Chapter 13

So, this is Heaven, Faith thought to herself as Dean ran his fingers through her hair. They were occupying a couch in the Ravenclaw common room. Her head was resting on his lap.

When they had first started coming here, Faith had been given weird looks but now everyone was used to them hanging out. Sure, it wasn't the alone time they both would have liked but with everyone was preoccupied and nobody bothered them. She could, at any given moment, look around to see students studying, talking amongst themselves, or playing Wizard's Chess, not a soul glancing at her and Dean. Not that it would have mattered if anyone were to look at them; they were lost in their own little world.

Faith shifted her head slightly on Dean's lap. "Are you awake?" he asked, his hand leaving her soft blonde hair to rest upon her shoulder.

Faith looked up at him and smiled, "Yeah, I'm awake; just enjoying being here with you. Play with my hair some more, that feels really good."

Dean chuckled but obliged. They sat in silence for a few more seconds before Faith pushed herself up into a sitting position. Scooting closer, she rested on Dean's chest.

"Hi," she said, grinning up at him; her heart swelling up with happiness. It was small moments like this that she loved, when they got away from everyone. She loved her friends, Lily and Carmen, and she's even come to have a soft spot in her heart for the Marauders, but it was moments when it was just her and Dean that she cherished the most.

"Hello." Dean replied, unable to contain his own smile when he looked at her. "What's with the smile?"

"Oh, nothing. I'm just happy. You make me happy." Faith admitted unabashedly.

"You're beautiful," Dean told her. Faith glanced away and gave a slight shake of the head. Dean caught her chin with his finger and lifted her head to make contact with her stunning blue eyes. "I mean it," he insisted. "I have never met anyone as beautiful or amazing as you."

"Wow…I don't know what to say…" Faith blushed slightly. Something Dean had never seen her do.

"You don't have to say anything," Dean told her, grinning. "I just thought you should know." He pressed a gentle kiss to her fore head. "I don't know how I made it the past six years at Hogwarts without you…I know that sounds corny but…it's the truth."

Faith was speechless. Her mind couldn't comprehend anything but "Awww!" It was a good thing humans couldn't melt; otherwise, she'd be a puddle on the floor right now. He was so sweet. He made her feel like a Princess; when she was around, he acted as if he was in the presence of royalty. Just thinking about him putting a smile on her face and the mere anticipation of seeing him again made the butterflies in her stomach flutter uncontrollably.

She wouldn't go as far to say she loved him but she was pretty sure this was as close as one could get. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. His scent engulfed her and she listened to his heartbeat. His hand gently rubbed her arm, making small circles on her shoulders.

She was so lucky. Dean was the sweetest guy in the world, when he told her she was beautiful, she believed him. She knew when he complimented her that it was just some ploy, that he actually meant it. She didn't know how she knew this but she just did. She could tell by the way his eyes lit up he saw her, and the way he held onto her as if he would never let her go; the way he held her hand so he wouldn't lose her. And when he kissed her, she knew he was thinking the same thing as her: This was all too good to be true.

Faith wouldn't even allow herself to wonder how this one was going to end as she had in the past. Probably because she didn't want this one to end, she wanted to see where it would take her. She wanted to see what kind of future she and Dean had because he was the first guy she could see herself with in five years. She didn't even want to think of the possibility of this ending. In fact, it wasn't even a thought that had crossed her mind. Every second she was with him, was the best moment of her life. Each day she found she liked him even more. She was falling for him fast. And for the first time in her life, she didn't care. She found she rather liked liking him.

Dean's voice interrupted her train of thought.

"I've been thinking…" the boy began. His voice was a little shaky, causing Faith to lift her head from his shoulder and meet his dusty grey eyes with her own.

"Yeah?" Faith said.

"Well…" he started but didn't say anything else. Faith's heart began to race, thinking of all the possibilities. He was going to break up with her? He had another girlfriend? All the thoughts and promises of the previous moments left her mind as she began to prepare herself for the worst.

"Dean…what is it?" Faith asked, pushing herself away from him slightly.

Dean's hands joined together. "We've been dating for only a month or so and…I don't want to jump into anything…or assume too much since Christmas isn't for another month…but…" She felt herself physically relax; so he probably wasn't going to break up with her. At least, that's where she hoped this was going.

