-Chapter Two: Chocolate, A Girl's Best Mate
-By Natali
-September 13
Plan A is off to a marvelous start. What's all this about a plan, diary? Well, I'll tell you. I'm convinced that I can bag a boyfriend with a little… shall we say, craftiness? Why ever would I just want a fling, when I could have James Potter for a much longer time? Exactly.
Much could be said in defense of a fling. They're loads of fun, easygoing, and virtually painless. But the fact remains that I'm more than just attracted to Potter. Do I fancy him? …Hard to say, really. There's always that possibility. But I think that it's more of the chase that attracts me the most. He is, no doubt, the most eligible bachelor in Hogwarts, because even Sirius ties himself down once in a while. But James has never even gone out twice with the same girl. (By saying this, you must understand that going out means on an actual date, not just sex. That would be a totally different story.)
My friends and I adore challenges and tricks. Wouldn't it be the ultimate challenge to have James Potter as a boyfriend? And the trick part? Well, I'd get back at him for that one prank he played on me in Third Year.
I would be the Prank Princess, so to speak.
Because Plan A has been accomplished (he most definitely wants me very badly-I heard this information from a friend of a friend of his friend who heard it from Sirius), it's time for Plan B, which puts Plan C into motion.
So, what's Plan B?
Spend more time with him.
And C?
Make him think he's ready to win me over so he'll be so cocky he'll think he doesn't even have to put in effort.
And when that's achieved… Heh, heh. Activate Plan D: Make him rethink his cockiness…
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(-Memories-)
"Lily? Are you coming?" Rachel asked, holding open the door to the room they shared. "Dinner will be over soon."
Lily looked up from writing in her diary. "No, go on without me. I've got a plan to take care of…"
"What?"
"Never mind."
She shoved the diary under her bed and went to redo her hair-she'd just woken up from a nap, and it was all over the place.
Humming a little tune that some First Years had been singing after the last lesson, she took the pins out of her hair and reorganized her luxurious wine-red hair. So engrossed was she in doing so, she didn't even hear someone enter the room and tiptoe towards her.
"Boo," James whispered in her ear, making her squeal.
"How'd you get in here?" she hissed, catching her breath. "And for God's sake, wipe that smart smile off your face!"
James chuckled. "I got in with my broom, over which the stairs have absolutely no control whatsoever. And no, I'll smile all I want."
Lily smiled too, and picked up the pin she had dropped when he'd scared her. "Why aren't you at dinner? And while we're there, why are you here?"
James shrugged, looking around the only room he'd never been in (the girls in his own year and house never slept with him). "Not hungry, because Mum sent me pies this morning and they're all gone now. Here because that's where you are, which is where I want to be. Now, what's your excuse?"
"I'm here because this is my room."
"No, I meant for not being at dinner with the rest of your mates-one of which has just recently hooked up with Remus. Going down the stairs, in fact."
Lily giggled. "Grace. She's been thinking about it for weeks."
"Point is, Sirius and Rachel are in a snit, because they don't get along as well as Grace and Remus do."
"Grace and Remus have never said more than five words to each other."
"But they're getting along quite well, aren't they?" James laughed. He walked to what he supposed was Lily's bed-her favorite jeans were lying on it-and sat on the edge. "So, what's your excuse?"
Lily smiled, remembering what she'd told Rachel. "I had some… business to take care of."
James nodded slowly. "I see. Well, since you're not doing anything, fancy a walk on the turrets?"
Right where I want him, Lily thought. Poor, gullible fool.
"Just as long as we're at the understanding that this isn't in any way a date," she stated stubbornly. "But yes, I'd love some fresh air."
Half an hour later, Lily had let it slip that she kept a diary, and had done so for seven years.
"It's just," James said, "what's the point of writing something that no one else will ever see?"
Lily thought a moment, swinging her legs from the stone bench they were sitting on. Her gaze swept the dark Scottish countryside, pinpointing the places she could recognize: Hagrid's hut, the gates to Hogsmeade…
"Think of it this way," she spoke finally. "My mum gave me this diary when I left for Hogwarts. It was the same one she'd written from the time she was fourteen to the day she married my father at twenty-six. The reason she'd stopped, at least according to what she told me, was because she'd found herself and didn't feel the need to ever write again. In the time she did write though, she wrote about the same problems I'm faced with: life, money, boys and how much you might hate them…" She looked at him. "Don't you think there would be a lot of wisdom in those twelve years?"
James nodded slowly. "So then, you're planning to give it to your daughter?"
Lily shook her head emphatically. "Are you nuts? With all the things I do!"
They laughed together, unconsciously leaning on one another. When the laughter died down, James turned to look at Lily, not realizing that if he did their lips would be almost touching.
"Why won't you say yes?" he whispered, raising his hand to caress her neck. "It's not that you don't like me. I know you do."
She raised a perfect eyebrow and stared at him for a second. "You're right… I won't deny it." She stood and touched a hand to his cheek. "As for why I won't go out with you… That's for me to know, and for you to find out, James." With a final smile, she headed to the Great Hall for whatever food she could find.
