Song: "Invisible" by Clay Aiken
Chapter Two
By Natali
"Fool!" Sirius Black yelled at his best mate. "You're a God damned fool, James! You're sitting here while she's off Lord knows where."
"As I recall," James bit out, glaring at the man in front of him, "I never asked for your opinion. Shove it, Black. I'm tired of your ranting. Stop."
"The hell I'm going to stop," Sirius nearly roared, slamming his closed fist on the desk beside James. "Potter, you go after her!"
"No."
"JAMES POTTER!" Lynn yelled, walking over to him. She was crying again. "GO TO HER, TELL HER YOU LOVE HER, AND DAMMIT, POTTER, MARRY HER!"
"What the fuck do you care for, Sanders?" James said calmly.
"Don't swear at her," Sirius warned. "You're skating on thin ice, Potter."
"I don't skate, Black; I glide."
Sirius growled. "You're a bastard, Potter. A cowardly bastard."
James stood up so fast that he upset his chair. "Say it again, Black. I. Dare. You."
Sirius stepped towards him, but Julie interfered, a lit cigarette in her hand. She was visibly shaking. "Don't you dare. Don't you dare start fighting. Enough. I said, enough!" She inhaled deeply from the cigarette before continuing. "This is old. James, go get her. My ass you don't love her."
"Stay out of this, Julie," James said tersely. "I mean it."
"Since when do you smoke?" Lynn asked her.
"Since Potter screwed up our lives with the Prostitute," Julie muttered. "No, Remus, don't try to stop me from smoking. I need to relax."
"Don't call her a prostitute," James said through gritted teeth. "What the hell does it bloody matter to you lot if I broke up with her? By Jove, it's a miracle you haven't killed me yet."
"Only because I'd be put in Azkaban," Remus said under his breath. James threw him a look.
"Shut it, Lupin." Suddenly, the door opened. Penny stepped in. James's mood blackened even more. There she was. The whore.
"Hey," she said cheerily, trying to kiss him. He turned his head so that she got his cheek instead. He hated it when she touched him. "What's the matter with all of you? Cat got your tongue?" she teased, setting down her purse on the table.
"I want her out," Lynn said suddenly. "Yes, that's it. Get out, you meddling whore."
"Come again?" Penny blanched.
"I second that," Sirius said. "Leave, Penny. You've outstayed your welcome."
"Yes," Remus nodded. "Get the hell out. You're the devil himself, by God."
"She's staying. Leave her the hell alone," James argued. That witch. Why didn't she leave? Why had she even wanted to move in? She knew he hated her.
"I want her out, Potter!" Julie exclaimed. "It's four against one. Get out of this house already! You're such a bloody slut! Oh, that surprises you, does it? It's what we call you behind your back. You're not worthy of a name and you most certainly aren't worthy to take Lily's place."
"Julie!" James roared, pushing her away from Penny. She'd been about to take out her wand. "Stop it. Penny, I'm sorry. Why don't you-"
He paused. Julie had just slapped him.
"That's for Lily," she hissed, raising her hand and hitting him again. "That's for bringing that harlot in here." Another slap. "And that is to get the message across. Go after her, dammit!"
He growled, seizing her arms. He saw Remus step towards them out of the corner of his eye.
"Remus, leave him," Julie commanded. She lowered her voice when she next spoke. "Come on, Potter," she whispered menacingly. "Hit me. Forget I'm a woman. You don't seem to care for other people's feelings. Hit me. I want you to."
For a moment, he let his defenses down. But just a moment.
It was enough for her.
"Send her out, James," she said, soft as possible. "Why keep her here?"
"Because..." he stammered, his eyes burning. He could hear his breathing begin to quicken. "For Lily... Julie, understand... Jules, my girl, please. After all these years... Did you really think...?"
"Hush." She turned to Penny. "I'm sorry. Penny, we all are. It's... It's a tough time for us all. You're not a whore, of course not!"
"Julie!" Lynn gasped.
"Shut up, Carolyn," Julie sighed. "Penny, could you excuse us?" Her hazel eyes followed the dumb girl to the door of her room, where she disappeared. She turned back to James.
"I've known you since we were eleven. James, do what you'd like. What you want," she told him.
