Chapter 6

The Dates

AN: everyone thank the internet cutting out for a new chapter!

Hey there lookin' at me
Tell me what do you see
But you quickly turn your head away
Try to find the words I could use
Don't have the courage to come up to you
My chance is looking a bit grey

At the Library, Greenday

"I didn't know it took two hours to ask for extra help," said Lily through the dark. The figure of Anna creeping into the room stood up straight. Lily sat of the edge of her bed as Alice lit the candle closest to herself. The girls had given up waiting for Anna and had crawled in to bed. The lack of Ellie appearing now signaled she had already passed out in side her own comfy sheets. Lily rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she faced Anna, waiting for a reply.

"Sorry about that," said Anna. She crossed the room to her own bed and kicked off her shoes.

"So Professor Loft is going to help you?" asked Alice before losing control to a yawn.

"Nope," said Anna, taking off her tie.

"What!" yelped both Lily and Alice together. Ellie gave a groan and rolled over.

"But Professor Oliver is going too," stated Anna to the unasked question.

Lily laid back down on top of her covers, listening to Alice say, "You are so lucky Anna!"

"Yes Alice. Because everyone dreams of getting tutored by a cute guy because their a dumb ass," retorted Anna, closing her curtains to change into her night clothes.

"You know I didn't mean it like that Ann. I just think it's very cool that you get to spend one on one time with him," said Alice feebly.

"Oh your right about that. I mean what's more romantic than having a guy point out that a dot you made on some parchment was incorrect and it was located 2 centimeters to the right," retorted Anna.

"Don't be such a grouch Anna," replied Lily.

"Yeah. Sorry Alice. Loft just touched on a few of my nerves," replied Anna from behind her curtains.

"No problem Anna," said Alice, blowing out the candle.

"Night guys," came Lily's voice.

"Night."

"G'night."

The weeks passed by quicker and quicker, as the weather got even colder. The leaves began to fall from the trees, truly signaling the end of summer. An entire month had passed since their return to school, a month full of homework, friendly bantering, and a lot of ribbing geared towards Alice for not gathering the nerve to sit with Frank yet.

Alice and Frank had hung out together, going for walks or doing their homework together. Although these could not be counted as dates, the girls kept assuring Alice something good was bound to happen soon enough.

Lily rolled out of bed one crisp October morning, only to fall back in to the warm covers a few seconds later. A good ten minutes later after reminding herself that she had classes that day she left her bed and dragged herself in to the bathroom. She chucked a pillow at a sleeping Alice to help wake her up.

Lily went for her shower and returned, seeing some forms of life crawling around the room. Alice was stumbling slightly, meaning she had just woken up and was still half asleep. Ellie was shuffling through her pile of parchment, looking for something. Anna was pulling on her jumper, and succeed in trapping herself within the folds for a few moments.

"What do we have first?" asked Lily, as she ran a towel through her hair.

"Defence," mumbled Anna.

"Have you seen my assignment?" asked Elle, looking through all of her things for the fifteenth time.

"You finished it?" asked Lily, raising an eyebrow. She had gone to bed around midnight the night before, at which time Elle had remembered her homework.

"Around 2," Elle said off handedly. She shuffled through her things again, more desperate than before. "I finished it after I kept almost nodding off. I just remember writing the last line, then I was in bed."

"Maybe you left it in the common room," supplied Alice, rubbing her face.

"That would suck if you lost it after all that," stated Anna brushing her hair.

"Yeah," was all Elle said before flopping down on the ground with a groan. "Can't believe I lost it!" she said in disbelief.

Lily snorted and shook her head. She disappeared into her own curtains and got changed herself. When she reemerged she found the others ready to go. She grabbed her bag and the four started down the stairs. They arrived in the common room, filled with students who were lagging behind from going to breakfast.

Elle ran up to the table Lily had left her working at only a few hours before. She scanned the table top before dropping to her knees and looking on the ground for it. Lily was about to go and help her, before a voice stopped her.

"Looking for this?" Elle crawled out from under the table to look at Remus, holding a scroll of parchment. She scrambled over to him and snatched it away. She unrolled it to see the title before pulling Remus in to a hug.

