Title: Diametrically Opposed
Author: mony2208
Rating: PG-13 for occasional bad words
Spoilers: Written before Ootp, HBP & DH but contains some spoilers.
Summary: Lily Evans has always detested the very sight of James Potter and up until fifth year, James thought he felt the same way. But circumstances arise that begin to make James look twice at his so-called enemy… & now he can't seem to get her out of his mind ...
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Forewords: Boy, what a busy week I've had! I started to write this chapter straight away but then I got caught up in an 18th birthday frenzy! A friend had her party on Saturday night, meaning I had to go out and buy a present, yell at her boyfriend to give her a decent present, and then restrain myself from slapping this freaky guy who would not leave me alone!
Anyway, I'm sure you all don't need to hear about my boring life. I just thought I would you some good excuses if this chapter isn't up to its usual standards! Right … moving on!
Diametrically Opposed
Chapter Eleven
The Ball, or a disaster waiting to happen?
..
After receiving some disturbing news from the Head Boy two weeks before the Ball, James strode over to where Lily and her friends were sitting for lunch, and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Evans, can I speak with you for a moment?" he asked politely as she turned around.
Lily merely stared blankly up at James. Since when was Potter polite?
James sighed at her reaction. It wouldn't hurt her to think he could be responsible sometimes … "Its prefect business," he explained.
At that, Lily stood up without another word (as James knew she would), and followed him out of the Great Hall and down into another hallway.
She leant against the wall as James stopped, and waited expectantly for him to inform her of any recent news.
"Well … " James begun slowly, then another thought springing into his mind. "Actually, there is something that I'd like to say first that isn't prefect related."
Lily wasn't sure she wanted to hear this. "Like?" she prompted unenthusiastically.
"Like I knew you wouldn't just stand by and let Josh get away with it." James said, a triumphant smirk spreading across his face.
Lily's eyes widened in mock shock. "Whatever do you mean?" she cried.
"Please. The whole school knows you were the one that put Josh in the hospital wing. Why couldn't you just admit it to me that day?"
Lily dropped the façade instantly, scowling. "Like I said before, it was never any of your concern for what I did. Besides, I don't recall denying that I wouldn't hex him, just that you wouldn't."
"You could have just told me, Evans," James repeated mulishly.
"As distressing as this might sound to you right now, Potter," she replied back sarcastically, "the world does not revolve around you. I have had other better and more important things to do."
"What could be more important than me?" he asked cockily.
"I can think of plenty far more important things than you in an instant. My lunch for starters," she pointed out forcefully. "Then there's other things like-" She began to count on her fingers, "-my potions homework, preparation for the ball, my date for the ball-"
James cut her off. "Ha! You should have said yes to me when you had the chance, Evans."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Did I ever say 'finding' a date for the ball? I think not, because I already have a date-"
"A date? Who is it then?" demanded James. Lily smirked, and crossed her arms stubbornly.
James sighed. "Someone from Gryffindor?" he ventured. Lily shook her head. James furrowed a brow, and Lily practically saw the wheels turning in James' head.
"Ravenclaw? Hufflepuff?" Each question was answered by a shake of her head.
James' face betrayed his shock. "Surely you don't mean you're going with a Slytherin? The only guy you really talk to in Slytherin is that slimy git Snivellus…" he trailed off and looked at Lily, an absolutely ridiculous idea forming in his head. Surely not …
Lily didn't answer, but a sheepish expression crossed her face. She even considered raising her hands to her ears to deafen his imminent yells, but dismissed that idea as it might make him more agitated.
Lily simply decided to wait as James began to suck in a particularly deep breath.
Sure enough …
"That GIT is your DATE?" James shouted. (Sirius later told James that he had heard the screaming all the way from the Great Hall.) "You've GOT to be kidding me? You said yes to him but not me?"
Lily nodded, anger now replacing her embarrassment. What right did he have to act all offended? It wasn't his life after all.
"He asked me, and I accepted," she said. "The difference is he never asked me out of pity. We agreed to go as acquaintances to the Ball and seeing as we are both prefects it solved our problem for having to find someone to open the dance with. Nothing more, nothing less."