"But?" she fought to hide the annoyance and anticipation from her voice.

"Okay, I was wondering if…and you don't have to…but I was thinking maybe you could come home with me for the Holidays and meet my family…" By the time he had finished, his eyes had dropped to his wrung hands.

"Oh…" Faith was speechless, and filled with joy. He wanted her to meet his parents! He wanted to share her with his family! That meant he really did like her! She fought the urge to jump up and down, squealing. She, however, couldn't keep the smile from her face. It took all of her will power to keep her voice steady as she replied with "Okay."

"Okay?" Dean glanced up at her slightly confused, taking the forced calm in her voice as something more of a question than an answer. "Okay what?"

"I'll go with you to meet your family," Faith clarified, still grinning. She watched as his lips curled into a smile.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really!" Faith grinned. "I mean, as long as you want me to."

"Of course I do!" Dean insisted. "My Mum's been waiting for me to find a girl I wanted to bring home…And I think I've finally found her."

Dean pressed his lips to hers and pulled her in for a kiss. His hands buried themselves in her hair. It didn't matter that they were surrounded by people, it was only them. They were alone in their own world. She was infatuated with this boy and she didn't care who knew.

Unfortunately, Dean was not so open to PDA, and pulled away before she had even gotten a proper taste. With a small groan, she ran her fingers through her hair.

"We need to get our own place," she said, matter-of-factly.

"Sorry," Dean muttered, he knew full well about her disposition to his opposition of snogging in public. "But I was raised to be a gentleman and groping my girlfriend in public doesn't qualify as courteous."

"I know, I know…" Faith grumbled. "That's why I'm saying we need to get a place."

"Ooh, a place…To do what?" Dean asked, grinning.

"Whatever you want," Faith said with a small wink.

Dean chuckled and reddened slightly. Faith loved the fact that he was so chaste. Merciless minutes were often spent teasing him. Even though she was about as experienced as he was, she was more open about her desires while he expressed them in more subtle ways. Dean was not like other guys. He was quiet, more reserved, while she was loud and outgoing. They balanced each other out. It amazed her how much she wanted him. She had never wanted anyone, or anything, more. She eagerly awaited the next time she could be with him and just cuddle…or kiss; even though they spent more time doing the former.

A small pout replaced her mischievous grin. "But seriously though, can't we kick your roommates out of the dorm?"

Dean chuckled. "They're studying. If there's one thing you never mess with it's a Ravenclaw who's studying."

"I know…" Faith sighed.

"Speaking of studying, I should really be getting to work on my homework. I'll walk you to your common room."

"Okay," Faith said with dismay. Dean, as amazing as he was, was still a Ravenclaw and therefore took his studies as serious as the rest of them.

She disentangled herself from Dean and they stood and left the common room. On the walk to the common room, Dean grabbed her hand and smiled down at her.

"So, is there anything I need to know about your parents?" Faith asked.

"Um, no they're pretty easy going. And don't worry, my Mum's not one of those types that's overly stuck up. She's gotten used to giving her boys away to girls."

Faith smiled. "Well, she has a while before I'll be stealing you away from her."

Dean's own smile dropped. "Oh, I didn't mean…I mean, I was…I don't want to rush anything…I mean…We've only been dating a month…I-"

Faith giggled. He was so cute when he got flustered. "Dean, I was just kidding. I know what you meant."

"Oh…Okay," Dean blushed slightly, "I just didn't want you to think I was implying…"

"Don't worry about it," Faith insisted. There was an awkward silence in which only their footsteps could be heard. "So…We've covered your Mum…What about your dad."

"Oh, my Dad…He tends to think he's actually funnier than he is. Just make sure you laugh at his jokes, even if they're not funny."

Faith nodded. "I can do that. I'm good at laughing."

"You have a beautiful laugh."

Faith felt the warm feeling she always got when Dean complimented her. A few minutes later, they arrived outside the portrait of the Fat Lady. Faith pushed herself up for a quick kiss.

"Have a good night," he told her.

"You too. Bye," Faith said. She watched as he turned and walked away. She waited until he was out of sight before saying the password and walking inside.

****

"Hey, Lily, what'd you get for number 12?"

