The Party

"Why are you taking him again?"

"Because he's nice, and I needed a date."

"You've never even spoken to him before."

Leah popped her head around the curtain of her bed, she'd been using it as a shield to get changed, and raised an eyebrow at Lily. The red head had been asking her endless questions about Adam, most she couldn't answer because her conversation with him had been exactly thirteen minutes long. "Your enthusiasm is overwhelming," Leah said and Lily stuck her tongue out teasingly.

"I'm sorry, I just don't understand. I know Adam is good looking, but he always seemed so boring and self-obsessed, you're the opposite of that."

"So does James," Leah pointed out from back behind the curtain. She slipped on her dress and smoothed the front down as Lily replied, however it never came. "I've got you stumped there, haven't I?" Leah grinned as she pictured her friends face trying to come up with an answer. Lily had admitted that she'd disliked James for years because he was cocky and now they were obsessed with each other.

"Damn you Higgs," Lily sighed. She sounded just like Sirius and Leah began to chuckle before stopping herself, they were arguing after all. He was the reason she was going on the date in the first place.

Leah slowly pulled her fingers through her hair as she thought about the boy, and his cruel taunts. Why did he have to be so cold? Couldn't he of been supportive, for once in his life? Nobody was ever interested in her, even Sirius who adored any girl with a pulse, and even he hadn't wanted her. It would have hurt if she cared at all what he thought.

"Are you ready?" Lily asked and Leah snapped out of her daze, untangling her fingers from her locks and stepping out from behind the curtain. Lily's lips turned up into a smile, similar to one a Mother would give her youngest daughter before she headed off on her first date. "You look gorgeous," she complimented.

"As do you," Leah returned, scanning Lily's dress. It was red and matched her hair perfectly, giving her a slight vixen look. Leah had chosen something simpler, an off the shoulder pale blue dress that seemed silver when the light hit it. It wasn't extravagant, but she felt exposed all the same.

Lily exhaled a long breath and stepped towards Leah, frowning slightly. "I'm sorry about what I said about Adam, I'm sure he's great. Maybe I'm pushing it because I know James will be a nightmare without Sirius there tonight."

"Sirius would have made it a nightmare…trust me." Lily nodded once before pushing away her sombre thoughts and offering Leah a dazzling smile.

"We'd better go, we have dates waiting."

Remus had stopped around the corner from where Belle was standing. He could hear her gentle breaths and the shuffle of her feet as she waited for him to emerge. The Gryffindor was attempting to compose himself, feeling the tremors quiver down his body. He was ridiculously nervous about the night, more so than he had been for Hogsmeade. Remus knew this was his last chance with her, if he screwed it up there would be no more.

His back was pressed against the ice cold wall, and he dropped his head back, enjoying the cool stone on his scalp. He'd been early, and was now late. Belle cleared her throat and moved again as another minute ticked by. So much for Gryffindor courage, he felt sick with nerves. A small part of him wished it was closer to a full moon so he'd have an excuse as to why he was so grey and shaky.

Another minute.

Then another.

Remus dug his nails into his palms and stood up straight, trying his hardest to ignore the swell of panic in his gut. If he didn't go now she'd leave, and it all would have been for nothing. The worst that could happen was that she wouldn't be interested anymore, and that girl was worth a bit of heartache, just to be near her for one night.

Before his confidence wavered he stepped out and plastered a casual smile on his face. However, it wavered the moment his eyes settled on her. The doors to the Great Hall were open giving her aura a golden glow, like she was supernatural rather than human, and her hair was loosely curled and clipped up, so only a few tresses hung down. Remus swallowed and glanced quickly at her pastel yellow dress, stopping just above her knee. Full blown panic ensued, and his heart beat like a herd of centaurs in his chest.

For a manic minute he considered turning and leaving her, not able to control the flood of emotions. What was he doing going after someone like her? He was a monster and she was perfection. The girl smiled shyly and inched forwards, blushing as usual. "Your late," she scolded playfully, seemingly unaware of his battle.

"Sorry," he murmured, "I was talking to James."

Now he was lying to her, another cross on why he wasn't good enough for the Ravenclaw. A small crease appeared on her forehead as she frowned at him, "Are you alright?"

"Yes, fine," he said and rolled his shoulders back. If Sirius was here he'd have punched him by now, and he'd be right to. Remus stepped forwards and held out his arm for her to take. "You look beautiful," he said but couldn't force himself to keep eye contact. He didn't need to, he could feel Belle's fingers grip a fraction tighter to his elbow, and practically feel the warmth from her blush radiating from her.

They walked together towards the Dungeons, thankfully it was a short journey.

"I hear Leah has a date," Remus commented in an attempt to lighten the intense mood.

"Yes, Adam something, I can't remember."

"Cresswell," Remus said.

"You know him?"

