Briony Tallis

Don't worry, you can always take your time! I couldn't resist not updating as soon as I saw this though! I think my dedicated fans deserve speedy chapters! It's most cases, it's always easier said than done, but luckily, I've gotten a few chapters already typed up!

And for the thousandth time, thank you! You have no idea how encouraging your reviews and complaints are to me! They keep me inspired and dedicated to this story, which is always a good thing. :)

Good luck on all your exams and assignments! That's usually the period of my most procrastination unfortunately, but I hope you do really well! I'm starting school again in about three weeks, so I'm trying to soak up the last moments of my vacation!

I love James! Ever since the final movie came out. I read so hateful things about James because Lily was meant to be with Snape. I mean, don't get me wrong, I actually do like Snape, do I think James deserved Lily for than Snape. Snape realized his mistakes too late, whereas James matured and became an incredibly responsible guy who earned her love! I think I should stop before I go on another rant, sorry!

Malfoy is actually an incredibly hard character to write! I further I can into the story, the more difficult I find to write all of them! The time I spend thinking about how to write every part of this story is rather hilarious.

Alice and Lily are always going to be Jessica's most understanding friends. They're the only girls Jessica is friends with anyways, as all the other girls consist of girls who want one of the Marauders or Malfoy. I think they're perfect. They're all mature when they need to be, but at times, they are the most ridiculous people in Hogwarts. It's a good balance, especially in between all that drama!

As for selling your soul to kiss Lucius (who wouldn't?), there's going to times in the story where Jessica would want to do the very same thing, haha.

I enjoyed the revenge scene! Very simple, completely publicised, yet extremely hilarious.

Thank you so much for all your kind word! And of course, I love all my reviewers, and trust me, your reviews especially make me blush! So, just for you, I've updated this chapter right away, since you deserve it :D

Oh and don't worry, when it comes to Harry Potter, the lines between reality and fiction sometimes becomes a blue for me too. I get very overexcited until I'm reminded that it's fictions. Kinda ruins the fun!

MissBellaVoisin
Aw, I'm so touched! I remember the many times I've stayed up all night reading fanfiction! I'm truly flattered! As always, I also love hearing form new reviewers! I'm glad you like the story, and hopefully, you continue to have fun reading it!

Ms. Marionette
I'm glad you're out of that relationship too! I may write a lot of unpleasant things about the relationships in my story, but I'd never condone it for real life. No one deserves to go through not, especially not one of my most amazing reviewers! I'm glad you're doing alright now, it makes me happy to hear that :D

Haha, I loved writing that revenge scene! Malfoy and his Godly self all soaked? Not a sight I'd mind seeing. And of course, the boys are always down for a prank and it gave Jessica a chance to cool down. Unfortunately for them, the Slytherins like to retaliate on a more violent level. It's not just Malfoy they have to look out for, after all. Expect some revenge, not in the next chapter, but somewhere along the line :D

And you're very welcome for the dedication!


Author's Note: Have I ever mentioned that along witht he Harry Potter World, I also have an unusual lvoe for all my readers? :D Thank you guys! Oh and an entirely different note, I need to whine, cause I haven't gotten my Pottermore welcome email yet! I hear it's amazing. *sigh*

- Rosalie L.


'What do you think McGonagall will have us do?' Peter asks, as we start to make our way to her office.

'I'm hoping for lines.' James says.

'Or file organizing.' Sirius adds.

'Or a very short lecture.' I say, laughing.

'You guys are delusional.' Remus says, putting his hand on the doorknob.

'We can always hope.' Sirius shrugs. 'After all...'

I frown, wondering why Sirius trailed off, until I enter the room. McGonagall barely seems to notice our presence, but James catches her attention, voicing what I'm sure we're all thinking

'What's he doing here?' James yells, pointing at Malfoy.

I can feel myself instantly paling. Beside me, the rest of the boys look nervous too.

'Mr. Malfoy will be serving detention with you.' Professor McGonagall replies.

'WHY?' Sirius whines.

'For his unfortunate incident with Mr. Foster.'

'Who?' Peter whispers.

