"Ravenclaw are weak this year," James' head was very close to Poppet's in the pre-match huddle they were having. She could smell clean linen. She bit her lip and shook her head. This was not the time. She had to focus on winning. "They've got a strong seeker but their defence is poor."

"Did Jeanette tell you this?" Florence giggled.

"No," James said, bluntly. "This means that Hastings, Tobias and Al need to push as much as they can and score as much as they can. I might not get the snitch."

"Bollocks," Blane snorted, "I can't think of a match where James Potter hasn't caught the snitch."

James beamed, "it's unlikely but it could happen."

The team nodded. James spieled off some more about teamwork and trying their best and not to be too worried if the result didn't go their way. Poppet interjected and told everyone there had to be a party tonight and if they didn't win, she'd be very unhappy.

James shot her an amused look. "You ruined my speech."

"It was ruining itself."

Ten minutes into the game and Ravenclaw had scored. James shouted something at Poppet and Tobias but she couldn't hear exactly what he was saying. It was windy and nobody's word carried. Poppet found herself with the Quaffle in her hand and she surged to the opposite end of the pitch. A stocky Ravenclaw player tried to slam himself into her but she was too fast. She shot upwards and then slammed the Quaffle through the goal. The crowd screamed. Poppet looked for James for reassurance but couldn't see him. She guessed he was up high.

The wind howled. Poppet could barely hear the commentator announcing goals. She threw the Quaffle through the goal again and again. Tobias and Albus scored again and again. The Ravenclaw defence was weak. Their attack was strong but Gryffindor defence was stronger. Forty minutes into the game the score was sixty to ten. Tobias made it seventy. The wind kept dragging Poppet off course.

A bludger soared past her ear – a whisker away from hitting her in the face. She gasped. A Ravenclaw beater with a sly smile had knocked it her way. She scowled at him and soared off to the attacking end where Albus was about to make another goal. James was suddenly in sight, diving down from where he'd been and shooting towards the rafters.

"JAMES POTTER HAS SEEN THE GOLDEN SNITCH!"

Ravenclaw scored again. If James caught the snitch, Gryffindor would win. If Gryffindor won and Hufflepuff lost tomorrow, the House Cup would be in the bag for Gryffindor. If Gryffindor lost, it was still all to play for, assuming Slytherin won tomorrow. However, Poppet needn't have worried. Within ten minutes, the snitch was in the palm of James Potter's gloved hands, its wings flapping lazily.

Poppet landed and found James' arms wrapped around her instantly. "We won!"

Blushing, Poppet pulled away from the hug. "We did!"

Poppet embraced her father and mother as they ran onto the pitch. Douglas was beaming with pride and Jennifer was just excited to see her daughter. James came over and shook hands with Douglas, smiling and joking with him as if they were old friends. Ginny ran over to hug Poppet, full of her praises. Harry apparently couldn't make the match today but Ginny had enough pride for her sons for both of them. She planted a wet kiss on Albus' cheek and he rubbed it off, grumbling.

Before long, Jeanette was on the pitch and then consequently on James' lips. Ginny looked very taken aback. "I didn't know you two were – uh – back on?"

"Hi, Mrs. Potter," Jeanette smiled.

Ginny didn't ask her to call her by her first name.

"Uh yeah, we've been back together like three weeks now," James grumbled. Poppet looked away.

"I see," Ginny said, smiling faintly.

"Well, Jamesie," Jeanette cooed, "I'm not happy you beat Ravenclaw but you look sexy in your Quidditch outfit so I honestly couldn't care less."

Poppet and her parents walked back up to the school with Florence, Albus and Ginny. Ginny was evidentially miffed that James was back together with Jeanette but didn't say it explicitly. She questioned Albus about it and he gave short, monosyballic responses.

"I just don't get why they're together," Albus shrugged, "I honestly thought he had a thing for Poppet. I guess not."

"What?" Poppet stopped walking and turned her head to Albus.

"Well, he bought you that necklace and kept getting jealous about you and Tobias," Albus said, unsure of himself, "I just figured it was because he liked you."

"Wow," Poppet said, thoughtfully, touching the necklace that hung around her neck lightly with her fingertips.

"But, he's with Jeanette. So, I guess I'm wrong," Albus sighed.

