Chapter 7: I'm Childish, that's my charm. I'm fearless, that's my youth.

A/N: I didn't really proof read this too much, I wanted to get it released as soon as I could. So here it is… I enjoyed this chapter which might explain why it got a bit longer then my usual. Like you guys mind :P …anyways wanted to give a big thanks to: random. spanish .girl The Weatherwitch, RuuunItsJasmine, and sirius. black. is. so. serious for the reviews and anyone who has added this story to their favorites. 3 (I do read and take everything to heart)

Disclaimer: I do not own zee Harry Potter


My run in with Sirius a while ago was the last civil run in we had shared with each other. It seemed to me that our fights have gotten worse. We couldn't even look at each other without throwing a curse. Overall it was nerve racking to know that he might just be anywhere ready to hex me. And I ready to hex him. On the other hand, with the increase homework it was a nice escape. And through all our fighting we must have gotten better because neither of us get caught anymore. He's busy in detention for other reasons other than me. Mainly his pranks with James and Peter…Remus is never in them seeing as he tries not to be involved. And next thing we knew through all the dueling, homework, Gryffindor winning the first Quidditch match of the year, and the general excitement of being at Hogwarts, Christmas was coming in closer than ever.


I somehow avoided going to any of Slughorns parties. But with the Christmas one rolling around it looked like I might be stuck going, Slughorn had been on my case since the perfect Vampire Reflex potion I made... If I managed to land a date without Sirius hexing me into the next dimension, I might just have to go.

"Miss Nightray, you should really come to this party. There's going to be a couple of Vampires who I think would be delighted to see you!" Professor Slughorn clapped happily at me. He seemed to have formed this idea in his head that I loved Vampires because my essay before the potion was remarkable and I was one of the only ones to answer all his questions on Vampires. I couldn't imagine why that would be…

"I'll see what I can do Professor. I'm a busy gal you know." I flashed a charming smile at him.

"Of course you are! Hard working student you are." He gave a wink "Work hard then so you can make it next Friday!" He cheered as I turned to leave the potions room.

The minute I made it outside I heaved a heavy sigh.

"Why don't you want to go Kobato?" Raven questioned the minute I made it out into the hallway.

"Black will be there." I groaned.

"It would be the fight of the century." Raven laughed just thinking about it "Come on your fearless." She added in as an afterthought and patted my back encouragingly.

"I'm going even though Potter is." Lily stated flipping her long red hair behind her.

"Yes well you and Potter aren't as violent as Black and I" I rolled my eyes and started walking towards the great hall. I was so ready for lunch. It was true…seeing as James loved Lily too much to even think of attacking her, no matter how much he was rejected by her. Whereas Sirius didn't like me and even if I liked him, it wouldn't matter seeing as he would probably hex my face off. To be honest I wasn't in the mood to see that happen. Or rather not see that happen considering I wouldn't have a face once he was done…

"How about, since you don't want Black to ruin your night when you have a goodnight planned…why not ask him and then you will be expecting a night of horrors anyways." Raven offered. "I hear he's been single for a while…though that's just a rumor."

I pushed her "How about YOU go with him."

"Sorry darling, I have Andrew. I don't need Sirius Black." Raven skipped happily ahead of us on the staircase. I was about to respond to her statement but I didn't get the chance.

"Everyone needs Sirius Black." A cocky voice behind us spoke. We all turned around in unison to see James, Sirius, Peter, and Remus walking towards us. "Except Nightray here" he nodded towards me with a nasty glare. Everyone tensed up at the spot.

"Why would I want something that's not even that good?" I questioned pulling out my wand. Sirius on the other hand took a couple steps so he was on the stair below me, but still somehow being taller than me.

"You have no idea what you are missing." Sirius smirked playfully at me. I couldn't tell if he was trying to upset me or trying to hit on me. It was hard to tell because his tone of voice said one thing but his actions told another. "Of course you've never been kissed so I'm sure you can't imagine what it's like to lock lips with someone as luscious as me." My jaw dropped at these words. No he was trying to get a rise out of me. And it was working really well.

"I never said I haven't kissed before." I raised both my eyebrows and inched closer to him. I could feel his warm breath mingling with mine at this point. But none of us moved anything but our wands. We put them close to the other person's chest. I didn't flinch as he was bruising my chest with his wand. No I was holding strong as a proud Gryffindor. "Just because I turned down a snog from you doesn't mean I haven't oh what was it that you said? Locked lips with someone" I smirked my cockiest smirk I owned. Despite the fact that yes, I had not yet had the pleasure of having my first kiss. But I was sure it was over rated anyways. Everyone always wants their first kiss to be perfect, but in truth they usually are rather like a hurricane. And nothing turns out the way they wanted it too.

