James slept soundly, a smile on his face. Unbeknownst to anyone, he was thinking about that accidental kiss after Quidditch trials. He was shaken out of his sleep when a bucket of cold water fell on his face. James immediately shot up in bed and glared at Sirius.

"Sirius! What was that for?" He glanced at the clock. "It's only eight on Sunday morning." He scowled. He was having rather pleasant thoughts of Rana. James blinked, shaking his head, trying to clear his mind. Why was he having these thoughts? She was just his friend. He didn't like her in that way, or so he thought.

Sirius smirked. "You and I are going to have a little chat."

James groaned. He glanced at Remus' bed, noticing it was empty. Trying to distract Sirius, he posed the question that had been gnawing at him for several months. "Have you noticed Remus disappears once every month?"

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Yes I have. We'll talk to Remmy about that later." He paused. "James! That won't work on me. Stop trying to change the subject. Now up!" He pulled James up to his feet.

James grumbled, muttering obscenities under his breath. "Fine, Sirius. Just let me dress at least." He grabbed some fresh clothes and marched into the shower, cursing Sirius. How could he be so energetic in the morning?

Sirius banged on the door fifteen minutes later. "Hurry up, James!"

James stormed out of the door. "Fine, fine." He rolled his eyes.

"To the Great Hall!" Sirius dragged James downstairs.

Char was sitting on the couch in the common room. She smiled at the two. "James, Sirius. What are you doing up so early?"

James yawned. "Sirius dragged me out of bed. He said something about having a chat," he grumbled. James just wanted to go back to bed, but knew that was a lost cause when Sirius had made his mind up about something.

Char raised her eyebrows in amusement. She had an inkling about what that chat would entail. Sirius wasn't the only one who had noticed how that accidental kiss had affected James. Rana may have shrugged it off, but James most certainly hadn't, no matter the fact that he was twelve. As much as James denied it, it was clear to her that James felt something. It was only a matter of time before Rana did too. She smiled. "Alright, then. Goodness knows when Sirius has made his mind up, there's no swaying him. Perhaps an early breakfast would help. I'll go down with you."

James nodded. "Alright." He rubbed his eyes tiredly as he followed Char and Sirius out of the common room, down the staircases, and into the Great Hall. The Great Hall was fairly empty. He sighed before turning to Sirius. "See! Most people sleep in on the weekend," he complained.

Sirius smirked. "Well, then, we won't be interrupted," he said simply, waving to Char as she took a seat with one of her classmates.

James yawned sleepily before collapsing at the Gryffindor table, lazily filling his plate. "You could have just used a silencing spell," he muttered.

"Well, what's the fun in that? Besides, there are other people awake," He smirked, noticing a few of Rana's friends. Rana of course was still sleeping. "Look! There's your Rani!" he yelled.

James' shot up in his seat. "Rani? Where? She's never up this early." He looked around for her.

Sirius laughed. "Merlin, James! I was kidding. It's just a few of her friends. You know her sleeping habits?" He raised his eyebrows, smirking. "And you say you don't like her."

James glared at Sirius. "I don't, at least not in the way you are implying," he scowled, rather annoyed with Sirius. "And she's my best friend. Best friends know things about each other," he replied simply.

Sirius raised an eyebrow in amusement. "You aren't even in the same house! How can you know her sleeping habits?"

"I pay attention."

Sirius smirked. "Exactly! So, you like her. People don't memorize sleeping patterns of their best friends unless they like them."

James scowled. "You have very twisted logic."

"I'm only trying to get you to admit your feelings."

"I like Rana as a friend and a friend only," James argued.

"I don't believe you. You are living in denial. And I'm not the only one who sees it either."

James glared at Sirius. Rana was his friend. F-R-I-E-N-D. Close friends knew things about each other, very personal things. He didn't care what Sirius thought. Sirius sighed in exasperation. James liked Rana. If only he would stop living in denial.

"Besides, anyone would notice someone who normally comes in late coming in early all of a sudden," James pressed.

"That doesn't explain the fact you were more worried about Rana at Quidditch trials than anyone else when she was fine."

James glared. "Of course I was worried. I care about her. And she still was knocked off her broom by that stupid Turpin! She could have been seriously hurt!"

