Project 731: The Lily and James Swap

Project 731: The Lily and James Swap

Year 7

Review Thanks: Jessie Flower, cjn, JayaMioneDurron, Sauron of Mordor, pottersgirl363, Neo313 (Wow, you guys are absolutely awesome! I'm flattered by the compliments, really.)

A/N: Yes, I know, just to tell you one of friends said that James acted a bit too girlish. I'm here to say that may be so due to the personality switch since James acts like Lily, and visa versa. However, I will try my best not to make him so feminine. Is it because of he's prone to holding grudges in this fanfic? And I am working on Chapter Five right now, though I may not be able to update so much now that I am actually starting high school… -shudders-

And now to answer question(s) (sort of) before going on with the next chapter —

Vasser is so evil, she should be in Slytherin!

Perhaps so, but I will tell you that the exchange students… there is more to both of them than that meets the eye. That is all I will say.

Chapter Four

“Mr. Tolchoose, are you listening?” The sharp voice of Professor Ochere reprimanded.

It was almost near a month since the exchange students arrived, and the tousled (thought not as much as James, Lily noted) head of Charles Tolchoose - or as he preferred to be called Chet, grinned at the head of his house. Professor Melissa Ochere was the Potions teacher; and though a beauty, she liked no one and favored none of the houses. The cold, piercing, ice-blue pair of eyes stared at the American exchange student.

“Of course Professor,” He responded automatically, the friendly aura glistening again as he smiled brightly. Lily looked towards James and Black (who both disliked Chet) rolling their eyes. This was due to the fact because the American was one of the heartthrobs at Hogwarts and Sirius didn't like competition; as for James, it was because his ex-girlfriend was now part of the unnamed “Chet Tolchoose's fan club”. Lily knew James still had a flame for his last ex-girlfriend, Elizabeth “Betsy” Point.

“Alright Tolchoose, tell me then, what potion makes a person calm and soothe from stress?” The Potions teacher lashed out a question. Chet smiled, he knew the answer.

“The Draught of Peace,” He said smoothly in his American accent, the smile still on his face. Professor Ochere frowned; it was obvious that she had hoped he'd get it wrong.

“That is correct. What happens to the drinker if you are tactless with the ingredients when you are making the Draught of Peace?” Ochere asked him, crossing her arms.

“The drinker could —” He began but the Ravenclaw head cut him off. It had used to be Black that she had hated the most, but now it seemed to be the clever American exchange student.

“Could? I'm asking what will happen, not what may happen.”

“The drinker will go to sleep and sometimes, it will be almost impossible to wake the drinker up.” Chet answered, emphasizing on the `will'.

“What is the main ingredient of the Draught of Peace?”

“Hellebore,”

“The moonstone is one of the ingredients in making of the Draught of Peace. What do moonstones do? What color?” The class now was attentive; this quick-to-question and quick-to-answer talk was interesting. Kris and Emily exchanged looks. Ochere was firing questions like bullets shooting out of a gun.

“There are many colors of moonstones. Moonstones are to help a person become emotionally balanced.” Chet replied, as he flashed a flirtatious smile to the Potions master just to annoy her.

“Correct,” Was all she said, glaring at the boy and whirled back to the board. Chet laughed quietly and resumed doodling in his notebook. Kris shook her head, a smile playing on her face.

“I don't blame him for not paying attention. All Professor Ochere is doing review for the N.E.W.T's. And we already know all this!” Kris whispered to Emily and Lily. The red-head eyes automatically turned to James; who was glaring at Chet with immense dislike while the girls all whispered `Good job!' to him. Smirking, Lily turned to James.

“Jealous, Potter?” She whispered, crossing her arms.

“Yeah right Evans,” He retorted in the same low tone, which now turned his attention to Lily.

“Whatever. You seem to be jealous of all the beautiful people at Hogwarts,” Lily said, arching her eyebrow. “Let's see, me and a whole lot of other people, like Chet Tolchoose.” She concluded, smirking at him.

“You wish,” James snorted. “I'm not jealous of inflated ego brats like you.”

