James

James paced up and down the common room until Lupin came in muttering.

" It's freezing out there James."

" Is it?"

" It sure is...I think the winter weather has come early."

" Hmm " was all James managed to say.

" Hungry?"

" No...I had dinner ages ago...I think I'll get to bed early."

" Have you..?"

" No I haven't Moony and I'll get to it...I just...well Sirius hasn't given me a chance to say anything yet...he's been avoiding me for the past two days."

" I was going to say have you seen the notice board yet...because Hogsmeade's on this weekend...but I can see Sirius is on your conscience."

" Hogsmeade is on this weekend?"

" Yes... everyone has put their names down to go...I thought you'd like to know."

" Are you going?"

" Thought I might. You?"

" Well if you and...if you're going ...I'll go too."

" Sirius would love to go...if you bothered to ask him...he'd come with us."

" I'll see what I can do."

" You can do a lot...if you put your mind to it."

" Thanks for the advice " muttered James.

James wandered upstairs and walked into the Dormitory. Sirius was sitting by the window. He turned suddenly as he saw James.

" Oh...it's you..."

" Sorry I didn't realise you were up here...I thought...I'll go now..."

" No stay...you're not bothering me...it's everyone's dormitory."

" Nah...it's okay...I've got homework to do anyways."

Sirius turned away.

" Sirius?"

" Yeah?"

" I've got to appologise...I was out of order...I should have supported you as a friend and instead I turned by back on you and on Lupin...but mainly on you. I'm sorry."

" Sticks and stones mate...no big deal."

" I think it is a big deal."

" Oh yeah...do you? How's that?"

" Well I figure if you weren't mad at me...you wouldn't have been avoiding me for the past few days."

" I wasn't mad at you " growled Sirius. " I was just staying out of you and Orianes way. I didn't realise what a complete whacko she is...dont you see how crazy she is?...she hurts people who stand in her way ...Remus and I dont want to be part of that."

" Yeah I've noticed."

" Still talking her to the dance?"

" Well I've got no choice do I? She even decides what I eat Sirius...I think she would have hit Lily the last day if I hadn't stepped in."

" I'm sorry for pairing you two up...I just thought it might make you feel better about not getting Evans...If I had known she was a lunatic..."

" It's not your fault Padfoot. I should never have acted so desperate anyways...Lily has the brains you see...she doesn't like me because I act like a fool and think it makes me appear cooler than everyone else...I can see she was right."

" Dont be so thick " snapped Sirius.

" What?"

" Lily adores you " snapped Sirius. " Yeah you are a tad bit bigheaded...but she has always liked you...I've never seen two people who were more perfect for each other."

" Well I've no chance now."

Sirius jumped down from the window and walked over.

" Maybe it's time you stopped feeling sorry for yourself and got on with life...otherwise this is going to haunt you forever."

James nodded. " You're right Padfoot. Thanks."

Sirius nodded. James smiled and gave him a clap on the shoulder. Then the two friends broke the ice by giving each other a quick hug and pulling apart just as quickly.

" Friends?" said James extending his hand.

" You bet " laughed Sirius accepting it with a grin.