My eyes slowly opened to the view of Lori's ceiling. Sunlight was already pouring in, and my head throbbed rhythmically. The events of last night came flooding back, and my eyes widened in shock.

"Shit," I muttered, sitting up.

The room was now brightly lit by the outside sun, and empty bottles were scattered all around the room, including a bottle of Vitraserum laying next to me. Shit shit shit, my confession. Oliver Wood, I couldn't possibly like him more than Vincent, it was a stupid fear, and if any of my friends remembered it they wouldn't let me live it down.

"Shit is right." June groaned sitting up next to me, "How much did we drink last night? And who's vomit is on my tits?"

"Never drinking again." Sarah rolled over, her hand rubbing her face tiredly.

I looked over and saw Lori laying next to Liane, evidently too drunk at the time to get on her bed.

"Does anyone even remember anything?" June asked and I tensed up. "Holy fuck my back is sore."

"Why are we shirtless?" Lori moaned, "What time is it?"

"I remember nothing," June snickered, "Reckon we had an orgy?"

"Fuck off," Sarah giggled playfully punching June.

"Do you remember anything, Liane?" I asked, she was unusually silent.

My question clearly startled her, and her eyes went wide and her hand went over her mouth.

"Oui, ehm non non non non," She started saying quickly, "I remember nothing I heard nothing last night, silly little me," She gave a small whistle, "Eez like going een one ear and et out ze other!"

"Jesus we get it," June cringed, "Are you always this fidgety when hungover?"

"Non, ehm Oui," she stuttered and looked at me.

"Keep it down, my head is cracking," June grumbled, "Remind me to never wake up hungover in the same room as you."

"Holy shit, we drank most of my booze!" Lori exclaimed after looking into her secret compartment.

"Jesus," Sarah sighed, "So much for being a perfect Headgirl."

"Twelve o'clock." I looked down at my watch. "Oh shit, quidditch practice is in half an hour!"

I scrambled up onto my feet, powering through the throbbing pain in my temples. Liane jumped up next to me and quickly started putting on her pants.

"Where's my shirt? " I asked, scanning the room frantically.

"I don't know, " Lori shrugged, "here, just take one of mine.

She threw a green blouse at me and I gratefully pulled it over my head. Liane was already in her clothes, and without even saying goodbye we rushed out the door and down the corridor in the Slytherin wing.

We ran up the stairs and out of the dungeon, and through the mainly empty halls and to the bridge connecting the West school wing to the main school.

"Do you remember anytheeng from last night?" Liane asked suddenly as we passed through a courtyard.

"Do you?" I replied, slowing my pace.

My heart dropped. If anyone knew about my feelings for Oliver... Moreover, a rejection from that jerk while I was dating one of the top quidditch players in England, well that would be a detrimental blow to my ego.

"Oui." She nodded, her eyes widening again.

"Liane it's not a big deal, please don't tell anyone." I pleaded, "I was drunk and.."

"You like Oliver," she looked at me with her eyes wide, "What about your boyfriend?"

"Vincent loves me," I said, my jaw clenching, "And I love him."

I love Vincent. Strangely enough, that's not something I've said to anyone before that very moment. I've said I love you in passing to Vincent during intense make-out sessions, and quick love you's when saying goodbye, but, never to anyone else. Why have I never told anyone this fact before, when it's obviously true. I looked down at the ring on my finger. Its silver broomstick glinting in the light every time I rhythmically brought my fist forward for balance while running. I love Vincent. A small crush isn't going to change that.

"But you said you fear liking Oliver more than 'im," Liane responded blankly.

