The Flower That Finally Bloomed
Chapter 1
Prologue
End Of Sixth Year.
Lily Evans sat down on the couch in the Gryffindor common room. She took out a few books from her book bag and started researching for a Charms essay that was due next week.
Yep. You heard right. Next week.
Lily was just being her typical dorky and hardworking self, doing her homework a week in advance. She had not a single trace of makeup on her face, her auburn hair was frizzy and entangled as a result of not being brushed for days, she wore glasses that distorted her otherwise beautiful green eyes, and her entire wardrobe consisted of fluffy woolly sweaters and baggy pants. It wasn't that she did this on purpose; she just didn't have the time to waste on such petty things. According to her opinion, the time usually wasted by most girls fussing over their appearance in the mirror, could easily be used to finish a whole Potions essay. Besides, who cared about how you looked as long as you excel in your studies and ensure a bright future for yourself. Yes. That's all that matters. She was after all aspiring to become the student with the most N. E. W. T s in Hogwarts history next year, and the next Head Girl of Howarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
As Lily was putting the finishing touches onto her Charms essay, she heard a loud commotion (mostly made by delighted squeals) coming from the portrait hole. She looked up, and her usually expressionless face deepened into a frown. She let a soft groan escape her mouth. The Marauders had entered the room. This meant that in a matter of seconds, the entire female population present in Gryffindor tower would drop whatever they were doing and run screaming like hopeless fanatics to surround the four Marauders.
The Marauders consisted of four outgoing boys who were in the same year as Lily. First there was the ringleader and most popular Marauder, James Potter. He was a pureblooded wizard who came from one of the most honourable wizarding families in Britain. He stood at a striking 6'feet 1', had jet-black hair that was uncontrollably messy, and had deep hazel eyes. He was a prefect (though Lily couldn't quite comprehend why, with all the havoc he causes) and probably future Head Boy, with the way he charms all the teachers. Potter was also the captain and seeker of the Gryffindor quidditch team. All in all, he was definitely the most sought after by girls.
Next, standing at a still towering 6' feet, was James' second in command, Sirius Black. Sirius was the most handsome among the four, but had nothing else to recommend him on except that he was pretty good in his studies and had an incredible sense of humour. He was also the worst womanizer among the lot, sometimes even switching girlfriends after a day. Third was Remus Lupin, the rather shy one who didn't use his popularity in any way, especially not in charming girls. He had tired blue-gray eyes, and wavy sandy blonde hair. He was the only one among the four that Lily liked at all. Finally there was Peter Pettigrew, a short plumpish boy, who wasn't really considered a Marauder but more of a tag along. Lily didn't quite like Peter even though he never really participated in any of the Marauders pranks. Lily didn't know why, but he just exuded an aura of dread and creepiness.
"Stupid really, " Lily mumbled as she watched the girls jostle each other rather violently to get as near as possible to any Marauder. She looked past the squealing crowd and noticed the four Marauders looking neither overwhelmed nor surprised at the amount of attention that they were receiving. It was an unwritten rule since the third year that the very earth that the Marauders stepped on was to be worshipped. ' Those airheads actually expect this kind of welcome wherever they go,' Lily thought disgustedly.
' Dumb gits. Pranking anybody that annoys them, just because they know they can. Snag any hot girl they want, snog her, shag her then dump her. After that they start dating the poor girl's best friend, then the whole process starts over again. It's always a new flavour each week. They are the most repulsive specimens of males on the planet,' Lily ranted in her head. A particularly loud giggle made Lily roll her eyes. ' But of coarse, every girl HAS to like Jerky James, Stupid Sirius, Ruddy Remus, and maybe Puny Peter,' she thought angrily, before reverting her attention back to her essay.
Lily was just about to roll up her parchment and keep it, when two feet appeared in front of her. She looked up to see James Potter looking down at her with an amused smirk. Then he said rather loudly and mockingly," Oh, look. It's Evans the dork and it looks like she's doing homework that is due next week." Horrified gasps could be heard coming from all the girls around them.