"Not what I want. What I must," James sighed. "Julie, please, don't ask any more."
"What's the matter?" Lynn asked.
He shrugged. "I'm going away."
"We don't know where she went," Sirius said. "She didn't say. James, you'll never find her."
"I am not going after her."
There was silence.
"Then you're an arse," Julie said finally, calm as you please as if she'd just said the sun was shining. She walked to her room, Remus following her. Soon, James was left alone, Sirius and Lynn having left.
He picked up a vase and threw it against the wall. "Bloody hell." He swore again. "I swear I'll make you pay, damn it. I will." He yanked his wallet off the table and ran out of the house, fuming and hurt.
*~*
-At James' parents' house...-
"I see," Miriam Potter said, stirring her tea. "Son, I don't know." She sighed heavily. "What I really need is a big bottle of whiskey."
"Mum," James groaned, hitting his head on the table of his parents' kitchen. "I shouldn't have told you."
"Of course you should have!" Miriam protested. She opened her mouth to say more when one of the house elves dropped a piece of paper in front of her. She frowned as she opened it, read the one sentence, and looked at James, smiling. "Excuse me a moment, James. A friend wants to chat." She rose and practically ran up the stairs to her room.
James stared after her, incredulous. He'd really needed her advice, and she'd run up to chat with a friend?
"How's Lily?" his sister asked, coming into the kitchen. "I owled her yesterday, asking if I could borrow her black shoes but she never replied. She ok?"
With an angry shout, he rose and nearly knocked the shit out of her. If he ever thought of Lily again...
"Don't ever say her name again," he whispered menacingly, mad at himself because he saw actual fear in his little baby sister's eyes. "Never. Forget she ever even existed."
Meanwhile, Miriam was upstairs, kneeling in front of the fire.
"Bloody hell, Jocelyn," she laughed. "She's there? With you? Of all places? Why on earth would she be in the middle of nowhere, as everyone knows Wrights' Hall is."
"Not Wrights' Hall," Jocelyn argued. "No, no, about a mile from it. We're at some pathetic, smelly little inn. I just happened to stop by here on my way to Brighton. But you know that I don't really have a plan. I just saw her, saw she hurt, and asked her what was the matter. When I heard it was about James `Spawn-of-Satan' Potter, why, I nearly laughed. And to think this was his famous Lily!"
Miriam sighed heavily. "He's downstairs right now, Jo. I don't know what to do with him. He just revealed something very... interesting, if you catch my meaning."
"Another woman?"
"Oh, no! I wish! I'm afraid I can't tell you. It's deadly dangerous, you see."
"Oh, bosh. He's lying to you, and you just don't realize it, darling."
"By Jove, my son does not lie to me, you ninny!" Miriam hissed. "Charlie should be back pretty soon. He's over with the Prince Regent."
"The muggle?"
"Not a muggle apparently," she whispered. "Princess Di, God bless her poor soul-"
"Indeed."
"-was a witch. The first in her family, too. No wonder she was such a marvel. Such a pity..."
"Anyway, we're digressing," Jocelyn said. "Do I keep her here? What if she leaves?"
"Do that. And if she does, follow her, whether she likes it or not, and contact me."
"Very well." Jocelyn paused. "Miry, darling, what does James... Well, what does he think of her? I mean, he was so brutal about it, from Lily's story, and it always sounded to me like they were going to get married and have dozens of children."
Miriam took her time to think over her answer. "Well, it's like this, Jo. He was brutal, very much so, and just when she thought they'd get married too. But he's convinced, because of this, um, complication, that he can live without her. And while his heart's in the right place, he's going about it all wrong."
"Is it blackmail? Threatening Lily?"
"If only it were just that, Jo. It threatens Lily, their children, and their grandchildren. It threatens their very happiness."
"So, perhaps, just perhaps, he's right about it."
Miriam shook her head. "No, that's not it. Because in the end, she'll still be killed."
Jocelyn was quiet for a moment. "I don't know, Miry. I really don't." After another pause, she spoke again, this time much more serious. "Lily's revealed something to me, something very important."
"Whatever would that be, Jo?"
"She might be pregnant."
