Unofficial Portkey Archive

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~ Milestones at Three or Four Months Respectively ~

By: Oy! Angelina

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Platform 9 and ¾ was inhabited by many sullen young witches and wizards as the Hogwarts Express prepared to depart for the school. As their spring holiday had officially come to a conclusion with only the end of the year exams to look foreword to from there on out. With all their luggage and familiars secured on the train, students attempted to find their own places to spend the long ride back to Hogwarts. As expected, the Gryffindor 6^th Year girls claimed a compartment separate from the boys, including Arabella while Lily headed off to join the other Prefects with the promise of visiting James and the other boys a little later on.

Attempting to invent means to amuse themselves for the long hours that would pass, the Marauders had settled on conversations and munching on sweets for the time being. When the topic fell onto Sirius's party, a slightly sour look spread across the boy in question's lips.

"So I guess you've given up hope on your parents surprising you with a motorbike this year, hm?" Remus studied his friend's pout.

Sirius turned his scowl on Remus and crossed his arms.

"Dad said it was stupid for me to want one since we'd be learning how to Apperate our 7^th Year," Sirius fumed, "he insisted I would have no use for a muggle device and they would just be spoiling me otherwise."

"I can't help but see the logic in some of that," Peter shrugged, "I mean, what would you do with it anyway?"

"Ride it, you dolt," Sirius glared.

"I think Peter was just making the point that you're a creature of fascination and impulse, Sirius," James rationalized, "you set your sights on something unattainable and once you get it, you're already bored with it. Your parents probably just don't want to put down a pretty galleon only to have you lose interest once you can spirit yourself about Europe or hurt yourself being reckless . . . which you have a habit of being."

"I'm fully capable of committing myself to things," Sirius defensively claimed, "I'm not nearly as daft and flighty as you all would suspect."

"Speaking of daft and flighty, why isn't Arabella sitting with us?" James turned to Remus expectantly.

Remus could only frown and settle back into his seat with a sigh.

"She's with the other girls in our Year chatting it up but barely said three words to me after the party," Remus quietly informed, "she's been spending a lot of time with the girls lately. I don't know, maybe it's all innocent and she's just looking to catch up but I get the impression she's avoiding me."

"Nah, she's probably just avoiding Sirius," Peter joked, which resulted in a sharp kick from Sirius. Remus turned his focus on Sirius.

"Did you do anything to her?" Remus questioned in a more inquisitive than confrontational manner.

"Shame on you for listening to Peter," Sirius chided, "no, barely talked with her lately. She's been keeping her distance and I think it's because she doesn't fancy Winifred."

"Well she's not alone in that," Peter rubbed his now tender shin, "pick of girls at Hogwarts and you have to go for the most wicked of them all."

"We're just mates," Sirius nonchalantly stated.

With a reluctant sort of expression, James turned to Remus.

"I might have some insight into what's getting at Arabella," James confessed, perking everyone in the compartment's attention, "Lily said they exchanged a fury of words the night of the party but neglected to go into detail why."

"Arabella's mad at Lily? I can't imagine anyone being mad at Lily," Peter marveled.

"Seems like," James shrugged meekly, "I think Lily wants to fix things herself but Arabella's not giving her much of an opportunity to."

"That doesn't sound like Arabella," Remus's brow furrowed, "I wonder what got into them."

Rising to his feet, Remus abandoned the compartment with a purposeful look and left James, Sirius, and Peter to their own devices in favor of Arabella. Checking compartments and listening for familiar voices, Remus eventually heard Gwen's high-pitched laughter and slid open the door that contained it. Within was a tightly packed grouping of Cassidy, Gwen, Millicent, and Arabella with Bronwyn Weaver and Winifred Wilkes additionally present.

Sure enough, it appeared that Arabella had claimed the opposite most corner from Winifred, listening to the other girls' conversations without displaying any noticeable intention to jump in.

"So who's your favorite player in the league at the moment, Cassidy?" Bronwyn prompted the Gryffindor.

"Catriona McCormack, the Captain and Chaser fer the Pride of Portree," Cassidy replied without even thinking about it but thoughtfully added, "Lass has got such flair on the pitch I'm willing teh even forgive her fer being Scottish."

Gwen's face went so red that Remus thought her glasses would threaten to fog up.

"BRONWYN AND I ARE SCOTS, YOU LEPRECHAUN SHAGGIN COW!" Gwen hollered at her mocha skinned friend indignantly, "AND SHE DOESN'T HAVE THE BENEFIT OF ALL THE YEARS OF YOUR ABRASIVE FRIENDSHIP AS I HAVE TO PROBABLY FORGIVE YOU SO EASILY!"

Bronwyn just shrugged indifferently while virtually everyone else in the compartment stifled laughter. They knew Cassidy was just attempting to get a satisfying rise out of Gwen and her easily ignited temper as well as they knew it was all meant in good fun. Gwen was the only one Cassidy teased like this but everyone, including Gwen, knew it was meant as a fond gesture.

"How very big of you, Cassidy," Winifred smirked causing Cassidy to smile back while rolling her eyes.

"Afternoon ladies," Remus smiled.

"If yer planning on riding with us, Remus, ye'll have teh sit on someone's lap," Cassidy smirked as a comment on the room's present occupancy.

"Actually, I intended on stealing one of you away," Remus turned deliberately to Arabella, "got a spare moment?"

"I don't see why not," Arabella relinquished her seat and followed Remus out. Leading her to the back of the car, Remus turned to her a smiled.

"Nice of you girls to invite Winifred and Bronwyn to ride with you," Remus said approvingly.

"Actually neither was my idea," Arabella corrected, "Cassidy invited Winifred because she wants someone to talk Quidditch with or something and Bronwyn sort of invited herself. I'm beginning to suspect she may have a crush on someone in Gryffindor for as cozy as she's trying to get."

"Aren't we little Miss ulterior motive today," Remus chuckled as he stopped with Arabella past the bulk of compartments.

Arabella's blue eyes glared at her boyfriend.

"My opinion doesn't matter to you?" Arabella demanded.

Remus withdrew slightly.

"It means worlds to me," Remus frowned, "that's why I came looking for you. I want to know what's wrong."

"Nothing," Arabella replied dismissively.

"Bullocks, what's wrong?" Remus repeated.

"It's not your concern," Arabella insisted.

"It is if you're upset about something," Remus spoke adamantly, "James mentioned you might have had a fight with Lily and you've been really elusive around me as of late. I just want to know what's going on."

"I'm just sick of being the fifth wheel is all," Arabella wouldn't meet Remus's gaze, "no one bothers with ever telling me anything, I'm always left to sort things out on my own, and when I voice an opinion I'm dismissed rather than answered."

"Who's been making you feel that way?" Remus pressed, sharing Arabella's sensitivity on the subject.

"Everyone, particularly you," Arabella spoke softly.

Remus was stunned.

"Me?"

"Yes," Arabella nodded while staring at the tops of her shoes, "you're nice enough to me Remus but you never tell me a bloody thing. You just leave me to figure it all out on my own and that's not fair. Not when James is telling Lily every dark detail. Bloody hell, I'm willing to bet Wilkes knows more about your lives than I do."

"That's not true," Remus couldn't keep the hurt out of his voice. Placing both his hands on Arabella's shoulders, Remus attempted for force his girlfriend to provide him with some eye contact, "Arabella, I know I haven't always been straight forward with you in the past but it wasn't because I didn't think you weren't worth telling. I cared about you and I wanted you to care about me and I just thought some things about me would drive you off. I thought I was protecting you and I'm sorry if that made you think you weren't valuable to me. But it's not fair to be cross with Lily and the others since they were merely covering on my behalf."

Arabella balled her fists up at her sides with an indignant look.

"I'm not mad at them for protecting you," Arabella narrowed her eyes, "James and Lily played me for a fool with their whole behind the scenes romance and no one could bother to tell me a thing!"

Remus shifted uncomfortably as felt his throat grow a light tight with apprehension.

"Do . . .do you still have feelings for James?" questioned Remus reluctantly.

Arabella's eyes shot wide open in reaction to this.

"No!" she insisted adamantly before softly continuing, "no, it's not about that. I'm merely saying that it would have been nice that I had heard it from them rather than finding out through some stupid snapshot. It just seems like there are a lot of things people should tell me but they never plan to admit to it unless I finally confront them on it. It's not fair that I have to force people to be honest."

Remus was finally beginning to appreciate his girlfriend's position in the dynamic of their circle of friends

"You're right, it's not," agreed Remus shamefully, "I should have been a lot more upfront with you. I should have probably even told you that James was attracted to Lily back then even if he didn't want me to. I probably would have if I wasn't afraid that there was some selfish motivation to all of it. I had feelings for you and I guess I was worried it would come off as me stabbing my friend in the back for a girl. I'm sorry; I should have been less concerned with James's secrecy and my image and been honest with you."

Arabella studied Remus and sighed before smiling slightly.

"Well, it's probably a good thing you didn't. Who knows if we would have gotten together if you had gone about things differently and I'm very happy to be with you," Arabella confessed causing Remus to smile, "but sometimes I feel a little bit sorry that it took me five and a half years to notice how something so wonderful was right under my nose."

"Well, I can't really relate," Remus grinned, "I always thought you were grand."

Arabella gave Remus a sharp, playful shove.

"I hate it when you say things like that," Arabella complained, "you make me feel horrible for not being on the same page. Particularly considering how much more brilliant you are than James ever could be in my eyes."

"Don't ever think I heard a girl say I was more interesting than James Potter," Remus confessed awkwardly, "I imagine Lily would have an argument to raise as well."

Arabella's mood suddenly shifted sour again at the mention of Lily's name.

"Yes well Lily Evans can blow it out her wand," Arabella decided shortly.

Remus's brow furrowed as she studied the shorter blonde.

"What's going on between you two lately?" asked Remus.

"She's insufferable is what's going on!" Arabella declared, "She acts like she's so clever about ever ruddy thing under the sun but she's probably the most clueless person ever half the time! She surrounds herself with all these people she thinks are harmless but their nothing more than snakes who shed their skin just enough to coil and bite. But of course when I mention such concerns, I'm the one who's out of line or being a snob. That's bloody rich saying that I've a snob when we're talking about Slytherins!"

"So you're worried about her?" Remus paraphrased with an understanding smile.

"Not that she deserves it," Arabella huffed.

Pulling Arabella into a firm hug, Remus felt just how tense his love seemed in his embrace and attempted to pull words together that would help sooth her.

"Well, I can't really help matters between you and her aside from urge you to weigh the value of a good friend against any slights they may have caused you," Remus spoke in his usual soft voice, "but the most I can assure you, Arabella is that I'm past the point of keeping things from you or trying to push you out of my life. This is it. We're together and I plan on not letting anything come between us, especially on my end of things."

"Fair enough I suppose," murmured Arabella into his chest.

Remus would have leaned in to kiss Arabella if he hadn't felt a presence standing somewhere behind him. Glancing over his shoulder, he caught sight of Hufflepuffs in their Year by the names of Travers and Rosier doing their best impressions of common voyeurs.

"Don't let us stop you, Lupin," Rosier smirked, who was taller than his friend Rosier with blonde hair a shade or two off from Arabella's.

"I think it will though, if it's all the same," Remus replied as he was in no mood to use Arabella to impress either of the boys.

