I stared up at my father, sure I had heard him wrong. "Sorry, what did you say?" I managed against the ringing in my ears.

Dad's smile flickered. "Your mother. She's here with me. Naomi is too."

I felt a slight sense of relief. If my sister was here, it meant that Mum wouldn't completely flip her lid. She wouldn't let her youngest child see that side of her. I heaved a sigh of relief.

"Alright." I said grimly, feeling as if I was about to face a firebreathing dragon, "let's go."

"You want to change first?" Anna said. "Make sure you don't take too long, we'll be having a party in the Ravenclaw Common Room!"

But I hardly registered what Anna said. As long as I could avoid Mum, I would take the opportunity.

"Yeah," I said slowly, "yeah, I think I'll wash up and change first. I'll see you and Mum in Professor Flitwick's office."

Dad looked slightly put-out, but nodded once, smiling. "Alright, love. Really proud of you, excellent, excellent job."

"Mr. Harkstone," Ryan Levine said breathlessly, holding his injured arm, "is there any way I could get an autograph?"

"Me too!" Sophie Daniels gushed, her eyes sparkling with adoration. I rolled my eyes and left the field with the others in tow.

I could hear my teammates excitedly gabbering over how the match had gone. Anna kept bragging to the others how she'd known I'd be a good addition, even though she had asked me not to try to score and only pass it off to her or Artemis. In the showers, I let the hot water rush over my skin and unknot the tense muscles. I rubbed soap into my skin and washed my hair. I took my time combing out the lengths of honey-colored hair when I was finished, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were warm and flushed, the brown eyes no longer dull or glassy, but now filled with bright alertness and trepidation.

Mum was here. Oh, what was I going to do? How was I going to face her after our last disastrous encounter? We hadn't spoken since.

I set the comb down and scrubbed it with the damp towel to help it dry faster. A house elf had left a stack of my clothes for me in my designated cubby. I dressed in solitude and gave myself a final appraising look. Not bad, but certainly not worthy of attending a dance like the birthday ball approaching in December.

I bit my lip and left the steamy locker room, stomach already knotting with fresh tension. I climbed the moving staircases up to the seventh floor, palms already slick with sweat. I squared my shoulders at the door and knocked three times.

"Come in!" A squeaky voice intoned. I turned the brass knob and entered.

I had been in Professor Flitwick's office once before, and it hadn't changed at all in the time since. A handsome desk and bookcase glistened in the candlelight. On the desk was a tin filled with cookies. Portraits of various Charms and wizards hung on the wall, including a picture of beautiful, tall woman with a cascade of long red hair and her very short husband, who had pointed ears and a scruffy black beard. In her arms, she held a small child who could only be Professor Flitwick in his youth.

Seated at the desk were my parents.

Swallowing hard, I walked deeper into the office. I kept my chin lifted a notch. My mother and father both turned to look at me.

"Welcome, welcome, Miss Harkstone!" Professor Flitwick said merrily. "Please, sit and have a biscuit or two!"

I didn't look at either of my parents. I took a seat carefully, on the wall next to Dad and Professor Flitwick. I took a single white, round cookie with a bright red cherry in the center and bit into it slowly, grateful to have something to do.

"Well, I am very pleased to have you both here." Professor Flitwick said enthusiastically to my parents. "As you very well know, your daughter has shown exceptional skill with many of her subjects here at Hogwarts."

"Where's Naomi?" I interrupted quietly, meeting Mum's piercing blue gaze for the first time. She wasn't smiling.

"Your youngest sister was snatched up by a group of Hufflepuff girls." Professor Flitwick said happily, chuckling. "Yes, it seems that many of them want to make her their new mascot. Naomi, isn't it? She is quite a little button. Yes, yes, she is in good care for the time being."

"Very well." I said gravely, taking another bite of my cookie.

"As I was saying!" Flitwick plowed in proudly, "Miss Harkstone has demonstrated greater skill than most of our students. We value every child who attends our school, and we also must cater to those who have a greater appetite for the arts." He beamed. "Which is why we would like to have your daughter enter into our prestigious Gifted and Talented program we offer here at Hogwarts."