"Liane I was drunk." I shrugged, "It was a genuine fear for my intoxicated self, but not to my sober self."

~~~~

I woke up early on Halloween day. All students above the second year were allowed to go to Hogsmeade. This was also a chance for a date with Vincent.

I went down to the lunchroom well-rested and excited for the trip. At our table, Lori and Liane were chatting excitedly by my side while Sarah and June were quietly blissful holding each other's hands. They were long past their "making out at every stop they made" stage, as Lori called it, and were now just perfectly content in each other's presence. It was as if the two understood each other better than anyone else.

June and Lori were talking about their plans for Hogsmeade. Lori was going to meet Elio for the first time that year, and Liane was asked on a date by some Hufflepuff boy.

"Not really my type, but 'ees sweet and I want to 'ave some fun." I overheard her say on the subject.

I wondered if Oliver was going with anyone. No matter, it isn't like Oliver would ever care enough to ask me even if I wasn't with Vincent.

"It's stupid I care so much." I thought to myself. Vincent was superior to Oliver in every way imaginable. Going out with him would be a downgrade. Not to mention I loved Vincent.

The entrance hall was packed, and I could see excited students chattering as they waited to get their names checked off by Filch. He peered suspiciously into every face and made sure that no one was sneaking out who shouldn't be going. When it came to my turn to get examined by Filch, his face got so close to my own that I could see every one of his pores and smell the garlic on his breath. It made me genuinely considering kicking him in the nuts and running but a persevered.

"Alright," he scowled, upset that he couldn't drag another student to detention for trying to sneak out, "You're free to go."

I gladly stepped out of line and started to walk down the path to Hogsmeade through the large Hogwarts gates.

The ground was still soggy from the previous night's rain, and I could hear birds chirping in the bushes around the path. My outfit was simple jeans with a large knit sweater that still smelled of my home, and the constant smell of baking that always hovered throughout its corridors.

"Strange seeing you here Stone." I heard a Scottish voice say with a mock surprise behind me.

I turned around and felt that all familiar flutter. I quickly suppressed it and looked into Oliver's eyes. He was grinning, and it was as if his freckles were dancing across his rosy cheeks.

"What a surprise." I greeted him, "How's Martha and the kids?"

"They're great," Oliver responded with a chuckle, "I don't know who they are though."

"How could you forget your own wife and Children!" I exclaimed in false horror, enough for a couple of people around us to turn their heads.

"Dunno," Oliver shrugged, "They weren't memorable I guess."

"Tsk." I rolled my eyes, stifling a giggle.

"Are you really going alone?" Oliver asked, "Kind of sad if you ask me."

"It's none of your concern," I scoffed, "But if you really must know, Vincent is waiting for me at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop."

Oliver visibly tensed. "Really."

"Yes," I nodded, "And anyway, why on earth do you dislike him so much."

"I don't dislike him," It was Oliver's turn to scoff. "Why would I?"

"You know, that's the same thing I'm wondering." I snickered.

Hogsmeade was now in full view of the path ahead of us. Smoke billowed out of chimneys over the rooftops, creeping over the Main Street.

"Well, I'll see you around Woody." I grinned, speeding up my pace and stepping onto the cobbled streets.

I could see the small figures of June and Sarah ahead of me entering into Tomes and Scrolls, June's favourite location in all of Hogsmeade. It was a bookshop with a considerable amount of books in the poetry section.

The Tea Shop was already full of couples. I never really liked the place because of how superficial it was but I decided that sitting in a grimy pub for another date was a much more unpleasant thought. I pushed open the door and found myself in a cramped, steamy little place where everything seemed to have been decorated with frills or a bow. The windows were steamed up, and a couple holding hands occupied nearly every table. A bell with a tuneful tinkle announced my arrival, and Vincent instantly spotted me as I did him.

I sat down in front of him and smiled. He was as gorgeous as ever. His chin developed a bit of stubble since I have last seen him, and it made him look much older than he was. His skin was as olive as ever, and not a single flaw was noticeable.

"Hello darling," Vincent said, giving my hand a light squeeze, "I've missed you so much."

"As did I," I smiled, "Your letters always brightened my day."

