Heyy! Thank you guys sooo much for all the reviews! I LOVE u guys! From now on I will make the chapters MUCH longer. This is a very long chapter! Thanks to roxiesnape for reviewing it before I uploaded the chapter.i LUV u soo much!

Btw it will be 6 chapters until their first kiss. Sorry to the reviewer who I said 8!

Next chapter will be posted on May 27th!

Now, on with the chapter! Rachael won't be half as bad as Lily.

Chapter 6

After James and Sirius settled themselves on the couch, Sirius took a deep breath and began narrating his story. Sirius sat the edge of the right side of the couch while James curled up on the left side of the couch. James fixed him with a piercing gaze and gave his full attention to Sirius.

Sirius' Flashback

Rachael let out a moan as the bright morning sun spread across the queen bed. The rays steadily shone through the curtains and illuminated the dark room. In the middle of the room the rays hit her eyes making her see stars everywhere. She opened her eyelids and then quickly jerked them close when the hot rays hit her pupils through the crack in the curtain. She shifted her halter and skirt-clothed figure under the comforter and twisted her head to the right side so it was facing the other side of the room. She immediately winced as her hangover made her head spin and her hands immediately formed a shell around her head.

"G'morning sleeping beauty," a male voice said from the connecting bathroom. He sauntered over to the side of Rachael's bed and smoothed her hair. Rachael relaxed and enjoyed the soothing incessant massage. Her headache slowly started to fade and the pain started to dissolve. She was drifting to dreamland when……

" How are you?" the same voice questioned.

The voice slowly processed through Rachel's brain, she knew that voice, that voice made her stomach flip and sent tingles down her spine. Then it clicked with her. All her sleepiness faded away just as fast as it had come. Her eyes snapped open and she sat up so fast the room spun dangerously. She groaned, her head feeling as if she smashed it into a marble wall.

"Easy don't hurt yourself," the similar voice advised and Rachel looked up matching the voice to its body.

"What..why..where..how..when..oh Jesus Christ please tell me we didn't…" Rachel rambled. In her worry she swept her arm over some candleholders on her side table and set them flying into Sirius' chest which created the bruises that James' saw. Sirius flinched in surprise and pain as the silver ornaments rammed into his upper chest, which made marks that slowly turned blue and black. He didn't realize that his presence would have caused this reaction. Unaware of what she did to Sirius. Rachael started pounding her fists at his chest out of nervousness. After a few seconds, Sirius took hold of her balled-up hands and held them to her chest. Rachael stared reproachfully and in disbelief at Sirius and tearfully bracing herself to expect the worst.

"Well first of all, we are in the Head Boy's dorm. James and I went down to that new club " Glow stick" which was the same one you guys went to. We saw the two guys that you and Lily were dancing with. They were handing you bottles of alcohol like every 5 minutes! They were planning to get you drunk. This guy was pushing Lily towards a room and your guy was like taking off your shirt and hurting your neck. If we hadn't stopped them…and nothing happened in here. I wouldn't do that to anyone, let alone you," he said hastily. As he said the last 3 words, he dropped his gaze and lowered his voice to a whisper. His gray eyes slowly filled with hurt. Rachael glanced down at her chest and saw the blue and black marks that the bartender had given her. One entire strap was untied and there were black and blue marks there too. Shame rapidly filled Rachael from head to toe.

Rachael saw the pain and hurt in his eyes and looked down at the creamy blue bedspread with embarrassment. Her cheeks heated with mortification and slowly turned a dark red. She slowly look up, her blue eyes meeting Sirius' gray ones.

"Was it you that carried me out of the club yesterday?" Rachael asked softly. Sirius nodded his eyes fixed upon her blue eyes' swirling depths.

"Did you hold my hair back when I threw up all that garbage?" Once again he moved his head up and down.

