Readers who got me to 100 (and four) thank you! to: ladystalke, muggleborn43, gurugirl, InfectedWithNargles, UndesirableNo.5, isigirl, kat253ox, jjjc (credit for two reviews though I don't know if that counts), Mira SeverusSirius Black-Snape, Straight down from Heaven, EmeraldBalletSlippers, bekahra89, Elizabeth Bells, aliben, doctorwhonerd98, the silver hare, ReadrOfBooks, jg1345, and Loslote
also thanks for the guitar. You know who you are.
So do what you came here for now. Read on.
"Padfoot, are you almost done?" James called from the other side of their dormitory. He and Remus sat on the floor playing wizarding chess with Lily sitting on Remus' bed beside them, half her attention going to watching them play, the other half to the book she was reading. Sirius and Peter were on the other side of the room, mixing paint.
"Not yet!" Sirius snapped in frustrated. "Not quite the right colour. Don't rush me. Your embarrassment and humiliation depends on this perfection!"
James let out an exasperated sigh. "You like dragging this on, don't you?"
"Yes, yes I do," Sirius agreed. Lily lowered her book long enough to see Sirius leaning over his paint bucket with his wand pointed down at it.
What insane thing is he doing?
"Knight to E5," Remus said clearly, then watched the knight move forward and destroy James' bishop.
James groaned, "Damn chess." He turned away from the board and sat back against Remus' nightstand.
"It's too...pale, Pete," Sirius complained. "It needs to be brighter, for everyone to see."
Of course. Everyone should see me in all my glory. Just grand.
James absentmindedly began playing with the frayed ends of Lily's jeans. He twirled one of the longer threads on his finger.
What is tha-?
Lily looked down to see James fingering the loose threads of her worn out and faded jeans. She kicked his hand away, not hard just enough to nudge his hand back to himself.
Aw shit. And here comes the hit.
James expected a sharp slap from the redhead but instead Lily just raised an eyebrow at him and shot a quick look at his hand, as if to point out what he had been doing.
Sirius dipped a finger in the paint and held it up so Remus, James and Lily could see it across the room. "Well?" he prompted.
Well, he certainly achieved bright.
Oh Merlin.
"Um," Lily considered, "it's very...bright...very blue."
Sirius nodded. "Okay, let's go Prongsie. Get you ready for your big debut."
"Oh like Hogwarts doesn't already know who I am," James said.
"Not this well they don't.
Sirius placed the bucket of what ended up being closer to an electric blue paint on the floor of the corridor.
"Maybe we should do this in the loo," Remus suggested.
Peter was quick to agree and James nodded tiredly.
Sirius picked the bucket of paint back up and headed towards the boys' restroom. Lily followed the four of them up to the door and then stood off to the side, leaning against the wall. The four Marauders filed into the loo and James ducked back out to tilt his head at Lily in question. "You coming?"
"No," Lily gave him a look that clearly called him stupid. "If you haven't yet realized, Potter, I'm a girl."
Oh I've noticed. Really, I've noticed.
"And this," Lily continued, "this happens to be the boys' loo. Where you belong. Not me."
Oh.
And there we go, he gets it now.
James ducked back into the loo and looked around. "Lily, there's no one in here but us. It's safe, come on in."
I don't think so.
What's she afraid of?
Lily shook her head no and he laughed. "Aw Lily, do you have a phobia of the men's loo?"
"You use it, don't you? I'd hardly call it the men's loo."
James reached over and, before Lily could react, grabbed her hand a forcibly pulled her into the washroom. "See?" he chuckled. "Nothing to be afraid of. Just like the girls."
Really? Because I don't recall ever going standing up.
"Except for the urinals," James added.
"And how would you know?" Lily questioned.
James ignored the question and instead turned to Sirius, Remus and Peter.
I can't believe I'm standing in the boys' loo. Although, I guess it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Definitely cleaner than I would have predicted.
"Everything but your second pants, Prongs," Sirius instructed. James handed his glasses over to Remus and Remus put them in his pocket.
Merlin, maybe I shouldn't have dragged Lily in here. Then again...