A grin suddenly tugged at James' mouth, which surprised Lily slightly. That wasn't the reaction she was expecting from him. In actual fact, Lily was prepared with her wand to prevent him from killing her or something equally as catastrophic … not this … maybe he was going insane, she thought hopefully.
"That's just it, your little problem isn't solved Evans," he replied finally. He looked two seconds away from rubbing his hands together in glee. "That's the prefect thing I came to speak to you about."
That gained Lily's full attention.
"What?"
"Prefects now have to dance with their house partners, not just any prefects," Catching the look on her face James added, "I really shouldn't have had to tell you. You of all people should of known that already, you always know everything … "
Lily's jaw dropped and she turned bright red, "I didn't hear anything about that. You're lying."
James smirked as he explained. "I'm not lying. Somebody suggested that idea to the Head Boy and Girl last night. They thought it was an excellent idea, as did Dumbledore and decided to mention it at tomorrow's prefect meeting."
"Why on earth would somebody do such a thing?" Lily screeched.
"How am I supposed to know? I'm just relaying it to you after bumping into Michael, so don't kill the messenger," he replied defensively. "Anyway I thought you might be glad now. At first I thought because you didn't have a date, but now you won't have to be going with Snape anymore. Now you don't need him to be your dance partner. That's sure to make things up between us, isn't it?"
"How? By forcing me to dance with you? How many times do I have to say it before it gets through that thick head of yours. I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP! I am quite capable of handling myself in any situat-"
James interjected, "It's obvious you can't … Look at who you chose for a date. SNIVELLUS! A slimy, worthless, prejudiced, dark arts fanatic. You should be thanking me for not having to dance with him."
"DON'T CALL HIM THAT!" shouted Lily, her face flushed with anger. "Just because you two have issues between each other gives you no right to force your opinion on others! I can go with whomever I want to, regardless of your support."
"I can't believe you don't see what Snivellus is really like," urged James. He had to get her to see what he meant, before she made a mistake by going with Snape. "He is completely surrounded by dark arts, and I am certain his parents are involved with the new Dark Lord. You've seen the hexes he has sent at me before. You know they aren't part of the school's curriculum."
He sighed, shaking his head regretfully as he added, "For a school prefect, you're awfully dense about certain things."
"Dense? You think I'm dense? Look at yourself. You can't even see past the typical school prejudices," Lily said scornfully. "Just because people are in different houses from you doesn't mean that they aren't human."
James snapped back angrily, "I know that. But you can't defend the Slytherins' actions. You should be the first person to admit how bad they are, calling you- " Here he paused shamefully, not wanting to say the offending word. "- what they call you all the time. I know you can't stand them, just as I can't. It's inexcusable."
"Yes I agree that not all of them are pleasant … but the key words there are 'not all'. Severus is not like that to me and though he hates you and at times, provokes you into attacking him, this feud is not one-sided. The way you and Sirius retaliate towards him is absolutely ludicrous. I wouldn't be surprised if one day you ended up killing each other," Lily ranted, "… and then where would that leave you?"
"I'm not going to pretend that I'd care if Snivellus went and got himself killed," James declared heartlessly. "It would only be because he was out killing innocent people along with the rest of his death eater friends."
James was prepared to say more, but was cut off when he caught sight of a group of timid second year students over Lily's shoulder. They had obviously heard the screaming and were reluctant to come any closer for fear of being included in the well known 'Potter/Evans stand-offs'.
Sensing James' sudden silence, Lily turned around to face the now terrified second years. She took a deep breath, and forced herself to take on a calm voice.
"I think we've gotten way off topic. Is that all you wanted to tell me?"
James absently ran a hand through his hair, making it stick up on its end and Lily seethe inwardly. How she hated it when he did that to his hair! It just made her want to tape it back down ... set it on fire … shave it … any of those suggestions sounded quite tempting at the moment.
"Uh, just one …" James broke off hesitantly, before stating, "As we are now dance partners, I just want to know if you can uh- dance?"
And with that one statement, it became apparent to Lily that she would never willingly dance with Potter. She would find a way out of dancing with him, or she would die trying. Not even her mind could conjure up an image of the two dancing together … having to lay her hands on him, and vice versa. Just the thought of being in such close proximity made her sick to the stomach.
