Chapter 2: Quidditch, Dates, and Some Minor Trouble
James Potter copied down notes in Transfiguration, straing not to let out a yawn of tiredness - last night had been a full moon and he hadn't gotten any sleep whatsoever.
Sirius sat to the left of him and the seat to the right remained empty. Remus wasn't there today - or, rather, he wasn't in the class at the moment. You could never tell with him. . .Unconsciously, James' eyes flickered over to where Brittany, Jessica, and Lily sat. The three most popular girls in school were focused entirely on their work - or so it seemed.
Brittany happened to be Lily's other best friend and sat to the left of Lily. Jessica, who James often caught Remus gazing at during Charms and Divination, sat the right of Lily. James looked to his side. Sure enough, Sirius had a daydreamy expression gathered on his face as he watched Brittany. James rolled his eyes and returned to his notes. Both his best friends had fallen for his wrost enemies' best friends.
James chewed on the end of his quill, which after a while, he discovered, had a disgusting after-taste to it. Professor McGonagall continued lecturing the class. A few times her voice caught his attention, "And the hardest. . ." But his gaze had once more returned to Lily *Victoria* Evans.
God, she has beautiful hair, he found himself thinking, his hands ditching to dig in it. Long, red, gleaming and fiery. . .Just like her temper. And she looks do adorable when she's angry. With her eyes burning in a rage, her hair disheveled, and her face radiating beauty. . .James paused, blinking, then brought a hand to his forehead, closing his eyes tightly. My God, what was he thinking!?
"Mister Potter," a voice snapped. James turned his head to find McGonagall standing in front of his desk, her face contorted in anger. He noted that the class was watching him in total amusement. "I see you find the back of Miss Evan's head more important than your studies?"
"W-well," he stuttered.
"*Maybe* a detention would do your punishment well?"
"N-no, Professor-"
She scowled. "Five points from Gryffindor - get back to your work, Potter."
Sirius frowned at his friend. "I wonder what crawled up her a-"
"Need I deduct another five points, Black?" she snapped.
Sirius slumped down in his seat. "No, Professor," he muttered sulkily.
Britt walked out into the corriders, completing Sirius' beginning. "A porcupine crawled up her ass and died, don't you agree?" she asked, giggling.
Sirius suddenly shot out the corridor, skidding in front of Brittany. "Yes, that's it, but I've got ask you something.
He swallowed and licked his lips. Jessica and Lily raised an eyebrow. "Willyougototheballwithme?"
"Huh?"
"Will. . ." He took a deep breath. "Will you go to the ball with me?"
Stunned for a moment, she stopped walking. Her face turned somewhat red, but then she grinned and said, "I can't imagine why not!"
Unfortunately, Lucious Malfoy saw and began making kissy noises. "Awwww, does Aston have a crush on Black?"
"Shut up, Lucius," she said calmly. "Just because you're jealous doesn't mean that you have to tell the whole world."
Jessica stepped up, rolling the sleeves of her robes up. "Malfoy, there something you need here?"
Malfoy paled. Everyone knew Jessica was the best fighter in school.
"N-no," he stammered, remembering all too well how many times he had lost in a fight with her. He scampered off.
She smiled. "Thank you, Jess, but I could have handled it on my own, thank you. Anyway, Sirius, I am sorry about that horrible interruption..."
Remus walked up to Jessica. "Erm, Jess--can I ask you something?"
Jessica blinked. "Hm, Remmy?"
Everyone but her noticed the tips of his ears turn red.
"Would you--erm, that is--ahm--would you like to go to the Ball with me?" he asked, blushing, speaking quickly, but not so quickly it couldn't be understood.
Jessica giggled softly. "Maybe," she whispered in his ear. "Maybe not. I'll think about it."
Britt whispered in Jessica's ear, "Flirt." To Remus, she said, "That's her way of saying yes."
Jessica colored. "Is not, Britt!"
Lily smirked. "Ignore her, Remus."
Britt smirked. "You sure?"
Jessica blushed a bit more and grabbed Remus' hand, pulling him away from the group.
"I'd love to go, Remus. Those big heads always try to interrupt." She smiled sweetly, then bit her lip. Blushing, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Then she mumbled, "Bye," and rushed off.
Britt grinned. "Not her way, huh?" she murmured, grinning.
Lily bit her bottom lip. Then she looked at her wrist. "Oh! Look at the time! Gotta run! Bye!" With that, she ran off.
Brittany and Jessica frowned. "She doesn't have a watch," Jessica said, raising an eyebrow.
Entering History of Magic, britt, Jess, Lil, James, Sirius, and Remus prepared to be bored, as usual. Amazingly enough, the professor had something exciting (or more than usual, anyhow)! They were going to do a project about anything they thought interesting. Britt decided she was going to make a diagram that moved about the Fight of Elven-Faeries...she loved the topic.
Lily caught James' gaze and winked, giving him a flirtatious smile. Then she turned back to her notes, doodling on her parchment and deciding what she was going to do.
Sirius looked over Britt's shoulder and saw what she jotted down..."Action scene of Elven-Fae Fight." He smiled. She absolutely loved that fight...Maybe if he put in action a romance between two people...he knew she loved romance...yes, that would work wonderfully!
James colored and continued to absentmindedly gaze at her. Finally, he caught himself and turned back to his notes, rapidly blinking. Damnit! This was his enemy!
Jessica blinked. "Man, I hate History of Magic!" she whispered fiercely under her breath. All right. . .Let's see. . .Faeries? We'll leave that to Brittany. Queens? Lily's job. . .Erm. . .Werewolves? Hell yeah!
James sighed and scribbled down on his piece of parchment. Damn, this was going to be one long class.
At the end of the class, Britt walked out, chatting excitedly to Jess and Lily. "And it's going to be charmed so it'll be in action. Ooh, I can't wait!"
Lily smiled knowingly. Then she grabbed Jessica's arm and pulled her away for a sec, mumbling a 'one second' to Brittany.
"Jess. We need the plan."
"Right here?" Jessica asked, raising an eyebrow.
She rolled her eyes. "No, silly! Watch. First step is on it's way."
Lily waltzed over to James and stood in front of him. "Hey, James."
James raised an eyebrow. "And once more, you're calling me by my first name?"
Lily bit down a rude remark. "Yes. I was wondering. . ."
"Wondering what, Evans?"
She frowned. "Oh, James," she said softly. "I was wondering if you would like to go to Hogsmeade with me. . .But I see that you don't want to. I understand." Slowly, she began turning and walking off.
"Wait!" James called to her back. "Don't go. I'd love to go to Hogsmeade with you."
"You sure you're up to it?" she said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I'm sure. Tomorrow at seven?"
Lily smiled secretively. "Well, well, James. I thought I was setting the date. You're on." And then she walked away again, leaving James to stand there.