“Inflated ego? How original Potter. Too thick to think of new insults, aren't you?” Lily said smoothly.

“More like giving PG-rated insults, so you won't go and cry off,” James glared.

“I'm no crybaby!” Lily exclaimed indignantly.

“Yes you are,”

“No, I'm not,”

“Yes,”

“No,”

“Yes,”

“No, you stupid git!”

“Yes, you bullying toerag!”

“No, I am NOT, you stuck-up anorak!” Lily began to stand up.

“Yes, you ARE, you arrogant priss!” James replied loudly, standing up. They both seemed to have forgotten that they were in one of the most dangerous teacher's classroom. “And I'm not an anorak!” He added.

“NO, I AM NOT! AND YOU ARE AN ANORAK, A GIRLIE SWOT!” Lily shouted, her green eyes flashing terribly.

“WHY YOU INSUFFRABLE B —” James started furiously, who actually looked like he could have hexed Lily for years. They hadn't realized that the whole classroom, including Ochere was staring at them.

“QUIET!” Ochere yelled, and the whole class froze. No one had made their Potions teacher this mad; not since second year when James and Sirius had tried to play a prank on Lily and her friends for revenge, but the prank went wrong and accidentally to their teacher instead. With nervous, but loud heart beating of James and Lily - they cringed under the raging Ochere's wrath. Even though she was only five feet and three inches (about 160 centimeters), she seemed very tall and menacing at the moment. “I have never, ever heard such the most childish, not to mention the stupidest, most immature quarrel between two seventh years before. And disgrace and shame on you two - why Potter and Evans, you two are Head Boy and Girl…Twenty points off Gryffindor and you two have a week worth's detention. Together. Maybe it will teach you to respect each other - behave the way a worthy Head Boy and Girl are supposed to behave.” Ochere said in a low, calm, dangerous voice radiating with extreme fury.

It seemed, for a few minutes that time had stopped and everyone was still as statues. The two were numb with shock and it took a while for them register what the Potions teacher had issued. When James and Lily finally comprehended what she said, they both open their mouths to protest; but just glared at each other instead.

“Class dismissed,” Giving one last icy glare at James, Lily stalked out of the classroom. She felt footsteps approach behind her and had no desire to talk to anyone. Even if it was Kris and Em.

“Whoever's behind me, I suggest you ran away,” Lily said stonily, and she heard a merry laugh despite the fact most students would have ran away.

“Temper, Lily, Temper,” The cheery voice piped up and the Head Girl turned around to see no other than Chet. I should have known…the only person in this school who doesn't run away…maybe except a few.

“What now Chet?” She asked wearily. He smiled warmly at her, and Lily couldn't help to let out a small smile also.

“You smiled,” He said with a hint of slyness.

“Oh, you - you -” Lily began, pointing her finger at him, grinning.

“Yes?” Chet asked patiently, approaching her closer as he kept on smiling. Smiling like an idiot. She burst out in laughter.

“Are impossible to be mad at,” Lily finished, shaking her head. And she was right. Chet was an optimistic boy whose main gift seemed to be making people laugh, have fun, and want to be around him. He seemed to love everything, well, maybe except exams and homework. So enthusiastic, so full of energy, and said everything with meaning, spirit, gusto with gestures.

“Heh,” Was all Chet said, scratching his head in modesty and he then slung an arm around Lily. “So how `bout Lils? I could take you to a real nice view - shows a piece of God's great land,” He suggested, his tone eager and continued on, “It really is beautiful, it's the best ever! You can see the lake below, the sky so blue, the sun shining down and trees all over —”

“Alright, alright Mr. Professor - just relax,” Lily laughed. “I'll go, I'll go.”

“'Kay then. See ya Saturday. Make sure to bring your friends! They'll appreciate it too!” Chet said brightly, taking his arms off her shoulders as he walked ahead; waving as he did. Lily waved back, smiling, and shook her head once more. Aye…

“It's the best ever with lakes, and sky…Oh my!” A voice mimicked and Lily could easily guess who it was. Sirius Black. Whirling around, she sent a cold, freezing gaze at the four boys.

