Pre-Author's Notes: This fic is based on the manga, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e also known as For You in Full Blossom. I had to change some elements from the Harry Potter story to make it work, so live with it. Yes, I am aware that some of the facts from the Harry Potter series is off, but I had to change it for the story. ^^
Winter exams were upon the students of Hogwarts before they could even realize it. The students spent long hours at the library to the point where they could barely keep their eyes open. There also came a strike of influenza because the stress made the students more vulnerable to illness. Needless to say, Dr. Pomfrey was very busy.
The Marauders, save Peter, were the only ones who weren't stressed out. James and Sirius were setting off a series of pranks in order to liven everybody's mood and to ring in the holidays. Lily was stressing over her tests. The only thing that relaxed her was her walks with James and Fang during the evenings.
Finally, exams began and ended in an instant. However, the results came almost as quickly. "What happened?" wailed so many students. Once again James had the top scores in Transfiguration, while Sirius ruled in Care of Magical Creatures. Lily got the highest score in Charms. Remus got the highest score in Astronomy. Even Peter managed to scrape by.
"Why are the tests so hard this year?" whined Peter.
"Because the OWLs are this year," replied Remus. "They're just getting us ready for it."
"McGonagall really got to you, didn't she?" asked Sirius.
Peter gave a nod. He was truly pitiful. However, nothing could have been worse than the news that was waiting them when they had returned to their dorms.
"What?" asked Lily out loud as she read the notice. "I don't believe it."
"What's going on, Lucas?" asked Frank.
"It says that they're going to be doing some work on the tower for this break. Why? Why didn't they do it during the summer?" asked Lily out loud.
"Don't know, but that means we'll have to go home during the break," said Frank.
"Home?" squeaked Lily. I can't go home. Not after all the things I had to do to stay here. What will I do? She thought in a panic.
"Oh well, that means that you'll have to go home to Australia, James," said Sirius.
"No," said James without any expression.
"Why Australia?" asked Lily.
"His father is the British Ministry of Magic's representative to Australia," answered Remus.
"I didn't know that," said Lily.
"I'll just stay with my grandparents in London," said James. "What about you, Lucas?"
"I don't know," said Lily. She didn't really want to stay with her father and Petunia. She didn't like spending any time with Petunia because she always thought that she was more proper than everyone else, especially Lily. Furthermore, Lily couldn't do any of her magic at home, leaving her vulnerable to Petunia's attacks when their father wasn't paying attention.
"You can always go with me," said Frank. "My mother wouldn't mind having any extra company." Yes...we'll live together. It will be fantastic.
"I don't know," said Lily. "Excuse me for a moment."
"What's wrong with him?" asked Sirius as he looked at James.
"I have no idea," replied James. But, I'm going to find out.
Lily made her way to the infirmary to find Dr. Pomfrey looking over some paperwork. "What now?" he asked without looking up. He was just so tired of hearing all the whining the students were doing over just a few exams.
"I need a place to stay during the break. Dr. Pomfrey, please help me," said Lily as she folded her hands in front of her.
Dr. Pomfrey looked up at her. "I'm going on holiday in San Tropes," said Dr. Pomfrey. "I can't help you."
"Please? I'll do anything. I'll wash. I'll clean. I'll do carpentry. Please?" pleaded Lily.
"Sorry," said Dr. Pomfrey as he shook his head.
"But--"
"Brother!" shouted a young girl as she walked in. She was a pretty, young woman who had straight brown hair and bluish-green eyes. She had a Ravenclaw badge on her cloak as she glared at Dr. Pomfrey. He sort of shrunk back when he saw her.
Lily stood there with a puzzled look on her face. "You can't hide, you idiot," said the girl with a slight French accent that wasn't as strong as Dr. Pomfrey's.
"Did you find him yet?" asked Reggie as he walked in.
"What's going on?" asked Lily.
"You can't hide! She's expecting you in the chalet. It's only going to be two weeks," said the girl as she glared at Dr. Pomfrey. She took two long steps forward and grabbed Dr. Pomfrey by the collar of his medical wizarding robes.
"You have to go, Uncle Pierre. If you don't, then I have to," said Reggie.
"Besides it was a direct order from her," said girl.
"I have to get out of here!" exclaimed Dr. Pomfrey. It was the first time Lily had ever seen him in a panic. "I must flee before the evil one appears."
"Oh no, you don't!" exclaimed the girl angrily. "Last year I had to help out. This year is your turn."
"Could someone tell me what's going on?" asked Lily.
