Authors note: Thank you guys for being understanding about the review replies. You guys really are the best! The Hogwarts crew returns in this chapter. We hope you enjoy!
Over the next couple of weeks, Saffron and Alexa settled down into extensive study schedules for their Owls. Every evening after dinner, the two friends would retire to the library until just before curfew. Peter would sometimes join them and every now and then convince Saffron to go for a study break in the restricted section. Tonight, the girls were studying alone, but Peter had promised to join them after he tutored one of his housemates.
"These Goblin Revolutions are all starting to blend together," Alexa said turning the page of her History of Magic text.
Saffron rubbed her eyes. "Tell me about it," she said. "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm tired of studying."
"I know we said we'd work on Ancient Runes tonight too, but I don't think I can take it," Alexa said yawning. "Though I certainly need the help."
"I promise if you put it off until tomorrow, I'll go over anything you want," Saffron closed her textbook.
"Deal," Alexa said closing her book, too. "I'm so sleepy."
"Do you want to head back to the common room?" Saffron asked, stuffing her book into her bag with the rest of them.
"We can wait," Alexa said. "I know you wanted to see Peter..."
Saffron smiled. "Yeah..."
"How's that going by the way?" Alexa asked grinning at her friend.
"He is so sweet," Saffron replied. "And so cute- he doesn't know what to do about all the attention he's been getting from other girls since school started."
"He only cares about the attention he gets from you," Alexa said.
"I guess it just goes to show that when you treat people nicely, they remember it later," Saffron said thoughtfully. "I mean, people were so mean to Peter when he looked like he did last year. I always thought he was so nice, but I just didn't have any romantic feelings for him then."
"Until he became fanciable?" Alexa asked teasingly.
"Right," Saffron giggled. "Oh and guess what I got today!"
"What?" Alexa asked.
"Sean sent me a letter," Saffron said. "He mailed it to my mum and she owled it to me."
"Oooh," Alexa said. "What did the first boyfriend have to say for himself? Does he know he's been replaced?"
"He will when I write back," Saffron said. "And he's seeing some girl at school too."
"And you're okay with that?" Alexa asked. "I know you two agreed to see other people and all, but it can't be easy to hear about that..."
"If I didn't have Peter I'd probably be a bit jealous." Saffron replied.
"Just a bit?" Alexa asked. "Come on, Saffy. I know how much you cared about Sean."
"I know but it was partly my idea that we break up," Saffron replied. "I mean, I'm only fifteen. I don't want to be tied down- I want to have fun. And I don't know if I'd like having a long distance relationship where I only saw him during holidays."
"I can understand that," Alexa said. They stopped chatting for a moment when the librarian passed by their table shooting them a warning look.
Saffron rolled her eyes while pulling out a piece of parchment and a new quill. "I guess I'll write him back while we wait. Where's R.J. tonight?"
"Boys night," Alexa replied. "Andrew taught them how to play poker and they're now all obsessed."
Saffron shook her head. "So that's why he wanted to borrow five Galleons."
Alexa laughed. "That's probably why, but on the upshot maybe I'll finally get to sleep at a decent hour."
Saffron grinned devilishly. "Just how often do you sneak up to his dorm?"
"Most every night," Alexa said blushing. "At first, I was so nervous that someone was going to catch us that I couldn't sleep, but he has this way of taking my mind off of it."
"I bet he does," Saffron snorted, leaning in. "How far have you two gone now?" she whispered.
"Saffy!" Alexa hissed turning to make sure no one had heard them.
"What I was quiet!" Saffron said. "Come on Lex, I'm your best friend!"
"Okay," Alexa whispered. "We've not gone all the way, if that's what you're asking, but we've come close."
"Really?" Saffron's eyes were wide.
Alexa blushed and nodded.
"Wow," Saffron sat back. "Pete and I are nowhere near that point."
"He doesn't try and push me or anything," Alexa said. "He stops when I tell him too, but lately it's getting harder and harder to say stop when I feel like I want him to keep going. You know?"
"Promise me you'll just make sure you're protected when you do take that step," Saffron said.
"I will," Alexa promised.
"Hiya Saffy," Peter said coming over to their table. "Lex."
"Hey Pete," Saffron grinned at him. "How was tutoring?"
"You don't want to know," Peter said chuckling as he pecked her on the cheek. "I shouldn't have agreed to help those third-years out. For Ravenclaws, you'd think they'd catch on a bit quicker."
"Guess they all can't be as smart as you," Saffron said as he sat down.
"Nowhere near as smart as you," Peter said. "I thought you two were studying."
"We were," Saffron said. "We got tired of it for tonight."
Peter noticed a letter poking out of Saffron's textbook. "From your mum and dad?" he asked.
"Oh," Saffron said. "No, it's from my friend Sean."
Peter tensed up at this. "Oh."
Alexa stuffed her books and parchment into her bag thinking they might like some time alone. "I'm going to head on up to the common room, Saffy. Have a good night Peter."
"Bye," Peter said quietly.
"I'll see you in a little while," Saffron said. "Want to go for a walk or something?" she asked her boyfriend once Alexa had gone.
"Not really," he said in that same quiet detached tone.
