Previously in Chapter 1:

"So here lies the question Charlotte. Will you give me a second chance? I know I do not deserve it but I love you Charlotte. I am still in love with you; you kept me spirit alive this last year. I…I don't know what else to say…" finished Harry lamely.

I sat there in silence for a moment, allowing all this information to sink in. My brain was in pieces. I spoke firmly, "I'm quite sorry Harry, but you're too late. I am already dating Anthony Goldstein."

**DISCLAIMER: I do not own the wonderful world of Harry Potter all credit goes to the brilliant J.K. Rowling. **

Harry took a moment to recover, shock played across his face, "Ohh…you are? You're dating Antho-…well Merlin, um that's brilliant Charlotte. Brilliant. I'm happy for you. So uh…"

I couldn't help but enjoy a sickening jolt of happiness at the shock and sadness that emanated off of Harry, "Harry…I'm sorry. I forgive you for…for…well you know what. And I hope we can still be friends? Practice quidditch together…you know…try to get on good terms again."

I saw a glimmer of hope in Harry's eyes and immediately felt sick to my stomach. What in the bloody hell was I doing? Did I want to be back with Harry? Hell no. Not after he sexed it up with Ginny "the Broomstick" Weasley. But he said he still loved me…that he was sorry…

My mind was in total confusion and turmoil. I needed to make Harry jealous…that's why I said that I was dating Anthony….Right? Right?...Right? Or did I have sub-conscious feelings for my best friend? Pshh. NO. I needed to talk to Anthony. I turned to Harry who was looking at me in concern as I processed all the information he had just thrown at me. I looked at him in the eyes, trying to keep from crying and said, "Listen Harry, I have to get going. I really appreciate you telling me the truth tonight. I know it must have been awful admitting that…stuff to me. But maybe we can hang out soon?"

Harry immediately responded, "Definitely Charlotte. Just name the day. I am sorry…and I hope that you and Anthony are happy together." I noticed that he did not quite meet my eyes when stating the latter half of that sentence. Smiling I rose to my feet as did Harry. He awkwardly bent down and kissed my cheek as I mounted my broom.

I waved at the sad form of Harry as I flew off toward Ravenclaw tower. However tired I was, I had no intention of heading to my dorm. I flew to the window of the 7th year boys and kicked the window in, not really caring how much noise I made. However loud I actually was, none of the boys even stirred in their sleep…Boys will be boys.

I hurried over to Anthony's bed and stood stock still for over a minute. Ohh yeaahhh, he looked damn sexy in his sleep. His short sandy brown hair was disheveled and a slight sheen of sweat glistened on his perfectly chiseled chest. Please tell me he doesn't sleep in the nude…wait…on second thought…crap crap crap…this was my best friend, I can't be thinking about his...manly business.

With a shake of my head I leaned down toward his bed and prodded his body. He did not move at all. Ughh…I'd have to do this the hard way. I grabbed his arm that was nearest to me, picked it up and dropped it with a resounding "THUMP" on his stomach. Anthony lurched forward and shouted, "WHO'ZARE?"

I glanced about the rest of the room and saw all the boys were still fast asleep. Breathing a sigh of relief I turned to Anthony who was staring at me in utter confusion. I smiled at him quickly, trying to keep my eyes away from his flawless physique and then motioned for him to follow me. He stood from his bed and walked down the stairs to the common room. We were thankfully, alone; it was two in the morning after all.

I turned around to find Anthony leaning against the doorway leading to the boy's dormitory. He was only wearing boxers. I tried to keep my mouth closed, but I was fairly certain I began to drool. He was just so good looking! What had happened to him during the summer? He strode forward and threw himself down upon the couch; I couldn't help but notice his "little Anthony" was not so little. Mentally berating myself for staring at my best friends crotch I looked worriedly into his eyes, "So…Anthony…I kind of did something stupid. Really, really stupid."

"Whatever it is Char, we can fix it. What happened with Harry?" asked Anthony motioning for me to sit next to him.

I hesitated and sat down and began the story on what had transpired. He held an impassive face the entire time and before I could finish my story he interrupted, "So, after all that. Cheating, miscommunication, and no communication…you're what? Going back to him because he said he loves you? I think you're being bloody stupid Charlotte! What kind of girl do you want to be? He is using you! He doesn't deserve you! He deserves a good kick right up his fat arse!"

