A/N: I definitely do not own Harry Potter. Got it?

"He's looking at you again" Ashanti whispered in my ear.

I didn't bother to glance at the boy who had been staring at me all throughout breakfast. Was it such a crime to sit next to your boyfriend at breakfast? Apparently yes, and being that the answer is in the affirmative the proper reprimand is a death stare via Black. Except the glare wasn't directed at me, oh no, it was pointed at my boyfriend Jeremy. He also seemed to be clued in about the crime, or maybe it was just that Black's stare was so insistent and constant that he could feel the holes be burned into the back of his head. Needless to say Jeremy wasn't pleased. Jeremy, my boyfriend of almost 2 months, stabbed his sausage viciously. I sighed and bit my lip out of habit when I started to get anxious. To say that Jeremy disliked Black was an understatement. But it wasn't as if I was Black's biggest fan either, hardly, he was like my own personal stalker. Luckily I had Jeremy by my side to keep him at bay. I would describe our relationship as fairly steady, but Black was certainly pushing it to its limits. Jeremy would get so jealous and testy, but Black just wouldn't back off. Another sausage was feeling the wrath of Jeremy's annoyance.

"Jeremy…"

"Don't Ryleigh," Jeremy said setting down his fork. His hand ran through his hair as he blew out a long stream of air. Just as he was about to say more it seemed as if he decided better and instead turned to the person next to him. My shoulders slumped and I continued to worry my bottom lip between my teeth before I pushed around the food on my plate.

"Okay…well I'm just gonna go back over to my table then." I said pushing myself up and grabbing my bags. Jeremy barely acknowledged me, his own girlfriend! Unbelievable, and how completely immature! Just to spite him as I walked past him I made sure my book bag hit him upside the head. Jeremy muttered a curse but my vengeance was appeased. It served him right, we couldn't keep avoiding the problem, or the tension that was building between us. A small smile of comfort found its way upon my lips as I sat down by one of my good mates Lily.

"Hello." She said absently reading a book. I cocked my head to the side and leaned on the table a bit to read the cover. 'Quidditch Throughout the Ages', I raised an eyebrow at her.

"Since when are you into Quidditch?" I asked as I grabbed a piece of toast and spread some marmalade on it. Lily blushed, her long red hair falling in front of her face. Snickering as she attempted to tell me an excuse I took a large bite out of my breakfast. But her sneaking glances at Potter weren't exactly sneaky and I couldn't help but choke a bit on my food. Lily patted me on the back, finally putting her book down to pass me a cup of tea. My fit ended, but as I chanced a look over at the marauders, seated down a ways from us, I was met with the grey orbs of one Sirius Black. Choking and spluttering once more the hot tea was spat from my mouth.

"Seriously, are you okay?" Lily asked now handing me a napkin. I nodded my head, turning away from his gaze. Once I had composed myself I let out a steady breath and looked over at Black again. He wore that damn insufferable smirk on his face as he continued to stare at me. I glared at him and turned away. That damn Black hadn't left me alone since the beginning of this year because I said I didn't want to go out with him. Mainly because I had a boyfriend, but Black didn't seem to find this as a suitable reason to say no. So now he was annoyingly persistent in his quest to make me his girlfriend. His main tactic seemed to be hassling me constantly and never leaving me alone.

Every time I tried to hid, or be alone with Jeremy, he always found us. I barely ever got alone time now, without him coming around sooner or later. My sanctuary had become the girls' dormitory, where he couldn't come. Most likely the reason why was because he couldn't find a way to get in yet. Unfortunately, most of the time my other room mates were up there, and we just didn't mesh well, except for Lily. I would try and seek refuge with her because the balls on that girl were bigger than any man's could be. She was an intimidating little thing, and she never hesitated to threaten Black and Potter to stay away from us. And a threat from Lily Evans wasn't to be taken lightly considering her Jelly-Leg Jinx was just plain cruel. But lately, there was something different about Lily, very different. For example, when I would try and seek protection from my stalker, who nine times out of ten would bring Potter along, no threats or Jelly-Leg Jinxes would occur! Sometimes she would actually converse with Potter. All signs pointed to one horrible conclusion.

