark and empty as Sirius hid under the invisibility cloak. He’d be lucky if Filch or Peeves didn’t catch him and he silently prayed for luck to be on his side as he reached the Astronomy tower. After closing the door behind him he pulled the cloak off his head and wrapped it around his shoulders as he headed up the stairs.

“Took you long enough.” You scoffed as you pulled the cigarette away from your lips.

“My apologies princess, I had to wait for the boys to fall asleep.” He replied sarcastically as he pulled himself up on top of the Astronomy tower. You only rolled your eyes and brought the cigarette back to your lips in hopes of hiding the smile on your face because of the pet name he used. He noticed and felt his heart flutter but didn’t mention any of it, instead, he grabbed a cigarette from the pack and held it up for you to light for him.

The sky was clear tonight so stargazing wasn’t an available option though you didn’t seem to mind. It was the atmosphere you enjoyed, the quiet and relaxing feeling you got when you were up here. It almost felt like time was frozen.

Studying at Hogwarts was fun but also really stressful so nights like these were your favorite. Sure you could be sleeping right now but it was your mind that needed to relax tonight.

“I’m gonna miss this.” You mumbled quietly.

“You act as if we’re graduating tomorrow.”

“But we don’t know what’s going to happen. We have one more year left and with Voldemort happening right now, who knows when our last night will be.”

Sirius fell silent at your words for a moment. He’s never been one to think so ahead into the future while you tended to do so when you were feeling down. He took a little while to gather his thoughts and figure out what to say.

“I can’t control the future, because trust me if I could we wouldn’t be worrying about this but anyways. I may not be able to control the future but nights like this,” He pointed around the two of you, “will never end. We’re going to be 60 and still have these nights, trust me.”

“And how will we get on top of a roof when we’re 60?”

“We have magic don’t we? We’ll find a way.”

“Do you promise we’ll still have these nights after Hogwarts?” You asked as you stuck your pinky out. He smiled and locked his pinky with yours before pulling you closer towards him so that you were resting your head on his shoulder.

“Tell me a story.” You told him quietly while your fingers traced shapes onto the back of his hand.

“About the stars?”

“Of course.”

Sirius began to think about a story. He’s always loved learning about stars and outer space in general. He was named after one after all. Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major or the Great Dog. His love for the stars only seemed to grow ever since learning that you also had a love for them. Whenever possible, he’d learn about different stories about the stars knowing you loved those the most. There were hundreds of stories in the stars that he had learnt when he was younger but he’s told all of them by now.

“How about the story of Perseus and Andromeda?” He asked you. You nodded your head and he smiled as he began the story.

The story of Perseus and Andromeda was one of his favorites. He liked how the Gods placed them together no matter how often the stars move and deep down, he wished for a love like that.

By the end of the story you were softly snoring with your head still on his shoulder. Your hand was resting on top of his after tracing shapes onto it and Sirius wished he could stay like this forever.

Carefully, he picked you up bridal style and headed down the tower. It was to do especially when the invisibility cloak didn’t cover the two of you entirely but lucky, no one was in the halls at that time. As he neared the Fat Lady’s portrait, he pulled the cloak off and said the password, thanking her as he stepped through the door and into the common room. He stepped up the steps to your dorm and gently laid you into the bed. Pulling the covers up to your chin and placing a kiss onto your forehead, smiling when you stirred in your sleep a little.

“I love you.” He whispered before slipping out of the dorm and heading back to his own.

IV.
Sirius stood in the stands watching the Ravenclaw versus Gryffindor match. It was currently 150-20 with Gryffindor in the lead and you and James scored a majority of the points. Out of everyone there, he cheered the loudest but only when you scored the goal.

“And (Y/N) has the quaffle again- oh and here comes Aubrey coming towards her as she makes the shot- SHE GOT IT! Gryffindor is in the lead with 160-20!” The commentator announced as supporters of Gryffindor cheered. Sirius couldn’t stop the smile that grew on his face, he was sure his cheeks were going to hurt after this.

“Is it really a surprise that (Y/N) has the quaffle again? Not at all and once again she scores another goal for Gryffindor House!” The commentator continued when the quaffle did in fact end up in your possession again. At this point, even if Ravenclaw were to find the snitch, they still wouldn’t win.

Sirius enjoyed watching Quidditch though it wasn’t for the game itself. He enjoyed watching you play. He enjoyed seeing you look so focused and serious as you flew on your broom and how your face would light up with joy whenever you (or your teammates) scored a goal. He enjoyed seeing how you’d gracefully get off your broom after a match and loosen your hair, letting it fall over your shoulders as you headed inside the castle to get changed. It was just everything about you and your love for the game that seemed to intrigue him.

“GRYFFINDOR CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS 300-30!” The commentator basically screamed into the microphone. Gryffindor supporters erupted into cheer as the players flew around in joy. In the midst of chaos, Sirius saw you on your broom hugging James with a smile that he mirrored.

Soon all of you were back on the ground heading back inside the castle and Sirius was waiting in the hallway to the change-room. His heart fluttered when you saw him and shot him a smile before running towards him, dropping your broom in the process. James, who was walking beside you, scolded you for dropping such an expensive broom on the ground but you didn’t hear him.

“You’re so lucky I love you or else you wouldn’t be able to touch me until you’ve showered.” Sirius said as you practically jumped into his arms, causing him to wrap his arms under your legs to hold you up. Your grip around his neck tightened and he chuckled at the action.

“Unless I’m next, can we go change now?” James asked in a bored tone. You jumped down from his arms with a giggle before grabbing your broom and heading to the girl’s change-room.

