CHAPTER 1 - The Perpetual Enemies of Woman

As always, the stars were already out by the time the castle appeared on the far-off horizon. A half-moon was out, hovering among purple clouds and casting an eerily beautiful white light over the surrounding mountains. It looked perfectly still and silent, and I could almost pretend that it stretched through the window and –

"James Potter! Get your fat arse off my seat!" Ah well, I could dream. I tore my eyes away from the wonderful scene outside to return back to the homely lamplight of the train compartment. I sat surrounded by the all of my friends - together again after the long summer holiday. We'd met up briefly in the last few months, but never all together, and in my case, mostly just the girls. I would be prepared to bet that James and Sirius had spent their third summer together at James' planning all sorts of pranks. No doubt they intended to go out with a bang – to carve their name forever in Hogwarts legend. It had been Sirius who shouted on returning to the compartment, no doubt after paying a visit to some girl or other, to find James sprawled across two seats with his feet up. James just grinned up at his best friend, so Sirius launched himself and flopped, heavily, onto James' knees.

"Ouch! OK, OK, you big lump! I'll shift!" Disgruntled and muttering under his breath, James swung his legs back round and budged up so that Sirius had enough room to sit down again.

I caught Lily's eyes, which she rolled to the heavens with a sigh. I smiled. My best friend had never had much time for childish antics, particularly anyone else's. She was incredibly mature, and was already taking her newly bestowed Head Girl-ship very seriously. Then again, with James Potter as Head Boy she would have to, just to stop the school from sinking into anarchy. James Potter as Head Boy. Now there was something that no one had expected. He hadn't even been a Prefect. My gaze slid over to the other Gryffindor Prefect. Remus' eyes had not once left his book. I smiled fondly. I'm not sure that there was anyone at Hogwarts that I trusted more – not even Lily. Remus was the sort of person who always had an ear ready to listen, and would never judge (or, more importantly, pass on) what he heard. It was often very refreshing to have someone like that after spending week after week in close quarters with the same few people. Next to him sat a massive pile of sweets – the result of all seven of us pooling our money together, some giving more than others. James' family was very rich, so he'd bought most of the food that we'd been picking at throughout the afternoon. Sirius' family had also inherited a great deal, not that Sirius was ever going to get his hands on any of it. Any money he now owned came from the job he'd taken at Ollivander's over the summer. At first, Mr. Ollivander had been a bit reluctant to take anyone on to help, afraid they might mess up his sorting system (still known only to him, despite Sirius' best efforts), but eventually he'd had to admit that he wasn't as agile as he used to be – although I'm not sure he was particularly happy when Sirius pointed that out – and he'd come to rely on Sirius scampering up and down ladders to fetch wands during the summer.

This massive heap of sweets and cakes had been my ideal opportunity to test my new-found self-restraint. I glanced down at the pile of wrappers next to me. Oops. There went my first day of healthy eating. Still, compared to James my crime was pretty paltry. The amount of food that these boys could stuff away was incredible! Even now, Sirius was reaching for yet another Chocolate Frog, and yes, Mary was still watching him. For months now, Lily, Dorcas and I had been quizzing Mary MacDonald about her – fairly obvious – crush on Sirius Black. For months now, she had been denying it. I sighed inwardly. Sirius' casual good looks made girls go dippy on a regular basis, but I'd thought Mary had more sense. She was very pretty, but when it came to boys her track record was terrible. Still, at least she had a track record. Lily had really annoyed James by having a few of relationships over the last two years (not that she'd had that goal in mind) but none of these had lasted. Dorcas had had the odd date here and there, but nothing lasting. This wasn't through lack of offers, but Dorcas' explanation was always that didn't want to be distracted from schoolwork. Mary, however, had had quite a few boyfriends, none of which had lasted more than a couple of months. This meant that with depressing regularity we were dragging a tearful Mary down to the kitchens for a cup of tea or hot chocolate and an explanation of precisely why the latest guy was a git, an idiot and a bastard who was clearly nowhere near good enough for an amazing girl like her. This thing was, this was mostly true, poor girl. More often than not, her relationships ended with crying and shouting. Still, it was useful being friends with the self-appointed Prank Masters of the school for occasions such as these. It was great for Mary to see the twit who'd cheated on her or ditched her in some other cruel way to walk into Transfiguration the next day with pig trotters, only able to speak in grunts. Wakelin had never been able to prove who'd done it, but he suspected.

