This Can't Be Love

By Burnette Chick

Chapter 1: A Date with Sirius?

I was sitting under a tree on the Hogwarts grounds. I had just finished my final exam and was enjoying the June air outside. The main event that afternoon was watching Severus Snape hang upside-down in the air, to the enjoyment of most of the onlookers.

I wasn't trying to watch, but it was pretty hard to miss. Nearly everyone on the grounds (except the Slytherins) was screaming, laughing, and cheering as James Potter held up the Slytherin with his wand, revealing a sight I don't wish to discuss.

The Marauders were up to their normal, after-exam—and really during exam—activities again. I thought that they were rather ridiculous; especially the ringleaders James Potter and Sirius Black (though he was too good looking for me to care). Now they were taunting this boy, who happened to be my roommate's friend. I watched as she began to yell at James, when I heard a voice.

"Hey, Alice."

I jumped. It was Frank Longbottom, a tall, handsome sixth year with brown hair and brown eyes. He had never spoken to me before; I didn't think he even knew I existed.

"Um, hi," I replied nervously. I never was shy, but around most guys somehow my vocal chords refused to work. Frank sat down under the tree next to me. "What do you want?" I asked a bit too rudely.

"Well, you seemed rather lonely, and I thought I could join you."

I smiled. Frank seemed…a little nice and very friendly. "But why with me? I didn't even know you knew me," I said, a bit confused.

"I can't really get to know you without talking to you, can I?" asked Frank. He pointed to Severus, whom all the kids were laughing at. "Do you think I try to get girls' attention by doing stunts like that?"

I couldn't help myself; I giggled a little. "Well, no, but…" I shrugged.

"Well, good talking to you," said Frank and he ran off.

That was odd, I thought. Just as I thought this, my eyes locked with a pair of gray ones. Sirius Black smiled at me. I had to fight to keep my jaw from dropping. Sirius Black, the most popular boy in my year, actually smiled at me!?! My heart began beating furiously. I couldn't help it. That boy already gave me butterflies whenever I looked at him, but now I was close to passing out.

I felt even more nervous when he walked right up to me. "Hi, Alice," he said a smile still tugging at his lips.

I thought I was about to hyperventilate. He was just way too close. I could see his gorgeous black hair that fell so elegantly into his light gray eyes that shone merrily like stars. I could count every freckle on his face. He seemed so handsome, so perfect.

Sirius Black was actually talking to me. Me: the average-looking, forever single Alice Hunter. What on earth could he want with me?

"Hi," I replied, my heart racing at a dangerous rate.

"Are you going with anyone tonight?"

"Going with anyone? Where?" I said stupidly.

"To the party," he said patiently.

"What party?" I asked, biting my lip at how stupid I must have sounded.

"The after-exam party, of course." He acted like he talked to me every day about parties.

"Um, no," I replied truthfully. I never got dates to parties. Then a thought hit me. No, he couldn't be asking me…

"Would you like to go with me then?"

My face suddenly grew very hot and I knew I was probably blushing scarlet. "Why, sure, I guess," I said. Sound more eager, a voice in my head told me sternly. "I'd love to go with you."

"Done, then," he said and stalked off.

I was ecstatic. I was going to a party with Sirius Black. That was the dream of every fifth year girl at Hogwarts, wasn't it?

A contented smile came over my face as I made my way up to my dormitory and opened the door. I had a date.

***

Well, my first chapter. Short, I know…sorry about that. Others will likely be longer.

I do not own any of these characters…except my OC's… hee, hee, hee! Please bear with me because I'm an extreme procrastinator. You've got to keep after me to update.

Please review and tell me what you thought about it. I'd really appreciate it.