James crept into the Hospital Wing later that night. He brushed a strand of hair away from Rana's eyes before slumping into the seat next to her. He smiled, watching her sleep for a moment before pulling out a book on pranks. Classes had only just started, so he figured he'd take the time to read about some good hexes. Madame Pomfrey had told him that Rana wouldn't likely wake till the next morning at the earliest. He sighed and flipped the page in the book. Nott, Snape, and Bellatrix Black would wish they had never been born when he got through with them. No one hurt his Rana and got away with it!

"James?"

James looked up towards the voice and smiled, seeing Char leaning against the doorway. He didn't know the Prefect too well, but was grateful for what she had done for Rana. "Char. Thank you," he said quietly.

"Anytime." She was doing her rounds at the moment when she had noticed James. "Why don't you come on back to the Tower. It's curfew. She'll be fine. You can see her in the morning."

James shook his head and picked up a pillow. "I'm going to stay the night…keep an eye on her."

"Madame Pomfrey is here, James." She smiled at the younger Gryffindor.

"I know, but I would much rather be here. Besides, I'm sure Rana will be scared when she wakes. I'll be fine Char. Thanks for worrying."

Char sighed in defeat. "Alright then. If anyone asks, just let them know I said it was alright. No need for you to get in trouble when you're just protecting Rana." She smiled, handing him a note. "Try to get some sleep."

James nodded and watched as Char walked off, a smile on her face. Char was almost certain in time there would be something deeper between those two. She yawned and continued on with her rounds before finally heading back into Gryffindor Tower to get a good night sleep before classes started.

James turned his attention back to Rana. He gently kissed her forehead before slowly shutting his eyes and falling asleep. The night slowly passed. Madame Pomfrey sighed, putting a blanket over James sometime during the night, shaking her head. Yet the rare smile tugged at her lips at James' refusal to leave Rana alone overnight.

Morning soon approached. James yawned, rubbing his eyes. He looked at Rana, who was still sound asleep. He brushed back her hair and quickly withdrew his hand at the shock of heat. Getting up, he ran a damp cloth under some cold water before placing it on her head. He gently kissed Rana's cheek, getting up to get Madame Pomfrey.

"What is it Mr. Potter?"

"Rana…she's burning up," he said worriedly.

"Ah, it's just a side-effect of the curse. She should cool down soon, but I'll be over in a moment."

James nodded before rushing back to Rana's side. He smiled, watching Rana sleep. Sighing he took the cloth off her forehead, walked to the sink, and ran it under cold water again before walking back to her. Ever so gently, he placed the cloth back on her forehead, quietly taking a seat next to her. Rana slowly stirred, opening her eyes slowly. Her eyes landed on James.

"James?" she asked quietly.

James took her hand and smiled. "Yes, Rana."

She slowly sat up before a surge of dizziness sent her back against the pillows. She sighed, rather annoyed. James didn't move, but gently squeezed her hand. "Careful there, Rani. Don't get up too quickly." He smiled reassuringly before looking up at Madame Pomfrey as she bustled over.

She busied herself with a potion, quirking an eyebrow at James. "I do say, Mr. Potter, have you considered becoming a Mediwizard? You've managed to lower Ms. Rai's temperature."

James just stared at Madame Pomfrey while Rana stifled her giggles. "Erm, uh... I'm only twelve Madame Pomfrey. I don't know what I want to do yet!"

Madame Pomfrey chuckled. "You do need sleep, however…what with you staying all night."

Rana's eyes widened. "James? You stayed here all night?" She was shocked that he did that for her.

James smiled. "Of course I did Rana. I was worried…"

Rana smiled at him. "Thanks James…that means a lot," she said quietly.

James smiled, brushing some hair out of her eyes and gently removing the cloth from her forehead. He took the potion from Madame Pomfrey and handed it to Rana. Rana made a face. Madame Pomfrey's potions always tasted vile. Why couldn't someone add artificial flavoring or something like in Muggle medications? James laughed. Rana scowled at him. He raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Just drink it,Rana. One big gulp!"

"But it tastes horrible!" she whined. She huffed at his laughter. "If you think it's so funny, you drink it!"

James quickly sobered from his laughter. "I love you Rana, but I think I'll pass." Rana pouted. James sighed. He couldn't resist her pout. "Tell ya what…you drink your potion, get out of the hospital wing, and I'll buy you any book you want next time we are on holiday."

Rana smiled. Books were one of her weaknesses, next to flying of course. "Oh all right, but I'm holding you to that!"

"Merlin's Promise!" he promised solemnly.

Satisfied, Rana swallowed the potion, making a face afterwards. "Yuck!" she spluttered.

James smirked, muffling his laugher. Rana glared at him. James shook his head, offering her a chocolate frog as a peace offering. Rana grabbed it and munched on it. "You want the wizard card? I got Albus Dumbledore again."

James laughed. "Keep it, Rani. I have about 20 Albus Dumbledores."

Rana shrugged. "I'll give it to Izzy."

"Izzy?"

