(A/N: Next chapter! sweettt! thanks for the reviews!)

Summary: Leora Black has always been able to think through even the toughest of situations, but when the wizarding world becomes divided, whose side will she stand on? Thank her stars she has a certain potions prodigy to guide her through, but is he the one helping her or is it the other way around?

Pairing: SnapexOC

Disclaimer: JKR owns all the characters accept for a few OC's of my own creation!

October 31, 1972

Bored was how I found myself, currently stirring my potion while others scrambled to finish theirs before the time was up. These potions I had found absolutely no challenge with and even Professor Slughorn had seemed to notice my lack of enthusiasm towards brewing such mediocre concoctions. My brother however not so lucky.

Things had been tense between Reg and I and with the loss of our closeness Sirius and I grew closer each day. Anytime I would try and talk to my twin he would blow me off saying that he didn't want to associate himself with blood traitors. It made me feel hurt, and angered, but I did the ladylike thing and waited until I was in my room alone to cry.

Not only did I have to deal with slowly losing my own Brother, my parents had made their distaste for my house known through a very formal letter, that let me know just what would be waiting for me when I arrived home over Christmas this year.

To our Daughter,

Your father and I have been informed by Regulus that you too have been sorted into a house that adds even more disgrace to the Black name. Sad it is that only one of our children has been able to please us thoroughly. We shall see you home at Christmas where we will discuss what this means further,

Walburga Black.

Basic, and straight to the point. I was happy that it was something that no one else had the pleasure to hear though.

Sirius was curious however and when he read the letter he was sent into an angry rage. Wondering what reason Reg had to send such a letter to our parents and why they were treating me just as terribly as Sirius when I had done absolutely nothing to deserve it.

I chose to forget about it though, and decided to put all my energy into concentrating on my classes. I had struggled slightly in charms but had asked Lily for help, and help she did.

I had come to the conclusion that I enjoyed the company of the muggle-born witch. She was quite knowledgeable and made charms seem much less intimidating after a few study sessions. In all honestly I thought maybe we were becoming friends, and then my Brother and his nitwit sidekicks would barge in and cause a calm study session to turn into a chaotic frenzy of yelling and hexes. It almost made me want to hex them back.

"Miss Black, I see that you are finished already."

I snapped from my thoughts as Slughorn looked at my potion, no doubt trying to find a hint of error, in which there was none.

"Yes Professor, I found this potion exceptionally simple today."

Alice, Aleesha and Juliet smiled at me whilst the Slytherin's glared, no doubt angry that their head of house was so impressed with my potion making.

"Everyone take note of her potion! See how it is the correct shade of dark grey! Absolutely magnificent my dear! Twenty points to Gryffindor!"

A few quiet cheers were heard and after another half hour class was finally over with only a few perfect potions other than mine, which had taken all class to brew. I picked up my books and headed towards the door when the Potions instructor made motion for me to hang back.

"Tell me Miss Black, have you ever had any other formal potion's training?" Slughorn asked with a smirk etched from cheek to cheek on his face.

"No Sir, I've never had any such training. I've just always found potion making interesting," I told him with a smile.

"I see, and you've had no other training for any of your other classes either?"

I shook my head unsure of where he was going.

"The Headmaster would like to speak with you after this, don't worry though, he shall give a note to Professor Flitwick informing him that you will be late for charms. The password for the office is chocolate frogs."

"Thank you Professor," I stated as I finally left the dungeons.

I had hoped to make it to the Headmaster's office quietly, but it seems others were against that.

"So what did Professor Slug-Bug wish to talk with you about?" Reg asked too sweetly for it to be considered true. "Just a little teacher's pet aren't you?"

"Someone had to inherit the brains in our family," I told him coolly trying to walk past. "It's just sad that none could've been given to you."

Of course if someone had asked me a year earlier if I would ever talk to my brother this way, they would've been questioned for being confunded, now however, it seemed to be the norm.

"She's got quite a tongue Reg!"

That boy standing next to my brother was Nick Zabini, and standing by him was Richard Parkinson. My brothers jerk acquaintances.

"If you'll excuse me," I stated making one last attempt to walk past them.

"Not so fast-"

"Jelly-Legs jinx!"

Apparently they had not noticed that I had pulled my wand and soon all three fell to the ground giving me the time to escape.

It was sad really that one had to resort to hexing their own family in order to stop their interrogation, but I suppose they underestimated me.

The Headmaster's office was quite a walk up from the dungeons. Not only was it difficult to reach, but it was also guarded by a gargoyle that would not let you pass until it had the password. Once the password was given the hidden staircase descended and I followed it up to the wooden door.

