CHAPTER FOUR.
( LOVE & FRIENDS.. )

     The next day came far too quick far too quick for Ella and she ended up waking up later than she usually did. A soft groan escaping her lips as she rolled over the bed. Someone nudging her bed, shaking the whole frame in an attempt to wake her up. Then Layla shouted her name causing Ella to groan before she pushed her to sit up.

     "What?" Ella muttered as she blinked a few times. Trying to rub sleep from her eyes with the heel of her hands. The sun was already leaking through the windows and as Ella's vision came back. She saw that Layla was holding James' glasses. A questioning look on her face. Ella sighed and then got out of bed, snatching them back.

     "Why did you have them?" Layla asked as Ella placed them back on her head. Walking past Layla to go to the bathroom. Layla was going to be unrelenting it seemed and followed right after the brunette. Her face twisted in confusion and annoyance.

     "I spoke to James last night. It was an accident," Ella said as she walked to the mirror. Pushing the hair from her neck to see that James' marks had turned into small dark bruises. A soft sigh escaping her lips as she rested against the sink, blinking a few more times. Layla letting out a sigh as she noticed the marks. Her back leaning against the wall as she watched Ella.

     "You did a lot more than speak to him clearly," Layla said. Her tone harsh as she glared at her friend. Ella sighed and rearranged her hair before grabbing her toothbrush. Squirting toothpaste into it as she took a deep breath. If the sun was up, that meant she didn't have as long as she usually did to get ready for school.

     "We just spoke. I told 'im no. Remus was comin' back from duty and I didn't want 'im to see. So I said no," Ella said as she began to brush her teeth. Being more vigorous than she usually was. Layla sighing and shaking her head. She hated how Ella was acting. It was different. Not massively but still different to what Layla was used to.

     "But you're still going to do it and why d'you even have his glasses?" Layla asked gesturing to the glasses on top of her head. Ella shrugged and continued to brush her teeth. She didn't have the energy to explain it. She was already tired enough as it was and she just needed to get ready and go downstairs. The grilling was not something she needed. Ella brushed her teeth quickly and looked to Layla who was still expecting an answers.

     "When we kiss and make out. I take them from 'im and put them in my hair. He says it looks cute and it exposes my neck more. That's it. It's also in a place that means we can get them if someone walks in. It helps us look less suspicious. Are you happy?" Ella said quickly as she watched her friend. Brushing past her to go and get her school uniform ready. She hated having to rush in the morning and she had still yet to wake up properly.

     Layla just watched her, shaking her head. Ella not caring anymore as she pulled her skirt and button up shirt on. She then grabbed her jumper and pulled it over her head. Getting the robes last before putting her shoes and socks on. She needed to get to breakfast and then class. Hopefully she could pass the glasses back to him at some point at breakfast otherwise he'd have trouble in class. If the worst came to worse, she could give them to him when they meet later.

     But that wasn't necessary. While he was doing her tie, she was able to slide the glasses back into his bag and he pretended like he'd left them there the whole time. Ella was content with that and ended up going to class. The questions being minimal since most people didn't notice the dark marks littering her neck. They were mostly small and inconspicuous. She was glad for that.

     Ella was now sat in the common room. She had been studying while waiting for James to appear. They usually appeared in the common room before sneaking off to a room or some other secret place in the castle. It depended on the day but Ella was sure none of her dorm-mates were on a free that lesson. So they could do as they pleased.

     Once she saw the boy walk through the portrait hole. She grinned but pretended to continue studying for a few more minutes. Then she stood up and gathered all her books up. Purposefully leaving one behind before she headed up towards her dorm room. James swooped at the chance and grabbed the book, calling after Ella who ignored him. This made it at least seem normal that he was going up to the dorm.

     He then just went walking up to the dorm. A soft smile spreading across his lips as he knocked on the door. Ella putting her books down before skipping over to the door, pulling it open where he was stood with a big grin. He walked inside and placed the book with her others before he wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed a kiss to her lips.

     "The boys were so suspicious that I'd lost my glasses," James muttered as he rested his chin against the top of her head. She sighed and nuzzled her face into his jumper. Inhaling his scent, she had missed that far too much for it to be normally.

     "I know. Remus found me with 'em on. I think he's suspicious," Ella responded as she stepped back to lift her head to look up at him. Her hands resting at her sides. He then took her hands and gently walked them back to Ella's bed. The brunette falling back first before James crawled on top of her. His hand stroking her cheek as she smiled up at him.

