Alanna trudged up to the library as though walking toward her own death. She could think of thousands of things she'd rather be doing (dying, for instance) than spending the next hour with Black. She still didn't understand why the marauders had developed a sudden and intense hatred for her, but she wasn't really anxious to find out if it meant confronting them.

She sighed and pushed open the library door, quickly spotting the object of her musings. He was sitting at a table in the far back, looking altogether unwelcoming and somehow handsome and irritating at the same time. Handsomely irritating. Or perhaps irritatingly handsome.

oOo

Lily bounced into the common room, quickly spotting Sarah and Emily.

"Hey Lils, we were wondering where you were. Is Alanna with you?" Sarah's words came with a poorly suppressed yawn, which was immediately passed on to Emily and then Lily.

"Noo, prefect meeting, remember? And isn't Alanna getting tutored by the oh-so-charming Black today?"

"Oh yeah! Definitely can't wait to hear about that."

Emily looked rather eager to direct the subject away from Sirius and her new not-so-friend.

"So, Lils, what did you guys do in the prefect meeting?'

Lily plopped herself down in the nearest overstuffed armchair and smiled.

"Why, the Hallowe'en Ball, of course!" Lily laughed, "It's going to be fantastic." She grinned but only for a moment.

"Not that I'll be going with anyone. The only person who would go with me is that twit Potter." She sighed hopelessly.

"Oh pu-leaze. Lils, you know that any guy in his right mind would go with you. You're hot!"

Lily snorted disbelievingly. "Right, Sarah. I think you're confusing me with Em. Or maybe yourself."

"Don't think so, Lily darling." She looked around the room, eyes locking on a sixth year, Tiberius McLaggen.

"Oh no you--" Lily didn't get any farther before being cut off by a very determined Sarah.

"Oi, Ty!"

Lily hid her face behind her hands as the boy walked over. She looked helplessly at Em, who clearly was not about to help her.

Sarah was grinning from ear to ear, "Hey, Ty, are you taking anyone to the Hallowe'en ball?"

Way to beat around the bush.

McLaggen looked slightly puzzled and shook his head, "No I haven't really thought about it yet."

Lily groaned inwardly at how awkward this situation was becoming.

"What Sarah means," Interrupted Lily, "Is that we're--" We're what? Dateless?

"Err... Hi, I'm Lily," She ended, blushing madly and wishing she could shrink into the floor and disappear. The absurdity of the conversation was increasing with each word.

"I've seen you around," He said, half grinning in a cocky sort of way, but she was more focused on how ridiculous this was than how Potter-like this guy seemed to be.

"So," he continued, now speaking directly to Lily. "Would you like to go to the Hallowe'en Ball with me?"

Ordinarily the answer would have been a curt "no," perhaps with an added well-said snarky remark, but today she had a different thought process: If she went to the dance with McLaggen, than she was no longer 'available.' If she wasn't available than Potter would know he didn't stand a chance and would stop asking her out. Theoretically. Brilliant.

Lily smiled brightly and threw Sarah a grateful glance.

"I'd love to go to the ball with you."

oOo

Sirius' method of greeting Alanna was a promise that this was not his idea and that she could go drop dead, for all he cared.

For all she dreaded this moment, now that it was here it wasn't so bad. "Really Sirius? I mean, I've been looking forward to this all day." She grinned for a split second then rolled her eyes before sitting down on the chair opposite him.

"So, what are we doing first?" Alanna pulled her hair out of her ponytail and began to twirl it idly between her fingers, wishing time would just hurry up and pass.

Sirius got up abruptly, "leaving the library. I reserved a room in the back that's sound-proof so we don't 'disturb' anyone." He began to walk toward the back of the library, where apparently the room was situated. Alanna got up and glanced around, wondering how good an idea it was to go into a room with someone who hated her and was more skilled at magic than herself. Sirius noticed her stalling.

"What, scared?" He asked, smirking.

Alanna scowled and pushed past him, though she ultimately had to wait for him to show her where they were going.

When they entered the room, Sirius pulled his wand from his pocket. "Take out your wand, I'm going to teach you the disarming spell."

Alanna took her wand out, and they began. The entire time Sirius said only what had to be and not a word more. He didn't laugh, or smile. He insulted her every so often but his heart wasn't even really into that either. By the time they finished she had a shaky at best handle on disarming spells and stunners (though Sirius wouldn't let her stun him, as he didn't trust her. She only stunned portraits and a mouse.)

oOo

When Alanna arrived back in the Common Room, the only people who remained were Lily, Sarah and Em, as well as a few first and second years. Lily looked to be in a strange sort of shock and Sarah was giggling madly. Alanna smiled when she saw them.

"What did I miss?" She asked, sitting down on the floor, as all of the nearest seats were occupied.

"You missed everything!" Em said, cerulean eyes sparkling gleefully. She went on to explain in great and exaggerated detail how McLaggen asked Lily to go to the Hallowe'en ball with him, and how they were going on a date tomorrow in Hogsmede. Alanna smiled and told Lily how lucky she was that she was going on a date. Mentally though, two red flags were going off in her mind: What about James! I know it's just one date, but Harry better happen! Closely followed by, I hope this McLaggen is nothing like his son or nephew or whoever Cormac is...

oOo

Em smiled as she went to bed. Alanna had complained extensively about the annoyance that was Sirius. Her plan was working out better than she had even hoped it would. He is so mine, you annoying brat.

Sorry this took a little while to get out. I had final exams and they just ended so now I'm freeeee. And also, more will be happening in the next couple of chapters. Yay for drama. lol. Thanks SO much to those who have been reviewing, I really appreciate it a lot and enjoy reading what you guys have to say. That's what keeps me motivated.