And yet despite seeing all the rubbish that Mary (and to a much lesser extent, Dorcas and Lily) had been put through, I wanted in. Maybe it was my fault. I'd been asked out hadn't I? A grand total of once, in my fourth year. James and Sirius still laughed about how at the expression on my face when Josephs approached me, but I'd never spoken to the boy before! I was so stunned that I said no without thinking. I'm not sure he minded though. I still suspected that it may have been a dare, not that I'd shared this thought with anyone. Lily would tell me I was being ridiculous and then launch into her 'let's-build-Cathy's-self-esteem-up-from-rock-bottom' talk. It varied each time, but normally involved chocolate (pinched from Remus' seemingly never-ending stash) and telling me I'm gorgeous. I love Lily. I really do. I don't think she's ever put a single person before herself. Small wonder James likes her so much.

I wrenched myself away from that train of thought and my eyes rested on the last person in the compartment. Peter hadn't said anything for a while, but he was hanging onto James and Sirius' every word as they chattered away about Quidditch (for some stupid reason they were both huge Stingers. Why, I had never found out.) Of the entire group, I knew Peter the least well, even though we shared nearly all of our classes. He was very sweet, but he was quite quiet when we girls were around; not surprising considering James was always trying to impress Lily, and he and Sirius were naturally boisterous enough for the four of them anyway.

"We'd better get into our robes." Remus had closed his book and was looking out of the window at the distant lights from the approaching castle.

"Come off it, Moony, we've got ages!" James was lounging back in his seat and helping himself to another Pumpkin Pasty. Remus winced, as he always did when they used that nickname. Not particularly surprising, as it alluded to a rather embarrassing incident in our third year that involved Remus and, unluckily, Professor Kettleburn as he made his way towards the forest. Remus hated it when anyone mentioned it, so let's just say that it had involved a prank played by James and Sirius on their friend that left him briefly sans trousers. I was amazed that Remus had been willing to remain friends with them after that! Still, all four of them had their weird nicknames. Peter was Wormtail, thanks to yet another prank that had given him a rat's tail when he came down to breakfast one morning. Sirius was Padfoot (no one really knew where that had come from) and James was Prongs (again, we'd never been included on this secret, but Sirius had hinted at one point that it had something to do with forks).

The rest of us agreed with Remus, however, so James had to move as people hauled down their trunks and rootled around for their robes.

"So ladies, will we have the pleasure of seeing you change this evening?" Sirius said, winking. This made Mary blush like crazy, but the rest of us just ignored him. You get used to these things. A part of me wished that I could come up with some witty retort, but my head was blank. Our robes were pulled on over our Muggle clothes anyway, so we didn't need to bother leaving the compartment. Other people found them annoying, but I loved my witch's robes. I loved the way they billowed behind me as I walked and made a brilliant swishing sound as they trailed along the ground.

We still had about an hour before we would pull into Hogsmeade Station, so once everything was packed away (and the rest of the food had somehow vanished mysteriously into James' pockets), we settled back in our seats, and the conversation started up again.

"You realise," said Remus quietly, "That this is the last time we'll get the train like this, all together?"

"Moony don't talk like that!" James said, "Don't make everything this year about the 'lasts'!"

"It is though," said Lily, "but they've been good haven't they, the last six years."

"Brilliant, Evans," winked James, "Care to make Year Seven even better?"

Lily didn't honour his remark with a reply, instead she folded her arms and started up a new conversation with Mary.

