This one's alternating between James and Maddie's POV! If you want some more James POV, leave a review and I'll see what I can do!

To:

Tigs0701: Hope this meets your expectations! There's also a part two so hang in there! Roy and Maddie have a little moment here so hope this satisfies your need for Roy and Maddie! Also thanks for the reviews!

Guestyyy: I don't really have an update schedule. Usually it's around 1-4 days at the latest unless I'm really busy. Thanks for reviewing! Keep reading and I'll keep posting!

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Here's chapter 12…

Chapter 12: THE YULE BALL PART 1

James POV (AU - I know, I'm probably not going to do his POV very often but I really wanted to write from his perspective! I'll be switching James POV and Maddie's POV in this chapter)

Breathe, just breathe. It's all good! Alexia is nice and sweet and safe – you'll have a great time with her. Just relax.

That was my mantra the day of then ball. Adam, Ellie and Rose tried calming me down but I was on edge with nerves – for what, I had no clue.

So, there I was, tying my tie on my dress robes – they were a deep, dark blue with a crisp white shirt and a matching blue tie. Lacing up my shoes, I turned to the mirror, running my fingers through my already messy hair.

"Nice, Potter. Look like the most responsible man I know," Adam, my bestest friend and roommate, called out from across the room. I heard the mockery from here. I smirked and walked over to him.

"You know, at least I got a date way in advance. Plus, I can be responsible," I said to him as Adam snorted.

He slapped me on the back. "Yeah, your responsible and I'm a brunette, not a blond," Adam teased. I was about to do a smart retort when an orange fuzz ball bolted through the door.

Hugo Weasley was panting in our doorway. "Something happened! Lily's super pissed at you, James," he warned, his orange-haired head shaking, looking grim.

Muttering a curse, I stormed out of the room. Lily was giving me a lot of grief lately! She was so consumed with dating Quinn Poll, a beater on the Gryffindor Quidditch team that was a year older than me, that she'd drove everyone crazy with her creepy stalking.

Running down to the common room (winking at some giggling girls on the staircase), I ran over to a very angry looking Lily. Man, she looked like mum when her face scrunched up like that. Although, she looked cute in her pale green dress – mum said she wore it to her only Yule Ball. And her hair was-

"You!" she yelled, pointing at me and drawing attention. Uh oh. She's gonna cause a scene. I mentally prepared myself for a GB – Girl Breakdown.

Confused, I made my face look innocent. "What?"

"You bloody well know what! You threatened all of the Fourth Years that if any of them asked me to the ball, you'd beat them up! How could you do that? My date, Trent Finkle, just walked out on me saying you ambushed him earlier this morning when you found out he was taking me! You are a god-awful git! I hate you James Potter!" Lily screamed, tears pooling in her amber eyes.

I couldn't help it – I snorted. "Trent Finkle? I'm sorry, but Finkle? You really wanna be Mrs Lily Finkle?" I said, bursting into laughter.

She screamed in frustration, her eyes blazing with a fire.

She was really upset. I winced and tried to sell my pathetic case. Really, I don't see what the big deal was. So what if I threatened them? I'd know for sure if the guy really liked her if he asked her anyway. Most of all, I just don't want some prick taking advantage of Lily! She's too young to date. Far too young.

"Hey! I was protecting you! None of them are good enough for my little Lily! And plus, I was doing you a favour – do you know how many weirdos you would have had to decline? I saved you a whole lot of time," I reasoned. Wrong thing to say. Her glare turned fiercer and she turned red with anger.

Bollocks. I cringed internally. Can't a guy ever know exactly what to say?

"Just… just don't do it again, got it?" Lily warned, an edge to her voice.

Trying for a joke, I smiled. "You'll be rid of me year after next!"

She glared and walked away, her circle of friends circling her and comforting her. Sighing, I turned and ran smack bang into Reyna Darren, Adam's date. Apologising and swiftly moving on, I ran up to the boys' dorms.

"How bad was it?" Justin Sadden, a good mate of mine who also roomed with me, asked.

I sighed and pulled at my. "Awful, man. She fucking hates me right now. But meh, she'll get over it," I sighed, looking at the clock. I groaned. "Time to meet Alexia. Let's just get this stupid thing over with."

