A/N: Just realising how much free time I have.. It's not so much a good thing. (sighs)
heres the next chapter..
Disclaimer: Really being JKR would be great.. I imagine I would love it. But sadly I'm not so.. Credit where credit is due.
Flora and Fauna Fall in Love: Chapter 6 - Why aren't you laughing?
…..
Lily Evans was thankful for so much in her life. Her parents, for starters, who had always supported their little oddball child no matter what. Her friends, for being as oddball-ish as she was. When she was younger she had of course been thankful that she had a sister. Petunia, no matter her faults in later life, had been Lily's biggest support and best friend for half her life, and although circumstances had changed, Lily was still fond of the childhood memories they had once shared. In thoughts of her childhood she could hardly leave out the other, most prominent figure, Severus. He had been her first magical friend, had introduced her to this world, and had, for many summers been her only reminder that Hogwarts, and all that it entailed, wasn't a figment of her own imagination. And like Petunia, his importance in Lily's life had diminished over time, yet she would never forget Severus, and sadly would never get the chance to thank him for all the sacrifices, unbeknown to her, he had made for the sake of her happiness.
Dumbledore had always been someone Lily had held in highest admiration. However, on this occasion when she found herself in his office, she had never been more ungrateful for Dumbledore and his manic ideals.
"I am not sure if either of you are aware, but as per Hogwarts tradition, the Head students are rewarded your own private common room-"
Now at this Lily had been delighted. Finally she would have a place to study and relax without the cold atmosphere of the library, or the overly-jubilant activities of the Gryffindor common room. She had just been pondering whether or not Pluma would have been moved into this new common room, when she almost missed the end of Dumbledores statement.
"- and sleeping quarters."
She felt James stiffen beside her, from astonishment or excitement or shock she couldn't tell. It took a few moments for it all to sink in.
"I'm sorry Professor? Did you say.. sleep.. sleeping quarters?" Lily stared at the wise old man in disbelief.
"Yes Ms Evans you're quite right, I did." He paused catching their expressions, "As Head students, you will be required to work together on various projects and activities on a near-daily basic. Over time, the headmasters had found it prudent to place the Head students near each other for that reason. Of course you are allowed to have other students in your common room as well, friends and the like. Otherwise I realise it could become quite a lonely year for you both. Although I presume you both would not take advantage of that detail, and of course would only invite others into your quarters for studying and the like?" Dumbledore paused at this, giving James a particularly x-raying look, over his half-moon spectacles.
James nodded dumbly at Dumbledore, unable to speak.
Lily found her voice first, "But Professor.. I.. Potter and I.. well.. we..-" she paused, searching for the right words. She glanced over at James who had taken the pause in her speech as a moment in which to ruffle his hair. This angered Lily, although she had no reason as to why.
With gritted teeth she finished her statement, "-clash. We don't really get on."
Dumbledore chuckled, his blue eyes twinkling with some emotion that was unidentifiable.
"Oh Ms Evans, I am aware, as I'm sure so to is the majority of Hogwarts, of yourself and Mr Potter's, Ah.. Disagreements.. shall we say? However, I feel now is the time for you both to perhaps, move on from the past." He looked at Lily sideways.
"You may not realise it at the moment Ms Evans, but both you and Mr Potter" He nodded in James' general direction, "have changed quite a lot since you arrived here seven years ago. Perhaps now that you are older, and I daresay wiser than you once were, you will be able to see each other in a new light?" Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling to the point where there might have even been tears in his ancient, knowledgeable eyes.
Lily looked at James. He was staring at her with an unreadable expression on his face. He looked almost determined.
Lily gulped. Realising that there was no way out of this she sighed.
"Alright Professor." She smiled at the kind old man, "Where is this common room?"
….
"THIS IS RIDICULOUS!" Lily yelled as she stomped away from the gargoyles at the end of the stairs to Dumbledore's office.