This was true. I enjoyed receiving letters from Vincent. He was good with his words, and they never failed to make me feel more special.

"I'm glad," Vincent's cheeks gave a small blush, "What would you like to order?"

"I think normal Oolong would be fine for me." I shrugged, casting a glance at the menu. "Maybe one macaroon."

"I was always more of a black tea bloke," Vincent smirked.

Idly chatted as our tea arrived. I found the atmosphere much more relaxing than I initially thought. After we both took the last drink of our tea, Vincent asked if I wanted to walk around and I gladly accepted.

We walked out of Madam Puddifoot's with his hand wrapped snugly around my own. I caught a small glimpse of Oliver's back as he stepped into Spintwitches.

"How about some Honeydukes?" I asked merrily.

"Sounds wonderful." Said Vincent, "I'm in the mood for something sweet."

A notice hung on the door of the

BY ORDER OF THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC
Customers are reminded that until further notice, Dementors will be patrolling the streets of Hogsmeade every night after sundown. This measure has been put in place for the safety of Hogsmeade residents and will be lifted upon the recapture of Sirius Black. It is therefore advisable that you complete your shopping well before nightfall.
Merry Christmas!

"This Sirius Black is quite the character," Vincent shook his head.

"Indeed." I nodded.

He held the door open for me and I stepped into the brightly lit shop. There were shelves upon shelves of the most succulent-looking sweets imaginable. Creamy chunks of nougat, shimmering pink squares of coconut ice, fat, honey-coloured toffees; hundreds of different kinds of chocolate in neat rows; there was a large barrel of Every Flavour Beans, and another of Fizzing Whizzbees, the levitating sherbet balls. Along yet another wall were 'Special Effects' sweets: Drooble's Best Blowing Gum (which filled a room with bluebell-coloured bubbles that refused to pop for days), the strange, splintery Toothflossing Stringmints, tiny black Pepper Imps ('breathe fire for your friends!'), Ice Mice ('hear your teeth chatter and squeak!'), peppermint creams shaped like toads ('hop realistically in the stomach!'), fragile sugar-spun quills and exploding bonbons. Testing trays of a new kind of fudge sat on tables in the middle of the shop, and it looked especially mouth-watering.

Next to a batch of licorice wands stood June and her date. She looked amused, but not very engaged. From the snippets of his speech I could catch, it was clear he was trying to explain to her the causes for the great troll war.

"Hi, Liane!" I waved at her, and she quickly took that opportunity to excuse herself.

"O, 'ello Y/n and..." she paused and looked over at Vincent, her dark skin turning a bright shade of red.

"Vincent Ford," he chuckled, stretching out his hand into a handshake.

"Liane Amelie De Rose," she regained her composure, "Eez a pleasure."

We chatted for a bit before sending Liane back to her date, who was now trying to explain to the poor cashier why the goblin civil war was a product of the human intervention.

Vincent and I talked a little more before it was time for me to head back to Hogwarts. We shared a parting kiss and I walked back up the path alone.

The sun was beginning to set by the time I reached Hogwarts, and at the feast, I sat tiredly next to June and Sarah, with Lori and Liane across from us. The Great Hall had been decorated with hundreds and hundreds of candle-filled pumpkins, a cloud of fluttering live bats, and many flaming orange streamers, which were swimming lazily across the stormy ceiling like brilliant watersnakes.

The food was delicious, and I couldn't help ladling second servings of nearly everything that I tried. Lori seemed to be doing the same thing, and it was shocking to see a girl as small as her fit so much food in her mouth at once.

The feast finished with entertainment provided by the Hogwarts ghosts. They popped out of the walls and tables to do a bit of formation gliding; Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had great success with a reenactment of his own botched beheading.

It was such a good evening that my mood couldn't be spoiled by even the death glares Flint cast my way.

We walked back up to the dorms, but only stayed for a moment, as we were hastily called back to the hall.

"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle," Professor Dumbledore told everyone as Professors McGonagall and Flitwick closed all doors into the hall. "I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to spend the night here. I want the prefects to stand guard over the entrances to the hall and I am leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge. Any disturbance should be reported to me immediately,"

Sarah shuffled awkwardly next to Percy, who seemed proud of himself.

