The Diary

Chapter Seventeen - The Plot

Disclaimer: Me? Own the rights to this or have any intention other than entertainment? Bwah?

Note: Cookies for -ShIvErInG sMiLe- and lilalex13. :) They were the closest in terms of predictions.

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In the car, I just can't wait...
To pick you up on our very first date
Is it cool if I hold your hand?
”First Date” - Blink 182

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The Saturday before Halloween was unusually warm. The sun shone through the open doors of the Entrance Hall, lighting up the stone floor in front of James. He leaned casually against the wall, waiting for Sarah to arrive from the Hufflepuff common room. A flash of red caught his eye. James watched her descend the stairs with Emily and join Adam and Matilda. They didn't leave immediately, so he assumed they were waiting for another member of their party to arrive. Maybe it was their Ravenclaw friend.

James' mind began to wander. He still had questions about Emily's activities. Several nights after Evans had brought it up, he'd grabbed the Invisibility Cloak and followed Emily during one of her mysterious excursions. He'd trailed her to the library, where she talked briefly with a Hufflepuff boy in their year. They had spoken in very low voices, preventing James from overhearing them. He'd considered getting closer, but there had been too many people milling about. The two hadn't spoken for more than five minutes when Emily ended the conversation and returned directly to the common room. James had kicked the wall in frustration; Emily had looked satisfied, so she'd obviously accomplished something. He hadn't.

There hadn't been another opportunity to investigate because his and Emily's schedules had never lined up properly, and then the day of the visit had come. Evans believed that today would be the day that it - whatever it was - would happen. James wanted to know what the secret was, but there really wasn't anything more he could do. He had his own life to worry about.

Sarah appeared and he sauntered over to her. He spared a final glance around the Hall. Evans' group was still present, but James spotted Sirius and Remus coming down the staircase. He momentarily wondered where Peter was, but quickly shrugged it off. There were more important things to worry about.

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“Is he coming?” Lily asked impatiently. She and her friends were waiting for the arrival of Emily's date. Lily had forgotten to ask about his identity earlier, but it seemed silly to ask at this point. She'd just wait and see.

Emily scanned the Hall and smiled. “There he is.” She pointed to a short brunette headed their way.

He stopped next to Emily and said, “Hullo.”

“Everyone, this is Rob,” said Emily. “Rob, you know Lily, and that's Adam and Matilda.” They all acknowledged him as they were introduced. Lily recognised him from one of her classes the previous year.

Rob's face dropped and he tentatively asked, “Would you lot mind if I brought a friend? The girl he was supposed to go with backed out at the last minute, and he doesn't have anyone else to go with.” His eyes watched the Gryffindors for reactions, lingering momentarily on Lily before quickly moving on. Adam and Matilda voiced their agreement while Lily nodded.

Rob turned to a pleased Emily. “Great, I'll go get him.” He hurried off to the other side of the Hall.

Something was off. Lily attempted to wordlessly communicate this to Emily, but Emily's gaze was resolutely fixed on the ceiling.

Lily's thoughts led her to pondering whatever it was that Emily had planned for the Marauders. Nothing unusual had happened thus far in the day, or at least where those boys were concerned. Lily had been trying to interpret Emily's actions all morning, but nothing stuck out. She was shaken out of her thoughts by Rob's return. A tall boy with light brown hair and wide grey eyes now accompanied him. Greg M… His surname eluded Lily.

“This is Greg,” said Rob.

Greg gave a small smile. “Hi.” The others murmured their salutations.

“Shall we go?” asked Emily. Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Rob's hand and headed out the door with Adam and Matilda close behind. Lily had started to follow when Greg stepped beside her and matched her pace. She spared a swift glance at him. Why was he looking at her like that? Did she have something in her teeth? No, he looked more… expectant.

It was at that point that Lily realised she had made a mistake somewhere along the line. Her eyes flicked from the older Gryffindor couple to Emily and her date, and then back to Greg.

A light bulb went on in her head. Oh. My. God! He doesn't- but Rob- and Emily- she wouldn't!

There it was, now that she looked for it. Emily was almost smirking and Rob kept looking over at Greg. How had she not seen this earlier? Greg thinks we're on a date! I'd even bet there was no other girl to begin with! Oh, just wait till I get my hands on you, Emily Wood…

“I like your shirt,” Greg said, clearly worried by Lily's minor yet capricious facial expressions.

Lily felt the blood rush to her cheeks. She wished it were chillier out so she could blame her reddened face on the weather. Her hands felt heavy at her sides. Why had she worn a skirt today? What I wouldn't give for some pockets right about now.

He tried again. “So what did you think of the Fanged Geraniums?”