"Oh," Saffron said, putting the letter she'd been writing back in her bag. "Did you want to do anything?"
"Does he write to you all the time?" Peter asked abruptly.
"Sean?" Saffron gave him a strange look. "No, this was the first time since summer hols."
"Do you still fancy him?" Peter asked.
"No," Saffron replied. "I have you Peter."
Peter instantly relaxed at her words. "Sorry for getting jealous for a moment."
Saffron smiled. "You have nothing to worry about."
He leaned in and kissed her. "Come on then. Let's go check out the restricted section..."
"Hmm," she said. "What's back there that's so interesting?"
"I need to study something back there," he said standing up and offering her his hand.
Saffron left her bag on the chair and followed him. "What do you have to study?" she asked coyly.
"First off, I think I need to study Saffron's eyes," Peter whispered leading her to the back of the library. "And then, her lips...."
"I like the lips part," she said with a grin.
"Do you think I'll get top marks?" he asked cheekily.
"You'll have to work hard for them," Saffron said with a twinkle in her eye.
"How's this for a start?" he asked pulling her to him with one deft movement and kissing her.
"Very... very good..." she whispered.
Peter's hand slid underneath Saffron's robes and she gasped as she felt his hand on her stomach. "How am I doing?" he asked softly.
"Even better," she said softly, her eyes half closed.
He kissed her again wanting to make her forget all about this Sean bloke.
Saffron forgot they were in the library as she pulled Peter as close as she possibly could, pressing her body to his as their kiss heated up.
Emboldened by her move, Peter inched his hand up her body.
"Mmmhmm..." she murmured her approval.
"Saffron," he whispered looking into her eyes.
"Yeah?" she asked, still a bit dazed.
"I'm falling for you," he said smiling at her.
She smiled back, brushing his hair out of his eyes. "I feel the same way."
"You make it easy," he said kissing her forehead.
"You're not too hard about things yourself," Saffron said, her arms still around him. "Aside from being dreamy, you're sweet and smart."
"You think I'm dreamy?" he asked with a grin.
"Of course I do," Saffron poked his side.
Peter laughed. "I wish you could come back upstairs with me."
"Tell me about it," Saffron gave him another kiss.
"Come on then," he said taking her hand. "We don't want you to miss curfew. I guess I'll settle for walking you back."
"That sounds fabulous," Saffron said, leaning against him as she retrieved her bag and they left the library. "I have to do rounds tomorrow night. Maybe you can keep me company in my dad's cloak."
"Now that sounds fabulous," Peter said putting his arm around her.
Meanwhile, Alexa finished her required reading in the common room. She couldn't wait to go to sleep and could practically hear her bed calling her name. Spending nearly every night in R.J.'s room was starting to catch up with her.
She was heading up the stairs to her dormitory when she heard R.J. calling her name. "Hey," she smiled. "I thought you guys were playing poker all night."
"We were until I ran out of money," he admitted. "I might not be able to afford a Christmas present for you now."
Alexa shook her head. "And here I've been telling everyone what a gentleman you are..."
"I'll win it back," R.J. promised. "You going to bed then?"
"I'm completely knackered," Alexa nodded.
"Completely?" he asked.
"Yes," she answered as he pulled her close. "R.J.... whenever I stay with you we're up almost all night..."
"We'll go straight to sleep," he promised nuzzling her neck.
"You're playing dirty," Alexa already felt herself weakening.
"Not yet," he said cheekily. "How about you go and get ready for bed and then we'll sneak you in?"
"R.J...." she said, trying to pull away. "I really need some sleep tonight. And you know as well as I do that we'll never go right to sleep if I sneak in."
"I promise to be on my best behaviour," he said. "And we'll just sleep tonight. Please? Come on..."
Alexa let out an almost inaudible whimper as he nibbled under her ear. "All right... you win. Again."
"There's something I didn't hear all night," he said giving her a kiss.
Alexa giggled when he pulled away. "That's because your good luck charm wasn't there."
"That's right," he said smiling at her. "Okay, I'll see you soon then Miss O'Leary. Don't keep me waiting..."
"Do I ever?" she asked, giving him another kiss.
"No," he said. "You don't."
"One of these days I'm going to sneak you in with me," she said, running her hand down his chest.
"I would be a Hogwarts legend if I could do that," R.J. said. "Going where no man has gone before..."
Alexa laughed again. "Okay," she said. "I'll see you in about fifteen."
He smiled. "Okay and I promise you will get loads of nice, relaxing, peaceful sleep."
"And if you don't deliver?" she asked.
"R.J. Weasley always delivers," he said before heading toward the boys' dorm.
Alexa smiled at him and shook her head before going to change.
The next morning found Alexa sneaking out of the boys' dorm. R.J. had delivered on his promise and she felt more relaxed and refreshed than she had in days.
"Well good morning to you too," Saffron said as her friend snuck in.
Alexa smiled at her. "I really was planning on sleeping here last night, Saf."
"I'm sure you were," Saffron teased.
"All we did was sleep," Alexa said pulling out her uniform. "I promise."
Saffron smiled. "I'm so glad R.J.'s treating you good Lex."
