From Z: Uh, hope you like the story. Please review. If there are any misspellings it's because my word format likes to shit with me.

Disclaimer: I clearly do not own Harry Potter, and its characters. That would be awesome if I did though. Probably would pay for my tuition.

Prologue

Initially, I had planned on going to bed early and not going out of my way to bond with the rest of my house. But, then I realized that I sounded like an arrogant recluse. I also reminded myself that I entered this year without any prerequisite opinion or image of myself; and that if I wanted to do something, I would just do it. I went to the bathroom to look at my appearance before heading to the Common Room.

Instead of spending my summers helping my aunt Rosmerta at the Three Broomsticks, I preferred to venture out of the Wizarding world and challenge myself to the typical muggle labor. This summer Rosmerta sent me to get in touch with my roots, thus I was off to Greece. Other than the life lessons that I was teaching myself on the fish market I worked at, I received a lovely tan and became fluent in Greek. Fifty-points for me!

My hair was much longer, blacker, and for some reason -my eyes seemed much bigger? I felt like a fish. Though I tried not to fuss over my appearance so much, I did it just enough to accept that I was not fugly. If I was, I would not even bother to look in a mirror. Hands down though, if there was anything I should be proud of, my aunt would remind me, it was my mother's eyes. Teal with slight hues of seaweed green, "A true Grecian princess." Rosmerta would tell me as a child. However, you know how short lived those fantasies go. When I was a little girl I would stare into them for hours, perhaps in some distant way hoping for a connection with my mother. But when I look at them now, all I see are wasted memories and broken dreams. Just enough to make a person keep going, keep pushing. A tiny speck of a gleam.

I sighed, smiled to myself, and trotted downstairs satisfied in a oversized sweater and socks. Getting to the bottom of the stairs, a few turned around and looked at me. I shot them a winners smile! Unfortunately, no one knew how to react and they turned away. So much for a grandeur entrance. I trudged over to a chair in front of the fireplace while eavesdropping on conversations. The Marauders were in their little corner surrounded by their lovely fan club as they talked amongst themselves for what I presumed to be the upcoming Quidditch tryouts. They didn't so much acknowledge anyone in the room but each other, and the occasional tacky bombshell. But even then, they wouldn't say anything but observe…future prospects. They were classholes, in that way. Never would say anything, but always speaking with their eyes and actions. It was part of their mantra -their air of superiority over the rest of us. Or so they believed. I, on the other hand was not offended or frustrated like some individuals (i.e. Lily Evans). I just took note.

James was always talking while Sirius would now and then slip in a word or two. Remus would simply listen, nod, and play as the voice of reason. Peter was just there, always tagging along, feeding off the stardom, spotlight, and attention that people would feed to the Marauders; despite the fact that they would never admit that. Do I sound cynical? Perhaps. I don't really care.

I sat with my feet up, my elbow on the armrest, and my chin resting in my hand all the while, being entranced by the fire. Someone sat down next to me, and I turned to look.

"Hey, Maria."

"Hello, Dear Prudence."

Prudence was my pal over the years, during those times of wanting to make friends and not being a loner. Prudence's presence was very calming and not stressing. She didn't bother me. I looked at her, she was prettier this year than most. Her angelic features being softer than normal, her glinting diamond eyes, and her dusty, brown hair withholding a sheer light that only wind fairies could make. I told her that.

"You're pretty this year."

She kind of got a goofy smile that I was not used to. It was that moment I realized that she was not used to receiving complements, or being told she was pretty. It broke my heart a little. How taking just a little bit of your time to complement someone makes the world turn for them.

"Thanks Maria, I always thought you were pretty." I felt like a bitch after that comment.

"Hah… not so much really. How was your summer?" Again, the usual order of inquiries, genuine smiles, and sincere comments. She explained to me how she was a nanny this summer. I was really interested apparently, because she didn't stop talking until fifteen-minutes passed. I counted.

I was nodding the whole time. I thought that was the universal signal for 'I'm not really listening, but I am? This is horrible, I shouldn't be thinking like this with Prudence, she's too nice. Apparently while I was thinking this the whole time, she was observing me the whole time.