James, having had to use the toilet, had heard his mum speaking to her fireplace. He had been about to walk away when he heard Lily's name. And he just barely caught the end of it.
She might be pregnant? With his son? He couldn't feel his body. Miriam didn't hear him. It was as if his blood had literally turned to ice. Was she sure of it? Why hadn't she mentioned anything about it to him?
"Is she sure it's his baby? I just need to ask."
He was filled with fury. How dare his mother question Lily's faithfulness? His fists clenched and unclenched.
"Yes. I'm a little upset by that question, but in truth, I asked it myself." The person, who sounded vaguely familiar to James, sighed loudly. "It is. She's not sure if she is yet. But she's admitted that she won't tell him, even if she is."
"I'd have to, you know. He's my son first, as much as I love Lily to pieces. Oh my, my heart aches with this. Those poor children of mine."
"You've adopted her then, Miriam? She's that special?"
He figured his mum nodded, because the lady in the fire kept speaking.
"Miry, if they don't make it..."
"She's still my daughter, if only in my heart. I asked her if I could adopt her, legally, but she thought it'd be weird to be married to her `brother'. We joked about it then. They were that sure, Jo. They were that sure they were going to marry. That must have been a year or so ago."
"How long have you known her that she means so much to you? She's a dear, I know that firsthand. I'm already in love with her even. But from what I understand, they weren't all that crazy about each until three years ago."
"They weren't," Miriam confirmed. "But James brought her home to meet us."
"So?" Jocelyn asked, hoping that Lily didn't decide to come to see her just now. It was a little after nine, and they were planning on talking more about it.
"It was the first, and most likely last, girl he ever brought home to us, Jocelyn." Miriam could feel her throat get tight. "I knew from the moment I saw James look at her. I just knew they loved each other."
"When was this?"
"Must have been no more than a month after they had their first date, something like that."
James stepped into the room. "Five weeks exactly, Mum. And that's also when I figured out that your knowledge of boy/girl relationships is creepy. I'll come by later."
"James! Wait! How much did you hear?"
He turned only for a moment. "That she might be pregnant." He disappeared without another word, momentarily forgetting that he could ask the lady in the fire where Lily was.
Miriam turned back to Jocelyn. "Oh, dear."
"Well I say, Miry," Jocelyn sighed. "I do think he's still madly in love with her."
*~*
-Memories...-
"Hey there, Evans." James potter sat down at the bench beside her. "I didn't know you played that muggle monstrosity."
She laughed. "Monstrosity now, Potter?"
"You hit that note wrong. It was supposed to be a middle C."
"I say, you play, Potter?" Lily gestured toward the ivory keys. "Play for me, will you?"
"No. Not unless I get something in return."
She looked at him thoughtfully, contemplating the events of last night, Friday, when he'd joined her friends at the table. She cocked her head slightly to the side, amusing James to no end. He smiled charmingly and hoped that she would agree.
"What would you like?" she said finally, cautiously. "Though I have an idea..."
"Just forty-five minutes of your time."
She rose, furious. "I'm not easy, Potter," she snapped, making to leave him. "How dare you? Go ask someone else. I'm sure she'll agree. Maybe you can even pay her."
"Evans, that's not what I meant," he scowled. "For God's sake, Evans! If I was asking you to have sex with me, do you really think I'd do it like that? No, you ninny, I meant a date. A forty-five minute bloody date. Not sex. And for Pete's sake! It sure would take longer than forty-five minutes if it was sex!"
Despite herself, she laughed, her voice filling the common room. She gazed at the small piano she'd bugged Dumbledore to place there. He'd finally given in. She smiled softly before turning back to him.
"All right. I will," she agreed, running a hand through her hair. "But mind you, nothing's going to happen." Her brilliant green eyes danced. "So, how are we sneaking out this lovely Saturday evening, Potter? After you play a piece for me. And it must be decent, or no deal."
"Only if you play with me," he whispered in her ear.
She nodded, then shook her head in an amused way. "All right. We'll play this old song I know. It's called `Barbara Allen'. Do you know it?"
He nodded, rising.
"Where the hell you going, Potter? I thought we had a deal," she smiled. But he only straddled her from behind and set his hands on the keys.