"HOW CAN THIS BE ALLOWED?" She bellowed as she began racing up the stairs towards the 7th floor, where, Dumbledore had informed, her new residency awaited.
"THERE SHOULD BE RULES AGAINST THIS. HOOLIGANS TAKING OVER THE SCHOOL!" Lily was so far into her outburst she had completely forgotten the presence of another.
"Li- Evans, I know you aren't happy about this, but Dumbledore is right. The head students have got to work together so often it makes sense that they would give us our own dormitories." James' low, melodic voice would have soothed anyone who was in any kind of a state. Except perhaps, someone who despises him.
"It's not that I'm bothered about!" Lily resorted, glaring at him with obvious dislike.
"I understand the head's have to work together often and all the rest of it. I just don't see why YOU" she poked a small finger into his chest purposefully, "have to be the bloody head boy!"
Lily trudged up the last steps puffing and panting. Mainly because using the full power of her voice to roar at someone took a lot of energy, but also because she wasn't such a fan of stairs.
James followed her at a distance, a hurt expression on his face, of course Lily was oblivious, still enamored in her rant of "raving loons, boisterous idiots, and manic pranking."
Lily paused, just a little away from the corridor that lead to the Gryffindor common room at a picture of a young girl sitting in a plush armchair watching her with a rather humoured expression on her face.
She smiled as Lily approached, watching the unlikely pair with interest. "Oh Good," The girl drawled, "Finally a pair with a bit of spirit. The two last year were far too chummy. Incredibly boring."
Lily gave the girl a withering look, "Well I'm so glad you find my discomfort amusing. Honeysuckle."
At the password, the picture frame swung forward to reveal a portal hole, not unlike the one at the entrance to Gryffindor Tower.
James gave the girl in the picture, who looked quite miffed at Lily's unfriendly tone, an apologetic look as he passed. Lily scrambled through the hole and stomped into the room beyond it rapidly.
James took his time to follow, seeing as Lily was still pissed of at the fact that they would be sharing living space. Although he himself was overcome with delight and excitement at the prospects of living with Lily, he tried to hide the emotions from his face.
He was so lost in his thoughts of long nights spent together beside the warm fire he almost ran straight into her.
Lily had stopped just inside the room and was staring at the space around her. After James avoided knocking her over he stepped around her and finally viewed what had encompassed her attention.
They were in a room that seemed very familiar, and had such a warm, welcoming feel to it, James immediately began to feel quite sleepy. Yes, he thought. He would be quite content living here.
The common room was spacious, and was almost an exact replica of the Gryffindor common room, although it was a fraction smaller. The interior was plush and comfortable looking, with several cosy looking arm chairs and couches strategically placed beside an enormous fireplace. Either side of the walls were decorated (much to the delight of Lily) with rows and rows of books. Some, Lily noted, were even of the muggle variety, with modern classics and even a few romance novels. [A/N: the urge to put in "Lily saw a book entitled 50 shades of Grey, and made a mental note to see what it was about at another time." was enormous here.. for my own amusement of course. However I realise it wouldn't work as the marauder-era was long, long before E.L James came on the scene. Whoops, I'm getting off the point here..]
There were also two identical sets of study desks facing each other at one side of the room, with matching chairs. The remainder of the room was decorated with an array of lampshades and rugs emblazoning the Gryffindor colours of red and gold.
At the opposite side of the common room to the entrance there was a single stairway with a corridor at the top, with two doors leading off it at opposite ends.
Lily let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. The common room was magnificent. So much so that it took away all her resentful anger towards Dumbledore and James.
James decided to test out one of the couches nearest the fire by throwing himself down onto it, loosening his tie and removing his jumper as he did so.
Lily looked over at him, ready to scold him for damaging the furniture when she noticed him lifting his jumper over his head. His shirt lifted up with his jumper and Lily got a glimpse of the wonders Quidditch had done to James Potters body.