One girl, which Lily was pretty much convinced was Emily Keeth (a total airhead), even exclaimed," Oh My God!! James Potter has caught a GIRL doing homework a week before it is actually due. Oh.Oh." she took in deep breaths before continuing. " Oh My!! This has to be the biggest disgrace to girls all around. This is terrible. I'm even feeling embarrassed for HER," she managed to choke out before starting to sob rather dramatically.
Lily just ignored the snide comments that were being thrown at her. She gave James a defiant glare, adjusted her glasses and returned her gaze to her essay. " Leave me alone, Potter," she muttered softly, her tone dripping with malice. She wasn't the least bit scared of him even though he must have been at least half a head taller than her. Oh you bet she wasn't. It was just that she was used to being incessantly teased by people and besides, she didn't quite see the point in arguing and fighting.
James just sniggered and said," Have it your way dorky Evans." Then he turned around and walked away. Lily not to mention all the expectant spectators were shocked that James would just leave it at that. Then suddenly, he turned around and walked towards her again, and said," I'd watch what I say if I were you Evans dork." With that he began to walk away once more, but not before forcefully ramming his leg into the table leg, causing Lily's ink bottle to topple over and cover her exposed essay, which she had toiled on for hours, with black ink.
Lily let out a cry of surprise and sprang up from her chair. Fury built up inside of her as she heard Potter and his fan club snigger evilly. Finally, all the pent up anger that she had kept inside for years exploded. "You stupid cocky asshole!! You think you're so great!! Thinking you can do whatever the damn hell you want to do!! Well to me, you're nothing but an immature little git who just craves attention and happens to like taking advantage of women!!! ," Lily screamed. Lily could feel everyone's eyes on her, most of them staring with shock that the quiet dorky Lily Evans would have the guts to stand up against someone, and not just anyone. She was standing up against James Potter.
Tears had started to gather beneath Lily's eyes, and to save her dignity, she quickly gathered up all her books and ran to her dorm room. She wasn't about to give Potter and his friends the pleasure of seeing her cry.
Lily practically barged right into her own dorm room. "Stupid Potter," she thought angrily as she flopped down onto her bed. The dam in her eyes finally broke and tears streamed uncontrollably down her flawless cheek. " To hell with that dumb cocky Potter. Thinks he's every girl's god. Stupidly ruffles up his hair just to appear casual. Bullying anyone who doesn't worship him. I hate him. I Hate Him. I HATE HIM!!! ," Lily said to herself, screaming the last few words aloud.
It took another few minutes of ranting and a few deep breaths before Lily finally managed to calm herself down. She was just in time to hear Remus scold James. " You shouldn't have done that James. You went a bit too far that time. Maybe you should go apologize to Lily," Remus suggested in a serious voice.
" Nah. You worry too much my dear sweet Moony. Evans doesn't deserve such treatment. She's just another social outcast. Don't bother yourself too much with her. She's not worth it," James retorted pretending to sound indignant. Many shouts of agreement from James' fan club could be heard.
Not wanting to hear any more insults thrown at her, Lily buried her head under her pillow. Okay. Maybe Remus wasn't that bad. But Lily's heart swelled with anger again as she recalled what James had said. 'Fine, if that's what he thinks than he's got another thing coming,' Lily thought. She quickly pretended to be asleep, when she heard her other two dorm mates, Sara McOriel and Alison Creek, enter the room. Sara was a tall blonde-brunette with blue-green eyes that sparkled brightly along with her personality. She was considered one of the prettiest and nicest girls in Hogwarts. Sara, however, didn't let her beauty get to her head. She didn't chase after boys nor did she welcome their attention. She was Lily's closest and only friend. Alison on the other hand was a total bitch and complete airhead. She was a brunette and had dark empty brown eyes. Alison was also ridiculously skinny (she was always on an impossible diet everyday) and beared a slight resemblance to a moose.
" That was pretty mean of James. Lily didn't even do anything to him," Sara commented rather angrily, at the lack of respect shown towards her friend. Lily smiled at her friend's loyalty. She felt really lucky to have a girl like Sara as her friend.
" Hey, Evans pretty much deserved it. Pretending to be a little Miss- Know-It-All every time. This should put her in he place," Alison replied, glee evident in her voice. Lily scowled at this.