"Maria, you seem different."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, a few of us noticed during the feast. Are you okay?"

"I'm actually great, Prudence. Really, I've just…I don't know, grown-up a little. You know?" Gotta keep it real with her.

She nodded. "Yeah, I guess so." She looked at me for awhile. I smiled awkwardly. What did she want from me, a lie-detector test?

Eventually, I went upstairs after listening a little more to Prudence and later, Lily as well. James was talking extra loud now and then to catch Lily's attention, but it obviously did and did not work in some ways. I was the first to go up, which I wasn't sure about? But, I was pretty disinterested with the mediocre of conversations. In the process of going upstairs I decided to try out for Quidditch. Just like that. Call it a new beginning.

Chapter One: What? That's shit.

The first two weeks of classes were kind of hard to get back into, but eventually things seemed to settle. It wasn't until the third week of Potions that everything seemed to levitate on a new plane; when Professor Slughorn decided to 'assign' lab partners.

"Now, now, none of that groaning."

I wonder if Professor Slughorn was a median or something, because ironically enough he assigned partners at a advantage and disadvantage for a few individuals. Lily and James for one example. For the first time in my life, I actually genuinely felt sorry for her. She looked like she was about to cry.

"Merlin, as if Potions wasn't enough." Lily whined into her hands. I rubbed her back, and told her some reassuring words.

Skyler Droval from Ravenclaw looked over at me and asked if she was alright. I shrugged. He chuckled a little. I didn't know much about Skyler, but what I did know was that he was a Chaser on the Ravenclaw team, and most of the 'classy' girls who opposed the Marauders appealed to him as, "The Perfect Boyfriend." Though, secretly I knew the majority of these girls hoped to be "The Girl" that changed a Marauder, and I quote "his disreputable ways" -which in the long run, only made them just as shameful as any other aficionado of The Marauders.

I smiled to myself. This new revelation of mine on the general female-student population rendered me speechless. Of course, this too like many other things was short lived. I was relishing in my new-found-glory only to have something brought new to my attention.

"Excuse me? I don't think so." The words fell out before I knew it.

Professor Slughorn looked up from his parchment with a quizzical brow.

"What was that Ms. Boots?"

The entire freaking class was silent. What the fuck did I just do?

This is where the decision is made. This is the cliché -the fork-in-the-road. This is the rock star moment -the Dhala Lama peace, nirvana, and what they always meant by simply being "is." This is where everyone is on their toes. This is when the atomic bomb falls. This is when the little people begin to matter, and later move on to become the BIG people. This is where you and I, and everyone else meet on the same plane. This is what makes the difference between an Is and a Not. This is what sets the mark. This is what the edge of your seat was made for! This -ladies and gentleman of the jury, is where the game is set. And this?… is the match.

I sighed.

"Nothing."

I didn't even bother to look at the faces around me. I knew everyone was expecting something of the other. I sat there -instead of reveling in a showdown, I decided to leave them hanging on their toes. To be honest though, I had no idea I was doing that. I just receded back into myself assuming I was lame. But have you ever been in a situation that you realized you did something GREAT without actually realizing you did? Unintentional and all? That you said something so great, or you did something so amazing -but at that time, at that very second you were too distraught to notice? But give it at least a week or more and you realized -with the recent turn of events -that very moment defined you and who you were now. However big or small the move was, in the big scheme of things it changed you and perhaps even others. No? Well, you will someday.

I sat back and took a deep breath while putting my head back to stare at the ceiling. Professor Slughorn continued, and the tension dissipated. I stayed like that for awhile with my eyes closed. People began to move from their desks to join their lab partners. I did not move…at first. I realized the ratio of my partner coming to me was a 1 out of 0 chance. I got up without any visible setbacks and gracefully made my way. I smiled at him and pulled out the lab reports. He only acknowledged me with a corner glance as his back leaned against the table, tossing peanuts into his mouth as he flirted with a girl from across the room. It's these peanuts that caused a problem. Not only was he not giving a helping hand, but he was most definitely becoming a growing issue by catapulting these peanuts at the back of both James and Lily's head. Lily glared at me, clearly saying "Control him." As if I was the dog owner. I took another one of those deep breaths. Reaching out, I clasped a firm grip over his hand before he could throw another peanut. Slowly, I turned to look at him, shaking my head. His hand went limp and he dropped it to the side.

