Alice had been enjoying herself over at the Gryffindor table. Lily had invited her over and Frank Longbottom had come to sit with them. Alice hadn't expected that and spent much of the time blushing as he seemed to like to pick on her. The older boy's confidence was hard for her to get used to. Plus, even though she wouldn't admit it, she was starting to foster a little crush on him.
Lily had leapt upon that, having figured out both of them seemed interested, and was trying to play matchmaker. That flustered Alice and only made it more awkward for her, in a way that made her tummy have butterflies in it.
She felt the ring, the promise ring Bellatrix had given her, grow uncomfortably warm. Then, there was as scuffle behind her. One of the Slytherin boys was doubled over and it was clear Bella was the cause as she swept out of the room.
Standing, Lily tried to stop Alice from following her but Alice wouldn't be dissuaded. Moving quickly, she tried to catch up with Bellatrix.