The Second Moony (Sirius Black)

Ch 12

"You know what I didn't miss over the summer? this." Marlene muttered angrily. It was time for their midnight astronomy sessions-something sleeping's number one fan didn't appreciate. 

Luna was the opposite. "Are you kidding? I've missed it so much." After a month of hardly being able to see the night sky, she had never been more excited for Astronomy. Plus, new year, new partners. 

"I thought you said your house was amazing for stargazing, Luna" Alice said. 

Luna's face fell briefly. She hadn't told any of her friends what happened over the summer or how she had been locked away for three months. "I-well-I just didn't have as much time as I thought." 

Alice looked at her skeptically but said nothing else. 

Professor Hoxha began class with the worst announcement Luna had ever heard in her entire life. "Partners will be the same as last year" That meant she would be with Black. Again. 

Working with Black wasn't as bad as Luna thought it would be. He was actually helpful, and when he wasn't near James he did the work and he did it well. He was just as good as Luna, and he knew more names than she did. Although, Luna worked hard this summer to memorize as many as possible in order to close the gap between her and Sirius. Since she couldn't look at the stars, she could at least learn them. However, he was still one of the most obnoxious people at the school. His hair had grown out of the awkward bob and was now shoulder-length. He had yet to drop the moniker "Little Lupin" for Luna. And he made snide comments all the time. Plus, she spent practically the entire second semester only talking to him in one word replies, and only during Astronomy. 

"Well well well, Little Lupin. The star squad is back together again." Sirius smiled. 

Luna internally groaned. "You cannot be serious with that name."

"Actually, I am Sirius. In more ways than one" He snickered. 

There was nothing Luna could do but just stare at him. 

"That was funny" Sirius said. 

Luna shook her head. "I've heard five year olds with more sophisticated humor than you" 

"James appreciates my jokes"

"Congratulations. I never thought it would be possible, but you somehow managed to find someone with as little brain development as you." 

Their bickering was interrupted by Professor Hoxha. "I trust my star pupils were working on their astronomy over the summer?"

"Of course, Professor" Luna said with as much politeness as she could gather. 

Sirius responded with a grunt, earning him an elbow to the ribs from his partner. 

"I have a special assignment for you both," Professor Hoxha continued. If she noticed the animosity between Sirius and Luna, she never said anything. "I want you two to map the orbits of all the planets in our solar system." 

"Professor, that typically doesn't happen until fourth or fifth year." Luna explained. 

"I believe in you two. Besides, I'm sure you both would ace this class if I gave you the typical second year curriculum. Just try your best." Professor Hoxha reassured them 

"Did you hear that, Little Lupin? The star squad is so advanced that we got bumped up a few years! High-five" Sirius held out his hand. 

"Black, I refuse to celebrate until you pick a different name" Luna said as she set up her telescope. 

Sirius' eyebrows popped up at that remark. "So you're saying you are okay with a nickname for us?"

Luna sighed. How was she going to survive another year with him? Even worse, she predicted Hoxha would keep them together for the rest of eternity.  No one was a bigger fan of the star squad. "Yes, Black. You may give us a nickname. But for the love of Merlin, it cannot be star squad."