Monique waited agitatedly in the library. She was waiting for Lily to return from her apology to James.

"Hi, Malcolm," Kiera seemed to appear from nowhere. Monique smiled.

"Hi," she said. Kiera sat down opposite Monique.

"How are things with Sirius?" Monique asked, proving to herself and Kiera that she had no feelings whatsoever for Sirius.

"They're good," Kiera smiled.

"Good," Monique said. There was an awkward silence.

"I heard you got kicked off the team," Kiera said.

"Yeah," Monique said. Great conversation starter Kiera. I can tell you're the best conversationalist in the whole wide world! Monique thought sarcastically.

"Well I could get Sirius to help you train if you want?" Kiera said. I do not need Sirius's help! I'm a way better Beater than he'll ever be. He spends too much time winking at his fan-girls and not enough time actually hitting bludgers. But Kiera look so sincere I accepted her offer without thinking.

"I'll get him to meet you on the pitch tonight at about eight. Is that alright?" Kiera asked.

"Are you sure he wouldn't mind?" Monique asked.

"I'm totally sure. We'll both be there at eight," Kiera smiled and left. She passed Lily on her way out.

"Ooh I didn't know Kiera was busy chatting you up again," Lily laughed.

"Shut up," I muttered darkly.

"She's got it bad for you," Lily said. "I think she's trying you make you jealous by going out with Sirius. Which would be mean if it weren't Sirius. But since it is, I don't mind."

"You're so evil," Monique smiled.

"I know!" Lily grinned. "What did the little hooch want anyway?"

"She offered for Sirius to help me train to get back on the team," Monique replied.

"You don't need that toe-rag's help!" Lily said.

"I know but if the captain's best mate thinks I'm good there's more chance of me getting on the team," Monique said.

"True," Lily shrugged.

"What did James say anyway?" Monique questioned.

"He's already got a replacement," Lily sighed. "So you'll be kicking a third year off the team. I already did some searching, his name's Julian Prom. I'm sure that'll be a blow to your conscience."

"Not at all, he can have his chance when I've left the school. He's young, he has more time to enjoy Quidditch at Hogwarts," Monique said airily.

"Oh, sure. So you're not crushing his dreams then?" Lily giggled.

"No way, he has to mature first. We're all cheeses Lils. I'm mature cheddar and he, well, he's still milk," Monique said. Lily burst out laughing. The two got themselves thrown out of the library. Not that they cared. They stumbled down the corridor, giggling. Well Monique was laughing heartily as no man giggled. Lily was giggling. But it was like when they were both girls again. They earned many strange looks as they clattered, as if drunk, down corridors up to the Gryffindor Common room, where they collapsed.

"Mature cheddar," Lily gasped and sent them both into another fit of the giggles.

Monique was waiting with her broom on the Quidditch pitch at five minutes to eight. She sat, cross-legged on the ground, staring at the sky. It was scattered with stars. No clouds. The moon was a curved slither of light. And looking up to the castle doors she could see Sirius and Kiera approaching. He seemed to be arguing with her. Monique rolled her eyes; she should've known Kiera would have to force him to come. This was pointless. She got up to leave in the opposite direction.

"Hey! Malcolm!" Kiera yelled. Monique sighed and stopped.

"We're here, why were you leaving?" Kiera asked.

"Because, it's kind of obvious someone's not willing to help," Monique said.

"Well I don't think James would be very happy," Sirius said.

"Since when did you always listen to your friends?" Monique asked.

"Since always," Sirius said. Monique was about to remind him of the time when he was in a big argument with James about something or other then remember she wasn't actually supposed to know.

"If you don't want to I'm not bothered. James wouldn't let me back on the team anyway," Monique sighed.

"So you're just giving up?" Sirius asked.

"What's the point? All this it's too much hassle," Monique said. I'd have better chances of getting on the team if I were a girl again.

"Malcolm, I know you're a good beater. How about if I talk to James, make him see sense?" Sirius said. I felt a fluttering sensation in my stomach. He seemed so sincere. His eyes large and so … grey. Then Monique came to her own senses. Ew, I was not just thinking about Sirius Black in that way? But he's so cute! Ohmigod I was! No! My life is so over!

"Erm, I've got to go. Now!" Monique said. She ran to the common room, then realized he'd easily find her there. So she ran straight back out and into the library. She knew he'd never look for her in there. Kiera might though. She could always fob her off with 'guy problems'. Meanwhile she needed to sort out the 'Black problem'. She couldn't fancy him. Or it'd be obvious to everyone she did. Then she'd never get on the team because James wouldn't let someone who appeared to be gay be on his team. There's only one thing for it, I'll have to… snog Sirius? NO! I have to get on the team. That's the whole point of you acting like a boy, losing your hair and feeling like a total prat 24/7. You are Monique Illyria! You do not let a boy get in the way of anything. Especially not a boy like Sirius Black. So that's it. You'll use him to get you on the team. Then reveal that you're a girl. Then snog him! No! No, then you will stay on the team. Kiera will carry on going out with Sirius until he dumps her when he finally comes to his senses and realizes he's in love with me! No! My brain hurts…