Hey. Here's chapter four. Hope you guys like it, and please review! =]
~Mafalda
It happened on Tuesday, October 3rd, at 7:57 in the evening. Lily was very late with her schedule. She had become engrossed in her newest novel, until she realized that she had exactly twenty minutes until patrolling with James and she desperately needed to shower, after having gone for a run. So she swiftly entered the bathroom, peeled off her sweatpants and tank, followed by her sports bra and knickers. She jumped into the shower, enjoying the scalding heat of the water beating down on her back. She quickly showered and got out, wrapping herself in a fluffy, white towel as she did so. She brushed her hair and dried it with a drying spell, piling it on top of her head into a messy bun because she was so time-pressed. Pulling on her jeans, she looked down to reach for her bra, and realized she had left it in her bedroom.
Oh, fuck.
Now she would have to tiptoe across the common room in just her towel covering her top half and maybe her prayers would be answered that he wouldn't be in the Common Room to gawk at her. She could stealthily slip out of the bathroom, across the Common Room, and then to her room. Right. That was the plan. Merlin, she desperately hoped James was still at Quidditch practice …
Yet, before she could execute this brilliant plan of hers, or even make it out of the bathroom, the door to the bathroom opened and Lily, startled at the sound, dropped her towel while turning around and came face to face with a very astonished, very sweaty, James Potter. And she was topless.
As this disturbing fact of their unfortunate predicament sank in, Lily's mind began chanting fuck, bloody fuck, fuck. Meanwhile, James stood in utter shock, unmoving, with his eyes riveted on a place south of Lily's head. He was so stunned that he didn't know what to do. Once she realized he could see her, she quickly folded her arms over her chest and turned around.
At this movement, James became aware and was taken out of his trance. He started muttering incoherent things. "Evans … I'm so sorry … bloody hell … didn't mean, had no idea … I would never have come … thought it was empty …"
Lily, having gathered her dirty workout apparel, and wrapped with a towel securely around her, gave him a mortified look, and pushed past him, without saying a word. Her face was a brilliant shade of red, and she was blushing terribly. She strode silently and swiftly to her room, before slamming the door and dropping her clothing unceremoniously onto the floor. She sank down against the door and ran a hand through her hair. Her mind could barely comprehend the disaster that had just occurred. Thoughts were racing through her head, many of which sounded like Why me? What did I deserve to do this? He's probably going to gloat about this now to everyone. Bloody hell. It's going to be so awkward. Lily groaned in humiliation, and unhappily dragged herself to her feet. She still had the stupid patrol with him. God, it couldn't get any worse.
She pulled on a bra and a tank hastily, and a sweater. She folded her arms protectively over her chest. She sat down and breathed meditatively for a second – otherwise she might go crazy. She couldn't believe this happened to her.
In the meantime, James was still speechless and dazed by what had just transpired. He, James Potter, had just seen Lily Evans' breasts. He felt his trousers become uncomfortable in certain places just at the memory. He quickly banished the thought from his mind, albeit with considerable difficulty. Fuck, he thought torpidly.
He slowly made his way to his room, where he dumped his Quidditch paraphernalia and still baffled by the whole ordeal, he had overlooked the fact that he was still in a sweaty, smelly Quidditch kit and that he needed to change. He had patrol with Lily! With a sudden alacrity, he stripped off his filthy uniform and put on a sweater and some jeans. He then quickly made his way back to the Common Room, where Lily, curiously, had yet to appear.
He heard her door creak open slowly, and with her eyes avoiding his, she made her way to the doorway of the Common Room. It suddenly dawned upon him that this must be incredibly awkward for Lily; if it was so discomfiting for him, it would be a hundredfold more so for her. He gave her the slightest of smiles before saying, "Ready there, Evans?"
Without meeting his eye, she nodded mutely, her cheeks still flushed.