Britt was dancing slightly to the tune most recently stuck in her head. Sirius walked by, and she smiled. "Hey, Sirius, just humming Mamma Mia, sung by Abba...one of my favorites!"
He grinned at her. He had never heard of them, but he made a mental note to try to listen to them.
"What're you doing, Britt?" he asked, even though he already knew.
"The Elven-Fae battle...in live action," she said prompty. "See you next class!" She ran to head up with her friends again, cursing her loafers her parents had insisted she brought and wishing she had brought her sports sneakers instead.
James sat on his bed, writing down his homework on a piece of parchment - an essay about how the goblin Hucknerry the Great defeated the dragon. Fairly boring, but he had to get it done. His grades were dropping in that class enough as it is.
Mandy knocked on his door and he said, "Come in."
"So, Jamsie," she said in a high, giggling voice. She sat beside him and played with his hair, smiling ditzily. "Tomorrow at seven, me and you for a round of butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks."
"Well, hm. . ."
"Oh, please, Jamsie-poo." She pouted her bottom lip, looking more stupid than ever, but James found it adorable.
"Fine. I'll go." He smiled and kissed her softly. She giggled, muttering a 'bye' as she slipped out of the room.
James turned back to his work. Then abruptly stopped.
"Shit!" he cursed. "Damnit!"
He had forgotten about the date with Lily. He groaned in frustration. Now what was he going to do?
Remmy sat in the Common Room, Jess nearby. James came running out, combing his hair with his fingers. "Wonder what's with him," Remus remarked. "Not like he's got a date or something--I don't think..."
"Oh, he does," Jessica said, smiling.
"Damnit!" James cursed as he slipped over some first year's legs. "Watch were you lay, stupid git!"
Remus raised his eyebrows. "Well, James seems to be a bit PMSy today," he said, loud enough for James to hear.
"Shut it, Moony!" he yelled back and ran outside the room.
Remus shrugged and looked at Jessica. "I wonder what's his problem."
Jess shrugged, grinning mysteriously. "That's for me to know and you to find out."
"Jeeeess," he said in a warning tone.
"Yes?" she asked, feigning innocence.
"Tell..."
"No way!"
He frowned, sighing. "Aw, come on. . . ."
"NOO!!!!!!!" she said. "Gee, Remus," she said, mocking hurt. "And I thought you trusted me."
"I do, but..." he protested.
"But what?" she asked, grinning.
"But. . ." He was turning red in the face. "But, I care about my friends!"
"So do I." Jess grinned. "Sorry, Remmy. 'Fraid not. You'll find out soon enough. Like, oh, say, by the Ball."
He slowly gave her puppy dog eyes.
"Oh, R-remmy," she stuttered, whimpering. "Please don't do that. . ."
Britt came (literally) tumbling down the stairs. She had tripped over her robes at the top and rolled until she was at the bottom. She slowly got to her feet. And grinned. "Hey, guys!" she said. "What's the conversation about?"
Since Brittany didn't know, Jessica paled slightly. "The weather, right Remus?" She looked at him pleadingly.
"Well," he began mischeviously.
"Well, it's right!"
And before he could protest and spill that there was something brewing, Jessica leaned forward and kissed him fully on the lips.
Remus' eyebrows raised and he kissed back, half in gratitude and bliss, half in shock.
Brittany raised her eyebrows. "Welllllllll, I'll be leaving you!" she said, quite loudly.
Jessica continued, hoping she'd leave till she could tell her later.
Finally, Brittany sighed and walked away to find Sirius.
Jessica pulled back, face flushed. Since the Gryffindors were staring, Jessica pulled back a bit more and stood up. She slapped him. "Don't ever do that again!" she shouted, running out and up to her dorm.
Remus sat back in awe, pure bliss written across his features as he tenderly touched his cheek. "Wow."
Sirius was wandering around, as usual. At a corner, he bumped into someone. "Britt!" he exclaimed.
"Sirius!" she cried. "I was hoping to run into you, but not literally! Guess who I ran in on in the middle of a kissing section?"
"Who?" he asked.
"REMUS AND JESS!" she shrieked.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Our Remsy snogging? Well, well. . ."
"I thought I ought to go, you know?" she asked. A certain Slytherin just happened to walk by. Britt sniggered and said, "Ooh, look, it's Snape-the-Greaseball!"
Sirius grinned. "Want our own kissing session, Britt?"
She rolled her eyes, groaning. "You are too much of a flirt, Sirius." She then giggled. "But hey, maybe if you're a good boy!" she said, knowing well this feat would be impossible but planning on the kiss anyway.
Sirius growled playfully and dragged her into another corridor. She shrieked and laughed along.
Dumbledore walked by at one point, two hours later.
He stopped outside it, eyes twinkling, raising an eyebrow
"Two hours. Two hours. I wonder how long two people can go without breath? My, my. . ." And he walked on again.
After a while, Britt decided it was time to come up for air. She was just a little dizzy. Britt reluctantly pulled her lips from Sirius'. A look of total happiness was on her face. "Wow," she breathed breathlessly.
Sirius smiled, taking her hand and leading her out of the room. He glanced at his watch. "I reckon we missed dinner."
"Most likely," she said, grinning. "Ah, well, I wasn't hungry anyway. And when I do get hungry, I'll just go down and get some hot cocoa. Mmmm..."
James sat pacing in the Gryffindor's locker room, staring at his team. "We've beaten Slytherin. The game against Ravenclaw is Saturday!" he yelled.
Britt and Jessica squirmed in their seats. They were nervous as it is.
"And you two!" he said, pointing at the two girls. "You are the beaters! Make sure you don't fowl, don't lose, don't do anything that would give them a penalty!"
Jessica stood up, growing angry. "Calm down, James! We're not stupid enough to let the Ravenclaws win!"
James frowned, brows furrowing. "I know. I'm just saying."
Britt stood up also. "Calm down, James. Sheesh. We're going to win. Don't worry."
"Don't worry!?" James exploded as the rest of the team watched on in interest. "Don't worry!? I'll have you know this is the last chance, last game! If we lose it, bye bye Quidditch Cup!"
Sirius stood up. "Damn, James, calm down!" He put a hand on his shoulder. "We'll win! And if we don't, you can beat us to bloody pulps! Right, team?" The team gave him uncertain looks. "Right team?" he said a little louder. Everyone grunted in agreement.
James calmed down a bit. "Well, let's pratice! We have one hour left."
Everyone rushed outside.
The two Beaters, the Keeper (Sirius), the Seeker (James), the three Chasers (Angel, Samantha, and Greg), all formed a plan. The pratice went smoothly, the team keen on winning at the next game.
Finally, James called a halt and motioned them all to the ground. It was growing steadily darker outside and if they kept on this way, they'd lose the Snitch. Britt, Jessica, and Sirius soared down to the ground with ease, landing softly on the earth. James landed shortly after them and whirled around once he dismounted, finding Lily there, watching him. James raised his eyebrows in surprise and shot her a questioning look. She smiled faintly and motioned him to follow her. Setting his jaw and following her in curiosity, he dismissed his team.
