Quick A/N, sweethearts: Do you think I should put in M rated parts yet? What can I say; it's a way to kill tension, writing smut. So, should I? Let me know, okay? You know how I love all of you?

Special thanks to Terrorist Of The Seven Seas, Hellfire Putten Ninja and I Am A Witch Really: You make me feel special. And every reviewer I was too much of a jerk never to respond to. You know I love you guys.

Please be warned, there is an OOC here. Bear with me.

"Didn't I just demonstrate how bloody great I think Bianca is?"

There was a small brown owl pecking at the common room window as I diligently did a little of my Charms homework. I frowned when I recognized it.

"Speck?" I asked, opening the window and getting hit in the face with a blast of a crisp fall breeze.

The midget hooted at me. "Go back," I said, but the thing hopped about on my paper, putting its little talon marks all over my homework.

"No, stop." I swatted the pygmy. "Fine. Wait." I grabbed it in one hand and pulled open the ribbon tying the letter to its leg.

I fished around in my pocket for an owl treat, but ended up with only a jelly bean. "I hope you're lucky." I told it. The bean was bright green, and it could be anything, from green apple to…anything.

He reacted rather cheerily, and started hopping on my homework again. "Wait with me, will you?" I asked him. He obliged.

My heart sank. Speck belonged to my family. I ran my fingers over the familiar Black family crest on the envelope and Mother's familiar writing. Ripping off the envelope, I threw it into the fire. I had no desire to be a part of the filthy, incestuous blood-line, the whole lot of which were on their way to becoming death-eaters. Other than Nymphadora (Bubbly four year old) and her parents, of course. I didn't think there was one member on the tapestry who wasn't a Slytherin, but then again, it could be chance. I didn't know the Tonks' very well, but I'd actually done a happy jig when my mother had informed me that Andromeda had married someone who wasn't related to us. A muggle-born, no less.

Without unfolding the letter, I jogged up the stairs and deposited it with all the others in a box under my bed.

-x-

"Don't feel like it." I shrugged when Peter started pestering me about why I wasn't going to Hogsmeade.

"Come on, Padfoot. It'll be fun."

"Go snog someone, Peter. She'll go with you to Hogsmeade."

He had a look of concern on his face. "Something the matter, Sirius?"

"No, I'm okay, Wormtail. Go. Didn't you have a date with Jasmine Brown?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I was wondering how that happened.

"Yeah. She's great. But it's a little scary, going out with her."

"Who the hell made you a Gryffindor?" I frowned.

"Yeah, you're right. Remus is going, isn't he?" He asked, looking worried.

"Jasmine is going, isn't she?" I shot back, grinning. "Go. I'll be okay." I said, answering the question he didn't want to ask.

"If you're sure, Padfoot."

"I'm sure, Wormtail."

He sat down next to me with his gossip face on, though I was certain I'd just told him to go to Hogsmeade. I shook my head, partially at his stubbornness, partially at his gossip-face. It was mousy, with this little twitch in his nose, making him look like he was going to sneeze. It was funny as hell.

"Hey, Padfoot, didja hear about that Hufflepuff, Diggory?" He asked gleefully. I knew there was a little animosity between them, but I never did find out why.

"No, what?" I asked, curious.

"He asked Bianca out!" He snickered.

"He did?" I asked, bothered a little.

"Yeah, he did. That…thing, with Bianca!"

"Didn't she shoot him down?" I asked, hoping I didn't sound mental.

"No, she didn't! She agreed! She was nice about it. Diggory! That's pretty boy-egghead!" He cackled before setting off.

Well, that settled it. I was going to Hogsmeade and finding myself a girl to do.

"Peter, wait!" I called out. He looked at me funnily. "Changed my mind, I guess." I shrugged.

I hurried up to the dorm and grabbed the marauder's map, quickly shrugging into my jacket – it was damned cold outside and even I couldn't get a girl while my teeth were chattering.

-x-

"Hey, Wormtail. Good luck." I said, pointing to the Jasmine Brown ink-dot which was around the corner.

"Thanks, mate." He grinned at me, before hurrying off.