I put a hand on his outstretched arm and he immediately calmed. I couldn't quite look at him in the eye, "I did not tell him I wanted to get back with him. Even though that would have been a lot better than what I did tell him…I…listen Anthony, please know that I totally understand if you can't do this for me and it is probably a completely selfish thing of me to even ask…but I sort of told Harry that you and I…are dating. And have been for the past month."

A look of shock and oddly, jubilation lit Anthony's face as he let the news sink in. I waited for him to respond, but it seemed he was struck by the sheer idiocy of my idea that he could not formulate a proper sentence, so I continued, "I only said it for him to be jealous and I…I dunno. If you think this is a terrible idea I'll tell him I was confounded or something."

Anthony cut me off, "Nah, Char, I'm in. It would be an honor to be your for fake boyfriend. But after we do this and make Harry unbearable jealous…are you going to get back with him?"

I smiled, "See, I have it all planned out. Now that you're in on the plan I figure we will 'date' for maybe a month or so and if he is still dutifully waiting for our relationship to fall into disrepair and has not gotten back with Ginny…then I'll go back with him. He'll have proved his worthiness while suffering a bit. Flawless plan don't you think?"

"Definitely smooth Char. And what if…what if you find me a better fake boyfriend than Harry was at actually being a real boyfriend? What then?" asked Anthony leaning toward me his luscious lips closing in on mine.

"I-I…I don't think that's really anything we need to think about. You're like my brother. And I'm like your sister…right?" I asked hesitantly, still locked in a standstill by his sudden movement.

He looked at me directly in the eye, "Of course, Char. Well we better be getting some rest. Big day of publicity tomorrow. Ohh…and what are we to tell our friends? I'm sure Sarah will go utterly ballistic if she doesn't know the truth."

"Yeah, I was thinking about that. I suppose we can tell Terry and Sarah the truth. But as for Michael… you know he'd tell Mandy and she'd tell the rest of the universe. So maybe we'd just tell everyone else we just started going public with the news? Sound good to you?" I asked thinking fast.

"Yeah, that sounds perfect." Said Anthony, his blue eyes locked on mine. I was paralyzed by his gaze. Adrenaline pumped through my veins and my stomach twisted into a knot as he leaned forward. This time I did not move out of the way of his lips. They caressed mine in a tender, romantic fashion. He raised himself off the couch slightly and pushed my body backward so that I was propped up in to corner. His body descended on top of mine as the kiss grew more frenzied. His hands grazed my hips and thighs as he slipped his tongue into my mouth. I was frozen like a statue the entire time, barely kissing him back I was in such a shock. Finally, he pushed himself backward and grinned at me, "Sorry, I figured we'd need a little practice if we're going to be performing in front of an audience tomorrow. Sleep well Char."

He stood and I was stuck in shock for the billionth time that night when I saw a massive erection protruding underneath his boxers. I, childish like usual, shut my eyes in horror. However, I couldn't help but think the feeling was definitely being reciprocated in my lady parts. Niagara Falls seemed to have erupted in my panties…this may be an enjoyable month after all.

It seemed like only seconds after I had fallen, fully clothed, onto my bed to sleep when a massive earthquake woke me. I yelped and jumped to my feet and to swear loudly and fall back into bed when I saw it was only Sarah bouncing at the foot of the bed grinning and laughing loudly, "Spill Char."

I saw she had woken me up over an hour early to hear my story. Taking a breath I began, and with Sarah's interruptions and exclamations it took just about an hour to finally finish. To make Sarah speechless was a feat in itself, yet there she was sitting at the foot of my bed clearly trying to formulate speech but nothing came out.

Finally, as if a silencing charm had lifted, she spoke, "You lucky son of a grindylow!

1: Of course I will keep your secret.

2: I hate you.

3: Can we have a 3 way?"

I laughed at the fact that my best friend accepted my harebrained idea without a second thought, "Sure, Sarah. I'll talk it over with him. Merlin, get a grip on yourself. Let's go down to breakfast. It's time to start the charade."

I donned my other set of Ravenclaw robes that were not wrinkled from a night's sleep. I secured my Quidditch Captain pin on the front and then paced toward the mirror that we shared with the other 3 inhabitants of our dorm. All of whom did not spend the night in their own beds. I twisted my hair and wore it in a pony tail. Did my makeup, grabbed my wand and book bag and trotted down the staircase with Sarah at my side.

