"Good job on your 'Avis' essays, class! I was very proud of you – well, at least most of you," twittered Flitwick in his usual airy voice. He sent the essays flying to their owner's hands – besides Sirius' essay, which ended up attacking his face. Eventually, he managed to pull it off his face, and read the grade he received. He smirked.

"Beat this, Prongs. B," he said, grinning.

James snickered. "I got an A, Padfoot. Why is it that I always get better grades?" he gave Sirius a smug look. Sirius rolled his eyes, and muttered something about getting "Evans to do it for you." James smiled, and turned behind him to face Evans. "Oi, Evans. What'd you get?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "Sharing grades is completely pointless, Potter, because I already know I did better than you. The entire class probably did better than you, you prat."

James snickered. "Let's compare grades anyway, Evans. Just to see. You're probably right, you know. Everyone in the class probably did better than me. I just want to know your grade! Pleeease?" James smirked, holding in his laughter.

Lily sighed, and groaned. "Fine, Potter. I was just trying to protect you from disappointment, you know," she smirked, determined.

"Just show me your grade already."

"A-. And you?"

"A! HA! I knew I was smarter than you, Evans! Its okay, you can bow to me now, if you like. I won't mind. I know I'm your superior."

Lily had gone rigid, her face white with shock. "Y-you. Did b-better than…me?"

"Here, see for yourself," James beamed, passing her his essay. She stared at it in surprise, then closed her eyes, and shook her head a few times.

"This…this…how?" Lily exclaimed, rereading both her and James' essays.

"I'd be willing to tutor you, Evans. You know, seeing as you're having so much trouble."

Lily's eyes narrowed. "Shut up, Potter. I don't want to hear it."

"Can I just say one more thing? HA!"

"POTTER! I don't want to hear another peep out of you!"

"PEEP!"

"ENOUGH, POTTER! PLEASE!"

"Aw! Are your feelings hurt, Evans? I am just so very sorry-"

"Very funny. Just because you did better than me does not mean that you are smarter than me, you know."

"Sure. Right. Of course," James winked, rolling his eyes. Lily stood up to leave the classroom, trying to hold in her laughter. This situation is quite funny, she thought. I suppose Potter isn't as thick as I thought he was. Suddenly, James became solemn. "You know, an A- is really good, too. Nothing to be ashamed of. Peter here got an E!"

Lily grinned despite herself. "Yes, I know. Thanks, Potter. Good job, by the way. Maybe you should tutor me," she winked, before she could stop herself.

James stared at her in alarm. "Er…well…erm…" he said, not knowing what to say. Lily grinned as she walked past him, and left the classroom. Once she was in the hallway, she opened her mouth in horror. What the hell did I just do? That…that's just…NOT RIGHT! He's POTTER, LILY! POTTER! GROSS, FILTHY, ARROGANT PRAT POTTER! She shook her head, disgusted with herself. Suddenly, she bumped into someone, who groaned in response. She started.

"OH! I'm sorry, I – ANDREW?" She gasped. She had bumped into Andrew Gates, the Hufflepuff she had danced with at the Commencement Ball. "Oh my God, Andrew! I'm so sorry! I just slammed into you! I…er…well, I-"

Andrew grinned. "It's no problem, Lily. No permanent damage done." Lily glanced at him suspiciously, as he was clutching his foot with his hand. However, she remained silent, growing increasingly red. Andrew smiled at her. "Really. I'll be fine, Lily. Don't worry. Besides, you're so sweet, no one could be mad at you for longer than five minutes!" Lily blushed an even deeper red. "Erm…listen, Lily," started Andrew, sounding uncomfortable. Lily nodded impatiently, knowing what was coming next. "I was just…er…wondering…if you would want to, maybe…go out – with me?" he asked her sheepishly.

Lily reluctantly fought the urge to fling her arms around his neck. She beamed. "Sure, Andrew. Why not?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Andrew smiled, relieved she had accepted. "Can I walk with you to our next class, Lily?" he asked her sweetly, brushing his short blonde bangs out of his eyes.

"Of course," she said with glee. Andrew awkwardly grabbed her hand, and they made their way down the hallway together, smiling at one another. James stared after them solemnly, looking heart broken.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"LILY! YOU AND ANDREW? Are you serious?" screeched Whitney, in their dormitory that afternoon.

Lily giggled and nodded. "He's so sweet, too! Always so polite…sensitive, quiet, kind. Not to mention incredibly good looking…" Lily sighed, blushing.

Paige laughed, throwing a pillow at Lily. "You loooove Andrew, don't you, Lily? Hmmm…Lily Gates. Has a bit of a ring to it. Not as much as Lily Potter, though," she teased. Lily scowled at her.

"Does James know about you two yet, Lily?" asked Whitney anxiously. "He could take it pretty hard. Poor James! How could you do this to him, Lily?" she glared.

Lily gazed at her, speechless. "Exactly whose side are you on?" she exclaimed. "He has to get over me sooner or later! It might as well be sooner."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James and Lily were walking around Hogwarts castle, patrolling for students out after curfew. Whenever Lily tried to start a conversation between them, James would only give her yes or no answers. His mind seemed to be somewhere else – he was distant. After a while, Lily gave up, and they walked in silence, occasionally checking broom cupboards and suits of armor. Suddenly, James cleared his throat.

"So, Evans. You're dating that git Gates now, I suppose?" his voice was stiff.

"Erm…yes. Why do you ask?" she asked uncomfortably, getting nervous.

"Just wondering. The whole school was talking about it – that, and, well, how I was taking it." He frowned, turning away from her.

"Oh. I see. So. How are you taking it? Er…just curious."

He glanced at her a moment, his eyes narrowed. "I dunno. And why would you care? I mean, it's obvious you don't care about my feelings, seeing as you decided to go off with that git."

Lily raised her eyebrows. "Excuse me? Of course I care about your feelings, Potter!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it is."

"Prove it."

"How?"

"You'll figure it out," James said, turning away once more, leaving Lily in complete confusion and shock. Neither of them said another word to each other during the rest of their rounds.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Journal,

Andrew finally asked me to be his girlfriend! Of course, I accepted. How could I not? He is so…perfect! Naturally, Whitney gave me a hard time about Potter. He'll get over it eventually. I mean, after all, he is THE famous James Potter. I kind of feel bad for him, though. Today, in our rounds, he looked so sad and heart broken. I hope it doesn't really hurt him. He said something strange today too. He questioned if I cared about his feelings, and when I said I did, he told me to prove it. I had no idea what he was talking about, but all he said was, "you'll figure it out." What is that supposed to mean? I don't think he even knows.

Andrew is so sweet! Not to mention incredibly handsome. We are going to Hogsmeade together. I am really excited. He's the boyfriend I've always dreamed of – at least, so far, he is.

Lily