I really can't remember if the title for this chapter is in one of the hp books, it sounds like it could be so just in case it is, I don't own it and seeing as how if I don't even own the chapter title, I definitely don't own hp or it's characters

"So how was your night?" Lily asked Rachel as she walked into the dormitory. Lily, Melody, and Julie were in their usual spot on the floor recounting that night's events.

"It was fun," Rachel told them as she sat down. "We danced a lot, we talked a bit, then we danced some more, and I only just got back. Did I mention that he asked me to be his girlfriend?"

"What?" The three girls yelped.

"I said no." Rachel said before the girls starting assuming anything else. "It just wouldn't have been fair. He deserves someone who is able to give her whole heart to him, not just half."

"It's because of Sirius isn't it?" Lily asked gently, already knowing the answer.

"I can't help it. I know he's a complete jerk but I still really like him. I can't explain it."

"The weird thing is that we've known Sirius since first year and he's never been like this. He would rarely go out with anyone, it was always just him and the guys, but having a new girl every week. . . that's just not like him. He's only gone out with one girl a year, if that." Julie said, looking perplexed at Sirius' sudden change in behavior.

"You know what, Jules is right. I hadn't thought about it but it's true. He's only gone out with three girls before this year. If he's acting out like this it's because you broke his heart or something Ray," Lily said half joking.

"Not even. His hormones probably just kicked in," Rachel said.

"Lily's right," Melody added, "he didn't start acting up until a day after he asked you out. Something had to happen between the day he asked you out, the next day, or the morning after that. . ."

"Guys are just weird, forget about it. Just tell me about your nights."

"There isn't much to say about mine. I went with Benjamin from Hufflepuff, but just as friends," Julie said.

"I had a great time with Remus. We're going steady now," Melody beamed.

"That's wonderful Mel! Remus is such a great guy. I'm really happy for both of you!" Rachel hugged Melody.

"Thanks, I'm thrilled about it. But I'm curious about Lily's night with the 'arrogant toerag'," Melody laughed.

"He was actually the perfect gentleman. He's changed so much this year, I don't even know what to think anymore," Lily said contemplatively.

"You know, Lily had a great time with you yesterday," Rachel told James on the train ride home.

"I'm glad. It was hard knowing what to do, but I had fun. I've heard about everyone's night except yours Padfoot," James said, turning to Sirius.

"It was fine, until Jaclyn got mad at me for dancing with Janice."

"Typical. Well, I'm going to go find Ryan. I'll be back," Rachel said as she got up.

"Right. Wouldn't want to keep dear Ryan waiting," Sirius shot at her. Rachel stopped and turned to Sirius.

"What's that? I do believe I hear Jaclyn calling you," she shot back.

"Can't be, I'm not seeing her," Sirius said.

"So you just go around breaking hearts?" Rachel asked icily.

"No, I don't. You're the one who breaks hearts. You go out with one guy, get his hopes up, and then crush him when you end it. At least the girls I go out with know it's nothing serious from the start."

"I don't break any hearts either Black."

"Really?" Sirius asked sceptically. "What about Stanton?"

"We're not going out anymore. We're just friends," Rachel answered quietly as she walked out. James and Remus, who had been watching the exchange between them silently, laughed.

"She shut you up Padfoot," James sniggered. Sirius paid no attention to them. He was just relieved that Rachel was single now.

"What did she ever see in him in the first place?" Sirius asked James and Remus, coming out of his reverie.

"I suppose that he's Head Boy and stuff. That and he didn't ask her out only to leave her for another girl," Remus said nastily.

"Ouch. That's harsh," Sirius said.

"It's the truth," James agreed with Remus.

"I had my reasons," Sirius said defensively.

"They were probably bad ones too," James thought aloud.

"Fiona told me she heard Belle say that she was just playing with me," Sirius said, trying to justify himself.

"And you believed her?!" Remus asked incredulously. "You know she would do anything to go out with you, and you believed her?"

"Why do you think I ended it with her? I figured out she was lying."

"You're not that thick are you Padfoot? Why did you believe her in the first place?" James asked.

"Everything was just too perfect, something had to go wrong," Sirius continued to say defensively.

"Padfoot, Padfoot, Padfoot," Remus sighed.

