Chapter 11

Before I knew it, it was the end of term. The last few weeks saw deadlines for coursework and my apparition test, which I passed with flying colours. Being the first of my friends to do so, I made sure to gloat about it at every opportunity. The end of the term had been much better than the start. My friends and I were getting somewhat back to normal, with Al and I doing well to move past the awkwardness and regain our strong friendship. James and I had managed to spend the last few weeks without arguing or kissing, which was a victory in itself. Our friendship was blossoming, although it did come up against some resistance.

"I just don't get how you two are such good friends," Al said one dinner time after I told him and Rose that I was going to the library with James to study for Runes. "You've never been friends before, why this year all of a sudden."

"Al, just drop it." I snapped. "He's my friend, we have a lot in common and believe it or not I can have friends outside of our group you know," I exclaimed. Rose shot me a look of approval for shutting Al up. Al sighed.

"Can I come along?" He asked after a moment.

"Of course you can, but please don't argue with him. I hate it when you do," I smiled, secretly wishing it was just me and James but relieved that Al seemed to be coming around to the idea of us being friends.

"Deal," He smiled, grabbing a chip from my plate.

James and Cressida were still dating, unfortunately. I didn't want to probe too much about their relationship from James. One, because I didn't want to come across as jealous and two, because I'd rather not know. I understood why he had decided to stay with her rather than break it up; hoping that having her there would help him get over me easily. It didn't stop the pain I felt when I would see them kissing or holding hands. Cressida was also not happy about mine and James' friendship and there had been a number of occasions where my bag was split open in the corridor in between lessons and she would be standing the other end of the corridor shooting me a sickly sweet smile, letting me know exactly who had done it.

I had decided to spend the days over New Years at the Potters House. My mum had all but insisted I was too spend longer than few days with her, still upset about not seeing me too much over the summer. Although Al had extended the invitation over the duration of the Christmas break, I was looking forward to some time away from the two Potter boys and I was really looking forward to seeing my family. It had been a difficult term and I was looking forward to my mum making a fuss out of me again and taking a step out of the wizarding world for a few days. It was the first time since I started Hogwarts I was able to do magic outside of school. I felt like my brother was more excited than I was, asking me all sorts of questions about the spells I could in his letters. The best reaction being when I told him I could bake a cake without an oven. I was beyond excited to show my family what I had been learning since the last time they had seen me do magic without a wand, where I could barely control it and nearly set the house on fire.

Before long we were all piled onto the train getting into a very heated game of exploding snap. Al, Rose and Scorpius went off halfway through the journey to complete rounds leaving me in peace to read for an hour. Before long I heard a knock on the compartment door and looked up to see a very handsome James Potter smiling at me from the other side. I beckoned for him to come in and closed my book, wrapping my legs underneath myself as he sat on the bench in front of me.

"Hi," He said smiling madly. After all the madness that had been the start of term, we were in a place at the moment that I thoroughly enjoyed. It meant that he could look at me like that without me running for the hills.

"Why are you acting so weird? Has Fred been spiking you with firewhiskey again because you could lose your headship for that you know," I nagged at him with a slight smirk. He chuckled and shook his head reaching into his cloak pocket and pulling out a neatly wrapped small box.

"Merry Christmas," He smiled. I smiled back and reached out to accept the gift.

"I think we need to be careful, the last time you gave me a gift well we ended up…you know," I said stuttering over my words and feeling myself blush.

"I would not be annoyed if that happened again," James winked throwing me a cheeky smile.

"Sod off, I should've never even brought it up," I said shaking my head.

"I like that you did, it reminds me that I didn't just imagine everything." He said sadly. "That it was real,"

"Of course it was," I said looking at his vacant expression. "Is everything okay?"

"Not really, it's better pretending that it never happened right," He said dryly. Obviously, I had hit a nerve.

"James, please talk to me," I said sadly, wondering how exactly the conversation had turned so sour. He sighed and shook his head.

"I just don't understand how you've managed to switch off your feelings so quickly. Merlin, it kills me every day pretending to be your friend especially when you make it look so easy; like it's not fazed you at all like you have forgotten everything that happened between us." James replied his face screwed up in frustration.