"So, Phelan," said James, turning to me, "See much Quidditch over the summer? Hope you weren't too disappointed with the ever-so-predictable result!" He grinned, while I tried to ignore the flush that was inching its way up my neck.

"I saw quite a few games, thanks," I replied, "And I'll have you know we did pretty well!"

"Couldn't beat the Wasps though, could you!" cut in Sirius, "We reign supreme!" And he started to make a buzzing noise through his teeth, which was soon taken up by James.

"Well, the Wasps do favour the brute-strength tactic," I said, "But that's hardly quality Quidditch, When it comes to teamwork, agile flying and sheer skill, our bold Irish lads could whip you any day!"

Neither of them responded, but their buzzing became louder. It was true that the Kenmare Kestrels - the team that I'd supported all my life - had been defeated by the Wimbourne Wasps over the summer. It had been a good game though, even if the Kestrels had been prevented from using all their best moves by the vicious Wasp Beaters. The three of us had seen it togehter, and I'd had to put up with gloating both in person and in letters for weeks afterwards.

"Buzz, buzz, buzz!" Sirius sang in my ear, "Fly away, little kestrel, before we sting you!"

I ignored him, turning instead to Peter. "Did you see any Quidditch this summer?" I asked, "You support the Arrows, don't you?"

He nodded, "And we beat the Wasps," he said, "Hence you're getting all the stick. Sorry."

"Good for the Arrows!" I said, ignoring Lily and Dorcas becoming more and more frustrated by the incessant buzzing, "Although hopefully you won't play so well on Sunday! I'm afraid I'll have to disown you for a day when we battle it out."

Peter grinned, "What will you do if the Arrows win?" he asked

"Disown you forever," I said, "I'm afraid I'd never be able to speak to you again, Peter Pettigrew!"

"It'd be almost worth it!" he laughed. I punched him on the arm, laughing as well.

"Just for that, you'll never be rid of me now!"

"Oh, the horror!" He managed to duck my second punch. Unfortunately, my arm kept swinging so I managed to whack Remus, who finally looked up from his book. It also had the effect of shutting James and Sirius up, as they looked at us, astonished.

"Come on, Phelan," cried James, "What did Moony ever do to you?"

Remus pretended to look hurt, but his eyes were twinkling. I leant over and gave him a hug.

"I'm so, so sorry, Remus," I said, looking up at him and trying to contain a giggle, "Is there anything I can do to make it better? Buy you chocolate? Be your slave for life?"

"Actually, that's not a bad idea," Sirius cut in, "You could take advantage of this, Moony!"

"It's fine, Cathy," Remus said, unable to keep up the act, "It was a pitiful punch anyway!"

"Can you stop squashing me now?" Peter piped up. It was only then that I became aware of how it must have looked. I was leaning across Peter's lap with my arms around Remus' neck. No wonder Mary and Dorcas were giggling.

I sat up hurridly, not looking at James. One of Lily's eyebrows was raised. I knew that look. She was theorising; putting two and two together. I would probably find out later if she'd made three or four. In order to not draw any more attention to myself, I dug in my bag and brought out the latest book I was reading. There wasn't much time left to get very far, especially as it was written in Ogham, but I buried my face in it and waited for them all to resume their own conversations. Ogham was an ancient Irish alphabet that I'd had to study on my own, as our Ancient Runes Professor didn't consider it to fall under 'true runes'.

Soon after, Lily, James and Remus left the compartment to do one last patrol of the corridors before we arrived in the station. Despite James' new post, Remus was still keeping all of his Prefect duties. He and Lily had made a formidable team for the previous two years; no one had dared to put a toe wrong, save for the usual suspects. Sirius stretched out like a cat across the newly vacant seats.

"So, ladies," he purred, "It's just you and me now. And Wormtail," he added as an afterthought.

Both Peter and Mary turned bright red at his comment. I exchanged a look with Dorcas over the top of my book. Desperate to break the awkward silence, Peter gestured at the page I was reading.

