~ Chapter One ~

It was a ferociously hot day, when she saw him sitting by himself, at a table outside of Florean's. That had been suspicious enough, for Sirius Black was never alone. He was always surrounded by his friends, all of whom were deplorable, with the exception of Remus, who Lily was actually quite fond of. If not his friends, and often with his friends, he was surrounded by his 'fans.'

The Marauders, as their idiotic little gang insisted on calling themselves, were infamous and popular, and had garnered quite the following at Hogwarts.

She amounted it to it being the first week of the holidays that attributed to him being alone. Perhaps his friends were busy. And she couldn't expect him to be surrounded by his gaggle of followers in Diagon Alley, during the holidays.

But it was still suspicious, and it still warranted investigation.

"Where are your little friends?" she asked, as she stopped before the table he was sitting at. Under the shade of the umbrella, it was much cooler, and she was tempted to sit down.

He looked up, startled, and she was instantly taken aback. There was a rawness in his expression, an emptiness, and yet incredibly fraught with emotion, and not the good kind. Almost immediately, his face sliding into an easy, pleasant one, the mask returning as if it never left. He grinned up at her. "Lily-Flower," he said, his voice silky and flirty, as it always was with him whenever he addressed her. "Would you sit down? I'll share my ice-cream with you."

"I'd rather have my own, thanks," she replied without missing a beat. He looked his usual self now, all grace and easiness and effortless charisma. But there was something about that look that she did not like. Not one bit.

Lily Evans did not care much for Black. She did not like his association with Potter, and she did not like most, if not all, of his outward mannerisms and habits, and personality, nor anything else about him, really. But she was not one to abandon someone who had that look on his face. And so she told him she would be back, and walked instead to the window, where she ordered a large, double scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream, in a cup.

She sat down before him, and saw that he looked surprised she had done so. "Where are your friends?" she asked him. "I can't tell you how surprised I am to find you here alone."

"You're here alone," he pointed out.

"My friends left already," she informed him. "But I wanted to do a little extra shopping, and I'm not due home for another few hours, so I might as well make the most of it."

"Ah," was his only reply.

His ice cream, she noted, was barely touched, but thanks to some handy charms was in no danger of melting in the summer heat. She ate a few bites of her own ice cream, and said, after swallowing, "That doesn't explain why you're here alone."

"I can do things without my friends," he said, stabbing his ice cream with his spoon.

She paused, narrowing her eyes.

"Besides," he said, looking at her with those deep black eyes, and she now wondered what else they were hiding. "What do you care?"

"Black," she said, pointedly. "It's concerning."

"Think I'm going to muck something up, as usual?" he asked her, a little ferociously.

"No," she said slowly. "But I think you could use someone to talk to."

He continued to stab his ice cream relentlessly, clearly thinking.

She sighed. "It's okay, Black—I mean, Sirius," his name sounded foreign on her tongue, so infrequently had she ever used his first name, but she continued without giving it too much thought. "I won't tell anyone whatever you tell me."

He snorted his disbelief.

"I'm serious," she said. "I'm very good at keeping secrets."

He looked at her skeptically.

"Fine, don't believe me," she said airily. "The point is, people find it easy to tell me their secrets—and you don't hear about me blathering about them all over the place, do you?"

He continued to give her a skeptical look, but it seemed to have dissipated slightly. "Really," Sirius said, his voice void of any trust.

"My point is, you're a person, a person with feelings—I assume," she said, putting up her hands in defeat of the words, "So whatever you need to talk about, I'm an open, and confidential, ear."

He regarded her carefully.

"So you can trust me," she shoved some more ice cream in her mouth, sucking on the spoon. "I'm a good listener."

His brows furrowed, and he breathed in slightly, before asking, "Why do you even care?"

"I may not like you very much," she began.

"Thanks," he muttered.

"But you're still a person. And you clearly need to talk some things out. So out with it."

He gazed at her shrewdly, before reluctantly beginning to speak. "Alright. It's the Blacks."

"Your family?" she paused, thinking. She knew the rumors of the Black family, particularly their treatment of the eldest son. "If I remember correctly, you moved in with the Potters last summer, didn't you?"

"Yeah," he said. "Which was great—and still is great… but…"

He trailed off, looking guilty, and she waited for him to continue. "It's just… the Potters are… you know."

"I've never met any of the Potters outside of Potter—uh, James," Lily said. "So, no, I don't know."

"Well, they're just about the perfect little family you could ever meet," Sirius said, sounding a little bitter. "And don't get me wrong, I love them all, but…" he sighed. "Look, besides my Uncle Alphard and Andromeda, my cousin, I hate every damn person in the Black family. Couldn't care less what happens to them."

