Yay! I am soooooooooo happy! Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - June 21st! I mean I know it's about 5 months away but atleast we know when it's coming out!
Alright this chapter took forever to write so please review it!
I got a review saying that I needed to paragraph my story better, so I did this chapter and re-uploaded it! - I'll thank them later.
Disclaimer: Roses are red, violets are blue. I don't own Harry Potter, and neither do you!
Alright then, on with the story!!!!
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ROLLERCOASTER: CHAPTER FIVE - HE LIKES YOU!
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'GO on!'
It was a cold Saturday afternoon and Bella was trying to persuade an extremely self concious Remus into the library, where Ashleigh was (supposedly) at the moment, doing her homework.
It had been exactly one week since Bella's dramatic break up with Li. Any normal teenage girl would have been moping around in a forlorn manner, were they in Bella's situation.
But not Bella Figg - she seemed have decided that if she herself could not go to the ball with who she wanted to - she would at least make sure her other friends would. And she had decided (naturally) to start with her bestest buddy in the world - Remus.
'Remus! If you don't go in there and ask her right now, I will! And let me tell you - it aint gonna be pretty!' Bella (who was growing quite impatient) looked up at him angrily and motioned as if to open the door.
'Wait!' Remus pulled her back ' What if she doesn't like me.' He looked down at his feet.
Bella groaned.
'Remus! Are you blind! You're one of the cutest guys in the school, and the funniest, friendliest, greatest guy I know!'
She grinned at him and pointed to the library door -
'So grow some balls, go in there and ask her you great git!' She tugged the front of his cap down so it covered his eyes. (A/N: we're talking about a surf,sport,baseball - whatever you wanna call it cap here - not one of those pointy black things!)
'Right!' Remus, re-adjusted his cap, stormed up to the entrance, grabbed the door handle and - stopped
'But what if -' He began, but was cut of by Bella opening the door, shoving him in and slamming it shut behind him.
'I'm going to find Peter!' He heard her call from behind the door ' See who he wants to take. Catcha later!'
'Well I feel extremely sorry for him then.' Remus mumbled, and he apprehensively began searching for Ashleigh.
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'I'm dissapointed in him.' Bella mumbled as she left Remus in the library and set off in search of Peter 'I thought he would appreciate me giving up my Saturday to help him with his love life' She sighed
'Oh well, maybe Pete will be more kind'
She decided to head back to the common room and was just rounding a corner when she spotted the last person she wanted to see - Li. Luckily, he didn't spot her and she decided to hide behind a statue and wait until he passed.
Truth be told, Bella was quite hurt. Sure, she was upset about Li - but something else was bothering her too. She knew she told her friends to leave Li alone, but she didn't actually believe they would. She had expected Li to have been beaten into a bloody pulp and left immobile in a bed in the hospital wing, without the use of several limbs. It wasn't that she wanted them to hurt him, it was just.......the principle of the matter.
But Bella was awoken form her thoughts when she heard someone call out
'Gray! Wait up!'
Bella peeked around the corner to see someone making their way towards Li. It was......Sirius?
Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to see what Sirius was up to. I mean it had to be about her - didn't it?
'What do you want Black?' Li's voice sounded agitated.
(A/N: I thought that was funny - Black/Gray Black/Gray - Get it?hahahahaha....... um, OK, I'll just.....er......shut up now)
'I wanna talk that's all' Sirius sounded fairly calm ' About Bella'
Bella perked up - now she was definetely staying.
'Well, what about her?' Bella could tell Li thought he was about to get hurt ' I haven't got all day here Black'
'I just wanna know why?' Sirius sounded dead serious 'Bella's a great girl Li. She shouldn't be treated like she's some kind of ...... tart, slut - whatever way you want to put it.'
'What do you care Black?' Li snapped, then stopped. 'Oh yeah' he said, realisation dawning in his voice ' I forgot. How silly of me. You like her, don't you Black? It is pretty obvious.'
Sirius didn't answer. Bella was confused - did this mean it was true?
'Pity she doesn't fancy you Black' Li sneered ' You would have suited each other well. Two overloud delinquents.' He chuckled ' Yes, such a pity. The one girl you want, is the one girl you'll never have. Quite ironic don't you think?'
Sirius looked just about ready to kill, and Bella was sure he was about to launch himself onto Li. But instead he spoke, his voice an icy cold tone that sent a shiver down Bella's spine.
'If you so much as look at her again Gray, I swear I will make your life not worth living.'
Bella had had enough of the conversation.
She quietly made her way back down the hall, and took a different route to the common room.
It was time she forgot Li, and started rethinking exactly what she thought of Sirius Black.
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Remus entered the common room with a very large grin firm of his face.
She said yes! He couldn't believe it, he was taking Ashleigh to the ball! His grey eyes scanned the room, looking for Bella. She deserved a BIG thankyou.
He spotted Lily, seated in a couch in the corner and made his way over to her.
'Hey Lils, whatcha doing?'
She looked up at him ' Oh nothing, just thinking.' Noticing the huge grin on his face she added ' You seem happy.'
Remus' grin grew wider ' That I am Lils, that I am. Have you seen Bella'
Lily frowned ' What? You're not gonna tell me why your so happy?'
'Let's just say' Remus said in an airy tone ' I have the most beatiful girl in the world as my date for the ball'
Lily looked at him shocked ' You mean, you asked Ashleigh?'
'yup'
Lily squealed, jumped up and gave him a hug ' Good on ya Remus.'
'Thanks. Now I really need to find Bella.'
Lily frowned. 'She was here awhile ago actually. She didn't look too good. She went up to our dorm, I think you better go check one her - and tell her your news of course!'
Remus nodded and headed up to the sixth year girl's dormitory. The first thing he noticed when he entered was that the curtains of Bella's bed were drawn shut. He made his way over and upon getting closer, he was sure that she was mumbling to herself.
'I mean what's up with that?' He could hear coming distinctly from behind the curtains 'I thought he only liked to tease me.'
'Bella?' Remus said and the mumbling stopped immedietely and the curtains were pulled open, revealing Bella peering up at him.
'What?'
"She looks fine" Remus thought to himself and then decided to tell her the good news.
'She said yes.' He grinned.
A huge smile spread across Bella's face.
'Way to go Remus!' She jumped off her bed, and landed on top of him, giving him a huge hug.
'See! I told you! You should listen to me next time!'
'Oh yes, how could I ever doubt the highly intellectual Bella Figg!' He teased.
She bowed ' Thank-you, thank-you!'
She stopped, and seemed to be thinking.
' Remus?' A strange expression became visible on her face.
'Yes Bella?' -This is what Lily must have meant, about something being wrong- he thought. He sat down next to her.
Bella cast her eyes around the dorm, as if making sure no-one was there.
She lowered her voice ' I gotta ask you something.'
Remus frowned ' What is it Bella?'
She glanced at the entrance to the dorm before returning her gaze to his.
'I overheard something today.' She bit her lip, something she did when she was nervous ' And I'm not sure what exactly to think of it.'
'What did you hear, Bella?' Remus asked anxiously, he was beggining to get worried.
'Sirius... and Li!' She exclaimed in a loud whisper.
Remus was becoming more and more confused. What would Sirius be talking to Li for? - he hated him!
' Can you tell me what they said?' Remus questioned.
Bella furrowed her brow.
'Well,' She said slowly ' Sirius told Li he needed to talk to him - about me. Then he asked Li why he did what he did to me, he said something like "she's a great girl." and then...' She cut off, as if lost for words.
Remus was about to say something, when she continued.
' And then Li said that Sirius liked me' She shook her head softly ' but he didn't take it back. And Li started making fun of me and Sirius - mainly Sirius though. Then Sirius told Li to not even look at me, or he'd hurt him.' She stopped.
'And then what?' Said Remus
' I'd had enough' Bella stated ' I came back here.' She looked at Remus ' What does it mean, Rem?' She asked him.
Remus snorted, Bella was pretty good at ignoring the obvious when she wanted to.
'Sirius likes you, you git.' He grinned ' He's crazy about you.'
It was Bella's turn to laugh ' No he doesn't!'
'Yes he does!'
'Then why doesn't he act like it!' Bella raised an eyebrow at him.
Remus tutted. ' He does', he said, ' Isn't it obvious?'
'What does he do then?' She asked him, looking as if the whole idea was stupid.
'Do I have to list them all?' Remus groaned.
'What a great idea, Rem!' Bella exclaimed
'What?'
