Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series.

Chapter 5
Potions and Slugs

I received word from my father a few weeks before the Christmas holidays. Thanks to the professors who were determined to get as much knowledge in our system before we fell into vacation mode, the looming doom of possibly spending the break with my mother almost slipped my mind.

Only when a large barn owl nearly landed on my breakfast plate did I remember my unfortunate situation. After a month and a half of waiting, I finally got my answer.

Bile rose up at my throat as Lacey eagerly released the letter from my owl, Tallie's leg. With as much decency as my owl who was currently pecking at my scrambled eggs, she ripped the letter open. Before she could run her eyes over it, I managed to get enough feeling back in my arms to snatch it out of her grip.

"What is wrong with you?" I hissed at her.

"Oh, please, you'd take ages to open it!" Lacey defended herself. "You were too busy staring at it like a bloody goldfish!"

I shot her a scathing glare, refusing to admit out loud that she was right. Now that the envelope was breached I didn't have much of a choice but to pull the letter out and read. Hoping for the best, I unfolded the parchment.

My dear Monica,

I'm so sorry this took so long but I bear great news! It took some time, obviously, but I managed to convince your mother that it's best for you to stay home this Christmas. A small catch however is that since she refused to leave your side for the holidays, I may have offered to let her stay with us in London. But don't fret! She'll be bringing one of your cousins over from France. I hope you remember Clara Bordeaux? Because I haven't a clue! Nonetheless, we'll still be having a splendid time and you got your wish to stay here for the holidays! Happy daughter!

Love, Dad

PS- I'll never get used to that ... animal of yours! She bit me thrice when I was trying to get your letter off her leg. Reckon she needs some telling off!

Refusing to feel amused at his attempt to smudge the word 'bloody' before animal in his postscript, I lifted my head to look at Lacey, feeling and definitely looking less than satisfied. I thought of the name Clara repeatedly in my head, trying to recall how she looked like.

It was no use considering every one of her French relatives looked like tall privileged supermodels with devil horns, pointed tails, and sharp teeth.

"You're going to France?" Lacey asked with a look of utter pity.

"I don't know if this is worse," I said dryly. "My mum's coming to London instead. And she's bringing one of my cousins."

"Merlin, which one? Tell me it's a boy!" Lacey jumped excitedly.

"Her name is Clara and I can't even remember how she looks like," I said. "The few times I've been to France, I don't think I've actually had a conversation with her."

"Chance to get to know the French side then?" Lacey suggested with an optimistic look on her face. "Come on, Mon. At least you get to stay. You can even visit me during the holidays!"

Feeling a bit better, I sighed and stuffed the letter in my bag. I knew Lacey was right and worst case scenario was having to fly to France in the first place. I scribbled a short thank you note to my dad for his efforts and sent Tallie off after she demanded a couple more treats.

Lacey gave me an approving look and continued with her breakfast. I rolled my eyes and sipped on my goblet.

"Maybe she won't even be that bad," Lacey said.

"Who won't be that bad?"

I jumped at the newcomer's voice and watched open-mouthed as the Marauders took the empty spaces next to Lacey and I. Swiftly scanning down the Gryffindor table, I realized it was the only space left big enough for them to sit together for breakfast.

I cursed my luck, wondering why Merlin was so determined to keep them in such close proximity ever since the full moon encounter. Sitting together during the Quidditch match was surely a well-devised plan by Sirius Black to keep an eye on us and seeing Black in the library a couple of days ago was definitely a coincidence, but today was proof that I just had rubbish luck.

I tried to give Lacey a pointed look, telepathically telling her that it was time to subtly leave, but it seems our bond as best friends didn't go that far as of yet. She stared blankly at Remus Lupin, who was the one who initially spoke, and was unable to formulate a coherent reply.

I was worried she was speechless due to fear that a werewolf had addressed her, and I was ready to tell her off for her (un)surprising lack of tact, but she suddenly spoke before I could.

"Does it hurt?" she asked, looking immensely concerned.

I took another look at Lupin and gasped at the large gash running down his cheek, past his ear, and to the base of his neck. It looked like an old scar that people didn't tend to notice at first glance but once someone pointed it out, it seemed more visible than ever.