"Well getting your heart broken makes it somewhat easier," I sighed, dropping my gaze to avoid meeting his eyes.

"Hannah," He groaned, "You know how sorry I am about that," I looked up at him to see his eyes shining with tears.

"I know you are, but you understand that to protect myself I can't allow myself to think about those feelings," I explained.

"I do understand, you don't have to explain anything to me Hannah," James said offering me a sad smile, "I just wish I could find it as easy to switch these feelings off,"

"You think I find this easy?" I asked incredulously, he nodded. "James, this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. When I wake up I'm sad, when I go to sleep I'm sad. I have constantly worn this mask showing the world how happy I am when inside I am dying because I can't be my true self, I can't be with you." I admitted to him, to myself. I voiced the words I had been so reluctant to even think over the past few weeks, catching us both off guard. He looked at me sadly, lowering his gaze away from mine, "Don't sit there and think that I don't find this difficult as well because I do. One of us needs to be strong though," I said more confidently than I felt.

"I know I'm sorry." He said after a moment.

"It's okay," I replied picking up my bag and looking inside for his present. "Merry Christmas," I offered it to him with a smile.

"Thanks," He said accepting it from me and smiling sadly. We sat there quietly for what felt like an eternity before James stood up. "I should probably go; I'll see you for New Years?" He asked me.

"Yes, I can't wait. Can I write to you?" I asked hopefully. He smiled at me.

"Of course you can, I would like that," He gave me another look before moving to the door.

"James wait," I said. I moved across the compartment and wrapped my arms around his waist allowing myself to enjoy the contact and the smell of him. He wrapped his arms around my body and held me there tightly, kissing me softly on the top of my head.

"I love you," I said softly looking up at his brown eyes. Even after everything, even after Cressida and Al.; I still loved James Potter. He smiled sadly at me.

"I love you too," He said. It took everything not to kiss him there and then; instead I leant up and kissed him softly on the cheek before returning back to my seat. "Merry Christmas Hannah," He said finally before leaving the compartment. As soon as the door shut behind him, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. It felt like ages ago since we had kissed on the train at the end of the year, how nervous and confused I was at everything but how amazing and natural it all felt. I would give anything to go back to that now, but everything was tainted and ruined and I didn't trust my heart to go through it all again. I saw the tears falling down on the pages in front of me and tried my hardest to pull myself together, picking up the small wrapped box next to me. I turned over the label and read the neat cursive that was printed there.

"Grace and Beauty," It read, making me well up even more. Not long after James had left my friends bustled in the carriage laughing and joking about something that had happened on duty. I gave them a smile, making sure they didn't think for a moment that anything was wrong.

The rest of the journey back to London was surprisingly fun. About half an hour towards the end of the journey the rest of the Weasley clan came barrelling in the compartment as was the tradition. A chorus of Christmas songs and arguments was all that could be heard down the rest of the train. Ever since I had started Hogwarts this mad family had welcomed me with open arms. I had a big family at home who I loved very much, but being welcomed to a family in a world where I felt like I actually belonged was something else. It was like having twenty brothers and sisters and I felt lucky to be able to be a part of it.

The train eventually pulled into Kings Cross and I was wrapped in a million hugs with the Weasley clan bidding me goodbye as they ran off to their family. James gave me a short hug under the watchful eyes of his brother, but it meant the most out of everyone. Having him so close to me after everything we had gone through was a miracle in itself and I knew that it was going to be difficult not seeing him for the next week and a half, almost regretting my decision to go back home for the length of time that I was. I pulled away, a slight blush on my face as James smiled at me before leaving the train.

"So," Al said helping me with my luggage, "I guess I'll see you in a week or so," He said giving me a soft smile.

"I'll see you soon Hannah," Rose called out ahead running off somewhere with Scorpius before their parents showed up. I smiled and waved at her as she ran down the platform through the thickening crowds.

"Bye Hannah," Scorpius called giving me a cheeky smile. I laughed as I watched them disappear around a secluded corner and catching sight of Al looking after them with a pained expression on his face. That could've been us. I sighed and before I could think about it anymore I leant up on my tip toes and kissed him softly on the cheek. He looked surprised for a moment before gaining composure and smiling madly.