Justin stared at me in shock. "You mean you aren't even a little excited to see your date? I'm out of my mind! I can't wait to see Emily!" Justin said, beaming. Emily was his long-time girlfriend. She was nice enough but a little bland, to me at least.

I shrugged. "Alexia… she's cool, I guess. But, I'm meeting her, like, now. So, I'm off! Adam!" I yelled, looking for his blond mop of hair.

"Coming! For Quidditch's sake, can't I have a minute?" Adam yelled back, annoyed. A minute later he appeared, all dressed up and ready to go.

We walked down to the Great Hall, laughing and joking the whole time even though a feeling of dread weighed my down the entire time.

"Man, your date looks nice tonight! Reyna looks fucking hot compared to her usual attire of mid-shin skirts and shirts buttoned all the way to the top," I said to a smiling Adam.

"Really? That's a relief. She's actually kind of nice. And pretty, I guess. She's a little severe looking to me. I mean, Ellie did dare me to ask her. She's like, the most serious Gryffindor ever. Can't believe she said yes to me!" Adam laughed. I joined in until we turned a corner and I saw her. I completely froze in my tracks.

I was standing at the top of the stairs, looking down at her. She was standing in the centre of the wide corridor that had students milling around, to and fro. Behind her, the massive doors to the Great Hall were closed. I mean, it was another half hour before the ball actually started.

I forgot she said and did awful things to me. I forgot I was supposed to be mad at her. I forgot we hated each other.

Her blond hair was loosely curled and her makeup was subtle yet gorgeous. Her usually grey-blue eyes looked really aquamarine tonight, probably the amazing dress's doing. It was simple, dark blue (my favourite colour), it sparkled and it made her look regal. She was biting her bottom lip and wringing her hands, meaning she was nervous. My eyes flowed over her in absolute awe. I mean, she was pretty average looking usually and wasn't stereotype pretty but she was adorable and cute in her own way.

But tonight… she looked better than anyone in the room even though I'd only seen her. I just knew no one could compare to her simple and classy look. I only had eyes for her in that moment.

Her eyes looked up and her gaze locked into mine. I had the urge to run down the steps, take her arm and lead her into the ball. A glittering smile moved onto her face. I took in a sharp breath. She was absolutely, without a doubt, in that moment, the most beautiful person I'd ever seen. Suddenly, her gaze looked to someone standing a few feet in front of her. She blushed and her smile disappeared. Turning around, she quickly walked the opposite direction, near the doors to the Great Hall. I watched her leave, her silver heels clacking on the floor.

Suddenly, an elbow hit me in the ribs. Grunting, I shot a look at Adam.

"Why'd you do that?" I asked, incredulous.

"You were just burning holes into a girl who most definitely wasn't your date. Of course, Alexia happens to think you were staring at her dumbfounded and in awe. Just… go to Alexia," Adam insisted, pushing me down the stairs.

Stumbling a bit, I walked down the stairs, searching the room. It took me ages to find Alexia because my gaze always led me back to Maddie.

Finally, I saw her standing a few feet ahead of where Maddie was standing. Alexia looked… ok. Her cute brown bob was slick and straight and she had on a yellow dress. That's all I really took in.

She was absolutely beaming, though. I walked up to her and took her arm.

The feeling of dread came back to me. Startled, I realised it had gone away for a few moments back on the stairs when I saw-

NO!

She's awful. A bitch. A mean, cruel, awful bitch who tricked me into asking her to the ball so she could say no. I only told Adam about that epic fail. I didn't feel better when I saw Maddie Taylor. Absolutely not.

Bringing my attention back to my grinning date I mustered a smile. "Hey Alexia. You look really nice," I said, trying to sound enthused. She smiled even harder and gently nudged me.

"I saw you staring at me a few moments ago. You looked… you never look like that. I've seen you make that expression. I mean, the James Potter, lost for words and staring at a girl in utter adoration," she said, staring into my eyes intensely, a gentle smile on her face. A little thrown, I jerked away. Staring at her? I was not staring at her. I was staring at-

Shite. Shite. She thought I was staring at her… oh fuck. She thought I was staring at her.

She must've seen the alarmed expression on my face because she tilted her head and frowned.

"Sorry. That was intense. You just looked… so in awe. I'm so happy you think I look good tonight!" Alexia said excitedly, blushing, her eyes shining with hope.