James nodded and shamelessly pulled his long-sleeved shirt over his head and tossed it onto one of the sinks. And for the second time that day Lily had a full view of James' bare chest.
Quit staring. You have better control than that. Ignore him.
James shot a smirk in Lily's direction then went on to drop his jeans and step out of them, unceremoniously tossing them next to his shirt.
Lily immediately averted her gaze.
Please tell me that's the end. Please tell me that's it. Please-
"Wow," Sirius commented, "blush much, Evans? Don't worry; he's keeping his second pants on."
Second pants? Jeez Black a clearer warning the first time could have saved me a panic attack. Just call them boxers!
I wasn't going to moon anyone.
Sirius pulled out his wand and pointed it at the bucket of paint, levitating it until it hovered above James' head. That was when he flicked his wand and the bucket tipped over, dousing James with the blue paint.
James glanced in the mirror then glared at Sirius. "Really Pads?"
"You're right." Sirius sighed then let out a bark of laughter. "No one will recognize you like that." He used his wand and spread the paint away from James face so it was only tinted blue, then made sure the rest of him was mostly covered in the paint before grinning. "Much better."
"Dinner started exactly twenty minutes ago," Peter informed the group. "The Great Hall should be filled."
Don't have to sound so happy about it.
"Let's go, Prongsie," Sirius ushered him out the door- not touching him of course- and into the corridor towards the Great Hall.
Lily grabbed James clothes off the sink on her way out; since it seemed that everyone else had forgotten about them.
She watched James walk towards the Great Hall, clad in only his boxers and socks. She couldn't help it. She just stared and watched the toned muscles of his back move as he rolled his shoulders back and shrugged as if preparing himself. He had a body like a rock. Solid and firm yet not over-built.
Cut it out Lily. That's just your hormones talking.
Remus and peter pushed open the doors to the Great Hall while James stood off to the side, out of sight.
You have about forty-five seconds to get in and get out. Maybe grab a goblet of pumpkin juice. Either way, run in, announce, greet, and leave. Bolt the hell outta there.
James ginned, ran a hand through his hair, then sprinted straight into the hall. "I am James Potter..." James began loudly, "and..." he watched as McGonagall stood up looking appalled. "And I just came to say, how you doing tonight?"
He ran up to the professors table and gave a short bow, "Good evening Professors," grinned, and then ran out, fast, to the applause of everyone in the Great Hall (excusing the teachers) and the cheering and compliments of the female population of students.
"Mister Potter," McGonagall called after him. "Mister Potter!"
Lily's eyes widened as James came running out of the hall and Remus and Peter shut the doors behind him. James just kept running and headed around the corner and up the staircase. When he reached the first floor he paused and put his hands on his knees, slouching down to sit on the floor.
Remus, Sirius, Peter and Lily took their time going up the staircase and then sitting around James.
"Brilliant, Prongs," Sirius acknowledged. "Although...how are you doing tonight? That the best you could come up with?"
James was panting, "Did you hear McGonagall...calling after me?...I didn't really have time...to be more...brilliant." He looked at Lily. "You mind charming this paint off?"
"Uh, sure." Lily pulled out her wand and waved it in the direction of James, from head to toe. He was still tinged blue, but not enough to rub off on anything else. "Cleaning spells certainly don't work as well as an actual shower."
James shrugged, "It'll do for now, thanks."
Lily nodded her acknowledgement. And look behind her nonchalantly, away from James nearly completely bare body.
Oh, right, his clothes. That would solve the problem.
She grabbed his jeans and shirt from behind her and handed them to James.
"Thanks."
He pulled on his jeans and tugged his shirt over his head. Lily sighed. Then they heard it.
"Mister Potter?" McGonagall called. "I suggest you get yourself decent and come back here now to receive your punishment, for otherwise I assure you it will be much, much worse when I find you."
For all she knows I'm back in Gryffindor common room by now.
"And don't think I don't know you can hear me Potter," McGonagall added.
James' head dropped at that. He stood up and descended the staircase. He only had to go a little ways before he met the Head of Gryffindor. "Good evening Professor McGonagall," he greeted.
"I believe you've already wished me one Mister Potter," she said.
