Chapter 6~ Those Startling Green Eyes
September was moving at a very irrational pace. It seemed like only yesterday to Lily that she'd arrived at Hogwarts. But September had continued and was now reaching its end. It scared Lily that she was nearly into a month of schooling, and she felt she knew very little. But really, if she cared to list all the spells she now knew, it would by far surpass her expectations.
Quidditch trials had been and gone, and still Lily didn't know, or really didn't care to know how to mount a broom, but that problem would be solved that day, on the twenty-eighth of the month, where the morning broke in autumn sunshine.
***
James sat up in his bed that morning listening to the songs of birds flying overhead. The sun that had shone through the curtains had woken him, and eventually resulted in him getting dressed, and heading down to the common room very early.
Nobody was about yet, so he sat himself near the fire, and just let thoughts overtake his mind. He thought about Quidditch, and realised that he still felt anger about the way he had been prejudiced against in the trials, but that was now more than a fortnight ago, and he found himself finally getting over the disappointment. But there was one thing that he remembered as though it were yesterday about that day. The fact that Lily, the Lily Evans, had hugged him, and how he was grateful for that. How it still brought him a smile, even now.
Just then, a noise caught his attention. It was coming from the girls' stairs, and he looked over, wondering who else would be up this early.
The first thing he saw was her red curly hair that bounced over her shoulders. They reminded him of the dawn that he had watched on the same day as those Quidditch trials. The next thing was her soft complexion, how he wondered what it felt like to the touch. Her height he noticed then; she was rather tall, and had very long legs. Finally, her eyes looked at him. Those startling green eyes.
"Good morning Lily," James said, as he recognised her.
"Morning Potter," she answered briskly. She walked straight past him then, over to the corner of the room, where she sat on a chair facing a table.
"How are you?" James said, still trying to make conversation.
"Fine."
She obviously didn't want to talk, well, at least not with him. So James smiled at her, and turned away.
***
Why was he everywhere she went? She'd go down to breakfast, and he'd be there. She'd go to class, and there was James Potter, smiling back at her. She'd wake up early and wander down to the common room, and the Potter boy would be there, trying to make conversation. Okay, she had no reason now to be hostile towards him. But she couldn't be civil towards a boy like that, not ever. So she sat there, her back towards him, staring out of the window opposite.
***
Okay, she hated him. He knew that. But why, well that he did not. She always found the smallest of things to be unfriendly towards him for. He couldn't explain it, not even to himself, for he did not understand Lily Evans. But if that was how she wanted to be, then James felt he had no right to persuade her otherwise...she had to decide that for herself. James would have to be friendly, and hope she saw that.
***
She watched as the sun rose higher in the sky, slowly above the mountains. Suddenly, however, something restricted her view of the sun. A large winged creature flew towards the window that Lily was looking out of, and it was a moment before Lily recognised it as the owl she had sent with her letter a fortnight earlier. Lily smiled and opened the window to allow the owl through. It swooped in, and landed on Lily's shoulder, so she could untie the letter attached to its leg. She untied it, and petted the owl, before it took off once more, via the open window.
***
James watched as Lily petted the large tawny owl that had perched itself on her shoulder. He smiled as he watched her untie the letter with such care, and watched intently as her eyes scanned the letter that she had opened. He guessed it was from her parents as he recognised the owl as one of the schools, and knowing that Lily was muggle-born, she probably would have written to them earlier in the term about the school and everything. James wondered if his parents would be expecting a letter from him. He decided no, they knew that he wouldn't have time for something like that. So he set off towards the Owlery to send a letter, because he liked to surprise his parents sometimes.
***
"Dearest Lily,
It was lovely to hear from you. We are both fine, and Petunia seems to be enjoying comprehensive school life. I'm glad you've made friends; perhaps you can invite them over in the summer holidays? We'd love to have them. Sorry we have been so long in replying dear, your father and I went on a weekend break, and I must say, it was so peaceful without you and Petunia bickering. I hope your friend is okay dear, and that you are well.
All our love,
Mum and Dad x"
Lily smiled as she read the letter. They were still as loving as they had been when she left. Invite her friends over? Well, that was unexpected, but she was grateful for the gesture, and probably would take her parents up on that. As she turned to sit back down, she realised she was alone, that James Potter had left. She wondered where he had gone to, and how she hadn't heard him leave.
***
James sat just outside the Owlery writing his letter, wondering what his parents would want to hear.
"Hey mum, dad,
I'M IN GRYFFINDOR! Erm...made a few friends, Sirius Black? You know that family...well Sirius is like the black sheep of the family. He's the good guy while the rest of the family are dire, as you know. Anyway, Remus Lupin . . .I'm not sure you know the Lupin's, and Peter Pettigrew, who's really shy and quiet, and kind of annoying, but all the same, loveable. How are you? I bet the house is kind of quiet . . .and Elmers, is she okay? Life here is okay, apart from the fact that the Gryffindor Quidditch captain is a complete fool, and doesn't know talent when he sees it. But he's in seventh year, so I won't have to put up with him much longer. Porfessor McGonagall is Head of House . . .she seems a bit, well, stern, but she's not too bad . . . I'll sort her out soon enough (only kidding mum!). Haven't got round to getting out my cloak, perhaps tonight I'll go for a midnight wander. . . (mum, DON'T worry!).