I mustered a fake smile. "You look…" I trailed off because Maddie had just come into view again. She was laughing and talking to Al, her face alive and mischievous. I smiled brightly just as she looked my way. She smiled thinly as I waved to her. She nodded at me and went back to her conversation. Still staring at her, I drank her in. Jealousy sparked in my stomach when I saw her dismiss me for Al.

Alexia yanked on my arm, her expression cold. "Come on, James. Listen! Ellie and her date just called us over," she said sharply as she hauled me away. What was her problem? One second she was gentle and sweet, the next she was demanding and controlling.

"Ow," I said, stumbling as she walked away with crazy speed.

After having a chat with Ellie and her date (Roger or something), the Great Hall doors opened in a swoosh of light and snowflakes falling the ground. Alexia was chatting to me about something but I was staring, jaw clenched in the direction of a smiling, happy Maddie.

With an even happier looking Roy Ramone holding her.

Man, I could just snap his neck then and there for being able to touch her like that.

Wait, WHAT? Why am I having these morbid thoughts?


Maddie POV (around half an hour before James' POV finishes)

I started pacing, waiting nervously for Roy. He was meant to be here in around five minutes and I was freaking. I was all alone with no one to talk to. Jo and her date (David from Ravenclaw) were making out in a corner, Rachel and her date, Dimitri, were talking whilst Rach sent me evil looks every now and then and Eva was listening to her date ramble on and didn't say a thing. But… her date was Xavier of all people. I mean, Xavier's the Golden Boy! He's talkative, everyone loves him, he's Quidditch Captain, funny, kind, friendly, amazingly good looking and just about every Slytherin girl is crushing on him madly.

To see him with quiet, reserved and responsible Eva threw me. I felt awful for thinking it but… he could have anyone and he wants the least talkative, confident and fun girl?

But they did look cute together, even if he was the only one talking. Although, I saw Eva giggle a bit which was a good sign.

When I was just about to go and talk to Hope and Peter, I felt someone staring at me. I looked straight up at the staircase and saw James Potter staring at me, open mouthed and wide eyed. He was staring at me, awestruck. He looked extremely hot, handsome, dashing, amazing, charming and above all, devil-may-care with the mussed up hair. His royal blue dress robes fit him like a glove.

I forgot we were fighting and that he was mad at me for a second and felt my chest swell.

For some reason, I smiled big and bright at him. I saw him take in a sharp breath and I had the urge to just run up the stairs and fall into his arms and not Roy's. Which was weird, seeing as how I liked liked Roy and I hated James.

But it was like I was drawn to him – I could feel this pull of wanting to be near him and to be consumed by him. I'd never felt like that before and it scared the crap out of me. I was just about to start walking to him when I heard a whisper and a giggle. My eyes flickered over to Alexia, James's date and Rose Weasley.

"Omigosh! Look Rose! James has been staring at me for ages! He's at the top of the staircase, smiling so brightly at me! Isn't he handsome? I can't believe he's looking at me like that!" Alexia gushed to a giggling Rose.

Oh. My. God.

My face dropped.

How humiliating. Of course James wasn't staring at me like that – he was staring at his date, Alexia, like he had won the lottery. In that moment, I could have killed Alexia for being so pretty and so perfect and so amazing. Her shoulder length brown hair was curled to utter perfection and put mine to shame. Her yellow dress looked ten times more designer and expensive and better than mine. It hugged all her rather large curves and made me uncomfortable because I had absolutely none! Her makeup was done exquisitely and covered all her cute freckles so she looked really pretty and sophisticated. I hated Alexia so much in that moment, I could have killed her with the killing curse right there. Most of all, I hated her for being the one James looked at like that. My stomach knotted and something hardened in my chest, something ugly and poisonous –

Jealousy.

Embarrassed, my face stern and emotionless (yet red with embarrassment) I turned sharply on my heel and walked away, towards the doors to the Great Hall, trying to shake my sudden urge to wring Alexia's neck.

Thankfully, Al came to my rescue. He walked over to me in emerald green dress robes, looking fabulous.

"Hey Maddie! Why do you look so… angry?" he asked, his happy face laced with concern.

I brushed him off, embarrassed at my silly thoughts. To think I thought the James Potter, my arch enemy and the boy who hated me would look at me like that. "Nothing. So, are you excited?"

Al beamed. "Scorp and I are so happy to be going together. It's actually so much fun!"