Rachael managed to pull her gaze away from Sirius' entrancing eyes and stared somewhere in the middle of the wall opposite her. Sirius looked at expectantly. Rachael slowly dragged her gaze back to Sirius' face and lowered her chin. She took his chin in her right hand. Rachael's upper body was now out of the covers and Sirius was sitting across from her.

" I'm so sorry Sirius. I don't know how could I have thought that about you. Please forgive me," pleaded Rachael. Her eyes were glistened with tears.

Sirius' face softened and he gently pulled Rachael into a hug. He patted her head and said that she didn't owe him an apology. Rachael wrapped her arms around his neck. After a few minutes, they pulled apart and both Rachael and Sirius felt as if a part of them was missing. Sirius quickly stood up and stretched.

" Hey, you've been through a lot and you barely slept last night. Only about 2 hours. It's Saturday so go ahead and sleep. Tell me if you need anything for you headache through this 2-way mirror. Don't push yourself." Said Sirius tenderly.

Rachael leaned back against her headboard feeling awkward after Sirius left. She ran a smooth hand through her hair and frowned to herself. She drew her knees to her chest and folded her arms around them. The blankets now covered up to her knees as she sat hunched in the middle of the bed. She bit her lip as she always did when she was in concentration. ' Why do I feel like this? What's wrong with me? I haven't felt this way ever since I broke up with Michael. For the first time in a year my heart beats faster than normal. When he hugged me I felt sparks running down my spine and my insides melted. I felt so comfortable in those muscular arms of his. I felt as if nothing would ever happen to me. I wanted to stay in his arms forever. This is the same way I felt when I met Michael. But I can't be falling for Sirius. He's a playboy, he'll hurt me and God knows that I can't go through pain twice. Once was enough for me. I saw a different side of Sirius today and I really like it. He was so tender and loving. I never ever saw him like this before. It sounded as if he really cared. I wish he would show this to the public. Something stirred in my heart today. I know I have to get over him. Loving Sirius comes with heartbreak and usage. Maybe he was only acting nice because he wanted to get in bed wit me. I don't want to be a sex toy. But what if… "

Rachael's contemplation came to an end when her head started throbbing again worse than before. Rachael groaned with pain and slid fully under the silk covers. She planned to further her philosophy of her developing feelings for Sirius but as soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell into a deep sleep. Thoughts of Sirius were flushed down the drain as flowers and scenes of her dancing filled her brain.

End of Flashback

Just as Sirius told the final details of his story, the portrait door swung open and a frail looking Remus walked in. His pace was pale and there were black deep circles under his sleepy eyes. He was dressed in crumpled black pants, rumpled white dress shirt, and his tie was crooked. He hobbled over to the sofa and collapsed on the couch. He leaned his head back on the neck of the sofa, closed his exhausted eyes, and took a long breath. Sirius and James' eyes met in worry hoping no harm had befallen their friend. Sirius gritted his teeth and then cautiously poked his middle finger into Remus' arm. Remus opened his eyelids a crack and peered at Sirius.

" Yeah, Pads, what?" mumbled Remus sleepily.

" What the hell happened? Why are you here NOW? Where were you?" asked Sirius in one breath.

" Don't ask" Remus moaned. " I was doing my prefect duties last night with Tiffany. It was around 2 o clock-ish. We decided to stay out patrolling more. I guess we just lost track of the time. All was great until we decided to climb to the astronomy tower. Guess whom we ran into there? Snivelly and this Slytherin SLUT who was giving him a head!" Remus' face twisted into a look as if he had just licked a lemon. He whimpered and widened his eyes, and blew his breath out really quickly trying to get that disgusting image out of her head. James and Sirius had let out yells that lasted for about 30 seconds. Sirius looked as if a girl had turned him down and James looked as if he had swallowed unsweetened lemonade.