'Adam.' I say, quietly, not taking my eyes off Malfoy.

The boys begin to argue at once and Professor McGonagall starts lecturing them. Nobody's words get through to my head, as I continue staring at Malfoy. He's not looking at me with any sort of expression, as usual, and likewise, is not paying any attention to anybody else in the room. I hadn't expected a confrontation this soon, but maybe I can still avoid it.

I turn my attention to professor McGonagall.

'Are we all doing detention together?' I ask, hopefully.

'No, I'll be splitting you up into pairs. Each pair is going to get assigned a different room on this floor and no Mr. Black, you can't with Mr. Potter.' Professor McGonagall replies. 'Mr. Malfoy, seeing as how you're a prefect, I'll allow you to pick your partner.'

I can feel my breath catch in my throat. The boys look amongst each other nervously as Malfoy pretends to think about this.

'Miss Davidson.' Malfoy replies, smoothly.

'No!' The five of us say simultaneously.

Malfoy smirks and Professor McGonagall purses her lips.

I don't care. I can't and won't be stuck with Malfoy.

'I'm not going to last two seconds with him! Please Professor, I'll take any punishment, any punishment, just don't put make me do my detention with him!' I say, anxiously.

'I'll take her place.' Remus offers.

'Me too!' James, Peter and Sirius say.

God I love them all.

'Mr. Malfoy and Miss Davidson, you can go to the History of Magic classroom, where you'll find a bucket of soapy water and sponges for you both.' Professor McGonagall tells us. 'Mr. Pettigrew, you and Mr. Potter can go to the Muggle Studies classroom, and Mr. Black, you and Mr. Lupin can have the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. Now, leave your wands on my desk and get to it!'

'You do anything at all, Malfoy, I swear I'll make you regret it.' Sirius says darkly, stepping right in front of Malfoy.

'I'd like to see you try.' Malfoy replies, amused. 'No worries, traitor, I have no desire to do anything to the filthy Mudblood.'

Remus has to hold Sirius back as he tries to charge at Malfoy.

'Mr. Black!' Professor McGonagall yells.

'Good luck.' James whispers, as Professor McGonagall begins to lecture Sirius again.

Malfoy walks past us and starts to head out the classroom, after placing his wand on McGonagall's desk. I do the same, almost right after he does.

'I should go. Don't worry I'll be fine.' I reassure the boys, as I too, make my way out the classroom.

I'm more than surprised when I see Malfoy leaning against the wall, waiting for me. He doesn't say anything, like I expect though. He merely gestures for me to start walking. Not really having any other option, I start walking towards the History of Magic Classroom, and Malfoy, again to my surprise, walks directly beside me.

'Do you like this class?' Malfoy asks me, as we enter the room.

Malfoy seems to be the master of irrelevant conversation, so I'm not even surprised by the stupidity of his random question.

'Professor Binns is a dreadful bore, as I'm sure you know.' I reply, walking towards the nearest bucket I saw. 'The material is great, fantastic even, but every time I'm in his class, I just want to cut my ears off to spare myself the pain.'

Malfoy rolls his eyes at my answer.

'Oh I'm so sorry Malfoy, should I be showing my teachers more respect?' I ask sarcastically.

'History of Magic, like many classes in this school, cloud over many events that have actually occurred in the past. They leave out gruesome, yet very intriguing and significant details of our world in the past.' Malfoy explains, in a manner which would've rivalled Professor Binns. 'You hear nothing of Pureblood ancestries in any of these classes. It's an outright insult. Instead they discuss trivial and lesser creatures like goblin and giants and what we have done to offend them.'

Malfoy scoffs and it makes me wonder if he even remembers that he's talking to me. I decide to ignore him and get on the floor to start scrubbing it. It's a good thing I'm wearing jeans today, instead of a skirt or a dress. I still remember what happened the last time.

Git.

'You have no interest in what I just said.' Malfoy states, annoyed.

I turn to look at him and give him a questioning look. Did he really expect me to be interested in the kind of rubbish he talks about?

'You have no insight, whatsoever? No opinion?' Malfoy asks, pushing the topic.