I laughed and we continued some light banter until I felt someone staring at me again. Looking around, I spotted James beaming at me.

I smiled thinly, trying to mask my embarrassment. He waved at me and I saw Alexia's eyes narrow as she realised he wasn't listening to her anymore.

I nodded in acknowledgment and went back to joking with Al.

I heard a faint 'ow' and stumbling footsteps in the background and I smiled, knowing that that could've only been James Potter.


Emma, Scorp, Al and I were all talking outside the doors when I heard Roy call my name.

Turning around, I saw him a few meters behind me, waving his arms and looking dashing, his black hair slicked back and his pale eyes wide. I smiled and walked over to him.

Tackling him in a hug, I squeezed him tight as he laughed.

"Wow, you're pretty strong," he commented as I pulled away.

Smiling, I felt a little disappointed he didn't look at me the way James had looked at Alexia. Shoving that thought out of my mind, I answered with something witty and funny. Unfortunately, I can't remember what I said because I saw Alexia clinging to James' side and his arm slung casually over her shoulder at that exact moment. Willing to show James that my date and I were having tons of fun like him and Alexia, I turned around and leaned into Roys chest as he wrapped his arms around me from behind.

It was a very couple-y thing to do but it made me feel better.

We chatted about aimless things until the doors suddenly opened in a swirl of glitter and Christmas songs.

Excited, I craned by neck to look at Roy when I spotted James staring at us. He didn't look happy at all. He looked murderous.

Ignoring it, I grabbed Roys and hand and pulled him along as the crowd of students all filed into the hall.

LINE BREAK

After a heartfelt speech about the importance of this ball because it was dedicated to Cedric Diggory, the soft, ballroom music started.

As couples filed onto the dance floor, I smiled at Roy, giving him the hint that I wanted him to ask me to dance.

Roy smiled. "Oh right! How could I be so rude! You want to get some drinks! I'll go and get you one!" Roy scampered off to find me a drink.

Annoyed, I frowned and looked for someone who didn't have a dance partner.

Sighing, I sat done at a nearby chair, waiting for someone to ask me to waltz.

Look at me, already having so much fun at the Diggory Yule Ball.

Whoop di do.

James POV

"Alexia, would you care to dance?" I asked, bowing and holding my hand out with a flourish.

She giggled but sighed and I looked up to see her frowning. "Sorry, my friend, Ella, needs me. She gave me the signal that means it's urgent. Raincheck on that dance though, kay?" she asked, looking genuinely sad as she walked away to Ella who was crying with other Gryffindor girls, including Rose and Ellie, huddling around her.

Sighing, I looked around for my friends, dejected to see them all dancing with their dates. I smiled and waved at Scorp and Al who were dancing in the centre. Al smiled at me and Scorp nodded.

Satisfied, I walked over to a chair, waiting for Alexia or one of my friends to resurface.

About twelve girls came up and asked me if I wanted to dance with them in two minutes. I refused each one but grew impatient when the thirteenth girl made a beeline for me. I stood up and quickly walked to the other side of the hall. Seeing more empty seats, I went and sat down in one, satisfied that I lost the girl.

I heard a strange noise, kind of like a whisper/ mutter. Looking around, I tried to see where it was coming from.

I looked to my right and saw that a girl was sitting alone, her face hidden by blonde curls. The sound was emitting from her. Curious, I walked over to her. As I got closer I realised she was muttering dance moves to herself that went with this particular song. The closer I got I realised with a start the mysterious blonde girl was Maddie.

"And step, 2, 3 and dip and up and spin, spin, spin and step, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 and –" she muutered, her face bored.

"Maddie?" I asked as her head shot up. Up close, she looked even more beautiful. She turned beet-red and looked at the floor.

"Uh, hey James," she muttered.

Confused as to why she was being so closed off and embarrased, I decided to compliment her.

"You look… really wow tonight. The blue dress and the silver shoes and the curled hair – it's so… wow," I said, wincing at my choice of words. Wow? What kind of dumb idiot says 'wow' twice?

She looked up, less red. "Thanks. You look 'wow' too. Alexia looked really pretty tonight as well. I didn't get a good look at her shoes though. What colour were they again?" she asked, tilting her head. Racking my brain, I realised I couldn't even remember what she was wearing.

