Fame; A Story About Lily Evans and James Potter
Chapter 6
Dear Diary,
In the past week, I have been bombarded with so many questions regarding James Potter and I. It's rather quite annoying. What infuriates me the most is that Potter and his friends don't seem that regretful over what happened. So what if Potter insists on apologizing. At least in the muggle world, I had security guards. At least they aren't holding cameras and writing nonsense about me. Now that…. That would be annoying.
Ugh, I'm afraid that I'm rather late for charms… I'd better get a move on, then.
Love,
Lily Evans
Closing the book shut, I carelessly threw it under my pillow along with my head. I only allowed myself three seconds to enjoy just sitting there, but I somehow willed myself to get up. Luckily, Charms was my last class of the day. After that, it would do me good to take a walk around the lake. The Giant Squid needed some company, after all. Loners like us needed to stick together.
Careful to brush my hair, I descended into the common room. The first thing I saw was a head of unbearably annoyingly messy black hair. That head turned to look my way as it heard my footsteps. And who but James Potter was there, looking at me with that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. In return, I gave him a cold glare and a suspiciously raised eyebrow.
Now if only he didn't have that drop dead gorgeous smirk on his face…. Wait a minute. I meant, unbearably cocky and irritating smirk. Of course he wasn't gorgeous… I was just tired. Yeah… just tired. Because, there would be no other explanation for calling his normally annoying smirk gorgeous.
"Hello, Lily." He said, walking up to me with that smirk on his face again.
"Potter." I replied, while elbowing my way through him.
"Now come on my little flower, don't tell me you're still mad about yesterday?"
"As a matter of fact… I'm not. But at least I've come to my senses."
I was halfway to the door. Now if only I could get there faster. I really didn't want to be around him right now… or ever, really. His footsteps neared mine, getting frighteningly closer by the second. Any second now and he would be right beside me. With surprising strength, I pushed myself to quicken my pace until I was out the door and into the corridors. I was determined to never stop.
"Lily! Why can't you just listen to me?" he said, closer to me than I had anticipated.
I kept on walking. I couldn't think about yesterday… wouldn't. Here, why don't I tell you what happened.
Ever since Potter and the rest of the Marauders had started acting like gentlemen, I would be spotted everywhere with them. In fact, I delighted in their company. They were extremely nice to me and only played the occasional humorous prank.
But I guess today, they just gave in to temptation. I did the usual waking up, taking a shower etc. When I came down to eat breakfast, James was beckoning me to sit by him. Patting the space beside him, I noticed that he had a barely concealed grin plastered on his obviously amused face. I, naïve fool that I was, thought nothing of it.
Breakfast was delicious, as always so I was fairly satisfied when I went to walk to class. Yet, even though I was more than happy walking with Potter (such a gentleman nowadays), I knew that laughter anywhere. That kind of laughter you heard when there was a prank being pulled. Today, it turns out that I was the target. And there was only one person who could have done it.
I whirled around to face Potter, who regarded me with a cool exterior, while his eyes were twinkling and his mouth was twitching into a small smile.
"What is it this time, Potter?" I asked, letting my icy cold anger seep out of my voice.
For a second, I saw him flinch then regain his composure. He cleared his throat, before summoning a mirror to appear right behind me and another mirror to reflect the image in the first mirror.
"I'm really sorry, Lily. It wasn't my idea, I swear." He said, half sincerely and half amusingly.
He couldn't be sorry, that jerk. I actually thought that he was decent. Apparently, I was wrong. Then again, it seems that I'm always wrong.
With a determined look in my eye, I slowly looked into the mirror. What I saw was unbelievable. I swear to whatever god is out there, I wanted to shoot Potter. Too bad I didn't actually have a gun. I had no idea whether I was shocked, angry or embarrassed. Probably all of the above, considering where he placed it.
Right on my ass, in glittering letters it said "James' Girl". Not only that, but it was letting out continuous puffs of pink gas. Not his idea, my ass. He was about to die, some way or another. Now, I just needed to think of the plan.
With a frighteningly cold stare, I whispered lethally, "Go. To. Hell."
Luckily, someone had the sense (probably Remus) to take off the charm. With a withering glare and an extra hair toss, I walked away. All traces of laughter were gone from Potter's face, and he hopelessly chased after me. Perhaps I was his girl in his own delusional mind, but in the real world, he was just and arrogant jerk.
In one last attempt to grab my attention, his hand grabbed hold of my rather skinny arm. Electric jolts went through my body. In a rather elegant way, he twirled me around to face him. Wow, romantic much? With his other hand, he lifted my chin up, forcing me to look into his hazel eyes. My heart jumped,
"At least, answer this question." He pleaded of me. "Are we still going to homecoming together?"
With all my strength, I pulled my arm away from him and looked at him with a challenging eye. What I said to him yesterday must have been a clue to whatever my answer to him would be, but I knew when I looked into his face that he was desperate.
