Chapter 2

The friendship between a man and a woman which does not lead to marriage or desire for marriage may be a life long experience of the greatest value to themselves and to all their circle of acquaintance and of activity; but for this type of friendship both a rare man and a rare woman are needed.

-Anna Garlin Spencer

- Brianna's P.O.V. -

After a week of classes the weekend couldn't have come any sooner. I layed in my four-poster bed staring at the ceiling and lost in my thoughts. The other girls were still asleep, all except Lily who left earlier to go to the library. I think she was studying for her OWLs, even though they were'nt until the end of the year.

I was anxious for quidditch try outs, this year I decided to try out for seeker. James was supposed to let me know when try outs were since he was made captain. I wasn't surprised to hear that since he had always been obssessed with Quidditch.

The Potters were a family friend and I remember growing up and playing Quidditch with James when we were younger. Bridget would always make up an excuse not too, but I knew it was because she was afraid of hights. James Potter wasn't a bad guy, a little arrogant and loved pulling pranks, especially on the Slytherins. He was a little upset when Bridget made it in Slytherin, they don't really get along anymore.

He's an only child and his family is extremely rich. They still come over to the house every now and then. This summer they brought Sirius over also since he was staying with them for a week. Bridget wasn't too happy about this, she tried to stay out of the way but they ended up having a shouting match.

I wasn't too happy about him comming over either. Usually James and I played Quidditch together and all was good. This summer however was very different. I got to see a new side of James, Sirius was making fun of me while we played. James eventually joined in with the teasing. I don't think he did it on purpose to hurt me but I was so upset that I ended up storming off to my room. It's one thing having Sirius make fun of me, but James is my friend so it hurt a little more.

That's about when the shouting match began. Bridget yelled at the both of them for being a bunch of gits. She really let James have it too, he sent me a letter later on in the week appologising. He said he was just kidding and that he thinks I should try out for the team. I decided to try out, even though if I make it that would mean spending time with Sirius. He's a beater for Gryffindor, making him very popular with the ladies. Well that and his good looks and charm.

If the guy wasn't so much of a jerk i'd probably like him too. Unfortunately we don't get along too well, I really hope Maggie doesn't start dating him.

I looked over to the window and decided to get up since it looked as if today would be a nice day, the sun was very bright.

I took a shower and got ready, putting on a purple t-shirt with jeans. I seemed to have missed breakfast since I slept in so I headed dirrectly outside and saw my friends outside chatting underneath a tree. Well Maggie was lying down in the sun, probably trying to tan a bit. Bridget and Helena sat togethor in the shade of the tree, I waved to them and they waved back once they saw me coming.

"Hey, sleepy head" Bridget greeted with a smirk.

"It's not that late" I replied

"You still missed breakfast, which is why I took this." Helena handed me an apple.

"Thanks" I took a bite of the apple, enjoying the taste and letting it's juice quench my thirst.

"So what's new?" I asked as I ate my apple.

"Nothing really, just enjoying this nice weather." Bridget said.

"How?" Maggie turned to her side and rested her head in her hand as she looked at us.

"You guys are sitting in the shade, i'm the one soaking up the sun." she said

"It's still nice here" Helena replied.

Maggie just rolled her eyes and went back to tanning.

"So did you find out when the Quidditch try-outs are being held?" Bridget asked

"Not yet, James is supposed to let me know. "

"I think you'll find out real soon." Helena said

"What, are you phychic now?" Maggie asked sarcastically

"No, but he's on his way here now." Helena said "And Sirius is with him."

Maggie shot up at this bit of information. I looked over to my left and saw James and Sirius coming. Maggie fixed her hair and gave them a welcoming smile while Bridget just looked away.

"Hey" I called out

"Hey" James replied. Sirius was too busy talking with Maggie. She must be in heaven right now.

"I wanted to let you know Quidditch try-out's are next Saturday."

"Thanks"

"I looked for you at breakfast, but you weren't there." he said

"Sorry, I slept in."