"What's it about?" he said.

"It's a book of Irish legends," I responded, "Philip gave it to me."

"Your brother?" Sirius said, turning to face me.

"No, Philip Wagstaff, Beater for the Wigtown Wanderers."

"How is your brother?" I'd never understood the admiration that Sirius and James felt for my brother, considering how much store he set by rules. Philip had been in his Seventh Year when I had joined Hogwarts. He'd been a Ravenclaw, Head Boy, Quidditch Captain, President of the Gobstones Club, star student and anything else you cared to mention. I should have been fiercely jealous of his success, especially considering that I had no hope of living up to his reputation, but he was unfailingly kind and patient on top of everything else. I couldn't have wished for a sweeter, more protective elder brother.

"He's fine," I replied, "You saw him over the summer. Nothing's changed since then. Mama's still fussing over wedding plans."

"Philip's getting married?" said Dorcas.

I nodded, "At Easter," I said, "And you're all coming whether you like it or not. Máiréad's a Muggle, so I'm going to need help keeping all of my relatives under control."

Sirius grinned, "No problem," he said, "I can't wait to meet your Uncle Lorcan again!"

"No," I said, blanching, "No way! My teddy bear's still a bit pink." That was the trouble when the boys met someone just like them. They get ideas. Add a couple of glasses of Firewhiskey and you have a problem. A big problem.

Sirius burst out laughing remembering the previous Easter. "OK," he said finally, "We'll behave. The Muggles won't have a clue."

Piling eight people into a carriage meant for six is no mean feat. James was grinning happily the entire way up to the castle; Lily had let down her defences for a minute and left a bit of space next to her. I was impressed, actually. This time last year he'd have been offering her a space on his lap to make room for the rest of us. Maybe that boy was finally growing up. I myself was sandwiched in between Remus and Dorcas, and Lily was looking at me again, a small smile on her face. I pretended not to notice, and started up a rather cramped conversation with Dorcas. She'd been to Switzerland with her family over the summer, so hadn't had a chance to meet up with anyone and was eager for news. Her family were almost impossibly wealthy, so every holiday Dorcas would be in another country with her five brothers and sisters.

The carriage gave a violent judder along the uneven ground. "Wormtail, sit more in the middle!" Sirius cried, "You're making the whole thing shake!"

I stared at him. He'd probably meant it as an innocent joke, but Peter looked as though he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I opened my mouth to say something, but Remus beat me to it.

"Sirius, that was uncalled for," he said, "You could really upset someone if you keep talking like that."

I don't think that many of us saw Peter smile at Remus in gratitude. He'd have never said anything of his own accord, which explained why Sirius still felt comfortable teasing him like that. Poor guy. He wasn't even fat, just a little on the chubby side, particularly next to the other three, who were tall and muscular. The incident was soon forgotten, however, as we approached the castle.

It had been six years to the day since I had first set foot in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, but it still never failed to impress me. The thousands of candles hovered, as always, over ten feet above our heads, the droplets of hot wax vanishing as they fell. We sat at the long house tables, waiting for the new students to file in and be sorted. James and Sirius were eyeing their plates, as though they hadn't packed away half a sweet shop during the journey. A few feet away, Nearly Headless Nick hovered, chatting to a couple of third-years, who still looked a little uneasy talking to someone who was dead.

Suddenly, with an imperious creaking, the huge doors swung open, and Professor McGonagall swept in with the First Years, some of whom were shaking. They gathered at the front of the hall, in front of the rickety stool on which sat the Sorting Hat. Everyone stared at it, waiting, until the rip near the brim opened, and the Hat began to sing.