"He is," Alexa said grinning. "How about you and Peter? You explain to him about Sean?"
"Yeah I told him we're just friends," Saffron paused in plaiting her hair. "He told me he's falling for me." she confessed with a big grin.
"Saffy! That's great," Alexa said happy for her friend.
"Peter's really hot," Mimi said pulling back the curtains of her four-poster bed. When Saffron and Alexa glared at her, she rolled her eyes. "It's not eavesdropping when I'm in my own room."
"I know he's hot," Saffron replied.
"R.J.'s really hot too," Mimi said. "I guess there's no need to ask where you were last night, Lexie."
"I'll thank you not to blab that around," Alexa replied, pulling her robes on.
"Your secret is safe with me," Mimi promised pulling back her covers.
Beth came into the room. "McGonagall wants to see you, Alexa. Before your first class."
"She does?" Alexa asked. "Why?"
"She didn't say," Beth replied. "She was posting some announcements in the common room and asked me to let you know."
"All right," Alexa shared a confused look with Saffron before pulling her hair into a hasty ponytail and heading downstairs.
R.J. had planned on getting some flying practise in before his first class, but he'd no more made it downstairs with his broom before some third-year told him Professor McGonagall wanted to see him in her office immediately.
He was about to leave the common room when he noticed his girlfriend heading downstairs. "Hey," he greeted her. "McGonagall wants to see me, but maybe I'll meet you in the Great Hall once I'm done?"
Alexa froze. "She wants to see me too, R.J.."
"She does?" his brow furrowed.
"Beth just told me," Alexa said. "You don't think..."
"How would she have found out?" R.J. put an arm around her.
"Right," Alexa said relaxing. "It's probably nothing."
"Maybe she just wants some tips," R.J. teased. "Because I'm so suave."
Alexa laughed. "Well what does she want with me then?"
"Proof," R.J. replied.
"That must be it," Alexa said giving him a kiss. "Let's go and get this over with, Mr. Suave."
"Right," R.J. led her to McGonagall's office, where he knocked politely.
"Come in," Professor McGonagall called out. R.J. held the door open for his girlfriend. The smile on Alexa's face fell when she realised Professor McGonagall had guests. Four guests, to be exact.
"Mum?" Alexa asked. "Dad? What are you doing here?"
"Please sit down, Miss O'Leary," McGonagall said with a grave face. "You too Mr. Weasley."
Alexa took a seat beside her mother and R.J. sat beside his parents.
"It has come to my attention by one of your fellow students that the two of you have engaged in some inappropriate activity in the Gryffindor dormitory," McGonagall folded her hands together.
The colour drained from Alexa's face.
"What do you mean inappropriate activity?" Patrick O'Leary asked.
"That isn't true," R.J. said. "All we did was sleep in the same bed. We've never done anything inappropriate."
"THAT would be the inappropriate activity," McGonagall said quietly.
"R.J.," Luna began her blue eyes dark. "You know things like that aren't allowed here at school.
"Dad did things like that all the time," R.J. said without thinking.
"That's not the point here Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said.
"We've just been sleeping together," R.J. said. "I don't see what the big---"
"I beg your pardon?" Patrick asked. "You're what?"
"Not like that!" R.J. replied, turning red. "Just... sleeping together."
"Daddy," Alexa began in a whisper. "We haven't done anything bad I promise."
"This is a serious offence," McGonagall continued. "I would have expected more from you, Miss O'Leary."
Alexa lowered her head as tears flooded her eyes. "I'm sorry Professor."
"Mr. Weasley," McGonagall continued. "You will be required to serve two weeks detention and you will not be able to play in next week's match against Hufflepuff."
"WHAT?" R.J. shouted, jumping out of his chair. "But Professor I'm the captain!"
"You can't do that, Professor," Ron protested in his son's defence.
McGonagall gave him a disapproving glare and Ron shrank back in his seat. "I can, and I'm afraid I must. This is quite serious.
"And Miss O'Leary," McGonagall continued. "You too will serve a two-week detention and any extracurricular activities and your Hogsmeade privileges are revoked for the next month."
"Yes Professor," Alexa accepted her punishment as she used her sleeve to wipe at her eyes.
"Who told?" R.J. asked defiantly.
"I am not at liberty to say, Mr. Weasley," McGonagall replied. "But I felt it necessary to bring it to the attention of your parents, seeing as how Miss O'Leary is not yet of age."
"Can we have a few minutes with our son?" Ron asked.
"We'd like some time with Alexa too," Karen said.
"Of course," McGonagall said. "I'll take you into the next office," she motioned for the O'Leary's to follow her.
When R.J. was alone with his parents, he let loose.
"She can't do this Dad!" R.J. protested. "I have to play next weekend. That Puddlemere scout is coming again!"
"Maybe you should have thought about that before you snuck Alexa into your room," Luna said quietly.
"But Mum we didn't do anything!" R.J. wanted to explode. "This is bloody bullshit!"
"You snuck Alexa into your dorm when you knew that was forbidden," Luna reminded him. "That's wrong, R.J.."
"I don't see how," Ron said. "I used to do it all the time. Hell, Parvati Patil practically lived in....okay; I think I'll shut up about that..."