I listened to Flitwick delve into the details about the program. I had already heard about them before and still found no appetite to take on more hard work than I needed.

Remus was right. I had to do what was best for myself.

"So, I take it this will be the first time you three have discussed this together?" Flitwick said, smiling at each of us.

"Yes," said Dad. "We were very happy to hear that she's been doing so well here."

"It seems that she's taken after you, Lena," Flitwick said reminiscently. "You were always very good with Charms too."

I glanced over at Mum. Her mouth tipped. "I suppose. I have fond memories of the Charm Club."

Flitwick nodded. "Yes, yes, always very skilled with those. And Walter! My goodness gracious, I haven't seen that kind of creative daring since your time on the Quidditch Team for Hufflepuff!"

Dad looked oddly pained. "Yes, thank you, Professor. Those days are long over for me."

I looked at him curiously. Why? I wondered. What had made him stop pursuing a sport he was clearly very good at?

"We're here to talk about Amber, not ourselves." Dad went on, trying to change the subject. "I'm sure she would be happy to step up to the Gifted and Talented Program."

"I agree." Mum said. She gave me a pointed look. "Well, dear? What say you?"

I stared at her, then Dad. Both looked expectant. I swallowed the last of the cookie, my mouth suddenly dry.

"Well?" Mum pressed.

I chewed my lower lip and let out a gusty exhale. "Actually, I don't want it."

There was a beat of silence, and then Professor Flitwick chuckled. "And why not, dear child?"

"Yes, why not?" Mum asked quietly. "This is a huge opportunity you might be throwing away."

"Lena," Dad said warningly. "Let her explain. Why don't you want to join the Gifted and Talented, Amber?"

"You would also be eligible for scholarships and increased grants." Flitwick tossed in. Mum's brows rose.

"This is a very big break for all of us, Amber." Mum said, her gaze trained on my face.

I fought to control my rising emotions. "But I don't want it, Mum. I'm having a hard time as it is, trying to keep up with my regular coursework and extracurriculars. I'm tired and stressed. It would be too much."

Mum waved a hand at me. "Oh, hush. I've raised children and helped work a farm for the past thirteen years. I've cooked and cleaned for you. Surely you can take on these advanced level classes."

I swallowed hard. Dad was frowning. "Why didn't you say you were already struggling?"

"Your grades are outstanding." Flitwick added. "With a bit of tutoring, we can even bring up your Potions grade to speed. This is an opportunity many don't get the chance to have."

I worked hard to keep myself from leaving the room. "I already told you: It's too much. I like where I am."

"You should really step out of your comfort zone, dear." Mum sighed. "Honestly."

I could feel my old anger against her rising. "It's my life, Mum, not yours. I get to decide how I live it."

Mum's sky-blue eyes flashed. "I want the best for you. And if the best if taking these higher-level courses, then you will do it."

I rose to my feet, blood pounding in my ears. "It's my life! I want my freedom. I want to choose how I live it!"

Mum rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Amber, you're thirteen years old! How could you possibly understand what's good for you and what isn't?"

"She's smart, Lena." Dad said, looking at her with warning. "She doesn't have to do this."

Mum looked furious. "Oh, of course. Take her side. You always take her side, Walter. Even if it's for the wrong choice."

"Will you please get your own life and stop trying to ruin mine?" I snapped at Mum. I knew I had gone too far, but I couldn't take the words back.

Mum rose slowly, like a thunderhead building in the summer sky. Her eyes flashed. "I am your mother, child. You will not speak to me in that way."

"Would anyone of care for a cup of tea?" Flitwick squeaked nervously. "I have lavender and chamomile, excellent for calming the nerves…"

"Why can't you just accept the fact that I'm not you?" I lamented to Mum bitterly. "I don't want more drama. I feel challenged enough. I don't need more of it."

"You're making a big mistake." Mum said warningly. "This is something you need in order to do well in the real world."