Okay, I think that's about it,
Love James x"
James got up and walked into the circular Owlery, looking for Werren, his owl. He saw her, her eyes wide and appealing and she flew down towards him. She perched herself on his shoulder to allow him to tie the letter to her leg. He did so, and then she flew off, towards the rising sun.
***
Lily got up from her chair and wandered towards the notice board, for a single notice had been pinned there from the night before. She scanned it, and groaned.
"Quidditch Lessons
All first-years are given these to teach them how to fly. Instead of first lesson (Herbology), you shall go down to the Quidditch pitch where Madam Kloo will take you. You will be taught with the Slytherins. Please make the rest of the year in Gryffindor aware of this.
Professor McGonagall."
Well, something to keep the likes of James Potter happy. Lily however, would much rather a lesson of Herbology.
***
James made his way back to the common room, via the portrait hole. "Quidditch," he said to the Fat Lady, who nodded and let him past.
James clambered through, and saw Lily staring at the notice board.
"Lily?" James enquired, walking towards her.
"Oh," she turned and saw James, "Quidditch lessons, today, first lesson."
"Oh," James wasn't exactly thrilled with the news.
"What? I thought you'd be pleased . . ."
"Normally, yes. But you did read who we have them with?"
"Yes, the Slytherins . . ."
"Exactly." James fell onto the same chair he had been sitting on earlier. "People from Slytherin aren't the nicest of folk, Lily. My parents have had run-ins with half their parents..."
"But how can you judge people like that?" Lily asked, "How can you put all of Slytherin into one box and label it evil? There are so many differences even within one house. Take me and you...you are insensitive, conceited and a complete prat most of the time, and then there's me-"
"A pretty, intelligent girl, who's obviously going somewhere in the world," James smiled.
Lily blushed darker than her hair. "No, what I was going to say, is that I'm nothing you are, and everything you're not."
"Lily, but how can you say that? It's just like what I said earlier. I'm not evil, so what does that make you?"
Lily realised that the conversation she was having with James was getting heated, and that it would be best to leave it as it was.
"Whatever, Potter, frankly I don't care what you think, or how you feel, so I'll leave you now, here, alone."
"Okay, goodbye dearest Lily," James called. Lily huffed and made her way up the girls' staircase, deciding to take a long, warming shower.
***
James realised that he had won that conversation with Lily, actually quite unintentionally. He smiled as he pictured her blushing at his compliment.
"James?" a voice called. James turned to see a Remus Lupin looking rather, well, old.
"Hey Rem. What's up? You look dreadful."
"Yeah . . . it's the flu I think," he said, "What are you doing up so early anyway?"
"I don't know . . . I woke and couldn't go back to sleep so I came down. You just missed Lily-"
"Aah, been making a fool out of yourself again?" Remus asked, though too quietly for James to hear.
"Quidditch lessons today, Rem, instead of Herbology. But we're with the Slytherins."
"Well, you'll just have to show how good you are out there, and that you don't need to be on the house team to be that."
"Yeah, I will. Thanks Rem," James stretched and yawned loudly, "I'm gonna go take a shower now, catch you later?"
"Yeah, probably down on the Quidditch Pitch?"
"Yeah."
***
The bell for first lesson had rung, and Lily, Hannah, Bethany and Stacey made their way, as fast as they could, down to the Quidditch pitch. By the time they arrived there, they were five minutes late, and the teacher hurried them into position, each next to a broom, Lily on the far end.
The teacher had long raven hair, and eyes just as dark, though abnormally wide. Lily supposed this was why she was the Quidditch teacher; her wide eyes would give her greater view of the pitch-she would see what was happening before others ever could.
Lily looked over at the other students to the left of her. Most looked scared, one or two looking slightly green, Peter Pettigrew being one of them. However, a certain egotistical male with dark messy hair seemed happy and very confident.
Too confident, perhaps.
Lily scowled slightly and turned her attention back to the teacher who had just begun speaking.
"Hello, first years. I am Madame Kloo, the Quidditch teacher and referee during inter house games. Quidditch is the most predominant sport within the school, and though others are allowed, there are not inter-house tournaments such as the one we have for Quidditch. Okay, as some of you will never have heard of Quidditch before, I will go through the rules of the sport briefly, before we get you on a broom. So, Quidditch . . ."