Lily's breath caught in her throat as she noticed how tanned his skin was, how defined the muscles were that were spread across his torso, and how small wisps of dark hair led from his abdomen to the waistline of his school pants…
James pulled his shirt back down and just noticed the expression on Lily's face.
"No need to oggle Evans. I'm not a piece of meat." James grinned at her, amusement and something else shining brightly in his hazel eyes.
Lily spluttered ungracefully. "What? I.. I wasn't.. you just.. but.." She looked at him in disbelief while he chuckled at her discomfort.
She threw her hands up in despair, he wasn't going to believe her anyway. And besides, even if she thought he was immature, and a bullying toe-rag, it didn't mean she couldn't appreciate his perfectly sculpted abs. She was a teenage girl after all. But he didn't need to know what she thought of his body..
Slightly red faced she turned away from him. She walked over to the bookshelf and picked a book at random. She figured she should do something to pass the time, seeing as she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep for hours. The many strange events of the day replaying over in her mind.
"I'm going to bed." Lily announced to the room.
James propped his head on his raised arm, and looked over at her. The hint of amusement still on his face, he opened his mouth to say something, but catching her expression, thought better of it and settled with, "Alright, night Evans."
…
Lily trudged up the stairs to her room. Although she hadn't been told, she presumed her door was the one on the left, mainly because of the ornate L.E carved into the wood.
Her new room was again, much like the one in Gryffindor Tower, although this room had one four-poster bed, instead of five. Lily collapsed onto the bed, completely worn out from the day.
The room was very nicely decorated, with several pretty pictures of sea shores, and beautiful flowers. Lily noted that, although there were no animate characters in any of the pictures, they all seemed to have a slight magical element to them. Almost as if Lily was watching a silent T.V screen. The waves moved, calming and peaceful, and the flower petals quivered and swayed, as if caught in a gentle breeze.
There was an enormous wardrobe in one corner, and a delicate looking vanity in the other, with various bottles and potions already set out, at Lily's disposal. She would take a look at all the beautifying products in the morning, she was already much too tired to go through all their uses now. Lily rose to go look out the massive window, which was accompanied by a satin red window seat, which Lily knew she would use to sit at to read and write while she looked out at the beautiful grounds.
It was almost dark out on the grounds. The sun casting the last, pinkish glow of the day over the black lake. Lily realised she could see Hagrids Hut from here, and made a mental note to pay him a visit over the week. She could also see right down as far as the Quidditch pitch, although she only had interest in Quidditch as a spectator, and a supporter for her house of course.
Lily sank down into the soft, cushioned window seat and realised there was another door inside her room. Figuring it must be the bathroom she decided to change into her pajamas before washing her face and then going to bed.
She settled for a soft light-blue camisole and her favourite pair of red and gold flannel pants. She tied her hair into a messy bun and grabbed her toothbrush and a few other toiletries to leave in the bathroom.
Lily sighed as she entered the large bathroom. There was an enormous bath, much like the one in the prefects bathroom, with various taps, which Lily knew gave the water all kinds of colours and scents. She longed to try the bath out but she feared if she set foot in it she might become so relaxed she would fall asleep.
She noticed also that there was a shower on the other side of the room, beside a selection of towels, closer to what Lily realised was another door.
She was curious as to what this doorway lead to but first she left all her toiletries down beside the sink and brushed her teeth. She was in the process of spitting when she realised something.
There was two sinks, not one. For a moment Lily was puzzled. Why would one person need two sinks? Who could possibly use-
And then realisation struck. Lily dropped her toothbrush into the sink and wiped at her mouth hastily with the back of her hand.
She ran straight for the other door, nearly wrenching it off its hinges in her haste to open it. Lily had hoped upon hoped that she would be mistake, that perhaps there was just some sort of a hot press on this side of the room.
…..
Her heart plummeted as she opened the door to reveal another bedroom. This one was not unlike her own, only it was decorated with quidditch posters on the walls instead of the sea shore and flowers.
Lily let out a mixture between a groan and a scream and felt like crying on the spot.