"Thank you!" she said, visibly relieved to find her homework.

"Anytime. I found it on that table you were looking under. It's quite good, you know," he laughed.

"I just made up anything I could," grinned Elle. With that she and Remus fell into a conversation about hinky punks which made Lily roll her eyes.

"Good morning my fair lady," came James' voice. Lily felt his arm drape over her shoulders before she gritted her teeth with disdain.

"The day I become your lady is the day-" Lily trailed off, not knowing the words to display her disgust.

"The day you love me uncontrollably?" supplied James.

"Sure Potter. But we all know that day will never come. Ever." Lily shrugged his arm off increasing her pace to walk ahead.

"Thanks Evans. I really do love the view from behind," smirked James arrogantly.

Lily stiffened considerably and froze on the spot. Alice, Anna, and Elle all backed away from James, half fearing what would come next.

Lily twirled around to face James, who was giving her an innocent smile. A deep growl was audible from the back of her throat, before she stalked back up to James.

Her fingers curled up into the depth of her palm. She pulled them so hard she knew a mark would remain, but that was one of last things on her mind. Her fingers had curled up into a tight fist, which was shaking violently by her side.

She locked eyes with James, "Bastard," she said, the disgust evident in her voice, before she hit him as hard as she could in his gut.

James bent over clutching his stomach, as Lily shook the hand she punched him with. It had hurt her, but she knew it was worth seeing James in pain for.

"Don't ever come near me again. Stupid pig." Lily pushed him downwards from his already hunched position. He fell against Sirius' leg before staying put as Sirius didn't move.

"That was dirty Evans," snarled Sirius.

"He deserves nothing better," Lily snapped back.

James lowered his eyes, hearing this. So that's how she really feels. It was a very painful thought. Although she kept repeating it to him over and over he refused to believe it every time. He knew she would eventually come around in the long run.

But would she? She clearly seemed to hate him enough not to. She truly did hate everything James stood for.

James stood up as straight as he could with Remus supporting him by the elbow. Although he was to proud to admit it, he was deathly scared to look at Lily at that second. He swallowed hard and knew that he had to.

He looked into her eyes, but this time it was different. This time instead of seeing the beautiful green color, he saw past them. He was the anger and the disgust in her eyes. But even then he could see something more. He could see shame. She was actually ashamed of his actions. He knew better than to open his mouth at that moment and speak.

Anna pulled on Lily's arm, directing her the other way, down the corridor. Elle and Alice followed behind, trying to hurry them faster.

Lily's hands were still clenched in furry as they walked along the corridors towards the great hall. They were all silent, waiting for Lily to finally calm down, or to yell.

"WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?" Lily screamed in anger. The others stayed quiet, not knowing what to say.

"How dare he! What a-" Lily fought to find a word, but when none came she let out a scream and made a choking gesture with her hands.

"We know sweetie," said Elle calmly, trying to direct her into the great hall.

Lily took a few deep breaths before pulling open the doors and entering. She walked down to the end where she slid into her spot and began to dish out a massive amount of porridge into her bowl. The girls sat and ate in a strained silence, and only stopped to make awkward conversation among each other.

Alice had caught sight of the boys entering the hall long before the others. She watched as Remus gratefully directed the others to the opposite end of the table, far from Lily's temper.

"I wonder what we're doing in Defense today," questioned Anna.

"Who knows," replied Elle.

"Aren't we-" said Lily before getting cut off.

A boy had just fallen into her from behind, pushing her forwards. Anna and Elle, who sat across and saw the whole thing, watched as the boys friends snickered to themselves and left him there with Lily and Alice. "I'm really terribly sorry about that," said the boy.

"Er-" replied Lily. She was going to tell the boy off for hitting her, but she saw the earnest look in his pale blue eyes as he apologized. He had fallen in to the empty seat beside them after knocking into her. "It's okay. It was only an accident."

The boy smiled at her as she noticed he had been blushing deeply, as if he were embarrassed. "My names John Messer," he said, holding out a hand.

"Lily Evans," replied Lily, taking his hand.

"That's a very pretty name. It really suits you." It was Lily's turn to blush deeply.

