Author's Note:

nacho5- Haha, here you go. ;)

lilirox187- Thanks for your lovely review! :D I appreciate you taking the time to pick apart your favorite scenes and give me feedback.

Chapter Seven

"So if we were to create a Draught of Peace," Regulus said, "what would our ingredients be?"

I bit my lip and forced myself not to look at the open textbook on the table. It was so tempting. But the look of hope and encouragement on Regulus' face had me straining to remember the list of this and that.

"Um, powered moonstone, syrup of hellebore, powdered porcupine quills, salamander blood- wait! No, that's in Strengthening Solution. Erm, there was powdered porcupine quills…oh, Valerian root and powered unicorn horn?"

A smile broke on Regulus' face and he actually let out a breath of relief. "Yes! CJ that was absolutely right." The smile turned into a teasing grin as he bumped by shoulder with his own. "And you say that you're a lost cause."

"Regulus," I rolled my eyes, "We've been at this tutoring thing since the middle of last year. I was bound to remember the smallest of things sooner or later."

"How come you can't accept the fact that you're immensely improving?"

I laughed and reached up to mess his hair, ignoring his protest. "Because kiddo, you may be a great teacher, but I'm a horrible learner."

Regulus finally shook me off and frowned. "Who you calling kiddo?"

"I don't see anyone else in close proximity, do you?"

His frown deepened. "I'm not that much younger than you. Just a year."

I was a bit shocked at the actual resentment in his voice. "Regulus, I'm just joking with you. I know you're aren't a little kid, I mean, who's tutoring who here?"

He cracked a small smile and shrugged. "That does help your case." Then, the frown returned. "But tell me the truth, is age a really big thing for you?"

I didn't understand where this was going at all, but I knew something was on his mind. "It depends on what the circumstance is. Why?"

Regulus hesitated, looking a bit apprehensive and, well, scared.

"CJ, there's something that you should know."

Something was definitely troubling him. "What's up?"

He took a deep breath. "I-"

The doors to the library burst open and Sirius ran in, slightly out of breath. I was able to catch a glimpse of a black silk material in his hands before he shoved it into his bag and glanced over his shoulder, as if he was being pursued which, now that I thought about it, wasn't that far-fetched.

When he seemed satisfied that everything was clear Sirius let a calmer look take over his features before he surveyed the library. I was about to call out to him when his eyes raked over Regulus and I.

He froze as his jaw went slack.

Confusion was displayed on his face as he stayed where he was. Then, it was like someone hit a switch. His eyes lit with fire and he power-walked over to our table, his hands clenching at his sides.

"CJ? What are you doing here?" As Sirius glared at Regulus, the meaning behind his words were hard to miss.

What was I doing here with Regulus?

I scowled at him and crossed my arms defiantly. "I'm here for my tutoring session; Regulus is my tutor. Can we help you with something?" I felt Regulus tense at my side and shift, uncomfortable with the situation. I glanced sideways and noticed he was giving his brother an indecipherable look.

Sirius swallowed, his eyes narrowed. "Come on CJ, get away from him. We can find you another tutor." There was anger in his tone, but also disappointment and sadness. Why, I didn't know.

But his proposal, his demand, got me agitated. "Why do we need to do that? Regulus is a great tutor, and my friend." To spite him I slung my arm over Regulus' shoulders and lifted my chin, as if to say 'see'?

He took a step back in shock before his eyes, usually a calm gray, turned dark. "CJ-"

Whatever he was going to say to me, he didn't get to say it. My eyes flicked over to James, who had ran into the library, looking slightly disheveled, but otherwise composed.

He came up to Sirius and murmured something like, "Mate, we gotta go" into his ear. James flashed a smile at me, not noticing Regulus, before tugging once on Sirius' sleeve and leaving the library. Sirius gave Regulus and I a last look before turning and following after his fellow Marauder, though it was impossible not to notice his reluctance to let the subject drop.

Ten seconds later, Filch was marching into the library, an ugly scowl on his face. "Where are they? Where's Potter and Black!?"

"Mr. Filch!" Madame Pince hissed.

I turned away from the angry librarian and caretaker. Watching the exchange would've no doubt provided some entertainment, but my thoughts were currently preoccupied. I stared at Regulus, my forehead creased in confusion as my eyebrows knitted together.

"Regulus," I began slowly, thinking over my words. I was mad at Sirius for being such a prick towards his brother, but the more I thought it over, the more and more curious and confused I became. It seemed like there was more to their story then I, or anyone, really knew. "I'm not saying that I appreciate Sirius barging in here and acting like a total git, but why doesn't he want me to be around you? You're not like all the other Slytherins; you're Regulus."

I was surprised when a guilty shadow settled in his eyes. "Maybe he's just jealous."

"Why would he be?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Where was this conversation headed?

Regulus bit his lip and gave me a nervous sort of smile before shaking his head and murmuring, "No reason." Narrowing my eyes, I crossed my arms.