"I need you to focus with me, Sirius." I said turning back to the lab instructions. Give it one, two seconds, and Black had me boxed in from behind my chair. The proximity between the both of us was somewhat unbearable only because I get nervous when people get too close to me.

"How do you solve a problem like Maria?" He softly chimed in my ear. The fact that I couldn't see his face, I'll admit, kind of left me uneasy. I couldn't see what he was up to, what he was planning. But I went with it.

"You take one step back, one step to the right, and sit down…in your seat."

Give it three, four seconds, and he was across the table facing me. Looking at me with downcast eyes, a smirk tugged at his lips.

"This is going to be fun." he said.

"Potions class?"

"No. This."

I didn't respond because I didn't know what he meant. A part of me already was piecing together that he was messing with me, but another part left me wondering…I gave a cheeky smile, and began reading the potions chapter. He didn't move for some time, but instead stood there waiting for me to look up. I understood. I looked up innocently.

"Sirius?"

"Yes?" He leaned in. Confidence danced in his grey eyes, waiting.

"Can you move to the side? You're blocking my light."

Drawing his head back with another downcast look, he nonchalantly turned away with a "Sure." The "sure response" indicates the overall indifference the male will give to show that even if you didn't fulfill his expectation of playing a little game, because you are above it -or in this case, I am. He will most surely try something different…later. Preferably, something that will 'woo' you and lure you out of the cave. Not that I'm in the cave. If anything, I'm under the tree that's next to the cave, listening the soft dulcet melodies of the birds.

I smiled down at my reading. Someone chuckled and I looked up to see Skyler giving me that Poster-boy smile of his. I don't know why, but I gave him a little wink. Despite my sudden cool accession, I felt really lame that moment.

Sirius and I didn't have another encounter until later during our fourth or sixth potions class, which required us to pull the caldron out. Throughout the lab, he had been very attentive in following directions, and handing supplies. Little did I know it was only because he was scheming.

"Okay Sirius, what next?"

"After mixing three counter-clockwise?"

"Yeah."

"Throw four beetles in, mix two clockwise, and let it set for five minutes."

He wasn't even looking at the directions when saying this, but ahead at another table. At the time, I was assuming he was looking at a girl. I snatched the parchment to read it for myself. He was right. I looked up at him and that's when I saw that excitement twinkle in his eyes.

"Sir-"

"BOOM!"

We all looked in the area the sound came from. It was poor, Skyler's partner. Ashes and hair on end, Skyler's partner was basically burnt toast.

I heard Sirius curse under his breath. Skyler turned in time to hear as well, and turning with raised brows he pointed to Sirius. Professor Slughorn looked from Skyler to our table.

"Alright the both of you, up here."

My heart dropped.

"Me? But I didn't do it!" I wanted to cry, this wasn't my fault!

"Now Ms. Boots, I don't want to hear your attitude again. Both of you -up here, now!"

"But Professor Slughorn, who's to say it was us? Droval can't put the blame on us by sole assumption?" Sirius reasoned, standing up.

"Yes Professor, where's the justice in that!?" James exclaimed. Sirius turned and smiled. I could see Lily kicking James from under the table.

"What would this world come to if we all just began 'assuming' things? Hm, Professor? Well? It's completely irrational!"

"Mr. Black, Mr. Potter, and Ms. Boots, all of your behaviors have been quite 'irrational.' Now, the three of you will be in detention, and I am taking fifty-points from Gryffindor."

Class was dismissed and I was falsely accused for something I didn't do, because in this assumed, irrational world the doors are always slammed in your face. However, that's when you turn around and open the window. I walked -no, I didn't walk, I fucking marched up to Droval. He suavely turned around with that stupid winner smile of his.

"Skyler, I didn't make your caldron explode in Potions. I want you to go and tell Professor Slughorn."

"I know, Maria. That's why I was pointing at Black. I already tried talking to him right after class -he refused to listen. I think Black and Potter got him really worked up."

