School was perfectly fine. A good distraction from the chaos that her life had seemed to come into. This year was going to be difficult compared than previous years. Mostly because of the O.W.L.S. that came this year. She had focused in on her studies, always finishing the homework the night they were given it. Because frankly the idea of wasting time on unnecessary actions made little to no sense, and she wasn't one for procrastination. She was too much like her father in that regard.

It was true that over the last four nearly five full years that Potter had tried relentlessly to ask her out, mostly done in interactions in which Severus wasn't too far away. The fact remained she chose not to engage in conversation with someone like Potter because she'd deemed it pointless if all he wanted to do was just prank. She wasn't fond of that kind of endeavor.

What was the point in pranks like his? There were none. It didn't help that he picked on her best friend, even if her best friend had always been able to stand up for himself. But she wasn't one to just let him be out-numbered in magic. Even though she knew that it was breaking the rules she'd do what she had to, for him. Because she cared for Severus, had since she was nine. They were close, and she hoped that would never change as she would be lost without him. Truthfully she remembered every interaction she'd had with Potter and his friends, mostly because of the fact she'd had a good memory. She acted as though she didn't care, but frankly it got a bit annoying having to intervene on Severus' behalf every time as four against one, or two against one was ridiculous.

Severus had been her best friend, the one she trusted, since she was nine. He'd welcomed her into this world, of magic, with open arms and didn't try to make her feel like an outsider like her sister soon did when magic came into the conversation. It was hard to imagine that she'd have to constantly be the one to intervene whenever hexes or some other form of magic was used between the four boys, and Severus. It got old and fast. She wasn't remotely pleased in any way known to man when it came to having to intervene in circumstances like that.

Today, she had come out to the grounds to finish the letter to her mother and to think. And to hope. She rose to her feet looking at him, her belongings were put neatly back into her little bag. She didn't want to cause a disturbance since right now he hadn't done anything particularly annoying as of yet. "Oh, because almost every chance you've had since first year, you've had some prank up your sleeve waiting for some unsuspecting soul to come along to be the victim of such prank." It was absolutely ridiculous. She felt sometimes like she was dealing with a five year old when it came to these guys than someone whom was supposed to be fifteen.

 She shook her head as she moved closer to the water. "Well, if Marlene wants to spend time with Sirius and Sirius wants to spend time with her, that's good. He's not acting odd at all. He's growing up. He's doing something to make himself happy. But if I have to spell it out for you I will. Marlene and Sirius like each other, and I don't just mean as friends. Anyone in this school can see it. Though, if you can't I suppose you're daft. You're an immature prat. All you care about is causing pranks. You don't care about the effects that it has on others. You know, it's pretty sad that I have to even intervene when you and Sirius, along with Remus and Peter go after Severus. Four against one, very brave. It's bull. You're not going to win anyone over that way. Especially not me. And  as far as for what I'm doing here, it is simply to enjoy the scenery. There's a sense of peace and tranquility here." That was something she felt was an honest answer. She wasn't about to lie as she had no reason to. Lying didn't get anyone anything at all. Not in her book.

@potter

Creativity wasn't what she thought of when it came to his pranks. Even though he didn't outwardly admit that she was correct, she knew that she was. He was easier to read. "Things change. You're not supposed to just stay the same. You've got to take the good with the bad. Even I've had my fair share of conversations with Sirius." She smiled as she looked towards the water, the smile was there, but it was not because of her present company. She wasn't stupid, she was rather perceptive. If Sirius wanted to do the things that he did, then by all means she wouldn't get in his way. He was maturing. He'd even said he'd lay off of pranking Severus, words she never thought she'd hear out of his mouth. "You could have fooled me." That was as much of a reply as she was going to give him. He wasn't worth arguing with. "Just because you have an ego, that needs to be appealed to, does not mean that you're always in the right. What you do is not brave."