Sirius looked at Britt and Jessica frowned in thought. "Wonder what's with the two of them?" he asked.
"James, the game starts in five minutes, and if you don't stop pacing, I'm going to develop a headache and you're going to wish you listened to me!" Jessica snapped irritably two days later (the other night had been Thursday), massaging her temples.
Brittany nodded. "Yeah, I agree."
James sighed. "We're not going to win are we?"
"FOR THE MILLIONITH TIME, JAMES, WE'RE GOING TO WIN!" Jessica, Sirius, Brittany, and the rest of the team shouted at him.
He grinned weakly. "OK. OK."
Outside, the stadium erupted with cheers and Madam Hooch blew her whistle, indicating to them it was time to get ready to start the game.
Grabbing their broomsticks, they headed out, nervous but confident.
Remus was commentating and he called out their names as they mounted their brooms, waiting for the second whistle blow.
"And for Gryffindor we have Jones, Aston, Black, Reiley, O'Conner, Nelson, annnnddddd Potter!" he cried.
All the Gryffindor supporters cheered, a wave of scarlet weaving through the stands.
"And for the Ravenclaws," Remus said a bit less enthusiastically into the magic megaphone, "We have Slavencie, Diggory, Crep, Colvin, Gallagher, Carter, annnndddd Hayes!"
The Ravenclaw supporters cheered in a wave of blue, clapping and whistling loudly.
Jessica scanned the stands for Dumbledore and found him in the commentator box, holding the Quidditch Cup in his hand. Man, she thought, we so badddddly gotta get that. She looked to her side and gave James a reassuring nod. He grinned.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle with a curt blow and they were off.
"And Reiley gets the Quaffle - Diggory takes it - wow, and Reiley gets it back!" Remus shouted into the mic. "Oh, that was a close one! Reiley dodge those balls!"
Jessica raised her club and looked for Brittany at the other end of the field, knocking away a bludger as Angel swerved to avoid it. She frowned, putting a spurt of speed on her broom. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a Ravenclaw forcefully hit a bludger towards James, who was circling high above the others for any sign of the Snitch.
"James!" she yelled, flying towards it to knock it away. "Look out!"
James saw it within a seconds glance and swerved to the right, doing a beautiful cartwheel in the air. Gallagher, the one who had aimed it at James, cursed loudly.
"Oh, and that was a close one," Remus said, wincing. "Watch out, James, my boy. Oh, and Diggory takes the quaffle again. He flies toward the goal. Can he make it? And Nelson comes out of nowhere, making a save! Nelson is in possession of the ball - oops, Slavencie takes it - no wait, O'Conner takes it back! She goes for the goal. Will she make it? That Carter looks awfully mean today. Serves him right, that slimy, backstabbing-"
"Lupin!" McGonagall's curt voice cut through.
"Sorry, Professor. Ah, O'Conner goes - she goes - anddddd she scores!" he yelled. "Gryffindor, TEN TO ZERO!"
"Booooeeessss!" were heard from the Ravenclaw supports as the Gryffindor's cheered.
O'Conner punched the air happily and swerved to go and grab the quaffle again.
James searched high above them all, looking around for any sign of gold. Wait. Was that it? Was it? Aw, damn, no it wasn't. Just Angel's bracelet. Shit.
As the game hurried on, the Gryffindors were taking the lead.
"-and Reiley scores a goal! Oh, Slavencie is in possession of the ball. He goes. Ouch- watch out, O'Conner!" Remus shouted as a bludger was aimed her way.
Brittany zoomed in and knocked it away easily. She grinned as it grazed Slavencie's arm, causing him to drop the quaffle. "Haha!" she yelled happily.
"And, Colvin takes possession of the ball! He goes! He's almost there! Come on, Gryffindors, get in there! Black, block it! Block it - awwwwwww shi-" Remus cursed, blocking McGonagall's attempt to wrench the mic away. "Sorry, Professor," he grumbled. "And Gryffindor, ninety to twenty!"
James frowned. He couldn't see the Snitch anywhere. Hayes swerved above, looking for the Snitch also. Come on, James thought. Come on, come on. . .
Then an idea struck him.
Smirking, he grabbed the handle of his broomstick harder and swerved down, feinting as if he had seen the Snitch. Sure enough, Hayes was on his tail, gaining speed. Just in time, James jerked to the side as he saw the actual Snitch. He curved neatly and chased after it, hovering just above Jessica's head. Jessica watched him in confusion then noticed what he had seen. With a big grin, she watched as his hand enclosed about the Snitch, the wings fluttering and beating against his hand to be released.
He yelled out in joy, flying around the stands, holding it up proudly as the Gryffindors cheered, the Ravenclaws huffing and sulkily flying back to level ground again.
When he finally landed, his friends, teams, and everyone else, was clapping hands down on his back, crying with jubilance. Some hugged him, glomped him, a few other girls kissed him, making him blush, and others just congratulated him and pounded on his back with claps of gratitude.
James raised his eyes and searched for his girlfriend and found the ditz after a few moments. His eyes widened. She was currently kissing another boy, making James go rigid in astonishment and rage. How dare she!? No one cheated on *him*! He followed helplessly as the team picked him up and lifted him in the air, carrying him to where Dumbledore stood with twinkling eyes.
He smiled in spite of himself, worries gone for the moment and accepted the Cup, lifting it up into the air and shouting with glee. Roars of applause swept out and Sirius clamped a hand on his back, yelling, "PAR-TAY!"
James grinned and then caught sight of Lily. She stood there, smiling softly at him. She gave a small wave and a wink and he went into a daze. Then, he was being led away again, broomstick in hand. Turning, he gave Hooch the Snitch and went on with the others, his friends punching his arm lightly and smiling broadly. But half of his mind was still with the red headed girl back on the pitch.
Lily.
"Lily," he cried hoarsely. "Come join us!"
She shook her head no and smiled. "You go on! I'll join later!"
James nodded as he was dragged with everyone back to the Gryffindor tower, preparing to deal with Mandy when he found her again.
It was nearly one in the morning when the party was over. After the last were up to bed, James gave a curt nod to Mandy, indicating he needed to speak with her.
"Mandy," he said, a cold edge to his voice. "I saw you."
"What? What do you mean?"
"On the Quidditch pitch. I'm no idiot. I saw you snogging another guy!"
Mandy feigned hurt. "That's not so, James!" she lied.
"Don't you lie to me!" he yelled, temper snapping. "I saw you! What are you? Some kind of lieing, cheating, whore!? No one's good enough for you!? Is that it!? You have to go cheating on someone behind their backs!? Huh!? Well, is it!?" he roared.
