Fourth Year - November

Hello, Lysander!


Hullo.


What's wrong?


Nothing.


Tell me!


I am fine, Lily. Just a bit under the weather.


Is it a girl?


Maybe.


Who is it? Is it the girl you fancy?


What girl? Since when did – who did you hear this from?


I didn't, Ly. I guessed. You know, the girl you fancied who "wasn't Rose Weasley".


I promise you I have never once liked Rose Weasley.


Hmmmmm.


How are you, anyway?


Not bad. I heard about the flood in the Astronomy tower!


Yes, that was quite amusing. I have never really liked Astronomy, so when James and Fred suggested flooding it … well, I was not one to stop them.


I'm proud of you, Ly.


Are you all right?


Erm, yes? How come?


Well, it is just that last year and the like you interrogated me persistently about the girl I fancied back then, and now you have not given the matter much attention.


Oh, yeah, that's because Hugo and I have Vanished our mice already so we're copying notes down from our textbook. Plus, I kind of figured that if you wanted to tell me, you would have done. So it's obviously not that big a deal if you didn't tell me, right?


Wow, Lily, that's quite mature. Wait, did I hear right – you've Vanished your mouse?


It's been known to happen. I know; it's amazing! For once, I can actually do Transfiguration! Oh, I'm so happy.


Congratulations.


Thank you! What lesson are you in?


Charms. That is why I can enchant all of these notes to find you without being told off.


Makes sense. I can only reply because Hugo – who's nearest the door – is slipping them under the desk so they're at a better angle to fly out of the room. It's a good system.


It is.


Can I ask you something, Lysander?


Er, that depends what it is.


Don't get so nervous, I'm not proposing or anything. Oh, I hope Scorpius proposes!


Lily, you're fourteen.


Not NOW! I meant in the future!


Oh! That makes a lot more sense, thank goodness. What's your question?


What actually happened between you and Dominique? Because I've been writing to her quite a bit and her current boyfriend, Francis, she doesn't think she likes as much. She says there's someone else!


It just did not work, remember? It was too long distance and she's gorgeous; don't get me wrong, but …


I think I know what you mean. Like, not down-to-earth enough?


She is quite grounded, though; I am not entirely sure how to explain it. She just was not the girl for me, I think.


That makes sense.


Why do you ask?


Well, I just don't know. I kind of thought that if she didn't like Francis, she must still like you, right? But I guess not, haha.


No, I do not think she does.


I really want to figure this out. She says that I know them, but I know, like, everybody!


Is it a boy?


Yep.


Do you know how old he is supposed to be?


Somewhere around her age, I think. So like your age. That's why I wondered.


I shall think about this. Maybe Lorcan might know?


NIKKI HATES LORCAN.


Yes, but Lorc hangs around with Louis quite a lot, so my brother might therefore know through him.


I was honestly just going to suggest that maybe it was Louis, but then I remembered that he and Nikki are siblings.


Ew.


I know. I forgot, okay?


You forgot they were – I don't even think I want to ask.


Oh, ha, ha.


Have you tried asking Hugo?


Why on Merlin's earth would Hugh know?


Is his sister Rose not friends with Dominique?


Oh, yeah. Nah, Hugh doesn't know.


I'll try my brother, then. I will get back to you on this one.


Fab.


How are things with Scorpius?


Great, I guess. Nothing much has really happened, to be honest, but still. I do love him.


That is good, Lily.


I know! Ly?


Yes, Lily?


Never mind, it doesn't matter.


What is it?


No, it doesn't matter.


Tell me!


Well, it's just, I don't know.


Is it to do with Scorpius Malfoy?


How did you know?


I know you, Lily.


Fair enough. It's just that, well. I'm not sure how to explain it, really.


Start at the beginning.


I think you gave me unrealistic expectations about what a boyfriend would be like.


Excuse me?


Not in a bad way. Just because I got to know you and you're lovely and I thought that all boys were like you, but.


Has Scorpius done something?


No, of course not! It's just the little things, like he never replies when I write letters to him.


Have you tried talking to him about it?


I mentioned it and he said it was because he sees me in person, so he doesn't need to write me any letters, and when he gets around to doing so it's too late.


I see. I am not sure what to recommend.


I do love him, though.


I know, Lily.


It's just getting to me and I don't know what to do. Hugo won't understand because his relationship with Abigail is so goddamned perfect and it drives me insane.


You already are insane.