Both of them quickly hushed up when they saw Lily's figure. Actually, Lily was sure that Alison would have all the more enjoyed continuing insulting her (especially with Lily present) if Sara had not somehow threatened her to shut her trap. In a few minutes, Lily was pretty sure that both were sound asleep.
"Lucky school ends in another two more weeks. Then no more Potter and his annoying fan club for two whole months," Lily thought happily, before drifting off to sleep.
In the boy's dorm.
The Marauders were busy discussing the subject which most sixteen- year-old boys found the most interesting. Girls.
"Hey, is it me or is that Kerry Donaldson getting hotter. She's certainly a lot curvier than the last time I looked at her, " Sirius commented. " You think she'll go out with me?" he added thoughtfully.
James scowled at Sirius. "Padfoot, I always thought you could aim higher. But just for the record, you've gone out with Donaldson no less than five times, had some major snogging sessions with her, maybe even shagged her a few good times, and then dump her after you're fed up," James replied while counting his fingers. "And just to answer your question, yes. Donaldson would definitely go out with you again. So would any other girl in Hogwarts." Sirius smiled proudly at James' replay. It wasn't everyday that James praised him. But it's not as if he relied on James' every word. He knew that James respected his opinions as much as he respected his.
James and Sirius then turned their conversation towards Remus, who had remained disturbingly quiet throughout the discussion. They looked expectantly at him. Remus just smiled sheepishly at them and softly said, " I think Sara McOriel's kinda pretty.and she seems nice enough," he added hesitantly.
Sirius and James took one amused look at Remus' red face, and burst into hysterical fits of laughter. James managed to gain back his composure before Sirius, who had dropped of his bed laughing madly, and managed to say between muffled laughter," Aww, our little shy Moony's all grown up.(*laughter) and finally eyeing a certain girl." Remus turned a spectacular shade of magenta and turned his face away.
Seeing Remus' embarrassed reaction, Sirius forced a serious expression on his face and (trying not to laugh) said," Moony my boy, don't ever be afraid of liking a girl. Me and Prongs here were just a little surprised and amused that you had finally even so much as looked a girl's way, and even better yet, Sara McOriel's way. We all know how hard a catch she is. Honestly, she must be the first hot chick that didn't try and force herself on us. Right Pete. Peter?" Sirius turned around to find Peter snoring loudly in his bed. Sirius smiled and shook his head. Peter was always the first one to fall asleep and also the last one to get out of bed.
Wait a minute. Sirius suddenly remembered hat James had no spoken about any girl yet. "What about you Prongsie buddy? Who' your new flavour? We still have two weeks before the holidays you know."
James opened his mouth to reply Sirius, but was cut off by Remus, whose face it seems had returned to its normal pale colour. "James, why did you do that to Lily? She didn't do anything to you. She didn't so much as look at you. Why did you destroy her essay so cruelly?" Remus questioned.
He meekly looked up at James, who was thinking of what to say. James finally said, "Hey, Evans is a dork and dorks just annoy me. I mean seriously, doing homework a week in advance. Besides, she doesn't even take care of her appearance like NORMAL girls do. She has practically no curves at all and she's also pretty flat chested. Evans is nothing but a disgrace to females all around. That just really ticks me off." James stopped at that point, seeming to be quite pleased with his answer.
Remus simply sighed at his friend's shallowness and tiredly said, "I don't like where this discussion is going. I'm turning into bed early. G'night everyone," and pulled his curtains around his bed. James and Sirius just gave each other puzzled looks and shrugged. They then switched off the light magically, and jumped into their respective beds.
Sirius yawned loudly and said through the dark, "Hope a certain someone enjoys his dreams about a certain girl named Sara." James swore he heard Remus shift uncomfortably in his bed. Suddenly, Remus' question came back to him. What had made him act so cruelly towards Evans? Remus was right; she didn't do anything to him in the first place. So why did he destroy her essay? Hold on. Why was he questioning himself like this? It was his right to do whatever he wanted. Why should he, James Potter, the guy with the perfect life, bother himself with such petty things?
James was right about his life. It was certainly one to be envious about. Hot chicks, looks, best friends that were more like brothers, exciting adventures, historical pranks, captain of the qudditch team, prefect, and rich parents. Yep. Life was certainly rosy for James. So why was Remus' words and the look on Evans' face when he destroyed her essay, tearing apart his conscious?
