I watched the grounds from my dormitory. They were teaming with life; students were laughing, joking. A few first years were playing tag. Sighing, I sat down on my bed. The conversation I had had with Scorpius was haunting me, and it hurt me to think that I had broken his heart.

But I'm with Neil. I swallowed. Neil was the one I loved.

A loud bang echoed through my room, and I jumped up. I heard yelling from the hallways, and I recognized the voice. It was Rose.

She slammed the door to my dormitory open, and stood there, shaking with anger. "You slut!" she screamed, closing it behind her with a snap.

My heart skipped a beat, and I took a step back. "What do you mean?" I asked warily. Had she figured out that Scorpius had dumped her for me?

"You stole my boyfriend!" She had tears in her eyes, and I wondered if they were from sadness or anger. Either way, I felt afraid.

"No, I didn't," I said through clenched teeth. "Neil is-"

She cut me off. "Not him," she snarled, taking a step towards me, her hands clenched into fists. "Scorpius."

I decided to play stupid. "I thought you were with him."

Rose's eyes flashed. "Don't pretend you don't know," she sneered. "He dumped me for you, and he told you."

I hesitated. No point in denying it. "But I didn't make him like me," I argued, surprised at my sudden bravery. "I-"

Again, she cut me off. "Shut up," she screamed. "Just save it, Lily. After I'm done with you, you're gonna wish you were never born."

Instead of running, I stood my ground. Scorpius must really matter to her, if she's so angry. "And what are you going to do?" I challenged, standing up for myself. "You can't hurt me."

"Watch me," she breathed, taking another step towards me.

I felt fear flash through me. Would she actually beat me up? "What will you gain by this?" I said hotly, trying to distract her.

"At least Scorpius won't be with you," Rose snapped.

"What? You're going to kill me?" Feeling angry, I crossed my arms. "Okay, Rose, I'll say it loud and clear for you, since you didn't understand the first time. I don't like Scorpius. I'm with NEIL, and I'm happy with him."

Rose stopped. "Why should you be happy when I'm not?" she growled suddenly. "If I lost the one I like, why shouldn't you too?" A wide smile came onto her face. "If I got Neil to like me, you'll see what it's like." She turned away.

No! She couldn't have Neil too! "Wait." My voice was quiet.

She turned to face me, her eyebrows raised. "What?" She sounded annoyed.

"Leave Neil out of this," I murmured. I couldn't- wouldn't - let him get hurt too. "I'll... I'll do anything you want me to do, just leave him alone..."

Rose smirked. "Then break up with him."

My heart stopped for a moment. "Wh-what?" I couldn't do that! I felt anger and hatred surge through me. How could I ever have liked this girl?

"You heard me." She crossed her arms. "You either break up with him, or I'll make him cheat on you."

I breathed out sharply. "Please, Rose..." I whispered. "You can't do this..."

Rose snorted. "Stop being a wimp," she snapped. "You're so weak," she taunted.

I flinched, feeling hurt.

"How could anyone like you? I'll make Neil see reason." She slammed the door behind her, and I heard her twisted laughing as she faded away.

I burst into tears. No! Neil would never like her! I wanted to run after her, but I knew... knew that she would overpower me; she was a stronger person than me.

No matter how brave I would try to be, I wouldn't- couldn't - ever win. Neil would get with her.

Then I stopped. Neil had liked me for so long... would he give me up for Rose, who was two years older than him? I wiped my eyes, and decided to go down to the common room. I won't let her do this.

OoOoO

The common room was full of people, and I had to stand on tip-toes to look over the heads of the students. I didn't see Neil, or Rose. Sighing, I left the common room, assuming they were in the grounds.

They weren't. I looked under every tree, on every bench, but saw no one.

I felt my eyes well up into tears, and I found myself walking towards the Willow Tree. A slight breeze ruffled my hair, and I closed my eyes, leaning up against the tree trunk. I felt grateful for the wind, but my spirits were still low.

My tears fell steadily, but I didn't make a sound as I looked up into the hanging branches only feet inches above me.

Willow Trees were also known as crying trees, and I reflected on all of the times I had cried under the shelter of it. There were too many to count.

It began to sprinkle, but I didn't mind; not much water reached the inside of the tree; the leaves were thick.

"Lily?"

My head whipped up. Will was standing there. "Hey." My voice was dull. Had he come to break the news to me?

