Project 731: The Lily and James Swap

Project 731: The Lily and James Swap

Year 7

Review Thanks: ForeverYours

A/N: I haven't gotten many reviews last chapter, and I think I know why. I've visited the Portkey forums and read that the most tiring thing they hated to read about was Amerian and France exchange students. And I didn't even know that it was exactly those two countries that people hated to read about for exchange students! I haven't read too much L/J fanfics where there are American and French exchange students… but I do know that mine's will be different. It's not what you think it is. It will NOT be like any of the clichéd fics. I will stay away from that. You'll see why I needed the two exchange students, since it's essential to my plot. So please, read and review on — if you still find it dissatisfactory to the middle of this fanfic, tell me the reason. I need the constructive criticism!

Oh btw, Kris nor Emily will end up with Sirius or Remus. I don't like those fics where the best friends of Lily end up dating Remus and Sirius either. I tried my best with the French accent, so bear with me.

Chapter Three

Frankly, Lily didn't want to go anywhere to the States or France. If she'd be allowed to go with her friends or at least people she knew, Lily would've submitted her name. In the whole school, she was probably the one who didn't even care about it. Both of her friends, especially Kris, were enthused about the “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to America or France. Emily's parents, unfortunately had not signed the form when she had owled it to them. Emily was disappointed for a few days but got over rather quickly. Kris, on the other hand, was chattering non-stop about the trip and even betting with Sirius Black on who would be picked.

Lily looked around the Common Room - Kris was singing tunes and doing the strange things that scared people a bit which were one of her ways to show that she was impatient. Emily was curled snuggly up in a red velvet armchair intensely reading some book. James was chatting with Remus while Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew were busy battling each other in Chess. Heina McClatchy and her friends were huddled in a corner, giggling and whispering, rolling her eyes; Lily turned her attention back to James.

Grinning foolishly, she gazed at him, analyzing him carefully for the ten thousandth time. Emily was right, he wasn't what you could call handsome, but people always seemed to look twice at him. James's hair was unique and her opinion, his best feature. His extremely tousled jet-black hair fit James somehow as it would look ugly on some other person - unless there was James had some long lost twin…though she strongly doubted it. There was amusement along with an eyebrow raised for disbelieving and laughter on his long, thin face. And it was amazing how James's hazel eyes could change expression to expression - if his face hid his feelings, the eyes told it all.

“Yes!” Kris exclaimed, breaking Lily's thoughts. She reluctantly tore her eyes away from James. A tawny owl dappled with grey flew down, dropping an envelope on her lap. The owl nipped Kris's hand affectionately and set off.

“What?” Emily asked, looking up briefly from her book.

“My parents signed it!” Kris said eagerly as she ripped the envelope. Clutching the form tight, she looked liked as if she had struck gold.

“Congratulations,” Lily said, watching James out of the corner of her eye. He was now next to Sirius who seemed to be losing to Peter. James was looking carefully at the chessboard and bending forward with one hand on his chin thoughtfully, supported on one knee. Kris sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Stop staring and let's go to McGonagall!” Kris said and Lily felt herself going red.

“I'm not! And can't you do it yourself?” Lily said indignantly. Kris grinned.

“I could but someone needs to watch over your eyes popping out too far that it'll fall out,” She teased. Lily made a face.

“What have I ever done to be stuck with you?”

“You still love me Lils, I know it,” She grinned widely and stood up. “Hey Em, we'll be back, just got to hand the form into McGonagall.” She grabbed Lily's arm and waved to Lily.

“So Dina and Colassol went up the hills…the power of the stone…” Emily murmured who obviously didn't catch a word Kris said.

“I'll just take that as a yes,” She said and dragged Lily to Professor McGonagall's office.

“Ms. Park, Ms. Evans, is there something you need?” Professor McGonagall asked briskly.

“Professor, here's the form. Today's the last day to turn it in, right?” Kris asked, thrusting the paper at her.

“That's correct Ms. Park - now Ms. Evans do you have a form also?” She asked, lowering her spectacles at Lily. She shook her head. “Very well. Tomorrow the Headmaster will announce the names at breakfast. Run along outside please.” She said crisply. Kris bowed her head but stopped herself just in time. As soon as they were in the hallway, Lily broke into a grin.

“This isn't home sweet home Kris - you don't have to bow to your `elders.'”

“It's a habit,” Kris retorted. “I'm trying to break it as you can see.” She said stiffly. Lily laughed and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

“I know. Let's go back to the Common Room.” Lily said, smiling. Kris hummed some tunes quite impatiently as they walked back to the Gryffindor Common Room.

“I hope tomorrow comes soon enough.” Kris mumbled.

[ ]

Lily rolled her eyes as Kris bounded around the dorm, immensely excited.