End Of Sixth Year.
Lily Evans sat down on the couch in the Gryffindor common room. She took out a few books from her book bag and started researching for a Charms essay that was due next week.
Yep. You heard right. Next week.
Lily was just being her typical dorky and hardworking self, doing her homework a week in advance. She had not a single trace of makeup on her face, her auburn hair was frizzy and entangled as a result of not being brushed for days, she wore glasses that distorted her otherwise beautiful green eyes, and her entire wardrobe consisted of fluffy woolly sweaters and baggy pants. It wasn't that she did this on purpose; she just didn't have the time to waste on such petty things. According to her opinion, the time usually wasted by most girls fussing over their appearance in the mirror, could easily be used to finish a whole Potions essay. Besides, who cared about how you looked as long as you excel in your studies and ensure a bright future for yourself. Yes. That's all that matters. She was after all aspiring to become the student with the most N. E. W. T s in Hogwarts history next year, and the next Head Girl of Howarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
As Lily was putting the finishing touches onto her Charms essay, she heard a loud commotion (mostly made by delighted squeals) coming from the portrait hole. She looked up, and her usually expressionless face deepened into a frown. She let a soft groan escape her mouth. The Marauders had entered the room. This meant that in a matter of seconds, the entire female population present in Gryffindor tower would drop whatever they were doing and run screaming like hopeless fanatics to surround the four Marauders.
The Marauders consisted of four outgoing boys who were in the same year as Lily. First there was the ringleader and most popular Marauder, James Potter. He was a pureblooded wizard who came from one of the most honourable wizarding families in Britain. He stood at a striking 6'feet 1', had jet-black hair that was uncontrollably messy, and had deep hazel eyes. He was a prefect (though Lily couldn't quite comprehend why, with all the havoc he causes) and probably future Head Boy, with the way he charms all the teachers. Potter was also the captain and seeker of the Gryffindor quidditch team. All in all, he was definitely the most sought after by girls.
Next, standing at a still towering 6' feet, was James' second in command, Sirius Black. Sirius was the most handsome among the four, but had nothing else to recommend him on except that he was pretty good in his studies and had an incredible sense of humour. He was also the worst womanizer among the lot, sometimes even switching girlfriends after a day. Third was Remus Lupin, the rather shy one who didn't use his popularity in any way, especially not in charming girls. He had tired blue-gray eyes, and wavy sandy blonde hair. He was the only one among the four that Lily liked at all. Finally there was Peter Pettigrew, a short plumpish boy, who wasn't really considered a Marauder but more of a tag along. Lily didn't quite like Peter even though he never really participated in any of the Marauders pranks. Lily didn't know why, but he just exuded an aura of dread and creepiness.
"Stupid really, " Lily mumbled as she watched the girls jostle each other rather violently to get as near as possible to any Marauder. She looked past the squealing crowd and noticed the four Marauders looking neither overwhelmed nor surprised at the amount of attention that they were receiving. It was an unwritten rule since the third year that the very earth that the Marauders stepped on was to be worshipped. ' Those airheads actually expect this kind of welcome wherever they go,' Lily thought disgustedly.
' Dumb gits. Pranking anybody that annoys them, just because they know they can. Snag any hot girl they want, snog her, shag her then dump her. After that they start dating the poor girl's best friend, then the whole process starts over again. It's always a new flavour each week. They are the most repulsive specimens of males on the planet,' Lily ranted in her head. A particularly loud giggle made Lily roll her eyes. ' But of coarse, every girl HAS to like Jerky James, Stupid Sirius, Ruddy Remus, and maybe Puny Peter,' she thought angrily, before reverting her attention back to her essay.
Lily was just about to roll up her parchment and keep it, when two feet appeared in front of her. She looked up to see James Potter looking down at her with an amused smirk. Then he said rather loudly and mockingly," Oh, look. It's Evans the dork and it looks like she's doing homework that is due next week." Horrified gasps could be heard coming from all the girls around them.
One girl, which Lily was pretty much convinced was Emily Keeth (a total airhead), even exclaimed," Oh My God!! James Potter has caught a GIRL doing homework a week before it is actually due. Oh.Oh." she took in deep breaths before continuing. " Oh My!! This has to be the biggest disgrace to girls all around. This is terrible. I'm even feeling embarrassed for HER," she managed to choke out before starting to sob rather dramatically.
