Sunny Side Up Sunny Side Up

Marissa McKinnon was alone in the library; her dorm mates Melinda and Luna gave up studying an hour ago to find sanctuary in the Hufflepuff common room. She stretched in her chair and realized that it was already quite late.

Maybe I should head back and call it a day she thought, stifling a yawn

She got up and walked toward the exit, almost half of Hogwarts were still at the library, stuffing their heads with every lesson imaginable. Marissa nodded and threw a sympathetic smile every once in a while. A hardworking student herself, Marissa is still worried about her upcoming NEWTS.

"It's almost Christmas for Heaven's sake! How could they start the exams now?!" moaned somebody on the table she was passing. It seemed that about a hundred books were scattered in front of him, she turned to look at the poor soul and found herself staring at Sirius Black.

He was cursing and muttering under his breath, surrounded by tall stacks of books. An extremely thick edition of "Potions: An Art of Stirring" and "A Summary of Essential Charms" were among them. Marissa sighed, there's no way he could ever memorize or even read all those books, when the exams starts tomorrow morning. Sirius was gathering his books in one tall stack, it leaves him with practically no vision at all. Marissa shook her head disapprovingly.

She checked out at Madame Pince's table, she was looking a bit harried. Perhaps a bit worn over by the straggling number of books checked out in one day. Marissa was just reaching for the door when suddenly somebody else entered. She backed away, and there was a loud crash.

The library went to a virtual standstill as Sirius tumbled and got hit by his books. Startled gasp echoed through the library, as students either stood up or ran to find the sound of the crash. Sirius was sprawled on the floor, knocked out by his own books.

Marissa kneeled next to him, coloring furiously because of all the commotion she caused. She set aside the scattered books and tried to rouse him.

Please wake up, please..............

Sirius hasn't move a muscle, his eyes were tightly closed, she could see the dark circles under his eyes. A few students gathered around her.

"You better take him to Madam Pomfrey Marissa, he does look too good." Lachlan Baker gave Sirius another good shake and waited, the Hufflepuff chaser has been trying to revive Sirius for quite a while. Marissa shoulder drooped as she conjure a stretcher to carry him. Murmurs rose as she left the library, followed by the stretches bearing the unconscious Sirius Black.

The walk from the library to Madam Pomfrey's was a long one; the corridor were deserted as every student stayed either in their dorms or in the library, preparing for the upcoming exam. Marissa found the silence absolutely terrifying. The only sound was the echoes of her footsteps. She glanced at the cataleptic Sirius, his floppy locks was falling over his eyes.

So this is the notorious Sirius Black. I wonder why he's not hanging out with James Potter and Remus Lupin ?

Those three were the source of both adoration and envy of the other Hogwarts students both for their famous pranks and academic achievement. James Potter, was Hogwarts valedictorian cum Head boy. Marissa' thoughts were interrupted by Sirius' groans. She halted, the stretcher floating beside her. Sirius opened his eyes and stared at her uncomprehendingly.

Did I die studying or something? He thought, fixing his eyes on the beautiful yet unfamiliar face.

Yeah, I must've died and gone to heaven.

Unfortunately, the throbbing on his head proved that he was very much alive. The girl smiled as he continued to gawk at her

"Hi, how are you feeling ?"

"Uhm, better I guess. How did I end up here ?"

Marissa winced at the question, she doesn't know how serious his injury was, but it'd be awful if he wouldn't be able to sit for the exams because of it.

Sirius was silently measuring her up

Hmm.....long hair, violet eyes, I'll give a nine for that figure

"Honestly, I sort of knocked you out."

Sirius raised his eyebrow

" You can say that again "

" Pardon ?"

Oops, did I say it out loud ?

"I said can you say that again ? This darned headache....." moaned Sirius, massaging his forehead.

How the hell do I get rid of this F*@$*@# headache?!!

"Well, I bumped on you in the library and you got knocked out by your books." Marissa said, she couldn't help noticing Sirius kept wincing and massaging his forehead.

Instinctively she bent down to examine the injury she caused. There was a bump on his head, red and almost as big as a tennis ball. She shuddered just thinking about how much it must've hurt.

She observed the lump more closely, her loose hair falling beside her face. Tucking it behind her ear, she heard Sirius taking a deep breath.

God, she smells so nice!

" Do you think you can walk to the infirmary ?"

Sirius drew a blank stare at her

Am I supposed to say something?

" Sorry I didn't catch that...."

Marissa took a deep calming breath, looking closely at Sirius' pale face and the dark circles under his eyes.