"Does you reading this book have anything to do with your new friendship with Potter?" I asked Lily. She didn't answer but only blushed more and sent a shy smile at Potter who had turned to look our way.

"No!" I gasped.

"It's not as bad as you think" her eyes widened.

"You've hated him-" my index finger pointed accusingly at her.

"I haven't hated him-" she insisted shaking her head.

"Since our first year-"

"More like…greatly disliked"

"And now your…"

"He's different!"

"Different? Different how? I still see him and his group of friends terrorizing the first and second years."

"But he doesn't do it a lot anymore. He's changing I know it." Lily pleaded with me.

"Ugh," I scrunched my nose and looked away, "whatever," then taking another bite of my toast I ended the conversation. Today was not starting off so well. Looking towards the watch on my wrist I realized class would be starting in about 15 minutes and left, trying not to draw any attention to my parting.

Note to self: falling does draw attention to you…unless you're really quiet when you do it.

I groaned inwardly as I stumbled over the uneven floor, losing my balance and tumbling forward with momentum. Eyes firmly shut my hands shot out in front of me to break my fall, the books which had occupied them spilling to the ground.

I was ready for the impact of the cold stone on my hands and knees, but found myself caught around the waist. My eyes opened and I was hauled up into someone's lap.

"Remus!" I smiled brightly at him. He was the only one out of the marauders that I could truly stand. "My hero" he chuckled and grinned at me good naturedly.

"I was wondering where the bacon had gone to," I said taking a piece of his bacon while simultaneously taking out my wand with the other. "Accio books," the books settled onto my lap neatly and thoughtlessly I decided to finish off as much bacon as I could before Remus would scold me. And until the scolding happened I found it in my best interest to keep quiet. Too bad the bacon was crispy.

"You know," I said turning to look at Black, "it's rude to stare." sending him a vicious glare. He grinned at me foolishly before leaning towards me.

"Busy this Friday?"

"As a matter of fact I am. Not that it's any of your business." I twisted my head up in the air a fraction, my glare hardly fading.

"You sure 'bout that love? Seeing as how I figure you're going to be my girl soon enough. You would think it was only right that I know where you are. A man's got to look after his possessions and such. Make sure their safe. Know where they belong at all times." My jaw dropped in outrage before I pushed myself off of Remus' lap and stood proud and straight across from Black.

"First off don't call me love. Second, I am not, nor will I ever be, your girl, and if you honestly think that you must be thicker than I thought. And lastly, if there was any remote chance that I was to be your girlfriend the way you obviously think of women as possession is disgusting. I would never date such a caveman, grow up and sod off!" Black's eyes were ablaze and my cheeks burned as the blood rushed through them. Then, before he had a chance to retort I stood up clumsily and walked away.

"How was charms class?" asked Jeremy as he walked me to lunch. I scrunched up my nose in distaste at the subject.

"Okay I guess. It's not really my forte." I let out a sigh as Jeremy laughed throwing an arm over my shoulder and pulling me to him. I leaned into his warm embrace and smiled. I loved these simple displays of affection.

"If you wouldn't mind taking your arm off my girl O'Connell that would be positively fantastic." called the faux enthusiastic voice of Black.

"Oh Merlin, please not today" I muttered under my breath. "Just keep walking Jeremy, please." I said looking at him with pleading eyes. I could see that small vein on the side of his neck throb slightly. Shit.

"Let me take care of this Ryleigh." He said turning around and blocking me from Blacks view.

Boys.

But then again…Black had seemed more intense as of late. His glances and stares were more, biting. And yet, it wasn't as if I was use to his stares to know the difference. It was just that I'm pretty sure everyone could tell something was off with him. I think Peter commented on it once in passing. Maybe it was best to let Jeremy take the lead. I was tired of my run-ins with Black.