“My turn?” James asked him with a grin. Sirius rolled his eyes, playfully pushing him before walking out.

“In your dreams, Prongs.”

V.
The Yule Ball was just around the corner and Sirius had somehow managed to get you to go with him as his date. To say he was nervous would be an understatement. Sure he seemed calm after you had accepted to be his date but right when he entered his dorm he started to freak out. “Do you think she likes me? Or do you think she only said yes because she felt bad that no one else would want to go with me?”

Remus looked at his friend in disbelief. “Both of you have students dreaming to go with you and you think she said yes out of pity?”

“They only like me for my looks, probably just wanted to get into my bed.”

“And how about (Y/N)?”

“I know her, she wouldn’t do that, to me or to anybody.”

“So there’s your answer.” James spoke up from his bed.

“She likes me?”

“She rejected Rosier. Evan Rosier. Slytherin’s very own playboy. What do you think?” Sirius didn’t need to reply for his friends to know they were right, mainly because you both admitted it. Sirius told them back in fifth year while you after a successful Quidditch game. They didn’t tell either of you that the other shared the same feelings but they did try to help you guys admit it yourself. Maybe the night of the Yule Ball would be the night.

The days leading up the night became more and nerve-wrecking that he almost felt sick. He’s been waiting for a chance like this but it just felt too good to be true. How could he possibly have a chance with you out of all people.

“Pads, why aren’t you getting ready?” Remus asked when he noticed Sirius wasn’t getting changed on the night of the ball.

The night has finally arrived and Sirius has never felt this nervous before. It felt like a hippogriff was sitting on his chest, suffocating him as he worried about whether or not this would actually work. He said tonight would be the night where he’ll finally know if you feel the same way or not but now he didn’t want to know.

“What if I just stay here, I think I’m feeling kinda sick.” Sirius lied, coughing into his elbow in hopes of his friends believing him. They shared a look, it looked like they were having a conversation without actually speaking before looking back at him.

“Okay you rest then. We’ll come back in an hour or so.” Was what they said before they quickly left the room. Sirius caught one of their smirks and though they had let him stay in the dorm, the nervous feeling in his gut didn’t go away.

I’m a coward. He thought to himself before laying back onto his bed. It didn’t make any sense to him, how did every other girl become so infatuated with him but you didn’t? Maybe it was because you saw him as no more of a friend but yet again, you didn’t act the same way you did with him when you were with your other guy friends.

As doubts continued to cross his mind he started to actually feel sick. He decided to take a walk, maybe get some fresh air as well, so he got up from the bed and down to the common room though he quickly regretted the decision. He almost stumbled down the last few stairs when he saw you walking in through the portrait door wearing your dress for the Yule Ball. He had thought that when you heard that he ditched you that you’d go to Rosier or someone else. He didn’t expect you to come looking for him, or at least that’s what he thinks you’re doing. Hope filled his heart as he stood there.

“You don’t look ill.” You pointed out, watching as a sheepish smile grew on his lips. He carefully walked down the remaining steps and faked a cough in his elbow.

“Doesn’t mean I’m not ill, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.”

“So why are you down here then? Shouldn’t you be resting if you’re ill?”

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at the Yule Ball?”

“Yes but my date suddenly got ill so I’m here to check up on them.”

Sirius felt his cheeks heat up at your words and mentally scolded himself for getting flustered so easily around you. His confidence was one of the things girls loved about him yet around you it was all gone and he was a nervous mess. He’d never admit it but he actually liked how you made him feel.

“I’m sorry, I understand if you’re mad but I’ll do anything for you to forgive me. I’m just really ill and don’t wanna get others sick.” He felt like he owed you something but for now, hopefully an apology would suffice. The only truth in his apology was the apology itself. He wasn’t sick at all and wouldn’t give a damn if he got others sick.

“A dance.”

“Pardon?”

“You owe me a dance, I am wearing a dress and it’d be a shame if I don’t have at least one dance in it.”

The dress you were wearing fitted you perfectly. It had a tight top while the skirt flowed out beautifully. You looked stunning and Sirius started to regret coming up with his excuse.

He grabbed his wand and charmed for some instruments to magically play themselves before putting the wand onto the couch beside him.

“Well you are right,” Sirius said as he stepped closer towards you with his hand extended for you to take, “May I have this dance?”

You accepted his hand and let him lead you to the middle of the room. His left hand wrapped around your waist while the other clasped with your hand. He almost melted under your touch and had to remind himself to try and keep calm. This was the moment he was waiting for after all.

The two danced smoothly, each move he made was followed by one of yours as you circled around the room. Soft music guided their actions and Sirius felt himself grow more confident the longer he stared into your eyes.

He moved both hands securely onto your waist and lifted you up causing you to blush. As he set you down you had expected him to continue to the previous simple steps of the waltz but instead he twirled you so that your back was pressed against his chest causing you to laugh. He spun you back and his hand was clasped back onto yours while the other on your waist. Ever since you accepted his hand until now his heart has only started to beat faster with every passing minute.

In the spur of the moment, Sirius leaned in closer to your face and his breath hitched in his throat when he felt you press your lips onto his.

The dancing had stopped and his hand that was previously clasped into your hand was now at the back of your head, keeping you close to him, while the other wrapped tighter around your waist. Sirius felt like he was on cloud 9, he couldn’t believe this was happening.

“I love you.” He mumbled against your lips as you both pulled away for air.

“I love you too.” You replied and before you could do anything else his lips were back onto yours, this time much more passionate and filled with so many feelings that words could never describe.

finally. He thought to himself. After three years of trying to confess his love for you, you had finally said it back.