25 days until the ball...

'Where is that book?' Lily thought as she scanned the bookshelf slowly. The Charms section of the library was quiet; most students returned to the common room after dinner, making it the best time to search for books. The sound of quills scraping against parchment a few shelves over was a soothing background sound to her. Since her first year, the library had been her sanctuary; she had a feeling it always would be. She knew she was cutting it close, the library would be closing in half an hour, but her homework would be infinitely easier with the book she sought.

"There you are," Lily murmured to herself as she spotted the book she needed, Advanced Charms, Level 8. "But of course you're on the highest shelf." Huffing softly, she stretched up on her toes, her fingertips just barely brushing the spine of the book. "Come on," she grumbled as she struggled to grip the book, leaning her weight against the shelf.

"I've got it," a voice said from close behind her, reaching over her shoulder to grasp the book.

Lily gasped in surprise as the voice spoke, instinctively shoving her elbow into the person's stomach harshly. She barely noticed their grunt of pain as she spun away from them, putting distance between their bodies as she drew her wand. "Oh Alexander," she said as she recognized the boy, pressing her free hand over her racing heart. "Don't scare me like that; I almost hexed you into the hospital wing."

The boy was slightly doubled over, one hand wrapped around his stomach while the other held the Charms book she sought. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," he apologized hoarsely as he straightened up. His blue eyes shone with amusement as he looked at her. "Merlin, where did you learn to move like that, Lily?"

"Oh here and there," she replied easily as she accepted the book from him. She looked up at the 7th year Ravenclaw boy, a smile on her lips. "Though I am sorry I hurt you. I didn't expect anyone to come up behind me so quietly or close. What are you doing here so late? The library's going to close soon."

Alexander grinned at her, "Probably the same thing as you I expect, trying to get some homework done," he explained. "I got stuck on my Transfiguration essay and thought a walk through the shelves might help me think better."

Lily laughed softly, leaning against the bookshelf. "You? Stuck with Transfiguration? I don't believe you. You're as good as James and Sirius are. You wouldn't be slacking off from your work, would you?" she teased.

"Well everyone needs a break sometimes, right?" he chuckled. "It wouldn't be good to overwork myself."

"Oh perish the thought," Lily giggled, shifting the heavy book to her other arm. "My perfectionist streak can get me into trouble at times."

He raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "I don't think you know the meaning of the word trouble, Lily. You are Head Girl."

She snorted softly, "When you stay up until three in the morning re-writing your Potions essay because there are ink stains at the bottom of your parchment, it's a problem."

"I swear you should have been put in Ravenclaw," Alexander commented. "I mean I understand why you're in Gryffindor, but you would have been great in Ravenclaw."

"I've thought that before," Lily admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she walked back to her table. Her books were scattered across the table, rolls of parchment waiting to be used. "But Gryffindor is home, no doubt about it."

Alexander nodded in understanding as he followed after her. "Are you heading back to the Heads' dorm?" he questioned as he watched Lily pack away her books into her leather backpack.

She shook her head, huffing slightly as she slung the heavy bag onto her shoulder. "I'm heading back to Gryffindor Tower. I promised Peter I'd help him with his Potions homework."

"Let me walk you back then," he offered, picking up her remaining books from the table.

"Oh," Lily said in surprise. "You don't have to do that; it's the opposite way of the Ravenclaw common room. I'll be alright. You don't have to trouble yourself."

"It's no trouble at all," Alexander assured her, slipping the bag off her shoulder and slinging it onto his own. "Jeez, Lily, what are you carrying around? Bricks?" he teased.

Lily blushed lightly, "I never know what books I'll want for my homework. I like to be prepared."

"I can tell," he chuckled, an easy smile on his lips. "Are you ready to go?"

She nodded, leading the way out of the library. "Wait, shouldn't we go get your essay?"

"No need, got it right here," he said, pulling out a rolled up sheet of parchment.

"Is that any way to treat your homework?" Lily joked as they walked through the nearly empty halls. "Professor McGonagall would have your head for that."

"Well as long as you don't tell her, I won't have to worry about that, right?" Alexander chuckled, bumping her shoulder lightly with his own. "I'm sure you can keep this little secret."

"Oh I'm excellent at keeping secrets," Lily assured him with a smile.

The walk to Gryffindor Tower passed comfortably between the pair, the time spent chattering about classes and assignments they had been given. Lily enjoyed talking with Alexander; he was smart, funny, an easy friend to have.

"Thank you for walking me back," Lily said as they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, taking her bag and books from him. "And thank you for carrying my stuff back. Probably saved me from a sore shoulder."

"Anytime," Alexander answered happily, his hands shoved into his pants pockets. "I'll see you tomorrow in Transfiguration, then?"

Lily nodded, hitching her bag up further on her shoulder. "Have a good night, Alexander."

"You too," he replied, turning away. He had only taken two steps before he spun back toward her, taking her by surprise. Lily could see him take a deep breath before he took a step toward her. "Hey Lily, do you have a date yet?" he asked in a rush, his cheeks turning red.

"A-a date?" Lily stammered. "For the ball you mean?"

Alexander nodded, "Yes to the ball. Do you have a date yet?"

Lily blushed as she shook her head mutely, glancing down at her feet.

"Oh. Well uh…would you like to go? Go with me I mean?" he asked shyly.

She looked up at Alexander, taking in his handsome features. His dark blue eyes, his shaggy blond hair, his hopeful yet nervous smile. He was a good-looking bloke, no doubt about that. And Lily was sure she would have a good time with him, a great time even. They'd make a nice pair and she knew there would be no awkward silences between them. But in the back of her mind, she could still hear James's voice teasingly reminding her that he would spend all night talking to her about schoolwork.

"I appreciate the offer, Alexander, really I do, but I can't. I'm sorry," she apologized softly. "I…there's someone else that…anyway it doesn't matter. I can't…I'm sorry."

"I thought that might be your answer, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask," Alexander replied. "Hope Potter knows what a lucky bloke he is then."

"P-Potter?" Lily sputtered in surprise. "James?"

The portrait hole swung open suddenly, Remus, Sirius and Peter tumbling out into the hall, forcing Lily and Alexander to separate.

"Evenin' Lily," Sirius greeted her with a friendly smile. He nodded amicably toward Alexander as he spotted him. "Johnson. How's it going?"

Alexander shrugged nonchalantly. "Alright, I suppose. Just helping Lily carry out half the library in her backpack. I'll see you lot tomorrow in class."

"Good night, Alexander," Lily murmured.

"Night, Lily," he replied, heading off down the hall.

Sirius waited until Alexander was out of earshot before turning toward Lily, a teasing grin on his lips. "Awfully nice of Alexander to walk you back from the library," he said innocently.

Remus elbowed Sirius in the side, "We're going down to the kitchens. Did you want anything?" he offered.

Lily shook her head. "Just try and stay out of trouble. I won't be there to help talk you out of anything. And bring something back for James or he'll just take your snacks."

"We'll be back quickly," Peter assured her. "And then we can work on Potions?" he added hopefully.

"Absolutely," she agreed, turning toward the portrait hole. As the boys headed to the kitchens, Lily entered the common room, seating herself at the coffee table in front of the fire. She tried to make herself focus on organizing her Potions notes, but Alexander's words rang through her head. 'Hope Potter knows what a lucky bloke he is then.'

'I hope he does too,' she thought, glancing at the closed portrait hole.

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