CHAPTER TWO.
( JAMES.. )

     It wasn't hard for Ella to get back into the routine of being back at school. Despite James and his ridiculous sleeping habits, she managed to get a grasp on her schedule pretty easily. Her body was always exhausted from the day at Hogwarts. She was usually used to the stairs and the corridors and the walking but James had took her out of the habit of real exercise.

     But she didn't let that effect her as she stood in front of the mirror ready for a new school day. The other three dorm-mates had already gone and Layla was nearly ready for the day too now. She just had to brush her teeth which she did so, joining Ella who was doing the same activity.

     "I don't know how you still sleep so early and wake up at 4am after the summer holidays," Layla said as she picked up her toothbrush from the pot. She then squirted some toothpaste onto it as Ella leant down and spat what was into her mouth down the plug. She shrugged in response as she briefly wet her brush before putting it back into her mouth before stopping and pulling away.

     "I'm just used to it. Even with James' awful schedule," Ella shrugged before she continued to brush. James had become the hot topic between the pair as the school year had started. Ella had no intentions to admit James what her true feelings were and Layla kept trying to convince her. It was slowly becoming frustrating for Ella but she knew Layla only wanted the best for her. Nevertheless, Ella just wanted to be happy even if she couldn't have James for long. She wanted to be able to relish in it, now all she felt was guilt as she looked at him.

     "You need to tell him," Layla said as she pulled her toothbrush out of her mouth. Speaking oddly due to her mouth being full of toothpaste. Ella rolled her eyes and continued to brush before Layla spat hers out and ran the tap again, "He deserves to know, El. Deceiving him is far too Slytherin for you," Layla added before she went back in to brush her teeth again. Ella gave her friend a side glare before spitting her tooth-paste out and washing the leftover off her brush.

     "I'm nothin' like 'em. I'm being selfish but I don't see the problem with it. Who am I actually harmin'?" Ella asked before she splashed her face with the cold water. Her eyes squeezing shut since she didn't expect it really. She then grabbed her flannel and gently dabbed the water off her skin. Layla spitting her toothpaste out and responding quickly.

     "You're going to harm him and yourself when the time comes that he breaks it off. You're being self-destructive," Layla responded as she placed the toothbrush in the holder. She then gave her friend a small smile before going to pick up her wand from the bedroom. Ella muttered something under her breath before rubbing the moisturiser on her face. Her hair was still damp from her bath the previous night and it seemed to be showing no signs of getting drier.

     "Can you do the dryin' spell?" Ella asked, a small pout on her lips as she walked over to her friend. Layla sighed and picked up her wand before turning around. The pout made the girl give in. Muttering the incantation and tapping Ella's hair. It was then perfectly dry, leaving the girl smiling again, "See, I look perfect now. Thank you," Ella grinned. She was not a vain person but she did love using the drying spell. It always left her hair looking luscious, shiny and gorgeous. She was sure it was just Layla's casting that did it though.

     "I still think you need to tell him. You can't distract me with your pouts," Layla said as she began to get into her school uniform. Pulling her shirt over her shoulders once she had discarded her t-shirt. Ella, who was already half into her uniform now, simply scoffed. She wasn't really trying to, she just didn't see the point in talking about this. They were never going to agree about anything to do with this topic.

     "I'm not tryin' to. I just don't see the point in discussin' it. I'm not goin' to tell 'im. There is no point in telling him. If I can have his smiles, laughs, hugs and kisses in my life for a little longer. I'm going to keep that. He doesn't like me so I can at least let myself pretend he does. Just let me have that, Layla..." Ella trailed off, the plea in her tone was slightly uncharacteristic for Ella who was usually an incredibly stubborn individual who almost always told the truth. She was not one to plead... well... except in the bedroom, maybe.

     "I want you to be happy, Ella. James is just clearly not going to be the one that makes you happy. He's too in love with Lily to care about you as more than a good fuck," Layla said, giving her friend a glance before she pulled her skirt up over her hips. Rolling the top a few times to make it slightly shorter and better suited to her body shape. She smiled, happy with it before looking up at Ella. The girl was frowning now. Her hands paused as she buttoned up her shirt.