Lily just ignored the snide comments that were being thrown at her. She gave James a defiant glare, adjusted her glasses and returned her gaze to her essay. " Leave me alone, Potter," she muttered softly, her tone dripping with malice. She wasn't the least bit scared of him even though he must have been at least half a head taller than her. Oh you bet she wasn't. It was just that she was used to being incessantly teased by people and besides, she didn't quite see the point in arguing and fighting.
James just sniggered and said," Have it your way dorky Evans." Then he turned around and walked away. Lily not to mention all the expectant spectators were shocked that James would just leave it at that. Then suddenly, he turned around and walked towards her again, and said," I'd watch what I say if I were you Evans dork." With that he began to walk away once more, but not before forcefully ramming his leg into the table leg, causing Lily's ink bottle to topple over and cover her exposed essay, which she had toiled on for hours, with black ink.
Lily let out a cry of surprise and sprang up from her chair. Fury built up inside of her as she heard Potter and his fan club snigger evilly. Finally, all the pent up anger that she had kept inside for years exploded. "You stupid cocky asshole!! You think you're so great!! Thinking you can do whatever the damn hell you want to do!! Well to me, you're nothing but an immature little git who just craves attention and happens to like taking advantage of women!!! ," Lily screamed. Lily could feel everyone's eyes on her, most of them staring with shock that the quiet dorky Lily Evans would have the guts to stand up against someone, and not just anyone. She was standing up against James Potter.
Tears had started to gather beneath Lily's eyes, and to save her dignity, she quickly gathered up all her books and ran to her dorm room. She wasn't about to give Potter and his friends the pleasure of seeing her cry.
Lily practically barged right into her own dorm room. "Stupid Potter," she thought angrily as she flopped down onto her bed. The dam in her eyes finally broke and tears streamed uncontrollably down her flawless cheek. " To hell with that dumb cocky Potter. Thinks he's every girl's god. Stupidly ruffles up his hair just to appear casual. Bullying anyone who doesn't worship him. I hate him. I Hate Him. I HATE HIM!!! ," Lily said to herself, screaming the last few words aloud.
It took another few minutes of ranting and a few deep breaths before Lily finally managed to calm herself down. She was just in time to hear Remus scold James. " You shouldn't have done that James. You went a bit too far that time. Maybe you should go apologize to Lily," Remus suggested in a serious voice.
" Nah. You worry too much my dear sweet Moony. Evans doesn't deserve such treatment. She's just another social outcast. Don't bother yourself too much with her. She's not worth it," James retorted pretending to sound indignant. Many shouts of agreement from James' fan club could be heard.
Not wanting to hear any more insults thrown at her, Lily buried her head under her pillow. Okay. Maybe Remus wasn't that bad. But Lily's heart swelled with anger again as she recalled what James had said. 'Fine, if that's what he thinks than he's got another thing coming,' Lily thought. She quickly pretended to be asleep, when she heard her other two dorm mates, Sara McOriel and Alison Creek, enter the room. Sara was a tall blonde-brunette with blue-green eyes that sparkled brightly along with her personality. She was considered one of the prettiest and nicest girls in Hogwarts. Sara, however, didn't let her beauty get to her head. She didn't chase after boys nor did she welcome their attention. She was Lily's closest and only friend. Alison on the other hand was a total bitch and complete airhead. She was a brunette and had dark empty brown eyes. Alison was also ridiculously skinny (she was always on an impossible diet everyday) and beared a slight resemblance to a moose.
" That was pretty mean of James. Lily didn't even do anything to him," Sara commented rather angrily, at the lack of respect shown towards her friend. Lily smiled at her friend's loyalty. She felt really lucky to have a girl like Sara as her friend.
" Hey, Evans pretty much deserved it. Pretending to be a little Miss- Know-It-All every time. This should put her in he place," Alison replied, glee evident in her voice. Lily scowled at this.
Both of them quickly hushed up when they saw Lily's figure. Actually, Lily was sure that Alison would have all the more enjoyed continuing insulting her (especially with Lily present) if Sara had not somehow threatened her to shut her trap. In a few minutes, Lily was pretty sure that both were sound asleep.