"Fine by us," Travers leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets. His hair was auburn like Lily's and had eyes with a hard quality to them, "Tristan and I were just discussing how we think Figg's the best thing to happen to your reputation."

"Oh really?" Arabella raised an eyebrow. The tone in her voice raised a bit as though she was expecting to be insulted.

"You shouldn't encourage them, Arabella," Remus eyed the two boys with disinterest, "I imagine they haven't much good to say."

Remus hadn't much interaction with either of the Hufflepuffs but he knew they had a bad reputation. The possessed all the competitiveness of their House with none of the good sportsmanship akin to it.

Travers and Rosier shared a grin that was accustomed more to Slytherin.

"Oh it's a real compliment, Lupin, honest," Travers went on, "we were just saying that Figg did wonders in clearing up those pesky rumors about what everyone suspected your preferences in dating were."

"Always thought it wasn't fair for people to assume just because a bloke's weakly and effeminate that it implied something about him," Rosier added in mock support.

"Well, good to know that Remus's name is cleared," Arabella glared hotly, "of course considering you two are joined at the hip constantly and banter like an old married couple perhaps you should find some girls to pry you apart. Unless you want people to start spreading rumors that are completely rude topics of conversation."

Travers and Rosier both stared at Arabella with dark expressions.

"Right pity we all can't have fast girls to make time with in classrooms, eh Lupin?" Travers spoke to Remus but looked at Arabella.

Remus bristled.

"I think you should apologize for making gravely incorrect assumptions about my girlfriend," Remus strongly recommended.

"Oh yeah, Lupin? How off the mark are we?" Travers demanded, "maybe a tart like Figg was just looking for a challenge."

Remus moved to say something in reply but Arabella placed a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder.

"Remus," Arabella said gently, "we've got nothing to prove to either of them except that we're better people by simply walking off."

"Oh now where's that famed Gryffindor courage?" taunted Rosier.

"Far more evident than either of your Hufflepuff decency," Remus replied as he took Arabella's hand and pulled her after him, glaring at each of the boys as they passed to return to one of their compartments.

"Wow, I think Lupin's disappointment in us is the worst punishment he could have inflicted," Travers shook his head in feigned sorrow.

"I know I'LL be sleeping fitfully tonight," Rosier laughed.

Attempting to ignore the cackling of the two boys, Arabella turned to Remus with a foul expression that belonged to Travers and Rosier as they headed back to the compartment James and the others were residing in.

"I can't believe they just started on you like that!" Arabella hissed, "I guess you don't need to be in Slytherin House to be a fully certified couple of wankers now do you? Do they tease you like that often?"

"No actually, this was a first," contradicted Remus with a frown, "but I'm usually in the company of James or Sirius and they would never say anything like that in front of either of them."

"Why?" Arabella questioned.

"Well, Sirius and James are far more popular than myself and from deeper blooded wizarding families. Travers and Rosier are the types who seek out approval from whom they think are holding all the cards," rationalized Remus.

"Well then they're just morons if they don't think this sort of behavior wouldn't make it back to either of them," Arabella snorted, "I mean you three are good friends and James or Sirius would have nothing to do with them after they hear about this!"

Remus's frown deepened as he considered Arabella's words.

"That's true," Remus said thoughtfully, "which makes me wonder whose ticket those two are ridding now if they're willing to make enemies of us."

~ * * * ~

Two Days Earlier:

Aurora's Perspective

~ * * * ~

Even though I am twenty-five years old fully accredited witch who also happens to be a Junior Department Head with the British Ministry of Magic that can Apparate at will I still manage to be late for every appointment I attempt to keep. Never intentionally, mind you, it just sort of works out that way.

I swear so much slips my mind I wonder if I'll lose it altogether one of these days.

Lunch hour at Diagon Alley is always a spectacle as most wizarding folk stop of here to run errands or grab a quick bite. I'm here for the latter and my lunch date is doing his best not to show how irritated he is for me missing our arranged meeting time by about ten minutes. If he knew the stretches of time I'd make Lucius Malfoy wait for I think Severus would feel most fortunate for my fashionably late entrance.

Of course, I'd make Lucius wait for hours for entirely different reasons which are amusing but not appropriate for adults to admit to.

I watch Severus check his pocket watch from the lamppost outside the Apothecary, apparently curious as to just how late I am. Rigid as the streetlight he's propped against and darkly clad, I wonder if I tugged on a loose thread would it send him off spinning like a child's top. Of course, that's assuming Severus would permit himself to overlook an unraveled seam on his clothing. Smiling over the comical thought of spinning Severus down the block, I approach the young man and hope my grin doesn't resemble Sirius's too much.

"Apologize for keeping you waiting, Severus. Terribly rude of me since it's your time I'm wasting as well," I don't bother with explanations or excuses as I have none and I respect Severus enough not to lie to him for things as petty as saving face.

"That's alright, I trust you were preoccupied and lunch hours aren't exactly engraved in stone over at the Ministry," he replies quickly, as though someone would charge him for using an extra breath.

I've decided its nervous habit of speech for Severus to move through his sentences at a faster pace if he's feeling uncomfortable. When he's either confident of his position or what he's speaking of, Severus has the tendency to drawl as most aristocrats prefer.

"Well, I know nothing works up an appetite more for me than tardiness and guilt," I've long since accepted my nervous habit of speech is self-deprecating jokes, "so how about Chinese food on means of rewarding you for being a good sport?"

The suggestiveness of the end of my sentence occurs to me as soon as the words are hanging in the air. Once again, Severus demonstrates his maturity by not reacting at all to the bait my words would provide lesser men older than he. I assume it's either out of proper rearing or he's simply too high-brow to even register such possibly immature jokes.

Of course then what does it say about me that I notice them?

Perhaps I should consider acting my age one of these days.

"Chinese food would be fine," Severus decides, "I assume you have a place in mind."

"The Jade Dragon. Positively the best Oriental food if you can't be bothered to go to the Orient for it," I neglect to mention it's also 50% of the inventory in the refrigerator of my flat but that's a pathetic comment of domestic living for another luncheon.

"So you've been to the Orient?"

Severus engages polite conversation as most boys his age engage the opposite sex: clumsy and predictable.

"No I can't be bothered."

I play with my words as most women my age play with men: coyly and to the obnoxious point were someone could murder me for it.

~ * * * ~

After exchanging pleasantries with the other Prefects and Head boy and Girl, Lily found herself sitting across from a particularly silent Severus Snape. He was preoccupied with writing in what appeared to be a silver journal that had blue writing on the cover Lily couldn't read from her vantage point. Not wishing to disturb the Slytherin boy but still curious to his behavior, Lily attempted to read the Daily Prophet to pass the time for a bit but found her eyes drifting occasionally back to her sullen peer.

"Staring is an unbecoming habit to adopt, Evans," Severus commented without looking up. Lily blushed slightly as she folded up her paper.

"Sorry, I was just wondering what you were doing," apologized Lily.

"Writing, naturally," Severus replied quickly, still focusing on the book.

"I just meant you didn't seem the type to keep a journal," Lily felt even more awkward with each word that passed from her lips.

"Traditionally I'm not but I'm making an exception," Severus replied, "I wasn't aware my hobbies fascinated you so."

Lily officially felt like a prying cow now.

"They don't. . . what I mean to say is that we don't talk all that much lately," Lily said quickly.

"That's because I despise your boyfriend and his cohorts," Severus muttered from behind his book, "any other mysteries plaguing you?"

Lily scowled and folded her hands on top of her skirt.

"You don't need to speak to me like a dolt, you know," commented Lily stiffly, "I'm only trying to be civil. I know you don't like James or his friends but you don't have to be so abrasive about it every time the subject comes up. I don't point out how little I care for members of your House all the time, do I?"

"Even I don't care for the members of my own House, Evans," reported Severus as he applied fresh ink to his quill, "still, you have a point about my manners. What insipid chitchat would you care to indulge? Weather? Sports? Perhaps word association game of some sort?"

Lily's jaw went slightly slack in shock.

"I was thinking about something along the lines of telling you to bugger yourself," Lily returned crossly, not caring how proper she was coming off at the moment, "if you want me to leave you alone, you could simply say so."

"But then we wouldn't be able to share such a colorful banter," Severus noted idly.

"My, you're simply in a mood today," Lily shook her head and picked up her paper.

"Direct all complaints to Black," Severus instructed, "I certainly didn't ask him to charm my shoes to sound like children laughing every time I took a step."

Lily made a disgusted noise directed to Sirius.

"He needs to start acting his age one of these days," Lily decided.

"That's the very least in way of character improvement that Black needs to undergo," said Severus before resuming their silence.

Lily and Severus continued on like that until the door to their compartment slid open and Arabella stepped into the doorway.

"Afternoon Lily, have a moment?" Arabella questioned.

"Only Prefects are permitted up here, Figg," Severus tore his eyes from his book to glower at the uninvited Gryffindor girl.

"Oh calm down, Snape," Arabella rolled her eyes, "it's not as though I asked to sit on your lap for the rest of the ride into Hogwarts."

Severus slammed his book shut and rose sharply to his feet, glaring at Arabella through the entire motions.

"I'm sure Lupin greatly appreciates your sense of humor," Severus criticized as he passed Arabella, favoring the hall over her company. Shutting the door, Arabella took the place where Severus had been sitting at faced Lily's frown.

"You shouldn't tease him like that," Lily chided tiredly, "he just takes it out on everyone else when people do that sort of thing."

Arabella sucked in a deep breath to avoid arguing with Lily.

"I think Snape's big and mean enough to fight his own battles," said Arabella with a large amount of confidence before pressing on to the reason behind her presence, "actually, I came here to apologize to you for the other day. I shouldn't have blown up at you like that just because I'm insecure about a couple of things."

This earned Lily's full attention.

"Oh, Arabella, you have every right to be upset!" Lily insisted, "We have been pretty horrible to you and it's not fair for you to feel like an outsider amongst your own friends! I'm terribly sorry for everything I said that made you think you weren't a valuable friend to me and I can't begin to take it all back."

"Lily, really, it's alright," assured Arabella, "I talked with Remus and he set me straight on how I shouldn't hold grudges that aren't worth it."

"What about your fury of words with Severus?" Lily raised an amused eyebrow.

"Oh THAT'S worth it!" Arabella laughed and Lily couldn't help but join her for a couple minutes.

"So we're friends again?" Lily asked, almost forgetting how good it felt to smile with her friend.

"Never stopped," replied Arabella.

"Well you should probably hurry off before Severus births kittens over you sitting up here," Lily advised jokingly.

Arabella's blue eyes lit up at the prospects of this.

"Yeah, I'd hate to find out there's something I actually like about him," Arabella burst out laughing again before exiting the cabin, "why not come with? I'm sure James would love to see you."

"May as well," Lily decided as she and Arabella made their way to the back of the train.

~ * * * ~

Two Days Earlier:

Severus's Perspective

~ * * * ~

My eyes search the crowded alley for familiar faces, not because I care for their company or hope to be recognized. Quite the opposite in fact. I desire nothing more than to be another anonymous face in the crowd this afternoon. However when one finds themselves walking alongside an attractive young woman who is of a noteworthy position within the Ministry it becomes hard to not draw the occasional eye.

