Disclaimer: As much as I would seriously love to own James as well as the rest of the
Characters, they sadly belong to the fabulous JK Rowling. I do however
Own the plot to this story as well as anything you don't recognize! ;)
Chapter 9: It's Only Just Begun
The summer holidays passed all too quickly in Lily's opinion, but as she awoke none the less, extremely excited for the beginning of her seventh year at Hogwarts on September 1st.
Lily smiled into her pillow and looked at the digital clock on her dresser, 8:00 am, she'd have to get up now if she wanted to be ready to leave for King's Cross at ten.
She hopped out of bed, charged with a new burst of energy and opened the door to her bedroom. Lily walked down the hall to the bathroom and was about to open the door when it opened itself, causing Lily to come face to face with her sister, Petunia.
"Freak." Petunia accused.
"Bitch." Lily shot back.
"Wench."
"Whore."
"Witch."
"Why yes I am," Lily replied sweetly. "Thanks for remembering Petty!" and with that, Lily stepped into the bathroom and quickly closed the door.
Petunia growled in defeat and Lily could hear her stomping to her bedroom and slamming the door shut.
Lily grinned, and did a mental tally of the score.
Lily 1, Petunia 0, Ah! Life is good!
And with that, Lily brushed her teeth and quickly showered in tip top speed.
She wrapped a large towel around her body and walked back to her room, contemplating on what to wear on the train.
Lily stared at her open closet for a moment before looking out her cracked open window. The sun shown brightly through the glass from its place in the spotless sky and she could feel a warm breeze drifting lazily into her room.
Smiling at the perfect weather, Lily decided on denim mini skirt and a deep purple halter top. Then she grabbed her wand and magically dried and curled the edges of her hair lightly.
I love being able to do magic outside of school! Lily thought.
(she had turned seventeen last February.)
Then, after pulling on a pair of black sneakers, she bounced down the stairs to the kitchen. She was already in the hall and she could smell her mother's delicious cooking.
Mmm, bacon and pancakes.
Lily thought as she reached for the swinging door. No sooner had Lily stepped into the kitchen, her parents turning to bade her good morning that an awful shriek erupted from Petunia's lips.
The three remaining Evans' eyes immediately snapped to Petunia, and Lily soon discovered what had made her sister scream. A large taupe colored barn owl was suspended in mid air directly above her dear sister's head, holding out the leg onto which a letter was attached.
Lily immediately recognized the owl as one from Hogwarts and walked over to untie the letter.
"Oh, stop being such a drama queen Petunia! It's just an owl, it's not going to eat you!" Lily said as Petunia let out yet another cry of dismay.
The owl, finally relieved from its letter, swooped over the kitchen and exited through the same window it had come from.
"What's that for, love?" Mark Evans asked his daughter.
"Dunno dad. I've already got all my Hogwarts stuff." Lily replied curiously as she opened the letter up and began scanning the contents of it.
As she read, a smile began tugging at the edges of Lily's mouth. She reached into the envelope once more and pulled out a shiny badge that had two words clearly etched on it: 'Head Girl'.
"Mum, Dad, I got it!" Lily shrieked happily "I got Head Girl!"
"Oh, sweetie, that's wonderful!" Katherine Evans replied going over and embracing her youngest daughter in a warm hug.
"Your mum's right dear. We're so proud of you! We knew you could do it."
"Thanks mum, dad." Lily replied beaming up at her parents.
"Well, come on then dear, why don't you sit down and have a spot of breakfast." Katherine said.
Lily nodded and sat down across from her so - called sister, and began on the large stack of pancakes her mother had placed before her.
She was just on her fourth bite, when Petunia shrieked again as another owl swooped dangerously close to her head for the second time that day.
Lily immediately recognized the owl as Calypso, who belonged to her best friend Jen Sparks.
As she opened it, Jen's voice came booming into the living room, only it seemed as if it had doubled in decibel level and was now in surround sound.
"LIIIIILLLLLYYYYY!" Jen's voice shrieked with joy. Lily dropped the letter in fright and proceeded to cover her ears, though it didn't do very much. "DID YOU GET IT?! WHAT AM I SAYING?! OF COURSE YOU DID! NO ONE ELSE WAS EVEN IN THE RUNNING COMPAIRED TO YOU! YOU TOTALLY DESERVE HEAD GIRL, CONGRATULATIONS HUN! DON'T YOU JUST LOVE MY CARD?! OVER THE SUMMER I LEARNED HOW TO SEND AUDIO LETTERS…KINDA LIKE A HOWLER BUT LESS PAINFUL HUH?…I HOPE IT'S NOT TOO LOUD! OK, MY DEAR LILY-KINS SEE YOU IN A FEW HOURS ON THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS! BYE!"
Lily cautiously removed her hands from her ears and peered over at her father, mother and sister who had been doing the same thing.
"Is it over?" he asked much like a small child after getting a vaccine.
Lily's mother, however let out a giggle.
"Well, that was pretty brilliant of her…you can't deny , the girl's got creativity."
"That she does mum!" Lily replied joyously.
The three Evans seemed to find the whole ordeal amusing after the fact, but Petunia however, was a different story entirely.
