Chapter 2—Tardiness and Secret Affairs
The four girls, now including Alice were laughing in the carriages on their way to school.
"I'm soooo sorry Gwen," Alice said for the umpteenth time. Gwen rolled her eyes, having talked to Alice about the whole Frank Longbottom issue. Julie sniggered quietly, and Gwen gave her an annoyed look.
"Oh shut up Julie," Gwen snapped. Everyone laughed again.
"I can't believe you didn't know!" Alice said, still grinning widely.. She pulled her chestnut colored hair back with a rubber band.
"Glad you found it funnier then ten minutes ago," Lily said with a smile. Alice shrugged, "So…do tell…what were you doing with Mr. Longbottom on the train ride?" Alice's cheeks pinkened slightly.
"What?" Alice asked, trying not blush but failing.
"You heard the question," piped Gwen.
"Uh…talking," Alice said lamely. Gwen raised an eyebrow, "Really! No, Gwen, stop thinking dirty! I know you are." Gwen just smiled as innocently as she could, "We're just friends…" Alice smiled slyly, "For now…" The four girls laughed as the carriage stopped.
"Ah, back at Hogwarts," Julie said, happily.
"Yep, our last year," Lily said in reminiscence.
"Don't remind me…then we have to get jobs," said Alice. Gwen groaned at this as they hurried into the castle. Lily stopped in mid walk. This was really going to be their last year. It's hard to believe...Lily thought to herself as she looked at the familar castle walls.
"Lily?" Julie was giving her a weird look.
"Oh…sorry," said Lily, hurrying after her friends.
As usual, they had a wonderful feast. Dumbledore gave his usual dull and boring speech. Lily almost felt herself dozing off. She was exhausted enough as it was. Eventually he dismissed them.
"Hey…uh…guys?" her friends turned around, "I actually have a separate dorm this year." Lily gave a weak smile.
"Aw that's alright, we can handle the Princess on our own," Gwen said bravely. Lily laughed at this comment. The 'Princess' of the dorm was Michelle Shepherd. She was a beast…with manicured nails. Gwen hated her. She'd never personally bothered Lily, but Lily stopped sticking up for her when Michelle cheated with Gwen's boyfriend in fifth year.
"Lucky…" she heard Julie mutter.
"Yeah…well, I'm not that fortunate either…remember who's Head Boy? We're going to share a common room…no we have separate bedrooms," Lily added at the look on Gwen's face. Gwen grinned sheepishly.
"Good luck with that," said Julie. Lily tried to smile, but her face didn't seem to let her. Watching her friends walk off, she turned to find James Potter standing right behind her.
"Potter!"
"Evans," James acknowledged with a nod.
"What do you want?" Lily snapped. James gave her an amused look.
"Waiting for you. We're supposed to wait for Dumbledore…remember? Or did the perfect—"
"Potter, shut up," said Lily irritably. She really wasn't in the mood for him.
"If you'll go out with me," said James without missing a beat.
"No," Lily said tiredly, "Am I going to have to put up with that all year?" James just grinned. Lily was about to respond when Dumbledore appeared at her side.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, Miss Evans, how wonderful to see you. Our new Heads…" Lily glared at James then forced her stare back at Professor Dumbledore who was talking about who knew what. For some reason, she couldn't pay attention as they walked up a few flights of stairs. Was he talking about rounds? Oh, her mind couldn't focus! Lily cursed to herself, Potter seemed to actually be listening for once. Fantastic…urgh! What was her problem…lack of sleep, that must be it. She just needed some sleep…
"Uh, Lily?" Lily looked at James. Professor Dumbledore was giving her a worried look. She saw pity in those bright blue eyes of his. Why...was it because of...oh, right. How stupid she'd been. Of course he knew! Lily had almost forgotten about that for half a second. The sickening sensation had once again returned.
"What?" Lily asked, confused. James gave her an amused look. Would he quit doing that?
"The password…it's fairy lights."
"Oh, right, of course." Lily said, feeling herself turning red. She instead looked hard at the scarlet tapestry of a man with a large mole.
"Well, now that you have that sorted, you'll find your respective Head rooms inside," Dumbledore said merrily, "Miss Evans, if you'd hold on a moment. I'd like to have a word." Lily nodded while James held back, looking curious, "Mr. Potter, Miss Evans and I need to have a private chat."
