There are people who would say being optimistic about life would bring you great things in life.

Those people obviously did not know Sirius Black, because Mr. Black likes to keep you on your toes, or in my case on my ass. He has jinxed my bottom to this chair and is now laughing at me.

How many times can I say I will hex this boy until it actually happens?

I'm giving Black the most lethal of death stares, when Lily speaks to me.

"Darcy? Are you coming?" She was standing at the entrance of our Potions class with James.

I looked from her to James before deciding how to properly respond.

"You go on without me, I have to talk to Black," I attempted to sound civil.

By the look on her face she seemed to believe me, which is a relief. James also looked thankful, probably because Black's prank would have incriminated James in Lily's mind. She's lucky I care so much about their relationship; otherwise I'd let the whole world know how much of a prat Sirius Black is.

"I'll meet you after transfiguration, then," Lily said with a smile, before walking away with James.

I resumed my lethal glare back to Black.

"Why the feathers would you do this?" I snapped at him, earning me a laugh from him and Peter.

I hadn't even noticed he was standing there. At least Remus isn't here; there's only so much prattitude I can take.

"I'd do anything to have you give me that face," he replied, with a smirk. (Actually, I fairly sure that's the only expression he has)

My legs are still mobile, so if he just walked a little closer I think I could kick him in the jewels.

"Just let me- oh you know what? No, because as long as my arse is stuck to this chair, you cannot look at it."

Really this isn't a bonus to being jinxed to a chair, but maybe a little reverse psychology is what I need to get out of this situation.

"I admit I did not think of that being a consequence." Black looked thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "And I do love Uranus. One of my favorite planets to study in Astronomy, wouldn't you agree Wormtail?"

It's possible that my eyes will roll out of my head one of these days due to over-eye-rolling. Peter laughed awkwardly at Black's joke, not maintaining eye contact with me. Good, at least someone has enough sense to be afraid of me in this situation.

"Black just get me out of this bloody chair before I-"

"Ah, ah, ah! Doe, you must be nice to me, if you'd like your arse to be set free." He walked over to me, trying to tower over me with his height- wait I think I could kick him in the jewels- wait, I'm going to be late to Care of Magical creatures!

I sighed before putting on a nice smile. "Please release my arse from this chair."

He cleared his throat, indicating he wanted me to say something else. For Merlin's SAKE!

"Please release my arse from this chair, Sirius."

He smiled, obviously feeling triumphant and muttered the reversal spell. I stood up immediately, nearly smacking my head into Sirius' because he was that close. Is this how it feels to be in a closet when you're claustrophobic?

"So, are you going to explain to the professor why we're both late to class?" I ended up asking, pushing the chair behind me away so I could grab my book bag.

"You're going?" He asked as if I proposed such an outrageous activity.

"Er, Padfoot… Professor Kettleburn said if we don't show up we'll get a weeks worth of-" Peter had started talking, only to be interrupted by Black.

"Shut up, Wormtail," Sirius said quickly, before returning his attention to me. "So Doe, what do you say? We could play hooky, maybe sneak off to Hogsmeade?" He was doing that thing with his eyebrows again.

I sighed outwardly, not answering right away. I enjoy the class… but I also enjoy Hogsmeade.

Oh right, Peter's here. I have nothing against the guy, but spending the afternoon with him isn't my cup of tea.

Neither is spending the afternoon with Black mind you, but admittedly Black the more tolerable one out of the two.

"I… don't think so, Black." I looked from him to Peter.

Black seemed to catch my line of sight and turned to face him, sighing, "Wormtail, you could have left for class before now." He was obviously annoyed at Peter's cock blocking.

I took this opportunity to sling my book bag over my shoulder and attempt a quiet getaway.

"Don't think you can escape my pristine company, Doe!" Black called from the Potions classroom.

Damn. Not that I expected to get away really, but one can dream. I turned back around to face dumb and dumber. Black walked back to me as Peter quickly walked past us. Obviously Black had threatened or bribed dear ol' Pete to go away.

Smooooth.

"Where's Peter going?" I asked.

