Chapter Twenty Three: I would never let him see me cry.

I was the first person in History of Magic. I soon realised that this was a grave mistake. Professor Binns wandered over and began to lecture me on the Goblin Rebellion of 1486. Cass and Bella saved me, by slipping into the seats on either side of me, scowling deeply.

"You're performance at lunch was… entertaining." Cassie began carefully.

"YOU SAT IN SIRIUS' LAP!" Bella screeched accusingly at me.

I blinked once, and then placed a hand on her arm. "It was just a joke…"

"JUST A JOKE? JUST A JOKE? IT DIDN'T LOOK LIKE IT FROM WHERE I WAS SITTING!" Her voice was incredibly high-pitched and shrill.

I turned to Cass, tears filling my eyes. "Do you think I meant it?" I asked softly.

She wrapped her arms around me and made comforting noises. "Of course not. Belle knows too, but she just needs time to simmer down. Give her space."

I smiled weakly and hugged Cassie back. "Thanks. It was just to annoy James, really."

"Miss Evans, Miss Figg, Miss Parks you each have a detention on Friday evening with Mr Filch for disrupting the class." With that the professor turned back to the class and continued in his incredibly boring drone-like voice.

The Marauders waltzed in, about ten minutes late. Professor Binns raised an eyebrow and said; "You each have detention on Friday evening with Mr Filch for your tardiness."

They grinned and thanked him, before sitting down and promptly falling asleep.

The rest of the lesson lasted without interruption. Soon we were filing out into the corridor, Cassie separating Bella and I.

"Belle, won't you even listen?" I asked in exasperation.

"What is there to listen to? You SAT in his lap!" She replied coldly, before stalking off with her nose thrown high in the air.

"She'll come round." Cassie hugged me reassuringly.

"Aww, isn't that sweet? The Mudblood and her dirty half-blood friend are lesbians. Which one gets to be on top?" A greasy drawl echoed from behind them.

Cass looked at me, warning me silently to drop the matter. But I was so angry; I could feel my anger bubbling in the pit of my stomach. I turned around on my heel, reeled back and punched him squarely in the jaw.

"You ever talk like that about my friends again; they'll send you back to your family in a matchbox. Clear?" I hissed.

"Crystal." He snarled, holding his face with both hands.

I stalked off, pulling Cassie with me, who looked ready to murder.

As we rounded the corner, James, Sirius and Remus ran up to us, panting and blowing.

"You punched Snape." Sirius stared at me in awe for the second time that day.

"He insulted Cassie." I replied off-handedly.

James took my hand gently and turned me to face him. My breathing quickened and I felt a jolt of electricity surge up my spine, making me dizzy.

He leaned closer and breathed softly on my skin, prompting goosebumps. "That was the meanest right hook I've ever seen."

My eyes widened as he brushed his lips against mine.

Letting go of my hand, he offered a weak smile and hurried away.

~~* Later *~~

I walked slowly out onto the Quidditch pitch and sat in the stands, blowing on my hands to warm them. Even though it was February, it was still cold. I pulled my cloak closer and snuggled into it.

Then what I was waiting for happened.

The Gryffindor Quidditch team appeared from the locker rooms. Ashanti Williams, Jocelin Ryann, and Patrick Hudson were the Chasers. Sirius and Aaron Johnson were Beaters and James was the Seeker.

I stamped my feet to knock them back to life and sat back down, my eyes downcast as James glanced up and spotted me.

He mounted his broom and flew over.

"What are you doing here?" He asked accusingly.

I stared wide-eyed at his tone and replied; "I was bored."

"Go away. You distract the team." He snapped.

I looked back at him and realised he was deadly serious.

With a heavy heart, I rose to my feet and leapt swiftly down to the ground, where I stood for a moment, swaying slightly and catching my breath, before turning huge, lamp-like eyes, liquefied by tears upon James and making a solemn promise to myself. That I would never fall for him again.

Then I turned on my heel and bounded across the grounds, pushing Sirius away as he approached, a worried expression on his face. As soon as I reached the safety of the school, I let my hot tears course down my cheeks.

An empty feeling lodged itself in my stomach and I wiped the water away. I stood with new determination. I was strong. I would never let him see me cry.

~~~***~~~

Hiya guys! Whad'ya think?

Review please and I ain't posting anymore chapters till I get, say… *pauses to think* 5 reviews.

Lol

xXxxXxxXxxXxxXxxXXxxXxXxXxXxXx