It was always an overbearing need for James to intervene in each relationship she attempted to have outside of his knowledge. Most chalked it up to him simply an older brother. Others said it was because of James himself. Emily felt that he had overstepped too many lines and finally near the end of fourth year, she had had enough, and there was another screaming match in the courtyard for all to hear and see. This time Daphne and Sirius watched with their arms crossed as neither Potter saw the gathering crowds. Nor did they seem to care. What was different this time were the Slytherins accusing James of being a git to egg him as they chanted Emily's name in glee, lead in chorus by David Luke.

"We really need to find a better way to solve their sibling problems," commented Daphne rubbing her brows lightly.

"Yes, well James is an idiot Daph," mumbled Sirius harshly.

"Does he not realize that Emmy's growing into a beautiful young woman, and that's a prat about it," she said, as James stalked toward the pair seeking support. Sirius threw up his hands silently not wanting to get himself in detention again, should any Professors come along.

"He knows that but it's all the attention she gets. He doesn't exactly enjoy the idea of our classmates having such dark thoughts about her. I mean do you like when girls talk about your brother?"

"My twin is not even into girls. So, whatever," laughed Daphne pulling her hair back. "Besides she hates when girls only friend us to talk about James and how much they too want to kiss him. It goes both ways. Did you know about her Christmas? James got a wonderful new broom and loads of fun presents at Christmas, and she got small gifts from their parents. I've never seen her angrier in my life and she was blowing up rocks at my house the few days she was there."

"Yes, I admit I got them both small gifts since my mother hates the Potters and their traitorous ways."

"James lost their money too while in London shopping for Christmas gifts. Never found the 50 galleons he lost—"

"I WAS DROPPED IN THE LAKE BECAUSE OF YOU JAMES!" screamed Emily, throwing her hands into his chest as James attempted to walk close.

"HOW WAS I SUPPOSE TO KNOW THAT!" he shrieked back. The Slytherins who were jeering at the mention and somehow the cheers got louder as the continued.

"—Why was James at fault for that?" asked Daphne, beginning to count the number of people they could see. "Geez there's around twenty people out here!"

"Well James lost the bet to Slytherin's Seeker, and the bet was dropping the sibling of the losing Seeker into the lake. Emily was the unlucky one selected as Gryffindor lost. If I had known, I would have grabbed James's broom and went to get her," added Sirius beginning to walk forward. "Who got her out anyway?"

"Luke did—" Daphne was pointing across the courtyard as Luke chanted Emily's name with his friends, holding back laughter. He was smirking as joyfulness crossed his entire body.

"Luke? Luke pulled her out?!" he spun around, his eyes wide in concern.

Something about his posture set Sirius off, but he remained near Daphne for good measure.

"Yes! He went in and pulled her out before she froze to death. Thank Merlin, he's a great swimmer. They were in the middle of the lake after all."

He remembered that day well now that she mentioned it.

It happened back in February after the lake thawed. Emily had gone missing for a several hours and no one really knew where she was. Around dinner, Luke had marched into the Great Hall wearing only his sweater and pants, with her clenching his robes desperately around her shoulders. Both were shivering in place with very wet hair as he demanded to speak to Professor McGonagall and Professor Slughorn. They quickly took her to the hospital wing where she fell into a coma for about a week. He was questioned about what happened and returned to eat, even scowling at his housemates at their actions. It was later revealed that three of his housemates had taken her from the library and flew her out to the lake per the bet from the match.

When she awoke, she maintained her distance from everyone, too afraid to speak to anyone but Luke. The Head Boy who was a Hufflepuff and he, a prefect himself, gave clear warnings of what would happen if anyone dared to do that to another student, no matter the house. The three students were given harsh punishments after many parents found out she could have died per their prank. Even since then, Luke was seen in her company because no one really dared to cross him since he came from a powerful family with connections in the Ministry that others didn't.

It was like here too, because he walked casually up to James pushing him off balance a bit, and yelled he was a pompous ass and to shut it before he went to a professor to report her bullying again.

"This is between my sister and I!" shouted James, reaching for his wand.

"And as a prefect, I'm at liberty to extend the Professor's authority," he replied coolly striking a calm demeanor against James. "Watch it Potter before I issue you a detention and take points away on behalf of Professor Slughorn."

The courtyard seemed to stand on end, as Luke, a Slytherin, stood before James, a Gryffindor, in defense of Emily Potter. This seemed to pause James long enough to look around and see the crowd gathered around the three of them. Blushing red, he walked away toward the bell tower pulling Remus, who had just arrived, back into the school. Group by group, they dispersed leaving them alone near the middle. They were smiling at each other, and this made Sirius want to intervene. Daphne stopped him though putting her hand on his arm.