"Why can't you just be normal?! Do you like getting letters by ruddy owls and being a freak?! You always ruin everything!!!" Petunia yelled at Lily. And with that, she stormed off upstairs.
"Petunia!" Mark called after her.
"I'll go talk to her, dear." Katherine replied, giving her husband a meaningful look and then glancing over toward the kitchen clock.
"I think I'd better stay here with Petunia…she seems a bit upset." Lily's mum replied rationally. "you don't mind if Dad drops you off at the platform do you sweetheart?"
Lily felt a pang inside her. Yeah, I do mum. She had wanted to say.
Instead, however, Lily smiled and replied.
"Of course not, mum. You go take care of Petty and tell her I say goodbye."
"That's a good girl. Have a wonderful term Lily, be sure to write." her mum wrapped Lily into a warm hug and kissed the top of her red head.
"I love you honey."
"I love you too mum." Lily replied smiling.
Katherine let her daughter go, and after giving her husband a peck on the cheek, she walked out of the kitchen in pursuit of Petunia.
Lily stared at the spot where her mum had bee but a few seconds ago, her face relaxing into an unreadable expression.
"So…" her dad said.
"Think you can finish those pancakes in fifteen minutes?"
"Why?" Lily asked sweetly.
"Because, if we hurry, we can stop for a cup of tea and a scone at Twinings." Mark replied a smile breaking on his features.
He's bribing me Lily thought. but it's so worth it!
She could already taste the drink in her mouth. If she couldn't have butterbeer, a nice cup of hot tea from Twinings was always second best.
"Ok!" Lily grinned broadly back. As she began to shovel some more pancake into her mouth.
----------------------------------------
Fifteen minutes, eight bites of pancakes, and two scones and teas later, Lily and her father were placing Lily's trunk atop a trolley as well as her owl Sera. Sera was a beautiful Silver colored owl that Lily's parents had gotten her when she had gone to Diagon Alley for the first time. She had had much difficulty naming her but finally decided on the name Sera which meant heavenly, winged angel. When they got to the barrier between platforms nine and ten, Lily and her father made sure that no one was looking before the both held onto the trolley and ran toward the barrier.
Lily shut her eyes (a habit that just hadn't shaken off since the first time she had gone through the barrier six years ago.) and when she opened them once more, she saw the scarlet steam engine that was the Hogwarts Express. The train let out a puff of smoke which, momentarily covered the rod ironed sign that read 'Platform 9 ¾'.
Lily stood there and let the ambient noise and all around atmosphere of the platform consume her. It seemed as if she had spaced out for a while, before she felt her dad's arm on her right shoulder.
"Making a memory?" Mark asked his daughter through a smile.
"How did you know dad?" she asked grinning up at him.
"Because this is the last time you'll ever go through this barrier and ride that train as a student…" Mark Evans trailed off. "…and," he added thoughtfully. "because you're a lot like me when I was your age….am I right?"
Lily grinned up at her dad and nodded vigorously.
He grinned back at her and poked her nose lovingly with his index finger just as he used to when she was little, causing Lily giggle.
Lily had never been one to be embarrassed by her parents, so their public displays of affection toward each other or their children never upset her.
She did however notice her dad's gaze stray suddenly away from her.
"Hey Lily, isn't that that boy from last term, you know…the one you poured all that green stuff on?" her father asked, nodding his head in the direction he was looking.
Lily turned, standing next to her dad and saw none other than James Potter on the other side of the platform with his Parents and Sirius Black.
Damn it! Lily thought. She had in truth, completely forced herself to forget of James Potter's entire existence over the summer, which in her opinion was what made it all the more relaxing.
She looked up at her dad, who had quirked one reddish brown eyebrow at her, causing Lily to blush in shame.
"Heh…yeah, that would be the stupid-good-for-nothing-ungrateful-" she began, insulting James and feeling her temper start to rise.
"Lily…" Her father said warily, cutting her off.
"Oh, fine, I mean yes dad, that's James Potter." she replied in a mock sweet voice.
Lily's father gave her a look that clearly stated 'watch the attitude young lady.'
"Daddy, trust me, if you knew him like I did, you'd be calling him what I just was, only ten times worse!" Lily whined.
"And why pray tell is that pumpkin?" Mark replied trying his hardest to keep a grin off his face.
"Well…he's always being mean to people like the Slytherins and hexing them when they make fun of me even though I tell him not to, and then he pranks people for no reason at all, just for his sick twisted pleasures, plus he is completely ungrateful, he always has to pick a fight with me even if there's no reason to fight at all, and then there's the fact that he's so arrogant that I can't see how his broomstick can get off the ground, he never tries hard in anything and still manages to stay right behind me in all our subjects, urgh! And his hair! It's always so messy I just wanna go over there and flatten it down! He's just completely wretched daddy, honest." Lily rambled, listing off James' said flaws.
A smile played on Mark Evans face as he watched his daughter complain about the unruly haired boy with the round glasses.
