Chapter 17

As the cold weather was replaced with a regular downfall of rain, things at Hogwarts seemed to have taken a turn for the better. It had been a few weeks since Dom interceded on my life and things were starting to look up again. Rose was back at my side, much like most the Weasley/Potter family. Unfortunately, Al had not taken too fondly to this change and in turn, we had not spoken in over six weeks, the longest we hadn't talked in six years. Rose had not looked kindly on what Al had asked me to do and was currently in the middle of giving him the silent treatment herself. The evening after I had told her and Scorpius everything, she had a blazing row in the common room with Al. Albus was not happy about some of the home truths Rose had yelled at him and as a result, he was now even more pissed off at me than he already was, I knew this because Scorpius thought it was best to keep me updated on the emotions of Albus Potter.

On the plus side, I was back to training with my team and we were looking stronger than ever before. Scorpius and I had approached Professor Longbottom and Professor Slughorn about the prospect of having a first team vs reserve team competition between Gryffindor and Slytherin and they both we really encouraging, hence it was going ahead on the last week of the term. I had two weeks to train my reserve team and my full team, to kill off Slytherin once and for all. The team was overjoyed to have me back as Captain, although I insisted that Fred and I were now joint Captains. Danny couldn't hide his excitement when he found out I was back on the team, running across the hall to me the evening after I had asked Fred and scooping me into a bone-crushing hug.

James Potter was James Potter. He was beautiful and considerate at every opportunity. He knew that my opinion had once again shifted on our relationship (I think he was more clued in than me sometimes) but still didn't press or put any pressure on anything to happen. He allowed me to take the wheel and was just always happy whenever I was there. We were amicable during training as I didn't want him to cloud my judgment and I think he understood this without me needing to say anything. The week after Dom had visited he started of just saying hello and smiling at me in the hallway. Every time he did I felt my heart flutter and almost always I blushed, knowing full well that he would love every second of it. As the days drew on, him, Fred and Danny took to sitting with me and Rose for lunch, being careful not to be too attentive on me, especially under the eyes of Al and the entire school. But he still spoke to me politely and often enough for me to fall more and more in love with him every second he was near me. Every time I spoke I could feel his eyes on me, looking at me with adoration and affection.

It was now Sunday afternoon and a very guilty Rose had gone off with Scorpius for the day, even though I assured her it was more than fine. A lot of the Weasley's and their friends were having a games tournament in the common room, including Al. I walked in and Lily caught my eye, looking between the two of us before sighing and walking over to me.

"Come and join us," She said softly, giving me a sincere smile which was reciprocated.

"I'm okay Lily," I said, reassuring her. "I have some work to be getting on with anyway, but it means a lot that you have asked me," I smiled again. She nodded in understanding.

"Just ignore him," She said, looking at Al who was obviously trying very hard not to look in our direction. "He's stubborn at the best of times but this is getting out of hand, even mum and dad are getting annoyed at him." I shot her a worried glance, "Don't worry," She reassured, "They don't think bad of you at all. In fact, mum said she already knew about you and James and was waiting for something to happen, they both said you and Al would never have worked anyway. I think mum's secretly hoping you and James will, she really likes you," Lily said with a bright smile, squeezing my hand.

"Good to know," I said blushing, she laughed slightly. "I best get on with my homework, I'll catch up with you later," I moved towards the portrait hole.

"Hannah," Lily called after me, "He's doing some work in the hall," She added. I was taken aback for a moment not really knowing what to say. "Just thought you'd like to know," She said shrugging before joining Roxy on the hearth. As I made to leave again my eyes caught onto a pair of green ones that I hadn't seen in a while. Al was staring at me with an unreadable expression on his face, I felt my cheeks go warm and my heart beat a little faster. I knew he had heard what his sister had said and I knew that he was waiting to see what I would do next. It was all I needed to push me out the portrait hole and into the hall, looking for James Potter for the first time in nearly two months.

