Chapter 4:

"Hey man, what's wrong with you lately?" Paul asked Matt as soon as he caught up with him at the counter. Matt just stared at him for a moment and shrugged.

"Nothing"

"Nothing my ass!" Paul exclaimed. "You've been acting like that to Lily ever since we got off that train! What is wrong with you?"

Silence.

"Fine! Be that way! I'm leaving!" he started heading toward the door.

"Wait." Matt called after him. Paul stopped and turned.

"Okay. I don't know what's been happening to me lately but I—everything started with Lily."

"How did it start?"

"Well, when I saw her at the train, she was a bit bummed about something. I asked her about it and she blew. You know how easily I get angry so I got caught up and I, well, became mad at her." Matt sighed.

Paul looked at him. "That's it?"

"Yeah," he sighed, "Partially it's her fault but she won't admit it. She—" Matt immediately stopped when he saw the look on Paul's face.

"I can't believe that you're acting like that. What are you? Five?!?!?"

"No, but—"

"Whatever! Tell me, Matt, do you like her?"

Matt thought about it for a second. "I don't know. Maybe I do like her."

Paul scratched his head. "So if you do like her then you should stop being an ass and go up to her and say it, dammit!"

"Hey, it's not that easy, you know!"

Paul stood up. "Nothing's ever easy. Find a way. Find some balls, too." Then he left.

Matt sat there for a long time. It was until he saw a mane of red hair out the window that got his attention.

"Damn."

==O==

Lily walked aimlessly in the streets of Hogsmeade, not caring where she went or what she went into. She was still dazed from the mind-blowing kiss she had with James earlier. She had never felt anything like that.

A kiss isn't that bad, Lily thought. Without noticing, her cheeks grew red.

"No flings, no relationships whatsoever. I wouldn't allow you…" A voice popped into her head.

Lily stopped in her tracks. Wait a minute! I'm free.

She smiled.

I don't have to worry about anything now. Well, except my grades, of course, but that's different. I could go to parties and clubs and other stuff just like everyone else. Yeah!

"No flings…"

Flings? Oh that's right, James Potter… Well he did allow me to do whatever I want—

"No relationships…"

--Even if it means having my own flings. The hell with him! I'll do whatever I want to do…

She stumbled on a pebble.

…until 7th year!

"Lily!" she turned at the sound of someone calling her. Because of the countless people around, she couldn't see who called her.

"Are you alright?" a voice behind her said. She was certain that it belonged to Matt.

"Yeah, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, so I probably deserved it."

"Umm, okay. Anyways, are you going back to Hogwarts?"

"Yep." She stared at him for a second.

Maybe he could be the one…… I did have a humungous crush on him since, like, forever.

"Could I come with you?"

Naaaaahhhhh……

But,

Why not? After all we need to patch things up. "Sure." She said.

==O==

"Listen, I needed to apologize for my behavior for the past month. You know how I react to such things." Matt smiled helplessly at Lily while rubbing his two hands for comfort.

"No, actually I don't." she smiled back at him. It seemed that she was aware of his nervousness and she took that as a sign. She leaned further into her seat inside the carriage and looked thoughtfully at Matt.

"So, been seeing anyone lately?"

"Nope, how about you?"

"Me neither."

"I guess we've been too busy to have time for relationships now don't we?"

"Yeah I guess so."

Silence.

…

Silence.

…

"But even if we're busy," Matt blurted, "we could still find time for relationships. It's not like we have our lives wrapped up in schoolwork."

"Uhh, yeah you're right." The carriage stopped meaning they already arrived in Hogwarts. "Hey, we're here already. We should get down." Lily announced.

"Sure." Matt followed after she got down.

"Matt, I gotta go ahead 'cause I have to do some stuff. See ya later!" she fastened her pace and went towards the door.

"Sure, umm Lily!" he grabbed her wrist all of a sudden.

"What?" she turned around.

"Yesterday, I was strolling around school and I found this neat kitchen where the elves prepare our meals. Mind having dinner with me sometime?"

His way of asking her out was too lame and uncalled for that Lily half pitied and half admired him. On particular aspects for the latter.

"That'd be nice."

"Are you free tomorrow night? I could tell the elves tonight to prepare something for us tomorrow, I mean, if you aren't busy?"

Lily thought for a moment. "I can't make it tomorrow night. I got a prefect meeting and the also the night after that. Come to think of it, I'm pretty booked this week. Do you mind if we move that to next Saturday?"

"Sure, if you say so." Matt looked down, sensing the awkwardness of the situation. Lily noticed this and cursed his nervousness.

Why does he have to be, Lily thought, so…so… nervous! And quiet? Why isn't he just like James? The cool, nonchalant, non-nervous guy I—

Whoa there!

This is no time to think about James. I'm already done with him and he need not be in my mind right now!

Anyways there's still Matt. Sweet, shy, adorable Matt. I'm thinking that I have to do the next move since he's clearly done his and it hasn't gone too well, in a way.

"Hey Matt, how about we make another date?" he looked surprised. "Tonight."

"But I thought you were busy this week." He remarked.