"You're always doing it to me, I thought it was about time it was reciprocated," I said winking. He laughed and threw his arms around me wrapping me in a giant bear hug.

"I'm going to miss you," He said to my hair. "It's been a challenging term," He said letting go.

"You're telling me," I nodded in agreement. "Anyway, I best go," I said leading us through the barriers to go to the allocated apparition station. "See you soon," I said squeezing his hand.

"Merry Christmas Han," Al said happily.

"Merry Christmas Al," I smiled turning on my heel and walking into the crowds of people.

Dear Hannah,

Okay, so my first letter to you and I've suddenly gone brain dead. It's like having a one-sided conversation and trying to fill in the blanks, this is why I never write letters. Anyway, I shall give it ago.

How are your holidays going? I'm knee deep in NEWT revision currently and using this letter as a means to procrastinate, not in a bad way, in a very good way. I would've written anyway but you know what I mean, you are a lot more interesting than potions. I am a rambling mess and I'm also leaving all of this in because this is my third attempt writing this and it's probably the most eloquent I've been so far, would you believe. (Also I really hope I'm making you laugh because I love your laugh, it's so beautiful, like you. Now I hope I'm making you blush…okay okay I'll stop).

Shall we see if I can actually manage a reasonable topic?

I hope you are enjoying Christmas with your family in the muggle world. What kind of things do you do for Christmas in the muggle world? I know Rose and Hugo go to their grandparents for some of Christmas day but I've never thought to ask them. Is it really boring? Do you get lots of presents as well?

I hope you're enjoying your time with you parents and aren't missing me too much. I hope I haven't put you off me forever with this awful letter because that would suck completely. I can't wait to see you in a few days and I hope you like your present.

Yours always,

James.

Dear James,

Wow, that letter was truly something. Honestly, a work of art. I think I'm going to treasure it forever. (I now hope you are blushing in embarrassment, but I don't think that has ever happened has it? And now you're smirking like you normally do. Also, I am not going to disclose whether or not you made me blush or laugh. I'll keep you guessing Potter)

I'm also deep in NEWT work, not quite knee deep, maybe ankle deep (now I'm rambling) I don't understand why they give us so much work over the break. At least let us have an actual break. Also, I'm glad you're using me as a reason to get out of studying; how romantic of you.

I love being at home with my family, although I do miss Hogwarts and the Wizarding World a lot, I am a muggle at heart I suppose. Sometimes, when I'm at home for a long period of time I feel as though I've made the whole thing up and I'm some crazy person that's suddenly woken up from believing in this world, mad right? But then I walk into my room and see all my things and it brings me to my senses.

It's been different this year though, being able to do magic outside of school. As soon as I got home Tommy, my younger brother was getting me to do all kinds of things. I think my mum and stepdad enjoyed seeing me send the plates flying around until I lost control of the gravy boat and sent it smashing into the window. Unfortunately mum has now banned me from using magic in the house, saying when I've got my own house I can do what I like but under her roof, there was to be no 'wand waving' even after I mended the broken gravy boat and apologised a thousand times.

Muggles don't do it overly different from Wizards I believe. I think there's a fair bit more drinking and chocolate but everything is the same. We go to Church in the morning (it's a long story I won't explain) and sing carols and yes we tend to get loads of presents, I think more than you guys get but that's because we are greedy. Hehe. My family tend to all meet up on Christmas Day evening and have a party but everyone is so tired around 10pm, but I do love it.

I do miss you, a lot and I don't think you could ever put me off you. I'll keep you updated on the present; I'm looking forward to it. I hope you like yours too.

Yours always,

Hannah.

Hey Hannah,

I hope you're having a good Christmas. Sorry I haven't written sooner, as you can imagine it's been a mad house around here. We all stop at the burrow over Christmas and Nan has been making us clean everything like the bloody Ministers coming around, which apparently he has done in the past, but I don't buy it. James bloody loves watching us work with our hands while he peels the potatoes with his bloody wand, why was I born in June?