I walked into the entrance hall, suddenly feeling nervous and worried that we weren't ready for this but I had gotten this far and Merlin I missed him so much. The hall wasn't as busy as it normally was on a Sunday, which calmed me down slightly. I spotted him halfway down the Gryffindor table his head buried in a book, surrounded by parchment. I took a deep breath and walked down the other side of the table towards him, praying he wouldn't look up knowing that if he did I would run the other way. As I got closer I saw a few students glance in our direction and tried to ignore them the best I could, I knew it was too late to turn around.

"Hi," I spluttered, "Can I join you?" I said almost breathless, feeling as though I'd run a marathon. He glanced up from his work; the shock was evident in his face. He gapped slightly at me and ran his hand through his hair like he did when he was nervous.

"Yes," He said quickly, standing up and moving some of his work to make space.

"Thanks," I said quietly sitting down opposite. I pulled my books out my bag knowing full well that he was staring at me, not very discretely at all. I looked up to see him grinning from ear to ear; I felt my cheeks go red.

"I've missed that," He said smirking slightly. I rolled my eyes, he hadn't changed. "I've missed you," He said simply. I felt my heart beat madly in my chest and tried desperately to stop my cheeks from going red again. I wanted to throw my arms around his neck and cry into his shoulder about how much I'd missed him, but my barriers had been set and although they had come down slightly over the past few weeks, I still wasn't quite ready to let them down completely. A look of panic came across his face as he sensed I was becoming uncomfortable. "Sorry, I didn't-

"No," I interrupted, "It's okay." I took a deep breath and paused for a moment. "I've missed you too," I smiled, he smiled too.

"So, what about that Runes essay? I would say it is the hardest she's ever set but no doubt you wouldn't think so," James laughed, changing the subject and trying to gain some balance again, something I was extremely grateful for. I rolled my eyes and smiled at him.

"You are such a wuss when it comes to these essays," I joked, not quite believing how easy it was to go back to normal with him again.

"And you are such a nerd when it comes to these essays," He smirked, I shot him a look and he laughed.

"So," He said his expression changing slightly and I could tell he was actively avoiding looking in my direction, trying to busy himself with rearranging his work. "Have you gotten anywhere with Al?" I felt myself wince at his question. I knew that he would eventually ask about Al or Cressida, I just wasn't sure which one would be first. To be honest, he had surprised me completely by not mentioning Cressida sooner, I was almost certain he knew by now.

"What do you think?" I replied sarcastically.

"He is so stubborn," He said shaking his head.

"At least you two are back to normal," I said hopefully. A dark look came over his face and he shrugged.

"Nothing's normal anymore Han," He said sadly.

"What does that mean?" I asked my curiosity spiking. He sighed deeply and shook his head. I frowned at his response. "James?"

"He hates me, Han," He said quietly, not meeting my eyes.

"But I thought-

"So did I," he interrupted. "He just expects a lot," He frowned.

"Look, I don't really want to talk about Al," I said after a moment, "I know he's meant to be my best friend and I have, we have hurt him, but right now I want to spend some time with you without feeling guilty or worried about what Albus Potter thinks." James looked at me for a moment, I thought he was going to continue but instead he sent me a cheeky smile and ran his hand through his hair.

"I've never noticed how sexy you are when you get worked up," He said cheekily, winking at me and smirking.

"You, James Potter, are unbelievable," I said trying to hide my smile, not quite believing how quickly he can change tact. "No more Al, please."

"Deal," He smiled, "Now this essay…" I laughed and grabbed my notes, rolling my eyes.

I caught up with Rose at dinner. We sat alone for the first time since starting Hogwarts and it was difficult not to notice the gapping Al shaped hole in our conversation. After spending the afternoon with James it made me miss Al even more. They were so alike and I found myself realising more and more how much I need both Potter boys in my life.

James and I walked back to the common room together speaking more freely than we had in weeks. Our conversations didn't really move away from school work and Quidditch, both of us knowing that we weren't quite ready to dig up the repressed emotions of the past few weeks. Despite this, I felt more relaxed than I had in weeks. I found myself needing to be closer to James. The more I was around him the more I needed him. As we approached the portrait hole I took us both by surprise and wrapped my arms around his middle, hugging him tightly. If he was surprised he hid it well, leaning his chin on the top of my head and wrapping me tightly in his arms. The portrait opened behind us and I knew exactly who was standing there without needing to look.