"Uh… I think they were… green?" I said as Maddie laughed.

"You think she wore a yellow dress with green shoes? Do you think she'd be committing fashion suicide?" Maddie asked sarcastically, looking at me as if to say 'you're an idiot'.

I smiled and sat down next to her. "You know, if it were to get someone's attention, I think she'd do anything." I couldn't believe I wasn't mad at Maddie anymore. It's like… it just disappeared. And here we were, having a civil conversation as if the events in the Gargoyle escalator didn't happen. I internally cringed when I remembered how jealous I'd been that Maddie had said yes to Roy and not to me...

Maddie POV

"Really? Anything? Even fashion suicide? Ok, I bet you 10 galleons that she's wearing extremely fashionable shoes that aren't by any chance green," I challenged to a smirking James.

"I accept that challenge!" James said as we shook hands.

He didn't release my hand straight away. He was holding it for way too long and it was just about to get awkward when he stood up abruptly, still holding my hand, and bowed deeply.

"Miss Taylor, would you do me the greatest pleasure in sharing this dance with me?" James asked, his voice mock-posh and his eyes sparkling with humour.

Smiling, I stood up and curtsied. "Why, I would love to, Mr Potter," I said in my best English accent. James snorted at the accent and led me to the dance floor.

James POV

Dancing with Maddie was amazing. We were laughing and joking for the entire song (which lasted like, ten more minutes. It was an insanely long song) and there was never a lull in our conversation or an awkward moment.

As we twirled around the dance floor, I didn't even notice an angry looking Roy glaring at us or the pissed of Alexia who had come back from the 'emergency'.

"You know, I didn't think Professor Skye would have a date – and a hot one at that! Look at him, by the refreshment table," Maddie said appreciatively.

Craning my neck, I saw a tall man holding hands with Skye. Shocked, I looked at Maddie. "She has a boyfriend?"

Maddie threw her head back and laughed. "I know! It's a ridiculous thought!" she said, her eyes shining with amusement.

Just then, the song came to a close. Even though we'd been dancing for ages, all I wanted was for the music to pick up so we could dance again.

Continuing our posh act, I bowed as she curtsied and blinked fast, tears pooling in her eyes.

Concerned, I reached for her. "Why are you crying? Is there something in your eye?"

Scowling at me, she slapped my reaching hand away. "I was battering my eyes at you, you idiot!"

Laughing, I took her arm and led her to a group of her friends (plus a few of mine which was weird) which included Al, Scorp, Jo and her date, Ellie and her date, Roy (ugh), Alexia (here we go) and Adam.

"Hey guys! What's up?" I asked casually.

"Just talking about how cute you guys looked together dancing!" Jo said cheerfully. Alexia choked on her drink, Roy's eyes widened and Adam, Al and Scorp burst out laughing.

Maddie laughed nervously. "What?"

"I mean, you guys are matching! Was that coordinated?" Jo asked, oblivious to Alexia's glares.

Glancing at Maddie, I realised we did match – we were both wearing exactly the same colour blue, royal blue. Our clothes actually went really well together. I also saw Maddie glance at me at the same time. I looked away quickly and laughed shakily.

"Ha, that's funny! We didn't plan it!" Awkward silence followed my comment.

"James! Maddie! How are you guys? I saw you two dancing out there – you are just too cute! And you're matching!" Teddy said from behind me. Thankful for the intrusion, I turned around quickly and hugged him quickly.

"Good to see ya, Teddy! And you brought Vic!" I said, as I tightly hugged Victoire, my cousin/ adopted brothers' girlfriend. She looked as pretty as always with white blonde hair, perfect skin and perfect smile. But she was the most amazing person as well and was so sweet.

"Hello James! And who's your date?" Victoire asked as she looked at Maddie, a pretty smile on her pale face.

Maddie spluttered and stared at Vic. Stunned, I blushed and tried to stammer something.

"James and I aren't… he's not… I mean we aren't… he's with the really pretty one!" Maddie stuttered nervously. She backed away and pointed to an annoyed looking Alexia. Alexia stood forward and shook Vic's hand.

"Nice to meet you! I'm James's date," she said smoothly and coldly.

Vic's eyes narrowed. "Oh. Right. Well, I'll be off then! Teddy and I have to go and sit with the Angie if you can believe it!" Vic said, her tone annoyed.