"The only reason a girl would turn down a snog would be…" Sirius paused for a moment. I didn't move either. We were still so close to each other. With every word he said, I felt his hot breath on me face as he looked down on me. My eyes wandered for a moment. Lily and Raven were at the top of the steps not sure what to do, while Remus and Peter were at the bottom with the same confused but panicked look. Sirius ignored them all together though. "You must be a lesbian."

"What?" I rolled my eyes. That's ridiculous. "And you must be stupid."

"Then prove it." He said with a smirk. He knew he was pushing me around. He was enjoying every minute it of it. I on the other hand was ready to dive at him. Instead I just shoved my wand farther into his chest.

"I don't have to prove anything to you." I sneered about to lose my temper which I was trying so hard to control. He wasn't making it any easier, seeing as he was doing this on purpose. He was in a bad mood, probably because he hadn't gotten any in forever. That's not my problem.

"Oh but you do." His voice was like acid at this point. I wanted nothing more than to cause him pain like he was tormented me right now. The prick.

"Just because you haven't gotten laid in several weeks does not give you the right to destroy me!" I shouted at him. It was the wrong this to say, I knew it. But at least I was on my guard. Because we were so close to each other and we both fired the same spell at the same time it wasn't hard to figure out that it was the dumbest thing we had ever done.

Our spells collided with powerful force and sent both of us flying across the room slamming our heads and bodies on the wall opposite of one another. As soon as I hit the wall I heard my body snap and my head crack. I couldn't move anything. My spine was broken and my head was bleeding. I peered through my eyes which were tearing up over at Sirius who didn't look like he could move either and he looked like he had blood on his head as well. It was hard to tell though. It was so loud…there was screaming around us.

"Lily…Lils, I can't…I can't move" I whispered harshly and a bit desperately. Not even sure if she heard me before I pasted out.

I'm not sure what time it was and what day it was when I woke up, but I did know that Madam Pomfry fixed all my broken bones. All that was left was a sore body and an aching head. And who was yelling? It was hurting my head even more.

"SIRIUS I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!" I opened my eyes with a start. There was somebody at the foot of my bed, there back was too me and they were yelling. "SHE'S A PUREBLOOD! DON'T YOU HAVE ANY SHAME?"

"Dad, please stop." I heard Sirius plead.

"NO! YOU ARE A DISHONOR! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE MY SON! I DID NOT RAISE YOU LIKE THIS!" He continued on yelling not listening to Sirius at all.

"Dad…" Sirius moan, he sounded like he was in pain.

I don't know what made me do it but the yelling was upsetting me. So next thing I know I found myself getting out of bed and reaching for the man who Sirius called 'dad'. I grabbed his hand tightly before he got the chance to yell, which he was about to do. He looked down at me curiously. He was clearly a Black. He was as handsome as Sirius, just a lot older with some graying hair.

"Please Sir it is my entire fault that this happened." I tentatively said while holding his curious gaze.

"Why" His voice was still harsh, but he wasn't fool enough to yell at me "would you say that? I know my son, the-"

I cut him off "With all due respect, I am sure you know your son very well. But I reassure you it was my fault." I took a deep breath before I was able to produce some fake tears. Letting out a big sob I found I was ready to continue, even if it was an act to get him to calm down…

"Sirius asked me out, to be his girlfriend." I let out an even larger sob and hid my face in my hands. I felt Sirius' dad get down on one knee to see me at eye level. "but…but…I said no" I cried even harder. His dad pulled my hands away from my eyes so he could see my eyes. I let him do it. I was producing convincing tears so it's not like it mattered. "See my parents…their dead. And they…they didn't get to arrange a proper pureblooded husband for me." His dad was staring at me sincerely. He wasn't as bad as Sirius made him if he was willing to listen to me. Of course I'm a great actress "And I just want to make them proud…but I'll never know what they wanted…So I didn't….I didn't want Sirius to not be able to make his parents proud. I wanted him to ask for your permission first."

"Is that what this is all about?" He questioned at me. I nodded my head and then looked at Sirius who was dumbfounded for a moment with his mouth doing a good impression of a goldfish before he found his composer.

"That sounds about right." Sirius said in a bored tone. Obviously he wasn't in the mood for acting.

