A/N: I don't know why, but this chapter took me a while to finish. Please let me know what you think!

I entered the dormitory to find nearly every girl's eyes on me. Lily looked at them in disgust.

"Mind your own business," she said, and stood up to put her arm around my shoulder. "C'mon. Come sit down, Jackie."

I let her lead me to my bed, and I sat down next to her.

"What was all that?" She whispered, her head nearly touching mine.

"I don't even know."

"Jackie—this is serious."

"I know. That's the problem; it's Sirius."

Lily looked at me square in the eyes. Her green eyes were persecuting me. If looks could kill. "Jackie…" She sighed. "I know that's your way of dealing with things—making a joke of them. What happened?"

"Can we go somewhere else? I don't like the way they're looking at me."

Lily nodded and led the way. I followed her blindly; I did not know where she was going, but anywhere was better than Gryffindor Tower.

Her solution to my problem was the courtyard. There were few people around, so it ensured relative privacy. She picked a bench, and sat down. I took a moment before sitting; I was still trying to digest what had transpired.

"Did he hurt you?" She asked, but even she sounded doubtful.

"No. No, I don't think Sirius would hurt me. But he was very mad…as I'm sure you heard."

"Oh, I heard. The Hog's Head barman probably heard!" She laughed not from humor, but more from exasperation. "Did he say what I think he said though?"

"And what would that be Lily?"

"That…well…that he thinks you'd be better off with him."

"Yes," I mumbled, barely audible. "Who does he think he is? Trying to tell me who I should and should not be dating…He's a manwhore! And to think I was just starting to get used to him…"

"Yes, yes. I get it…The Marauders are prats. You're lucky you haven't had one of them pining after you for years!" She exclaimed. "I know you like Regulus a lot, Jackie. But maybe Sirius is right—what if he is into all that stuff? That's why I had to turn away from Severus."

"Yeah, that and the fact that he called you a foul name." I sighed. "Like I told him, Regulus has been so nice to me. He seems pretty popular among the Slytherins, and they almost revere him. They don't mind him dating a Gryffindor, though I'm sure they'd prefer him to be with one of their own. I'm sure if I was Muggleborn or half, they'd persecute him and me. The fact is, they don't. And I like him."

"Do you like Sirius too?"

"What is this, Lily? An interrogation?" I shook my head at her. "I can barely think right now. I'm a little in shock."

"It's a simple question. You know I'm not trying to push you…I just want to know."

"It's not so simple, Lily. Do you like James?"

"No." She answered immediately, but I could see her assuredness faltering. She looked like she lacked conviction, though her voiced had sounded firm and strong.

"Exactly, Lil. As far as I'm concerned, I'm with Regulus, therefore, I cannot like Sirius."

"That's completely irrelevant! You can like two people at once."

"I have Care of Magical Creatures in half an hour, Lily. I have to go get my stuff." I jumped off of the bench and ran off for Gryffindor Tower. I hoped the Marauders would not be in the Common Room, but I would not be able to avoid them forever.

I didn't even have to think about which way to turn or which staircase to take—it was all second nature. The only obstacles were the people standing in my way. Twice I nearly knocked someone over because of my speed. I wanted to snatch up my bag and book in as little time as possible, with the least likely chance of having to set eyes on Sirius Black.

When I was finally standing in front of the Fat Lady, I became aware of the fact that Lily was not following me. I felt my heart warm with appreciation. She had upset me just a bit, but at least she knew I would like to be left alone.

"Pig snout," I exhaled, and she nodded and swung open. As I darted through the Common Room (weaving in and out of clusters of students), Veronica waved to me from in front of the fire. I nodded, but offered no other salutation.

My bag and books were sprawled across my bedspread, and I searched through them to find my Magical Creatures textbook that Grubbly-Plank had assigned. It was quite large, and very heavy. By the end of the year I expected to have serious muscles.

As I exited the dormitories, I felt a hand clasp on my shoulder. I turned my head to look over my shoulder, suddenly face to face with Remus Lupin. He was smiling sympathetically.

"Sorry about Sirius, Jackie. Are you going to Magical Creatures?"

"Yes. Are you ready?"

Remus nodded, and gestured to his messenger bag. "All ready."

"You look very tired, Remus." I acknowledged, looking at him out of the corner of my eyes as we walked. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, yes. I've just had a lot of work, is all."

"I'm sure being James and Sirius' best friend doesn't bode for getting a good night's sleep." I chuckled.

"No, you're right—it doesn't. They are always up to something. Not to mention my Prefect duties…"

I knew what Remus was trying to do, and it was working. He was distracting me, making me laugh and engaging me in a stimulation conversation about Bowtruckles (we had just reviewed them in class the week prior).

When we reached the edge of the forest and saw Grubbly-Plank setting up for the lecture, I turned to Remus.

"Thank you for that, Remus. I really appreciate you trying to give my mind a rest, even if it was just for a little bit."

"My pleasure, Jackie. I know Sirius can be a little…confusing…at times, but I'm sure he'll come around."

"I better go see what Rebecca wants," I inclined my head towards the Hufflepuff girl who was beckoning me towards her.

"Enjoy class, Jackie."

"You too, Remus."