Speaking of James he has been acting really weirdly recently. I saw him writing a letter the other day, a bloody letter, I don't think he's ever spent one in his life. I think it's a girl, not Cressida, someone else. I tried to probe over dinner but he told me to fuck off, charming, I think that says it all don't you. Mum went barmy at him which was bloody hilarious and now he isn't allowed to do magic in the house. Sweet revenge I tell you.

I've missed you. Scorp's been around but he and Rose just hang off each other. I love them both but I swear to Merlin if I am the third wheel again I will smack them both in the face. I just miss you, I hate it when we've been close all term to get pulled apart at Christmas, Merlin I sound whiney.

I best sign off before I start saying things I know will haunt me forever.

Hope you're having a great time at home,

Love,

Albus

Hey Al,

It was great hearing from you, I've missed you too.

I won't write an essay as I am literally seeing you in three days. Thanks for the beater cleaning set and new Runes dictionary, I love them. I hoped you liked your presents, I swear you get harder and harder to buy for each year.

As for James, well I doubt he is two-timing Cressida, that girl would kill anyone that went near him. He could've been writing to her?

Not surprised about Rose and Scorp, they do get a bit intense sometimes, especially when you're third wheeling. Not long until we are back together and we can call them out for snogging all the time.

Thanks again for the presents, can't wait to see you,

Love,

Hannah

Dear Hannah,

I was like a boy on Christmas Day (literally) when I received your letter. Thank you for writing back to me, even after the broom crash that was that work of art you mentioned.

The comment about being romantic, I thought we were meant to be just friends for the foreseeable future, surely it wouldn't make sense to be romantic (also that's a load of shite and I'm winding you up because I bloody love being romantic with you, we will just have to be romantic friends)

I hope I get to spend Christmas with your family one year, it sounds amazing and I would love to meet them but even if that never happens, it's a nice thought (also please don't get annoyed at that comment, I know I'm not meant to be saying things like that but a boy can dream right?) Although you obviously haven't seen my Uncle Charlie drink. One Christmas he managed to drink 2 bottles of firewhiskey to himself without even throwing up, Merlin knows how he managed that.

You would be pleased to hear that my mum has also banned me from using magic in the house. Al kept bugging me and…well, I told him to fuck off. Not my finest moment and I know full well you are rolling your eyes but he is so bloody annoying. Honestly, don't know how I haven't killed him over the years. As for the gravy boat, your mum must've been bloody attached to it to ban you completely.

About my presents…I bloody loved them. I love love love love love my famous Quidditch Keepers book (although Uncle Ron was pretty annoyed he wasn't mentioned in it) and I really love my watch Hannah, it is just perfect. I love the initials etched into the middle of the face, it's just amazing and by far my favourite gift. You didn't have to get me anything though, Merlin knows I don't deserve it. (Also don't worry, I didn't tell anyone you got me the watch before you panic. I did say the book though, I think Al was a bit put out by it but when is he not.)

I really hoped you liked your present,

I can't wait to see you on Monday; I've missed you so much.

Yours always,

James

Dear James,

Al knows that you are writing to someone and he has a hunch it isn't Cressida, I know that I will be there pretty soon but please be careful around him. It's different at Hogwarts, we can avoid him easily, but there aren't as many distractions when you live with him. Just be careful otherwise it will all be over, and I really don't want that. I'm enjoying where we are at the moment, where ever that is.

I am so happy you liked your presents and I don't think it's much at all. I can't wait to see you wearing the watch; I was so excited to give it to you. Ha, Rose's dad does make me laugh; I think we may need to sing a few verses of Weasley is our King to put him back in place.

I like the sound of romantic friends, I'm intrigued to find out what boundaries are set with that label (and yes I am blushing as I write that smart arse, I hope you are too). My family would love you; I think my aunties would prefer you over me. I like the idea of you spending Christmas with us, even if it is just an idea; I would like that very much indeed.

I love my earrings James, they are so beautiful. How did you know my birthstone, they match so well with my necklace as well. I haven't taken them off since opening them. My mum took an avid interest into who sent them and I told her it was just a friend and she said oh Hannah that boy is very much in love with you if he's buying you such beautiful jewellery. Well I know I shouldn't say it anymore but I am very much in love with you too and thank you for the present.