Noticing her silence, he said, kindly, "Right. So, shall we?" He opened the door for her, and she swept out of the room without a backward glance. He trailed after her, hoping she would initiate some sort of conversation. Anything, really. To break the silence. These wishes were fruitless. She looked straight ahead, with a neutral expression on her striking features. She did not look at him, did not acknowledge him; the only sign that something that occurred between them was the light pink that tinged her cheeks.
He decided to bridge the palpably awkward tension in the room; he wanted to set her at ease. This wouldn't do for her to be perpetually embarrassed around him. They had to be together the rest of the year, for Merlin's sake! As much as he wanted to pin her up against the wall, and have his wicked way with her, or make lewd comments or ask her out or anything else that would make him look like a licentious prat, he wanted her to be comfortable around him. Even more so, he wanted her to trust him. This was because his attraction to her extended beyond the merely physical. That wasn't to say he didn't want to snog her furiously; he found her beautiful. In fact, this was what set the ball rolling, so to speak. But the more he got to know about her: her personality, her friends, her likes and dislikes, the more he became enamored with her. To be completely honest, he would hazard a guess that if she gave him the time of day, he would eventually fall in love with her. Thus was the extent of his feelings for her.
With these ponderings, James made a decision. He would speak until she was comfortable. It might not be that tonight she was able to let go of the incident; however, God knew he was persistent, and so he would try.
"So, Evans, we should discuss this Potions project, yeah?" he asked, hoping to prod her into conversing with him.
She met his eye briefly before looking away. She nodded slowly, "Yes, I suppose."
He smiled warmly. "Brilliant! Did you hear that Sirius and his partner have chosen Amortentia as their potion? That's such rubbish, in my opinion. Such a common one to pick. Someone does it every year."
Lily gave him a look, and he thought he saw the smallest flash of amusement pass through her wide green eyes. Progress, he thought triumphantly.
This was how the entire patrol went – he would engage in some sort of conversation, and she would reply in minimal words or gestures. It might have seemed one-sided, if not that James knew he was making progress with her, if not at a funereal pace.
The next day in Potions, Lily was still embarrassed. There was no word that adequately conveyed the depth of her mortification. She was indescribably and immeasurably discomfited. She sat next to James silently, only sending notes back to Abby and Katie, who noticed something was wrong with the Head Girl. Slughorn even seemed to realize something was amiss, for Lily did not make her usual bevy of contributions in class. She sat quietly, taking notes, her mind wandering, replaying the incident over and over until her head hurt.
She steadfastly ignored James and the Marauders, even Remus, whom she barely spoke to. She exclusively talked with Abby and Katie, and no one else. She did her work as usual, but her mind seemed to be on vacation, off in her own little world. At the Prefects' meeting Wednesday evening Lily sat mutely while James took the reigns and led everyone and the meeting seamlessly. She was surprised at his newfound maturity and sense of responsibility. He seemed to have turned a new leaf. Lily sat at the meeting in utter silence, and the Prefects looked at her questioningly; usually she was brimming with authority and vivacity. Her unyieldingly stoic behavior did not go unnoticed by Katie and Abby.
Finally, Thursday at lunch they pulled her aside and they dragged her upstairs to discuss what was wrong with Lily.
"Okay, spill. Something's up. And I suspect it has to do with James," said Katie as soon as the reached the Common Room, lunch in their hands.
Lily twirled a lock of hair around her finger before sighing heavily and looking into Katie and Abby's apprehensive faces. "Well, yes, something rather … mortifying … happened."
Abby prompted gently, "And what happened?"
"Well, it does involve Potter, yes. It was right before patrolling on Tuesday. I was in the bathroom after I took a shower, and well … erm, I forgot a bra and had a towel wrapped around me. He must've thought the bathroom was empty, but he basically barged in and saw me … topless, because I dropped my towel in shock when he came in. I don't think he did it on purpose, because he was just as astonished as I was." Lily looked sheepish.
Abby's jaw dropped. "Oh, God. That's terrible, Lils."
Katie had a glimmer in her eye, as she said, "Well, at least you two finally have some action going on …"
Abby hit Katie on the arm. "Shut up, Kats! Now is not the time for that rubbish. Can't you see Lily's so embarrassed?"