I threw my hands up. "You think I'm not already living in the real world? I am, Mum! I want to play Quidditch and learn my studies, but at my own pace! Not a faster one because you think it's better!"

Mum snorted. "Oh, stop being such a drama queen, dear. Calm down. It's time you started respecting me."

"It's time you earned it." I snapped.

Mum took a step towards me. Dad got up and placed his hand toward Mum. "Lena, no. Enough. She's made her choice. She doesn't want this."

"She's a fool!" Mum cried. "A disrespectful, foolish girl!"

"Lena!" Dad said harshly. "Enough."

Mum closed her mouth, looking furious. I glared back, pretending my eyes weren't full of angry tears.

Flitwick looked between the three of us with trepidation. "I suppose… I can decline the offer to join Gifted and Talented?"

"Yes," I said at the same time as Mum said, "No."

Flitwick looked helpless.

"Amber said no." Dad said quietly to Mum. "It's not going to happen, Lena."

Mum shut her eyes and looked down. "Fine. Throw your life away. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"I didn't ask for your advice." I retorted.

Mum gave me a final look, eyes full of disgust and disappointment. "See you at Christmas, if you decide to come home."

She left.

Dad stared after her, raking a hand back through his hair. He swore quietly. I chewed my lower lip, using every ounce of will I had to keep my tears at bay.

"Well, thank you for coming out, Mr. Harkstone." Flitwick said awkwardly. "I expect you'll be staying in Hogsmeade tonight?"

"No," Dad said in a low voice. "We've got transportation home. Thank you again, Flitwick. We'll be in touch." He looked back at me and crossed the room. He hugged me tightly. Tears burned in my eyes.

"I'm so proud of you." Dad said quietly, his familiar scent wreathing around me. "I am, Amber. You did brilliantly tonight."

"Thanks, Dad." I managed, sniffling. I didn't want him to see me like this.

"Can I take you out for a butterbeer?" Dad asked, searching my face. "The Three Broomsticks? Anything?"

But I smiled at him sadly and shook my head. "Mum needs you."

Dad let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry, Amber. I'm really sorry."

I shrugged, trying to downplay it even though my heart was tearing itself to shreds. Why was I not good enough? "I'm fine."

Dad hugged me once more. "Good night. I'll see you for Christmas holiday. I love you."

"I love you, Dad."

"Care for a biscuit before you go?" Flitwick offered to Dad, but he left without another word. I stared after him, not sure where to go from here.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Miss Harkstone?" Flitwick said gently.

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine."

"Well," he said bracingly, "there should be a jubilant party happening right now in the Common Room. You should go. Have fun. Enjoy yourself."

I nodded blankly. "Thanks, I will." I left the office, shutting the door quietly behind me. I could still smell Mum's lingering perfume. It smelled like lilacs, slightly cloying but sweet. I wanted to lean against the wall and weep.

But I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction. However this rift had formed between us, I wasn't going to allow it to destroy me.

I ascended the tall, spiraling staircase winding up the tower to the Common Room. "It's been around for millions of years," the knocker intoned, "but it's only ever a month old. What is it?"

"The moon." I said dully after a moment. Through the door I could hear lots of laughter and gaiety. I braced myself as the door swung open.

"There she is, there she is!" Anna Noyes cried. "The daughter of the prodigee! The living legacy of Walter Harkstone!"

A dozen hands grabbed me and pulled me inside. An ice-cold butterbeer was thrust into my hand. Someone poured a handful of Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans into my other hand. Twenty fellow Ravenclaws who had never given me a second glance before were now clamoring for my attention and cramming their questions and comments at me.

"That was so brilliant, Amber! How'd you think to feint Horn like that?"

"Can you help me practice later?"

"Is Sean Locke into you or something?"

"How old were you when your Dad told you about his Quidditch skills?"

I put up with it for an hour before my frazzled nerves finally snapped. Angelina Azadian wrapped a blue-and-bronze scarf around my waist as Zoey MacDonald placed a replica tiara of Rowena's diadem on my head. Both girls wouldn't stop asking me extremely personal details about Remus and Sean.