"James?" Al's confused voice said. We pulled apart and both of us looked at the younger Potter who was standing looking at his brother. James glanced at me and sighed shaking his head and walking off down the corridor without another word. I turned back to Al who was avoiding my gaze.

"This needs to stop now Al," I said after a moment. He looked up at me and for a brief moment, I thought I saw my old friend before he replaced his mask, moved around me and went after his brother.

"I heard you spent the afternoon with James," Rose asked me helping herself to some potatoes. Her expression was unreadable but I knew she was happier than she was letting on.

"Yes I did," I found myself smiling slightly and she nodded mirroring my smile.

"It's been a too long since I've seen you smile Hannah," She said after a moment looking down the table at James who was sitting with Fred and Al. "I don't know what you see in that boy but Merlin I'm glad he makes you smile like that," I followed her line of vision and saw the two brothers sitting together barely talking, James' face like thunder.

"What are we going to do about Albus?" I asked after a moment.

"I have an idea but you won't like it," She replied looking sheepish. I shot her a confused look, "Scorpius and I were talking earlier and basically, we thought, the only way we could get this sorted was by locking you in a room and not letting you out until it was."

"Not a chance," I exclaimed, "He is so stubborn; he would refuse to speak on principle if we did that,"

"We know that," She explained, "So we thought that perhaps if you both got into serious trouble and got a detention then he wouldn't realise that you were being forced together." I stared at her in bewilderment.

"You're mad," I said after a moment, "He would see right through that and even if we got the detention, he still wouldn't talk to me."

"I know you Hannah," She said with a sad smile, "I know that you miss Albus Potter like you would miss your right arm. I know that you would get him to talk to you one way or another. He won't do it in a normal situation but then again this isn't a normal situation. I just feel like this would work if you gave it a chance," I looked at her and then glanced towards Al who was looking hopelessly at his dinner, ignoring the conversation that was happening around him.

"Fine," I sighed, Rose smiled at me. "What have you got in mind?"

Rose decided that there was no time like the present and decided to plan her attack on Tuesday afternoon. She thought that we would get in the most trouble in Transfiguration and so I found myself sitting at my old desk near the front waiting for Albus Potter to walk through the door and realise that he would be sitting next to me this lesson. Rose's plan was simple, piss him off and have a fight in the middle of the classroom. She thought it would be enough to get us a detention for the week let alone an evening. I wasn't looking forward to getting into trouble or spending my evenings doing something horrid but I wanted Al back and knew that it was probably the only way to sort things out on my terms.

I turned around in my seat to see Rose staring at me looking worried and Scorpius shaking his head. He hadn't agreed with Rose on her plan but commended her on how very Slytherin it was saying he was proud of his girlfriend. Now I could see they both knew that this was a shit idea but it was too late to back out. He walked into the room and stared at the empty seat next to me.

"I think you're in the wrong place." He spat, raising his voice across the classroom. Everyone turned and stared at us and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I gulped and glanced at Rose who nodded encouragingly.

"No, I'm not Al," I said calmly, playing along and turning in my seat to get my books out of my bag. At this moment Professor Abbot walked in and tutted at Al.

"Mr Potter is there a reason as to why you aren't sitting in your seat?" She didn't wait for a response. "Go and sit next to Miss Marshall now please," I could tell she was getting annoyed already; I hated how easy this was going to be. Albus didn't move.

"Al, just sit down," I yelled standing up. Everyone froze at my words, nobody dared breathe. Al glared at me with so much hatred it made me want to disappear but I stuck to the plan and glared right back at him.

"Miss Marshall you are in a classroom not the Quidditch pitch, 5 points from Gryffindor and Mr Potter I'll make it another 5 if you don't go and sit down immediately." Professor Abbot said shortly, neither of us moved. I was surprised at how easy it was to tap into my anger for Albus. It felt like the past two months had been leading to this standoff and everyone in the room knew it.