     "Don't say that," Ella muttered as she looked Layla in the eyes. Ella knew that Layla wasn't implying what she thought but it still made her heart drop and ache. What if she was nothing more than a good fuck for James? They may have known each other since they were younger but that didn't mean he liked her as a friend, even. "We've known each other since we were born. Don't say that he doesn't care," Ella said, quickly. Wanting to just get those thoughts out of her head. The idea that James didn't care about her scared her. He was the reason she was here in this house. Her loyalty to him and her family is what led her to be a Gryffindor. Finding out he hated her would be just another blow to her heart.

     "You know I didn't mean it like that. I meant that he won't like you romantically." Layla said quickly, wanting to try and undo her mistake. However, it seemed that Ella had already began to question that belief. Layla walked over and poked her friend's nose, causing her to look up. Brown meeting brown before Layla pulled Ella into a hug, "We both know that James loves being around you. Don't doubt that," Layla said softly. Ella nodded. She was being silly really but her emotions were all over the place. That was certainly the effect of the brunette boy she was in love with. He could so easily control her emotions and she hated it but loved it at the same time.

     "Let's go to breakfast. I hope they 'ave French Toast," Ella said, pushing past the inklings of doubt as she stepped past Layla. She finished buttoning up her shirt, slipped the tie on and then pulled her robes on, smiling. Layla was quick to do the same before the pair then headed down to breakfast.

     On the way, Layla began to do her own tie. She had managed to master it in their seven years of being at Hogwarts. Ella, on the other hand, had not. In fact, it had become tradition that James does it for her. It had started in second year when Ella sat doing it for the whole of breakfast. Eventually, James helped her and from then on, she always came whining to him when she was struggling. James - ever the gentleman - would never deny doing it and despite his attempts to get her to learn, Ella refused. She liked it when he did it and it meant that they would talk every morning for at least a few minutes.

     It was the same that morning as Ella walked over to him and the four boys. However, they were too busy giggling and laughing that none of them noticed Ella until her arms were wrapped under James' chin. Her chin resting against his mess of hair. He instantly recognise the girl's perfume and could feel the tie against his back, a soft smile appearing on his lips.

     "I taught you how to do this over the summer," James said as he turned his face to look up at her. Ella shrugged and then took the seat next to him. Tugging needily at his hand. James chuckled and turned to face her. The guys continuing to talk mostly ignoring Ella's presence. Though, Sirius could never resist making a comment about the two of them.

     "I wonder if Ella is this needy in bed," Sirius smirked, quirking his eyebrows suggestively. Ella scoffed, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl and throwing it at him. A pout on her lips while James tried his best to conceal the smirk. He knew far too much about her in bed.

     "You're such a dick, Sirius." Ella muttered before she looked back at James. The smirk on his face made her want to hit him but she couldn't. Then everyone would notice his smirk and it would certainly lead to questions neither of them wanted to answer. So, Ella sat in silence. The boys beginning to talk again like nothing happened. James expertly tying. Once he was done, he adjusted it a little before letting it drop against her chest. His hand lingering and she sent him a look. He shrugged and she rolled her eyes.

     Ella then stood, gave him a quick wave as she walked away and joined Layla who was talking with Lily and Marlene. Marlene McKinnon was incredibly nice from what Ella could tell. Almost always positive but enjoyed getting into mischief when it was appropriate. They shared Herbology together and quickly found themselves sitting next to each other, bonding over the Marauders and their ridiculous pranks.

     The question that Ella had been waiting for arrived as she plonked herself down next to the girl, "What's up with you and Potter?" Marlene asked, raising an eyebrow. Ella rolled her eyes and grabbed a plate, putting some toast on it before grabbing the butter and a knife so she could spread it.

     "Nothin' is goin' on between me and Potter." Ella responded as she spread the butter out. Marlene cocked an eyebrow and leant forward to try and watch Ella's face but it gave nothing away. Layla not bothering to interject as she talked to Lily about the classes and amount of homework they had been getting recently. Leaving Ella to fend for herself.

     "So, say, if I undid your tie, you could go over and he'd happily do it for you?" Marlene asked as she moved closer to Ella. Clearly ready to try something but Ella was quick to swat her hand away, giving her a look that made Marlene snort, "There's something going on, isn't there? I mean, Potter always goes on about Lily but there's no way there's not something," Marlene said. The mention of Lily's name bringing the girl back to the conversation. The redhead looking between them, one of her perfect eyebrows raised slightly.