The office of Professor Dumbledore was quite a sight to behold. There were books lining the walls, where there were not paintings, and his desk had quite the design work. There was also a Phoenix hanging on his perch.

I had always been fond of animals, but this bird was absolutely charming.

"His name is Fawkes."

I looked up into the twinkling eyes of my Headmaster as he descended from an even higher set of stairs.

"He's beautiful Sir."

"Indeed. Now Miss Black, I'm certain it was Professor Slughorn who sent you my way?"

I nodded and took a seat across from him at his desk, feeling a little bit worried as to what this meeting would entail. I thought I had been making a good impression on my entire group of Professor's.

"It would appear that Professor Slughorn, along with all the other Professors, is finding that you're not being challenged enough in your current year of classes. Do you feel this way Leora?"

"In certain classes like potions, I find the expectations to be set quite low, although I have been receiving tutoring lessons from a girl in second year with charms which have only been giving me slight trouble."

"I see," He said with a slight smile. "It would seem that the instructors feel you would benefit from classes at a higher level."

I nodded again, not catching the meaning that was in his words.

"I understand your Brother Regulus is currently in some of your classes?" I nodded once. "And he was recently found in the hallway with a few other students effected by the Jelly-Legs jinx."

I blushed.

"Would it cause problems between you and your brother if you were to move onto higher classes?"

I laughed a little. "With all due respect Sir, moving to a higher class is the least of the problems between our family."

Apparently that was all he needed to hear as a piece of parchment was summoned to his desk.

"Well perhaps with the strain on one relationship, you will be able to grow another."

"Sir, this is the second year time table…" I muttered reading over the parchment.

"Indeed it is. It would appear that the faculty and I find you to be unchallenged in your year and therefore have all agreed that it would be beneficial to move you into the second year time table."

"So I'd be with Sirius?" I asked still dazed.

"Yes Sirius, and of course Lily Evans who I hear has been helping you with charms even though she doesn't believe you to need it."

"And what of my arrangements in the tower?"

"You will still be on the floor with the rest of the first years, who I've heard you've become fast friends with. All that will change is the level of classes you're taking."

I nodded and stood slowly, still trying to digest what was being said to me.

"I think Professor Flitwick was quite upset when you made a Gryffindor and not a Ravenclaw. He could've used you on their intelligence squad. Nonetheless however…" he stated reaching in the drawer. "Chocolate frog?"

I shook my head and grinned. "No thank you. When do I start with this new schedule?"

"Tomorrow morning. Finish off your normal classes today, however I wouldn't bother going to charms since there is less than half the class left."

"What about text books?"

"I have already taken the liberty of sending an owl to your family. They replied that they were pleased that you were so advanced and have taken the liberty of purchasing your new books which should already be in your dorm."

"Thank you Sir."

"You're welcome Miss Black."

I remember being little and my father telling me that I was far older in my mind than I was in my body. I had a sort of natural talent for understanding words in a book and being able to do the practical application later on, a talent that apparently was noticed by most of the instructors here.

"Leora!"

I stopped walking in the hall to see Lily running towards me with a smile.

"Hi Lily, what's got you in such a hurry?"

"Simple, just trying to get away from that prat Potter and your crazy brother."

I laughed as the two of us continued to walk down the hall.

"Are you going to the quidditch game this afternoon? It's Gryffindor versus Slytherin and should be good."

Lily and I had both discussed our love of quidditch even though neither of us was capable of flying a broom. I guess I had my brother's to blame for my fanatics over the sport.

"Wouldn't miss it."

She smiled at me and then smirked. "What's got you so happy?"

"Is it really that obvious?"

"Like a bludger hitting a chaser."

I rolled my eyes and handed her my new schedule.

"These are all second year classes?" I nodded. "Why would you have-"

She seemed to put two and two together and launched herself towards me.

"I'm so happy for you! I only wish they would move me up a grade so I could stay away from Potter. Now you, Severus and I will be able to spend more time together."

I hadn't thought of that. Severus and I only ever saw each other through Lily, and he seemed to have gotten over the fact that I was Sirius' little sister. Every time we met though it was like I couldn't seem to make my words work, and I ended up blushing. It was terrible.

"I can't wait!"

"Did you tell your brother yet?" She asked and I shook my head. "I'm the first one?"

"Well you are one of my best friends Lils!"

"I can't wait! I'll finally have another person to study with now that our schedules match up! And Severus won't have to be stuck tutoring me in potions alone, I must frustrate him sometimes."

Lily was extremely smart as well, but even though she was a good potion maker once she got the hang of it, sometimes her potions were terrible.