“What are you so hyper about?” Lily repeated exasperatedly for the fifth time for Kris was too thrilled to answer.

“Don't you know Lils? Today is when Dumbledore is going to announce the people who are going either to the States or France.” Emily said placidly. Lily shook her head.

“Can we go down yet? Is it time? Huh, huh?” Kris exclaimed rapidly.

“I dunno. McClatchy and Pekes are gone.” Lily answered, looking at the other two neatly made beds.

“Let's go!” Kris said and started to sing. Lily and Emily exchanged looks and followed Kris, who was already dashing outside the portrait hole. As they walked in the Great Hall, there was a loud buzzing chatter as a loud ring rang through the air.

“Would you please?” Professor McGonagall said sternly, putting her fork down. Standing up, Dumbledore cleared his throat and gave them a small smile.

“I'd be happy to announce our two students who will be going either to America or France,” Dumbledore said gazing at the students' faces rapt with attention. “The student that will be going to America is a Thorina Claspe, a 6^th year Ravenclaw and to France is Walter Stebbins, a 7^th year Hufflepuff. Congratulations to both of you. After breakfast, may the two students come to my office for more information. The two of you will leave on Wednesday which the day after that day, the two exchange students will arrive. Thank you.” There was a sound of jubilant cheering with moans of disappointment.

“Awww…” Kris groaned. Emily looked half-joyed yet half-sad and Lily knew exactly how her friend felt.

“Hey Em, isn't that your boyfriend? Walter Stebbins?” Lily asked kindly. Emily nodded.

“Your boyfriend? You can tell him if he doesn't want to go to France, I'll go in his stead.” Kris lifted her face. Lily rolled her eyes inwardly.

“So does Black pay or you?” Lily asked, changing the subject.

“At least I don't have to pay…but neither does he.” Kris sighed. “Em, tell your Walter that I said congratulations.” Kris said resignedly. Lily patted her back.

“'Atta girl.” Lily eyes strayed to James. He was obviously disappointed like his friends except Remus and Pettigrew. She was secretly happy that Kris and James didn't get to go to the States or France; she'd miss her friend and her crush (since third year) too much.

----

Emily had come back from her last date with Walter Stebbins. She was beaming, yet a hint of sadness glistened in her eyes. Hanging her scarf, she lay down on her bed, gazing at the ceiling. Lily looked towards her friend's direction with sympathy. She knew how Emily was feeling right now. Kris would have too, if she wasn't brooding over the World Quidditch catalogue.

“So, how'd it go?” Kris teased, looking up from the catalogue. Emily sat up, a resigned smile plastered on her face.

“Beautiful,” She said, staring into space; her sky blue eyes absentmindedly glazed at the window. Lily walked over to her friend and sat down, patting her back.

“It'll be alright. You've agreed to send letters when he goes to France right?” Lily asked with genuine concern. Before Emily could answer, two girls strode in with airs the trio found snobbish.

McClatchy and her best friend Pekes. Heina McClatchy was not one to describe pretty but with her short-cropped frizzy reddish-brown hair framing her smooth, creamy skin; little golden freckles dappling her cheeks and eyes the color of a pine tree; she was a little more than ordinary looking. Lindsay Pekes, on the other hand, was a beauty - with her long, straight straw-colored hair and alluring brown eyes. Her skin was pale and rosy and what probably made her cute was her nose.

“So, when's Fantine comin'?” Pekes causally asked to McClatchy, glancing at the trio out of the corner of her eye.

“Today of course. The Professors have been ranting about it to us for the past days. Fantine from France and Charles Tolchoose from America.” McClatchy said loudly. Lily gritted her teeth. She knew they were doing this on purpose. How could they not know? Kris rolled her eyes and got up.

“Oh my gosh! As if we didn't know!” Kris said in a ditzy, sarcastic voice and slammed the door shut. Lily dragged Emily away and followed Kris. McClatchy smirked at Lily as Pekes seemed to be seething at Kris about the tone of her voice. Kris was mocking Pekes and McClatchy and the trio knew very well that McClatchy, Pekes and the rest of her friends were not a bubbly, ditzy group. Well, maybe except Ashton.

“You really lost your temper there Kris,” Emily said seriously. Kris whipped around, her face expression clearly frustrated and irritable.

“I know that!” She snapped and ran her fingers through her hair. “It's just that, Vasser's is going to be here…and...I hate her!” She said her voice softening as she collapsed on the coach. Lily nodded and sat down.

“I know,” Lily said but then her face lighted up. “How about a prank when she gets here? Give them a little holiday spirit?” She said, smirking. Kris smiled widely and opened her mouth.