"Not really, but Sirius hates him. He goes on rants every now and then, I think they battle for girls attention a lot."

Belle shot her eyes up to Remus who looked down at her, confused by her reaction. "You don't think Adam is just dating Leah to get one over on Sirius?"

"I don't know, I hadn't thought about it."

They fell quiet as both pondered the theory. Belle was protective of her sister, and would hate to see someone use her. Remus wasn't as interested as his date, he didn't know Adam well enough to guess his intentions but it suddenly explained why Sirius had been moody all day. He'd left the common room before either of the girls appeared, but Remus had assumed it was because he wasn't invited. Something tugged in Remus' mind, a whisper that couldn't be heard. He tried to figure out why all of this was striking a nerve, as if it was more important than he thought. The Gryffindor waved it away, knowing it wouldn't make sense until it wanted to.

"I couldn't believe it when I only got an E in Defence Against the Dark Arts, I clearly deserved an O, but the Professor last year didn't like me, I could tell."

Leah nodded appreciatively as Adam spoke, trying to keep the boredom from her face. He had been talking about grades and classes for over half an hour, but had yet to ask about or comment on her at all. She didn't mind, it wasn't like Leah yearned to talk about herself but it wasn't a date supposed to include two people getting to know one another? All Leah had learned so far was how seriously Adam took his work.

She allowed her eyes to travel across the room towards Lily and James who were chatting to Professor Slughorn. James looked just as bored as she was, and he shrugged at her giving a knowing smile. A flicker of blonde signalled Belle's arrival and Leah's heart warmed at how lovely she looked. Remus had a hand resting gently on Belle's back, guiding her around but claiming her in the process. Leah wanted to go over to them, but Adam was still talking. She looked back at him and nodded again, until she realised he'd stopped speaking.

Adam smiled softly and she returned it, hoping he hadn't asked her a question. "I'm sorry," he said, "I'm boring you."

"No you aren't," Leah insisted.

"I am, I've been talking about myself since we got here."

"Your grades actually, I still don't know much about you." Leah shrugged, there was no point lying to him.

Adam chuckled and his eyes glinted, clearly finding her honestly amusing. "You're a peculiar girl," he said. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know, tell me something personal." Leah suggested, tilting her head to the side as she watched him. He was attractive, especially that night with this smart suit on.

"Personal? Alright…" He smirked and faked deep thought, tapping his finger to his chin. Leah rolled her eyes and nudged him with her elbow, until he looked back at her. "Ok, ok," he chuckled, "how about this, I've never been in a relationship for longer than two months."

Leah didn't react, not finding it that shocking. Adam raised his eyebrows, "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"Like what?"

"You don't find it in the least bit strange that I've never had a serious relationship?"

"Two months sounds serious to me, I've never…" Leah halted her words, pressing her lips together to stop them falling out, but it was too late.

Adam's eyes widened, "Leah Higgs, have you never had a boyfriend before?"

Her cheeks flushed and she crossed her arms, uncomfortable at the topic of conversation. "So you only got an E in Defence Against the Dark Arts, I bet that was really annoying?"

"Stop trying to change the subject," he said, a smile playing on his lips. Leah's shoulders drooped as he pestered her. She didn't want to talk about it, at all. "Have you ever even been on a date?" Her lack of a response was enough, Adam was practically bouncing. "I feel privileged to be your first, although how a girl like you went this long alone is beyond even my understanding."

"Can we not talk about this?" She asked and he nodded in defeat.

"Would you like a drink?"

"Please," she replied and he offered her a final fleeting grin, before squeezing her arm and walking to the opposite side of the room in search of butterbeer.

Leah stood alone, staring at the floor, completely mortified. What was she thinking telling him that? Why didn't she snap in her usual way and push his curiosity back with wit and charm? Leah wanted to curl up in a corner and forget that entire conversation had happened. Adam must think she was such a loser, unwanted by everyone. She ran a hand down her face, stopping at her lips which had betrayed her.

"Not a very good date, are you?" A voice mocked and she spun round, already knowing who it was. Regulus Black leaned against a table behind her, a cocky smirk rippling on his face. How long had he been standing there?

"What the hell are you doing here? Don't tell me Slughorn invited you? I thought he only wanted people who were important." Leah snapped at him, her defences rocketing upwards as quickly as they'd crumbled with Adam.

"Your attitude won't help you this time I'm afraid, and it won't make Cresswell like you." Leah hoped she wasn't blushing, but if she was with any luck Regulus would mistake it for rage. "You know," Regulus continued, "you really aren't a good match for him."

Leah rolled her eyes, even the snake was on at her for her choice of date. "You know, I really don't care about your opinion."

Regulus grinned and pushed up off the table, stepping closer to the Gryffindor. She held her ground, refusing to look weak twice in one day. He wore all black, seeming more like death come to claim her than a teenage boy. "All I'm saying is you could have made a better decision, you only get one first date."

