The day wore on... I wanted to escape everything. Lots of students were beginning to think that maybe James and I were going to somehow go into a serious relationship.

Little did I know, that I'd be wishing that things were that way.

---

It must have been just after lunch the next day. It was Saturday... Tomarrow, everyone was going to Hogsmeade. I was reading, however, I managed to look up when the marauders made their way onto the grounds. The four of them could have looked like a mob. They were strong enough. I mean, as childish - boyish as they acted, they weren't just little boys anymore. Sirius, Remus, and James really were quite muscular. However, Remus looked a bit pale and tired - and Peter looked like he had a lot more growing to do.

I dunno how James always seemed to figure out that I was around. Did I really stick out that much? I was surrounded by the other giggling girls. They were dangling their feet over the side of the lake, watching as the giant squid floated in the distance.

James Potter, at the sight of me, returned his hand to his hair - as usual... Sirius Black rolled his eyes, pushing James towards me.

I sighed, putting away my book. I stood up, looking at James in such a... stubborn way. I know, I did just admit to it. I can be... er... quite stubborn. I let James say something first. I tried to keep my distance from him though. I didn't need anyone to get any more ideas...

"Look, Evans. What's with you? I mean, why can't you come out and be happy about people and their rumors? No one said they had to be true... - "

I cut him off, "My problem? What's with me?!" My voice was getting louder, I watched as James shifted his weight to his other foot. "I CAN'T BE HAPPY ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT'S NOT THE TRUTH!"

James smirked, "Well, if you want it to be true, you can come with me tomarrow, to Hogsmeade..."

I growled, "I DON'T WANT TO DATE A TOE RAG LIKE YOU! I'VE SAID IT MANY TIMES BEFORE, POTTER! HOW MANY MORE TIMES DO YOU NEED TO HEAR IT?! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I - HATE - YOU! I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE YOU AS A FRIEND, LET ALONE A BOYFRIEND!"

James's smirk started to fade. "I know that you don't hate me, Lils. You know it too. And, being a boyfriend is different than being a friend..." He pointed out.

My face went red, "WELL, IN YOUR WORLD, A BOYFRIEND MIGHT BE A GUY WHO SNOGS SOME GIRL TO DEATH, BUT IN THIS WORLD, A BOYFRIEND IS MORE THAN THAT! AND DON'T CALL ME LILS!!!"

James's mouth twitched, as if he were restraining himself from laughing - which made me even more angry... "Come now, Evans. I know how to be a boyfriend. Do you know how to be a girlfriend?"

My voice hurt my own throat from it's strength and loudness... "I KNOW HOW TO BE A GIRLFRIEND, YOU GIT! IF YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE A GIRLFRIEND, PUT PETTIGREW IN A WIG!"

James stared at me, no longer being able to hold it in, he burst into laughter.

My emerald eyes continued to glare...

When James could finally speak, he grinned, "Ah, it wouldn't be the same."

I groaned. Maybe he wasn't the one who could understand sarcasm... "Shut-up, Potter. Go stalk one of Black's perverted fan girls..."

Sirius laughed - but the girls hiding in the bushes behind him muttered a few insults towards me...

James shrugged, "Is that what you want, Tiger Lily?"

Oh, merlin! I hated that nickname! I did not act like some crazy tiger! I was just stating facts about James! "YES! GO AWAY!"

James frowned, obviously not getting the reply that he had hoped for. "Alright, Evans..."