"I'm sorry Potter, but no we're not." I said, in my most sickeningly sweet voice. "In fact, I've found myself a date already."
Disregarding his shocked expression, I continued my way to class. I walked in a cool, refined manner, but I was shaking inside. Of course I didn't have a date. All the guys in school were taken. What had I been thinking? Sure, I guess I wanted to get Potter back, but was lying to him really necessary? Somewhere in my heart, I knew the reason why, but I refused to acknowledge it.
As usual, I was the first in class. At least, that's what I thought until I saw a blonde head seated near the front where I usually sat. When that person heard my foot steps, they got up in a rush and knocked over a pile of books. I hurried over to help pick them up, when I noticed something. His eyes were so… beautiful. He looked at me curiously as I stopped to stare at him in wonder.
"Like what you see?" he asked playfully, in a tone that was anything but cocky.
I awkwardly placed the books on the table and cleared my throat. As if that would hide my obvious blush.
"Well… it's just that I haven't seen you around." I said, unconsciously twirling my hair around with my wand.
"Oh. My name's Elliott Chase. I'm a transfer student from America and I'm in Ravenclaw." He said, saluting me playfully.
I chuckled a bit. This guy, I knew, would be something interesting in this school. Honestly, he exuded fun… in every way. No matter how wrong that sounded, it was true.
"My name is Lily Evans. I am a Gryffindor prefect and I welcome you to Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." I said, in an equally amused manner.
"Pleased to meet you." He said sincerely, holding his hand out.
I extended my hand to meet his, shaking it for about ten seconds. Ten seconds too long. He flashed me a charming grin that made me blush. Unfortunately, my heart didn't leap. I clearly liked the guy, but I guess my heart only jump roped for certain people. And those certain people were jerks. Huge, unbearably handsome jerks.
After an awkward pause where we both sat down, I finally managed to summon the courage to talk.
"So… since you're new here, I was wondering whether you had a date for Homecoming." I asked, glancing hopefully at him for a reply.
"Actually, no I don't." he said, tossing a quick but flirtatious smile at me. "Do you?"
I swear that I felt my face heat up.
"No… Would you like to come with me?" I asked, rather boldly.
His flirtatious smile turned into a cute grin. I couldn't help but smile back at him, but thought about other totally different things besides him. Or other totally different guys, that is.
I was just about to sit down, right at the front of the classroom, when Potter walked in. I swiveled my head around to face him.
"Hi Lils." He said a casual, but inviting smirk on his (deliciously handsome) face.
"Hullo, Potter." I said in response, giving him a rare smile of my own.
He came to slide in next to me, and then leaned back against the bench. His right hand automatically went up to his hair and ruffled it, making it messier (sexier) than before. I bit my lip, usually a sign that I was thinking or that I was really into you. I just hoped it wasn't the latter. Please, please, please don't be the latter. I mean, sure he had been pretty nice to me this past week. Oh, and sure I've gotten to know him, but I couldn't just like him. Of course I couldn't. That was almost impossible… almost being the key word here.
"Hey, Lily." He started again, clearing his throat uncomfortably. "I was just wondering… I hope that I didn't make you feel uncomfortable when I just asked you out like that, in front of all those people. I mean, I'm sorry that I put you on the spot like that and I know that you should be positively seething at me and all that and..."
"Potter, Potter." I said, tilting my head back in a laugh. "You're rambling… again. Just calm down, before you drive me insane." Not that you haven't already. "I get it, okay? And I said yes… because for once you weren't a total asshole."
A sincere and gracious smile lit up his face as he heard those words. I couldn't help but chuckle. Even just getting to know him for a week… it was kind of fun. I mean, sure I get weird looks, but that can't be helped. So, he's being a bit gentlemanly this particular week… that was nothing strange. Yes, it was really very strange… but I wanted to take that opportunity. I guess a part of me just wanted to know. Right… just wanted to know.
A smile fluttered onto my lips as I recalled that particular memory. This past week was definitely fun, and I had enjoyed myself. Just then, familiar laughter filled the room. I snuck a guilty glance at the back to see Potter and Black probably laughing about one of their jokes. My stomach sank and my eyes squinted suspiciously. Right… it was fun before they betrayed my trust. Stupid bastards. With angry resolve, I turned back to the board. I couldn't let them get to me. I wouldn't let them get to me.
"Something wrong?" Elliott asked.
I've got to say, it was cute how he seemed to be so concerned. I mean, we've only known each other for about five minutes, but I could tell that I just instantly warmed up to him.
"Uh... no, nothing at all." I said, knowing that I was doing a bad job at lying to him.
"Hey, don't worry. It's alright." He said. "Is he your ex or something like that?"
"Um… something like that." I replied.
I guess he noticed the look on my face (seething fury) and got curious.
"Is he bothering you? Do you want me to talk to him?" He asked.
His concern was kind of annoying at this point.
"Let's just not talk about it." I said, not meaning to add that bit of bitterness in my voice.