A sigh escaped her lips as she turned to finally face him. "You don't get it do you? Acting like you do isn't going to get you what you want. It's childish. Immature. You've been trying to get my attention since first year. Don't think I haven't noticed because I have. But, to be honest, you don't appeal to me. Your antics aren't worth it. I want something better. And--Severus is better. So's Sirius. For that matter. Severus is my best friend, has been since I was nine. He's got more of a shot with me than you do. Sirius is a good guy. He knows the right things to do, the right things to say. He's been through far more than even you or I could dare imagine. And no. Marlene doesn't have to do anything of the sort. Sirius is just changing because he wants to, she doesn't have him under any sort of spell. A real woman doesn't need to use magic to appeal to a man. Though I would expect you would come up with such an answer given you have no idea how to win a girl over. Though truth be told, I know you could snog any female in this school you chose to. To be honest, go for it. If that's what you want. Because you're wasting your time trying to get my attention by your pranks. If you want me to actually care what you're up to, what you want, how you feel then you're going to have to grow up. Mature. Be the kind of man that deserves that attention. Not because it's coerced but because it's a genuine act." She didn't know what things would happen. Or how dangerous that the world was going to become.

She'd always be the type to be there for those she cares about. Marlene was not about to use certain charms even though she was capable of doing so, they both were. Veela or not, wouldn't change that nature. "You can be in denial all you want, but it is the truth. And anyone whose a friend would never dare to say that an individual would use certain aspects of themselves, magic especially, to win someone over. Because that's no way to start, a relationship--friendship or otherwise. It'll fail in the end when that magic would end." She wasn't going to give up. "Only a coward would try your approach. Grow up a little. Stop with the antics, of pranking and you might find your endeavors might succeed in ways that you could never imagine. Otherwise you'll end up watching as those things just disappear. Move on. To something or someone else." She replied truthfully. She wasn't saying that she'd go out with him if he had stopped pranking but she was also being honest in that as long as that was his lifestyle that it wouldn't score him a chance with her in the least. She'd be more inclined to say yes to a date with Sirius or even Severus than to wait around for a man that just wasn't going to change. She didn't want him to change for her but to change to be better for himself. If you couldn't be happy with yourself you'd never be happy with anyone else. 

@potter

Change, although difficult was sometimes necessary. "Just recently, it's not that big of a deal, Potter." she shook her head. "Are you jealous, that he talked to me and not you?" She asked, though she knew it had more to do with Sirius talking to her, talking to Marlene rather than talking to him that bothered this man so much. She wasn't a fool. Though she knew that that man before her didn't like change, didn't like to be left in the dark. Whom would? "You think running around the Forest with a werewolf is brave? It's a lot of things, but I wouldn't say brave. Perhaps a bit foolish. But--that being said I also know whom the werewolves in question are. Your little friends." Not specifically naming the Lupin siblings for a reason because she didn't want their secret revealed. She'd figured it out a while back. But, she wasn't going to say anything about it as it wasn't her place to do so. Hell she hadn't even let it slip to Remus she knew anything.

"I said you could, not that you would have. If you'd learn to open those ears of yours. And yes, I would. Severus is my best friend, so yes, I'd trust myself enough to be in a relationship with him. And as far as Sirius is concerned, I'd consider it, if he wasn't already with Marlene, and I don't wish to disrupt their newly formed union." It wasn't that James Potter was ugly or anything. Because he was great, when he wanted to be. He was handsome, smart, funny sometimes. But that demeanor of his was something that needed to change. The only thing she could say positively at this point was that he was beyond loyal to his friends. And that, that was something she admired. As there weren't many whom would be that way with their friends. There was a reason she'd choose to go out with either Severus or Sirius. They both had their own--unique charms. She moved slightly towards him which was against her own inner nature.