"What house are from?" Lily asked, trying to get a look at the crest on his robes.

"I'm from Ravenclaw, in seventh year," replied John.

"So that's why I haven't really seen you around that much," concluded Lily.

"Yeah. Maybe we should talk more often," said John hopefully.

"I'd like that," replied Lily, grinning.

"Great," countered John. "Great. Well, I guess, I'll leave you lovely ladies to your breakfast. Bye Lily."

"Bye John," replied Lily delightfully.

The girls knew better, and waited until John had left the great hall before breaking into giggles.

"Lily's got a crush!" said Alice happily.

"I do not!" defended Lily, trying not to smile.

"You may not have one on him, but he certainly has one on you!" smirked Anna.

"Not necessarily," countered Lily. "He might just be friendly."

"Don't be so modest Lils! The guy likes you!" replied Elle. "His friends knew it. They pushed him into you so he would get the balls to finally talk."

"We should do that to Alice," grinned Anna, a wicked look in her eyes.

"Lets not," reasoned Alice.

"It worked for John," disputed Elle.

"What's that supposed to mean," shot Lily.

"Oh please Lily. He not only got your name and attention, but he also got you to like him," smiled Anna.

"I don't like him!" defended Lily.

All three girls gave her 'the look' which made her think. Did she like him? Sure he was cute, and he did seem interested in her, but what else did she know about him? Well, her friends certainly approved of him, which meant a lot to her, but still.

"I can't just like someone after a second of talking to them," reasoned Lily.

"But you seemed to like him enough to give him a shot to find out," pointed out Alice.

"Besides," cut in Anna. "Maybe dating someone new would help in sending out those 'Screw Off' vibes you send to Potter."

"I don't know Ann, would Potter really give up just because Lily got a boyfriend?" asked Alice.

"Probably not. But all the same," replied Ellie. "I vote for date him."

"I'm not going to date Potter!" hissed Lily.

"John. I mean date John," Ellie retorted.

"Oh," replied Lily quietly.

"I second the idea," grinned Anna.

"Make that three," smiled Alice.

"You guys are making a big deal out of this guy," replied Lily.

"Welcome to the club," sighed Alice, looking down the table towards Frank.

Alice pitched herself forward onto the couch the following Friday afternoon. John and Lily had spoken occasionally throughout the week, but Lily had kept putting off an actual date.

"Where's Frank, Alice?" asked Anna, pulling out her Potions Essay.

"I have no clue. But I swear, if that guy drags me down to the kitchens one more time I will scream. I think he's trying to fatten me up," replied Alice.

The girls laughed good naturedly. "Where are the Marauders?" asked Ellie suddenly.

Lily thought hard before she answered. Truthfully she hadn't seen any but Remus outside of class since the day she had met John. Lily had to patrol the corridors some nights with Remus, but she had never really thought about their lack of appearance before now. They had kept to themselves mostly, and there was a substantial lack of pranks, which had meant something big was sure to happen.

"No clue," replied Alice earnestly.

"Hey Lils, when's our first Hogsmeade trip?" asked Elle.

"You just keep jumping topics, don't you?" replied Anna, raising an eyebrow.

"Not until the end of the month," cut in Lily.

"The month?" groaned Anna.

"I believe that's what she said," replied Elle dryly.

"Are you trying to pick a fight Elle?" growled Anna.

"Don't insinuate a fight just because you don't want to go to tutoring tonight," retorted Ellie passively.

Anna sighed and leaned back. It had been a month of extra tutoring and she was still way behind her class. Not only did it upset her that she needed extra help, but her tutoring time was every Tuesday and Friday nights, which wasn't something she looked forward to. "Sorry," she muttered.

"No problem Ann," grinned Ellie. She pulled out a piece of parchment and began to scribble things down, as Anna and Alice fell into a conversation about John Messer.

"So how much longer till he asks out Lily?" wondered Anna.

"I think the real question is when will she agree?" quipped Alice.

Lily fervently ignored the pair, as she looked up what Herbs to add in to a Militate Potion for her essay. She knew the two were looking at her expectantly, as she felt a frown line settle into her features. She refused to look up at them.

When noticing the lack of participation Anna continued. "I'm sure she just wants to be alone."