He said this so contemptuously, that she almost thought he was finished speaking.

"But…" he continued reluctantly, "Seeing James with his family, and his extended family… I can't help…" his voice was dangerously tight now, glaring at his poor ice cream, which had been stabbed so many times there were countless divots on its surface.

"I'm sorry," she said. "That must be really hard. I can't know would it would be like, but I can emphasize, I think. My sister, she… she doesn't like me very much. We don't get on and… We used to be best of friends, but now…" she shrugged, trying to let the weight of the sadness roll off her shoulders. "I've given up trying to be close to her again. I feel like I just need to move on."

She blinked. "I'm so sorry," she said hurriedly, flushing in embarrassment. "I just made the conversation about me—"

"No," he shook his head. "I know what you mean. I decided a long time ago that I was going to move on. Except for Alphard and Andromeda, of course. James just doesn't get it. I mean, he hates my family too, so he understands that. But he doesn't understand why it's hard for me to see how happy his own family is. How kind and generous and good they are. Most of them, anyway. He and his parents certainly. His family is so loving and accepting and… I guess I'm not used to being suffocated with love, you know?"

He stopped himself, looking embarrassed, and a little wary. "You didn't put an honesty spell on me, did you?" he asked suspiciously. "Slip some Veritaserum into my ice cream?"

She rolled her eyes. "You haven't taken a bite since I arrived," she said. "No, Black. I think you're just… opening up. It feels good, doesn't it? To let it out."

He gave a shrug, but looked as if his apathy was just for show.

"I'm glad you told me," she said softly. "I think… I think I understand you a bit better now."

He gave another shrug. "Same," he grunted, still looking embarrassed, as if he regretted spilling so many private thoughts to her.

She looked out across the street of Diagon Alley, and found it relatively empty. That was the way of it, these days. So many people were petrified of going out, with Death Eaters on the prowl. For a moment she wondered if it would not be better to go home now, instead of risking another few hours by herself.

"I have a bit more shopping to do," she said, looking back at Sirius. "You can join me, if you'd like."

"Join you?" he looked at her in surprise. "Why, aren't you particularly friendly today?"

"I'm always friendly, Black," she sniffed indignantly. "Well?"

"Alright," he said, with forced, nonchalant shrug. "I'm not due back at the Potters for a few hours, so I can waste time with you."

"If you're with me, Black, your time will never be wasted," she informed him, picking up her cup of ice cream. He did the same and together they left the small enclosed patio, passing through the white gate and onto the street. "What ice cream did you get?"

"Cherry Chocolate Mode X-Treme," he said, finally taking a bite. "Remus got me hooked on the stuff. He can shovel away chocolate like it's nobody's business. I mean, it's good, but I rather wish I had just gotten plain cherry."

"I got Mint Chocolate Chip," she informed him. "It's my favorite. When I was little, it was because of my eyes—almost the same color, most of the time. But then somewhere along the way I realized I just really like mint. So it's been my favorite since. And I love coming here for it, because the mint really stands out, and by comparison, Muggle ice cream is a bit of a let down."

"I noticed that," Black said. "James and I went to Godric's Hollow last summer—it's right near the Potter estate, and got some ice cream from a muggle shop. Had to both of us throw it away. You should taste Mrs. Potter's homemade ice cream… absolutely divine. Puts this slop to shame."

"I would like that," Lily said, smiling at him. "Except for the going to Potter's house part. I'm sure his mother is a delight, but I could never go there, no matter how good the ice cream was."

"You're missing out," he sang, taking another bite of his ice cream. "So, where are we going now?"

"Well, first I need some basics," she said, "Some books to study," here, Black groaned and muttered something about it being the Holiday's, Evans, but she ignored him, and continued on, "And then I was thinking of leaving Diagon Alley to go shopping for a dress. They don't really sell Muggle clothing here. Have you spent much time in Muggle London? I think you'd find it interesting."

"Well, no, I haven't," he admitted. "My family discouraged it—and the Potter's never saw a need… Though James, Remus, Peter and I did get lost one time—on purpose, mind you."

"Of course," she agreed, grinning at him. "Then it's settled," she said firmly, before stopping before Flourish and Blots. "I'll stop in here real quick, and then we'll go on our own little adventure."

"Well, if you promise it'll be entertaining…"

"I told you," she informed him seriously. "There is never a dull moment when you're with me."

"An hour in and you've already broken your promise," she heard Sirius call out to her from the waiting area. "Why didn't you shop for a dress with your friends? Isn't that what you girls like to do more than anything else?" She ignored him, looking at herself in the mirror of the changing stall.