"Why are you talking to me about this? Don't you have some helpless first year to bully?"

Regulus frowned as if he was as confused as she was. He was so close that she could feel his breath on her cheek. Sharp and bitter, just like its owner. His hand shot out and gripped her wrist, "What is it with you Higgs girls and your attitude? Don't you ever learn to shut your mouths?"

His anger was hot and uncalled for, taking her off guard. She reached for her wand but realised, in horror, that she'd left it in her dorm. There was nowhere to store it in her dress. "Get off of me," she spat and tried to pull herself away, but he only held tighter.

"Stop fighting me, I'm just trying to talk to you."

There was a manic glint in his dark eyes, cutting straight through Leah. She looked around but there was nobody she knew close, and Adam was chatting to some other girl across the room. Her pain doubled as her date broke into rolls of laughter, in a way he never had with her. Regulus followed her gaze and chuckled, "Surprise, surprise, Cresswell got bored even before he'd shagged you."

His features stiffened and his breath caught in his throat as he stared down at her, eyes skimming over her face. Leah frowned at him, what was he doing? His grip was still tight on her arm as he jerked it towards him, leaning his head closer to hers. His lips were parted and inches from her mouth. Quick as lightening, Leah brought her free hand up and slapped him across his cheek, just as a hand appeared and yanked Regulus off of her. James stepped in between the pair, and held his wand up, pointed directly at the Slytherin who bore a red mark handprint on his sallow skin.

"You're all worthless scum, and you'll get what's coming to you," he promised as he backed away. Leah turned away from him, looking towards the door and met a pair of grey eyes. Sirius was standing in the doorway, gripping the handle so tightly that the door shook. His wand was in his free hand, and directed at his brother.

Sirius had been roaming the corridors of Hogwarts for well over an hour, searching for anything to distract him from his sour mood. He hadn't bothered seeing Leah, James, Lily and Remus off as they went to the party. He couldn't believe they'd gone at all, knowing he wasn't invited. He'd passed Cresswell on the way who had grinned arrogantly at him, Sirius had no clue why he didn't curse him.

The silence between him and Leah had been thick and bitter, brimming with unspoken insults and a sliver of regret. Maybe he had overreacted, but he was only trying to protect her from the scumbag Ravenclaw. What was she doing fawning over him like a lovestruck third year anyway? It was revolting and made his stomach churn just thinking about it.

On second thought, he wasn't sorry, not one bit.

He'd arrived in the Entrance Hall, and could hear the music blasting from beneath him in the Dungeons. James would be bored by now, even if he was with Lily. He never had liked the Slug Club, other than his girlfriend. Sirius hesitated before skulking towards the Dungeons, deciding that he would check to see if his friend wanted to leave. At least he wouldn't be alone then.

A greenish glow emitted from the room, and he could see silhouettes pressed against the window. It was busy, and the smell of sweat seeped underneath the door. It didn't sound like much fun. The Gryffindor opened the door slightly and peered inside, scanning the crowd for signs of his friends. He couldn't see James or Lily, but he immediately spotted Cresswell chatting to a girl, someone who wasn't Leah.

Sirius felt a swell of anger for Leah's sake, mingled with triumph at being right about him. He knew Cresswell wouldn't have been able to stick to one girl for that long, Leah was too witty for him anyway, maybe she'd realised how wrong she had been.

His eyes swivelled across the room until he found the mane of chestnut hair belonging to Leah. She was talking to someone but he couldn't see who it was. A body suddenly blocked his eye line, standing in front of him. "Uh, move," he snapped, causing the Hufflepuff girl to turn. She was faintly familiar, and from the smirk on her lips she clearly recognised him.

"Sirius Black," she cooed, sticking a hand on her hip. She was curvy with full red lips and cat like eyes, the type of girl he usually went for. "What are you doing here?"

"Came to see a friend," Sirius shrugged.

"Who?"

"None of your business, now can you move?"

The girl narrowed her eyes and folded her arms across her ample chest. "You don't remember me, do you?" Sirius didn't respond and she clicked her tongue, "I knew it, I'm Roxanne?" It didn't ring any bells, "We fooled around in the broom cupboard last year," she encouraged, crossed between outraged and amused.

"Oh yeah, of course," he sighed, lying through his teeth in hopes she would leave him alone. He didn't doubt her story, but a large portion of the previous year had been spent in cupboards with various girls.

"You're awful," she added, smiling through her annoyance. She glanced over her shoulder and tensed, "Bloody hell, looks like someone got unlucky tonight."

"What?"

She looked back at him, "Regulus is chatting up someone, she doesn't look too happy about it."

Sirius rolled his eyes as she stepped out of the way, wondering who his brother was pestering now, probably some unsuspecting Hufflepuff.