     ""I don't think he suspects a thing. I'm Head Boy so there's no reason I shouldn't be around you often. You're a prefect and my best friend after all," James shrugged and Ella chuckled. Her face moving to bury in his neck as he moved to lie down next to her. Ella cuddled up to him, pressing a few soft kisses to the exposed column of his throat. His arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her to lie on top of him. His hands resting on her hips as he rested back.

     "It's fine if he does. We'll just have to be more cautious. It's not like you're that desperate to be fucked," Ella said. Her words more vulgar than she expected from herself. James didn't say anything for a moment. His hand continuing to run patterns against the side of her skirt that would soon enough be removed so he could caress somewhere else.

     "It's just been strange to adjust to not having you around as much. It's nice to be around the boys again though," James said as he ran his fingers through her hair. When they had started last year, they rarely talked before they did anything. Now, they talked and then had sex, talked for a little longer before parting ways. It was strange, the friendship still there despite the intimacy of many situations they found themselves in.

     "They're still tossers," Ella muttered and James chuckled at that. Wrapping some hair around his fingers before she lifted her head up. Her chin resting against his chest as she looked at his face. The boy staring up at the ceiling in thought, smiling still. His eyes crinkling and the corners of his mouth tugging up.

      "You're right but they're lovable tossers. What's got you so cuddly anyway?" He asked. Noting the unusual clingness of her. Even if they talked before, it was usually while they kissed rather than cuddling. Ella shrugged them moved to straddle his waist. Her hands running under his jumper, pulling it off of him as she smirked.

     "Stressed about school. It's our last year 'ere after all and you have all this responsibility, it's odd," Ella shrugged. The lie leaving her lips as if it was the truth. James unable to tell the difference despite knowing her for so long. Ella was really thinking about James and how she utterly adored him. How she wanted to cuddle him forever until they had no choice but to break away. The realisation that it would never happen had hit her long ago but she still liked to think about it.

     "Let me ease some of that stress," He said as he sat up. His hands running down to the waist of her own jumper. His hands pulling it over her head before he undid her tie, discarding it on the floor. His fingers unbuttoning her shirt hastily and the way his tongue stuck out a little with his concentration made her grin wider.

     "How are you going to ease my stress, James?" She whispered. Pressing her body against his. Stopping him in his tracks as she pushed him to lie down. She sat right on top of his hard-on, grinding softly before she unbuttoned his shirt. However, he was quick to sit up again. Easily overpowering her and attaching his lips to her neck. His glasses being placed on the bedside table as he peppered kisses and soft bite marks against her neck. She squirmed and couldn't help but giggle when his nose brushed the sensitive spot on her neck.

     "M'sorry," He muttered and Ella shook her head. Moving her hand to his hair and gently pulling on it so he met her gaze. She didn't care about that as long as she got to kiss him. Their lips attaching as she wrapped her arms around him. Desperate to keep him close, the desperation evident in the kiss as she tried to get closer to him. Her hands finishing unbuttoning her shirt.

     "So needy," He muttered against her lips as he trailed his kisses down. Ella now breathless as she undid the last button. James quick to remove it and discard it on the floor. Ella's fingers caressing his shirt. It was firm but not too firm. His quidditch position meaning he stayed in shape. She loved it and she was stupidly in love with him.

     "I guess Sirius was right. I'm so needy for you," Ella whispered, tilting her head so she could whisper it into his ear. James groaned softly against her skin and ran his hands across her thighs causing Ella to shiver. A soft whine escaping her lips. The two continuing to undress each other before finally giving into what they had both wanted since the previous night.

***

     Ella and Layla were in the library. They had been studying over their free period and lunch was coming after one more lesson which meant that they could go to the great hall and finally have something to eat. Ella's breakfast had been sub-par due to her own issues mainly to do with the hickeys that James had left her with after their tryst. But she was sure lunch would be better.

     As Ella and Layla set next to each other, a familiar voice could be heard from the doorway. She cocked an eyebrow as she looked up to see Remus stood at the door. A smile on his face as he gestured for her to come out. Ella sighed and glanced over at Layla who's expression was half-hidden by her fringe but it seemed like she had yet to notice the boy.