Remus who was a bit green now from remembering that memory continues with his story. " Ok, anyways me and Tiffany yell really loudly and the girl looks up. Forgot her name. Parkinson was her last name. Snape looked as if I had zapped him with lightening. The girl quickly got to her knees, wiped her mouth and ran out like a scampering mouse. Snape looked so murderous that I was so sure he was going to kill me. I had tried to stop the girl but while my back was turned, Snape sent a hex at me that was so powerful that made me fly down the flight of stairs. The last thing I remember was hearing Tiffany screaming before I fell onto the marble floor. I woke up in the hospital wing a few minutes ago and Madame Pomfrey said I could leave the infirmary. Now I'm here." Remus looked expectantly at James and Sirius' reactions.

James and Sirius had looks of pure outrage on their faces. James' was dark red and was clenching and unclenching his hands as if he wanted to wrap them around Snape's neck. He was breathing heavily and his abdominal muscles were contracting. Sirius was flexing his fingers and he started punching the sofa.

" WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT THE HELL! THAT FUCKING SON- OF-A-BITCH! HOW DARE HE! THAT BASTARD! HE WILL PAY FOR THIS! NO ONE GETS AWAY WITH HURTING A MARAUDER! FUCKING ASSHOLE! HE'LL PAY! U MARK MI WORDS, HE'LL PAY." Yelled James waving his arms like a windmill. " WHO DOES THAT SCUMBAG THINK HE IS! I WILL CURSE HIM SO HARD THAT—" James' voice died out as an irritable looking Professor McGonagall climbed though the portrait hole and stamped over to where the boys were sitting.

" James Potter, what is heaven's name do you think you were doing? Are you trying to make the castle fall down on our heads? Why were you screaming like a hooligan?" snapped Professor McGonnagall angrily.

" What, was I really screaming?" asked James looking innocent as a mouse.

" DON'T GIVE ME THAT POTTER!" shouted McGonnagal who was now breathing heavily and turning red. " YOU WERE EXTREMELY LOUD! PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE AND I COULD HEAR IT ALL THE WAY FROM THE ASTRONOMY TOWER!" bristled Mcgonnagal.

" And just were you and him doing up there in the quiet all by yourselves?" asked James cheekily with his handsome face contorted into a smirk. Behind him, Sirius and Remus choked on their laughter and their failure to do so added fuel to professor McGonnagall's rage.

" HOW DARE YOU SAY THINGS LIKE POTTER! THAT IS EXTREMELY INAPROPRIATE OF YOU! HOW CAN U THINK OF THINGS AT A TIME LIKE THIS!" shouted the professor. James' was sure smoke was about to come out of her ears and fire out of her mouth.

The professor whirled around her crimson silk robes whipping around her thin body. James' noticed that her hair was mussed up which was unusual because her hair was ALWAYS in its immaculate bun. James' sharp eyes saw that one of her stocking was missing and there was a blue mark on her neck. James' face contorted into a look of disgust and it turned a shade of green. As soon as she left the room, James fell onto the sofa. Sirius and Remus were at his side immediately.

" What's wrong Prongs?" asked Remus in concern.

James looked at Remus as if he had just sprouted a third eye. James rolled his eyes and looked over at Sirius expecting a look of disgust but to James' amazement there was a look of confusion etched on Sirius' face.

" Yeesh you guys. Didn't you notice anything? And I thought I taught you well. I guess I have to re-teach everything to you guys. McGonnagall's hair was messed up and one of her stockings was missing. And she had a mark on her neck. Do I have to spell it out? Hello, come on I know there has to be a brain behind that perfect hair Sirius and one behind your messed up hair Remus."

Slowly a look of apprehension dawned on Sirius' face. "Ooooooooooooooh, they were shag--." Started to yell Sirius looking as if he had a won a gold medal.

" Ok Sirius," Remus quickly interjected. " No need to hear of their three-letter lives."

" How about you tell me what happened last night because when I entered the dorm you people weren't here. Ditcher. Hmmm," sniffed Remus desperate to change the subject.