Twas near a thousand years ago

That Hogwarts School began

When the famous four together

Worked towards their greatest plan

Young Hufflepuff, she sought to teach

All those who wished to learn

To train up those who'd pass on

All their knowledge in their turn

Brave Gryffindor, a man of strength

Who prized those of the same

He picked those of the stoutest heart

To learn under his name

And Ravenclaw, of quickest wit

Taught those with sharpest mind

And all of those who would pursue

What learning they could find

Proud Slytherin, he chose just those

He thought were born to rule

But when arguments erupted

He left this noble school

So though you are divided

I shall now say aloud

Outside we stand together

So of Hogwarts School, be proud

Applause erupted in the Great Hall when the Hat had finished its song. Sirius and James, earning them stern looks from several of the teachers, were shooting red and gold sparks into the air with their wands. Children to the last. Professor McGonagall began to call the names of the new students, and one by one they trooped up onto the stool to be Sorted. As the Hat shouted out the name of each House, the corresponding table cheered the new arrival. The boys, especially James and Sirius, made more noise than everyone else combined; shooting yet more sparks and ribbons into the air, along with several loud fireworks, which exploded above the Gryffindor table each time a new student joined us.

The ceremony seemed to take forever. I found myself thinking about what Remus had said on the train. This would be the last time that I would see this, and I still couldn't concentrate. I remembered my own Sorting so well. I'd stood there, trembling, waiting for my name to be called, and when it had I'd almost tripped over my own robes as I walked over the stool. The Hat had come down over my eyes, so it had just been me and its soft little voice inside my head.

"Hmm, interesting. A good amount of bravery, a sharp mind, keen to learn I see, possibly a good Ravenclaw... but then again there's trust. It's here, certainly, but that quick defensiveness is a little tricky. Maybe there's something a little deeper. Ah yes, here we are. That settles it. GRYFFINDOR!"

My dad had been so proud when I'd told him. The Phelans had been spread between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw for generations, but as a Gryffindor himself he'd secretly hoped that that would be where I was placed. So I'd ended up with Mary, Lily, Dorcas Meadowes and the boys. One big happy family. Of sorts.

Finally, Yelland, Fiona was made a Hufflepuff, and the Hat was carried away. The boys seemed to have calmed down somewhat, and were now staring expectantly at the table, willing food to appear there. However, it was at that moment Dumbledore stood up, spreading his arms and smiling down at us, blue eyes twinkling in the candlelight.

"Welcome," he said, "I hear stomachs rumbling so I will say only this: On egin!"

A few people laughed, but everyone else seemed to forget that Dumbledore even existed as food appeared before us. Once again, I found my resolve cracking when faced with the feast. Why did House Elves have to be such good cooks? I helped myself to some roast chicken, only half listening to Dorcas and Mary discussing lessons beside me. It was only when I heard my name that I looked up, but they stopped talking guiltily when I did.

"So, Cathy," Dorcas said to break the silence, "You said that Philip was getting married?"

Mary squealed excitedly, "I can't wait!" she said, "Do you know what you're wearing?"

I shook my head. "Haven't a clue," I said, "Mama will be taking me to buy a dress as soon as I get back for Easter. She's having enough trouble at the moment persuading the family to forego robes for a couple of days. Grandpa nearly reduced her to tears, he's so stubborn. But it'd be much better if Máiréad's family didn't find out that Philip's a wizard. They're staunch Catholics. Philip's lucky that Máiréad is more open-minded."

By now the puddings had appeared. Unsurprisingly, the boys dived in with gusto, while Lily looked on in disgust.

"They'll make themselves sick!" she exclaimed.

"They haven't yet," I replied, grabbing a slice of apple pie before it was snatched from under my nose. There wasn't much more talking as we all munched happily. Soon, the sparse remnants of pudding had also vanished, and once more, Professor Dumbledore stood up.

