Is it Winnie x James? Is it Winnie x Sirius?! IS IT JAMES x SIRIUS? ONLY TIME WILL TELL. HAHAHAHAHA. I love you teasing all of you. Also Happy Eid to all/any muslims who are reading this story! :)

Chapter 24

I didn't even have time to comprehend what had happened because before I knew it my lips were attached with his. It was like time had stopped for a moment, or maybe it had truly stopped. I wasn't sure. But, there was something missing. It felt wrong. It definitely was not James who turned out to be a better kisser than I thought. It was the fact that I was bloody kissing my best friend - it didn't feel right. Sure, I had a crush on him when I was in first year and he was cute, I'll give you that. But there wasn't that spark. The fireworks - it wasn't there. There wasn't anything at all - I couldn't feel anything and I quickly pulled away when I realised that.

Suddenly, It was like my brain had suddenly turned back on and I realised what had happened a moment ago, which automatically put my brain into panic mode. My jaw fell open and I stared stupidly at James. I stood up and then sat back down about twenty times and stared at him, not being able to form sentences. James was surprisingly calm and he looked at me with confusion as I freaked out in front of him. I couldn't keep my jaw shut and my heart was beating so fast it could probably pump enough blood to save thirty people. I couldn't believe he had just kissed me.

"What- how - why did you just do that - are you insane?" I spluttered, standing up and sitting down about twenty times. "Why did you just - GAH," I said, running a hand through my curly hair.

James gave me a strange look, "Winnie, sit down! Merlin - I didn't ask for your hand in marriage!" He said as if he had done nothing at all. "Could you calm down?"

I gave him the same look I would give to a martian who dropped down to this planet to collect trees, "Calm down? You want me to calm down - he wants me to calm down. Ha!" I scoffed, "Why did you do that - do you want me to overthink things and eventually ruin our friendship? Also! Yes, this is bigger than my hand in marriage - it's like eh my foot in friendship!" I said, trying to contain my self. Badly.

James rubbed his forehead, shutting his eyes. "You're right - sorry, I'm sorry. That wasn't meant to happen. I acted on impulse." His eyes flickered to me, "I probably just ruined everything didn't I?" he groaned.

I took a deep breathe, sitting down. "I honestly - can not believe you just did that." I was surprised I even managed that sentence properly.

James gave me an apologetic look, "Sorry - Winnie, I didn't - I needed to check okay?" he said as if what he was saying made sense. At all. Which it didn't.

I gave him a 'are you kidding me look. "You needed to check what? For herpes? For asthma? Because I'm pretty sure I don't have that!" I felt like my mouth was saying random things, but I couldn't stop myself. "I do have seasonal asthma though, but that is not the point!"

James laughed, "I don't think you know what you're saying." He tilted his head to the side, "Eh- no, I needed to check if I had feelings for you." he said nonchalantly.

"So you can't just -I don't know, do something besides kissing me?" I pinched the bridge of my nose and avoided his gaze, "You know what, do me a huge favour and shut up. Like really shut up. Or I'm going to punch you. Or cry. Or break your glasses."

He gave me a strange look but complied. We stared at the street across us in silence and I put my chin on my knees. It was strange enough to find out that you were almost killed but when your best friend ends up kissing you - that kind of complicates things. A lot. I mean, I never really though of James that way. I mean, he was great and he was always around and he was adorable. But, it was always platonic. I didn't expect one kiss to just change how I felt about him and I'm sure he felt that way too.

James looked over at me and then began to laugh, "Is this our life? Full of mistakes and things that were never meant to happen?" he asked, with a small smile.

I didn't know why but I started to laugh really hard. It started out as a giggle, but then turned into full blown laughter that I couldn't contain no matter how hard I tried. Eventually James joined in and we were laughing so hard we were getting stares from strangers. I didn't even know why that was funny, but it was. For some reason, he put me at ease. James was probably the only friend I could kiss and still end up talking to. Not that I had kissed any of my friends - except Hunter Wingly, that didn't really end well. We don't speak anymore.