Aww, she likes him…she doesn't realize it, but she still likes him. He thought to him self. He looked over at the boy- What was his name again…oh right! James Potter. He thought, and caught him staring at Lily, and something in the way he looked at her, told him that he was already in the process of falling for her too…surprisingly though, none of this seemed to bother Mark at all. In truth, Mark had always thought he'd be scared or overprotective of his daughter potentially falling in love, but that wasn't the feeling that was evoked within him as comprehension of Lily's feelings dawned upon him. He knew that if Lily ever let him, James would take care of her, because that was the same look he had given Katherine when he had started loving her.
"Oh, tosh, Lily! He looks like a very nice boy. And besides, from what you've told me, he's very admirable as well, top in his class, a bit of a sense of humor, and what I like most is the fact that he defends you…maybe you should give him a chance. Not to be bold or anything kiddo, but I think he might fancy you." her father replied.
Lily scoffed. "My own father giving me love advice? Thanks for trying dad, but even if James were interested, I'd never go for his type anyway."
Mark gave her a skeptical look asking why.
"Haven't you listened to a word I just said dad?-"
"Yes, I have, and quite frankly, don't you think it's a little harsh-not to mention silly that you categorize weather you like someone or not by how their hair looks?"
Lily blushed a bit,
Ok, maybe that's a bit silly, but honestly, what about everything else? She thought.
"Look, daddy, I don't care what Jen, Allie, or Meg say, people like James don't just change overnight."
"Lily, you've always been a good judge of character, and I'm proud of you for that, so I respect the majority of your decisions. Just remember this sweetheart, some of us- especially us men,- aren't as good at conveying our feelings…so we use other tactics to try to get you women to understand," Mark paused thoughtfully before continuing. "and it's up to you all to look deeper and find out who that person really is and what they're trying to tell you, and in the process you might just learn a little bit about yourself…besides, I know that my little Lily-Billy can find something good in everybody."
"I know dad its just-" Lily began, but her dad cut her off after a quick look at his watch.
"Sweetie, I've gotta run, I promised I'd stop by at the office before I got home…besides, I'm sure that Jen's anxious to talk to you anyway." he replied smiling.
"Ok, dad," Lily replied as she embraced her father in a hug and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Make sure you write to us ok? Oh, and you be good too alright?"
"Am I ever anything but?" Lily replied angelically and throwing in a sparkling smile.
"Ok, bye Lily, see you at the end of term."
And with that, her father stepped through the barrier once more and into the muggle world.
Lily stared at the spot where her father had been until she heard a familiar sing song voice behind her.
"Lillian Pamela Evans!"
"Jennifer Tamara Sparks!" Lily replied with her back toward her friend before turning around and running toward her.
They met half way and hugged giggling.
"Girl, you know I missed you but if you ever say my middle name in public again, I will be forced to take action!" Jen replied jokingly.
Jen Sparks was Lily's best friend and a fellow Gryffindor. She had long beautiful dark hair that reached up to below her shoulder blades but rarely ever took it out of a pony tail and her eyes were a piercing indigo blue, framed by gorgeous ebony eyelashes. Jen's skin, unlike Lily's was a beautiful warm shade and Lily could tell that she had tanned over the summer.
"Hey, you said my full name." Lily said with a laugh, "I was only returning the favor… besides, you know my name isn't Lillian, it's just Lily."
"Yeah, I know, I just thought I'd change it up a bit…you know, make it sound more formal." Jen replied with a wink.
"Yeah, you would!" Lily replied.
"So, Miss Head Girl! Did you get my letter?"
"Yeah!" Lily scoffed. "And you're lucky I'm not deaf right now."
"Too loud huh? Hmm, wonder where I went wrong on that charm?…are you angry? Are your parents?"
"No, they thought it was brilliant actually," Lily replied smiling. "Actually mum told me to tell you that it was very creative…and you know I can't ever be seriously mad at you! Besides, it was worth it to see Petunia freak out when Calypso came in with your letter."
"Ah, Petunia, how is the lovely girl?" Jen asked with a smirk.
"Oh you know, same as always…cranky and evil." Lily replied. "But I don't fancy talking about her all morning…so how are you Jen?"
"Absolutely lovely dahling! We went on holiday at the beach and I was feeling pretty good about my appearance until I saw you…" Jen trailed off eyeing her best friend.
Her blue eyes scanned over Lily's body from the tip's of her red hair right down to the bottoms of her black sneakers.
"Honey, you look-there's no other word for it- hot!" Jen replied. She had always been very blunt and spoke her mind freely. It was one of the traits Lily liked most about her.
"Thanks," Lily replied through a giggle. "but trust me, with my pale legs, I don't feel at all attractive!"
"Oh, tosh! You look good and you know it Lils!" Jen replied.
"So…would this amazingly cute outfit have anything to do with wanting to seduce the new Head Boy?" Jen asked waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Lily opened her mouth to answer, but was cut off by the arrival of two new people.
"Allie! Meg!" Lily said as the two girls bounded over toward herself and Jen.
Meg Riley had shoulder length chestnut colored hair and had long wispy bangs which more than often covered her eyes and hid their honey color. Her skin was a caramel color thanks to her half Mexican lineage and the overall impression was exotic. She was pretty, but most failed to notice because she was so quiet most of the time, that is until she gets to know you.