Sirius smirked. "There now, was that so hard to admit?"

James scowled. "I meant as a friend!"

"You just keep telling yourself that," Sirius smirked.

"Keep telling himself what?" Remus, looking quite exhausted, plopped into a seat across the two, Peter joining them soon after. He raised his eyebrows at James. "You're here early."

"Sirius dragged me out of bed," James yawned.

Sirius smirked. "I was just telling James that he can keep telling himself he only thinks of Rana as a friend, but we all know he's denying how he really feels."

Remus sighed, shaking his head. "Oh, just leave it, Sirius. James will realize the extent of his feelings soon enough. Just give him time," Remus responded calmly in a voice of reason. This comment of course earned him a glare from James.

James turned to Peter. "You believe me, don't ya mate?"

Peter shrugged. "They're just stating facts."

Sirius smirked. "See! Even someone as dense as our good friend here notices it." Peter frowned. He didn't know if that was supposed to be a compliment or an insult.

James scowled at Peter, but didn't even hear that last comment. He was distracted when Rana entered the Great Hall, her face glowing and laughing as she ran after Jeremiah, who seemed to have a piece of paper in his hand. Hedreamily watched her, losing focus of everything else around him. It was like he was in his own little world.

He loved her smile, her laugh, and the glow on her face. He loved the way her long hair flowed down her back, making him yearn to run his fingers through it. James admired her bookworm-like nature—that curiosity that needed to be fulfilled. He loved the way her eyes sparkled and her childlike playfulness. He loved how one minute she could be calm and studious and the next a frightened little child. He loved how at other times, she could be a hyper little witch. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she played Quidditch. James found it adorable when she bit her lip or pouted.

He blinked, mentally shaking his head when he noticed where his thoughts were going. He groaned. He could not be feeling this way. Rana was his friend, best friend as a matter of fact. She was supposed to be like a sister. However, James certainly wasn't feeling brotherly affection- that was for sure! "It's just because of that little kiss---that's it. Everything will be normal again soon," he told himself. Yet, he couldn't tear his eyes away from Rana and didn't even feel Sirius shaking him or waving his hand in front of his eyes.

Rana finally managed to grab the piece of paper from Jeremiah's hand, smirking playfully. "Got it!" She grinned. Jeremiah laughed, his eyes twinkling in amusement. James had a dazed look on his face as he just watched her. Rana squealed happily and threw her arms around Jeremiah. "I made it! I'm on the team! How dare you hide that-you sneak!" Rana laughed joyfully.

James tried to ignore the pang in his heart. He knew she and Jeremiah were just good friends and he was her best friend. Rana was closest to him and Arya. Why then, did it hurt to see Rana perform such actions towards Jeremiah if all he felt was friendship?

Sirius smirked, watching James. He shook him roughly. James broke out of his thoughts, blinking. He turned and glared and Sirius.

"What?" he shouted.

Sirius smirked. "You were gazing. Now back to our conversation…"

"Sirius, I thought I told you already…"

"Then how do you explain that kiss?"

"It was an accident! Besides, it wasn't even a kiss," he protested in exasperation.

"But you didn't want it to be. I saw the way you looked at her afterwards. It's clear you wished it meant something."

James scowled and threw down his napkin. "Will you just give it up? How many times do I have to tell you that I don't like her that way!" He stormed out of the Great Hall. The Great Hall had grown silent enough that you could hear a pin drop. After all, it wasn't everyday you saw James Potter lose his temper.

Remus sighed, shaking his head at Sirius. "I think, Sirius, it would be best for you to leave him. Let him cool off and let him figure things out in his own time."

Sirius grumbled. "Fine- I'll leave him for now, but he's obviously not seeing for himself that he likes her."

Remus sighed. "He needs time, that's all," he replied before returning to his breakfast.

Rana furrowed her eyes in confusion. She hadn't heard what was said, but she had seen James storm out. "I think I'm going to see what's upset James."

Arya shook her head. She'd heard the comment quite clearly. "Later, Rani. I think, whatever it is, James needs time alone to gather his thoughts. Go to him, but not now." She hid a smile. Arya had an ability to sense people's feelings and she suspected James felt something for Rana. Unfortunately, he was denying it. It was too soon for Rana, but Arya knew she and James would be perfect for each other when the time came. She only hoped that Rana and James would give into their feelings and not fight it when that day arrived.