"I see." Sirius' dad turned away from Sirius to look at me. He gently put my hair safely behind my ears before he spoke again. "How old are you Kobato?" I didn't ask how he knew my name. I was a bit confused about how he knew it…but he probably heard it from Dumbledore or something during the explanation of what happened.

"Fifteen, Sir." I smiled as warmly as I could. "I know I don't look it but I reassure you I am. When I was ten I came down with a magical fever and it nearly killed me. I luckily survived but, I will never get any taller." I explained with a laugh all the while knowing I was lying my way through all of this.

"You are a wise fifteen year old, I'm sure your parents are proud." He patted my head and got up to turn to Sirius. "You have my approval and I expect her over once during break for a proper dinner. No buts." And with that he swished his cloak and was out of the hospital wing with a sharp slam of the door. I took a big sigh and then took a seat by Sirius's feet.

Sirius let out a low whistle. "You are one good lair. Has anyone ever told you that?" He was looking at me with amazement.

"Once or twice maybe" I smiled and decided that my head hurt too much to stay sitting up so I curled up at his feet instead. I must not have bothered him or anything because he didn't say anything about it.

"Thanks." I heard him mutter. I peaked up at him and he was staring off into space. Something was bugging him.

"I didn't do it for you." I laughed "Sorry…not to deflate you but he was loud and my head hurts."

Sirius joined in my laughter "Yours hurts too? Good it's not just me."

"Honestly how could you hurt a pureblood such as me!" I sat up puffing my chest out with a pompous attitude to mirror something only he could pull off and still look amazing.

"Same goes for you punk" He playfully reached out and ruffled my hair. This was getting a little weird. We were getting along to well. I think he noticed it too since he cleared his throat. I awkwardly got out of his bed pulling my nightgown down farther on my legs and quickly hiding in my bed. "Your Vampire hasn't come yet." He sneered changing the subject quickly.

"Who said he was a Vampire?" I snapped throwing the coldest glare I could muster over at him. Like it mattered if Trigger was a Vampire or not…god he pisses me off.

"Have you not seen your guardian" He snorted over at me in disbelief.

"Obviously not…" I rolled my eyes ending the conversation right there.

Apparently Sirius and I had only missed lunch because it was about 4:30 in the evening by the time his dad left. So I wasn't out that long for once. He apparently only just woke up when I woke up as well. I knew Trigger wasn't going to come until the evening. He slept most of the day anyways so I didn't mind waiting for him. Though what I did mind is after dinner instead of Lily and Raven coming up or even James and his crew…Sirius and I found ourselves in the presence of Death Eater wannabes. Apparently our friends were just about to come up to see us when they saw that gain enter in. I didn't blame them for not coming in. Sirius pretended to be asleep which gave me no choice but to stay awake.

"Madam Pomfry must have done a good job you look amazing as usual." Regulus smiled at me as he made his way to my bed.

"Decent enough, my body aches." I sighed over at the crew that walked in. It was Regulus, Snape, Malfoy, Carrow (Male only for some odd reason only boys visited me when it was Slytherins), and Avery.

"So what really happened? Rumor has it Black tried kissing you" My jaw dropped at Snape's question.

"That wouldn't happen, I'm pretty sure both Black and I would rather kiss a dementor then each other." I rolled my eyes.

"I don't know that mudblood fangirl of his was in tears." Malfoy smirked at the thought of a mudblood being tortured by the discomfort brought on by this rumor.

"Good she deserves some tears for once." I smirked at thought. I hated the fangirls more than I hated Sirius. They were nasty to me, more than Sirius could ever be. Which in my book I suppose gives Sirius more credit than I believe he is worth. "No there was no lip locking involved." I nodded reassuringly trying to figure out what these boys wanted here. I'm sure they weren't here to have a gossip talk… "He just got on a touchy subject with me."

"I couldn't imagine what would upset you, darling." Regulus took a seat on my bed and patted my leg.

"A lot of things really…mainly his nasty dishonoring behavior." I let out a big sigh while glaring at him.

"Good, I'm glad you're still the righteous pureblood." Malfoy smiled over at me. "You wouldn't want us as your enemies, doll." He threw one last smile before they all turned and left just as quick as they came.

Was that really all they wanted? Was to make sure I didn't really kiss him and become a blood traitor myself? My god if they only knew my real thoughts. One of these days I'm going to explode at them. That will be the end of it. Oh but Regulus was so good looking. Then again after what I pulled today, I think I'm stuck with Sirius. Although…I suppose I was always stuck with him. My mission was to save him not Regulus.