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(-Present, the next day in Lily's library…-)
Lily shut the diary and stared at the floor. Could she go on? She had thought that she would be able to retell the story… Why was it so hard?
Because she still loved him.
"Something the matter, Lily?" Grace asked. It was only noon, and Lily had already stopped. At this rate, they would be there until Christmas.
"I'm hungry," she said, voice hoarse. She almost ran out of the room.
Rachel turned to look at Grace. "Didn't the maid say something about her…?"
"Not eating? Yeah. So then…?" They got up and followed Lily into the kitchen, where she was sobbing and munching on blocks of chocolate.
It was the first thing she'd eaten voluntarily since the breakup. The maid, Marisel, was standing in a corner, looking shocked down to her toes.
"She just… came in, got chocolate, and ate," she sputtered in a Spanish accent. "Nada mas!" She made the sign of the cross. "Dios mio!"
Grace looked at her friend sympathetically, trying not to find the fact that Lily was covered in chocolate humorous. "Oh, Lils… If you're hungry you need real food. You're so malnourished it's scary."
Lily only sobbed harder in response.
"Come on, Lils," Rachel said softly, extending her hand. "We'll go give you a bath."
"I… took one this morning," Lily said. "Don't need-want-another." After her reply, the cries became louder, and she started to choke on chocolate.
"I didn't suggest it to clean you up. I meant a bubble bath, with loads of scents and candles, and chocolate if you'd like," Rachel explained, gently tugging the chocolate away from Lily. "Come on. You'll like it, trust me."
"It hurts," Lily whispered, leaning against a cabinet.
"What?" Grace asked.
"I was numb… but now, it hurts," she cried silently. She glanced up at her best mates. "Is there… any ice cream?"
Grace, Rachel, and Marisel all laughed. Even Lily's lips twitched a little.
"Yes, Miss Lily," Marisel chuckled. "I'll get your favorite-Rocky Toad."
Marisel's purposeful mix up made Lily smile-but only a little. "Rocky Road, Marisel," she corrected, allowing her friends to help her up.
----------------------------------------------------Later…---------------------------------------------------
"I don't see why I have to wear this dress," Lily said, staring at her white cocktail dress. "There's no special occasion."
Rachel made an irritated noise while braiding her hair, just the way Lily liked. "You're not a zombie-that's a bloody occasion in my book." She poked Lily's side. "Besides, I want you to see how much you need to eat and exercise to look good in this dress again. You're so skinny!"
Lily frowned. "I'll try and forget you said that."
Grace laughed, filing Lily's nails. "We should have done this sooner. Of course all you needed was a bath, chocolate, and a manicure! We should've known."
Lily sighed. "I'm still not happy."
"Then what are you?" Rachel asked exasperatedly.
"Sad. Empty. Hurting so bad I feel my heart is being ripped in half," Lily said through tears.
"Good," Grace said softly, patting her hand. "It's part of the recovery. Now, here's your diary"-she passed the heavy book to her-"so keep reading while we pamper you."
"Could I have another piece of chocolate?" Lily asked, grabbing one without waiting for permission. "Alright. I'll skip a few entries-the next few are just about how Grace and Remus kept shagging each other-"
"Excuse you!" Grace gasped. "That is none of your bloody business." She whacked Rachel. "You either!" She glanced at Lily, hoping to see a smile. She didn't.
"Anyway, it was the next week when I was able to write something noteworthy about my plan for James…"
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-September 20
Plan B and C completed. In the past week, Potter has walked me to class, from class, to meals, from meals, and all around the grounds-strictly friends and not as a date, of course.
But today… oh, today I put Plan D into effect-and oh so nicely, too.
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(-Memories-)
Lily Evans sat on the couch, bored out of her mind. Grace was off with Remus-again. Not that she knew Lily knew.
If you really need me, she'd told Lily, I'll be in the third floor broom closet. I'll be… uh, doing detention! Yes, that's it!
Really. How pathetic…
She sighed and twirled a strand of her hair in circles, apathetic to the knots that she was forming. If only J-No! Plan D had to go into effect. He had to doubt his place with her.
"Speak of the devil," Lily muttered, watching James come towards her. "Around my little finger, aren't you?"
"So Lily, want to go for a walk?" he asked, leaning forward. "I hear the House Elves have special candy already for this year's Halloween. From Sweden."
"No, thanks, James," she replied smoothly. "I'd rather just sit here." Never mind that I'm bored to high hell.
He frowned. "Are you sure? You don't have to eat anything if you don't want."
"Yes."
Slightly confused, James persisted. "Come on. It'll be something to do, instead of just sitting here doing nothing. Besides, I don't have anyone to go with."
Even though Lily was determined to stick to her plan, the bewildered look on his face pushed her over the edge. Why did he look so sorry about the fact that she didn't want to go?
"Ok," she sighed heavily, trying to sound bored with the idea. "Let's go."
And later, in her bed, with her stomach so full of candy she felt sick, Lily wondered.