“Black, Potter. Sod off. Chet's better than you two will ever be.”

“I never said anything,” James protested sourly and then with a total change of attitude, he dismissed his hand, as if he pretended Lily was invisible. “Whatever. Come on guys, It's a waste of times talking to Evans anyways.” He walked off, with Sirius and Peter following him silently.

“Come on Moony!” Peter called impatiently, motioning him over. Remus gave Lily an apprehensive look. Moony? Is that what they call him? How strange.

“Sorry `bout that Lily,” He apologized. Lily smiled at him.

“You didn't do anything. But I still don't understand why you hang out with them imbeciles,” Lily shook her head. The seventeen-year-old stared at her meaningfully, shaking his head.

“They've done more for me than I could ever want in my life,” He answered solemnly and quietly, then ran up to catch up his friends. She frowned; what in the heck did Remus Lupin mean by that? As if out of nowhere, Kris playfully slapped Lily's shoulder as Emily waved her hand in front of the red-head's face.

“I'm fine guys,” Lily snapped, feeling rather annoyed.

Kris grinned. “Hey, if you like Remus too, that's fine with us.”

“I do not like Remus; he's a friend, just like Chet. By the way, did you know tomorrow Chet wanted me to tell you guys he wanted to take us to some place?”

“Not another one! Guess it's our turn now.” Emily groaned, but grinned helplessly. Chet took almost everyone to different places he found…in the school or outside. Lily was pretty sure Chet was catching up to their knowledge of where all the school's secret passageways were and all that. But the trio enjoyed Chet's showing-around tour…especially with his vivacious commenting.

And they were all looking forward to his next one.

*

A week's detention with James Potter. Lily couldn't decide if this was good or not. A week to be alone hopefully with James…to try and impress him…or a week's worth of quarreling. Sighing, she trudged her way towards the Gryffindor head's office.

Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned around to see James; who glared daggers at her and turned his head away; who had chose to ignore her. However, he looked worried as well... Okay, so a week's detention with Potter is bad, at the grouchy mood he's in. She thought miserably and pushed the door open.

“Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans,” Professor McGonagall greeted them with a stern look and her usual icy glare. Lily tried to look innocent as James gave a quiet snort after seeing the look on her face. She turned around and glowered at him. “I am disappointed in you two...I was not expecting two students in my house, whom are Head Girl and Boy to act in such a childish manner inside a classroom, especially when a teacher is talking in the middle of their teachings.

You will have detention with Hagrid this afternoon. Professor Ochere requested that you two spend your detentions together all week so you can work out some sort of truce —” James snorted again at that. The strict Transfiguration teacher narrowed her eyes at him and continued. “And I trust that you two will work one out by the end of the week.”

There was a loud on the door. Sharp, loud, impatient raps against the wooden door. Lily felt a sense of disgust and dread. It was Filch.

“Come in Argus,” Professor McGonagall commanded and a dirt, ragged figure entered with Mrs. Norris at his side, her yellow eyes looking at Lily and James. For once, it seemed the two's thoughts were same: If I could only kick her just once…

The caretaker gave a curt nod and turned his eyes to the pair, his eyes glittering with delightful malice. Lily knew that detention was going to be something unpleasant. “I'll take `em now.” He said gruffly and obediently, they followed.

“Shame…shame…” Filch tsked, looking at the two with great distaste. “I wonder how you two got picked as Head Boy and Girl. If they'd only let me use the old punishments back again, you'd be obedient as a mouse.” He said, as Lily sighed, bored, who had heard Filch's complaint about the school's punishment millions of times and James had an odd look on his face when Filch mentioned `mouse'. Filch glared at her. “You can be bored now…but when you get to the Forbidden Forest, you won't be.” He leered, and saw James whose look was as if he didn't mind about the forest.

When they reached outside of Hagrid's hut, Lily looked at it knowingly. Though the trio were close to Hagrid, they weren't as close…say unknown to the Head Girl, that her so and his two friends were.