She scrambled over to her desk (the messiest one in the room) and grabbed a pen and paper. Remus looked around the room and spotted Ashleigh's bed, Bella followed his gaze.
'Ooo, lovergirl Ashleigh, Aye Rem?' She teased, coming back over to him 'Want me to show you what she wears to bed?' She raised and lowered her eyebrows suggestivedly.
Remus went beetroot red. ' er... n-n-no' He stuttered, and Bella laughed.
'Why are you getting embarrased Rem? I'm your bestest buddy!' She said happily.
'Want me to show Sirius what you wear to bed?' He said, trying to tease her.
'I don't even like Sirius! Beisdes, everyone knows what I wear to bed' Bella said, sitting next to him 'All your clothes!'
'Which you steal from me, I might add' Remus said. ' I go to get my new boxers, and they've dissapeared.'
Bella handed him a pen and paper.
'Oh no' She said grinning ' I just wanted to show that pair to Ashleigh!'
Remus groaned ' What is this for?' He asked, holding up the pen and paper.
'The list of course!'
'What list?' he asked, frowning.
'The list of ways Sirius shows he likes me of course!' She said, smiling sweetly at him.
'Why do you want me to write them down?' Remus said, quite confused.
'So I can mark them off, of course!' Bella said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world ' C'mon, get started!'
'And what if you mark them all off?' Remus asked, beggining to write.
'Then I can definetely say' She said in a manly voice ' That Sirius likes me!' She saluted and smiled at Remus stupidly.
'And then what?'
'I dunno... I'll think about that when I get there!'
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It was Sunday and Lily was bored, very bored. She was sitting by herself on a lounge in the common room, grumbling to herself about how all her friends had deserted her.
Peter was finishing his charms essay in the library with some 'girl' he met, Remus went for a walk with Ashleigh (much to his delight and Bella's amusement), Bella herself was following Sirius around with a piece of paper and a pen (Lily didn't know what that was about, and quite frankly, she didn't want to know either.), and James- well Lily had no idea where he was.
Getting fed up, Lily decided to get up and do something. She exited the common room and was just thinking about going down to the kitchens to get something to eat, when she spotted the quidditch pitch through a window in the corridor. Upon closer inspection, Lily noticed that there was someone down there, zipping around on a broom. Lily squinted, trying to make out who it was, the figure turned around and Lily could distinctly see messy black hair, and a pair of glasses.
'James' she mumbled to herself, and decided to head down there to see what he was up to ' Maybe I can get him to teach me how to fly.'
Lily was quite confused about James, to be honest. Ever since the night they played hide and seek, she had been having quite un best friendly thoughts about him.
-What if he had kissed me?- She had asked herself, because deep down, she knew that he was about to. The more logical part of her head, however, kept telling her it was nothing.
- He's one of your best friends, nothing more! You don't want to ruin all that by liking him, do you?-
No, Lily had decided, she did not. So she headed out onto the pitch, trying to wipe all illogical thoughts from her mind.
It was quite chilly outside, but nonetheless, she walked out into the middle of the grass, and sat down. James had not seen her yet, so she just sat and watched him fly.
James Potter was quite incredible on a broomstick, any student at Hogwarts would tell you that. Lily gasped and laughed as he did loop de loops and flew upside down. It was when James fell into a steep dive,that she got worried.
-He's going to crash!-
She watched as he pelted toward the ground, and then, miraculously, pulled out of the dive about one metre from the ground, and headed straight for -HER!!
Lily screamed as James zoomed toward her. James (who hadn't been paying attention) turned and noticed her just in time. He pulled the front of his broomstick up and it stopped with a jolt, James fell of and toppled to the ground. He got up quickly however.
'Oh my God! Lily, are you alright?' He scrambled over to her, his eyes wide.
Lily, still in shock, did not respond.
'Lily!' James grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her gently 'Are you OK?'
'What?' Lily seemed to have snapped out of her trance, and was now looking up at him, with a startled expression on her face 'Oh, Yeah, I'm fine'
James stood up and pulled her to her feet. 'C'mon, I'll take you to the hospital wing, just to make sure.'
Lily shook her head 'No, that's okay.'
'What we're you doing down here anyway?' James asked her curiously.
'I saw you through the window, and wondered if you could give me a flying lesson' she smiled and shook her head 'But I'm not so sure I want one anymore'
James grinned sheepishly ' I'm really sorry Lils, I wasn't paying attention'
'No, It's OK' she shrugged 'No damage done.'
James looked at her thoughtfully, and then down at his broomstick. He bent down and picked it up.
'How about that flying lesson then?' he grinned at her.
'wha-? Now way James!' she held up her hands in protest ' There's no way I'm gonna trust myself on one of those!'
'You don't have to.' James mounted the broom and patted in front of him ' Hop on with me.'
(A/N: I know, I know - the old romantic broomstick ride, how many times has it been done again?)
Lily looked between the broostick and James warily.
'C'mon Lil' said James 'I am the best flyer at Hogwarts you know.'
Lily sighed and made her way over ' And modest to.' she added, and mounted the broomstick infront of him. ' I'm warning you here and now, James' she said 'If you drop me, I'm going to kill you!'
'Nah' James said, kicking off from the ground, causing Lily to cling on to what she could of him tightly ' You're too important to drop!'
His head was resting on her shoulder, and his voice in her ear, sent a shiver up
her spine. She found herself thinking stupid thoughts again-
-This is nice. A nice romantic broomstick ride! See he does like you!-
-No he doesn't! He's my friend, and he's teaching me to fly!-
-Shouldn't you be on your OWN broomstick then?-
Lily got fed up and decided to ignore the voices, which was very well, considering at that moment James decided to perform an outwards loop, without her consent.
'Here we go!' Lily heard him say, before she felt herself going backwards and upside down. She felt like she was going to fall, but James kindly removed one hand form the broomstick and grasped her firmly around the waist. This action made her feel strangely safe, as if she knew at that moment James wasn't going to drop her, and she wasn't going to fall.
He finished the loop, and Lily was beggining to feel giddy.
James must have felt at that moment that Lily had had enough, as he landed and let go of her (to her slight dissapointment).
She shakily got off the broom and turned to yell at him. But one look on his face tole her not to do it. He looked quite guilty, but concerned at the same time. He gave her a slight smile.
Lily nodded her head slowly 'OK' she turned, and slowly began her way back to the castle.
'Wait!' James called and ran up to her ' Are you OK?'
Lily strained a smile ' Yeah great, just dandy!' she kept walking, but James held her back. She turned to look up at him.
'Lily, I shouldn't have done that' He looked at her sheepishly 'I'm sorry.'
Lily sighed ' I know!' she locked her gaze with his, when she noticed something familiar in his eyes -The gold flecks!- she thought to herself - They're there again!-.
She kept looking, fascinated by the way the specks danced in the light. Until she notcied them getting closer and closer, and suddenly felt a pair of warm lips on her own. It was an extremely cold day, but Lily suddenly felt warm all over and tingles ran through her body, giving her a feeling she had never experienced before.
And as quickly as it had started, it stopped, leaving Lily extremely breathless and looking at one extremely horrified James Potter.
'Look Lily' He said in a high pitched voice 'I DEFINETELY shouldn't have done that.' and before Lily could say anything, he turned and ran up to the castle.
Lily stood there, registering what had just happened.
'Oy! Lily!' Lily turned and saw Remus running towards her, pulling a girl along with him, who she recognised as Ashleigh.
'Oh, hey Remus, Ash' Lily said softly.
'Was that James?' Ashleigh asked her, looking quite confused.
'Yeah, it was.' Lily answered.
'Did he just KISS you?' Remus said loudly.
Lily looked between their suprised expressions
' Yeah, he did, and ran up to the castle' she glanced at the turrets and towers visible from the pitch ' Not before taking it back, of course'
'Now that is weird' Ashleigh stated, nodding her head.
'Definetely' Remus agreed, and then took a look around the pitch ' What were you two doing out here anyway? It's bloody freezing!' he said
'I should ask you two the same thing' Lily raised her eyebrows as both went extremely red.
'We should really head up to the castle' Remus said, changing the subject 'C'mon Lily'
He grabbed Ashleigh's hand and linked his free arm through Lily's. (A/N: In only a friendly wasy of course! Remus is a one woman man! Alright, two, because he does have to put up with Bella as a best friend.)
They trudged up to the castle, each thinking the same thing -
What the hell was up with James Potter?
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'What are you doing?'