"Don't be a prat! It's innocent between them."

"He's a bloody snake!"

"Sirius!" But this fell on deaf ears as he strode over, wanting badly to stop him from brushing her hair aside. Wanting to throw his own punch, Sirius took a calculated stop not drawing attention to himself. A curled fist hung ready waiting for anything to hit Luke across the face.

"Thank you for that," she whispered seeing a few boys staying back too long, not catching sight of Sirius behind her. Luke held out his arm as his eyes darted a moment at his peer but refocused on the girl before him. Daphne instead pushed her way through, grabbing Emily and hurried them inside as the boys were left alone. She looked over her shoulder briefly as they rounded the corner at the bell tower.

"What do you want Black?" he asked curtly, his glaze following the girls before returning. "Hasn't Potter have you on a leash yet?"

"Don't talk to Emily!" snapped Sirius back tightening a fist against his leg. "She's too good for you."

"I don't need to chase Potter," he muttered turning slowly and facing the man before him fully. "Not when I already have her in my net."

"If you even lay a finger on her or entertain the slightest notion of causing her harm, the consequences will be severe—" stated Sirius pushing a finger into the Slytherin's chest. "I'll find a way to end you."

"You fail to understand how many males at this school find your little lion desirable," he smirked enthusiastically pocketing his hands in dark gray trousers. He took a small step getting right into Sirius's face, his sneer turning mischievous. "She's fifteen soon and believe me when I say, there are more than just our years that like her. You of all people should understand the power a kiss can hold. And I dare guess, she's not had one yet. At least to my knowledge."

"You won't steal that from her. She would want it to be with someone she trusts," snarked Sirius crossing his arms.

Luke let out a firm chuckle as he looked down at his polished black shoes. When he raised his gaze, there was an unmistakable intensity to his appearance that made Sirius take a step back. In a bold move to draw him back in, Luke seized his sweater and held him tightly in his grasp.

"She trusts me after I rescued her from my housemate's cruel joke. My body was sore after fighting the currents in the lake for over an hour. You were there when we walked in shivering cold, and you did not do a bloody thing. Emmy was tucked into my arm because she was scared and angry. So what friend are you to not have gone in after her yourself? Or are you too busy bullying Severus with Potter to see Emily is bullied by someone who is supposed to love her?"

Luke stood still, a devilish grin crossing his face and dangerous blue eyes that Emmy could fall into. Sirius stood unwaveringly against this Slytherin determined to find anything to protect his friends, but there were definite convictions in his words. He hadn't known where she had been, or he would have. Probably Luke heard directly through the Slytherins in his common room and went to get her that way. He finally threw Sirius from his grip.

"She's my best friend's sister," started Sirius, not knowing where to continue.

"All the more reason," said Luke with a wide smirk, finally breaking into a small snicker. Pocketing his hands again, he laughed quietly under his breath as his long legs took him away from Sirius.

"It's quite dreadful that you can't see something so plainly beautiful in front of you. I will win Emily Potter, and you will lose. And there's nothing you can do to stop me," he heard Luke say as he rounded the corner outside of view, leaving Sirius standing there, speechless.

*dot*

It was the day before fifth year and Emily had spent only a few minutes inside to get a glass of water before running back out the door on another light jog. Shouting to acknowledge the message from her mother, she continued a 10K jog through Godric's Hollow and into the countryside before stopped in front of a willow tree. It reminded her of the Whomping Willow at Hogwarts and often wondered why it was ever planted. This was her favorite place in the village and somewhere she spent many evenings reading her schoolbook before having to retreat home for the night. It was near midafternoon and in the far distance there were rain clouds. Conjuring a pillow from a rock, she sat down against the tree trunk and closed her eyes allowing the brisk breeze to lull her to sleep.

It must have been hours before she reopened her eyes, realizing she was sleeping on something quite soft. Blinking sluggishly, she rolled on her side feeling some resistance in whatever was around her. Whatever it was shifted, and this made her snap up seeing her hand had landed on wrinkled t-shirt.

"Sirius!?" she said eyeing the teenage boy who was watching her carefully.

"Ahh, you're awake finally," he whispered pulling hair from her face. "You sleep rather soundly."

"Sirius, I… I was… How long was I asleep?" she asked sitting up, pulling her shirt into place, and rubbing her hip to find a light blanket laying over their legs. Looking back at him, he was warmly caressing her hand as the wind picked up a bit and the distant smell of rain was now closer than before.

"It's around three or four. I don't know really. James went to London with your dad, and I didn't want to interrupt whatever his plans are. And you weren't in the house. So… I came to find you," he replied sheepishly. "You really are good at Charms."