Although all four girls were pretty in their own way, Allie Brooks was by far the most beautiful to the naked eye and looked as if the Barbie Doll may have been modeled after her with her golden hair and soft brown eyes. She had a body that curved in all the right places, which most girls would kill for, and for that reason she got a lot of attention from the male population of the school, at least until she started dressing in baggy clothes. Allie and Meg had been best friends since they were four years old but they were complete opposites. Allie had a temper that could almost rival Lily's and hated the attention stating that 'the inner beauty of a person's what's most important…besides we're all just sacks of water covered by skin anyway.'
Jen on the other hand constantly told her that 'you, Allie Brooks should be glad that someone up there blessed you with such a lovely sack of skin covered water' and to 'flaunt it while you could and not dress with such baggy close just to prove a point because all men are shallow pigs anyway and they're still gonna notice you regardless at some point or another.'
"So what's the story ladies?" Allie replied after the girls had finished saying hi.
"Yeah!" Meg replied enthusiastically. "How was everyone's summer."
"Oh, fine!" Jen replied sweetly. "Actually, Lily and I were just discussing if weather her lovely outfit had anything to do with wanting to impress the new head boy."
"Jen, Lily never tries to impress anyone." Meg pointed out rationally.
"Thank you Meg." Lily replied.
"Yeah," Allie scoffed. "Besides, if Lily knew that Ja- Ouch!" Allie was stopped in mid sentence as Jen not so discretely elbowed her in the side.
"What was that Allie?" Lily replied suspiciously.
"What are you talking about Lily?" Jen replied. "I didn't hear Allie say anything did you Meg?"
Jen gave Meg a look and she quickly responded.
" Wha-no, no nothing at all. Did you uh, say anything Allie."
"Who me? No not a thing! Actually I might of…come to think of it, I just don't remember what it was, you know, short term memory loss or something like that." Allie replied nervously.
Lily opened her mouth to further inquire but the Hogwarts Express to her left gave a loud whistle.
"Well, look at that time to board the train…wouldn't want you to be late for your meeting and all…well chop chop Lily, we'll save you a seat!" Jen replied.
Lily narrowed her green eyes in suspicion.
"I dunno exactly what you three are up to at the moment but I will find out, it's only a matter of time." Lily replied matter-of-factly. "Well…see you after the meeting."
And with that , Lily pushed her trolley up to the front of the train, loaded it on, and walked up into the main compartment.
"Whew! That was close!" Jen replied as Lily disappeared. "Nice going Allie."
"What?! How was I supposed to know we weren't supposed to tell her about James being Head Boy?"
"Hmm…let's think. Maybe because I told you specifically not to mention it in the letter I sent you two weeks ago! How do you explain that."
"Selective hearing?" Allie remarked meekly.
"Ok, come on you guys. No fighting, it was an honest mistake and Lily still doesn't know so we're still good to go for whatever devious scenario is being cooked up in that twisted head of yours Jen." Meg cut in.
"I'm not fighting, I'm simply…embellishing the tones in my words." Jen replied.
"Well, stop embellishing and remind me again why you don't want Lily to know James is Head Boy?"
"Don't worry about it Meg, I've got it all worked out. It's all part of my devious and brilliant plan-" Jen replied.
"Which is?…" Allie prompted.
"Which is… not entirely finished yet." Jen replied sheepishly
"So, in short, you have absolutely no idea where you're taking this?" Meg replied.
"I didn't say that…" Jen replied defensively. "Lets just call this phase one, and phase one requires that Lily finds out that James is head boy for herself."
"I hate to sound repetitive but why exactly?"
"Because, this way the shock of seeing James will all hit her in one blow, and she'll have had no extra time to brood over it which means that she will be caught totally off guard and therefore not get as angry at him as she would have been if she had known in the first place." Jen replied as if it were as simple as 1+1=2.
"Wait, I'm confused." Allie remarked.
"Clearly you have a dizzying intellect…but we'd better get on the train if we want to find a compartment." Meg replied jokingly and dismissing Allie's final remark.
-------------James and the Marauders------------------
"So…what do you think? Should we go with the traditional water balloons or the more creative itching powder on the benches for our annual prank on the ikle-firsties?" Sirius Black asked his three friends and fellow Marauders with a slight cackle.
"You know, you sound exactly like Peeves when you do that." Peter Pettigrew replied shivering.
"When I do what? This?" Sirius asked cackling again.
"Don't do that Padfoot! It creeps me out!" Peter replied shivering again.
"Oh, don't be such a wimp Wormtail! You're seriously not still scared of Peeves are you? That incident with the ink bottle, a paper clip, and a pair of your old boxers happened like six years ago!" Sirius replied.
"Hey, you would have freaked out too! I can't even look at a paperclip anymore without even flinching so can't you just shut up about it please?" Peter begged.
Sirius shook his head causing his elegant black hair to wave through the air and fall exactly back into place perfectly groomed and turned his stormy grey eyes toward the boy on Peter's right.
"What about you, Moony?" Sirius said, addressing Remus Lupin, who was currently reading a muggle pocket book he had picked up in the main part of King's Cross Station before getting onto Platform 9 ¾.