Bella had been following Sirius around all day, not that he minded of course, any time alone with Arabella Figg was sacred to him.
But she wasn't following him in a 'friendly, let's hang out together' sort of way, it was more a 'I'm the scientist,observing the specimen' kind of thing. Not to mention Bella had a piece of paper and pen with her, that she kept marking on - making Sirius deduce that it was a list, and whatever was on the list had to do with him.
Bella, who had been walking 2 or so metres behind him, looked up from the list.
'Following you of course!' She said, and gave him one of her trademark mischievous grins.
Sirius blushed and turned around so she wouldn't see. He was a sucker for that grin. Much to his horror, however, Bella bounded infront of him and turned around. He knew he was still blushing, yes the great Sirius Black! The boy who USED to have a different girlfriend each week, the boy who could charm the pants off anything (except Bella of course!), was blushing. And Arabella had seen it.
'Aha!' she exclaimed and pointed at his face.
He winced expecting her to say something. Instead, she bounded back to her original position 2 metres behind him. She grabbed her pen, took the lid off with her teeth, and marked something off the list.
Sirius breathed a sigh of relief.
'So, Sirius' Bella put the pen away and folded the list. Sirius got a peek at what was on it, and the words looked oddly like Remus' handwriting. She bounded up to him again, but this time she began to walk alongside him.
'Where are you headed?' She asked, looking up at him. (Sirius was about 15 centimetres taller than her.)
Sirius frowned, where WAS he headed?
They had reached the entrance hall, the draft from the doors made it quite chilly and Bella shivered.
Sirius looked over at her. She must have been freezing! She was wearing a pair of baggy jeans and sneakers, but she had no jumper, only one of Remus' skivvys, which was quite big on her and a beanie, which he also suspected to belong to Remus.
'Here.' Sirius took off his jacket, pulled off his blue hooded jumper and handed it to her, avoiding eye contact. ' Put this on, you're freezing'
'Are you sure?' she asked warily
'Yes! Now put it on before you catch pneumonia!' He put his jacket back on.
She nodded and pulled it over her head. It was amazingly warm, and smelt like deodorant and chocolate. And for some strange reason, she felt extremely safe in it. Even more so then when she wore Remus' clothes.
She had no time to dwell on this however, as just at that moment the doors into the entrance hall creaked open and in bolted...
'James!' Sirius called ' What are you doing?'
James jumped, and spotting them, rushed over.
'No time to talk now' he gasped, as if he had been running ' You gotta hide me!'
Sirius became confused, and Bella looked quite alarmed.
'Why?' Sirius asked
'Just hide me, and then I'll tell you!' James said loudly.
Bella gave Sirius an angry look, and grabbed James by the arm.
'C'mon, we'll take you to the kitchens' She started pulling him down the steps.
'Are you coming or what?' She snapped at Sirius.
He nodded and started to follow.
'Thanks, Bella' James said gratefully, as they made their way toward the kitchens, 'I'll tell you what's up when we get there.'
He looked over at her and grinned.
'Is that Sirius' jumper?'
'Shut up!' she said furiously.
'Sorry I asked.'
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Lily, Remus and Ashleigh had also come inside. They had met up with Peter on his way back from the library, and now all four were seated in the common room, waiting for Lily to tell them what had happened with James.
'Alright, spill' Remus got comfortable on the couch, Ashleigh leaning next to him and Peter sitting on the floor with his back against the couch.
Lily squirmed uncomfortably in her armchair.
'Alright' she sighed ' It started like this..'
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'You've gotta talk to her!' said Bella
James had just finished recounting his story to Bella and Sirius, who apart from looking initially shocked that he had a thing for Lily, had taken it upon themselves to help him sort things out. They were sitting in the kitchen, each holding a mug of hot chocolate the house elves had made for them.
'Yeah' Agreed Sirius 'Ask her to the ball!'
Bella's eyes lit up.
'Of course! Ask her to the ball James! I'll help you!'
James looked irritated ' What if she doesn't think of me that way?'
Bella rolled her eyes. 'You're James Potter, hunk extraordinare! Every girl in Hogwarts has thought about you that way at some point or another. Me included!'
James looked at her in disbelief and Sirius scowled.
'Hey!' She shrugged ' I have'
James still looked unbelieving.
Bella groaned ' Third year, christmas. remember?'
James shook his head.
'Mistletoe in the common room? We had to kiss?'
James smiled 'Now I remember. You liked me then,huh?'
'Yes' Bella said ' During the kiss I thought of you romantically.' she frowned ' Of course the kiss only lasted, what, four seconds?'
'Are you telling me you liked me for FOUR seconds?' Asked James
'What can I say' said Bella ' I fall in and out of love easily'
Sirius looked quite relieved.
'So as I was saying' Bella said 'I'm sure Lily will like you. She may even now! Have you noticed how she's been daydreaming alot lately?'
'That doesn't mean anything' James mumbled 'I think I'm gonna go wallow in self pity in my dorm. Will you two come and make sure that the coast is clear.'
'Of what?' Asked Sirius, though he already knew what, or should I say who James was reffering to.
'Of Lily you dolt!' James smacked him upside the head.
'Ow! That hurt Prongs!' Sirius moaned
Bella sighed ' C'mon you two' They exited the kitchens and made their way toward Gryffindor tower ' And what's with the nicknames?'
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Lily had also finished telling her side of the story, and had retired to her dorm in quite a forlorn manner. Peter, along with Remus and Ashleigh, was shocked at the whole thing.
'I suppose it's best to wait until James shows up then' He said, and the others agreed.
This didn't take quite as long as they expected, however. About five minutes later, Sirius and Bella came through the portrait hole. Bella waited beside it, while Sirius looked around the common room, spotted them and came over.
'Where's Lily?' He asked, trying to look serious, but failing miserably.
'Up in her dorm' said Remus ' Why?'
Sirius turned to Bella and gave her the thumbs up, she looked as if she was saying something to the potrait. But the next moment it swung open and James pulled himself in, looking quite miserable.
They made their way over to the group. Bella careful to stay infront of James, as she was grinning like mad.
'I'm going up to bed' James announced monotonely, and climbed up the boys staircases.
The moment he was gone, Bella started laughing, and Sirius quickly followed suit.
'Alright' Bella said, calming down a little ' Where's Lily?'
'Up in her dorm' Remus said, then frowned up at her ' Isn't that Sirius jumper?'
He laughed, but the glare Bella gave him was enough to make him stop quickly.
'I'm going to see her.' Bella said, still looking angrily at Remus. She turned swiftly and marched up the stairs.
'Gor!' said Peter 'Why is everyone so miserable today?'
The others just laughed.
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'Lily?' The sixth year girls dormitory door slowly opened and Bella stepped inside.
There was no reply.
'Lily' Said Bella again 'I know you're in here'
A muffled sound could be heard coming from Lily's bed. Bella walked over. Lily was lying in bed with the covers pulled over her face.
Bella creeped over and swiftly pulled the covers off.
'Hey!' Cried Lily, and looked up at her sulkily.
'Do you liked James?' Bella asked suddenly - she wanted to get straight to the point.
Lily didn't answer, but grabbed the blanket and pulled it back over her.
'Oh no you don't!' Bella ripped off Lily's entire bedspread and looked down at her impatiently ' Do you like him or not! I'm not gonna leave you alone until you answer me!'
Lily mumbled something incoherent.
'What?' asked Bella
Lily scowled up at her ' I said, I DON'T KNOW!'
'Well, what would help you make up your mind?' asked Bella, she pulled out her wand 'Maybe a nice new pair of ears? A new hair colour?' she raised her wand, ready to perform a spell.
'Alright! Alright! I like him OK!' Lily screeched 'Just leave me alone!'
Bella grinned 'Would you go to the ball with him?'
Lily sighed ' Yes, I would!'
'Great!' Bella jumped off the bed.
'Wait!' Lily sat up 'Where are you going?'
'I've got detention tonight, remember?' said Bella
'You're alwaysin trouble' said Lily, shaking her head ' Nearly as bad as the boys!'
' I gotta go, I'm gonna be late and I don't wanna miss dinner.' She headed out the door.
'Bella, one more thing' called Lily, smiling to herself.
'What?' the other girl called back.
'Why are you wearing Sirius jumper?'
Lily got no reply, but instead a frustrated yell could be hear from the stairs.
'ARGH!!!!!!'