James and Sirius signed and reluctantly repeated their stories to Remus who listened attentively. His eyes softened when he saw how ecstatic James was and how his eyes lit up when James said he and Lily would be acting nice to each other from now on. Remus also noticed a slight blush creep on Sirius' cheek when he mentioned that he and Rachael had embraced. Remus placed his observation at the back of his mind reminding himself to ask Sirius about this later.

Later in the Day

Around 5 o'clock, about 3 hours after their fights with the boys, Lily and Rachael finally came down the stairs in their pajamas yawning. Lily was wearing a red tank top and white silk pajama bottoms with little red hearts on them. Rachael had changed out of her skirt and halter and into light pink fuzzy pajama bottoms and a white silky tank top. Both girls had their hair tied up in a ponytail and their faces were devoid of any makeup. Both James' and Sirius' face broke into identical grins. Remus smirked slightly as he noticed their happiness.

" Hi James, hey Remus and Sirius. You guys are still in the dormitory on a Saturday afternoon?" asked Lily. Remus noticed how she said a specific hi to James. (oooooh..Loll)

" Yeah, we wanted to remain here just in case your headache got worse," James answered sweetly.

" Aww. Thanks James. You didn't have to do that. Me and Rachael are feeling a lot better," crooned Lily. Rachael nodded her approval that she was feeling better.

" Ok, then if you guys are feeling better do you want to go for a walk with us," asked Remus. Lily and Rachael looked at each other and silently agreed that they would.

" That would be awesome, Remus. Let us change. We'll be down in 15 minutes," replied Rachael.

" That's great," Remus said. " You guys wait here. Lemme go to the library really quickly and see if she would like to come with us." He quickly ran to the dormitory door all of his tiredness washed away and scampered out towards the library.

James and Sirius were perched on the sofa both immersed in their thoughts. James' rested his elbow on the arm of the couch and dreamily though about their first civil conversation. He was definitely looking forward to more chats.

Sirius on the other hand was struggling with his emotions about Rachael. He had … Sirius' thoughts were cut off by the excited giggling of Lily and Rachael who were skipping down the windy stairs. Lily was dressed in a simple dark green wrap-a-round skirt and a white tank top. She was wearing flat dark green flip-flops on her feet. Her hair was in a ponytail; some strands of her red hair fell out of the rubber clasp and framed her face. James' heart started to beat faster when he saw her descend the stairs. Rachael was wearing a pair of low-rise dark blue jeans, a pair of flip-flops just like Lily's except they were light blue, and a light blue off-the-shoulder long-sleeved shirt. Her highlighted hair was now made into 2 French braids. Just like James, Sirius' heart started beating faster.

" Hey, where's Remus?" Lily asked with a smile.

" He went to see if Tiffany was in the library to ask if she wanted to come too,' replied James, who were staring at her beautiful face enamored. Just as the words left his mouth, the door swung open and a laughing Tiffany and Remus walked through the door.

" Hey you guys," Tiffany choked out. " You wanna go?"

The six students walked out the portrait door and through the empty halls. Since it was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, many students were having picnics or just lounging around. They pushed open the front door and the blinding rays of the sun hit them as they walked out to the expansive greenery. They blinked their eyes rapidly so they could get used to the sun quickly. At first they walked as a group, but as the time went by, their group split into 3 pairs; Lily and James, Sirius and Rachael, and Remus and Tiffany.

Lily and James slowly meandered their way to the right of the greenery. People on their left and right stopped what they were doing and stared for it was rare that Lily and James were together without one of them cussing or throwing things. But today, Lily and James cheerfully walked down the path side by side laughing amicably together. People who saw them thought about what an awesome pair they made. Lily's 5-foot 6 height complimented James' 6-foot frame. Lily was small and thin while James was strong and muscular. Lily excelled in transfiguration while James was excellent in Charms. Lily and James were made for each other spiritually and physically thought many people.