"What'cha doin'?" he asked, looking down at me.

"Contemplating the meaning of life," I joked, though I didn't laugh.

He did, however. "Where's Neil?" he asked, looking around.

I shrugged. "Haven't seen him," I said vaguely. My heart sank at the thought of him. He was so important to me, and I didn't think I could cope with the loss.

He shifted his weight from one foot to another. "I saw him talking with Rose," he said, his voice trailing off.

I didn't comment; the news didn't come as a shock. "Did you hear what they were saying?" I asked hopefully.

Will shook his head. "No. I caught the words 'Lily' and 'cheating'." He grinned suddenly. "I think they were talking about gardening."

I couldn't help but laugh; my name was a flower. "Did Neil seem happy to be talking to her?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't comment on my interest for the subject.

"He looked uncomfortable, but when I tried getting closer to eaves-drop, he told me to scram." He glanced around. "He was looking for you this morning."

He was? I felt guilty for not going down that morning.

We were silent for a while, until he decided to break the silence again.

"You can't imagine how happy he was when you said yes to him," he said suddenly, grinning at the memory. "He's liked you since first year."

I blinked. Now was my chance to ask Will why he had liked me. "Why did he, though?" I asked casually, my heart racing.

Will shrugged. "He liked how you were detached; at first he thought you were pretty." He glanced down at me. "He got really mad when you became friends with Scorpius; ranted about it for weeks..."

I laughed, imagining it.

"Want to go up to the castle?" Will asked. "Then we can go ask Neil how his conversation with Rose went."

I nodded, and got up. The rain had stopped again, though dark gray clouds hung over us. "Sure," I said, patting my hands together to remove the dirt that had collected.

We walked together in silence. When we reached the inside of the castle, it started pouring again.

"Hey look- we were lucky!" Will exclaimed, running over to the window to look at the rain falling.

I followed, but I didn't match his smile; could Neil be at this moment thinking about a way to break up with me?

Will's smile faded, and he tipped his head to one side. "Lily- I don't think you should worry about Neil picking Rose over you."

How could he have guessed what I was thinking? "Why?" I asked quietly.

Will shrugged. "He never really liked Rose; always thought you were cooler." He paused. "Besides, Jake and I would rather he be with you."

I smiled slightly. "Really? Why?"

"Because you're one of our friends, and you and Neil seem right for each other..."

I grinned, and before I could stop myself, I hugged him. "Thanks, Will," I said, pulling away.

He smiled too, and opened his mouth to say something. He stopped, though, when he heard footsteps coming down the hall.

I looked up, and saw Neil. My eyes brightened, and I couldn't help but smile. "Hey, Neil!" I called.

He didn't meet my smile, just approached us. I felt my heart sink. Rose must have convinced him.

"Lily..." He began, hesitating. "We have to talk."

"We... we do?" I whispered, biting my lower lip. "About what?"

Will narrowed his eyes, watching silently.

"Rose told me some... interesting things today."

Of course she had. I remained silent, looking down at the floor.

"...she said you were cheating on me."

I felt pain sear through me. "You believed her?" I asked, my voice full of sorrow.

He must have seen my pain, for his eyes softened. "I'm not sure what to believe anymore," he admitted, his voice muffled.

"I don't think Lily's cheating on you," Will said suddenly. I looked over at him, feeling grateful for his support.

"Stay out of this, Will," Neil said through gritted teeth.

"I'm not cheating on you, Neil," I whispered, looking into his eyes.

Neil looked away. "How can I know for sure?" he asked quietly.

I took a step back, feeling hurt. "You could trust me." I wanted to run, but I somehow couldn't leave him here...

"I do trust you," Neil said softly. "But I just..." His voice trailed off, and he ran a hand through his hair. "You know what? I trust you over Rose. She's just a jealous prat."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My heart soared.

Will nodded. "Glad you saw the light," he joked.

Neil smiled. "I'm sorry for not believing you in the first place, Lily," he said, looking over at me.

I shrugged, not wanting him to see how much it had really affected me. "It's nothing," I lied.

Author's Note:

Short chapter.... Sorry guys. I think maybe two or three more chapters left.

If you have noticed, she has begun to overcome her 'weak self'. Hope this pleases some ;D I've got big plans for it, however.

~Cloudsong~

New chapters soon.! (I hope...!)