We eat at the Jade Dragon as Aurora recommended which has a very authentic appeal to it from what I'd imagine structures in China to resemble. I note the lanterns made to resemble dragons breathing fire from their mouths just outside the restaurant. I only have a vague impression of what the interior looks like as Aurora suggests we dine outside in the fair spring weather. I personally would have preferred to sit inside since I have little care for the sun but I say nothing to protest.

Our food is served and I question how people in Eastern nations don't starve considering how impossible it is to wield two wooden splinters in the interest of eating. Aurora chuckles and offers advise that is only occasionally helpful as she makes feeding herself with chopsticks appear simple. Although I would be far more comfortable eating with a fork, I continue to fumble with the loathsome utensils rather than relinquish my pride.

I'll be certain to practice later with chopsticks so I will avoid such an embarrassing incident repeating itself in the future.

We talk about things I don't care about. Not because they aren't interesting or because I'm indifferent to Aurora's opinions, but I'm preoccupied with what is contained within the inner pocket of my cloak.

I'm not accustomed to allowing my actions to hesitate once I come to a decision; however I find my thoughts festering within my mind like a dull ache I can't properly relieve. I rehearse dialogues in my mind, rephrasing and prepping my words. Nothing feels quite satisfactory as I maintain the illusion of idle conversation aloud.

Her words and gestures distract me as they all are implemented with such perfection and poise. The wind caresses her raven hair in a way that leaves me envious.

How could a personification of maturity and elegance be related so rich in blood to that fool Sirius Black?

At last irritated with an indecision that would have me berate any other person guilty of it, I force the words available to my mind out in the open.

"I have something for you," a direct and entirely unimpressive transition on my part; however verbal tact was never a strong suit of mine.

"Oh?" If Aurora was taken off guard she provides no outward indication aside from her knowing smile. If any other person smiled as much as Aurora Black I would have taken it as a substitute for intelligent thought.

Of course I know that's not the case in the most remote of senses.

I remove a book, pale blue in cover with silver writing upon it, and place it upon the table. I rarely wrap gifts since it's an ultimate waste of time for both the presenter and the recipient. Removing her glasses from her robes, Aurora places the handsome eyewear upon the bridge of her nose as she curiously draws the book closer to her.

"It's one part of an exchange journal. Whatever is written in one book will appear in the other almost instantaneously. I think you'll find it more expedient than sending letters out in the post."

I hear myself explain the gift with the same offhand drawl I would use to contribute to an open discussion in my lessons. I allow my voice to betray nothing of everything I had invested into the project for the past month. It's as I told Lily Evans before I even knew Aurora Black existed.

Never give anyone the power to control you.

"How thoughtful. . ." Aurora smiles gently as she examines the book with precious care. Her blue eyes never abandoning the cover. She passes her long fingers over the cover which I had a single word etched in with a silvery ink.

Selene.

I doubt that a woman like Aurora hasn't received more extravagant gifts in her now or in her youth still I thought she might have appreciated it.

"How thoughtful. . ." Aurora repeats once more before her eyes meet mine. It occurs to me that Aurora's sapphire stare lacks her years. They aren't as knowing as her smile or mature as her form. They were the eyes of a girl's that never quite bothered to grow up along with the rest of her.

I question how someone could be so maternal in so many regards yet so in need of nurturing in others.

"This is probably the most considerate gift given to me," she decides aloud. I'm not entirely certain how to react to such a compliment. I would have assumed it to be polite or otherwise insincere if not for the quiet thread woven in her voice that shows a genuine gratitude.

"It was nothing," I insist uncomfortably. I want to pull my eyes from hers but there's something reluctant in me.

"Well, regardless of your impressions of it, I believe I shall keep it close to me," Aurora says as she slips the book into her robes, "this way, if I feel the need to talk to you I can do so whenever I please. It will almost be like having a real flesh and blood conversation."

"That was the idea," I nod as I watch her conceal the book. I have every intention of keeping my own journal on my person from this moment on.

"Well it was a wonderful one," she assures me.

I watch a smile form over her lips that give me a fear, in my heart, that I may be losing control.

~ * * * ~

Laughter sprang from the Great Hall under the illumination of floating candles as Hogwarts rejoined in a welcoming feast. Voices carried as students discussed what they had done over holiday down the length of their House table as mouths moved enthusiastically and ears listened with interest. Gradually having their fill of both food and conversation, students started to depart the Hall in small clusters in search of ways to spend the remainder of their evening.

"They always manage to go all out for these welcome back bashes, don't they?" Peter praised Hogwarts as he and the rest of the Gryffindor 6^th Years exited the Great Hall, "what should we do with the rest of our evening?"

"I don't know, I thought I'd help Lily unpack in her room," replied James as he smiled to Lily and pulled her closer to him as they walked.

"Brilliant code you have there James, however will they solve it?" Lily rolled her eyes.

"I wasn't too sly with that was I?" James grinned with an awkward laugh.

"Probably more so than I would have been," Sirius patted his friend on the back, "I guess we'll cross paths later than, hm?

"Alright we're off then," James announced as he and Lily strolled down their own corridor.

"Three months together and they're still as lovey-dovey as they were when they first started going out," Peter marveled, "reckon they have a shot at keeping it that way?"

"I know there's not a whole lot of hope for the lot of us if those two can't pull it off," decided Sirius before his eyes caught Winifred making her way towards the dungeons with a pack of 4^th and 5^th Year Slytherin girls following in tow, all evidently seeking her attention.

"I'll see you guys back at the tower," Sirius waved to the remainder of his House as he trotted off in the direction of the Slytherins.

"I give him a month before he drops that line about him just wanting a friend and tries to snog that viper's brains out," Peter scowled as he crossed his arms.

"Aren't you a generous one?" Arabella joined him, "I suspect she'll be coiling about him within the week!"

"Retract your claws, Pet," requested Remus as he put an arm around Arabella and turned to Peter, "what do you want to do with the rest of the evening, Mate?"

"It's almost odd having no lessons to study over isn't it?" Arabella noted.

"Lessons? Oh bloody hell; I COMPLETELY forgot to do my book report for History of Magic!" Peter moaned, "I'm only halfway through my historical fiction chronicling the formation of Western European wizarding relations since it's as dry as toast!"

Millicent Meeks had a scandalized expression on her face while Remus gaped.

"You had all holiday to do it!" Remus chided, "Now you've got thirteen hours to read the rest of your dry book and write a report on it!"

This caught Gwen McGinnis's attention in a dramatic way.

"The essay's due TOMORROW?" Gwen McGinnis shrieked, "I thought we only had to read the book."

"Why would ye think that?" Cassidy Kinkade demanded.

"Because I was partnered with Peter when it was assigned!" cried Gwen, "I can't afford to get poor marks on this assignment! I'm doing so horribly already, what am I going to do?"

"Well for starters thank Merlin yer not as bad off as Peter!" Cassidy decided as she grabbed the hood of Gwen's cloak and started dragging her off in the direction of the library, "but mostly yer going to park yer bum in the library fer the rest of the night while Millicent and I make sure ye actual write something worth turning in."

"That's right, Gwen, don't fret," said Millicent who sounded as distraught over Peter and Gwen's situation as they were while she chased after the two girls, "we'll make sure you manage alright in the class."

"Thank you!" Gwen sobbed as she appeared to be on the verge of tears or panic.

"Thank us after yer out of the woods, ye lazy gnome!" huffed Cassidy as continued to prod Gwen along.

"I'll grab my book and meet you three there," Peter groaned as he headed back in the direction of dormitories.

Watching their friends disperse, Arabella and Remus glanced at one another with worn expressions.

"Want to go for a walk around the lake before curfew?" Arabella suggested.

"Very much so since I have no desire to watch Cassidy's motivational tactics or Peter and Gwen's hysterics," Remus nodded.

Smiling to one another and their newfound privacy, Remus and Arabella walked towards the nearest exit hand in hand.

~ * * * ~

Two Days Earlier:

Aurora's Perspective

~ * * * ~

"How thoughtful. . ." I hear my voice comment as I pour over the book with precious care. My eyes memorizing the features of it as though I might someday forget it. I pass my long fingers over the cover which has a single word scribed atop it in silvery ink.

Selene.

"How thoughtful. . ." I can't help but wonder where Endymion is as my eyes meet his onyx ones.

The implication alone is beyond flattering. That Severus must truly enjoy and value our conversations to go to such great lengths to preserve them. I know he's concerned with privacy but the most endearing part of that is he wishes to include me in it. The time and effort that went into constructing the book and its magical properties. . .

. . . that and the fact that must have been thinking of me in all the time he was making it.

But it was the engraving shows he not only listens to me, but remembers my words as much as it shows that he not only remembers, but is sentimental of them.

In all my twenty-five years, I have received many tokens from friends and admires, and none of which has ever displayed the level of intimacy as Severus's gift. It wasn't an arbitrary gesture attempting to ensnare my attention or declaring a desire to want to know me.

It said that he already possessed my attention as well as he already knew me.

"This is probably the most considerate gift given to me," I announce for Severus's benefit. He should know how deeply I treasure this.

"It was nothing," Severus replies dismissively.

You sweet liar.

It's everything.

"Well, regardless of your impressions of it, I believe I shall keep it close to me," I decide while placing the book into my outer robes, "this way, if I feel the need to talk to you I can do so whenever I please. It will almost be like having a real flesh and blood conversation."

"That was the idea," he nods along.

"Well it was a wonderful one."

I watch Severus flinched as though I had just struck him.

I'm accustomed to making men uncomfortable, intentionally and not. I can recall all the tongue-tied boys from Hogwarts, the flustered men at the Ministry, and even the occasional anxious stranger. I even remember how, years ago, James Potter had a crush on her, how charming and awkward he had been about it all at once.

It that what is happening now?

Another school boy crush on me?

I want to give Severus more credit than that. He is so precise, purposeful, and liberated of most impulse. Everything about him is guarded and controlled, suggesting that he never did anything unless he truly desired to. Of course, whoever met a seventeen year old boy in complete control of his emotions?

I wonder if I may have.

I don't believe Severus has a crush on me. Such a thing would imply that there was something unrequited in it all. I suppose there's a particular tragedy in knowing that the most mature and worthwhile man I've met recently also happens to be an underage wizard my brother hates.

Of course there's always something inherently tragic about every relationship in my life.

A feel an attempt to verbalize these emotions boiling in the pit of my stomach, however, if I would have said them just now remains unknown. My wand pulsates within my robes, alerting me to a message I've received. I draw my wand to receive whatever news could not wait for my lunch break to finish.

Instantaneously I know Bartemius Crouch wants me to bring him all the notes I have from my interviews with families victimized by Death Eaters in recent months. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement wants to look over them to see if they can find any clues to the identities of the individuals responsible for torturing and murders of innocent people. I think I'll pass the notes through Frank Longbottom since the zeal Crouch has been exhibiting in his crusade provides me with a certain amount of pause as to what he would use my work for.

"It appears the Ministry has seen fit to end our luncheon," I say to Severus, aware of his eyes upon me, "I have to stop by my flat and pick up some notes to pass along to another department."

"I understand," and I know Severus does. If nothing else could be said about him, I always felt that Severus respected my work and commitment to the Ministry. That sort of acceptance would have done much to benefit tumultuous relationship Lucius and I had entertained in the past.

A thought occurs to me that should remain a thought yet I hear myself speak it.

