Cottage Roads ° james potter

-ix. real fun

❛ Take me home ❜

Days and days had now gone by. Claire and James kept their act together and convinced the whole school they were in love. It seemed far too easy for Claire. She effortlessly answered the questions fifth year Gryffindors -who swooned over James- asked and successfully ignored the stares she'd get when she left the boys dormitory after a STUDY SESSION. Do not get the wrong idea.

The hardest part of the whole plan was the fact that it seemed as though the other boys had grown a soft spot for Claire. They always searched for her in the Great Hall and sat through her long rants about the workload she'd have after dinner. They laughed at her jokes and complimented her hair when she said it looked like she had just rolled out of bed. The fact that it was only for the benefit of the couple seemed to weigh down on Claire's shoulders and make her feel guilty. She couldn't help but think of the fact that James could've asked any other girl, and if he did then she wouldn't have grown the unexpected friendship with the other boys.

James took notice of this as well. Whenever she entered the common room, they would all light up and embrace her with friendship. Sirius and Peter would always include her in their upcoming plans. Remus would excuse himself to meet her in the library (which was a good thing according to James). And James even found himself glancing at her continuously in the Great Hall.

The time lead them to the first Hogsmead trip, which according to the contract was crucial to the plan. Claire couldn't help but think about the day nonstop. She thought about her outfit and her makeup and the nice chat they would have at The Three Broomsticks. It all seemed so perfect, but Claire being Claire made sure to not make up scenarios in her head that she of course knew would never happen.

"Claire! Stop, you look fine!" Riley finally cracked after watching Claire stare at herself in the mirror for at least fifteen minutes. Claire whipped around to look at her and let out a groan.

"Maybe I should wear the purple shirt instead-" Claire began.

"It's lavender and no, you look amazing," Hannah cut in as she stepped out the bathroom. Claire turned back to the mirror and gave the baby blue blouse one last look before nodding hastily and grabbing her bag. She made sure she had her money and her wand before spraying her perfume on one last time.

"You smell great, Claire," Riley assured. "Go! Your prince awaits."

"Goodbye, my loves. I will see you after the function," Claire announced, waving like a princess.

"Remember, consent is key. Don't do anything you don't want to do," Hannah yelled down the stairs.

"Who do I look like, Han?"