Disclaimer: I do not own anything aside from the original characters. The rest of this world belongs to the wonderful JK Rowling

A/N: Thank you to all of those sticking around to read! This chapter is a bit longer (the first portion would have been too short on it's own, so I merged two together). Reviews are welcomed, whether good or bad.

The bustle of the holidays had arrived at Hogwarts. Decorations hung from the halls and the smells of pine, berries, and home permeated the air.

Excited chatter stirred throughout the Gryffindor Common Room as the rush of students scrambled to finish some last minute packing. Laughter could still be heard echoing in the tower.

James sat on his four poster, rolling up sweaters and tossing it into his trunk, "The offer is still open if you want to stay over the holidays. Mum and Dad would love to have you."

"I'm fine, mate. I already told Reg I would be staying."

"Isn't he planning on going home?"

"Sure, but I told him I would be here. He'll know to contact me here if he needs anything."

"What does your mum think? Is she angry?"

"Course," Sirius smirked. "When isn't she?"

"Well, what excuse did you manage this time?"

"Told her I had extra work to get done. Needed Madame Pince's help navigating the shelves," Sirius said with a wink.

"And did she believe you?" James asked as he struggled to close his trunk. "Could use a hand here."

Sirius sat on the trunk as James fumbled with the latch, "Pack enough? And to answer your question, no. She called me a disgrace," Sirius said with a mock pained expression. "Since when is bringing academic glory to your family a disgraceful thing?"

James snorted, "Yes, Sirius the scholar. I see it in the papers now!"

"You prat - it could happen," Sirius shrugged as he hopped off the trunk. "Come on, let's grab a bite before you head out."

The two Marauders walked to the Great Hall, loudly discussing the odds of either of them making the Daily Prophet.

"No, no Sirius - at the most I can see you winning Witch Weekly's 'Most Charming Smile.' For me, I am thinking a major headline in the Daily Prophet!" James exclaimed, holding up an imaginary paper. "James Potter, Quidditch legend!"

"Oh please," Lily muttered as the boys sat next to her.

"Come on, Evans! Can't you see it!"

She ignored him, turning to her porridge.

Sirius laughed as James tried to convince Lily of his future stardom. He started to load his plate when he had a feeling someone was staring at him. He looked up to see Lou glancing at him. She immediately dropped her gaze when he locked eyes with her.

She was sitting with a friend, and it looked as if they were quietly arguing. Lou's friend nudged her in the side only to receive a glare in return. Composing herself, she sat up straight and locked eyes with Sirius again. Lou looked thoughtful at first, but then she flashed him a big smile. Taken by surprise, he knocked his orange juice over on the table.

"Bloody hell, Padfoot. Watch it!"

"Sorry mate," Sirius said as he fumbled to mop up the mess.

Lily glanced over to Lou, then back to Sirius. A small smile crept onto her face.

"What?" Sirius asked looking at her expression.

"When did that happen?"

James piped in, "When did what happen?"

"Sirius and Lou."

"Who's Lou?" he asked looking between Sirius and Lily.

"Lou from Ravenclaw. She took your seat in Potions," she said brushing him off. "I never would have guessed you two would be together."

"Pause. What am I missing?" James cuts in.

"You're not missing anything. We're not together, but let's rewind a bit - what do you mean you never would have guessed."

"She's not exactly your type."

"Type?"

"Well yes…I mean she's pretty of course, but she…she likes books, Sirius," she stated with no nonsense.

"What is it with you people today?"

Lily looked at him shocked.

"He's a little sensitive about this topic. He is an academic genius you know," James said mockingly.

Lily cleared her throat, "It wasn't a comment about you. I mean, the girls you tend to date aren't exactly…Well they're not like Lou."

"She means they're bimbos," James added.

Sirius looked offended, "They are not bimbos. I mean sure, they tend to be a bit more free spirited."

Lily just stared, her mouth in a thin line.

He continued, "Any way, that's besides the point. There is nothing going on."

"Fine. I just thought it was sweet, but if you say nothing's going on, I believe you." Lily said gathering her things.

James scraped the rest of his eggs into his mouth, "Let me walk you out."

She sighed in irritation, but then added, "I do think she is really sweet, though. Enjoy your holiday, Sirius."

Sirius nodded at her as he watched James run to catch up with her.

Sweet.

Lou was avoiding his gaze, but a small blush had swept across her cheeks.

Sirius smiled.

She is pretty...

A/N: Thanks for reading!