Mandy's eyes narrowed and for once the blond attitude she carried about with her vanished to be replaced by steady, yet calm anger. "James Potter, you are so blind. You talk about someone cheating on you. You act like you're hurt, but you're not. Or your pride is, at the very least. Your pride." She paused, then continued. "Your ego means so much to you, and that's what makes you such a jerk! Maybe you are a romantic, but you were going to dump me anyway, James. Remember? Every two weeks, your current girlfriend bores you or the such and you go and find another one. You've cheated on girls several times, in fact, but not many people know about it. Maybe not this time, but there have been times, James, there have been. So don't yell about me because we all know you don't give a damn!"
James' face was an unreadable mask. "Oh, is that you feel?" he said cooly.
"Yeah, James, it is. I think it's high time someone dumped you. Gather around, everyone, the great James Potter has been cheated on and is about to be dumped!" she yelled sarcastically. Tears were now forming in her eyes. "I can't believe I even liked you! You only cared about me because I built up your ego! Am I right? You know I am!"
"Mandy-"
"No! You listen to me!" She pointed an accusing finger at him. "I know you, James! Every girl in this school does! You wouldn't know about love if it hit you square in the face! You've never felt it! You've never experienced it!" She paused, voice now coming out slightly sad. "But then, James," she said, "Maybe then you wouldn't be such a cruel hearted son of a bitch. It's over. I'm going to bed." And with that she brushed past him and up the stairs to her dorm.
James watched her leave. "Mandy!" he called angrily. He bared his teeth, fists clenching. "Mandy Satters!"
But Mandy didn't come back. She casually whirled around and raised her middle finger. "Fuck off, James! And by yourself! No one cares for you anyway! Who would care for a heartless bastard!?" She whirled on her foot again and stormed out of sight.
James frowned and slowly sat down on the couch. The remaining people in the room were watching him curiously. "What do you want!? Go to bed!" he shouted at them. They all nodded as he was Head Boy and bounded off to sleep. Slowly, he buried his face in his hands.
Was what Mandy said true?
He knew it was.
Feeling horrible and suddenly very alone, his pride wounded as well, he curled up in a ball on the couch and fell asleep.
Lily yawned and bounded down the stairs. There James sat, laying on the couch. Frowning, she walked up to him as he stared into the burning flames. It was dawn and she had gotten up earlier to head to the library to get her essay done. She couldn't imagine what he'd be doing up this early, though.
"James, mortal enemy of mine, what are you doing up so early?" she yawned, blinking out sleep from her eyes.
"What's it to you?" he snapped.
She raised her eyebrows. "Well, then, looks like Potter seems to be a bit on the grouchy side this very fine morning. What happened?"
"None of your business. Don't you have a life of your own?"
"Yes, actually, and I love it very much."
"Didn't your parent's deaths teach you anything about keeping your nose to yourself?" he yelled, standing up and facing her.
Lily's heart felt like it had been stabbed - he had hit a very soft spot. "Well, Potter," she said softly, "I'll be going to the library. Sorry for disturbing you." Whirling around quietly, she headed out of the common room.
"Wait, Lily, I'm sorry!" he called to her back. But she had already left. "Damnit!" he cursed. "Why does everything I say come out wrong!?" he yelled furiously. "Why? Why!? Why!!??? Somebody answer me!" he called, staring up at the ceiling. "Someone!" He slumped to his knees. "Someone," he whispered.
James tilted his head to the side later outside, sitting under a great, willow tree that over looked the lake. It's leaves swayed towards the water with the light, autumn's breezes. He lifted his head up a bit, closing his eyes as the wind brushed his cheeks like gentle kisses.
First years danced around near the lake's edge, crying out with laughter as they chased each other around. The sky above was blue and clear, wisps of clouds floating about as the sun shown down in beautiful rays.
"Jamsie-boy!" someone exclaimed suddenly behind him, clamping a hand on his shoulder. "We've been looking everywhere for you!"
James turned to see Sirius, Remus, and Peter there, all of them smiling broadly. "Congrats on the game."
"Hey, Sirius and the rest of the team helped to, you know."
Sirius grinned. "Thanks, bud."
"Wonderful commentation, Remus," he said with amusement in his voice. "Didn't think you knew so many cuss words. McGonagall sounded like she was going to kill you."
Remus grinned. "Yes, well, she let me off because we won."
James chuckled and shook his head, twidling with a blade of grass with his fingers.
"SSOOOOO," Peter said casually. "We heard Mandy broke up with you. And oh, you two were screaming so loud, I believe everyone heard.
James paled.
"Yeah," he continued. "The rumor - well, truth, really - spread through the school like wild fire."
James gritted his teeth. "Damn that bitch."
Sirius looked thoughtful for a moment. "You know, James," he said softly. "I think it might have done you some good."
"What?" James snapped.
Remus sighed. "James, maybe we should leave you to your thoughts. Oh," he said suddenly. "Lily's coming. Come on Sirius, Peter, she looks kinda mad."
And so his three best friends left.
James looked up slowly as Lily's feet came into view. He saw how her face was a mix between anger and ruefullness. "What, Evans, do you want now?"
Lily quirked an eyebrow. "If you apologize, I'm willing to forgive that comment you made earlier."
"OK, then," James said, smirking, and leaning back against the tree. "The great Lily Evans decides she will put mercy on my pity soul."
Lily bit down anger. "That's right."
"Well, you're wasting your time, O' Holy Evans. I have no need of your petty mercy."
"What the hell is wrong with you, James?" Lily snapped, gritting her teeth. "Just because Mandy broke up with you-"
"Didn't I tell you," he said a bit loudly, "to nose out of my business?"
"You know, Potter," she said quietly, pity showing in her brilliant, green eyes. "I reckon they were right about you."
"Oh, really?" he said, cooly. "Do tell me."
"You are heartless. You care for no one but yourself and pride." She paused. "And you're going to be very alone when you get out of here. Very alone. Because you won't let anyone warm that heart. You spend time with ditzs, but they have a heart and you break them, not caring as long as you've got what you want and you're not alone."
"Are you telling me I use girls, Evans?"
"I'm not saying that, Potter. I'm just saying I think that ego of yours has got to your brain. Made you cold."
"Why do you even care? You've hated me since first year."
"I don't care," she snapped. "I'm just warning you."
He rolled his eyes, mocking boredom. "Do tell."
She shook her head, eyes blazing, fists clenched. "Potter, you are the most stubborn, egotistical-"
"Save your insults, Evans. They'll do you no good," he said coldly.
She shook her head. "I pity the one who truly falls for you. You're too cruel to love anyone," she said quietly. "One of these days, James, the tables will turn on you." And very soon, she thought to herself.
James looked out across the lake.
"And don't forget about our date," she huffed, storming off.
James sighed and took a flat rock, skipping it out across the water. "Oh, don't worry," he said sarcastically. "How could I forget?" He stood up, angry. "Why is everyone against me!?" he yelled.
