Title: Behind These Words
Author: Tiffany
Summary: It's the final year for Lily Evans and James Potter. They must survive the pressure of school work, the quarrels with friends, but now as Head Boy and Girl…each other.
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine!
Feedback to Reviews: :)
Chocochip2000: LoL shame. just don't leave again. i'm kidding. XD yay. chocolate. yum.
lilfarie: LoL one day…and yeah, man, why can't we all be the same? or is it just me? o.O
PhoenixFyre88: sorry i think this took awhile :(
OtterPotter: yeah i hope so. i feel so sorry for snape. :( LoL. i hope this is how everyone envisions lily
Chapter Ten: Two Months and a Day
Lily Evans had been friends with James Potter for two months and a day. No, no, she had not been counting but it was pretty obvious when they decided to be friends on the 4th of September. It was now the last day of October, aka Halloween, therefore they had been friends for eight weeks and a day, which can also be said as two months and a day.
It didn't start out perfectly as friendships were supposed to. Lily didn't know how, but after that Potions class, the whole school had found out they were friends. She was really sick of the school focussing so much on her life. She had confronted James and asked him why he told everyone but he said it wasn't him. He said he told his friends like she would tell her friends and assumed that it was Sirius who told everyone. Lily was sceptical so she asked Sirius. He confirmed that it was true and he told everyone because he was so happy that his best friend was happy. Strange man.
For the first week that Lily was friends with James, half the girls in the school did not talk to Lily. She had no idea why but then Mindy explained it to her. Her best friend told her that because James was so good-looking, all the girls wanted him to be theirs. They all know that James had had the hots for Lily and now felt threatened because she was friends with him. Lily just thought that was plain stupid as a friendship doesn't always result in romance.
The girls weren't the only ones to act strange in the first week. The boys were too. Apparently they had known how much Lily despised James (she never really did) and thought that if she could be friends with James that she could be friends with these boys. Lily was in deep shock when she heard, especially from some disturbing Slytherins. She politely told all the boys she'd be friends with them if it made them happy but it didn't necessarily mean she'd spend every second of the day with them. Some tried to take advantage of this situation but Lily stunned them all before they could grope her. James wasn't very pleased with the way they handled his 'friend' and announced to the whole school that it wasn't possible for Lily to be friends with someone she barely knew. Lily was glad he said that and agreed to his announcement. All the new friendships she had with the boys in the first week, when she announced her friendship with James, soon disappeared.
By the second week of their friendship, everything returned to normal. Except Severus.
He refused to talk to her as he was disgusted that she would be friends with such a troublemaker. Lily tried numerously to explain what James said: She could be friends with Severus so why couldn't she be friends with James? Severus refused to listen and stormed off. He continued still to ignore her unless she broke the friendship with James.
It reminded Lily of Petunia. How she lost someone because they weren't happy with her choices.
Other than that, everything was fine now that she was friends with James Potter.
Yes, he still sometimes teased her but it was more playfully than anything else. He was mature and seemed keen on his studies. He had stopped playing with that stupid Snitch he stole and no longer hexed anyone.
He even stopped hexing Severus. Severus took this happily and would hex James but then James reported him to the teachers, which landed him a detention with James as the one to be in charge of the detention now that he was Head Boy. Severus never took a second chance again.
Another good thing about being friends with James was that she got to hang around with his friends as well. They accepted her automatically and every now and then, Sirius would make a little fun of her. Of course he paid more attention to Mindy, who was happy she was sitting among the most popular boys in school.
Sirius and Mindy had a brief thing but then broke up after Mindy refused to get her arm tattooed with Sirius's name. The two now shared a casual and somewhat bitter relationship. The two also now seem less energetic as usual and Lily wondered whether it's because they still like each other.
"Ready?"
Lily jumped at the deep, husky voice of James Potter. She was too wrapped up in her thoughts to realise James had entered the Common Room.
"Huh?" Lily said stupidly. She was too confused to know what was happening.
"Sluggy's Halloween Party," James said patiently. "It starts in about half an hour. You're not ready, are you? You're not dressed."
"Oh, yeah, that's right," Lily said jumping up from the sofa. "Well, you're not ready either."