***
James hardly listened to the teacher speaking. It was not like he needed to, for he had known the rules and regulations of Quidditch for years, and it was rather tedious having to listen to them all again. So James let his mind wander for a while. He thought about the cloak his father had given him a while back, the one that made him invisible. It would be a great way to explore the castle, he thought. Perhaps tonight, just as he had said in the letter to his parents, he would go exploring . . .James liked to know a place well before he could ever be comfortable there, and this was probably the best way to go about it. James would also go alone, he decided, for he did not want the distraction of Sirius and his jokes and did not want to broadcast the fact that he, James, could travel the school undetected.
He smiled at the thought of where he could wander with the help of the cloak. Yes, he was free to discover the castle for himself.
"Right class, now you have the basics of Quidditch, lets see about getting you up in the air. Place your hand over the broom, if you please, and call 'up'. Hopefully, the broom shall rise to the correct level, ready for you to mount. Do those now please."
In, unison, the group said 'up!' and placed their hands over their broom. James watched as his own broom rose from the ground, and reached his hand, hitting it a little forcefully, but that was how James could be sure it was ready for mounting; he liked it forcefully. He smiled, but was surprised when he looked around, that hardly any of the others had managed the same feat. James saw that a Slytherin with light blonde hair, and dark green eyes, however, was one of the few who had achieved what James had. He smiled at the broom in his hand. The only other person with a broom in their hand, James noticed, after another look around, was Lily's friend, Hannah. James smiled at her, she looking just as confused as him at the lack of people who had managed to make their broom levitate, but she smiled back.
***
Lily felt her cheeks rise in colour at the stubbornness of her broom. No matter how many times she called 'up', or how forcefully, it would not move, at all. Once, she thought it had twitched, but that could have just been her frustration getting the better of her. She sensed the fact that James Potter, the arrogant James Potter, had made his broom rise, she was sure of it, and it made her all the more irate. She concluded, on her last try, that the angrier you were, the less the stupid school brooms would respond. When
Madam Kloo, blew the whistle, Lily stared at her broom furiously.
"Thanks for making a fool out of me," she whispered to it.
"Okay, that's enough. Well done to those who have managed to levitate their brooms, and five house points goes to each of you who did. For those who didn't, if you just lift your broom from the floor . . ."
***
James smiled proudly at the realisation he had won Gryffindor another five house points. It was great to know that he was doing his bit for the house. And of course, he'd do anything to beat Slytherin.
"Okay," Madam Kloo continued, "now you will rise into the air by pushing off the ground with your feet, and you shall then fall, gently back towards the ground. Dismounting the broom is slightly easier than the mounting, so you should do well. On my whistle then . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . "
A sharp blast of Madam Kloo's whistle, and the class rose into the air, James above the rest, and then he decreased his height, and just as his feet were about to touch the ground again, he dismounted. He smiled again, looking around. Sirius looked almost as happy as James felt with his flying, Remus looked, well at least much better than Peter. Peter looked green, and now that his feet were back on the ground, he looked unsteady.
"Peter," James called over, "you okay?"
"Yeah . . . " Peter answered, "I'm-"
Peter was unable to talk then, for he turned his back to James and was sick all over the floor.
"Mister Pettigrew!" a sharp voice called. Professor McGonagall was making her way down from the castle towards them. "Are you okay?"
"Erm . . . hang on . . ." and he turned away again.
"Madam Kloo, what has he been doing?"
"He flew no higher than what, ten feet? Then hit the ground, and this is what resulted."
"Hmm . . . Mister Pettigrew?" McGonagall asked once more.
"Yes . . . I'm fine now . . . "
"I think it best we take you to the Hospital Wing. Madam Kloo, you take him, and I'll watch the class."
"You're sure, Professor?"
"As ever," she answered shortly.
"Okay, come along, Mister Pettigrew."
Madam Kloo and Peter walked back up towards the castle then, James wondering how anyone could be that afraid of heights.
"Okay, class. If you mount your brooms again...this time you shall rise one by one, do a circuit of the pitch, and come back to me."
James smiled. This was more like it. He wondered whether McGonagall had ever once played for a Quidditch team.
"Right, erm...Lily Evans, if you would like to go first?"
***
Lily put a smile on her face for Professor McGonagall, but what she felt inside was much different. She was afraid of failure, she realised that now. Just as Lily remounted her broom though, Professor McGonagall changed her mind.
"No, I've had a sudden idea. How about we do this in pairs? Lily, if you and Hannah go first?"
"Fine," Lily answered, though, in fact, she felt everything but fine. Hannah was really very good on a broom, whilst Lily didn't have the first clue. Hannah though, seemed to sense what Lily was feeling.
"Lil, don't worry, I'll go easy on you," she whispered, smiling.
Lily laughed, "Thanks. You coming then?"
"Yeah, lets show them Slytherins what us Gryffindors are made of."
Lily never thought she'd feel the way she felt now. She felt as though she wanted to show everyone what she could do, without even being sure she could do it. She even managed a smile before mounting her broom, ready to set off.