"Lucky school ends in another two more weeks. Then no more Potter and his annoying fan club for two whole months," Lily thought happily, before drifting off to sleep.
In the boy's dorm.
The Marauders were busy discussing the subject which most sixteen- year-old boys found the most interesting. Girls.
"Hey, is it me or is that Kerry Donaldson getting hotter. She's certainly a lot curvier than the last time I looked at her, " Sirius commented. " You think she'll go out with me?" he added thoughtfully.
James scowled at Sirius. "Padfoot, I always thought you could aim higher. But just for the record, you've gone out with Donaldson no less than five times, had some major snogging sessions with her, maybe even shagged her a few good times, and then dump her after you're fed up," James replied while counting his fingers. "And just to answer your question, yes. Donaldson would definitely go out with you again. So would any other girl in Hogwarts." Sirius smiled proudly at James' replay. It wasn't everyday that James praised him. But it's not as if he relied on James' every word. He knew that James respected his opinions as much as he respected his.
James and Sirius then turned their conversation towards Remus, who had remained disturbingly quiet throughout the discussion. They looked expectantly at him. Remus just smiled sheepishly at them and softly said, " I think Sara McOriel's kinda pretty.and she seems nice enough," he added hesitantly.
Sirius and James took one amused look at Remus' red face, and burst into hysterical fits of laughter. James managed to gain back his composure before Sirius, who had dropped of his bed laughing madly, and managed to say between muffled laughter," Aww, our little shy Moony's all grown up.(*laughter) and finally eyeing a certain girl." Remus turned a spectacular shade of magenta and turned his face away.
Seeing Remus' embarrassed reaction, Sirius forced a serious expression on his face and (trying not to laugh) said," Moony my boy, don't ever be afraid of liking a girl. Me and Prongs here were just a little surprised and amused that you had finally even so much as looked a girl's way, and even better yet, Sara McOriel's way. We all know how hard a catch she is. Honestly, she must be the first hot chick that didn't try and force herself on us. Right Pete. Peter?" Sirius turned around to find Peter snoring loudly in his bed. Sirius smiled and shook his head. Peter was always the first one to fall asleep and also the last one to get out of bed.
Wait a minute. Sirius suddenly remembered hat James had no spoken about any girl yet. "What about you Prongsie buddy? Who' your new flavour? We still have two weeks before the holidays you know."
James opened his mouth to reply Sirius, but was cut off by Remus, whose face it seems had returned to its normal pale colour. "James, why did you do that to Lily? She didn't do anything to you. She didn't so much as look at you. Why did you destroy her essay so cruelly?" Remus questioned.
He meekly looked up at James, who was thinking of what to say. James finally said, "Hey, Evans is a dork and dorks just annoy me. I mean seriously, doing homework a week in advance. Besides, she doesn't even take care of her appearance like NORMAL girls do. She has practically no curves at all and she's also pretty flat chested. Evans is nothing but a disgrace to females all around. That just really ticks me off." James stopped at that point, seeming to be quite pleased with his answer.
Remus simply sighed at his friend's shallowness and tiredly said, "I don't like where this discussion is going. I'm turning into bed early. G'night everyone," and pulled his curtains around his bed. James and Sirius just gave each other puzzled looks and shrugged. They then switched off the light magically, and jumped into their respective beds.
Sirius yawned loudly and said through the dark, "Hope a certain someone enjoys his dreams about a certain girl named Sara." James swore he heard Remus shift uncomfortably in his bed. Suddenly, Remus' question came back to him. What had made him act so cruelly towards Evans? Remus was right; she didn't do anything to him in the first place. So why did he destroy her essay? Hold on. Why was he questioning himself like this? It was his right to do whatever he wanted. Why should he, James Potter, the guy with the perfect life, bother himself with such petty things?
James was right about his life. It was certainly one to be envious about. Hot chicks, looks, best friends that were more like brothers, exciting adventures, historical pranks, captain of the qudditch team, prefect, and rich parents. Yep. Life was certainly rosy for James. So why was Remus' words and the look on Evans' face when he destroyed her essay, tearing apart his conscious?