"Of course if you'd like to accompany me, you're more than welcome."

Let it never be said I lived any other life than that of a fool. No wonder Sirius has ended up as he has with such a poor role-model as myself.

"That would be fine," Severus agrees in his usual silky voice, "I had cleared my afternoon for you to begin with."

I can't help but find this whole situation irreparably wicked. It occurs to me that I should play the part of the adult in all this; however that would imply that I considered Severus a child. It would probably be easier if I could think of him with the same sisterly fondness I do with James, Remus, Peter, or any of the other friends Sirius has introduced me to over the years but Severus would have to be so wise beyond his years and suggestive of a maturity men twice his age failed to possess.

I should know better than all this.

~ * * * ~

"What does HE want?" a snub-nosed blonde Slytherin girl demanded as she spied Sirius approaching the group of girls. Winifred glanced over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow, taking notice of Sirius Black's presence along with the rest of the girls accompanying her.

"An excellent question, Tabitha," replied Winifred with a small grin, "I imagine he'll tell us though."

Most of the 4^th Years were still young enough to simply regard Sirius as an obnoxious Gryffindor the older Slytherins complained about while the 5^th Years couldn't help but notice Sirius was an obnoxious Gryffindor the older Slytherins complained about that also happened to be very handsome.

It basically came down to a difference of which of the girls were placing their hands upon their hips in indignant posses and which were quickly smoothing out their hair and skirts.

"Good evening, girls," charmed Sirius, "enjoy your holidays?"

The air filled with a mixture of flattered giggles and unimpressed snorts in response to Sirius. A few girls actually bothered to answer Sirius whether it was intended to be sincere or sarcastic. Sirius nodded and smiled to those who spoke up.

"Running a poll then for Gryffindor, Mr. Black?" Winifred questioned while cocking her head to the side. A few snickers rose from the girls unwilling to give Sirius a break.

"You tell him, Winifred!"

Sirius turned his pale blue eyes on Winifred with an amused look.

"And what did YOU do with your spring holiday Miss Wilkes?"

"Spent time with a rather annoying young man who is entirely too entertained with his own company," reported Winifred.

"Good to know how Snape's doing," Sirius nodded with a broad grin, "actually I have a question about our Herbology work for the week that I was hoping you could help me out on. I hear from the Ravenclaws you're pretty on the ball with botany."

The Slytherin girl named Tabitha rolled her eyes to this.

"Well that's a line if I ever heard one!"

"Aren't you an adorable little cynic," commented Sirius in a condescending tone to the mouthy girl before turning back to Winifred, "what do you say, Wilkes? I can't tell the difference between my belladonna and nightshade."

"That's because there is no difference, Black, it's the same plant," reported Winifred with a chuckled that was echoed by some of the more unrelenting Slytherin with her.

"It appears I'm worse off than I thought," Sirius's grin grew broader.

"Bloody good thing you're easy on the eyes, Black," one of the Slytherin girls joked causing a few laughs, including one from Winifred.

"I think I'll be generous and help out Mr. Black for a few minutes. I'll see you girls back at the dormitories," instructed Winifred.

Most of the girls appeared content to leave on Winifred's command while a few appeared suspicious of Sirius still. Regardless, all the girls departed Sirius and Winifred's company without complaint. Sirius watched the girls clear off towards the dungeons.

"Lovely pack of ankle biters you have there," Sirius observed before turning to Winifred, "to what do you owe their undying allegiance?"

"Apparently I'm the one they look up to now that Mary is on the outs," Winifred shrugged, apparently indifferent to the attention.

"So that makes you the Alpha-Slytherin?" Sirius smirked as he leaned against a ledge.

"I suppose so," Winifred nodded as her eyes followed the students passing around them, "pity you can't manage the same without disgracing Potter."

"Ah, James is a different sort of popular from me," Sirius mused, "I'm popular in a happy-go-lucky way while he's popular in a dependable, admiration sort of way. It suits us fine. I don't think he'd want to be seen as so careless and I know I'm the best at heart."

"Modesty really isn't a strong suit of your, is it Sirius?" Winifred smiled.

"Not nearly as much as leadership fits you," Sirius complimented, "I much prefer knowing you're hissing orders to the Slytherin masses instead of Mary Tudor."

"Well don't get used to it, she'll manage her way back on top soon. Probably much to my intended humiliation," Winifred wagered.

"What did you do to her?" Sirius questioned curiously before adding, "not that I suspect Tudor needs all that much of a reason considering how unbalanced she is."

Winifred pulled a bit of her layered brown locks from the back of her collar before flipping it with an unconcerned expression.

"It's a long story that would probably get you to not talk to me out of principle," Winifred replied, "it's also a moot point as, like you said, Mary is just looking for an excuse to lash out at me. She's the easily threatened sort and can't stand to have a rival, not that I'm much of one."

"Still waters run deep, luv," Sirius grinned.

"Nothing still about your waters, Sirius," Winifred observed coyly.

"Yeah, but I'm as shallow as a puddle on a summer afternoon," Sirius laughed. The expression on Sirius's face suggested he was pondering just how he should take Winifred's comment. Winifred studied Sirius with her dark eyes.

"Do you really need help in Herbology?" Winifred questioned in a tone that suggested she could guess the answer.

Sirius's suddenly looked rather amused with himself.

"I scored in the top 5 for wizards last year on my O.W.L.s so probably not," Sirius admitted, "I guess I just wanted to see where we stood with one another now that we're back in Hogwarts."

"Good question," Winifred nodded along, "rumors will fly if we're seen around one another too often and too casually."

"And I'm guessing that's a problem for you," Sirius crossed his arms while examining Winifred.

"I never pretended it wasn't," shrugged Winifred, "I told you before holiday that I didn't think it was a good idea for either of us to get too friendly."

"Of course that was before you spent the night at my house," Sirius pointed out. Winifred went rigid and glanced around the hall to see if anyone overheard that remark. Sirius gave Winifred a cockeyed look in response to this, "Oh come on now, Win, half our Year saw you at my party and word will get back to the rest of them."

"Explaining my presence at a party is one thing, explaining why I was under the same roof as you during the night is another," Winifred replied unappreciatively, her eyes caught sight of her cousin making his way towards their direction, "I have to go now. Meet me in greenhouse three after nine and we'll talk more."

"Alright," agreed Sirius as he watched Winifred stride off towards her House commons with her head held in the air. He pushed himself off the ledge and noticed Snape out of the corner of his eye. Snape was harboring an even more unpleasant expression than usual. Sirius watched him pass, guessing he probably saw him talking with Winifred but chose not to comment on it for some reason.

Not particularly interested in a fight, Sirius walked off in the opposite direction which checking his wristwatch to see how far off nine o'clock was.

* * *

"So I guess this is my punishment for not coming up with better lies to tell our friends?" James asked as he found himself actually helping Lily to unpack in her bedroom. He was assigned to arranging books and knickknacks as Lily was far too modest to let him help unpack her clothing.

"I thought this was your big plot for the evening," Lily quipped as she placed a fresh uniform out for lessons the next morning.

Finishing his alphabetizing quickly, James moved behind Lily and draped his arms around her in a slightly seductive manner. His fingers traced lightly through the fabric of her sleeves.

"Far from it," James breathed into Lily's ear feeling her tense a bit under the heat of the air, "I've barely seen you for two weeks. . . I thought I would go mad if I didn't get alone with you for a bit."

Lily turned about face so she could look James in the eyes. What she saw in them caused her to blush a bit. James joined her flushed expression rather quickly as he cleared his throat.

"What-what I meant to say was I felt lost without you lately," James clarified, his mouth suddenly feeling very dry.

"I've missed you too," Lily admitted, "I don't know how I'm going to bear the summer."

"I was thinking about that too," James ran his hand through Lily's long hair compulsively, "I was also thinking that if you wanted to stay with me for a bit, I could show you my family home. I think you'd like it there and it's the closest thing I can think of to introducing you to my parents."

Lily stared at James, unsure of what to say. She knew there was no way her parents would allow her to stay with her boyfriend for a period of time without any adult supervision but a large part of her wanted desperately to take James up on his offer.

"We'll have to see about that later on," Lily replied softly, lifting herself up on her toes to kiss James's mouth and put an end to the conversation.

James accepted the embrace and tightened his hold around his girlfriend. He had almost forgotten how perfect it felt to have her in his arms. Quickly finding themselves not entirely satisfied with polite kisses, the motions of their mouths became more intense and intrusive. James shot his hand out for support against Lily's dresser out of fear that his knees would buckle under the passion of their attentions. About to suggest they take their reunion over to Lily's bed, James's words were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Lily nearly leapt out of her skin and pivoted her head with an expression that suggested she wasn't entirely sure she had locked her door. James exhaled in an audible and annoyed fashion as he was no longer kissing his love thanks to a rude interruption. This frustration gave way to alarm when James realized that he was without his invisibility cloak and any proper excuse for being alone in his girlfriend's room.

Glancing to James with an expression that was uncertain of what to do next, the voice at the other end of the door spoke.

"Lily? I was wondering if you had any Avidity Elixir I could borrow."

Lily sighed in relief as James's entire demeanor relaxed. Crossing the room to the door, Lily opened it and smiled at Peter.

"Sorry to interrupt anything if I'm in fact interrupting anything," apologized Peter as he fidgeted in the doorway, "but I'm kind of in a bind and am looking at a long night of composing ahead of me and I need to keep my wits about me and you know how bad I am with potion making as you'll recall from that Quidditch party last November . . . better yet let's not recall that but still . . ."

"It's alright Peter," Lily cut off the boy's run on sentence, "I've got something that might help you out."

Walking over to where she kept her surplus potions, Lily sought out the one Peter had requested as James moved to meet his friend.

"What do you need to study for?" James questioned.

"I forgot to finish our work in History of Magic," Peter moaned tragically.

"Harsh luck there," said James sympathetically before he noticed Professor McGonagall was standing right over Peter's shoulder with a rather displeased expression.

James felt his mouth go dry again.

"Good evening, Professor," he managed to rasp out causing Peter to turn with a startled jump. He heard Lily drop something from within the room but didn't dare look away from the narrowed eyes of the Head of his House.

"Good evening," McGonagall nodded as she joined Peter in the doorway and peered in, "may I ask, Mr. Potter, why you are in Miss Evans's room?"

James's smile was epically calmer compared to the racing beat of his heart against his chest. After six years, James was beginning to find he was running out of plausible lines to feed Professor McGonagall. Desperately he fought to keep his hand from running through his hair, afraid his nervous twitch would give away the game before it even started.

"Oh that," James began casually but was finding an ending to his excuse was failing him. It didn't help that it felt like McGonagall's eyes were burning into his soul mercilessly.

"Some prankster through it would be funny to throw some magical lock on my trunk," Lily's voice swooped into the conversation, "I suspect it was Sirius Black so I had James lend a wand. After all, I figured he probably taught it to him in the first place."

"He does that sort of thing to me all the time," Peter added helpfully in a small voice, "thinks inconveniencing people it right funny, the git does."

McGonagall's eyes shifted between Lily and James like twin pendulums and didn't appear particularly impressed with the young couple's explanation.

"Mr. Pettigrew, would you excuse us," Professor McGonagall said in a manner that made it clear she wasn't requesting Peter's absence. Nodding dumbly, Peter threw Lily and James an encouraging look as he headed off for the common room.

