Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who's been reviewing; it makes my day and encourages me to write. :D Here is chapter four.

I stood immobile for several minutes. Behind me, the doors to the greenhouse opened wide and for a moment the air was filled with the half-screeching, half-crying sounds of girls desperate to make sense of what they had just seen. The doors shut and it was absolute quiet once again. A pair of strong hands took hold of my shoulders, guiding me gently inside.

I was quickly engulfed by a wave of girls, itching to touch my hand, my lips.

"How do you know James?" They cried, sidling up to me like good friends. They knew how it worked. If they made nice with me, they'd have an in to the wonderful world of Sirius Black. They struggled to separate me from my guardian and for an instant Professor Sprout's hand left my shoulder. I panicked, groping anxiously through the crowd for Professor Sprout; I just wanted them all to go away.

"Settle down girls," Professor Sprout said calmly but forcefully enough to send the crowd scattering. She plopped a pair of fuzzy pink earmuffs over my ears and all I heard was the muted buzz of the class chattering away as I shuffled toward my usual seat. My two best friends, Alice and Lavinia, were waiting for me anxiously, as excited and flushed as if they had been the ones to have kissed James Potter. "How was it?" They asked me, their voices overflowing with bubbly giggles. I frowned, pointing to my earmuffs as if I hadn't heard them.

"I'll bet it was delicious," Lavinia said, clasping her powder-blue earmuffs in her hands. "Head Boy - Quidditch Captain - Prankster King, oh!" She fanned herself faintly and Alice giggled.

"I think it was sweet." She said, fluffing her earmuffs delicately. "It looked so gentle. I'll bet he's only just told her he likes her, that's why he was afraid to hold her."

"Well it would explain why Miss Flabbergast is so surprised." Lavinia smirked, nodding in my direction. I pretended to flip through my notes. "What I don't understand, is why she hasn't told us she's been seeing him."

"Maybe they wanted to keep it a secret," Alice said gently. "I mean, she's been sneaking out for a while, probably to see him, and she hasn't told us anything about it."

"Earmuffs on!" Professor Sprout called out loudly.

"Well now she's got to tell us." Lavinia grinned, slipping on her earmuffs. Alice did the same, and I looked guiltily down at my notes. They knew I'd been sneaking out but hadn't said anything. And all this time I'd thought I was being sneaky.

Professor Sprout motioned wildly, capturing everyone's attention. She pulled out a large pot and, after making sure all eyes were on her, grabbed hold of the big leafy stems and gave a strong tug. There was a scream – too loud and too shrill to be mine - and I fainted dead away.

I came to sometime later, in what I assumed was the Hospital Wing. My head was pounding; the echo of that shrill scream was bouncing around the inside of my skull, feeling like it would split my head open each time it started again. Someone was forcing potions down my throat like nobody's business and I obligingly choked them down. I realized, with a start, that I was unable to open my eyes. Each time I tried to crack them open the light that filtered through would make the screaming louder.

Gradually, the rate of potions being forced down my throat slowed. The screams quieted to just a shrill buzz and I managed to open my eyes just a crack. It was dark outside the windows, but the dim light flickering from the candle at my bedside was enough to make me sick to my stomach.

"What happened?" I asked thickly, as I tried to sit up.

"You fainted away when we pulled the mandrakes up. Must not have had your earmuffs on properly." Madame Pomfrey said, primly looking over at Professor Sprout.

"It was completely my fault," Professor Sprout said guiltily, though looking incredibly relieved to see me. "I should have made sure everyone had their earmuffs on properly." Her face softened suddenly, her eyes nearly spilling over with tears. "I wasn't sure you'd wake up, ducky." She fell into a chair beside my bedside, and I realized how haggard she looked. Her hair, frizzy and flyaway, seemed frizzier than usual and the flickering candlelight made her look older than the thirty-something she must have been. "I'm just glad you're alright." She took my hand, squeezing it tightly. She had always been my favorite professor, and it was moments like these that reminded me why.

"Yes, well, she'll definitely need to stay here through the night, and all day tomorrow as well." Madame Pomfrey also looked relieved, but when she looked at me it was through pitying eyes. "Her parents will have to be notified."

"I've already notified her parents, but I'll let them know she's alright." Professor Sprout smiled. "You'll be okay for a few minutes?" she asked me.

