A/N: Just a little note! This is my first fanfiction, so please let me know what you think. Reviews are greatly appreciated!
Lily flipped her long reddish gold hair over her shoulder, and surveyed her surroundings. Shielded from the prying eyes of the rest of the school, she allowed herself a gloating smile in the privacy of her compartment. Head Girl, she thought to herself. Not too shabby.
She stowed her trunk away in the upper storage compartment, and sat down smugly on the red leather seat to await the arrival of the Head Boy. Lily had spent her summer wondering who her partner would be, since her Hogwarts letter had left his identity a mystery. She had envisioned him in her head, and he was perfect. He would be her male equivalent in every way; concerned, just as she was, about maintaining order and stability within Hogwarts. For starters he would have to be a top student, with brilliant ideas; someone with good leadership skills, and a sense of maturity that so many of the candidates lacked. He would share her respect for authority and the deeply rooted traditions of the school. She sighed, smiling inwardly at the thought. She was tired of the immature antics of the school's male population. The only problem was that as far as she was concerned, that boy did not exist at Hogwarts.
The compartment door slid open, and James Potter made his grand entrance. Lily's face fell. Her jaw dropped in horror and she made no effort to hide it. The golden companion of her summer fantasies exploded into a thousand pieces and left James Potter standing in the smoking ruins.
She could see the whole thing now. She would be made into a laughing stock. She was sure of it. James Potter would be the Head Boy with no rules. He was an arrogant prat, the conceited quidditch hero of Hogwarts. All that he cared for was his own popularity, and his gang's next farcical escapade. Lily felt her body tense up. She was a gladiator in the arena, and she would rather die that let James Potter ruin the dignified tradition of the Head Boy and Girl.
James flashed his most winning smile at her revealing his pearly white teeth. "Evans!" he cheerfully exclaimed, watching her face grow more disgusted by the second. "Lovely to see you," James made it no secret that he fancied Lily.
"Oh equally, Potter." Lily said in the most sarcastic drawl she could muster.
"Well Evans," James began conversationally, "You weren't expecting to see me here were you?" She merely glared. "I know I simply startle you with my talent, brilliance and dashing good looks. The list goes on and on, but don't look so surprised. It really was quite obvious." He continued, with his debonair smile plastered on to his face.
" I must say, despite your fabulous qualifications, you managed to surprise me." she continued in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, did I now?" James said, mimicking her tone, "It was a pleasant surprise wasn't it?"
"Oh indeed," Lily sneered back at him.
"I can't say the same about you, Evans." James began, "Everyone was sure that Perfect little Lillian Evans was going to be selected as Head Girl. I guess the years of trying to suck the fun out of Hogwarts has finally paid off for you." Lily merely smirked back at him.
She did not try to 'suck the fun out of things'! She loved to have fun, as long as all of the school rules remained intact. She couldn't help it that her idea of fun was curled up in front of the fire with a good book, or in the company of her two girlfriends, rather than a bottle of fire whiskey and pounding music.
He gave her another dashing smile, that would have melted the heart of any other girl, but Lily remained immune to his charm.
"Unlike some people, Potter, I have a healthy respect for the rules."
"There is nothing healthy about your relationship with rules." He scoffed, running his fingers through his tousled hair.
"There's no one here to impress." Lily spat at him. "So you can stop fussing with your bloody hair." He shook his head, like a dog when it's wet, and then checked his reflection in the compartment window.
"Oh sorry," he winked at her, "Did you want to run your fingers through my hair instead?"
"Oh buzz off, Potter." She rolled her eyes. She could feel her hands balling into fists, as her disbelief gave way to anger.
How could Dumbledore do this to her? Potter was nothing more than a hooligan; a hormone crazy teenage boy. Most importantly, he was more concerned with breaking the rules than upholding them, even all-forgiving Dumbledore could not have looked past that.