Lily was relieved that he'd opted for a more neutral subject. They spent the walk down to the gates discussing their Herbology class. Fifth-years were allowed to deal with much more dangerous plants, which led to some interesting classroom accidents.

Upon reaching the gate, they stopped. The other four had gotten ahead of them on the trip down and had waited for them before venturing into the village.

“Where to?” asked Rob.

“The Three Broomsticks is always a good place to start,” Emily suggested. The Hufflepuff boys agreed, but Lily was caught up covertly watching the silent interplay between Adam and Matilda.

Matilda subtly raised her eyebrows, and he gave her a defiant look. She glared. He rolled his eyes and obviously relented. Adam sighed and said, “I think we'll catch up with you four later. Matil-“ she elbowed him in the ribs, “we want to visit the Shrieking Shack.”

Lily got the distinct impression she wouldn't see either of them until later that night. She almost rolled her eyes, but then remembered that their departure would mean there would be two couples instead of a group of six. Lily mentally groaned. Five galleons that Matilda and Adam were in on this… conspiracy. Some friends they were, letting Emily set her up like this.

The sixth-years proceeded on their own and Lily reluctantly followed the remaining members of her group into the Three Broomsticks.

Emily went off to fetch the drinks while Lily, Rob and Greg secured a booth. Lily nervously sat down across from Greg, still somewhat peeved that Adam and Matilda had abandoned her. Especially when the only other people present were dating.

She glanced around, trying to avoid eye contact with either of the boys, and saw Emily weaving through the crowded pub. Emily set down the drinks and took the seat next to Lily. “Busy place,” she said.

Lily made a noise of agreement and took a sip of her drink, relishing the warm taste that she couldn't find in any muggle product.

“Oh!” Emily cried out in surprise. Lily turned, but didn't need to ask why she'd shouted. She could feel Emily's butterbeer seeping through her shirt.

Looking down, Lily inspected the damage. “Nothing a cleaning charm won't fix. I'll be right back.” She mentally thanked Emily for allowing her a chance to go collect her thoughts in the loo.

The charm didn't take very long at all, but Lily dawdled. Bracing herself over the sink, Lily stared into the mirror and muttered. “You're fine, Lily. This is stupid. You're stupid for acting like this. It's just a silly little date. Nothing to be afraid of. Remember - mature.” She took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the pub.

Lily stopped outside the door and heard it close behind her. Her jaw dropped. Emily and Rob were on their way out the door. Which meant… Lily's eyes shot over to the table. Greg was sitting there, waiting for her.

Emily! she screamed internally. I am going to kill you for this! A double date could still be passed off as a group, but if it was just Lily and Greg, there was no mistaking it for what it was.

She hesitated, wondering if she could just sneak back into the loo, but then Greg saw her. He gave a feeble wave and Lily forced a smile. She walked stoically over to the table and sat down. “Where'd Emily and Rob go?” she asked evenly.

“It's funny; they didn't really say,” Greg responded, giving a small laugh. “I'm really sorry about this. I wouldn't have let them leave if I'd known how upset you'd be.”

Lily let out a slow breath and chuckled nervously. “That obvious, is it?”

He smiled reassuringly. “Don't worry, I don't bite. And if you're really uncomfortable, we can leave.”

She considered this. It was very tempting to just jump up and hunt down Emily, but Lily decided against it. “Thanks, but no thanks. But let's get out of here, though, it's too crowded.” He grinned. Did he know she just didn't like congested atmosphere, or was he just surprised at her initiative?

They left the pub and began to wander down the narrow streets of the village. Neither of them said anything for several minutes. The awkward silence was killing Lily. “You asked me out on my birthday,” she blurted out. Of all the things to say, I bring up that. Brilliant move, Lily.

He gave her a curious look. “It was your birthday?”

“Unfortunately,” she replied, scowling. “Potter's sick idea of a gift. Get everyone to ask me out.” They came to a pause in front of Honey dukes.

“Really? I had no idea. I wouldn't have… Well, I'm sorry,” Greg replied.

He really did sound apologetic, so Lily didn't hold that day against him. “How did he get everyone to go along with it anyway?” she wondered aloud.

“Want to go in?” He gestured toward the door with his head. “I'll tell you inside.”

“Sure.”

Greg held the door open for her and they began to browse the sweets. “I don't know what he did for everyone else, but I did it because I owed him a favour,” he explained as he examined the Cockroach Clusters. A small smiled spread across his face. “And who didn't- and still doesn't- want a date with Lily Evans?” Lily felt the blood rush to her cheeks again. “Now here's something I've always wondered: why haven't you ever said yes to anyone before?”

