Chapter 51-A New Friend
Somehow, the trio persevered and managed to fight through the storm that was their every day lives. Lily and James didn't seem to be bothered as much by the usual amount of followers. Somehow, everyone seemed to be getting used to the idea of Lily and James getting into a horrendous mess. Not that anyone liked it other than the Slytherins, but the news was not as shocking as it once was.
The walls of Hogwarts weren't as reassuring as they were in past times. Lily was constantly checking for suspicious people in the crowds of students. James always had a protective arm around her shoulder. They just couldn't feel safe after that last encounter.
Sirius on the other hand was just so happy to be alive. He and Halle were cuddling one another wherever they could. It was one of those feelings of great joy to be alive. He was grateful for his wife and his friends and everything around him. Such a drastic change from a couple months previous. He felt the intense joy of life.
On that particular chilly afternoon, James was sitting in Charms daydreaming out the window. He hadn't had much time to consider his parents death and at that moment he realized why. He was running from his own death. He knew how they felt all those years.
Before he knew it, tiny Professor Flitwick was announcing the homework and dismissing the class. Halle and Sirius joined hands and walked out and Lily was talking on about the interesting lesson.
"What's on your mind?" Lily asked him.
"Nothing. Just thinking. Our lives have gotten pretty twisted lately, haven't they?" James asked, walking down the hall.
"Twisted? I wouldn't say that. They're just more interesting than others," Lily said optimistically.
"So what's next on that agenda of yours?" James asked.
"Well, Dumbledore wanted me to tutor this one seventh year in Charms," Lily said.
"Aw. Does this girl really need help that badly? I was thinking we could have some us time," James said.
"Well, he is failing Charms. He just got kicked out of NEWT Charms and is back in OWL. Dumbledore said that he has a lot of potential but doesn't apply himself. He has a troubled past. Well, I'll meet you before dinner in the Common Room and we'll go down to the Great Hall together," Lily said.
"We both have troubled pasts and we're doing just fine," James said, not letting the conversation go.
"Not everyone is as naturally gifted as you are," Lily teased.
"That truly is a shame," James said. "I just don't like this kid hogging my girlfriend away from me on our only free afternoon. I want you to be safe."
"Safe? James, please. This is Hogwarts we're talking about. How dangerous could it be?" Lily asked, walking off.
More dangerous than you know, he thought watching her walk off.
"So, Cole is it? Cole Jacobs?" Lily asked. She was in the Library with her new "student." Cole was a troubled Slytherin, who by the looks of him, was not into the whole Death Eater scene. He had untidy black hair and caramel colored eyes. The bags that followed those eyes gave off a tired and unwilling attitude. She figured that this kid did not want to be at this study session any more than she did.
"Yes," Cole said in a slightly husky voice.
"What exactly is the problem?" Lily asked.
"Loads of things. My parents kicked me out this summer and since then I haven't been the same. It's horrible. My own sister wouldn't take me in," Cole said.
"I meant, with Charms," Lily said slowly. She smiled. "But listen, it's ok. I have problems with my sibling too. She doesn't exactly like me at the moment. You just have to remember that after Hogwarts is done, you have no second chances. This is your time to learn. If you don't do your best here, your whole future could be decided for you."
"Wow, now I know how you got to be Head Girl," Cole said, laughing.
"Are you laughing at me?" Lily asked, grinning.
"No, no. I am just amused. You really are into it. Charms, I mean. I've heard some myths about the legendary Lily Evans. Now I know," Cole said.
"Legendary? Really? Me?" Lily asked, blushing.
"Well, I really haven't been doing well with my Banishing Charm. I had problems with that in fifth year and basically have not done well with Advanced Magic using them," he said.
"They're really quite easy. Here, let me show you.." Lily said.
Three hours later..
"So the pirate says, 'Touché,'" Cole said. Lily cracked up. This kid hadn't seemed so outgoing and funny when she had met him. He seemed to have opened up within their study session.
"Wow, where'd you learn all your jokes?" Lily asked.
"My dad. He was a funny man," Cole said.
"Where are your parents now?" Lily asked.
"Traveling. They're always gone. They came back and heard about the trouble I've been in at Hogwarts and they kicked me out. They weren't much of parents," he said.
"Wow, my dad's always been there. Even when my mum was alive, she was amazing," Lily said. "I don't know what it's like not to have a great family. Just my sister. She seems to think I'm the bad egg. I've always had that feeling about her."
"You're right. It can't be you. There's not one bad thing about you, Lily Evans," Cole said.
"Oh stop," Lily said. She looked down at her arm. She noticed her watch and read the time.
"Oh my god. We've been here nearly three hours!" she said.
"Really?" Cole asked. He looked at his watch too.
"Yes. Crap," Lily said.
"Did I intervene on your homework time?" Cole asked.
"No, no. We missed dinner which means I forgot about James," Lily said. She gathered her books up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.
"James? Of course, James Potter. How could I not know? The most perfect couple. Head Boy and Head Girl," Cole said.
"Yep. James is my boyfriend. I hope he went down to dinner by himself," Lily said.
"Most likely. No man would wait to eat," Cole said. "It's in our genes. We're eating machines."
"Well, Sirius Black, yes. James? I don't know. I hope he went down to dinner," she said, rushing out the door.
"Sorry to barge out Cole. If you want another study session, just find me in the halls or something," Lily said.
"I will," he whispered as she left the library.
Lily entered the Portrait Hole to see James, napping lightly on the couch. He had a rose in his hand and was dozing on the arm of the sofa. She frowned. He had indeed waited for her. How could she have doubted it?
She tapped him numerous times, knowing how he slept. He stirred slightly and opened his eyes. He saw Lily and she sheepishly grinned.
"I am so sorry, James," she said.
"It's ok," he said, yawning.
"Are they all down at the Great Hall?" Lily asked.
"Yep. Dinner's over though. They're playing cards down. Some sort of Exploding Snap tournament Dumbledore is holding," James said.
She felt even worst. James and Sirius loved Exploding Snap and now she had made him miss it.
"I am so sorry. I got caught up teaching that kid," Lily said.
"It's ok Lils. No one is perfect," James said. "Although you are close to it." He wrapped her in a hug.
"What can I do to make it up to you?" Lily asked.
"Dinner? In the kitchens?" he asked her.
"Of course," Lily said.
The two of them strolled out hand in hand, James giving Lily the rose he had picked. They were captivated in one another, as it should have been. What they didn't know was that a jealous stranger strolled in the shadows, also captivated.
A/N: Please send a review.