"I'll be fine," I managed, closing my eyes. "Those mandrakes sure do pack a punch."

Sprout squeezed my hand one last time and left the ward. It was nearly silent, only the quiet muttering of Pomfrey as she fussed over a patient at the far end of the ward. I blew out the candle and settled into my bed, imagining how nice it would be if I could stay here forever, without having to see James Potter ever again. Or, for that matter, Remus Lupin.

Getting involved with the marauders, I realized, had been a mistake. They were an anomaly, a once in a lifetime kind of people and I was just another lowly Hufflepuff who was too nosy to mind her own business. I really liked Remus; he was handsome, and funny, and adventurous in a way Hufflepuffs weren't and maybe that's why we weren't meant to mix. James seemed to be aware of what was going on and he didn't approve. That would probably be enough to split us apart.

"Hey, how you doing, sugar face?" I recognized that voice instantly. Everyone at Hogwarts could recognize that voice.

"Mister Black." I opened my eyes and saw him sitting at my bedside, his elegant profile in full prominence as the light from the full moon outside filtered in through the window. He turned towards me and pulled a face, crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue.

"You didn't, by any chance, snog the Head Boy today, did you?" He asked casually.

I closed my eyes tightly and turned away.

"I would never."

"Word of mouth has it that you two spent ten minutes outside the Greenhouses snogging each other senseless today." Sirius said, slowly dragging out his words. "Snogging."

"I did not 'snog' anyone; James forced himself on me, and said some very nasty things."

"How in the world, does any of what you just said make sense?"

I opened my eyes and glared at him, wishing my words were made of mandrakes. "I don't know, which is why I'm so confused."

Sirius shook his head. "You can thank your friend the mandrake for that. Really, what were you thinking?" He curled up in the chair, yawning very openly. "Well, I'm just going to make myself comfortable because until you tell me what really happened, I'm not leaving."

"That is what happened!" Sirius rolled his eyes pointedly, looking at the ceiling. "If you don't believe me then you should just go ask Potter."

Sirius pouted. "He won't talk to me."

"What? Why not?" I was getting really frustrated. I had just made up my mind to give up the marauders and here was a new one, dragging me back into their business.

"If I knew that, I wouldn't be here talking to you, would I?'

I sighed loudly and closed my eyes again, hoping he would leave sometime soon.

"Are you leaving anytime soon?"

"Unlikely."

I burrowed deep under my blankets. These boys are impossible. I thought as I drifted off to sleep.

I awoke with a desperate urge to use the restroom. It was still dark outside, and Sirius was still sleeping in the chair beside my bed. His dark hair was tousled elegantly over his face and he looked quite comfortable despite the fact that he was splayed awkwardly across the wide chair, one leg hanging loosely off the side. He looked undeniably adorable and it was easy to see why he had half the school vying desperately for his attention.

I remembered then something James had told me the day before. Sirius had liked a girl, a girl here at Hogwarts, just last year. It was easy enough to believe that his love would have been reciprocated – he was that handsome – but in the end they hadn't dated. Obviously, Sirius had refrained from acting on his feelings. I wondered vaguely if he regretted it.

I didn't watch him long. I hurried to the lavatory at the end of the ward, stepping quickly over the cold stone floors.

When I had finished, I made my way to the washbasin, barely visible through the dim light that filtered in through the small windows in the room, and caught a quick glimpse of myself in the mirror. My hair was scraggly and unkempt, but otherwise I looked much the same as always.

I had always entertained the notion that the Marauders were other worldly; that they were brightly shining stars among a sea of dull students. They lit up every inch of this castle, and anyone who associated with them for long enough would also start to shine. Lily Evans shone. And her best friend Dorcas Meadowes. As soon as James became Quidditch Captain, the whole team started to shine, winning match after match from the sheer luminosity their captain provided.

I was now linked to two different Marauders. James had kissed me in front of a large crowd of gossipy students; whether I had wanted it or not, I was now an associate of the Marauders & Co, at least in the eyes of the students.

Even more importantly (well, to me at least), I was dating Remus Lupin. Secretly, yes, and we had yet to kiss, but in the grand scheme of things, it was my ties to him that linked me to the Marauders.