No effect. "I think the real reason is that she know it will completely crush James-"

"It has nothing to do with Potter!" screamed Lily. She had slammed the book shut and her vision was going cloudy from anger. The three girls trying to suppress their smiles only made her angrier.

"We know Lily," said Elle calmly.

"And for your information John and I have a date tomorrow," Lily admitted. Seconds after the words came out, Lily clapped a hand over her mouth. "Shoot."

All three girls eyes were alight with interest. "Why didn't you tell us!" asked Anna, crawling towards the red head.

"Because I knew you would act like this!" replied Lily. She slunk back on to the cushions, waiting for the endless amount of questions.

"Where are you two going?" asked Elle.

"Library."

"Ooh, kinky," laughed Anna.

"Not like that you prat!" retorted Lily. "Were only going to study."

"Is that what you call it?" smirked Alice.

"Stop it! Only textbooks and parchment."

"Have you two kissed yet?" shot Elle.

"No," replied Lily, blushing a little bit.

"Aww, Lily's going red!" chimed Alice.

"Do you always go red when I come in the room Evans?" came a voice from the entrance. Lily's hands grasped her book tightly in her hand. She opened her mouth to speak.

"Shut up Potter," Anna beaten her to it.

"Now, now Weston. Don't get so defensive, it was only a question." James walked around and sat beside Elle on the couch. Remus sat on the other side of her while Sirius took the armchair across from Lily. With lack of any place better Peter sat on the ground beside Alice and Anna.

"So what are we talking about?" asked Remus. The girls shared a knowing look before replying.

"You lot actually," replied Elle looking over at Remus.

"Well, aren't we flattered!" said Sirius jokingly.

"Maybe you can clear something up for us?" asked Anna.

"Anything luv," replied James smoothly.

"Where have you guys been lately?" Asked Elle. She felt James and Remus shift uncomfortably at her sides. "Haven't hit a nerve have we?"

"Course not," replied Sirius easily. "But the answers confidential."

"Come on Siri," laughed Alice. "What is it this time?"

"More like how many people are you going to put in danger?" muttered Lily.

"You girls are awful at letting things go," replied Remus, shaking his head.

Elle opened her mouth to reply when someone cut into the conversation.

"Hey Alice," said Frank, running a hand through his hair.

"Er, hey Frank," replied Alice, going red.

"Hey Frank," imitated Sirius. Anna reached over Peter and punched him in the arm. "Ow."

"Do you want-" started Frank before stopping. All the occupants taking up the couch turned to look at him, which wasn't good on Franks nerves.

"Do you want to go for a walk?" asked Alice, hoping she asked his question.

"Love to," replied Frank, grinning. Alice stood up and brushed herself off, before stepping over Anna and Peter to take Franks arm. The couple had left the room, and the portrait snapped shut behind them before Lily, Elle, and Anna all broke out into a sigh.

"Those two had better get together soon," grinned Anna.

"I'm sure they will," replied Remus.

"It's inevitable," smirked James.

"So what are you lot up to now?" asked Sirius, fixing his gaze on the girls.

Anna glanced at the clock on the wall before jumping to her feet. "I'M LATE!" She flew out the entrance and disappeared.

Alice and Frank walked along the halls in a small silence. Alice had her hand wrapped around Franks arm as they descended from Gryffindor tower. "Do you want to go outside?" he asked.

Alice glanced down at her watch. It was already past curfew, but after catching Franks eye her stomach did a flip flop. A detention was worth the idea of walking with Frank under the stars. She gave him a small smile before nodding her head.

The couple set off to the entrance hall, before slipping out into the crisp October night.

"I think I've found your problem," said a voice behind Anna. She jumped up and turned around.

"The telescope is supposed to point towards the sky, not the ground," grinned Oliver.

"Shut it Oliver," retorted Anna. She and Oliver had become some what friends as her tutoring lessons continued on, so she felt no shame in saying such things to him.

"And what, pray tell, was interesting you on the ground?" asked Oliver, coming up to her and looking over the edge.

"Over there, by the lake. It's Alice and Frank on a date," said Anna, pointing her friend out.

