Chapter 1: Older Guys
"Good lord," exclaimed Lola, glancing at the Daily Prophet in Hermione's hands. "They're still talking about Sirius Black? I mean, that was ages ago!"
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Lola sat at the Gryffindor table, eating Breakfast. It was the first week after summer break, which found the group more worried than ever, as they were now studying on a 6th year N.E.W.T. level. Harry and Ron scraped at least 7 O.W.L.s, Hermione achieving 10 out of a possible 11, and Lola surprisingly getting 9.
"So what if it was ages ago," retorted Harry, angry for the first time. "Sirius was an innocent man, that was blamed and sentenced to Azkaban for false reasons! He is innocent, and the Ministry failed to see that. He had to suffer through Azkaban." His voice was now rising to a half scream, as he continued, "He was almost killed there! And for what! For nothing!"
Harry rose from the table, unaware of the curious stares his yelling had attracted, and stormed from the Great Hall, tears in his eyes, his breakfast unfinished.
"What was that about?" asked Lola worriedly, looking from Hermione to Ron. "I've never seen him so angry in my life!"
"You must've touched on a sore spot," said Hermione quietly, apprehending that Harry failed to tell Lola about Sirius being his godfather.
"Oh, I have to apologize," said Lola, standing up, and rushing off behind Harry. The corridors were now deserted, with only a few ghosts floating around here and there. Her heard pounding, she ran the familiar path towards the Gryffindor common room. Her feet made a loud sound against the floor, breaking the silence around her. Arriving out of breath, Lola gasped the word, "Higglewiggle," at the Fat Lady, who promptly swung open, commenting, "I thought Breakfast had just begun!"
Ignoring the Fat Lady, Lola climbed into the Gryffindor common room. One glance told her all; Harry was not here. The common room was quiet, except for the cackling of the burning fireplace. It was unusually empty and still, because everyone was still at Breakfast.
Lola took a left turn into the boys' dormitory, entering silently. As she had suspected, there was Harry, kneeling by one of the four-poster beds. He was sitting on his knees, on the floor, his arms folded on the bed, with his head resting on them. He seemed to be shaking slightly, making soft sounds, as though he was breathing in air more sharply than the norm.
Without him noticing her, Lola crept behind him, and bent down. He was sobbing, his heavy breathing making his back go up and down. She gently put her arms around his shoulders, caressing him softly.
Harry's body jerked with surprise as her hands touched him, but he instantly relaxed again, as though ignoring her presence. He did not turn his face in her direction, nor did he say anything or stop crying.
"I'm sorry, Harry," she said serenely, "I didn't want to upset you."
At this, Harry gulped a big lungful of air, and turned his head slightly, muttering, "It's not your fault."
"Tell me about it then," encouraged Lola, still patting his shoulders.
Harry dropped into a sitting position, revealing his face, which was red and still tear-streaked. He hastily wiped it with his sleeve, and composed himself.
"It's nothing, Lola," he assured, "I just.. dunno.. I lost control a bit."
"It's okay, Harry," she said. "We're friends, remember? You can tell me anything."
"Thanks," he said, forcing a little smile, "But I'd rather not burden you with my secrets."
He shifted, ready to stand up, but Lola grabbed him by the arm, and declared, "Harry, no. I'd be much more troubled if I didn't know, I'm sure. Please, you can tell me."
"Well, alright," agreed Harry finally, relaxing again. "I don't really know how to say this, but... Sirius. He's my godfather." He smiled at the look of incredibility on Lola's face, and continued. "Yeah, he is. I met him for the first time in our third year. That was before we knew each other that well. Naturally, I thought he was the man that betrayed and murdered my parents. I was about to kill him, when he revealed my parents' true betrayal: Wormtail, or rather, Peter Pettigrew. Well, it all comes down to this; Sirius is my godfather, and he was innocent. He was murdered by Bellatrix Lestrange, last year, in the Ministry, while fighting for the Order! And it just hurts me to see people talk so calmly of his death, as if it doesn't matter. He was the closest thing I had to a father."
"Oh, Harry," exclaimed Lola, hugging him tightly, "I am so sorry, I had no idea!"
Harry rested his head on her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her as well.
"You know what it's like," Harry whispered at last.
Lola nodded, saying, "Yes, my parents were also killed fighting for the Order."
"My parents too. When I was only one."
Releasing Harry from her arms, Lola sighed, "It's unfair, life, isn't it?"
Harry didn't answer.
"You're very lucky, though," began Lola, "That you even had such a good looking godfather as Sirius to begin with. I mean, I saw photos of him when he was young, and he looked very handsome. No wonder all the girls crowded around him."
For the first time since Harry could remember, it wasn't very painful that Sirius was brought into their conversation. Instead of shuddering or feeling uncomfortable, Harry felt a warm sensation inside of him. He felt like he finally had someone that he could talk to about his godfather.
"You're saying that you like him?" asked Harry with a smile, looking at Lola with amusement.
"Yes, if he was alive, I would definately try to marry him."
Harry raised his eyebrows sceptically, trying very hard not to laugh. "Lola, do you know how much the age difference is between you?"
"Oh yes," sighed Lola, "I suppose since you told me your secret, I must tell you mine. Now remember, I haven't told anyone this before, and it is kind of awkward."
"Say it," demanded Harry.
"I have a little problem," blushed Lola, confessing, "I fall in love with older guys. Much older guys."
Laughing, Harry playfully punched her. The more he thought of her words, the more he laughed. After all, it was a strange thing for a girl to admit. That she falls in love with men that are 3 decades older than her.