I strolled off in the other direction, where Remus was waiting for me. (Speck had delivered a message for me.)

"Remus, thanks for coming."

"I didn't do it for you. I was getting bored." He said, looking just as he said.

"Yeah, yeah." I said. "Don't have to be snappy 'cause Sienna's on leave."

"Well?" He raised his brow at me as if to say yeah, really? "So what do you want?"

"Nothing, really. I was just about to ask someone to go to Hogsmeade with me. I want your opinion. Who do you think wouldn't mind?"

"Nobody would mind going, Sirius. It's what comes after that matters to them. I assume you're thinking of somebody who would be detached enough for you?"

"Right on, Moony."

"Well, what about that sixth year, Alyssa Mendelson?"

"Hufflepuff beater?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ice queen, I've heard." He said to me in a confidential whisper. "Why exactly are you doing this, Black?"

"Well, Lupin, I'm in the mood for it. I've missed not having a girl to play with."

"Didn't you and Lily have a bet about this?"

"Who cares about the friggin' bet?" I asked, growing frustrated.

"Fine, fine. You'll find Alyssa in the Owlery, I think."

"What are you gonna do?" I asked.

"Watch. I'll keep the map and help you out in case something happens." He tapped the map saying the Auditus Verbatum spell. Useful little thing, really. It would let you eavesdrop on any conversation without being there.

"Thanks, Moony. I owe you – a million by this time."

"Yeah, whatever." He shrugged, staring intently at the map. "I'll see you in Hogsmeade." He said, jingling the bag of money he'd won the other night. James and Lily had not gotten together that night.

-x-

"Hello." I said softly, walking up to Vee, where Alyssa was standing. Very convenient for me. I petted my owl and gave her a treat, before repeating my greeting towards the soft, floral smelling curls in front of me.

"Hi." She turned around, giving me a small smile. Not even the ice queen could resist. It added to my ego.

Feeling the need to fill the silence, she said, "Sending a letter?" She had a nice voice, sort of breathy, but also very sweet. She looked curiously at my empty hand.

"No." I decided that I wanted to be honest with her. "I came to find you, Alyssa."

"Yeah?" She said, raising an eyebrow. Okay, so maybe she was a bit immune.

"Yes, of course. I was wondering…" I trailed off.

"Yes?"

"Well, I was wondering if you would come to Hogsmeade with me. I'd like to go with you, if you'll accompany me." I said softly, the plea in my voice was making it lilt.

She glanced at me shrewdly. "You know I'm not that foolish, Sirius Black." Her voice got softer when she said my name. "I know I'm known as an ice-cold bitch around here, but don't play games with me. It won't work. At least, not for you. It's blatantly obvious, the way you're always after Bianca."

I was taken aback. My, she was quick. "I'd still like you to go with me. Everyone has already left, and I'm in the mood to go. Besides, you're quite a bit of fun. I remember the party last year, when we had a bunch of Hufflepuffs over in our common room." I winked as she colored.

"I'll go with you, Sirius, on one condition." She said with a warning in her voice.

I waited.

"After today, don't you dare ignore me. It will cause some annoyance in the hallways for me, so you will be friendly with me later, and when you see me in the corridors, you will wave. Once in a while, you will chat me up, because by God, Black, I will not be humiliated because of this."

I liked this girl already. She had the guts to speak up to me, and not giggle when I glanced at her and she blushed. Yeah, I liked her.

-x-

I met Alyssa just at the gates, where we set off. Moony had left a note behind one of our usual loose stones, telling me he had already left.

"Bit chilly, isn't it." She said, shivering delicately.

"It is October, but I do see your point. It's a little more than chilly, in fact. You're welcome to my jacket, though." I said. It was only the gentlemanly thing to do.

"Thanks." She shuddered once more as she shrugged into my jacket. It was not that large on her, because she was quite tall. Not as tall as me, but a fair bit taller than Bianca. Whenever I gave her my jacket, she would struggle to pull her hands out until I helped her. It was rather comical.

"So, since I'm on your friendly list now, do I get to hear the gossip?" She asked, emphasizing the promise she had retrieved from me.