"I figured, if you make the Quidditch team though you won't be able to anymore."

I rolled my eyes at him.

"I'm just saying, we usually have practice early in the morning on Saturdays."

"Don't worry, she can handle it." Bridget said defensively. I was glad she came to my side on this, however I was worried that a fight would occur. Especially when Sirius came to Jame's side.

"That's if she makes the team." Sirius replied

"She will make the team, she's a great seeker." Bridget said

"I guess we'll find out, wont we" Sirius said looking at me now with his grey eyes. However this time they didn't hold any charm, they were kinda frightning.

James and Sirius left, leaving us alone again. I sat quietly unable to shake off the feeling of his eyes. Did he really just scare me? Did he really think I wouldn't make the team? Well I guess it wasn't guaranteed, in fact there could be someone better than me. I started to get nervous now for the try-outs.

"Don't lisen to him, you'll do fine." Bridget reassured me, as if she could sense I was nervous.

"How do you know? Maybe i'm not as fast as I think I am."

"You are fast!" Helena added trying to reassure me

"What if there's someone faster? What if I don't make it?" I worried

"You will make it" Bridget said.

"Ya Bree, and you'll make an amazing seeker." Maggie added

"Maybe" I said still not so sure.

*~*~*

Since I spent all of Saturday hanging out with the girls I decided that I should maybe spend Sunday in the library. I had some homework in Arithmancy which would require lots of research, as it usually did.

Helena decided to accompany me since we were in the same class and this way we could work on it together. We sat near the back with our books and read for what seemed like hours.

"This is so boring." I said closing my book about the number nine. I couldn't believe there was a whole book on one single number! There was actually a whole book for each of the single numbers. Who knew so much could be said about a number, and after reading the book I found out that apparently there was alot to be said.

"I thought Arithmancy was your favorite class." Helena said while reading her book.

"It is, I just hate doing the homework sometimes."

"Homeworks a big part of the curriculum, without it-"

"Ah! Please stop" I interrupted "I'm going to get another book before you lecture me about the importance of homework."

I heard Helena huff at my previous comment as I went to go look for another book. The library at Hogwarts was huge and sometimes it was hard to find what you were looking for. Especially since the librarian Madame Pince wasn't very helpful. She just carred for the books and made sure that no one ruins them.

I went to the section where Helena and I usually look for our Arithmancy books, hoping to find one that could help me. There was one book in particular that caught my eye. 'New Theory of Numerology' it read. It seemed like a good one, couldn't hurt to look at it.

I was about to grab it when something was thrown at my head. Apparently my theory about it not hurting to look at it was already proven wrong. I looked to my left and saw Sirius Black standing there looking all smug.

Further down I could see the rest of the marauders sitting at a table. Peter Pettigrew was laughing along with James. Remus had his head down, he was reading a book. Atleast he wasn't laughing at me.

"What do you want Black?" I asked sending him a glare.

"Just wanted to see if you can dodge the paper bludger that I made" he said smirking.

"Apparently you can't. I'm curious though, if you can't even dodge a lousy paper bludger, how do you expect to dodge a real one?"

"Bugger off Black. I wasn't expecting your dirty little trick." I said as I grabbed my book.

Sirius barked a laugh at my response.

"And you think you can expect a real bludger?" he asked as he took my book from my hands.

"Get real, Loredan. Why don't you save yourself the hummiliation and not try-out."

"Why are you so against me trying out for the team?" I asked him placing my hands on my hips and giving him what I hoped to be a nasty look.

"Because I actually want to win the cup this year and with you on the team it wont be likely."

"You've never even seen me play before!" I defended, trying very hard to keep my voice low since we were in a library.

"Besides, James wouldn't place me on the team if I wasn't any good." I added.

"Wouldn't he?" Sirius was now grinning "Old family friend of yours isn't he?" he taunted. My face blanked as I realised he was right, in theory. James was an old friend, how could he not let me on the team. I was angry that Sirius was right, I was angry that he knew he was right. Most of all I was angry for being so stupid and naive. How could I not see this coming? I didn't want to make the team if I weren't any good.

