Excerpt: Dangers of Pretending

"Telling them about Lily won't help," Sirius said, trying to work past the anger into logical thought. "Even if they realize that we're not involved, they could still reassign us if they believe I have more-than-platonic feelings for you." When James opened his mouth to protest, Sirius leveled a look at him. "Don't try to argue. And you know it would happen. With the exception of Thomas, the higher ups in the Auror department are a bunch of old, bigoted traditionalists."

James sighed, knowing he was right. "So what do you suggest? That I return to my old habit of talking about Lily non-stop and you go speed-dating?"

"For you, yes, I think that's exactly what you should do," Sirius said. "I'm sure I'll be able to tune it out just like I did in school." He ignored James' indignant squawk. "As for me, you heard Lily last night. It's hard for a gay wizard to find dates around here, and that club isn't really the place I'd go to look for a serious boyfriend."

James waited, as he recognized Sirius' thinking face, and knew not to interrupt the process.

"I think I need to hire someone to be my boyfriend."