A/N: Okay, I really hated writing this chapter. I don't feel like it flows together as well as it should, but I guess it can't be helped.

Don't hate me too much!

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In the end we were only five minutes late to breakfast, having rushed through Spintwitches with lightning speed. I had ended up buying James a watch that was from the same jewelry line as my necklace, and Jane picked up Marcus's poster.

We ran through the secret passageway, all the way to Gryffindor Tower to drop off our packages and to change into our uniforms, and change into our new bras upon Jane's insistence, and then all the way to the Great Hall. When we got there, both of our faces were flushed and we were sweating profusely. I scanned the table for my raven-haired boyfriend and our friends.

"Lin, where have you been?" a voice said angrily from behind me.

I grinned sheepishly and turned around to meet the eyes of my boyfriend. "We got caught up. I'm sorry." I handed him the map and pecked him on the cheek. "Happy Valentine's Day?"

He still looked annoyed as he led Jane and I to our seats. "My surprise will be ruined."

"Oh, shut it, Potter," Jack said sternly from his place across the table. "Let's just do it now."

James grumbled, but tapped the table three times with his wand at the same time Jack and Hugo did. They muttered something I didn't catch, but I didn't really care at that point. Pink and red heart rained down from the enchanted ceiling. They disintegrated as soon as they touched they touched anything, but the effect was breathtaking.

I looked at James, in awe. "Did you do this for me?"

He snorted. "No, I did it for Jack." He poked my nose. "Course I did it for you, silly." He leaned forward and nuzzled my ear with his nose. "I really fancy you," he whispered, sending shivers down my spine.

I was too wrapped up in him to notice my friends' reactions. I snaked my arms around his neck. "I really fancy you, too." I paused, considering him. "So, what was your original plan? I know you could have pulled this off last night. There must have been another prank in the works before you changed it."

"You think I'm brilliant!" He grinned gleefully.

I smacked him on the arm. "You're such a child. So?"

He pulled me into his lap. "Mmm, we were going to make Gryffindor confetti fall from the ceiling and stick to everyone's clothes. But, as we were setting it up, Jack mentioned that since Valentine's day was just around the corner, and I got the idea to change it. D'you like it?"

"Of course," I answered softly, feeling on top of the world. But I still couldn't resist teasing him. "So, is this my only surprise?"

He chuckled and rested his head on my shoulder. "No." He placed a kiss on my neck.

I gave a hum of contentment and ran my fingers through his hair. "I just really hope McGonagall doesn't get mad at you."

"Oh, I ran this by her yesterday." He laid his head on my shoulder. "She's getting soft in her old age."

"Or maybe she just appreciated the fact that you asked her first," I considered. "You're maturing before my eyes, James. First with Scorpius and now this."

He pulled away from me and rolled his eyes. "Please, I've still got plenty of pranks up my sleeve for the last few months of the term. And anyway," he paused, fiddling with my necklace, "you were right about Scorpius. He's not a bad bloke, for a Slytherin, at any rate."

"I," I poked him on the nose, "am always right." He scoffed and I giggled as it tickled my neck. "But as to your pranks, I look forward to them, as long as I don't get in trouble and no one gets seriously hurt."

"Yeah, yeah." He filled my plate with sausages and pancakes. "Now, eat up. We've got a long day ahead of us."

"Yes, Mom." I stuck my tongue out at him. "And thanks for reminding me. Double Potions, Transfiguration, Defense, and Herbology, all in the same day. It's insane."

He chuckled. "Yes, but I've also got quite a few more surprises planned."

"James," I said in a warning tone, "you'd better stop. I can feel my head inflating with every word you're saying."

"So? It's supposedly the most romantic day of the year, and I want to make sure I'm the best Valentine you've ever had." He tugged my ponytail playfully.

"That's not a hard thing to be," I muttered between bites. "I mean, I've only had two other boyfriends on the day in the past, and one was Kyle Bloody Richardson."

His eyes darkened at the name. "Don't remind me."

I finished up the food on my plate quickly. "Well, at least you weren't the one dating him." I sighed. "Want to go and head to class?"

He nodded, and I said goodbye to everyone sitting in the vicinity. Hugo and Rose were the only ones who deigned to respond. Jane and Marcus were talking quietly as they munched on the chocolate frogs we had picked up earlier. Jack and Carly were arguing and picking food off each other's plates, and Lily and Scorpius, who had sat with us this morning, apparently, were playing Wizard's Chess. They managed to wave, though. Georgie was sitting with Louis today, but Albus was mysteriously absent.

I mentioned this to James, and he shrugged. "He was very secretive last night, and I haven't seen him at all this morning. We're bound to run into him eventually, though."