A/N: We want atleast five reviews, please. -Jess and Britt
James Potter copied down notes in Transfiguration, straing not to let out a yawn of tiredness - last night had been a full moon and he hadn't gotten any sleep whatsoever.
Sirius sat to the left of him and the seat to the right remained empty. Remus wasn't there today - or, rather, he wasn't in the class at the moment. You could never tell with him. . .Unconsciously, James' eyes flickered over to where Brittany, Jessica, and Lily sat. The three most popular girls in school were focused entirely on their work - or so it seemed.
Brittany happened to be Lily's other best friend and sat to the left of Lily. Jessica, who James often caught Remus gazing at during Charms and Divination, sat the right of Lily. James looked to his side. Sure enough, Sirius had a daydreamy expression gathered on his face as he watched Brittany. James rolled his eyes and returned to his notes. Both his best friends had fallen for his wrost enemies' best friends.
James chewed on the end of his quill, which after a while, he discovered, had a disgusting after-taste to it. Professor McGonagall continued lecturing the class. A few times her voice caught his attention, "And the hardest. . ." But his gaze had once more returned to Lily *Victoria* Evans.
God, she has beautiful hair, he found himself thinking, his hands ditching to dig in it. Long, red, gleaming and fiery. . .Just like her temper. And she looks do adorable when she's angry. With her eyes burning in a rage, her hair disheveled, and her face radiating beauty. . .James paused, blinking, then brought a hand to his forehead, closing his eyes tightly. My God, what was he thinking!?
"Mister Potter," a voice snapped. James turned his head to find McGonagall standing in front of his desk, her face contorted in anger. He noted that the class was watching him in total amusement. "I see you find the back of Miss Evan's head more important than your studies?"
"W-well," he stuttered.
"*Maybe* a detention would do your punishment well?"
"N-no, Professor-"
She scowled. "Five points from Gryffindor - get back to your work, Potter."
Sirius frowned at his friend. "I wonder what crawled up her a-"
"Need I deduct another five points, Black?" she snapped.
Sirius slumped down in his seat. "No, Professor," he muttered sulkily.
Britt walked out into the corriders, completing Sirius' beginning. "A porcupine crawled up her ass and died, don't you agree?" she asked, giggling.
Sirius suddenly shot out the corridor, skidding in front of Brittany. "Yes, that's it, but I've got ask you something.
He swallowed and licked his lips. Jessica and Lily raised an eyebrow. "Willyougototheballwithme?"
"Huh?"
"Will. . ." He took a deep breath. "Will you go to the ball with me?"
Stunned for a moment, she stopped walking. Her face turned somewhat red, but then she grinned and said, "I can't imagine why not!"
Unfortunately, Lucious Malfoy saw and began making kissy noises. "Awwww, does Aston have a crush on Black?"
"Shut up, Lucius," she said calmly. "Just because you're jealous doesn't mean that you have to tell the whole world."
Jessica stepped up, rolling the sleeves of her robes up. "Malfoy, there something you need here?"
Malfoy paled. Everyone knew Jessica was the best fighter in school.
"N-no," he stammered, remembering all too well how many times he had lost in a fight with her. He scampered off.
She smiled. "Thank you, Jess, but I could have handled it on my own, thank you. Anyway, Sirius, I am sorry about that horrible interruption..."
Remus walked up to Jessica. "Erm, Jess--can I ask you something?"
Jessica blinked. "Hm, Remmy?"
Everyone but her noticed the tips of his ears turn red.
"Would you--erm, that is--ahm--would you like to go to the Ball with me?" he asked, blushing, speaking quickly, but not so quickly it couldn't be understood.
Jessica giggled softly. "Maybe," she whispered in his ear. "Maybe not. I'll think about it."
Britt whispered in Jessica's ear, "Flirt." To Remus, she said, "That's her way of saying yes."
Jessica colored. "Is not, Britt!"
Lily smirked. "Ignore her, Remus."
Britt smirked. "You sure?"
Jessica blushed a bit more and grabbed Remus' hand, pulling him away from the group.
"I'd love to go, Remus. Those big heads always try to interrupt." She smiled sweetly, then bit her lip. Blushing, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Then she mumbled, "Bye," and rushed off.
Britt grinned. "Not her way, huh?" she murmured, grinning.
Lily bit her bottom lip. Then she looked at her wrist. "Oh! Look at the time! Gotta run! Bye!" With that, she ran off.
Brittany and Jessica frowned. "She doesn't have a watch," Jessica said, raising an eyebrow.
Entering History of Magic, britt, Jess, Lil, James, Sirius, and Remus prepared to be bored, as usual. Amazingly enough, the professor had something exciting (or more than usual, anyhow)! They were going to do a project about anything they thought interesting. Britt decided she was going to make a diagram that moved about the Fight of Elven-Faeries...she loved the topic.
Lily caught James' gaze and winked, giving him a flirtatious smile. Then she turned back to her notes, doodling on her parchment and deciding what she was going to do.
Sirius looked over Britt's shoulder and saw what she jotted down..."Action scene of Elven-Fae Fight." He smiled. She absolutely loved that fight...Maybe if he put in action a romance between two people...he knew she loved romance...yes, that would work wonderfully!
James colored and continued to absentmindedly gaze at her. Finally, he caught himself and turned back to his notes, rapidly blinking. Damnit! This was his enemy!
Jessica blinked. "Man, I hate History of Magic!" she whispered fiercely under her breath. All right. . .Let's see. . .Faeries? We'll leave that to Brittany. Queens? Lily's job. . .Erm. . .Werewolves? Hell yeah!
James sighed and scribbled down on his piece of parchment. Damn, this was going to be one long class.
At the end of the class, Britt walked out, chatting excitedly to Jess and Lily. "And it's going to be charmed so it'll be in action. Ooh, I can't wait!"
Lily smiled knowingly. Then she grabbed Jessica's arm and pulled her away for a sec, mumbling a 'one second' to Brittany.
"Jess. We need the plan."
"Right here?" Jessica asked, raising an eyebrow.
She rolled her eyes. "No, silly! Watch. First step is on it's way."
Lily waltzed over to James and stood in front of him. "Hey, James."
James raised an eyebrow. "And once more, you're calling me by my first name?"
Lily bit down a rude remark. "Yes. I was wondering. . ."
"Wondering what, Evans?"
She frowned. "Oh, James," she said softly. "I was wondering if you would like to go to Hogsmeade with me. . .But I see that you don't want to. I understand." Slowly, she began turning and walking off.
"Wait!" James called to her back. "Don't go. I'd love to go to Hogsmeade with you."
"You sure you're up to it?" she said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I'm sure. Tomorrow at seven?"
Lily smiled secretively. "Well, well, James. I thought I was setting the date. You're on." And then she walked away again, leaving James to stand there.
Britt was dancing slightly to the tune most recently stuck in her head. Sirius walked by, and she smiled. "Hey, Sirius, just humming Mamma Mia, sung by Abba...one of my favorites!"