Less than a moment later she heard muffled footsteps as James thundered up the stairs at speed. He tore into her room, practically demolishing the doorway in his haste. He looked around wildly, his glasses askew and his hair more messy than ever. It was obvious he had dozed off on the couch downstairs as he still had the rather dopey expression on his face of someone who had recently been roused from sleep.
"Evans what?.. " He scanned the room quickly and realising Lily was not there he ran in through the open door of the bathroom, his wand held aloft. Angry, red sparks emitting from the tip.
"I heard you screaming? What's going on? Are you hurt?" He looked down at Lily who had sank to the floor.
Lily looked wretched, like a childhood pet had just died. Her hair was on top of her head, and her eyes looked puffy from lack of sleep. James realised, with a jolt from his heart, that she was wearing light pajamas. He pushed this information from his mind and focused on the fact that Lily was still on the ground shaking her head back and forth.
"Lily? What's the matter?" James asked her, reaching down his hand to help her up, concern and confusion etched in his expression.
"I.." she replied, still totally shocked, she put her hand up to meet his.
When their hands touched James felt a spark of electricity shoot through his body from his finger all the way to his toes.
Lily felt a similar reaction, which seemed to be what jolted her out of her state of shock.
She quickly scrambled to her feet, slapping away his offered hand as she did so.
James quickly masked the hurt expression on his face with a quizzical one.
"What's all the fuss about?" He asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.
"THIS IS THE FUSS!" she yelled, stepping back from him and pointing behind her into what he presumed was his own room.
Something clicked in James' head. Wait. His room? His room led off Lily's bathroom? But then that meant..
"We share a bathroom?" He spluttered. Disbelief and shock evident in his voice.
Lily gave him a cold look, as if she suspected he knew about this all along.
She straightened her shoulders and faced him squarely.
"Obviously I'm not happy about this. But I realise there is little that can be done." James only nodded at her to continue, still totally in shock of this recent development.
"So, to avoid any confusion, and possibly embarrassing scenarios, we shall both use this bathroom as infrequently as possible. Agreed?" She gave him a look that clearly said he had no choice in the matter, regardless of his own opinion.
He nodded, and then added, "Yeah, thats fine. I mean I usually get up pretty early for Quidditch and that so you don't really need to worry about me hogging the bathroom before breakfast."
She nodded in return. "That's fine. I'm no early bird so we shouldn't have very many problems there. Obviously I think there is no need to say it but regardless, I feel it would be prudent," Lily's face began to take on a distinctive red tinge, "if we would both.. erm.. lock the doors.. when we are.. ahem… using the facilities."
James nearly burst out laughing at the awkwardness in her expression. He passed his humour off as a cough and the replied, "I think that would be.. erm.. probably .. prudent or whatever.. yeah."
"Right then" Lily started towards him, James gave her a strange look, unsure of what she was going to do.
"James?" she asked giving him a look he couldn't decipher.
"Uh.. yeah?" he replied, his voice taking on a slightly huskier tone.
"Get out!" Lily shrieked and shoved him, with more force than he could have thought possible, out through his bedroom door.
James stood staring at the spot where the door had slammed shut in his face listening to the definite click of the lock. His face was a mixture of humour and delight and confusion.
It was at that moment that James Potter realised two things.
1. Lily Evans looked bloody fantastic in pajamas.
2. Lily Evans had called him "James" and not "Potter", or "you arrogant toerag", or any other less-than-flattering name, probably in the first time since he had known her.
James flopped down onto his bed, not bothered to change his clothes or even remove his shoes.
Yes, he thought to himself. I'm definitely in for an interesting year. And no sooner had his head hit the pillow, that he fell into a deep, comfortable sleep about red hair and flannel pajamas.
….
A/N: Tada! another one for you! I loved writing this one actually.. Its probably my favourite chapter so far.. Anywhoo..
Please review! I'll love you forever for it!
Til next time my loves!
H
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