" So, Lily do you have any sister?" asked James good-naturedly. He immediately knew that he shouldn't have asked that. Lily' eyes filled with tears and her smiled vanished. She started to rapidly blink and her lip started to quiver. James started apologizing profusely and led her over to a secluded area and sat her down on a bench. James sat besides her and rubbed her back encouragingly. He kissed her forehead and then placed his hand on her waist. He couldn't help but think that she fit perfectly into his arms. He wiped away her tears and whispered that she didn't need to tell him.

" No, James. It'll be better if I get it out. Petunia and me were best friends. I was one year older than her. We loved each other so much. She knew all my secrets and I knew all of hers. Everything was great until I got my letter for Hogwarts. Petunia was told that she would get her letter in a year so nothing changed. We became even closer as I told her of all the things I hated about Hogwarts like Lucius Malfoy and Snape. I also told her about this one blond boy in my neighborhood that I thought was cute and I even told her of my first kiss with him. She knew everything. But a year later, when she didn't get the letter, she changed completely. She screamed at me for the smallest things, burned my letters if I sent them to her, never talked to me unless she had to, and the worst is she told my mother everything. She told her everything I told her. She told her about my first crush, about my sneaking out to be with him, and everything. She handed over my trust to my mom and stomped on our relationship. Now, Tom isn't my boyfriend anymore. She stole him away from me. She snatched him away. I felt devastated. I don't like him anymore but it crushed my heart that my sister would do that." Lily finished her tale sobbing on James' shirt.

During her story, James wore a look of annoyance and then anger. How could someone treat their own flesh and blood like that? He lifted Lily's face, wiped her tears and hugged her. He felt horrible for asking Lily this question.

"Lily, you're a beautiful person. Don't let someone like her bully you and have the right to tear you apart. The more you crumble, the more satisfaction she gets. You have Rachael, Tiffany, Sirius, Remus, and me. We'll all here for you. I can't take away the past but I can help you become strong to ward off your sister's future attempts to tear you apart. And it's Tom's loss if he ditched you. You're the prettiest and smartest girl I know. Later when Tom realizes it'll be too late. In two words, You're Perfect.'"

Lily stared at James' face, wondering how could anyone be so sweet. Lily's face slowly broke into a smile and she slowly kissed James' on the cheek. She rested her cheek on James' shoulder and they silently sat close to each other basking in the sunlight. James' felt as if fireworks had exploded in his heart. Lily and James closed their eyes and they quietly enjoyed each other's company. James placed his head on Lily's and they just enjoyed the beautiful weather.

" Maybe I was wrong about James. Maybe I've been too harsh with him these past 7 years. I've never really given him a chance. But no, James is a playboy. He dates on bed ability not on character or morals. And I've just got to know him. Our relationship needs some time. I need some time to know him better. I don't want my heart shattered like Rachael's; that poor girl. But I'm sure that having James as a friend sure is nice,' thought Lily.

Meanwhile

Meanwhile, Sirius and Rachael had been promenading around the flower garden. They had both forgotten their feeling and started to joke around and make conversations. They quickly progressed from family to music to food and whatever came into their minds. Sirius and Rachael started talking about bands when Rachael patted Sirius on the arm and signaling to him to be quiet.

" Shhh. Look, it's Lily and James. Lily seems to be extremely upset about something Sirius. Let's go and see if we can help," whispered Rachael sounding worried about Lily. They slowly inched closer but to their amazement Lily gave James a quick kiss on the cheek and then they settled down together in harmony.

Rachael signed happily. " They make such a good pair don't they Sirius," Rachael murmured and signed contently.

" Yes, they do," but Sirius was staring at Rachael intently. He took in her slender curvaceous figure and her shoulders exposed by the shirt. Her soft hair was blowing slightly in the cooling and soothing breeze and her eyes were a soft, clear blue. Sirius could deny it no longer; he felt an undeniable attraction towards this girl. Her blue eyes ere transfixed upon the couple and under those eyes her could see longing, sadness, and wistfulness swirling under the depths. Rachael absentmindedly took a step forward and slipped and hit her head on the marble bench. Luckily, she and Sirius were shielded from Lily and James' view so they could not hear her yelp of pan and surprise. Sirius was at her side in a split second and effortlessly and gently picked her up. Rachael had tears of pain in her eyes and her lip was trembling. There was a cut on her head and a small bruise was slowly forming but In Sirius' eyes she was still the prettiest brunette. Sirius gently sat her down on the bench and soothed her until she stopped trembling and was fine.