"Or would you rather sing?" he teased. "Go on then. I'll add once you've started."
She did just that, hitting the beginning notes to the song. The piano attracted the attention of her friends. Lynn called out, "Whoo! Go, Lils! Go get the bugger."
There was a bunch of snickering, but Lily was having the time of her life. She didn't realize that his hand was moving across her stomach until the song ended. He was gently massaging it. She could also feel his member stiff against her butt.
"Not bad, Potter," she admitted, half-turning to see him. "Not bad at all." She smiled, a dazzling smile, one she knew sent many of the Hogwarts guys drooling.
To her, it seemed he barely noticed. He only smiled back.
But James felt every bit of that smile all the way down to his toes. It lit up a room, that smile, and ever since him and a bunch of Seventh Years, Lily included, had gone swimming in the lake at two in the morning after a late party, he'd been noticing it a lot.
He stood and offered her his hand. "Come on. I've got a way to get out."
She smiled again, and laughed, running out of the common room with him.
Lynn shook her head, placing one of her cards on the table. "By God, I do think they're going to have some fun," she giggled.
"But I think," Julie said, parting from Remus, who she'd been kissing, "that I need to report their leaving the common room as this absurd hour."
There was a laugh from around the table.
"Yeah, sure thing, Julie. You and Remus there are going to report your best mates. Naturally," Sirius laughed. "Did I ever mention that I hate whist?"
"How's poker then? It's a big thing in the muggle world," Jenna Miranda said. "And I'm better at it than whist, so what the hell, right?"
"See, this is what I love about school," Brian said suddenly. "Popular kids get all the fun." They all laughed.
"You know the rest of the school hates us though, right?" a First Year boy by the name of Eliot Truman said.
Lynn shrugged. "We rule the school. And, lucky for us, the Heads are bloody awesome!"
Julie stood with her apple juice in hand. "Sorry I don't permit alcoholic beverages during the year, but I daresay, here's to the summer, when we'll be graduated, and I can drunk whenever the hell want!"
"And we can shag until-" Remus began to say, but Julie silenced him with a look. "Yes, of course! To the year!"
Somewhere else in that grand, old castle, James and Lily were running through the corridors, still holding hands. He hadn't released it on purpose. She hadn't retrieved it because she forgot.
When he stopped in front of a classroom, she looked at him. "Why on earth would you want to go in here?"
But he only smiled and held the door open for her. She realized it was McGonogall's office.
"We shouldn't be here, of all places, Potter," she hissed.
"I know," he chuckled. He walked toward a pot near the fireplace. "But we won't be here long. Come, we can't take too much, or she'll know someone else was here." He pulled her next to him. She felt lovely, all soft, and warm. And she smelled so good. Then again, females always smelled good. "Wrights' Hall!"
When they stepped back out of the grate, they were in a very, very old house.
"Shh... I know the guy that lives here, but his parents despise me." He grinned and led her out a side door. "That just happens to be the only fireplace in the entire place," he explained. "They warm the house magically. And it's conveniently located by a side door, too."
Lily nodded, looking about her. They were in the middle of... well, nowhere. That was the only building for miles, except a small cottage a bit of ways away.
"Where are we going?" she asked him, linking arms together. The grass was tall, and she was thankful she'd chosen pants to wear that day.
"You'll see," he chuckled.
"Can I ask you a question, Potter?" She looked at him curiously.
"My name is James, though Mum tends to call me the Spawn of Satan." He grinned, making her knees weak. She'd never disagreed that Potter was handsome. She'd just never been the sole recipient of one of the charming smiles.
"James, then. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Evans."
"Ah, you're sly," she said, shoving him playfully. "I suppose we're on first-name basis now. You may call me Lily."
"Lily-Flower?"
"No, Lily."
"Lillian?"
"No, Lily."
"Lila?"
"No, just Lily."
"Lils then? That's what your mates call you."
"Not just yet, James."
He laughed, shaking his head. "Going to make me work for it, eh? All right, I'll give you that. What do you want to ask?"
"Why did you want to take me out?"
He shrugged. "How the devil should I know? I think you're pretty."
"Not to sound conceited or anything, but you just now figured it out?" She laughed. "That sounds so arrogant. I didn't mean it to be. I just meant did you think I was less than pretty before?"