Lily headed off to class and I spent the rest of the day in my own. I helped Alice turn her paper clip into a beetle, which caused her to scream much to Aleesha and Juliet's amusement. We learned about devil's snare, a plant that my mother had talked about on a few occasions. I was bored stiff during history of magic, and in D.A.D.A we learned the bat bogey hex, something of a personal favorite.

"Who do you think is gonna win the match?" Alice asked as we put on our scarves.

"Well it is Halloween, so anything is possible, although Gryffindor winning would be nice."

"I can't wait to watch James and Sirius! For second years they're the best on the team!"

Aleesha had a point. Being as they were second years my brother and his mate were able to try out for the quidditch team and made it with flying colors, much to the delight of our head of house. My brother was a beater, and James played chaser and was extremely talented at it.

"Just think guys, this is going to be the highlight of our years here. Going to classes together, watching quidditch together, graduating together," I felt guilty as she said that. "This is the life."

"We may not be graduating together after all though."

The girls turned to me and I took a big breath, telling them what happened after potions today while they were in charms. I expected them to be angry with me but they all congratulated me, and we made a pact that even though we might not be in any classes together, that we would still be friends.

"Now let's go watch Gryffindor kick Slytherin's butt!"

We made our way to the stands and I could see Lucius talking to someone else from his house, someone I didn't recognize until I got closer. I told my friends I would join then at the tower, and that I needed to talk with Malfoy.

"Ah there's Hogwarts resident genius."

"Hello Lucius," I said in my best pureblood voice. "Hi Severus. So, I assume word gets around fast in your house?"

"Blame it on Slughorn my dear. The man was bragging about you in every potions class today," he stated making me blush. "I assume you are going to the match then?"

I was wearing my scarf and lined robes for fear of catching cold.

"Of course, I suspect it should be a good one."

"Indeed, however I must be going to the prefect booth, do not forget what I told you Severus."

Lucius left us then and I smiled at the dark eyed boy and motioned to the door.

"Shall we?"

He nodded and we made the trek to the watch towers for the game.

"So Lily told me the news."

"Which news?" I asked playing dumb.

"That you would be joining our year…"

"Oh."

"Frankly I'm not all that surprised, your extremely clever," He said as I willed my face to stop turning red.

"Thank you Severus. Is Lily on her way to the match? She said she was coming when we spoke earlier…"

"She should be here! Like you she doesn't normally miss a game."

I nodded when we finally reached our respective towers.

"Good luck Sev, hopefully we don't beat your team too bad!"

"Laugh it up Black! But we'll see who comes out victorious!"

And we did indeed. It was a close game the entire time and I had to bite my tongue in worry every time Sirius or James looked as though they were in trouble. I watched Regulus cheer from the stand next to mine, laughing every time one of our players got hurt.

There was a time when he was a nice boy, and now I couldn't seem to remember that time.

Lily finally joined us, saying she was late because she wanted to finish her history of magic essay that was due in two weeks. The game was a close sixty to fifty for Slytherin, when finally our seeker caught the snitch ending the game with the victory going to the red and gold.

I ran up to Remus and Peter so we could go meet my brother and James whilst everyone else headed to the great hall for the Halloween feast.

"Bloody brilliant that move you made on Flint, James!"

"Why thank you Mate! Couldn't have done it without ya!"

They high fived each other before noticing our presence and I gave Sirius a hug.

"You both played amazing! I'm so proud of you!"

"Aw, thanks little Lion!"

That nickname wasn't something I enjoyed, but I let him get away with it for now.

"What do you say you hurry up so we can get going to the feast," I told him and the two quidditch players laughed. "There's no way Lily is going to fall for you if you smell like that James."

That sent the two of them running.

I waited outside the tent with Remus and Peter who was shaking more than normal today, something he tended to do when he was nervous.

"Alright you two, what's the prank for tonight?" Remus gaped at me surprised and I laughed. "I know the four of you better than that! What do you call yourselves again? The Marauders? You're known for your pranks…"

"I don't recommend eating the soup Leora."

Good thing I took their advice too. After we went back to the Great Hall and the dinner began. I strayed from the soup claiming that I wanted to save room for the main course. Unfortunately everyone who ate the soup had to suffer with the Gryffindor colors now being in their hair, even the faculty suffered from this prank.

Of course James, Remus, Peter and Siri found no harm in their little joke, but were each given a detention for it. I could hear the females of the other houses freaking out over the color, and the Slytherin boys all looked angered, including Severus and Regulus.

"It actually doesn't even look that bad," Alice stated playing with my hair.