I nodded, and we made our way to the dungeons in silence. As soon as we had entered the corridor the Potions class was located in, however, James suddenly swept me aside and whipped the cloak over us. "So," he murmured as he planted a kiss on my head, "where's my present?"

"Greedy, aren't you?" I teased him as I fished the box of chocolate frogs out of my bag. He looked slightly crestfallen. "Don't worry," I assuaged him, "there's more to come."

"Chocolate or presents?" he asked as he tore into the package.

"Presents," I laughed. "Though I could probably find more chocolate if you really want some. Jane and I went a bit crazy in the store."

"I knew you had forgotten." I started to stutter, but he held a hand to stop me. "It's alright. I've got enough romance for the both of us today." I rolled my eyes and he grinned as he finished off the frog. "So, we've got 15 minutes until class starts. What do you want to do?"

"You're the one who put the invisibility cloak over us." I smiled slyly. "I'm sure you must have had a plan."

He pushed me up against the wall and placed feverish kisses on my face. "Too right, I did."

I shifted so my legs were wrapped around his waist. It was often the only way to make our faces level. "Is this your favorite position, then?"

"Hmm, no. I'd have to say my favorite position would be one best experienced with you in my bed." His eyes were dark with desire.

I blushed and gave him a little shove. "That's not what I meant, you idiot."

He chuckled as he nuzzled the skin attaching my neck to my shoulder. "I know."

"You're so horny all the time, James," I chided him. "I'm starting to think it's all you can think of."

He frowned as he faced me. "I told you it's not. And we're going to Hogsmeade this weekend, remember?"

I stroked his hair. "I know," I murmured. "I just feel afraid sometimes."

He lowered me to the ground. "Would you prefer if I kept my hands off you for a while?"

"Idiot." I grabbed his hands and forcefully put them around my waist. "You're not the only horny one."

He grinned roguishly at that, and pinned me against the wall again. I brought his face to mine and attacked his lips. Soon, we were fighting for dominance, tongues clashing and teeth nipping. I wrapped my legs around his waist again. I held him closer, and moved my lips to his ear to lick his earlobe. "Is that a wand in your pocket or are you happy to see me?"

He snorted and breathed on my neck. "You think you're so funny. What do you think?"

"That's because I am funny." I smiled and brought his lips to mine once more. The clatter of footsteps stopped us from going too far, however, and we untangled ourselves. "Quick," James urged as he moved us down another corridor and took the cloak off of us. I straightened my clothes as James tried furiously to flatten his hair.

I giggled. "If your hair lies flat, that'll just make everyone more suspicious." I ruffled his hair affectionately. "There. Much better."

He grinned and took my hand as he led me to the Potions classroom. We took our regular seats, with him sitting behind me next to Jack, and me next to Jane. Georgie and Carly sat together on the desk to my right. On my side of the desk was a lavender rose. Enchantment. "Had a good morning, did you? The heart confetti in the Great Hall today was brilliant," Jane murmured as Professor Hodgkins began his lecture on Amortentia, which we had studied the previous year, but was sure to be on the NEWTs. Plus, it was Valentine's Day, after all, and Hodgkins was a sucker for romance.

"He probably just did it to show off, but it was cute." I grinned and pretended to take notes. "But, I did have a very good morning, actually. We've already managed to sneak a quick make-out session in before class."

She sighed. "Just call it a snog. It's easier."

"I need to hold on to my American terms, Jane," I insisted as I elbowed her playfully. "What about your morning?"

"Marcus really enjoyed the chocolate and the poster." She smiled. "Thanks for taking me."

I waved her off, but unfortunately Professor Hodgkins took this as my offering to volunteer. "Excellent, Ms. Benedetto! So, what color does Amortentia, turn?"

"Um, a light pink, with a mother-of-pearl sheen?" I vaguely remembered it from last year.

"Excellent, excellent." He clapped his hands together and gave me a wink. "Brave enough to tell us what you smell when brewing it? Five points if you do."

I blushed furiously, but Jane elbowed me, which I took as a cue to continue. "Broomstick polish, old books, and," I faltered, "and firewhiskey, sir."

"Very well." His eyes twinkled at me. "Five points to Gryffindor."

The Gryffindors in the room gave a cheer, while the Slytherins scowled. I rolled my eyes at that, and tried to focus on the lecture, but soon I was being poked from behind. I scowled, but took the piece of parchment by my elbow.

So, I smell like all that, do I?

I bit back a smile, and scribbled a reply.

Nope.

I could practically feel his annoyance rolling off of him.

Who smells like that, then?

What's it to you, Potter?

He huffed audibly.