Very funny. You're like Fred.


Do you honestly think I am funny?


Yes, why?


Strange.


What's strange about it? You've always been funny, Ly.


Yes, but it got me thinking once you mentioned Dominique and how things with Malfoy aren't as perfect as you thought they were. I just thought about my relationship with Dominique, is all.


What about it?


She never said I was funny, so it's strange that you think I am.


Why is that strange?


No reason. Do you still not know what to do about the Scorpius thing?


Do you miss Nikki? And no, I don't. Because it's so annoying but I love him and, oh, I don't know what to think.


I am not sure. I still write to her, but I expect I miss her a bit. Not as much as I did. In fact, now I think about it, I do not think I do. Lily, what are you doing on Friday?


So you don't miss Nikki at all? Erm, I have school, Ly.


Nope. I know, Lily, I meant after that.


So what's up, then? Oh, I don't know. I think the Slytherins are having a party in their common room, Lucy told me. Hugh's been invited by Abigail and I by Scorpius, so I might be going. How come?


If you do not want to go to the party, would you like to go for a walk?


A walk? Where?


Around the grounds or something. James has showed me a few places on our wanderings. We can talk properly about how you feel about Scorpius, or something.


That sounds lovely! I'll speak to Scor or someone about the party, then.


Okay.


In fact, Hugo's probably seeing Abigail this lunch so I can ask him to pass on the message. Oh, I'm so excited now.


I am glad, Lily. What lesson do you have last on a Friday?


I'm not sure. I'll check. What do you have?


I have free periods, so I'll probably be in the library or the common room I think, with James.


Cool, where shall I meet you?


Find out what lesson you have last and I shall sort this out. We could meet in the Entrance Hall?


I think I have DADA. Sounds good, I'll see you then, if I don't see you beforehand!


See you later.


oooooooo


Lily, did I hear right? You're ditching Malfoy to go on a date with my best mate?

James


James, you cannot send her that.


Why not?

James


Because it sounds ridiculous.


This should be fun then. Whoops, looks like I'm going to accidentally pass Lee this message …

James


Erm, what's going on? Am I supposed to have this series of messages between you two?


I was going to write to you to check you were still okay for later.


You mean the walk? Yeah, I think I am. Hugh told Abigail that I wouldn't be going to the party. She was quite disappointed, as was Lucy when I told her, but I haven't told Scorpius yet.


You have not? You might have to, Lily, if he is expecting you.


I know. It'd just be easier not to.


Lily, as much as it pains me to say this, he is your boyfriend and you have to tell him.


Why would that pain you to say?


It wouldn't.


But you just said –


No, I didn't.


Lysander, I can see it right there!


I have no idea what on earth you are talking about.


I hate you.


I hate you too, Lily.


See you later. And stop smirking.


I am not smirking! You're the one laughing!


That's because you're funny and this amused me.


It amused me, too.


Good.


See you, Lily.


Later.


oooooooo


James,

Stop messing around and actually listen, because I really need your help right now. I get that you're too cool to be fazed by things, and I thought I was, too, but obviously not. I'd write to Hugo or Al or Rose or someone, but Hugh's at the Slytherin party and the other two are probably studying. So shut up and listen.

Basically, you know how I was supposed to go for a walk with Ly, and meet in the Entrance Hall? Well, after DADA he was waiting outside my classroom for me, which was really lovely. We walked up to the common room so I could dump my bags by a table near the fire – if you or the twins are messing with my stuff, you are dead – and then we walked down the staircase and out into the grounds. It was quite cold, so he took his blazer off and gave it to me.

First off, Scorpius never does this. My blazer's been in the cleaning department for about two weeks now after a small-scale fire in Potions (Hugo's fault, hit him for me) and every time I see Scor he's never given me his blazer. But Ly did, and it was nice.

We then walked towards the Forbidden Forest, but there was an odd sort of mist over the entrance so we took a walk around the grounds instead, like around the gamekeeper's hut and things.

As it transpires, he's funnier than Scorpius. He's nicer, too. Scor's lovely, but Lysander's just … he's so genuine, you know

But anyway, we talked about Hugh and Abigail, and about you and the twins, and then we moved on to the subject of him and Nikki. He doesn't still love her or anything, but he said that for a long while afterwards he missed her terribly. Then he wrote to me again and things were better because he could take his mind off things. Now, Nikki fancies someone else, even though she has a boyfriend (some French guy, Francis, in case you didn't know).

