I'm back! Sorry for making you wait. - I hate computers, did you know that? Well, you know it now.
Nail a pudding on the wall
Part 11
"So. Spent a nice time, you two?" Sirius smirked all over his face. He was sitting with Remus in Mrs. Raiden's living room, steaming cups of tea in front of them both, when Lily and James entered the house and darted him a half-angry look.
"If you said anything to Granny about James spending the night here, I am going to kill you, Sirius!"
"Nah, of course we didn't." Remus said in a calming voice. "After we found out that she doesn't know anything, we said he met you in the morning and we wanted to pick him up."
Lily stared at him, then moaned. "Great. Now she probably thinks we're going to marry the moment we'll leave school. She can be so old-fashioned sometimes..."
"Oh, you are not going..." Seeing the identical murderous expression appear on Lily's face as well as on James', Sirius choked, pretended a coughing fit and decided to change the topic. "Um... So, how did you two spend last night" - he couldn't suppress a smirk - "and this beautiful day?"
"Um... First, we were in a café till the waitress threw us out, then we went sledding and after that we watched the performance of ‚Romeo & Juliet'."
"Oy! How romantic!" Remus winked at James who stood in front of the fire to warm up his hands, Lily beside him.
"Yep." Sirius grinned mischievously. "But you left out the most interesting part: The night..."
Both Lily and James blushed and stared into the flames without a word. Remus and Sirius exchanged an amused look, then asked at the same time:
"Are you finally together now?"
Lily gave James a searching glance, but he just continued to watch the flames, concentrating hard on not showing any emotion. She missed the shade of hope in his eyes.
"No?"
The two boys that sat at the table sighed silently, but as Mrs Raiden entered the room at this very moment, they made no comment.
"Lily, there you are! Where have you been? Why didn't you leave a message?"
Lily turned round and breathed a sigh of relief: The fury in her grandmother's face had disappeared completely, instead she wore a worried expression.
"Hi Granny. Sorry, I think I just forgot it..." She smiled apologetically. "I was with James."
James finally moved. "It was my fault, Mrs Raiden, really. Lily's got nothing to do with it. I sort of knocked on her window when she was about to go down for breakfast and I convinced her to go sledding with me. Sorry." He smiled his sweetest smile and Mrs Raiden melted while the others were trying to look as if this story wasn't new for them.
"Oh, in this case... Who am I to punish you for loving each other? - Oh my, my cake!" The old woman rushed out of the room and towards the kitchen.
For a moment, no one said a word, then, suddenly, Sirius and Remus went all red in the face and, after a few seconds of trying hard not to lose control, they cracked, burst into fits of giggles, and soon, they rolled both on the floor, shrieking with laughter. James and Lily went all red as well, but one thing was for sure: It was not because they were fighting the urge to laugh. Instead, they kept their eyes down, watching the ground as if there was something especially fascinating and extraordinary to be seen, though there was only a tiny stain which came into being when Vernon Dursley stamped out his cigare on the parquet.
It took Sirius and Remus quite some time to calm down, and when they did eventually, they were both smirking all over their faces.
"Come on, I think we should give the two lovebirds some time to say goodbye to each other. Jamie, we're flying off in five minutes!" Remus dragged a protesting Sirius out of the room, Lily and James could hear their voices trailing off.
"Why did you do that, Moony? I want to see this!"
"Honestly, Padfoot! Did you ever hear of a thing like 'tact'?"
"Nope. Is it something to eat? How d'you spell it?"
Lily and James were still standing in the living room, listening to their friends and avoiding each others eyes. When James spoke after a silence that had seemed to last for ages, his voice sounded sheepish and uncertain, and when Lily glanced up at him, there was an expression on his face she didn't know. As if he had just woken up from a wonderful dream, maybe.
"Sorry, Lil... This story was the first thing I could think of..."
She stared at him in surprise. "Sorry? For what? You saved me from a rather unpleasant lecture of my grandmother."
"Yeah, but... Well..."