I then turned to look at James and then pointed at him before exclaiming loudly, "If you thought that kiss was going to ruin our friendship then forget it! I'm not letting you stop us from being best friends because I really value your friendship, okay! So any ideas you had about James and Winnie being over then get it out of your brain, good sir!"

James laughed, "I actually didn't suggest that our friendship be ruined. But I agree. I value our friendship too and I'm sorry I kissed you."

I sighed in relief, "Good! Because that's not what I wanted. Apology accepted, but if you think that's going to happen again then you better think again mister!" I said, pointing an accusing finger at him.

James nodded, "No, I changed my mind. I don't want to be friends with you anymore, you're a bit weird." He mused.

I scrunched my nose at him, "Am I? Really? Or is your perception of normal way off?" I said, giving him a wise look.

His forehead contorted, "That's actually a good question - hey, wait what does this have to do with anything?"

I gave him a blank look, "I don't know, I think I'm in a state of shock or panic. It could be both, I don't know what's happening to me," I said with a smile.

James wiped his glasses with the corner of his shirt, "Winnie, you're mad as a box of cats." He laughed, "Hey, quick question do you fancy me?" he asked so casually, like we weren't best friends for six years.

I shrugged, "I don't think so but then again I'm not exactly emotionally stable so. Hey wait - do you fancy me?" I asked, unsure if I really wanted to know the answer to that question.

James gave me an equally unsure look, "I don't think so either, but then again who knows what the future holds?" He grinned, "The future confuses me that's for sure."

I laughed, "Oh is that what's making you confused? Not the fact that we just kissed a minute or three ago!" I kicked the snow that lay beneath my feet, "Okay James but do you still like Lily Evans? Because, if not - I know about three girls who would be really compatible with you. Surprisingly all of their names start with an O." I said, still eyeing the snow.

James shook his head, a smile on his face. "Winnie, we just kissed and now you're playing matchmaker? But to answer your question, I don't know. What about you?" He said, truthfully.

I looked over at him and smiled, "Well, I'm not really interested in girls but I do admit that Georgina Penwicks is definitely cute," James began to chuckle at me, "What?" I asked, bemused.

James gave me a pointed look, "C'mon, Win. Don't pretend to not know what I'm talking about." I gave him a blank stare, honestly and truly confused beyond anything.

"I have absolutely no idea what you are suggesting right now." I said, shaking my head.

James's smile disappeared and he gave me a awkward look, "Oh, you really don't know. Ah, this is a bit awkward isn't it? Especially after I just kissed you - I'm not really sure if I should tell you or not, especially without a punching bag present." He rambled, mostly to himself.

I rubbed my forehead, mentally preparing myself for what was coming, "James - please, get to the point. What is it that everyone knows and that I don't?" Other than everything.

"Well, basically. I've been hearing it for a while but I mean, I didn't believe it - not until Peter told me himself, which kind of made me believe him but you know now that I think about it - he does hang around that gossip-y Hufflepuff girl who I suspect is his secret girlfriend, but who knows with Peter." His eyes flickered to my impatient ones, "Okay, how do I say this - everyone thinks you and Sirius like each other. Or secretly like each other to be more specific."

The only thing I could feel right now was. Question mark. That wasn't even a feeling but that was the only thing that I could feel, or fathom to be more specefic. If i was confused five minutes ago it was nothing to how confused I was feeling right now. People assumed that Sirius and I were - together? Really? Us? I mean, we have only been getting on well recently I mean we usually fought - oh. That was why people were assuming. But, now that I thought about it. I could use this to my advantage.

"Maybe, maybe this isn't a bad thing. I mean, I've been trying to think up of ways to be seen with you guys without making Mulciber and Avery suspicious - maybe this is it!" I said a huge grin appearing on my face.