"You'll understand if I don't automatically assume the only reason Mr. Potter could think of to be with you alone in your room, Miss Evans, it to help you with a hex on your trunk," Professor McGonagall held her hands in front of her emerald robes with a stern expression.

Lily and James shared a glance that they hoped could be passed off as an innocent one.

"I'm not sure I know what you mean," James said apologetically before turning back to Professor McGonagall.

The roll of McGonagall's eyes suggested that she wasn't very impressed with James's ignorance. Lily placed a hand to her chest with a deep blush and scandalized expression.

"Oh Professor!" gasped Lily in a taken aback tone, "I must admit I'm somewhat surprised that you would suspect such a thing."

"I have nothing but the utmost respect for Lily," assured James.

"And James is nothing but a gentleman at all times,"

"Not to mentions a young lady like Lily wouldn't have even been considered for the position of Prefect if she wasn't responsible and mature,"

"He is the absolute pinnacle of a proper Gryffindor: chivalrous, considerate, - "

Professor McGonagall raised her hand swiftly as a gesture to silence both Lily and James.

"Alright, I think enough lucky stars have been counted for the moment," Professor McGonagall peered over the rims of her spectacles, "it's not my place to lecture you on what behavior is acceptable of young lovers in their relationship however if I suspect something inappropriate is transpiring I will notify those whose place it happens to be, namely your parents. Am I clear?"

"Yes Professor," James and Lily replied in unison.

"Very well, James have you finished 'assisting' Lily with her luggage?" McGonagall questioned.

"I suppose for the time being," said James.

"Then kindly leave Miss Evans's room so she can finish unpacking," Professor McGonagall requested as she stepped to the side to allow James to leave.

"I'll see you later, James. Goodbye, Professor," Lily muttered as Professor McGonagall closed the door behind James. James attempted his most charming smile for McGonagall's benefit as he prepared to escort her to the common room. He felt it falter when he saw Sirius making his way up the stairs just as they were heading down.

"Mr. Black, just the person we were discussing," Professor McGonagall greeted, causing Sirius so turn to her and James with an inquisitive expression.

"And what were you discussing, Professor?" Sirius knew better than offering anything up to a teacher without first being asked.

"About how you hexed Lily's trunk shut," James prompted before Professor McGonagall could answer Sirius.

Smiling at his friend, Sirius nodded.

"Well how else am I expected to keep the boggart stowed in?" Sirius laughed, "just kidding about the boggart part, Professor."

"And if I was to take each of you aside and asked you to identify the curse, I'm certain you could both provide the same answer. After all, since Mr. Black cast it and Mr. Potter dispelled it you both should know," Professor McGonagall kept her attention divided between the boys, studying their every movement.

"The Counter-Clock Latch Lock curse?" James and Sirius said at once since it was their favorite means to keep others out of their things.

James wondered if Professor McGonagall would be as impressed with their quick response as he was.

"Thank you, Mr. Black," Professor McGonagall dismissed Sirius as he resumed his path to the dorms. McGonagall turned on the landing to face James.

"Well Mr. Potter, it looks like I have no reason to disbelieve the story you and Miss Evans have told me," Professor McGonagall sighed.

"Please, Professor, it's really no trouble," James replied quickly.

"Oh but you haven't let me finish, James," Professor McGonagall's eyes danced from behind her glasses, "I was about to say I have no reason to disbelieve other than the fact that Lily's trunk was wide opened and completely unpacked when I glanced in her room."

"Oh," James mouthed as he felt himself pale slightly. Professor McGonagall nodded to the boy's reaction.

"Consider yourself fortunate, Mr. Potter, that I lack more than suspicion at the moment, however don't expect as many lucky breaks in the future," McGonagall reported as she headed for the commons.

James rested against the wall with a loud sigh and anxious feeling within him. Deciding that if he and Lily were looking to spend time alone that night it would have to be somewhere other than her room, James's mind began to consider his alternatives.

~ * * * ~

Two Days Earlier:

Severus's Perspective

~ * * * ~

After a five minute open debate, I convince Aurora to let me pay for lunch after assuring her it's merely a polite gesture rather than some tactical blow from my end in the battle of the sexes.

Bloody stubborn woman.

After a few blocks walk further estranging us from Diagon Alley I follow Aurora into the open space of her loft. I drift my eyes across its features without making any overt motions of my head. Still displaying a certain pride in her House at Hogwarts, bronze and various blues are the prevalent colors of her flat as they are traditionally a part of her wardrobe. Apparently Aurora harbors some deep-seeded aversion to not utilizing every centimeter of space with some piece of furniture, rug, or upright lamp. Pictures and hanging ornamentation overrun the walls that are not occupied by brimming cases of books and parchments. The surface of every table is cluttered with opened books and scattered parchments which forces me to fight off the nagging compulsion to begin organizing the sad state of Aurora's domestic management.

"Were you ransacked or just in desperate need of an assistant?"

I wonder why she doesn't have a House Elf keep her flat in order for her since she was obviously too busy to do so herself. Although they lacked the fortunes of the decadent Malfoy's or dying Potter line, the Blacks are as economically secure as my own family as the luxurious quality of her possessions would indicate.

I find myself shuffling a stack of papers.

"Why? Looking for summer employ?" Aurora teases me.

I can't say there isn't something tempting in that offer.

"Odds are it will be forced upon me whether or not I seek it," I reply as I my hands behind my back to avoid any further housekeeping, "my mother insists on private tutoring during the summer days and my father would like me to intern with the Ministry as it would be advantageous for after I graduate."

I feel a smug expression claim my face. I doubt many other students at Hogwarts had my foresight or diligence to master the craft of magic and secure a place in its world. In my mind, this was a true testament of maturity in comparison to my so-called contemporaries that were dictated by something as trivial and irrelevant as their birth year. Undoubtedly, they would all be content to waste their summer months on idle fun that will be nothing more than a bleed of youthful purpose wasted.

"How ambitious of you," Aurora nods to my as she investigates an area that appeared to be her office, "I imagine Sirius and the others have no greater plans than sleeping in as long as they can manage and seeing the Quidditch World Cup live."

As usual, it feels grand when I'm proven to be so achingly correct in my judgments.

"If you're looking for perspective within the Ministry, I could speak with my Department Head and see about arranging something for you in my field," Aurora offered, turning her sapphire eyes up to me.

An entire summer in Aurora's presence.

Temptation would be a light assessment of present feeling.

"I assume my Father would want me in the Department of Mysteries with him," Severus reply reluctantly.

"Well nothing against your Father's branch, but I think it would be a waste of your skills at interpersonal insight to be stuffed in some room and pondering things not meant to be fathomed," Aurora sighed as she rolled up a few sectioned of parchment and slid them into a container.

I find her faith in my personal judgment exceptionally complimenting. At times it seems as though Aurora is one of the only people in my life that cares to recognize I'm actually aware of it.

"Then perhaps I'll mention your offer to him," I would much rather deal with my Father personally since I don't want to risk Aurora inadvertently sabotaging my chances to work with her.

A picture of Aurora and Lucius catches my attention from a nearby wall. I approach the framed image of her and Lucius in Hogwarts apparel smiling politely as they proudly display their Prefect badges. I always questioned her and Lucius's relationship. What her feelings for the Malfoy heir were and why there was such an evident tension between them. I would like to voice such questions but, when thinking of Aurora and Lucius, I remember something I am far more curious of.

"In the school library there's a book from your Year that mentioned an incident with you and Lucius Malfoy in Transfigurations class. I was interested in learning what happened with that."

I hear Aurora stifle a laugh as she places down her container of parchments with a nostalgic grin.

"It's been a long while since I have thought of that," she confessed with the youthful look in her eyes, "I think we have time for a quick story."

Aurora gestures over to a sofa centered in her loft for me to join her on. I oblige, sitting next to her as she summons two cups of tea for us with her wand.

Still smiling, Aurora began:

"It was my 7^th Year at Hogwarts and Lucius and I had been dating for several years at that time. Naturally we partnered together in all the classes we shared, Transfigurations being one of them. A constant debate between Lucius and I was what was the difference between a Slytherin and a Ravenclaw. The end of the joke varied depending on who was telling it. Whenever it was at a Ravenclaws expense, the punch line was ambition and when it was a Slytherin it was conscience."

"Well one afternoon, after Lucius and I had well begun the gradual process most couples undergo as they realize they aren't as perfect for one another as they had once assumed, we got into a disagreement of opinion during a Transfiguration lab with Professor Dumbledore who taught it at the time. Lucius made it very clear that once he and I pursued a serious engagement, I was expected to abandon my career path to cater to his vision of a lady of the manner. I, in turn, made it very clear to Lucius that I hadn't spent my time at Hogwarts attempting to graduate with one of the highest placements just to become some domesticated witch. Lucius's reply to this was naturally:

"My dear Aurora, if you had been intended to use anything other than practical magic you would have been born a Wizard."

Aurora sipped her tea before smiling to herself.

"I assume that's when you struck him," I guessed.

"Naturally," she replied sounding a little pleased with herself.

"And Dumbledore said nothing?" I questioned.

"Oh no, he said something," Aurora assured with a broader grin.

"'It appears Miss Black is having a rather uncharacteristically Slytherin moment, wouldn't you agree Mr. Malfoy?'"

I feel myself join Aurora in her smile.

"Lucius and I broke up not long after that," Aurora went on.

"If I may say, it doesn't appear as though Lucius has completely abandoned his hoped for reconciling with you," I observed.

Aurora nodded thoughtfully, not looking at anything in specific as she did so.

"Every so often we forget how ill-suited we are for one another and make another failed attempt at romance but wildly successful effort in aggravating one another," she explained, "I find that particular merry-go-round quite dizzying and not all that merry."

"Perhaps that's something that's additionally Slytherin of you," I offer softly, "a reluctance to accept anything but what you set your mind and heart upon. You shouldn't have to sacrifice so much of yourself simply to accommodate another."

No longer staring into space, Aurora turns to me with an expressing that suggests she's somewhat flattered by my words.

"Thank you, Severus."

Her voice was as careful as the way her hand slipped on top of mine. It was a gesture I wouldn't have equated with one of friendship. It was the light touch of someone who was reaching out for something in a moment of vulnerability.

That or one hoping to be seized themselves.

~ * * * ~

Most certainly agreeing with James that it would be stupid to attempt anything in her room again that evening, Lily followed her boyfriend up to the attic of Gryffindor to find a new private local. Opening the door into the peak, James made an irritable noise as he spied Mundungus Fletcher seated in the middle of the room glancing up at the pair as they entered. Judging by the arrangement of charts and supplies, several other students were joining Fletcher in his Astronomy work.

"Oh goodness," Lily sniffed a pungent stench in the air as she and James approached the 4^th Year, "have you been smoking up here, Mundungus?"

"Absolutely not," Fletcher insisted with a shocked expression that might have very well been insincere, "Regina Atkins attempted a fag but it turned her green and she's retching downstairs now. The girls I was with are checking up on her."

"And you didn't join her?" James crossed his arms with a stern expression. Although he had no official authority in Gryffindor, James liked to think that his popularity and position as Fletcher's Quidditch Captain counted for something. And the last impression James wanted to give the 4^th Year as a role model and coach was that he approved of smoking.