Bella headed down the stairs. She wasn't lying, she did have detention. A few days ago she went late night pranking with the boys. But she got angry with Sirius and stormed off, much to their protest. It was her fault however that she was making to much noise and was caught by Proffesor McGonnagol. She had tried to explain her way out of it but still got a couple of detentions.
(A/N: The boys actually do pull alot of pranks that I dont write about. It's just it takes to much room. I'm only gonna write about the pranks that affect the plot of the story. 'kay?)
Before she headed off to detention though, she was gonna go see James, and talk some sense into him.
She reached the common room, passed the rest of the group with a smile, and headed up the boys stair cases.
'Wonder what she's doing?' Asked Ashleigh
'I dunno' Replied Sirius.
When Bella reached the boy's dorm, it was much a repeat of her and Lily's. James had also opted to hide underneath the covers of his bed, but he had also pulled his curtains shut. Bella quiet crept over and slipped in.
'Get up grumpy bum!' She yelled as she jumped on his bed 'The amazing Bella Figg has solved all your problems!'
James groaned ' Would the amazing Bella Figg stop jumping on me?'
'Not until you get up!' Bella said, continuing to jump.
James pushed his blankets off and looked at her angrily.
'Ever heard of a little thing called privacy?' He asked her
'Nope' she said ' What's that?'
James sighed.
'C'mon James! Get up! Or else!' Bella whined
'Or else what?'
'Or else I won't tell you what Lily told me!' She said happily
This seemed to change James' mind as he hopped out of bed.
'Alright. What did she say?'
Bella smiled and started singing stupidly 'She likes you! She wants to hold you! She wants to kiss you! She wants to go to the ball with you! She wants to marry you! She wants to -'
'Enough!' James butted in, knowing exactly where the song was going and turning bright red. (A/N: Tee Hee!)
Bella started to giggle ' Oo, Jamesie Poo! I think I love you!' She said in a high pitched voice, nearly perfectly imitating several of James' old ditzy girlfriends.
James rolled his eyes. 'Did you just come up here to humiliate me?' He asked her.
'No' she said, shaking her head 'I came up here to tell you Lily like you AND to humiliate you!' she smiled ' Oh and for one other thing aswell!'
She headed over to Sirius chest of drawers.
'So what do you want me to do about it?' He asked her, sitting on the edge of his bed.
'Got talk to her!' Said Bella, pulling Sirius jumper off and shoving it in the right drawer.
James, taking notice of what she was doing said 'You know, it's scary how you know where everything is in this room. I mean especially since girls aren't supposed to be up here!'
Bella smiled as she moved over to Remus' section of the room. ' And you don't know you're way around Lily and I's dorm?'
She opened another draw (This time belonging to Remus) and pulled one of his jumpers out - a green one this time.
'True.' James nodded.
Bella pulled the jumper over her head.
'Wasn't Sirius' jumper cosy enough for you?' James smirked.
'No it was fine' She said, then added ' I was just sick of stupid people like you teasing me!'
She walked back over to him.
'I mean it's fine when I wear all Remus' stuff' she said irritatingly ' But can I wear Sirius' jumper? NO, that suggests something otherwise!'
She then looked at him as if she was seeing him for the first time.
'You're still here?' she said alarmingly, she checked her watch ' and bloody hell! I've got detention' she pulled him off the bed.
'Alright. You have to go and talk to Lily!' she told him as they headed for the door ' And ask her to the ball of course!'
'What!' James pulled out of her grasp ' No way! I'm not talking to her!'
Bella stomped her foot on the ground 'Oh yes you are!' she said 'Even if I have to make you!' she looked at him threatingly
'No' James shook his head stubbornly.
Bella rolled her eyes, -Is anything gonna make him budge?- she asked herself. A sly grin spread across her face -I know!-.
She sauntered over to him.
'That's okay James' She whispered , trying to sound seductive 'You could always go to the ball with me' She grinned up at him. ' I mean I don't think Remus would mind, and I'm sure it would be okay with Sirius!'
James gulped 'Okay, I'll ask her!'
Bella dropped the act immedietely and laughed 'Thatta boy James!' she said, slapping him on the back, 'I would have hated to set Remus and Sirius on you!'
They made their way down the stairs and into the common room, where, suprisingly, the rest of the group was still seated.
'Up you go Jamesie boy!' Bella said, saluting. She then headed quickly towards the potrait hole to get to detention.
'Oy!' Sirius called after her 'Where's my jumper?'
Remus grinned ' Maybe she likes mine better!'
James sighed and started up the girls stairs, with a sudden cheer from his friends.
'Great' he mumbled ' This is gonna be hell.'
_____________________________________
After Bella left, Lily made her bed, and was now just lying on top of it thinking. She wondered what Bella was going to do now that she knew Lily liked James. Lily herself was quite suprised at the revelation, she guessed it was the kiss. I mean you can't be kissed like that and not expect to fall for the guy, right?
The door creaked open again, and Lily, expecting it be Bella called out.
'Yeah, come in Bella!'
'It's not Bella!' A masculine voice replied and a messy black haired head poked around the door - James.
'Can I come in?' He asked cautiously
Lily nodded and he stepped into the room nervously. He walked over to her bed cautiously and sat down on the floor.
Lily knew he was looking at her, and she avoided his eye. An tense silence filled the room.
'Look, Lily' James began, fiddling with the carpet ' the kiss, I know it was a problem.'
Lily tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
'James' she sighed ' The kiss isn't the problem'
'Oh' he said
Lily continued ' The real problem is.' She looked up at him, finally making eye contact '...I liked it.'
James looked stunned. 'y-y-you did?' he stuttered
'Yeah' Lily nodded 'I did. And that scares me.'
Both teenagers became silent.
'I know!' said James, looking at the floor 'It scared me too, when I first found out I liked you.'
Lily smiled slightly.
'When was that?' she said sarcastically 'An hour ago?'
'Fourth year.' James stated simply, and Lily looked shocked.
'Don't look suprised' He said, shaking his head 'You'll find that with most guys. the moment they start liking someone seriously, they'll stop dating other girls.'
He grinned ' For some they do it unconciously. Take Sirius for instance.'
He grinned and Lily laughed.
'Middle of fifth year' James continued 'When he and Bella started to fight really bad.' He shrugged 'Of course she always started it, because she genuinely dislikes him.' he stopped ' I'm going on, aren't I'
'A little bit' Lily said.
James chuckled, and then there was silence one more.
'Lily?' James asked seriously
'Yes James?'
'Do you like me?' He ran a hand through his hair nervously.
Lily smiled ' After you kissed me like that?' she asked 'How could I not?'
James face broke into a true smile 'Really?'
'Really, really'
James hopped up and gave her a hug.
'Does this mean you'll go to the ball with me?' he whispered into her ear.
'What do you think?' She whispered back.
James grinned 'Does this mean I can kiss you again?' he asked
Lily pulled back to look at him.
'No'
He looked quite dissapointed until...
'How about I kiss you this time?' she grinned at him cheekily.
'Three cheers to that!'
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter Five is done! Woohoo!
I can safely say that this is my favourite chapter! It's cause I spent so much time writing it!
This chapter is 14 and a half pages! And that's minus my little comments at the start and finish!
I would like to thank ALL my reviewers so far:
~Moonylover - Thanks for being my first ever reviewer. I like the Remus/Bella friendship too. I think it's cute :)
~Zille - Thankyou for encouraging me to continue. I did take your advice on changing the summary! It worked (I think :( )
~Becka - Well I've gotten Lily and James together! Do you think it was okay? (bites lip nervously)
~Padfoots Princess - Yeah, I know, por Siri! :( He's my favourite and I hated to do that to him!!!
~Nat - Cheers! I love l/j fics too! (But I like Sirius/Bella ones more!!! :) )
~ Ashleigh - I think Sirius is funny too! I based him on the type of guy I would go for (and based Bella on myself! *Grins sheepishly*) I named Ashleigh after one of my friends! Ashleigh's a great name! :)
~Scottieupshallforlife (anonymous) - Thanks! I know, it is sooooooooooo difficult to get people to notice your story! Argh! Thanks for reviewing anyway!!! :)
Thanks everyone! I've got your name's down and I'n gonna try to review atleast one of your stories! Okay? :)
Finally, I would like to wish a very happy Australia Day for the 26th to any Aussies out there! even though I won't be having one! :( I have to go to an 80th birthday instead of the lotto skyworks!! :( I know! Boohoo for me!
Alright! Anyways pretty please with sugar and cherries and spirnkles on top review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Till next time,
weasley-kid : )
Alright this chapter took forever to write so please review it!