Oliver frowned slightly. "You know, I do have authority, and right now I'm supposed to go out their and take action."

Anna regarded him wearily. "But you're not going to," she replied dead toned, a hint of warning in her voice.

"Just because you want to spy-"

"I do not! We've been wanting to get them together for a while now! Now you want to ruin all our hard work."

"You should know by now I'm here to ruin your life Ann," laughed Oliver. "But, going back to the constellation Virgo-"

"Are you cold?" asked Frank, drawing Alice out of her thoughts. Part of her mind was fearing the idea of getting caught, it was urging her to go back inside the warmth of the castle, and to talk to him by the dimming fire light. But the other half screamed to stay.

Stay with Frank. Walk under the glimmering stars that seemed to dance only for them, let the fallen leaves crunch beneath their feat as the walked the worn down path along the darkness of the trees. Everything inside her was telling her to stay where she was where anything could happen, where anything just seemed right. But most importantly, Alice knew she had to stay because if she were to leave then she would harbor so many regrets. She knew she had to stay, and walk with Frank, until the worst or possibly best would happen.

"I'm fine," she said smiling at Frank through the dim twilight of the moons glow.

"Good, I'm glad." Franks words were forced, as lack of words had consumed him, leaving him wondering how to phrase everything he was feeling.

Once again they fell into a silence. But it never had bothered either of them, they were both just content to be there. Frank knew this was the time. He had kept putting it off, waiting for the best possible moment. And now that moment had come, and he had no way to procrastinate further. He pulled her to a stop along the waters edge, directing himself to stand in front of her.

She had almost collided into him at their sudden stop. "Frank-" she began.

"I like you Alice." Frank began striking himself mentally. Way to go Longbottom. Real smooth. He swallowed the lump in the back of his throat, forcing himself to continue before she could reply.

"I've liked you since the begging of the year. But I… couldn't find the words to tell you. I saw you one day, when you were walking with your friends and I was so-" Frank paused for a moment, trying to find the words. "Enchanted. I couldn't look away. I know this sounds corny Ali, but you looked like a fallen angel. I knew that the best I could hope for would be to talk to you. And I got that.

"But, it hasn't been enough. I've liked hanging out with you, I like talking to you, I love spending time with you even when neither of us says a thing. I know, I know full well that this could ruin everything between us but I needed you to know.

"I know I'm not the best looking guy and I know that you deserve a lot better than me-" Frank cut off again, trying to stammer through the last of his speech. "But, I can't go on without you knowing. I jus-"

"Frank," said Alice flatly. She caught his eye and grinned. "I know how you feel because I feel the same way."

Frank grinned at her, causing a storm of butterflies try to escape her stomach. She stood up on her tiptoes and reached his lips gently.

Their lips met softly at first, but as Franks hand cupped the back of her head the kiss became stronger, more fulfilling to the couple. Alice's hands found their way onto Franks shoulders, trying to support herself as her legs had gone against her long ago. Franks free arm wound around her waist and drew her closer to himself, trying to satisfy the need to be closer to her.

"What's going on here!" came an angry voice from a few feet away. The startled couple jumped a good foot away from each other before turning to see their head of house Professor McGonagall.

"Nothing!" yelped Alice. Her previous fears of being caught were becoming all to real.

"Two people from my own house! Ten points from Gryffindor and a detention for each of you for this clear disregard of the rules. Honestly! It's well past your curfew and here you two are sneaking around the grounds. Well, come along then."

Alice and Frank returned to the castle, not caring they had both gained a detention and lost 5 house points. Both were grinning like madmen as they walked back up to the castle, hand-in-hand.

"I'll meet you here in the morning?" Frank asked, holding Alice's hand as they stood at the foot of the girls staircase.

"It's already morning Frank. Professor McGonagall has been lecturing us for a while," grinned Alice.

"But you did see her smile, didn't you. She's really thrilled inside," grinned Frank. Alice snorted slightly, before brushing hair out from her face. She looked back up at Frank expectantly.

"Till morning then?" she asked playfully.

"If we must," replied Frank. He reached down and kissed her one last time, before she went up to dorm room feeling as though she were floating on a cloud.