    "Why are we going on about Potter? Don't inflate his ego by reminding us he's Head Boy," Lily said before she took a bite out of her apple. Wanting for one of them to explain what was going on. Layla giving Ella a look, questioning what was going on. Ella glanced at Marlene and spoke before she could even get a chance.

     "James always ties my tie because I can never do it but Marlene thinks that means I've got something going on with 'im. She's being a tosser," Ella responded, clearing up the situation before it got any worse for Ella. She didn't want to explain her feelings or their relationship to anyone. It was secret for a reason and James was still hopelessly pining after Lily. Nothing could jeopardise that.

     "Marlene's always a tosser. Just ignore her. She's just jealous because you can talk to Potter while she doesn't have the nerve to speak to Black," Lily said, throwing the words out into the air like they meant nothing. Lily received a kick to the shin in response and she let out a yelp of pain.

     "That wasn't very Head Girl like," Marlene responded, her teasing tone returning as she gave Lily a playful glare. Lily rolled her eyes and kicked her back. The boys were now looking over at the small group. Sirius looking at Marlene and James giving Lily a questioning look. She smiled in response and they all eventually went back to eating their breakfast.

     Well, everyone except Marlene, who when she got the chance, reached for Ella's tie and quickly undid it. Ella let out a whine and tried to push her hands away but by the time she had a chance, the tie was already undone. Marlene just smirked while Ella pushed herself to get up. Marlene McKinnon was going to be the death of her and she didn't even know Ella's true feelings for the Potter.

     "James," Ella whined, elongating his name as she walked over begrudgingly. He looked away from his friends and saw the tie, cocking an eyebrow. She plopped down next to him, pouting now, "Marlene is bein' a wanker 'cause she saw you tie my tie," Ella said as she sat down. James rolled his eyes but turned around to face her anyway. Sirius smirking as their conversation continued. James focusing on Ella.

     "Did you say anything?" He mouthed and Ella shook her head, pushing her hair out of her hair. He nodded and smiled at her before he finished the tie. But quickly realised he had made it too long. He proceeded to undo it again and once again try.

      "Hey, El. You reckon you could hook me up with McKinnon?" Sirius asked, a smirk on his face as he met the girl's brown eyes. Her eyes narrowed and she promptly stuck two fingers up at him. Sirius smirked, "Clearly, she got to you. What you got to hide, Woods?" Sirius teased. Ella rolled her eyes and just watched James instead. His hands quick to finish the tie, tightening it for her. Ella grinned and then James turned to Sirius.

     "She's not got anything to hide. She's just embarrassed she can't tie her own tie," James said, joining in on the teasing as he ruffled her hair. Ella smacked the top of his head before leaving the boys. Not bothering to say bye this time as she sat down next to Marlene with a huff. The brunette smirking as she rested her head against the palm of her hand.

     "Sirius wanted me to get you to talk to 'im." Ella said, sending the girl a tight-lipped smile. Then she went back to her toast. Leaving Marlene unsure what to think or do. Lily snorted at Marlene's reaction and the conversation ebbed off while the girl tried to process. Eventually Marlene came back and they were talking again. Ella's teasing about James seemingly never-ending until they eventually had to leave for class. Ella just about able to escape from Marlene.

***

     Muggle studies was one of Ella's favourite and best subjects. She loved reading muggle literature and she enjoyed finding about their way of life. She may have been from a pure-blood family but they were still curious and allowed her to explore her own interests. Her mother always encouraging her and going out of her way to get muggle books for Christmas or birthday presents.

     So, Muggle studies was a lesson that she mostly understood. Even though the ways that muggles lived was slightly confusing to her and even as she continued to read over the textbook, it didn't seem to go in. It was information she had been taught years ago but with everything that had been happening in the past few months, it had long left her brain.

     She was clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth as she rested her head against her fist. Her fingers running along the page, going along with what she was reading. Remus Lupin, who was sat beside her, could hear the clicking of her tongue even over the noise of the class. Usually it wouldn't bother him but between his own nervous bouncing leg and the noise, it was beginning to get frustrating.

     Stopping his own reading, he turned to face her, "Could you cut it out, El?" He asked, attempting to not sound harsh. But the irritation seeped into his tone causing Ella to stop almost instantaneously. She sent him an apologetic look, finished the paragraph she was reading and lifted her head up properly.