I strode past Sirius, forgetting about my book. I went up to the table that James, Peter and Remus were at. I don't know if it was because of how angry I looked or maybe he heard the conversation between Sirius and I. Either way as I approched their table James quickly looked down and pretended to be reading. I went to his side and forcefully closed his book. They were all looking at me now with slightly scarred and confused expressions.

"Don't worry about doing me any favors." I growled "I'm not going to tryout anymore."

I slammed his book back on the table and went to get my bag, I strolled on out of the library, I didn't know where I was going, I just needed to keep on moving. I could feel the hot tears behind my eyes. I hated getting angry because sometimes I cried when I was angry.

I couldn't believe the scene I had caused back there. I couldn't believe that I acted like that, especially infront of Remus. He probably thinks i'm a real loon now. I also felt bad for leaving Helena like that.

I must have been on the second floor when I heard a voice calling my name.

"Bree! Wait up!"

I knew the voice belonged to James, his friends we probably following him. I walked even faster but unfortunately he was a fast runner and caught up with me.

"Bree, can we talk?" he asked slightly out of breath.

"No"

"Wait a second!" he said as grabbed my arm forcing me to stop. This made me even more mad. I spun around and pushed him so he'd let go.

He fell backwards which shocked me since he was a guy and I was a small girl. I knew I must of had some muscle in me.

"Leave me alone!" I yelled and walked on into Moaning Myrtles bathroom. I would have to endure Myrtle, the gost that haunted the bathroom, but I didn't mind. I was safe from the Marauders following me.

I didn't want to talk to anyone, not when I felt like this. I liked being left alone, it was embarassing to cry infront of others. Bridget knew this, she knew when to leave me alone and when to come and comfort me. I cried thinking about her, it sucked that she wasn't here now so I could yell about Sirius being a jerk and Potter being an even bigger jerk. Or maybe they were both the same.

It didn't even matter, I couldn't believe that I wasn't going to try out anymore. All because of what Sirius said. I sat against the wall and thought about how long i've wanted the seeker position.

William was the previous seeker and Captain, so there was no chance of me getting on the team before. Now that he was gone I thought I could give it a try. I tried wipping my tears with my sleeve.

"Brianna?" I heard the deep voice of Sirius Black, why was he in the girls lavatory? Oh yeah, no one came here. I guess I forgot about that.

"Go away." I said as I clung on to my legs. I saw him apprear along with the rest of them. Oh great. Sirius advanced and sat to my right. I turned my head to the left so he couldn't see my tearstained face or my red puffy eyes. The rest of the marauders just kinda stood infront of us acuardly, I wish they would just go away. What did they think this was some kind of show?

"I'm sorry." Sirius said

"For what?" Not bothering to turn my head.

"For upsetting you"

"Fine, whatever" I said to his face "Now go."

His face did look sincere, which made me feel bad. His grey eyes were kind again, I had to turn away because I didn't want them to soften me up.

"I didn't mean what I said before-"

"Yes, you did" I interrupted "Otherwise you wouldn't have said it!" I said turning to face him again.

"And you're right, you know your right." I stood up and went to leave but the rest of them were in my way.

"He's not right." James said

At that moment Moaning Myrtle decided to make her appearance with her usual loud moan.

"What are you four doing here!" She yelled "This is a girls lavatory!"

"Well be gone in a minute" Sirius replied. Sadly Myrtle dropped the subject and left through her toilet.

"Look Bree, Sirius was just bugging you before." James said

"I don't care, he's right-"

"No he's not" James interrupted. "I've seen you play before, Bree! Your an amazing flyer and I think you'd make a great seeker."

"What if someones better than me? Would you let me on the team to avoid hurting my feelings?" I asked

"Of course not."

"Promise" I asked

"Promise"

"You swear?"

"I swear"

"You solemnly swear?"