As she eased the door to her dorm open she rolled her eyes at the amount of light that poured out into the hall. She knew the others were awake and waiting.

She couldn't ignore the warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of her stomach as she walked into the room. She didn't acknowledge the others as her feet found their own way to her bed. She flopped down onto her back and stared at the ceiling.

The girls sat in silence waiting for Alice to speak. It was a few more tense moments before she opened her mouth.

"He kissed me."

"And It's about damn time!" breathed Anna. Lily laughed and chucked a pillow at Anna.

"So are you two going out?"

"No Lily, we just decided to be snogging buddies," replied Alice, still grinning.

"Oh. Well I guess that's okay," replied Lily hesitantly.

"Lily you prat! Of course their dating!" said Ellie, hugging her red pillow.

"Oh!" said Lily happily.

"What did he say?" asked Anna, looking for some dirt.

Alice explained everything to the three, repeating everything she could remember from Franks little speech. This resulted in a lot of giggling, and a lot of cooing from the others who were giddy for her.

After they had all settled down Elle let out an audible sigh.

"What's up Elle?" asked Lily, looking over at the girl.

"Nothing," said Elle, looking up at her hangings. "It's just, now Alice and Frank are going out, and You and John will be soon. I suddenly feel all alone."

"Awe, Elle! You and Anna will find someone soon enough!" replied Alice encouragingly.

"Thanks Ali," said Elle, rolling over.

"I'm knackered. Time for sleep," yawned Anna closing her hangings and blowing out her candle.

The others followed suite, leaving Alice in the dark looking up at the ceiling and thinking about Frank.

"Get up James," hissed Sirius. "Pince is looking straight at you."

"Huh?" asked James groggily. He lifted his head up and looked around the library in vain.

"Nice to see you awake again. Now would you care to help us?" retorted Peter, throwing a book to James.

"To many books," James mumbled.

"No kidding," replied Sirius. He leaned back on his chair and gave a great yawn. "All we do is read these days."

"If you want the map, you have to read," replied Remus, flipping through his book. He sighed slightly snapping it shut before throwing it onto the growing pile of books they had scattered across the table.

"To many books," mumbled James again, nodding off on top of an open book.

"So you've said," replied Sirius, before extracting the book from under James, causing his head to hit the table with a thunk. James cursed and sat back up looking around.

"It's a Saturday afternoon, and we are sitting in a library. What's happened to us?" he asked, looking at the others.

"The libraries not as bad as your making it out to be," replied Remus, as he flipped through another book.

"Maybe not for you or Summit-"

"Or Lily apparently," cut in Sirius.

"Evans? Where?" asked James, looking around from side to side.

"Down boy," replied Sirius off handedly. "Over there."

James followed Sirius' finger to one of the couches that occupied the library where Lily sat, flipping through a book. An earnest grin broke across James' face at the sight of Lily.

"Do I look okay?" he asked, turning to Sirius.

"Do you really expect me to answer that?" asked Sirius, raising an eyebrow.

"Shut up. I'll be back later," James slid out of his seat and began to leave before Sirius grabbed his cloak and pulled him back into his chair.

"One. You are not leaving me here with books. Two. Yes, there's Evans, and right there's her date."

James froze in his spot, looking beside Lily for the first time. James caught sight of John Messer and an undeniable hate began to overfill him, wanting nothing more than to make John leave his seat, as forcibly as possible.

"Why can't that be me?" asked James sourly.

"Because she despises you?" said Sirius helpfully.

James shot daggers at him before standing up. "I'm just going to go and talk," he said to Remus' glare.

"Oh no you won't," said a voice before two hands pushed him back into his chair.

Anna and Elle plopped down on either side of him, not caring that they were sitting on Sirius and Remus.

"Your definitely not going over there, unless you want us to skin you alive," threatened Anna.

"Harsh Weston," laughed Sirius.

"Were under strict orders to keep him away at all costs," replied Elle.

"Really?" asked Remus.

"No. But that sounds better then 'We're spying on her date.' you know?" replied Elle, grinning.

James drowned out everyone else as he laid his head on his folded arms and watched Lily. That should be me. He thought sadly as Lily and John began to hold hands. I wish it were me.

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