Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, presently or past, as that world belongs solely to Ms. J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 3

*The Leaky Cauldron*

As Alice ran up to her room, she collapsed onto her bed. It was, admittedly, and exhausting day. From running errands for Mum, working part-time in the Leaky Cauldron, buying not only her supplies but at least four other families', to running to the Apothecary for Dad to the drama brewing between the James/Gemma/Alfie love triangle, Alice Augusta Longbottom had had quite enough for now. She groaned in annoyance at the yells and noises emanating from the nearby rooms. These guests needed a few lessons in common decency, but of course, Hannah Longbottom was too busy to teach them. Maybe she should ask Dad to magically sound-proof her walls.

But Alice knew full well that the noise wasn't what bothered her. It was the look of sheer heartbreak written only too clearly on her big brother's best mate's face: James Sirius Potter.

Ah. James Potter. Just thinking about his name sent shivers up her spine. His reddish-brown mop, so messy and carefree, shone brightly and blew dramatically on the Quidditch field. His amber eyes revealed any emotions he was feeling: determination, frustration, confidence, luck, and most recently, betrayal. His laugh, so infectious and contagious, echoed in her mind. But Alice glumly knew that James Sirius Potter would never see her more than Frank Longbottom's younger sister or worse, his younger sister's best friend. Besides, she was just thirteen. She was going to be a pesky third year while he would be a mature and smooth sixth year. It was a tragic three-year difference.

Alice hated seeing him in pain, especially at the hands of a heartbreaking girl. Gemma Wood. Humph. A year ago, she wouldn't have snarled at her name being mentioned. But the past year became frustratingly difficult to swallow down her name as Alice's feelings for James grew immeasurably. Guiltily, she recalled all the times Gemma rejected James and felt a bit of triumph. She thought foolishly that maybe once James got over Gemma, he would realize that she was waiting here patiently for him to run into her arms. But Alice knew, deep in her naïve heart, that it was likely that James would never truly get over Gemma. Gemma may not have realized it, but even Alice could see that James may have even felt a deep love for her and would do anything for her to see that.

So of course, when Gemma Wood and Alfie Thomas entered the parlor, Alice had to fight back a vindictive impulse all while restraining James from jumping Alfie. Alice knew that her teens would be difficult, but never this difficult.

Alice realized soon that she was shaking, and got up to go to her bathroom. Rinsing her face in the mirror, she studied her reflection. Not much there. Pale face decorated with a scattering of unflattering freckles, rather ordinary blue eyes, ordinary nose, and with the blessing of unmanageable brown hair. I'm okay, Alice chanted over and over again. But the little pep talk made no difference whatsoever on how she regarded her "plain jane" appearance. Grudgingly, she admitted that Gemma was pretty. With that fabulous dark hair and hazel eyes, why wouldn't James be smitten?

"James is older than you. He is your older brother's best mate. He is your best friend's oldest brother. He is too close to complicate your love life. Get over it, Alice. Don't get your knickers in a twist." Alice told herself this quietly, but fiercely. There was no point ruining her third year for a boy who was too far away to catch.


*Tinworth (West Country)*

Gemma Wood was in her library, finishing the touches to her summer homework. Although she had finished them the second week of summer vacation, she still felt the need to update her History of Magic essay with current information. It would be a waste of summer if she didn't continually revise, re-edit, and rework her writing.

But unfortunately for Gemma, she couldn't revise, re-edit, or rework her summer essays. She couldn't read the Daily Prophet for its "Day in History" section. She couldn't get a head-start on reading her new school textbooks. Because, unfortunately for her, it was James Potter's fault.

That James Potter. Humph. Ever since their Sorting, Gemma couldn't stand him. She hated the way he strutted down the halls, as if being The Boy Who Lived's son guaranteed him ownership. She despised the way he fooled around in class, hexed those who annoyed him, or pranked anyone just because he felt like and still managed to pass with flying colors. She detested his messy mop of hair and the irritating way he ran his hand through it. It was messy enough already, can't he just brush it? Gemma though angrily, knocking over her ink bottle all over the table.

Oblivious to the running mess, Gemma continued on in her thoughts. He seemed so upset today though…She felt guilty for not doing anything about it. She knew all too well of James's feelings toward her and toward Alfie. Ever since she turned James down for the Victory Ball, a growing ball of shame and blame knotted her stomach. His hurt eyes haunted her every time she saw him at school.