I can't wait to see you,

Yours always,

Hannah

"Maybe next time don't smash the gravy boat," Tommy laughed, wrapping me in a huge bear hug and ruffling my hair. I poked him in the stomach and pulled away. He had grown up so much over the past few months it made me sad to miss everything that was happening at home, but it made it all the more worthwhile when I came back.

"Please stop bloody growing, you'll be a giant the next time I see you," I laughed wrapping him in a hug again.

"Stop shrinking you'll be a hobbit the next time I see you," He laughed.

"Maybe not a hobbit, they don't exist. Possibly a goblin but honestly don't say that around them they would probably kill you with their bare hands," I winked at my brother who was now gaping at me.

"Sometimes I'm glad I am not a wizard, goblins are real." He exclaimed.

"And Giants," I added, watching his mind explode right in front of me.

"I have so many questions," He said quickly.

"And I have to go, bye bro," I hugged him again and moved into the kitchen.

"I really wish you didn't have to go so soon," My mum moaned when I appeared. "I've enjoyed having you around, you sure you don't want to come with us?" She asked again for the millionth time.

"I need to go back to normality before I start back at Hogwarts," I explained again, for the fifth time that day. "I'll be back at Easter," I smiled, walking over to her and hugging her closer. "Miss you mum," I said softly, into her hair. She relaxed slightly and squeezed me tighter.

"Miss you too Hannah," She said pulling away and dabbing her eye with her tea towel, "You've been at that school for six years and it still doesn't get any easier," She chuckled softly. Tommy came over and round and arm around her shoulder. I hugged my dad tightly.

"Have a good term Hannah," He said.

Even though I have been at Hogwarts for six years now, I still missed my family terribly. It was especially hard after such a lovely Christmas. I took one more look at my family, smiling at them fondly before turning on the spot and heading to the Potter's house. It was the evening before New Year's and I was meant to be meeting Rose, Al and Scorpius at the Potter's. We went back to school on the second so it meant I had a few days to readjust to the Wizarding World once again, and I couldn't wait.

I apparated on the doorstep of Grimmauld Place, the lights were on and there were Christmas lights in the window. I smiled and knocked sharply on the door and hearing someone approach. James Potter stood in front of me, dressed in casual bottoms and an old Gryffindor Hoodie, his hair was askew and he had a tub of ice-cream in his hands. He looked so handsome my heart was beating wildly in my chest. His face lit up when he saw me, his eyes widening and his mouth spreading into the biggest smile I think I'd ever seen. It took every ounce of my being not to kiss him on the spot.

"Hi," I managed quietly, feeling myself blushing instantly. He smirked and opened his mouth to speak to me before Al barged past him and picked me up spinning me around. I caught a glance of James' crestfallen face and my heart sank quickly, bringing me back to reality. The letter's had been just for us, we could pretend, if not for a moment, that we weren't burdened with our loyalties to Al but now, with him in between us and showing me affection that James couldn't, it was apparent to see we had been stupid to believe otherwise and it broke my heart all over again. It was beginning to get too hard and that worried me.

"Hannah," Al said putting me back on my feet. "It's so good to see you," I put my mask back on and shot Al a big smile wrapping my arms back around him.

"It's really good to see you," I said laughing.

"Are you going to let her in anytime soon James?" Al said shooting his brother a quizzical look. "We're bloody freezing on the doorstep,"

"Oh shit, yeah sorry," James said moving out of the way so we could get past. I allowed my hand to brush past James' as I went past him making him smile slightly and sending my heart into overdrive once again. Al was none the wiser.

"Did you have a good Christmas Hannah?" James said closing the door behind us and regaining his composure.

"Yes, it was great thanks. Did you guys?" I asked them both waiting mainly for James' response. Before he could say anything Al talked over him.

"Yes, it was brilliant. A bit hectic at the Burrow but still great to see all the family again, it's difficult to get everyone in the same place now that everyone is starting to leave Hogwarts, you know. Teddy and Victoire are planning their wedding, which of course is all anyone can talk about, got a boring after five minutes." Al rambled grabbing my case and bags from me. "I'll put these in your room,"

"It's alright Al, I'll do it," James said with a smirk casting a charm on the cases sending them whizzing upstairs. Al glowered at his brother looking like he was going to hit him, James just laughed and moved past him to get into the drawing room.