'My opinion is that you're an arrogant, superficial psycho, who obviously can't believe that there are things more important in this world, than his lousy ancestry.' I reply, shaking my head. 'Or in other words, my opinion is that you've perpetually got a wand stuck up your arse.'

'Well, Miss Davenport, it seems nothing you've got a mind for nothing but pranks and other hooliganism activities.' Malfoy says.

'Don't call me that!' I snap. 'And what're you doing just standing there? Come help me! We're going to be here forever at this rate!'

Malfoy sneers at me in disgust. 'You expect me to do work house elves are meant for?'

I throw my sponge on the floor. 'You've made me do this!'

'As discipline.' Malfoy replies. 'I'm I made myself clear that I prefer other disciplinary methods, however.'

'You prefer that someone beat the shit out of you right now rather taking a little time to scrub floors?' I ask him, disbelievingly.

'It's effective.' Malfoy replies, smoothly.

'Of course, violence and intimidation is right up your creek!' I exclaim, scoffing.

'It's effective.' Malfoy repeats.

'It creates nothing but madness and hatred. It drives people apart and ruins lives.' I say, slowly.

'Says who?' Malfoy asks, looking very bored.

I almost don't answer him.

'Says my mom.' I inform him.

Malfoy looks at me with slightly more interest, but only slightly. I don't know what exactly he expects to get from this conversation, but maybe it'll get him to shut up. Maybe it'll let him figure out whatever it is he's trying so hard to figure out about me. And I know I must've said it about a million times, but maybe, this will all finally be over. Maybe he just needs to understand why I hate his world and his people so fucking much.

'My father, my biological father, used to beat her up whenever she did the slightest thing to displease him. They were both part of your twisted world, growing up acting upon your stupid, pointless fanatical beliefs.' I nearly hiss. 'It broke my mom's heart. It tore her apart that the man she loved so much – the very same man who claimed to love her back – used to hurt her like that. How can you possibly say it's effective when all it did was drive her away and shatter her life?'

'I don't condone violence against one's wife but your mom should've obeyed him.' Malfoy replies, casually. 'Instead, she turned her back against her entire family – '

'He's dead, why should she have stayed?' I exclaim. 'Why go back to the parents who did nothing to stop my father form hurting her? They said she deserved it for not being a proper wife! Why go back to them only to be paired off with some other man, who probably wasn't any better! She made a choice, and she made it for me! She didn't want that life for me and I'm glad for it!'

Malfoy looks at me with a frown. 'I see.'

I scoff angrily and look away from Malfoy.

'I don't know what Sirius has told you – '

'He's told me plenty and so has my mom.' I interrupt. 'From what I know of you, you're no different either! '

Malfoy suddenly looks displeased. 'Why? Cause of what I did to that blundering idiot?'

'Adam.' I hiss.

'It's the way life works. Not just by my standard, but by everyone's. The git did something he shouldn't have – '

'To me! Not to you!' I cut him off. 'Why does it matter to you? And don't walk off this time. I get that you Slytherins are a bunch of cowards, but man up and admit it!'

'You're far too young and far too immature – '

'Fabian is with Alice!' I blurt out. 'He certainly doesn't think she's too immature for him!'

Malfoy quiets down at the rapidness of all of this. I can't believe I just said what I did, either. I mean, what exactly did I just suggest to him?

You know very well what you suggested.

I didn't mean to.

Perhaps not out loud. It's what you've been thinking.

Have not.

A coward in Gryffindor. How ironic.

You know what? I need to finish this mental argument some other time.

'Your behaviour today just proves how childish you really are. I hear you're rather intelligent, so why not put all the pieces together? You're a Gryffindor. You're posing as Mudblood, and even if you weren't, you're a Bloodtraitor! In my books, that's just as bad, if not worse!'

'Come on Malfoy, that shit doesn't even matter! I'm not happy that you're in Slytherin but – '

'You're everything I hate. Parading around with those idiotic boys, pulling pranks, making yourself look foolish! Going off with random guys, hooking up in every closet you can find!' Malfoy sneers. 'Even if I can look past all that, you're thirteen!'