"That's not what I meant, Potter and you know it. You may have aged but you haven't changed. Not since we first arrived in Hogwarts. I know that change is scary. That you might not have the same kind of fun if you do grow up. But that's what the real world is. It's scary. It's unknown. And yes, you are in denial." She knew that James was in denial. It wasn't that hard to understand. He didn't want to change. She knew that. But she also knew that she didn't want to be involved in something like that. She could handle having fun but there was a difference between having fun and being a prat. Instead of moving further away from James, she moved a little towards him as she continued to speak. She was close enough now that if he wanted to reach out and touch her he easily could have.

It was a cool crisp day. There was no one around, and yet that was okay with her. She wasn't going to contest anything that had happened thus far. What was his plan? She had stayed put and was talking to him almost civilly, something she had not done since first year. He hadn't royally angered her yet, and so long as he didn't, all would be okay. "Look. I realize that you're upset. You have a right to be, I suspect. I understand that change is scary. Look, I haven't outright called you a coward. But if the shoe fits, wear it. And I'm sorry if I'm the one that has to point out your flaws but someone has to be real with you. Look, you want me in your life, then you're going to have to work for it. I'm not asking for perfection. Merlin knows that's not possible. I'm not--even expecting a lot. Just for the pranks to slow down a bit. To not go after my best friend. I don't even know why you target him aside from my being friends with him and the fact you've never liked him." Shaking her head she didn't know what to do. She didn't hate James but she wasn't particularly keen on him acting the way that he was. Naturally speaking, she wanted to try. "I don't hate you. Hate only destroys. I may not particularly like you but I don't hate you. But as it stands, I can't....do this. I can't do something that may cause me pain down the road." She was afraid. There wasn't much she was afraid of, but that was one of the things. Since honestly the idea of relationships were mostly a joke. There were only two paths to take. One towards the darkness, and one towards the light. And she wished she could say that being here--next to James was pointing her in the direction of the light. For now, she was unsure of which path to take. Whether to keep moving forward towards him or to back away, very slowly.

@potter

Taking a deep breath she looked towards this man in front of her. She could see his unease about the situation, that Sirius had chosen others to confide in. "Did it ever occur to you that he didn't want to burden you with certain things, that he was afraid that maybe you'd not like what he had to say? There are some things even I can't tell Marlene, or even my own sister but I've told Severus. Having others to confide isn't a bad thing you know. When he's ready to tell you whatever he's told Marlene, he will. I know why you do what you do. To be there for Remus because that's what a friend does. When one is in trouble you do what you can to help. It's one of the many things that's respectable." She'd had her suspicions as to how he was able to help Remus as even she was aware that the four boys were not in the common room and knew better than believing that they were simply in the dorms during those nights of the full moon.

"I'm not sure, but they both have feelings for each other even if they haven't said as much. Of course I can read Marlene like an open book, and Sirius too. It's easy enough to ascertain. Perhaps you should ask Sirius about it?" Subconsciously she hadn't even noticed that she had been moving closer to him until she was standing in arm's reach. Close enough for James if he had been bold, to wrap his arms around her. Not that she was expecting such a rash choice. Though she knew he was looking, glancing her way every once in a while, and she had reciprocated when she thought he wasn't looking.

Mostly because she wasn't sure whether she could trust him in the least. She didn't expect him to agree with her in the least. Because that--would be like the world was crashing down to the surface, the likelihood of it happening anyway.

Change was difficult, but it was necessary even at the best of times. Her heart was racing a mile a minute, as they were standing oh so close to one another. "Change is scary. No matter how it comes about. But you're not alone. The ones you care for, the ones that are meant to be there, always will be. I know that better than anyone. I was petrified when I found out about what I was. Excited, terrified. I'd no idea what I was facing. I still don't at times. But I also know that everything happens the way it does for a reason, as my mother would say." And then it happened. Something she wasn't quite expecting. It wasn't much, just a gentle brush of the two hands, almost as though it was meant to intertwine. Part of her felt scared. She was uneasy. Mostly because this was a new sort of feeling.