"Bree!" he said exasperated, but thats ok because I was only playing with him. I giggled at the reaction I got out of him. He seemed to have relaxed once he saw me laughing. They all seemed happier now.

"So are we good?" he asked

"I guess, but only if you make sure that your friend behaves himself."

"I'm standing right here" Sirius replied

"I'm sorry but I don't speak jerk." I replied as I grabbed my bag.

"I'm sure Sirius is very sorry for how he behaved." Remus said while giving Sirius a look.

"Yes, I learned my lesson." Sirius said "Girls are emotional, never piss them off again."

I threw my book bag at him, smilling as it hit him.

"Oww! What the bloody hell was that for?" he asked. The others gazed at me confused, and slightly scarred in Peter's case.

"Funny..."I said as I picked up my bag again. "I thought beaters were supposed to hit the bludgers. Not be hit."

The guys and I laughed as the color in Sirius' face drainned.

"Alright, laugh it up, Loredan." he said defeated "I guess I deserved that one."

"Yes, you did."

"So does this mean were ok now?" he asked

"Ya, I guess it does." I said smilling "Now can we go, i'm starved."

"Agreed!" James said as he put his arm around my shoulders and we all left for dinner.

- Maggie's P.O.V. -

I didn't even try to lisen to Professor Demetri as he talked about Dementors. Well ok maybe I was lisening a bit, but most of my attention was caugth on something else; or rather, someone else.

Sirius Black was sitting at the table to my left with the rest of the marauders. He was wispering something to James, Peter seemed to be lisening in on them too. Only Remus seemed to be taking notes, just like Brianna, who sat next to me at the moment.

"His hair is shorter" I said to Bree while I continued to stare at him. Maybe I should'nt be so obvious, but he's too busy talking to James to notice.

"How would you know, it's his first year teaching?" Bree responded, I rolled my eyes at her response and took my gaze off of Sirius as I turned to her.

"Not Professor Demetri, you dolt. I'm talking about Sirius."

This time it was Bree's turn to roll her eyes and she went back to her notes.

"Shouldn't you be paying attention? This could be on our OWL's you know." Bree said.

"I'll just borrow your notes if I need too."

"I thought Hufflepuffs were supposed to be hard working."

"I am" I said "When I want to be. I can't help it, Bree. He's just so damn gorgeous! I mean, look at him!"

"You're pathetic."

"Look who's talking, you're just as infactuated with Remus as I am with Sirius."

"Atleast I still take my notes, which makes me not as pathetic as you." Bree was blushing now which just made teasing her even more fun.

"Yes, however you blush furiously at the very sound of his name." I replied "Besides maybe if you flirted a little he'd ask you out."

"No, I would just end up embarassing myself." Bree responded. Which was true I guess, she didn't seem to have much luck. Or maybe she was just a clutz.

"You have to send out hints to him or else you'll never get to kiss him!"

"Will you shut up."

"C'mon Bree, I know you must imagine him, and you. Snogging like mad in a broom closet."

"Shut up" she hissed as she wacked me with her notebook, which actually hurt my arm a bit.

"Ow!" I glarred at her and her face looked shocked. She was blushing again and looked down at her notebook. This confused me until I turned my attention back to Sirius and saw that the marauders were now looking at us, including Remus who stopped taking notes. Sirius and James looked amused while Peter and Remus looked confused.

I picked up my quill and pretended to be taking notes. I guess Bree and I caused a scene, atleast the Proffessor didn't notice.

I glanced over to Bree who was writing furiously with her head bent, not daring to look up. Her auburn hair hid her face a bit, it looked as if it were covering her eyes. This must of been buging her because she pushed it out of her face.

"So, you excited about this Saturday?" I asked trying to make peace by changing the subject to Quidditch try-outs.

"I guess, I think anxious is a more appropriate word to describe it."

"We'll be chearing you on."

"Thanks."

The bell rang and everyone stood up to leave.