I could never imagine fancying someone else whilst I have a boyfriend, but there you go. Lysander reckons that it's someone Lorcan knows, because he asked him if he knew who it was and Lorcan apparently went really quiet, so he's undoubtedly covering up for someone. Ly suggested that maybe it was Lorc who Dominique likes, but I think he gathered from the look on my face that there was no way that was happening. Nikki hates Lorcan; to her, he's a womanizing prat and she's never really hated anyone as much as she does him. He just really gets to her, and there's no way those two could ever be in love. It's like … it's like me and Lysander getting together, or something. It's just … no.

So if you could find out in any way who Nikki likes, that'd be great. If not … I guess we'll all have to confront her at Christmas or something, when she's home for the holidays.

Once Lysander and I had finished the conversation about Nikki, we talked about Scorpius. It was really nice getting all my worries out and having someone smart and rational to talk things through with. Ly doesn't really get tied down with petty things' he's too clever, really. The thing was, every time I mentioned how in love with Scor I was, he looked really uncomfortable. I get that it might be a bit insensitive to rant about how perfect Scor is when Ly doesn't have a girlfriend (Voldemort knows it's annoying when Hugh and Abigail talk about each other soppily) but Lysander looked uncomfortable at the weirdest things.

He laughed when I made jokes, and all that, and he was serious and ridiculously helpful when I talked about the problems I had with Scor, but … it's like, every so often he'd go quiet and stare at the floor, with his floppy sandy-blonde fringe hiding his face.

It got to the point when it was getting to me and I was about to say something when Ly threw himself over me and pushed me into the wall of the gamekeeper's hut.

No, not like that, James, honestly. Get a grip.

Though I must admit I was wondering about what on earth he was doing, but as soon as I opened my mouth he held up a finger and turned slowly around. I know this sounds ridiculous, and you probably won't believe it, but there was this massive Blast-Ended Skrewt standing behind us. Dad had told us stories, remember, about his times at Hogwarts and the creatures he's dealt with, and Ly does a Care of Magical Creatures NEWT so I took his word for it, but either way it was quite unnerving. Not scary, because like I'd get scared of a magical creature, but it was moderately freaking me out. Plus, it smelled like rotten fish, which wasn't exactly pleasant. I know from the stories our parents have told us that Blast-Ended Skrewts are highly dangerous and potentially quite lethal, so when Ly drew his wand I didn't exactly like our chances, I have to say. Plus, the Skrewt was inching closer and closer and oh, James, it was about ten feet long and had this massive stinger thing … well; basically, Lysander pushed me farther back into the wall of the hut, which I did actually appreciate, and he began to wave his wand but then out of nowhere this sting or something came flying at him and missed piercing his hand by centimetres, though it left a horrific graze. Ly shrugged it off, though, and slashed his wand through the air and the Skrewt fell back, but it still advanced.

Then, the weirdest thing happened, Jamie. The Skrewt was advancing more to me; its eyes – at least I assume it had eyes – were fixed on me and I felt so sick and I couldn't get my wand out since Lysander had me against the wall (not that I'm complaining; I'd rather not be Skrewt food) and as soon as the Skrewt raised what looked like a tail and got ready to fire another sting (or whatever it is) Lysander, who had moved away a bit in order to get better aim, turned to me, threw himself in the Skrewt's path and blocked the sting with a Shield Charm. Ly then did some magic, I don't know what it was, but he sent the Skrewt away, anyway.

Why did he do that? I'm capable of defending myself, anyway, and I know that I was in mortal danger and all that rubbish, but … don't get me wrong, it was nice of him, but he shouldn't have put himself in harm's way just for me.

Nonetheless, we began walking again, and when I looked at him his face was slightly flushed and his hand – the one that was grazed – was shaking so I took hold of it, and he looked quickly up at me, and examined it.

Seriously, James, if you see Ly tonight make sure you force him to go to the Hospital Wing.

I took off my tie and wrapped it around his hand, and he winced but I think it helped.

After that, we talked a bit more about Scorpius, but it was light-hearted and fun, and it made me laugh the way Lysander did impressions of him. I think I got everything sorted, too. I doubted whether Scorpius was really that perfect for me but Lysander really helped me look beyond that and appreciate him for who he is.

I know you don't like it, James, but I'm in love with Scorpius and always will be.