He grinned at her. He had never heard of them, but he made a mental note to try to listen to them.
"What're you doing, Britt?" he asked, even though he already knew.
"The Elven-Fae battle...in live action," she said prompty. "See you next class!" She ran to head up with her friends again, cursing her loafers her parents had insisted she brought and wishing she had brought her sports sneakers instead.
James sat on his bed, writing down his homework on a piece of parchment - an essay about how the goblin Hucknerry the Great defeated the dragon. Fairly boring, but he had to get it done. His grades were dropping in that class enough as it is.
Mandy knocked on his door and he said, "Come in."
"So, Jamsie," she said in a high, giggling voice. She sat beside him and played with his hair, smiling ditzily. "Tomorrow at seven, me and you for a round of butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks."
"Well, hm. . ."
"Oh, please, Jamsie-poo." She pouted her bottom lip, looking more stupid than ever, but James found it adorable.
"Fine. I'll go." He smiled and kissed her softly. She giggled, muttering a 'bye' as she slipped out of the room.
James turned back to his work. Then abruptly stopped.
"Shit!" he cursed. "Damnit!"
He had forgotten about the date with Lily. He groaned in frustration. Now what was he going to do?
Remmy sat in the Common Room, Jess nearby. James came running out, combing his hair with his fingers. "Wonder what's with him," Remus remarked. "Not like he's got a date or something--I don't think..."
"Oh, he does," Jessica said, smiling.
"Damnit!" James cursed as he slipped over some first year's legs. "Watch were you lay, stupid git!"
Remus raised his eyebrows. "Well, James seems to be a bit PMSy today," he said, loud enough for James to hear.
"Shut it, Moony!" he yelled back and ran outside the room.
Remus shrugged and looked at Jessica. "I wonder what's his problem."
Jess shrugged, grinning mysteriously. "That's for me to know and you to find out."
"Jeeeess," he said in a warning tone.
"Yes?" she asked, feigning innocence.
"Tell..."
"No way!"
He frowned, sighing. "Aw, come on. . . ."
"NOO!!!!!!!" she said. "Gee, Remus," she said, mocking hurt. "And I thought you trusted me."
"I do, but..." he protested.
"But what?" she asked, grinning.
"But. . ." He was turning red in the face. "But, I care about my friends!"
"So do I." Jess grinned. "Sorry, Remmy. 'Fraid not. You'll find out soon enough. Like, oh, say, by the Ball."
He slowly gave her puppy dog eyes.
"Oh, R-remmy," she stuttered, whimpering. "Please don't do that. . ."
Britt came (literally) tumbling down the stairs. She had tripped over her robes at the top and rolled until she was at the bottom. She slowly got to her feet. And grinned. "Hey, guys!" she said. "What's the conversation about?"
Since Brittany didn't know, Jessica paled slightly. "The weather, right Remus?" She looked at him pleadingly.
"Well," he began mischeviously.
"Well, it's right!"
And before he could protest and spill that there was something brewing, Jessica leaned forward and kissed him fully on the lips.
Remus' eyebrows raised and he kissed back, half in gratitude and bliss, half in shock.
Brittany raised her eyebrows. "Welllllllll, I'll be leaving you!" she said, quite loudly.
Jessica continued, hoping she'd leave till she could tell her later.
Finally, Brittany sighed and walked away to find Sirius.
Jessica pulled back, face flushed. Since the Gryffindors were staring, Jessica pulled back a bit more and stood up. She slapped him. "Don't ever do that again!" she shouted, running out and up to her dorm.
Remus sat back in awe, pure bliss written across his features as he tenderly touched his cheek. "Wow."
Sirius was wandering around, as usual. At a corner, he bumped into someone. "Britt!" he exclaimed.
"Sirius!" she cried. "I was hoping to run into you, but not literally! Guess who I ran in on in the middle of a kissing section?"
"Who?" he asked.
"REMUS AND JESS!" she shrieked.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Our Remsy snogging? Well, well. . ."
"I thought I ought to go, you know?" she asked. A certain Slytherin just happened to walk by. Britt sniggered and said, "Ooh, look, it's Snape-the-Greaseball!"
Sirius grinned. "Want our own kissing session, Britt?"
She rolled her eyes, groaning. "You are too much of a flirt, Sirius." She then giggled. "But hey, maybe if you're a good boy!" she said, knowing well this feat would be impossible but planning on the kiss anyway.
Sirius growled playfully and dragged her into another corridor. She shrieked and laughed along.
Dumbledore walked by at one point, two hours later.
He stopped outside it, eyes twinkling, raising an eyebrow
"Two hours. Two hours. I wonder how long two people can go without breath? My, my. . ." And he walked on again.
After a while, Britt decided it was time to come up for air. She was just a little dizzy. Britt reluctantly pulled her lips from Sirius'. A look of total happiness was on her face. "Wow," she breathed breathlessly.
Sirius smiled, taking her hand and leading her out of the room. He glanced at his watch. "I reckon we missed dinner."
"Most likely," she said, grinning. "Ah, well, I wasn't hungry anyway. And when I do get hungry, I'll just go down and get some hot cocoa. Mmmm..."
James sat pacing in the Gryffindor's locker room, staring at his team. "We've beaten Slytherin. The game against Ravenclaw is Saturday!" he yelled.
Britt and Jessica squirmed in their seats. They were nervous as it is.
"And you two!" he said, pointing at the two girls. "You are the beaters! Make sure you don't fowl, don't lose, don't do anything that would give them a penalty!"
Jessica stood up, growing angry. "Calm down, James! We're not stupid enough to let the Ravenclaws win!"
James frowned, brows furrowing. "I know. I'm just saying."
Britt stood up also. "Calm down, James. Sheesh. We're going to win. Don't worry."
"Don't worry!?" James exploded as the rest of the team watched on in interest. "Don't worry!? I'll have you know this is the last chance, last game! If we lose it, bye bye Quidditch Cup!"
Sirius stood up. "Damn, James, calm down!" He put a hand on his shoulder. "We'll win! And if we don't, you can beat us to bloody pulps! Right, team?" The team gave him uncertain looks. "Right team?" he said a little louder. Everyone grunted in agreement.
James calmed down a bit. "Well, let's pratice! We have one hour left."
Everyone rushed outside.
The two Beaters, the Keeper (Sirius), the Seeker (James), the three Chasers (Angel, Samantha, and Greg), all formed a plan. The pratice went smoothly, the team keen on winning at the next game.
Finally, James called a halt and motioned them all to the ground. It was growing steadily darker outside and if they kept on this way, they'd lose the Snitch. Britt, Jessica, and Sirius soared down to the ground with ease, landing softly on the earth. James landed shortly after them and whirled around once he dismounted, finding Lily there, watching him. James raised his eyebrows in surprise and shot her a questioning look. She smiled faintly and motioned him to follow her. Setting his jaw and following her in curiosity, he dismissed his team.