The started their walk again and passed by a rose plant. Sirius silently picked one up while Rachael skipped ahead of him. He walked up to Rachael, patted her on the shoulder, and when she turned around he handed her the rose. Her face broke into a gently smile and she looked touched. Just as she took it, the wind swept it and it landed at her feet. Both Sirius and her bent down to pick up the rose and their hands met.

Rachael and Sirius looked up at each other and stared in each other's eyes. As they stared in each other's eyes, Rachael and Sirius were captured in a world of their own. As far as they were concerned they were the only people in the world. A soft breeze whipped Rachael and Sirius's hair. The leaves in the trees around them danced in the air. Leaves around them twirled in the air and the magic and tension between Rachael and Sirius began to form. They were crouching in the middle of a cobblestone pavement with rose and lily bushes that lined the side. Maple trees were planted outside of the rose bushes and small scrubs shielded them from view. Benches were placed every few feet along the dirt.

As Rachael was lost in Sirius's gray eyes, she felt her heart beat faster. Her hand, which still was under Sirius' hand felt as if electricity was shooting through it. All the feelings that she had locked up in a box and placed in the furthest corner of her heart were open and they slowly began to fill her from head to toe. She couldn't deny it anymore. She felt an attraction towards the playboy of Hogwarts. She felt as if a magnetic charge was pulling towards Sirius. Her head lost what logic it had and she began to feel light-headed. ' Look at his perfect hair and his perfect features. I feel like taking his smooth cheek in my hand and caressing his hair in my palm. I wonder what it would be like to kiss those lips of his.' Automatically, her hand went to his cheek.

As Sirius stared into Rachael's round eyes, he felt something he never had before; magnetism. Sirius had always dated girls on their appearance and he never felt any attraction. He always singled out the girls who he heard were amazing in bed. But as he stared at Rachael, his heart began to beat faster, he became faint, and his body felt as if sparks was flowing through him. He felt Rachael's hand on his cheek and automatically placed his hand on her wait. Together still unable to break their gaze, they slowly stood up the rose forgotten, and they steadily drew closer. Still mesmerized, Rachael placed her left palm on Sirius' other shoulder and Sirius wrapped her thin waist with his hands. Sirius slowly lowered his face to Rachael's and softly placed his lips on hers.

Rachael's eyelids fluttered closed when she felt Sirius' lips upon hers. She felt as if fireworks were erupting throughout her body. All the resistance that she had evaporated as she accepted his kiss. She let out a moan as Sirius nibbled on her lower lip and granted him permission. Sirius and her tongues battled with each other and she felt herself go weaker by the second. Slowly and gently, Sirius and Rachael shared their first kiss in the evening of the forming sunset. The kiss went on and on. Slowly Sirius and Rachael broke apart both breathing heavily. Rachael and Sirius' lips were swollen and red. They were quiet for a few moments savoring their intimacy. Suddenly, it dawned on Rachael what she just did. She abruptly left go on Sirius and removed his hands from her waist. She slowly started backing away from Sirius her right hand over her mouth. Her eyes filled with unshed tears and Sirius took a step towards her his face etched with confusion and comfort. Rachael twirled around and started running down the cobblestone path her hair blowing her behind her. The tears slowly spilled over her cheeks and she didn't stop running until she reached the safety of her bed in her dormitory.

She collapsed on her unmade bed and completely broke down into tears. She reached over to her remote control and turned on the radio hoping the songs would drown her in the lyrics.

