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The wind was blowing. Hard. Lily pulled her scarf closer to her neck, wishing with all her heart that winter was over. Walking across the university campus in the bitter cold was not her idea of fun.
Relief and warmth flooded every particle of her being as she walked into the education building. Unlooping her scarf, she made a beeline for the notice board, hoping with all her heart someone had replied to her notice.
Lily was not disappointed. Someone had written a number in a dark, scrawling hand beside her plea for help. She fumbled for her mobile, determined to call whoever her savior was before they could change their mind.
A voice from behind Lily rang out, a voice that filled her with dread. "It's you?"
Dear God, please don't let this be him.
Lily swiveled around and came face-to-face with a very pleased James Potter.
"No. Anyone but you." The words were out of Lily's mouth before she could consider the consequences.
"I hate to tell you, sweetheart, but there isn't anyone else. I've been all over, and anyone up for a rideshare is going London-wards. I've checked all over- I looked in Aviation, Poly Sci, Chemical Engineering- I even stooped as low as checking out the geology lab. Education was my last stop- and I've been waiting here for the past hour and a half. If you want to get to Exeter, I'm your only option."
"No. This cannot be my only option." Lily stuttered weakly. "There has to be another way-"
"Not a single car," James said cheerfully, running a hand through his hair. "We leave tonight. I'll be at Kellynch at 5:30- be packed and ready." He wound a scarf around his neck, and with a gleeful grin, he strutted out the door, leaving Lily confused and irritated.
During the walk back to her dorm, Lily weighed the consequences of a rideshare with James Potter. On the one hand, she could get home quickly and efficiently- Potter did everything fast-paced, and nothing halfway. On the other hand, there was the whole business from their sophomore year…
Lily stormed into Kellynch Hall. Opening the door to her room, she found Marlene Lewis sprawled across the floor, reading aloud from the Tales of King Arthur, and Alan McKinnon sitting by her with his back against the bedpost.
Upon seeing Lily's reddened face, she snapped the book shut and sat up. "My darling Lily, what has worked you up into a passion his time?" Marlene sang out, her clear laugh and a warm hug accompanying the teasing.
"I found a way home," she mumbled.
Adam pushed Marlene aside playfully and gave Lily a hug. "That's great, Lils! I know how important it is for you to get to Cokeworth this Christmas."
Lily's muffled voice was barely audible from Alan's shoulder. "There's a minor issue."
Marlene pulled Lily out of Alan's tight hug. "What's the matter, creampuff? Is there a problem with the car? Are you nervous about going home? If you don't feel like you're okay to go home yet, I'm sure your dad would understand. You could stay here with Alan and I-"
"The only ride available is with James Potter."
Marlene stared, then began to smile. She started to push Alan out of the room, laughing as he tried to resist.
"But Mar," he complained, "I want to hear about the drama."
"Scram, you," Marlene said laughingly, finally getting him out the door. With a final slam, she shut the door behind him and flopped on the floor.
"Now, my dear, tell me why riding with James would be so bad."
Lily gaped at Marlene. "Don't you remember our sophomore year?"
"Lily, Snivellus and James' rivalry is no longer our issue."
"I know that, Mar, but he belittled and humiliated someone who I cared about. It's really hard not to hate someone who hurts a person on purpose."
"Lily, my blossom, I know you are very blind on this subject, but Sniv was not blameless in the matter. I remember dozens of very unkind pranks he played on James."
"Mar, I'm just really uncomfortable with this."
"Lily. There aren't any trains going to Cokeworth, and you know your dad can't drive you home from Exeter. And this is the first Christmas since-"
"I know, Mar. He needs me to be home, now more than ever."
"And it would be a good time to get to know a new James Potter."
"Marlene, I am not talking to him."
"Why, too shy to admit you might like him?"
"This from the girl who won't even admit she's been in love with her best friend since fourth grade."
Marlene dove at Lily, pinning her down and beginning to tickle her. "Alan and I are JUST FRIENDS, you silly gosling!"
"Truce, truce, truce!" Lily gasped between laughs. "But really, Mar, there is no way I am even talking to that prick. I am going to listen to my music and ignore him completely."
"For two days?" Marlene said skeptically. "What if we make a deal, muffin?"
"Muffin? I swear, Marlene, your nicknames become more ridiculous by the hour." Lily scoffed. "But what sort of deal did you have in mind?"
Marlene sat up, brushing her blond curls out of her eyes. "If you give an effort to get to know James Potter, I will tell Alan how I feel."
Lily eyed Marlene, trying to see if she was being serious. She stuck out her hand. "It's a deal." She looked at the clock. "Potter is going to be here in an hour. Will you help me pack, Mar?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Marlene said, smiling crookedly. "And would it kill you to call him James?"