I got a review saying that I needed to paragraph my story better, so I did this chapter and re-uploaded it! - I'll thank them later.
Disclaimer: Roses are red, violets are blue. I don't own Harry Potter, and neither do you!
Alright then, on with the story!!!!
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ROLLERCOASTER: CHAPTER FIVE - HE LIKES YOU!
______________________________________________________________________________
'GO on!'
It was a cold Saturday afternoon and Bella was trying to persuade an extremely self concious Remus into the library, where Ashleigh was (supposedly) at the moment, doing her homework.
It had been exactly one week since Bella's dramatic break up with Li. Any normal teenage girl would have been moping around in a forlorn manner, were they in Bella's situation.
But not Bella Figg - she seemed have decided that if she herself could not go to the ball with who she wanted to - she would at least make sure her other friends would. And she had decided (naturally) to start with her bestest buddy in the world - Remus.
'Remus! If you don't go in there and ask her right now, I will! And let me tell you - it aint gonna be pretty!' Bella (who was growing quite impatient) looked up at him angrily and motioned as if to open the door.
'Wait!' Remus pulled her back ' What if she doesn't like me.' He looked down at his feet.
Bella groaned.
'Remus! Are you blind! You're one of the cutest guys in the school, and the funniest, friendliest, greatest guy I know!'
She grinned at him and pointed to the library door -
'So grow some balls, go in there and ask her you great git!' She tugged the front of his cap down so it covered his eyes. (A/N: we're talking about a surf,sport,baseball - whatever you wanna call it cap here - not one of those pointy black things!)
'Right!' Remus, re-adjusted his cap, stormed up to the entrance, grabbed the door handle and - stopped
'But what if -' He began, but was cut of by Bella opening the door, shoving him in and slamming it shut behind him.
'I'm going to find Peter!' He heard her call from behind the door ' See who he wants to take. Catcha later!'
'Well I feel extremely sorry for him then.' Remus mumbled, and he apprehensively began searching for Ashleigh.
************************
'I'm dissapointed in him.' Bella mumbled as she left Remus in the library and set off in search of Peter 'I thought he would appreciate me giving up my Saturday to help him with his love life' She sighed
'Oh well, maybe Pete will be more kind'
She decided to head back to the common room and was just rounding a corner when she spotted the last person she wanted to see - Li. Luckily, he didn't spot her and she decided to hide behind a statue and wait until he passed.
Truth be told, Bella was quite hurt. Sure, she was upset about Li - but something else was bothering her too. She knew she told her friends to leave Li alone, but she didn't actually believe they would. She had expected Li to have been beaten into a bloody pulp and left immobile in a bed in the hospital wing, without the use of several limbs. It wasn't that she wanted them to hurt him, it was just.......the principle of the matter.
But Bella was awoken form her thoughts when she heard someone call out
'Gray! Wait up!'
Bella peeked around the corner to see someone making their way towards Li. It was......Sirius?
Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to see what Sirius was up to. I mean it had to be about her - didn't it?
'What do you want Black?' Li's voice sounded agitated.
(A/N: I thought that was funny - Black/Gray Black/Gray - Get it?hahahahaha....... um, OK, I'll just.....er......shut up now)
'I wanna talk that's all' Sirius sounded fairly calm ' About Bella'
Bella perked up - now she was definetely staying.
'Well, what about her?' Bella could tell Li thought he was about to get hurt ' I haven't got all day here Black'
'I just wanna know why?' Sirius sounded dead serious 'Bella's a great girl Li. She shouldn't be treated like she's some kind of ...... tart, slut - whatever way you want to put it.'
'What do you care Black?' Li snapped, then stopped. 'Oh yeah' he said, realisation dawning in his voice ' I forgot. How silly of me. You like her, don't you Black? It is pretty obvious.'
Sirius didn't answer. Bella was confused - did this mean it was true?
'Pity she doesn't fancy you Black' Li sneered ' You would have suited each other well. Two overloud delinquents.' He chuckled ' Yes, such a pity. The one girl you want, is the one girl you'll never have. Quite ironic don't you think?'
Sirius looked just about ready to kill, and Bella was sure he was about to launch himself onto Li. But instead he spoke, his voice an icy cold tone that sent a shiver down Bella's spine.
'If you so much as look at her again Gray, I swear I will make your life not worth living.'
Bella had had enough of the conversation.
She quietly made her way back down the hall, and took a different route to the common room.
It was time she forgot Li, and started rethinking exactly what she thought of Sirius Black.
______________________________________________________________________________
Remus entered the common room with a very large grin firm of his face.
She said yes! He couldn't believe it, he was taking Ashleigh to the ball! His grey eyes scanned the room, looking for Bella. She deserved a BIG thankyou.
He spotted Lily, seated in a couch in the corner and made his way over to her.
'Hey Lils, whatcha doing?'
She looked up at him ' Oh nothing, just thinking.' Noticing the huge grin on his face she added ' You seem happy.'
Remus' grin grew wider ' That I am Lils, that I am. Have you seen Bella'
Lily frowned ' What? You're not gonna tell me why your so happy?'
'Let's just say' Remus said in an airy tone ' I have the most beatiful girl in the world as my date for the ball'
Lily looked at him shocked ' You mean, you asked Ashleigh?'
'yup'
Lily squealed, jumped up and gave him a hug ' Good on ya Remus.'
'Thanks. Now I really need to find Bella.'
Lily frowned. 'She was here awhile ago actually. She didn't look too good. She went up to our dorm, I think you better go check one her - and tell her your news of course!'
Remus nodded and headed up to the sixth year girl's dormitory. The first thing he noticed when he entered was that the curtains of Bella's bed were drawn shut. He made his way over and upon getting closer, he was sure that she was mumbling to herself.
'I mean what's up with that?' He could hear coming distinctly from behind the curtains 'I thought he only liked to tease me.'
'Bella?' Remus said and the mumbling stopped immedietely and the curtains were pulled open, revealing Bella peering up at him.
'What?'
"She looks fine" Remus thought to himself and then decided to tell her the good news.
'She said yes.' He grinned.
A huge smile spread across Bella's face.
'Way to go Remus!' She jumped off her bed, and landed on top of him, giving him a huge hug.
'See! I told you! You should listen to me next time!'
'Oh yes, how could I ever doubt the highly intellectual Bella Figg!' He teased.
She bowed ' Thank-you, thank-you!'
She stopped, and seemed to be thinking.
' Remus?' A strange expression became visible on her face.
'Yes Bella?' -This is what Lily must have meant, about something being wrong- he thought. He sat down next to her.
Bella cast her eyes around the dorm, as if making sure no-one was there.
She lowered her voice ' I gotta ask you something.'
Remus frowned ' What is it Bella?'
She glanced at the entrance to the dorm before returning her gaze to his.
'I overheard something today.' She bit her lip, something she did when she was nervous ' And I'm not sure what exactly to think of it.'
'What did you hear, Bella?' Remus asked anxiously, he was beggining to get worried.
'Sirius... and Li!' She exclaimed in a loud whisper.
Remus was becoming more and more confused. What would Sirius be talking to Li for? - he hated him!
' Can you tell me what they said?' Remus questioned.
Bella furrowed her brow.
'Well,' She said slowly ' Sirius told Li he needed to talk to him - about me. Then he asked Li why he did what he did to me, he said something like "she's a great girl." and then...' She cut off, as if lost for words.
Remus was about to say something, when she continued.
' And then Li said that Sirius liked me' She shook her head softly ' but he didn't take it back. And Li started making fun of me and Sirius - mainly Sirius though. Then Sirius told Li to not even look at me, or he'd hurt him.' She stopped.
'And then what?' Said Remus
' I'd had enough' Bella stated ' I came back here.' She looked at Remus ' What does it mean, Rem?' She asked him.
Remus snorted, Bella was pretty good at ignoring the obvious when she wanted to.
'Sirius likes you, you git.' He grinned ' He's crazy about you.'
It was Bella's turn to laugh ' No he doesn't!'
'Yes he does!'
'Then why doesn't he act like it!' Bella raised an eyebrow at him.
Remus tutted. ' He does', he said, ' Isn't it obvious?'
'What does he do then?' She asked him, looking as if the whole idea was stupid.
'Do I have to list them all?' Remus groaned.
'What a great idea, Rem!' Bella exclaimed
'What?'
She scrambled over to her desk (the messiest one in the room) and grabbed a pen and paper. Remus looked around the room and spotted Ashleigh's bed, Bella followed his gaze.