The rest of the night dragged on. Madam Pomfry checked on us every so often and would give me potions to take around 7. From there Sirius and I were left alone. It wasn't an easy evening spent with him. He would get annoyed with my coughing and threaten me. So naturally I would threaten him back. And dinner was never actually consumed by either of us seeing as we used the food as weapons against each other. I was still trying to get mashed potatoes out of my hair…

So around 11 I was feeling very hungry, bored, and upset that I was stuck in the hospital wing with him I decided to press my luck and sneak out for the kitchens. I was assuming that he was asleep seeing as he hadn't made a nasty comment to me in over an hour now, so I thought I was safe to head to the door. But I didn't even get to reach out for the door handle when is annoying voice rang in my ears.

"Where are you going?" He said in amused tone.

"I don't have to tell you." I sneered and proceeded to open the door, ignoring him completely.

"Where are you going?" He repeated, though this time with annoyance, as I made my way into the hallway.

"Why don't you follow me and find out." I snapped turning around to glare at him. At first he didn't do or say anything as I leaned up against the door frame with my arms crossed waiting for him to make a decision. Finally he jumped up grabbing his wand and made his way slowly for me.

"Just coming with so I don't get in trouble for no reason" He smiled and walked out into the hallway.

"We won't get in trouble if you follow my lead." I stashed my wand away in my knee highs that I threw on right before I decided on leaving. And grabbed his arm to lead him the right "Filch will be passing through here in about 15 minutes and we only have about oh…12 till Mrs. Norris passes through here."

"How do you know this?" He question as I lead him down the staircase into a secret passage way on the left.

"I pick up on these things. Surely you noticed Filch has a pattern after all these years." I rolled my eyes as if it was obvious.

He cleared his throat not wanting to admit he clearly had not "I'm usually not by the hospital wing you see…" He lied. I could tell his eyes were looking everywhere but me. I ignored his lie and lead him on through the hallway, still grabbing his arm. We made it a bit farther down before I lead us into an empty room.

"Filch will be going down this hallway real soon to make his way up near the hospital wing, we need to wait in here." I said as he gave me a quizzical look.

"You know if you wanted to snog I'm sure we could have done it in the hospital wing and not this classroom." Sirius grinned at me while taking a seat on an open desk.

Seriously was that all he ever thought about or even talked about? This is mainly why I couldn't get along with him. I'm not sure why he hated me. But I knew why I hated him and he only made it worse every time he opened his stupid fat mouth.

"Does it bother you that much that I'll be one of the only girls at Hogwarts you'll never get to snog?" I questioned casting muffliato on the door, without taking my eyes off of him. His reaction was priceless for a moment he seemed taken aback before his face smoothed over into his usual cock manner. Lazily he leaned back on his hands on the desk.

"If I really wanted you, I could have you begging to snog me." He smirked his charming smirk and threw a wink at me. I just rolled my eyes not being impressed at all.

"Is that so? You really think so?" I walked away from the door and made it to where he was sitting. Leaning forward I rested on of my hands on his thigh and the other I grabbed his cheek slightly as if pulling him in for a kiss. I watched his eyes widen as he held a curious but yet fearful gaze with me. "Grow up, you don't always get your way." I said angrily as I clawed his face and walked back towards the door.

Nothing was said for the rest of the time we waited in the classroom. He was too busy nursing his wound ego and I was too busy fuming and how obnoxious he is. It was a very awkward moment and I was starting to regret letting him coming with me. All I wanted was some food.

Quietly we tipped toed down the stairs closer towards the kitchen. We were nearly to the dungeons as my stomach gave a loud growl.

"So that's what this is about, the little doll is hungry." Sirius let out his bark laugh as we rounded a corner.

"Doll's get hungry too you know." I smiled glad that he wasn't being so cocky right now.

"I'm surprise you know so much about the school for only being here a couple of months. You already know over half of the short cuts, you know which way Filch goes when, and you know where the kitchens are. Most people don't even know about that and they been here for years." Sirius looked over at me suspiciously raising an eyebrow.

I blushed "I'm a fast learner, what can I say?" I lied not meeting his eyes that were searching me for some kind of explanation.

"I guess so." He shrugged still looking at me with curiosity as we made our way to the fruit bowl painting.

"Do me a favor would you?" I asked shyly.

"What?" He questioned earnestly wanting to know.

"Tickle the pear would you, I'm not tall enough and I'm not summoning a chair." I blushed and turned away.

"Oh I'll tick-"He stopped his joke in the middle once he met my gaze "Alright…" He sighed feeling like I was a kill joy.