"Is it true that Sean has big hands?" Zoey pressed.

"He always catches the ball." I said, frowning.

"Does Remus like girls with long hair?" Angelina gushed. "How'd he get those manly scars?"

"That's his business, but-"

"Merlin's beard, I love your necklace." Angelina gasped. "Where did you get it?"

I glared at both of them, having reached the end of my patience. "My sister gave it to me! I need some fresh air. No, Anna, I don't want to demonstrate. Yes, really, Artemis, I'm leaving! No, thank you for the celebration, but I'm just tired."

The sound of the party retreated as I left the Common Room. It was close to nine, after curfew, but I didn't care. I wanted to get away from the noise, from the overpowering energy of excitement. I walked quietly down to the Gryffindor portrait of the Fat Lady, willing Remus or Lily to come out.

"Password?" The Fat Lady said sternly. "You look like a Ravenclaw."

"I am." I said wearily. "Can you ask for Remus Lupin or Lily Evans to come out? Please?"

"Afraid I cannot." The Fat Lady said airily. "That's against the rules, and it's past curfew. You should be in bed, you know."

"Look, I really don't feel like arguing with a painting, so could you please just let me in?"

The Fat Lady looked highly affronted. "I beg your pardon, madam, but I am the guardian of Gryffindor's Common Room!" She said in a scandalized tone. "Go back to your dusty little tower. Shoo!"

But I wasn't budging. "Open up. Now."

The Fat Lady looked down disdainfully. "No."

I glared at her. "I'll tell Sirius Black. I know how he's been dying to peel back your canvas and see what's behind it."

"You wouldn't." The Fat Lady said, but she looked nervous now.

"Amber?"

I looked back, relieved to see James and Sirius walking toward the Common Room, their arms laden with food and drink. Clearly, they'd been down into the kitchens pilfering food from eager house elves.

"I want to see Remus or Lily." I told them frankly. "And she won't let me in."

They grinned. "You're not exactly a full-blooded Gryffindor, darling." James said.

"Please don't ever call me that again."

James and Sirius laughed. "Let her in, Vi, she's a Hatstall."

"Oh, really." She sounded highly suspicious. "Password? She stays out."

"Double-standard." I growled.

"Premonition." James said clearly. The Fat Lady swung open.

"We'll get him." Sirius vowed. They returned a minute later with Remus and Peter in tow. I groaned.

"Something tells me she's not really happy to see us." James said, pretending to be hurt. "She just wants her boyfriend."

"James!" I snapped. Remus grinned. "You did great today."

"Thank you." I said pointedly, giving James and Sirius a look. "You two had better watch out during our match."

"You want to try that again?" James said, raising his brows. "You're a little bold there, greenhorn."

"Oh, shut up." Sirius laughed. "Come on, let's go try and get the Giant Squid to come up."

"We'll come along." Remus said, looking at me expectantly. His green eyes shone with nothing but warmth, something I couldn't seen in the eyes of my own parents. Biting my lip, I followed.

"You were amazing today." Remus said quietly, surveying my scarved waist and crowned head. "Looks like you've been celebrating."

"Shut up," I said, but I was grinning. "No more talk about it, okay?"

"Okay," Remus said solemnly, but he was smiling too. We walked together in blissful quiet for a minute before he spoke again.

"By the way," Remus said, side by side with me, "nice tiara."

The weather turned colder in the weeks that followed. The first snows covered the grounds in white and made walking between classes unpleasantly chilly. As Christmas drew nearer, so did the ball that commemorated Helga Hufflepuff's 1000th birthday.

After the first Quidditch match, I was receiving more attention from other students. Several boys now eyed me curiously, like I was some kind of insect they had never seen before. I didn't like the new attention.

"I wish they'd just say what they're thinking or go away." I muttered to Lily as we worked through Potions. Today we were supposed to be making a Shrinking Potion. Mine was so badly gone that thick purple curls of smoke were issuing from it. Lily's was already a healthy, vibrant shade of green, the textbook example of what it was supposed to be.