With a finality ringing in her tone, Lily hissed determinedly, "That is irrelevant because there is NO way I'm going to dance with you. I draw the line at this. Working with you is worse enough…" shouted Lily, turning around to leave.
"…if you can even call it that," she added under her breath, but James heard and his eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, well working with you is no picnic either, Evans," he called out to her angrily before storming off to meet his friends outside. He wasn't pleased with Lily's choice of a date, and he would make sure that Snivellus would pay for it at the Ball… in whichever way he and the Marauders could.
That night at the prefect meeting, Lily and James deliberately positioned themselves on opposite sides of the room, Lily still seething from their last encounter.
Lisa, the Head Girl stood in front of the prefects, and just like James had told Lily, went into a lengthy explanation of the new changes to the opening dance. As predicted, most of the attention was focused on Lily and James and their possible reaction. Everybody knew the hostility between the two, and were expecting to witness some sort of outburst at the news.
However, seeing as they had both heard the news prior to the meeting, Lily and James remained silent, although there was an occasional glare thrown each other's way.
There were other minor reports that were discussed, but Lily's mind was elsewhere. She was desperately thinking of ways to avoid dancing with Potter. Unfortunately, the only ways she could come up with weren't exactly … subtle … so that wouldn't work.
" … And Michael and I would like Lily and James to stay back for a few moments after the meeting please," Lisa finally finished, dismissing everyone with a tight smile.
After everyone else had left the meeting, Lisa motioned for Lily and James to sit down again. They did so, grudgingly.
"Now, we know that you two don't particularly get along very well …" Michael, the Head Boy began.
"That's the understatement of the year," Lily murmured softly. Only James heard her, and threw her a filthy look.
"… Yes well, we just want to make it clear that we won't stand for anymore arguments between you two. At least until after the Ball," Lisa cut in decisively.
Lily decided to drop all pretences. "With all due respect, I can't dance with Potter," she stated, stubbornly folding her arms in front of her. "If you honestly want the Ball to continue as planned, then you won't make us dance together."
The two Heads shared an exasperated look. "I'm afraid that's not an option, Lily," Michael spoke firmly. "Dumbledore has specifically told us that he wants us to go with our own houses. He says it is to get you all to learn how to work together. After all, you will be expected to work together again next year if you remain prefects, and most likely seventh year as well so you might as well learn to get along."
"Have you worked with Evans?" James asked disbelievingly. "Do you know how much of a nightmare she is?"
"Hey, I resent that Potter, especially seeing as its coming from you-"
"ENOUGH!" Michael exclaimed loudly. "This is exactly what we don't want from you two."
Lily dropped her gaze onto the floor in shame, and James flashed an apologetic grin.
"Now we want you two to behave maturely towards each other, otherwise we will put you both on probation."
Lily gasped in shock. "Probation?"
"I know it seems a bit extreme, but we can't afford to mess the Ball up," Lisa justified, almost apologetically. "This is the first Ball that Hogwarts has had for many years, and I do not want anything to go wrong."
Michael stood up slowly, gathering the meeting's papers. "So we just wanted to warn you that we wont stand for anything."
"Fine."
"Fine."
And with that, Lily and James stormed out of the room, Lily mumbling incoherently under her breath and James glowering.
The next morning Lily shuffled her way to breakfast and dumped herself next to Arabella, who greeted her with a wary grin.
"So what's happened now?" Bella asked curiously. "You've been gloomy ever since Potter dragged you off to talk to him yesterday."
Not wanting her friends to cause yet another scene, Lily had omitted from her friends the reason Potter had pulled her aside the day before. After all, up until the disastrous meeting, she had been so sure that she'd somehow be able to finagle her way out it.
Lily groaned, knowing she couldn't keep it a secret any longer. "I have to dance with Potter at the Ball."
"Potter?" Bella screeched. "Are they insane? Do they not realise that there might not be a Hogwarts standing after the Ball if you have to go near him?"
"Yeah, I tried to tell them that, but they wouldn't listen," Lily replied frustratingly, pouring herself a glass of pumpkin juice. She spilt just about half of it onto the table in her anger. "I'm still going to try and worm out of it, but after being shot down by the Heads, it's not looking very likely."
"I guess it's not that bad. I mean, now you don't have to go with Snape because you two were only going together for the opening dance."