"Then I'd say you're lucky you weren't caught," Luna gave her husband a look. "R.J., we trust you, all right? But sneaking your girlfriend into your room just isn't a good idea. Look what it's gotten you."
"I'll serve a thousand detentions with Snape," R.J. said. "But I cannot miss that match Mum. Isn't there anything you can do? Get Uncle Harry to talk to McGonagall or Dumbledore or something?"
"I'm sorry R.J.," Luna stood up. "You'll have to accept your punishment."
R.J. put his head in his hands and wondered if it was at all possible for things to get worse.
In the next room, Alexa couldn't meet her parents' eyes.
"I thought we raised you better than that Alexa," Karen chastised. "This isn't like you sweetheart."
"But I didn't do anything," Alexa said. "We just laid next to each other."
"How long have you just been lying together?" Patrick asked her point-blank. "When we let you go to Brighton with his family? Before that?"
Alexa looked away out the window, not wanting to answer her parents.
"We can't stop you from seeing R.J.," Karen said finally. "But I do ask that you respect our wishes and the school rules and not do anything like this anymore, Alexa."
"I won't," Alexa promised. "I'm really sorry," she said, crying in earnest now.
Karen hugged her. "You're too young to do things like that, Alexa. I know R.J.'s older..."
"Only by a year," Alexa buried her face in her mother's shoulder.
"So you haven't...." Patrick asked not able to bring himself to voice the question.
"No," Alexa shook her head. "I don't want to yet."
"Thank God," Patrick said.
Karen gave her husband a look. "This is quite the school you go to here," she said, trying to cheer her daughter up a bit.
"I wish you didn't have to come here like this," Alexa said wiping her eyes.
Karen stroked her hair back as Patrick put a hand on her arm. "We understand how easy it is to get caught up in these things," Karen said. "And we're still proud of you sweetheart."
"I won't disappoint you like this again," Alexa promised.
"We trust you Alexa," Patrick said.
"Thank you Daddy," Alexa said giving him a hug.
"Well that Professor of yours said she'd take us back when we were ready," Karen said. "You'll write to us soon right?"
"I will," Alexa said nodding.
They met Ron, Luna and R.J. coming out of McGonagall's office. The adults exchanged pleasantries while R.J. shot his girlfriend an apologetic look.
"I didn't really have girls coming in and out of my room when I was here," Ron told Patrick. "It was more like one girl, and to tell you the truth, she wore this terrible perfume that made my pillow stink..."
"Ronald," Luna said tapping him on the shoulder.
"Right," Ron turned red. "Sorry about this..."
"You didn't know," Karen said. "No one did, but we've spoken with Alexa as I'm sure you've spoken with R.J.."
"We have," Luna nodded.
"I think the children both know that this isn't acceptable behaviour," Karen said.
"Miss O'Leary and Mr. Weasley should probably be getting on to their lessons," McGonagall interrupted.
R.J. only glared at the deputy headmistress while Alexa nodded.
Alexa gave her parents a hug goodbye and said a quiet goodbye to Ron and Luna before walking out of the office.
R.J. also bid a polite goodbye to his girlfriend's parents, hoping that they wouldn't consider him a complete pervert unworthy of their daughter's affections. "I'll owl you Mum," he told Luna.
"Okay love," Luna said kissing his cheek.
Alexa arrived in the Great Hall just to catch the end of breakfast.
"Here," Saffron held out a plate. "I saved you some muffins."
"I'm not very hungry," Alexa said quietly. "But thanks..."
"What happened?" Saffron asked, noticing her friend's red eyes.
"R.J. was called into McGonagall's office too," Alexa said keeping her voice down so no one else could hear. "And when we walked in, our parents were there. Apparently, someone told McGonagall that I was sneaking into R.J.'s room at night."
"WHAT?" Saffron shouted.
"I take it she knows," R.J. said grumpily sitting across from them. "And now all of Hogwarts does too."
Alexa barely registered her boyfriend's arrival. This was her fault. Now everyone in Gryffindor would hate her along with R.J. because he wouldn't be able to play in next weekend's match.
"Who told?" Saffron asked, looking between her two friends. "I swear, when I find out who said something I'll kill them..."
"You'll need to queue up behind me," R.J. said angrily grabbing a muffin from the plate. "Thanks to that snitch, I don't get to play next weekend."
Saffron's jaw dropped in horror. "Are you serious?"
"I never joke about Quidditch," R.J. replied. "This is so bloody unfair!"
"Saffy?" Mimi asked tapping her friend on the shoulder. "I was wondering if I could borrow your...why are you looking at me like that?"
"You told didn't you?" Saffron asked furiously.
"Saf don't," R.J. said. "I really don't want all of the school to know what happened."
"I-I don't know what you're talking about," Mimi said looking right at Saffron. "I swear Saffy."
The group sitting at the Gryffindor table was so busy arguing that they didn't notice the gleeful, nasty smile on Christina Grant's face. "Serves them right," she whispered to her friend Monica. "That little red haired tart thinks she can steal my boyfriend, she'll realise she's playing with fire."