'It doesn't stop you from kissing me every chance you get though, does it?' I exclaim, angrily. 'It doesn't stop you from wanting to talk to me, to see me! It's so easy for to walk away though, when things don't go your way, isn't it? I don't want anything to do with you either Malfoy but – '

'But nothing.' Malfoy says, dismissively. 'I will not get involved with someone like you. I won't waste my time.'

'You can't just decide that! Adam's in the hospital and you did that just more me! You danced all night with me at the ball, you gave me detention just to be in my presence, you're in here right now because – '

'I have, against my better judgement, done all of those things.' Malfoy interrupts. 'But it's not as if I have no self control. After today, we shall never talk again.'

'Fine, then you better fucking mean that, Malfoy.' I hiss. 'I don't care what your last name is! I won't stand for any of your stupid games! I won't let you blackmail me and kiss me any time you want! Stay the fuck out of my life! You already made it a living hell this past month! And for your information, you shouldn't believe what everything says about me! My reputation with boys is exaggerated to a great extent!'

'Such a child.' He observes.

Losing my temper, I stand up with my bucket in hand. Before he can even react, I throw the contents of it onto him. That's the second time I've soaked him tonight. The bucket immediately refills itself and Malfoy stands in front of me, his face paling with anger. He knocks the bucket out of my hand and I know I should run, but I don't. He looks so angry, I'm sure any normal person would try to get away from him. My anger and pure stubbornness keeps me rooted to the ground.

It was several seconds before Malfoy reacted. He grabs me by the waist and forces me across the classroom, before shoving me onto a chair. At this point, I realize he wouldn't physically hurt me. He's had many chances and many reasons to do so, but he doesn't. This thought obviously makes me feel braver and safer, but it doesn't make him any less frightening.

He leans into me and whispers so low, I can barely hear him.

'Leave it alone.' Malfoy orders. 'Leave it be. I'll control myself, but you've got to as well!'

He still looks angry, no matter how calmly his words come out.

'You're a coward.' I say simply.

I push Malfoy out of the way and run out of my classroom, not caring that I'll get another detention for this. All the detentions in the world is nothing compared to being stuck with Malfoy. I don't know what the hell just happened or what we both just implied to each other, but I don't care. I want this to end, and apparently, so does he, so why isn't it over already?

More importantly, why the fuck do I care? This is Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy. It shouldn't matter to me if he doesn't want me. It's just... that doesn't seem like the case. More like he doesn't think I'm worth the effort. It must be the Gryffindor pride everyone else keeps insulting me about. Perhaps I'm so used to having boys all over me, so used to everyone wanting me that I just can't fathom why Malfoy wouldn't.

I nearly surprise myself when I walk into Professor McGonagall's room, close to tears.

'Professor, I can't work with him for another second! Please, I'll do anything else!' I plead with her.

She looks taken back by my sudden emotional behaviour.

'Very well, Miss Davidson. I admit, I'm surprised, as I thought you'd get along best with him.' Professor McGonagall replies. 'I suppose, I should've known better.'

'Why would I work well with Malfoy?' I ask, letting my repulsion show.

'Well he did supervise a rather large amount of your detentions. He even insisted up on it several times, as I recall.' She replies, casually. 'I thought perhaps, you two found some way to co-exist, even get along, maybe. Why on earth would I ever think someone from my house can get along with someone in Slytherin is beyond me!'

'You know about the detentions?' I ask, quietly.

'Well, naturally, as your head of house, of course!' She replies, before conjuring up several files. 'Alphabetical order, if you please.'

I nod my head and get down to work. I think Professor McGonagall cut me some slack because there aren't much files to sort. Just a fair few, to my relief.

'Professor.' I say suddenly. 'May I ask a favour of you?'

She looks at me bewildered. 'Why, of course.'

'Don't tell James and Sirius about...Malfoy.' I request.

I can feel myself growing hot with embarrassment. Professor McGonagall doesn't look so bewildered anymore but there's something on her face I can't decipher.