He didn't have to look far, as the scene was directly in front of him. Leah was standing with her right side facing him, but all her attention was focused on a boy towering over her. His fingers were wrapped around her tiny wrist, which was bent at an awkward angle. Sirius' blood turned ice cold, and then flipped to fiery lava as he gawped at Regulus and Leah.

She wasn't happy, her discomfort was radiating off of her in waves, and he wondered why nobody had noticed. He wasn't sure when his wand had ended up in his hand, but he threw the door open, holding his wand up towards his brother who was pulling Leah closer against him. Just before Sirius had time to cast a spell Leah slapped his brother across his pale face, just as James cut in.

Sirius couldn't stop his body from shaking with anger, and if Roxanne hadn't been in the way he would have charged over without hesitation. Leah's blue eyes found his and widened, bringing him back to earth with a crash.

The Gryffindor backed out, ignoring Roxanne's question of 'Where are you going?' He needed to get out of there, before he did something that would get him expelled.

Regulus was interested in Leah? Since when? Was it all for show, to piss her off and everyone she cared about? Sirius rubbed his temple with his fingers, trying to decipher why his fury was so raw. Regulus was dangerous, he'd hurt girls in the past, and not just emotionally. If he ever got Leah alone…

His fist shot out and collided with the stone wall, sending a shock of pain up his arm. Footsteps made him pause, and he inhaled deeply in order to suppress his dark mood.

"Black?" A voice murmured and he turned to Leah, not meeting her gaze.

"Leave me alone," he ordered, but his tone wasn't cruel.

"What's wrong?"

"Higgs, will you please fuck off back to the party?" He asked, harsher than before.

Leah didn't move and he faced her, jaw clenched and hands still balled into fists. He was ready to vent at her, to shout and curse, and say anything to make her leave him.

But he couldn't.

Because at that moment he realised how stunning she looked, dressed in a soft blue that made her eyes come alive. She didn't look upset or traumatized by his brother's advances, it was like it had never happened. Her fingers were entwined in front of her and she shifted her weight between her feet, watching him.

"Regulus left," she said, gesturing to the ongoing party.

"Did he hurt you?" Sirius asked, trying in vain to ignore the way she dress clung to her figure.

Leah rubbed her wrist absentmindedly and his anger pushed against his defences. "No," she replied.

"Why were you alone with him?"

"We weren't, we were surrounded by people."

"You know what I mean," he snapped, "you were supposed to have a date, so you didn't have guys…" He faded away, not able to say the words. Leah grimaced and Sirius chuckled darkly, "Right, Cresswell ditched you. I told you he was a scumbag."

"Don't start," she sighed.

"What? If you'd had a date who actually gave a shit, my brother wouldn't have gotten within a mile of you." Sirius stepped forwards, closing the gap between them.

Leah's cheeks flushed red and she winced, hurt for the second time in two days by his words. "You're an asshole. Why were you even here?"

"I came to find James. Then I saw you two and…"

"And what?" She asked, throwing her hands up so that they knocked onto his elbows.

"And I got pissed," he shouted, "you were just letting him try and kiss you!"

"I hit him!"

"At the last minute, you couldn't have waited any fucking longer!" They were close now, and both were hot with anger.

"Why do you even care?" Leah asked, bumping her arms against him. Sirius stopped, breathing thick and slow as they stared at each other. She was so furious, so passionate, so…gorgeous. He froze, his anger melting away as the thought crossed through his mind. She was still glaring at him, but he didn't care.

Sirius brought his hand up and lightly touched her cheek with his fingertips. Leah didn't flinch but her frown deepened, and she swallowed but stayed where she was. "Black…" she began as his skin danced across hers. Had she moved closer or was he imagining it? His head was screaming at him to stop moving but he ignored it, his body had more sway at that moment. He leaned forwards an inch until her small breaths touched his lips. The gap was tiny, and he could feel sparks shooting over the space between his lips and hers.

A door opened, and she was gone.

"Leah, are you OK?" Cresswell asked. Sirius dropped his hand and scowled at Adam. The Ravenclaw rested a hand on Leah's back, pulling her towards him.

"I'm fine," Leah breathed, smiling tightly at him.

She glanced back at Sirius, cheeks still enflamed. "We should go," Adam whispered to her.

"Yeah, you two go and play house," Sirius snapped. Leah's shoulders sagged and all traces of emotion left her face. Sirius stepped back, not wanting to watch the two of them anymore. Adam was holding her hand, and she wasn't moving it away.

He was stupid, acting on impulses he didn't want or need in his life. Sirius turned and stormed back to the common room, ignoring the blood rushing in his ears.

He wasn't attracted to Leah Higgs. He never would be.

A/N: I cannot tell you how sorry I am for how long this took! My laptop crashed deleting every pre-written chapter for When We Were Young. I will go back to updating at least once a week now, so stay tuned and let me know what you think of this chapter!