He reached up and tickled the pear revealing a door where little house elves were sleeping soundly. Quickly they got up and went in front of us to bow as we made our way in. I smiled warmly at them as they asked us what we wanted. I just wanted a sandwich and hot chocolate. Sirius just asked for some juice, which made me smile. Together we waited patiently for a food, not saying a word to each other. Finally we got our food and decided to head to a nearby empty classroom to enjoy our food. I summoned pillows for us to sit on as he sipped his juice and I ate my sandwich.

"Why are you so good at non-verbal spells?" He asked as I was half way through my sandwich. I suppose he couldn't take the silence so he asked a random question.

"Same reason you are I suppose." I answered not wanting to give him too much information. The truth was after I was attacked by the mutant Vampire I was trained in every way possible to defend myself. One being that I was able to use Vampire killing weapons, know non-verbal spells, and be able to turn into an animgus. Which I learned in no time because I had some of the best teachers on my side, I also got to learn how to apparate before anyone else I knew which was a plus I could live with, I didn't like floo powder too much. The main reason all of this was for was because I had Triggers blood running through my veins which meant I was hunted more by Vampires do to his sweet and noble blood.

"I feel like there's a lot you're not telling me." He smirked playfully before taking a sip of his juice.

"Why should I? Even James doesn't know everything about me. Nor Lily…I haven't been here long enough. When the time comes I'll tell them." I ate some more of my sandwich before meeting his gaze. He had a strange look in his eyes. I had a hard time reading it. It looked like that look of pity that he had with me so often these days. But something else, what was it?

"That stunt you pulled with my dad today…"He paused for a moment trying to figure out how to word it. Lazily he looked out the window searching for the right words. "We might just have to date, dad's word is law you know."

"And since when have you listened to him?" I let out a laugh.

"But you seemed like you meant every word you said." He said in a serious voice, finally taking his eyes off the night sky and looked into my eyes.

"I didn't, I'm a good lair, and we've been through this." I rolled my eyes and took a sip of the hot chocolate that was just the right temperature by now. "I know you were awake when the Death Eaters came in. It'd rather kiss a dementor."

"You can't honestly mean that." He stared at me getting off of his hands and leaning forward towards me. The moonlight was hitting his face just right. I could see the perfect claw marks I gave him earlier. They looked painful. I almost felt sorry for doing it. "You'd rather lose your soul…"

"Well no…but sometimes." I paused for a moment, I didn't want to admit that there were times that we got along and I liked it. I enjoyed being able to talk to him. But at this point I wasn't sure what to do. We had been fighting for months and months it was hard to know where to go or how to act from here. I just wanted to go on hating him for as long as I could. But how could I do that? He's been kind at times and I saved him from getting in trouble with his dad. That was worth something. I'm not the type of person to just do that for anyone. Then again I've gotten really soft and find myself being nice to everyone.

In one quick motion I tore my eyes away from him and ran for the door. Leaving all those thoughts behind as I ran and ran towards the Gryffindor tower, ending the evening with confusion.


Since Slughorn was the one who found Sirius and I blooded up and lying in the hallway (both paralyzed with spilt open heads…) he was the one who decided our 'punishment' for dueling in the hallway. I say 'punishment' because both Sirius and I were in the Slugclub and why would he want to punish us? No his punishment for me was that I had to come to the Christmas party which he left James to making sure I made my appearance there. His reasoning for that was that James knew better then to watch us duel, so that was James' punishment as well. Sirius on the other hand got less than a slap on the wrist since I took all the blame once again for him. The only bad thing for him was that I had to come over to his house during the holidays, which was more like punishment for me rather than him. His dad sent me several letters between the time we met and Slughorns party which was actually today as luck would have it. A beautiful snowy evening in December and I had to go to a bloody party that I didn't even really want to go.

I was in a pissy mood already and refused to have a snowball fight with Raven and over half of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Instead I huffed and puffed in the girl's dorm pacing back and forth feeling rather annoyed. Lily was up there with me not wanting to participate in such childish games.

"I can't believe you have to go with James'. I feel downright sorry for you." Lily sighed throwing me a look of pity as she continued to rummage through all my dresses "Seriously is this all you own is dresses?" She asked for what like the millionth time. She was having a hard time picking one of my dresses. I had so many.

"It's better than being in detention. Personally I'm surprised Black and I weren't expelled we nearly killed each other. And then I never came back to the hospital wing…" I blushed but before Lily could notice I pulled out a couple more dresses. "This emerald green one would go great with your eyes, Sev would love it." I smirked. Lily got lucky, at least she was going with someone she liked, Snape.