"It doesn't anymore," Lupin replied shyly, avoiding Lacey's eye.

"Looks like Madame Pomfrey did a good job," I said, trying to lighten up the mood. "I didn't even notice."

Lupin surprisingly smiled and said, "Thanks."

"You didn't answer his question," Black butt in as he piled his plate with toast. "Who were you two ladies talking about?"

I snapped, "I think that's hardly any of your business," as Lacey said at the same time, "Monica's snooty cousin from France."

I shot her a dark look as she continued to sip her goblet, batting her eyelashes in feigned innocence.

Taking notice of the rest of their group, Black looked uninterested in the conversation he just started as he placed jam on his bread, Pettigrew seemed to be cramming a reading for Charms, and Potter stuffed himself with porridge.

"You're from France?" Potter asked, porridge dripping down the side of his mouth.

"Disgusting, Prongs," Lupin said, face twisted.

When Potter swallowed and wiped the porridge off his face, I decided to humor the conversation and answer his question.

"Born and raised in London, so no," I said.

"But you've got a French cousin," Black deadpanned.

"That is correct," I said, eye twitching.

Black and Potter blinked dumbly at me.

"Okay, we're missing something here."

"Clearly, Black, because I can't possibly live in London and have a French cousin at the same time," I snapped, losing my temper a bit. "She's from my mum's side and I live with my dad! Jesus, do you lot share one brain?"

"Who's Jesus?" Pettigrew added in.

"That's it, we're going to Potions," I said, standing up from my seat and gesturing for Lacey to do the same.

"Merlin, Dyer, we were only asking," Potter said with a roll of his eyes. "Come on, sit down."

I pursed my lips and stared back at the four strange boys who wouldn't let my best friend and I have peace. I realized my prolonged standing was getting the attention of the students around us and when I tried to give Lacey a pleading look, she was conveniently too busy admiring the Great Hall ceiling.

As soon as I heard whispering, I sat back down on the bench and begrudgingly regarded the Marauders once again.

"You know, people are going to wonder why you're talking to us," I said, hoping that would ward them off.

"Are we not allowed to have friends?" Black said with an eyebrow raised.

"No, but we're not exactly the type of people your lot has breakfast with."

Lacey decided it was a good time to join the conversation and said, "Monica's just a bit averse to attention."

Trying not to feel too insulted, I felt the heat rise up to my cheeks and made a mental note to strangle Lacey later. Truth be told, the Marauders made me uncomfortable in ways I couldn't really explain. They were complete opposite the type of people I would like to associate with on a regular basis and I didn't think they were too keen to be around me either.

I understood I'd always been on guard around people and I'd never really been the most open person, but that didn't give Lacey the right to speak for me, especially to people I barely even knew.

"Look, we didn't choose to sit here," Lupin said, ever the peacemaker. "We were late to breakfast and these were the only seats left. We apologize for being rude and barging in your conversation. Why don't we start over?"

I looked at him warily. Considering everything we had been through, the last thing I wanted was to carry along as chums. I would take his secret to my grave and continue to admire his friends for their loyalty, but being other than unfortunate acquaintances would be a big mistake.

Although when Lacey looked at me with an encouraging smile on her face, my doubts fell through. I sighed and genuinely smiled at Lupin.

"Fine," I said. "I'm sorry for being a bitch."

"No offense taken, Dyer," Potter said with a cocky smirk. "You've got a mouth on you. I'm semi-impressed."

"Thanks," I said dryly.

"We would like to say, however," Black began, "that we decide what sort of lot we have breakfast with and I could hardly give a shit what Hogwarts thinks…" He paused. "Though you and Fenwick should still consider yourselves lucky."

"Oh, please," I scoffed.

"Call me Lacey please," Lacey said, looking miffed. "Fenwick's my brother."

"So you are related to Benjy Fenwick from Hufflepuff?" Lupin asked.

Lacey nodded as Black said, "Well, if that's the case then I don't wanna hear any last names going around here. I need not constantly be reminded I'm a Black, anyway."