Was he really that sad about her reluctance to go? Were his intentions genuine? Was she even willing to find out?
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-September 22
Diary, I hadn't meant to go with him. Honest. But the look on his face on Thursday… And then, when I was determined to look like I was having an awful time, all he has to do is smile, stuff his mouth with candy, and try to talk. Then I'm laughing, choking on bits of some Sweet Sins (sugary candies that make you look devilishly sinful)!
But tonight… Oh, tonight was bad for my plan, but so, so good for me. It was… wonderful. As you know, I like to go into the forest, even though I'm not supposed to. But you know, rules are there to be broken…
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-Memories…-
Lily spread out languorously on the cool grass, looking up at the starry sky. She smiled, thinking of the rose James had given to Grace to give to her. It was such a public courtship. She knew it: she was falling, falling fast and hard.
It was impossible to ignore him, to pretend like she found him boring. Suddenly, her "plan" and turned around and bit her in the behind.
Lily came to the forest about once a month, just to get away from everything-life, school, boys, bitchy and back stabbing girls, and even her best mates. Just to… get away and relax.
"Well, well, look at the flower of the forest, lounging around as if she owns the place."
Lily sat up and smiled. "Hi, James. How'd you know I was here?"
"I followed you," he shrugged. "And I like that nick name for you. Lily, Flower of the Forest." He winked and held out his hand to her. "Want to go somewhere special?"
She hesitated. "I don't know. I've never gone past this point…" She looked off into the darkness. "Have you ever… been there before?"
James took a step towards her. "I will never let anything happen to you, Lily."
The tension hung in the air, and both could feel it.
"Alright. I trust you, James." She stood with his help and brushed off the back of her pants. "But just in case something does happen, it's your head."
"My Flower of the Forest," he chuckled, grabbing her hand and heading deeper into the forest.
"Your flower?"
"Alright. Soon-to-be my flower." He gave a sharp tug on her hand that brought her closer, and planted a tender kiss on her forehead.
"You're real cocky," she muttered, but she was smiling in the darkness.
"Down to my toes."
They walked around in the dark and overgrown forest for ten more minutes, before they finally came to what James was looking for.
"Alright, Lily," he whispered. "Close your eyes."
She smiled. "Done."
He pulled her forward, careful to make sure that she didn't trip on anything along the way. When he had her in the middle of the clearing, he stepped back and said, "Ok. You can open your eyes now."
Lily did, and had to take another breath. They were in the middle of a large clearing, with a rippling brook running through it. Up above, the stars were bright and visible, miles away from city lights. They were essentially alone in the world, just them and nature.
She continued to look around, staring at the green grass that was clearly recognizable in the moonlight. Flowers of all colors dotted an old path that ran along the edge of the clearing.
"My parents used to come here, when they were at Hogwarts," he said softly, still about two feet behind her. "My mum told me once when I was five, thinking I wouldn't remember, I guess. Anyway, I got here, and I looked for it."
"Ever bring any girls out here?" Lily asked, trying to sound nonchalant. She was not feeling jealousy. "It's really romantic, isn't it?"
James smiled to himself. So he'd gotten under her skin, huh? It was almost worth saying he brought them all, just to see how she would react.
"No. You're the only one, Sirius included. I brought Remus because he appreciates these kinds of things. Do you like it?"
She didn't answer. She didn't really need to.
Taking advantage of her silence, he closed the gap between them and hugged her from behind. Very gently, he littered soft kisses down her neck, going from one side to another.
"James?" Lily whispered.
"Hmm?"
"Why'd you bring me? Why are you concentrating so hard on getting me to go out with you? Isn't it just about the shagging, and then it'll be over and done with?" She turned, still in his arms. "I just don't get it."
He slowly massaged the back of her neck. "Some things you just don't have to get, Lily. And even if I wanted to tell you why I'm so… stuck on you, I couldn't tell you, because I have no bloody clue."
"Do you believe in fate?" she asked, only an inch away from his lips.
"The fate that God sets for you, or just in general?"
"Ah, a religious question."
"In a sense."
"The fate God's chosen for each one of us. Do you believe that He knows it and plans it all out?"
James thought a moment before answering. "Yes. But it wasn't until now that I understood everything had its purpose."
"You're a romantic sap, James; it's disgusting."
"Yes," he chuckled. "I know."
"I love it."
"Know that too." He gave her one quick kiss. "But I still don't know if you'll go out with me. I'm not perfect, you see."
Lily bit her lip. "Damn it. Bloody hell, damn it! Yes, James. Yes, I'll go out with you!"
Lily caught him by the neck and pulled him closer, melding their lips in a fire hot kiss that would burn their lips at the thought of it for years to come.
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-A/N: Well, I've only been on PK since what, Monday? I've had 5 reviews. I'm being extremely nice-I'm updating faster than I planned. Lol, this is prewritten (until chapter 4 a/w…).
Thanks to Emilyp, Rita, Remus'sweetie, my Anonymous reviewer (name?), and Green Eggs and Ham. Thanks a lot guys!
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