“Took yeh long enough Filch, I want ter hurry an' git this through,” Hagrid spoke, looking irritated. “Lily, James.” He acknowledged, turning his head as if he had just noticed them now. Lily smiled and gave a wave and turned to look at him. She was a bit surprised to see James grinning with a sense of friendliness. He must know Hagrid as well…

“Have fun in the forest,” Filch sneered and walked back to the castle with the lantern he had been holding.

“Oh, don't worry, we will,” She called out sarcastically after him. Hagrid chuckled.

“Now, now Lily. We'll be pickin' Mooncalves dung an' best ter to do it quick befer the sun rises. We're lucky `cause it's a full moon ternight an' we'll get to see `em dancin'. They're shy too so be very quiet ter not scare `em away.” Lily felt like barfing and turned to see that James looked appalled. They were going to pick Mooncalves dung?

“It's not that bad, yeh'll be wearin' gloves, here,” Hagrid handed them brown gardeners' gloves and a bag. “An' yeh'll be needin' a bag to collect their dung. It'll do well to the plants and school garden I'm growin'…a good fer'ilizer — makes them herbs and gardens nice an' strong. Come on, now. Follow me.” He walked inside the forest and James strode forward. Groaning, she put on the gloves and followed.

“I cannot believe we're picking Mooncalves dung,” She muttered aloud, her face sullen and ashen at the thought.

“Better believe it Evans. You can't always be nice and clean and all hoity-toity.” He answered quietly, turning to look at her with the usual loathing. She cringed at it but recovered quickly.

“Look who's talking Mr. Potter…as if you weren't hoity-toity yourself. Your family name is quite well known to the wizarding world.” Lily retorted and James suddenly looked uncomfortable, as he looked away.

“As a Potter, I'm expected to uphold the family name.” He mumbled stiffly, as sort of finality in the conversation. Why had he looked so uncomfortable? Clearly, it was a dangerous topic to tread on. She would keep that in mind.

Looking around the Forbidden forests, there were the dark, looming trees overhead that seemed to bind each other as a forbidding wall. There was no inch of light except Hagrid's lantern, along with James's wand lighting. The trees seemed to be unfriendly, glowering at them, letting no moonlight through even the smallest gaps. There were bare patches of grass here and there, with dirt mixed with pebbles and stones. Out of the blue, there was a distant werewolf howling. Then a dog barking sounded faintly. James looked nervous and tense, fidgeting; he kept looking back at the castle. Noticing this, Lily frowned, studying the bloke she had a flame for. Was he afraid of werewolves?

It was a while before they reached the Mooncalves. Shushing them quietly, Hagrid led them to hide in the bushes to observe as Mooncalves shyly came out of there burrows and started dancing. Her attention was immediately captured, and even James for the moment seemed to be intrigued. Their dance, no doubt, was mystical and fascinating — an opportunity of a lifetime chance. Feeling a thrill through her soul, Lily was tempted to touch one of them. The dance was unlike any other dance she'd ever seen — it looked like it was improvised right on the spot, with the gentle twirls and complicated stampings that left marks on the soft meadow.

“Wow,” Lily breathed softly, looking at the Mooncalves in awe.

“Ain't it wonderful…beautiful dance,” Hagrid said, sounding rather tear-eyed.

“The markings sort of leave a pattern of a circle,” James commented, his hazel eyes glued to the dancing creatures.

“So this is what I've seen sometimes on farmer's Wheatfield,” Lily whispered and James cocked an eyebrow.

“Sorry?”

“The markings...I've seen them in a farmer's Wheatfield sometimes.” She repeated, and Hagrid nodded knowingly.

“Muggles often get bewil'ered of the marks.” Hagrid joined in and there was another sound of a werewolf howling. Turning to James for his respond, she noticed he was tense again and he was clenching his fists, his face pale and worried. What was wrong with James? Frightened by the noise, the Mooncalves blindly ran back into their burrows.

“They run fast…they got scared…” Lily said quietly — the enchantment was broken now.