I remained silent as I tried to run my eyes over the peculiar group of seventh year boys. They were being unusually friendly but I decided I wasn't exactly the best person to judge whether or not their actions were unusual. I hardly knew them, yet it was difficult to admit that perhaps they were nicer than I initially thought.

The Marauders were Hogwarts' source of juicy gossip and entertainment. As far as I knew, they lived to be in the spotlight and their massive egos were reflective of that assumption.

It was no lie that James Potter and Sirius Black spent the majority of their Hogwarts years intimidating Slytherins and asserting their seniority to first years. Peter Pettigrew was known to do anything Potter and Black would tell him to so he's been highly involved in much of their trouble. Remus Lupin definitely had a tamer reputation but rumor has it he's abused his prefect status to cover for his friends. Ever since Potter was appointed Head Boy, it was assumed they've gotten away with nearly everything which would explain their significant lack of attendance in detention since the year started.

I wouldn't know any of this if it weren't for Becca and Polly's incessant chatter about the latest Marauder updates in their dormitory but surprisingly I actually remembered what they've been saying.

The point came down to this possible association (friendship seemed like a bit of a stretch) between Lacey and I and the Marauders. First name basis shouldn't be a big deal for anyone else but I was me and I had to make it a big deal in my head.

The stress must have shown in my face because Lacey suddenly spoke and said, "I think Monica prefers Dyer."

"No, actually," I quickly said, not wanting to look like some kind of freak. "Monica's fine."

I saw Black (or Sirius) tilt his head, unblinking, before saying "Alright, then. Wotcher, Monica."

I gave him a tight smile and quickly finished my breakfast in silence. The only two who continued the conversation were Lacey and Remus while the rest of the Marauders chatted amongst themselves. I checked my watch and for the first time in my life I was relieved to have to rush to Potions.

"Time to go, Lacey," I said brusquely, gathering my things as I stood from the bench.

"Oh, right," Lacey said, doing the same. "Slughorn's going to kill me if I'm late again."

"At least you know he'd never invite you to the Slug Club."

Lacey nodded furiously in agreement and hurriedly readied her belongings. The four boys watched in amusement and Potter – or James, I suppose – spoke before I could awkwardly start the goodbyes.

"You two have never been to a Slug Club Party?"

"We'd rather party with the Bloody Baron" Lacey said.

I nodded in full agreement.

"That's just no good," Black – Sirius (I've got to start getting used to it) – said with a loud guffaw. "You can't possibly go to Hogwarts and not attend a single one of his dreadful parties. Even Wormtail's been invited!"

"Oh, trust me, Slughorn would rather share a room with You-Know-Who than invite Lacey to his exclusive dinner parties," I said humorously. "And I'm her best friend so I sort of get the receiving end of his hatred as well. Or at least he likes to pretend I just don't exist."

"Slughorn can't hate you that much," James said to Lacey.

"Oh, he does," she replied swiftly.

James tilted his head, eyes alight as if blessed with a brilliant idea.

"Brilliant," he said with a growing grin on his face. "You're coming with me this Christmas then. Sirius and I get invites all the time but usually we just bring Peter and Remus as our plus ones."

I blinked at him in surprise and turned to look at Lacey who was, as expected, positively nauseous.

"No bloody way," she said immediately. "He'd give me detention just by being in his office."

"Come on, Lacey, it'd be hilarious," James said, grinning from ear to ear. "Imagine me, his favorite student–"

"Third favorite," Sirius interrupted.

"His favorite student," James repeated with a swift glare at his best friend, "showing up with his mortal enemy! Imagine the look on his face! Best case scenario, he'll stop inviting me completely."

Lacey shook her head furiously. "Nope, no, no way. Slughorn terrifies me!"

"Doesn't terrify you enough to stop being late to his classes," I said mockingly.

"If she goes, does that mean I don't have to?" Peter spoke up, hope in his eyes.

"No way, that means I don't have to," Remus countered.

I watched in amusement as they bickered about who would get to sit out the Slug Club Christmas party if Lacey ended up humoring James' plan and went as his plus one. James continued to try and convince Lacey that it would be the most hysterical thing to see Slughorn's reaction at her attendance.