Lily frowned disapprovingly. Ever since she had told Bella about going with Severus to the ball, Bella had been determined to stop it from happening. As much as Lily hated to admit it, Bella was acting as irrational as Potter was.
"I just can't back out now," protested Lily. "That would be extremely rude, plus it's not as if we are going to be together the whole night. He told me the other day that it was just a formality and that we should feel free to go and talk to our own separate groups of … friends for the night."
Lily didn't mention the exact phrasing that Severus put to her about her 'friends', as she gathered Bella wouldn't be entirely too pleased with the language. She hated him enough as it was.
"You and your damn morality, Lily." Bella complained, childishly slamming her fist down onto the table.
"So… when are we going to go through with this prank, Prongs?" Sirius asked James eagerly during Defence Against the Dark Arts. Their professor was currently testing the students one by one, so the rest of the class were pretty much free to do as they liked … Obviously, this meant some planning time for the four Marauders.
"Not until after the Ball," moaned James, jabbing at his desk with his quill.
Sirius looked scandalised. "What? Why?"
"Because Prongs here and Lily have been warned by the Head Boy and Girl to play nice to each other until after the Ball," Remus replied smoothly, not looking up from his DADA book.
"How did you know that, Moony?" James enquired.
"I heard Lily mumbling to herself as she walked down to breakfast this morning. She seemed quite put out if you ask me."
"She's talking to herself about me?" James grinned at the thought, then groaned. " And I can't even say anything back to her … this is unbelievable."
"Who cares about that right now? You're talking about postponing our prank!" cried Sirius.
Peter added in an indignant, "Yeah!" as he scooted his chair over. "I still haven't managed to live down that bloody pom pom hat. The sticking charm on it almost took off all my hair!"
"I can't help it," James objected. "My hands are completely tied down. We just have to wait an extra three weeks or so … then we can do it."
Sirius' face fell, and he angrily stupefied a fly buzzing past. "I knew your prefect duties would get in the way of things," he grumbled.
"It doesn't mean we can't prank other people, Padfoot," James pointed out reasonably. He didn't want to admit to himself that Sirius was right.
"I guess," Sirius admitted reluctantly, then added in a lighter tone, "I have been itching to try those extra strength dungbombs for a while …"
"That's the spirit," Remus said idly, turning a page in his book.
"I can't believe I have to do this," grumbled Lily, reluctantly accepting James' hand to walk onto the dance floor.
It was finally the night of the Ball.
To the surprise of many, Lily and James had managed to obey the Head Students' wishes and not kill each other for two weeks, but one wagered how long it would last once the Ball had ended. Lily had still been dead against the dancing, but no matter how hard she had objected over the past couple of weeks, the Head Boy and Girl had remained firm in their decision, so here she was, forced to dance with him.
Lily had to admit that the Great Hall looked spectacular when she had the chance to look around. The usual Christmas ornaments had been discarded for a more dramatic setting. There were Christmas trees as high as the ceiling, scattered around the edges of the Hall. They were covered with sparkling golden decorations that seemed to light up the room. Snow was lightly falling from the ceiling as always, with animated snowman singing Christmas carols. The tables themselves were covered in beautiful white tablecloths, and the benches had been replaced by individual chairs marking the colours of each House.
It was too bad she couldn't enjoy it with someone else. Lily scowled as she turned back to James as they reached the dance floor. This was the moment she'd been dreading.
"Yeah, well I'm not too excited by this either," replied James, who grumpily placed his other hand on Lily's waist, ready for the dance to start. James couldn't help but grin when he added, "but at least it gets you away from that damn Slytherin."
Lily's eyes flashed dangerously, and her fingernails painfully dug into his soft palm. James winced and had to stop himself from pulling away.
"Watch what you say Potter," she warned, turning her head to smile sweetly at the table they passed. James saw this and flashed his trademark grin at the same table. Even the girls with dates visibly swooned at this.
"Didn't think you could actually overshadow me, did you?" he whispered in her ear. Lily pulled back slowly, determined to not let him get to her.
"Don't think you can provoke me into another fight, Potter," she shot back. James just shrugged as they danced past the Head Boy and Girl, who were dancing together on the fringes of the dance floor, and shooting apprehensive looks in their direction every few seconds.
