Sirius

Moony did it. He finally asked Kaelin out like I know he's been wanting to for years. He hardly leaves her side now. Sam goes on an on about how "cute" they are together. James and I go along with it.

It's the full moon tonight, and Remus is unnaturally pale. I know he's scared he'll hurt Kaelin or Sam, and he's tried to convince them to stay behind. Does he really think that'll work? Sam is one of the most stubborn people I know.

Sam. Where do I start? James has been hounding me for not asking her to this stupid ball. I've been beating myself up about it as well. I don't know what's holding me back. I want to ask her more than anything, but every time I come close, I just can't do it.

I know a few people have asked her already and that she's turned them all down, but she won't say no to everyone. Some guy is going to ask her before I work up the nerve and she's going to say yes. I don't have forever to make up my mind.

Kaelin begs me to ask her, and I honestly don't know what's stopping me. We're alone. The common room is empty except for Sam and I. This isn't unusual. Hardly anyone comes here at this time of day. In a few hous, when people start to show up, we'll be in the shrieking shack.

Sam's doing her homework. Charms I think. I'd help her, but I'm worse than she is at that useless subject. I don't know where the others are, but if they were here I'd be slapped a few times for not asking her out already.

I sit on the couch beside her watching. Just watching. Neither of us says anything while she works. The look of concentration on her face is apparent. The way her jaw tightens when she can't figure out the answer, or the way she sighs in defeat every few minutes. How she brushes her soft blonde hair away from her eyes. I take in every detail not wanting to miss a thing. Her bright blue eyes look into mine when she feels me staring at her. I hold her gaze until she turns away once more. I sigh quietly.

I can't help but wonder what she's thinking at this moment. Probably about her charms homework, but I wish it was me on her mind. Since when was I afraid to ask a girl out? I'd never hesitated and probably have had more girlfriends then James, Remus, and Peter combined.

A noise on the stairs makes us both turn around. A figure stands in the shadows watching us. I blink wondering who it could possibly be when suddenly Sam stands up. I watch from my spot on the couch while she walks towards the figure. She says something I can't quite make out.

I strain my ears to hear what he says. "I had to ask. Will you go with me to the Ball?" I want to scream. I want to rush over there and knock out whomever this guys is, but I don't. Instead I watch quietly as Sam turns to me with a sad expression on her face before turning back to the guy.

"Jase," she whispers. "I'd love to." With those few simple words, my world comes crashing down. I pretend I don't notice them, that I haven't heard a word, but inside the fury rages like a fire.

I stand up not exactly sure what I'm going to do, and Sam watches me. Jase is smiling, and Sam is too, but it looks false. Her eyes are hardened revealing no emotion. Walking briskly towards the portrait, I push open the door and stumble into the corridor.

Making my way to the kitchens, I silently curse myself for letting this happen. Ducking around a corner to avoid Ms. Norris' sweeping gaze, I ball up my fist punching the wall.

It hurts, but at the same time brings some realization. I missed my chance. I was given all the opportunity in the world, and I blew it. Muttering curses, I stepped through the door into the kitchen.

James sits at the table eating a slice of pie and watching me. I'm not really surprised that he's here. He always seems to be there whenever I need him. That's the great thing about having a friend like him.

"Rough day?" he asks nodding at my bloodied fist. I nod slightly, sitting down across from him. Hundreds of house elves crowd around me bringing me every type of food I could possibly imagine.

James sends them off after I ty to tell them I'm not hungry. I'm not in the mood for eating anymore. "You wanna tell me what happened?" James asks. I'm silent. I honestly don't know what to say. Oh yeah, I accidently let Sam get asked by another guy to the Ball and I just sat there like an idiot! That would go well.

I settle for saying, "I missed my chance." That about sums it all up. James nods understandingly.

"Jase?" he guesses. I nod not even bothering to ask how he knew. I notice a silvery piece of cloth hanging from his pocket. I expected as much from him. Always was a nosy git.

For a moment we sit in silence, until I can't take it anymore. "What do I do James?" I ask almost pleadingly. I never thought there would come a day where I would beg James for help with a girl. What was wrong with this world?

"Well, there's not much you can do Pads. Like you said, you missed your chance," James says. That's helpful. "But, you can do one thing." I perked up.

"What?" I ask almost desperately. James whispers something that I can barely catch, but I smile. James may not be able to get his girl himself, but he sure knows how to come up with a plan.

Sam

I knew what Jase wanted. I'd seen him looking at me in Charms. When he asked me to the ball, I thought about saying now. I really wanted it to be Sirius standing in front of me, but it was Jase. Instead, I say yes knowing at least I won't be going alone.

I watched Sirius sadly still hoping he'd jump up and protest. He didn't. Instead, he gets up and leaves. I make myself stay here and not run after him as much as I want to. He's probably running off to whatever girlfriend he has now.

Jase is smiling, and I am too, but it's false. Inside, the tears well up and threaten to spill over. "Sam?" Jase asks. I shake my head.

"Thanks for asking me," I whisper not trusting my voice. I look around once more hoping Sirius may have come back, but he doesn't. I nod to Jase before heading upstairs to get ready for the full moon. I sigh opening the door to my dorm where Kaelin sleeps, a smile etched on her face. She must be worn out from all the excitement, but she'd have to wake up soon. I smile, happy for her. I'm truly happy to be going with Jase to the ball, but images of Sirius still float around in the back of my mind.

The next chapter may take a while. I'm incredibly stuck. If you have any ideas please tell me. Sorry for the wait. Thank you so much for your reviews. I don't mind being criticized, I even think it helps. Please continue to review more, so I can update faster. :)