"Oh please, Sev isn't interested in me like that. We are just friends." Now it was Lily's turn to blush. She pulled the dress out of my hands and let out a sigh.

"Right just friends" I giggled more to myself rather than to annoy her, which it did. Snape was obviously in love with her it was painless. But not as painless as James' love for her…she had two amazing guys after her and she sat there clueless. I wish I could be as carefree as her. Or at least have two amazing guys after me. Who did I have? Death Eater wannabes left and right. And none of the really good looking ones.

"Oh hush it you…or I'll make fun of you and James going together." She threw me a playful glare before pulling out some other dresses while keeping the green one on her lap.

"I'd date James" I said smiling. Lily threw me a disgusted look before her lips broke into a smile.

"Then maybe he'd get off my back. He's all yours!" She clapped happily. "I'll find you a stunning dress to make him fall for you." She was beaming.

"It won't work…he wants you more than Devil's snare wants shade." I laughed knowing it was true. He only wanted her and I couldn't have James, he was off limits. I was to have Sirius Black and Sirius Black only. But I barely wanted him…why was it left up to me?

Lily let out a heavy sigh "That's true." She stared off for a moment before grabbing the lavender dress that was on the top of the pile now "Why not wear this one?"

"Works for me…its one of my favorites" I spoke truthfully. Almost all of these dresses Trigger had picked out for me. This was one he actually personally bought for me as a gift for Christmas last year. The only thing with what Trigger picked out, I find the Vampires like to dress very…medieval/renaissance like so all my dresses are very classical and look something straight out of those eras. This dress was no exception. It was a straight up medieval dress. Oh well…I liked it all the same.

Together Lily and I got ready. We both found ourselves taking a long shower before we met in the dorm to do each other's hair, nails, and makeup. We had a great time and by the time we were doing our hair Raven came in soaked to the bone in wet slushy snow. We had a good laugh at her and soon she was in her pj's joining us in our epic battle to make ourselves look pretty, even if we were already beautiful.

"I'm actually for once jealous I'm not going." Raven gave a sigh of longing as she stared at Lily and I who had just gotten our dresses on.

"Why not crash it with us? Grab one of my dresses." I smiled heading over for my chest.

"I'm way to tall for yours!" Raven whined and pulled me away from my clothing.

"Then you look like Lily and you show legs. See!" I pointed to Lily, she was easily wearing one of my dresses, the only difference was instead of going down to the floor like it would have for me it was up to her knees and adorable if I do say so myself.

"Oh but…Nah, I'll stay here. Kathleen and Bri were going to hang out up here and have a girls night, I'd figure I'd join them." Raven smiled while throwing us our shoes. "Besides I can't wait for all the juicy gossip…" She paused for a moment "Then again maybe we should move the girls night to the hospital wing." She laughed.

"Not funny." I glared knowing she was figuring that Sirius and I would end up there tonight. I was sure hoping not. It wasn't on my list of things to do…I just wanted to go, make Slughorn happy, and get back in one piece.

"No worries, I reserved a bed for you in the hospital wing. Although it might be St. Mungo's tonight." Lily added to Raven's antics. I just rolled my eyes and walked out without my heels on. Not even caring. "We were just teasing!" Lily called after me chasing me with my shoes in her hands while she tried putting her shoes on.

"No I bet you really did!" I shouted still running down the stairs attempting to avoid Lily. Then the full chase ensued the minute we made it into the common room. Still waving my shoes Lily chased me around as we dodged furniture, numerous 1st and 2nd years, and other older students who weren't going to Slughorns party. We were making a big scene especially because after a while Raven joined in. I was practically crying with laughter as I yelled at them. "I will not put my shoes on till you both admit something embarrassing to the whole common room!"

"Oh come on Kobato!" Lily pleaded as we made our fifth round around the common room.

"Noooo"I whined throwing a playful glance at Lily and Raven.

"I haven't had this much of a workout in forever" Raven laughed happily as she finally caught me and picked me up with ease and threw me over her shoulder and went over to an open chair where she proceeded to sit down and set me tightly on her lap with her strong arms around my waist. "Put her shoes on would you Lily." There was laughter all around us as I pouted with all my might and crossed my arms over my chest. "Oh admit defeat!"

"Never" I held my nose up high in a haughty matter while Lily put my shoes on.