"What about me, Sirius?" Remus replied putting his book away in his bag, realizing he was clearly not going to get any reading done anytime soon.
Sirius gave an exasperated sigh. "Water balloons or itching powder?"
"Sirius, truthfully, I say neither-"
"You're absolutely right Moony! Way too juvenile. So what do you have in mind? Streakers? Pink tutus on the Slytherins? Possibly a musical number?" Sirius replied, his eyes lighting up in enthusiasm.
"No, Padfoot, you misunderstood me…I mean neither as in, possibly not making a first year cry on their first night at Hogwarts for a change? Maybe taking the responsible approach?" Remus replied.
"My dear Moony! What have they done to you?! They've completely corrupted you! I knew this was going to happen when they made you prefect last year!" Sirius replied scandalously. "Not to worry old chap! We'll solve this problem immediately and get you right back on track! You should count your blessings you weren't made head boy this year, can't even imagine who the poor sod who's gonna have to put up with the Marauders is this year." Sirius replied.
"That poor sod would be me." came a fourth new voice.
Sirius turned around and came face to face with his best friend and partner in crime, James Potter, complete with unruly black hair, sparkling hazel eyes, and round black glasses.
"No way Prongs!" Sirius replied bemused. "Alright, who did you knick the head boy badge from because it's obviously not yours. I mean who in their right mind would make you head boy?!"
"Gee, thanks for the support Padfoot!" James scoffed.
" Actually, quite a brilliant move on Dumbledore's part." Remus replied thoughtfully.
Sirius looked at Remus, blinking his eyes as if telling him to proceed.
"Well, everyone knows James' reputation as a Marauder…maybe Dumbledore figured no one would dare cross James because if they did, they'd get the Marauder's special."
"Well… I guess that makes sense, I mean no one ever gets the Marauder's and gets away with it, and speaking of…" Sirius trailed off. "Hey, James, just because you're head boy now doesn't mean that you're actually gonna make us follow the rules now does it?"
"Well…" James replied hesitantly as a familiar twinkle of mischief found its way into his hazel eyes. "Not all the rules."
"Great! So maybe you can help me decide, since Peter is inadequate and Remus is a downright killjoy." Sirius accused. "Do you think that we should go for itching powder or water balloons for this year's opening prank Prongs?"
No answer came from James.
"Prongs…uh, Prongs buddy?" Sirius tried again.
"Hello, Earth to James Potter! Is anyone home in there?" Sirius all but screamed at James who seemed to be entranced by something, or rather someone who had just stepped onto the platform.
"Holy Lily." James managed to mutter, dazed as he took in Lily's outfit. He ran his eyes up starting at her casual black sneakers. Her creamy legs seemed never ending, but finally stopped at the edge of her short denim skirt, the deep purple material of her halter top that came next, perfectly complimented her well, hugging every curve that James had never seemed to notice before what with her normal school uniform. Her dark red hair flowed in lovely patterns around her back and James itched to go over and run his fingers through it. Finally, James could make out her emerald green eyes and all their charisma even from this far away.
"Stop drooling James and pick your jaw up from where you dropped it on the ground…it's just Lily." Remus replied as he noticed who James was blatantly gawking at.
Sirius too, looked over to where James was staring.
"Woah…nice James." He replied obviously approving James' new crush. "Who'd a thunk that Lily looked that good out of normal Hogwarts attire?"
James tore his eyes away from Lily briefly, and looked at Sirius, but before he could make a comment as to what Sirius just said,
"Easy there Prongs, I was just stating the obvious…don't worry, Marauder rule number one…she's all yours." Sirius replied knowingly.
James seemed satisfied with that and turned back around gazing at Lily once more.
"Do you think she's head girl this year Moony?" James asked his eyes never leaving Lily's form.
"Do you honestly need me to answer that question James?" Remus replied. "Of course she's head girl…no one else was even in the running compared to Lily."
James was suddenly plummeted into the memory of his last encounter with Lily.
-----Flashback-----
"You're right Jen, people do change…but not James Potter, he'll always be the most ungrateful prat in the entire world."
----End Flashback----
The echo of Lily's final words on the platform last term were still fresh in his mind. James had been a complete arse that day and for no reason at all …now he saw that. He had spent most of the summer kicking himself for being so stupid and hadn't stopped on account of school starting.
You really screwed that up Potter…you could have had a chance to be her friend
James thought.
A chance that's probably gone now. James thought bitterly to himself.
Suddenly a light went off in his head.
"Wait a minute…do you realize what this means, Padfoot, Moony, Wormtail…this the best thing that could have happened!" James replied looking positively loony.
"What in the name of Merlin are you on about James?" Sirius replied. "More like the worst thing that could have happened…you do realize that with Lily's temper you run the risk of getting hexed every day instead of just once in a while?"
"No, Padfoot not that. What I mean is this: Lily and I are heads right?"
"Right" Sirius replied.
"So, that means we have to work together right?"
"Right."
"Which means that I'll finally be able to show her that I really have changed and to tell her I'm sorry about last year." James replied. "It'll be perfect, she and I will be friends again and then who knows…maybe it'll turn into more…" Jams trailed off looking dreamy once more at the thought of him and Lily together.
