A/N: Right, this chapter is entirely Juliet's POV, rather than the first one which was all three. I'm hoping that this is substantially better than Chapter 1. It also seems to be much closer to my normal style (reflective, present tense and short(ish) sentences) than the last chapter. Basically, the less sad about the last chapter the better.

-

She's early. Not early early. But still early enough to be early.

Of course, she arrives after Ruth. But everyone does.

Her steps are measured as she mounts to stairs leading to her new room. Her heels click lightly against the un-even stone floor (it's supposed to have been there since 1543, like she believes that).

-

It would be wrong to say that the school didn't want their prefects to be pampered. The en-suite is well stocked with fluffy towels (the same deep red as her badge) and the bath isn't exactly small. The room itself has two queen size beds (again clothed in the dark scarlet). She was vaguely impressed. It was definitely a step up from the accommodation the school's provided her with for the last 4 years.

She's not entirely sure whether to feel intimidated or at home.

-

"Juliet, how are you?" Mrs Philips greets her as she leaves her room to go down to Mrs Reed.

"I'm great thanks; did you have a nice summer?" She's learnt by now that it's worthless trying to shake off her head of house with the usual excuses.

"Oh yes, and congratulations." The older woman gestures towards her badge. "I expected nothing less of you three."

"Thank you Miss. I need to go and see Miss Reed now."

-

Juliet's less than surprised to find Ruth already waiting outside the Head of Year's office. She makes a stab of civility with a hello, how're you?

All she's given in response is a nasty look (Juliet's speciality) and I'm fine.

Harry joins them 5 minutes later. She can talk to him. He's credible, intelligent, and likes ketchup on (rather than next to) his chips, it's a boy thing he assures her.

"Sure?" She says lightly, smiling shyly. Her cheeks are flushed and it's one of those moments when he looks at her and the world just stops.

He chuckles. "I'm sure."

There's an under-current of electricity (high voltage) and she's not entirely sure what to do. She certainly can't just leave it like this.

It makes her wonder.

-

5 minutes of boredom later they leave the room and begin to walk towards the common room together, they talk (and usually end up arguing) about music and books and all that crap.

She likes his voice. The soft commanding treacle smells of a voice newly-broken. It rolls over his tongue with soft northern vowels and she notes the jealousy in the glance Ruth shoots at her as she and Harry continue to make easy conversation (she plans to keep him talking as long as is possible).

They reach the stairs to the dorms all too soon and she turns to say goodnight to him, "There's a rugby game tonight. I'd say you could come and watch it with me but it's not really fair a prefect should break the rules."

He laughs a gentle, deep and piercing laugh and reaches over, his thumbs brushes lightly against her jaw (she thanks god Ruth has already gone upstairs). She looks down into his eyes. Milky coffee meeting cold blue.

"Goodnight, Juliet." Is all he says.

She refuses to believe that he doesn't feel something too.

-

Ruth's in her pyjamas (blue flannel) when she enters the room. "You like Harry, don't you?" she asks as she stares into Juliet's eyes reflected in the mirror.

"What do you mean?" She's faking ignorance, instead occupying herself with a hair brush.

"I think you know what I mean." Her voice isn't smooth and soft like it usually is. It's chilly and piercing. She remains staring straight ahead at her reflection in the mirror.

"I really don't know what you're talking about. We're friends." A hint of annoyance joins the overly-sweet tone of her voice. It's like coffee which some idiot's put too much sugar into.

"No you're not, you argue incessantly. It's clear you like him in that way." A muscle is clenched in Ruth's jaw as she tugs the comb through her hair.

"I really don't know what you're talking about Ruth. You're imagination's running away with you again." She finishes getting undressed and slips on her pyjamas and dressing gown. "There's nothing there. I promise." She plasters a fake smile on her face. She hasn't always been this good at lying.

-

She meets Harry in the common room the next morning. "Coffee? How about Saturday?"

It's nice to have this, the conversation that she's been aching for. He brushes his fingers against her hand.

"Why not?" He says.

Please review. Thanks xxx