Lin.

I grinned. Jane read the not curiously, and stifled her laughter.

You taste like firewhiskey. I don't know why I smelled it.

I could hear his soft chuckle. Jane winked at me. I rolled my eyes. "As if his head needs any more inflation," I whispered.

The rest of the class was spent brewing the love potion. Jane and I worked diligently and, for the most part, ignored everyone else around us, which wasn't hard to do, James notwithstanding. People who had significant others were either partnered up with them, or staring at them all starry-eyed, which left the single people to finish up the mass amount of work as the scent of Amortentia hung heavily in the air.

I hated brewing the potion because it was not one of my favorites. I was disgusted by the idea of artificial love. It either exists on its own or it doesn't. This lead to Jane and me working very quickly, and being one of the first groups of people to finish. As I took the bottled potion to the front of the class, I was joined by Mary Moriarty, whom I had not seen since the night of my party.

"Hey Lin." She nudged me in the side playfully. "Nice boyfriend you've got. He does lost puppy impersonations quite well."

I glanced over my shoulder and was torn between frustration and amusement. James had been staring at me for most of the lesson, with a half-smile on his face when he thought I wasn't looking. I shook my head at him and glanced at the cauldron he and Jack were supposed to be working with. My eyes widened in alarm. It was turning a nasty green color.

"James!" I called out, wildly pointing towards the caldron. He smiled in response and waved. I thrust my potion towards Mary and ran towards him. "No, you idiot, the caldron!"

He looked down in surprise, just in time for it to blow up in his face. The room filled with a hazy green smoke, and the desk was on fire.

Professor Hodgkins swore and doused the fire with his wand. "Potter! McGowan!"

Jack, who had been chatting up Carly, and I rushed towards James. I grabbed his face in my hands and ascertained there were no major injuries. Seeing this, I soundly slapped him upside the head. "You idiot! You stupid idiot!"

He rubbed his head with a scowl on his face. "Well, Merlin, Lin, I'm glad you're so concerned."

Professor Hodgkins joined us. "Mr. Potter, Mr. McGowan, would you care to explain what happened?"

"I had left for a minute, Professor." Jack looked extremely nervous. "But I told James that I'd be back and asked him if he could pay attention to the cauldron while I was gone, and he said he could!"

James's face turned pink, though still blackened with soot. "Sorry, sir. I was distracted."

"Distracted, indeed." Hodgkins scowled at him, but looked at me out of the corner of his eye. I guessed he knew what, or who, I should say, had distracted James. "Well, I suppose no one was hurt, so no points'll be taken off. However, you will both serve a detention with me this Friday. And I'm expecting an essay on how to brew Amortentia and detail where exactly you went wrong. Class dismissed."

James and Jack both groaned as Carly sniggered. I threw James an annoyed look and gathered my things quickly, sticking the rose into my Potions textbook and running to catch up with Jane, Georgie, and Louis to Transfiguration. Sitting on the desk I usually sat at was an orange rose. I blinked at it in confusion. Georgie giggled as she slid into the seat on the right. "It means desire."

I turned red and shoved it in my Transfiguration textbook as the rest of the class filed in, James sitting on my left. He frowned at me. "You ran away."

"I didn't want to be late to class, James." I huffed. "Plus, it's pretty embarrassing when your boyfriend blows up a cauldron because he's too busy staring at you."

"Lin," he pleaded softly, as Professor Fitzbert walked into the room. "Are you going to be mad at me for that?"

I sighed and looked at him seriously. "No. But it's still embarrassing."

"Sorry," he chuckled. He looked down at the desk and paused. "What happened to the rose?"

I pulled it out of my book. "Right here."

He looked angry. "And the other?" I pointed to my Potions book in my bag. He sighed, and flicked his wand. The roses attached themselves to my hair.

I scowled. "I bet I look ridiculous."

"Never." He kissed me softly.

"Potter! Benedetto! What are you doing?" Fitzbert shouted from her place at the front of the room. The students' gazes were immediately on us. "Just because today is February 14th does not mean I will tolerate this type of behavior in my classroom. Five points each from Gryffindor."

Every Gryffindor groaned and I buried my face into my arms on my desk and remained that was for the rest of the lesson. After Transfiguration was lunch, which everyone rushed through as we remembered we had a test next in Defense. I stuffed my face as I practiced wand positions and James kept muttering spell incantations under his breath, making several first years look at us in terror.

Too soon it was time for Herbology. I spent the class comforted by the fact that if I had failed the Defense test, I wouldn't be alone, judging by the faces of my fellow classmates. Even Georgie had forgotten, which was a surprise to everyone.