“Now that all of `em are gone, le's go pick the dung. Come on Lily, James.” Hagrid ordered and picking up their bags, there were a vast majority of the dung scattered around the meadow. This is absolutely nasty…

It took a long time for the three of them to pick up the dung. Much to her surprise, Lily discovered that the silver dung didn't smell like anything at all; and to this she was thankful. Easily, she picked them up and dropped it into the bag at an easygoing pace while James still looked like he was under pressure and stress and went on picking furiously fast yet carelessly.

“Good job both of yer. It'll do good ter the school. Wash up, alrigh'?” Hagrid said, taking their gloves and bags filled with dung. Noticing the caring hint in his tone, Lily smiled.

“Don't worry Hagrid.”

“Good nigh'.” He waved and went back inside his hut. Walking back up to the castle, she yawned and looked at her watch. It was past midnight and very late. James, on the other hand, ran towards the other direction…towards the Whomping Willow. Why is James running towards the Whomping Willow? Not to get himself killed is it? She shook her head. It wasn't really her business but she couldn't help wondering. Werewolves and the Whomping Willow…interesting. I think I'll read about werewolves tomorrow…

*

“I tell you, it was weird!” Lily hissed to Emily and Kris the next morning in breakfast, her mouth full as she chewed her food rapidly.

“Don't talk with your mouth full,” Kris automatically corrected. Lily glared.

“Everytime there were sounds of werewolves howling, James was all fidgety and pale, and it disturbed him.” Her two friends' eyes widened slightly. Lily was annoyed. “What?”

“You actually said James instead of Potter!” Emily exclaimed, brushing back a strand of her loose blonde hair.

“That isn't the point! Stop drifting away from the topic of discussion here!” Lily snapped in her Head Girl tone.

“Alright, alright — calm down. Maybe he has werewolf-phobia I dunno,” Kris responded, shrugging. “I don't think it's a really big deal.” Emily nodded.

“Emily, being the philosophical one out of all of us, I would of thought you would at least side with me on what was happening! Don't you have some theory or - or a huge lecture on your opinion? I mean, he was running towards the Whomping Willow for Merlin's sake!” Lily bantered, waving a napkin in the air. Lowering her arm, the Asian dame rolled her eyes.

“Lily, it's not your business and it's not ours,” Emily said gently, her blue eyes trying to pacify her opinionated friend.

“Look Lils, we can talk about this `James and the werewolf phobia' later.” Kris said softly, which was rather unusual for Lily to hear since the Keeper always talked in a loud voice. Somehow, this did made her calm done and switch topics.

“Fine,” She sighed. “What about that prank on Vasser?” She asked, turning her emerald eyes to the girls huddling at the end of the table.

“Meeting tomorrow night at the usual place,” Kris whispered, leaning forward on the table. Lily and Emily nodded.

“Finally Ms. Plotter-and-Planner has an ideas?” Emily teased, grinning.

“Guess so.” Lily said, giving their friend a teasing look.

All thoughts about werewolves vanished from Lily's mind while trekking out for a splendid view a bit beyond Hogsmeade. It was rather a long hike but the three girls didn't feel as much tired as they would be. Chet was ahead of them with Kris bounding next followed by Emily and Lily who were conversing in normal tones.

“Alright, we're here!” Chet announced, suddenly stopping as he turned around to face the girls. Kris smiled broadly, her brown eyes feasting on the scenery laid out before them.

“Thank Merlin, my legs were about to fall off,” Lily sighed in relief, bending down with her palms of her hands on the top of her thighs.

“Oh come on Lils, this was just a warm-up.” Chet said, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Besides, who can resist all this beauty, this fantastic view —” He waved his hands around them. “That God has ever created? Just take a look at it! Look at all this! It's the best, don't you think?” Indeed, it was one of Mother Nature's masterpieces. The sky was drenched in sky blue with flecks of clouds that could be mistaken for pillows. There were cliffs that were draped by lichens and tiny smoky, cotton flowers scattered with patches of grass. A ring of pine and blue spruce trees surrounded the glistening, glittering lake, like a Fairy's Mirror. The Indian sun blessed all things, its gentle rays dancing with the refreshing breeze. A waterfall slid down over the cliffs and trees in their season's dress.