"Why do I always get the feeling that there's something you're not telling me?" I was only half-joking, but my words seemed to spark something in Regulus, and suddenly, he was on the defensive.

"Why do you ask so many questions?" He fired back, quickly standing up. He looked like a child who had been caught stealing candy. Not giving me a chance to reply the youngest Black packed up all of his things and kept his eyes downcast, brushing past me. "I think our hour is up, see you later CJ." The words were mumbled, and I watched him go from my place on the couch. What just happened?

- TIME SKIP -

"Oh bugger," I murmured, wrinkling my nose at the foul smell. I bolted out of Potions with the rest of the Gryffindor and Slytherin 5th years and sucked in a deep breath, trying to clear my airway of the revolting stench.

Everything had been going as per usual; Lyla and I had created a monstrosity of a concoction while Slughorn was making his rounds and observing his favorite students. The lump hardly ever ventured towards Lyla and I, and I wasn't sure if I should've been offended or relieved.

Just as Slughorn was announcing the end of class, a loud 'BANG" had made Lyla and I clamp our hands to our ears, me wincing at the loud noise. But it was nothing compared to the absolutely stomach turning scent that filled the air afterwards. I tried to hold my breath and I swear that Lyla's eyes had started to water. When I had glanced around, I noticed the Marauders all had bubble head charms and were smirking. The dunderheads had set off a couple of dung bombs.

I soon found myself leaning against the cold, stone wall outside of Potions, breathing in deeply. Lyla was instantly by my side as the rest of the class begin to shuffle out. Lily soon appeared, her face displaying that she was in a foul mood. Snape was beside her and, after muttering a few parting words, left in the direction of the dungeons. Lily was fuming.

"Those obnoxious, loathsome, unbearable Marauders!"

"Aw, Lilyflower." James said, snaking his arm around her waist to draw her closer. Her face turned almost as red as her hair as she forcefully pulled herself away from the bespectacled boy.

"Don't call me that!" Lily snapped, crossing her arms. I stepped forward and tried resting a hand on her shoulder to get her to calm down, and it seemed to work. Slightly. She breathed in, her nostrils flaring, before turning on her heels and stalking away towards the Great Hall.

When I turned back around to face the others, James was frowning. Remus was shaking his head, and Peter was looking at James sadly. But it was Sirius's reaction that puzzled me the most. He was staring, for once, at me. He wasn't looking through me like I was used to. Sirius Black was gazing at me, his eyes penetrating my own. I shifted, a tad uncomfortable. For once, I almost wished that things would revert back to when he never noticed me. His eyes…they were a stormy gray, and slightly unnerving.

Lyla sighed. "Must you four always create a mess? I don't think Lily will survive till graduation."

To my surprise, it was Remus who smirked and answered. "What else do you expect from us Delilah? We're the Marauders. It would be a crime to not stir up some chaos."

Lyla rolled her eyes as identical grins became plastered on all of their faces before Peter's stomach growled and Sirius let out a short laugh. "C'mon, I don't think Wormtail is being kind to his tummy." He paused and rubbed his abdomen. "Come to think of it, neither am I."

James and Remus both chuckled while Peter grinned at Sirius, both boys knowing the importance of eating. "You guys coming?" Sirius asked, his gaze switching between Lyla and I. We nodded and began walking with them before I suddenly stopped and slapped a hand to my forehead.

"Wait! I forgot my Potions book. You guys go on ahead without me, I'll catch up."

I could see the reluctance on all of their faces to leave me alone, especially in the dungeons, but I did my best to shoo them along. Honestly, what was the point of worrying? I was a capable witch. I would be fine.

Sirius shook his head and took a step towards me while Lyla pursed her lips. "CJ, c'mon, we'll wait for you." Even as the words left his mouth, a growl was heard, and I crossed my arms.

"How unjust would it be if I detained you all from food? No, go on ahead. I promise I'll meet you in the Great Hall. Okay?"

They all fidgeted, but I knew their stomachs would win out.

Lyla came to stand beside Sirius. "CJ, are you sure?" The look that they both gave me, and I knew they were trying to remind me of a time not too long ago when Lyla and I had been attacked, and Sirius had luckily been there to save us.

The thought made me even more determined to prove to them that I could be left on my own.

"Just go. Please?" I bit my lower lip in a poor attempt at pleading, but finally, Lyla nodded and tugged on Sirius's elbow. He was the last to turn away, and as soon as he did, I walked into the Potions classroom, holding my breath. The dung bomb stench had yet to fade. Slughorn was no where in sight, so I assumed that he had carried himself to his back office.

I picked up my Potions book and shoved it into my bag, lost in thought.

It hadn't really been a big deal. They could've waited a second for me, but something about the situation and the looks that Lyla and Sirius had given me, had made me want to prove myself.

And I realized, cursing myself, that it had been my pride that stopped me from allowing them to linger. I had once been attacked in the dungeons during Potions, and it obviously hadn't been erased from either Sirius or Lyla's mind. I didn't want them to stick around because I felt like they believed I was weak. I wanted to show them I was strong and talented enough to walk Slytherin territory alone.