"That's Professor Skye. She was two years ahead of us at school," Teddy explained.

Vic laughed. "Of course! You know her as Professor Skye! I hate her guts. Boyfriend stealing git," Vic muttered as she burned holes into Skye's date.

Teddy frowned. "You're over Alastair though, right?" he asked uncertainly. I realised that Skye's supposedly 'hot' date was Alastair, Vic's ex-boyfriend, the one she talked about nonstop for years.

Vic giggled, leaning into Teddy. "Duh! I'm here with you, aren't I?" she said dreamily. The two of them walked off in their own little world.

I always looked up to Teddy when we were growing up. He was tough, funny, smart and everybody loved him. I was so happy when he and Vic finally made it official.

Alexia cleared her throat. "So that's the girl who ruined every female students dream," she joked. No one laughed. "Uh, James? I'll find us a table, ok?" Alexia smiled sweetly as she walked off, her green heels clicking.

Stepping towards Maddie, I leant down and whispered in her ear. "Looks like you owe me 10 galleons. She committed fashion suicide. I'll collect my payment in coins or in gifts. Whatever suits you," I smirked.

Maddie snorted and started giggling uncontrollably.

"James!" Alexia shouted from across the room, waving her arms about like a lunatic. Usually, she's sweet and nice and funny to be around but tonight… it was like she was a control freak. I like Alexia – she's cool most of the time. But I just didn't want to deal with her tonight.

Sighing, I trudged off. "That's ma cue," I muttered as I brushed past Maddie and walked away.

Maddie POV

Let's just say I was questioned relentlessly about James and I being 'buddy-buddy' now.

Everyone seemed to come up to me and ask me random questions about me and James. It was weird. I mean, we were just dancing. When I told Jo this when we sitting alone at our table after dinner had been served, she stared at me in shock.

"Look, that was not just a dance. You two looked so… natural, you know? It just… didn't seem like you were enemies or that you hated each other," Jo said, shrugging.

"We do hate each other," I insisted automatically. I mean, we share a dance and suddenly everyone thinks I'm head over heels. I didn't feel any 'butterflies' and my heart sure as hell didn't 'race when he was near' and his smell sure didn't 'occupy my senses, making me feel like I could do anything'. None of that romance novel crap.

Jo stared at me, rolling her eyes. "Sure you do. Well, I'm gonna go dance with David! I think you might wanna talk to Roy one-on-one about what happened with James. He was civil and nice at dinner but he was so sending you 'I'm pissed off' vibes," Jo stated as she sauntered away.

I knew she was right. Roy was pissed at me for dancing with James. He and Alexia were both pissed. Standing up, I walked around trying to find Roy to wipe up a mess that wasn't even made in the first place.

Spotting him by the drinks table, I made a quick beeline.

Walking up to him, I put on a smile. "Hey."

He didn't turn around. "Oh, so now you want a drink now that James isn't here to sweep you off your feet?" he said, sneering.

I was shocked. He was really that pissed?

Confused, I walked in front of him so I faced him. His face was stony and I couldn't help but smile when I saw his face scrunch up – he looked so damn cute!

"Why are you upset with that? We wanted to dance and both of our dates weren't there. I mean, we practised in class for that very dance and I knew all the steps and I really wanted you to twirl me around the room. But you left and you didn't show signs of coming back. When James asked if I wanted to dance, of course I said yes. We're… acquaintances you could say. I mean, we get along but we hate each other. It's weird," I said, shaking my head.

Roy looked at me, his ice-blue eyes uncertain. "I mean, I know you guys hate each other and all but you looked so natural and perfect together while you were dancing – you even colour coordinated!" Roy said, flailing his arms about. He tends to do that when he's upset.

"Hey! We didn't plan the colour thing, ok? It was a coincidence, alright? Now, there is a lovely song playing and I really feel like dancing because after I eat dessert, I won't be able to move I'll be so fat!" I joked as I grabbed his hand and hauled him to the dance floor.

I knew he was still mad at me but it was nice, just dancing to the song quietly, just content with each other's company. I really liked Roy. A lot, I realised as his arms circled my waist.

I laced my hands around his neck and played with his hair at the back of his head.

He leant down and I could feel his breath on my neck. "I forgive you. About dancing with James," he whispered. Smiling, I felt my chest swell. He was the best. I was super lucky to have him.