I saw him nod out of the corner of my eye. He zipped his lips and threw the zipper away. I just couldn't help but chuckle. That was probably the purpose of that childish act, because his face lit up in a smile when he heard me. We stayed in that comfortable (or as comfortable as it could get, feeling Potter's eyes drilling into my back) silence as everybody else walked in.
Most people were glancing at Elliott and I, then at Potter and Black. Of course they were. How typical. Half the student body (whores and gossipers) knew it was bound to end, and they were pretty glad when it did. The other half (hopeless romantics and more gossipers) were upset that we had split. As if we were even together in the first place. I mean, sure it did seem that way. He kissed me on the cheek, I kissed him on the cheek, we hugged, exchanged whispers and other couple like stuff. Which I was hardly aware of until we "split". Right at this moment, I could feel my cheeks redden ever so slightly.
After class, I enjoyed a short… pleasant walk with Elliott. I must admit, though, it was rather boring. On my part anyway. My thoughts kept wandering over to Potter and everything we'd done together. The only reason I knew Hogwarts this well now was because of Potter. That idiotic, egotistical and arrogant pig! Elliott was still jabbering on, trying to make conversation. He must have been chased after back home in the U.S., but he wasn't experienced in this. Not like Potter… I hated him for making me think of him all the frigging time.
I didn't want to disappoint Elliott; he was just way too sweet and innocent. Damn, the boy could flirt well and he sure knew how to make a girl laugh, but it got cheesy after a while. I nodded my head and smiled, not even sure what he was talking about. It was a good thing he didn't ask questions or he would think I was either deaf or dumb. Then he wouldn't come to the dance with me.
We were just turning the corner, when four laughing boys burst out from behind it as well. Just my luck that I had to run into Potter right now. Right when me and Elliott were just getting to know each other… okay, maybe not but I sure didn't want to talk to Potter either. I glared at him, oozing hatred and anger. Black smirked at me, Remus shrugged his shoulders apologetically, Peter cowered behind them and James was eyeing Elliott questioningly. Oh yes, maybe the Fates had decided to let us bump into each other at this moment. I saw my opportunity when I saw a flicker of jealousy in James' eyes.
"Lily, I don't believe you've introduced us." James said, hiding his slight anger and jealousy in a cool mask of indifference.
I did the same.
"Elliott meet Potter-."
"James Potter."
"Elliott meet Potter an acquaintance of mine." I began again. "Potter meet Elliott, my date to homecoming."
Potter raised his eyebrow questioningly, but otherwise didn't show that he cared very much. I smiled sweetly at them both, acting like I was oblivious to the tension in the air.
"Hi, pleased to meet you." Elliott said, quite forcefully.
"You too." James muttered coldly, but offered his hand anyway.
Well, he was playing this game quite well, wasn't he? Elliott shook his hand, clenching his jaw.
"I suppose you've moved on then, haven't you Lils?" He said, smirking dangerously at me.
Elliott glanced sideways at me.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, cocking my head sideways so that it rested slightly on Elliott's shoulder.
"I'm hurt Lily. Have you forgotten about me so soon?" His eyes flashed challengingly, his smirk was sexily crooked. "After all, it's only been a day."
Fine, I could play that game.
"Oh, don't tell me that the great James Potter doesn't have a date either?" I challenged him back.
"Yes, I do. In fact, here she is." He replied.
I turned around to see a sweet and beautiful girl bounding towards us. She had a slightly rounded face, big brown eyes and bouncing blonde curls. Her skin was slightly tanned, which made her seem like she was glowing. She, whoever she was, looked like an angel.
"Lily, meet Hannah Morris. She's the-."
"The Hufflepuff prefect. I know, I've met her." I replied, once I got an even better look at her face.
Hannah smile at me, clearly ignorant of the tension in the air. I smiled back at her, even though my eyes were cold.
"Lily Evans, right? I've seen you at the meetings." She said.
Her voice sounded like a sweet bell, kind of like Snow White. I hated Snow White. I didn't respond. She seemed troubled and slightly hurt. Nice, Potter. You got yourself a softy. Honestly, I didn't even know why I cared. Why did I get an uncomfortable feeling when I saw her holding onto him or that tender smile that he would flash her again and again? It wasn't like I was jealous… right? I subconsciously rolled my eyes at the thought.
I held onto Elliott's arm just a little bit tighter. He was glancing at me, then at Potter and then at Hannah. Hannah was glancing repeatedly back at Elliott, but she tried to hide it from Potter. As if we didn't notice. In a way, they were perfect for each other. You know that whole Barbie and Ken thing. Unfortunately, I wasn't jealous. Okay, I sounded like a total bitch right now. In fact, I sounded manipulative and mean, but I wasn't like that. I definitely wasn't like that. I was nice and sweet and smart… except to Potter. He was so…. (handsome, funny etc.) annoying and egotistical.
"Well, see you guys then." Elliott said, breaking the tension bubble that surrounded us.
We each went our separate ways. I wasn't sure whether I imagined Potter's eyes trained on my back.