     "Remus wants us. I'll go see what he wants," Ella whispered. Keeping her voice quiet as she packed her parchments and books away. She had been meaning to take a break for a while so now Remus was at least giving her an opportunity. She pulled the satchel over her shoulder and walked over to the doorway. Layla wasn't far behind but was too distracted with packing to notice what happened next.

     Ella stepped out and was instantly jump-scared by various shouts. Sirius and James appearing from behind her. Ella letting out a scream as she whipped around. Her hands held up slightly defensively before she realised that it was just Sirius and Remus. Peter and Remus were both snickering at her reaction and Ella frowned.

     She then leant forward and repeatedly whacked Sirius on the head with the book she was holding. Her face contorting to annoyance before she looked at James. He gave her an apologetic look before she whacked him over the head with the book. Giving him a glare as he feigned hurt at her actions. She scoffed and put her book into her satchel.

     "Is that all you wanted? You absolute tossers," Ella said, giving Remus and Peter a whack too for their part in the scheme. Remus shrugged and just sent her a smile before Layla came out. Pushing her fringe out of the way of her eyes as she looked around.

     "Who died?" Layla asked, referring to the way Ella screamed. It had disturbed most of the library and Ella couldn't help but blush. Burying her head in her hands as she let out a soft sigh. James snickered at that and Sirius then looked up, finally recovered from the beating, glaring at James before his gaze turned to Ella.

     "Why did Prongs only get one hit! You practically assaulted me!" Sirius whined as he stepped away from the group. James quick to join his side. The group beginning to walk down the corridor. Ella sliding between Sirius and James to prevent any further mischief forming between the two of them. She didn't feel like having a heart attack due to the two idiots next to her.

     "Because it was you that came up with the plan! You always do. James is nice to me, you're not," Ella said, giving him a playful glare. Sirius sighed and looked over at James who was watching in front of them. Too enraptured by the wall to care about the abuse his friend had just been put through. Sirius just shook his head.

     "Plus I'm Head boy. She could lose her position if she started hitting me," James smirked as he looked to the group. Ella knew he would never shut up about the stupid position since he got the owl informing him. It was going to be the death of Ella, she knew it.

     "Well, actually, Prongs wanted to scare you this time. Right, Moony?" Sirius said, turning to look back at Remus. His conversation with Layla being interrupted by the big-mouthed boy. Remus shrugged and then went back to his conversation. Leaving Sirius with no back up to his claims. Ella snorted at Remus' disinterest and bumped up to him, smiling.

     "Don't frown, Sirius. S'not a good look on you. You might lose Marlene's interest," Ella smirked and James chuckled at her words. His eyes moving to look at her face. The joy of teasing Sirius evident on the girl's face as she let her hands sway by her sides. Carefree now that she had found a way to get Sirius back for everything he did.

     "And you might lose Prongs' interest if you keep beating his friends up with books," Sirius spat back. His teasing weak to what he would usually come out. Ella rolled her eyes and looked to James with a small pout on her face.

      "You would never leave me, right, James?" Ella muttered. Being intentionally cute to make sure he said yes and purely to tease him. He chuckled softly at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

     "No, of course not. My mother would hang me if I did." James shrugged. The teasing lilt to his tone making Ella pout, knocking his arm off her shoulders. James then chuckled and said a soft 'kidding' into her ear before he focused back on Sirius. Who was now walking backwards in front of them. A grin on his lips as he addressed the group.

     "I hope you're all ready for Halloween night," Sirius grinned as he watched over them. The group slowing down a little as they listened to Sirius, "Make sure all the girls you're friends with are invited, Ella. Including Marlene and Lily and that dorm-mate of yours. The one who likes plaid shirts and always has her hair in braids," Sirius explained, looking to Layla and Ella. The girls nodded knowing that Sirius only added the extra girl to try and make himself not seem desperate. Ella continuing to walk with him before he continued to grin, "I've got us firewhiskey and sweets - on the request of Ella. I've also managed to get the elves to help with some food too - thanks to James and his new position - so we're gonna get bladdered and you're going to spill all your secrets," Sirius grinned before he turned around. Nodding to a fellow Gryffindor that walked past. Ella rolled her eyes and watched him as he continued to walk, seemingly very proud of himself.