Black shrugged nonchalantly. "To class. He doesn't want another week of detention."

"Oh, and you do?" I raised my eyebrow.

"It's like you don't know me at all!" He exclaimed, feigning outrage.

"Fine, Black. Just this once I shall join you in impropriety."

"I love it when you talk dirty." He winked before running ahead of me.

"Why are you running?" I asked, not bothering to run after him. He turned around and jogged backwards.

"Don't want to get caught by Filtch do we?" He gave me a mischievous grin.

Oh fine, he's occasionally cute when he's not acting like a complete twelve year-old. (Which is not often)

I readjusted my book bag strap on my shoulder, and ran after him.

"So whadda think, Doe?" Black asked me, as we sat atop a chopped tree trunk, looking out at Hogsmeade from a distance. I grabbed a handful of Bertie Botts and popped a few in my mouth.

"Better than sitting around in Care of Magical Creatures," I agreed.

"I'm surprised that you'd even admit that." Black nudged my shoulder playfully, grabbing a Pumpkin Pastry.

"Well, the company is only so-so," I smirked, popping another Berite Bott in my mouth.

Mmm, strawberry. What a wonderfully normal flavor.

"Excuse my assumption." Black chuckled, turning his head to look at me.

"You should know by know to never assume anything about me," I pointed out, before standing up and grabbing my jumper.

"Come on, I can't ditch two classes today," I said, holding out my hand to Black so he'd get up.

He looked disappointed, and gave an overdramatic sigh. "You are no fun, Doe." He stuffed the rest of the sweets in his never-ending pockets, before grabbing my hand.

"I don't think I'll ever understand how you Marauders ditch so many classes and aren't kicked out of school," I commented as we walked back towards the castle.

"Tis a secret us Marauders will keep with us until we die," Sirius said, flinging his robes over one shoulder.

I gave him an unimpressed look.

"What?" He asked, seeing my look. "I can't just tell anyone the Marauders' secrets."

"I'm just trying to understand why you lot must always be mysterious. Is it because girls fancy mysterious bad boys who always break the rules?" I smiled, knowing very well that this was the reason, if not one of many.

On cue, Black smirked. "Well of course that's why we do it! What is life without a little romance?"

"An average school year, I should think," I replied with a shrug. I hadn't dated many blokes during my 6 years at this school, but it was never bothersome. I had enough to worry about with my double classes and quidditch.

By now we had reached the covered bridge, and by my eyes it looked like the clock read 3:20-ish. Just in time for Herbology.

Black slid his arm around my shoulders in a friendly sort of way. "You can't tell me you don't believe in romance, Doe."

I swatted his arm away, with no prevail. "I'm not saying I don't believe in it, I'm just saying that it's not a common occurrence for me. I mean I've had a couple snogs here or there, and a couple rendezvous in the Arithimancy tower, but I do want to pass my classes. There is such a thing as too much romance you know."

I had to jab at him; I'd heard the stories. Hell, I'd heard him in broom cupboards.

"And there's such a thing as the perfect balance," he said with a dreamy voice. I side-eyed him.

"A balance both of us have apparently yet to achieve," I said nudging his side with my elbow. He dropped his arm from around my shoulders as we came to a stop near the shortcut portrait to the Grand Staircase.

"I think today's…" Black said, looking thoughtful for a moment, "rendezvous was successful." He smiled, with just a hint of mischief etched on his face.

I crossed my arms, but smiled. "I will have to agree with you there. You're not a completely terrible person to be around."

"A compliment? Praise the gods, Darcy Collins complimented me!" Black shouted, his arms outstretched.

"Oi, keep your knickers on," I said, laughing at his outburst.

"Don't think I'll be able to if you keep up these compliments of yours." He winked.

I rolled my eyes. "I have to get to Herbology. Good bye, Black." I started to walk up the stairs of the clock tower.

"Good morrow my beautiful Doe!" He shouted before disappearing behind the portrait.

I shook my head. Alright, Black is admittedly attractive, as is he admittedly a fun person to be around.

I least I can admit it