How dare he ruthlessly pursue her, when he knew she wanted nothing to do with it? He strutted around as if he had the whole world wrapped around his finger, but Lily would never give him the satisfaction of having her comply with his will. It killed her, how easily things just came to him. She worked hard for every accolade that she had ever earned, including her role as Head. But as usual, Potter pranced in and got what he wanted without lifting his little finger. It wasn't fair, things had never been that easy for her, why should they be for Potter? She glared at him across the seat.
"Are you sure, Evans? This is a once in a life time opportunity."
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"Come on, Evans. There are plenty of girls up and down this train who would kill for this opportunity."
"Then why don't you ask them?" The irritation was audible in her voice.
"I'd much rather you do it, Lils." Lily gave a disgusted groan.
"You make me sick."
"You know you love me." He lounged back on the seat, kicking his feet up, and resting them next to Lily.
"Get your feet off!" Her voice was beginning to rise. She shoved his legs, but they didn't budge. "Ugh!" She gave a frustrated little scream.
"Aw, but I'm comfortable like this…" He smirked at her. "I think I'll stay."
"Damnit Potter! Do you enjoy getting on my nerves?" She wished she'd never asked the question.
"Why, yes Evans. Yes I do."
She stood up, not quite sure what she intended to do. All that she really wanted to do was throw a book at James Potter's head, although she figured that would be frowned upon, especially on her first day as Head Girl." As she turned to leave, James sprung out of his seat, and opened the door. Lily raised an eyebrow at him, slightly confused.
"Ladies, first." He gestured at her, raising one arrogant eyebrow. She stormed out into the corridor with out a word. Just as she was nearing the back of the car, she turned around to find him watching her, with an amused grin on his face.
"The prefects meeting will be at 5 sharp, Potter." She spluttered, fighting the growl of irritation in her throat, "Don't you dare be late," It was all she could manage to say, in her irritation.
"Sure thing, 530 sharp." She sent him daggers in her stare, and he burst into laughter as he headed back into the compartment.
She stormed off down the train, ignoring the friendly waves from the students she passed. What had she done that she deserved this? What ironic twist of fate had landed her with James Potter as Head Boy?
She paced up and down the train, trying to clear her head which was foggy with lingering irritation. She wanted to appear calm and collected at the Prefects meeting. Good leaders were not rash, they did not snap, even at pricks like Potter.
"Lily? Lily!" Alexa's face came into focus, as Lily stopped her furious wandering. "Damn, you are really out of it today, Lils." Alexa said, taking her friends arms with a concerned look on her face.
"Oh, sorry, Lex." She brought her fingers up to rest on her throbbing temples, trying to slow the angry rush of blood to her head. "I guess I am."
"Are you ok?" Maggie chimed in, Lily's aggravation was plain as day to the other girls. They knew her too well for her to try and hide it.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just-"
"Potter?" They asked in unison.
"So you've heard…" Lily sighed, feeling her anger lighten into frustration.
"Yeah, I can't believe Dumbledore would do that."
"Neither can I!" Lily said, her eyes widening emphatically. Both girls turned to look at Maggie, waiting her to agree exasperatedly with them. She simply shrugged her shoulders.
"I think James is all right." Lily opened her mouth to quickly correct her, but Maggie continued. "Don't bite my head off Lil, but he's a good Quidditch captain, good leader, keeps the team together."
"The school is NOT a Quidditch pitch- It needs to be run with…"
"I'm not going to argue with you Lils. I just think he stands a shot at doing a good job. You at least owe him a shot."
"Maggie, I-"
"I've got to change into my robes," Maggie said as she headed to the restroom in the back of the train. "But I'll see you at the feast." She grinned back at Lily and Alexa.
"I guess I should head to the prefects meeting now," Lily said sheepishly. She was surprised at Maggie's outburst. Sure, the two of them played on the Quidditch team together, but Lily had never known Maggie to so blatantly stick up for James Potter. Although, she supposed, if he could lead a Quidditch team to victory two years in a row, Maggie had a point, he must have known something about responsibility.
"Ok! Good luck!" Alexa gave her shoulder a quick loving squeeze. "Make sure you keep Potter in his place." She turned and headed off after Maggie.
Lily took a deep breath as she headed back to the Head compartment to face the prefects meeting, and James Potter.