'Ooo, lovergirl Ashleigh, Aye Rem?' She teased, coming back over to him 'Want me to show you what she wears to bed?' She raised and lowered her eyebrows suggestivedly.
Remus went beetroot red. ' er... n-n-no' He stuttered, and Bella laughed.
'Why are you getting embarrased Rem? I'm your bestest buddy!' She said happily.
'Want me to show Sirius what you wear to bed?' He said, trying to tease her.
'I don't even like Sirius! Beisdes, everyone knows what I wear to bed' Bella said, sitting next to him 'All your clothes!'
'Which you steal from me, I might add' Remus said. ' I go to get my new boxers, and they've dissapeared.'
Bella handed him a pen and paper.
'Oh no' She said grinning ' I just wanted to show that pair to Ashleigh!'
Remus groaned ' What is this for?' He asked, holding up the pen and paper.
'The list of course!'
'What list?' he asked, frowning.
'The list of ways Sirius shows he likes me of course!' She said, smiling sweetly at him.
'Why do you want me to write them down?' Remus said, quite confused.
'So I can mark them off, of course!' Bella said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world ' C'mon, get started!'
'And what if you mark them all off?' Remus asked, beggining to write.
'Then I can definetely say' She said in a manly voice ' That Sirius likes me!' She saluted and smiled at Remus stupidly.
'And then what?'
'I dunno... I'll think about that when I get there!'
______________________________________________________________________________
It was Sunday and Lily was bored, very bored. She was sitting by herself on a lounge in the common room, grumbling to herself about how all her friends had deserted her.
Peter was finishing his charms essay in the library with some 'girl' he met, Remus went for a walk with Ashleigh (much to his delight and Bella's amusement), Bella herself was following Sirius around with a piece of paper and a pen (Lily didn't know what that was about, and quite frankly, she didn't want to know either.), and James- well Lily had no idea where he was.
Getting fed up, Lily decided to get up and do something. She exited the common room and was just thinking about going down to the kitchens to get something to eat, when she spotted the quidditch pitch through a window in the corridor. Upon closer inspection, Lily noticed that there was someone down there, zipping around on a broom. Lily squinted, trying to make out who it was, the figure turned around and Lily could distinctly see messy black hair, and a pair of glasses.
'James' she mumbled to herself, and decided to head down there to see what he was up to ' Maybe I can get him to teach me how to fly.'
Lily was quite confused about James, to be honest. Ever since the night they played hide and seek, she had been having quite un best friendly thoughts about him.
-What if he had kissed me?- She had asked herself, because deep down, she knew that he was about to. The more logical part of her head, however, kept telling her it was nothing.
- He's one of your best friends, nothing more! You don't want to ruin all that by liking him, do you?-
No, Lily had decided, she did not. So she headed out onto the pitch, trying to wipe all illogical thoughts from her mind.
It was quite chilly outside, but nonetheless, she walked out into the middle of the grass, and sat down. James had not seen her yet, so she just sat and watched him fly.
James Potter was quite incredible on a broomstick, any student at Hogwarts would tell you that. Lily gasped and laughed as he did loop de loops and flew upside down. It was when James fell into a steep dive,that she got worried.
-He's going to crash!-
She watched as he pelted toward the ground, and then, miraculously, pulled out of the dive about one metre from the ground, and headed straight for -HER!!
Lily screamed as James zoomed toward her. James (who hadn't been paying attention) turned and noticed her just in time. He pulled the front of his broomstick up and it stopped with a jolt, James fell of and toppled to the ground. He got up quickly however.
'Oh my God! Lily, are you alright?' He scrambled over to her, his eyes wide.
Lily, still in shock, did not respond.
'Lily!' James grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her gently 'Are you OK?'
'What?' Lily seemed to have snapped out of her trance, and was now looking up at him, with a startled expression on her face 'Oh, Yeah, I'm fine'
James stood up and pulled her to her feet. 'C'mon, I'll take you to the hospital wing, just to make sure.'
Lily shook her head 'No, that's okay.'
'What we're you doing down here anyway?' James asked her curiously.
'I saw you through the window, and wondered if you could give me a flying lesson' she smiled and shook her head 'But I'm not so sure I want one anymore'
James grinned sheepishly ' I'm really sorry Lils, I wasn't paying attention'
'No, It's OK' she shrugged 'No damage done.'
James looked at her thoughtfully, and then down at his broomstick. He bent down and picked it up.
'How about that flying lesson then?' he grinned at her.
'wha-? Now way James!' she held up her hands in protest ' There's no way I'm gonna trust myself on one of those!'
'You don't have to.' James mounted the broom and patted in front of him ' Hop on with me.'
(A/N: I know, I know - the old romantic broomstick ride, how many times has it been done again?)
Lily looked between the broostick and James warily.
'C'mon Lil' said James 'I am the best flyer at Hogwarts you know.'
Lily sighed and made her way over ' And modest to.' she added, and mounted the broomstick infront of him. ' I'm warning you here and now, James' she said 'If you drop me, I'm going to kill you!'
'Nah' James said, kicking off from the ground, causing Lily to cling on to what she could of him tightly ' You're too important to drop!'
His head was resting on her shoulder, and his voice in her ear, sent a shiver up
her spine. She found herself thinking stupid thoughts again-
-This is nice. A nice romantic broomstick ride! See he does like you!-
-No he doesn't! He's my friend, and he's teaching me to fly!-
-Shouldn't you be on your OWN broomstick then?-
Lily got fed up and decided to ignore the voices, which was very well, considering at that moment James decided to perform an outwards loop, without her consent.
'Here we go!' Lily heard him say, before she felt herself going backwards and upside down. She felt like she was going to fall, but James kindly removed one hand form the broomstick and grasped her firmly around the waist. This action made her feel strangely safe, as if she knew at that moment James wasn't going to drop her, and she wasn't going to fall.
He finished the loop, and Lily was beggining to feel giddy.
James must have felt at that moment that Lily had had enough, as he landed and let go of her (to her slight dissapointment).
She shakily got off the broom and turned to yell at him. But one look on his face tole her not to do it. He looked quite guilty, but concerned at the same time. He gave her a slight smile.
Lily nodded her head slowly 'OK' she turned, and slowly began her way back to the castle.
'Wait!' James called and ran up to her ' Are you OK?'
Lily strained a smile ' Yeah great, just dandy!' she kept walking, but James held her back. She turned to look up at him.
'Lily, I shouldn't have done that' He looked at her sheepishly 'I'm sorry.'
Lily sighed ' I know!' she locked her gaze with his, when she noticed something familiar in his eyes -The gold flecks!- she thought to herself - They're there again!-.
She kept looking, fascinated by the way the specks danced in the light. Until she notcied them getting closer and closer, and suddenly felt a pair of warm lips on her own. It was an extremely cold day, but Lily suddenly felt warm all over and tingles ran through her body, giving her a feeling she had never experienced before.
And as quickly as it had started, it stopped, leaving Lily extremely breathless and looking at one extremely horrified James Potter.
'Look Lily' He said in a high pitched voice 'I DEFINETELY shouldn't have done that.' and before Lily could say anything, he turned and ran up to the castle.
Lily stood there, registering what had just happened.
'Oy! Lily!' Lily turned and saw Remus running towards her, pulling a girl along with him, who she recognised as Ashleigh.
'Oh, hey Remus, Ash' Lily said softly.
'Was that James?' Ashleigh asked her, looking quite confused.
'Yeah, it was.' Lily answered.
'Did he just KISS you?' Remus said loudly.
Lily looked between their suprised expressions
' Yeah, he did, and ran up to the castle' she glanced at the turrets and towers visible from the pitch ' Not before taking it back, of course'
'Now that is weird' Ashleigh stated, nodding her head.
'Definetely' Remus agreed, and then took a look around the pitch ' What were you two doing out here anyway? It's bloody freezing!' he said
'I should ask you two the same thing' Lily raised her eyebrows as both went extremely red.
'We should really head up to the castle' Remus said, changing the subject 'C'mon Lily'
He grabbed Ashleigh's hand and linked his free arm through Lily's. (A/N: In only a friendly wasy of course! Remus is a one woman man! Alright, two, because he does have to put up with Bella as a best friend.)
They trudged up to the castle, each thinking the same thing -
What the hell was up with James Potter?
______________________________________________________________________________
'What are you doing?'
Bella had been following Sirius around all day, not that he minded of course, any time alone with Arabella Figg was sacred to him.