 Just--the idea of talking to James was different. There hadn't been any wand-work--no spells cast. It was strange. She wasn't aiming to make him feel worse than he already had. If James couldn't change, to be a better man, for himself then, there was no point in continuing this--whatever this was. It didn't take much, to be honest. To prove himself, it was simple little things. To make her laugh, smile, and to just be the good guy she knew he could be. She chuckled as she watched him. "He was--is the one that knows me better than I know myself. Since we were nine when we met. It's why I've stood by him. He's never let me down. It's why I find myself so protective over him as it were. But, I do that with all of my friends. Sev...he taught me about all this. Magic, what I was, what Hogwarts was. I think--you do it because it's kind of become a routine. Because you've done it for so long. And albeit it is a lame explanation, I have a feeling it's true. I'll hold you to it. Take all the time you need, just not too long." She knew that she couldn't put a rush on this sort of thing.

Hate was a strong word. Something she couldn't bring herself to be. Was she afraid? To take a chance? Yes. Because she didn't want to be hurt. She didn't want to put herself in harm's way. Which she knew she would be, with this. She sighed, as she did something slightly unexpected. She didn't really know what she was doing, as it just formed out of instinct rather than of reason. Now she did not kiss him. Holding her breath as he had taken her hands in his, even for that brief moment, it showed her something she didn't think could happen. What happened next, caught her off guard. Out of instinct, though something particularly out of character for her now, she pulled one hand free, only to do something she'd read in books countless times. As she reached up and touched his face.

"I know you'll do what you need to do, no matter what it entails. You're a Gryffindor for a reason. I'm not going to say that change is easy because it isn't. I've--done my part to try and change. To do what was right even if it's not easy." Then she heard his voice, of how maybe they could figure this whole thing out together. It scared her. "You won't be alone, that much I can assure you. Even if I'm not there for it. You don't need me to be there, to be whom you're supposed to be. Whom you want to be deep down. All you need to change is the ability to see that there's a reason for it. To get you where you want to be. What you want in life. Whether it's standing next to your friends on the battlefield or to be with the one you want most. But I also know that to get where you want to be, you have to change. To either improve or to stay the same. I make a conscious choice, to do the right thing even if it's not always easy. It's why I stand next to Severus, every time you and your boys go after him. Not because, I think he can't handle himself because I know that he can. But when you care about someone, the last thing you want is for them to ever experience any kind of pain. I'm taking a chance here. I may not know much when it comes to relationships having not been in many, but I do know that if you can't trust the one you're supposed to be with, it won't go anywhere. It's a feeling--that you never really know what you've got, until it's no longer there. Til you've lost it all." 

Did she trust James? Maybe on some small level. But she did not reach for her wand, not yet. Instead she let him hold onto her hand, as she lowered her hand that was on his face back down to re-grasp his free hand. It was a sweet moment between two students. Students whom would soon be facing things neither of them could have imagined existing. She cared for him, that much she could say. Whether she was willing to actually say she was in love with him was another story altogether. She wanted to believe that it would always be alright. She had to trust him, even if she was unsure of what the result was.

@potter

She hadn't exactly had expected Sirius to confide in her much. She knew more than she let on, as she had a suspicion that the boys weren't in the common room during the nights of the full moon. And they also weren't in the dormitory, as she'd suspect they'd be out of the castle, out on the grounds, maybe even in the forest itself. It would be quite plausible. "Don't take it personally if he confides in others, because sometimes there's things that's easier to talk to others than it is someone you believe to be as close as a sibling. And you, and Sirius, you're brothers. You have been since you first met. Even I know that. I can't even confide in my own sister about things I should be able to. Instead I go to someone that will actually listen to me, like Marlene does." It was the truth. She could easily go to Marlene about almost everything, but even she had some things she just kept to herself.