"I was merely stating the fact that no matter how hard you try, it's impossible for you to outshine me … especially since you can't even seem to get a proper date to a simple dance," he finished with a satisfied smirk, knowing that he had struck a sore point, but no longer caring.
As the song grew to an end, Lily's face flushed red and tears began to prick the corners of her eyes.
"You will never grow up Potter," huffed Lily, discreetly grinding her heel into his right foot before breaking apart and walking away.
Headmaster Dumbledore leaned over to Professor McGonagall, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Seems Miss Evans and Mr Potter are getting along quite well, don't you think, Minerva?" stated Dumbledore, nodding his head in the direction of the two students who were dancing together for the opening dance. McGonagall nodded, quite surprised that they weren't both hexing each other by now. A sudden thought came to her and she turned around to look at Dumbledore suspiciously.
"You didn't do anything did you, Albus?" she asked. Dumbledore chuckled.
"No Minerva, they did it on their own-" At that point they both saw Lily's heel painfully meeting Potter's foot before walking over to the punch table.
"Obviously it didn't last long," McGonagall added smugly.
"You never know Minerva, you never know."
Lily snatched a cup from the table and started pouring some punch into it, realising all too late that she didn't really feel like drinking any. Luckily Snape came up to her. He'd clearly noticed her abrupt departure, and eagerly left his own uncomfortable dance.
Lily silently offered her cup to Snape, who accepted it with a nod.
"You want to talk about it?" asked Snape.
"No," snapped Lily. Snape looked at her expectantly, and she sighed. "Potter is so impossible," she elaborated. Snape raised an eyebrow.
"And it took you so long to find that out?" he asked, a rare hint of amusement apparent in his voice. "I thought you knew that already?"
"No I did … it's just there is no use trying to get anything through to him, and it's just so-"
"Irritating?" Snape finished. Lily nodded slowly.
"Yeah." Lily stopped, and hesitated slightly before saying, "You know that he is pissed off at me for going with you? Said I shouldn't even be thinking of going with a Slytherin, let alone going with you."
"It's not difficult to ascertain what his reaction would be," Snape sneered.
"-That's only because you're a slimy git who doesn't belong with her, Snivellus," said James, appearing from behind them, Sirius and Remus not far behind. "She belongs with her own kind."
Snape scowled at James. He was quick to pull out his wand, James following suit. Before they could do anything though, a jug of pumpkin juice suddenly was poured…
…right onto James face.
"I don't need you to be my protector, Potter. I can think rationally on my own," spat Lily, holding the now empty jug of pumpkin juice and watching in satisfaction as James spluttered nonsense. Waiting for him to finish, she added heatedly, "And I certainly don't belong with anyone, least of all you."
She slammed the jug down on the table and stalked out of the Great Hall, head held high, but inwardly feeling like screaming bloody murder.
It was most unfortunate that an inebriated Josh chose this time to stumble in her path. He barely called out a, "Hey hows it go-?" before she whipped her wand out of her pocket and hissed-
"Furnunculus."
She could hear his screams echoing throughout the castle as she ran madly towards the common room. Once inside, she changed out of her dress robes and hopped into bed. The last thing she wanted was to remember the stupid Ball.
Nothing was sacred when Potter was around. All she had wanted was a chance to have fun at the Ball. Dance a little, enjoy the company of friends, and maybe even meet somebody new. But Potter was always there to remind her just how impossible that was. She'd never met someone so determined to ruin everything good in her life, not even Petunia.
And it was just so unfair …
A/N: What do you think of James' reaction and the Ball? Was it too quick? Please tell me!
He he, I loved everybody's reaction to Snape and Lily going to the Ball. I don't like the idea of a relationship between Snape and Lily either so don't worry it will never ever happen. In fact, things are going to change soon … oops I wasn't meant to say that. Uh, and the long awaited 'incident' is going to be explained as well, most likely in 2 chapters time.
Oh, and the last bit with Josh was especially for BlueEyedWildMage who wanted to see more punishment for Josh!
