Uninvited Affection
Chapter 4: "It's hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your
head."
***
The door of the compartment rattled and Sirius and Lily jumped apart. Running
her fingers through her hair she looked up to see who had interrupted. James
was walking through the door incredibly slowly carrying a tower of candies and
treats. It teetered back and forth and James tried to walk faster, but he could
barely see past the chocolate frogs in front of his face. Sirius casually stuck
his foot out causing James and the food to come toppling down suddenly. Sirius
burst out laughing.
"HAHAHA! That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen in my
life." He screeched.
"Not funny Padfoot. You can't even open the damn door when I
knocked about fifty times. What the hell were you up to in the first
place?" James cocked one eyebrow as he looked suspiciously at the two.
"Well Lily was absorbed by her book and I was thinking."
Sirius answered defensively.
"Thinking my arse. I doubt you know what the word means." James
mumbled as he busied himself picking up the fallen goodies.
Lily stood up and made her way to her trunk pulling out the various parts of
her uniform.
"I'm going to change. James, you should too. We are supposed to be
setting an example for the younger students, being prefects and all." She
dryly remarked.
"As you wish sweetheart." He deadpanned ignoring the look she
threw him on her way out.
***
James adjusted his tie again. They had been at Hogwarts for five minutes and
they were already in trouble. Sirius had decided that firing off an entire ton
of Filibuster's fireworks, was a grand way to start the year. Sorting was about
to begin and Dumbledore still hadn't said anything. The Marauders had two rules
about pranks. The first was, let them no it was you, and second, never get
caught.
"Cheer up Jamie. They'll never know it was us. Your precious
prefect badge is still safe." Sirius chirped a wide grin on his face.
"Misters Potter, Lupin, Black, and Pettigrew please make your way to my
office after the Sorting." Dumbledore announced as the Sorting Hat
prepared to make its song.
"We're screwed." Remus said. As he forgot their predicament and
engaged in conversation with a lively first year, a strawberry blonde shyly sat
down in the empty seat next to James. James was too busy eating to notice.
Sirius kicked him under the table and nudged his face in her direction. James
finally took the hint.
"Hullo Rachel." James flashed a grin at Rachel Karman. He had gone
out with the girl for about a year before they had split amicably. She was one
of the sweetest and nicest girls in the entire school and everyone thought so.
"Hey James, how was summer?" She asked.
"Besides the fact that I had to make sure this arse didn't get
himself locked up in St. Mungo's, it went quite well." James answered
motioning to Sirius who was sticking his tongue out at him. Rachel giggled
softly.
"We went to Italy. It's absolutely gorgeous and so romantic." Rachel
sighed obviously remembering her trip.
"Oh, how so?" Rachel and James turned to see Lily standing
there. One perfectly shaped eyebrow raised.
"Really, the only thing I found even partially interesting was the
men. They are good for a quickie, wouldn't you agree Rachel?" Lily taunted
even though she knew Rachel was a virgin.
"I wouldn't really know Lily." Rachel meekly replied blushing.
"How could I forget that you've never done 'it' before. My bad."
James shot a glare at Lily, who was looking very pleased.
"What did you come here for Lily?" James hissed.
"There's a prefect's meeting starting in five minutes, I thought
you might like to know." Lily replied coolly.
"Thanks for the information, I'll see you then." James answered.
"Fabulous." Lily remarked.
***
Delia Jacobs scanned the room. James was droning. She loved him, really she
did. He was one of Remus' best friends but when Dumbledore couldn't make one of
their meetings and James 'took the initiative' of reading the announcements,
she couldn't help but want to sleep.
Next to her, Stephanie Haverford was checking James out. Brittany Thomas was
doodling on a piece of parchment. In the back of the room she knew that there
were a bunch of guys checking out Lily Evans. Lily Evans. She was the
only prefect in the room who was completely tuning out James. Instead she
busied herself painting her nails. However, Delia knew that James had picked up
on her and was waiting for him to openly acknowledge her. James and Lily
usually had one blown out fight in the beginning of the year and Delia was
hoping for a little entertainment.
"Princess?"
"Jimmy?" The entire room stared at the two.
"Have you even heard a word I've said?" His arms were crossed
on his chest and his eyes were set in a deadly glare.
"Lets see, our duties as prefects require us to be at our best. We must
maintain Hogwarts reputation in the wizarding world. We, prefects, are top
students and we must lay down the law for the better of the student population."
Lily mimicked. She capped her nail polish and crossed her legs.
"When did I say that?"
"Come on James, it's what you say every time Dumbledore isn't here.
Since you're our little spokesman."
Ooh, James was pissed now. Delia could see the prominent vein in his neck.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Naughty use of language James. Are you sure your precious reputation won't
be in danger now?"
"Shut the fuck up or get the hell out Evans. We'll talk about this later
in private."
"I always knew you to 'talk' to me alone. How 'bout we head to your room.
Oh I forgot you go for virgins. Trust me Jimmy they really are overrated."
Delia saw James' jaw clench.
"Not every girl can brag about bedding everything that walks on two legs
and has a dick between its legs."
"Mr. Potter! Miss Evans! That will be quite enough. I
will continue the announcements Mr. Potter. Will you two return to your seats, NOW."
Dumbledore's voice resounded through the room.
"On the last four days before Christmas holidays we will be holding four
events. Prefects from their respective houses will organize each event. 500
points will be awarded to the house that organizes the most liked event. The
events may be balls or parties whatever you may choose. Every detail of the
planning must be decided by you and your partners," Dumbledore paused and
turned to James and Lily, "Mr. Potter, Miss Evans. If you two refuse to
get along your house will forfeit the competition and you will both be awarded
two weeks of detention. Understood?"
James and Lily nodded their heads, although neither looked too joyous on the
prospect of spending time with each other.
Fabulous, I'll be spending a hell lot of time with James until Christmas.
Simply Fabulous
***