The next morning, during breakfast, Lily asked me grumpily, "So how was it?"

"My date? It was fantastic. Oh, Lily, he's so perfect."

She groaned. "When have I heard that before?"

"But really – he is. He's not like any other guy I've met. He's actually honest and he isn't shallow. Every single boy on this planet only wants girls for sex, but he's the one to break the mold. After I'd given up hope that anyone like him existed."

"What do you mean? Not every boy is like that. Look at James. We're waiting for marriage."

If James had been with any girl other than Lily, I doubt it would have been that way. But I didn't tell her that.

"I know you think differently, Lia, but I want the time I lose my virginity to be special. And with a special guy. And I want us to be married."

I pulled my teeth together and swallowed. Words like that really bothered me. I wanted to pinch Lily or something, but it wasn't her fault for saying things like that. She didn't know. If I had never overheard that conversation, I don't know if I would be a virgin right now. Maybe yes, maybe not. However, at least I would have had the choice.

"You don't know what you're talking about," I said tersely. But I didn't want to fight with her. So I changed the subject.

"Why don't you want me to go out with Remus?" I asked lightly.

"Because..." she faltered, "he's not right for you."

"What do you mean? He isn't my type, but I've realized that I don't like my 'type.' My 'type' doesn't work for me. He's a different sort of person and I think I need a new 'type.'"

"The problem with you, Lia, is you fall so hard."

"That doesn't matter because I won't be disappointed."

"Yes you will. It's not going to work. You can't do this to yourself. You have to break up with him."

"Why? Why don't you tell me why? Either you're jealous or you just can't stand me actually being happy."

"No, it's not that." She bit her lip.

"You had no problem with me going out with Sirius. Remus is just another of James's friends. Why are you upset now?"

"Dahlia," she sighed, "it's not the fact he's one of James's friends. He's not good for you. He may be nice, but there's something I can't tell you about him. I can only warn you. Stay away from him."

I felt like crying. But I don't cry.

"Lily, why are you doing this to me?" I asked bitterly. "I finally find someone I could love and you tell me it's all a mistake."

Lily's lip trembled. "I'm sorry. You're my best friend, Dahlia. I love you. That's why I'm telling you this. Not to hurt you."

"I would listen to you if it were anyone else. But right now I just can't."

Perfect timing – Remus stood up from the Gryffindor table and came up to me.

I stood up and he gave me a hug.

"You haven't forgotten me?" he asked.

"Of course not." I beamed and the doubts and worries fell away. He touched my cheek.

"I'm done with breakfast," I told Lily, who sat glowering at me. "I'll see you later."

"Do you want to study together?" I asked.

He was thinking the same thing, so we gathered our books and headed to the library.