Somehow I ended up staring at Sirius who merely watched Remus and Peter bicker, boredom in his stormy gray eyes. As if sensing it, he lifted his head up and caught my gaze. I swiftly shifted to look at Lacey and hurriedly reminded her that we needed to get a move on.

"You'll get your third detention of the year if we don't get a move on, Lace."

"Right," she mumbled and finally swung her bag over her shoulder.

We waved our goodbyes and James comically shouted, "Think about the children, Lacey!" at our backs.

I snickered as we made our way to the dungeons. Lacey still looked uncomfortable next to me. James' determination to piss Slughorn off was very amusing and as hard as it was to admit, he actually seemed like a okay fellow to be around. Despite being Head Boy, the lighthearted prankster in him never seemed to have left but he surprisingly didn't resemble the type of person I imagined in my head before I really met him. It was like he genuinely just wanted to have fun, and that was a trait I gladly welcomed in the Wizarding World's current depressing state.

Sirius, on the other hand, showed clear signs of growing up. He was a bit more serious (mind the pun) and his aura had definitely changed over the years. Sure, there were plenty of moments when he'd have a mischievous grin on his face or trip a random first year but it seemed even he, the loudest, most rebellious and entertaining boy Hogwarts knew, was undeniably affected by the war.

No one was safe, I supposed.

"What do you think, Monica?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I apologetically looked at Lacey, clueless of the topic of conversation she'd come up with.

"I'm sorry?"

"I said I can't possibly attend a Slug Club event," Lacey said calmly as we turned a corner to the Potions hallway. "Slughorn would kick my arse out before I could get my hands on an appetizer. That'd be way too embarrassing."

"I don't know, it sounds hilarious to me," I said truthfully, chuckling at the thought. "Slughorn can't have a fit 'cause he'll be surrounded by all the important people he so prides himself for knowing. I can just imagine his face getting all red and whatever Ministry official asking him what's wrong. Oh, hell, imagine if he was forced to introduce you to one of his connections! HA!"

I burst into a fit of laughter just as we reached the doors. Lacey pushed them open as I tried to suppress my giggles, but they immediately died out at the sight of the entire class staring blankly at the both of us and Slughorn standing disgruntledly in front.

"Welcome, ladies," he said, eye twitching as he glanced at the wall clock. "Will you look at that? Only three minutes late, Miss Fenwick. That must be a new record for you."

"I actually have been on time before so I think zero minutes is my record, sir," Lacey said snootily, temper surprisingly getting the better of her.

Slughorn, however, stood his ground. "I apologize, but I don't quite recall a time you've been in class before me, Miss Fenwick. Thirty points from Gryffindor."

"Bloody–!"

I grabbed Lacey's wrist before she followed that sentence with something worse. I felt her exhale to relax but her hands still shook in rage.

"It was only three minutes, sir," she reasoned.

"Think of it as ten points per minute," Slughorn said with a fake smile. "In fact, I'll take another ten for cheek."

Lacey stared at him open-mouthed but he was unfazed, returning to face the blackboard and scribbled today's potion with his wand.

"Get to your seats, ladies," he drawled as he wrote. "You'll find yourselves separated for this lecture. All double seats are taken."

Only just noticing the unusual seating arrangement, there were indeed no empty double seats for Lacey and I to take and partner up. I noticed the Ravenclaw couple, Timothy Schwartz and Elaine Wiley, who usually settled as Potions partners sitting separately this time around. Timothy sat next to his friend, Jim Abbey, and Elaine sat in a table alone, leaving an empty seat next to her.

The only other vacant seat was next to a dark-haired boy whose face I couldn't determine as he stared fixedly at Slughorn's writing on the blackboard. Judging by his robes however, he was a Slytherin.

Lacey and I exchanged wide-eyed looks and after a split second, we raced to the empty seat next to Elaine. She squeaked at the sight of us hurtling towards her but with a determined burst, Lacey crashed on the chair, arms hugging the table for support.