“Don't even think about it Evans,” A voice cut in. The three looked behind them and saw James standing behind them, scowling. Lily glared and crossed her arms.

“It isn't nice to interrupt people's conversations Potter,”

“Neither is pulling pranks,” James pointed out.

“But we were giving a nice, harmless festive cheer,” Kris piped up, putting on an innocent face. James rolled his eyes.

“Think me thick Kris? I know what you three mean by that.” He said, giving Kris the I-know-that-isn't-an-innocent-face. Emily looked to Lily and cut in before the argument turned serious.

“Heard about the exchange students coming today?” Emily said, changing the conversation.

“Yup,” Remus said, sitting next to her. Lily widened her eyes in surprise; she hadn't noticed the other three approaching. She was further startled when she found Sirius suddenly sitting right between her and Kris.

“Scared you didn't I?” Sirius asked jokingly, grinning. Kris rolled her eyes.

“Not me,” Kris said. “Neither Lily.” She added later.

“Sure Park, sure.” Sirius said. “Didn't you see her going like this?” Sirius exaggerated by imitating a shudder in surprise Lily gave. Lily shoved Sirius playfully, laughing.

“Just shut up Black,” She said, shaking her head. Sirius winked as James crossed his arms. The last thing he wanted was another conversation with Lily. Remus shook his head and motioned James to come and sit in the arm chair. Sighing, James walked over and reluctantly sat down.

“So most likely Vasser's going to be in Gryffindor?” Peter said quietly. The trio (Lily, Kris, and Emily) exchanged looks. Peter didn't talk often in front of them nevertheless make eye contact.

“Probably,” Emily said. Kris gave Lily her “spirits dampened” look. Lily knew that the last thing Kris wanted to hear was about Vasser.

“Not about Vasser please.” Lily said quietly.

“Why not?” James asked rather cruelly. Remus elbowed James. Sirius shot a look that clearly said try-to-get-friendly and cleared his throat, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

“A game of Gobstone anyone?” Sirius asked grinning as he pulled the table of some other student's unfinished game of Gobstone.

“That's other students' game,” Emily said in a strict voice. Sirius shrugged, a smile plastered on his face.

“Don't be such a spoilsport Mother,” Sirius said as Emily winced at Sirius's nickname for her. Lily and Kris couldn't help it. They laughed, including Remus and Peter and even James was breaking to a grin. Sirius given nicknames to everyone and all students found it embarrassing.

“I will,” Kris announced in a dramatic voice. “I challenge thee Enemy Black!” Sirius laughed and pointed at her.

“But thou shall fall Enemy Lady Park for thou cannot play Gobstone!” Lily stood up and placed her hand on Kris's shoulder.

“I, Lady Knight Lily shall aid Lady Knight Kris in this battle of Gobstones!” Lily said. Sirius slapped a hand down.

“So be it. But be ready to die.” Sirius remarked as he made the first move.

----

The game ended with Sirius losing to Kris, with help from Lily. James had finally loosened up and he, Remus and Peter taunted Sirius about losing to a “girl who couldn't play Gobstone”.

“Have fun Enemy Black,” Kris waved cheerfully as the he tried to cover his ears from the tantrum of his friends. She looked back at her watch and jumped.

“Blimey! It's dinner time!” She exclaimed and ran down the stairs. Emily turned to Lily.

“She forgot that Vasser's gonna be here,” Emily said and Lily nodded. Exchanging glances and deep sigh, they walked downstairs to the Great Hall.

Kris's good mood turned to a stone face when there were two figures in standing in the Great Hall by the teachers. Lily felt the same dread inside. Great… There were murmurs, whisperings, and curious glances at the two exchange students the whole school had been expecting.

As Emily and Lily approached Kris looking moodily at the empty dinner plate, she began to speak,

“Great! Vasser…” Kris said, swishing her napkin around her plate. Laying a sympathetic hand, Emily nodded and said nothing. Lily looked up to see the smirking, mocking face of Fantine-Merle Vasser.

She hasn't changed one bit… Lily thought, glaring at her arch-rival other than James Potter. She had a mocking, little face with a skin of a smooth, creamy complexion of a French. Vasser had glossy black hair twisted into braids, all wounded on top of her head with glittering, sly, coal-black eyes and a deceiving, cute dimple. The only thing that had really changed about the French girl was that she had grown taller…and her body was now well-rounded into symmetry—instead of the gangly, lank, skinny bean-pole back in fifth year.

The exchange student from the States, however, looked quite different. He had tousled (though not as much as James), light brown hair and deep, mysterious cocoa-colored eyes. There was no doubt that this Charles Tolchoose was good-looking. Black will definitely have a contest… He looked intelligent, and had this cheerful, outgoing and friendly aura shining around him.