James easily caught my drift, "He'll think you two are dating and then he won't know that you know, you are a genius!" He said, mimicking my grin.

I slammed my hand down on the cold wood, "James, spit in my cup and call it water. This is the greatest news I have heard all day. We need to assemble them right away. We need to share this news!"

James laughed hesitantly, "Why would I spit in your - whatever. Yeah, we need to get them here. Preferably my house?" He said, looking excited.

I nodded, "Why do I feel like you're looking for a reason to see them?" I said laughing but then I then thought back to what he had just said, "Wait, you said Peter told you - why would Peter tell you something like that? I didn't know Peter could be so..sneaky. Like a rat. Like a sneaky rat person." I said, scrunching my brows together in anger.

Peter was the last person I ever suspected to be gossiping, especially about us, his friends for Merlin's sake! It made no sense to me why he would assume when he could actually ask us in person what was going on? Which was nothing, of course. But still! That really bothered me and I made a mental note to one day talk to him about it.

James rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah, I was surprised too. But, I assumed he knew because one of you guys told him or something. Which, now that I think about it was stupid because if there was something you would tell me. Right?" He said, meeting my eyes and then repeating, uncertainly. "Right?"

I rolled my eyes at his stupidity and then hit his arm, "Of course I'd tell you, you idiot. You know I can't keep a secret for the life of me. Also, I'd probably be excited and then announce it to everyone really loudly, accidentally. Or not, who knows I can be quite loud." I mumbled the last part to myself mostly.

James's face contorted to form a faux shocked look, "What? You'd be so excited to date Sirius to the point that you would announce it to everyone? You would happily date Sirius and not me? Am I too boring for you, Winnie Powers? Am I?!" He said, humour lacing his words.

I shrugged, playing along. "Well, he does have great hair. Also, he has that kind of vibe, you know - the bad boy? You're like the soft bunny kind of guy. You're too nice, unfortunately." I said, jabbing him in the shoulder.

He gave me a blank stare, "I'm sorry, what did you just say to me? Did you just call me a soft bunny? How do I in any way, shape or form emulate a 'soft bunny'? I mean, have you seen Sirius? His animagus is a dog - a dog! I'm a bloody stag, Winnie Erhad Powers!" He said giving me a look as if he couldn't believe I had just said that to him.

I sighed, giving him a bored look. "Listen darling, we can't all be Sirius Black's in a world of Winnie Powers's and James Potters's and Remus Lupin's and I don't actually know what I'm saying." I laughed, "Sometimes I do this thing where I talk but my words don't really have a point. It's like a sentence about nothing." I said bleakly.

"That's reassuring because I honestly have no idea what you are talking about most of the time." He said, jokingly. I think.

I stuck my hands in my pockets, "Just to clarify, I am not secretly or un-secretly dating Sirius Black. Or Remus. Or Peter. Or you. I'm not seeing anyone." Even though there was no need to I felt the need to justify myself. "James, I need to ask you an important question."

"What do you need to know?" He asked, hazel eyes gleaming with curiosity.

I cleared my throat, "So, you said that you heard about Sirius and I 'dating', so if you assumed that.. why'd..eh you know - kiss me?" I said, awkwardly.

He shifted in his seat, "Win, honestly? I didn't really think about that. It was a spur of the moment thing, believe me." He scratched his cheek, "This is a bit awkward."

"I know. I know, this is so weird. I never thought I'd be having this conversation with you." I laughed. "Idiot. Don't ever kiss me again or I'll punch you in the face." I said, raising my clenched hand up warningly.

He chortled and then stood up, "Alright, alright you numpty. I won't kiss you again, unless you're dying because you got bit by a poisonous snake and my kiss is the only thing that can save you" I gave him a emotionless stare, "Whoa - not even then, fine. Save yourself then, Powers." He said, chuckling.

I grinned, "Of course I'll save myself! I don't need a man to save me. I'm a powerful, strong and independent woman with a mild love for animals and breakfast food."

