Just Looking For Trouble -open-

[lucyy]

Saturday morning. Well, verging on afternoon now. Hogwarts was quieter then usual and a peaceful atmosphere held it that way. That was until a fairly loud thud somewhere on the old corridors began echoing through the school as one of the historic cabinets on the second floor crashed to the ground and destroyed Saturday morning serenity. Filch, who was quick to arrive on the scene, appeared to be more concerned by the giggles erupting from the abused antique. You see, hiding inside it (or rather trapped inside now the blasted thing had landed on its doors) were two students about to receive an arguably well deserved pair of detentions from a bitter caretaker, after he had to physically flip the heavy thing over with the reluctant aid of three other passing students. The first to clamber out was a very pretty blonde girl in Hufflepuff robes, who was giggling and blushing furiously. One of the boys who had helped turn over the cupboard, the only Gryffindor of the three, now extended a hand to help the second student out – his fellow Gryffindor took it gratefully, and out climbed the one and only Sirius Black, face full of laughter at the old caretaker’s obvious anger.

“What? We were looking for Narnia!”
Clearly Filch hadn’t read up on his muggle fiction.

Sirius ran a hand casually through his dark hair, shaking off the dust and cobwebs he’d just been exposed to. His expression was as casual and haughty as ever but beneath that he was annoyed. Surprisingly it wasn’t because Filch was now screaming in his face, that simply made him laugh, instead it was the fact that he’d now be permanently locking or even getting rid of Sirius’ perfect make-out spot. Over the past 6 years he had used that with, not to brag, hundreds of different girls, he was sad to see it go. But then again he had a million and one other cosy hideaway spots marked out nicely on the Marauders Map so the thought didn’t bother him for long. Ignoring Filch’s rant he turned his grey eyes on the girl, winking at her, which just set her off giggling even more. That in turn made Filch even worse, and before either of them knew it they were sentenced to a weeks worth of detentions. Undefeated and unrepentant to the very end, Sirius simply shrugged and walked off on his own towards the stairs. The old guy was getting soft! He’d had much worse punishments then that in the past and this time it was most definitely worth it. Not just for the girl, mind you, but to really annoy that git.

Today was Hogsmeade weekend, the last one in fact, so naturally most of the school was empty. Realising this Sirius was tempted to take advantage of it and raid a few offices, but after a moments consideration he thought better of it. The resulting punishments he could deal with, but the reaction of his friend’s if he stood them up would not be as easy to brush off. Besides, how could he work real mischief without his partners in crime?

So, in search of aforementioned company, he made his way down the grounds and slipped (a bit later then most) through the gates. He felt the usual excitement to be back on the busy streets again, even if he had popped in by use of the map just two days before... But still, it was never the same as coming on an official weekend. He would miss this when they left. The collective atmosphere a street filled with students free of the castle for the first time in months was enough to cheer anyone up.

[Alice Logan<3]

&& you never do know just who you'll run into these days...

Her silvery eyes were beckoned closer to the fair cobble-stoned streets of the snow-covered village of Hogsmeade that frosty afternoon. She wore a pair of long, denim jeans, a knit sweater of a deep red shade, a pair of chocolate brown boots, and brown scarf, and a long wool coat of a matching shade. Her hands were donned with intricately knitted mittens that seemed tiny. She looked ever-so-distracted even as she started forward.

Alice Logan was not like other witches. She had special abilities that were not seen as very acceptable in society. Her precognitive ways made her an oddity amongst those who considered themselves to be normal. Alice had also never really known her biological parents. She'd only been well-acquainted with her adoptive parents through the course of her life thus far.

Point being, her mind was scattered the icy afternoon as she stepped out of The three Broomsticks. It was getting far too crowded inside and Acie was beginning to flatter herself with the idea of a stroll over to The Hog's Head for a drink. She'd find her room to breathe there. Her plans were delayed though. Why? Why, you ask? Alice's absent-minded walk was interrupted by someone she knew rather well, but often tried to avoid for a god reason. She'd run straight into Sirius Black. Alice had always been friends with Sirius in a silly sort of way. They got in trouble together mostly. Alice would challenge him, he'd challenge her, they'd both end up in detention. This was their usual trend of behaviors.

So, when she slipped on a stray patch of ice in the street and reached forward to grasp none other than Sirius's hand, she was started and agitated. "Oh, sorry 'bout that. Wait, it's you." Were Acie's opening statements. They weren't exactly warm-hearted or filled with kindness. She didn't expect him to be searching for those words in her though so, all was well. A dark smile spread over her lips. There were memories of what seemed like a thousand and one pranks soaring through her vivid imagination.