"I am not sitting next to her," He growled.

"You don't have a choice, 5 points and if you carry on it will be a detention." Professor Abbot replied sharply.

"And why don't you want to sit next to me Albus?" I said feeling myself getting somewhat hysterical. He gapped at me for a moment, clearly in shock that I had challenged him before his expression changed and his anger got the better of him.

"Because you are a fucking liar and you fucked my brother!" He yelled. I knew exactly what to say next, exactly what to say to push him over the edge. I just hoped that it wouldn't mean the end of me and Al forever.

"No, you don't want to sit next to me because I preferred your brother over you, just like everyone else," I screamed back at him. I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes before the anger took over and his wand was out in a second. I was thrown back against the wall, smacking my head against the stone. The adrenaline and anger kicked in and before I knew it I was back on my feet and sending a hex towards Al.

"ENOUGH," Professor Abbot bellowed. She clicked her fingers and our wands flew straight to her, "50 points each taken from Gryffindor house and you will both be serving two-hour detentions with me every night for however long I see fit. Fighting in the middle of a lesson, have you both lost your dam minds? Sit down now and I don't want to hear another word from either of you for the rest of the term," I stared at Al who hastily made his way across the room and sat in the vacant seat. I sorted myself out and took up the seat next to him. I felt like I wanted to cry, it got so out of hand so quickly; Al still hated me as much as he had weeks ago. I felt a tear fall down my cheek and hastily wiped it away as Professor Abbott continued with her lesson.

"That was bloody awful," I moaned sitting down next to Rose at dinner having just received a further telling off from Professor Longbottom who cornered us both after the lesson and shouted at us for about an hour on how lucky we were that Abbott hadn't kicked us out of school.

"Yes but it worked," Rose said with a sad smile.

"Al's parents are going to be fuming when they find out," I said sadly. "We were both so angry at each other; I can't believe I said what I said."

"It's done now, you can speak to Al this evening, tell him what it was about and maybe he will feel better about it," Rose said hopefully but we both knew it was hopeless. Al had shut down completely for the day and was refusing to speak to anyone, let alone the person he hated the most in the world.

"I need to get a move on, I think they'll lynch me if I'm late," I said grabbing an apple and moving out of the hall to detention.

Albus was sitting on the floor, his back resting against the wall eating a sandwich when I arrived at Professor Abbot's room. He didn't look up when I approached, remaining engrossed in the book that was open on his lap. I sighed and tried not to let him get to me already, but that was easier said than done. This was going to be a long week.

"Come in you two," Professor Abbot summoned. I glanced at Albus who sighed and pulled himself up of the floor throwing his book into his bag, he didn't look my way once as he lead the way into the classroom. We were met with Professor Abbot and Longbottom standing at the front of the classroom and two empty seats in front of them, the rest of the room was empty. We took the vacant chairs in silence and waited for our instructions.

"I am extremely disappointed in the two of you," Professor Longbottom started, "As you know, Professor Abbot and I have both written to you parents expressing our concerns, both of them agreeing that your punishments should go on as long as we both see fit." Neither of us said anything, Neville sighed and glanced to Professor Abbot who nodded and left the room. "Talk now," He said sharply as she closed the door behind her. I glanced at Albus who just shrugged at his parent's friend. "Hannah?" Neville said turning to me.

"It was just a misunderstanding," I said sadly. Albus scoffed and I tried my best to ignore him, "I'm sorry it got so out of hand," I finished, Al scoffed again.

"Look, I have some vague idea of what had happened between you two but for Merlin's sake I thought both of you would be more sensible about letting your personal issues affect your school work." He sighed and moved around the desk to face us. "Until further notice, your Hogsmeade privilege has been revoked and you are to do a two-hour detention minimum every night of this week. The detentions will be over once I have seen progress in your relationship." I groaned inwardly and hoped desperately that all of this was worth it, that Al and I were able to sort through this mess.