It hurt sometimes to think about such things. This world was far different than the one she came from. It had its ups and downs. The good with the bad. "Most likely, and you'll find the reason when you're meant to. And you're welcome." She replied when she'd heard his answer, though wasn't entirely satisfied with it. But as she'd said he'd have to take the time to focus on what it was he wanted, and needed. Yet she was unprepared for what she had done. The comforting gesture of her hand being on his face, wasn't something she had intentionally thought of doing, it subconsciously just had happened and at the moment she'd released it, felt strange. Though she couldn't be sure of what had happened or what the result would be. She didn't know what he'd do. What he'd say. Or what her own reaction should be. It had mattered little if James had actually dated others before. Sure rumor got around school that he was, like Sirius, some sort of ladies man. Not that it would be hard to see why. He was handsome, even if he was somewhat of a jerk at times. But looks fade, personality doesn't. She wasn't about to let someone fall down a dark path if she could help it, even if said individual was James Potter himself.

"Yes. I put everything I have in what I do, and what I believe in." Being wise, perhaps. But she looked at the bigger picture most of the time. She could only nod when he spoke of not wanting to put those he cared for, in any kind of danger. She took a deep breath when he asked the question in particular. One that she had been wrestling with, since the start of the conversation. How was she supposed to do that? How was she supposed to be open and honest with him as to why she had said no countless times. Every time he'd asked her out, she'd turned him down, flat on his face. She didn't know what to say, what to do in this moment. Which was scary, and unfathomable because she always was prepared in most circumstances. Yet he had caught her off guard, and that, was a difficult feeling. She felt the warmth of his hands on hers. It felt--well there were no words to genuinely describe it. She let her fingers intertwine with his once more. She had stayed silent, forming the words she wished to express. She didn't want to come across as uncaring, or unwilling to at least hear him out.

"I'm--I'm willing to hear you out. To listen. As I've said before, I'm not looking for a relationship as it is. A friend, perhaps....but you have to earn that right. But I will give you the chance to prove that you're the kind of man that Sirius said you were. That you were good, kind even. That you'd do anything for those you care about, no matter how small of a gesture it may be." She was unsure of what James may or may not do now. She didn't hate him. She may not particularly like him but, she wanted to change that. At least on some level that's what she wanted. She listened to him, knowing that he was right. There were some things that she wanted him to change, to make himself better, but there were just as many things she didn't expect him to change. His loyalty to those he cared about was actually one of the more appealing things about him. She took this moment to really take a look at him. His ruffled hair, his glasses. He was being cute in this moment. The way he brushed the lock of her hair behind her ear. It was something that a man would do for his girl. She didn't know what to think about that. There was a lot of things running through her head, but when she caught sight of that smile and the wink he did...she couldn't help but form a smile of her own. Sure, they weren't dating. Sure they weren't exactly friends either, but she wasn't sure what she'd say they were. They both clearly wanted the same things. Even if one had been more vocal about it than the other. She wasn't about to outwardly say she fancied James in the least. She didn't want to inflate his already big head. Yet being here, in this moment, with it just simply being them alone, it felt natural. As hard as that was to believe. What was to happen? What could happen? What did they want to happen? If he were to try anything in this moment, she wasn't so sure she'd stop him. After all she hadn't hexed him in the least. It hadn't even come to mind as she stood there with him. "Just prove to me that you're the kind of man that deserves to have a chance taken on." That was all she could say about that. At least he hadn't asked her to go out with him here. What would her answer be? She couldn't honestly say. As part of her was willing to at least say yes, if he had asked. She continued to stand there, letting things happen. Her heart and mind were racing as the next thing she did was to release her hands from his though only to do something else she would have never expected she'd do. Her arms reached around his body, embracing him. It almost caught her off guard though she kept what she was feeling to herself.

@potter  

There were things she wished she could say she trusted enough to allow Sirius or Marlene privilege to confide in. As such, there were some things she just couldn't tell them or even Severus. "You guess? I know I am. I know it hurts though. But I also understand that sometimes others can't confide in me, either they don't think I'll keep what they share a secret, or they're too afraid of the consequences of the secret. Which I've seen happen as the years go on." It wasn't those here that she faced that with, but those like her sister. Others from home she had learned didn't confide in her as much. It wasn't like she could tell muggles about where she went to school or the things she saw here.

