Unrequited

13

The couple of weeks after Dumbledore made his announcement, the chatter and gossip about it spread around like wildfire. Asphodel had never seen news spread so quickly, the last time she had ever heard so much gossip was when one student drowned in the Black Lake.

As Asphodel walked down the hallways, all she heard was: "Who are you going to ask?" "What are you going to wear?" "I wonder who they're going to bring." "I bet my outfit will be better than yours."

And of course Faun was asking all the same things. As they walked down the hallway together to Transfiguration, Faun seemed to be talking for herself and Asphodel. "My mom is going to send me her dress she wore for her muggle prom. It's going to look so different from the other witches dresses. Pure blood fashion is something else, you know?" Faun paused once she realized her friend wasn't answering. "Asphodel, are you even listening?"

"Yeah, I'm just thinking." Asphodel said. While everyone else was caught up in the Yule Ball shenanigans, she was more concerned with her first ever quidditch match against the Ravenclaws. If they won, they would advance against the Gryffindors, but they never won.

"You can't be doing both then." Faun said annoyed. "Look, if you're concerned about what you're going to look like at the Yule Ball, don't sweat it. Think of me as your older sister."

"Thanks, but that's not what I'm thinking of." Asphodel said and smiled genuinely, letting Faun know she wasn't lying. She was glad Faun would always be there for her, but Faun's mind didn't work like Asphodel's and that was something that made it harder for Faun to sympathize with. "You are going to come to today's first match right?"

"Of course!" Faun replied instantly. "We always go together, but this time I'll be cheering you on!"

"Thanks." Asphodel said again. "I'm just nervous. Anything could happen."

"Exactly." Faun said and Asphodel looked at her confused. "Anything can happen, and you can make history by winning this match! It will put us on the bracket for once and we can get a chance at the cup."

"I guess. I honestly don't think I have the skill. I mean, some of these people have been playing since third year or longer. I just started." Asphodel sighed. "By the time I get good, I'll be graduating."

"Stop it," Faun said abruptly from beside her. "Stop belittling yourself for a skill you and I both know you have. You didn't get on the team for nothing, and there's nothing you should be afraid or nervous of. You're underestimating your skill." Faun said as she slung her arm around her friend. "I've seen you play with James and his friends before. You've beat all of them more than once, and I am sure you can integrate that into a real game. Don't get so worked up. Calm down and let the skill flow out of you naturally."

"Faun," Asphodel said and Faun stopped talking. "You're the best."

"What can I say?" Faun said in a cocky tone. "Now, I feel more like a mother than an older sister. So let's go into Transfiguration and don't worry about it."

They walked into the classroom with about ten minutes to spare. They were having it with the Gryffindors today and Asphodel's thoughts all washed away once she saw James. Except he was sitting on Lily's desk as Remus, Sirius and Peter tried to pry him off. Asphodel had no idea what he was saying, but she was going to find out.

"Lils, you're never going to get an offer like this again. You should just go, eh?" James shrugged as he looked down at the red head.

"I'm going. Just not with you." Lily countered and crossed her arms. She rolled her eyes and continued to bring her books out of her bag. Asphodel walked up to the commotion.

"James!" She exclaimed and outstretched her arms. He jumped off of Lily's desk immediately and went in for a bear hug. He followed her over to her own desk, away from Lily as his other three minions made their way to their own.

"Hey Faun," James said politely before he continued his conversation with Asphodel. She waved back as she got comfortable in the seat next to Asphodel.

"What were you bothering her with?" Asphodel asked. "The usual?"

"I guess. But this time I asked if she wanted to be my date to the Yule Ball. I even went so far to ask to go just as friends. How considerate of me, I know." James said as he ran a hand through his already ruffled hair.

Asphodel gulped, her leg bouncing up and down underneath her desk. "So what did she say?" Asphodel always knew the answer, but the one time that Lily may actually give up and agree was the day that filled Asphodel up with dread. That's when she knew she would lose James Potter for good.

"No." James face planted against her desk. "Again."

Asphodel made a sad face as she patted the top of his head empathetically. "Well, you still have a few days left to ask."

"You're right." James said, regaining his confidence. "So, Asphodel May, did you want to do the honor of going to the Yule Ball with me?"