I growled at her look of victory and nearly smacked her head with my bag. Barely managing to keep my composure, I sulked to the last empty chair and dejectedly plopped next to the Slytherin. I internally prayed to Merlin I wasn't sitting next to a Death Eater before finally turning to look who ended up becoming my Potions partner for the day.

Familiar gray eyes sent a jolt up my spine and I realized I had to work with Regulus Black.

"Bloody jinx," I mumbled to myself.

"What?" he said.

"N–Nothing," I stammered embarrassedly, focusing my eyes on Slughorn instead as I cursed Merlin for allowing this.

I decided I was never going to pray to him for anything again, seeing as he'd just give me the exact opposite. I said don't seat me next to a Death Eater and he gave me possibly the worst one.

I breathed in and out to calm myself, wondering perhaps if I was being overdramatic. Maybe I was just being biased because he always caught the Snitch against us. Being a bloody good Seeker on the rival team didn't make him the most dangerous Death Eater. Of course not.

Heck, I wasn't even sure if he was a Death Eater. I'd only ever heard rumors.

Eventually I managed to calm down after deciding he couldn't possibly Avada me in a room full of students and a skilled professor. I thought of our encounter at the library when I almost thought he was Sirius. I didn't seem so scared then; but the run-in was so quick that I barely remembered what he was and where he was from.

"Love potions."

I curiously zoned back into class.

"Very tricky little things," Slughorn said with a glint in his eye. "I personally wouldn't include this topic in my curriculum but Hogwarts seems to deem it important enough. Thankfully, I'm entitled to tweak the lessons a bit. Make it a bit more school-friendly."

"Why's that, sir?" Carter Robins asked from the corner. I nearly sighed in pathetic admiration.

"Well, because love potions can be very dangerous, Mister Robins," Slughorn said patiently. "When used selfishly for one's own gain, it can yield disastrous results. Love potions do not produce actual love, you see? Only very intense, very strong infatuation. An obsession, you might call it. And none of it is real.

"So I'd like you to think of a woman, perhaps, who slips a love potion to a man she desperately wants to be with. The affection he returns whilst on the influence of a love potion is completely unreal and unnatural. It will only cause more pain, suffering, and loneliness to the one truly in love."

A pregnant pause settled in the room. The students were unusually interested in today's lesson and it seemed to please Slughorn, considering he hasn't glared at Lacey since we got here.

"If you look to your left, you'll see a line of four cauldrons, each with their own type of love potion," Slughorn continued as the students craned their necks to see the cauldrons he was referring to.

They were four in a line, each releasing a unique set of colorful steam and bubbles. I hadn't noticed them until Slughorn's mention and suddenly I couldn't tear my eyes away. The table I shared with Regulus may have been one of the closest, or at least that's what it felt like.

I was drawn to one particular cauldron that emitted spirals of steam that seemed to change color at every completed ring. I wanted to get closer, to know what it was. For some particular reason, all I wanted was to take a peak at its contents and maybe take a whiff. It must have smelled extraordinary… Just a little bit closer and I would…

Clink! Clink! Clink! Clink!

The cauldron's lids magically hovered and closed their openings one by one. I dumbly blinked out of my trance when the last cauldron was covered and I realized I had leant so far down the table that my head hovered right in front of a bewildered Regulus Black.

With a frightened squeak, I immediately sat properly on my chair and scooted as far from Regulus as I could. My embarrassment somewhat waned when I realized I wasn't the only person caught in a trance. Most girls and some boys were just snapping out of it and fixing themselves back on their seats.

"Usually the aroma of four love potions in the area would be enough garner a reaction such as the one you have just felt," Slughorn began to explain. "But those four included one very curious potion. A curious potion, indeed."

Carter raised his hand, looking a bit shaken.

"Mister Robins?"

"Amortentia," he said. "The most powerful love potion in the world. They say smelling it would resemble your deepest attractions."

"Yes, indeed." Slughorn nodded. "And made by yours truly! Unfortunately, Amortentia is especially tricky to make and very time-consuming. Its procedure will not fit well with students and certainly not with anyone harboring irresponsible views of the world. No, no. You will be doing something much more practical.