'Well, yes, of course... I can't see the topic ever coming up but certainly.' She replies, hastily.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say she looks uncomfortable. Hers lips are pursed once more, she stands up straight, to her full height, her body rigid and her expression stern.

'Professor.'

His voice snaps me back to reality. Professor McGonagall looks up, looking just as startled as me.

'Mr. Malfoy.' Professor McGonagall greets. 'Surely, you're not done already?'

He nodded his head. 'Miss Davidson and I managed to get a lot done before she... left. I've completely finished it now.'

'Well, yes. Then I suppose you're free to go. Mr. Malfoy I hope you learned a valuable lesson.' Professor McGonagall says.

Malfoy turns his gaze over to me.

'I have.' He replies. 'Good evening, Professor. Miss Davidson.'

Malfoy leaves, after holding his gaze on me for about ten seconds in complete silence. I must've held my breath for those entire ten seconds. His anger seems to have subsided completely, but I still can't get that awful feeling from out of the pit of my stomach.

'Miss Davidson, I think it'll be alright for you to go as well.' Professor McGonagall says, regaining my attention.

'Thank you, Professor!' I exclaim, grinning.

She hands me my wand and I put away all the files using magic. It's the least I can do after all. Now, I know Malfoy didn't really clean the entire classroom, since he made it clear that type of work was beneath him. I wonder how he actually got the floors clean... I'm sure he isn't thick enough to leave the room without having them cleaned.

'A word before you leave?' Professor McGonagall requests.

I nod my head, but frown a little in confusion.

'I've taught you for three years, and while I don't give the impression out very often, I'm quite fond of you. You're a unique girl, very intelligent, very insightful and certainly someone whom I expect great things from.' Professor McGonagall began.

I can't hide my grin. I certainly wasn't expecting this. Wait till I tell the guys heart about this.

'I've also had the... opportunity of teaching Mr. Malfoy for the last five years.' Professor McGonagall informs me.

'Actually, Professor, I really have to – '

'Miss Davidson, listen to me now and I give you my word I will never bring up the topic again.' She tells me, slowly.

I nod my head obediently. I'm not sure I want to hear what she has to say.

'Mr. Malfoy... I'm not sure there's a way to describe him. He's quite brilliant himself, top of his year, in fact. He can be quite charming, when he wants to be. He's rather well mannered, more so than most grown adults I've met.' She continues. 'Very handsome boy, of course. Exceptional talent.'

Even if she's complimenting him, everything she says seems to be a struggle for her. As if what she's saying are all known facts, but she doesn't wish to state them. Honestly, it looks like complimenting Malfoy is a huge effort for her.

'But Miss Davidson, I cannot stress how wrong this boy is for you.' She says, bluntly. 'I understand what it's like to be at that age, and while I think you're still rather young to get involved with boys in such a way, I saw it coming. Yes, I see how the boys look at you. I've always been rather pleased Potter, Lupin, Black and Pettigrew keep such a close eye on you. Naturally, they'll tend to miss certain things though.'

Nice to know Professor McGonagall is on our side. I think James and Sirius would love to hear how much she actually likes them. As for what she thinks is going on with Lucius and me... I have no words.

'Lucius Malfoy is just as his father. A cold man. One who can manipulate and discard people as he chooses. I know he's a bit of a ladies man and I'm well aware of what being a Malfoy means.'

I can't even explain how weird it is to hear Professor McGonagall say ladies man.

'Miss Davidson, I don't think you know what you're getting into.' She said, looking genuinely worried. 'I was concerned when he started requesting to supervise all your detentions. I didn't know what to think of it. I was afraid... well, my fears seemed to have been confirmed.'

'Professor, you got it all. I don't know what you think is going on – '

'I don't believe anything is going on Miss Davidson. I can see you both fighting it and I can also see how much you both loathe each other. I'm telling you now, I think it's best to forget that boy and keep fighting it.' Professor McGonagall suggests. 'Lucius Malfoy, like you, is capable of great things, but he is, I'm sorry to say, someone who would use his greatness merely for his own satisfaction and benefit, to further himself in life. His priorities are different from yours. You're so young, Miss Davidson, I don't expect you to understand but I thought I owed it to you to warn you.'

