Halfway to Hogwarts a slight drizzle bagan to fall, and by the time the Hogwarts Express had pulled into the station it had become a complete downpour.

Remus suggested while looking out the window that if they all ran they could find an empty carriage. They nodded in agreement as they exited the compartment. While the rest of the group sprinted to the nearest carriage, Lalaine started to dance in the rain. As Remus helped Lily into the carriage after James and Peter jumped in, Sirius looked back at Lalaine and watched. She was twirling beneath the clouded gray sky as if nothing gave her more pleasure than to feel the droplets of water hit her face with open arms. Sirius stared for a moment or two longer, enjoying seeing her so happy before realizing that Remus was tapping his shoulder persistantly. Finally Sirius turned to Remus and exclaimed, "What?"

Remus replied, "Are you getting in the carriage or not, I am getting soaked out here!" Sirius stared at him a bit and then said, "Oh...Oh ya. Let me go get Lalaine."

He quickly jogged over to her, catching her arm mid turn and said, "Lainey, you look like a wet dog. C'mon, we gotta get to the carriage." Looking a bit disappointed, she followed Sirius to the carriage and let him help her up.

Once both her and Sirius settled themselves inside, Lily asked, "What were you doing out there Lainy?"

Lalaine answered simply, "Dancing in the rain of course." When everyone looked at her questioningly she said in a shocked voice, "Haven't you ever done that before?" When they all shook their heads she stated in a matter of fact tone, "Well you really should try it. It's quite exhilarating." And with that the carriage lurched forward, heading off to the Hogwarts castle.

They all entered the Great Hall and sat down at the Gryffindor House table among the many other chattering students. Everyone throughout the whole room was wet head to toe, but no one was as drenched as Lalaine and Sirius. Suddenly, the doors opened and a new group of first years, trembling and pale, entered behind Professor McGonagoll. The Sorting happened quickly, and soon Dumbledore had clapped his hands and the feast had begun.

Everyone began to pile food upon the gold plates, and Peter's mouth was soon covered with gravy and crumbs from his stuffing. James was digging into a pile of roast potatoes and Remus was cotting his chops into tenths. The only person who didn't seem to be excited by the extravagent meal before them was Lalaine.

Sirius seemed to take notice of this. Raising one eyebrow, he asked, "Eating like a bird tonight, are we?"

Lalaine just glared at him, and in response he gave her a little "Tweet tweet!"

She rolled her eyes, although it was obvious that she was trying not to smile. "I'm leaving room for dessert, if you must know," she informed him, her nose slightly in the air.

Sirius didn't even try to hide his smile. "So you're trying to gain weight this year, I'm guessing?"

"No, I just like desert better than the first course."

"Uh huh. Well, when you've gained 100 pounds by the end of the school year and all the guys think you are repulsive don't blame me, "he responded giving her a little pat on thye back. She mad a face and finished her small helping of corn.

Finally desert came. Lalaine gaped at the mouth-watering food lying on the table. She thought it would collapse under the weight of it all. "You are drooling, Lalaine." Sirius commented with a smirk on his face and added, "It's not very attractive at all."

Lalaine wiped the drool from her face and rubbed it on his robes, asking,"Is that better?" with an innocent look on her face.

Sirius looked approvingly at her and said, "No, I'm afraid not." By that time Lalaine was scarfing down desserts left and right. Sirius muttered, "So much for eating like a bird."

"I cannot believe you made me sit next to James Potter, Lalaine!" exclaimed Lily when they were back in their dormitories. Lalaine sighed as she flopped on her bed saying, "Lily, you complain way too much. You cannot deny that that wasn't a little bit fun." Lily grimaced, "It was not." Lalaine stated simply, "You are stubborn." Lily just scoweled and sank into her bed, "Ya...well..the only good thing about tonight was the entertainment across from me."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"If you haven't noticed, Sirius has the hotts for you."

"Does not."

"Does to."

"Does not."

"Does to."

"Shut up!"

Lily smirked. "Somebody's in denial," she said in a sing song voice. Lalaine just rolled her eyes, "Well I guess that makes two of us."

"I don't blame you for liking Sirius. I think it's cute."

Lalaine said in an offended voice, "I do not like him."

"Yes, you do."

"Lily, I'm not starting that again."

Lily sighed, "You're no fun, Lainy."

Lalaine smirked. "No, I'm just exhausted. But you would be too if you spent the whole afternoon flirting." And with that she rolled over and pulled the curtains down around her bed.

Lily gasped. "You do like him!" she shrieked, jumping up and down on her bed. "You do you do you do!" She started to laugh as she ran over to Lalaine's bed. "Admit it, you do!" she yelled through the curtains. Lalaine didn't answer. Instead, she lay perfectly still, pretending to be asleep. But she was secretly smiling to herself. And as Lily got ready for bed and finally settled herself underneath her covers Lalaine quietly whispered only to herself, "I do."