"What the hell?" Muttered June.

Professor Dumbledore paused, about to leave the hall, and said, "Oh, yes, you'll be needing..."

One casual wave of his wand and the long tables flew to the edges of the hall and stood themselves against the walls; another wave, and the floor was covered with hundreds of squashy purple sleeping bags.

"Sleep well," said Professor Dumbledore, closing the door behind him.

The hall immediately began to buzz excitedly; the Gryffindors were telling the rest of the school what had just happened.

Apparently, Sirius Black got into the school and clawed the portrait guarding the Gryffindor common room, causing its resident to flee.

"Everyone into their sleeping bags!" shouted Percy. "Come on, now, no more talking! Lights out in ten minutes!"

"You reckon Sirius Black is still in the castle?" Lori asked, getting cozy in her sleeping bag.

"Dunno," I shrugged, "but if this cancels quidditch I'm finding him and bringing him back to Azkaban myself."

As I tried my best to fall asleep, I could hear people all around me asking, "How did he get in?"

"The lights are going out now!" Percy shouted. "I want everyone in their sleeping bags and no more talking!"

The candles all went out at once. The only light now came from the silvery ghosts, who were drifting about talking seriously to the prefects, and the enchanted ceiling, which, like the sky outside, was scattered with stars.

Once every hour, a teacher would reappear in the Hall to check that everything was quiet. Around three in the morning, when many students had finally fallen asleep, Professor Dumbledore came in. I watched him looking around for Percy, who had been prowling between the sleeping bags, telling people off for talking. Percy was only a short way away from me quickly pretended to be asleep as Dumbledore's footsteps drew nearer.

"Any sign of him, Professor?" asked Percy in a whisper.

"No. All well here?"

"Everything under control, sir."

"Good. There's no point moving them all now. I've found a temporary guardian for the Gryffindor portrait hole. You'll be able to move them back in tomorrow."

"And the Fat Lady, sir?"

"Hiding in a map of Argyllshire on the second floor. Apparently, she refused to let Black in without the password, so he attacked. She's still very distressed, but once she's calmed down, I'll have Mr. Filch restore her."

I heard the door of the hall creak open again, and more footsteps.

"Headmaster?" It was Snape. I kept quite still, listening hard, my curiosity getting the best of me. "The whole of the third floor has been searched. He's not there. And Filch has done the dungeons; nothing there either."

"What about the Astronomy tower? Professor Trelawney's room? The Owlery?"

"All searched..."

"Very well, Severus. I didn't really expect Black to linger."

"Have you any theory as to how he got in, Professor?" asked Snape.

Harry raised his head very slightly off his arms to free his other ear.

"Many, Severus, each of them as unlikely as the next."

"You remember the conversation we had, Headmaster, just before -- ah -- the start of term?" said Snape, who was barely opening his lips, as though trying to block Percy out of the conversation.

"I do, Severus," said Dumbledore, and there was something like warning in his voice.

"It seems -- almost impossible -- that Black could have entered the school without inside help. I did express my concerns when you appointed --"

"I do not believe a single person inside this castle would have helped Black enter it," said Dumbledore, and his tone made it so clear that the subject was closed that Snape didn't reply. "I must go down to the Dementors," said Dumbledore. "I said I would inform them when our search was complete."

"Didn't they want to help, sir?" said Percy.

"Oh yes," said Dumbledore coldly. "But I'm afraid no Dementor will cross the threshold of this castle while I am Headmaster."

Percy looked slightly abashed. Dumbledore left the hall, walking quickly and quietly. Snape stood for a moment, watching the headmaster with an expression of deep resentment on his face; then he too left.

I looked over at my friends; they were sleeping peacefully, unknowing of the conversation that happened right next to them.

The school talked of nothing but Sirius Black for the next few days. The theories about how he had entered the castle became wilder and wilder; Shelley Garrison, from Hufflepuff, would tell anyone who would listen that Sirius black could turn into plants.

The Fat Lady's ripped canvas had been taken off the wall and replaced with the portrait of Sir Cadogan and his fat grey pony. It was clear that the Gryffindors weren't very happy about this. From what I heard, Sir Cadogan spent half his time challenging people to duels, and the rest thinking up ridiculously complicated passwords, which he changed at least twice a day.