"She didn't do it." James said immediately. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, "It was Sirius and I…we didn't know…"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled, "Now perhaps you should go to bed before your plan is given away. After all Mr. Potter, I am still the Headmaster." James nodded and disappeared behind the tapestry as he muttered the password.
Professor Dumbledore turned his steady gaze onto Lily. She forced herself to look at him. His crooked nose twitched slightly and he adjusted his moon shaped spectacles, "Miss Evans."
"Professor, I think I know what this is about, and I'm fine." Lily said quickly. Dumbledore gave her a sad smile.
"Miss Evans, I know this hasn't been the easiest summer for you—ah, let me finish—" he said as Lily opened her mouth to speak, "However, you have handled this much better then many great wizards or witches I know. I'm sure your parents were wonderful people, and I'm sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting them." Lily didn't know what to say…she wasn't sure if she could say anything at the moment. She felt as if she was going to cry, but she wouldn't. Lily Evans did not cry.
"Thank you sir," Lily said looking at her shoes. They were old, black, and slightly scuffed up. She really needed to buy a new pair…
"Lily, you know that there are always people to talk to," he looked at her from over his spectacles, "Your friends, the staff, myself…there are always people there for you." Lily stared up and met his gaze. She nodded slowly.
"I know," Lily said quietly. Dumbledore didn't seem convinced, but he didn't say anything about that. Instead he gave a resigned sigh.
"Alright then, goodnight Miss Evans."
"Goodnight Professor," Lily said turning to the man with the mole, "Fairy lights," she said with impatience. The man looked at her curiously.
"What was that about?"
"Fairy Lights," Lily insisted. It sighed and swung open to a small common room. It wasn't as large as the Gryffindor common room, but it still had a large fire, a couch, two armchairs and a large oak table. It was decorated in the Gryffindor colors, gold and scarlet. Lily was examining the bookshelf when a voice startled her.
"What did Dumbledore want Evans? You didn't get in trouble…did you?"
"No, of course not! By the way, what are you and Black planning?" Lily asked, steering away the conversation.
"Nothing, but we…uh…might've…uh…"
"I don't even want to know," Lily said with a heavy sigh, "Listen Potter, you need to cut it out. You have a responsibility now which means no more pranks."
"What?" James yelped. Lily smirked.
"You're Head Boy! You need to set a good example. That means no more hexing people in the corridors or picking on first years or fighting with Slytherins—"
"Hey, that isn't always my fault." Lily gave him a look of disbelief, "No! They always start it! Prior to your belief I don't always want detention."
"Oh right…only some of the time?"
"Exactly."
"I was being sarcastic."
"Oh."
"Potter, go to bed," said Lily finally. He didn't move.
"Only if you'll go to Hogsmade with me," Lily rolled her eyes and shut the door to her own bedroom with a slam.
Class started in five minutes, and James Potter decided to throw all of Lily's silly rules out of the window. He'd knocked on her door, but she wasn't answering. Maybe she was sick…
"LILY?" he yelled. Finally he opened the door. She's going to kill me, James thought slowly. Lily was curled up in a ball in her blue pajama pants and black T-shirt, blankets astray. "Lily?" No response, "Aguamenti." He pointed his wand at her and she jumped up screeching. Then she noticed him and yelled again.
"POTTER!"
"Uh Evans—"
"Bloody hell! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE? GET OUT!"
"Lily?"
"OUT!"
"CLASS STARTS IN FIVE MINUTES! YOU"RE LATE!" James bellowed back. Lily froze for a minute. Then…
"WHAT? Why the hell didn't you wake me up sooner Potter? Merlin…" Lily sprang up, running around her room franticly, "GET OUT!" James didn't need another telling, he scampered out, not wanting to face Lily's wrath. Two minutes later Lily came out holding her shoes.
"Damn it, Potter, look at me! My hair's wet!"
"Uh…you could just use a drying spell." Lily scowled. How stupid was she? She felt a blush appearing in her cheeks.
"I know that! You still shouldn't have poured water all over me! Sometimes I wonder what you're thinking…why didn't you wake me up sooner? I don't even have my schedule!" Lily yelled.