'Malfoy made it clear to me he doesn't want me, Professor.' I say, a little resentfully. 'Whatever you think you saw between us... he obviously doesn't see it. I made it clear I was done with him and he made it clear he won't pursue me. You mustn't worry, we ended things before they had a chance to start. And clearly, we both avoided making a very massive mistake.

Professor McGonagall looks at me doubtfully and I can tell the smile she gives me is fake. I return it and make my way out of the classroom. I only sigh in distress as I start to head for the staircase. It's been a long day and I want to forget it ever happened. Naturally, the Marauders are going to come looking for me, but I can deal with them later. Right now, I want nothing more than to head to bed, and let darkness consume me. Please, Merlin, let me escape reality for a little while longer. I'd prefer not to let the rejection sink in.

I wonder if this is how James feels every time he works up the courage to ask Lily out, only to be shot down in the most brutal and at times, humiliating way.


'Jess, we can cancel our dates if you like.' Lily offers, as she takes her seat beside me.

'James should be back any second.' Remus warns her, looking up from his chess game with Alice.

'I'll leave when he comes.' Lily shrugs. 'Ouch.'

Lily cringes as Alice's knight swings it's sword at Remus's rook. I chuckle slightly. Even after all these years, Lily is still fascinated by wizard's chess. It's quite amusing.

'I don't see why we all have to cancel our dates.' I inform Lily.

For once, they all have dates. Lily, Alice and the Marauders. I was stuck with no one to go with, but of course, I didn't tell them that. I merely said I got a date as well, and left it at that. It wasn't as if it was hard for me to get a date, but I just didn't feel like it. Perhaps I'll wander around Hogsmeade alone. It's been a while since I had time to enjoy it all by myself. I mean, I've been with my parents, and all the times I've gone from Hogwarts was either with a date, Lily and Alice or the Marauders. Time alone should do me good... I think.

'You seem so gloomy Jess.' Lily says, worriedly. 'I don't know what's gotten into you, but if you need us, we're here.'

'Fabian won't mind if I cancel. He knows how important you are to me.' Alice pipes up.

'And I can go with Severus some other time.' Lily adds. 'I mean... it's not really a date, after all.

'We'd cancel too, if you like.' Remus says, grinning. 'Ours aren't really dates either.'

He had just killed Alice's Queen with his bishop. Alice huffs and I resist the urge to smirk.

'I'm not gloomy, my ego's just a little bruised.' I reply, casually. 'Don't worry, once James comes back and you turn him down, I should feel much better.'

'Wait, are you saying you asked someone out and they turned you down?' Peter asks, speaking up for the first time.

Alice, Lily, Remus and Peter all direct their attentions to me, looking shocked and curious.

'I didn't ask anyone out.' I say, making that part clear. 'But someone did go out of their way to let me know that if I wanted anything to happen, it never would. Evidently, I'm a young, immature hooligan.'

'Young. Check.' Alice says.

'Immature. Yup.' Lily adds.

'Hooligan. Definitely.' Remus joins in.

'He's nuts to say no though, Jess.' Peter say, reassuringly. 'Who was it?'

'A Slytherin.' I reply sarcastically.

Lily rolls her eyes but Remus, Alice and Peter all laugh, find my "lie" amusing. I knew it would help me change the topic. I know I can count on Lily, too.

'They really aren't just that bad.' Lily insists. 'Just because you guys have never taken the chance to get to know them – '

'Everything I do know about them, I hate.' I reply, defensively. 'Look, Lily, did you ever think you're just biased when it comes to Snape? I mean, he's done some pretty awful things to us.'

'I don't defend what he did – or does, but you guys are just as awful. In fact, Potter and Black always start it!' Lily exclaims. 'Severus has a good side to him, a really decent side, and if you – '

Peter and Remus simultaneously burst out laughing. I join them in seconds, not paying attention to Lily, who I'm sure is turning red with anger.

'Evans!'

The three of us stop laughing abruptly.

'SIRIUS!' I scream, excitedly.

