Neil was avoiding me. I couldn't find him anywhere; in the common room, the grounds, or in the Great Hall. It was two days after Neil figured out that I was in love with Scorpius, and the two days happened to be the weekend. No class; it started tomorrow.

My spirits were surprisingly low those two days, and I didn't linger around the common room, with the exceptions of trying to find Neil. I didn't know exactly what I would say to him if I did find him, but I just felt that I was supposed to sought him out.

I paced up and down the snowy grounds, with my feather cloak and scarf on. My mind was whirling. Did I still like Scorpius? Do I like Neil? I breathed out agitatedly, and watched my breath come out in a cloud in front of me. Too much drama! I dug my shoe into the snow, a tear coursing down my cheek. I felt worthless; Neil probably didn't like me, and Scorpius obviously didn't like me, since he was with Rose now.

No one approached me as I was alone out in the snow, and it made me cry harder. Was I so unlikable? When I felt myself presentable, I walked slowly and deliberately into the castle again, my feet dragging with every step.

The great Hall was plastered with hearts, and there were floating red swirls dancing around just out of reach. With a shock I realized it was Valentines Day.

There were couples hugging each other wherever I looked, and it made me want to sink into the ground.

It wasn't that I was ashamed of not having a boyfriend- it was the fact that I didn't even have friends to share a holiday with, and the fact that I ruined any chances I had of being friends with Neil.

I sat down quietly at the edge of the table, glad to find a place that was deserted. Quickly I finished my meal, not raising my head to look around at anyone. My timidity was back.

As I was finishing eating, I saw a flyer lying on the floor. It was crinkled up, and stepped on in several places, but it was enough to draw my attention. I got up and kneeled down on the floor, picking it up hastily.

I had seen the flyer design in other places such as bulletin boards, but I hadn't bothered to even read it. This time I read it quickly.

'Writing Contest', it said in bold letters at the top. My eyes widened with interest, and I read on.

'Submit your creative writing to a teacher! Please note that your composition must be at least ten thousand words, and the writing cannot have been taken by someone else. Winner gets their book published, along with a five-thousand galleon prize! Don't miss your chance- the deadline is February sixteenth!'

By the end of it, I was very intrigued. A writing contest? I didn't know whether or not to enter; suppose they made fun of my book? What if they put it up for everyone to ridicule?

But what if they liked it? My book would be published, and I would get the prize money. I wasn't interested very much in the money, but it seemed very compelling.

With my spirits slightly higher, I stuffed the paper into my bag, careful to not wrinkle it further. Quickly I walked out of the Great Hall, and went straight to my bedroom.

~*~*

I felt very nervous as I lingered after Transfiguration class. My hands were sweaty, and I nervously wiped them on my robes, and walked timidly up to McGonagle.

She looked up as I approached. "What is it, Lily?" she asked in a polite voice.

I couldn't find my voice. "I- I..well..." I stuttered, trembling slightly.

"Good gracious, child, are you feeling all right?" She tipped her glasses off of her nose, and narrowed her eyes at me.

That didn't help, and I swallowed hard. "I.. I'd like to enter the writing contest." I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping she wouldn't laugh.

She didn't, just nodded. "Oh, okay. Do you have your book here? The deadline is tomorrow."

I nodded, and pulled out my notebook from my bag. "Here..." My voice trailed off as I handed it to her gingerly. "Would you mind telling me when they'll decide who wins?"

She took my notebook, and opened it, reading the title. "What? Oh... I'm not sure, probably next week.." She looked up at me. "The Sea of Hope?" she read.

I looked down, my cheeks turning pink. Was she mocking me?

"It's an intriguing title." Her voice was full of curiosity. "I look forward to reading it." She snapped the book close again, and put it into a drawer.

I nodded, and backed away. My heart ached as I left my notebook behind. "Could...could you tell me when you're done...so that I could get my notebook back...?" I asked quietly.

She nodded. "Yes, I'll return it as soon as possible." She bent her head over her correction papers. "You may go,MissPotter."

I nodded tentatively, and walked swiftly towards the door.

Won't be updating for about two or three days... I'm going on a trip.