"Well, as usual patrols will be split up by house on a rotating schedule. You will be responsible to do evening rounds once every four days as a pair."
"Is that all?" Lucius Malfoy moaned from the back of the group. "I've just seen a new crop of Mudbloods that look like they need to be put in their place." He barely made an effort to lower his voice. Bellatrix snickered beside him.
James looked over at Lily, surprised to find her face completely composed. It was no secret that she was muggle born. "Malfoy, that will be 5 points from Slytherin for your filthy language." She said calmly. James waited for her to crack, to show some sign of offense, but she glared calmly at Malfoy instead. He scowled, but didn't press the matter. Bellatrix hissed through her teeth at Lily, before folding her arms over her chest and turning towards the door.
James hadn't realized that he had been holding his breath, as he expelled the air from him lungs. He was secretly glad Malfoy and Bellatrix had backed down. He would have gladly defended Lily's honor, or anyone's really, regardless of blood status, but he wasn't sure that a fight on the train was the best way to announce their return to Hogwarts. He felt his pulse slowly lessen pounding in his skull.
"That will be-" Lily began, but he cut her off, before she could dismiss the meeting.
Regaining his composure, he added calmly, "One more thing," Lily was looking at him confusedly. "Prefects, please do not forget to escort the first year students to your respective common rooms after tonight's feast. We don't want to have anyone getting lost, and locked out of the castle tonight."
"That's all for tonight." Lily said. "You can all go." She smiled her polite politician's smile as the prefect filed out of the compartment. When they were alone again, she said, "Thanks." He looked into her pretty face, the smile had been erased from her mouth.
"Er, what for?" He was distracted by the way that her face had fallen. He wanted to fix it.
"For reminding them about the first years. I- I completely forgot." She was looking at the floor, it was as though James could hear her inner dialogue. He knew she was berating herself for the slip up.
"Malfoy is a prat. Don't let him get to you." He said without thinking, just because he had let him go with out a fight, didn't mean that James wasn't furious with Malfoy's offense.
"He doesn't." She said flatly, her mouth hardening into a firm line. "None of them do." For once, James knew better than to press his luck. They lapsed into silence, and the any trace of sadness was erased from Lily's face. Now, it betrayed nothing.
As they sat in silence, James watched her out of the corner of his eye. He could feel the magnetic pull of his body towards hers, conscious of the way that his shoulders angled in her direction, giving him away. He ran his fingers through his hair, it was a nervous habit that he couldn't seem to break.
He had been asking her out since their second year, and she had always flat-out rejected him. He couldn't seem to impress her, no matter what he did. He noticed the way that other girls swooned at his feet, but it didn't faze him really. They were just distractions from what he really wanted.
He looked in her eyes, trying to read her. If she would only let him try to understand her, if she would only give him a chance- But no, she never had. Even the doggedly persistent James Potter was dejected after five years of rejection. Some days he thought about giving her up. Well, not her, per say, but the idea of her. But it was Lily, and he couldn't leave her alone if he tried.
There was something about her that just drew him to her. Her undaunted confidence, her flaming red hair tinged with flecks of gold, her brilliance. He wasn't quite sure what it was about her, but she was exciting. She was efficient, and commanding. He was in awe of her in the prefect's meeting, like a dainty but fierce general driving her troops into battle.
"So Evans," he started, breaking the thick, tense silence, "Did you have a good holiday?" Neutral subjects, he coached himself inside his head. There's no way that this will set her off. It's just friendly. Just keeping it cordial and casual.
"It was fine really" she answered him coolly, "But I'm glad to be going back."
"Yeah, I hear you," James replied "I'm sure you missed me most of all eh?" He couldn't help himself. He wanted to do something to lighten up the atmosphere, her face was like stone. He just wanted to see her laugh.
"Psh", she scoffed openly in his face. "Of course Potter", she spat. "I've been waiting the whole summer for this moment. Ugh," she actually sighed with disgust.