Dumbledore stood up, smiling jovially at the students. “We have the two new exchange students with us today and for the rest of the year. Let us welcome these students to Hogwarts warmly: Fantine-Merle Vasser from France and Charles Tolchoose from the United States. Now, Professor McGonagall, if you please.” He said, sitting down as he gestured towards the stern lady. Nodding curtly, she stood up, carrying a stool and old, raggedy hat.

“Tolchoose, Charles?” She ordered, motioning to the stool beside her. Obediently, the boy sat down at the stool and look apprehensively at the hat. Lily herself remembered the same expression when she was a first year.

The hat took an unusually long time to sort the American into a house. Finally, after a few minutes, the brim of the hat opened.

“RAVENCLAW!”

There was an exploding cheer from the Ravenclaw table, especially the girls, and polite clappings from the rest.

“Vasser, Fantine-Merle,” Professor McGonagall read, looking at the girl with no emotion at all. Wonder what the Professor's thinking about her right now…

“GRYFFINDOR!” The hat shouted after a few moments. There were loud cheers from McClatchy and her clique as Vasser, smirking, sat down.

“Still has that air…disgusting. And the way she acts, I wonder why she isn't in Slytherin.” Kris grumbled, shooting death glares behind the French girl's back.

“So true,” Lily said, nodding as food appeared in front of their eyes.

“What's the prank? I can't wait to humiliate her…” Emily piped up, suddenly, brushing back a strand of her light-blonde hair.

Kris looked up in disbelief as Lily choked on her chicken. “What?!” Were the surprised exclamations from the two. Emily shrugged her shoulders.

“So?”

“You…just…never said stuff like that, that's all,” Kris said, looking at Emily with a rather proud, congratulations face. Lily grinned, and clapped the unusually not-so-mischievous girl on the back.

“Congratulations Emily. I think you've finally matured.” She teased, as her friend made a face. Laughing, Kris picked up a loaf of bread.

“What prank should we do for the prank? Any ideas?” Emily asked, after drinking her goblet.

“I dunno yet…Kris?” Lily asked, turning to her Asian friend.

“I don't either,” Kris replied, grabbing a drumstick.

“No ideas at all?” Emily asked, cocking an eyebrow at Kris. She nodded.

“Why?” Kris said curiously. Lily sighed and waved her hand in front of Kris's face.

“Hello?! You're the plotter and planner of our pranks, aren't you? Emily usually does the behind-the-scene work and I do the dirty work.” Lily remarked. Kris crossed her arms.

“I do some of the dirty work too!” She exclaimed indignantly.

“I know you do…I'm just naming our strengths.” Lily explained, as if she was trying to elaborate about the Pythagorean triangle to a kindergartener. Kris rolled her eyes.

“Whatever you say, Evans…or should I say, Mrs. Potter?” Kris added in slyly, her eyes twinkling roguishly.

“KRIS!”

[ ]

Lily wearily walked up the stairs. Emily and Kris had a running contest up the stairs, which surprised her because it was usually her and Kris doing it. Emily's been acting different ever since Vasser got here. Hmm…wonder if that's good or bad…

Racking her brains for a good prank…the last person on Earth Lily Adreienne Evans wanted to meet was Vasser.

“W'y `ello, Lily,” The mock-pleasant voice spoke. Lily slowly turned around, and scowled.

“What do you want?” She demanded, planting her hands on her hips.

“Am I not allowed to greet my old friend?” She asked innocently.

“Oh, hello friend,” Lily responded sarcastically, empathizing on the word `friend'. “Just sod off, Vasser.” The French girl, by nature, was a good actress, most unfortunate to the trio.

“Dear me,” Vasser said in poisoned honeyed tones. “All I wanted was to say 'i. You haven't c'anged Lily Evans. Still the same feisty, fiery girl. Speaking of fire, 'eard you still 'ave a flame for James.” Lily sighed in her mind. Why do they do this?

“I don't,” She said stubbornly, but feeling her face burn - Lily knew she was flushing crimson. Damn this…

“Rig'z…zat's why your face is all red,” She said amusedly, with a hint of sarcasm. Lily felt her temper boil and she whirled around, her face red like a red rose, with chilling, ice-cutting green eyes flashing dangerously. It was a very good effect as the French backed away slowly, looking at Lily with slightly widened eyes. But it was quickly replaced with the same smirk.

“Look here Vasser. I don't want anything with you, got it? So keep quiet and don't cross the line. This is enough.” Lily said, wanting to grab her by collars of the Hogwarts robes and thrust her against the wall with all energy she had.

“You wis', Evans. You wis'.” Vasser muttered, the smirk still plastered on her face. Ignoring Fantine-Merle, Lily continued walking up the stairs to the Gryffindor tower.

Chapter Three

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