She pondered this as she tried for the 5th time to transfigure a toad into a turban. So far there was definitely still a rather sad looking toad and there was definitely still no turban.
"No no," Emmeline warned her, "don't swish your wand so harshly. Glide."
Lily glided. The toad let out a loud croak and stared at her, looking defiant.
Just then, Professor McGonagall came waltzing over.
"You are still tutoring other students, are you not, Ms. Evans?"
"Yes Professor." Lily responded.
"Oh I had hoped so. It seems, however, that you may need some assistance in the art of transfiguration yourself. Perhaps work with Mr. Lupin in your spare time."
"Actually, Professor, I'm having some difficulties myself." Lupin said.
"Very well. Ms. Evans, you will receive help from Mr. Potter. Mr. Lupin, you will work with Ms. Vance.
"Thank you Professor." said Remus, smiling kindly at Emmeline.
"But Professor, I-." Lily began, however Professor Mcgonagall had swiftly moved onto complementing James on his large, glittering turban.
"Consider yourself lucky," Emmeline said rather excitedly, "Potter's even better at transfiguration than I am!"
She looked over to James, who was currently trying to shove Sirius' toad down his pants. Sirius was laughing madly and punching James everywhere he could reach. Professor McGonagall gave them a stern look. Remus broke them apart, to which he received the toad down his pants. He did not look amused.
James' was laughing silently, bent over and slapping his knee. Lily couldn't help but smile.
Wait. Why? Up until yesterday she had loathed James Potter, and now, he was...Tolerable? Well he had taken her to the hospital wing after she sprained her ankle. Of course, that wouldn't have happened if he hadn't made her walk with him to the castle. And what was with that dream earlier? And, Merlin, she had forgotten about her nipples in his face this morning! And now she was supposed to be tutored by him? He probably was annoyed that he'd seen her in such a way and now she was inconveniencing him further by having to be tutored by him! She decided to get Alice's advice over lunch.
"Wait, WHAT?!" Alice roared.
"Alice! Keep it down!" Lily whisper-roared back.
"I'm sorry. WHAT?!
"I know. But I forgot what I was wearing."
"Or not wearing, apparently. What did he do?"
"He just sort of...Stared. Honestly I think he was more weirded out than anything."
"Probably. I mean you guys barely know each other."
Lily's spirits lowered a bit. She had been hoping that Alice had said he was interested in her. Why? She had no idea. But, somehow, she felt hurt at the thought that James wouldn't like her that way.
"I should apologize to him." Lily said, a little defeated.
"Maybe." Replied Alice. She gave Lily an encouraging sort of smile.
They resumed their lunch by the black lake, every once in a while pointing at the giant squid, which made an occasional appearance.
That evening, after dinner, Lily invited Alice, Marlene and Emmeline to the Head Dorm. They made their way to the 7th floor, chatting and giggling the entire way. Lily was grateful to have such a close group of friends. They finally found themselves in front of the thestral painting.
"What is it?" asked Marlene, tilting her head, her signature bun flopping to the side.
"All I know is that it's called a thestral." The portrait swung open wide to let them in.
"Oh Lily! It's amazing!" exclaimed Emmeline. She hurried over to the hundreds of books lining the walls.
"This place is stunning!" Marlene bounced onto one of the many golden poufs near the fireplace.
"Cool!" stated Alice, looking at the star-studded ceiling.
"You guys are more than welcome to share this space. It's way more relaxing than the Gryffindor common room." Lily offered.
The girls continued to talk and laugh late into the night. James had come in, said hello, and gone straight to his room and they hadn't heard from him since. Alice, Emmeline and Marlene bade Lily goodnight around 11. Lily was just about to turn in when James entered the common area, a plain white shirt held in one hand.
"Er...Lily, I thought you could use this, since you haven't been able to find your usual pajamas yet." He handed her the shirt.
She accepted it and looked down at it. It was easily double her size and the fabric was so soft. She could even smell James on it, which all of a sudden made her really want to touch him.
"Thanks James. And I'm sorry about this morning. What you had to see." Lily said shyly, looking up at him from beneath her lashes.
"It's okay." He smirked.
Oh. He must not like her after all. How could she have been so silly to even hope? Well, maybe they could be friends.
"Thanks James. She stood on her tippy toes and quick as a wink, kissed him on the cheek.
She stood back and observed him. He was running a hand through his hair and staring at her lips.
"Lily, I…"
"Yes?"
"I hope you have a good night."
"You too." and she turned and headed for her bedroom, this time, definitely thinking about James Potter.