Sirius looked at Britt and Jessica frowned in thought. "Wonder what's with the two of them?" he asked.
"James, the game starts in five minutes, and if you don't stop pacing, I'm going to develop a headache and you're going to wish you listened to me!" Jessica snapped irritably two days later (the other night had been Thursday), massaging her temples.
Brittany nodded. "Yeah, I agree."
James sighed. "We're not going to win are we?"
"FOR THE MILLIONITH TIME, JAMES, WE'RE GOING TO WIN!" Jessica, Sirius, Brittany, and the rest of the team shouted at him.
He grinned weakly. "OK. OK."
Outside, the stadium erupted with cheers and Madam Hooch blew her whistle, indicating to them it was time to get ready to start the game.
Grabbing their broomsticks, they headed out, nervous but confident.
Remus was commentating and he called out their names as they mounted their brooms, waiting for the second whistle blow.
"And for Gryffindor we have Jones, Aston, Black, Reiley, O'Conner, Nelson, annnnddddd Potter!" he cried.
All the Gryffindor supporters cheered, a wave of scarlet weaving through the stands.
"And for the Ravenclaws," Remus said a bit less enthusiastically into the magic megaphone, "We have Slavencie, Diggory, Crep, Colvin, Gallagher, Carter, annnndddd Hayes!"
The Ravenclaw supporters cheered in a wave of blue, clapping and whistling loudly.
Jessica scanned the stands for Dumbledore and found him in the commentator box, holding the Quidditch Cup in his hand. Man, she thought, we so badddddly gotta get that. She looked to her side and gave James a reassuring nod. He grinned.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle with a curt blow and they were off.
"And Reiley gets the Quaffle - Diggory takes it - wow, and Reiley gets it back!" Remus shouted into the mic. "Oh, that was a close one! Reiley dodge those balls!"
Jessica raised her club and looked for Brittany at the other end of the field, knocking away a bludger as Angel swerved to avoid it. She frowned, putting a spurt of speed on her broom. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a Ravenclaw forcefully hit a bludger towards James, who was circling high above the others for any sign of the Snitch.
"James!" she yelled, flying towards it to knock it away. "Look out!"
James saw it within a seconds glance and swerved to the right, doing a beautiful cartwheel in the air. Gallagher, the one who had aimed it at James, cursed loudly.
"Oh, and that was a close one," Remus said, wincing. "Watch out, James, my boy. Oh, and Diggory takes the quaffle again. He flies toward the goal. Can he make it? And Nelson comes out of nowhere, making a save! Nelson is in possession of the ball - oops, Slavencie takes it - no wait, O'Conner takes it back! She goes for the goal. Will she make it? That Carter looks awfully mean today. Serves him right, that slimy, backstabbing-"
"Lupin!" McGonagall's curt voice cut through.
"Sorry, Professor. Ah, O'Conner goes - she goes - anddddd she scores!" he yelled. "Gryffindor, TEN TO ZERO!"
"Booooeeessss!" were heard from the Ravenclaw supports as the Gryffindor's cheered.
O'Conner punched the air happily and swerved to go and grab the quaffle again.
James searched high above them all, looking around for any sign of gold. Wait. Was that it? Was it? Aw, damn, no it wasn't. Just Angel's bracelet. Shit.
As the game hurried on, the Gryffindors were taking the lead.
"-and Reiley scores a goal! Oh, Slavencie is in possession of the ball. He goes. Ouch- watch out, O'Conner!" Remus shouted as a bludger was aimed her way.
Brittany zoomed in and knocked it away easily. She grinned as it grazed Slavencie's arm, causing him to drop the quaffle. "Haha!" she yelled happily.
"And, Colvin takes possession of the ball! He goes! He's almost there! Come on, Gryffindors, get in there! Black, block it! Block it - awwwwwww shi-" Remus cursed, blocking McGonagall's attempt to wrench the mic away. "Sorry, Professor," he grumbled. "And Gryffindor, ninety to twenty!"
James frowned. He couldn't see the Snitch anywhere. Hayes swerved above, looking for the Snitch also. Come on, James thought. Come on, come on. . .
Then an idea struck him.
Smirking, he grabbed the handle of his broomstick harder and swerved down, feinting as if he had seen the Snitch. Sure enough, Hayes was on his tail, gaining speed. Just in time, James jerked to the side as he saw the actual Snitch. He curved neatly and chased after it, hovering just above Jessica's head. Jessica watched him in confusion then noticed what he had seen. With a big grin, she watched as his hand enclosed about the Snitch, the wings fluttering and beating against his hand to be released.
He yelled out in joy, flying around the stands, holding it up proudly as the Gryffindors cheered, the Ravenclaws huffing and sulkily flying back to level ground again.
When he finally landed, his friends, teams, and everyone else, was clapping hands down on his back, crying with jubilance. Some hugged him, glomped him, a few other girls kissed him, making him blush, and others just congratulated him and pounded on his back with claps of gratitude.
James raised his eyes and searched for his girlfriend and found the ditz after a few moments. His eyes widened. She was currently kissing another boy, making James go rigid in astonishment and rage. How dare she!? No one cheated on *him*! He followed helplessly as the team picked him up and lifted him in the air, carrying him to where Dumbledore stood with twinkling eyes.
He smiled in spite of himself, worries gone for the moment and accepted the Cup, lifting it up into the air and shouting with glee. Roars of applause swept out and Sirius clamped a hand on his back, yelling, "PAR-TAY!"
James grinned and then caught sight of Lily. She stood there, smiling softly at him. She gave a small wave and a wink and he went into a daze. Then, he was being led away again, broomstick in hand. Turning, he gave Hooch the Snitch and went on with the others, his friends punching his arm lightly and smiling broadly. But half of his mind was still with the red headed girl back on the pitch.
Lily.
"Lily," he cried hoarsely. "Come join us!"
She shook her head no and smiled. "You go on! I'll join later!"
James nodded as he was dragged with everyone back to the Gryffindor tower, preparing to deal with Mandy when he found her again.
It was nearly one in the morning when the party was over. After the last were up to bed, James gave a curt nod to Mandy, indicating he needed to speak with her.
"Mandy," he said, a cold edge to his voice. "I saw you."
"What? What do you mean?"
"On the Quidditch pitch. I'm no idiot. I saw you snogging another guy!"
Mandy feigned hurt. "That's not so, James!" she lied.
"Don't you lie to me!" he yelled, temper snapping. "I saw you! What are you? Some kind of lieing, cheating, whore!? No one's good enough for you!? Is that it!? You have to go cheating on someone behind their backs!? Huh!? Well, is it!?" he roared.