"Welcome," he said, "to the start of our new school year. To our new faces and some of our old, I must say that the forest in the grounds is strictly out of bounds, and I have been asked to remind by our caretaker all of you that the use of magic in the corridors will result in a punishment more terrible than you can possibly imagine." He smiled, "As always, it is also forbidden to approach the Whomping Willow, the unmistakably delightful tree in the grounds, for reasons that should be apparent." Suddenly, Professor Dumbledore's face became grave. "I need hardly remind you of the situation outside these walls. Lord Voldemort's forces are gathering more strength with every passing day. Therefore I must impress on all of you the fact that when you are in school, you are safe. The village of Hogsmeade has been fortified, so visits for those in the Third Year and above will continue until further notice. These circumstances are indeed terrible, but we cannot hope to defeat those who would harm us if we are fighting amongst ourselves. So I say this: remain vigilant, study hard and above all, have a good night's sleep. Off you go."

Over the summer, I'd really grown to miss the Gryffindor Common Room. At some point during the Sixth Year, the eight of us had started to spend hours in there together, often chatting well into the night, where before we'd split off into boys and girls. Tonight, however, we went straight up to our dormitories. Us girls were right at the top of the tower now, with a tiny plaque on the door marked 'Seventh Years'.

"It's strange, isn't it," said Mary, as we started to unpack, "Now we really are at the top of the school. It's going to be weird to say goodbye."

"Don't!" exclaimed Lily, "I don't want it to end!"

"None of us do," said Dorcas, already perched on the end of her bed in her blue pyjamas, "But we'll always have the memories."

In truth, I wasn't sure that I'd be able to bring myself to leave when the time came. It was quite possible that someone would have to physically prise my fingers from the castle gates one by one. I still didn't have a clue what I wanted to do when I left, much to Professor McGonagall's exasperation, and much as I loved Ireland, Hogwarts was my home.

It was only when we were all changed into our night things and snuggled into bed that the conversation turned to more light-hearted topics.

"So, Mary," said Lily, in a very business-like voice, "You can admit it now, or we'll keep pestering you. Your choice."

Mary tried to act innocent. "Admit what?"

"Oh, for goodness sake," Dorcas chimed in, "I'm just going to put my two Knuts worth in. I think you're crazy, Mary. You can do better."

"What do you mean?" Mary sat up in bed.

"I'm with Dorcas," I said, "It's not worth it."

"Why on earth would Sirius Black not be worth it?" Mary yelped, to triumphant whoops from the rest of us.

"So, she finally admits it!" crowed Lily, "But seriously, Mary, you know Sirius' track record."

"His track record's not that bad," said Mary, tossing her long hair over her shoulder, "You're exaggerating."

"That's where you're wrong. Cathy, retrieve The Compendium!" Lily said, waving her hand in a royal gesture. Dorcas rolled her eyes.

"Aye aye, cap'n!" I saluted, rummaging in my trunk until I found the pillowcase I'd stuffed at the bottom of it. Secreted inside it lay a red book, stuffed with tattered scraps of parchment. This was our Bible; the ever-growing project of our seven years at Hogwarts. Lily and I had begun The Compendium in our third History of Magic class, a collection of advice and information about Hogwarts, its students and teachers. Teenage silliness it may have been, but there were all sorts of useful titbits in there. I flicked through until I reached a section we'd titled Boys and Other Such Beasts. What can I say? We were 13 at the time and just starting to pay attention. Every boy we'd encountered or heard of had his own section, some only a name and a brief description of one incident, some stretched for pages and pages. We'd created whole other booklets for those we knew most about, which were stuffed haphazardly between the pages.

I cleared my throat. "Sirius Black. Gryffindor. Joined Hogwarts September 1971. Also known to his friends (see The Maurauders) as Padfoot."

"Yes, Cathy, I know who he is thank you." Mary looked a little annoyed.

"Skip to his Dalliances, Cath." Lily said. I turned to a later page, which was covered in tiny black scrawl. A number of loose sheets of parchment tumbled out, some with photographs attached, none with much space left.

"Sirius Black's first known Dalliance was in the Second Year. Confirmed flirtation with one Henrietta Bode and attempted seduction of same. Unsuccessful. Henrietta whacked him with her bag when he attempted to kiss her. However, later incidents show that she was clearly in the minority and unconfirmed rumours suggest that she may have relented at some point in the Fourth Year."