"No. I just thought I'd like to get to know you." He feigned a hurt look. "Why? You don't find me neither attractive nor worth getting to know?"
"Hardly," she teased, eyes dancing.
"Do your eyes always do that, Lily?"
She frowned. "Do what?"
"Dance like that. Whenever you smile."
She tried her hardest not to appear shocked. She just barely pulled if off. "Well, I wouldn't know, now would I? I can hardly watch myself all the damn day, can I? And no one's ever said something like that to me. So I don't know."
"Well, I'm here to tell you that I think they do. Now I'll be able to tell when you're not really smiling. You'll never be able to lie to me! Just think of the possibilities! Like if I asked you right now `Do you want me?' I'd be able to tell whether or not you're lying."
Lily laughed, her head thrown back. He smiled, pleased he'd been funny, and looked at the luscious hair that hung loose down her back. It reached her waist.
"You're a laugh, James." She shook her head, as if clearing her mind. "Are we there yet?"
"This seems as good a spot as any. I can't believe you let me bring you here. What if I was going to rape you?"
"You'd be met with my wand promptly being shoved up your arse, and so far up people will think you're just always happy to see them." They laughed. "So, what are we going to do for the next forty or so minutes?" she asked, looking up at him. She'd never realized he was so tall. Or so broad-shouldered. Suddenly, James Potter was very... male to her.
"Ever been dancing under the stars, Lily?" he asked softly, inclining his head so that they were just a few inches apart.
"No," she admitted. "Have you?"
He shook his head, his beautiful blue eyes never leaving her. "I know that you know I'm a charmer. I'll admit, it's what I do best, besides Quidditch. But I'd truly like to try this dancing beneath the stars thing with you. If you'll let me. And if not, then I have to admit I've got no more ideas, and we'll have to head back."
She laughed softly. "I'll dance with you, James. But there's no music." She'd said it as a joke. They were two young wizards! They could conjure music.
James did just that, a soft melody Lily didn't know coming from nowhere.
"May I have this dance, my lady?" he asked, fake-bowing. She laughed and gave him her hand, smiling as he drew her closer, but not quite touching him.
"James, I do believe you're a gentleman," she mocked, unaware that she was gently massaging the place where her hand lay on his shoulder.
He only chuckled softly, and rested his cheek against hers.
They danced until the end of the song, where they promptly sat on the ground. Without a second thought, as if it were the most natural thing on earth, James sat behind her, his arms wrapped around her middle.
And so they sat. Sometimes they chatted, about the weather and the stars and something Jimmy had said yesterday in Charms; sometimes they were silent, simply being together.
Eventually, after a very long silence, Lily spoke up.
"This is all terribly romantic and all, but we should get back. It's been at least an hour," she said softly. "But first, I need to clear something up. Seriously, James, why all this?"
"I told you. I want to get to know you. And I want the rights to stare at you and not be creepy about it," he laughed, nuzzling her neck. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "I really wasn't planning on sleeping with you, you know."
"I know. But..." She shrugged. "I mean, you're Potter the Player. I think I'm getting played."
"No, you're not," he assured her. "I never give this much thought to a date. Or this much patience. And tonight, Lily-Flower, I'm only going to attempt a quick kiss, and if you say no, I won't insist."
"You've given me quite the surprise," she told him as they got up. "A pleasant one. Thank you."
"Anytime, Lily. I'd like to do this again. Or something else. Whatever you'd like." He smiled suddenly. "I'm going in for that kiss I mentioned. I'm asking for your permission, here, Lily."
She giggled. Gosh, when was the last time a guy made her giggle like some silly schoolgirl? Eh, not since she was a silly little schoolgirl. Now she was a mature schoolgirl. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck and nodded.
When their lips met, Lily shook. It was so soft, unlike any kiss she'd ever received before. It lasted only fifteen seconds, and he pulled away. And nothing more. Without another word, he took her hand and headed for Wrights' Hall.
Later, in her dorm room, Lily was bombarded by questions.
"Did you have fun?" Lynn giggled, flipping through a magazine of the 50 most eligible wizards. She glanced up at Lily a moment and wiggled her eyebrows. "How was it, Lils? Is he as `big' as he's rumored to be?"
