Wow it took me forever to get this up, typical excuse - the holidays finished. Anyway - I had a little problem with my muse but we're all sorted now. Hope you all enjoy!

Dedicated to my awesome mum who is (almost) a Dr. now. :)

Chapter 5

The silence was overwhelming, Matt was glaring at her. It was disturbing: he never did anything more forceful than frown slightly but it was clear she'd really touched a nerve.

"Come on, I'm your friend. I just want to help," she pleaded.

"There is nothing to help. I'm fine. There's nothing going on, so just drop it."

Lily sighed, "Fine." She looked at him sadly, "still friends?"

The scowl disappeared, "of course."

Still, it was slightly awkward until Faith arrived and they opened their Transfiguration books. Lily's previous words still hung in the air, declaring something he did not want acknowledged. She would get it out of him eventually. Glancing over to the corner she noticed someone else and her brow furrowed, what was with all her friends having problems? She excused herself and headed over.

"Hey." She sat down at the table. It was scattered with sheets of parchment and books, but the quill lay silent and the ink was dry. Scorpius looked up from the book he'd been staring at, "Hey."

"What's up?"

"Just waiting for Rose, as usual," he said, looking a little glum. Lily tilted her head to the side, squinting at him.

"Smile," she commanded. He did, just for a minute before his mouth fell back to its original position.

"You do like her," she stated after a moment of contemplation.

"Hence the non-friendship"

"No you like-like her."

"Why'd you say that?"

"Because you do: you like Rosie!"

"I do not … don't look at me like that," he protested, then sighed, "It's not obvious?"

"Nah, I just have amazing deduction skills."

"So how'd you..?"

"Well, you kind of smile a bit different around her."

"That's it? your amazing deduction skills? It's all based on a smile?"

"Well, yeah that and the fact you're sitting here waiting for her even though you finished your homework about an hour ago and when she arrives you'll pretend you haven't and then you'll talk about what ever she wants to discuss and maybe you'll argue with her just so the conversation lasts longer even though you secretly agree …"

"Stalker, much?" Scorpius grumbled.

"No, though I do know a girl that would like to follow you around with a camera." Scorpius raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"She thinks you're mysterious," she laughed. "Anyway I think it's sweet."

"You think it's sweet that some first year wants to stalk me?"

"No, you liking Rose silly! I think you'd be very good together."

"Tell that to her," he said bitterly.

"What is wrong with you today? You're not normally so despondent."

"You're too young to use words like despondent."

"Piffle. Now, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," he said petulantly, now obviously sulking. Lily lent over and pinched him.

"Ow!" He jumped and glared at her angrily, rubbing his arm.

"That's better; melancholy doesn't suit your complexion."

He laughed, and shook his head at her.

"Much better," she smiled up at him, "now tell me what's wrong or I'll have to pinch you again."

"Rosie has a boyfriend."

"What?"

"Some Ravenclaw fourth year," he glared darkly at his book, "asked her to Hogsmede."

"See now jealousy suits you much better," Lily stated matter-of-factly.

"I am not jealous. He's just a jerk; seriously he only wants her for one reason."

"What's that?"

"Err…" he blinked at Lily, "well, 'cause she's so smart, he wants her to do his homework."

"Okay if you say so, but he's a fourth year Ravenclaw. And you are jealous."

"I am not."

"Now you're just being silly. Have we or have we not established you like Rose?"

"I suppose."

"Therefore it would be very odd if you were not jealous."

"I guess."

"So just admit it and then we'll see what we can do about Rosie's date."

"Fine, I suppose I am a teeny bit jealous but he's still a jerk."

"Okay, well I have an idea."

Lily found who she was looking for walking up from the pitch; broom in hand, looking wet and muddy and extremely satisfied.

"James, oh darling big brother of mine …" she asked meeting him on the steps.

"Yes Lily?"

"Yes Lily what?"

"Darling, wonderful, favourite sister of mine."

"Thank you. Can I borrow the map?"

"Why?"

"You told me to get my prank on?"

"So now you decide to take my advice?"

"The situation calls for it." He looked curious but didn't ask and after a moment he shrugged, "Fine, but if you ever tell Mum …"

"I won't. Thanks!" She was about to hug him but stepped back and wrinkled her nose, "You smell." He rolled his eyes and started up the steps, Lily following a good pace behind. In a truly brotherly fashion he held the door open for her then slung an arm around her shoulder,

"Ew, ew James! Don't"

He smirked evilly, "Love you little sister." She slipped out of his grip and skipped ahead, "I'll come by for the map tomorrow, oh and I need the cloak too."

"Let me know if you need a hand." He called after her, She just waved and headed toward the library.

Being first years, Lily and Hugo were not allowed to go to Hogsmeade, Hugo spent the day, as he would any other weekend, in the kitchens trying to convince the house elves they were unhappy.

"Matt?" Lily sat down next to him at dinner.

"Hey Lils. Haven't seen you all day, where've you been?"

"Oh here and there," she said airily. "What were you doing?"

"Nothing much; some homework and stuff," he replied equally evasively. She knew he'd been in the Hospital Wing for most of the day, the Map never lies, but she didn't comment, just patted his hand and started chatting about their History of Magic assignment.

Lily walked into the library and was glad to see Rose and Scorpius sitting together, heads bent over a large, dusty book. Rose looked up, saw her and beckoned her over.

"Hello, Rosie, Scorpius."

"Hey Lily. How are you?" Scorpius asked. Lily was glad to see he seemed back to himself.

"Fine thanks, and yourself?"

"Fabulous. Thanks." They exchanged grins and Rose watched them curiously. "You two are weird," she said. "Anyway, Lily, if you see James can you tell him I do not appreciate him harassing the first guy who ever asked me out."

"Okay. Date went well then."

"Hrmmph." A scowl settled over Rose's face.

"I'll tell him." Lily smiled at Scorpius, who winked. He looked very pleased with himself.

"And…say thanks." Rose added as Lily turned away.

"Sure thing. See you two later."

"Bye Lily."

Lily decided to find James, she could return the cloak and map as well as deliver Rose's message. Predictably she found him heading down to the Quidditch Pitch. She relayed the message as he slid the heirlooms into his bag. He straightened up and raised an eyebrow, "Lilikins, why does Rosie think I had something to do with her date yesterday?"

"Because when such clever things happen everyone thinks of you."

"So it had nothing to do with you borrowing the cloak or map?"

"Did I say that?" she asked innocently as they continued toward the Pitch.

"Why'd you do it?"

"He's not a very nice person."

"You're sure it wasn't Scorpius' idea?"

"Why would it be?"

"Because he's in love with Rosie."

"So you know too … he thinks it's a secret."

James laughed, "Yeah right!"

"Okay so maybe Scorpius had something to do with it, but it's just creepy seeing him sad. I had to help him."

"Yeah, and if it's any consolation, the guy is actually a jerk and I think Rose has that figured out now. Good job little sister."

Lily beamed up at him, "Learnt from the best."

"You sure did. Wanna fly with me for a bit?" he asked impulsively. If possible Lily's smile widened and he headed off to find her a broom.

Please review!