"Why don't you just let this go?" Monica asked. "I think it's you who is playing with fire."
Christina glared at her. "I want to teach that brat Potter a lesson too. I may not be able to prove it, but I just know she's the one who hit me with that curse at the beginning of term."
"Do you really think it's a good idea to stir up trouble for the Minister's daughter?" Monica asked. "And her dad is THE Harry Potter after all."
"Big bloody deal," Christina rolled her eyes.
"And you're doing all this to get R.J. back?" Monica asked. "Because, I hate to break this to you, but he doesn't seem to want you back Chris."
"I could care less about getting him back now," Christina flipped her hair over her shoulder. "But he should learn that dumping me comes with a price."
"I still think this is going to blow up in your face," Monica said looking over at the Gryffindor table. "Just like it did last time."
"Whatever," Christina glared at her. "You could be a little more supportive of me you know. I am supposedly your best friend."
"I am trying to stop you from doing something foolish," Monica said. "And I think that is a very best friend thing to do. I know you were hurt when R.J. dumped you, but there's other boys out there, Chris. You can spend your time finding one instead of plotting this revenge."
The blonde rolled her eyes. "Don't you think I don't know that you idiot?"
Monica shook her head and picked up her bag. "I'll see you in Potions."
"What are we supposed to do without our captain?" Saffron whispered to R.J.. "Honestly, what is McGonagall thinking?"
"I don't know," R.J. said glumly. "She always claims to be a strong supporter of the house team, but doing something like this doesn't make any sense. She might as well just have handed over the House Cup to Slytherin."
"We'll manage somehow," Saffron said determinedly. "Andrew can take over for one game- and we'll just have to use our reserve keeper. I promise, we'll still win R.J.."
"I suppose," R.J. said quietly.
"I need to do something before class," Alexa said hurriedly. "I'll see you in Charms, Saffy."
R.J. and Saffron both watched her hurry out of the Great Hall. "Great," R.J. ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "Now she's pissed at me too."
"She's not pissed," Saffron told him. "I've seen Alexa pissed and that's not her pissed off face. She's probably thinking this is her fault."
"It's my fault," R.J. said, getting up. "I'm going to see if she'll talk to me..."
"Classes start in five minutes," Saffron reminded her friend. "The last thing you need is to get in trouble for skiving off classes. Talk to her at lunch."
"If you get a chance, will you say something to her?" R.J. asked.
"I'll try," Saffron said. "It'll be okay R.J.."
He shook his head. "You know, this year isn't turning out like I planned. This is already the second big problem we've had since we got back here."
"Christina Grant better hope she wasn't behind this," Saffron said catching a glimpse of the blonde Ravenclaw as she walked out of the Great Hall.
R.J. only shook his head. "I don't know what her deal is. I mean, get over it already."
"Did McGonagall say anything about how she found out?" Saffron asked standing up.
"She wouldn't say," R.J. replied as they headed up the stairs.
"Lex's parents want to ream you out too?" Saffron asked.
"They gave me a few scary looks," R.J. confessed.
"Mr. O'Leary's pretty cool though," Saffron said. "And you are still breathing so that's a good sign."
"I guess," R.J. was still glum. "I'll see you later Saf."
Saffron watched him go before heading off in the direction of her Charms class.
*** *** ***
Alexa avoided both Saffron and R.J. all day. It was easy to avoid R.J. since they didn't have any classes together, but Saffron was hard to hide from. Alexa purposely arrived right before each class began so there wouldn't be any time to chat.
And to make matters worse, word had gotten out about what had happened. She knew that if she ran into R.J., he'd just tell her they should call things off.
"All right," Saffron said once they were in their last class. "You've been avoiding me Lex." she had to whisper since the lecture was already starting but since it was History of Magic, neither girl was too worried.
"I haven't," Alexa lied.
Saffron gave her a look. "Hello- am I not your best friend?"
"You are," Alexa whispered. "But I know you're mad at me too."
"Why would I be mad at you?" Saffron asked quizzically.
"If it weren't for me, R.J. would still be able to play next weekend," Alexa replied.
"You weren't the one who told," Saffron said. "Hell, I'm not even in a strop with R.J. over this. Why on earth would I take it out on you?"
"You're not?" Alexa asked in surprise.
"Of course not," Saffron hissed.
Alexa allowed a slight smile to play at her lips at this. "Thanks Saffy."
Saffron squeezed her friend's hand. "And R.J.'s not mad at you either you know." she whispered.
"Of course he is," Alexa said quietly. "Because of me, he's going to miss the match. Because of me, he's going to have to serve detention. I knew what we were doing was wrong, but I just couldn't help myself. And now he's paying for it."
Saffron rolled her eyes. "You both knew it wasn't allowed and you both did it. He's as ticked off about what happened as you are but he's not blaming you for it."
"Really?" Alexa asked. "He told you that?'
"Right after you left at breakfast," Saffron revealed.
Alexa relaxed at this. "I thought he wanted to break things off."
"Don't be daft," Saffron snorted.
"I just keep wondering who would have told," Alexa said thoughtfully. "No one knew except for R.J.'s roommates and you, Mimi and Beth."