I felt my eyes being drawn to his. When I looked up, he was inches away. I stopped breathing, stopped moving, stopped everything. He leant down slowly, nervously and uncertainly. Wishing he would just do it already, I waited patiently for his lips to meet mine.

And then it happened. He kissed me softly and innocently. It lasted only a couple of seconds because the next thing I know, I heard a loud shattering sound and everything in the room comes to a halt. I looked at the source of the sound and saw James Potter standing over a broken dinner plate, his face shocked and devoid of emotion.

James POV

"Let's get some more food. They have a buffet thing over there. I'm starving over here," Adam groaned as he dragged me from my seat next to Rose and Alexia to the food buffet table.

"They didn't serve much dinner. I'm going to have to tell Teddy to suggest more food for next year's ball. That's our last one… blimey, that's crazy," I said to Adam who wasn't really listening. He was hungry and was thinking only of mashed potatoes and gravy.

Teddy and Vic were at the buffet table too. As my mood brightened at seeing them, I walked with new purpose and heard Adam making a sound of appreciation at my new speed.

"Hey James, Adam. The peas here are just divine. Did you hear? Skye and Alastair, her date, are fighting!" Vic said excitedly, a wicked gleam in her crystal blue eyes.

Adam frowned. "Why-"

"Why am I happy, you ask?" Vic interrupted, her pretty face filled with joy. "Because they might break up!" Vic clapped, her perfect nails catching the light.

Teddy frowned and put an arm over her shoulder. "But you won't leave your boyfriend for him, will you?" he asked, genuine concern on his face.

Vic shook her head. "My boyfriend is great even though he doesn't change his hair colour whilst he's at school. I like it blue! It's so… imperfect that way. That's how I like it!" Vic declared as the tips of Teddy's hair turned bright blue. She ran her hands through his hair as he laughed softly.

"Not allowed coloured hair on the job. I need to keep it under control when I'm on school grounds," Teddy murmured to Vic.

"I was actually gonna ask 'Why have peas when there's mashed potato and gravy?'" Adam continued his sentence from ages ago.

Laughing at Adam, I squeezed past the happy couple and piled a plate full of meat, potatoes, gravy and carrots.

Vic blushed and giggled. "Sorry Adam. I quite happen to like peas, thank you very much!" Vic said, her voice turning defiant.

I turned around and looked at the dance floor, trying to find Lily. Did she end up going with a date? Or someone at all? Suddenly, my gaze fell onto two figures in a close and intimate embrace. The boy looked like he was just about to kiss her.

Squinting, I tried to make out their expressions. Then I realised the girl was Maddie.

And the boy was Roy. And suddenly, his lips were on hers.

He kissed her. On the lips.

How dare he?

Wait, what? Why was that my first thought when he kissed her?

All I knew was that I was overcome with so many different emotions. Shock, fear, anger, protective, jealousy and the sudden urge to run across the room and kill Roy with my bare hands.

Stunned, I dropped my plate. It shattered into a million tiny pieces on the floor.

Everyone turned and stared at me but it was like I couldn't see clearly. I could only see Maddie looking surprised and concerned and Roy looking angry with his jaw tight. I stared at Maddie for what seemed like days, my eyes locked on her lips that were now tainted with Roy Ramone germs.

"James!" Alexia said, rushing over. Her sweet voice seemed to shake me from my daze. I snapped my gaze to her concerned, pretty face. "What happened? Why aren't you responding to Adam? He's been calling your name," Alexia said as she reached for my shoulder.

Oh man. I was staring at Maddie. Again, thinking quick, I decided to distract her.

Smiling my famous James Potter smile that has melted the hearts of many, I saw her eyes go from concerned to dreamy in a second.

Always too easy to distract girls.

"Well, I spotted you from across the room and was so stunned by your ability to wear yellow and green and look hot doing it, I seemed to have dropped my place," I said, smirking and smiling at her. She literally melted.

Giggling, she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. I could hear gagging noises from behind me. "Wow. Um, thanks James. I thought the shoes would grab attention. Was I right?" she asked, her expression happy again. Smiling, I laced my fingers through hers and led her back to our table.

"You certainly were."

And that concludes Part 1! Tune in for part 2! Review any ideas please! Or just review if you liked!

Thanks for reading, love you all,

Kat xx