The redhead yelped in surprise and jumped away from him.

The first poke had been an honest mistake. James had merely wanted to get her attention. Her reaction is what caused the mischievous grin to creep upon his face.

"What?" Lily asked, eyeing him wearily. She did not like that look, not one bit.

"Ticklish?" he asked devilishly, scooting closer.

"James, no. I don't like to be-"

Her words were drowned out in a loud squeal as she tried to escape but found she couldn't go anywhere. The smallest movement would result in her landing on the floor. A quick assessment decided that being tickled was definitely better than having a sore bum. She curled up as James began tickling her mercilessly. His hands attacked her stomach, sides, and back.

"Please…stop," Lily gasped between giggles. "Can't…breath."

"You seem like you're breathing fine to me, Lily," James said through a grin as he continued his attack.

He watched as she squirmed, trying to get away from him but having nowhere to go. Sure, he could stop at any moment, but he was enjoying this. Adorable. That was the word that came to mind, the one that described her at this moment. Her laugh was beautiful, something he would cherish forever. He found himself laughing, he couldn't help it.

"Sorry," Faith said, walking into the room. "I really hope I'm not interrupting." She grinned at the sight before her.

"No, of course not," Lily said hastily. James promptly stopped his attack on her as the two sat up. Lily took the opportunity to punch her attacker in the arm. "We were just…" the redhead trialed off, trying to recall what they had been doing before James started tickling her.

"Doing homework!" James provided, waving a crumpled piece of parchment.

"Uh, sure," Faith laughed. "Well if you guys are done with your homework, I'd really like to speak to Lily."

"Yeah, we were just finishing up," Lily said nervously, standing from the bed. She glanced down and frowned slightly at her rumpled clothes. She tugged on her shirt and smoothed down her skirt.

"I could tell," Faith laughed.

Lily glared at her friend before gathering her books together. She felt James' eyes on her as she reached across the bed to grab one of her quill. She glanced up at him, slightly taken back by the look in his eyes. If she didn't know any better, she would say it was desire. But that was absurd; she and James weren't like that. They were just friends. He noticed her looking and stuck his tongue out at her playfully. She shook her head slightly, smiling. The two girls said goodbye to James and left his dorm.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Lily asked once they were upstairs in their own dorm.

Faith smiled. "Ah, I see, trying to distract me before I can make any comments about you and James…I get it…Smart move."

"Faith…" Lily said with raised eyebrows.

"Okay, okay! I'll tell you…Dean invited me to go spend Christmas with him! He wants me to meet his family!" Her statement ended in a squeal.

"Oh my God, Faith, that's wonderful!" Lily said, embracing her friend in a hug. "I'm so happy for you! His parents are going to love you."

"Yeah," Faith's voice faltered a bit. Something that Lily picked up on immediately. "Yeah, but…what if they don't?"

Bloody hell! Lily was afraid of that.

"Faith, they will. Dean seems to really like you and you make him happy. How can his parents not like you?"

"I guess you're right…But, I mean. I can be a bit…ditzy sometimes. What if I break some really expensive vase or something?"

"Faith, you are a great person. His parents are going to love you…just don't offer to help in the kitchen…or with any heavy lifting and you will be fine. I promise. Just be yourself. You're the most likeable person on the planet."

"If you say so…" Faith agreed half-heartedly.

"Faith, do not do this to yourself. I know how you are. You're get all worried and cancel the plans. Just be yourself and don't think about it too much. Everything will work out. You'll see."

Finally, Faith nodded. "Okay. I'll try not to think about it. I mean, it's like you said, Dean really likes me…"

"Of course," Lily smiled. "It'll be okay."

Now, it was Faith's turn to smile. "So, what's going on between you and James?"

Lily groaned, she knew this was coming. "Nothing. We were just doing homework."

"That's not what I walked in on," she gave a knowing smile.

"James was just tickling me; that's all. It doesn't mean anything." Lily insisted, fighting not to let her mind go back to that look he had been giving her before she left his dorm.

"Uh huh, sure. If you say so."

Lily rolled her eyes. There was no arguing with the blonde. Everyone seemed to think there was more going on between her and James and there was little either of them could say to persuade them otherwise. She could, however, walk away from the situation at hand. "I'm going to take a shower."