"Ok, slow down there Prongs…why don't you try keeping your feet on the ground for now and just take it one step at a time." Remus replied.
"Whaddya mean Moony?" James said.
"Look, James, I know Lily alright. She doesn't like to be rushed into things for one, and secondly, once you loose her trust its really hard to gain it back…all I'm saying is just take it slow and don't push her into anything too fast."
"Alright…" James replied. "So, what should I do first?"
"Well…maybe you should start by getting to the head's compartment so you won't be late," Remus replied. "you definitely don't want to start getting her irritated right off the bat."
"Good thinking…thanks Moony." James replied. "Alright, see you lot later…wish me luck!" James replied with a grin before hopping aboard the train.
"We'll save you a seat Prongs!" Peter called out as the last of James' robes disappeared.
"Yeah…good luck indeed," Sirius grimaced. "He's defiantly gonna need all the luck he can get. 3 galleons says Lily screams as soon as she sees him in the Heads Compartment."
Remus looked at Sirius thoughtfully. "4 says he get himself hexed before the night is over."
"You're on." Sirius said shaking Remus' outstretched hand before the rest of the Marauders climbed onto the train.
Meanwhile, James sat nervously in the head's compartment, alone, fidgeting with his muggle wrist watch as he waited for the girl of his dreams (who coincidentally happened to be the head girl) to join him.
---------------Lily-----------------
Lily walked down the aisle of the train towards the very end, in the direction of the head's compartment wondering who she would be working with for the rest of the year.
Can't be a Hufflepuff, everyone in our year from that house is too daft.
She thought.
Ravenclaw's a good possibility though. Could be that good looking prefect- oh what's his name…oh right!- David Gallagher. I guess anyone's alright as long as they're not in Slythering, urgh! And of course as long as its not- but no, it can't be him…
Lily thought.
No one in their right mind would…
Lily slid the compartment door open and her eyes immediately locked on the back of a familiar head topped with messy black hair. It seemed she had counted her chickens before they had hatched. Because there, sitting in the compartment, turning toward her from the window was none other than James Potter .
Lily screamed loudly, and involuntarily from the shock.
Ok, way worse than a Slytherin!
------------------The Gryffindor 7th years--------------------------------
With Jen in the lead, the three girls were soon able to find an empty compartment. Allie, Meg, and Jen stored their trunks carefully and then Jen placed Calypso and Sera ( her and Lily's owls) up in the compartments, making sure they were secured before sitting down across Allie and Meg.
No sooner had the three girls sat, that the compartment door swung open, revealing none other than the three remaining Marauders, Sirius, Remus, and Peter.
"Hey, Jen." Sirius replied seductively, eyeing the blue eyed girl.
"Black." Jen replied cooly.
"Ouch! Jen baby that hurt…my heart's paper thin and if you're not careful, you'll rip it to shreds." Sirius replied in a mock hurt voice.
Jen opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by Remus.
"You'll have to excuse him…he was dropped several times as a child and lost a lot of brain cells in the process." Remus replied good naturedly causing Allie to giggle.
"Hey! I resent that!" Sirius replied, though Remus paid no attention.
"Do you ladies mind if we sit here? Every other compartment seems to be full."
"Not at all Remus…" Jen replied. "As long as you promise to keep Sirius in his cage were he belongs." she finished sweetly.
"Touché." Sirius muttered as he sat down next to Meg, Peter following and sitting next to Sirius.
"So," Remus started after sitting down next to Jen. "Lily's head girl I presume?"
"Naturally, who else would it be?" Meg replied.
"Mmhm. And James is head boy right?" Allie asked.
"Yup…though for the life if me I can't figure out why." Sirius added.
"Well, this should be interesting, seeing as Lily doesn't know." Jen replied grinning evily.
"You mean you lot didn't tell her?" Sirius replied.
Jen shook her head in response.
"There's hope for you yet with that devious mind Jen…keep that up and we may just let you become an honorary Marauder." Sirius replied.
"Coming from you Black…I'll take that as a compliment, I guess." Jen replied.
"So what do you all think she's gonna do when she finds out?" Remus asked.
Just as if on cue, Lily herself seemed to answer Remus' question as a scream that was undoubtedly Lily's filtered through the train, loud and clear.
"Well, I guess that answers your question Remus." Allie replied giggling.
"Indeed it does!" Sirius replied. "Now pay up Remus ol' boy! You owe me 3 galleons!"
Remus cursed and withdrew three large gold coins from a pouch in his pocket and deposited them into Sirius' hand.
------------------Lily and James-------------------------
"Oh, on. No fucking way! Who in their right mind made you head boy?!" Lily stammered after getting over the initial shock of seeing James.
"Why does everyone keep saying that? Doesn't anyone have any faith in me? And obviously Dumbledore mad me head boy or else I wouldn't have this," he added pointing to the shiny badge on his robe. "nor would I be sitting in this compartment." James replied feeling his temper rising.
Why does she always bring out the best and worst of me?
James thought.