"They'll regret it once we find out," Saffron said. "Think of it this way- not only does that person have to face my wrath, but yours and R.J.'s, and all of Gryffindor's because of their blabbing."
"That's true," Alexa said. "Do you think it might have been a Slytherin? A couple of them made some rude comments to me before I came in here."
"I don't know," Saffron said. "I mean who would have told a Slytherin?"
"I don't know," Alexa said. "Maybe they overheard us in the library last night."
"But we weren't talking loud at all," Saffron said. "And there was no one around... there were only a few people studying."
Alexa nodded. "It doesn't matter who told, I guess. McGonagall knows and so do our parents. The damage has been done."
"Right," Saffron said, leaning back in her chair. "Promise me you'll talk to R.J. though. He thinks you're mad at him."
"I will," Alexa promised. "Thanks Saffy."
"Good," Saffron smiled at her.
R.J.'s last class of the day was Double Potions and he was trying to concentrate and not draw the ire of Professor Snape who had already docked ten points from Gryffindor when a Slytherin had make some smart remark about Alexa to him.
"So you couldn't convince McGonagall to let you play?" Andrew asked in a low voice once Snape had moved away from their table.
R.J. shook his head. "I'm going to keep working on her though."
"How about your girl?" Andrew asked even more quietly.
"Assuming she's still my girl, Lex can't go to Hogsmeade and she has detention too."
"That really sucks," Andrew said sympathetically.
Jason turned around and glared at R.J.. "If it weren't for you having to shag your girlfriend in our room, you wouldn't be in this mess."
R.J. glared back. "Mind your own fucking business. And I haven't shagged Lex yet."
"What the hell have you been doing with her then?" Jason asked. "Cuddling?"
"Hard to believe, I know," R.J. replied sarcastically. "What's it to you anyway?"
"I just think it's a shame that we might lose the House Cup because you wanted to cuddle with your ickle girlfriend. I might be able to understand if you were getting something out of it."
"Who said we were going to lose?" Andrew said in R.J.'s defence. "We have a good team and the reserve keeper isn't bad. And it's only one game. We'll just have Saffron be looking for the Snitch and get it as fast as she can."
The boys grew silent as Snape passed their station once more glaring at them before continuing on his rounds.
"And what about that scout?" Jason asked. "He was coming to see you play again, right?"
"Yeah," R.J. said, feeling glum again.
"Hey, enough mate," Andrew glared at Jason. "He's already upset about it okay?"
"Fine," Jason said quietly turning back to his own table.
R.J. continued working on his own potion when Snape came up behind him. "Class, if everyone would take a look at Weasley's potion. You'll see how NOT to brew an Invigoration Draught."
R.J. rolled his eyes as the Slytherins in the class laughed at him.
"Perhaps if you spent more time studying," Snape said icily. "And less time engaging in other activities..."
"Like you would know a snog even if it smacked you in the face," R.J. retorted, not caring that he would most likely be getting another detention.
Snape glared at him. "It'd be a shame for you to miss two matches..."
"You can't do that," Andrew said quickly. "Only our head of house can do something like that."
R.J. smirked back at the Potions professor.
"Thank you Mr. Kirke," Snape said. "You can help your friend in detention this evening. Both of you in my office at seven."
"What?" Andrew said. "That's not fair!"
"Would you like to make it two evenings then?" Snape shot back. When Andrew didn't answer, Snape nodded and walked back toward the front of the classroom.
"Great," Jason said turning around. "Because R.J. needed a cuddle, you've got detention now too, Andrew."
"Sod off," Andrew retorted.
"I'm sorry mate," R.J. said.
"At least we can keep each other company," Andrew said with a slight grin. "Nice comeback to the pasty wanker by the way."
"Thanks," R.J. managed a smile back.
Class finally came to an end, but not without Snape reminding Andrew and R.J. of tonight's detention.
"As if we could forget," R.J. said as he and Andrew made their way out of the classroom.
"No shit," Andrew replied. "Detention with the greasy git."
"Can't wait," R.J. said sarcastically. "Just how I wanted to spend my night. Did you notice how he didn't take any points off McDonald for that shite remark he made?"
"I know," Andrew replied. "I don't think he's ever taken points off Slytherin. I guess he knows they'd lose the House Cup if he did."
"If we do happen to lose next weekend," R.J. said. "And I don't think we will, we'll still be tied with Slytherin."
"We won't," Andrew said determinedly.
They climbed the stairs to Gryffindor tower and ran into Saffron and Alexa when they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Hi," R.J. said quietly.
"Hello," Alexa said nervously
Saffron grabbed Andrew by the hand. "How about we go over strategy, Andrew?"
"Right," Andrew said nodding. "I'll catch up with you later R.J.."
"See you Andrew," R.J. said, his eyes on Alexa.
Alexa reached up and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I didn't see you at lunch," R.J. said. "I was hoping we could talk."
"I wasn't very hungry," she said, staring at the floor nervously.
"Has your day been as great as mine?" R.J. asked. "Because it couldn't get any worse if it tried."
She managed a small smile. "It was pretty bad," she agreed.
"You know what the best part of it was?" he asked looking at her.
"There was a best part?" Alexa's eyebrow was arched.