"Isadora. I don't think she has Dumbledore."

James nodded in understanding. "You know, Rana. I really don't want you to walk around alone…"

"But James…"

"No buts, Rana. Do you know how scared I was when you didn't come back to Potions after 20 minutes? I couldn't bear if anything happened to you. You're my best friend."

Rana smiled. "And you're my best friend, James." James took her hand in his and squeezed it. Rana looked at him. "Speaking of responsibilities, what about our detention?" She frowned.

James shook his head. Rana always followed the rules, although she really didn't mind if others broke them. She was a rule abider simply because that's just what she had always done. She definitely was no stickler like Lily. "You really think you were going to have detention when you were in the hospital?"

Rana blushed. "Well, no, but I assumed it would be rescheduled." She paused for a moment. "Still, that doesn't explain you. I don't want you to get into more trouble on my account. We were supposed to serve it last night, but if you were here…" she trailed off.

James sighed. There she went again, always thinking about others first. He shook his head, silencing her. "First off, I wanted to be here, even if it is the hospital wing. You're my best friend-it's no burden. Secondly, if I got another detention, so be it, but I wasn't really worried as your Head of House treasures you. She would much prefer me to stay here next to you. Professor Mahoney confided into me that no one has to know. You were in the hospital-that's punishment enough. There was no way I was going to leave you. Professor Mahoney then decided to let me serve detention by watching over you. Now, I don't really call that punishment as I was going to do it anyway, but like I said, your Head of House treasures you." He quirked an eyebrow.

Rana smiled. "Okay then. Do I get to get out of here yet? And your little prank was hilarious by the way!" She grinned.

"Why can't more people be like you?" he sighed, but then smiled at her. "Do you think you can sit up? Hungry? It's past lunchtime" he asked worriedly.

Rana nodded, slowly sitting up. "I think I'm okay. What about you?"

"No, I ate something filling earlier. Let's get you back to your dorm, then, and your friends can fill you in on what you missed. I know you are just waiting to get your head in a book," he teased.

Rana gave him a mock glare. "Not as much as I want to play Quidditch!" she giggled.

James sighed. "Honestly, Rana- you're worse than Elliott Wood," he chuckled, helping Rana off the bed.

Rana grinned cheekily and shrugged. "Hey- I don't know Elliott, so I wouldn't know!" She grinned as she walked alongside James.

As they made their way up the stairs, James slipped his hand in hers, knowing Rana had bad luck with the moving staircases. When they reached the seventh floor, they headed west till they were facing the familiar portrait of a girl riding an eagle. He kissed her cheek. "And this is where I leave you, Rani. I'll see you in class.

Rana smiled. She watched him walk away before turning back to the portrait. "He's cute," the portrait giggled. Rana looked at the girl in amusement before whispering the password. The portrait swung open and Rana quickly stepped inside, grinning upon seeing all seven of her friends sitting around the Common Room.

"Rana!" Kameko yelled, jumping up and embracing her before pulling her down onto the couch. "How are you? Are you okay? James told us what happened. My, he was quite angry at those Slytherins! I would not want to be them right now; he looked deadly."

Rana's eyes widened at those words. James was too much. She blinked. Well, at any rate, she wasn't going to stop him unless it would get him into serious trouble. She smiled. "I'm fine, Kameko. Although, now James refuses to let me wander the halls alone!" she pouted.

Kameko smiled. "He's just being protective, sweetie. You two have a strong bond. Could you expect anything else?"

"I guess not," Rana admitted.

She knew Sirius' and James relationship was just as strong as hers and James' was. The difference was, James wasn't talking to Sirius at the moment. She knew James would forgive Sirius eventually. They were like brothers. She smiled. James always stood up for her. He was always there for her.

Jeremiah smiled, placing his arm across Rana's shoulders in brotherly fashion. "It's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back. Tell me, what did I miss? I mean, I missed Potions yesterday and most of my classes today save for the Astronomy lecture and the second half of DADA."

"Well, I wouldn't worry about DADA. Professor Light turns out to be a pretty good professor, actually. She's kind, yet definitely knows her stuff, and does not intend to keep us in the dark about the rising evil outside these castle walls. And well, History of Magic- just read the book. Goodness knows Professor Binns is basically a textbook! As for Potions, I'll help you this evening."

Rana laughed at Jeremiah's comment about Professor Binns. "That's a very good analogy." She sighed. "I really appreciate this, Jeremiah. Sometimes, I think I'm a hopeless cause when it comes to Potions."

Jeremiah shook his head. "You can't be good at everything, Rana, despite your brilliance. You'll get it- you just need a little extra help. I have faith in you." He smiled at her. "Now, why don't you get your Astronomy book and we'll all get to class?"

Rana nodded before scurrying up to the girl's dorm. A moment later, she was downstairs, placing her books in her bag.

Michael looked up and smiled from his position next to Kameko. "All set?"