"Well fine then!" Lily fumed. "Ok, you're Potter, I'm Evans, we both know each other obviously, so that's it…now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go find some people who are more worthy of spending time with, so see you at the prefect meeting." She replied as fast as she could. Lily wanted to get out of the small compartment and fast. She turned to leave and was almost out the door when she felt James reach out an grab her arm, whirling her around to meet his gaze once more.
"Look, Lily, can't we at least just talk?"
Lily wrenched her arm out of James' grasp and glared into his equally mesmerizing eyes.
"You. James Potter," she replied in a deathly whisper, "Lost the privilege to just talk to me, the last time we met on the platform."
And with that, Lily turned on her heel and left a very heartbroken James in the compartment alone.
"Well, that went as good as could be expected." James sighed walking out of the compartment in search of his mates.
--------------Everyone---------------------
"Jennifer Tamara Sparks!" Lily screamed threateningly as she entered the compartment, completely dismissing the fact that the three remaining marauders were in the compartment as well.
"Tamara?" Sirius snickered in a corner.
"You knew didn't you?" Lily accused.
"What are you-?"
"Don't play dumb with me Jen you know exactly what!"
"Well, yes um…I may have known something rather of what it is you speak of." Jen replied meekly.
"And you two!" Lily scolded, rounding now on Allie and Meg.
"You knew, you both knew and you didn't tell me either!" Lily replied stopping and taking a breath before continuing.
"Would it have been so hard for any of you three to tell me that James Bloody Potter was head boy?! Or did you all think it would be funny for me to go in there and get the fright of my life?!"
Suddenly, the compartment door slid, stopping Lily's angry rampage. open and James Potter entered.
The three girls exchanged looks of relief knowing that Lily's anger would now be focused on James rather than on themselves.
"You again?! I thought I told you I didn't want to talk to you!" Lily said rounding on James.
"Get out! Get out right now!" Lily replied fuming.
"Ok, Evans first off, no, because in case you haven't noticed, my friends are in here too." James replied, causing Lily to notice the other three boys currently sharing the space. "And secondly, even if they weren't, I can do whatever the damn hell I want to because I don't take orders from anyone-especially not from you!"
"Oh yeah?! Well let me tell you one thing Potter-!" Lily began, her voice rising with every word.
"Will you two just SHUT UP?!!! For two seconds and try to act like the seventeen year olds you are instead of the five year olds you have obviously reduced yourselves to?!" Meg screamed causing all seven pairs of eyes to look at her in shock.
"Now, Lily…Obviously Jen, Allie and I didn't tell you James was head boy because we knew you'd act like this…Now I know you two have your differences and conflicts but you seriously need to put them aside and start acting mature for the whole school's sake because like it or not you're kinda stuck with each other for the year." Meg replied, her voice going back to its calmer state, but loosing none of its firmness.
"With that said…would you both kindly just take a seat?"
"As long as it's not next to him!" Lily replied just as James said.
"Fine but not next to Lily, she'll kill me!"
"Do we need to go over this acting like your age thing again?" Meg replied warily.
"Now I'm not going to repeat myself. Sit. Down. Now!"
"Nombre de Merlin, no puedo creer que estos muchachos estupidos se pueden odiar tanto! Como vamos a vivir todo un añ o con estos gritos y peleos! Y Cuando van a reconocer que en realidad se quieren y que se andan portando como chicos de tres añ os en ves de no mas acceptar lo que es la verdad! " Meg muttered rapidly in Spanish.
A habit Lily knew, that Meg only used when she was really frustrated or angry. Being half Mexican, she was fluent in both the English and Spanish Language.
Sirius looked at her, his round eyes blinking slowly.
"What?!" Meg snapped.
"Nothing…" Sirius replied, but then added. "You know…it's kinda sexy when you mutter in a different language…where'd you learn Spanish anyway?"
"My dad…I'm half Mexican." Meg explained before looking away, forcing the blush that wanted to creep up to her cheeks at Sirius' words down.
Meanwhile, Lily and James who had been so take aback by Meg's outburst had plopped down on the bench next to Jen and Remus.
Lily scooted as close to Remus as she could and then reached up and plunked Sera's cage in between her and James' bodies.
Sera looked at James through her large owl eyes.
She was a beautiful creature, in James' opinion. Her feathers were a shiny silver color that sort of reminded him of his invisibility cloak.
"Your gorgeous, did you know that?" James replied talking to Lily's owl and reaching in a finger to pet it.
Sera, looked at James' finger as if contemplating it before moving her head over to it and allowing him to stroke her, letting out a soft hoot of enjoyment.
Lily watched James' encounter with her owl and listened as she made hooting noises.
"Traitor." Lily muttered under her breath at Sera before turning away.
At ten to the hour she got up and announced she was going to the prefect's meeting, and left the compartment, leaving James to follow her out and chase after her, for as head boy he too had to attend.
Once the two were gone, Sirius let out a releived sigh.
"Well, that went well, didn't it? I'd say the worst is over."
Jen Laughed before replying simply,
"Honey, I have a feeling it's only just begun."
---------------The Prefect Meeting------------------
The prefect meeting passed in a haze. In truth, all of Lily's responses seemed mechanical as if her brain had been turned on auto pilot.