"Sure." I laughed. "What do you want to know?"

"First, something I've been curious about for a while. Please don't take offense, but your cousins and relatives in Slytherin…well, they're kind of…um, well, aren't they kind of…"

"Evil? Vile? Monstrous?" I finished for her, grinning to show her it was alright.

"Well, I was going to go with something a little more subtle. But my point is, you're not. When you aren't being pig-headed, or mean to girls, you're genuinely nice to little kids – the first years adore you. They want to be like you. Not arrogant, but smart and somehow, they see you as responsible. Someone cool. Someone who does well in class, and is well liked, and good at Quidditch. So why is the rest of your family like this? Except Regulus, of course."

"Thank you for that." I said, raising an eyebrow. I didn't know that I had a good influence on anyone. It was damn heartening. "But what about Regulus?"

"I share a couple of classes with him, and he's the only decent Slytherin. But of course, Bellatrix keeps pushing him to do – well I don't know what, but it, apparently, is of great importance to him." She mimicked my cousin well.

"Well, you know dear Bella. Always the bitchy kind. But not harmless. I'm asking you, Alyssa, to please stay away from her. And that's nice about Regulus. I don't really talk to him that much, but it's good to know that he's still…decent." I said, using her word.

Actually, I was feeling pretty damn proud of my brother for having fought off the peer pressure so well, but he was a Black to the core, and I didn't doubt that it wouldn't be long before something really did happen to make him snap. Much as I wanted to protect him, he hated my guts, and had begun abruptly leaving rooms when I entered them. Well. I would see what I could do. I sighed. This meant writing to my mother. Ugh.

"Well. Okay. Here's my next question. Why do you and your friends have such funny nicknames? James is, I believe, Prongs. Remus, you call Moony, and Peter is Wormtail? And you…Padfoot? Like a dog?" First Bianca, then her, what was it with these girls and quickly matching Padfoot to a dog?

"I came up with them. You know how James had a giant ego earlier? Prongs. Like horns made of ego." I chuckled. "Wormtail – well, doesn't he look like a rat to you? And tell me I don't remind you of a great big wolf."

"All right, I get it. You don't want to tell me. You don't have to lie to me, you know?"

"Sorry. Not my secret to share." I said, grinning, and a little ashamed.

"Yeah, I got that. But you're lucky, you know? To have such close friends?"

"Yeah, I know. But what about you? Who are your closest friends?"

"I…" She took a deep breath. "I'm not that…social. I do talk to Molly Weasley sometimes, and Marlene McKinnon. Amelia Bones of my class. But…that's about it. I mean, there's a reason I go that dumb nickname – Ice Princess."

I hesitated, then said what I knew she needed to hear. "For all you've said so far, you're being very open with me. So I think they're jealous of you. Clever girl, pretty to boot, and you've got standard – they're a little frightened, yeah?"

"Yeah, I guess." And just like that, I had a new sister.

-x-

The Three Broomsticks was crowded that day and spirits were high. Everyone was noise and boisterous, smacking or kicking, or generally having a good time. After about an hour or two spent at Zonko's, then at the sweet shop, and then near the Shreiking Shack, Alyssa had begged off, and I was in no mood to go back to the castle, so I was waiting for Remus to show up.

"Oi, Sirius!" A bell like voice called my name, sounding a little drunk. Did I recognize the brougish tongue? Yes, yes I did.

"Hello, Bianca." I said, a genuine smile crossing my face. She looked utterly relaxed. And happy.

"Since you're here, Sirius, I want you to meet Brad. Will you?" The hint of uncertainty in her voice made me sad. Did she really think that I wouldn't give her something that simple?

"Of course. Let's go."

She looked away. "I, er, have to meet Lily. Could you just…talk to him, though. I want him to meet you."

And she rushed off, giving Amos Diggory a quick peck. I averted my gaze. Just to be polite, I told myself. I walked towards the general direction she had pointed, though I had no clue who she meant.

Something tugged at my arm. Amos Diggory, in a blatant attempt to be cool.