Poppet didn't say anything after that. Albus was right, he was with Jeanette now. But what if he had liked her? Maybe he kissed her on New Year's Eve to try and gauge if she liked him back. When she reacted badly, maybe he decided that he hadn't got a shot and just dropped it. Poppet let her mind run away with her, realising that she was now wishing she had a time turner so she could go back to that night and react differently. But why was she thinking like this? She didn't like James, did she? No, of course not. That would be ridiculous.

Everyone said goodbye to their parents and made their way to the Great Hall for lunch time. As per usual, hot soup lay in large dishes in the middle of the tables. Mountains of crusty rolls in baskets stood next to them surrounded by large pitchers of tea and pumpkin juice. Poppet sat down with Albus and Florence. They seemed to be some of the first back up from the pitch. Blane and Tobias made their way into the hall and sat far away from Poppet and Florence. Florence let out a indignant grunt. "He's my boyfriend! Not Tobias'!"

Poppet ignored her. She'd helped herself to a large bowl of leek and potato soup and was buttering a roll to go with it. Albus hadn't got any food for himself. Evidentially he was waiting for Ross or someone to enter the hall so that he could move and sit with him. Poppet didn't blame him. She wouldn't want to be sat with a ranting Florence.

When Poppet saw James enter the Great Hall, it hit her like a ton of bricks. He looked so handsome. He wasn't hot like Tobias. He wasn't cute like Blane. He was handsome. His jaw line was chiselled and his shoulders were broad. His eyes were a glossy, chestnut brown. He was smiling widely. He loved winning. Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table as he entered the Hall. James practically glowed. Poppet found her eyes glued to him. She was watching every movement so carefully. Thankfully, Jeanette hadn't entered with him. In fact, she was not anywhere to be seen. Poppet found herself feeling glad that she wasn't there.

"You and I need to have a talk, Pops," Florence snapped, clearly noticing her staring at James.

Poppet blushed. "What about?"

"Later," Florence hissed.

James came and sat down with them, shouting his praises about both their performances that match. Roxanne, Jocelyn, Adam, Rose and Hugo joined them Poppet ate her soup and the excused herself. Florence quickly followed her, catching up with her as she was about to enter through the portrait hole.

"I knew you liked him," Florence said, grabbing Poppet's wrist.

"I don't know what you mean," Poppet walked into the common room, shaking herself free of Florence's grip.

"Like hell," Florence stood in front of Poppet to stop her walking up into the dorms. Poppet glowered at her. "I saw the way you looked at him. You freaking like him."

"I don't-"

"Poppet," Florence said, her voice softer and lower, "I know you. You're my best friend. I can tell. You don't need to lie. I won't tell Roxy."

"We kissed."

"Excuse me?" Florence looked taken aback. Poppet used this momentary shock to dart upstairs. Florence followed her. "What do you mean you kissed?"

"Our lips touched, Flo," Poppet said, her voice thick with sarcasm.

Florence rolled her eyes. "When was this?"

"Well, the first time-"

"You've kissed him more than once?" Florence was practically beside herself. Poppet couldn't tell if she was upset, shocked or angry. Either way, it wasn't a pleasant emotion.

"- was at New Year's Eve, after you all went home. The second time was after Quidditch practice a few weeks ago," Poppet finished and ran into the dorm. Florence shut the door behind her as she entered also.

"A few weeks ago? He was with Jeanette then?" Florence asked. Her face was red and she was clearly flustered. Poppet wasn't surprised. This was a lot to take in.

"Why'd you think I ran out of the Great Hall after I found out? We kissed literally forty five minutes before that. I felt so awful. I didn't want to be a mistress," Poppet lay herself down on her bed and sighed dramatically, "And now, I keep... I don't know..."

"And now you like him." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

Poppet propped herself up on her elbows and looked at Florence, "I think I do. Oh, for Godric's sake... I didn't ask for this! Well, there's nothing I can do now. He has a girlfriend – who is part Veela. But, I can't stop thinking about him. He consumes me. Every waking moment is him."

"Oh, Pops. You've got it bad for a Potter. I'm surprised I didn't see this coming, to be honest," Florence sat down on the bed next to her best friend and put one arm around her, pulling her into a hug, "I'm afraid you'll just have to control it. Getting on the wrong side of Jeanette Fields is the worst thing you could do."

"You can't tell anyone. You have to promise me," Poppet whispered. She had started to cry.