He nodded. "Aside from waking up with you this morning, the best part is seeing you right now."
"So you're really not mad?" she asked, twisting her hands together.
"I am mad," he said softly. "But not at you."
"I'm not angry either," she said softly.
He smiled and gave her a kiss. "I'm sorry for getting you into trouble."
Alexa hugged him tightly. "As long as we're okay, then I don't care."
R.J. held her, kissing the top of her head. "Your parents don't completely hate me now do they?"
"Nah," Alexa buried her face in his shirt. "I mean, my dad might be a bit scary next time he sees you, but you're a brave Gryffindor."
R.J. laughed. "I guess our sleepovers are over for now. Maybe it'll be good practise for next year when you're here and I'm wherever I'll be."
"I guess," Alexa replied. "We'll have to make up for all that lost snogging time though won't we?" she smiled at him.
"No one said the common room was off limits for snogging," R.J. said mischievously.
"Or any of these hidden little rooms around the castle," Alexa replied.
"We'll just have to be creative," R.J. said kissing her again.
Alexa already felt completely back to normal as she and R.J. kissed. "I don't care what anyone says," she closed her eyes as he leaned against her. "I love you R.J.."
"I love you too," he whispered. "So much, Lexie. So very much."
"I never get tired of hearing that you know," Alexa smiled, ignoring the looks that a few students passing by them into the portrait hole were shooting their way.
"I've never felt this way about anyone before," he said.
"I'm just so glad it's me," Alexa said with an impish smile.
"Who else would it be?" he asked tickling her side. "McGonagall?"
"You'd never be able to sleep in the same bed as her," Alexa teased, laughing at the look on his face.
"Ewww, Lex," R.J. said grimacing. "Please don't give me that image!"
Alexa was still giggling as she kissed him again.
A few first-years passed by giggling and blushing as they made their way through the portrait hole.
"You think they'd never seen two people snog before," R.J. said shaking his head.
"I think it's that plus all the rumours that have been running rampant around the school all day," Alexa replied.
"Those rumours about how you can't keep your hands off of me?" he asked cheekily. "I had heard those and I am proud to say that they are completely true."
She laughed again. "I didn't deny those at all."
"I'm going to keep trying to work on McGonagall," R.J. said. "I'm hoping my charm and polite behaviour will make her change her mind about me playing next weekend."
"Maybe if you're really good and don't get any more detentions or anything she'll let you play," Alexa said, running her fingers through his hair.
R.J. looked sheepishly at his girlfriend. "Well, that might not be so easy actually...I sort of have a detention tonight."
"For what?" Alexa asked. "Our detentions with McGonagall aren't starting until tomorrow."
"I sort of mouthed off to Snape during Potions," R.J. said quietly. "He deserved it though Lex."
Alexa shook her head. "He's such a git. He probably goaded you into it."
"He's such an arse, Lex," R.J. said. "Before class started that git McDonald makes some rude comment about you and I told him off and Snape docks points from me, but not from him."
"It's so pathetic how he favours his own house," Alexa agreed. "Just don't let him get to you tonight okay?"
"I'll keep thinking of you and I'll tune everything else out," he promised.
Alexa smiled at him and gave him another kiss. "And if you're good, I'll reward you before we go to bed tonight."
R.J. grinned. "In that case, I'm going to be on my best behaviour. I'll even be nice to old Snivellus."
Alexa laughed as he helped her into the portrait hole. "Just remember, the greasy git is probably jealous of you."
"I'm sure that's it," R.J. said laughing. "Maybe it has something to do with who my father is, who my godfather is and the fact that I'm in Gryffindor."
"That too," Alexa squeezed his hand as they joined Saffron and Andrew at one of the tables.
"Andrew just filled me in on what happened," Saffron said. "Good comeback, R.J.! Wish I could have seen it!"
"It was pretty classic if I do say so myself," R.J. leaned back in his chair.
"Why was Jason being such an arse about the whole thing?" Saffron asked.
"Probably because he couldn't get a girl to sneak in his room for all the money in Gringotts," Andrew said dryly.
"With an attitude like his lately, that's for bloody sure," Saffron snorted.
Andrew laughed and looked admiringly at Saffron. He'd always thought she was a cute girl. "Hey Saf? Are you doing anything after classes tomorrow afternoon?"
"What?" Saffron asked. "Yeah kind of... I made plans with my boyfriend Peter, but we probably won't do anything special."
"You're seeing someone then?" Andrew asked. "I didn't know..."
Saffron blushed as R.J. grinned at them both. "Yeah, Pete and I sort of hooked up at the beginning of the year," she answered.
"I was just wondering if perhaps you'd fancy playing a pickup match tomorrow," Andrew said grinning at her. "I need all the help I can get, you know."
"Oh please, you're just fishing for compliments," Saffron said, secretly pleased at the attention. "Maybe in the later afternoon or evening, once these two have to go to detention?"
"I'd like that," Andrew said nodding. "How about I meet you on the pitch around six?"
"That should be fine," Saffron nodded. "What exactly do you need help with?"
"Snogging," R.J. said before Andrew could answer.