"Nice catch Clearwater." James smiled coming up behind us with Sirius in handsome dress robes. Both were going to Slughorns party. Though rumor had it Sirius didn't have a date.

"Thanks!" Raven gave a high five to James who was thoroughly enjoying me still struggling on Raven's lap.

"I'm guessing she was attempting to ditch the party?" James asked looking at Lily and Raven. It was odd he wasn't being weird around Lily for once. Well at the moment at least.

"No, she's upset because we reserved her a bed in the hospital wing." Raven ruffled my hair with a big smile. I just rolled my eyes and hopped off seeing as Lily had finally put my shoes on.

"Why you feeling ill?" James eyes widened as he looked at me to check that I was doing alright. I pushed him away.

"No I'm fine." I growled over at him.

"Oh…okay. Otherwise I'd have to ask Lily dearest here to come with me to the party." He turned with his Lily voice over at her with a smile.

"I'm going with Sev who's a million times better than you." Lily glared over at James before turning to me "If you don't have any objections Kobato I'm leaving."

"Of course not! I'll see you there beautiful" I gave her a big hug and watched her leave. James on the other hand looked so depressed. It was surely a sight to behold. Lily sure knew how to beat him up and make him feel like nothing. It was amazing how little of an ego he had after Lily says something like that. It made me giggle.

"What's so funny?" James snapped out of his depression and pounded on me all curious.

"Nothing" I met Raven's eye who returned my giggle and smirk. "See you later Raven." I smiled at her and gave her a hug.

"Be good and don't end up in the hospital wing or St. Mungo's." She scolded with a warning finger at me. I on the other hand just rolled my eyes and ignored her comment.

"Bye!" I said loudly and annoyed to Raven. She just smiled as I grabbed James' arm to walk to Slughorns party. James was in the middle, Sirius on his left and I on James' right. We made a beautiful trio…personally.

To be honest though I was nervous about this, I was afraid Sirius would send me to the hospital wing or something. We hadn't talked since what happened the night I ran away from him in that empty classroom. The most contact we had been through our wands. Our fights were increasingly worse. It didn't help that Regulus found out that their dad wanted me to date Sirius, thinking I would be able to make Sirius into a proper pureblood. I had all the Death Eaters on my side thinking I would be able to make him into one of them in no time. So they encouraged it on for a couple of days until they realized Sirius wouldn't let me even say one word. But they were still hopeful, all trying different plots to get me to be by Sirius so I could change him. That didn't work though. It ended up with me being in the hospital wing more often than not. I didn't mind though. It made me feel like I was doing my mission to some degree. I was supposed to make Sirius Black fall in love with me and I couldn't do that till we stopped fighting with wands and started talking with words. Call me foolish, but I'm going to be brave and try not to kill him or let myself get killed by him.

"You do look adorable in this dress, like a little doll." James' smiled down at me after an awkward silent walk out of the common room.

"Thank you Sir Potter." I giggled "You look pretty good yourself. You too Sir Black, you look handsome as well." I smiled leaning over James's to see Sirius. Sirius was confused for a moment as his jaw hung open at my words, but then he gained his composer just as quickly as he lost it and was back to his pompous self.

"Of course I look handsome, I always look handsome darling." Sirius grinned and James gave him a high five. "Why dear Prongs, I think tonight we shall make the girls do more than drool over us."

"Dear Padfoot I think we shall make them swoon at our feet." James' exchanged devilish grins with Sirius before they winked at each other then in unison said "Alright"

"I'm just going to pretend that didn't happen." I commented and let go of James' arm to walk a little ahead of them. I was honestly feeling embarrassed for them that they would really act this way. But then again a part of me wondered if they really meant what they were saying or if they were just this cocky with each other.

"Come on doll!" James put an arm around me and pulled me towards him "You know you love us." He smiled seeming excited for something.

"I love you James' just you." I said with big pouty eyes. "Anyways" I said trying to shake off the awkward topic that I didn't want to get into. "Black where is your date?" I questioned over at him raising a inquisitive eyebrow at him.

"I'm flying solo tonight." Sirius admitted.

"That's because you lost your bet." James' smirked not looking at Sirius.

"Shut up Prongs, she doesn't need to know." Sirius was angry his face was getting a little red between a mixture of humiliation and being upset by what James was saying. Truthfully I was interested in what kind of bet they had going that Sirius lost, but I wasn't going to pry, it wasn't any of my business. And if Sirius didn't want me to know then I really didn't want to know myself.

"I don't want to know, really." I said reassuringly at Sirius who was looking at me with disbelief. I ignored it either way.