"Sev thinks that I should be a Potions master." Lily said happily, trying to fix my disastrous attempt. "What do you think?"

I shrugged. "I think James Potter is going to ask you to the ball."

"That's nice." Lily said vaguely, clearly missing what I had just said.

"Lily." I sighed. "Did you even hear me?"

"That's nice." Lily said again, adding a sprig of daisy root to my potion, which bubbled at the addition.

"Oh, forget it." I mumbled. Between Quidditch, homework, classes, and late-night explorations with the Marauders, I found myself more and more drowsy. Even though Mum hadn't protested further since The Incident, I was very glad I had stood my ground and refused to take the extra-hard courses.

Lily and Remus had remained behind with me. They hadn't said why, but I hadn't asked them. I already knew.

"I think Sean Locke will ask you to the ball." Lily mused as my potion, which had been a violent shade of purple, turned dark green. "You should come shopping with me on Saturday to buy a dress."

I moaned. "Do I have to?"

Lily laughed. "You can't wear Quidditch robes to a formal ball, Amber. Honestly."

By the time Professor Slughorn had come by to inspect our work, Lily had miraculously transformed my hissing, roiling purple mess into a serene, leaf-green liquid. Professor Slughorn nodded approvingly. "Better, Harkstone, better. A little less time on the broom and more time in the cauldron would do you good, hmm!"

I rolled my eyes as he turned his large backside toward me and looked down expectantly into Lily's cauldron. He clapped his beefy hands together in jubilation.

"Excellent, excellent!" Slughorn said happily. "You and Severus are neck and neck, Miss Evans. Take a well-earned twenty points for Gryffindor! The rest of you, take note of her skill and better luck next time. Have a happy and safe holiday!"

Lily and I began to pack up. She was in a very good mood; her cheeks were pink and her eyes held a soft glow. She was humming.

"Lily," I said carefully as I stoppered my bottle of leech juice, "is everything alright?"

"Oh, it's wonderful, really." Lily said brightly as she tapped my cauldron. "Evanesco."

The cauldron was empty was more.

"Care to elaborate?" I asked as she tucked her cauldron under one arm and skipped away from the desk.

"Oh, well," she said, blushing slightly, "I've just, well… it's silly, really."

"Tell me." I said as we meandered toward our next class.

Lily giggled. "Sev didn't have anyone to go with to the ball."

Big surprise. I thought.

"And I didn't either. So we decided we'll go together!"

I raised a brow. "As what?"

"As friends, of course." She laughed once, flipping her hair. "I can't believe it. I thought I was going alone."

"I am." I said flatly.

Lily looked surprised. "Really? You're not going with Remus or Sean?"

I frowned. "Why do I have to go with either of them? I think it would be better to go alone. Less drama."

Lily laughed again. "Oh, Amber. Honestly. Boys aren't all bad. You should know, seeing as you run round with four of them most days."

She had given up on the issue after our last fight. We agreed that we wouldn't fight with other another about who our other friends were. I didn't approve of Severus, she didn't approve of James or Sirius. But we had both realized that peace was better than proving the other wrong.

"I'll go with you to get your dress." I conceded, "but you have to understand that I don't feel like going."

Lily shrugged. "I think you're just saying that. I think that deep down, you have a girly-girl all chained up, just waiting to break free."

"Me? In pink and frills? I'd rather pitch myself off the Astronomy Tower."

Lily laughed and shook her head. "You are impossible, Amber Harkstone."

"You have no idea." I muttered as we entered our next class. Remus was waiting for us at our shared tablespace.

"How'd Potions go?" He asked me.

"About as well as it always does." I retorted. I didn't want to think about the ball. I didn't want to think about gussying up or trying to impress anyone. I just wanted to get through the holidays.

Remus frowned. "How's your wand?"

I felt a twist of guilt. Over a month after our discussion by the lake and I still hadn't done anything about it other than pretend it wasn't happening. "Fine."

"She's a little extra snippy today." Lily warned sweetly. "Don't pay any attention."