"It doesn't matter anymore because she's not going out with anyone. I can get her back now."

"Right," James said, bored. "Who do you reckon will make it to the World Cup?"

"The United States of course!" Rachel grinned as she came into the compartment.

"In your dreams maybe," Remus laughed.

"So maybe they're not very good now, but they will be," Rachel answered, laughing along with the rest of them.

"You got back fast," Sirius commented, trying to sound friendly.

"I know, I just went to say bye before we got to the station."

"How sweet of you," James joked.

"Belle, before you go, I want you to meet my parents," James urged, pulling her through the crowd to where a tall, slim man stood next to a slightly shorter woman with beautiful hazel eyes.

"Mom, Dad, this is Rachel Evans," James introduced.

"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Potter. It's a pleasure to meet you." Rachel said.

"The pleasure is ours," Mr. Potter shook her hand.

Mrs. Potter embraced her. "We've heard a lot about you. It's wonderful to finally meet you dear," she said warmly.

"Hi son, how are you doing?" Mr. Potter asked Sirius, who was standing next to James.

"I'm fine sir," he answered, shaking Mr. Potter's hand.

"Glad to hear it."

"Oh Sirius dear," Mrs. Potter said, hugging him. "I'm happy to see you again." She addressed Sirius and Rachel. "I hope you two can visit us over the holiday. Where is Remus?"

"He left, his parents were in a hurry," James explained.

"Rachel!" came an angry voice behind her. "Get over here now!"

It was her father. He seemed to have worsened these past months. Rachel closed her eyes and willed herself to be patient.

"I have to go. It was nice meeting you," Rachel said hurriedly to Mr. and Mrs. Potter as she left.

"I said hurry! Where's your sister?" they heard Mr. Evan's angry voice.

"I don't know."

"I'm right here dad!" Lily said as she approached.

"Lily! I missed you!" he said as he hugged her. "Let's get going, your mother is waiting for you at home and she's making your favorite meal. I'll take your trunk, it must be heavy."

"It is. I'll help you with yours Ray, you get that end," Lily told Rachel.

"Let her carry her own trunk Lily."

"But Dad-" Lily began to protest.

"Just go wait in the car Lily," Mr. Evans said sternly. Lily shot Rachel an apologetic look before leaving.

"This is the last time I tell you to hurry up Rachel!" he shouted as he walked towards the barrier. Rachel was fuming at the injustice of it all. To make things worse, he was creating a scene.

"I'll help you with that," Sirius offered, coming to her aid.

Rachel looked at Sirius curiously. "Uh, thanks Padfoot, I appreciate it."

Mr. Evans turned to see where his daughter was. He didn't like what he saw.

"Who are you?" Mr. Evans spat at Sirius as he neared the pair.

"Sirius Black, sir. I'm-"

"You stay away from my daughter. She can carry her own trunk," he said menacingly.

"Rick!" Rachel implored. "Stop bei-"

"Don't challenge me. Now hurry up and carry your own damn trunk!"

What has gotten him into such a foul mood? Rachel wondered.

Mr. and Mrs. Potter saw what was happening and went to help her after her father had walked through the barrier. Rachel was so embarrassed.

"Rachel dear, if anything happens, you're more than welcome at our home." Mrs. Potter said understandingly as Mr. Potter pointed at Rachel's trunk with his wand and said,

"Alleviatus. There, your trunk will be light as a feather. Now hurry along before you get in any more trouble."

"Thank you all so much." Rachel turned to leave but Sirius grabbed her arm. "Keep in touch, will you?" his eyes pleaded.

"We have the mirrors," she said. What was he playing at?

"I'm sorry about how Dad acted over there," Lily apologized to Rachel that night before they went to bed.

"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault he doesn't love me. It's not your fault he doesn't give a d-."

"It's not right though," Lily interrupted before Rachel cursed. "I wish I could do something about it."

"You can't so stop worrying. Just go to sleep." Rachel tried not to think about how miserable life there was and how she wished she go back to how things were when her mom was still alive. Sure she wouldn't have met Lily or any of her other friends, but she would have her old best friends, and her mom.

Sirius had a horrible reason for leaving her didn't he? Sorry it took so long to reveal. Let me know what you think, review please!