He motioned to the pillow under them both. Holding it up, he laughed as she pushed his shoulder lightly.

"Yes, well, I prefer comfort to anything!" she giggled laying her head on his inviting shoulder to rest again. Taking the pillow, she transfigured it back to the rock it had been before. "Now what do I owe this pleasure today?"

"Oh, nothing," he smiled twisting the light blanket between his fingers. "Just want to enjoy our last day before heading back."

"That all?" she teased brushing aside his curly hair from his eyes.

His eyes widened as he froze at the sincere affection, as she swept calmly against his cheek. Exchanging radiant stares between each other, it was comforting that Sirius always had caring affection toward her and would protect her no matter what. But here, it hard to believe the good number of boys who thought romantic ways of her, or how and how she had been with them. Comparing her experience, it was clear how different Sirus and Emily were.

In this moment though, the more she thought about it, Sirius was quite handsome. His long-curled locks framed his face nicely hitting his jawline. From her classmates, he was someone many referred to in passing as girls would look attentively to him. There were stories that he had already done many things in an amorous sense. Things that even she hadn't known about. Rumors were spreading about him being a man whore and there were talks about how big his… you know, her mind begged to cleanse after the fourth- and fifth-year girls spent many nights giggling about boys they fancied. Thankfully few said James around her, but she knew it was heavily implied by some.

It was an absolute place here. After all, Sirius would never have harbored any inappropriate feelings towards her. They both cared for each other deeply, but there was something in his gaze that sent shivers down her spine. It was a dangerous glint, one that she couldn't shake away. Something about it made her feel uneasy, despite their strong bond.

"What?" he asked when Emily sat up abruptly breaking the quiet calm setting.

"Have you even kissed anyone?" she asked suddenly quite seriously tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. It was a nervous habit of hers which she hated.

"Yes," he embarrassedly replied opening one eye slowly. Sitting up too, he observed the girl before seeing a firm poker face. "I've done more than kiss if that's the next question also."

Standing up quickly, this took her by surprise, and she hadn't thought to ask that, nor did she want to know those skills. Folding her arms around her torso, she shook for a moment. Feeling this, he stood up too and went to take her hands in hesitation.

"What's the matter," he asked kindly sensing her anxiety. Her eyes were welling up too.

"It's just, you and James and everyone else have kissed someone and I haven't yet! It's quite embarrassing to be completely honest! Not even by someone in my own year! Daphne said she got rather close to Marcus. He's in Ravenclaw and they were kissing all last year. But I'm fifteen and never been kissed!"

"I'm sixteen in November, but it's nothing really life changing," he said wrapping his arms around her middle, ignoring the closeness between them.

"You haven't kissed anymore though, right?"

"Sirius! No, I haven't! Or I wouldn't be upset about it," she began crying, feeling quite unsure why she was saying all this to him.

"Kissing is saved for someone you care about. It's a connection most of the time but sometimes it leads to more stuff." Emily thought about his reasoning. She felt flush coming to a strange thought. One that surprised her even.

There was a loud crack as lightning ripped through the sky, causing them to look up. They ran all the way back to the Potter's home and arrived at the front door, somewhat shielded from the downpour they had run through. Their clothes were soaked to the bone. Her mother opened the door, gasping when she saw them shivering.

"Get in, you two! Go dry off and put on some warm clothes," she kindly asked, pulling them in and pushing them up the stairs. They went their separate ways to change and then returned to find that Mrs. Potter had made a cup of tea for them.

"You two are always getting caught in bad weather. I swear!" she said hastily setting down two tea cups and a large kettle.

"Mum, I'm fine! We made it back before the weather turned really bad. Dad and James aren't even back yet," she replied, wrapping her thin fingers around the cup and watching Sirius drink his quietly.

"I'm just saying. The whole lake thing was deplorable, and I did not enjoy receiving that letter from Minerva. Thankfully that boy got you out, and for that, I am happy, even if he's a Slytherin. Besides, you both have a new term tomorrow. After your tea, head up for a bath. You must be fresh for tomorrow's ride to Hogwarts."

Smirking behind her cup, she mouthed "fresh" in a joking way to Sirius behind her mother's back. They smiled quietly and listened to the fire crackle. There was a constant tapping coming from the window, which Sirius went to open. There was a letter attached to the owl's leg.

"Who's it from?" asked Emily, turning around in place. Sirius took the letter and fed the owl a treat before letting it fly out the same way it had come in.

"It's for you," he said, reading it quickly. "From Luke..."

Opening it, she recognized David's penmanship and smiled when reading his letter. Sirius had followed behind her, trying to read over her shoulder. She would feel him there with his arms cross peering over.