Over the course of the last few weeks Remus and I had tiptoed around each other all over the castle. He brushed beside me in the corridors as I made my way around Hogwarts - we stole covert glances of each other at dinner. I always made sure to sit facing away from him lest I end up staring tenderly at him over my mashed potatoes. My friends mentioned that I was glowing, which I vehemently denied, but secretly I hoped it was true. I had always wanted to shine like the Marauders and it seemed like my chance had finally arrived.

So why didn't I shine?

I sighed, turning the tap to wash my hands, and wondered if I would ever have the opportunity to talk to Remus again – if I even wanted to. Unless I was very much mistaken, James' last words to me had been a threat.

Just then the door creaked open. Remus slunk inside, carefully closing the door. I was so surprised I forgot to scream. For a brief instant, I knew he and I were wondering the same thing: did I even want to see him?

The answer was clear to me almost immediately. I ran to him, on the verge of tears, and he opened his arms to receive me in a strong embrace.

"Where have you been?" I murmured into his shoulder. "I was so worried about you."

He squeezed me tighter. "I've been … busy." He pulled me away and looked me over carefully. "I heard that you've been busy, as well."

"Oh, it was awful!" I wailed, unable to hold back my tears. "I thought m-maybe I could ask him where you were and he offered to t-take me to class b-but then he started saying stuff about g-girls breaking up your friendship and why you had never d-dated and then I d-decided not to ask about you b-but then he started saying such awful things and then he g-grabbed me and he k-kissed me and I was so confused!" I tried to wipe away my tears but they wouldn't stop. Remus pulled me close to him but I pushed him away. "He knows about us; he told me to stay away from you."

"I know," Remus said softly, frowning. "I talked to him."

"W-what did he say?"

Remus shrugged. "Basically everything you just told me."

I blinked away a few last tears. James Potter was not a good person.

"He's right though," Remus murmured. "It would be best if you left me alone."

"I don't want to." I said, obstinately crossing my arms. Remus smiled.

"I'm glad."

"But everything will be alright now, won't it?" I frowned as I struggled to connect the pieces. "The only reason this had to be kept a secret was to keep it from Potter, right? So do we still need to hide?"

"James isn't the only reason," Remus said, fidgeting with his wand. "It's actually kind of complicated." I watched him carefully in the dim light that filtered in through the windows; outside, the sky was getting lighter. "Just trust that it would be easier for you if you didn't know." He said, grasping my hands dramatically.

"Is this more marauder business that I shouldn't get involved in?" I asked, tired of being so confused. The shrill buzzing had returned to my ears, still quiet, but getting louder every minute.

Remus gave a small nod and I almost screamed. After everything James put Remus through, why was he still so happy to play along with their silly little charade? James had spied on us, harassed and threatened me, and possibly also Remus. He was doing everything in his power to split us apart and he hadn't even taken the time to get to know me or to ask how Remus felt. It was too much for me; I was almost tempted to ask Remus to choose: was it going to be me or the Marauders?

But, wasn't that exactly why James didn't want us together? He was afraid I would break up their friendship. I couldn't stand to let James' underhanded ways drive us apart but I couldn't bear to prove him right, either.

I swallowed hard. "We'll find a way." I'd show him. "We have to." I could be just as stubborn as he was.

Remus watched me carefully, one eyebrow quirked curiously. I shuddered, acutely aware of the fact that I had yet to brush my teeth and my hair was still disheveled. With the growing light filtering in through the window, he was probably realizing how awful I looked. I tried to step away, but he stopped me, placing one hand just under my chin and forcing me to look up at him. A jolt of energy pulsed through me and I froze.

Suddenly, the door slammed open and there was a large flash of light accompanied by a loud scream. I clamped my eyes shut and fell to my knees. The screaming stopped but my head was pounding.

Sirius Black stepped into the room.

"Expelliarmus!" He cried, but his wand clattered to the floor. Remus had cast a quick shield charm, and Sirius' spell had rebounded back on him.

"Are you alright?" Remus asked. I shook my head gently, unable to move without a great deal of pain.

"What's going on?" Sirius stood awkwardly by the door. His wand still lay on the floor close to me.

"We need to get her to Madame Pomfrey." Remus' voice was loud, but it wavered. "Open the door, I'll carry her out."