"No, really. Thank you, James." And before she could think, she placed a kiss on his lips, then backed away quickly and blushed once again. She didn't glance at him, and that's why she missed the new look on his face. This time, it was more like he had woken up from a wonderful dream just to find out that the next one was even better. A slight grin spread over his face and he watched the girl with a sort of deep admiration, mouthing a silent 'I love you' she didn't see. Then, he shook his head to clear his mind and walked backward towards the door, wanting to keep his eyes on her.
"Bye Lil." He called in a soft voice. "Seeya at 9 3/4."
She waved. "Bye. - Oh, and" - she had recovered now - "don't forget to search for a curl spell or the ingredients of a love potion!"
"I won't." He grinned and walked out, pushing away the thought of giving her some love potion, too. He wanted her to love him, but definitely not just because of a stupid potion. How could he ever be happy with her if he knew that her love wasn't for real?
***
Opened my eyes today
And I knew there's something different
Saw you in brand new way
Like the clouds had somehow lifted
And if yesterday I heard
Myself saying these words
I would swear it was a lie
I don't know why but suddenly I'm falling
Was I so blind
I was loving you all the time
Now I'm hopelessly addicted
Helplessly attracted
I'll make a wish today
And I'll send it to heaven
That we will always stay
Entwined like this forever
And though the world may change
Coz nothing stays the same
I know we will survive
I don't know why but suddenly I'm falling
Was I so blind
I was loving you all the time
Now I'm hopelessly addicted
Helplessly attracted
Naturally we acted
Hopelessly addicted
Helplessly attracted
Chemically reacted
Naturally we acted
The Corrs - Hopelessly addicted
***
After James had dissappeared, Lily stood rooted to the spot for at least two more minutes, trying hard to find another explication for this warm and exciting feeling than that she was in love, but didn't succeed. She sat down on the ground, her legs crossed, her head spinning every time she recalled his face floating over hers, when he had tickled her this afternoon and had stopped abruptly after her plea, just to gaze at her. It had been as if he had forgotten everything around him when he looked her in the eyes. Could he like her in this way? She hadn't seen him even noticing any other girl - except her, maybe - since this day after the Ball... But James? Don't be silly! She told herself firmly. Didn't he say himself a few months ago that love was only a invention of some hopeless fools? Probably he would just laugh at her if she'd tell him about her feelings and think that she had become one of those fools, too. No, she wasn't going to tell him. She'd lose a wonderful friend and gain nothing. It was much better to keep quiet and hope that her mind would come back soon.
***
"Oooh... Lover boy's coming!" Sirius smirked and waved a hand in front of James' face. "Earth to James! How was your day?"
James didn't hear a single word. He seemed to be staring at something wide away, wearing an absent-minded expression, a dreamy smile all over his face and whispering - more to himself as he didn't even notice his two friends that were watching his strange behaviour with highly amused faces: "She kissed me..."
"Oh my God! You've got it bad, Prongs." Remus shook his head, grinning broadly. "Padfoot, now there's a problem. We can't let him fly in this constitution. He'd probably crash into the next tree."
"Hmm. We could tie a rope around his waist, and then one of us ties its other end at his broom. I mean, just look at him, he's nearly flying all by himself. I don't think that he needs a broom today."
"Yeah, the power of love..."
"Isn't he cute like that?" Sirius grinned nastily. "You know, at the moment he'd do everything we want. We could make him pay for giving him the potion, what do you think?"
"Sirius, you're evil!" Remus laughed, still watching James who seemed to realize slowly, very slowly, where he was and how his friends were smirking at him.
"What?"
Sirius leaned forwards and snipped his fingers before James' eyes who winced. With a solemn expression, he then nodded at Remus. "Okay, he's back from Lily-land. But what the hell are we going to do if this should ever happen during a Quidditch-match? You know, just a glimpse of her red hair and he'd probably fly straight into the speaker's cabin."
James mind wasn't back completely, and that's why he noticed his fault only after the next words were out: "I mustn't look at the stands, shouldn't be a problem then."