Rana sighed. She worried about James. It wasn't like him to storm out of a room like that. "Alright," she mumbled. "But I'm still worried."

Arya smiled. "Give him time to cool off and then talk to him. I'm sure he'd like your company."

Rana nodded, trying not to worry about James. Resolving to talk to James later, she finished her food and then grinned mischievously at Jeremiah. Jeremiah quirked an eyebrow at Rana as did the rest of her friends. They knew that look. Rana was feeling playful. Rana grabbed Jeremiah's book and ran out of the Great Hall, laughing madly.

"Rana!" Jeremiah yelled. He laughed as he got up and sprinted off after her. Rana looked back. She giggled and continued running and eventually out the castle doors. The rest of Rana's friends laughed as they followed the two. It was a game they played; grabbing one's books and the other chasing the other. Rana loved playing such a game with everyone.

Rana giggled happily as her feet kept floating across the ground as she ran. Leaves had slowly fallen into her hair as the wind blew. James turned, hearing Rana's melodic laughter. It was music to his ears and he couldn't take his eyes off of her. James, for the moment had forgotten being so upset with Sirius. He mentally shook his head. Why was he having thoughts like this? He glanced over at Rana again as she squealed in laugher, Jeremiah catching up to her.

Rana glanced back as she kept up her pace when she suddenly tumbled into James. James wrapped his arms around her, trying to catch his balance and keep her from falling, but a heavy gust of wind knocked them both to the ground. Rana giggled. "Sorry, James." She blushed. "I wasn't looking where I was going. I was having too much fun." She giggled again in a childlike manner.

Rana hadn't noticed that James still held her, but Rana's friends had. Sirius smirked when he walked outside a moment later with Remus. He saw the dazed look on James's face. He shook his head before setting his sights on Reina Lopez, who was running around with the rest of her Ravenclaw friends, not counting Rana of course. "She'll go out with me yet."

Remus rolled his eyes. It was clear Reina hated Sirius more than Lily Evans hated James Potter. He sighed, settling himself by a tree and opening his book. Sirius grumbled and wandered off to a pair of Gryffindor girls.

James of course, hadn't noticed any of this. He gently placed a kiss on Rana's nose. "Yes, I can see that." He laughed, resisting the urge to run his fingers through her hair.

"James? Why did you storm out of the Great Hall earlier? Are you okay? You seemed upset," Rana asked in an innocent voice.

James frowned, remembering the conversation with Sirius. "It's nothing, my little Rani-just guy stuff. Nothing for you to worry your pretty self about," he said with a heavy sigh. I wouldrather set my broom on fire than tell you that it's because Sirius insists that I like you more than a friend, he thought silently to himself.

"But, James…I worry about you. I can't help it. You're my best friend."

James gazed into her doe-like eyes and felt his stomach lurch. He sighed. Maybe Sirius was right. Maybe he did like her, but what did it matter? He didn't want to wreck the friendship he had with his little Rani. Besides, he doubted Rana liked him in that way and he wasn't going to risk scaring her off by telling her what was going through his head. She was so young and spirited-like a child. Yet, her childlike nature was what he liked about her so much. James mentally shook his head again, placing a hand on her cheek. "And you're my best friend too, Rana, but it's too complicated. I can't explain it. I'm, fine, really," he said softly, even though he knew he really wasn't fine. He was confused.

Rana gave him a disbelieving look, but didn't push. "You know you can always talk to me, right?"

"I know Rani, but this is something I need to deal with on my own." He noticed that Rana looked upset. He sighed. Rana was a really sweet girl. Whenever he was upset, it seemed to affect her. Of course, he could say the same about himself. "Look, I never got the chance to show you that place yesterday. I'm sure it'll cheer you up. Come."

James helped her to her feet before leading her into the castle. He led her through the corridors and they slowly approached the painting of a fruit bowl.

"James? What are we doing here? Why are we stopping? It's just a corridor."

