Secrets are made . . .

The weekend finally arrived, and with it a break from Sirius's attention. She escaped to a place he never went: the library. She had just settled into her favourite chair and table when she heard talking from behind the bookshelf that faced her. She couldn't help but listen—they weren't even being surreptitious or quiet. Madam Pince was sure to catch them.

"—ready before Christmas." There was a long pause. "I tell you, this is the year, Padfoot," a voice said. It was familiar, but she couldn't place it, and she had no possible idea who Padfoot was. "Everything's coming together, and she's bound to go out with me this year. I just know it."

"I agree," another voice said. This one was almost identifiable; it was on the tip of recognition like a word can be on the tip of one's tongue. "All her subtle rebuffs last year certainly prove she's completely smitten with you."

"Oh shove off!" laughed the first one. She heard sounds of scuffling. The other boy barked a laugh, and one of them knocked into the bookcase, making it sway.

Mary squeaked.

"Wait—did you hear that?"

"Yeah . . . you suppose someone's listening in?"

"I dunno. . . ."

"Shall we find out?" the first voice said so quietly that Mary barely heard it. She grabbed her books and stuffed them into her bag and flew out the door. When she turned the next corner, she heard footsteps. She leaped behind a suit of armour standing in front of a niche and held her breath. Sure enough, James and Sirius appeared before her moments later.

"I swear I saw someone go around this corner," said Sirius.

"I guess whoever it was must have outwitted us," said James.

"Or maybe they're just good at hiding," said Sirius. Mary's breath caught, and she hid herself completely from view.

"But since we know all the hiding places at Hogwarts, it would be pointless to hide," said James. "Plus—"

"—there's a spell that reveals hidden persons," Sirius completed James's sentence. Mary was now, as some put it, freaking out. They had known all the time where she was hiding, and they were about to use Homenum revelio on her, and then she would be subject to the two biggest prats in school. What was that counter-spell? They learned it last year in—

Suddenly, Mary was pulled from behind the suit of armour to stand before James and Sirius. Her feet were glued to the floor. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. They must have charmed her not to talk or move. Crap. James crossed his arms over his chest and looked over her with a smug smile.

"Well what do we have here, Sirius?" he asked. So, he wasn't Padfoot in front of her? thought Mary.

"Why it's Mary Macdonald," said Sirius in mock surprise.

"Oh is it? I didn't recognize her," James said scathingly. Mary glared at them, wondering what they were going to do next. Magic was no use; her wand was in her bag behind the suit of armour.

"It's definitely her," said Sirius. "Quiet as a mouse as usual." James laughed, and Sirius flicked his wand and released Mary to speak. Though she still glowered, she was thoroughly impressed with his nonverbal spell.

"You two are the— the—"

"Now, now, Mary," said Sirius as he silenced her again with the Silencio charm. "Watch your language." Sirius twirled his wand between his fingers for a moment. "By chance, love, did you listen in on our conversation in the library?" He flicked his wand.

Mary glared at him. "What if I did? Everyone knows James is in love with Lily," snapped Mary. "Now, if it wouldn't inconvenience you, let me go."

"So," began James, "you heard that—that I think Evans will go out with me this year?"

"Y-yes," said Mary exasperatingly.

James and Sirius exchanged a look. "Then, Mary dear, you are free to go," said James.

Mary, now able to move, made to grab her bag but then though better of it.

"Hold on—what did you think I overheard?"

"It's called 'private conversation' for a reason, Mary," said Sirius rolling his eyes.

"But, in case you were wondering, I've a strange rash appearing from—"

Mary didn't hear anymore of James's strange rash as Sirius roared with laughter. She scurried away from them, utterly forgetting her bag.

. . . to be found out with time.

A/N: The quote was by Charles Sanford. What did you think about this chapter? Please, please, please review.... :(