"Last thing I need is to be wheezing like one of Arabella Figg's cats with a hairball during our games," Fletcher replied.

"Well that's good to know, but you and your group are going to have to find a new place to study for the night," James informed.

"James, you appalling seventeen year old male!" Lily shoved her boyfriend hopping to jar his one-track mind back onto proper priorities, "they're studying up here!"

"Yeah, Cap', we're studying for a test tomorrow night," Fletcher echoed, amused by the spat, "find yourself another dark corner."

Lily went bright red at the insinuation while James couldn't help but grin.

"Fletcher, that's bloody insubordination!" James laughed in protest.

Fletcher merely shook his head.

"This doesn't look like the Pitch to me, Cap', afraid you have no authority here," observed Fletcher with a smug grin as he went back to his chart.

"She does a prefect," James pointed out with a gesture Lily's way.

"Sorry Cap' but I don't think a respectful Prefect like Lily will be exploiting the power her badge wields because her boyfriend's interested in a snog," Fletcher wagered, his grin growing wider as he stole a glance at Lily.

"I could tell the lot of you to shove off for smoking up here," Lily noted in a disapproving voice, not wanting to seem like a push over.

"True, you could make Regina leave," Fletcher agreed, "but when the rest of my study group gets back you'll have to invent some good reasons to send the rest of us off. After all, is it fair for our grades to suffer because of one student's actions?"

"I could if you all turned a blind eye to her behavior," Lily stated, "why shouldn't the lot of you be punished for not stopping her?"

"Same logic could be turned on you," Fletcher decided with a shrug, "more so, perhaps, what with you being the Prefect and all."

Lily paused on Fletcher's deflection.

"You're right," Lily nodded, "I apologize. Tell Regina I'm taking five points from Gryffindor and will turn her over to Professor McGonagall if I hear about her smoking again."

"Will do, Madam Prefect," Fletcher saluted comically as he returned to his homework.

James eyed Fletcher carefully. Lily couldn't decide if he was enraged with the boy for thwarting his intentions or impressed that the 4^th Year was so skillful at it. In fact, Lily was experiencing the same debate. Relenting, James took Lily's hand and pulled her off.

"I'm checking up on your marks on this exam, Mundungus," James reported in an amused tone, "and there will be bloody hell to pay if you don't do respectably."

"Ten strides ahead, my Captain," Fletcher waved the pair off as he resumed his studies, "Did you know I'm up for House Prefect if Lily makes Headgirl?"

"Position's as good as your then, Mundungus," James grinned broadly at Lily as he shut the attic door behind them. He waited until they were a few steps down before speaking, "Fletcher's a clever lad, pity it's going to cause me to crawl out of my own skin."

"Well, I guess we'll just have to conjure a new bright idea if we want to be on our own this evening," Lily sighed, feeling slightly annoyed herself at the apparent efforts of Gryffindor to sabotage any chances of them spending a quiet moment together.

"Well I could get my invisibility cloak . . ." James grinned at Lily under his breath.

Lily scowled at the mention of this.

"I'm not letting you paw at me beneath an invisibility cloak!" Lily hissed indignantly.

It was James's turn to look slightly shocked.

"What? No! Geez Lily, I'm not particularly interested in that public a display of affection, even if no one can see us!" James sputtered out with an embarrassed expression, "What I meant was we could use it to sneak off somewhere."

"Oh," Lily began silently chiding herself for being the randy one between them, "well, where should we go then?"

"Hmm, I'd say I could sneak you into my room but I really don't know when the other guys will wander back and the last thing I want is them catching us in the throws of anything," James pondered this as they lingered in front of the boys' dormitory, "Filch and Mrs. Norris are probably well on their rounds with makes most places in the castle a gamble to hide in. I know a couple passages that aren't ever used but it's not the sort of places I'd describe as particularly romantic. I suppose we could sneak out by the lake."

"That would be lovely," Lily decided with a small smile.

"Alright then," James squeezed Lily's hand once before opening the door to the dormitories, "give me a moment then."

Lily nodded as she attempted to inconspicuously await James's return.

* * *

It was right at nine when Sirius arrived at Greenhouse three. He attempted the handle of the door and found it unlocked. Entering then pulling the door shut behind him, Sirius spied Winifred at the opposite end busying herself by misting water over the flowerbeds with the tip of her wand.

"Professor Sprout know you're here?" Sirius questioned as he approached the Slytherin girl.

"Of course," Winifred nodded as she glanced over to him, "she doesn't mind the help since she's has her classes to think about as well as the general work that's required in carrying for all these greenhouses."

"You really like plants don't you?" Sirius moved closer to Winifred to see what she was paying particular attention to. At first glance, Sirius would have assumed the foliage to be ivy but it was a little too animate, red, and spiky.

"I have a certain affinity," Winifred reported as she noticed Sirius's presence, "watch yourself, this is venomous tentacula and it's easily antagonized by strangers."

"You don't seem all that concerned," said Sirius but still took a step back, not caring to provoke the nasty plant.

"It's more than used to me and Oleander by now," Winifred explained as she continued her watering.

"Oleander?" Sirius questioned. Winifred gestured to a brown toad sitting lazily on the soil while eyeing Sirius and softly croaking.

"Huh. I would have figured you more as a cat person," confessed Sirius as he stared at the amphibian with interest, "seemed like you would have had a bit more kinship for something that sneaks about with a fierce independent streak."

Winifred smiled as though she had just been complimented.

"I find frogs and toads more impressive," replied Winifred, "some breeds are poisonous you know."

"Is yours?" Sirius questioned, turning back to Oleander.

"Cane toads? Oh yes, but only if you cared to put one in your mouth," explained Winifred, "that's why I named him Oleander. They're a poisonous breed of flower that happens to be rather lovely."

"You'll understand if I don't accept many baked goods from you," Sirius joked.

"I don't need poisons to produce harmful or otherwise inedible foods traditionally," informed Winifred as she watched Oleander flick his tongue at stray insects, "so what sort of familiar do you keep?"

"Well, I've had a mongoose since 2^nd Year named Rick," said Sirius.

"Why am I not surprised you own something famed for killing deadly snakes," Winifred shook her head, "this wouldn't happen to be the same one that mauled my cousin's leg before our Houses went up against one another in Quidditch last fall, would it?"

The manic grin on Sirius's face spoke volumes in reply.

"You're a bit of a bastard, you know that?" noted Winifred as she turned away from her gardening to stare at Sirius straight on.

"Actually, I'm A LOT of a bastard," Sirius decided, "I like to think I have a few redeemable qualities though. Speaking of which, how are we going to go about being mates?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Winifred confessed, "in all honesty I don't see how. You know how my House feels about you and I know many of your friends don't think much of me."

Sirius's expression became irritable quickly.

"Which ones?" he demanded crossly, completely of the mind to chew them out when he got back to the commons.

"It's not worth naming names," Winifred shook her head, "simply put, people who are important to us don't want us to socialize."

"Is this about me and Snape?" Sirius questioned, "that has nothing to do with you."

"No, that has something to do with Florence Copia," Winifred replied, causing Sirius to cringe.

"That was a while ago," Sirius said softly.

"Still, the last thing I should do is become another woman between you and Severus," Winifred decided as she turned back to the flowerbeds. Sirius placed a hand on her shoulder forcing her to face him again.

"Hey, those were entirely different circumstances," Sirius protested in a still quiet voice, "look, that whole seen got ugly because your cousin and I turned out to be snogging the same girl without the other knowing about it. Nobody's snogging nobody here so what's the harm in me wanting to get to know you better?"

"What's the point?" Winifred countered dryly.

"I don't know," Sirius exhaled, "I like talking to you. I think you're clever and funny and not like anyone else I know. And I think you have a good time when you're with me as well. If we're getting along fine then to hell with everyone else who doesn't like it."

"I really don't understand why this is so important to you," Winifred admitted with a scrutinizing look, "it's not like you're without friends or girls willing to be off and alone with you."

Sirius shrugged as his hands found his pockets.

"I'm looking for something different than the usually and you're about as different as they come, Win," Sirius grinned, "I mean that with fondness mind you. That and I think you could stand to have a few more friends that aren't of the oxygen producing variety."

"Oh well thank you for the charity," Winifred sarcastically replied.

"Nothing charitable about this," Sirius assured.

Winifred turned away from Sirius's face to glance at her shoulder.

"Sirius, you're hand is still on me."

"So it is."

"Keep it up, Black and I'll watch you choke on Oleander."

"See? That's why I like you."

~ * * * ~

Two Days Earlier:

Aurora's Perspective

~ * * * ~

Oddly enough, the first thing that popped into my head in reaction to my hand on Severus's was how cool his skin felt underneath my own. Smooth, like you'd expect an aristocrat's hand to be. His hand pivots beneath mine, so they are now palm to palm. Forward, considering it was Severus. I recognize I should probably look up and meet his eyes, but I fear I might not be able to trust myself beyond that if I do.

I know it would sound silly to anyone I might explain this to later, but this really wasn't what I had anticipated would happen when I met a young man named Severus Snape. I expected to meet someone like Sirius; a boy consumed with emotion, angry and confused with the bizarre state that the world usually finds itself in. In a few ways, I wasn't disappointed; however there was so much more there than I would have given a seventeen year old boy the credit of possessing. A maturity, insightfulness, a certainty about many things, and, above all, a definitive sense of self.

I found myself contacting Severus, telling myself I was just interested to see how he was fairing, identifying with something kindred I recognized within him. Again, I didn't expect his responses to be so intriguing and articulated. It wasn't long before I realized that I was looking forward to his replies, curious for what he would have to say in response to me or on the topic of himself. It didn't escape my attention that I was no longer corresponding with a former patient to gage his situation, but I wanted to convince myself that I was entertaining nothing more than a friendship. Possibly acting as something of a mentor.

Things change, as they tend to, once you reunite with someone in the flesh. All these thoughts and feelings building over the time of a person's absence, coming together into sharp focus when you finally cross paths again. Spring holiday when I arrived at his manner, he was still mature and composed if not more so than when I had last remembered.

The sort of feelings that forces one to remind themselves of who a person actually is and how old.

I hope no one ever asks what compelled me to invite him out to lunch this afternoon because I don't think I could ever provide an answer that would satisfy most people. I suppose I just wanted to be alone with him, away from people who believe they know us so well and would scrutinize our behavior. Away from situations that demand formality and professionalism. I suppose I wanted to see what I was inventing of the situation and whether or not I was infatuated with something simply not there. Perhaps there was nothing more to Severus than the convincing illusion of a bright, adult individual who has the unfortunate luck of being several years younger than he actually felt.

And then he had to give me the most splendid gift I have ever received and say the most perceptive comment on my life that I ever heard.

I dare my eyes to make contact with Severus's. There's something expectant in them, as though he's waiting for me to do something specific.

I don't disappoint.

It's a common perception that men make the first move whenever engaging in some romantic gesture but I know if I wait for Severus to be forward a century will probably pass us by. There's nothing sudden or subtle to my motions as I lean in towards my date for the afternoon, showing my full intention to kiss him with my half open lips and eyes.

Last chance to be the adult in the situation, Severus.

He evidently declines as my mouth meets his. There's nothing insistent about the kiss. It's simply a declaration of feelings less than platonic. Something small and conscionable that can easily be rationalized and forgotten if we find this to be a horrible mistake once the moment passes.