"I'm right here, you know." I said dryly.

After a boring History of Magic lesson, Lily begged me to help her pick out a hairdo for the ball. "Do I really look like the kind of girl you'd want for that sort of thing?" I asked with trepidation.

Lily shrugged. "Maybe you're right. I'll ask Angelina."

"Remus!" James shouted, waving him over. Sirius and Peter were flanked against him. "Need to talk."

Remus gave us an apologetic look. "I'll see you at dinner." Something flickered in his eyes as he looked at me. I felt an odd fluttering sensation in my stomach, not unlike what I felt before Quidditch practices and matches.

"Hmm?" I said lightly, trying to ignore the uptick in my pulse at his intent look.

Remus cleared his throat, looking nervous. "Nothing. I'll see you later." He left without another word. I stared after him, but he didn't look back.

"What on earth was that all about?" I wondered aloud, following Lily.

Lily chuckled. "Oh, Amber, you're so oblivious it's quite entertaining."

She was baiting me. I refused to take it. Instead, I changed the subject. "Can you help me with my wand?"

Lily paused, glancing at me in surprise. "It's still not working, is it?"

It was more of a statement than a question. Glumly, I nodded.

Lily exhaled. "I can try, Amber. But it's really not something I have too much experience with. You need to talk to Professor Smith."

I hadn't spoken much to her since the summer ended. There just wasn't the time. And I didn't want to face the possibility that my wand had died.

"I'll talk to her about it." I lied.

Lily nodded, seeming pleased. "Good. I'll check in with you, just to make sure you are."

Great. I thought darkly. Just great. Now I'd really have to go through with it.

"Excuse me, ladies." A familiar voice said politely.

We both turned. Sean was standing beside us, looking very handsome with his hair perfectly tousled like he'd just gotten off his broom. His gray eyes were glittering with excitement.

"Hi," Lily and I said. She dissolved into a fit of giggles. I didn't.

"What is it, Sean?" I asked seriously. "Did you want to practice Quidditch again?"

"Yes, and no," Sean said brightly. "Lily, might I have a word alone with your friend?"

"Take your time." Lily said coyly. Before I could stop her, she skipped off.

I glowered after her. "She's been acting so weird lately. All the girls have. I can't wait until the ball is over and things calm down again."

Sean nodded patiently. "Let me walk you to your next class."

"It's Care of Magical Creatures." I said as we walked in tandem down the chilly corridors. I complained more about the weather and the constant smell of roasting meat.

"You're a vegetarian." Sean observed.

"I am." I said matter-of-factly.

"I find that very commendable." Sean said, smiling. "Amber, has anyone asked you to the ball just yet?"

I blushed. "No."

Sean nodded, making an interested noise. "I find that hard to believe. You've become a very attractive young lady."

"I'm thirteen." I blurted. "I'm not that old."

Sean shrugged. "You don't need to be old to be mature and wise, and you are."

I didn't know why he was complimenting me like this. Sean was everything a Hufflepuff aspired to be: handsome, charming, polite, friendly, and a constant commenter on the positive things. But this wasn't like him. He wasn't normally so flattering.

"What's on your mind?" I hedged carefully.

Sean smiled down at me. "Well, Amber, if you would, it would give me the greatest honor if you would allow me to accompany you to the ball."

I blinked several times. "I'm sorry, I think I just hallucinated. What did you say?"

Sean's grin broadened. "I was asking you to the ball."

I stared at him, sure I'd heard wrong. "The ball." I echoed dumbly.

Sean looked at me expectantly. "With me?"

I swallowed against the dryness in my throat. My hands were clammy, my heart pounding like a war drum.

The ball. With Sean. Us.

Together.

A million thoughts were rushing through my mind in the space of just a few moments. How could I go to the ball with Sean? It would mean that Remus wouldn't be able to take me.

Remus…

Why did I have the feeling of betrayal inside of me? If I went with Sean, it would be harmless. Right? Remus and I weren't a couple. We were just friends. Best friends.

And more, weren't we?