Anyway, I just needed your help because I don't know whether Lysander hates me for giving him my tie, and I don't know why he protected me from the Skrewt, either. You or Hugo or Teddy would have done the same thing, but he's not my brother or cousin so I don't much understand it.

Lily


Lee, isn't it obvious? Lysander's in love with you, you idiot.

James


Don't be ridiculous, James. He fancies Rose Weasley. Plus, I'm with Scorpius and Lysander has enough sense not to fall for someone he can't have – more to the point, why would he fancy me? It's just not going to happen.


For your sake, Lily, I'd just like to point out that Lysander never fell for Rosie and chances are he never will.

James


How do you know?


I'm his best mate, silly. We do talk, you know.

James


As if he's in love with me though. That's completely absurd. We're just friends, and that's what he thinks, too!


Have you ever asked him?

James


Well, no, because he went out with Nikki and I'm dating Scor so …


My thoughts on Malfoy aside, if you don't believe me ask Ly yourself.

James


How would you know, though? You've never had a girlfriend.


Unnecessary, but all the babes are after me, Lee. I do know quite a bit about relationships.

James


Yeah, right!


Don't doubt my natural charm, sis. I'm extremely attractive and charismatic.

James


Yeah, in your head.


Shut up, sis.

James


Rude. More to the point, Ly's not "in love" with me.


Like I said, have you ever actually asked him that? You just assume he doesn't, and wave Scorpius in his face even though you know he doesn't want to know.

James


What do you mean, he doesn't want to know? We tell each other almost everything; he's not mean enough to not want to know. And I do not wave Scor in his face!


Fine, he does want to know, but it does hurt him, you realise, to hear about it. You so wave Scorpius in his face. You talk about him constantly, even to me!

James


I think you're talking a whole load of rubbish.


And I think you're wrong, but there we go.

James


If he likes me so much, why has he never mentioned it?


Did you ever give him a chance?

James


Ha, told you so. Chances are, he's tried to tell you on numerous occasions.

James


He didn't need a chance; it's not so difficult to tell someone you fancy them.


Isn't it?

James


What would you know? Just because you're 18 doesn't mean you know everything.


You're mistaken. Just because I haven't had a girl doesn't mean I haven't fancied people. What I choose to do is my decision.

James


So you choose not to have girlfriends …


It's much easier, sis. I'll find someone when I leave this place; there's no point falling for someone now when I'm not going to be with them when I leave Hogwarts.

James


I certainly plan on being with Scor after I leave Hogwarts.


Good for you, but when I leave, regardless of who I'd be with, I'd break up with them. And are you sure you plan to be with Scorpius after you graduate?

James


I think so.


You think?

James


I don't know everything, James, goodness.


Lily, you're fourteen. You don't see these things as well as I do. Lysander's in love with you, he's perfect for you, and I know I don't like Scorpius that much but I put that aside when you decided to date him. Rosie dated him and I trust her, so I put it aside for you. However, I really don't think Scorpius is as perfect for you as you think he is, and I reckon you know that, too.

James


Ridiculous.


Lily, you doubted just before whether Scorpius was as perfect for you as you think he is! Trust me, you're one of my best mates and so is Ly, I think I'd be able to tell if you're perfect for each other. Rosie agrees with me.

James


Oh, she does, does she? So you're all gossiping about me with Lysander and laughing at me or something, for being too stupid to realise all these profound truths you're throwing at me?


For Potter's sake, Lily, not everything revolves around you. Lysander's never even said out loud properly that he's in love with you. Based off what he's told me, however, about being in love with someone he can't ever have, and on what I see and on what everyone generally agrees on, he loves you. Don't start acting like you've never had feelings for him, either.

James


You are so full of sh –


I'm not, and you know it. Jesus, why can't you see that you're both perfect for each other?!

James


We're not, though.


Now who's full of rubbish? You've been writing to each other for God knows how long, and – Lily, are you crying?

James


Shut up.


Lily, do you want me to come over? I can ditch the twins if you want?

James


I'm fine. Hugo's here, you know. I can manage some things.


I know, but … what's wrong?

James


Nothing. I'm going to the Slytherin common room with Hugh. Maybe Abigail or Luce will be there to cry on. Mind my stuff?


Of course, Lily, dear. I'll move them away from the fire, though, in case a first-year trips and turns them to flames. Would you like me to do something? I could get some chocolate from the kitchens or Honeydukes, if you want (as long as you don't tell Rosie the twins and I sneak around)?

James


Okay.