"I know," James replied. "But you're sitting here daydreaming or something and looking like you're not about to leave any time soon. I, on the other hand, just finished Quidditch practice early to get ready."
Lily gaped at him.
"You finished Quidditch practice early?" she asked.
James frowned.
"Why so surprised?"
"It's just…" Lily started with a shrug. "I never thought you would miss an opportunity at Quidditch."
"You're right," James said. "But that wasn't Quidditch. It was Quidditch practice. I don't need any practising."
James was right. He was the best on a broom.
"How fascinating," Lily said sarcastically. "Now if you would let me go, I need to get ready."
"Thanks for not thanking me on reminding you," James said with equal sarcasm. "What were you thinking about?"
Lily stopped halfway on her way up to her room. Should she tell him?
"Our friendship," she answered. She had never been the best liar and was sure James could easily read through her lies.
"What about it?" he asked with a frown.
"We've been friends for two months and a day," Lily said. "I'm surprised."
"And happy?" James asked. He continued on before Lily could think of what she should say. "We've technically only been friends for two months since this day will not end for another five hours or so."
"I see," Lily said. "Let's see if we can make two months and a day."
She quickly went to her room because she didn't know whether she would be able to stand James's questions about their relationship any longer. She had a feeling that if she answered truthfully, it would just be out of character for her.
Lily sighed as she looked at her full-length mirror. She had a costume. It was of a house-elf. Lame, she knew. But it was easy.
It was funny since when she was young, she would dress as a witch for the Muggle celebration of Halloween. But the truth was, she was a witch and could dress as herself.
She put on a yellow hat and a shimmering green dress. She smiled at her reflection. She looked like the Christmas elves she imagined when she was little. She cast a few spells so she had pointed ears, nose and curly hair. The enchantments will last for about half a day unless she removed it. She then put on a nice pair of yellow boots. She looked okay. She wondered if she should make her teeth crooked but then realised if she did, she wouldn't feel like smiling (or appear kissable).
Happy with her look, Lily made her way downstairs. James, no surprise, was not there yet as he always took his time to get ready. She wondered what he would dress up as.
Lily gasped when James came down. James looked like James. The only difference was that he was wearing a loose, sleeveless white robe with a gold sash around the middle and his hair was gelled down with a gold crown. He looked like a Greek God, which meant he looked gorgeous. Lily quickly put the last thought out of her mind.
"What are you supposed to be?" Lily asked her eyes wide. James chose to ignore this.
"House-elf?" James asked with a pleased smile. "You look adorable, Lily."
Since they have been friends, James had called her Lily and she called him James. It was times when they had an argument that they referred to each other by last names.
But it didn't mean that she didn't get a tingle every time he said her name. Especially with a compliment.
"Thank-you," Lily said and felt her cheeks grown warm. "Although it's apparent what I am, the same can not be said about you. What are you?"
James puffed out his chest and gave a grin.
"Veela."
"Veela?" Lily echoed confused. "I thought there were no male Veelas."
"Is that a fact?" James asked with a frown. Could you believe it? Frowns even look good on him. "Then males can never charm girls with their looks? Oh well. I'm pretty enough to be a Veela."
He shot her another dazzling smile. Yes, he certainly knew he was pretty enough to be a Veela.
"Are you a Veela?" James asked.
Oh, was he making fun of her now? That she wasn't as good-looking as him?
"Obviously not!" she said angrily rolling her eyes. "I'm Muggle-born!"
"Whoa, calm down, Lily," James said taking a step back. "Don't need to go all gnashy at me."
"I'm not," Lily said trying to even out her voice and skin tone mentally. She still felt slightly flustered at her remark and she was sure her cheeks were still red. "And gnashy isn't a word."
"I'll remember that the next time I write an essay," James said with a shrug. "Wanna go now?"
"Sure," Lily replied. She suddenly felt stupid being an elf compared to James, who was creative enough to think of a Veela.
When they arrived in a classroom Slughorn had rented, the room was already full. Lily was sure they were early. A rare moment for James, who was almost always late.