“It is beautiful,” Emily admitted. Kris nodded, twirling around as if she was a little girl again, the singing wind playing with her hair.

“One can take a breather up here. It's like playing Quidditch.” The Asian girl murmured as Chet nodded enthusiastically.

“Nice change of pace, one can get a little quiet peace.”

“Amen to that,” Emily agreed.

“Come on! Let's go inside, nature's welcoming us!” Chet exclaimed. “Ladies first.” He grinned, giving a bow to Kris then to Emily as the two girls walked in. “Lily, aren't you coming? Are you actually going to miss all this?”

“I guess I'm just tired,” She admitted, her face showed that she was well worn-out. Along with Head Girl duties and other things, Lily Evans was a busy girl. And James…with Head Boy duties, being the Quidditch Captain and Hogwarts, he must be busier than I am. A flicker of messy jet-black hair and face drifted across her mind.

“Can't be tired yet! Here, I'll walk with you.” Chet said his voice still with boundless energy. Lily found herself wondering where the source of all his energy was. His never ending tiredness made her burst out in laughter. Chet smiled.

“See? You'll be up and ready in no time.”

“Thanks, Mr. I-never-relax,” Lily said, smiling warmly at him. Without a word, he slung his arm over her shoulder and talked on while she listened. He seemed to have a gift who could just talk on but when one listened, one would never get sick of hearing his gab.

“…There's two guys. The first guy takes a look at a cup of water and says, “It's half-full,” The other guy takes a lot it and says, “It's half-empty.” ” He said simply as they were nearer to the waterfall.

“So?” Lily frowned, arching an eyebrow.

“Think about it.” He insisted, and left her pondering about it while he swiftly walked up to the front to remove some boulders behind the waterfall as they stood on top of a dusty cliff.

The redhead was deep in thought and didn't notice Emily's hand waving in front of her face.

“Come on, Chet's leading us to this rock hideout he recently found.” She said, pulling Lily's hands away. Lily could hear muffled voices of Kris and Chet beneath her feet as she climbed down in the cool, damp place underneath the rocks.

“Whoah, it's like a secret passageway!” She heard Kris exclaim.

“Isn't it great? Reminds me of the ancient pyramids in Egypt.” Chet said, flooding the place with light with his wand.

“Careful you guys, there's bunch of rocks here and there.” The Keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team warned. Lily grinned mischievously. This was a perfect hideout! Thanks Chet, she mentally noted. But it wasn't to be unless they were out on Hogsmeade weekends. If only we had some kind of invisibility cloak, we would be able to go wherever we wanted to! The old classroom would have to do.

“It's kind of small,” Emily said, crouching down.

“It's a cool place though,” Lily spoke, joining her friends closer to the dirt wall mound with stones. Kris looked down at her watch.

“We should be going back. I need a refill of those sugar quills at Zonko's.” Kris muttered, after giving a glance back at the place as she walked up the hole. Lily didn't want to leave. Chet seemed that he didn't want to go either. Emily walked up the hole, careful not to kick down any pebbles lest that it would hurt the two.

“Much as this is a great hideout, we should be going back.” Chet spoke, as they heard the two girls trudging back towards the school.

“Yeah,” Was all she said, picking up a stone. “It's quiet and peaceful here. I mean, it's like a little cozy, comfort place where you can actually think you know? Like Kris feels free and bliss when she's flying in the air on her broomstick.” She said softly, as Chet patiently waited for her as he stood up.

Suddenly, as an adult would often speak of “teenage mood swings”, he grinned cheerfully, the excited persona coming back again. “Don't worry Lily, I'll take on another tour again…there's more of beauty around ol' England that I can't spot!”

She laughed. “I bet there isn't. Can't wait `til you show me the next one.” She said, winking at the American as they climbed back up, running up to Kris and Emily.

Chapter Four

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