AN: I don't own anything!

Chapter 9

Andromeda doesn't get back to our room until late; she's definitely pushing curfew. I'm still up, though, hoping to make amends somehow. The other girls are asleep when she tip-toes over to her bed. "Hey," I whisper, not sure how to start.

She flops onto her bed and glances at me. "Hey, Bella," she sighs.

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry for ruining today. If you think Ted's a good guy, then that's good enough for me," I apologize, staring at the ground. I don't hear a reply. Uh-oh. That can only mean –

"I forgive you, sis!" my twin giggles as she jumps onto my bed and catches me up in a bear hug.

"Great!" I choke out, gasping for air. She lets go and starts to get ready for bed. "Andy?" I say.

"Yeah?"

"I meant it; do you really think he's a good guy?"

She looks away from me, liking she's thinking of him, and beams as she tells me, "I really do, Bellatrix. I think he might even be the one."

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Before I know it, the weekend is over, and I have to face the boys – all of them. Luckily, I don't run into the "Marauders" until my Potions class that I have with them. I wonder now if James regrets what he said to me, if that's why I haven't seen those four around. I'm probably being paranoid, but this has made me super nervous about seeing James again, wondering if it's going to be awkward…I haven't told anyone about that night in the woods – not Andromeda, Narcissa or even…no, especially not him. Ugh. My stomach lurches at the thought of class with Severus and those four boys. It was awful enough before James told me how he felt. Severus is going to feel truly betrayed if and when he finds out that James Potter is in love with me. That in itself is truly a strange thought.

As soon as I enter the Potions classroom, I notice that Severus isn't there. I take my seat beside his and hope fervently that he shows up so I can make another feeble attempt at an apology. It seems like I'm always apologizing these days. Honestly, what's wrong with me? Why do I have to hurt everyone I care about?

Ah, here we go. James and his posse saunter in just before class starts. I begin to think that I was right about him avoiding me, until he meets my gaze and grins the stupidest grin I've ever seen. Seriously, this boy looks like a kid at Christmas. I can feel myself blush, and I look down so no one will notice.

James comes to sit beside me, though, in the seat usually occupied by Severus. His friends sit down on the other side of me, in their usual seats. "Hi there, Bella."

I look up. Those deep blue eyes twinkle with – what is it? Anticipation? "Hey, stranger," I respond. "I thought we decided to turn over a new leaf, but then you disappeared…"

"I know; I'm sorry. I need to talk to you about that. We were chasing whoever or whatever that thing was in the forest, but it was too fast; it got away."

"Then what happened to you four?" I prompt him. "When did you even come back?"

"Last night." He starts to shake his head with disbelief, and he starts to grin again. The other boys look over, knowingly. Clearly, I'm in for a story. "Your cousin," James starts, trying to keep it together, "had a bit of trouble changing back. I was afraid he was going to be stuck as Padfoot, fleas and all!"

I chance a glance at Sirius, who's flushing ever so slightly. He shivers at James's comment and mutters something like, "Bloody parasites…"

I can't help but laugh out loud. Two Slytherin girls glance over at me. Great. I just hope news of my new friends doesn't get back to Andromeda or Severus before I have a chance to explain…explain? Honestly what am I even going to tell them? I push that thought aside and focus on what's going on around me. I have to admit, hanging around with these guys is actually somewhat enjoyable. I chat with them and join their group to work on my potion in class today. I'm having so much fun that I almost forget about my…moment with James in the forest.

Of course, I remember later, when he walks me to my next class. It isn't awkward at first. It's a short walk, especially since we're doubled over laughing as we rehash what happened in our Potions class. (Let's just say Remus and Sirius are no Severus when it comes to brewing potions. They made a huge mess – all over themselves – and then proceeded to have a goo fight…boys.)

We reach the classroom, and James takes advantage of my arms being full of books to plant a quick peck on my cheek before hurrying away with a "See you later, Bella!" Hard to believe that this is the boy who declared his undying love for me in the ForbiddenForest only a few nights ago. It's sort of cute, though – this bashfulness when it comes to PDA – not that I think anyone noticed us. As I walk into the room and take a seat, I realize that I am, in fact, beaming – so much so that I would give my sister a run for her money.

He's a Gryffindor, though, and I know exactly how my aunt will feel about that. Heck, I hated him for the past five years! What is the matter with me? Bellatrix, just what are you doing?

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