Gemma didn't know why she turned him down. James was so sweet about asking "for her permission" to be his date. His eyes were pleading and delicate, solely relying on her answer on whether or not to say yes. His expression was almost humble, letting Gemma know that it was in her hands to say yes or to say no. But in a split second, Gemma remembered who he was and why she hated him. In a rage, she screamed "NO" and proceeded to explain why she hated him. Gemma had shocked herself. She had never, ever rejected James so harshly. It was different before the Victory Ball. She had always assumed James Potter was joking about liking her, and therefore would ask her out to no end just to laugh in her face. But only now did Gemma realize that James Sirius Potter genuinely harbored strong feelings for her.

Minutes after The Incident, Alfie Thomas asked her to the Victory Ball. Ah, Alfie. Just thinking about him still brought a goofy smile to her face. Although he was in her year and House, Gemma had never held more than a one-minute conversation with him. She had heard rumors, however. Apparently, he was prone to be nothing more than a poker-faced player who broke more than three hearts at a time. And those warnings rang in her head as Alfie Thomas cornered her.

Gemma kept walking until she entered the Ancient Runes classroom. The image of James's broken face haunted her even as she sat down. Why did I turn him down? Does he really like me, or was this another joke? Professor Vector kept rambling on about the Egyptians' special healing runes. Usually Gemma was the most attentive and the fastest note-taker, but after the horrible rejection she was sure she would never be able to concentrate again.

Finally class was over. Her friends kept crowding her, worried that she wasn't well. "I'm fine. No really, it's okay. I think I'm just going to head over to the library for now." After a bit more persisting, the other girls agreed and went to their respective classes. Gemma grabbed her bags and made a run for it. Tears started pouring from her eyes. She stopped suddenly, furious. She never cried. What was wrong with her?

"Is that you, Wood?" A masculine voice came from behind her. Turning around rather reluctantly, Gemma found Alfie Thomas standing awkwardly. He was tall, with dark worried eyes and wind-swept hair. Moving toward her, he put his muscular arm around her shoulders as if wanting to be a comfort. Breaking down completely, Gemma sobbed hysterically into his sculpted chest.

Realizing what she was doing after a few minutes, she cleared her throat and pulled away.

"Erm, thanks," she muttered. Alfie cracked a smile.

"No problem. Why were you crying, anyhow? Pretty girl like you shouldn't being upset." Gemma found herself blushing. All she heard was "pretty girl".

"I, um, just made a mistake. Nothing more. But thanks anyways, for comforting me. I should get to class." She made a move to leave, but Alfie grabbed her hand. Again with the hand-grabbing? Gemma turned around with the electricity crackling in her eyes, ready to let loose some steam, when she met Alfie's eyes.

His dark, mysterious eyes made her draw in a quick breath of air. In that moment, Gemma fearfully recalled rumors of him being a heartbreaker, a player, a cheater. But also in that moment, Gemma didn't care. Somehow, it took her mind off of—no. She wouldn't allow herself to think of him. Alfie seemed to have an interest in her as well.

"So…" Alfie started. He cleared his throat and shot Gemma an honest-to-goodness smile. She felt her heart pumping. He had a heart-melting smile. "Gemma, there's that Victory Ball coming up in a few weeks. I don't know if you need a date or not, seeing pretty you are, but I was wondering if you would like to be my date." He let go of her hand and ran his own through his hair. Gemma froze. James Potter did that all the time. But on Alfie, it was breathtaking.

"Um…yes. Yes, I would like to be your date." Gemma finally grinned, memories of James flying out of her mind. So what? Alfie let out a laugh, and a promise to walk her to the library. Their walk consisted of small talk and ended too soon. Alfie looked into Gemma's hopeful eyes, and grinning, gave her a soft but meaningful kiss on the cheek.

Gemma's heart, beating so fast, nearly stopped when she felt his lips on her cheek. Closing her eyes to hold the memory forever, she opened them to find Alfie walking back to his class with a skip in his step.

From that moment on, Alfie became her boyfriend. He was smart, witty, and exceptionally clever. He gave her the cutest kisses: on the cheek (for a greeting), on the forehead (to show he missed her), and by the end of the year, on her lips. They would stay up for hours in the common room, doing their homework together, laughing, talking about their war-hero parents, or just enjoying each other's company. Alfie understood her in a way that she hadn't been familiar with. It was a blessing to share affections with the one you admired. Shaking her head to get back to her essay, she let go of any shame, discomfort, or embarrassment that included James Sirius Potter. It was time to move on.

A/N: As shown in this chapter, I think every now and then there will be a new POV to show how James S. Potter's love life is affecting others. To caroline (Guest), thank you for your review! I promise you that what you feared will not take place. I didn't want the other girls to feel neglected or become "Lavenders" that are too clingy. Enjoy your summer, readers!