There's something inherently perverse and suggestive about caressing the lips of a boy my brother's age with my own. This thought makes me aware of many other reservations that should be passing along my mind at the moment.

My age, for starters. I'm sure that most would question why I can't find someone closer to my own age to romance. That and underage wizards typically don't become involved with junior department heads without a scandal consequently following. There is also the issue of Severus being a former client of mine and the potential ethical ramifications of such a thing. In fact, most wound consider this a seduction but that would imply that I had put any more thought into this moment and Severus probably has.

And yet, in the end, these are all societal concerns. Norms imposed by strangers and stagnant customs that never bother to reevaluate circumstances on an individual basis. Policies that place emphasis on position and age over any personalities and emotions that may be involved. Of course, considering that old wizarding families are willing to marry cousins to keep their blood pure and muggle-borns are treated worse than second-class citizens I'm not placing a particularly large amount of interest in our enlightened culture.

Society's concerns, not mine.

However, family concerns me.

I find my thoughts drifting on Sirius. . .of what his reaction would be to all this. I can only imagine the betrayal and rage he would feel to know his favorite sister was kissing his most loathed peer. While I can say nothing of societal opinion would make me apprehensive or regretful of my actions, hurting Sirius gives me pause.

Physically and emotionally.

With a breath I pull my mouth from Severus's. I lick my lips, remembering his mouth, and consider what I should say to him to begin to rationalize my sudden apprehensions without making him more resentful of my brother than he already is.

The meticulous contemplation of how to best achieve results without sabotaging the fruitfulness of them.

This is what once made me a Ravenclaw.

This is what gives Severus the opportunity to react before I do.

~ * * * ~

"I wonder what time it is," mused Arabella as she and Remus strolled around the moonlit lake with their arms around one another.

"I'm not too sure, I forgot my watch," Remus shrugged, "oh well, I know more than one way into the castle and back to Gryffindor that won't get us caught. Nothing to fret about."

"Alright then," Arabella smiled at her sandy haired boyfriend, catching sight of the half moon over his shoulder. She felt her mouth drop into a slight frown, "full moon isn't far off, is it?"

If Remus wasn't so certain they were the only ones out walking where they were, he might have been a little more cautious about the conversation Arabella was pursuing.

"No it's not," Remus didn't need to look at the sky to know this.

Whenever the full moon was about a week off he could feel something feral in him growing restless underneath his usually composed demeanor. Something scratching at the surface, begging to be drawn out. It fed on the most powerful emotions normal people had a hard time reining in, such as fear, anger, and lust, making Remus's chore of keeping them all in check even more strenuous.

"So, when do I get to spend a night out at the Shrieking Shack with you and the other boys?" questioned Arabella.

"Never," Remus simply replied.

"Why not?" Arabella demanded, staring hard at Remus's face.

"Because I don't need you to see me like that," said Remus softly, "It's not fascinating or impressive; it's a part of my life you'd do well to keep far away from. And if you try and talk any of our friends into it, I'm liable to kill the lot of you."

"Aren't you being a tad dramatic?" Arabella noted.

"No I'm not," Remus frowned with a grave tone, "I'm not stable around then, Arabella. I can't guarantee your safety and I'll be damned if that's something I'm willing to gamble."

"Well why are you willing to gamble with James, Sirius, and Peter?" pressed Arabella, "if you say it's because they're boys I'LL be liable to kill you."

Remus chuckled at this and shook his head.

"No, nothing so sexist," Remus assured as he considered what he should say next. Deciding to remain true to his word and not bother keeping secrets from Arabella, Remus continued on with his thought, "they're animages, Arabella, illegal ones at that. They did it to keep me company. . . keep me under control. . . keep me sane."

Arabella had a more than shocked expression draped across her face.

"You're serious?" Arabella said in awe.

"Aren't I always on this topic?" Remus replied.

"Bloody hell, I had no idea," Arabella breathed.

"That's sort of the idea behind a secret," Remus smiled, "naturally you can't go about telling people this."

"Naturally," Arabella agreed before smiling at Remus, "you think they could teach me how to do that? How to become an animage? I always wanted to be a tabby cat like Professor McGonagall or maybe something big like a cheetah or lion."

"I don't know," Remus wasn't sure if he liked where Arabella's enthusiasm was going, "Arabella, it's a really hard thing to manage. The simple fact James, Peter, and Sirius accomplished it so young and in such few years is a true testament to their determination and skill - "

"And you don't think I could pull it off," Arabella guessed at the end of the sentence in a wounded tone, "you don't think I'm a clever enough witch to do it."

Remus stopped walking and spun Arabella in front of him so he could face her.

"Stop! Don't say such mad things," Remus insisted sharply, "you're not dumb, Arabella! You're as good a witch as any walking these halls and I'm not implying anything short of that. All I'm saying is that sort of thing is a major commitment and a risk that I'm not entirely certain I want you taking."

Arabella's fists gripped the front of Remus's cloak as a show of her tension as her eyes burned into his.

"Remus, I want to be with you. I want to be a part of your life . . . every part of it!" declared Arabella desperately, "I'm willing to do this to be near you. I'm willing to put in the time and effort to be with you. Why can't that just make you happy to know someone is willing to do that for you? Why do you have to behave like I'm asking for something so terrible?"

Remus moved his hands onto Arabella's shoulders. Uncertain of whether he wanted to pull her closer or push her away.

"I don't want you to be making any large investments in me, that's all" Remus said simply.

"That's all!" Arabella repeated in a high pitch, "what the bloody hell are you going on about?"

"I'm just saying the novelty of a werewolf boyfriend might wear thin one of these days," Remus explained himself softly, voicing one of his most haunting fears about the future of their relationship "and the last thing I want you to feel is that you've wasted some major part of your life because of something you felt at the time."

Arabella's bottom lip quivered in sadness and outrage as she felt tears blurring her sight of Remus. She used the sleeve of her cloak to wipe them free. Remus bit his lip with a mournful expression as a show that he had not intended to cause that reaction in his girlfriend.

"Arabella . . ." Remus attempted to pull her closer to him but she jerked herself out of his friends. Remus fought every instinct to try and draw her near again as he just kept his arms at his side and watched her.

"You're a fool you know that?" Arabella sniffled the words, "you're so content with feeling sorry for yourself and pushing people away that you COMPLETELY ignore that there are people who want to be there for you! 'The novelty of a werewolf boyfriend', that's bloody rich YOU GIT!"

Remus flinched at the words, feeling his breaths growing fast. A part of him was howling to silence the girl agitating him with either passionate affection or swift rage, but Remus refused to indulge either antagonized emotion and said as his girlfriend pressed on.

"I really don't know how you think little girls imagine what the love of their life will be like but I'll give you a hint: it's not this! Little girls want fairy tale romances and princes with curses that they can kiss away and make everything happily ever after! They don't want princes who are so busy with self-loathing and intimacy issues that they would rather be miserable and sorry of themselves that happy with a woman who sincerely loves them . . . NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY HATE THEMSELVES!"

Arabella was actually panting at this point from the heatedness of her words and the emotions they stirred within her. She felt worn in her efforts, question if her best would ever be enough for Remus and wondering if she could give him more than that if she had to. She wanted to be with Remus but the idea that he didn't want to be with her was like some horrible rot within the very core of her person.

"I don't hate myself," said Remus numbly, uncertain of whether this was the truth or a reflexive reaction to Arabella's claims.

"Then I suggest you stop acting like you do," Arabella advised tiredly.

Cautiously, Remus approached Arabella and wrapped his arms around her.

"Look you're upset and I think the both of us really aren't saying things like we mean them at the moment. Let's finish our walk and head back to the castle, alright?" Remus spoke softly by her ear, furious with himself for making her so insecure and hurt with his insecurities.

"Can't we just stand like this for a bit?" Arabella pleaded into his chest as she buried her face against him, "Like nothing's wrong with us?"

"Nothing is wrong with us. We have our problems just like everyone else," Remus assured gently, "but we can stay here if you'd like."

"I would," Arabelle nodded into him, "I love you, Remus."

"I love you too," said Remus, holding Arabella so tight that he feared she would slip right through his fingers.

He felt Arabella breathing heavily against him, her body tense and warm, much like his own. Remus noticed his hands wandering over her frame, as though they were searching for something specific. . .something obvious. Some sort of reaction. Lowering his mouth to the side of her face, Remus slowly started to kiss the tears off her flesh, finding his lips lingering across it much longer than he intended. Remus was finding himself wanting less and less to comfort and calm Arabella . . . he wanted to make her riled and anxious.

Taking her mouth with his, Remus found Arabella more than accepting of the embrace. It was obvious she was looking for an escape from the conflicting feelings boiling over within her. Something pure and obvious in showing how he felt. The sort of assurances savage passion provided in pushing life's uncertainties from the foreground. The desperate outlet many quarrelling lovers indulged.

Remus had no particular fondness for the word 'lovers' and everything superficial it implied. . .

. . .however, at that moment, Remus had no particular fondness for a game of semantics.

* * *

"I don't know what made me more uncomfortable, watching them fight like that without them knowing or . . ." Lily didn't particularly feel like finishing her whispering sentence as she and James attempted to put as much distance between themselves and Araballa and Remus from beneath James's invisibility cloak.

No sooner had Lily and James found their way out to the lake with the help of James's cloak and picked out a cozy spot more forces decided to work against them. Brad McKinnon and his steady girlfriend nearly tripped over the two, oblivious to their concealment by the invisibility cloak and provoked Lily and James into changing their location. Underneath a large tree, a tickling up Lily's leg turned out to be a spider rather than James's hand which warranted more than a few moments to settle her back down and into any sort of amorous mood.

Right about them was when Remus and Arabella's heated words followed by even hotter petting provided the final incentive Lily and James needed to decide that they should probably move elsewhere on school grounds.

James refused to be daunted in the least.

"Well, Hagrid the Groundskeeper tends to be about this time of night so that makes the other side of the castle off limits," James thought aloud in a low voice, "I suppose if we hung about the edge of the Forbidden Forest no one would think to look for us there."

"No they most certainly wouldn't because they wouldn't think that anyone was so stupid and desperate for a snog that they would venture amongst monsters to have one!" Lily hissed in reply.

"Oh come on, you know nothing the only things worth worrying about are content to roam in the heart of it. We'll be fine," James assured confidently.

"This is shaping up like a horror movie if you ask my opinion," Lily muttered.

"I'll protect you," James slipped his arm around Lily's waste to emphasize his point. He caught Lily roll her eyes under the moonlight.

"You had to jinx us like that didn't you?" Lily continued to grumble.

"Pardon?"

"Oh never mind, James. I'll go along with it but no more than a few meters in I mean it!" Lily insisted.

"Alright, then," James nodded as they entered into the edge of the woods.

Devoting a couple minutes to walking deeper into the forest, Lily and James felt confident enough to shed their cloaks and light the ends of their wands to guide their path. Stopping by a collection of thick trucked trees, James quickly found himself pinning Lily's back to it as they resumed the kissing that had continuously been interrupted that evening.

Soft and urgent noises passed through Lily's lips as James's mouth roamed over her face and neck while his hands roamed elsewhere. He felt Lily's hands beneath his outdoor cloak, running across the back of his shirt. James was so focused on the attentions being shared between them he barely noticed an acorn bounce off his shoulder. Slipping his hand into a mess of Lily's hair to cradle the back of her head, James quickly became aware of several more pellets striking his back. Reluctantly pulling away from Lily, James picked up his wand and used it to peer above.