James hid any bit of anxiety he was feeling as he responded with a grin, "Just personalizing it Professor."
"Mister Potter, I do believe you know why I've called you back."
"Well," James put on a look of innocent thoughtfulness. "I'm not sure Professor. But I'm sure you'll tell me. Enlighten me, Professor?"
McGonagall's lips tightened into a straight line. "Mister Potter, you went streaking through the Great Hall covered in blue paint only a moment ago."
"Is it streaking if I'm wearing my knickers Professor?" James asked.
McGonagall was taken aback by his enquiry. Then she shook her head, "It doesn't matter Mister Potter. You have a detention tomorrow. You can report to my office after dinner."
"Alright. But I have patrols at starting at eight o'clock," James told her.
"I don't- I forgot you were Head Boy."
Heh. I don't understand why I was made Head Boy either.
"Well, then you can serve your detention first thing in the morning."
After breakfast?
"You'll have to skip breakfast or get something quick."
"No breakfast?" James asked incredulously. "I'm seventeen! I need food. I need breakfast! Haven't you ever heard it's the most important meal of the day?"
"Mister Potter, I am quite aware of that. And maybe next time you will think twice before doing whatever little dare or bet you have with your friends," McGonagall advised.
No breakfast. Is she allowed to do that? And I do think twice. Usually. But there wasn't really another option here.
"Just out of curiosity Professor, what rule did I break exactly?"
After a moment of silence McGonagall came up with an answer. "You didn't exactly follow the dress code Mister Potter." James could have sworn she was hiding a smile. "Tomorrow morning, before breakfast," she reminded. And then she left.
Remus, Sirius, Peter and Lily came down the staircase and went over to James.
"First thing in the morning?" Sirius quoted the professor. "Tough, mate."
"Yeah," James agreed. "No breakfast."
Well he could always grab a piece of toast before he goes.
"I can't believe she gave you a detention," Peter squeaked.
"Why?" Lily asked. "He ran through the Great Hall in his boxers."
"You want Pete to get a detention, keep you company?" Sirius offered.
"Hey! Speak for yourself," Peter protested.
"I was only kidding," Sirius consoled, fixing his hair. He turned to James and lowered his voice, "But really, you want me to get him in trouble t-"
"No," James declined.
"I could land myself a detention too. Or, actually, I might already have one...either way no one will question me showing up. In fact, they'd be glad."
Black is the one who got him into this.
James shook his head, laughing.
"Alright then, I offered." Sirius shrugged. "To dinner?"
I should go back to the common room. I still have that potions essay due tomorrow...it's going to take at least a couple of hours. And then maybe I'll finally get around to finishing that book...except they're seventeen year old boys and in the words of James Potter 'they need food'. Suppose it will have to wait until after dinner, or whatever else they plan on doing. Guess I'll just have to go for an acceptable. What if it slips to a poor? I can just see Professor Slughorn shaking his head in dismay.
James watched as Lily looked longingly away from the Great Hall.
What is it she wants to do?
"You guys go ahead," James said, still looking at Lily. "I'm, uh, feeling a little blue," he joked, referring to his tinged skin. "I'm thinking I'll grab a sandwich or something from the kitchens and then head to the common room."
Sirius nodded, "Alright. Later then."
"Well, Lilyflower, if we're splitting you have a choice: dinner with those Marauders, or alone time with me?" he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Maybe he'll let me work on my essay. Oh Merlin. Since when does James Potter have to give me permission to do my own work?
Lily scowled at having to agree to the latter option despite the way he phrased it. "I'll go with you."
After stopping by the kitchens to grab sandwiches James and Lily went up to Gryffindor tower and ate in the common room.
"So what are we doing?" Lily asked hesitantly.
James smirked, "Are you suggesting something?"
"Get your mind out of the gutter Potter," Lily snapped. "You know what I meant."
"Well I plan on trying to wash the remains of the paint off of me." James couldn't help what he said next. "Of course you have a full invitation to join me if you'd like-" Lily slapped his arm. Hard. "Like I've said," James mumbled, "stronger than she looks." He rubbed the spot where she'd hit him and then continued, "But if you don't want to, you can do whatever you'd like while I'm showering."