"Well that starts tomorrow so if you don't make up your mind I'll have to force you to lead me into that kitchen 'cause I'm famished."

He grinned. "Force me in what way, lady?"

That's better, she thought, he's kinda loosening up.

"Well we'll just have to see about that." She gave him a seductive smirk that made guys drool.

They walked all the way to the kitchen all the while flirting with each other. Matt was a great person to talk to when he's not in his shy mood. Lily enjoyed his company greatly. By the time they reached the painting of the fruit bowl they were both starved.

"I don't see any kitchen. Where are we anyways?" Lily remarked.

"Just wait and see." Matt went towards the painting and tickled the pear. It made a funny noise and then the painting suddenly opened to reveal a doorway.

"Wow. How did you figure this out?"

"Paul found this really cool map on Finch's desk when he visited him. He wasn't there but he left the map on his desk and Paul took it."

"What?!?" Lily exclaimed. "Why did he do that?"

"Well, nobody was there and Finch would never know who took it. Plus it can be really helpful. It's easier to find who you're looking for and you don't have to worry about being caught when you're outside the common room after curfew."

"I'll be." Lily put a hand to her forehead.

"Stop standing there and let's get inside." Matt took her hand. "The food here is even better than the ones we usually have in the Great Hall."

They entered the kitchen and Lily took in the spectacular sight. Thousands of elves running around delivering food and ingredients. There were four replicas of the long tables from the Great Hall and elves began placing food in it and the food suddenly disappears. Matt took her hand and brought her to a nearby table and immediately a house elf appeared by their side.

"Hello mister Matt, Janny is very happy to see you." The house elf said, "What can Janny bring for Mister Matt and his pretty friend."

"Hello Janny, this is my friend Lily." He gestured a hand to her and Lily smiled and offered her hand for a handshake.

"Hello Janny." She said.

The house elf gave a big smile and shook her hand, albeit a little roughly. "Oh I am so happy to meet you, Miss Lily. Janny just met you but Janny tells she will really like Miss Lily."

"Why thank you, Janny, and I know that I will surely like you too."

"Oh thank you, thank you, Miss Lily! Wait right there and I will bring you some food." The little elf immediately left and Lily gave Matt a sideway smirk.

"She sure is a nice house elf. Was she the same one you met when you first found this place?"

"Nope," He said, looking at her. "but she was one of the elves who brought us the food. I hope you're really hungry."

"Why's that?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

"Because they give us food good for about ten people."

"No way."

"Yes way." They grinned at each other. "See, here it comes."

Lily was shocked at what she saw. There were around seven house elves bringing plates on each hand filled with delicious meals. There were so many that as soon as they were done putting the plates on the table there was hardly any space left.

"My, these sure are a lot." Lily remarked.

"I told you so. Let's dig in."

All the house elves who delivered the food watched the two eat. There were foods of all kind: Pasta, salad, chicken, fish, beef, and many more. Lily couldn't eat it all, so she took bites of each and drank lots of pumpkin juice. When the two couldn't eat any more, the house elves removed the plates and replaced them with scrumptious desserts. Lily took a slice of strawberry angel cheesecake while Matt ate half of the chocolate devil's cake a la mode and a quarter of the chocolate fudge crepe.

Lily ate until she couldn't eat anymore. By the time she was done almost half of the food was gone. She was responsible for a quarter of it. The rest belongs to Matt. When he finished and the house elves began cleaning up, they were both silent, savoring the food they just ate.

"God I'm so full!" Lily moaned. "I can't remember ever being this full in my life!"

Matt chuckled. "Me too." They were both silent when Lily suddenly made a burping sound. They both laughed aloud.

"Excuse me." Lily grinned. "Anyways, we better get going." She stood up, thought difficultly and Matt followed suit. They thanked all the elves and left the kitchens. On their way back they talked and talked as though nothing had happened between them for the past months. When they were nearing the common room Matt pulled Lily back and brought her to a nearby deserted classroom.

"Hey! What's the matter?" Lily asked.

"I just wanted to spend more time with you, that's all. I don't feel like letting you go to the others yet."

"Aww, that's so sweet."

"Hey Lil, do you want to do this again? I mean, go out with me again."

"Of course I'd love to." Lily said, placing a hand over his. "I've never had so much fun in my life!" she said meaningfully.

He put his other hand over hers. "I've had this much fun too," He whispered, nearing his face to hers. Unknowingly, Lily responded to his action by doing the same thing. For those few seconds, not a word was said. Only the sound of labored breathing until it stopped when their lips finally met.

Lily couldn't believe she was kissing Matt. The guy she had crushed on for years was right in front of her kissing her!

Matt kissed Lily as though his life depended on it. He held her very close to him yet very gently so as not to crush her. Lily placed her hands on each side of his face tenderly and pulled him closer, wanting more. Knowing that he couldn't take it anymore, Matt grabbed Lily's buttocks and carried her to the nearest table. When time came that air was the most necessity, they broke apart, not taking their eyes of each other.