"Is there a loose branch or something?" James questioned aloud.

"Maybe we should move," Lily craned her neck to investigate as well.

Small figures that appeared to be made of moss and twigs paced the branches overhead with accusing brown eyes staring down. Apparently the young couple had caught the attentions of the tree guardians within the Forbidden Forest. The sprites chattered angrily down at Lily and James in voices that sounded like two sticks being rubbed together. As a show of their protest for whatever had agitated them so much, the Bowtruckles began to peel bark from their various trees to throw at James. If James hadn't honed his reflexes over the years between Quidditch, practical jokes, Slytherin attacks, and Sirius's friendship he would be more worried about the nature spirits poking out one of his eyes.

"Bloody hell!" James grunted resentfully, "I'll be shaking a small forest out of my robes and hair later on!"

"I can't imagine what's got them so upset - " Lily paused mid sentence as she covered her gaping mouth and part of her deep blush with her hands, "oh James, they're mad at us for . . . um. . . desecrating their trees."

"And them being the territorial critters they are. . ." James groaned as he continued to duck the relentless pitches of the Bowtruckles, " . . . still, they don't appear particularly cross with you."

"Well, since Bowtruckles are mostly familiar with creatures in the wild and its far more natural for the male of a pair to be the dominant one, they probably reckon it will be more productive to threaten you into clearing off than me since you're the aggressor," spoke Lily thoughtfully as she applied her superior intellect to the situation.

James turned to scowl at Lily as the look caught him a sharp clip to the ear as the tree sprites evidently found a stash of pinecones to use as projectiles.

"OH COME ON!" James spat out, insulted, "I'm no more an aggressor than any other wizard my age!"

"Oh, and the average wizard ISN'T aggressive?" Lily crossed her arms and offered James a challenging but amused look.

"Borrow that look from Snape, did you?" asked James sarcastically.

"Well, I'm not the one you have to convince," Lily shrugged.

Sighing, James tried to get a look at the Bowtruckles overhead and hoped it wouldn't cost him is eyes.

"Alright, I'm very, truly sorry about what we did in your woods," apologized James as humbly as he could arrange under the circumstances, "it was wrong of us to be so disrespectful and we'll be on our way if it's all the same to you."

As abruptly as it started, the assault from above stopped. Shaking his head and causing a few twigs lodged in his black hair to fall free, James made his way over to Lily and moved to take her hand into his. His skin had just brushed hers with the Bowtruckles resumed their pelting of James while sparing Lily once more of their attack.

"NOW what's their complaint?" James demanded, growing more than annoyed with the tree guardians, "I'M NOT HURTING YOUR RUDDY TREES!"

Lily considered the situation and the Bowtruckles behavior as stifled a chuckle.

"Well, I was making a bit of noise, maybe they thought you were hurting me," suggested Lily.

"Looks like you made better friends with the lot of them last November than I did," James muttered as he swatted the twigs raining down on him away from his face, "I'M NOT HURTING HER EITHER!"

"I think we should just clear off," Lily decided as she scooped up the invisibility cloak and started making her way back towards the castle grounds, "don't follow me too close and they might let up."

"How this forest remains populated is beyond me with these nasty little sprites ruining the mood," James seethed as he followed Lily out at a safe spacing and considered any other locations at Hogwarts that he might have previously overlooked.

~ * * * ~

Two Days Earlier:

Severus's Perspective

~ * * * ~

The presence of Aurora's hand in mine is something strange, yet inviting. It becomes increasingly easy to forget all the labels attached to ourselves as we simply sit on a couch holding one another's hand.

Accredited witch and underage wizard.

Junior department head and student

Black and Snape

I suppose sometimes it doesn't get anymore complicated than a man and a woman alone.

There's a reservation in her demeanor as she fails to look at me. Undoubtedly she's attempting to formulate some eloquent rationalization as to why I should no longer be holding her hand in mine and why we should leave her flat and any unconventional feelings that may have followed us into it.

Imagine my surprise when I noticed her leaning closer to my face. I ponder the ramifications of pursuing such a motion, all the complications that would undoubtedly follow, but still I don't move. I close my eyes just as her mouth touches mine.

It was nothing like my experiences with Florence Copia. This was far more careful and cordial with a hint of uncertainty. Not the reckless impulsiveness of youthful embrace. It's as though she's weighing the consequences through a gesture, attempting to discern what they might be worth.

A part of me knows that this can never work . . .never last. It's impossible to find a harmony between complications of our separate worlds. The kinds of irreconcilable differences that cut to the marrow of a soul once brought into the light. Of course, the ethic associated with this are not the ones that would concern most other people in our situation.

Her age is meaningless to me, as well as her current position with the Ministry and her brief, prior one as my Analyst. I have no care that Lucius Malfoy may love her or that my mother may hate her. I am even willing to look past the irrefutable fact that she is the sister of Sirius Black.

The only thing that haunts my mind is what Aurora Black would say if she knew I was a Death Eater and I can't possibly imagine any part of it would be positive.

I feel her lips leave mine; her eyes are dazed and hesitant as though she somehow read my thoughts.

I was never one to submit to the whims of passion anymore than I was ever one to allow an opportunity to seize what I desired pass me by.

This is what makes me a Slytherin.

This is what makes me resume kissing Aurora Black and seemingly defuses whatever reservations she may have held within the renewed embrace.

Perhaps this won't last, but for the time being this is the only things I desire.

And, in time, perhaps I will find an opportunity to prolong this desire indefinitely.

~ * * * ~

"The roof?" Lily gaped at James, beginning to wonder if he was suffering from a tragic loss of blood to his head.

"Yeah, the roof," James defended his plan as he led Lily up the stairs inside Hogwarts castle beneath his invisibility cloak. He pulled out his map to make sure Filch or Mrs. Norris were nowhere in the area, "we just have to climb through a window and we'll be on this stretch that's as flat as the ground you walk on. It probably was once a courtyard or something but people seem to have forgotten about it. Anyway, it's completely safe provided we don't get caught heading out there."

"Maybe we should just call it a night," Lily suggested wearily.

"I think you should know by now that I am a) relentless in pursuing anything I want b) eager to meet any challenge placed before me and c) not about to admit defeat short of my dying breath," James reminded Lily as he paused on a landing in front of the window he had evidently been looking for, "well this is it, I'll go through first and help you down."

Pushing off the cloak, James hoisted himself up onto the window ledge and used his wand to disengage the lock and push the double panes open. Swinging his legs over the side, James hopped down and turned around expecting Lily to follow. Lowering herself without the spry quality James had demonstrated Lily felt James's hand guide her down the rest of the way onto the flat roof.

Glancing around, Lily saw that James was right in suspecting that the section of roof had probably been once a courtyard. Grass growing rampantly in some places and drying off in others was sectioned off with a stone walkway leading around. A lifeless fountain was as overrun with weeds as the air was with the melody of crickets. Wandering the path into the wild court, Lily and James found a bench to sit upon and overlook the tiers and towers surrounding them.

"I like this place," Lily decided with a smile as she gazed around approvingly.

"Yeah, I'm a little sorry I didn't think of it before now, but as you can see, not many people seem to," James nodded as he put his arm around Lily.

Leaning into James, both closed their eyes and listened to the soft noises of the singing insects and the wind rustling through the blades of grass.

A sharp crackle snapped both sets of eyes open as Lily and James realized they had just heard thunder only a second before large droplets of rain started showering over them. Feeling his hair and clothes begin to soak through, James started to laugh humorlessly at every effort of his being alone with Lily so thoroughly thwarted that night. His glasses washed over with droplets and he sighed.

"Well, that's it. I give up," announced James.

"I thought James Potter never gives up?" Lily smiled at him, her long red hair coiling and dripping like the branches of a willow tress.

She looked stunning in the rain.

"Yeah, well that was before the universe took to conspiring against me," James grinned back at her, standing up. He extended his hand to help Lily to her feet, "let's head back before you catch your death."

Lily accepted James hand but pulled him back onto the bench with her instead. Pulling her wand out and holding it out from her and James.

"Engorgio Umbrella," Lily summoned as a large, beach umbrella popped out of the top of her wand. Lily caught it by the handle and wedged it in a crack on the bench so it would stay upright on its own. James grinned broadly at his girlfriend's cleverness as they were not out of the rainfall.

"I love you," James told her as he leaned in and kissed Lily.

Lily drew back slightly and pulled James's glasses off his face, folded them up and put them into the pocket of her shirt. After which she proceeded to carefully unfasten the train of buttons running down it. James stared dumbly at Lily for the first two until it occurred to him to say something.

"What are you doing?" James realized how obvious this question was but it was all he could think to say.

"Um, giving you the sign that it's alright if you don't feel like being an entirely proper gentleman tonight," Lily replied softly with a blush.

"You mean. . ." James didn't dare say what he thought she meant.

Lily laughed awkwardly at this.

"Well, not THAT improper but enough to raise a blush," Lily clarified shyly.

James nodded and smiled bashfully as well as he leaned into kiss Lily once more, loving the sensations of the cool damp on her warm flesh. Reveling in her hot breaths and soft sounds, James new he didn't have to question whether this was fast for them like he had on Christmas night. This felt natural, logical, and almost cumulative of his and Lily's relationship. Even though they weren't going to go as far as most wizards his age would have preferred, James couldn't have wanted anything more intimate from Lily and trusted she felt the same. . .

At 11 years and eight or night months respectively in age; Lily and James first met.

At 16 years and eight or nine months respectively in age; Lily and James each met someone who turned their heads.

At 16 years and nine or ten months respectively in age; Lily and James slowly began to realize that they were unable to turn their heads away.

At 16 years and ten to eleven months respectively in age; Lily and James each kissed someone who had ruined them for any other's embrace,

At 16 years and eleven months to 17 years respectively in age; Lily and James unofficially ended a friendship for something deeper.

At 17 years and one or two months respectively in age; Lily and James confessed a love to someone they had never felt before and never wanted to feel again with anyone else.

And at 17 years and three or four months respectively in age, Lily Evans and James Potter engraved yet another milestone with one another's names on it.

One marking the first time they ever made themselves so very vulnerable to someone who had all the power in the world to hurt them and would never use it.

The rest of the milestones missing from their relationship would just have to come later on. . .

* * *

* * * * * *

* * *

You Make Me Feel

By: Jeremy Toback

* * *

Have you ever seen the sunset strip
Your dreams down to the bone
We used to try
To live a deep dark life
But we were all alone
Went to the emerald city
To keep that dream alive
We saw gold
And a light bright life
But there was no sun inside

You make me feel
Like falling down is falling up
You make me feel
Like loving you is just my luck
Just my luck

Now we live up in the canyon
With the coyotes and the falling stars
And I've got you
When the day gets dark
To light my way

You make me feel
Like falling down is falling up
You make me feel
Like loving you is just my luck
You make me feel
Isn't that enough

With the century quickly slipping away
We try to find the balance
Let's divine a nursery rhyme
And turn it into practice
And let's let down our guard
So we can raise this love

You make me feel
Like falling down is falling up
You make me feel
Like loving you is just my perfect luck
You make me feel
You make me feel…