Once again thanks to the following reviewers (which I must say has increased dramatically over the last couple of chapters):
Zane Lupin: Hey that's no problem. You made up for it with your review. It was great! I did what you suggested with the whole Peter comment, because I agreed with you. I just didn't know what to say at the time. I'd also say at the moment, you aren't reading too much into things. James does think about her … that's true, but in what way? As you said, I'm the author, so I do know of course, and at the moment I'm deliberately putting these things in to make people think. I won't tell you anymore though. I do have to add that this 'incident' will be mentioned in the next couple of chapters, and it's one of the first things I wrote when I started this story. It will be worth the wait … I hope. You just have to wait until after the Ball.
Kiwi: Jealous could be an understatement, but you've got to read on to find out.
Cassie: Thanks for reviewing, and I promise I'll write more.
Write-on3108: Is this soon enough? If not I'm sorry, I've been a bit preoccupied this week.
Cehmp4eva: Thanks, I hope that means you'll keep on reading and reviewing then!
Snuffles: Yes well I don't think James is a prick 100% of the time. Lol, he's bound to be nice sometimes, in his own little way. I'm glad you think I haven't made Snape too nice. I was always worried when I wrote him that it wouldn't sound enough like him, seeing as he is so much of a git in the future. And don't worry I won't ever leave you hanging for more than a week at the most. I love reading fics too, and there's nothing more annoying than waiting for them to be updated ... that is if they ever do get updated, which is even worse.
Parselmouth Majere: Yeah I have to agree with you there. I mean its so obvious the names aren't just going to pop up in their heads for no reason at all. After reading this chapter over again, I think I should have said a bit more to make it even more believable, but I couldn't think of anything else.
Diana: I hope this is fast enough for ya! And I hope you keep on liking my chapters! Its great to know people actually wait for my story to be updated.
TheStek: Yes … very interesting indeed. You'll just have to read on for that.
Lily: Wow, you do that? For my story? I mean I can relate. I do that to tons of other stories, but I just didn't think my story was one of them! I hope you do another little dance around the room because here is another chapter (obviously) lol.
Chookstar: lol, don't worry I would never do anything like that. Sheesh this is a Lily/James fic, not disgusting Lily/Severus. I just know that Snape will be the one guy that James will react the most to, if you know what I mean … and the reaction is gonna be good.
Anarane Anwamane: Thank you! Keep on reviewing please!
Purple Spotted Hedwig: I don't know. That review didn't seem very special or ecstatic to me. ;) lol. Nah I loved it. REALLY! Keep on reviewing like that, and you'll make me a very happy girl!
Laur: Thanks, I'm quite partial to L/J fics myself. I've read so many, I've lost count.
DRUIDGIRL: Don't worry, I shudder at those kinds of fics too. I don't entirely like Snape either, but I have this idea that I will be using in the future. Thanks!
Kelsey Potter Black: Well here you go, another chapter. I hope you like it. I must say I found it pretty funny too when I read what you wrote on the fanfiction board. It is rather weird, lol.
Drops-of-winter: Thanks, I love their arguments too, because they are so fun to write. Yes they are going to go together but you'll find out some other things in this chapter that might make you a bit more happier. And I'm not sure about how the whole age thing works over in England, because I'm an Aussie. I just assumed it didn't matter, because Lily's b'day is only 4 months from Harry's. It's still the same year. Ah well, im sorry anyway.
Alohomora: I'm sorry that your disappointed with Lily and Snape, but I guarantee you, that things might be a bit better … and I wont be focusing on them together that much as well. And I respond to all the reviewers (like yourself) because you have all been nice enough to read my story … and keep on wanting to read it, which is a definite bonus for me!
Ivy Crane: Lol, I just couldn't figure out another valid way of determining Peter's nickname.
Lady Tiffy: Well here's more for you. :)
BlueEyedWildmage: Don't worry, I hate it when I used to get grounded. Thank goodness it hasn't happened in a while. It is definitely weird that you seem to be soo much like Lily … then again maybe I'm a seer, just like 'Trelawney' … and I knew that you would read it, if it was about you … lol. Sorry, I'm in a crazy mood again. Definitely too much vanilla coke tonight, it makes me hyper. Just one last thing, I've tried to make Peter come off as a rather timid guy, because I always believed that he was more likely to stand behind them, rather than always contribute. I'll try and involve Peter more though, and more likeable (if that's possible). Thanks for your input, and I hope you don't get grounded again, so you can keep on reviewing