Lily immediately went up to her dormitory to get her essay.
Well that's fine. She's probably not even coming back.
Lily grabbed her essay and glanced quickly into a mirror and pulled her fingers through her hair quickly before going back down to the common room, essay and potions book in hand.
James was already heading up the boys' staircase, having figured she wasn't coming back down, when she reached the couches.
"Thanks," she said with a slight smile to his back.
He turned and gave her a lopsided grin, "Welcome," before jogging up the rest of the stairs.
Lily opened her book and began to work.
Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. The effects of the potion are instantaneous and the drinker will immediately become infatuated and obsessed...
She was off to a good start and had filled ten inches of parchment when Remus, Sirius and Peter came in.
"Hey Evans," Sirius nodded at her. "Where's Prongs?"
"Showering," she answered distractedly.
"Oh, well there's going to be a...gathering in Ravenclaw tower. We're going to go turn it into a party," Sirius proclaimed.
When there was no reaction from Lily Remus said, "Dinner's over in about ten minutes, shouldn't have to worry about getting caught going."
"Right," Sirius cut in, "so if you see him before we do, tell him we're taking the in-the bag of apples for later."
What the-what are they? Horses?
Lily looked up, confused. "What bag of app- you know what? I don't want to know. Sure, I'll tell him."
Sirius shrugged and then went up the boys' staircase, coming back down in less than a minute.
"Bye," Peter waved at Lily as the three headed out the portrait hole.
Lily went back to her essay.
Amortentia does not create any sort of true or real love between the drinker and the person who administrates the potion. It...
James came down the boys' staircase to see Lily sitting with her back against the couch and her legs stretched out towards the fire, her books and parchment in her lap.
Of course she's working. Oh well. I can end that any time I want now.
"What're you working on?" he asked as he jumped and landed comfortably on his back on the couch. His head was above Lily's on the arm rest, her fiery red hair splayed out on the couch above her and right by his torso. His hands were clasped behind his head; and good thing too, he knew, since if they weren't his hands would be buried and tangled in her hair and either she wouldn't be on the floor or he wouldn't be on the couch.
Lily gave him an odd look, "Potions essay."
"What about?"
She twisted her head around-making about half of her hair slide of the couch-so she could see him and her eyebrows drew together in question. "The same and only essay we were all assigned this weekend. The one on Amortentia."
"Oh, that was probably what Remus was working on last night then," James made a 'hm' sound in thought.
"Last night? After karaoke? That ended this morning! How does he manage?" Lily asked aloud. "Better yet, how do you manage? How in the world did you get Head Boy?"
"No idea," James answered. "I chalked it up to Dumbledore having a really odd sense of humour."
Possible.
Lily lifted her hair up and pulled it away from her face, letting it all fall back on the couch. "Well, why'd you accept it?"
"My parents were really proud," James said. "I couldn't refuse it when they found out. There was no way. And...I guess it was a little more than encouraging finding out you were Head Girl."
"But..." Lily set her potions book aside, "you seemed surprised on the train when you found out."
James ran a hand through his hair and chuckled nervously. "What can I say? I like acting. Fairly good at it too."
Lily scribbled down another sentence before remembering. "Oh! Remus, Sirius, and Peter came in a little while ago. They said something about a party in the Ravenclaw Tower. And they were taking a bag of apples with them for...something or another."
"You were already working?" James guessed. Lily nodded.
Bag of apples...right the code for the invisibility cloak. Never had to use it before.
"Okay." James leaned down to look at her, "Did you want to go?"
"I wanted to finish this essay but I guess I don't really have a choice do I?"
"It's due tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then we'll stay here," James told her.
Really?
Lily voiced her thought and James nodded though she was no longer look at him. "Yeah. On one condition: you answer every question I ask you."
I can always lie, can't I?
"Sure."
A/N: Alright and here's chapter seven. Again, I'm so grateful to everyone who eviewed last chapter. Hooray to 100!
Question: what's my favourite musical?
I don't want your reviews. Not today. Not ever.
And that, that my dear readers is reverse p sychology. So you know what to do. (The button is below this text hinthint).
Anyways,
Scarlett