“Er…” Lily concluded he did not know her supposed best friend had set her up.

“I told you why I asked you out, it's only fair you tell me why you said no.” His tone lacked derision, but it still made Lily somewhat uncomfortable. It wasn't something she liked to discuss publicly. “It's okay if you don't want to tell me,” he said kindly. “I was just curious.”

She noted that Emily could have done a lot worse in her selection; he was being very nice about her first date. And had she known Lily had always thought Greg was rather cute? Lily had never said anything, but Emily was notoriously observant. First date? Cute? What's wrong with me? The thought made her cringe. Oh, now he thinks I'm mad at him. Say something!

“I thought it was silly,” she answered sheepishly. “These things don't usually last.” Smooth move, Lily. He'll think you're never going out with him again. But then again, I'm not, am I? Damn you, Emily!

Greg chuckled, which confused Lily. “Sorry, you just look really panicked. I'm not insulted or anything.”

“I'm making a mess of this, aren't I?” she asked. His laughter was contagious and she couldn't help but giggle. I giggled. I don't giggle. She forced the giggle into a proper laugh. It was rather silly. This `date' didn't mean anything, and he was fully aware of that.

“You're doing fine, I promise.” His hand started to reach out for hers, but she pulled away and smiled apologetically. Thankfully, he pretended it hadn't even happened. “You had this deer in the headlights look.”

Lily could feel herself relaxing the tiniest bit, but picked up on the implications of his statement. “I take it one of your parents is a muggle.”

He nodded. “My dad. He's fine with the whole magic thing, though. Thinks it's neat.” Greg moved on to the coconut ice squares. “Do you like these? I can't get enough of them.”

Lily picked one up. “I've never tried one,” she admitted. “Nice pink colour.”

“Rob teases me about that all the time. He doesn't think it's a very manly candy.” He selected several and headed over to the counter. “I'll buy you one. I promise you'll like them.”

He's buying you sweets… Lily's inner voice warned. She shoved it aside. “Thanks.”

After finishing his purchase, the two exited the store and started down the busy street once more. Greg handed her a square and opened one up for himself.

She had to hand it to him - the coconut ice was delicious. “These are great,” Lily said after a few bites.

He smiled at her. “I know.” Greg looked around. “Want to find somewhere to just sit down? It's too crowded for me.” Lily concurred, and they wandered to the outskirts of town.

Greg sat down on a large rock and unwrapped another square. “These things are addictive.” He offered her another one, which she accepted. She sat down on the boulder next to him.

The two ate in silence for a few minutes, savouring the cool treat. Greg shoved the wrappers into his pocket. “Do you mind if I ask you another question?” Lily hadn't been expecting that, but found herself nodding nonetheless. “Why did you finally decide to try this?”

Subject specification was not necessary. Lily struggled with her answer. “Well, Emily- I mean, I never-” She took a deep breath and spoke to her clasped hands. “I didn't exactly know about our date until you showed up and everyone paired off.”

When she finally looked up, he looked surprised. “That explains a lot. But don't get so upset, I'm not mad.” Lily sighed in relief. Now he knew. “That's not a very nice thing to do,” he commented.

“No, it's really not. I think I might kill Emily for this.” She drew a leg up underneath her.

“If you need any assistance, feel free to ask,” he responded with a wink. “But enough of that. Tell me what classes you're taking besides Herbology.”

She was eternally grateful for the blatant shift in conversation. They chatted about school and their families, and Lily became gradually more relaxed. He was very easy to talk to. She learned that Greg had a younger brother in his second year, and that his favourite subject was Astronomy.

Before she knew it, an hour had passed. The sky had darkened and the wind had picked up, so they headed back to the castle. In the Entrance Hall, he paused. “I hope things weren't too awful today,” said Greg.

“No, no,” Lily replied. “It wasn't too bad. And thanks for being so understanding about… well, everything.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

More students flowed through the doors as the weather worsened. The increasingly crowded Hall made Lily nervous. The sight of Lily Evans alone with a boy on a Hogsmeade day was a rare sight, and she noticed a few people casting curious looks her way.

“It was no problem,” he said reassuringly. “Thank you for a lovely day. Rotten luck with the weather, but maybe we can try it again sometime? I'll let you know about it beforehand, of course.”

Lily laughed nervously. “Maybe. That is, if I'm not expelled for murdering Emily.” He beamed but didn't say anything. Was he waiting for something? “Well, I'll see you in Herbology,” she said. “Thanks again.” Lily crossed her arms and turned to the staircase.

“See you around,” he called. Lily waved back at him and rapidly climbed the stairs. She had a best friend to kill.