"Right girls, up to the hoops and around them if you can, and the same this end, and then back to me. It is not a race, so take your time. Ready?" McGonagall asked.
"Yes," both answered.
"Okay, GO!"
Lily pushed off the ground with her feet, Hannah doing the same beside her.
"Right, Lily, keep the broom steady, and we're off . . . rise a little, don't be too close to the ground."
Lily hadn't realised how easy flying was . . . she smiled again. It was nice not t be on the ground, to feel the wind flow through her hair at such a speed, and to have Hannah by her side, making sure nothing went wrong.
"Okay, Lily, we're going round the hoops, keep your concentration . . . yes, well done!"
***
James watched as Lily and Hannah flew in the air. The pair of them seemed to know what the other was doing, and if one shifted slightly to the right, then the other would too. It was like . . . synchronised flying, James laughed to himself.
"James? They're pretty good aren't they?" Sirius, who was standing next to James, said.
"Yeah . . . they seem to be reading each others thoughts . . . do you understand me?"
"Yeah . . . probably a girl thing."
James laughed, "Yeah . . . "
Lily and Hannah hit the ground just in front of them.
"Hey girls, that was great!" James said.
"Thanks James," Hannah answered, Lily ignoring him.
"Yeah, well done girls," Sirius said.
"Thanks," both girls said. James scowled slightly, but managed to compose himself.
***
"Well done, both of you," McGonagall said, "Now, who's next? A Slytherin pair perhaps? Mr Lestange and . . .?"
"Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy." The boy who spoke was tall, golden haired, though had dark, menacing green eyes, Lily noticed. They were so dark . . .so . . .evil.
"Yes, Mr Malfoy. Now if you and Mr Lestrange here, care to follow Miss Evans' and Miss Klein's demonstration . . ."
"Oh, I'm sure we'll do much better than what a half-filth and mud-blood have shown. Well, obviously," Lestrange said. No, he didn't look like the brightest of people.
James threw the first punch; his reactions were quick . . . perhaps he had been expecting the taunt against Lily.
A fight broke out then, between the Slytherin and the Gryffindor boys. It was small, and more of a scuffle, for Professor McGonagall was standing no more than three feet away.
Just as it had begun, it was finished. They suddenly seemed to remember one of the strictest teachers in the school was watching, and people began moving away from the fight, until only James and Aaron Lestrange remained. They snarled at each other, and then James looked away from him, straight to the face of his Head of house.
McGonagall's mouth was the thinnest James had yet seen it. Her eyes were wild with fury, and James, who was in her gaze, felt heat radiate from her.
"Mister Potter! What do you think you are doing?" Her voice shook slightly.
"Professor," he answered, trying to find his best position, "err . . . did you here what he said? What he called Lily-"
"Yes, Mister Potter, my hearing is perfect, thank you very much. What I did not hear, however, was the reason you decided to begin a fight?"
"I was provoked...nobody treats a Gryffindor like that . . . a friend . . . friend like that, I'm sorry professor, but that's how I feel."
***
Lily watched, as the fight broke out. She watched as James stepped forward and hit Lestrange squarely on the nose for her. For her. She listened as James explained that Lestrange's vocal attack on Lily had provoked him. Now she watched as Professor McGonagall prepared to discipline him. He had done it for her...and the warm feeling she felt in her heart for that was making her smile. She couldn't believe he cared that much...or maybe . . . most likely, he had done it for Hannah. Yes, Hannah. She scowled at the memory of James smiling at Hannah, and not her. Well, she thought, I deserve it. I deserve it for being such a cow to James...how could I have done that? He has only ever tried to be nice to me. And I just threw it back in his face. She felt as though she could have hit herself, hard, for being so horrid to James. She decided to try and make up for it some time. The sooner the better, she concluded.
***
James watched Professor McGonagall's face as it came to a decision. She didn't let him see it coming to a conclusion, or what her conclusion may be, for she felt that he had done wrong, in trying to be right.
"Well, Mister Potter," she said, pausing for effect and James admired her for that.
James let his eyes wander for a spilt second to the face of Aaron Lestrange. James could have laughed at the sight of his once perfect nose. It was now bloodied and bruised. James wondered whether his own face looked like that, but then, what would it matter? James looked into the face of the professor once more, and he could have sworn that she smiled at him.
"Mister Potter, I am aware of the traits of Gryffindor. Courage, bravery and chivalry are a few of them. And for that reason alone, I actually believe you have reasoning behind your actions. Next time, however, think before you act, or I will come down heavily on you."
James could have jumped in the air at the escaping of punishment. He had just hit a boy in the face, and got away, free.
"Mister Lestrange however," her voice turned suddenly cold. "You provoked James and every other Gryffindor student in the cowardly act of prejudicing against Miss Evans and Miss Klein here. And for that, I believe a twenty-point deduction from Slytherin is in order, and a detention with me, tomorrow evening."
