'I need a drink.' Marlene said exiting the common room.

'She really hasn't been taking the break-up well, has she?' Dorcas sighed.
'Neither has Sirius.' James said.

'Well then why doesn't he apologise for being mean and make things right? I mean this is Sirius and Marlene. The couple of the year.'

'Last year. This year it will be James and Lily.' James said.

'You wish.' Dorcas laughed.

'I am the last person to talk to him about making things right after the whole Sarah incident.'

'Honestly, I didn't know what you two saw in her? I mean she's a slytherin, first cross. She doesn't care about anybody's feelings, second cross. She was Lucius Malfoy's ex girlfriend, third biggest cross.' Dorcas said.

'You don't need to make me feel worse about it.' James said.

'Cheer up.'
'Yeah, with everybody in a bad mood, I don't think so.'

'Well those two are in a good mood.' Dorcas said, looking at Remus and Mary who just entered the room.

'Yeah, who are they kidding anyways? It's obvious they are sneaking around. You are okay about that, aren't you?' James asked.

'Yeah. It's okay. I just don't get why they are sneaking around. Is it a fling or something real?'

'Want to find out?' James asked, his eyes lighting up, with a mischievous smirk on his face.

'What do you mean?'
'With Sirius being so moody, I need someone as my partner in crime.' James said.

'No. I don't think I am the pranking type.' Dorcas said.

'That's okay. When you hear this one, you will agree with me.'
'It's time to beat them at their own game.' James said.
***
'Hey, Mary.' James asked. 'Can I have a moment with you?'

'What's up?' She said walking with him in the corridor.

James entered an empty classroom, Mary followed confused.

James took his wand out and made flowers appear in his hand.

'Mary. I don't know how to say this but I really like you. Would you go out on a date with me?'

In the corner, wearing the invisibility cloak, Dorcas almost snickered.
'Are you sure you got the right girl? I am Mary. Not Lily.' Mary said.

'I am sure. You are really gorgeous and you have got stunning eyes.'

'What?' Mary asked, the slightest idea of what was happening.

'Please agree for a dinner.'
'James, are you drunk?' Mary asked.

'Drunk in love, yes I am.'

'Real smooth' Dorcas mouthed, with a grin on her face.

'I have a class. I am leaving.' Mary said, walking out.

'I will be waiting for your answer, beautiful.' James called out.

Dorcas threw the invisibility cloak away and started laughing. James followed.

'This really is fun.' She agreed.
'I know right.' James grinned.
***

'James did what?' Remus asked.
'He asked me out. He said showered me with compliments.'

'There has to be something wrong. That's not like James.'

'You don't think I am worth complimenting?'
'Mary, I know you feel good getting compliments but this isn't like James. He's in love with Lily.' Remus said. 'Unless, of course.'

'What?'
'James knows about us.'

'Are you sure he wasn't just complimenting my eyes?'
'We can just confront him with the truth.. or else.'

'Huh?' She asked.
'Two can play this game.' Remus smirked.
***

I thought about what you asked. How about tonight?' Mary said.

'T-tonight?' James asked his plan backfiring.

'Yeah, why not. I know the perfect place where two lovebirds like us can be. I can't wait to feel those muscles.' Mary said.

James gulped and backed away.
'Sure. I will be there.' James said straightening his composure.
***
'How could she do that to Remus?' Dorcas asked.

'Maybe because I am muscular.' James said flexing his muscles.

'Nah, it's not that. Oh. Oh god, now I get it.' Dorcas said.

'Get what? How sexy I am?' James said admiring himself.

'No, idiot. They know that we know.' Dorcas said.

'What are you saying? We should just call it quits, before this goes further?' James asked.
'The contrary. Let's play the game.'
***
'Trust me. This suit looks great on you.' Dorcas said.

'I am having second thoughts about this. What if she really wanted to feel my muscles?'

'As if. Come on, let's get going. I will be with the cloak in the corner if you need help in backing away.' Dorcas said.

'All right, let's do this.'
***
'Damn, I don't know if I can enter. She really looks hot in that dress.'

'Remember the plan.' Dorcas said pushing him in.

'Hey Mary.' James said. 'I didn't know you had a candle light dinner planned.'

Mary gulped, not sure how to proceed from now on.
She saw Remus in the corner of the room, only within her vision. He gave her the thumbs up.

'Go for it' He mouthed.
***
'Mistletoe, huh. I guess you know what that means.' Mary said.

'Yeah.' James laughed nervously.
'Go ahead, kiss me sailor if you have the guts.'

'Yes. That's what I want to do.' James said.
'Go ahead.'

Hesitating, James leaned in.
Mary leaned in too.

They kept their distance, unsure of what to do.

'Yeah. I guess. A kiss. Okay. Yeah.' James said.
They made an awkward contact of lips before Mary backed away.

'What's the matter princess, won't you let me ride your carriage?'

Mary laughed. 'Okay. You got us. I can't do this anymore. You win.'

'Damn it, Mary. We were so close.' Remus said coming out of the back.

Dorcas stepped out of the cloak and opened the door.

'Dorcas?' Remus asked confused. 'You were in on this, too.'

'Are you kidding? She encouraged it.' James smirked.
'So you are okay with us?' Mary asked.

'Do you love each other?' She asked.
'Yeah.' They said.

'Then that's all that matters.' Dorcas said with with a faint smile.

'Make me the best man.' James winked.

'Okay, we are getting ahead.' Remus stopped James.
'Ride your carriage? Getting a little carried away, were you, James?' Dorcas asked.

'Hey, can't blame a guy for trying, can you?' James laughed.
'So, I guess we can go public now?' Mary said.

'Yeah, why were you hiding the relationship?' Dorcas asked.
'I guess we were worried how you would take it.' Mary said.

'Well you can relax, you have my blessing.' Dorcas laughed.
***