"I promise," Florence hugged her tighter.

"I'm so pathetic," Poppet wiped the tears from her eyes with her index finger, sniffing.

"You're not pathetic. You're a teenager," Florence laughed. Poppet gave her a watery smile in return. The pair sat in silence for a while, Poppet crying on Florence's shoulder. In that moment, Poppet felt so grateful that she had a friend like Flo.

Poppet wandered to the bathroom with Florence behind her about ten minutes later to clean herself up. Florence had told her, in the nicest way possible, that she kind of looked like a mess so, laughing, the two girls had decided to clear her up. Mascara stained her cheeks and her face was red and puffy. She splashed water on her face and Florence sat cross legged on the floor by the window.

"So, what was it like?" Florence said, giggling, "kissing a Potter, I mean?"

"The first time it was a little shocking. The second time... it was hot," Poppet smirked as she reapplied her eyeliner. "I just wanted to take off all his clothes and-"

Florence pulled a face of pure disgust. "Sorry, I can't even begin to think about James that way."

"You can't deny that he's attractive, though," Poppet was laughing now.

"I mean, I guess. If you're into that 'devil-may-care' kind of image," Florence shrugged, "which I'm guessing you are."

Poppet raised her eyebrow coyly and Florence laughed.

"You have to keep me away from him, tonight," Poppet said as the girls made their way back downstairs to the common room. "I can't be trusted around him while I'm drunk."

"Don't drink, then," Florence said, simply.

"I think I need to," Poppet laughed.

The party started at eight, after dinner, and at eight fifteen Poppet, Florence, Jocelyn and Roxanne made their way into the common room. The atmosphere wasn't the same as last time. Poppet thought that it probably had something to do with Slytherin being the main rivals to Gryffindor. A victory over Ravenclaw was good but it wasn't as satisfying. Everyone was happy though, laughing and joking with bottles of Butterbeer in their hands and Tobias was pouring glasses of what looked like Elderflower wine and handing them out to sixth and seventh years. Casually, Poppet scanned the room looking for James. She couldn't see him.

Florence told Poppet that she would go and get her a drink – probably to save an awkward encounter with Tobias – and Poppet thanked her, taking a seat by the fire. And then, as if he appeared from out of nowhere, James appeared.

"Hey stranger," He said, taking a seat next to her. "I didn't see you at dinner."

"That's because you were sat at the Ravenclaw table," Poppet said, bluntly.

"Yeah, I was," James nodded, "I still didn't see you though."

"I was there," Poppet looked over at Florence to see what was taking her so long. Blane. Poppet sighed.

"Sorry I didn't come and say hi," James rubbed the back of his neck, awkwardly. Poppet was internally panicking. This was so awkward. She didn't want anyone to catch on. She needed to salvage this.

"That's okay," Poppet said, her tone brighter. "Elderflower wine tonight, eh?"

"Yeah," James seemed startled by her change of tune. "It's not as nice as Firewhiskey."

"I agree," Poppet nodded, smiling. "Are we all stripping tonight?"

James laughed. "It wouldn't be a Gryffindor victory party without a half-naked team, Hastings."

Poppet grinned, "I look forward to it."

James took a deep breath. Poppet caught his eye. He smiled. "Where are your posse tonight then, Hastings?"

"Flo was meant to be getting me a beverage of the alcoholic variety," Poppet said, "I believe she has lost sight of the mission, as her tongue is currently down her boyfriend's throat."

"Ah, classic Flo," James nodded. He thrust his glass at Poppet. "Have some of mine while you wait."

Poppet took a sip and smiled at James from over the top of her glass. He grinned back and she passed him the glass again. "Thanks, Potter."

"What about Roxy and Jocelyn? Where are they?" James asked.

"I don't know," Poppet answered, honestly. "You concerned for your cousin?"

"Nah," James said, leaning back into the chair he was sat in so rigidly. "She can hold her own."

"That's an understatement," Poppet laughed.

"It's nice to see you laugh," James said, quietly.

Poppet blushed furiously, "I laugh all the time, you daft twat."

"You've been distant lately," He was looking at her with such a kind look in his eyes. Poppet didn't know what to say to this. 'Yes James because I have a thing for you and you can't bloody see that'? She had a feeling that wouldn't go down so well with his girlfriend.