The rejection hit James like a bludger between the eyes. Every year she frustrated him like this. James could see he had his faults, but he just couldn't understand what made him so utterly repulsive to her. She didn't treat anyone else at Hogwarts like this, not even the Slytherins, it was just him. Mentally swatting away her scorn, he turned to face her.
"Now I know that you're brimming over with joy that you and I are stuck here together for the rest of this year, but you might as well get used to it. Because I'm not going anywhere." He stated flatly, staring down her green cat eyes.
"I know! I just don't know how Dumbledore let this happen! Of all the people in this school... It had to be you didn't it!?"
He could see that there was no reasoning with here. She was the same Lily, stubborn and unrelenting. "Don't get too carried away with the compliments now," he said, smirking through her fury. He couldn't help himself, every insult was an invitation; a challenge. "I've been thinking..." he began on a cautious note. She was listening now. She seemed to have abandoned her violent approach to the situation, realizing that there was nothing she could do to change it. Instead, she sat with her arms crossed tightly across her chest, her face set stonily in a grimace. "that you might as well go out with me this year Evans" he continued. "You're going to have to give in at some point. You might as well make the best of things, and who knows," he whispered, "you might even enjoy it."
"Potter!" She screeched. She looked like a little girl about to let loose a temper tantrum. James laughed openly.
"Ah, so Potter's already got you screaming his name, has he?" Sirius said as he flung the compartment door wide open.
"So I'll take that as a yes?" James followed up, taking advantage of her momentary silence.
"Shut up, Black." Lily reprimanded him. "I'll thank you to keep your vulgar comments to yourself, unless you want to find yourself in detention."
"Ooh, do I need to be punished?" Sirius said, winking cheekily at her. "I didn't figure you to be into that kind of thing Lils, but if that's what you-" The Marauders all snickered at Sirius' attempts to flirt with the head girl. Blatantly ignoring Sirius and James, Lily beckoned Remus into the compartment.
"I didn't get a chance to see you after the prefects meeting! How was your summer?" She asked. Of all the Marauders, he was by far her favorite.
"It was fine, but I'm ready to be back now."
"Me too." She sighed. "Seventh Year," James heard a touch of wistfulness in her voice.
"And we've saved the best for last, haven't we?" He grinned at the other three Marauders.
"Bet you can't wait for the party tonight, can you Lily flower?" Sirius asked, eyeing her mischievously.
"What party?" They all snickered at her naivety.
"What party?" Sirius raved, "What party?! Why only the Marauders annual back to school party. It should have been on your calendar m'dear."
"Don't 'dear' me," she snapped. "You know I don't condone this type of behavior." She paused. "And Remus, you're a prefect. How can you let them drag you into this? McGonagall would have all of your hides if she ever found out."
"If you can't beat them, join them," Remus said, with a rare roguish look in his eye.
"What about James? He's Head Boy." Peter reminded them. "You aren't even going to give him any flack about this?"
The room turned expectantly to watch the two of them. Lily shrugged. "I expect this sort of nonsense from Potter."
"You know me too well, Evans." He threw an arm carelessly around her shoulders, which she immediately threw off. James tried not to cringe at the look of distaste on her face. "Save me a dance?" He tried again.
"In your dreams, Potter."
"We'll keep things under control," Remus assured Lily.
"Good," she thanked him.
"Wait, wait," Sirius halted the conversation, as all eyes focused on him. "Are you trying to tell me that you won't be in attendance, Miss Evans?"
"No. I won't be. It's not really my scene."
"Oh, Lily. It was a mistake to tell us that." James could feel the excitement in the air, like an electric current. Mischief was in the making.
"Do I sense a kidnapping plot?" James asked conspiratorially.
"Indeed. I think you do." Remus sighed.
"Look!" Peter pointed out the window, and five pairs of eyes followed his lead. For a moment, all thoughts of the party were forgotten. They saw the huge castle, it's windows twinkling like enormous stars in the black night. James heart picked up speed, as he drank in the smooth black surface of the lake, and the castle, almost purple against the night.
"We're back." James and Lily murmured in unison. They looked at each other, both of their eyes alight.