"No!" I clamped my eyes shut tightly. "It's the light." I managed to rasp out. I heard Sirius walk over to me and he forced my hands away.

"It's alright," he said softly, placing something over my face. "Open your eyes."

I shook my head obstinately. My head felt like it was about to split apart.

"You'll be okay, I promise." Remus whispered in my ear.

I sniffed loudly. I really must have looked like a mess.

Cautiously, I opened my eyes. The room was completely dark. I realized what Sirius must have slipped on my face – his lucky sunglasses.

"Your lucky sunglasses…" I murmured, turning to him. He grinned.

"Reckon you could use a little luck about now."

I nearly squealed with delight.

Since his third year, Sirius had kept one sturdy pair of sunglasses in the inside pocket of his robes, pulling them out whenever the occasion called for it. There were legends made about those glasses: they were forged by leprechauns, crafted out of sphinx talons, embedded with phoenix feathers. People said that McGonagall had attempted to confiscate them once, but they burned the touch of anyone but their master. They said that Sirius' wand had been broken during the legendary Quidditch match of 1976, but that with just a tap from his sunglasses, it had been instantly repaired. They said that Sirius didn't allow even James Potter to touch them, and that the last person who had touched them without his permission had been visited by the Grim a few days later. He was so shook up, he had walked right up to the Whomping Willow and nearly died.

And I had the privilege to wear them.

"Do you think you can make it out now?" Remus asked. I nodded carefully; sharp pains still shot through my head when I made any sudden movements, but they were lessening.

Remus took my hand and helped me up, wrapping his arm around my waist. Sirius stood at my other side, motioning for me to drape my arm around his shoulder. Together, we made our way out the door and over to my bed, where Madame Pomfrey had set up camp. She held open the hangings around my bed, fretting over me as the boys slowly let me inside the enclosure. It was dark – she had cast a darkness charm around my bed – and only the flickering light of a single candle shone.

"Where on Earth have you been?" she muttered, more to herself than to me. She seemed to have no intention of letting me answer so I made no attempt to do so and she frowned as I settled into my bed. "And what is that ridiculous thing you're wearing?" She made as if to reach for them but Sirius intercepted her.

"Those are mine." He said, gingerly plucking them off my face. "They're sunglasses – er…" He grinned at the confused look on her face. "It's a muggle thing."

"They block out bright lights," Remus explained. "Muggles use them to see better in bright sunlight. Sirius thought it would be a good idea if she wore them while we helped her over."

"I see…" Pomfrey murmured as she rummaged through the bed tray on the dresser. It was full of potions in different sized bottles and she sighed as she held up a half-empty one. "This is what we use to help decrease the intensity of light in a patient, but it has a few negative side-effects."

"Such as..?" Sirius prompted.

Madame Pomfrey stared at him, remembering something.

"You're not allowed in here!" She said suddenly. "Out! Out! This is private information which I can only discuss with the patient and her family."

"They can stay!" I said, blushing. "They're my…friends."

Remus smiled as Sirius rounded expectantly on Pomfrey.

"See? We're her friends." He said.

"No visitors!" She insisted. "You may say goodbye, but that's final."

She bustled out of the hangings, presumably to give us a little privacy. Remus looked after her with a little smile on his face, before he turned to me.

"I guess this is goodbye." He said, bending over to give me a half-hug.

"I doubt this is the last we'll see of her." Sirius said. "After all, she did snog ol' Prongs."

Remus stiffened and backed away. Sirius, not noticing the change, bent down to give me a hug, slipping the sunglasses into my hands.

"Here. They'll probably do you more good than they will me." He stood up just as Pomfrey re-entered the enclosure.

"Alright, it's time for you two to leave," she said.

"But Poppy…" Sirius whined. Pomfrey glared at him.

"Out!" She said, pointing a trembling finger towards the exit. I had never really noticed before, but Pomfrey couldn't have been much older than twenty-five.

"Figures." Sirius grinned, as she ushered them out. "The only one she really likes is Peter."

"NOW!" she said, practically shoving them out. I covered my eyes as Sirius crashed through the hangings; when I re-opened my eyes Pomfrey was busy corking and uncorking potion bottles.

In the dim candlelight, I could see Pomfrey was blushing.