"I'll ask everyone to have read Chapter 3 for homework. There will be a quiz on it next class." Proffessor Demetri shouted as the class got ready to leave.

Bree and I headed outside since it was still a bit nice and we had a break. Although the sun wasn't out like it was this weekend, clouds were now covering it up. We sat near a tree and Bree handed me her notes. She took out her D.A.D.A. book and started reading. I opened her notebook and looked at her bubbly writing, which was written in purple ink, her favorite color. I took out my own notebook and started copying what she wrote.

A dementor is one of the foulest creatures to walk this earth. Feeding off of positive human emotions, they can drain a wizard of his powers if left with them too long.

The only way to protect yourself from a dementor is to create a Patronus charm. This will send the dementor away.

"Ahhh!"

Bree and I looked up at the sound of someone screaming. We looked at each other with confused expressions.

The scream was heard again and this time we knew it sounded like it was coming from somewhere near the forbidden forest.

We both put our stuff away and decided to go check it out.

"C'mon" Bree said as she started running. Oh great, I hated running.

"Wait!" I shouted after her, although I too was running. She was just faster than me so it was going to be difficult to catch up.

"What if they need our help! C'mon, Maggie hurry!" she shouted back

"I am!"

I tried to run faster while I made a mental note to work out more. I didn't know how Bree could do this, I was so out of breath.

As we approached the dark forest we could see a small croud of Slytherins and a small Hufflepuff first year who seemed to be hanging upside down in mid air.

"Let her go!" Bree shouted fiercely. Was she kidding? There must of been atleast five Slytherins. All who seemed to be in their seventh year, there was no way we could get out of this alive!

"You going to make us?" shouted on of the guys.

"Looks like it." Bree said as she grabbed her wand from her cloak and dropped her bag.

"Bree, stop! It's -"

"Expelliarmus!" she shouted before I could stop her and remind her that it's against school rules to duel.

The hufflepuff feel to the ground as the Slytherin's wand flew out of his hands. The first year ran back to the castle looking scarred. I took out my wand to back Bree up since it was obvious we were'nt just going to walk away. The Slytherins would want their revenge, which was evident as a few of them shot curses back at Bree who successfully blocked them.

"Serpensortia" One of them shouted as a great big yellow serpent appeared.

I stood rigid and felt the blood drain from my face as it came towards me. I was terrified of snakes.

I looked into it's cold dark eyes and it rose a bit to strike me.

I let out a piercing scream as it bit my arm and then my leg when I tried to kick it.

Bree was shouting out curses along with a few others. I looked up and saw that the Marauders had joined us, James had sent the snake away and I held onto my leg as it started to bleed.

Remus seemed to have sent the Slytherins away thanks to his power as a prefect, they had no choice but to lisen to him.

"Are you alright?" I looked up to see Sirius leaning over me, I must have fallen to the ground.

"I don't know" I replied. "My leg really hurts."

"Can I see?" he asked. I looked into his grey eyes and tried not to melt as I nodded my head slowly.

My leg was burning but the fact that Sirius was so close to me was helping me cope.

"Maggie, i'm so sorry." Bree said as she stood around with the rest of them.

"It's ok, we had to help." I replied thinking of the poor first year.

"I think we should take her to the hospital wing. It looks infected." Remus said looking worried.

"What?" I shouted as I looked at my leg which now had a purplish color to it. This could not be good.

"Good idea" Sirius said.

He put his arms around me but instead of helping me up he lifted me into his arms. I must have been blushing now since my face felt very warm.

Once at the hospital wing Madam Pomfrey gave me a potion and told me to stay over night to be sure I healed. Apparently the snake was poisonous. Bree kept appologising but I didn't blame her. The first year needed help from the Slytherins, even if the odds were against us we still had to do something.

Madame Pomfrey made them leave when she came back. I thanked Sirius again and watched as they left, Bree was also looking back at me.

'Tonight's going to be a long night' I thought as I layed my head on the pillow. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to remember how it felt to be in Sirius' arms.