James smile grew, if possible, even wider. But Lestrange deserved it all, the prat. The horrid, despicable prat.
***
Lily watched as James and Sirius took to the air. James flew higher, and more skilfully than Sirius, doing at least two loops on his way around the pitch. And at the home straight, the pair of them raced towards McGonagall, James beating Sirius by a head, landing right in front of the professor.
"Hello, professor," he said cheerfully as he dismounted his broom. The professor smiled, Lily noticed. James really had a way with people.
"Well done to the pair of you, that was excellent. Now, who is next?"
***
James smiled, and made his way back to where he had been standing. It had been nice to get back into the air again and nice too, to beat Sirius.
"Mate, that was brilliant," Sirius said, slightly out of breath, walking to James' side.
"I know, was loads of fun, wasn't it?"
"No, I didn't mean that. I meant you're flying. You were awesome!"
"Oh . . ." James couldn't help but smile, "you weren't too bad yourself."
"Ha ha, you beat me, don't you remember?"
"Yes, but I'm the best player here . . .so you did good to keep up with me!"
James winked to show Sirius he was joking. "Yeah, mate! Don't worry, I'm sure we'll get your head through the castle doors somehow."
The pair of them laughed as they turned to watch another Slytherin pair take to the air.
***
Lily watched as James and Sirius laughed about something. This was Lily's chance, she guessed. She walked slowly up towards James, trying to look as calm as she could.
"Mister Potter?" she said, when he was within earshot.
James turned to see Lily standing there.
"Yes, Lily . . . I mean, Miss Evans?" James questioned.
"Um . . . could I have a word?"
"Sure." He looked back to Sirius, who winked at him, and then turned back to Lily and walked towards her. "What's up?"
"I err . . .I wanted to apologise."
"About what?" James asked, a slight smile appearing on his face.
"About . . . treating you so horrible. I don't even know why I did. Well, I wanted to say sorry. And . . . err . . .thanks for hitting Lestrange, even if I don't believe in violence. Oh, and thanks for calling me your friend even when I've been such a-"
"Lily?" James said, stopping her mid flow.
"Erm . . . yes?"
"It's okay."
Lily smiled, blushing slightly. "Thanks."
"Sure. All in a days work for Mr. Potter here. Or James, I much rather being called that."
Lily laughed, "Okay, James."
***
It seemed as though a friendship had been made. Perhaps a friendship so strong that it was more of a connection. Perhaps not. It was evident, however, that James and Lily had become friends. They had learned how to actually be civil towards each other, sharing a joke or two, and actually managing to say the occasional "hello" if they passed in the hallway. Everyone had noticed, and it all stemmed from the Quidditch lessons they had shared. And James, more so than Lily, was grateful. He was grateful to actually have the chance to speak to the girl, for once, and not have his head bitten off in return.
James sat in Charms, in his usual seat next to Sirius, watching the redhead as she worked. He watched as her head tilted back and fore ever so slightly as she wrote her notes. He watched as she paused for thought and then continued to write. He watched all the little things she did- the way she crossed and uncrossed her legs, the way she brushed her hair out of her face subconsciously, and the little smile that appeared every so often at the corners of her mouth. He was almost in some sort of trance. Until-
"JAMES? EARTH TO JAMES?" Sirius called.
"Whoa? Sirius?" James was brought back to his senses, and realised that half the class was looking in his direction.
"James?" Sirius said, lowering his voice considerably, "You okay? I've been calling you for the last thirty seconds . . ."
"Yeah . . .I'm fine. Was just thinking, that's all."
"Okay . . . " Sirius said, though not totally convinced that he friend wasn't insane.
***
Lily sat up in bed that night, slowly brushing her hair, deep in thought. Maybe James wasn't as bad as she first believed. Maybe she had just seen his bad side...until today. Maybe he was a nice guy . . . maybe . . . She guessed that only time would tell, and decided that there was no point in dwelling on it. And with that thought, she fell asleep.
***
James got out of bed, fully clothed, and reached into his suitcase. The invisibility cloak . . . he still hadn't used it. Well, tonight was his night. He lifted out the cloak and wrapped it over his shoulders. He walked towards the mirror just to make sure that the cloak was working, and when he saw it was as he couldn't see his reflection in it, he left the dormitory, as quietly as he could.
Just as he almost fell out of the portrait hole, James tried to decide where he would go. He was invisible to the whole school, and he thought of all the possibilities now open to him...it took his breath away.
"Who's there?" A voice called.
James' heart skipped a beat. Someone knew he was there. But then he understood. The Fat Lady. James must have made a bit of a noise when he fell out of her portrait. So James held his breath, and quietly, silently, crept away.