"You will be choosing one from the other three love potions I have presented over there. They are Cupid Crystals, Beguiling Bubbles, and Twilight Moonbeams. They're quite tame love potions that are easily cured by a simple antidote you can find on page fifty-three of your books. Once you've picked from the three, you are to replicate that specific love potion as well as brew the antidote that will successfully counter its effects."

"Two potions today, sir?" Elaine Wiley said, agitated. "I'm not sure if we'll even finish one. The love potion alone would have to sit for two weeks before it's ready."

"Which is why I'll be giving three weeks for this project, just in time before the Christmas holidays. Consider this your final exam of the term, " Slughorn said jovially. "Oh! I almost forgot. You will be working in pairs for this assignment so I suggest you start to get to know your current seatmates."

I tried not to groan out loud. I really did. So when the low, growling sound of my disappointment escaped through my lips, I had the tact to look embarrassed. I snuck a glance at Regulus who had yet to say a word since his befuddled response at my muttering earlier. He didn't even mention my totally creepy trance at the love potion.

Thankfully he didn't seem too bothered by my distress since he looked rather disconcerted as well. He wrinkled his nose once and narrowed his eyes at Slughorn.

I reluctantly turned my attention back to the Potions professor as he explained today's task.

"Today, I only ask you decide which of the three love potions to brew with your partner, divide the tasks, and head to the library to do your research. Remember, none of those love potions are included in your Potions books. Now, carry on and good luck!"

The classroom burst into chatter as pairs began to plan. I glanced at Lacey who looked almost as disgruntled as I was while she listened to Elaine who looked to be bossing her around with instructions. I sighed and turned to Regulus but I was surprised to see he was gone from his seat.

Panicked, I scanned the classroom to see if he'd bolted, possibly appalled by the idea of working together with a filthy Gryffindor. I almost slapped myself when I spotted him by the love potions, probably deciding on which to brew while I uselessly cooked up random assumptions in my head.

I stumbled out of my chair to join him.

"Any ideas?" I asked, scanning the three love potions.

I was particularly drawn to the one that emitted red and gold springs of steam, hopping around the cauldron like a child bouncing on a trampoline. It was odorless and almost clear with a hint of pink.

"I was thinking we should do this one," Regulus said, voice quiet but very firm.

He pointed at the same one I was interested in so I smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, that one looks fun," I said.

"Yes, well, it shouldn't be too difficult either," he said, still not meeting my eye. "I've seen my cousin brew it herself in her room. So it should be doable."

I decided asking why his cousin was brewing a bloody love potion in her bedroom was too intrusive.

"So how would you like to do this?" I asked him instead.

"We can head to the library tomorrow after dinner," he answered quickly, finally looking me in the eye. "We'll find everything we need for the potion there. I think this one's called the Cupid Crystals."

"What about now?" I said, confused. "That's why Slughorn's giving us this period. You know, to do our research."

Regulus glanced at the clock. "I've got somewhere to be."

"During class hours?" I cocked my head.

His eyes flashed. "Yes, it just came up."

"How convenient," I said dryly.

Regulus sighed impatiently. "Look, I'm not doing this to skive off homework, okay? We'll work on this tomorrow."

I kept my mouth shut simply because I didn't want to him to offer me as food to his fellow Death Eater friends if I pissed him off enough. Or I don't know, use me for target aim when they practice their Avadas.

When I didn't speak, Regulus walked back to our desk to gather his things and swiftly made his way to the door. I saw Slughorn give him a curious look which transferred to me as he probably wondered why I, his project partner, wasn't following him out.

Disgruntledly I mimicked him by packing up my things and briskly walking to the door, making it look like I was following him out. I noticed Lacey was gone as well. I figured she was dragged to the library by Elaine as soon as Slughorn sent them off.

Just as I left the room, I heard raised voices by the corner. I halted in place, recognizing the docile tone.

"I don't know else to do for you, Reg! Merlin's sodding beard!"

"I don't need a bloody babysitter, Sirius! Just leave me the hell alone!"

I froze at the shuffling sound of footsteps but no one appeared from the corner of the hall.

