Reviewers----

I know this is a relatively short chapter but it's packed with interesting things. Hope you enjoy it! Thank you so very much for your helpful reviews. Relax and read!

Cararox

In less than a week, Hermione had adjusted to her schedule. Today, she had double Charms and double Defense against the Dark Arts. In NEWT Charms, Hermione showed up promptly and sat down. This class she had with James Potter and Lily Evans.

Lily had taken the liberty of sitting beside Hermione. She had yet to mention the drama of the luncheon. It was a kind of silent truce to leave it be. Lily went on to make chatty conversation, pointing out familiar faces in the classroom. Some Hermione recognized; some she didn't. Lily introduced her to a few. Suddenly a girl with short wavy blond hair and pink cheeks rushed in.

"There's Alice Hunt! Hi Alice!" Lily said motioning her over "How'd it go with Frank? Did Longbottom ask you out?"

A glow from the future Alice Longbottom lit up. "Yes!" she squealed.

"Whoo ees dees Frank?" Hermione asked with light curiosity in her voice.

"Oh right! You haven't met Frank! He's Alice's husband-to-be!" Lily said jokingly.

Alice didn't object but laughed as her ears turned pink. Hermione smiled because she knew it was true.

A guy with short blond hair and a piercing gaze sat down next to Hermione. She suppressed a scream of terror and anger when she realized it was Lucius Malfoy.

"Hello Helen," he said butchering Hélène's name (pronounced Elle-enne). "Might I interest you in an evening stroll? We from Hogwarts can be quite… charming."

Hermione had to stop herself from gagging. Malfoy's dad was hitting on her! Inside she shuddered. Outside her anger had risen to a pale blush.

"Monsieur….. I dew not even know your nom!" Hélène said logistically. "As much as eet vould in-tair-est moi, I must refuse. I am sar-he." She stated this as politely as she could.

He looked her up and down. "I am a pureblood if you didn't know. Perhaps that will… raise your incentive?"

Hermione felt trapped. She didn't know what to say! All she knew was that she couldn't go anywhere with Lucius! She also didn't want to get on his bad side. Under the rage and anxiety of her inner emotions, her thought process was blotting out.

Suddenly Hermione blurted out, "I am allreahdy dating a pureblud. 'E ees quite nice."

The contorted look on Malfoy's face; one of anger and confusion, was priceless. It almost made Hermione smile. Almost.

"Who?" was all that he could mutter out.

"Sear-he-is Black," Hermione changed the conversation quickly. "Do you know heem?"

"Yes," was all that he growled as he walked away and sat with the Slytherins. Hermione let out a mental sigh of relief… but then a wave of panic rose as Lily stated from behind, "I didn't know you two were going out!"

Hermione didn't answer. She became nervous. She either had to explain the situation to Sirius and ask him to fake date with her or she had to ask him out. In both situations, a lot of embarrassing, awkward moments would play out. Hermione knew that she had to do this all before anyone asked him about it.

James butted into the irregular silence with jovial obliviousness.

"Hello Evans, how are you today?" James asked, ruffling his hair as he slid in between Lily and Hermione.

At her scowl, he said, "Still sore that Hermione beat you in Transfiguration? I should have guessed."

Lily narrowed her eyes, "I am not angry at Hermione for anything. In fact we were just talking about her and…. Another boy."

"So she's dating? Hmmm I'll have to tell Sirius…" James muttered to himself.

"What do you mean?" Lily asked skeptically.

"Oh he'll be crushed. I think he fancies Hélène over there," he whispered quietly to Lily. Hermione caught what he said and froze. He liked her. Sirius liked her. She blinked- she hadn't counted on that.

"No- I mean to say, that's who she's--" Lily cut off as she saw Hermione wave frantically to stop talking but it was too late..

"You mean Hélène and Sirius….."

Hermione was about to explain when the teacher cut in.

"The lesson has started and unless you would like me to put a silencing charm on you all, please be quiet!