Maybe I was too hard on James and I should give him another chance like daddy said.
Lily found herself thinking.
Why though? So he can throw my friendship back in my face again? Or my trying to help him for that matter?
A bitter voice replied.
The meeting ended and it was time for the prefects and heads to direct the traffic of students toward the boats (for the first years) or toward the horseless carriages.
Lily exited the train and immediately regretted wearing such a light outfit as the cold air filtered through her Hogwarts robes.
She waved to Hagrid, the grounds keeper as she saw him with his familiar large lantern calling, "First years this way! This way please!"
After making sure everyone had found a carriage, she followed James into the last one as they finally headed off for Hogwarts.
They sat in silence, neither daring to speak or look at each other.
Yeah,
Lily thought to herself.
I'm definitely making the right decision about James Potter.
------------Hogwarts-----------------
"To our new students, welcome!" Dumbledore's voice trailed cheerily throughout the great hall. "To our old students, welcome back!"
Sirius squirmed in his seat. "Can't he hurry up? I'm so hungry I could eat a whole hippogriff on my own!" he hissed.
"When can you ever not, Padfoot?" James joked.
"I would like to congratulate the new head boy and girl, Lily Evans and James Potter." Dumbledore paused and allowed for applause.
"Well done to the both of you, I will ask that you be so kind as to meet with me before you go to your common room."
"Now, with that said, I will no longer deprive our young Sirius Black of proceeding to eat an entire hippogriffs worth of food as he so claims he can." Dumbledore paused as many students chuckled.
Sirius stood up on the bench and tipped an imaginary hat to the old wizard before returning to his seat.
"So with all that said, let the feast begin!"
"Finally!" Sirius replied loudly as food magically appeared before him.
The food was delicious as always and when the students had finally had their fill, the leftovers vanished and the plates were left spotlessly clean once more.
"Ah…what a lovely feast if I do say so myself." Dumbledore spoke, addressing the whole school. "but now I do believe that it is time for bed…Prefects, please lead your house back to the dormitories…Good Night to you all!"
The great hall came to life as the chit chatter of students filled the large room.
James hung back until he spotted Lily pointing a small first year girl with brown ringlets toward the Gryffindor prefect. He tapped her on her shoulder and Lily whirled around.
"Um…we have to meet with Dumbledore, so should we go?" James replied nervously.
"Sure. Yeah." Lily replied following James out of the Great Hall until they reached a large stone gargoyle.
The two waited in silence until Dumbledore himself arrived, appearing to have appeared out of nowhere.
"Ah yes, Miss Evans, Mr Potter, please follow me…drooble's best blowing gum."
The gargoyle sprung to life revealing a winding staircase which the three stepped onto.
"Welcome to my office." Dumbledore replied as they arrived motioning for the two to sit at his desk. "The password as you may have guessed is 'drooble's best blowing gum' but I like to change it up from time to time so I'll let you know of any modifications….so as you both know, along with your school work and with your duties as quiddich captain Mr. Potter, you will also have the responsibility of being Heads. It is up to you two to arrange prefect meetings and delegate who will do rounds at what times. In addition, if you wish, you will have the opportunity to organize a ball to take place some time during the year. Here is a list of other things you may need to discuss at the meetings." he handed the list to James who took it and scanned it quickly before passing it to Lily who did the same and then pocketed it.
"In addition to your dormitories, you also have a separate dormitory that you may share also located on the seventh floor, behind the portrait of the cockatoo in the mango tree. Most heads often don't stay there, opting to keep their normal dorms…I'm assuming you two would like to stay in the regular dorms?" Lily and James both nodded, "nonetheless a little private space can sometimes prove useful, so incase you two ever need to use it, the password is 'armonia ed unione.'…do either of you have any more questions before you go to bed?"
"Yes…um, what's the password for the Gryffindor tower Professor?" Lily asked.
"The password is 'coraggio'…is that all?" Dumbledore asked.
Lily and James nodded.
"Alright…you are dismissed, good night to you both."
Lily walked back to the Gryffindor tower in silence.
James muttered the password to the fat lady who winked at him before they climbed into the portrait hole. The common room was empty and both Gryffindor went up to their respective dormitories without muttering another word to each other.
And the last thing on both their minds was each other and how utterly confused they still were about it all.
A/N:
Alright, I know I said I'd have this chapter posted tomorrow but I just couldn't wait to post it, and I'm sure none of you readers are complaining right about now ;-P!
So, I'm posting it today, and maybe I'll post chapter 10 tomorrow or the following day depending on how many reviews I get.
So, this is 24 pages long in case you're curious, I hope you all enjoyed reading it.
Don't forget to REVIEW!!!
Oh, and for those of you who don't speak Spanish like I do, here's what Meg said in a nutshell:
In the Name of Merlin! I can't believe these two hate eachother so much! how the hell are we supposed to live together if they're gonna be down eachother's throats everyday! and when in the blazes are they gonna stop fighting and just get together already! My god they're gonna drive all of us crazy!
(If you all have ever seen 'I Love Lucy' reruns, think Ricky when he's angry and that's basically Meg.)