Katie looked shamefaced for a moment, before mumbling, "Sorry, Lils. Couldn't help it."
Lily smiled in mock irritation and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Well anyway, I've been avoiding him all week. I can't muster the courage to face him, let alone speak to him. I can barely look at him, for fuck's sake!"
Abby smiled sympathetically, "Well, darling, it's quite alright. It's not like James hasn't seen anything like that before, and I'm sure he was in ecstasy anyway. Although I think he's just as embarrassed as you are, because he actually likes you – don't argue, Lils, I've been watching him, and I genuinely thinks he does. So it's awkward for him too."
Lily took this in, and realized it had never occurred to her that James might find this discomfiting too; she had assumed that he would be gloating and arrogant and his usual shitty self. Suddenly Lily recalled how he had attempted to talk with her all week long, and though she had mainly ignored his efforts, he clearly tried. She had to give him that.
Katie said cautiously, "Maybe, Lily, you should try … talking to him about this?"
Lily gave Katie a look. "You're bloody joking, right? I can barely look at him, let alone speak to him!"
Katie bit her lip in thought. "Well, okay, I can see that. But still, you'll have to get over this awkwardness, because you still live with him."
Katie had Lily there. That was a good point. "Yes, I know," Lily said tiredly. "Something has to happen. Just not yet. I'm not ready to speak too him. I'm still so mortified."
"Okay, Lils, but soon. Don't let it fester."
"I won't –"
"Yes, you will. I know you well." Katie gave her a knowing look.
Lily looked surly. "Fine, I will."
Abby patted her on the back. "I promise, it'll be fine. Everything will turn out fine. Just let it blow over, and it will."
Lily smiled. She felt slightly more reassured by this talk.
Abby appraised her friend to make sure she was okay, but as she seemed to be fine, she thought it was appropriate to suggest that they skive off the rest of the day and go to Hogsmeade. They didn't have any classes this afternoon, auspiciously. Abby met Katie's eyes with a purposeful look, and Katie seemed to understand what Abby was thinking because she nodded fervently.
"Okay, that's it, Lils. We're leaving. Get your jacket." Katie pulled Lily by the arm.
Lily looked puzzled. "Where? We should be doing our work. It's a Thursday!"
"To Hogsmeade, you idiot. We're skiving the rest of the day. We all need some fun. I don't know why they haven't scheduled a Hosgmeade day yet, but we damn well need one. So we're going to take one. Let's go."
Abby added, "We only have free periods the rest of the day, anyhow. It's not like we've anything better to do."
Lily didn't need more convincing. "Let's go already!" Katie and Abby grinned at each other and pulled Lily toward the passage to Hosmeade. It was time for a Girl's Day Out. These occasions were warranted when one of the girls was distressed, exceedingly happy, or just for the hell of it. Today, they needed to just get out and have fun. They basically entailed the girls going to the Three Broomsticks, throwing back some Butterbeers (or, Firewhiskey, depending on the circumstances), and then serious shopping. Shopping was the girls' favorite pastime and they enjoyed it thoroughly. They made their way to the passageway and crawled through, taking care to not hit their heads on the low ceiling. They ended up in the cellar of Honeydukes'. Thereafter, they made their way to the Three Broomsticks, laughing merrily.
"Wotcher, Madam Rosmerta. Three Butterbeers, if you please, and keep 'em coming!" Abby said elatedly.
Madam Rosmerta's eyes twinkled kindly and she said, "Bottoms up, girls!"
She brought them their drinks and the girls started sipping them.
"Don't you just love the fall?" sighed Katie, contentedly. "It's so beautiful. And it's prime Quidditch weather!"
Lily rolled her eyes. "You and Quidditch. You never stop. You're so obsessed. It's quite amusing, really."
"Well, I am a Wood, after all."
"Indeed you are," said Abby, laughing.
"As an Evans, I find shopping to be the best," said Lily wickedly with a glint in her eye. Abby was pleased to see this – this was the happiest Lily had been all week, and this was the perfect way to remedy Lily's foul mood.