"Reg, wait! Don't you walk away from me!"

"Don't touch me!"

I heard a shove and a beat of silence passed.

"Did you just push me?"

"I told you not to bloody touch me! That's what you get!"

"I'm trying to help you, Reg. Just let me help you. You don't have to do this alone."

Reg made a sarcastic noise. "Don't you understand? You are nothing to me, Sirius. You bloody left! You're nothing to me, to the family, and to anyone who matters! Why would you even think I would need your help?"

Sirius couldn't answer quick enough nor was I able to continue walking and pretend I wasn't eavesdropping at all. I was glued in place when Regulus appeared from the corner. He took one look at me and I stared back. The rational part of me was telling me to just continue walking and never mention it again, but I just stood there, gaping.

"Library after dinner tomorrow," Regulus surprisingly said, tone even and eyes vacant. "Don't forget."

Then he went on his way, not looking back. I was still frozen in place, completely clueless as to why. It didn't seem like a groundbreaking thing to discover that Sirius and his brother didn't get along. It was always a well-known fact. Perhaps it was just strange to hear him express that sort of concern.

Sirius walked out of the corner and saw me as well. Surprisingly he didn't look as stressed as he sounded just a minute ago. His light aura was in place as he regarded me curiously.

"Library after dinner?" he said with a raised eyebrow.

"Potions project," I said snippily, the feeling in my limbs returning at the sudden burst of annoyance.

I resumed my stride, determined to walk past him and use my free time wisely. Unfortunately he fell into my pace and remained next to me as I walked.

"I've got a question for you, Dyer," he said, almost panting to keep up with me. "Merlin, do you always walk this fast?"

"Only when I'm avoiding someone," I said, staring straight ahead. "I thought we're letting go of surnames?"

"Avoiding someone, are you?" he said. "Sorry, force of habit, Monica."

My eyes flickered to his direction at the sound of him using my real name. It was a strange thing to hear.

"Yes, but that very person can't seem to get the memo that it's him," I said.

"Ouch," Sirius said, not sounding hurt in the least. "All I want is to ask a simple question."

We turned a sharp corner and the Fat Lady's painting came to view at the end of the hall. I sighed in relief.

"Well, I'm not stopping you." I gave in, knowing I'd be in the safety of the girl's dormitory soon anyway.

"Go with me to Slughorn's Christmas party."

My heart stuttered and I stopped walking. Sirius stopped too. The Fat Lady peered down at us from her painting, expecting us to give the password, but I found myself gaping in shock the second time that day at another Black.

"That's not a question," I said.

"James thought Lacey would be more willing to help him freak Slughorn out if I asked you to come with me," Sirius explained quickly, knowing he'd finally gotten my full attention. "What do you say?"

I felt a slight twist in my stomach and oddly found myself significantly more vexed.

"No," I said dryly.

"Oh, come on, Monica," Sirius said, looking frustrated. "It'll be hilarious!"

"Don't call me that," I snapped, feeling the rise of my temper.

"But we're friends."

"We're not friends," I said, regretting it immediately but I couldn't stop. "I barely know you and you don't know me at all."

"Oh, come on, this is rubbish," Sirius said. "We just said we would start over in the Great Hall. Lacey doesn't seem to be bothered by us anymore. I don't get why you have to be such a shrew!"

I felt like I was punched hard in the gut. People had called me names before and they weren't particularly nice to hear. But for some reason being called a shrew by Sirius Black seemed to hurt the most.

My throat was constricted and my eyes swelled up. I turned away from him immediately and yelled out, "Occlumency!" as the tears started running down my cheeks.

Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic, I thought. But it was too late. By the time I ran in the common room, my eyes were too cloudy to see where I was going. I stumbled towards the girl's staircase and sprinted up to my dormitory, leaving a bewildered Sirius by the portrait hole.

A/N: Hi guys! I'm sorry this took so long but I've been so busy. I'm in college so you know what it's like. Anyway I'd appreciate if you left some reviews. It would mean so much.

I hope this chapter was alright and I'd love to hear your thoughts about the characters and the current happenings in my story. Thanks and see you all soon!

-Finner