I was about as used to Blacks persistence as I was to the affection and attention I was paid to by Jeremy. Jeremy was my first boyfriend, my first kiss. He'd been a first of all of things for me, and then to have Black's attention. Ugh, my blood boils at the thought of him nowadays. This immature prick who thinks he's Merlin's gift to all of women suddenly takes an interest in you. It's unnerving to say the least. Plus, it didn't help that I never liked him in the first place.

…But that's not the point. He never— his looks were never— just never like this. I mean, yeah I guess there was that lust in his eye, but it seemed almost teasing sometimes. But now his eyes had grown harder, more resolved. He was constantly saying that how much he wanted me, and that he always got what he wanted. I had just refused to take it seriously thought. I figured I'd be the girl to turn him down and have him know not everyone would fall to their knees at the sight of him. But I suppose in retrospect that probably didn't do my cause any good. And now with hard set of his eyes upon me. My eyes closed tightly as my thoughts sent a shiver down my spine. I let my first curl tightly around the back of Jeremy's robe.

"I don't want to be here. I want to go." I whispered in Jeremy's ear, my voice expressing my fear. He glanced back at me, concern in his eyes. I could see Black and his little gang of friends coming at us slowly, casually.

"I'll take care of it, you go." He kissed my forehead and pried my hands off his cloak.

"I don't want to leave you here. Not with them." I said eyeing the boys wearily.

"Go." He said his voice stern, and before I knew it I had turned my back to the scene and was walking away. The sound of footfalls followed me. I looked behind me hoping to see the 5'11" blonde haired, hazel eyed boyfriend of mine, but instead I saw him.

"Oh bugger," I muttered to myself as I suddenly found my speed increasing as I came up to the moving staircases.

"We need to talk!" called out Black.

"Yeah," I said slowly and loud enough for him to hear without having to slow my pace or turn my head, "I'm not really feeling that idea."

"Well then, it's a good thing I don't really expect you to talk too much during our chat." He said, his voice drawing closer.

"Well I certainly hope you don't expect me to listen, because that is not going to happen!"

"Oh you'll listen," he practically growled

"Fine then, but so will you now! I don't want you near me Black! Do you understand that?" I screamed turning around, quite dramatically if I might say so, only to find him about 10 feet away from me. He stopped and stared; his eyes raking over me. "You're a pervert you know that" I said disgusted. His eyes locked onto mine.

"Not if I'm only looking at you."

"Uh, no," I said after a moment of silence, fighting off the instinctive blush at the strange come on, "You're still a pervert." he growled low in his throat again, the sound reminding me of an on edge dog ready to attack at a moment's notice. And, like the pathetic Gryffindor I was, I turned and ran.

It was a rather foolish idea considering I hated any type of real physical activity that forced me to control my breathing. I'll be the first to admit as well, that while I was slim, I wasn't in shape. Unfortunately for me, Black was in great shape. This meant that the odds of me actually out running the Quidditch star was nil, but I couldn't help but try.

For once though, luck seemed to be on my side as I heard I loud thud and grunt from behind. I quick glance over my shoulder confirmed my hope, Sirius Black kissing the ground. I thanked whatever god their might be and pushed myself harder, continuing down a flight of stairs faster than I could believe. Halfway down I felt the tall-tale lurch of the staircase, moving on its own will. With this comfort I stopped, turning around to see Black standing on the would be staircase platform. His body was tensed. His eyes focused. Was it childish of me to want to stick out my tongue at him? Obviously yes, and you'll be glad to know I didn't but that was because I let out a startled scream. Black had took a running start and was launching himself off the platform. As he landed surprisingly steady on my staircase, he dusted himself off casually looking me over once more before stepping towards me calmly.

"You—you jumped!" I said taking a shaky step back.

"I told you. I needed to speak with you." I surveyed my surroundings and saw that I really didn't have a choice in the matter and decided to let him 'talk'.