"You know, you two take this Compendium far too seriously," Mary said. Lily and I looked at her, horrified.

"The Compendium is a serious business," Lily said, tapping the book, "You've got to know your enemy, Mary."

"And what enemies would they be?" scoffed Mary.

We didn't reply, but I flipped to a page near the end of the book and handed it to her.

"The Perpetual Enemies of Woman?" she sounded scornful. "Are you being serious?"

"Incredibly." Lily said.

With a frustrated sigh, Mary began to read:

Evans and Phelan's Infallible Guide to the Perpetual Enemies of Woman

Professor Hawkins - Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Notoriously harsh marker, and can reduce students to tears with a look. (Left Hogwarts July 1975 to be replaced by Professor Ditheridge.)

Magically-induced breezes and gust of winds – Stupid boys. You'd think they could be a bit more imaginative.

Hogwarts feasts – A disputed foe. The yummiest food known to wizard-kind, but those lovely house elves seem unable to rest until we kind mistresses no longer need to waste our breath walking, and are able to simply roll around the castle.

Sirius Black – Cold, callous womaniser. Avoid a romantic encounter at all costs.

James Potter – A menace with scruffy hair (Testified – LE)

Moving staircases – Never, ever to be attempted in a short skirt.

Butterbeer and chocolate – A false friend. Utterly deadly for the skin (well... some people's skin. – CP)

Flying in a skirt – You'd have thought that no one would be silly enough to try this. Think again.

Enchanted Mistletoe – A Christmas nightmare. Any savvy Hogwartian girl will testify that this stuff follows you around, making you easy prey. Avoid if possible. (Not always an option. Just blast it. – LE)

Peeves – To tell the truth, a Perpetual Enemy of Everyone.

"You notice Black's on there?" I said.

"Yes, but so's Potter -"

"- who is also a pest." Lily cut in. "Mary, Sirius' track record is against him. Why would you want to just be a name on a list? You deserve so much better."

"I don't want better!" she shouted. "All those other guys, trying to pretend... don't you get it? I've liked him for ages, and that's not going to change, no matter what books you might shove in my face, so just grow up. All of you." With that, Mary stood up, brushed herself off and flounced out of the dormitory. Her footsteps echoed down the spiral staircase had long since faded away when Lily turned to me.

"Did you know she'd liked Sirius for ages?"

"Nope," I said, gathering up the scattered scraps of parchement, "but there are two possibilities. One, Sirius notices and they go out for a bit. He then dumps her after a week and leaves her emotionally wrecked for the rest of the year. Two, he doesn't notice, so she's mooning after him for the rest of the year."

"I'll go and see if she's OK," Dorcas said, and then a soft click as the door closed behind her.

Lily sighed, "Love 'em and leave 'em. Why can't the gorgeous guys be the nice ones?"

"Some gorgeous guys are nice..." I murmured sleepily, "And some nice guys are gorgeous."

Out of the corner, I saw Lily sit bolt upright as I said that. I buried my head under the covers; I had no desire to be interrogated just then.

This is my first HP fanfiction, so I'd really appreciate any feedback you can give me. Criticism is welcome here! Also, if you enjoy the story, please recommend it to all your friends! But seriously, if there's anything at all that you don't like about the story (down to the tiniest detail) let me know. I'd also love to hear your opinions on how I portray the characters, whether you think Cathy is a good character, my poor attempts at humour, grammar, spelling, where you'd like it to go (even though I've already planned this!) and any details that don't quite sit with canon (other than my OCs). I've tried to keep it accurate in every way possible, so if there's anything that you spot please let me know (this includes any historical stuff as well!). I won't write a rambling Author's Note for every chapter, but I'd really like to hear what you lovely people think of my story! Remember the three Rs: Read, Review and Recommend! Thank you!

Kinti x