Lydia's POV

I lay on my bed, doing my homework. The room was empty, so it was a lot quieter than the Common Room. Lily came in and sat on her bed, facing me.

"I apologized to Po- to James." Ooooh. Big step. She called him James.

"That's good. I'm proud of you," I told her, happily. She shrugged, blushing a little.

"I'm glad you told me when you did. But he's still an insufferable brat." I smiled, knowing better than to disagree with her. She got up to put her books back into her trunk.

"I think I know something you don't," she said in a teasing voice. She was baiting me, but I couldn't help it. Curiosity is in my nature. I HAVE to know when someone does that. And she knew it.

"What?" I asked, closing my Herbology assignment into my book so I wouldn't lose the page.

"Someone seems to be fond of you. Two someones in fact," she told me, a huge smirk on her face. I frowned.

"You look like Black with that smirk," I told her, a little annoyed. Boys don't like me. They don't even know I'm there. And I like it that way…don't I? She waved the comment aside, but stopped smirking anyway.

"And Black is one of them. That Lupin seems to like you, too." I treated her to a flat look then went back to my assignment.

"Oh, come on! You told me yourself that Lupin has been sitting next to you in Ancient Runes. And Black near leapt over a desk to ask you to be his Transfiguration partner."

"That doesn't mean-" She near hopped onto my bed to sit next to me.

"Sure it does! And don't you remember the way Black was pawing at you on the train? After all, you're his 'angel' remember?" I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Doesn't mean a thing. He's a player and hits on plenty of girls."

"But word around the school is that he hasn't been with any girl this year." I looked away. So that's why those girls were so mad. He hasn't been bothering anyone but me. Lily just kept talking.

"And you should see the way Lupin glares at him. He goes out of his way to talk to you too, doesn't he?" I nodded slightly, the blush darkening. "See? Two cuties after you. Even if Black isn't good for you, it says something for your looks, doesn't it? After all, he is the most popular guy in school." The most popular guy in school had a thing for me? That's ridiculous. I bit my lip. And why is it that the most gorgeous and popular guy in school is allegedly after me and all I can think about is Remus?

"So, do you like one of them?" Lily asked, her smile broadening. I picked up my quill and started scribbling furiously on my paper.

"Aw, come on! Tell me," she chided. "I can keep a secret." I looked up at her.

"I like James." She was so startled, she fell of the bed.

"WHHHHAT?"

"Jealous?" She jumped to her feet to stare at me as if I went insane.

"Of course not! But him of all people?" I looked at her with innocent, wide eyes.

"Not really. I was only joking. I just wanted to see how mad you'd get if I mentioned I liked your man." She looked like she was about to explode. I ran and hid in the safety of the Grounds, knowing she wouldn't look for me there. I hope she cools down soon. That parchment is due tomorrow. Then, realizing how much she had blushed when I mentioned that he was her man, I smiled and settled down to watch the giant squid play in the lake.

It was just after my Herbology class (my last class of the day) that the Marauders found Lily and me in the Library. If what Lily said was true, then they were seeking me out for a reason (a reason that made my face heat up, to boot) It was quite awkward sometimes, the way they did this, shy as I am. Though admittedly, it had gotten easier for me to talk to them. Sirius motioned for me to quietly join them behind a bookshelf.

"It's a game the rest of us play," Sirius explained to me. "See, James asks Evans out so often, we try to predict how long it takes for her to tell him to get lost." I nodded, uncertain. "My bet is a minute. What's yours?" he asked me. On the spot again.

"Umm, she's in a good mood, so two minutes?" I murmured. Sirius gave me a dazzling smile, but all it did was make me think of those Ravenclaw meanies.

"OK. Remus?" Lupin considered a moment.

"Forty seconds."

"I'll take a minute and a half," Peter put in. Sirius winked at me.

"Let's change it up a little. Prize will be me giving a kiss to the winner." I blushed furiously and no words would form in my mind. "There's James! Ready with the minute glass, Remus?" Sirius asked. Remus nodded, though looking very annoyed. Was Lily really right?

James started talking to Lily.

10 seconds

She seemed annoyed already.

20 seconds

He flirted and flashed a lively smile.

30 seconds

Lily slammed her book shut and walked off.

42 seconds.

Remus was closest. Sirius hadn't anticipated this. James had been doing better with her. She'd been talking to him for a few minutes at a time now, unless she was in a hurry. Mainly because of the other day. What I said last night had probably put her in a mood. Whoops.

"What happens now?" Peter asked, confused. Remus won. Surely Sirius won't go through with the kiss thing. I was wrong. Sirius shrugged.

"Better luck next time, angel." Then he kissed Remus full on the mouth and walked away. Peter ran after him and James followed them dejectedly. Remus was still standing next to me, a mixed look of shock and disgust on his slender, pretty face. Blushing furiously, I was able to give the poor boy a consoling pat on the shoulder then walked back to my table. It was just then I realized that my study partner had left.

"May I sit here?" Remus asked, having gotten over his ah…prize. I nodded. "Charms? Hmm. I'm not that great at Charms or I'd offer to help you out," he told me sweetly. I love that voice. It's so warm and caring…

"I'm not that great either. That's why Lily was helping me."

"Hm, well we could put our heads together and come up with something decent," he offered. "I haven't done it yet, anyway." I thought for a moment, again thinking about what Lily had told me. What's wrong with me? I can have help on a paper without it being a date.

"I'd like that," I whispered. Most people had to ask me two or more times what I said when I whispered. Not Remus. He heard me just fine. In fact, he's never asked me to repeat anything. He really listens. And even if he does like me, that wouldn't be a bad thing, would it?

"I'm glad you're feeling better," I mentioned as I gave him some spare parchment and dug out an extra quill. He had left right after dinner two days ago and, to be honest, he looked like hell. He still looks pretty worn out, but a lot better than he did then. Remus looked away, probably embarrassed. He probably thinks that I think he's weak for getting so sick all the time. It only lasts for about a day each time, but if this is a sickness St. Mungo's can't cure, then that really says something if Pomfrey can suppress it for him. Poor guy. "I…I don't think you're weak, Remus," I murmured. He sort of stared at me, but I don't know what he was thinking. Instead, I just shook my head.

"I came to see you, but Madam Pomfrey said it wasn't safe to come close. Sorry," I continued. He shook his head fervently.

"No, it's fine. I…can get quite contagious sometimes. But I really appreciate you coming to see me. It was really sweet of you." All I could do was smile but that seemed to be all he wanted. Remembering what we were doing there, the two of us spent the next few hours completing the Charms homework assigned to our class.