James smiled. "You forget, Rani, I'm not just James Potter, your best friend. I'm also a master at finding secret places. Things are not always what they seem." He kissed her cheek before he tickled the pears. The painting swung open. Rana gasped in surprise as James then led her into the kitchens.

James smiled. He loved seeing Rana smile. He pulled a chair out for her and sat her down. "I'll be right back, Rani." He kissed her cheek before walking past the table to talk to one of the house elves.

Rana looked around the kitchen in wonder. It was huge, not that she was overwhelmed. Her home was humongous, after all. It was just such a wonder that such a place was hidden behind a painting. She smiled when James sat down next to her. "How did you find this entrance?" she whispered.

James smiled and then laughed. "My little Rani, have you forgotten? James Potter makes it his business to find secret passages. Never know when they might come in handy," he smirked. A house elf put a big bowl of ice-cream in front of Rana. It was topped with whip cream, nuts, and strawberry sauce. "Thank you, Jumpy," James smiled as the house elf disappeared.

Rana gasped. She loved ice-cream sundaes. It was so big, however. "James…I couldn't possibly eat all this," she laughed.

James smiled. "You're so tiny, cutie." He laughed at Rana's mock-glare. "I'll help you, okay?"

Rana grinned widely before picking up one on the spoons and digging into the ice-cream. James laughed. The smallest things could put a smile on Rana's face. He sighed. She was so cute, beautiful too. He studied her for a moment before helping her with the ice-cream. Rana wiped her mouth with a napkin, licking her lips. James' eyes went down to her lips at that action. He closed his eyes, pushing away his thoughts before opening them again.

"That was delicious! Thank you James!" She grinned brightly before hugging him. James laughed as she pulled him out of the kitchen and through the hallways, a bounce in her step.

James sighed, loving the feel of his hand in hers. He mentally shook his head. They'd always been affectionate with each other, holding hands, hugging; they were best friends. Why all of a sudden was a simple touch affecting him differently now? He groaned to himself. He had a feeling that Sirius was right. He glanced at his best friend. She was so beautiful, inside and out. He wouldn't put their friendship at risk, no matter what he was feeling. Someway, he'd have to get over these feelings. Unfortunately, unknown to James, try as he might, he would never be able to get Rana out of his system, even if he convinced himself otherwise and one day those feelings would intertwine with his very soul. Would he be able to resist them at that point? It was doubtful indeed.

"James?" Rana asked softly, tilting her head, breaking James out of his thoughts.

"Hmmm?" he asked, rather distracted.

"You sure you okay?"

James smiled. "Yes." No. How can I be when you keep invading my thoughts?" he thought silently to himself. He hated to lie to her, but there was no way he was going to tell her that he liked her more than his best friend. James may have only been twelve, but for some reason, Rana had gotten to him. It was going to be a long year. They'd been back at Hogwarts for a total of one week and Rana had already taken over his mind.

Rana bit her lip. "You sure?" she asked softly. They were approaching the Ravenclaw corridor.

"I'll be fine." He sighed, looking into Rana's beautiful eyes. He decided he needed time to clear his head before he did something he'd regret. James took her two hands in his as they walked towards her common room. "Look, Rani. How about we meet for lunch and then we'll hang out? I'm sure you would love to read and you'd love to celebrate with your friends about you folks making the team? Char wanted Gryffindor to meet after breakfast so we can come up with a practice schedule."

Rana slowly nodded. "Okay," she whispered.

James smiled. Unable to resist himself, he placed a friendly kiss on her lips. Rana's eyes widened in shock, but she shrugged it off as James just being affectionate. At least she hoped that's all it was! She didn't have feelings for anyone and James was her best friend.

"Sorry," he said quickly. "I wanted to see you smile," he said in order to cover his actions, just wanting to run far away.

Rana laughed. "James, you always make me smile." She kissed his cheek. "I'll see you."

"Right, see you," he said, dazed before hurrying off. He really needed to find a way to control his feelings. This wouldn't do at all. At this rate, he'd never get through the year. Rana watched him for a moment, a puzzled expression on her face.

The portrait giggled. "Awww, that's so sweet." Rana just shook her head in amusement before muttering the password and stepping into the Common Room where, not long after, she was engulfed in hugs and applause.