Lily was flushed with pleasure. The look in her eyes saying that she wanted more. Without hesitation Matt kissed her again, this time with urgent desire that pushed him to his limitations. He positioned his right hand on the back of her nape and gently pushed her even closer. His other hand, meanwhile, explored her body. It was when he cupped her left breast that got Lily to her senses.

"Matt. Stop." she whispered between kisses. Matt ignored her and started squeezing the nipple covered by her thin cotton shirt.

Lily struggled until she finally got hold of his hand and pulled it away from her. He stopped, looking at her with those desire-filled eyes.

"Matt, we gotta stop. We're going too far."

He sighed. "You're right." He removed himself from her and straightened his shirt. Lily got down from the table and fixed her clothes as well.

"Well, this has been an… interesting night." Lily said. Matt went near hear and put an arm around her.

"It sure has been." He whispered, kissing her temple gently. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah."

As soon as they arrived in the common room they parted ways. Lily went straight to her dorm and slept.

==O==

A figure was looming in the shadows, walking very slowly as if it wasn't there. The figure, hardly visible, opened the drapes and carefully entered. The squeaking noise was hardly heard while the figure crept to another figure sleeping peacefully. The figure stretched out a hand and cupped its face, running its thumb back and forth across her cheek.

The slumbering figure seemed to be having a dream, for creases were forming in its forehead and its mouth was twitching. He gently tapped the sleeping figure's face with his hand and the figure stirred, waking up but not willing to do so.

"Ermmm…" the figure grunted, turning into a sideways position. The other figure scooted closer until they were face to face.

"Wake up," he whispered, gently blowing in her face, "Wake up, sleepyhead."

The figure attempted lamely to open its eyes. When they did, it met with the most beautiful pair of brown eyes. She stared at it for a moment then suddenly rubbed it with her hands to see clearer. The moment she did, she immediately sat up.

"James!" she whispered, "What are you doing here?"

He sat up next to her. "Well, I was on my way home when I decided pay my beloved fiancée a visit." He said aloud.

"Shhhh! My roommates will hear you."

"Don't worry I put a silencing spell on your bed so you don't have to worry about anything, Lil."

"Fine so what are you doing here?"

"Well since you have been permitted to do, and I quote, 'whatever you want to do' I thought I'd be the first one to show you."

"Show me what?"

"Come with me and you'll see."

"James, why can't we do this some other time? I mean, it's like 2 o'clock in the morning—"

"1 o'clock"

"—and I don't really feel like taking part of whatever you're in to."

He grabbed something at the end of the bed and offered his hand.

"Trust me." He took her unstretched hand and covered her with a silver cloth and he pulled her out of the bed.

"What is this?" Lily asked, gesturing to the material that covered them.

"An invisibility cloak," he ignored her shocked face and continued, "I'm glad your bed is by the window. Grab your slippers." She did so and he pulled her towards the window where a broom was waiting outside.

Lily stopped in her tracks. "Wait! You don't expect me to ride in a broom don't you?"

"Why not?" he looked at her.

"Well, first of all, I don't ride brooms and second, I hate them!" she whispered.

"Oh come on! Nobody hates brooms!"

"Well I do!"

He sighed exasperatedly. "It doesn't matter if you like it or not. I swear that you'll be safe. Trust me."

She looked into his eyes and sighed. "Fine."

"Yey!" He suddenly lifted her into his arms and carried her to the broom. He felt her tense but she did not say anything.

"Hold tight, okay?" he whispered gently in her ear then immediately took off at great speed.

Lily had never ever felt this terrified in her life. She desperately wanted to scream, but found that she couldn't. James hands covered hers, which were tightly clutched at the broom, trying to comfort her fear. They flew past the school grounds; entering the quidditch field that brought James so many memories that he circled around it a couple of times. It wasn't until he heard a faint sound that he slowed down.

"Please, stop." Lily whispered. It was only now that he realized that her whole body was shaking and her hands were so white from holding the broom so tight. It somehow made him ache seeing her like that.

He circled his arms around her, trying to take away her pain.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, kissing her left cheek, "I got so caught up with my memories of Hogwarts that I couldn't think of anyone else. I knew that you were afraid of flying yet I still do the inevitable. I'm supposed to protect you, not scare you. I'm sorry." He leaned his head at her nape, bringing her closer to him. He felt Lily relax and raise a hand to his neck and pulled him sideways for him to meet her glance.

"It's okay. I should have been braver, that's all."

She looked so vulnerable that James couldn't help but chuckle.

"What's so funny?" She inquired.

"Nothing." He leaned in to kiss her gently. "Let's get going. I promise to go slower this time."

A/N:

End of chapter 4! Finally! Okay, once again I apologize for the very long delay. My reason this time is that we had a month long vacation and we just arrived last week. Actually, I already began writing this chapter long before we left but I couldn't finish it. Then when we arrived I had some kind of writer's block so it took me some time before I could get this story right. So don't bother telling me that this chapter lacks some kind of enthusiasm because I know, and I apologize. Anyways now that I got that off my back I would just like to tell you guys one more thing: Please REVIEW! Thank you.