"I appreciate that, thank you. And, I'll try and be able to do that for you." She had to at least try to reciprocate, even if she wasn't remotely sure it was a good idea. The idea of befriending Potter was foreign. Because well, how was she supposed to befriend someone that tortured her best friend on a somewhat daily basis? How could she trust the man? Her heart and head were spinning wildly. Neither were on the same page so to speak. She could only nod, as she heard him say he'd stop asking her out. Now if he could uphold that promise, that would be a first. She knew it wore him down to be told no, when all he wanted was a date. But, her instincts had never let her down before and she wasn't about to let that start now. She was unsure what to think. What to feel or how to react to everything that was happening.

It all was happening so very fast. Part of her wanted to run, hide somewhere. But that wouldn't get her anywhere. And though she would deny it, at every chance, she somewhat liked this. Liked just talking to the man. Even though he was absolutely frustrating at the best of times. Could she say she wanted this? Did she? Her heart said no, but her mind? There was a conflict, and she wasn't sure how to quite rectify that. She knew one thing about James Potter. He was stubborn, and when his mind was set on something, he never let go, without a fight. He'd proven that in Quidditch, and yes she watched every game, and occasionally would watch their practice too. Mostly because she found the sport entertaining. Plus, James was quite skilled on his broom.

He was incredible up there. Though she didn't go to the practice or to the games just because he was on the team, but because she was fascinated by the sport. She knew that befriending him might be unwise, but she had to give it a shot. She'd given everyone else the benefit of the doubt, so why not him? Though she knew Severus would be highly against such things. 'Course if he knew about her and Sirius talking too, that might raise hell just as easily. Though it would be even worse if he found her talking to James. But thinking of Severus was not in her best interest. She chose in that moment to focus all of her attention on one thing and one thing only. James. Did it make sense? Absolutely not. Yet the moment that she had wrapped her arms around his waist, it was almost too perfect. Her heart, and mind were at once in the same place. Even though it made little to no sense. The moment of course his arms wrapped around her, it was a feeling she'd never experienced before. A sense of comfort. Of warmth, of hope. Of not being alone. Did that mean what she thought it meant? Perhaps. But she was unwilling to test that water just yet. It didn't hurt that James was taller than she was. Though being in his arms, she didn't push away, like she normally would have. No, she couldn't quite comprehend why she hadn't. There were conflicting emotions trying to break free and to release them. How could she do this? Do the very thing that scared her? To let her guard down? To trust. In his arms, there was a sense of peace. To say that she enjoyed this moment, was a surprise even to her. Her wand was in her pocket, willing to be used at her disposal but she didn't reach for it. Her arms stayed in place around his waist, unsure whether to keep them there or to drop them. It was a natural reaction in an unnatural way. The idea of her being nearly a head shorter than he was, mattered so very little.

It seemed like both were not acting the way they normally would have. There was a certain pull that led her towards James, almost like a moth to a flame. He was the flame and she was simply the moth. Her instincts betrayed her as she did nothing as he planted a soft kiss there upon her delicate lips. Yet the moment his lips left hers, she panicked. What the hell? How? Why? So many questions were roaming in her mind. What did this mean? She wanted to trust her instinct. She wanted to believe that she had done the right thing, by putting her foot down and saying she didn't want a relationship with him. She couldn't have dreamed this up even if she had tried in a moment. She could only clear her throat when this was over. When his lips left hers. How could anything be better than what she felt now? There was nothing in this world that mad any sense. Not like this seemed to in that moment. Yet, how could it? It was just a dream wasn't it? He was a bully. Someone whom wrecked others' day? She didn't want this to be some sort of a game. To him it just might be.