"You're really only just getting here then? I thought you'd have snagged James from Lily by now to do some mischief at least. Maybe even Remus is around. I don't know why you'd be with Peter, but I know you do offer him your presence often enough." Alice remarked. She knew him too well yet, not at all. She knew his friends, him on that casual level, and the fact that they had history of trouble. What would that fair day have in store for them then?

[lucyy]

So far there was no sign of his mates but Sirius hadn’t really been putting much effort in to be fair. He wasn’t known for having the greatest attention span and the look he was getting from an attractive group of passing fifth year girls was threatening to distract him from his friend-finding mission. But Sirius mustered the strength to carry on and hoped Prongs would appreciate such a gesture when the git finally emerged.
The sacrifices one makes for friendship.

Passing the warmth of the Three Broomsticks, Sirius decided he would have a peek if any company was in there. If not it wouldn’t be the end of the world, far from it, he could always entertain himself by chatting with the lovely Rosmerta. His day dreams of the attractive barmaid were, however, cut short as he suddenly felt a tug at his hand. Sirius scowled for a fraction of a second until he realized who it was grasping at his arm. A wide grin spread across his handsome features as he watched her gather herself and utter a far from friendly greeting.

“Wow… Alice, I had no idea you felt this strongly about me. Holding hands in the street and everything. I’m flattered, really.”

He attempted to look sincere and gripped her hand as if he were truly touched. Sirius recognized the expression on the girl’s face and his grin suddenly became almost wolfish as his own mind considered past incidents and occurrences. He loved causing trouble in the school and anyone who shared that hobby was welcome company. That’s one of the many reasons why he and James were such close friends and why he had spent the past six years marauding with Prongs and the others. As Alice mentioned all of them he simply shrugged.

“They’ll show up somewhere. I had to come later though it was unavoidable; there was very important work to do at school I’ll have you know. I’m taking these NEWTs pretty seriously nowadays.”

With that Sirius treated her to a sly wink and a guilty smirk. Yes it was complete lie but he knew she’d never believe it for a second anyway. Sirius Black putting extra work in on a Saturday morning… There mere thought was laughable.

“So how might you be spending this afternoon, Miss Logan? No company?”

[Alice Logan<3]

Ace treated herself to a laugh, "Aw, don't flatter yourself so much dear Siri. I merely tripped on the ice you left in your wake." She teased casually as she let go of his arm quickly and pretended to brush of his presence like some germ or disease. And then came the thought of Sirius being late to Hogsmeade because of school work. Alice fought down a choking laugh. It was the kind that held so much sarcasm that it had to be hurtful on some level or other. She knew it was nearly impossible to officially offend someone like Sirius though. It wasn't in his nature to hold a grudge against a girl like Alice. Even if he did, she'd just turn on the charm until he returned her warmer regards.

"You, study? Not even for NEWTs would I expect to find you anywhere near a library or even a book for that matter." Alice smiled mischievously now. "You have other things on your mind now, don't you Mr. Black?" Acie tempted him. She knew the marauders were always up to something. Their latest ploys were not yet clear to her, but she loved to hear a story or two. Perhaps even join in the adventure...

"Hm, my afternoon is splendid. I've just spent all of about ten minutes in a student hoarded Three Broomsticks and now I'm here gracing you with my presence." Alice went ahead and handed that to herself in a joking manner. Friends never told how they really were, they passed it on in petty jokes and let things be what they were. Sirius was not one to hear about reality anyways. "And of course I have company. You were just about to tell me how we're spending this wondrous Hogsmeade weekend of course." She winked, turning on that sweetest of charms. It wasn't flirtatious, just engaging. Alice had a way of making everything seem more deep than it really was. She prayed there was something interesting to light up her afternoon now.

[lucyy]

“If you say so. But just for the record if you were so eager to hold my hand you simply had to ask.”

He was only teasing of course and as she released his arm he slipped both his hands into his pockets casually. Sirius was quite happy to go along with it and see how this little encounter ended up; he had no real plans to speak of anyway. He had never been the type to arrange anything in advance simply because he realized that more often then not organized events didn’t end up happening exactly the way anyone wanted. That was the reason most of these Hogsmeade weekends usually ended with him searching for some form of entertainment, company or more frequently an excuse to get into trouble. Without fail, he’d always find it somewhere.

In reaction to the disbelief on Alice’s face as he claimed to have been studying, Sirius made a vein attempt to look offended, before giving in completely.

“Alright that might not have been an entirely accurate account of my morning.” He admitted this with a shrug and a guilty grin. Fooling about in a cupboard was hardly going to count towards his final grade. “As for the other things occupying my mind, that my dear is classified information. Maybe if you’re good I might share a few secrets… But for now you will just have to be extra nice to me.”