"Damn, Sirius." He said in an affected manner, "Bianca Hughes. You have to let me know if you ever get a piece of that." He sighed in a longing way, lust coloring his expression.

My vision was tinged with red and there was a distinct taste of metal on my tongue. My brain had already decided to hit him, but apparently, my arm was faster. So Diggory ended up getting it twice. It would certainly leave a mark. I smiled in grim satisfaction. Leaning in very close, I said, "Don't. Ever. Speak. Of Her. Like that. Am I very clear, Diggory?" I said as menacingly as possible. I thought I felt him tremble.

Though I knew the pretty girl could take care of herself, and though I didn't know what she was to me, I did know that there was a deep seated affection for her, buried in me.

I loped over to Madame Rosemerta and asked her for a bottle of firewhiskey. Shaking her head at me, she handed me one, and ruffled my hair. "You, Sirius, need to stay sober. I hear it's a big day for you."

"Huh?"

"Aren't you meeting the girl's brother? It's a big thing to meet family, you know." She winked.

"Bro – Bianca's brother? What?" I said, shocked. Is that how it looked to everyone? Well. Well.

"Go on, boy. Go meet him." She waved vaguely. Women. I sat down at an empty table close to a tall, fit looking guy. Must be from these strange parts around.

I cracked the bottle open and took a swig. It did well to clear my head.

"Sirius Black?" I heard the man next to me speak. He knew my name. Well, I guess quite a few people did.

"Yeah?"

"I hope you're not that drunk around my sister all the time." He said in a deep voice.

"Who is your sister?" I said absently, and then turned to look at him. There was something so familiar in that tone of blue.

Before he could reply. "Bianca? You're Brad Hughes? Captain, sorry."

"Don't bother, you can call me Brad. But yes. And let me just cut the crap and get straight to it. I'm here essentially for Bianca's sake. She hurts, I know, so," He said, looking at me piercingly. "Do you treat my baby sister right? Because if I ever hear of you hurting her – well, I've not forgotten to use my wand." He was a little menacing.

"Huh?" I asked, staring like a fool. "Oh. Oh. You – I – think that – how? – not that – I." I stuttered, then paused before starting again.

"I'm not with Bianca. I'm her newest bodyguard." I smiled, using her term. A hint of annoyance touched me now, though. "Did I not just demonstrate how bloody great I think Bianca is, though? I defended her against that pig there, didn't I?"

"Oh." He said quietly. "But I could have sworn…" He muttered. "You, however, seem to be very good friends with her."

"Yeah. She's…one of my best friends."

"Good. Then tell me, is she happy? Content?" His brow furrowed just like Bianca's.

"Usually." I said, frowning. "But there are times when she's just randomly sad and detached, but that fades fast. I don't know." I shrugged.

"Well, that's all I need to know, I suppose. You wouldn't mind giving this to her, would you?" He handed me a heavy envelope with elegant but simple writing across it.

Bianca Hughes.

"What is it?" I asked before I could help myself. "Sorry. None of my business, I know." But he could hear the curiosity in my voice still.

He shrugged it off. "Wedding invitation. I'm getting married, Sirius, to the girl I love. And I wanted my sister's approval. I'll be bringing her here soon, so I'd appreciate it if you would let me know when your next trip it."

"Sure. I'll…write to you?"

"Thank you." And there was fervent gratitude in his voice.

Somehow, past the miscommunication, I had become a friend to Bianca's brother. I smiled at the thought.

-x-

Paying of Peeves so he wouldn't bother me: five galleons. A bottle of rosewood mead: twelve galleons, four sickles. Bianca jumping off the walls when she heard of her brother getting married: Priceless.

I don't know if Ted Tonks was a muggle born or not, but it seemed appropriate.

It's rather difficult writing from a boy's point of view, considering the extremely feminine event looming over me currently, so please forgive me if Sirius sounded anything less than a wonderfully manly, man.

Also, I just read a fabulous fic, Lie To Me, by, I believe, Mibamonster. I'm not sure whether or not that's right, but check it out. It's wonderful.

Dear everyone reading this. Please, please, please. If you truly like the fic, pass it on. This isn't a good time not to feel loved. 3

Rose.