     "We all know Woods is gonna be plastered after two drinks. I wonder what we can get out of her," James smirked, tickling Ella's sides with his words. Layla chuckling and giving the brunette a suggestive look. A look that basically confirmed what Layla was going to do. Ella rolled her eyes and glanced over at Sirius.

     "And I wonder what we can get out of you, Prongs. You've been hiding things since the start of term. I wanna know what," Sirius said as he looked back at his friend. James shrugged and just let his hand rest close to Ella's. He was going to pull her to one side but he needed them all to leave so he could do so without it looking very obvious.

     But before he could get the chance, Ella was already saying she had to head to class. Layla was heading back to the dorm. The other four also having class meaning that James was going to lose his opportunity. When they came to a new corridor, Ella said her goodbye and went walking off down the corridor. A soft smile on her lips at the thought of getting drunk and just having some fun with her friends. She needed it. She needed the time to relax and just be a teenager not worried about her ridiculous number of feelings.

     However as she walked, she felt someone coming towards her. She couldn't stop before she felt arms around her waist. A squeal escaping her lips as she was lifted and turned around, pressed into an alcove by James who had a massive grin on his lips. Ella looked up at him, breathless from his movements. She loved it but at the same time, she was worried.

     "Nobody saw us, don't worry," He grinned as he glanced around. The whole corridor was deserted since most people were still finishing up their last lesson before third period. She looked up at him and let her arms wrap around his waist, smiling a little.

     "What d'you want?" She asked curiously. Her words slightly harsher than she had intended them to be. She was just curious and wanted to spend as much time with him as she could. She adored his stupid face and mischievous smile as he let his hands rest on her waist.

     "I was just thinking we could have some more fun before the party in a few days," James said. One of his hands trailing up to gently push some of her hair back. Revealing the marks to him. The marks he had left. His hand caressing over a few as Ella looked up at his face. At school, they had agreed not to leave marks but it was clear that James would not adhering to his own rules and Ella didn't have time to heal it. Plus, she was also at healing charms.

     "We only did it yesterday. You're so horny," Ella chuckled, resting her head against the wall as he continued to gently touch the marks. His hand trailing down to rest on her hip again. His head dipping down to capture her lips in a soft kiss. Usually he wouldn't be so open in the corridors but he wanted to show off and he wanted to kiss her. He needed her, it was such an animalistic need and he had no idea where it had come from.

     Ella pulled away first, needing to breathe. Her cheeks were flushed bright red as she looked into his beautiful blue eyes. Her chest rising and falling quickly due to the pants that left her lips. His kisses were always one that took her breathe away and left her speechless.

     "I'm used to having you whenever I want. Plus, I said I would have my way with you during our prefect duty tonight and then we don't have to for a few days. I just miss you, I miss your gorgeous tits," He whispered in her ear. His words vulgar, like how he often was in bed. She groaned softly and buried her face in the crook of his neck. Hating how good he was making the idea sound. She knew she couldn't but she wanted to just because it was him.

     "Come to me once classes are over. We can work somethin' out," Ella muttered, relenting to him. She couldn't deny she wanted him too but she could still feel the aftermath of their previous night. The dull ache still there between her legs. He knew how to make her forget her worries but he also had a habit of making her unable to forget that he had once been there.

     "We can always sneak off on prefect duty like I want. We know of plenty of places where we can have privacy," He responded and Ella nodded. Her gaze met his again and she pressed a soft kiss to his plump lips. Her thumb running across it for a moment. His tongue darting out and he gently sucked on the tip. Ella couldn't help but think what a little shit he was for that move. It just reminded her of what else he could do with his damn tongue.

     "I'm with Remus for prefect duty so you'll 'ave to stay on your own duty to not arouse any suspicion," Ella muttered as she pulled away from him. Her hands dropping to her sides. Her hand resting against her satchel. James' hands not leaving her hips. He hummed in thought before nodding, pressing a kiss to her lips.

     "Don't worry. I'll make sure they don't suspect a thing," He smirked before he stepped back. He then left her alone hidden in the alcove with flushed cheeks and images of what he was going to do to her later in the day. She couldn't believe him but also she certainly could. It was a typical James move to make. He liked to tease her and leave her high and dry with the promise of favour.

     And with that promise of pleasure, her day passed quickly. Only slowly when she stepped out to do her prefect duty. Remus was joining her that day since their patrols were close to each other so they were going to double up and just walk the whole route together to make sure no student was doing something that they shouldn't.