For a moment I felt hopeless, this was my first detention I had ever received. But then I gave it a minute or two and kind of reveled at the idea of having detention. It was part of the new me. I made slip-up's and dealt with them. So, what?

"Eh, it's okay." I was about to turn away when he caught my arm.

"I feel really bad about the whole thing, Maria. Let me make it up to you."

"What do you mean?"

"It's the least I could do. Let me take you out, you know -the first Hogsmeade weekend. I'll buy you whatever you want! Pumpkin juice, butterbeer, candies, ice-cream, Zonko's -the works!"

I didn't know what to say.

"You must have a soft conscience…"

"I'm an honest man, Maria. I promise." He put his hand over his heart.

"Mm, I don't know Skyler…"

"It won't be a date, we'll just go as friends." He reached and held my hand, to emphasize that he meant it. Well it worked, I believed that tool and his gorgeous blue eyes. I hate to admit it, but I was excited. I nodded and walked away smiling.

The breeze was just as fresh coming from the window.

Ironically enough detention took place the same day as the first Hogsmeade outing. I had to go ahead and inform Skyler, seeing on whether he still would want to go.

After hunting him down and asking about his whereabouts, I finally cornered him the day before. I pulled his sleeve, looking up to him in earnest. I still really wanted to go, but I would understand.

He greeted me with that charisma of his, and warm smile. For some reason, I got this new feeling of connection between us. The way we stood in front of each other and the way we looked at each other. Me staring up at him, and him endearingly, down at me. As if we were a couple whose been dating for several months, or something. I laughed at the idea.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing. Listen, I don't think tomorrow can happen."

"Why?" His eyes reflected disappointment, and I can't stress how inwardly relieved I felt.

"Unfortunately, my detention is tomorrow, and it goes until three in the evening." He let out a whistle.

"Looks like Slughorn really wanted to take it out on you lot."

"Yeah." I was bummed. "So anyway, I know Hogsmeade is an all day kind of thing, and I figured you probably had night plans, so…-"

"No."

"No?"

"No. We'll go once you're ready. I made sure I had no plans for tomorrow. It's partly my fault you're there in the first place, Maria."

I looked him over…this kid.

"Skyler…" I said in a questioning tone.

"I know what you're thinking."

"Oh?"

"Yes, you're thinking that in some obscure way, I'm making this into a date."

"Can you blame me?"

"No, because I am…but in an obscure way, so it can't be called a date."

I thought about it for a second.

"I like it. No strings attached, right?"

"Right. This is just a lame attempt of me trying to get to know you." We both smiled to each other. I began to walk backward to signify my leaving.

"I'll meet you in the courtyard around four, then?" He asked.

I nodded.

Sweet and short ladies, sweet and short.

In the next ten hours something changed in me. Well, a lot had changed, but something really made me change. I wanted to look sexy. I wanted to be sexy. Therefore, I tried using this detention to my advantage. Test the waters. Sirius and James were prime candidates for this task. Before heading over for detention, I made slight alterations in my outfit. I didn't even bother to where my robe, but instead just my uniform. I let my hair loose from my usual French-braid, brought my skirt up a little bit, and unbuttoned the oxford a little bit. I know this part sounds really crazy, but I did a mini workout to get the blood flowing in my face to give that flushed look.

For our detention we were to polish all of the trophies in the east wing. I'm sneaky though, I slipped my extra wand under my blouse to do my half of the polishing, even though using magic wasn't allowed. But, seeing as how this wasn't my fault in the first place, I didn't really mind breaking the rules just this once. I put some mascara on, pinched my cheeks for the flush to stay, and bit my lips a little for a pout and color.

I walked in five minutes late, reading a novel. Without glancing anywhere, I slid on a table finishing the chapter. Four minutes of silence passed before I set it aside. Glancing up, I saw he sat at the other end of the room. A sudden tension pervaded the air, leaving my face numb. A part of me thought he had done a spell, but I knew this wasn't the case. This, I began to contemplate, is probably what the majority of the girls begin to feel under his gaze.

"Nice read?"

"Decent." I said.

I leaned back with my hands resting behind.

"Where's James?"

"Do you honestly think they would put Prongs and I in the same detention?"

"Apparently not. So, who's the chaperone today?"

