Authors note: The reason Magdalene is so cheery in this section is because mostly of the Cheer-up Potion that Madame Pompfrey gives her, and also because she wants to be 'normal'.

Disclaimer: I'm still not rich, and this story is still all Jo's.

Giggles aren't meant for breakfast

Magdalene woke from her slumber, the sun was peeking through the windows and reaching out and warming her toes. She smiled and shook out her satin curtain of hair while climbing out of the hospital wing bed and slowly getting dressed in her jeans and a purple formfitting sweater that Madame Pompfrey had laid out the night before. She stuck her feet into her trainers then pulled her ordinary black set of robes around her shoulders. She hadn't felt this good in years, even the dream about her house on fire and Sirius falling through the archway didn't affect her. She just wanted to be normal and not hidden any more. She skipped the stairs down to the great hall two steps at a time. Her hair was flying behind her as she ran towards the Gryffindor table instead of melting into the Ravenclaw table like usual. She saw Sirius staring at his empty plate and James and Peter were eating heartily while Remus was sipping orange juice and reading the Daily Prophet. She slowed down a little bit and sat across from them. Taking them all by surprise.

James for the second time in two days spewed his pumpkin juice and his breakfast all over the table nearly missing her by centimeters. She laughed for the first time in years, causing a melodic ring to sound through the great hall. Remus looked up at her, slightly surprised and awed. He had never heard her laugh before, and he knew her better than any one else in the whole school. James looked sheepish and embarrassed while Sirius continued to stare at his plate. Peter however, cringed, and backed away as far as possible from Magdalene. "I never got the chance to properly thank you for helping me, so thank you." She said softly to both Sirius and James. James face brightened as she said this and replied, "No problem. And sorry about the mess." He said as he blotted out the juice with a napkin, "It's fine" she giggled softly which made his heart skip at least three beats. Sirius was still staring at his plate until she softly whispered his name, "Sirius." He looked up and met her big brown eyes. She put her hand on his and smiled so sweetly "I'm sorry about all the trouble I caused you and James. I want you to know how incredibly grateful I am." Sirius forced a smile, his gray eyes flashing painfully, "No problem, it was a pleasure helping you." He said dully. Magdalene saw the pain in his eyes and wanting to help, asked if he would walk with her. James stiffened at this. Was he jealous? Over his best friend? His heart plunged. "You can come too James" Magdalene said softly. James brightened. A cocky smile resumed on his face and when she looked in his eyes, he inwardly blushed. " I'd love to come," he said. But Sirius was still staring at his plate and refused to look up.

"C'mon it's a Saturday and it's beautiful out! Please, will you do it for me?" she asked sweetly. Sirius looked up into the eyes he had both been wanting to see and dreading to see all night, he wanted her so much! He wanted her to cut the happy attitude that was completely bogus. He wanted her to be herself, or at least the girl he saw yesterday. The quiet ice raven with the sad eyes was obviously not this happy, bouncy, energetic, girl he saw in front of him. Where was she? The girl he saw in his dream with the beautiful triumphant look and poise was not this bubbly annoying kid he saw in front of him. As if answer to his thoughts she smiled a sad smile with her eyes gleaming thousands of unwept tears that needed to be shed, thousands of things that needed to be told and believed. She needed a lot more than just a hug and a handkerchief. He wanted so desperately to believe what she had to say.

"No. Go with James. I have homework to finish."

Remus looked at him curiously, Sirius never put homework before a girl.

Magdalene looked a little miffed, but smiled and said, "I hope you get it done in time." She got up and followed James out to the grounds with one last wave back towards the Gryffindor table.

James did all the talking while Magdalene listened. They were by the great lake watching the giant squid glide lazily across the water. She watched it glide in and out of the water the sun warmed her and she was feeling blissfully comfortable sitting next to James and soaking in the sun.

"So how come I've never seen you around before?" asked James curiously.

"I've been around, I just don't want people to see… to see what I see."

"And, what exactly do you see?" James countered with a cocky grin.

Magdalene didn't return the grin. She just stared solemnly at the lake, scenes passed before her eyes. Not necessarily horrible scenes, just sad; life passing on to the unknown, or a song that has finished into silence. Despite the warm sunshine, shivers ran up her spine, and ice pricked uncomfortably like slivers inside of her. She cast her eyes down and away from James.

James sensed what was wrong and immediately regretted his question.

"I'm sorry…I shouldn't of…" James started.

Magdalene stared defiantly at the shimmering Great Lake, she wouldn't cry or be brought out of the lull of deception she found her self wrapped up in.

"Forget it. Was there something else you wanted to say?" She asked coldly.

"Yeah… umm…" Why was he blushing? The normal cockiness that usually took over didn't. He was floundering in a deep sense of regret for hurting her, and also floundering in embarrassment for making himself looking like a big stupid git. WHY?

"James?"

No time for Whys now. Recovering quickly he shook his completely messed up thoughts around in his head before asking, "I was wondering. Would you like to come with me to Hogsmeade tomorrow? Just us I mean. I think you're wonderful, and I would love for a chance to get to know you better."

Magdalene sighed and looked down at the ground and shuffled her feet around in the warm grass.

"If your up to the task, that is." He said smugly as he leaned over and started to tickle her. The sad frown on her face gave into giggles and her whole face lit up in laughter.

"All…right…I'll go…" She gasped in between the giggles and laughter James forced upon her.

He stopped and then gave her a warm smile that sent her a feeling of contentment tingling through her body.

"I can't wait." He said sweetly.