Al sat there stony faced. "Okay, you are to copy out old transfiguration notes for Professor Abbott, they are quite old and need to be rewritten, no magic allowed and there is an endless supply of ink and parchment in the cupboard. I will come and get you in two hours," Longbottom said waving his wand and filling the room with stacks of old parchment. He left the room without another word and we both sat there for a moment before Al sighed and moved to get some equipment. I followed suit and we both made a start on the stacks of notes.

The silence was eating me alive. The whole point of getting into this mess was to start having some kind of conversation with Albus' but I suddenly found myself at a loss of what to say. He sat with his back to me making it extremely clear on where his boundaries were drawn, allowing me to sit there staring at the back of his head completely beside myself. The two hours dragged on slowly and I had written so much my hand felt ready to fall off; we still had not said two words to each other. Longbottom came in exactly two hours later and allowed us the freedom to leave. Before I even had the chance to grab my bag Al had made a beeline for the door, obviously wanting to avoid a further awkward five-minute walk back to the common room. I sighed inwardly and told myself to try better the next day.

"Hi," I said sitting down next to James at dinner three days later. After spending most of my evening in detention I found myself up late every night trying desperately to catch up on homework. I was now exhausted and realised that I did not want to walk the length of the table to join Rose and Lily, instead, without really thinking, deciding to sit down opposite James.

"Hi," He said brightly. "I haven't seen you around the past few days, where have you been hiding?" He asked smiling at me.

"Detention," I sighed helping myself to some dinner, "With your brother, which I have to go to in about ten minutes,"

"Rose mentioned something about that, how's it going?" He said sadly, "Any luck so far?"

"He has not said two words to me, barely even looked at me." I shook my head, "I don't think we're going to get anywhere to be honest unless I lock us in the room,"

"Not a bad idea, I could speak to Fred and we could sort something out," He said seriously, looking down the table for Fred.

"Merlin no," I replied quickly, "Being alone with him for two hours is more than enough let alone indefinitely," James laughed loudly and I tapped him on the arm grinning slightly. Albus decided to walk past us at that exact moment.

"Shit," I mumbled as he scowled at his brother. James sighed and shook his head.

"Maybe I should just fucking kiss you and then he would actually have something serious to bitch about," He growled. I stared at him in shock for a moment, his anger taking me by surprise.

"James?"

"What?" He said frowning at my shock, "We were just talking for Merlin's sake. I'm getting sick of having to look over my shoulder just in case I step on precious Albus' Potters toes."

"I'm trying to sort it," I said sadly.

"I know," He replied after a moment. We were both quiet, the relaxed atmosphere between us dissipating.

"I best go," I said looking at the time. James nodded and gave me a sad smile. I made my way to Professor Abbott's classroom my mind reeling at James' outburst. I knew that things would never go back to normal with us until I was back to normal with Albus' and I think James knew that too. However, in reality, I don't think I could ever see Albus being okay with me again. A small part of me accepted that our friendship was too far gone and, if that was the case, getting back with James would be choosing him over Al. I sighed and shook my head; I understood where James' frustration was coming from. We couldn't even speak to each other without upsetting him and I had no idea how I was going to sort it out.

"You're late," Albus snapped as I walked into the classroom. He had already made a start to the decreasing pile of notes. I was so shocked to hear him speak to me it took me a second to realise that the noise had actually come from him. He stared at me as I stood dumbfounded in the doorway. "Are you just going to stand there?" He said loudly.

"Sorry," I mumbled moving hastily to my usual seat. He didn't reply instead turning his back on me once again and continuing his work. I decided against pushing him this evening, knowing that he would be annoyed about me and James at dinner and not really fancying a full-blown row. An hour into the detention Al started shifting uncomfortably in his seat and sighing loudly. I glanced up to see him standing up and moving to the other side of the room to get some more parchment.

"What?" He spat when he caught me watching him. I felt myself blush and moved my eyes back onto my work. "That's what I thought," He said sitting back down.

"Do you have to be so bloody rude?" I said loudly, taking us both by surprise. I was getting annoyed at his attitude towards me but as soon as I had spoken I wish I could take it back. Al turned in his chair and stared at me.