"Madame Hooch. We're to polish each and every one of the Quidditch trophies.," he said triumphantly.

"You Sirius, you are." I said with a smile.

With a quirk of the face, an amused look was pulled out. "Lassie, I know you're upset in having been coerced with Marauder mischief, but consider yourself lucky! Most girls would revel at the opportunity that's been brought to you today." He slipped off the desk, and walked forth.

I focused on the far left corner of the ceiling as his footsteps neared.

"Alone, in a room…with me? Sirius Black." Hands clasped my wrists from under my head and slowly drew me up, like a puppet with no strings. "Honestly, there are worse things."

I felt his eyes and the way they were looking at me, wondering. Searching for some deeper meaning, some vulnerable memory that would leave me, eventually, to cower and give way for his comfort. I took a deep breath, diverting my vision from the far left to the far low-right. His eyes followed mine, turning this way and that.

"Look at me, Boots." His smile amusing, his tone challenging.

I gingerly pushed his hand away to slip out.

"There are worse things." I admitted. "But honestly, this is wasting my time. Can you just get your half done on time? It's the least you can do for me."

I sounded serious, I sounded believable. I was a cold, hard bitch, and I didn't take anyone's shit.

He leaned against the table, one foot kicked a top of the other.

"This is wasting your time? Tell me, what would be taking up your time if you weren't here, at this excruciating, sweat-shop of a detention?"

--Kind of irritated at this point.

"You know, I never envisioned the Marauders interested in the general public and their whereabouts."

"Well, we do and we don't -depends on what we have planned." He said nonchalantly. "But I'm curious, what were your plans?"

"Whaaaat? Sirius Black, curious about me and my agenda? Well now, Mr. Black, you've certainly rendered me speechless."

"It's a habit of mine." He shrugged.

The funny thing about all of this was that he was actually kind of serious. However, this is what sets me apart from the bitches and ho's, people. Some girls would go ape shit on this cocky classhole, others would devour the attention he was feeding them, but not me. No! Not, Maria Boots. This is sealing the deal.

I walked over to the trophies. I was starting to get sick of this little game I was playing, it just felt fake, and to be honest -kind of lame. I felt his stare.

"Look Sirius, I know you don't want to be stuck in here all day. So I say, the faster we get this done, the faster we'll be out of here. I'm sure James and the rest are all waiting for you."

He swaggered up to me.

"You really do want to get out of here, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Well this must mean only one thing." He checked me out from head to toe. "You've got a hot date."

Fucker. I hated him. I was calling the shots.

"What makes you say that?"

"You're dressed more audacious than normal." He ran a hand down my waist and left it resting on my hip --thumb stroking back and forth, very lightly. I maintained an impervious façade to him. But between you and I: the blood went to a cold chill, and my digits --numb. It scared me.

"I noticed the second you walked in." He continued. "You were either doing it to impress me, but seeing your eagerness to leave, there's only one other reason for your behavior…Sister Maria."

"OR," I removed his hand. "I'm dressed like this because it's 1. Saturday, and I'm probably acting like this because 2. I shouldn't be here in the first place, Mr. Black."

Then I noticed something. His eyes maintained this heavy look, as if he was looking through a haze, and a subtle glint that fed off freedom. I had never seen such serene yet wild eyes, but I liked it. Like he was searching and searching, for something, but never quite getting it, or always missing it by just that much. The little hues of grey and blue lead me to think that I was staring into ice.

"Who is he?" His voice suddenly thick and husky. I tilted my head to the side while looking up at him. Reaching out I caressed his face softly.

"If I tell you, will you leave me alone?"

"Never."

I laughed, shaking my head.

"Sirius…"

"Maria…"

A brief pause –I realized my description sounded like any other Sirius aficionado eulogy, therefore my pride was peeved.

"Polish these trophies." I turned to the doors.

"Maria…do you really expect me to polish all of these by myself?"

I pulled the wand from my blouse with one sweep, leaving the East Wing with half of the trophies polished.

"Maria,"

I turned to him once more before stepping out.

"I told you this was going to be fun."

Review please! Also, I may be posting this on a blog perhaps, with illustrations and all.

Love Z.