"I got it Evans," James said coolly.
"What?" Lily asked, taken aback.
"Here." Lily snatched it out of his hands and her eyes opened wide.
"Potions! Oh no…"
"You're Slughorn's favorite, don't worry, he won't give you detention." Lily glared at him then disappeared coming back a moment later with her Potions supplies.
"Well, I'm not going to be late," Lily said and with that she ran out the door. She hadn't even made it down to the dungeons when the bell rang. Sprinting, she finally made it down before running smack into someone.
"Ow! Evans, watch it!"
"Potter!" Lily growled, "How'd you get here already? And why aren't you…in there!" she said pointing at the door beside him. James grinned.
"I decided to wait. You know, so you wouldn't be late alone."
"Like I want to be late with you."
"Now, Evans, as Head Girl—"
"Potter just move damnit! I need to get to class! It started a minute ago!"
"Let's just ditch…we can say I hexed you and I had to bring you to the Hospital Wing!" James said excitedly.
"POTTER MOVE!" the door opened revealing the stern face of Professor Slughorn.
"What is going on here? Miss Evans? Mr. Potter?"
"Professor!" Lily squeaked, "I—"
"Sorry, we're late sir. We took a bit of a detour." Slughorn gave James a disapproving look when he said this. Lily was about to argue, "Lily left her Potions book."
"I'm so sure," Slughorn said dryly, "That's detention Mr. Potter, tomorrow night."
"It was only once Professor—"
"No more discussion. Get on inside, we've already begun—"
"Well, Evans is joining me in detention too right?"
"I don't think…"
"Otherwise it'd be obvious favoritism as we both came late at the same time," James continued. Slughorn looked irritable.
"I suppose…"
"We should just do it together, after all we committed the same offense." Slughorn sighed.
"Yes…well…Miss Evans, Mr. Potter, see me after class. Now, we've already begun our notes, perhaps you can borrow from a friend."
Everyone watched the two walk in. Lily kept shooting James looks of hatred while he just smirked at her.
"Lily, where were you?" came Julie's whisper.
"I hate Potter," Lily muttered back.
"Why weren't you at breakfast?"
"Slept in."
"Why is that James' fault?" Gwen asked, louder then she should.
"Miss Springs, quiet please," Slughorn said, giving Gwen a disapproving look before returning to his lecture, "Now you can't pick the fluxweed until the full moon…" Lily pulled out a piece of parchment to begin her notes. Gwen frowned. Then she pulled out a piece of parchment, Lily thought for half a second she was going to take notes.
So…what were you doing this morning? You didn't come down to breakfast..
Gwen had learned a spell that allowed each other's ink to appear on their own papers. Lily would've admired the charm work…if it hadn't been against the rules.
I told you, I slept in. Stop sending me notes, I'm trying to pay attention.
Right…so why were you with Potter?
I wasn't with him!
Hmm…so what do you call it when you two are found outside the hall together?
Shut up Gwen.
What are you guys talking about?
Alice!
We're supposed to be paying attention…
We're talking about how Lily is having a secret affair with James Potter.
Lily looked up at this and glared at Gwen who smirked and wiggled her eyebrows.
Ooo.
She's kidding Alice.
I know, but she has a point. What were you doing with him?
Nothing!
We could hear the two of you bickering outside. The dungeon walls aren't that thick…
Hmm…well he didn't wake me up when I slept in, and when he finally did, he poured water all over me. Then he took a short cut somehow and didn't tell me! So I was late! Oh, and Slughorn might give me detention thanks to Potter…
Ah…I see, and how is it James' fault again?
Yeah, after all, you slept in…you weren't doing something all night that you weren't supposed to be doing…right Lily?
Alice let out a snigger beside her and Lily shook her head.
Uh…guys…Slughorn is glaring at us…particularly me…
Great, I'm in enough trouble already.
Lily immediately ripped the particular piece of parchment and stuffed it in her bag. Slughorn didn't seem to have noticed. Lily ignored her laughing friends the rest of class. She was relieved when class ended.
"Julie, you were the only normal one during Potions today," Lily said with a sigh as she gathered her stuff.
"Uh…what? Sorry, I wasn't listening," Julie said, turing to her. Lily rolled her eyes and turned to her friend who looked slightly dazed. Lily raised an eyebrow.