"It was still immature!" Lily scolded and I laughed.

"Come on Lily, knowing those four it could've been much worse."

This was a little on the light side for one of their pranks.

"You have a good point there," Aleesha said.

After most of the Great Hall had left, complaining about their hair color on the way out. I began my walk to Gryffindor tower, noticing the familiar face of a certain Slytherin who was trying desperately to change his hair back.

I pulled my wand out, gave my left hand a small flick and sent him a smile.

"How did you do that?" Severus asked and I smirked.

"It would've gone away in a few hours, but my brother just used a certain dying charm to which I happen to know the counter-curse."

"Yes your brother certainly likes to make a statement," He spat out. "And Potter too! Thinking they're so much better than me!"

I raised an eyebrow curious as to what this was really about.

"Never mind…thanks for fixing this."

"No problem," I mumbled out as he dashed down the hallway.

I went to bed that night wondering what Severus meant when he said that about my brother and James. And also basking in the fact that he thought I was clever. I had never been called clever by a boy who wasn't family and it made me blush.

I fell asleep with a smile waiting for what tomorrow would bring.

November 1, 1972

"Thank Merlin it's gone! I had a dream those colors were permanent!" Alice cried looking in the mirror.

"Nah, Sirius and James aren't smart enough for that those gits."

"Well Leora think you're ready for second year courses?" Juliet asked me brushing her hair out. "I guess you're lucky you know people in that year."

"Ya and Lily had already agreed to help me if I fall behind."

"I do feel sorry for her you know," Aleesha said smirking. "Getting asked out by Potter everyday has got to be tiring."

"You'd think she'd save herself the trouble and just say yes," Alice muttered.

"The day Lily and James Potter start dating I'll personally run around the school in my knickers," I told them as we all burst out laughing.

"We'll hold you to that black."

The difference between my first year schedule and second year was that the day started off with herbology. I made my way to greenhouse two, knowing that Lily would already be there since she was rarely late.

We had herbology with the Hufflepuff's which would prove to be quite humorous.

"Yo little Lion, you lost?"

"Oh sod off James," Lily stated as I walked through the door.

"Leora? What are you doing here?" The other three asked at the same time.

I smacked my hand to my forehead and sighed. I had completely forgot to mention my switching of classes to my brother.

"Actually I'm in this class now…" I told them sheepishly. "And all your other one's as well."

Of course the time for an inquisition was cut short as Professor Sprout came in and began to teach us all about mandrakes. I found mine to be quite cute when I was repotting it in new soil. I had read about mandrake potion in one of the advanced potion books I had found in the library and thought it was quite interesting how such an annoying plant was able to cure those who are petrified.

Class ended and I walked with Lily to potions, but of course we were followed by the Marauders who were spouting out questions left, right and center.

"Why did they move you up?"

"In all our classes?"

"Do Mother and Father know?"

"Will you help me with potions?"

I turned around quickly looking at them.

"Apparently I wasn't being challenged enough in my first year classes," I told Lupin. "Yes in all your classes James, of course Mother and Father know Sirius, and of course I'll help you Peter!"

"Who knew you were such a nerd!"

I hit Sirius' shoulder and walked into potions class unsure of where to sit.

"Ah Miss Black! Glad to see the Headmaster was able to move you! Now normally we like to partner with house colors, but there is an extra Slytherin that you'll need to partner up with."

I nodded and broke out into a grin when Slughorn pointed to Severus.

"Long time no see," I told him and he nodded.

The potion was again, something quite simple, but judging from all the smoking cauldron's around the class, there was a lot of people have problems with it. Even Lily was biting her lip in concentration as she worked with another Gryffindor girl.

"The instructions say to stir clockwise but-"

"Counter clockwise at double the speed would probably work better?" I asked him with a smirk.

"This is the first time someone has ever understood my logic."

"The guy who wrote this textbook hasn't set foot in a lab in decades, why not add a little of the new millennium to it," I laughed.

In the end, Gryffindor lost twenty points because Sirius dropped something in the cauldron he was sharing with James that made it explode. They both got detentions and I got to learn a little bit more about the Slytherin who had a knack for making my heart beat faster.

"I saw that you know," Lily said as we sat in the Library that night working on essays.

"Saw what?"

"That look you gave Sev in potions class today."

"Don't be absurd Lily…"

"I'm not! I know what I saw! You're crushing on him."

I blushed a fierce red and glared at her.

"I am not; it's just nice to have someone on the same potion level as me for once."

"Whatever you say, Leora…."

Truth was I knew Lily was right, I just didn't want to believe it.

(A/N: So did you like it? Let me know what you think ;) )