Seeing the faces of his friends that cracked into two identical, evil grins, James blushed and buried his head in his hands, moaning for he knew that he would have to stand their teasing from now on.
"Well, so you finally admit it." Remus words weren't a question.
"If one of you tells her about it, I'm going to kill you for sure."
"But..."
"Sirius!" James glared at his friend who raised his hand.
"Okay, okay. I just wanted to ask if you aren't going to tell her about it yourself."
"Are you mad? She doesn't love me. Not in that way, anyway. I'd only lose one of the best friends I've ever had and I couldn't stand it."
"How do you know how she's feeling?" Remus gently asked.
James stared at him in disbelief. "Have you forgotten how she slapped me?"
"Oh, Jamsie, she just needed some time to figure out that she loves you."
The boy with the messy black hair laughed sadly. "You've never been one of those realistics, eh, Padfoot? - No, all I can hope for is that this stupid feelings just fade away."
"But she kissed you, Prongs!"
"She was just thankful. And now let's fly off, it's getting cold."
***
"He's a nice boy, your James. And he really loves you." Mrs Raiden wasn't looking at her granddaughter as Lily entered the kitchen, all her attention was turned to the dough she was kneading.
"What makes you think that, Granny?" Lily stared at her grandmother, vaguely wondering if the old woman had lost it.
"Oh dear, don't be stupid. It's so obvious. The way he looks at you! I've seen men that are madly in love before, and they all had one thing in common: They looked like complete idiots whenever they just glanced at the girl they loved." She stopped for a moment and eyed her granddaughter with a thoughtful expression, then went on talking. "Women are quite the contrary, though. We look never more beautiful than when we are in love. Just look at you. You're practically shining, dear."
"I wish you were right." Lily muttered under her breath while leaving the kitchen, but as the old woman was humming some song to herself, she didn't hear this.
***
The remaining days of the holidays were passing by slowly for everyone: For James, because he missed Lily with all his heart although he had just spent a whole day with her that kept spinning around in his head. For Sirius, because it became quite difficult to make James do anything else than just sit in a chair, talking about and brooding over Lily. For Remus, because Jessie was staying in France with her parents and could only write letters to him from time to time. The same for Jessie. Sarah... Well, she didn't know why she wasn't able to enjoy her holidays in the USA, but she definitely didn't. For Peter, because for him, time always passed by too slowly as his life was always a miserable one. (A/N: Sorry, had to write this.) And for Lily, because Petunia kept snapping and hissing at her whenever she got the chance to. And also because she missed her friends and above all James - though she hated to admit this.
So, all together, they were quite glad when it was once again time to set off for King's Cross Station and the Hogwarts Express. Lily hugged her grandmother for goodbye (Petunia had stayed at home, telling her to stay at Hogwarts for the rest of her life) and went through the barrier of platform 9 3/4, looking out for her friends. Unfortunately, the first one she spotted was Severus Snape who gave her a nasty glare and brushed back his hair that looked as if he hadn't washed it at all in the last two years and probably, he hadn't.
"What a nice welcome!" Lily muttered sarcastically, glaring at his back, when a voice behind her made her jump.
She turned around and smiled at James, cursing herself for flushing awfully. "Hi James! How were your hols?"
If Lily was feeling slightly dazed, then it was nothing compared to James: His heart was beating five times as fast, the palms of his hands were sweaty and he couldn't do anything else than gape at her. They were saved by Remus who smirked about their behaviour and directed them both to the compartment where Sirius and Sarah were already talking about their plans for the rest of the year.
"Dungbombs in the Slytherin common room? We did that already, Sirius. - Lily!!!" Sarah jumped up and threw her arms around the girl that had just entered. After greeting James, she grabbed Lily's arm and dragged her out of the compartment and into an empty one.
"I want to hear everything, girl. What was this stuff about the day you spent with James? Him sleeping in your bed? And how come you're finally aware of being in love with him?"
Lily shook her head and laughed. "Please, be patient, at least until Jessie's here. I don't want to tell the same story twice."