"You shouldn't let him get to you," I said to Al, annoyed at James for always trying to one-up his brother even in the circumstances.

"I know. He knows exactly how to push my buttons." Al said with a heavy sigh. We stood there in an awkward silence for a moment.

"I'm dating Kate again," Al blurted out all of a sudden. I was so taken back I felt my jaw drop suddenly.

"Erm…congrats," I said unsure of what else to say.

"I know, I know. I'm well aware, thanks to Rose, that it is a weird situation but I thought it would help…you know getting over you," Al explained with a slight blush.

"Is that very fair on Kate?" I asked frowning at Al's reasoning.

"That's what Rose said. I don't think it will be an issue, I know it seems really shitty of me but I do actually like Kate and I don't think I gave her a proper chance before because I was so hung up on you, at least this way I will be going in with a clear mind," He explained. I wasn't convinced but didn't want to bring him down in flames so I gave him what I hoped was a convincing smile.

"Well then I'm happy for you, I really like Kate and I think she's great for you," I said.

"That's what everyone keeps saying, I don't get it. All she does is call me out all the time," He said frowning.

"I think that's the point Al, maybe why she's a good influence. Someone needs to call you out and besides I think she's the only woman, besides your mum, that you actually listen too," I said with a laugh. Al considered this for a moment looking perplexed.

"You've got a point there," He replied.

"What are you guys doing in the hallway? Hannah, you've been here ten minutes and not come and said hello yet," Rose said coming out from the drawing room with a frown. She pulled me in for a hug which was accepted warmly and the three of us moved into the room where Scorpius, Lily and James were currently sitting talking.

"Hey Hannah," Scorpius said giving me a big smile. Rose walked back over to where he was sitting on the love seat and resumed her place next to him, curling up into his side. I had never been so jealous of the two of them. All I wanted to do was be near James but instead, I sat on the opposite side of the room from him next to Lily who put her feet up on me as soon as I sat down.

"Hey Capt, have you had a good Christmas?" She asked me offering me some of the chocolate that she was eating, which was accepted with great enthusiasm.

"It was lovely, how was yours?" I asked politely. What I didn't expect was for the entire room to erupt and tell me the hysterical tale that was Christmas Day at the Burrow involving Uncle Percy, George, Teddy and a Chicken. Everyone was in fits of laughter when the door opened.

"Dinner's ready, Lily Potter I told you not to eat anymore Chocolate," Ginny Potter said her eyes narrowing on the empty box by her daughter's feet.

"I wasn't the only one Mum," She moaned glaring at her brothers. James hastily tried to hide the half-eaten tub of ice-cream and Albus' glowered at his sister.

"Snitch," He scathed under his breath.

"I'll speak to you all later," She said narrowing her eyes at all of them. "Hannah it's good to see you again, you'll be in with Lily this time, that is if she doesn't stop getting herself into trouble by eating all the chocolate in the house,"

"Thanks Mrs Potter and thank you for letting me stop over again," I said politely following everyone into the kitchen.

"Not at all dear, it's the least I could do for putting up with all three of my children all year round," She said with a wink. I gave her a smile and sat in a seat at the table.

Dinner passed and everyone was sitting in the living room when Mr Potter walked in after a late night at work. He said hello to everyone before following his wife into the kitchen and leaving us all to eat sweets and play games.

"What did you have nice for Christmas?" I asked Rose when the two of us were the first to get knocked out of a rather intense game of exploding snap.

"Malfoy you best not be bloody cheating otherwise I will blast your face off," James shouted throwing his cards down in defeat.

"Speak to him like that again and I'll blast your face off Potter," Rose scathed, kicking her cousin in the side.

"I was joking," James replied holding his hands up in defeat and moving off the floor to the armchair. It was slowly becoming bearable to be in the same room with again without needing to be near him. We had been backed into a corner at dinner, ending up sat next to each other. I felt like I was blushing every time our elbows knocked together.