Dearest Emmy,

I hope this message finds you in good health and great spirits. It's been too long since we last spoke, and I'm thrilled to finally have the chance to catch up with you, even with it being near the end of summer. Daphne mentioned that you spent the summer in Italy, and I must say, I'm quite envious. The idea of gliding across the waters near Greece with my family sounds like a dream come true. I can only imagine how breathtaking the experience must have been for you.

Today, I must venture to Diagon Alley to procure some much-needed supplies for our coming year, and my father left me here too. I know I'm running behind schedule. My parents are not too thrilled about my OWL results. Sadly, I didn't get all Os, which was quite a disappointment. Professor Slughorn mentioned that I could be accepted into his NEWT level with an E, but I'm not satisfied with that.

To make matters worse, while Severus excelled in Potions, I struggled to keep up. He mentioned that you're on par with him, and I have no doubt that you'll shine when you take the exam this year. Rumor has it that Evans, the Gryffindor in our year, got all Os, along with Severus. She's incredibly intelligent, and I'm sure you can provide me with some valuable insights about her studying habits.

I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing you soon - either on the train or even earlier if possible. It's been too long, and I can't wait to hear all about your summer and your plans for the new term.

Take care and stay safe.

David

It was the third letter he had sent over the summer holiday, but it was nice all the same. As she read, she blushed walking away from the living room and up the stairs. She never heard Sirius calling her name or how he shouted something profound about David. Mumbling over her shoulder, she politely excused herself for the offered bath. Gathering her items, she took a towel, along with pajamas over her arm, and walked down the hall pass the boy's room. Turning the knobs and finding the perfect temperature, she threw in a few bath bombs that Daphne had sent over. The room was filled with lavender scents and hazy dew surrounded her. Lowering herself into the bath's warmth, she closed her eyes taking in the smells and sounds. As she washed her body, she felt heat rise in her chest as thoughts of Sirius and David filled her mind.

David's blue eyes were to die for, and he was exceptionally kind to her. Especially after the whole lake incident, no one really messed with her. He had stayed by her side for much of the spring term and they had almost kissed in June around her birthday. They were standing quite close that afternoon after the OWL exams had concluded. Others were enjoying the end of term with close friends leaving them well alone near the edge of the lake.

David had invited her to spend time on a date near the Great Lake's edge where he brought her ashore. He wore his white uniform top over his black swim trucks, and she wore a loose dress over her swim suit. They had walked hand in hand as they left the castle earning stares from many. Apparently other students had similar ideas about spending time in the waters. As they walked up, several of his friends came up laughing and urged him to play Quidditch.

"Nah, mate. I'm with Emily today," he had said pointing behind him at her.

That afternoon, she found herself holding on to him for dear life. He went a bit further than he wanted but promised to hold her tightly. She floated with his hands under her back as they stared up into the setting evening sky. As a prefect he was allowed to venture out after hours to monitor the castle and grounds, but for this night he ignored that, treating her to a beautiful date under the stars.

"Underneath a pretty night sky, for a pretty girl," he had said as she felt her knees sink back under. With arms wrapped around his neck, she studied his dark blue eyes feeling rather warm. He pressed his forehead against hers and she could feel his breath against her cheek and his lips hung over hers, asking silent permission.

"He is quite handsome, even if he's a Slytherin," she muttered under her breath, remembering she had turned her head as he feather kissed her neck. Blushing more, she lay there soaking, trying to ignore the increased awareness in her body.

After her bath, she lightly knocked on Sirius's bedroom door and waited for it to open. Standing there waiting and twirling her thumbs behind her back, her mind screamed at her to stop and rethink this insane idea, the same one from earlier. It was truly a peculiar wish, and the more she told herself it was a fantastic idea, the conflicts remained. Finally, he opened the door allowing her his entire attention. He was wearing a loose white shirt with an oversized pair of jeans held onto by a brown belt that hung off his hips in a rockstar way. His hair was damp and judging off the faint citrus coming him, she assumed he too had finished a bath recently.

Sirius stood there quietly waiting for her to speak, curiosity crossing his eyes several times. She felt her face warm. Extending an arm out to assure her, he wrapped himself over her offering a light hug. It was calming and there was something more there as she inhaled his scent. Probably her imagination, but something felt incredibly different. It was a bit uncomfortable, yet desirable as she held there simply gripping his back unsure if she could leave this embrace.

"Kiss me," she whispered softly against his chest.