Mandy's eyes narrowed and for once the blond attitude she carried about with her vanished to be replaced by steady, yet calm anger. "James Potter, you are so blind. You talk about someone cheating on you. You act like you're hurt, but you're not. Or your pride is, at the very least. Your pride." She paused, then continued. "Your ego means so much to you, and that's what makes you such a jerk! Maybe you are a romantic, but you were going to dump me anyway, James. Remember? Every two weeks, your current girlfriend bores you or the such and you go and find another one. You've cheated on girls several times, in fact, but not many people know about it. Maybe not this time, but there have been times, James, there have been. So don't yell about me because we all know you don't give a damn!"
James' face was an unreadable mask. "Oh, is that you feel?" he said cooly.
"Yeah, James, it is. I think it's high time someone dumped you. Gather around, everyone, the great James Potter has been cheated on and is about to be dumped!" she yelled sarcastically. Tears were now forming in her eyes. "I can't believe I even liked you! You only cared about me because I built up your ego! Am I right? You know I am!"
"Mandy-"
"No! You listen to me!" She pointed an accusing finger at him. "I know you, James! Every girl in this school does! You wouldn't know about love if it hit you square in the face! You've never felt it! You've never experienced it!" She paused, voice now coming out slightly sad. "But then, James," she said, "Maybe then you wouldn't be such a cruel hearted son of a bitch. It's over. I'm going to bed." And with that she brushed past him and up the stairs to her dorm.
James watched her leave. "Mandy!" he called angrily. He bared his teeth, fists clenching. "Mandy Satters!"
But Mandy didn't come back. She casually whirled around and raised her middle finger. "Fuck off, James! And by yourself! No one cares for you anyway! Who would care for a heartless bastard!?" She whirled on her foot again and stormed out of sight.
James frowned and slowly sat down on the couch. The remaining people in the room were watching him curiously. "What do you want!? Go to bed!" he shouted at them. They all nodded as he was Head Boy and bounded off to sleep. Slowly, he buried his face in his hands.
Was what Mandy said true?
He knew it was.
Feeling horrible and suddenly very alone, his pride wounded as well, he curled up in a ball on the couch and fell asleep.
Lily yawned and bounded down the stairs. There James sat, laying on the couch. Frowning, she walked up to him as he stared into the burning flames. It was dawn and she had gotten up earlier to head to the library to get her essay done. She couldn't imagine what he'd be doing up this early, though.
"James, mortal enemy of mine, what are you doing up so early?" she yawned, blinking out sleep from her eyes.
"What's it to you?" he snapped.
She raised her eyebrows. "Well, then, looks like Potter seems to be a bit on the grouchy side this very fine morning. What happened?"
"None of your business. Don't you have a life of your own?"
"Yes, actually, and I love it very much."
"Didn't your parent's deaths teach you anything about keeping your nose to yourself?" he yelled, standing up and facing her.
Lily's heart felt like it had been stabbed - he had hit a very soft spot. "Well, Potter," she said softly, "I'll be going to the library. Sorry for disturbing you." Whirling around quietly, she headed out of the common room.
"Wait, Lily, I'm sorry!" he called to her back. But she had already left. "Damnit!" he cursed. "Why does everything I say come out wrong!?" he yelled furiously. "Why? Why!? Why!!??? Somebody answer me!" he called, staring up at the ceiling. "Someone!" He slumped to his knees. "Someone," he whispered.
James tilted his head to the side later outside, sitting under a great, willow tree that over looked the lake. It's leaves swayed towards the water with the light, autumn's breezes. He lifted his head up a bit, closing his eyes as the wind brushed his cheeks like gentle kisses.
First years danced around near the lake's edge, crying out with laughter as they chased each other around. The sky above was blue and clear, wisps of clouds floating about as the sun shown down in beautiful rays.
"Jamsie-boy!" someone exclaimed suddenly behind him, clamping a hand on his shoulder. "We've been looking everywhere for you!"
James turned to see Sirius, Remus, and Peter there, all of them smiling broadly. "Congrats on the game."
"Hey, Sirius and the rest of the team helped to, you know."
Sirius grinned. "Thanks, bud."
"Wonderful commentation, Remus," he said with amusement in his voice. "Didn't think you knew so many cuss words. McGonagall sounded like she was going to kill you."
Remus grinned. "Yes, well, she let me off because we won."
James chuckled and shook his head, twidling with a blade of grass with his fingers.
"SSOOOOO," Peter said casually. "We heard Mandy broke up with you. And oh, you two were screaming so loud, I believe everyone heard.
James paled.
"Yeah," he continued. "The rumor - well, truth, really - spread through the school like wild fire."
James gritted his teeth. "Damn that bitch."
Sirius looked thoughtful for a moment. "You know, James," he said softly. "I think it might have done you some good."
"What?" James snapped.
Remus sighed. "James, maybe we should leave you to your thoughts. Oh," he said suddenly. "Lily's coming. Come on Sirius, Peter, she looks kinda mad."
And so his three best friends left.
James looked up slowly as Lily's feet came into view. He saw how her face was a mix between anger and ruefullness. "What, Evans, do you want now?"
Lily quirked an eyebrow. "If you apologize, I'm willing to forgive that comment you made earlier."
"OK, then," James said, smirking, and leaning back against the tree. "The great Lily Evans decides she will put mercy on my pity soul."
Lily bit down anger. "That's right."
"Well, you're wasting your time, O' Holy Evans. I have no need of your petty mercy."
"What the hell is wrong with you, James?" Lily snapped, gritting her teeth. "Just because Mandy broke up with you-"
"Didn't I tell you," he said a bit loudly, "to nose out of my business?"
"You know, Potter," she said quietly, pity showing in her brilliant, green eyes. "I reckon they were right about you."
"Oh, really?" he said, cooly. "Do tell me."
"You are heartless. You care for no one but yourself and pride." She paused. "And you're going to be very alone when you get out of here. Very alone. Because you won't let anyone warm that heart. You spend time with ditzs, but they have a heart and you break them, not caring as long as you've got what you want and you're not alone."
"Are you telling me I use girls, Evans?"
"I'm not saying that, Potter. I'm just saying I think that ego of yours has got to your brain. Made you cold."
"Why do you even care? You've hated me since first year."
"I don't care," she snapped. "I'm just warning you."
He rolled his eyes, mocking boredom. "Do tell."
She shook her head, eyes blazing, fists clenched. "Potter, you are the most stubborn, egotistical-"
"Save your insults, Evans. They'll do you no good," he said coldly.
She shook her head. "I pity the one who truly falls for you. You're too cruel to love anyone," she said quietly. "One of these days, James, the tables will turn on you." And very soon, she thought to herself.
James looked out across the lake.
"And don't forget about our date," she huffed, storming off.
James sighed and took a flat rock, skipping it out across the water. "Oh, don't worry," he said sarcastically. "How could I forget?" He stood up, angry. "Why is everyone against me!?" he yelled.
A/N: We want atleast five reviews, please. -Jess and Britt