"Lil, pleeeaaaase! I can't wait! Besides, Jessie'll spend our journey to Hogwarts with Remus, don't you think so?"
"Oh, um, yeah, you're probably right. Okay..."
***
"Where's Jessie?" Remus moved in his chair uncomfortably, stroking absent-mindedly Lily's Nero and gazing at the now almost empty platform. "We're off in half a minute, and we haven't seen her yet."
"Don't worry, Moony, I guess she met Lil and Sa and they'll come back together."
"What d'you think they're up to?" James was trying to make his hair lie flat but gave up very quickly.
"Oh, just some of this girl stuff. Dreaming about this cute Ravenclaw Beater. Or Lil's searching Steven." Sirius grinned evilly but changed his mind the moment he saw the part terrified and part jealous look on James' face. "Hey, Prongs, just kidding! In fact, I'd be surprised if she goes out with him any longer. He's not a patch on you!"
"No, he isn't." It was the first time that Peter spoke after joining the other three boys.
"You're just trying to make me feel better." James said, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
"Is this how love's supposed to be? Does it always destroy every bit of self-confidence you've ever had?" Sirius stared at his friend, a desperate look on his face.
"Nah." Remus shook his head emphatically. "That is lovesickness. Though you have no reason to give up, Prongs. Not yet. You haven't even tried to win her heart."
"'Cause it's hopeless!" was the muffled answer.
"Oh my God! I can't believe it! James!" Sirius jumped up and glared at his friend. "Stop it! You're so stupid sometimes! Fight for her! Normally, you don't give up so easily. She's afraid, can't you see that? And that's why you have to make her understand that you really love her, that she's the only one you want! If you don't, then I'll talk to her!"
After this lecture, everyone gasped at Sirius, then, suddenly, James got up and hugged him tightly, looking better than the whole last days.
"Thanks, Padfoot. You're right. But... How can I make her understand? 'By the way, Lil, I just wanted to say that I love you'? Great. She'll never believe me."
"Of course not. That's the worst thing you can do. We have to make a plan. A really good plan." Remus grinned in anticipation. "I think you should woo her for some time. Send her roses, love notes and so on, but without telling her that they're from you. And then, when it's time, we prepare something, a really romantic place, whatsoever, you recite what you wrote to her and then, you'll tell her you love her. Something like that."
"Um... Yeah... And... And what should I write to her?"
"Why don't you send her a few of your poems? - Don't deny it, Jamsie, I saw you writing them!"
"Uh... I don't think that... They aren't good enough, Padfoot, she'll just laugh."
"No, she won't." three voices answered at the same time, and with that, the thing was clear.
***
"How are you going to tell him?" Sarah looked at Lily expectantly.
"Tell him?" was the uncomprehending answer.
"Don't do me that, Lil! You aren't going to keep it a secret, are you?"
"'Course I am. I'd just lose one of my best friends otherwise."
"And gain a boyfriend that loves you with all his heart and vice-versa."
Lily buried her head in her hands. "Why the hell does everyone think that James is madly in love with me? James and love? That's just ridiculous, Sa! I'm only a good friend for him, and probably, I'll never be more."
"You're so blind, Lil! Both of you! You're so damn blind!"
"Give it up, Sa. Please. I won't tell him that I love him. Never. - Let's go back, K? We haven't seen Jessie yet."
********
Is this the longest part? I think so. Yup, I'm proud of myself! (No, it wasn't the longest part. I was just confused 'cause after re-installing Windows and every program, Word somehow changed)
Lone astronomer, I forgot it in the last part, so I'll write it this time. Hey, your idea was great! *grins* Really. A shame it didn't fit into my story, but anyway... Would have been really funny...
If I didn't answer to any of your questions, then I'm really sorry, but I can't look what you've written till now. You know, my PC sort of decided to go on strike, and as he swallowed up every mail and refuses at the moment to accept my modem, I can only take a short look at the internet whenever my dad gives me one or two minutes at his computer. But I'll read every review that you'll write from now on, I'll promise.
Disclaimer: Nope. Don't feel like writing it. Who reads this, anyway?