Now it seems to me
That you know just what to say
But words are only words
Can you show me something else

Can you swear to me that you?ll always be this way?
Show me how you feel
More than ever baby

Well I don?t want to be lonely no more
I don?t want to have to pay for this
I don?t want another lover at my door
It?s just another heartache on my list

I don?t wanna be angry no more
You?re the one who could never stand for this
So when you tell me that you love me, know for sure
I don?t wanna be lonely anymore

Rachael broke down in more tears as the song made her remember her affairs with Michael. She slumped on her pillow and cried until all her tears ran out. She couldn't be falling in love with Sirius! She just couldn't! She couldn't go through that pain again! Sirius was a playboy who would break her heart once again. She knew Sirius didn't have the ability to love anyone and she didn't want to be one more notch on his bedpost. She needed to know if he really loved her before she dated him.

Ooooh Oooooh Oooooh Ooooh
Now it?s hard for me
When my heart?s still on the mend
Open up to me
Like you do your girlfriends
And you sing to me
And it?s harmony
Girl what you do to me is everything
Let me say anything just to get you back again
Why can?t we just try?

I don?t want to be lonely no more
I don?t want to have to pay for this
I don?t want another lover at my door
It?s just another heartache on my list

I don?t wanna be angry no more
You?re the one who could never stand for this
So when you tell me that you love me, know for sure
I don?t wanna be lonely anymore

Rachael buried her tearstained face in the pillow as hot tears came once again faster and faster. Her entire physique shook with sobs for her previous love, her weakness, and her undeniable attraction towards Sirius. Thirty minutes later, overcome by exhaustion and stress, Rachael fell into a restless nap still in her tight jeans and t-shirt. For the first time since she arrived in her room, her body rose and fell in methodical rhythms. Her tear-stained and blotchy face had a look of peacefulness and sadness.

Meanwhile, Sirius stood shocked and lonely back in the garden. His eyes were transfixed in front of him on the path that Rachael had run down. Sirius sighed as he remembered their first kiss together. This was the most meaningful kiss he had experienced in his life. He had kissed Rachael because he felt attracted towards her not just because he wanted the pleasure. But Rachael had slowly run away from him as if she regretted kissing him. Sirius' heart was crushed when he saw the tears in her eyes. He wanted to take her in his arms and wipe her sorrow away. Rachael had looked at him as if he was a Death Eater. Sirius slowly walked over to a marble bench and sat on it staring at his hands in the waning light contemplating what went wrong.

A While Ago

Remus and Tiffany slowly separated from the others and went to walk towards the lake. They slowly reached the lake laughing and cracking jokes from time to time. Near the lake it was colder than any of the spots Rachael and Sirius and Lily and James were in. Tiffany and Remus sat down by the back of the river watching small fish leap out of the dark blue murky water. The sun was slowly setting at the opposite end of the lake and the half-circle of the sun was surrounded by wisps and waves of pink, purple, and light blue. The couple picked up small pebbles and flung them into the lake so their hands would have something to do. They talked about movies, music, and their hobbies. Tiffany's gentle laugh, which sounded like the chimes and Remus' deep chuckle, broke the silence and peacefulness that had settled on the bank.

Suddenly, the peacefulness was broken by the sounds of footsteps and sobs. Remus and Tiffany turned around startled to see a distressed Rachael running towards the castle. She was frantically dabbing her wet cheeks with the frayed sleeves of her blue shirt. Remus and Tiffany glanced at each other worry etched on their faces.

" Well, maybe we should head to the Great Hall. It's dinner time and maybe Rachael will be in the great hall," Remus suggested though he looked unsure.

Tiffany nodded her head and they both slowly stood up, stretched, smiled at each, threw the remaining rocks clutched in their palm and set out for the great hall.

Hey! Please review! I spent SOO MANY HOURS writing this chapter! Thanks so much! I luv you all! Next chapter May 27th.

NEXT CHAPTER: lily and james sweet moment, james' vow, sirius' emotions, remus' advice.