He must have walked for a while. Occasionally he opened a door or two that he had not visited before. Most of them turned out to be closets, or unused classrooms. But every now and again, James would come across a room that was of some interest. The first was a room full of photographs. Photographs all over the walls, and a few scattered over the floor. When he stepped inside to investigate further, to get a closer look at the pictures that were moving slightly...some waving, and others doing their own thing, James found he could not. No matter how many steps he took, he was still outside the classroom. After five minutes of scratching his head, he found he still could not fathom why he could not get inside. So he shrugged, and closed the door, before moving on.
After travelling for another half an hour or so, he found himself outside the Great Hall. James smiled, and decided to walk down a set of stone steps that he had never been down. He travelled through a long corridor lit by a few lamps, and where the walls were dotted with a few portraits that stared in James' direction, before reaching the end of the corridor, which ended with a portrait of a bowl of fruit. "How odd," James thought. He was certain that there was something behind the portrait, because corridors don't normally end on a dead end. James smiled at his own brilliance. Now he had to figure out just how to get the portrait to open.
James yawned. He decided that it wasn't best to try and figure out that tonight for it was already very late, and he had classes in the morning. So he smiled once more, before travelling back up the stone staircase, and then followed the familiar route from the Great Hall, back to the common room.
***
Lily opened her eyes slowly. The sun was creeping through her half-closed curtains. She yawned quietly and sat up in her bed. She had been having such a wonderful dream, though the details escaped her now. But she still smiled as she could remember that it had been a lovely dream.
She looked around the room to see that the rest of her roommates were still asleep, behind curtains of their own. Lily had always been a light sleeper, and never slept for long, just as her father was.
Lily pulled herself from her bed, and walked towards the window. How she loved to just look out there, at the castle's grounds that were especially beautiful at this time of the year. The leaves on the trees were turning to reds and oranges, and they looked so pretty. Lily loved the autumn colours, just as much as she loved to see the trees budding in the spring.
Lily dressed quietly, pulling her robes over her head, and then absentmindedly brushed her long auburn hair in front of the long mirror that stood in the corner of the room. The mirror had a silver frame, and was rather elegant. Lily liked this mirror a lot, for she had never before been able to see her whole reflection at any one time, but with this mirror she could. There was also the fact that this mirror gave advice to its user.
"Aah, you have lovely hair dear, leave it down today, so that others can admire its beauty."
"But it gets in the way when I'm working . . ."
"Just for a change dear?"
"Okay," Lily smiled at the mirror. She was in one of those moods that only came around once every so often. She was rather a stubborn person, but today she was easily persuaded.
***
James groggily arose from his bed and wandered around the room, picking up odd bits of his clothing. It was a wonder how boys managed to keep their room this way- what Sirius called an "organised pig sty".
"Hello mate," James said to the only other person conscious in his room.
"Morning," Remus said, yawning. James noticed, as Remus did so, that his friend looked rather pale.
"Rem? You okay? You don't look very good."
"I'm fine . . . just feeling a little sick . . ."
"Perhaps you should go see the matron? Madam Pomfrey I think she's called."
"Well, see how I feel later."
"Okay."
***
After a comment or two on how magnificent her hair looked flowing past her shoulders from the three girls sharing Lily's dormitory, Lily decided that she would take the mirrors' advice and leave it down. Once all four girls had showered and dressed, they made their way, together, down to the Great Hall.
Lily walked through the great oak doors, running her fingers through her hair one last time before striding across the hall without a glance in any direction other than where she was headed.
Plenty of others in the hall however, turned their heads to gaze in Lily's direction. She was suddenly recognised to be rather pretty; her long auburn hair complimented those powerful emerald eyes perfectly, and her walk was now confident, more pronounced somehow. She held herself differently, all tall and high. It seemed amazing that someone could change so much overnight. She looked fantastic.
***
James was sitting at the breakfast table with Remus, Sirius and Peter, who Remus and James had somehow managed to get out of bed.
"So, James, you done that essay for McGonagall?" Remus asked.
"Erm . . . no, I'm thinking up an excuse," James answered, his eyes looking mischievous.
"Yeah, me too." Sirius said. They both looked at each other, trying their best to come up with a plan that would cover the pair of them.
"Well, it better be good for McGonagall to let you get away with it," Remus said, rolling his eyes. For as little as they had known McGonagall, they had found her to be strict and rather severe, especially when it came to homework that had not been completed.
"Yeah, we know," answered James.
His last words sounded loudly, across the suddenly quiet hall. James turned around to see what had caused the mouths of so many to close, when he realised why they had done so.
A girl, a beautiful girl, no, an angel, was walking the hall, heading straight for James. He was awestruck, she looked . . .incredible. Suddenly James realised he recognised the angel. That long hair, that beautiful long auburn hair, and those eyes . . .they belonged to only one . . .Lily.