"Keep it up Detention Boy," Andrew said glaring at him. "For your information, I thought since Saffy and I will actually be playing in the match next weekend that we could help each other out. It's for the good of the team really."
"Good idea," Saffron nodded. "Maybe later in the week we'll bring out what's his name- the reserve keeper."
"He doesn't have to be there," Andrew said slyly. "You know what they say, three's a crowd..."
Saffron shook her head. "Nice try Kirke."
"Can't blame a bloke for trying," Andrew said. "Well, I'll catch up with you lot at dinner. And Saffy, don't stand me up tomorrow..."
"For Quidditch?" Saffron asked. "Never."
Andrew grinned at her before disappearing up the stairs.
"Somebody fancies Saffy," Alexa teased.
"Oh please," Saffron said, her face turning red.
"He was telling me the other day he had his eye on someone," R.J. said. "But he didn't tell me who it was. Now I know why..."
"He's never said anything before," Saffron replied.
"You should go out with him," R.J. said putting his arm around Alexa. "He's a good bloke, Saffy."
"Hello," Saffron replied. "I'm already going out with someone!"
"Peter?" R.J. asked.
Alexa looked at her boyfriend. "Who else has she been seeing since the start of term?"
"I didn't know it was serious," R.J. said defensively. "Believe it or not, my life doesn't centre around Saffy's love life."
"It should," Saffron quipped. "You'd probably keep yourself out of detention."
"She's got you there R.J.," Alexa said laughing.
R.J. tossed a pillow at Saffron. "I'm starving."
"Let's go eat," Saffron said throwing it back at him.
"You can even sit beside Andrew if you want," R.J. teased. "Andrew and Saffron Kirke...it has a nice ring to it."
Alexa elbowed his side. "Remember, Saffron can hex you here."
"Right," R.J. said nodding. "Good point. Let's go eat then."
Saffron shared a grin with her best friend. "Everything okay?" she whispered as R.J. walked ahead of them.
Alexa nodded. "Everything's perfect, Saffy. I worried over nothing."
"Good," Saffron replied. "I told you it would be okay."
"What about you and Andrew?" Alexa asked. "I had no idea he fancied you."
"I didn't either," Saffron replied. "It really just came out of nowhere. And I would have said yes, but things are going so well between me and Peter..."
"There's nothing that says you can't be friends with Andrew," Alexa said.
"Of course not," Saffron said. "He's a nice bloke."
"Who's a nice bloke?" Andrew asked coming up behind them putting his arm around Saffron. "Me?"
"You wish," Saffron smirked at him.
"Hey Saffy?" Andrew asked. "You ever wanted to fly inside the castle?"
"You can't fly in the castle," Saffron said rolling her eyes.
"Yes you can," he said picking her up.
"Andrew!" she screamed, laughing.
Andrew chuckled as he sped up. "Light as a feather, Potter. Here we go...coming in for a landing in the Great Hall...all systems go...."
"You're such a goof!" she said, still giggling as he set her down just outside the doors. "Honestly!"
He pulled on one of her plaits. "A likeable goof though, right?"
Peter had been waiting for Saffron just outside the Great Hall and he'd seen the older boy carrying her.
"I guess a little likeable," Saffron said, straightening her robes.
"You can do better than that," Andrew said reaching for her again.
"Oh no," Saffron backed away. "You're not 'flying' me into the Great Hall!" she didn't notice Peter approaching her from behind.
"Alright mate?" Andrew asked, not knowing who this bloke staring at them was.
"Saffron," Peter said quietly.
"Pete!" Saffron said. "Hey I didn't know you were waiting out here." she smiled at him.
"Obviously," Peter said glaring at Andrew.
"Pete," R.J. said. "You've met my best friend Andrew before right?"
"Nice to see you again mate," Andrew said amiably.
Peter just stared at him.
"We were just fooling around with Saffy," R.J. said.
"I helped her fly in the castle," Andrew said chuckling. "She thought I couldn't do it."
"It was quite amusing," Saffron jabbed his side. "What's up Peter?" she asked, moving closer to him.
"I thought you might want to eat dinner together, but you're obviously busy," he said icily.
"Not at all," Saffron said, linking their fingers together.
Peter relaxed somewhat.
"I'm starving," R.J. said taking Alexa's hand. "We'll save you a seat Saffy."
"We'll be in there in just a few minutes," Saffron said.
"Nice meeting you mate," Andrew said to Peter before following R.J. and Alexa into the Great Hall.
"Everything okay?" Saffron asked.
"Who was that guy?" Peter asked.
"He's just a friend," Saffron replied dismissively. "He's on the Quidditch team with me and R.J.."
"Doesn't seem as if he wants to be just your friend," Peter said quietly sticking his hands in his pockets.
"Doesn't matter," Saffron said, winding her arms around his middle.
Peter felt his anger and jealousy melting away. She was out here with him after all. "Good answer," he said giving her a kiss.
"Mmm..." she said. "That's more like it."
"What would you say to eating dinner at the Ravenclaw table?" he asked.
"I suppose I could manage," she smiled at him. "But tomorrow night you can eat with me and the Gryffindors."
"Deal," Peter said smiling at her.