He doesn't even pretend to look shocked at my sudden happiness at seeing them. I can always count on Sirius to play along. I vaguely see Remus roll his eyes, smiling a little, whereas James is fully grinning from ear to ear. Lily and Alice watch on with amusement and I run jump into Sirius's arms.

Unfortunately for me, the idiot topples backwards, falling to the ground and pulling me with him.

'Interesting Jess, but I like to be on top.' Sirius jokes.

'Hey, it's my first time. Shouldn't we do it in a position I'm comfortable?' I tease.

'Oi, have sex somewhere else!' James cuts in. 'I have to ask my darling Lily a question.'

Sirius and I give each other knowing looks.

'Prongs, at this rate, I think I have more of a chance than you.' Sirius says, noticing Lily's quelling expression.

'You said you'd never do that!' James exclaims, pointing an accusing finger at Sirius.

I burst out laughing as Sirius smacks his own forehead.

'Should we go get a room?' I whisper to Sirius.

He smirks back at me and nods. 'Oi, don't come upstairs!'

'Sirius, you're not really – '

'How can you go up – '

'Jess, you really shouldn't let – '

'What has gotten into – '

I burst out laughing once again and get myself off Sirius.

'You guys really are too easy.' I say, shaking my head. 'Anyways Lilykins, let me know how it goes down here. I'm going to go pick an outfit for tomorrow.'

I can hear James and Lily arguing as soon as I start to head for the stairs. Although most people would find it amusing, I really do feel bad for James and I just can't understand Lily. If it were me, I'd never say no to James but I suppose I can understand her point of view. Not that I'd ever admit it to her. I just know if she gave him a chance, she'd see how wrong she is and grow to love James.

The thought of Lily and James being in love makes me grin. If anyone were to cross my path right now, I'm sure they'd think I was a bit mental.

When I reach my room, I'm more than surprised to find a letter by my windowsill. I clench my teeth and rush to the letter. Only once person owls me directly to my room.

It's going to take all my effort to do this but I have to. I don't unfold the letter, but pull out my wand.

'Incendio.' I whisper.

The paper begins to burn until there's nothing left of it but ashes. I don't need any faulty apologies from Malfoy or any requests to meet up. I refuse to be played like that.

I take a deep breath, and once again ignore the feeling in the pit of my stomach. This isn't anything new. People get rejected and played all the time. It was bound to happen to me sooner or later. I can't expect everyone I meet to instantly want me. Anyways, I suppose it will take me down a peg. Though I would never admit it out loud, I know I'm a bit of an egomaniac. Hanging out with James and Sirius so much only increased that trait in me. Sure, Lily takes care of James more than often, and Sirius's family takes care of that for him, but I had nothing, until now, to put me down. Perhaps it's a good thing. Mix in a little of the bad with the good.

You don't actually believe that, do you...?

Shut up. I'm trying to be mature.

For Malfoy, right?

In anger, I kick my desk. This is why people don't like to think! This is why people drink and get high! It isn't a habit I'd like to start any time soon, but at this rate...

No! I'm too young. I can't. I won't. My mom would be so disappointed in me if she knew.

I start to head towards my closet, intending to find an outfit for tomorrow. It'll be good. It's been a while since I've had time to myself. Merlin knows I go crazy without a little time to myself.

Too colourful. Too simple. Too fancy. Too casual.

Picking an outfit takes forever. Maybe I'll just settle for casual and comfortable. It's not as if I'll be with anyone tomorrow. Yeah, I think I'll make tomorrow just about me.

I settle on a one shouldered black romper of mine. It's completely black and made of a very light material. There are two layers of ruffles going down from my right shoulder and it's very loose fitting. Simple. Comfortable. And well, my legs look great.

So much for toning down my ego. I sigh and go to flop down on my bed. I wonder what Malfoy wrote in his letter.

Author's Note: I know this is a bit of a filler chapter, but it'll lead to something next chapter! i also wanted to show that the teachers are very much aware that something is going on between Malfoy and Jessica :) I hope you guys enjoed the chapter!

- Rosalie L.