     Most of the time so far had been spent talking about their school day and laughing over ridiculous jokes that they both came up with. The two of them had always been close. Bonding over their love of study while also enjoying the ridiculousness of their friends. Remus was less inclined to be involved with the pranks but he enjoyed the stupidity of it nonetheless. He rarely stopped his friends, hoping that they would learn which they eventually did.

     "You have more marks than you did the other night. Care to tell me what or who they are from?" Remus asked as they passed through to another corridor. Ella had just finally stopped laughing after hearing a ridiculous story of Remus, Peter, Sirius and James on their full-moon excursions. Remus never usually talked about them since he didn't want to expose himself but he felt safe with Ella who had always known about it.

     "They're not from anybody. Just some accidents in potions again. Nothing to worry about, Remus," Ella shrugged and he didn't seem entirely believed by that despite how casually she said it. He knew that Slughorn would not allow her to walk around with marks from a potion. Slughorn loved Slytherins but he wasn't that cruel. She would have already had it sorted by Madam Pomfrey.

     "Are they from James?" Remus asked. The question seemed so out of the blue that it caught Ella off-guard. Her step faltered before she turned to look up at him. Cocking an eyebrow at his words. Not quite believing that he could have guessed it that easily or how he could have even come to that conclusion. Either way, Ella just rolled her eyes at his words.

     "You know James and I are friends, Remus. He's in love wiv Lily, remember," Ella said as she looked up at the boy. Quickly deciding to change the topic of the conversation. Not wanting any more questions about the hickeys, "I can't imagine how disastrous it's goin' to be when he tries to confess to Lily again," Ella snorted. Remembering the last time he had drunkenly confessed. It ended in far too much alcohol, a smug Sirius and a rather depressed James. Lily not caring about anything other than what game was playing with Marlene at the times.

     "He doesn't really get hints, does he? He just thinks that he'll keep trying and she'll eventually give in." Remus said and Ella chuckled, nodding. She knew James and she knew his idiocy. His confessions to Lily were the tip of the iceburg of stupid behaviour. His pranks coming close second to the amount of confessions he'd made.

     "At least 'e's dedicated. You can't deny that," Ella smirked, flawlessly hiding how much talking about James and Lily hurt her heart. She found James' pining amusing, sure, but her feelings for him hadn't gone anywhere. She just wished it was her that he was pining after instead of the redhead. It would mean she could finally give in to her feelings and just love him for once. She wanted him so much.

     "He is very dedicated indeed. Stubborn bastard too but no Casanova," Remus smiled. Ella chuckled, nodding her head. Her hands burying in her pockets. She wished she could hide her feelings easier but she found herself letting her guard down around Remus. She couldn't tell him what she felt but she wanted to. She just wanted someone to understand her like Layla did. It felt lonely especially when Layla was so against them having their casual relationship.

     "That's James. Not much changes," Ella grinned. Flicking her hair back and revealing more marks. The extent of them was not clear to Remus until then. His gaze flicking to her neck and his eyes widened fractionally. He then looked forward, trying to not assume. Not everything could mean that they were dating. James could have been hooking up with anyone but everything pointed to Ella. He couldn't say anything.

     So, when they reached the portrait hole to the dormitory. Remus felt like he had been saved. Knowing that he would start asking questions if he was stuck there for too long. He was sure that he would find something out when they get wasted on Halloween. Ella when she was drunk had a loose tongue and James' was even worse. Though he often knew his limit and if he had something to hide, he would do it well.

     The pair split off when they reached the common room. Saying quick goodbyes and escaping to the warmth of their rooms. Ella, however, was called back when she heard a soft calling of her name. James Fleamont Potter. The boy that was going to be the death of her. She turned on her heel to face him and he offered a hand out to her. They both already know where they were going to spend another night together. They had done it before but Ella knew she'd wake up even more sore than usual thanks to him.

***

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 ! hello, here is another chapter of our babies and excuse any notifications you got other than this one, i forgot james was head boy so had to fix some references and just make james that little bit more of a cocky bastard, either way, here we are and another chappter is done! more remus and ella bonding cause they are my babies honestly, their friendship is lowkey my life and more james and ella, more of an insight into how their relationship actually works when they aren't just acting as normal friends, not totally convential but james... is unaware, either way, i hope you enjoyed!! <3