"As do I. Worthingtons always love running round the shops," agreed Abby, laughing.
"I see when I'm beat," Katie said, chortling. "Well, let's head on out then. And, what's that aphorism? 'Shop till we drop.'"
"Right you are, my dear," Lily laughed.
They paid for their drinks and headed out into the brisk October afternoon. The leaves were falling, all brilliant shades of deep reds, oranges, and yellows. It was truly, breathtakingly exquisite. Replete with fluffy white clouds, the sky was a deep blue and the air was crisp and fresh. It was a beautiful day.
The first stop was Tottingham's – a glamorous clothing shop that Abby frequented on Hogsmeade weekends to keep up with the latest trends. Abby shrieked happily and rushed in. Katie ambled in more casually and started perusing the racks. Lily was frantically grabbing outfits that caught her fancy and she ran to the fitting rooms. Abby was equally enthusiastic in her selection of clothing; there were heaps in her arms that she could barely see over. Katie picked a few items that she liked – she liked shopping to a certain point, but she wasn't as crazed as Abby or Lily. They had a blast modeling the outfits to each other. When one girl tried something on, she had to show the other girls and the others rated it as an 'absolute must,' 'if you really like it …', or 'toss that rubbish immediately'.
After deciding on various outfits, they bought the clothing and accompanying accessories and felt that high that you can only achieve when you are truly, incandescently happy from shopping with your mates.
Then they popped into Scrivenshaft's for some quills for Lily, Quality Quidditch Supplies to nurture Katie's addiction, and finally into Honeydukes' for some much-needed chocolate therapy.
They went back out for one last walk as the sun set, and leaves whirled around them. Their cheeks were flushed with happiness, and they realized it was finally time to return to the castle so they begrudgingly trudged back into Honeydukes', through the passage, and back up to the castle to their respective Common Rooms.
Lily said happily, "felix felixis" and entered the Heads' Common Room. As she caught sight of James reading The Daily Prophet and munching on chocolate frogs, she stopped short.
She decided to quickly cross the Common Room and hopefully she'd make it to her room without talking to him. She just wasn't ready to talk to him yet. As she reached the bottom of her stairs that led to her room, she felt a hand grab her wrist, causing her to swivel around and face him. "Evans – wait! We need to talk for a moment," said James gravely.
She responded tersely, "No, Potter, we really don't."
"I disagree. We need to discuss … what happened."
Lily searched his face and saw that he was intent upon having this discussion. Lily resigned herself to this fact and said unenthusiastically, "Fine, Potter, we'll have it your way."
He smiled encouragingly at her and pulled her over to the couch, where they both sat down. He looked her in the eye as he said sincerely, "Listen, Evans, I'm really sorry about what happened the other day. I really buggered up. I had no idea you were there. I should have knocked, but I was in such a rush and I didn't think. All I can do is apologize."
Lily looked slightly embarrassed as she responded, "Er, it's okay Potter, I know you didn't mean to. I just …"
He nodded in agreement, smiling faintly, and said, "I know. I completely understand your embarrassment."
"Thanks, Potter."
"Of course. But this avoiding me has got to stop. You don't need to be embarrassed or anything … we can just put it behind us, if you like."
"I'd like that," Lily grinned at him.
He smiled widely and impulsively gave her a hug. "Oh, bugger, sorry, Evans … it was sort of in the moment. Didn't mean to."
With a jolt, Lily realized that the poor bloke was nervous. How very un-Potter-like, she thought dryly. She laughed at him, and patted him on the arm. "It's quite alright, Potter. Now I think we should go to bed."
Shocked, James realized Lily had laughed with him – surely that meant she had fun with him for a moment? What a breakthrough this was! He had never been happier.
It dawned on him how pathetic he was that the slightest acceptance of him by Lily made him this happy. He was in too deep with her. Oh, bloody hell.
Laden with her bags, Lily traipsed up the stairs to her room and promptly fell asleep.
James also was asleep swiftly, dreaming contentedly of a certain redhead with an impish grin.
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