I remembered us holding hands in Diagon Alley, on the Hogwarts Express. Him consoling me underneath the beech tree. Writing letters the first summer, when Virginia was gone. Entrusting me with his secret of being a werewolf. Saving my life from the wicked mermaids.

We weren't together, but going with Sean would feel like a betrayal to Remus. No, it wouldn't feel like it… it would be.

Sean was fun. He taught me how to play Quidditch, how to feel good about myself. He was older and charming and sweet. I didn't detect anything malevolent inside of him. His intentions were pure and true.

But I couldn't hurt Remus.

"I'm sorry, Sean," I said awkwardly, unable to meet his eye, "but I'm actually not going to the ball. I'm going home early for Christmas."

Sean took it like the gentleman he was. He nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry you won't be there. I would have enjoyed it a lot more if you were there."

Blushing, I didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry."

Sean nodded again, sighing wistfully. "Thank you anyway. I'll see you on the Quidditch pitch tomorrow night for a friendly game of pass?"

Absolved of my guilt, I nodded. "That sounds wonderful, Sean, really. I would really like that."

Sean smiled reassuringly. "I'll take you to class."

We arrived at Professor Kettleburn's a few minutes later. It was cold, so cold that the winter air bit at my face. Sean waved once to Professor Kettleburn and bade me farewell, before trooping back up to the castle.

Lily was at my side in an instant. "What was that all about?" She whispered excitedly.

I shrugged. "Nothing. He just had a private question."

Lily looked at me mischievously. "What kind of question?"

"Like I said," I said evasively, "a private one."

Lily pouted. "You're no fun."

I gave her a shameless grin. "I know."

I caught the eye of Angelina, who looked strangely smug about something. I frowned. She turned away quickly and started gossiping to Zoey MacDonald. Both girls looked at me again with devious expressions. The stolen glances continued for the rest of the class.

I was still wondering why when I left. But the nagging thought was forgotten as the rest of the classes commenced. It wasn't until dinner that I received my answer.

"I've just asked Sophie Daniels to the ball." James declared loudly as I seated myself next to Remus. Being near him made my skin tingle. I had ruminate about our interactions for the whole day after Sean's proposal, and now, even thinking about Remus made me stomach jolt. Being near him now made me feel like I was about to faint.

"What did she say?" Sirius asked, grinning. "She turn you down?"

"Nope." James said lazily as he popped a grape in his mouth. "She told Ryan Levine she was sorry to change her mind on him, but she dumped him and picked me instead."

Sirius roared, clapping his hands. "Excellent, excellent!"

The two chattered like monkeys in a tree. I turned my attention away from their rambunctious display and reached for a slice of cheese pizza. My arm brushed against Remus'. It was warm and sent tingles back up my arm to my shoulder.

"Hi," I said, amazed at how hard it was to speak to him all of a sudden. In three years, it had never before been an issue.

Remus gave me a cursory glance. "Hello."

He looked unhappy about something. It was nearing full moon again. I assumed it was causing him to feel ill. I offered him a vibrant smile.

"So, the dance," I broached the forbidden subject, swallowing against the tightness in my throat.

"What about it?" Remus asked, voice flat.

I blinked. "Is everything okay?"

Remus' face was hard as stone. Unease filled me. "Remus?"

He rolled his shoulders. "I thought you weren't going."

I shrugged. "I wasn't planning on it, but Lily's been talking about it for weeks, and she's going with Severus."

James spat out his pumpkin juice, all over Peter, who yelped in surprise. "What?"

Sirius' eyes bugged out of his head. "Say that again?"

I frowned. "Lily's going with Severus."

Sirius doubled over in laughter. "Lily Evans is going with Snivellus? Oh, I never thought I'd see the day!"

He and James burst out into raucous laughter. Peter was wiping himself off with a napkin, but he was joining in on the chuckles. I glared at the three of them.

"As friends, yes." I retorted. "What's so bad about that?"

Sirius wheezed. "I hope she brings napkins, she's going to need to wipe up the grease he leaves on the floor!"