But she wasn't following him in a 'friendly, let's hang out together' sort of way, it was more a 'I'm the scientist,observing the specimen' kind of thing. Not to mention Bella had a piece of paper and pen with her, that she kept marking on - making Sirius deduce that it was a list, and whatever was on the list had to do with him.
Bella, who had been walking 2 or so metres behind him, looked up from the list.
'Following you of course!' She said, and gave him one of her trademark mischievous grins.
Sirius blushed and turned around so she wouldn't see. He was a sucker for that grin. Much to his horror, however, Bella bounded infront of him and turned around. He knew he was still blushing, yes the great Sirius Black! The boy who USED to have a different girlfriend each week, the boy who could charm the pants off anything (except Bella of course!), was blushing. And Arabella had seen it.
'Aha!' she exclaimed and pointed at his face.
He winced expecting her to say something. Instead, she bounded back to her original position 2 metres behind him. She grabbed her pen, took the lid off with her teeth, and marked something off the list.
Sirius breathed a sigh of relief.
'So, Sirius' Bella put the pen away and folded the list. Sirius got a peek at what was on it, and the words looked oddly like Remus' handwriting. She bounded up to him again, but this time she began to walk alongside him.
'Where are you headed?' She asked, looking up at him. (Sirius was about 15 centimetres taller than her.)
Sirius frowned, where WAS he headed?
They had reached the entrance hall, the draft from the doors made it quite chilly and Bella shivered.
Sirius looked over at her. She must have been freezing! She was wearing a pair of baggy jeans and sneakers, but she had no jumper, only one of Remus' skivvys, which was quite big on her and a beanie, which he also suspected to belong to Remus.
'Here.' Sirius took off his jacket, pulled off his blue hooded jumper and handed it to her, avoiding eye contact. ' Put this on, you're freezing'
'Are you sure?' she asked warily
'Yes! Now put it on before you catch pneumonia!' He put his jacket back on.
She nodded and pulled it over her head. It was amazingly warm, and smelt like deodorant and chocolate. And for some strange reason, she felt extremely safe in it. Even more so then when she wore Remus' clothes.
She had no time to dwell on this however, as just at that moment the doors into the entrance hall creaked open and in bolted...
'James!' Sirius called ' What are you doing?'
James jumped, and spotting them, rushed over.
'No time to talk now' he gasped, as if he had been running ' You gotta hide me!'
Sirius became confused, and Bella looked quite alarmed.
'Why?' Sirius asked
'Just hide me, and then I'll tell you!' James said loudly.
Bella gave Sirius an angry look, and grabbed James by the arm.
'C'mon, we'll take you to the kitchens' She started pulling him down the steps.
'Are you coming or what?' She snapped at Sirius.
He nodded and started to follow.
'Thanks, Bella' James said gratefully, as they made their way toward the kitchens, 'I'll tell you what's up when we get there.'
He looked over at her and grinned.
'Is that Sirius' jumper?'
'Shut up!' she said furiously.
'Sorry I asked.'
_____________________________________
Lily, Remus and Ashleigh had also come inside. They had met up with Peter on his way back from the library, and now all four were seated in the common room, waiting for Lily to tell them what had happened with James.
'Alright, spill' Remus got comfortable on the couch, Ashleigh leaning next to him and Peter sitting on the floor with his back against the couch.
Lily squirmed uncomfortably in her armchair.
'Alright' she sighed ' It started like this..'
______________________________________
'You've gotta talk to her!' said Bella
James had just finished recounting his story to Bella and Sirius, who apart from looking initially shocked that he had a thing for Lily, had taken it upon themselves to help him sort things out. They were sitting in the kitchen, each holding a mug of hot chocolate the house elves had made for them.
'Yeah' Agreed Sirius 'Ask her to the ball!'
Bella's eyes lit up.
'Of course! Ask her to the ball James! I'll help you!'
James looked irritated ' What if she doesn't think of me that way?'
Bella rolled her eyes. 'You're James Potter, hunk extraordinare! Every girl in Hogwarts has thought about you that way at some point or another. Me included!'
James looked at her in disbelief and Sirius scowled.
'Hey!' She shrugged ' I have'
James still looked unbelieving.
Bella groaned ' Third year, christmas. remember?'
James shook his head.
'Mistletoe in the common room? We had to kiss?'
James smiled 'Now I remember. You liked me then,huh?'
'Yes' Bella said ' During the kiss I thought of you romantically.' she frowned ' Of course the kiss only lasted, what, four seconds?'
'Are you telling me you liked me for FOUR seconds?' Asked James
'What can I say' said Bella ' I fall in and out of love easily'
Sirius looked quite relieved.
'So as I was saying' Bella said 'I'm sure Lily will like you. She may even now! Have you noticed how she's been daydreaming alot lately?'
'That doesn't mean anything' James mumbled 'I think I'm gonna go wallow in self pity in my dorm. Will you two come and make sure that the coast is clear.'
'Of what?' Asked Sirius, though he already knew what, or should I say who James was reffering to.
'Of Lily you dolt!' James smacked him upside the head.
'Ow! That hurt Prongs!' Sirius moaned
Bella sighed ' C'mon you two' They exited the kitchens and made their way toward Gryffindor tower ' And what's with the nicknames?'
________________________________________
Lily had also finished telling her side of the story, and had retired to her dorm in quite a forlorn manner. Peter, along with Remus and Ashleigh, was shocked at the whole thing.
'I suppose it's best to wait until James shows up then' He said, and the others agreed.
This didn't take quite as long as they expected, however. About five minutes later, Sirius and Bella came through the portrait hole. Bella waited beside it, while Sirius looked around the common room, spotted them and came over.
'Where's Lily?' He asked, trying to look serious, but failing miserably.
'Up in her dorm' said Remus ' Why?'
Sirius turned to Bella and gave her the thumbs up, she looked as if she was saying something to the potrait. But the next moment it swung open and James pulled himself in, looking quite miserable.
They made their way over to the group. Bella careful to stay infront of James, as she was grinning like mad.
'I'm going up to bed' James announced monotonely, and climbed up the boys staircases.
The moment he was gone, Bella started laughing, and Sirius quickly followed suit.
'Alright' Bella said, calming down a little ' Where's Lily?'
'Up in her dorm' Remus said, then frowned up at her ' Isn't that Sirius jumper?'
He laughed, but the glare Bella gave him was enough to make him stop quickly.
'I'm going to see her.' Bella said, still looking angrily at Remus. She turned swiftly and marched up the stairs.
'Gor!' said Peter 'Why is everyone so miserable today?'
The others just laughed.
_____________________________________
'Lily?' The sixth year girls dormitory door slowly opened and Bella stepped inside.
There was no reply.
'Lily' Said Bella again 'I know you're in here'
A muffled sound could be heard coming from Lily's bed. Bella walked over. Lily was lying in bed with the covers pulled over her face.
Bella creeped over and swiftly pulled the covers off.
'Hey!' Cried Lily, and looked up at her sulkily.
'Do you liked James?' Bella asked suddenly - she wanted to get straight to the point.
Lily didn't answer, but grabbed the blanket and pulled it back over her.
'Oh no you don't!' Bella ripped off Lily's entire bedspread and looked down at her impatiently ' Do you like him or not! I'm not gonna leave you alone until you answer me!'
Lily mumbled something incoherent.
'What?' asked Bella
Lily scowled up at her ' I said, I DON'T KNOW!'
'Well, what would help you make up your mind?' asked Bella, she pulled out her wand 'Maybe a nice new pair of ears? A new hair colour?' she raised her wand, ready to perform a spell.
'Alright! Alright! I like him OK!' Lily screeched 'Just leave me alone!'
Bella grinned 'Would you go to the ball with him?'
Lily sighed ' Yes, I would!'
'Great!' Bella jumped off the bed.
'Wait!' Lily sat up 'Where are you going?'
'I've got detention tonight, remember?' said Bella
'You're alwaysin trouble' said Lily, shaking her head ' Nearly as bad as the boys!'
' I gotta go, I'm gonna be late and I don't wanna miss dinner.' She headed out the door.
'Bella, one more thing' called Lily, smiling to herself.
'What?' the other girl called back.
'Why are you wearing Sirius jumper?'
Lily got no reply, but instead a frustrated yell could be hear from the stairs.
'ARGH!!!!!!'