Finally we made it to Slughorns party. It was a beautiful Christmas party if I do say so myself. There was mistletoes, Christmas trees, magical snowflakes falling from the ceiling, and beautiful tables with food scattered all over the place. The room was large and clearly the spirit of Christmas all in one room. There was a lot of people here already dressed up nicely. I was glad to say that Slughorn didn't noticed James, Sirius and I enter in at all. We made our way into a quiet corner by one of the open windows. It was rather hot in the room so it was nice to be by the cool windows with the breeze slightly on our backs.

"I'll go get some drinks." James smiled before leaving Sirius and I to stand by this window all alone.

"Okay." I said awkwardly afraid of him to leave. I was afraid from a mixture of I was going to be alone with Sirius and the fangirls where all over glaring daggers at me and throwing yearning looks over at Sirius. They were drooling over him I'll give him that, but they weren't swooning. My eyes wondered all over the party. There were a lot of students I didn't know and a lot I did. Then mixed in where some guest of Slughorns who weren't in school. I know I smelled Vampire somewhere in here.

"What do I smell bad?" Sirius asked as I was closing my eyes and trying to smell what family the Vampire's were from. I know silly, but Vampires can usual tell who is who by the scent of their blood, which can be smelt far away. Me not being a full Vampire but still having Vampire blood in my veins could smell who was who, but it had to be closer.

I opened my eyes and stopped smelling the Vampire and turned to Sirius who now that I was smelling, he smelled heavenly. No stop… "No sorry…you smell fine. I think I smelled Snape and not you." I lied noticing Lily and Snape laughing away not too far from us.

Sirius laughed at me "Ah yes, sorry for accusing you of thinking that I was nothing less than perfect."

I rolled my eyes at him "Don't worry I already know you're perfect." I snorted. Where was James? I couldn't see him anywhere near where the drinks were. He probably abandoned me.

"I'm glad" Sirius paused for a moment then put a hand on my shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze "I worry about your mental health. You know you are the only girl who's not attracted to me."

"Get your hand off of me." I scowled and threw his arm off. I decided to move farther from him and inch closer to the window. A nice breeze below my curly blond hair off my neck, I closed my eyes feeling relaxed and trying to pretend I wasn't stuck here next to Sirius Black.

"Oh come on N-"Sirius was cut off by a much more elegant voice. My eyes snapped open at the sound of it. It was so perfect and beautiful.

"My apologies Miss." A beautiful man bowed to me. He was a Vampire I could tell. I smiled at him as he stood before me in his dress robes of simple black that seemed to accent his beautiful black hair. "I was wondering if I could have your name." He smiled at me in the most polite manner and yet he seemed uncertain. My eyes wondered off of the Vampires beautiful green eyes over to Sirius' dark eyes. Sirius was looking at me confused and yet worried at the same time. He was clearly upset about something. And if I wasn't mistaken was worried for me?

I ignored Sirius and put a shy arm over my neck one of my habits that I do around Vampires ever since I was attacked. "It's Kobato, Kobato Nightray." I smiled warmly at him extending an arm. I have smelt him before. "If I'm not mistaken you are of the Noble house of Rainsworth?"

He looked a little startled by what I had said but none the less he bowed even deeper "It is an honor to meet you Princess. Even greater of an honor that you know of my bloodline seeing as you come from America" He let up from the bow and grabbed my hand to plant a gentle kiss on it.

Well this was embarrassing. I felt my cheeks heat up. "No the pleasure is all mine." I smiled now taking my turn to bow trying not to notice James was back with drinks and was now looking quizzically at Sirius, who was just as confused.

"I'm glad." Rainsworth smiled at me flashing his beautiful fangs and then noticed James and Sirius standing close by "Are these your friends by any chance?" He asked eyeing them in a careful manner.

"Yes of course. That is James Potter and Sirius Black" I pointed to the two. So what if Sirius wasn't my friend I wasn't going to both explain that to a noble Vampire from Europe. Just saying.

"Thank you for taking care of this precious little girl." He smiled and bowed at the two boys. Both were very confused and just stood there looking like a fish out of water. Rainsworth, then turned back to me "I will let you be with your friends then Miss Nightray." He gave me one last bow and then left.

Leaving me wishing he didn't because James and Sirius were now turning to me with the oddest looks on their faces.

"Hi" I blushed before grabbing the drink from James and drinking as much as I could to busy myself not even noticing he managed to get us firewhiskey until it was already halfway down. Oops.