     "Sorry. I didn't mean to annoy ya. This test is just makin' me stressed," She admitted, trying to laugh off her anxiety. Humour was always a way for her to escape her issues, something that she had learnt from James who always seemed so put together yet she had seen beneath the cracks of his persona. His humour was always a cover-up.

     "It's fine. I just usually ignore it but others are being loud," He said, subtly gesturing to the class. She nodded and then grabbed her parchment. Checking over some of her notes as she tapped her fingers against the edge of the desk. Remus watching her for a minute. It had been a while since he'd seen her so anxious over anything, "You seem a lot more on edge since the summer," He commented. Ella shrugged in response to that. She didn't think she was but then again, what did she know?

     "It's the last year of Hogwarts. I just don't want anythin' to go wrong," She responded. Her words were entirely true but she had left out a lot of other things. Like her anxiety over being discovered. She didn't want anyone to ruin her and James' happiness and she didn't want her heartbroken yet even though she was very aware it would happen soon enough.

     "It seems that the only things that are going to go wrong is Prongs being rejected by Lily again. He's been moping... again.  I think James has it in his head that the two of them working together as Head Boy and Girl will mean she falls madly in love with him," Remus joked. Ella chuckling in response as she gently shook her head. Inside, her heart was aching but Remus couldn't see that. He didn't need to know so she simply didn't show it. Her face portraying amusement with hints of stress.

     "I don't think James has learnt to take a hint," Ella said, turning to face the boy. Remus nodded, chuckling softly before he ran his fingers through his hair. Making it neater as he leant back in his chair. The edge of his quill in his mouth as he stared off at the ceiling. His eyebrows crinkling a little as if he was in thought before he moved to write something down.

     "I don't think Lily is ever going to say yes. She is not interested. It's obvious," Remus said, glancing over at her before he went back to his scribblings. Ella shrugged at that not that he saw it. She had thought about this a lot. She was sure that Lily would eventually finally just admit she liked him. Lily seemed to enjoy his company and Ella had convinced herself that it was more than just enjoyment. Her mind liked to torture her heart with scenarios that most of the time felt far from possible.

     "Lily enjoys 'is company. That's gotta stand for somethin'," Ella responded which made Remus tilt his head a little, thinking it over before shrugging, "I mean have you seen the way she laughs when he's around? It's different to how everyone else does. The extra time bossing us around - like they both love to do - will only make her realise that," Ella added. Some part of her mind was trying to convince her that she could never be happy with James and she wasn't entirely sure why. Maybe a part of her just wanted to suffer.

     "Like how much you laugh when he's around?" Remus countered and that quickly had Ella stumped. Her mouth opening and closing in some attempt to rebut his claims but nothing came out. She wasn't sure what to say or even do with what he had said. Remus chuckled when he saw her stumped and continued with his quick notes before he placed his quill down.

     "He's funny." Ella eventually managed and Remus shook his head at her. That was true, he wouldn't deny it but Ella laughed loudly and ridiculously happily when he made a joke. A lot more than she did when Sirius or Remus would. There was something there, he just wasn't sure what quite yet. He didn't usually comment but he wanted to see her reaction. It was certainly amusing, "When are your patrols for prefectin'?" Ella asked quickly. Wanting to distract from her speechlessness.

     Remus smirked as he continued to read over his notes. Hoping that she didn't see, she did but she didn't comment. Only waited for him to reply, "Tuesday and Friday" was his response. Ella nodded. At least one of them she had him around. Layla shared a shift with her too but they were across the castle from each other. If Remus was close, she could converse with him at least. James also seemed to have both of his patrols on the same day as her and close to the corridor she was on too. She had a feeling that was intentional.

     "You better not be soft on the other three if they're out after hours. James may be head boy but he's not exempt. I'll be ready to dock house points. I hope you are too," Ella said as she looked down at Remus. He seemed to pause for a minute before he sat up again, looking at her.

     "Are you questioning my abilities as a prefect?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow. Ella shrugged and picked up her book. Her fingers flicking to a page that held some useful information for the test that would eventually come around. The teacher was too busy in their own world to even bother pulling the tests out yet.

     "Maybe I am. What you gonna do 'bout it, Moony?" Ella teased, using the nickname that the boys gave him. Remus rolled his eyes and stole the book from her desk. He then began to flick through it as she clambered to get it back. The taller boy keeping it out of reach, "I'll get James on you. Give it back," Ella whined as she went to move onto her knees so she could reach up and grab it.