When I exited the classroom, completely alone, I took out my wand as a precaution.

How much more foolish could I have been?

I let my pride get in the way. What if I was ambushed right now? Had I forgotten about the war of prejudices taking place outside, and inside, of Hogwarts? I could be dead and gone within seconds.

I walked down the stone corridor in silence, my wand raised. Every time I approached a corner, the hair on my neck would rise, but soon rest again as I turned safely. Surprisingly I left the eerie, dark dungeons behind and made it to floor level, unscathed. I was only a few corridors away from the double doors of the Great Hall. I stashed my wand away in my robes and walked with a little more spring in my step, a smile on my face. I was just about to round a statue of armor when I slammed into a firm chest and fell backwards on my bum. A blush crept its way up my neck and cheeks and I glanced up, my mouth going a tad dry.

Gideon Prewett stared down at me, his dark, chocolate brown eyes shining apologetically.

"Jeeze, I'm sorry!" He said, reaching his hand out. I swallowed and stared at it for a second before reaching and clutching it. He lifted me off the ground with ease.

"It's alright." I said, giving him a small smile. "No harm, no foul." He was still holding my hand and I blushed, releasing it. "You're Gideon Prewett, right?" Stupid, I chided myself. Of course I knew who he was. Gideon was a 6th year Gryffindor and, along with his twin Fabian, was second in causing mayhem at Hogwarts, just behind the Marauders. Not to mention, they were both insanely hot. I would be kidding myself if I didn't say that I had always had a thing for Gideon.

His lip twitched, one side of his mouth lifting in a sort of 'half-smirk'. "The one and only." He stared at me for a moment, his eyes narrowed. "Sorry, but I don't believe I've met you before…"

"CJ. CJ Brightly." I said, shifting my weight.

Gideon grinned. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, CJ." He mock bowed and winked before rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I should be going.

"You're not going to eat?" I asked, curious. He smirked again.

"Nah, I have a stash of candy in my dorm. I've got a bit of a sweet tooth right now; I'm heading up before my brother Fabian gets there. The git will eat all of it if I'm not there to control him." He laughed before giving me a last smile. "So I'll see you around CJ."

I watched as he walked away, my stomach doing somersaults. "Yeah, see you around."

Taking a deep breath, I pivoted and made my way into the Great Hall, my own stomach rumbling at the delicious smell of food. I saw the relieved faces of my friends as I sat down in-between Lyla and Sirius.

"Hey guys," I said, grinning a little. I started piling food onto my plate and digging in. I paid little attention to the conversation; James was goofing off and telling some lame joke while Sirius, to my left, was shoving his tongue down Paisley Clearwater's throat.

I was on my second helping when Sirius pulled away from Clearwater, breathing deeply. She quickly tried to pull him back, but he pushed her away and instead turned to face me. Surprised, I raised my eyebrows.

"CJ," Sirius began, ignoring the whines from Clearwater, "please, stop hanging around Regulus. We can find you another tutor. Heck, Lily could be your tutor! She's a brain, especially in Potions. So what do you say? We all set?"

Fuming I crossed my arms. "What's your problem Sirius? Regulus is one of my good friends! He'd never hurt me." I narrowed my eyes. "I can't believe you'd judge him just because he's a Slytherin. He's your own brother!"

Sirius frowned. "Exactly, he's my brother. I know him better then you do, CJ, and he's not someone you should be getting close to."

"And why not?" I snapped.

A grim looked settled on his face and he sighed. "Regulus is heading down the wrong path. I-I…I've tried to help him, but he's made his decision." His tone was laced with bitterness, but I didn't want to hear anymore.

"You're absurd, Sirius. If you think I'm going to stop being friends with Regulus because you say so, then you must've taken a bludger to the head." I stood up from the table before roughly brushing past him, pissed.

Heading down the wrong path? What the bloody hell was that supposed to mean? As far as I was concerned, Sirius just had issues with Regulus that needed to be worked out. And my friendship with the Slytherin needed to be left out of it.

I left the Great Hall and began to make my way outside, deciding to go to COMC early. When I heard footsteps behind me I whirled around, ready to throw stinging words at Sirius when I stopped short. Lyla caught up with me, a worried frown on her face. She surprised me by pulling me into a tight hug before stepping back as we began to walk.

"What's wrong?" She said, having witnessed the exchange.

I swallowed and clenched my fists, my anger evaporating. I was upset. How could Sirius do that? He was my friend too. It felt like he was giving me an ultimatum of sorts, telling me to stop hanging around Regulus. Or what? Sirius would no longer be friends with me? I held back a tear as I replied.

"Sirius needs to piss off."

Author's Note: Yeah, I need to work on my updates. I know. :/ But please, if you happen to be reading this story, leave a review! Tell me what you like, what you don't like, any ideas or theories you have about the story. Give me some feedback! (:

Sincerely,

Blue