***
Lily raised her eyes as she reached the Gryffindor table. She saw James, Sirius and Remus looking at her, while Peter reverted his eyes. Remus was smiling his polite smile, Sirius winked in her direction, and James, well, James looking almost gormless with his mouth hanging open. Remus seemed to notice that James was looking pretty brainless, for Lily saw him kick James under the table, and James, in reaction, removed his eyes from Lily, closed his mouth, and look at Remus in an accusing manner. Remus jerked his head slightly in Lily's direction, and then James finally understood that Remus was stopping him from looking like an idiot.
Lily smiled slightly, and took her seat next to Remus, who smiled once more. Her three friends sat next to Peter, where there was room.
"Good morning, Lily, Bethany, Hannah, Stacey," he said.
"Hello Remus, James," Lily said, nodding in his direction.
"Hi Miss Lily," James replied. "How...how are you this beautiful morning?" he recovered.
"I'm very well, thank you," Lily smiled again. James loved that smile of hers. He realised he was staring again, and so he moved his eyes, them landing this time on Hannah.
"And you Hannah? How art thou?" James asked, with a wink.
"Thou art incredibly well, thanking you," Hannah replied, playing along with James.
"Very well," he nodded back. "Lets eat then, shall we?"
"Lets," both girls replied with a smile.
***
Remus smiled at the two girls sitting in front of him.
"Lovely morning," he said.
"Yeah," Stacey answered, "Almost as lovely as our Lily."
"Yeah," Sirius replied, looking over at Lily, "She does look a little more radiant this morning. Is this your doing girls?"
"Partly," Bethany replied. "There's a talking mirror in our room see, and it told her to leave her hair down this morning. She asked our opinion, and we agreed. It's amazing the effect it has though." She looked over to her friend, who was smiling and enjoying a little cereal.
"And then there's you two, who look lovely every morning," Remus continued.
Both girls laughed, a red tinge appearing on their cheeks.
"Thanks Remus," they both replied.
***
Breakfast was over too quickly for James. He could have stared into those eyes of Lily's for hours, days even. But when the bell rang, he knew he could do so no longer.
"Lets go then," he said, "McGonagall won't be too happy if we turn up late."
"Yeah, and you and Sirius don't want her in a bad mood with you do you?" Remus added, smiling.
"Ha ha, no, I guess not."
The group of Gryffindors headed towards the Transfiguration classroom then, as the rest of the hall made their way to their various lessons.
Sirius and James walked slightly behind the others however, trying in vain to come up with a story for McGonagall.
"-She'll never believe you the merpeople came up in the middle of the night and took it off your bedside table, Sirius," James said, laughing.
"She might."
"No, I think we need another one."
"Um...how about we transfigured it into a quill by mistake?"
"Sirius? This is McGonagall, not some jumped up teacher."
"Well, FINE, you come up with an idea!"
"Lily nicked it?" was the first thing that came into James' head.
"And HOW did she get up into our dormitory?"
"Um...I dunno."
***
"Sit please," McGonagall's voice requested as they entered the classroom. James and Sirius parked themselves towards the back of the class, Remus and Peter sitting at the desk next to them, Lily and Hannah nearer the front. "Please get out your essays and your wands. Today shall be a practical lesson," she said.
Everybody began rifling through their bags looking for their essays, and, James and Sirius stood out like sore thumbs when they didn't move.
"Mr. Potter? Mr. Black? Did you not hear me?" came McGonagall's stern voice.
"Erm . . . we did hear you professor," Sirius answered tentatively.
"Well? Why aren't you doing as I asked?"
"Well . . ." James began, "see professor, the thing is-"
"Oh, hang on, let me sit down, for I fear I may have fallen asleep by the end of this." She sat on the chair behind her desk, "Now, continue." Her eyes narrowed. James looked at her stern face; he couldn't lie to that. He just couldn't.
"Professor? If I may, can I continue James' speech? You see, last night, just as we were about to do the essay you had set us, we heard a loud noise coming from outside the portrait. Being the brave Gryffindors," Sirius said, winking at the rest of the class who had craned their necks around to listen, "James and I went out to investigate. Well, we followed the noise out towards the Great Hall, and then from there . . . from there . . ."
"From there, we followed it down some stone steps and through a corridor until it ended with a portrait of a bowl of fruit. I know this sounds really suspicious professor, but it's true, there is a place in the school like that, right? Well, when we got back, it was really, really late. And we know we aren't meant to be up past midnight, so being the good boys we are," it was James' turn to wink at the crowd, "we went to sleep. So as you can see professor . . ."
"As you can see, we did it all for the safety of the Gryffindor House. Who knows what that noise could be?" Sirius finished. Now they had to wait for the verdict of McGonagall. Stern as she was, James was sure he could see the beginnings of a smile playing on the line she called a mouth.
"Well, Mister Potter, Mister Black," she paused once more, "That is your excuse for not doing the essay I set?"
"It is professor," James answered.
"Well, I'm afraid I don't believe a word of your story."
James and Sirius sat, shocked, in silence.