We found both Anthony and Terry waiting for us in the common room; they were talking intensely on the sofas nearest to the glass windows overlooking the mountains surrounding our glorious school. Anthony smiled as he saw us approaching, "Ahh, there's my lovely girlfriend. Don't you look beautiful this morning!"

Several people turned their heads at Anthony's statement, many wide-eyed at the fact that Charlotte was no longer dating Harry Potter. Terry boldly stated, "Ahh, and my dashing girlfriend Sarah! How I love you—AGRGHH!" He stumbled backwards as Sarah shot a bat boogey hex straight at his face. The common room laughed loudly, even after the fact that Anthony reversed the spell in a matter of seconds.

"Do not get any ideas Terry Boot. I may be 'dashing' as you so wittingly put it, but YOU are nothing more than a loincloth off the most decrepit house elf. Come on, Char. Breakfast," retorted Sarah with a snort.

Anthony caught up to me rather quickly and slipped his hand into mine as we made our way down to the Great Hall. Obviously this attracted a lot of attention. Word that Anthony Goldstein and Charlotte Shenwick were dating would be around the school in a matter of hours…maybe sooner. We reached the Great Hall in a timely manner and sat at our table without spotting Harry or his friends.

Breathing a sigh of relief I dropped Anthony's hand and began to devour some eggs and bacon before class began. As we ate and talked, Professor Flitwick passed out our weekly schedules for our N.E.W.T. classes.

Monday

8am – 10 am Transfiguration

10:10 am -11:10am Potions

11:20am – 12:20pm Free Period

12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch

1:40pm – 3:40pm Ancient Ruins

Tuesday

8am – 9 am Defense Against the Dark Arts

9:10am – 11:10 am Herbology

11:20-12:20pm Lunch

12:30pm – 1:30pm Charms

1:40pm – 3:40pm Arithmancy

Wednesday

8am – 10am Potions

10:10-11:10am Ancient Ruins

11:20-12:20am Lunch

12:30 – 2:30pm Transfiguration

2:40 – 3:40om Free Period

Thursday

8am- 9 am Herbology

9:10- 11:10am Defense Against the Dark Arts

11:20 – 12:20pm Lunch

12:30 – 1:30 Arithmancy

1:40 – 3:40 Charms

Friday

8 – 9am Free Period

9:10 – 10:10 Transfiguration

11:20 – 12:20 Potions

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch

1:40 – 2:40 Charms

2:40 – 3:40 Herbology

"Brutal mate," said Terry overlooking Anthony's schedule which was identical to mine. Sarah's was also rather similar, only with Muggle Studies thrown in the mix rather than Arithmancy. She had this strange fascination with muggles, and being a pureblood wizard she sadly lacked the proper knowledge on the nonmagical world. She desired to work at the Ministry in the Muggle Liaison department. Honestly, they could not ask for a better candidate, though Sarah may be rather boisterous and at times annoying she would have no trouble interacting with muggles.

"Off to Transfiguration then?" asked Anthony slinging his backpack over his shoulder.

"Damn, damn, double damn! I forgot my book in my dorm! Terry. Come with." Said grabbed him by his tie and bounded off toward the west tower.

I grinned at Anthony, "You know, I just have this weird feeling that someday…they're actually going to end up together."

"Exactly what I think, and we all know that I am always right," bragged Anthony.

I laughed and hit him playfully on his rock hard chest. Shaking my hand in pain I scowled at him and began to walk toward class on the fourth floor. Anthony quickly caught up and grabbed my hand then bringing it up to his lips for a quick kiss, "Now, now darling, we cannot be fighting! Our first day as a couple and all…what would people think?"

We passed many of our friends, many of whom congratulated us heartily. When we reached the door to Transfiguration we found it locked and no one around. Anthony glanced at his watch to find we still had fifteen minutes before classes began. He smiled at me mischievously, "Now Char…if…if we were really dating…what kind of people would we be if we let this opportunity pass."

I pretended like I had no idea what he was implying, "Opportunity Anthony? What? To get ahead of our studies with no one around? I am confused as to what you are trying to say."

With the reflexes of a chaser, Anthony let his book bag fall to the ground and then slipped mine off my shoulder. He pressed me up against the stone wall. His arms on either side of my head, and his warm breath at my neck, "Ahh, I see the young Ravenclaw needs a bit more of a hand on education to understand." His lips ran freely across my neck and earlobe. His hands moved down my back and pressed me close to him. I could feel my breath begin to quicken as his hands moved inside my robes, tickling my back. I moaned quietly but it was loud enough for him to realize he was definitely doing something right.