Bella headed down the stairs. She wasn't lying, she did have detention. A few days ago she went late night pranking with the boys. But she got angry with Sirius and stormed off, much to their protest. It was her fault however that she was making to much noise and was caught by Proffesor McGonnagol. She had tried to explain her way out of it but still got a couple of detentions.
(A/N: The boys actually do pull alot of pranks that I dont write about. It's just it takes to much room. I'm only gonna write about the pranks that affect the plot of the story. 'kay?)
Before she headed off to detention though, she was gonna go see James, and talk some sense into him.
She reached the common room, passed the rest of the group with a smile, and headed up the boys stair cases.
'Wonder what she's doing?' Asked Ashleigh
'I dunno' Replied Sirius.
When Bella reached the boy's dorm, it was much a repeat of her and Lily's. James had also opted to hide underneath the covers of his bed, but he had also pulled his curtains shut. Bella quiet crept over and slipped in.
'Get up grumpy bum!' She yelled as she jumped on his bed 'The amazing Bella Figg has solved all your problems!'
James groaned ' Would the amazing Bella Figg stop jumping on me?'
'Not until you get up!' Bella said, continuing to jump.
James pushed his blankets off and looked at her angrily.
'Ever heard of a little thing called privacy?' He asked her
'Nope' she said ' What's that?'
James sighed.
'C'mon James! Get up! Or else!' Bella whined
'Or else what?'
'Or else I won't tell you what Lily told me!' She said happily
This seemed to change James' mind as he hopped out of bed.
'Alright. What did she say?'
Bella smiled and started singing stupidly 'She likes you! She wants to hold you! She wants to kiss you! She wants to go to the ball with you! She wants to marry you! She wants to -'
'Enough!' James butted in, knowing exactly where the song was going and turning bright red. (A/N: Tee Hee!)
Bella started to giggle ' Oo, Jamesie Poo! I think I love you!' She said in a high pitched voice, nearly perfectly imitating several of James' old ditzy girlfriends.
James rolled his eyes. 'Did you just come up here to humiliate me?' He asked her.
'No' she said, shaking her head 'I came up here to tell you Lily like you AND to humiliate you!' she smiled ' Oh and for one other thing aswell!'
She headed over to Sirius chest of drawers.
'So what do you want me to do about it?' He asked her, sitting on the edge of his bed.
'Got talk to her!' Said Bella, pulling Sirius jumper off and shoving it in the right drawer.
James, taking notice of what she was doing said 'You know, it's scary how you know where everything is in this room. I mean especially since girls aren't supposed to be up here!'
Bella smiled as she moved over to Remus' section of the room. ' And you don't know you're way around Lily and I's dorm?'
She opened another draw (This time belonging to Remus) and pulled one of his jumpers out - a green one this time.
'True.' James nodded.
Bella pulled the jumper over her head.
'Wasn't Sirius' jumper cosy enough for you?' James smirked.
'No it was fine' She said, then added ' I was just sick of stupid people like you teasing me!'
She walked back over to him.
'I mean it's fine when I wear all Remus' stuff' she said irritatingly ' But can I wear Sirius' jumper? NO, that suggests something otherwise!'
She then looked at him as if she was seeing him for the first time.
'You're still here?' she said alarmingly, she checked her watch ' and bloody hell! I've got detention' she pulled him off the bed.
'Alright. You have to go and talk to Lily!' she told him as they headed for the door ' And ask her to the ball of course!'
'What!' James pulled out of her grasp ' No way! I'm not talking to her!'
Bella stomped her foot on the ground 'Oh yes you are!' she said 'Even if I have to make you!' she looked at him threatingly
'No' James shook his head stubbornly.
Bella rolled her eyes, -Is anything gonna make him budge?- she asked herself. A sly grin spread across her face -I know!-.
She sauntered over to him.
'That's okay James' She whispered , trying to sound seductive 'You could always go to the ball with me' She grinned up at him. ' I mean I don't think Remus would mind, and I'm sure it would be okay with Sirius!'
James gulped 'Okay, I'll ask her!'
Bella dropped the act immedietely and laughed 'Thatta boy James!' she said, slapping him on the back, 'I would have hated to set Remus and Sirius on you!'
They made their way down the stairs and into the common room, where, suprisingly, the rest of the group was still seated.
'Up you go Jamesie boy!' Bella said, saluting. She then headed quickly towards the potrait hole to get to detention.
'Oy!' Sirius called after her 'Where's my jumper?'
Remus grinned ' Maybe she likes mine better!'
James sighed and started up the girls stairs, with a sudden cheer from his friends.
'Great' he mumbled ' This is gonna be hell.'
_____________________________________
After Bella left, Lily made her bed, and was now just lying on top of it thinking. She wondered what Bella was going to do now that she knew Lily liked James. Lily herself was quite suprised at the revelation, she guessed it was the kiss. I mean you can't be kissed like that and not expect to fall for the guy, right?
The door creaked open again, and Lily, expecting it be Bella called out.
'Yeah, come in Bella!'
'It's not Bella!' A masculine voice replied and a messy black haired head poked around the door - James.
'Can I come in?' He asked cautiously
Lily nodded and he stepped into the room nervously. He walked over to her bed cautiously and sat down on the floor.
Lily knew he was looking at her, and she avoided his eye. An tense silence filled the room.
'Look, Lily' James began, fiddling with the carpet ' the kiss, I know it was a problem.'
Lily tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
'James' she sighed ' The kiss isn't the problem'
'Oh' he said
Lily continued ' The real problem is.' She looked up at him, finally making eye contact '...I liked it.'
James looked stunned. 'y-y-you did?' he stuttered
'Yeah' Lily nodded 'I did. And that scares me.'
Both teenagers became silent.
'I know!' said James, looking at the floor 'It scared me too, when I first found out I liked you.'
Lily smiled slightly.
'When was that?' she said sarcastically 'An hour ago?'
'Fourth year.' James stated simply, and Lily looked shocked.
'Don't look suprised' He said, shaking his head 'You'll find that with most guys. the moment they start liking someone seriously, they'll stop dating other girls.'
He grinned ' For some they do it unconciously. Take Sirius for instance.'
He grinned and Lily laughed.
'Middle of fifth year' James continued 'When he and Bella started to fight really bad.' He shrugged 'Of course she always started it, because she genuinely dislikes him.' he stopped ' I'm going on, aren't I'
'A little bit' Lily said.
James chuckled, and then there was silence one more.
'Lily?' James asked seriously
'Yes James?'
'Do you like me?' He ran a hand through his hair nervously.
Lily smiled ' After you kissed me like that?' she asked 'How could I not?'
James face broke into a true smile 'Really?'
'Really, really'
James hopped up and gave her a hug.
'Does this mean you'll go to the ball with me?' he whispered into her ear.
'What do you think?' She whispered back.
James grinned 'Does this mean I can kiss you again?' he asked
Lily pulled back to look at him.
'No'
He looked quite dissapointed until...
'How about I kiss you this time?' she grinned at him cheekily.
'Three cheers to that!'
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter Five is done! Woohoo!
I can safely say that this is my favourite chapter! It's cause I spent so much time writing it!
This chapter is 14 and a half pages! And that's minus my little comments at the start and finish!
I would like to thank ALL my reviewers so far:
~Moonylover - Thanks for being my first ever reviewer. I like the Remus/Bella friendship too. I think it's cute :)
~Zille - Thankyou for encouraging me to continue. I did take your advice on changing the summary! It worked (I think :( )
~Becka - Well I've gotten Lily and James together! Do you think it was okay? (bites lip nervously)
~Padfoots Princess - Yeah, I know, por Siri! :( He's my favourite and I hated to do that to him!!!
~Nat - Cheers! I love l/j fics too! (But I like Sirius/Bella ones more!!! :) )
~ Ashleigh - I think Sirius is funny too! I based him on the type of guy I would go for (and based Bella on myself! *Grins sheepishly*) I named Ashleigh after one of my friends! Ashleigh's a great name! :)
~Scottieupshallforlife (anonymous) - Thanks! I know, it is sooooooooooo difficult to get people to notice your story! Argh! Thanks for reviewing anyway!!! :)
Thanks everyone! I've got your name's down and I'n gonna try to review atleast one of your stories! Okay? :)
Finally, I would like to wish a very happy Australia Day for the 26th to any Aussies out there! even though I won't be having one! :( I have to go to an 80th birthday instead of the lotto skyworks!! :( I know! Boohoo for me!
Alright! Anyways pretty please with sugar and cherries and spirnkles on top review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Till next time,
weasley-kid : )