The dress was pretty, she had to admit. And she was lucky that they had her size. Going shopping with her friends, most of whom where thin enough not to have the problem of most high end boutiques not carrying their size, was always… stressful, in a way. Mary and Marlene never seemed to understand the frustration.

Either a store didn't carry her size, or it looked unflattering because the designer didn't know how to design for bigger girls. Of course, she could always adjust the dress later on… but she had no real skill in that area.

She let out a sigh, and finally left the stall and stood before Black, who was lounging on a couch with her purse and the things she had bought at Flourish and Blots.

"Delightful," he told her. "I can see why James fancies you."

"The dress, Black," she told him. "What do you think about the dress?"

She didn't want to think about Potter right then, and ruin her good mood.

"It's lovely," he said, as if he didn't care much about the dress. "But you know I don't know much about women's clothing, Evans. So it looks just about the same as every other dress you've tried on."

She sighed. "Does it look alright in the back?" she turned to give him a proper view.

"Well, it makes your arse look good, if that's what you're asking," he answered, unabashed.

"Black!"

"Well, how else was I supposed to answer that question?" he defended. "It accentuates your shoulder blades?"

She came over to him and sat down beside him. "I'll let you in on a secret—that you must not tell Potter."

He settled down beside her, so that they were both awkwardly lounging on their backs. "Go on," he prompted.

"I have a date," she said. "With Karl Nesbit."

"The Hufflepuff?" Black asked, sounding astounded.

"Yes," she said, giving him a warning look. "I asked him out just after exams were finished—and we agreed to go on a date sometime during the summer. Anyway, we are. And I wanted to buy a dress. A nice dress. Like this, maybe," she played with the hem of her dress.

"And…" Sirius seemed confused. "This is important… why?"

"Well, last year he dated Rachel Rune, didn't he?" she said. "I mean, you know what she looks like. She's thin… and tall… and thin… like a Muggle model."

"You said thin twice," he pointed out.

"Well, she is," Lily said. "And I'm not. And I guess I'm just worried that he has a… a type. That I'm not."

"So what?" Black asked. "I think you girls think we guys are more obsessed with a woman's weight and figure than we are. You're a looker, Evans. And you've got nice knockers and a killer arse, which is what matters."

He didn't complain when she delivered an obligatory slap to his stomach with the back of her hand.

"No, really," he continued. "You should hear James go on and on about you. It can get rather sickening after a while. Doesn't shut up."

"You promised not to bring him up," she reminded him.

"Well, it's impossible not to, in this instance," he said. "No one thinks you're pretty more than he does."

She turned her head to look at him, before bursting into laughter.

"I'm serious!" he protested, which only spurred her laughter on, which in turn cause him to scowl deeply. "I am," he muttered. "He's an absolute ass about it, too. Any guy compliments you, he flies off the handle, but if guys don't compliment you, he thinks they're insulting you by omission. Merlin forbid anyone insults you. Really, I don't know why you don't just date him. He thinks you're the prettiest bird in the world."

"Oh, please," she said, her laughter ebbing away as she regained control of her lungs. "I don't need you playing his games as well. No, I will not date James Potter. Never will. Because if he likes a good game, then I can play as well."

"What does that mean?" Black looked at her suspiciously.

"Doesn't matter," she said, forcing herself to sit up. "Well, It think I'm going to get this dress. And…" she looked at her watch. "Yes, we've got some time left. Let's walk around and sightsee, and then head to The Leaky Cauldron for a bite to eat, yeah?"

"Alright," Black said, standing up tiredly. "As long as we don't have to do anymore shopping."

She left to get dressed in her own clothes, paid for the dress, which prompted Sirius to ask alarming (to the shopkeeper) questions about Muggle money, and they left the store, heading through the streets of London.

Finally, they found themselves at The Leaky Cauldron, which was as well, for Sirius made a right buffoon of himself on more than one occasion, pointing out mundane Muggle things with awe or sniggers, and exclaiming loudly that the Muggle candy shop was "The biggest disappointment since finding out that he couldn't charm the stairs at school to have a personal vendetta against Snivellus."

Sitting in a booth in a dark corner of the The Leaky Cauldron, they sipped their Butterbeers and ate slices of pie, which, in Lily's opinion, were a little off. The crust was somehow a tad soggy, and after a few minutes, she pushed her plate away, unable to stomach any more. "At least the Butterbeer is good," she said, taking another sip."

"Should have let me get a Firewiskey," Sirius muttered through his straw.

She rolled her eyes. "It's the middle of the day, Sirius."

He made a comical look. "So," he said. "What does… Lily Evans do with her holiday?"

"I had wanted to do an internship with the Ministry," Lily said. "But my Mum and Dad didn't want me to—they thought it would be too dangerous. So I'm doing a summer job at a Muggle place."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "What Muggle place?"