I couldn't keep my mind on the Herbology lesson for whatever reason, which was really sad, because I enjoyed the class usually. I toyed with the flowers in my hair, James having added two more flowers since Transfiguration. They were burgundy and pink; beauty and passion.

I sighed and stared out the greenhouse's windows. The lecture today was a review of the Whomping Willow, something we had already covered. I let my mind drift to think back on the day, which had been a bundle of… something.

I was frustrated and annoyed with James, who had been equal parts attentive and distracting. I had had to reprimand him several times under my breath during Defense for trying to snake his hand up my skirt, and in the hallways between classes he kept trying to sweep me under the invisibility cloak for a quick snog. The flowers had been romantic, but at the moment I felt like he thought he was getting lucky tonight. He was going to be in for a surprise.

I had forced Georgie and Louis to sit next to me so James couldn't. I felt bad, because they were having a good day, as were all of our other friends. Even the boy Rose liked had even mustered the courage to ask her to the next Hogsmeade trip.

I chewed on my lip as I watched snow fall lightly over Hogwarts's grounds. We had about a foot already on the ground, and I fully intended on going snowboarding before dinner. James didn't know how, so it would be a nice break.

The bell finally rang, and I rushed up to my dorm in record time. I quickly got dressed and started searching for my snowboard.

"What are you doing?" Jane asked from the doorway.

I glanced up at her. "Searching for my snowboard. I shrank it so it would fit into my trunk."

She sighed and flicked her wand. My snowboard went flying through the air. She caught it deftly, but didn't hand it over. "I meant, what are you doing with James?"

"I need a break," I admitted. "It's just, it's been too much. The flowers were nice and the thing at breakfast was beautiful, but he's been constantly trying to touch me and it's making me feel claustrophobic and crowded." I sighed and ran a hand through my hair and around the flowers that were still stuck to my head. "I don't know what to do. Is he trying to do all this so he can just get into my pants?"

She, too, sighed and sat down on my bed. "He's probably just excited, Lin. He's had a crush on you for ages, and he wants today to be perfect for you. As far as his 'getting into your pants', as you so Americanly put it, how are you feeling about it?"

I groaned and buried my face in my pillow. "I'm not ready. I don't want to do it."

"Then tell him that." She rubbed my back soothingly. "Merlin, Lin, just talk to the poor boy. He's pacing the length of the common room."

I peeked at her from under my bangs. "I take it that's an order and not a suggestion, right?"

She grinned and patted me on the back. "Definitely."

I felt bad as I saw James's relieved face as I came downstairs. He was about to speak, but I tugged on his hand and led him out of the common room. It was much quieter in the hallways. "We need to talk."

His face dropped at that. "Okay."

"James," I paused and ran a hand through his hair, "what was up with you today?"

"What do you mean?" His brow furrowed.

I sighed. "It's just, you did a lot today, and some of it was sweet and some of it wasn't. Why have you been staring at me and continuously trying to touch me all day?"

"I just wanted today to be perfect for you, Lin. I know your past Valentines haven't been spectacular, and I wanted you to have an amazing day." He reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers together.

"Are you sure you're not doing this so I'll be more willing to, erm, do it with you?" I blushed, but met his gaze.

"Do what?"

I smacked my head and dropped my gaze to the floor. "You know…" I murmured.

"Oh," he said suddenly. "Oh. No. Lin, how could you think that? I'm only trying to be a nice boyfriend! What kind of wanker would only be nice to you so he could shag you?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, looking up at him. "Well, you do have a reputation as a womanizer," I pointed out.

"Really. That's where you're going with this? My past?" He dropped my hand with a scowl on his face. "Y'know, I've never brought up the fact that I don't know yours. For all I know, you could be some bloody serial killer."

I turned red. "That's ridiculous."

"Well, I don't know that! But I trust you. Don't you trust me?"

I opened and closed my mouth several times. I must have looked like a fish. "I do," I answered finally. "I just, it was a little bit too much for me today."

He sighed and wrapped his arms around me, tugging me to him. "That's fair. I'll try to tone it down next year."

I snorted. "What makes you think we'll still be together by then?"

"Lin," he said warningly. "Do you really want to have this conversation now?"

I sighed. "I'll shut up."

"Good," he murmured as he kissed my head. "Were," he paused, "were the roses too much?"

"No," I confessed. "Actually, you surprised me with them. Do you know their meanings?"

He stroked my head. "Yes. I asked Nev- Professor Longbottom for help, though."

"What?" I teased, looking up at him. "The mighty James Potter admitting he had help?"

He rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Lin."

I grinned at him and raised an eyebrow. "Make me."

He didn't need to be asked twice.