"Did you have to fuck my brother?" He said coldly. I rolled my eyes and laughed sarcastically, feeling my anger towards Al spilling out of me.

"Yes I did actually Al, twice, and it was fucking fantastic," I smirked as his face paled. He composed himself slightly and shook his head turning back in his chair. "What? Don't like the truth Al, you seem to bring it up any chance you get. I thought you might want the details seeing as you're so obsessed with mine and your brother's sex life." I knew I should stop but my mouth was getting away with me.

"Shut up," He said quietly. I stood up and walked in front of his desk, slamming my hands down on the desk in front of him.

"Do you want to know how we fucked on my birthday after he gave me the most beautiful present?" I said my voice rising.

"Shut up," Al growled not daring to meet my eyes.

"Or how he was in the house on New Year's Day when you came to check on me?" I shouted, ignoring him.

"Shut the fuck up," He repeated.

"Do you not want to know exactly how much I love your brother?" I yelled.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Albus screamed. He stood up and threw the desk out of the way and moved towards me. I felt like I wanted to take a step back as he stood over me, glaring at me with so much hatred it shook me to the core. But I stood my ground, the Gryffindor in me not allowing me to a move a muscle or break eye contact. I knew that I needed to stand up to my friend; I knew that it was time to stop running.

"You don't intimidate me Albus Potter," I whispered harshly, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt. "I know you too well."

"I thought I knew you," He whispered. I heard his voice break slightly, he was letting his emotions get the better of him, and I was finally getting through to him however painful it might be. He shook his head and took a step back his eyes not leaving mine.

"You do know me," I replied after a moment. He didn't reply instead just stared at me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable and moved to pick up the overturned desk and papers that had been strewn across the floor.

"I know that you're a liar and I hate you for that," He said after a moment. I looked up at him from the floor and shook my head deciding it was probably best if I didn't reply, knowing we would end up in an argument again. I continued to pick up the paper off the floor before I heard him bend down and help me. We worked in silence for a moment whilst we cleaned, I moved back to my desk to finish the notes I had started before we had argued. Another hour passed before Professor Abbott gave us the go-ahead to leave. As per usual Al was the first out as I collected my things trying once again not to let it bother me. I made my way through the quiet hallways, deciding not to rush back to the dormitory not wanting Rose to grill me once again about how I was getting on with Al.

"Marshall," A voice called out from behind me as I walked down the 3rd-floor corridor. I turned around to see Albus Potter leaning up against the tapestry; I had been completely oblivious to him standing there as I walked past.

"I thought you went ahead?" I said frowning in confusion as he stepped out of the darkness and into the half-light. He looked extremely conflicted as he walked in front of me.

"Do you love him?" He said after a moment. He didn't shout at me, he didn't swear. If I was shocked, I didn't hide it well; he waited for my reply, managing to hid his emotions a lot better than I was.

"I do, very much." I replied quietly, not really sure how the conversation was going to go. He nodded and considered me for a moment.

"Why didn't you just tell me? He asked in the same emotionless tone.

"I didn't want to lose you Al," I sighed sadly, feeling my eyes well up.

"You didn't have to lose me," He said simply. "You just can't have both of us,"

"Don't do this Al, please," I said tears falling freely now, knowing exactly where this was heading.

"Choose Hannah," He said simply as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

"Al, why are you doing this?" I asked wiping the tears from my cheeks and trying to take control of my emotions once again.

"You don't want to lose me; I'm giving you the chance to win me back." He looked straight through me as he spoke, he didn't allow any emotion to come across his face, whilst I was a blubbering mess.

"Al, please don't do this to me," I said after a moment.

"Give me your answer tomorrow," Al said sharply before walking back up the corridor away from the common room.

A/N: Thanks for reading once again! This was a really hard chapter to write so I hoped you enjoyed it. Please don't hate on Al too much, I know he's being a prick but a least we're getting somewhere and Hannah is finally sticking up for herself!

Let me know your thoughts as I love hearing from you guys.

Next chapter to come soon as I hate leaving you on a cliff hanger!

Thanks again for reading,

Jadeannkneeky