"Julie?"
"Mmhm?"
"Are you listening?" Julie turned her head and smiled. Lily couldn't help but notice that her gaze had been lingering on the Marauders. Fantastic. She really didn't need a friend obsessed with them. They were arrogant enough without another girl fanning over those stupid gits.
"Yeah…uh…sorry, I was distracted. What did you say?" Julie asked again. Lily sighed.
"Never mind. I need to stay after," said Lily, frowning deeply. Alice and Gwen started laughing, and Lily glared in their direction, "What is their problem?" she asked angrily. She did not find the situation as funny as those two.
"Oh, you know…Gwen had some more 'bonding' time with James. They're both like good friends now or something," Julie said shrugging. Lily was about to ask what she was talking about when she heard the voice behind her.
"Hey Evans." Lily sighed.
"I'll see you guys…Potter, don't even start to talk," Lily hissed under her breath as they approached Slughorn's desk, "Professor? You wanted to see us?"
"Yes…uh hem…let's see. Well, I have no idea what you two were doing before class that prevented you from arriving to class on time nor do I really want to know…"
"Professor—"
"Miss Evans, Mr. Potter, this'll be a warning…oh and ten points from Gryffindor. No detentions this afternoon." Lily nodded, muttering an apology before leaving. Unfortunately James followed her out of the classroom.
"I should be late more often with you…you get off so easily Evans. We only lost ten points…"
"Only? Potter! Urgh, see that's your stupid attitude problem again! We're not supposed to be losing points! You're Head Boy! I don't know what Dumbledore was thinking! He was crazy! Absolutely—"
"Evans, I get it. You don't think I can do it. Honestly, I'm not too excited for this either," James said loudly. Lily rolled her eyes.
"No I'm sure you've already plotted ways to abuse your power as Head Boy. That's—"
"Quit it will you? Why do you always assume the worst of me?" James asked crossly. Lily rolled her eyes. Why? Maybe because he always did the worst?
"Right…like you weren't thinking it…that is if you haven't already done it!"
"Well I have!"
"Yes—what?" Lily yelled.
"Exactly," James said smugly.
"POTTER!"
"James?"
"Prongs?"
"LILY!" Gwen ran straight into her. Lily groaned and picked herself up the floor, "There you are! I got stuck with…him!" said Gwen, pointing wildly.
"Where's Alice and Julie," Lily asked rubbing her sore elbow. Gwen shrugged, "Right….now who are you talking about…oh," Lily's eyes had fallen on Sirius Black who was standing there casually, smirking. He gave Gwen a large wink, and Gwen scowled.
"Can't stand him…" Lily suppressed a smirk. It was well known that Gwen couldn't stand Sirius Black, the arrogant school playboy. It was one reason why Lily and Gwen had gotten along so easily in the beginning…a simultaneous detest for the Marauders.
"Okay, let's go." Lily said quickly before either boy could notice they were gone. Gwen was talking about how she thought Alice was snogging Frank Longbottom.
"How do you know this again?" Lily asked, confused.
"Because—Alice! Julie!" Gwen broke off, grinning at her two friends who'd suddenly appeared.
"Hey," Julie said happily. Alice gave Gwen a suspicious look but didn't say anything.
"Where were you two?" Lily asked, grinning.
"Oh…you know…" they both gave each other looks and smiled. Gwen muttered something about everyone having a secret affair but her.
"On a brighter note, Quidditch is starting soon," Julie said trying not to laugh.
"You know, no one's having an affair…especially not me! I would never, not in a million years date that arrogant toerag. He's so—" Lily was cut off in mid rant.
"We know Lily," Alice interrupted tiredly, "It was a joke."
"Wait, how'd you know about Quidditch?" Gwen asked, "Did Potter say that?"
"No…uh…yes…uh…we're going to be late for Transfiguration!" Julie yelled and began to run down the hallway. Alice smirked while Gwen gave Lily a significant look.
"You're right…Potter is a player…he's doing both you and Julie."
"Oh shut up."
A/N: I realize I forgot the disclaimer, so once again, no, I do NOT own Harry Potter (sigh) please review, I really want to know what you all think! Thanks.