Rana slowly nodded. They bid Adriana farewell before heading off to the first floor. It was just Theory right now, but it did help them in lab. Rana took a seat next to Arya. She smiled as James entered the room with Sirius, Remus, and Peter. He grinned at her before taking an empty seat with his three friends on the other side of the room. He watched her quietly as class started and she diligently took notes, occasionally raising her hand to ask a question.

Astronomy wasn't too difficult, but it was clear Rana, not to mention Arya, loved to make things complicated with the theoretical questions they asked. Sirius yawned and muttered a spell. The girl in front of him screamed when boils appeared on her face.

Unfortunately for Sirius, Professor Sinistra had looked in his direction at that same moment."Mr. Black! 20 points from Gryffindor!" She sent the girl off to the Hospital Wing. She turned back to Sirius, but shifted her gaze when Rana's hand went into the air. "Yes, Ms. Rai?"

"Professor, you said that the constellations tie to Greek and Roman mythology?"

"Yes, I did." She smiled at Rana. With the exception of Professor Anderson, what professor didn't enjoy having students show such an interest in their subject and ask theoretical questions?

"Well, I was just wondering given that Muggle science has proven the birth of stars. Wouldn't, ifgiven a few hundred years, those form new constellations? You said the ancient civilizations deemed the constellations to foretell prophecies. Well, if they are newly formed, wouldn't it make sense to apply the subjects of Arithmancy and Ancient Runes as well? We don't know how the Ancient Greeks read the stars as Ancient Greek is a dead language, but if in wizarding society, we really believe the stars to tell prophecies, couldn't it be mathematical and logical rather than just feeling. Also, if Ancient Runes can help us make sense of the Ancient Greek language, wouldn't that help in the study of constellations as well?"

"Show-off," Sirius muttered under his breath, which earned him a glare from James.

"You make a very good point, Ms. Rai and you are indeed correct. New constellations will appear a hundred years from now and ancient mythology alone won't help us with reading the stars for those new constellations. As of now, wizards and witches have not deemed it important, which is a big mistake. Perhaps in your study of Runes, you will be able to discover something. I have faith in you Ms. Rai. That is a very good theory to apply to both very logical fields. Indeed, if we can interpret the ancient language, it can make a connection to reading the stars. Of course, just knowing the language won't be enough."

"But that's where Arithmancy will play a role, correct?"

"Indeed, Ms. Rai." The bell rang a moment later. Professor Sinistra sighed. "Well, it looks like we have run out of time. I will see you in lab tomorrow night. Ms. Rai? Keep theorizing. You have wonderful ideas."

Rana blushed. "Thank you, Professor."

She slowly gathered her things and walked out of the classroom with Arya. James was leaning against the wall to the classroom just out in the corridor. He playfully grabbed her. Rana squealed. "Do you ever stop thinking?" he teased.

Rana giggled. "But then I wouldn't be your little Rani," she smirked.

"Ah, Rana. You'll always be my little Rani."

Rana smiled. Sirius glared at her. He blamed her for James' silent treatment. James scowled at Sirius. Rana frowned at Sirius. She didn't understand. James took her hand, intentionally ignoring Sirius. He would speak to him once he apologized to Rana. Until then, he would not speak to him. Rana frowned; she didn't enjoy seeing the two of them fighting. "Talk to him James. Don't fight because of me."

James sighed at her concern. "Don't worry about it, Rana. He'll come around. I'm still upset with him. Anyways, where are you off to now?"

Rana shrugged, watching as her Ravenclaw friends waved to her as they headed off. "I have a free period before I have to go to DADA with Slytherin."

James frowned. He really wished he was in the same house at that moment. "Rana…I want you to be careful…and if anything happens…."

Rana sighed. "James, I'll be fine. Besides, Professor Light is there. They wouldn't do something in class."

James shook his head. "They're Slytherins, Rana, and while Bellatrix Black isn't in that class, Nott and Malfoy are."

Rana looked at his concerned face. "Relax, James. I'm touched, but I'll be fine. If it makes you feel better, I'll stick close to Jeremiah and Michael."

"Promise?"

"I promise." She smiled at then laughed. "Race ya to the Quidditch Pitch!"

"You're on!"

Rana squeaked and took off. She laughed as they both ended up at the Pitch simultaneously. She giggled in her childlike manner as she rolled on the grass and laid on her back, looking up at the clouds. "Friends always?"

"Forever!" James assured her.

Rana smiled. They lay there a few moments just looking at the clouds, observing a few first year Hufflepuff Herbology students. Rana stood up a while later. "I better get to Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"I'll walk you."

James took her hand and they made their way back into the castle. Some girls looked on in jealousy. Rana found that behavior odd. She and James were just friends. Besides, they were just twelve. Rana may have been young for her age, but she knew twelve was still a very innocent age. She didn't like anyone that way. Little did she know, halfway through her third year, what she felt for James would change drastically.

James stepped outside the DADA classroom on the third floor and kissed her on the cheek. "See you."

Rana smiled. "Later James!"

She scurried into the classroom and plopped into a seat next to Jeremiah, placing her book, notebook, and quill on the desk while she waited for class to begin. It had been an interesting start to the year- that was for sure!