"Sorry Hannah," She said pulling her legs underneath herself and turning to face me, "I had loads of nice things, obviously the classic Weasley jumper," She said showing me the item she was currently wearing. It was emerald green, a gold letter R standing out in the middle of it. "My muggle Grandparents brought me some books and stationery and Scorpius got me a beautiful necklace and some perfume." She said showing me the necklace Scorpius had bought her. "Did you have anything nice?"

"I had this really nice Gryffindor Hoodie from someone but I can't remember who," I said giving her a smile, "Thank you by the way. I had some pyjamas, makeup and books from family. Al got me a brilliant Quidditch book and new parchment and I had some beautiful earrings from a friend back home," I was so close to saying James that I had to really stop myself. I saw Rose shoot a glance over to James and then back to me with a slight smile.

"Are they the ones you're wearing?" Rose asked with a smile. I nodded and pulled my hair behind my ear to show her properly, turning my head noticing James look at me worriedly. I saw Lilly, who had also been knocked out of the game, looking at me curiously. I glanced back at James who was staring between me and Lily in complete horror.

"They are so pretty are they your birthstone?" Rose asked. It was like everything happened in slow motion. I saw James shaking his head at me warningly and Lily looking between me, James and Rose.

"Yes, pink opal," I confirmed before realising what I had done. I saw Lily's eyes shoot open and James put his head in his hands just as Al beat Scorpius and the cards started exploding everywhere. I could feel my heart racing in my ears about what had just happened and was trying really hard not to look at Lily who was now very openly staring at me.

"Alright, that is quite enough of that," Mrs Potter said banging the door open and silencing her younger son who was cheering louder than the cards that were exploding from across the room. "I swear I don't know how my parents put up with us playing that game all the time," She said vanishing the cards from the floor. "Bed now please, it's late enough. Rose, Scorpius the floo is ready for you and I've told your parents that you are on the way home." Ginny said before leaving the room.

"'Night guys," Rose yawned holding out a hand to Scorpius pulling him up from the floor. "See you tomorrow." They left the room leaving the four of us there. Lily was still staring at me as if she had never seen me before and James looked so worried he had gone pale; Merlin knows what my face looked like. Al was none the wiser to it all.

"Night guys," He said standing up and stretching, "See you in the morning," He said leaving the room without another glance.

"You are fucking kidding me?" Lily all but yelled once Al had shut the door. James rushed over to her and placed a hand gently across her mouth.

"Please be quiet," He pleaded with her removing his hand after hearing Al climb the stairs.

"How can I be quiet? This is insane, you two are together." She said loudly again standing up and looking between us.

"Please try and calm down Lily. I know this is a shock but Al doesn't know and I really want for it to stay that way," James pleaded with his sister.

"A shock? James this is bloody insane! How can I calm down?" She whispered harshly pointing a finger at her brother.

"I know but please sit down and let me explain," He said as calmly as he could manage. I sat there dumbfounded; watching the interaction in front of me like it was from a movie. I couldn't understand how Lily knew, I just couldn't believe it.

"What is there to explain? You made your feelings perfectly clear when we went to get the earrings. The whole time I thought you were talking about Cressida but no, it was about Hannah. Al's best friend, the person Al adores most in this world." Her eyes widen as she realised the true impact of her words. "Al is going to fucking kill you James." She shouted at him.

A/N: Thanks again for reading, hoped you liked this chapter.

So people are slowly finding out, so much drama to come!

I hope you don't feel like I've skirted over the Cressida/James situation after Hannah's birthday. I've been really conscious, whilst editing, that it seems like all is forgiven when that's not quite the case. Hannah and James have a very complicated relationship and in the grand scheme of things, Hannah is putting her heartbreak on the back burner for Al's heartbreak. At this point in the story, it's been nearly two months since Hannah's birthday and she had needed that time to learn to trust James again. Also just because he broke her heart doesn't mean she stopped loving him. It's such a difficult relationship to convey and I really hope it is making sense as you read.

Thanks once again for all the support it means a lot. I think there are like a hundred people reading the story as it's being uploaded and that alone is amazing, so thank you so much.

Only ten chapters to go!

See you soon,

Jadeannkneeky