     "Of course you'd get James to protect you. He's always your defence isn't it?" Remus continued as he moved to stand up. The teacher not even noticing the two as Ella let out a whine, trying to climb to grab the book but he was just too damn tall.

     "Give it back, you wanker," Ella whined as she jumped up to snatch it. Her fingers just missing the edge of it and she crossed her arms over her chest, staring up at him. This side of Remus is a side that Ella liked. His seriousness slipping away when he teased Ella but she wished it was teasing her over anything else but James damn Potter.

     "What are you gonna get Prongs to do, Ella?" He teased as he looked down at her. Ella then sat down, a pout on her lips. A huff escaping her lips as she pulled her chair back in. Remus tilting his head and poking her cheek with the edge of his quill. Ella swatting it away as Remus came to sit back down.

     "Since when did you and Sirius share teasin' techniques," Ella muttered. Remus chuckled and placed the book down for her, shuffling back into his seat. Ella trying to keep the exaggerated frown on despite the smile that attempted to appear on her lips. She couldn't help it honestly. Remus' teasing was never malicious and she just wanted to chuckle at him.

     "He was teasing James about you last night. I just wanted to see how you reacted. James took it on the chin and quickly started going on about Marlene to Sirius. It shut him up pretty quick," Remus chuckled as Ella reached out the book. Ella couldn't help but smirk at the thought of Sirius being speechless. It must have been amusing and she glanced at Remus.

     "James is my friend, Remus. We've known each other since we were born." Ella said and Remus nodded. He was very aware of that fact as he grabbed the quill from the ink pot. He then began to jot a few more things down, letting Ella continue since he knew she would, "He's always been my friend. That's why I get 'im to defend me. He doesn't like seein' me hurt or upset. It's not because of some unrequited love." She finished. Remus turned to look at her, a subtle quirk to his eyebrow suggesting that he didn't believe that. He had not even suggested that she was in love with James yet she had said that. It was certainly something interesting to keep a note of.

     "I know." Remus said as he watched the teacher finally begin to move. Her hands moving to collect the empty test papers so she could begin to hand them around to the others in the class. Using a tap of her wand to bring papers to every person. It landing neatly on the desk in front of them, "You're coming to the Halloween party next week, right?" Remus asked as he began to fill in his name and the date of the test. Ella following suit as the teacher slowly began to get up so she could explain what would be happening. Not that she needed too really.

     "Of course I am. If there's not fire whiskey and sweets, I can't promise I'll stay," Ella shrugged. Remus chuckled and took a mental note of her words. Ella was a well-known lightweight and was usually gone within a few glasses of fire whiskey. It was endlessly amusing for the Marauders and her friends who watched her confess stupid things and be a lot more carefree than they are used to. It was funny but nice to see a different side of Ella.

     "I'll make sure Sirius gets them," Remus said as he glanced over at her. Ella not listening to the teacher but her hand was still shaking. She was less nervous for the test now but the thought of failing still lingered in the back of her mind. Something that she would never let herself do. She had to be the best and to prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her.

     This test, although practice and not graded, was still just as important to Ella. So, the second they were allowed. Ella got straight into the test. Surprised to find herself flying through the questions. Most of which were multiple choice and easy enough. She finished earlier than most of the class. Remus done not long after her. The two spending the last ten minutes checking over their answers. Remus letting his mind run away with theories about what Ella's words had meant. He could always ask James but he knew better than to bring Prongs into anything. He was thick at the best of times especially when it came to girls.

***

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 ! another unedited chapter... BUT A CHAPTER!! okay so another slightly more filler-y chapter but it introduces things that are going to be parts of the plot so not totally, it's also another long one, around 4.4k words-ish, a lot are gonna make around this length and i do kinda love the longer chapters, i feel like i'm actually portraying what i want t happen in these without overdoing it, idk. ALSO remus and ella's friendship lowkey gives me life and this is the first time we really see the start of it and it's only gonna get better!! 
last note, i'll be updating this book tuesdays, thursdays & saturdays for as long as i can and then if i eventually get to the point where i can't update on those days, the updates will be just whenever i finish a chapter <3 i hope you enjoyed this chapter nevertheless!