I got up early the next morning and continued my morning routine. I felt good to have everything planned out like I usually did – completely unlike the whole dating scheme with James Potter. My first time being remotely reckless, I do this! I guess my desire for an undisturbed study session defeated my natural thoughtfulness. But now that I agreed to it, I couldn't back down. After I saw James' face after I told him, I couldn't take that hope away from him. And who knows? Maybe it'll actually work.

When I got back from my walk, I found an envelope with my name on it stuck to my dormitory door. Curious, I opened it.

Annie, it read

I think we should go over some rules for this whole dating thing. And you should explain your condition a tad more, don't you think?

Meet me at the greenhouses after last class?

James

I sighed. I was in way over my head.

I arrived at the greenhouses with my bag slung over my shoulder. It was now October, so it was getting progressively chillier by the day. I was glad I thought to bring my heavy jacket.

"Hey Annie, you got my note?" said James. He was leaning against Greenhouse 2 with the usual smirk on his face, looking cool as a cucumber. However, I had a feeling he was as nervous as I was. I nodded. "So – er – I thought that we should make a guideline of some sort, y'know? So no one's uncomfortable."

I smiled, throwing my bag on the ground. It was a relief that he was as awkward in this situation as I was. "It's a good idea; I was going to suggest it. Should we make it official by writing it down? Or should we just, you know ...?"

"I guess we should write it down for reference, it we're sure no one finds it," he said. I took out a piece of parchment from my bag and a quill. I dipped the quill in a pot of black ink and waited patiently for James.

"Okay!" he said suddenly, bringing his hands together. "I'm thinking physical contact should be reduced to hugs, and possibly holding hands. We have to make it somewhat believable but not go too far, don't you think?"

I nodded, though I was really thinking how I didn't even want to look at him. How exactly was I supposed to be his girlfriend, again? "Sounds good," I said, jotting it down.

"And only arms around each other if times are dire, yes?"

"Sure," I replied, adding that quickly.

James thought for a moment. "We need to come up with guidelines for when Lily's around. Like, should we just act like we're dating when she's around, or should we act all lovey-dovey regardless of who's there? Thoughts?"

"I think that we should kind of ..." I struggled for the right words. "Act friendly at regular times, but act really 'lovey-dovey' when Lily's near. If we're trying to make her jealous, we have to do it right. Like, how I sit beside her in Charms. I'll just talk to her about how great you are for the whole class. That's bound to get her envious."

"Good idea." James started chuckling. "What if, whenever we see Lily, you start immediately laughing hysterically and go 'Oh, Jamesie! You're so funny!'"

I laughed, finally starting to feel somewhat comfortable. "I do not sound like that! Nor do I wave my hands around and cross my eyes!"

"Just an impression," he said with a smirk. "Now, how about ..."

At the end of the hour, our guidelines were as follows:

1. Physical contact to be reduced to hugs, holding hands, and possibly arms around each other.

2. Act friendly towards each other at all times, regardless of current feelings.

3. Act 'lovey-dovey' if Lily, one of her friends or anyone particularly gossipy is seen.

4. Only speak to Lily about the other person. Compliments are necessary. Be annoying as possible.

5. Go over any plans or thoughts regarding future actions with other person.

6. NEVER tell Lily of this plan.

7. Annie must gush about James at any possible moment. (James added that with a smirk).

8. James must stop being stupid or this foolishness will never work. (I added that upon seeing number 7).

*Guidelines may be added after consulting other person*

"Sorry mates, but we can't demonstrate our brilliance in the common room from Sunday to Thursdays anymore," I announced. The three looked up from their new experiment (taking place on my bed, of all places) in surprise. The fire at the end of their wands distinguished, leaving the air around them full of light smoke.

"Er – pardon Prongs?" asked Remus, coughing. He never really cared for the pranks we did, but I suppose it was shocking for me to stop it like this.

"Annie doesn't want us to on any night she'll probably have homework. She said it's distracting. We still have weekends, at any rate."

Sirius looked incredulous. "How am I supposed to show off my magnificent Transfiguring Squirrel Cufflinks if we can't be in the common room on weeknights? Come on James, you're not even actually dating this girl and you're already whipped!"

"I'm sorry, but that was her one and only condition. It's the only way Padfoot, c'mon! Do this for me, please! It'll only last a month, tops."

He shrugged, still slightly angry. "I don't know. Remus?"

"I actually prefer it this way."

He scowled. "Peter?"

Wormtail made a face. "Annie's had to deal with us distracting her for years. I guess it's only fair to have a month to herself and her studies."

I grinned. "Excellent, Peter. With thoughts like that, you may be up to replace Moony!"

"Hey, I would like to think that I am utterly irreplaceable, thank you very much."

A pretty short, awkward chapter ending rather short and awkwardly. Oh well. Hope you review!