"You're nasty, Lynn," Lily laughed, chucking a pillow at her. "Shouldn't you two be asleep? It's nearly four in the morning!"
"The same could be said for you, Lils," Julie said casually, not looking up from painting her toenails. "We'd still be downstairs if McGonogall hadn't come in and forced us out half an hour ago. Said we were too loud. And she lectured Remus and I. By God, what a bore."
"This coming from the Head Girl?" Lily teased, beginning to remove the light amount of makeup she wore. "But we didn't do anything, thank you."
One of their roommates poked her head out from behind the curtains of her bed.
"Really now?" Angel said. She laughed. "Not one thing? Potter didn't attempt one single thing? I don't believe it, Lily. Sorry."
Lily shrugged, brushing her hair. "We didn't though. And he didn't. He did kiss me, but that's nothing, as we all know. And he asked my permission before too. He's a great kisser you know."
"Well, that must have at least lasted for two minutes. Were his hands wandering?" Andy asked, also coming out from bed.
"No. It lasted fifteen seconds at the most, and he didn't even touch me." She thought about it, then added, "Well, my waist, but his hands stayed still."
Lynn frowned. "What's he playing at?"
Lily frowned too, but at her friend. "What do you mean?"
"Everyone knows Potter only goes for sex, then dumps the girls," Julie explained. "Most don't even care, as long as they get to do it with him."
"You've been one of his closest friends for seven years, Julie!" Lily rounded on her. "Some friend, mate. I wonder what you say behind my back."
Julie shook her head. "You're misunderstanding me. Yes, we're friends, but you're my best mate, Lils. I'm supposed to protect you first. I wonder what he's after. Maybe a dare?"
Lily got angry. She could feel her face flushing. "I suppose it's impossible to like me, right? `Cause I'm so unlikable, and guys only want to jump into bed with Virgin Lily, right? Thanks you lot. Thanks a bundle."
"Don't be mad, Lils," Lynn rolled her eyes.
"I agree," Angel nodded. "I mean, he's Potter the Player. Everyone knows that. It's just the bare facts."
"Well, he was a gentleman tonight, and was quite sweet about it," Lily said stubbornly, walking to her bed. "Goodnight `friends'."
"Oh, Lils," Julie sighed, jumping from her bed to Lily's. "We didn't mean it like that. It's just that it's unusual. Potter always goes for the younger girls. `Cause they're easier to bed. And occasionally the Seventh Year Whores in Slytherin."
"I don't know how he can even look at them," Andy snorted, shaking her head. "He despises the whole lot."
"It's sort of an unspoken agreement I suppose," Angel said thoughtfully. "I mean, they hate him back and everything. But they're fine with each other in the bedroom. That's all right. I'd rather he fuck them than try to seduce me."
They all laughed, even Lily.
"You know, I don't know. I mean, it's Potter and all, but he was really different tonight," Lily sighed, pulling off her shirt and putting on her pajama. "I don't think we'll get serious or anything."
"Did he ask you out again?" Lynn asked.
"Yeah. I said yes. I think. I don't know. It's kind of a blur," Lily admitted.
"Where'd he take you?" Julie giggled.
"None of your business," Lily smiled teasingly, and pushed her off the bed. "Now go off, you bitch. I'm going to bed."
*~*
-Present...-
"Damn," James muttered, picking up a handful of Floo Powder and stepping into the fireplace. "Damn it, James. Of course she's there. Where else would she go? Fuck, that's where I'd go. That's where I've been wanting to go."
He sighed as he traveled to Wrights' Hall. The moment he stepped out of the fireplace, he was met by his friend.
"Ryan, do you know if Lily's been through here?" he asked his friend.
Ryan shook his head. "No. I haven't seen her. Why?"
"Never mind. I'm sorry. I-I have to go. I'll talk to you later."
With that, James pushed open the side door they'd gone through that first date, and ran from the house, praying she was somewhere there.
*~*
Thanks to all who reviewed, and I'll see you all next week, then!! Good news! I did splendid this grading period (yes!) and I'm a volunteer!
Mi amor por siempre,
Natali K. A.
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