"It's awful," Lily sighed. "I'm working as an office assistant at this small little firm. I'm mostly filing things, and mailing things." She shook her head. "I can't tell you how often I'm tempted to just wave my wand and be done with all my tasks in a minute. But… one of them might see me, and I'd rather not get expelled for doing magic in front of a Muggle before my last year."

"Sounds like a right pain in the arse," Sirius said. "What's the point of being Of Age if you can't use magic?"

She shrugged. "There aren't many magic users in Cokeworth, or magical establishments."

"So," he said. "You want to work for the ministry?"

She nodded. "I want to be an Auror."

He looked at her, stunned. "You?" he asked. "An Auror?"

"Does that sound so shocking?" she retorted.

"No," he said quickly. "You've got the skills for it, I suppose. And the tempter, where James is concerned at least. James wants to be an Auror, too," he added.

"I guessed," she said. "He signed up for most of the same classes I did. And either he was being his usual stalkerish self, or he's got the same career path. Or both," she added thoughtfully.

"So," Black said. "Why do you want to be an Auror?"

She inhaled deeply. "All this… you know. This stuff going on with You-Know-Who, it's… it's really shaken me up. You read the news," she nodded to the Daily Prophet beside her. "And you read about Muggles and Muggle-borns getting killed left and right… and even non Muggle related wizards who resist him. And you have to wonder… 'Am I next?'"

There was a long silence after she said these words. "I want to make a difference," she said. "I want to fight, for those who can't. I want to protect those I care about, and everyone else, too."

"That's noble," Sirius said, after a moment.

"What about you?" she asked, taking another sip of Butterbeer. "You've got any plans for the future?"

He shrugged. "Not sure about being an Auror, but… I don't know. I've still got a year before I really have to decide."

"You should start thinking about it, though," Lily replied. "I mean, you've got your NEWT's to study for."

He shrugged again. "We can't all be prepared a summer in advance. I bet you've already done your summer homework."

"I haven't even started," she sniffed. "I can't bear the thought of doing schoolwork the first week of the holidays. I'm planning on starting next week, at the earliest, if I can bear it." She took another sip. "Can I… ask you for some advice? About… about guys? It's just… I'm nervous about my date with Karl, and… and my own friends aren't much help. Alice has been mooning over Frank for years, and Mary is too shy to talk about guys, and Marlene doesn't even like guys—"

He groaned. "Look," he said. "If James knew I gave you advice on dating another guy… he'd curse me into oblivion."

"Oh, please," she said, rolling her eyes. "Like he'd care what I do over the summer. As long as he can get me to agree to go out with him with witnesses present, at school, I daresay he'd—"

But the waitress had arrived, handing them their bill, which Lily hurriedly paid, eager for the conversation to be over. "Well," she said, "I think I should head back. My parents get worried if I'm gone too long in a Wizarding area. They don't seem to realize it's just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, everywhere else."

"Right," Sirius said, standing as well, following her out of the pub. "It was nice seeing you, Evans."

"The same with you, I'm surprised to find—don't roll your eyes, you can hardly blame me," Lily said, smiling at him playfully. "I'll see you around, Black."

"Same," he said.

She Disapparated, arriving in an alleyway near her house. As she crossed the street and hurried onto the front porch and through the front door, she realized she hoped she would see Black again sooner than just the start of term. And so, she decided she would write him a letter.

Sirius Black was, perhaps, not as bad she always assumed he was.

When Sirius returned to the Potter's house, he was given a late supper, played a game of Exploding Snap with James, and went to bed. The Potters were surprised, when he arrived home in high spirits, seeing as he left rather in a foul mood. James asked him what had happened, to make him so upbeat. Sirius told him he spent some time in the Alley, and it wasn't a bad day of sorts. This seemed to satisfy his friend, although he knew James did not quite entirely believe him.

Sirius didn't know why he didn't tell James he ran into Lily. For some reason, it didn't seem right too, not right now, anyway. His day with Lily had been surprising fulfilling. He had enjoyed himself immensely, even though he had always thought of Lily as a do-gooder, boring, teacher's pet. He could even imagine, hard as it was even a day ago to think of it, of perhaps becoming friends with her. And their time together seemed too sacred in a way to tell James about it. James would only bombard him with questions and demands.

And so Sirius concluded it would be better if James didn't know about his adventure with Lily.

It would be nice, he thought, to have something nice and good that was just his.

To be continued…

Thanks so much for reading!

Next chapter coming soon… (probably within the next few days/week :)

(ps I'm kind of nervous posting this story cause it's my first HP fic I've ever really written/posted... so I'm sorry if I make mistakes and/or it's not too good :)