Of course, you're all eager to know how the date went.

Teasing boys is ever so much fun. I put on red robes. Dark red silk – it suits me so well. The neckline is wide – the robes don't completely show my shoulders, but they don't quite cover them either. The sleeves are wide angel sleeves. Not good for messy eaters. The skirt is long and narrow, with a slit up the side so I can actually walk. But only up to my knee.

Overdone makeup looks cheap and quite ugly, I think, so I only made up my eyes and then brushed on a little blush to show my cheekbones.

When I glanced in the mirror, I felt pretty. Haven't felt pretty in a while.

Lily was glaring at me while I got ready. She sat on her bed, hugging her knees – supposedly studying, but instead watching me. She sent me dark looks.

I didn't know why.

"Aren't you happy I have a date?" I asked.

"Well, find someone else," she replied.

"Why can't I go out with Remus? You're surely not jealous, are you, Lily?"

"What? No!"

She wouldn't tell me the reason, though. Hmm. Very suspicious. But I know Lily – the reason will be clear in no time.

Remus had told me to meet him in front of the Great Hall. I was afraid I would have to stand there waiting for him for a while, since I'm always early because I can't stand being late. However, he was there, waiting for me.

Always the perfect gentleman, he offered his hand and I placed mine in it. "Why, Dahlia, you look gorgeous," he exclaimed.

I smiled. "Thank you, Remus. For a date with you, I try."

He blushed.

It was still light out so we went for a stroll around the grounds. He slipped his arm around my waist so I leaned my head on his shoulder. It was comforting to walk like that.

We watched the sun set over the lake. Reds and oranges spilled onto the water and each wave sparkled with color.

"It's about to go down," Remus whispered in my ear. As the glowing sun slid below the horizon, he pulled me closer and I felt safe and protected.

"Would you like to have dinner now?" he asked.

"Yes, please," I replied and laid my cheek to his. Each breath of his tickled my skin and I felt the blood throb through his cheek.

I don't think he's ever been this close to a girl, I thought and at that moment I realized it hadn't been an act. The realization overwhelmed me like the warm rays of the sun. He was real.

Thrilled – I had been too soon to give up hope on men – I turned my head just as he did.

Two centimeters apart, I gazed into his eyes. Did he want to?

His eyes closed as he moved forward. I slipped my arms about his shoulders and met his soft lips in a gentle kiss.

We pulled back at the same time. It was short, but beautiful.

I actually have hope for this relationship, I realized, my heart beating happily.

"Let's have dinner now," I whispered.

"Let's," he agreed. He held my hand with two of his. He brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it. "You really are for real," he whispered so softly I could barely make out his words.

"And so are you," I beamed back at him, as I slipped my fingers between his.

The restaurant wasn't great. In fact, the food was terrible. I put down my fork and raised my eyebrows at him, questioningly.

"I don't like it either," he said. "Let's go."

I laughed as he dropped coins on the table and we ran out.

"It's too crowded in the Three Broomsticks," Remus mused.

"It's all right. I had a big lunch."

"So did I."

We held hands again and looked into each other's eyes, which reflected the shop windows and street lamps.

Finally was a boy I didn't want to throw myself at. I had flirted at first, but it wasn't teasing anymore. I was content. And by the look in his eyes, so was he.

We walked around and around until our feet hurt. Then we sat on a bench and talked. I rested my head on his shoulder and he ran his fingers through my hair.

Eventually he said, "It's late."

I sighed. "If only we didn't have to study."

"Then we could stay out all night," he replied and we laughed together.

He walked me to the Slytherin common room.

"Thank you," I said. I hugged him. "Thank you for a wonderful time and for being true." I doubt he understood me.

"Thank you, Dahlia."

"A goodnight kiss?" I asked, looking up at him innocently.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me again. This time was longer – he didn't pull back for a while.

"Good night," he said. I brushed his soft cheek as he stepped away.

"Good night," I called back.

Only now do I even realize that he made absolutely no move to get me to sleep with him.

I hope I'm in love with him. Because he's perfect.