"Lily!" Slughorn beamed rushing over to them. "And handsome James! You two look absolutely wonderful. Ooh, Lily, I am deeply impressed with your nose and ears. Did you use a potion for that? No? And James! Very nice robe. I'm sure your parents happily leant you money for this expensive item. Although I don't know what you're supposed to be…"
Lily caught James's eye from above Slughorn's head. The teacher was rather short. Lily grimaced at James and James rolled his eyes.
"Veela," James cut in between Slughorn's long compliments. "I'm supposed to be a Veela. Now, Sluggy, Lily and I have to say hello to others. We promised them."
Before Slughorn had time to say anything, James reached out a long arm and rescued Lily from the presence of Slughorn.
"Sorry," Lily said quickly as James pulled her away with great strength. She could heard Slughorn chuckling to himself.
"Sluggy. Jeez, only James could get away with that. Wouldn't it be lovely if James married Lily?"
Lily felt like the costume was too tight because she burned. Damn Slugghorn – or Sluggy, what she'll refer to him as from now on. The word sluggy seemed to represent his personality.
Why would he say something about her and James getting married? That was stupid! It was something that would never happen.
She glanced at James. There was no emotion on his face that portrayed that he had heard the Potions teacher. Better that way.
…………………………………………
Yes, it would, James thought to himself as he heard Slughorn made a comment about him and Lily. Too bad she doesn't want to.
James felt like a big prat for dressing as a Veela. It made him it look like he thought he was extraordinarily good-looking. He wasn't. That's why he didn't want some other costume to make him look uglier.
Lily, on the other hand, looked so beautiful. Her lips were a brighter red than usual making him want to ravish her immediately.
He was still holding onto her wrist, which he was glad about. Her skin was unbelievably smooth and soft. He could her forever. So who should they visit who is so far away so he could continue holding her hand?
Too bad Sirius saw them first. James reluctantly let go of Lily's wrist.
"Prongs and Evans!" Sirius beamed. "Having fun?"
"We just arrived," James explained.
"Yeah, it's quite boring right now," Sirius said then he looked at Lily. "Did you say Snape was in Sluggy's Club?"
"Yeah, he excels in Potions. We help each other often and I'm upset he's not in my class anymore," Lily said. "But you're not in Sluggy's Club."
Personally, James thought it was too much talk on Snape.
Sirius laughed.
"Evans!" Sirius said, feigning shock. "Since when do you call Slughorn Sluggy? Has Prongs rubbed off onto you? Shame. And well observed, I am not in the club but I sneaked in. Moony is, of course, in the club but Wormtail isn't. He was too much of a wuss to come."
"You'll get kicked out when Slugg – Slughorn realises!" Lily exclaimed.
"Nah," Sirius said. "He'll be too drunk to notice. Poor old fella."
"You can't get drunk in school!" Lily said shocked.
"You're probably right," Sirius said. "But when he's happy being surrounded by famous and excelling people, he seems drunk. Laters now. I see some pretty eye candy eyeing ME."
Sirius gave a wink and disappeared into the crowd.
"Does he ever get scared?" Lily asked looking at the crowd as if Sirius could be seen.
"No," James said. "Sometimes that's the worst part of him."
"I see," Lily said. "I'm going to say hello to some other people. I'll see you later."
Lily gave a genuine smile and disappeared into the crowd like Sirius before her.
James didn't really have anyone to talk to. Sirius kept disappearing and reappearing at various parts of the room that it seemed like he was Apparating and Disapparating. James would occasionally spot Lily but she was too busy talking to some other girls (no boys, thank goodness). Girls tried to flirt with James (the Veela charms, he thought with a smirk) but he did not encourage it any further. Eventually, James floated around talking to Quidditch players and Gryffindors.
There were a few (poor) displays of performance. The Weird Sisters came and James thought his eardrums were popping. He wouldn't have mind if it meant he didn't have to listen to the torturous music any longer. The ghosts of Hogwarts apparently were doing comedy but it was more like horror as the Bloody Baron pretended to plunge swords into other ghosts and students. Slughorn went up to 'dance' instead only to embarrass himself. James finally believed Sirius's word that Slughorn appeared to be drunk around famous and excelling people.
James yawned and checked his watch. 11. 37PM. He thought back to Lily's words. They had been friends for two months. He had never been happier.