Merlin's beard, what was she to do? There were so few options at the moment. Sure she could hex him but what would that solve? What would slapping him on the back of the head do? She didn't push away from him. She didn't try to separate herself. Part of her wanted to, but, it was like her mind was screaming to get away from her but her heart was saying something all too different. She knew what Marlene would say. She knew what Sirius would say too. Their opinions mattered little in this moment. It was like everything that had happened in the last five years had suddenly been erased. Yes she knew that he was a bully, but she knew that he could overcome that. If he had a reason to. She felt like this whole place was enchanted. No one was around, no one could see, no one could interfere. Did she want that? Perhaps on some small level. She didn't want to hide the truth. Yet what was that truth? That she was afraid of love? That she was afraid of being attracted to someone else that could potentially hurt her? She had lost her faculties. She had lost all control of her natural instincts. He made that come out of her. Something that scared her more than anything else.

Part of her realized something in that small tender moment of their lips touching. When she was with him she didn't have to worry about being up-tight, or always following the rules. Something she had done all of her life. Grasping at straws was what she felt like she was doing. There was something about that small kiss, that although it hadn't lasted long, she wished it had. She wished she could--on some level do it again. When she finally had everything where she felt she could find her voice again, she knew that she had to. She had to figure out what she wanted. How to do what was right and not what was easy. She had been lonely, that much had been evident. Because she felt warmth, trust, and safety with James that she hadn't exactly expected to. Given he was supposed to be the "enemy" as it were.

"Alright, um....and here I thought you were trying to prove to me that you were someone I could trust? I specifically told you that I was not looking for anything of this nature and yet you do it anyway? I mean you're lucky that I--I can't hex you. That I won't. I made a promise to someone long ago that I would not use magic--for my own gain. I can't stand here and say that what you did was right. But I know you, I know you were aching for it. You still are. You want more. You need more. Otherwise why would you have done everything in your power to get my attention over the last--four nearly five years? You've wanted this....wanted me. But--despite what's happened, I've got to trust my instincts. To do the right thing, even if it's not easy. Even if it breaks all of what I know. I've always tried to see the good in everyone around me, even in you. And I see it. I see what everyone's talking about. You know, the--way you are with Sirius, Remus and even Peter. You trust them, you'd do anything for them. Something I admire." It seemed the darkness was lifting from her as she spoke. She wanted to reach out. She didn't want to let her past blindness get in the way now.

Shaking her head, she once more cleared her throat. "I've seen more than you can possibly imagine. I've--seen you. For you. Not just--the pranks, the bullying. You're more than that. You're better. You just haven't had a reason to pull that part of you out. You're an amazing guy, but the world can't see that when all you do is bully others. Some might call what you do--for what you are as a fool. I--I've been to every one of the Quidditch practices, and even your games. And the fact that you're good at what you do up there....you always keep the crowd going. You're what they call a fan favorite. I want to believe in you. That there's good in you. It's why I'm still standing before you. Even though everything--every fiber of my being is telling me to leave. To just leave you to sulk at what you've done. I've given--some thought into what we--what I am. What I want. What I need. Part of me wants to shut you out. Part of me wants to just ignore what has happened here. But I can't. And I know you can't either. I just don't want to get hurt again." Everything in this moment, just seemed to happen so quickly. As her arms were still wrapped around his body, pulling him closer. It was something she didn't exactly plan on doing. She couldn't stop herself. She didn't want to. Her arms suddenly found themselves reaching up higher, as though reaching for his neck, to pull his head down. She stood on her tip-toes as she reached up to kiss him. Though in all honesty, she let her lips linger more than what his had done. What was she doing? She panicked. She was still in a panic as she did this. Yet part of her was yearning for more. Most fifteen year olds did at this point. There weren't many she trusted, and none until now that she'd gotten this intimate with in such a short amount of time. Time would tell what either of their next moves would be. She couldn't say dating was an option, as the last thing she needed was that stress on her mind and heart, yet she didn't want to not be. She didn't want to always be alone. Which she feared in a way would happen if she didn't at least give herself a chance to get close to someone else. Someone like James whom clearly didn't want to hurt her.


@potter