"However, your story indeed describes the scene well, and unless I am mistaken, there is indeed the corridor you described within the walls of the castle. So, this time, I shall give you an extra day to complete the essay, but I want it on my desk first thing tomorrow morning, is that clear?"
James smiled, and nodded.
"Good. And please, don not try and save the Gryffindor house from house-elves again," she said, a faint twinkle in her eyes. "Now, today, we will be learning how to transfigure a feather, into a paperweight . . ."
James spent the rest of the lesson smiling a silly grin. That was the second time he had got away from trouble without a punishment. Luck was obviously on his side, he thought.
His eyes moved onto the redhead seated a row in front of him. She looked so pretty today, he decided. Pretty she always was, but today, more than normal. He guessed it had something to do with the way she her hair this morning. The way it flowed past her shoulders so elegantly. And it set off her eyes too, those emerald eyes that were so special.
***
Lily packed her bag when the bell rang, and turned her head to see James looking at her. He smiled and then removed his gaze. No, she thought, He's not as bad as I thought.
Lily walked down to Care of Magical Creatures class with Hannah at her side, the four Gryffindor boys ahead of them.
"So Lily," Hannah said, "you and James seem a little more friendly." She smiled slightly.
"What? We . . . we do?" Lily hadn't realised that to the outside world, now that she wasn't biting James' head off every five minutes, they did seem a 'little more friendly'.
"Yeah," Hannah replied, "I mean, you're not angry with him anymore are you?"
"No, I guess I've given up being angry with him for something so trivial."
"I'm glad you two made up," she said. Yes, Lily thought, it was nice not to be at James' throat all day long. She looked at the back of his head, and smiled.
***
Professor Yuban took the Care of Magical Creatures class. The Gryffindors had Care of Magical Creatures with the Slytherin's, and James sneered at Snape and Lestrange when their eyes met. Professor Yuban was very tall, had cropped grey hair, and shining blue eyes. He was probably one of the most social of teachers.
"Good morning class," he began, "How are we all?" He looked around at the class, some of whom were yawning loudly. "Why, are we tired? It's," he consulted his watch, "eleven-thirty. None of you should be tired at this time. I have been up since six this morning, what is it with the youngsters of today?" he said, shaking his head. "Got a pretty boring lesson for you all today, we have to study Flobberworms I'm afraid."
James groaned loudly.
"Yes," he said nodding towards James, "I know Mister Potter, but unfortunately, I don't make the syllabus."
Sirius winked a James; this was a teacher they could have fun with.
"So anyway, Flobberworms, who can give me one of their characteristics?"
Lily raised her hand.
"Miss Evans?"
"Flobberworms have no teeth. They also-"
"Well done dear, five points to Gryffindor. Now, because these creatures are so darn boring, I've placed about fifty of them in that paddock over there," he said, pointing over to a boggy field no more than ten meters I front of them. "All you have to do is retrieve as many as you can. Ten house points to the person with the most Flobberworms at the end of it. GO!" he shouted, and the class entered the paddock, and began running around after the Flobberworms, which were actually proving very easy to find, as they made no effort to hide from the students.
James and Sirius decided to make some fun. They both walked around the paddock, heads down, apparently in search for the Flobberworms. While, in reality, when a Slytherin student's back was turned to them, one of the pair would whip out his wand, and make a fellow student trip over, and then begin laughing hysterically at the Slytherin on the floor. The professor, who was paying no attention to the class, stared absentmindedly at the lake in the distance, and therefore saw none of James and Sirius' antics.
Within five minutes, James and Sirius had had most of the Slytherins on their back. Snape and Lestrange, were the only two left standing. James, pointing his wand at Snape, and Sirius, his on Lestrange, winked at each other, and sent the Tickling Charm on the pair of them.
It took a second before the Charm worked, but work it did. Within five seconds, Snape and Lestrange were rolling on the floor, both bursting with laughter, and holding their stomachs. After completely covering the pair of them with mud that the paddock was full of, did James and Sirius lift the curse. And when they did, the pair of Slytherins rose from the ground looking almost murderous.
"Can't we take a bit of fun?" Sirius asked, a twinkle in his eye.
"Rolling about in mud, Black," said a red-faced Lestrange, while advancing on to Sirius, "is not what I call fun."
"It's not? Oh . . . well I'll try and remember that for next time," Sirius raised his voice, "Professor?"
Professor Yuban looked around startled. "Erm . . . yes Mister Black?"
"I was wondering . . . how long we are going to be collecting these 'damn boring' creatures. It's just I think we've got them all by now."
"Oh yes, good point Mister Black. Come along class, let's count up."
Sirius looked at Lestrange, whose face had suddenly turned a bright red.
"Oh well lads, I guess we'll have to catch up later. James?"
"Coming . . ." James replied, throwing a grin in the direction of Snape.
~*~
Okay that's it for another chapter.
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