He's kinda cute actually, with that floppy mane and dark eyes. A bit mix of sugar and spice in him.

Marissa shook her head, what the hell was she thinking ?

Maybe I'm the one who's suppose to visit Madam Pomfrey.

Sirius watched Marissa apprehensively

What did she shake her head for ? Does she think I'm some kinda spoiled hopeless wimp ?

" Maybe it's better if you stay on the stretcher."

Aha!

"Thanks, but I think I'll walk. The infirmary is not that far anyway."

Sirius jumped from his stretcher, the effort damn nearly tear his head in half. Marissa looked a bit uncertain, he put his best smile, trying hard to look convincing.

"I'm fine, really!"

Marissa waved her wand and the stretcher disappeared.

"Still feeling woozy?" asked Marissa as they strolled past a row of painting, an unicorn was sleeping nearby, it's silver body was a stark contrast to the dimly lit corridor.

"I believe I'll positively promenade through NEWTS. Just hope I'll live through it."

Marissa giggled softly, her black hair illuminated by the muted lights. Sirius drank up the sight enthusiastically, ignoring the pounding in his head completely.

"But fortunately, I know I'll pass Divination with flying colors."

"What makes you say that ?"

"I'm the best student Professor Gillian could ever hoped for."

"Really, prove it." challenge Marissa, her arms crossed in front of her chest.

Sirius walked around her, his eyes shut in mock concentration.

"Ah, the stars has spoken! You are from the house of fair Ravenclaw."

Marissa shook her head, her eyes twinkling

"Wait, are you not from the lair of cunning Slytherin? "

Marissa fought hard to restrain her laughter

Sirius opened his eyes, and gestured for Marissa's hand. He looked at it intently, actually marveling at its softness. He gasps and shudders suddenly, while Marissa looked on with mild interest.

"Hark! The fate has spoken!"

"And what does dear lady faith says?"

"That you, enchanting princess dwells in the very heart of brilliant Hufflepuff."

Marissa bursts into laughter

"Oh Sirius, you actually believe I'll buy that?"

Sirius pretended to look hurt at the accusation, he bowed his head and said indignantly

"I, Sirius Black, would never lie to such a beautiful, smart, ravishing and utterly enchanting princess such as yourself."

He turned his back and started to walk away, then a small hand grasped him quite firmly on the arm.

"I believe the infirmary is that way O' great Seer." mocked Marissa laughingly.

"Come on Sirius, it's already late. I'd hate to wake Madam Pomfrey up."

They continued on walking silently, passing other students who stared at them skeptically. Sirius ignored everything and concentrating at the beautiful creature walking beside him. She was so close he could easily hold her hand.

Am I nuts or something? We barely know each other for 10 minutes. I don't even know her name!

As Sirius was scheming to interrogate this girl without sounding too eager, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the corridor. Marissa suddenly feels her stomach lurching, if it's Filch, he'd create an absolute uproar and blew this whole thing up to the heavens.

If that's Filch, I swear I'll tie him up and chop him into little pieces

Sirius gritted his teeth expectantly at the prospect of grinding Filch.

The footsteps were getting closer, dark shadows started to materialize, there were two of them. Those shadows finally turned out to be James Potter and Remus Lupin. They looked both relieved and curious to find Sirius with that girl.

"Padfoot old boy!" greeted James, much too cheerfully for Sirius' liking

"We looked every where for you, we went to the library and Madame Pince told us you were taken to the infirmary." continued Remus

"By an delightful nurse I see." said James under his breath, appraising Marissa behind his glasses.

Sirius suddenly caught this itch to punch James' nose, but then Lily wouldn't too pleased if he smacked her beloved boyfriend into a bloody pulp. Obviously, that girl also caught James' remark. She blushed furiously and retreated, creating some distance between them. The four of them stood around awkwardly, obviously not knowing what else to say.

I believe that's my cue

Marissa patted Sirius' shoulder,

"It's really late now, I should be heading back."

"Let me walk you to your Tower."

She shook her head, her hair dancing a little

"Nah, just remember to go to the infirmary okay? Take care."

She disappeared before Sirius could react further. He turned at James and Remus to vent his frustration.

"Thanks a lot you guys." he said sarcastically

"Hey, don't blame us. We got worried!" exclaimed Remus

"Well you could've chosen a better timing, I DIDN'T EVEN GET HER NAME !!" Sirius shout the loud enough to startle the painting. They had a very irritated look in their red, bloodshot eyes.

James and Remus exchanged a puzzled glance, and looked intently on the fuming Sirius.