Sorry this one's kinda short, but have no fear! The next one shall be much longer :D

James

It took all the self control I had not to kiss Lily in the corridor. I didn't think I could love her anymore than I already do, but standing that close to her made my stomach squirm ten times more than normal, my heart beat ten times faster, and my palms sweat more than they ever have in a Quidditch match. It was almost unbearble.

I walked the empty corridors back up to the common room, completely pissed at myself for running away like I had. There I was, standing centimeters away from the girl I'd been searching for all of last night and today, and I make up some lame excuse and bolt. For some reason, I couldn't make the words come out of my mouth. Lily, I read your letter. I love you too. Why was that so hard to say?

Brooke. That's why it was hard. As much as I loved Lily, Brooke had was really great. I'd never feel the way about her like I do Lily, but she was an awesome person. I loved her, but in a different way. In the same way I love Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Like a friend. She'd tried her best to be a good girlfriend and I'd just push her away, not paying her any attention. I felt a wave of guilt pass over me. I had to break up with her. I couldn't lead her on anymore. Yeah, it's the night of the ball, but I can't go on with this anymore. I have to tell her.

The fat lady's portrait swung open and I stepped through, entering the common room. Or should I say hell.

Everyone was running around frantically in every which way, some half dressed, some fully dressed, and some people just wrapped in towels looking like they'd just come out of the bath. They were screaming and shrieking and yelling, all in some sort of mad rush. Items were being flung through the air and the recipients often didn't realize they were being sent something until the object collided with their head. I watched the scene before me, eyes wide open. Bloody hell?

"James! I've been waiting for you forever!"

I looked around and spotted Brooke, running up to my side (fully dressed) and latching on to my arm.

"What?" I asked, a tinge of guilt in my gut.

"I need to talk to you," she said softly, leading me over to a couch away from the chaos. I took a seat beside her, wondering what she was possibly going to say.

"Look, James, I'm sure under other circumstances you'd be a terrific boyfriend, but I can't go out with you any longer," she said, looking into my eyes. She had guts at least, most girls just look at the floor.

"What do you mean, other circumstances?" I asked, a bit surprised. Was she breaking up with me?

"I mean if you didn't love Lily," she smiled. She must've seen the shock on my face. "No, it's alright. Everyone has known you've loved her ever since fifth year. I was a fool to think that you were over her."

"You're anything but a fool," I said. "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have kept this going, but I'm having some trouble with Lily, and I thought that by getting a girlfriend I'd forget about her. I guess it didn't really work. I'm really sorry."

"Like I said, it's alright. Serisouly," she grinned. "So are we okay?"

"Perfect," I smiled.

"Sounds good! Now, I'm going to try and make it safely across the common room to my dorm and get ready for the ball. Pray that I make it in one piece?" she winked.

I waved and watched her weave in and out of the madness, a slight smile on my face. Life was so unpredictable. Here I was, all prepared it break it off with her, when she switches it around and dumps me. I chuckled to myself. Was it that obvious how bad I had it for Lily? Thank God Brooke was so calm and understanding. Even after I had led her on like that. I smiled and stood up, making my way through the sea of insanity to my dorm. One thought stuck in my mind as I made my way up the stairs and into the dormiotory.

I was a free man.