I knew I should stop him…that I never intended us to be quite so graphic in our displays of affection for each other but this felt so good and so bad and so…right. The feeling of his rough hands gently caressing my body. His tender kisses trailing across my neck, not yet reaching my lips as I so desperately wanted them to. His forehead rested against mine when a sudden laugh and wolf whistle interrupted our session.

With a sigh of relief I recognized Sarah as the wolf whistle. Thinking it was only her and Terry I smiled and turned to face them. However, not only was it Sarah and Terry, there was McGonagall and half of the Transfiguration class including Harry Potter who had just witnessed the tail end of our 'bonding time' as a couple.

To mine and Anthony's utter surprise McGonagall was actually smiling. What the bloody hell was wrong with this picture? She finally got a hold of herself but instead of taking points from Ravenclaw as she had in the past when catching Sarah gallivanting off with her many flings, she reprimanded us for only a moment then ushered the class inside. Anthony and I gave each other surprised looks and followed the class inside. Sarah pulled me over to a seat next to her while Anthony moved to sit with Terry.

"Well, well. Little innocent Charlotte, what was that out there?" asked Sarah in a whisper.

I shook my head, "How much did you see?"

"Well lucky for you, there was a hold up on the stairway. Peeves like usual. Sooo the whole class only saw the end of your…thing with Anthony. I figured I'd get your attention with my whistle, else who knew how long you two would carry on. Char…did you see Harry's face? Bloody brilliant idea making out in the hallway before class. He was jealous…furious…heartbroken…you name it!" whispered Sarah frantically.

Shit. Was I being a complete prat doing this to the boy who had just saved the Wizarding world from evil? Yes. Did he deserve it? Maybe a little bit? I needed to tone it down though…Anthony and I were faking…it sure did seem like he was liking this idea much more than I did.

When I voiced my concerns to Sarah after class she responded with a look that could make the smartest individual in the world feel utterly stupid, "Are you a troll? Possible Crabbe or Goyle? Yes Charlotte, he is utterly in love with you! Merlin! Haven't I been telling you this the past…ohh I don't know…SIX YEARS?"

"So…this whole thing…with me and Anthony…it's a terrible idea."

Sarah stopped me before we entered the Potions classroom, "No its bloody well not. Char, you have been miserable for the past year pining over Harry Potter. Who seemed to have no trouble getting over you with Ginny Weasley. He did her up Charlotte. Sex. The big nasty. You are not going to go running back to his open arms just because he says he is in love with you! You are not a desperate prat! Anthony is the nicest boy in Ravenclaw. Perfectly respectful, though from what you've told me and from what I just saw two hours ago, his status as sex god is definitely going up in my books. He isn't stupid; he knows this is all in your master plan. He knows he could wind up hurt or he could wind up with you. What if you two fell in love, got married, had kids, and lived happily ever after? You are worth a chance at heartbreak and Anthony fully realizes that. So put yourself out there Charlotte. You may wind up with something better than you bargained for."

I stared at her in shock, maybe she was right. Wow, this was not the Sarah I was used to. I merely nodded, a million thoughts coursing through my brain. Maybe she was right; maybe I'd give this a shot. Anthony was perfect…maybe I should try and consider him as more than just a brother and friend. Wow, this was uncharted territory. However before I could even think about what my next move could be, Sarah was yelling in my ear.

"YOU DID NOT TELL ME THAT MY SEXY, STUD SEVERUS SNAPE DIED LAST YEAR! WHY AM I EVEN AT HOGWARTS?"

"Shit Sarah, yeah…I-I forgot to tell you about that…but this bloke seems good." I motioned to the professor who was eyeing us closely. Sarah just about dropped to her knees. This was no professor; this was a model, a god, a titan. Jet black hair clean and wavy with piercing gray eyes and a body that could rival Anthony's. His voice was deep and brooding, "Take your seat. Ten points from Ravenclaw."

Sarah and I sat down toward the back of the classroom, she whispered, "Now…you know I was always joking about Snape making me all hot and bothered right? Well this Snape clone…better looking clone…infinitely better looking clone…does all that and more."

While Sarah planned on how to get our new professor alone, I pondered the advice Sarah had given me. Maybe I should give Anthony a chance…maybe tomorrow I'd make my move.

Hope you guys enjoyed it! Please review it; I would really appreciate your feedback! I'll try and get out another chapter within the next couple days! Have a great rest of the week!