"Fine," I agreed, "but stay there. Right there." he grinned, the sodding bastard, shaking his head as he took the last few steps down towards me. I held out a useless hand to try and hold off the inevitable, but it was no use. One hand gripped the railing behind me, and the other was placed firmly on his chest.

"I had a really interesting morning today," he began, cornering me even more. "I was in Divination class with Professor Trelawny. Usually we all know that whatever Trelawny is preaching about is a bunch of dragon shit. But today something happened, when she asked me to help her put away the crystal balls she got really silent. Considering the woman is constantly muttering to herself I figured something was up, but when I went to ask what was wrong she came at me! Lunged at me really. She grabbed me by the arms," which he processed to do to me, hauling me up against his body, "and told me,

'Destined in the stars, it was a spell meant to happen. Longing for her, oh how he longs for her, and what he wants shall be received. Trails and trails, troubles and despair. A change of self, a change of heart, trust bound loosely in between, but she will yield.' and then she kind of look startled that she was holding me," I stood dazed, barely conscious of the staircase landing and connecting to a new floor, "and she lectured me on inappropriate professor/student relations. But, that bits really not the point, the point is, you are that girl. Don't you see? I long for you, I want you. I don't exactly know what magic is suppose to happen but, it all fits. The old bat actually had a prophecy! About us!"

He leaned in closer to me then, too close for comfort. My chest rose and fell with every anxious breath I took, taking in all that he had said. I couldn't control the blush that colored my face as he looked down at me knowingly. "You are obviously the girl I long for; the one that will be mine. And even though it might not be what you want it to be, we'll work it out, and you'll love me one day. It'll be tough at first what with all that trail and trouble bit, but in the end it would matter." A hand reach up to stroke the side of my face, "I can't wait for this to come true. I can't wait to have every guy here envy me once I got you on my arm." He smiled at me finally finished and I couldn't help but notice it lit up his face. Quickly I squashed the notion from me and once more replayed what Black had told me. It only took me a moment though before I was bursting at the seams with laughter, much to his dismay.

"You actually think I'm going to believe that. There are too many holes in that theory of yours Black. Besides, I don't believe in that rubbish anyway, we make our own destiny. We don't go by what some crazy old woman says." I laughed again, louder this time and Black took a step away from me, his own arms dropping down to his sides, "That was kind of funny thought Black." A giggle this time escaped my lips as I tried to calm down my laughter that was obviously infuriating Black.

Taking advantage of his anger induced silence, I took a look at where the stairs had landed. The first floor! Score, I swiftly escaped the prison of the staircase and made my way to the Great Hall. Leaving Black to collect himself and calm down.

To my relief I found Jeremy at the Ravenclaw table, smiling and laughing with his friends. Ashanti waved me over with a smile and I went to her without hesitation. And just as I sat down the doors of the Great Hall opened loudly. I watched Black coming storming in and quickly over to his friends, and Lily. I noticed as they tried to calm him down, even Lily, well almost Lily she went back to reading after Potter shook his head at her and put his arm around her waist. At that gestured I frowned slightly, but turned away all the same. I was finished with the drama of the day.

"What happened after I left?" I asked Jeremy piling food onto my plate.

"Nothing uh, Potter, Lupin, and that other guy just kinda held me back. I didn't even realize Black left. They were only able to force me to come back here because they outnumbered me, and wouldn't let me go look for you. I was only comforted by the fact that I knew you could handle Black." He said in kind of rush. I sighed and laughed at Jeremy who's obvious deep caring never failed to astounds me.

Please note the sarcasm.

I could only shake my head at him once before he shot me a grin and went back to talking with his friends. Yep, we had one fantastic relationship.

"I don't know why you date my brother," Ashanti said, her blonde fringe falling into her hazel eyes. I smiled.

"Neither do I sometimes," we laughed a bit, and continued on with our meals, idly commenting on our days. It was towards the end of our meal that I felt his eyes on my back. A shiver raced its way up my spine.

"He's looking at you again" She whispered in my ear. I nodded. I knew, I always knew.