"What?" he asked, pulling her from his body with unexpected concern. Pulling her away a moment, his forearms rested on her shoulders as he looked deeply in her eyes. When had he gotten so, so, handsome, her mind begged. Clearing her throat with darted eyes, she found his intriguing gray eyes. Looking around the hall, she let out the held breath and whispered the request again.

"Kiss me," she asked again watching his face constrict, but not in rejection.

"Has anyone kissed you?" His eyes were wide as he searched her face for something.

"No, but—" she started.

"Why me?" he asked softly resting a hand on her cheek to wipe the escaping tear away.

"I kept getting asked and I don't want just anyone. It should be with someone I trust. So — I was hoping you could— um— teach me how to— how to – kiss so my first real one isn't so horrible! Sirius!" she plead at him, hazel eyes staring at him.

Alarms rang in her head as he remained still appearing to think about the subject. He leaned back against the door frame a moment leaving the embrace they shared. His eyes were closed in mysterious thought. Closing her own she stood there listening to anything Sirius might do. Her hands gripped the end of her nightgown, its slight rise against her leg sent a shiver up her spine. A slender finger traced her leg which wasn't her own a moment later.

"Emily," Sirius finally said darkly, in a low whisper against her cheek.

He tenderly left a thin trail along her thigh as his arms wrapped around her small body as it pressed into his in a loving way. Opening her eyes for a moment, she realized she was staring into desire and wanting. Tracing a line up her side again, Emily felt her breath hitch as his face neared hers. After a moment's blink, she felt the warmth of his lips, while his hand cupped her cheek eagerly wanting more. It was deeply passionate in ways she hadn't the time to process. She thought it would just be a quick peak on the lips and be done with it, but no…. His tongue tapped the corners of her mouth waiting for permission to enter and took the chance when she opened her mouth to speak.

Emily felt her body pull into his again, his arm roped around her back while hands held tightly on to any clothes on their bodies. She felt her eyes close as fireworks went off insider, possibly through Sirius too. Lightly she was pushed against the frame of the door, her own arms wrapped around his body. She could feel his body fight against this excitement they were embracing, but his arm rose against the frame above them and his right hand remained holding her in place. When he let up, they stared into the other eyes breathing so deeply it was the only thing heard in the entire hall. They stood there a good several minutes before either wanted or needed to catch their breath. Gray stared into hazel with wide concern at what they had just done.

"Emmy," he panted rubbing her cheek delicately as though touching a flower in the garden her mother tended to. "Please tell no one else has done this?"

"No one has Sirius. I promise," she breathed deeply taking in his scent. It was that citrus again clouding her mind.

As Emily and Sirius pulled apart, their minds raced with a mixture of exhilaration and uncertainty. They exchanged wide-eyed gazes, each trying to decipher the other's thoughts and emotions. The intensity of the kiss had left them both feeling disoriented and unsure about what had just transpired between them.

Emily's heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel her cheeks flush with a mixture of excitement and embarrassment. She couldn't believe she had just kissed Sirius, her best friend's brother, and in such an intimate and passionate way. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts, questioning her judgment and wondering if she had crossed a line that couldn't be uncrossed.

Sirius, on the other hand, struggled to process the depth of his feelings and the intensity of the kiss. He had never experienced anything quite like it before, and the realization that he had kissed his best friend's sister left him feeling both exhilarated and guilty. He knew he had to tread carefully, as he didn't want to jeopardize his friendship with James.

In that moment, as they stood there, both Emily and Sirius were unsure of what to say or do next. They were both acutely aware of the gravity of their actions and the potential consequences that could arise from their impulsive kiss. Their hearts raced in unison, mirroring the uncertainty that hung heavy in the air between them. They knew that they had crossed a line, and they were both left questioning whether they should have taken things this far.

Sirius pressed his forehead on hers and closed his eyes. It was simply too warm now as they stood there in the aftermath of that kiss. This was still a foreign concept to her, but she knew it was not a basic one because there was passion there that confused her but left her wanting more from him. His hands were shaking on her rib cage as she remained still allowing time to think. Suddenly she felt afraid of what this was doing to him and the friendship he shared with James. Had he just passionately kissed his best friend's sister? He had and that alone was a line maybe she couldn't have crossed, but Sirius had only been requested. He didn't have to return the request. It felt like several more minutes had passed and yet they remained there watching the other, passion pooling from each of them.

Loudly a crashing sound rumbled from down the hall making them snap apart. Twisting so fast around, Emily held her chest afraid it was James. Turning toward her room, Sirius called for her, but the noise was coming closer.

"Wait—" But she was already halfway down the hall, trying to blink away the tears that silently fell from her. Had she just kissed Sirius Black of all people!? "Emily! Wait!"

Slamming the door closed, she felt her heart rapidly begin beating.

*dot*