"I can't think why," Poppet said, lightly. She knew exactly why.

"I can," James said, almost in an undertone. Poppet gave him a challenging look.

"Tell me."

"You're pissed off with me," James was nearly whispering now. "I kissed you and didn't tell you I had a girlfriend. You're annoyed because you didn't want to be that kind of girl. I made you that."

"No-"

"I understand," James said, "I would be mad too. You'll forgive me though?"

"It's forgotten about." It wasn't. "I don't even care anymore." She did. "I don't hate you." This one was true. She didn't hate him.

"Are you sure? Because I did a crappy thing."

"I'm sure, you dumb fuck. Now, come and get a drink with me. Merlin knows I need it and Florence seems to have forgotten I exist again."

James nodded. He stood up and offered her his hand. She took it and he pulled her up off the sofa and they walked towards the table of drinks with his arm slung loosely around her shoulder. They were laughing. With a scowl, Tobias poured Poppet a large glass of Elderflower wine and she and James stood and drank together. Glass after glass was downed until all inhibitions had been lost and Poppet was lying on the floor in her underwear. She was laughing. She was always laughing. Florence was lying on one side of her and James the other. Roxanne was threatening to pour wine over the three of them and they were squealing – James in a manly way, obviously – and laughing, begging her not to.

"This is the best day of my life!" Florence shrieked. Tears rolled down her cheeks from laughing. This made everyone else laugh more.

"You're so dramatic," Jocelyn rolled her eyes; she was swigging wine from the bottle that Roxanne was threatening them with. The need for glasses had been lost about two hours ago. It went to be with the fourth and fifth years.

"Gimme some," James slurred, holding out his hands above his head.

"You'll be sick tomorrow," Roxanne seemed to be less drunk than everyone else. "What will Jeanette say?"

"Fuck Jeanette," James garbled, sitting up and hiccupping.

"That's no way to talk about your girlfriend, Jamesie," Florence laughed hysterically, even though everyone else had stopped.

"Jeanette's good but wine is better," James was trying to get to his feet with little success.

"But mate, she's part veela," Blane said, "I mean, that part has got to be better than wine alone."

Florence shot him the foulest glare she could muster. He looked back at her with a look that Poppet was sure said 'I'm sorry but come on'.

"The sex is good," James nodded, finally managing to stand up. He grabbed the wine from Jocelyn and took a giant swig. Poppet felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

"So you've slept together?" Florence pried. She'd finally stopped laughing. Poppet was glad. She didn't find this very funny.

"Duh," James took another big sip of wine, shaking his head as he swallowed it.

"This is gross. I don't want to even think about you having sex," Roxanne cried, her hands flying to cover her ears.

"Well, Roxy... Me and Jeanette get all nice and naked and then our hot, sweaty, writhing-"

"Enough," Poppet snapped. She felt physically sick.

"Alright, touchy," James sighed, "I didn't know all my friends were prudes."

"I'm not a prude," Poppet said, quietly.

"You must have slept with someone, Hastings," James said, taking another huge sip of the Elderflower wine.

"It's none of your business," Poppet said.

"You can't be a virgin. You're too fucking hot to be a virgin," James was slurring his words. "I mean, I would."

"Shut up," Poppet said. Her voice was firm but it was quiet.

"There's a line, James, and you're crossing it," Roxanne said.

"Sorry," He mumbled.

"I think it's time to turn the wine into water," Florence said, standing up and offering Poppet a hand. "Let's sober up, ladies and gents."

Before long, all was forgotten and Poppet sipped a glass of water, fully clothed, while her friends sat around in a large circle of arm chairs and squishy sofas. She watched them all carefully, soaking up every laugh, every joke, and every smile. It was perfect. The conversation was mainly about Quidditch. James was worried that Slytherin wouldn't beat Hufflepuff and then the House Cup would be riding on one game. Florence assured him not to worry. Blane looked mildly ill.

"You better all make it to watch the match tomorrow," Poppet said, "I don't want to be the only one there again."

"We'll see," Florence said, standing up. "I, for one, am going to bed now, as it is four in the morning."

And, with that, everyone went to bed.

AN: Gosh, this was hard to write. I don't even know why. Poppet with feelings is hard to write. James was kind of out of line, don't cha think? He's adorable though so we forgive you James. Song insp – The Best Day Of My Life – American Authors.