He glanced at his watch, "Y'know what? it's getting a bit late, I'll walk you home." He said, reaching out his hand which I reluctantly took, because surprisingly I was really very comfortable in that bench.

While I was walking home all I could think about was how strange this day was. I mean, my life was always strange - my life was so strange that I could have an entire film made about my life that wouldn't make you want to sleep half-way through the title sequence, but this. This was different, I mean first finding out that people thought that Sirius and I were together, the fact that James and I kissed. That was crazy! Yet, I was walking, so calmly. Like I didn't even care at all.

I wasn't sure if there was something wrong with me, but it was like I physically and emotionally couldn't feel anything. It was like I was immune to all things feelings related. I mean, when did I get so apathetic? I wasn't always like this and it really bothered me. I didn't want to be an emotionless zombie, yet here I was. Without a care. It was slightly terrifying.

"How am I so calm about this?" I asked, with a slight scoff as I turned to look at James.

James exhaled, laughing slightly. "I don't know. I was kind of asking myself that, I mean - I did kiss you. Me, your best friend. Of six bloody years. How are you acting so normally?" He sounded just as confused as I was.

I shrugged, "I don't know! I think it was the fact that you have a really calming vibe about you - it stopped me from freaking out. I did freak out. But I didn't freak out and avoid you forever so that's good. I think." I grinned.

I could feel James's gaze on me, "Oh, is that it Winnie? My calming vibe? Is that what you like about me?" He said, puffing his chest arrogantly as we walked.

I rolled my eyes, once more. "Oh, shut up you arrogant toe rag as the lovely Lily Evans calls you." I said, jabbing him with my arm. "But, honestly James Potter you are probably the only person I could ever kiss and still face!" I said, slightly happy.

My happiness must have been infectious because a smile lit his face, "Oh is that right? That's nice, I guess. Lucky me. Actually no, that's awful - now I can't get rid of you once and for all," He said sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes at him, "Yeah right, like you can get rid of me. I'm stuck with you so hard that when you die, my grave will be so close next to you, we will literally be able to see each other's bones."

He gave me a weird look, "So do you -eh, think about this a lot, Winnie?" he said, amused.

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes, "Of course I do, James Potter infact I'll probably be the one who kills you - now which method would be better for you to die in, choked or drowned? Also what ceremony would you like - 'Cause you know I'll be planning your funeral too." I said, all with a straight face.

He cackled with laughter, "You know, you're kind of annoying." James said, sighing as he walked. "But what can I do - I'm stuck with you. You're the only one who knows about my secret stamp collecting habit."

I grinned reaching my house. "Yeah, it's such a secret. It's not like people give you stamps for your birthday since you love them so much." I said sardonically. I then laughed and turned to him, "Hug. Now. Please."

James sighed loudly and said, "Oh, fine." He said in a annoyed tone and pulled me into a hug. I was almost certain that he was giddy inside. He was a huge hugger.

"Never speak of the kiss, ever. Understood?" James mumbled, to my hair. "Don't even tell the guys. Not because it was awful but because they'll never stop reminding us about it. Until we die. I'm not even joking. Padfoot still reminds me of the time I fell down and accidentally hit Minerva in the face. It was in first year for Merlin's sake!" He said, shuddering.

I laughed, "Oh, that is such a good story. One of my favourites actually. Especially the part where Minerva almost scratches you with her claws," I nodded, "But, sure. You got it. Not a word about our illicit love affair." I said, with a flirtatious wink.

James gently grabbed my shoulders, shaking his head. "No, no illicit love affair. Do not bring this up to anyone you hear me?" he asked, giving me a pointed look.

I stuck my tongue out at him, "Sorry, I can't hear you my passionate love for you is blocking my hearing." I said sarcastically as I walked up the pathway leading to my house.

I could feel James roll his eyes at me, "Goodnight Winnie," He said and I looked back to see him smiling at me.