I rolled my eyes. Remus, typically reserved, was absolutely stoic. He wasn't touching his plate of steak and rice. Waves of angst rolled off of him.

"Remus," I said quietly, "what's wrong? Do you want to go for a walk?"

"Take your dog for a walk, huh?" James said, eyes suddenly flashing, all humor gone. "Now that you're done with Locke?"

Indignant heat rose to my cheeks. "Excuse me?"

Sirius had stopped laughing too. He was wiping his eyes, where tears had gathered. "Yeah, we saw you two. Walking and talking like a married couple."

I groaned at the ceiling. "Oh, really? And how long did it take you both to come with that conclusion? Two hours?"

"Two minutes." James countered. "Sean asked you to the ball."

I glared at him, refusing to speak.

"Coward." James sneered.

"I am not a coward!" I shot back angrily. "He asked me! Alright? Is that a crime?"

"Should be." Sirius said. "Harkstones should be off-limits."

"Oh, honestly." I turned to face Remus, shutting them out. "Sorry, the mosquitoes were butting in… Hey, I'm talking to you."

Remus was ignoring me. He was nose-deep in a book and gave no indication that he'd heard me.

"Remus." I said again. "Come on, talk to me."

"Why are you so interested in me now?" Remus growled, without looking at me. I blinked, hurt.

"What?" I said, treading carefully.

"Not too bright for a Ravenclaw." James said nastily.

Remus shut his book. "Shut up, James. I don't need your input."

James raised his hands, palms up. "Sorry, mate. I was just-"

"Just what?" Remus snapped. "Butting in as you always do? Enough."

Sirius muttered, "that time of the month" as Remus rose to his feet, tucking his book under his arm. I rose to follow him.

"What's the matter with you?" I asked doggedly as I tailed him out of the Great Hall. "Remus, please! Stop. Stop."

I grabbed him arm. He whirled around to face me. His green eyes were electric-lime, a sign of the waxing full moon. He looked angry.

"You're going to the ball with Locke." He said in disgust. "Sean Locke."

"No, I'm not." I said in annoyance. "I turned him down, because-"

Remus shook his head. "I knew it. I knew it. Lily was wrong. The blokes were right." He turned away, sighing heavily. "I was an idiot. I thought…"

Fear flooded my veins like ice water. "Thought what?" I whispered. My heart was beating so hard I thought for sure he could hear it.

Remus opened his mouth to speak, but whatever words he'd been about to say were never heard.

"Remus! There you are." Angelina Azadian was striding over, beaming. "I was wondering where you'd gone to."

I stared at her, filled with unease and a stronger sense of distaste. "Can we help you?"

Angelina, pretending to notice me for the first time, gave me a haughty look through her dark eyes. She tossed her long sweep of dark, raven-colored hair. "Actually, I wasn't talking to you."

Pride stung, I lifted my chin a notch. "And I didn't see anyone talking to you before you interrupted us. Move along."

But Angelina didn't. She strode over to Remus and gave him an appraising look. "What's her problem? I thought you said you were coming to the ball with me."

I gaped at her, stunned. "Excuse me?"

Angelina looked infuriatingly smug. "You didn't hear? Remus and I are going steady now."

I stared at Remus, all of the light, happy feelings turned to lead inside. "Is this true?"

Remus looked at me, then away. "Yeah."

"I don't believe it." I blurted. "No way. No." Nothing was computing. It was just too ludicrous. Remus was mine.

I stared at them, feeling like a bomb had just been dropped onto me. Her hand was in his hand. The same one that had held mine as we stood in line for my broom. The same one that cradled mine after the vicious, deadly attack on the Hogwarts Express.

"Prove it." I said suddenly, surprising myself. I just couldn't believe it without seeing it. I wanted proof. No, I didn't want to see proof. I just needed to have it.

Angelina smirked. Then, without further ado, she leaned forward and kissed Remus full on the mouth.

Okay, I thought as I felt the awful, slow burn of hot jealousy in my chest, felt the dull, bass-drum thump of my pulse, this is what it feels like to die.