The description of a jam packed Three Broomsticks put Sirius off slightly. It was a great pub and he was certainly tempted to swan in and try and charm a free butterbeer out of Rosmerta, but on Hogsmeade weekends it wasn’t worth the effort. Too many third years were cramming in still over excited by the chance to visit the village. It wasn’t a great atmosphere, and even if James or Remus were in there he’d have a job finding them. So when Alice requested, or rather demanded his company, Sirius figured it would be the more entertaining option.

“So I was! How forgetful of me. Anywhere you particularly fancy? How about we have a spot of lunch somewhere? I’m starving you see, missed breakfast.”

[Alice Logan<3]

Alice's big blue eyes sparkled with a new glint. "When have I ever been anything less than nice to you Sirius Black?" Acie asked with sarcasm and scandal dripping from her tone in such elegant patterns. She could see him working out in his mind just how much fun it would be to hang out with her. Of course it made sense to a girl like Alice. People like Sirius Black and Alice Logan were far too confident for their own good. Alice knew that might get her into trouble someday, but for now it was merely a tool for amusement. She wanted to do something fun.

"You are ever-so-forgetful these days now, aren't you? First you seemed to forget that I am always to be trusted with classified information. And now our plans too? What shall we do with you? You're a right mess if I do say so myself." She amused herself with such little dwellings as she anticipated his remarks in turn. Alice loved hanging out with people like Sirius because they simply got along so well. They thought on some similar level most days. Searching for trouble and throwing out sarcastic comments like wild-fire.

"Hm, a spot of lunch? Well, there's The Hog's Head if you'd like to avoid the crowd. You may run into your fair cousin doing dark business if we enter the pub though. I don't think she's very happy with me either. I'm friends with you, I'm a Gryffindor, and I'm alive thus meaning Bellatrix Black hates me." Alice prattled on about Bellatrix. She hated the older Miss Black with a passion and didn't mind wasting the time of others to talk about it. "Or, to suit your usual tastes, there's always Honeyduke's." Alice offered a wink and then looped her arm through his to stroll down the street as though out of some old-fashioned movie. She didn't mind the strange stares or the off comments.

"There's always another option though..." Alice mused with a laughing tone. "I mean, who doesn't love a perfectly good picnic?" Alice had a certain way of mastering oddities. It was snowing out for heaven's sake! Not only that, but a picnic was something old couples did in Godric's Hollow during Spring holiday. Sirius and Alice were far from a couple and the snow seemed to come down harder at the mere suggestion of a picnic. Alice also loved to take moments as that as a time to prove her magical abilities. Even though students weren't allowed to use magic outside of school, she was in her 7th year and old enough to cast away. Oh, how she enjoyed moments such as those!

[lucyy]

“Now that my dear is nonsense, you can drop the innocence right now, you’re always mean to me.”

Sirius looked down to her, for there was enough height difference enabling him to do that, and flashed her a playful grin. If anything the icier the comments got the more fun he was having. Apart from the obvious Slytherin exceptions, Sirius pretty much got on with everyone reasonably well. But the people he actual enjoyed spending time with weren’t necessarily the ones who actually were always nice to him. For instance there were certain people who were, if anything, too nice, in a sucking-up kind of way. He liked to be around people who offered a bit of witty banter. That was certainly what he had found in James, and he seemed to have the same sort of relationship with Alice. He often wondered if he was even capable of making ‘normal’ conversation.

“So it seems. Good thing I have you by my side to correct me when I make these little slip ups, I know you have my best interests at heart. But you know… This forgetful memory of mine… I seem to have completely forgotten the details of our most recent marauding endeavors. Such a shame isn’t it?”

As they walked the main Hogsmeade high street, Sirius was contemplating each of the options. The relative peace of the Hog’s Head was inviting but he was put off at the mere thought of what they might serve as food. Surely that grim place could not have the most appetizing menu? So out of the two Honeydukes did seem the better option. Although he wouldn’t be getting a proper meal there, just more junk… Then again, did he even care? So many tough decisions. He let out a bark like laugh at the thought of a picnic and shrugged.

“True. I can say in all honesty, I’ve yet to meet a person with a serious dislike for picnics. I've got to say though... These aren't exactly optimum conditions.”

Sirius paused at that point, indecisive. Weighing the negative points of each establishment he realized he didn’t fancy any of them.

“I really, really could go for a bacon sandwhich right now.” As he declared this, Sirius stopped in the middle of the street, much to the annoyance of anyone following behind the pair. “Where do you reckons best for that? We may even have to venture out of this village, I’m not sure it can accommodate my high class culinary demands...”