Avoiding Love

It had all started the summer before Hallie's sixth year. She had been rooming in a dorm with Lily Evans since she first came to Hogwarts, when Lily was a second year and they had become friends. They had never had a relatively close relationship. Their age difference kept them more apart than anything, plus, Lily had James (her boyfriend of one year) and his "Marauders" to hang around with.

Also in their dorm was Aly Spinnet, a seventh year, and probably the closest female friend Lily had. She had recently developed a romantic connection with Remus Lupin, one of the more shy Marauders.

That summer Lily had written Hallie a letter inviting her to join her and James' friends at James' summer house. At first Hallie didn't think she would be interested, she didn't mind Lily, but hanging around with James' friends wasn't always that fun. Unfortunately, she had been dying to get away from her demanding parents and accepted the invitation.

One week later, Hallie found herself sitting in Lily Evans' antiquated living room with Aly and Remus. Giggling could be heard from inside the kitchen as James entered the living room.

"Sirius should be here soon," he stated. Lily followed him out looking slightly winded.

Then the familiar roar of a motorcycle engine sounded in the distance and eventually became closer and closer. When Sirius entered through the front door Hallie couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked. He quickly glanced in her direction, his gaze lingering for a few seconds and then he turned back to James.

"Where's Rachel?" asked James.

"Well, umm we kind of, sort of just broke up...," Sirius said quietly. "She won't be coming." He grinned at James who shook his head and then at Remus who was also shaking his head.

"You go through girlfriends faster than anything. You'd think you'd gain some kind of bad reputation but the girls just keep coming to you like you're some sort of magnet!"

Sirius folded his hands over his chest and said, "It's a gift. And what can I say? I have been proven guilty in the chick-magnet department one too many times."

Lily laughed and said that they'd better get going.

The ride up to James' summer house was quite enjoyable since Hallie slept the whole way there. She had been up late last night and thought she should catch up on some of her sleep. When they arrived they were greeted warmly by James' grandfather (his only living guardian) and once unpacked and changed, headed down to the beach.

Hallie nervously took off her shorts and t-shirt and laid down next to Aly. She had no idea why she was feeling so nervous. She had spent a good portion of her life around all of these people but she guessed the idea of actually being accepted into their little ring of friends felt different. It was almost like she had to make some sort of impression.

"Hmmm...." said Sirius, as he watched Hallie undress and lay down on her towel.

"Don't even think about it," Lily warned.

Sirius looked at her with a slightly open mouth. "You think I can't get with her?"

"You won't be "getting" with her ever. She's not your type."

"And you know this for a fact?"

"Sirius......"

"What?!" He looked over at her again.

Just then James came up behind Lily and took her into his arms. Lily let out a tiny scream and then laughed. Sirius rolled his eyes and walked away. Towards Hallie.

"This spot taken?" he asked, gesturing to her left.

"Go ahead."

Why is he lying next to me, Hallie thought to herself. She looked out towards the ocean where James and Lily seemed to be cuddling.

"Jealous?"

Surprised at the fact he saw her watching them, she turned to face him.

"Should I be?"

He shrugged. "People say they're perfect. I, personally, don't see what's so perfect."

Hallie was a little startled that Sirius would say something like that about his best friend. But the she realized he probably didn't mean it in a cruel way....maybe he was the one who was jealous.

"It's not perfect, but I mean it is...nice that they feel that way about each other. I hope someday someone feels that way about me...." she trailed off, a little embarrassed.

"Yeah, I know what you mean." He leaned closer to her. "I think we all do..." He looked deep into her eyes and she thought that maybe he was being serious, compared to his normal sarcastic behavior. Hallie narrowed her eyes slightly and then as he came closer she felt his hand on her arm, pulling her towards him. She slowly closed her eyes and felt his lips touch hers-

"Sirius!" yelled Remus from afar. "Come here!"

They broke apart faster than lightning. Sirius was on his feet and broke off at a run towards Remus.

Hallie shook her head, trying to push away what had just happened and laid back down.

But as much as she tried, all summer Hallie kept thinking about how she had kissed Sirius Black .