An idea suddenly occurred to him. He smiled and left the room.
……………………………………………………………….
Lily frowned as she pretended to search the crowd for a famous Weird Sister. She was actually searching for James. She hadn't seen him for awhile.
It was almost twelve. Would James miss out on that celebration? At exactly twelve, everyone would scream, howl, shriek, or whatever to sound like some monster. The best (Lily never understood how anyone could tell with the room full of screams) would receive 100 Galleons from Slughorn. Lily didn't need the money but it was amusing to see some people embarrass themselves for money.
Lily felt a tap on her shoulder. She whipped around, ready to hex if necessary but came face to face with a grinning James.
"Aren't happy to see me?" he teased.
Lily blushed again. Did he know she liked having his presence around?
"You just scared me," she said ignoring his question.
"Well, maybe this will make you happy," James said. He pulled out a small pink box with a silver box.
Even though Lily didn't know what was inside, she thought it was very, very pretty. Lily had to make sure she didn't look like a soppy mess.
"What is it?" she whispered, rather croakily.
"Open it," he whispered back passing the little box to her. Their fingers brushed and Lily's eyes almost fluttered at such a gentle touch. "But be careful. It could fly."
Curiosity filling her, Lily slowly undid the bow. She hesitated but saw James's encouraging eyes. She lifted the lid.
It was the Snitch. The one James always played with. Was he giving it to her? Why was he giving it to her? Did she get to keep it?
"Happy two months, Lily Evans," James said.
Lily was too speechless to reply or meet his eyes. She felt frozen. James thought this was a bad thing as he started stuttering.
"I…Oh, I'm a fool! I meant happy two months for our friendship. I know it's stupid and if I were to give you a present, it should be in one month, six months and a year and every year after that. But it didn't occur to me until today. And I thought…well, I thought to give you something. And it's stupid that it's just the Snitch. I know it's nothing special, especially since you don't even like Quidditch. Oh, Lily, just chuck it out before I die of embarrassment."
Why was he embarrassed? She should be for not getting him something. No-one had ever given her a present because of friendship before. Especially something that meant so much to them. Tears filled her eyes.
Lily opened her mouth to tell him that but suddenly everyone around them wailed, screamed, shrieked, howled, growled and moaned. Apparently it was midnight.
Lily almost fell from fright as she wasn't expecting it but James caught her around the shoulders. No complaints really.
"Thank-you," Lily said to him. She was actually yelling over the noise. Couldn't the students shut up already? "This means so much to me and I feel so bad for not getting you anything."
James no longer looked embarrassed but finally happy. He tightened his grip on Lily. She smiled.
"Happy two months and a day, Lily Evans. You can buy me a present for our third month or no more presents for you, missy," James said mock-seriously.
"I will," Lily promised.
There was that tension again. So awkward. But what should happen next was clear: a kiss.
James seemed to sense this as he slowly closed his eyes and leaned forward. Lily's heart actually stopped. She never thought it was possible but it did. She didn't hear that thump of her heart. All she could feel was James's heat.
Her eyes fluttered close.
She felt his lips touch her. The smallest of contact that she could've imagined it herself. No pressure on them. Just a touch.
She was suddenly wretched away from him as a loud voice boomed in her ear. Lily's eyes flew open in shock and frustration. It was Slughorn. She could kill him. James looked equally frustrated.
"LILY!" SLughorn beamed. "YOU WON! The yelp you did right after everyone tried to be a monster was the BEST. 100 Galleons! See me tomorrow to claim it!"
He grinned at her before going back to his guests like a good host should.
The moment was gone. The tension was gone. The awkwardness remained. What was Lily supposed to do now?
"I was hardly the best," Lily grumbled avoiding eye contact.
"Who knows, Lily?" James said teasingly and Lily dared to look at him as he no longer held tension in his eyes but playfulness. "You can sound pretty good when you yelp."
Lily blushed.
"Move on, Veela Boy," she said. "It's no longer Halloween. Your Veela charms won't work on me."
James looked slightly confused and hurt so Lily gave him a grin to show she was playing around.
"Who knows, James?" she said. "Perhaps you never needed Veela charms."