"Oh, Lucas, you're here. I didn't notice," said Reggie. "You see our family has a chalet that is only open for business briefly each season of the year. It's a bed and breakfast. My mother is the one who runs it."
"There's no way I am going to go over there! Not again. Let go, Renee!" exclaimed Dr. Pomfrey.
"No, Brother," said Renee.
"So, you're Dr. Pomfrey's sister? I forgot that you were in Ravenclaw," said Lily thoughtfully.
"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Renee Pomfrey," said Renee with a more formal introduction as she smiled at Lily.
"Yes, Auntie Renee," said Reggie as he patted Renee on the head.
"I'm two years younger than you! Stop that," said Renee as she swatted his hand away.
"I see," said Lily. What a strange family...
"Pierre!" rang a voice that made Dr. Pomfrey cringe. He looked desperately at the nearest window. Reggie knew what he was thinking, so he grabbed his uncle's arm.
"He's here, Mother!" shouted Reggie.
Lily watched a very attractive woman walk into the infirmary. She was wearing the latest in wizarding fashions. She looked very elegant indeed. However, her attire didn't remotely match the scowl on her face. She stalked up to Dr. Pomfrey with her wand drawn. She pointed it straight at Dr. Pomfrey's Adam's apple.
Lily took an involuntary step backwards away from the scary woman. "You thought that you could escape, didn't you, Pierre?" asked the woman coldly in English with a heavier accent than Dr. Pomfrey's.
"Isabelle, what a surprise. You're looking as lovely as ever," complimented Dr. Pomfrey nervously.
"You're pathetic. Why am I cursed with such a pathetic younger brother?!" exclaimed Isabelle as she looking at ceiling as if requesting help from the heavens. "You know that you're supposed to help me out this year. Father's still not completely well. Mother cannot leave him."
"Wait a moment!" exclaimed Dr. Pomfrey as if divine inspiration had come to him. He looked at Lily. "This person is the answer to your prayers! He has no where to go for the vacation. He's willing to work hard for you. Aren't you, Lucas?"
Lily gave an automatic nod, wondering if she was going to regret it. Isabelle released Dr. Pomfrey from her grip and he sank to the floor. She looked at Lily and leaned in close. "You're very cute. You'll do. Yes, you'll do nicely," said Isabelle after a moment.
Lily sweated under Isabelle's scrutiny. She didn't like her smile either. She looked at the others for help, but found that Dr. Pomfrey had already disappeared. "He's gone," said Renee.
"Damn him," swore Isabelle. "But, don't worry, Lucas. What's your full name?"
"Lucas Evans."
"Don't worry, Lucas. I wouldn't overwork an innocent person like you. You don't deserve my wrath. All you have to do is clean up after the guests, help me serve the food, and take care of other household chores," Isabelle informed Lily.
Lily gave a nod. "Good, I'll pick you up early in the morning with the carriage. Let's go Renee. Reginald."
Lily let out a sigh of relief as soon as they were gone. She was now really worried. She wanted to look for Dr. Pomfrey, but couldn't find him. She decided it was time to return to the room. She walked back in a hurry and found James sitting on his bed. "So?" he asked.
"Um...I worked it out myself. I'm going to help the Pomfreys out at their chalet. It's only open during the holidays anyway," said Lily with a smile. "Plus I'll get some work experience."
"Really? Maybe, I could go with you. I don't have any work experience," said James thoughtfully. He really didn't need to work. His family was very wealth by any standards, but he didn't really want to spend the holidays away from her.
"I don't know if Isabelle needs anyone else. But since she's having trouble even getting her family to help out, she probably could use some help."
"I'll go with you," decided James. His tone was final, leaving no room for argument. Lily didn't want to argue. All she could do was smile.
*
"So, you're actually going to work? You? James Potter?" asked Sirius with disbelief during dinner.
"What's so amazing about me going to work?" retorted James with some annoyance.
"Have you actually ever worked before, James?" asked Remus.
"No, but how hard could it be?" asked James with a shrug.
Everyone else gave a nervous laugh, even Lily. She wondered just how well off James was. All of her friends back home worked after school or during the holidays to make extra money.
"I think I'll come along, too," spoke up Frank.
"Are you sure? Didn't you say that your mother was expecting you?" asked Lily.
"It's all right, Lucas. My mum won't mind. She's busy with the Aurors," replied Frank. "She's barely around during the holidays. It seems like the Death Eaters are drawn out because of the holiday spirit."
"Then, that's great. I was worried that I wasn't going to get to see my friends during the holidays since I wasn't going home either," said Lily, admitting her relief. She smiled at Frank. He blushed.
"Well, just because you guys are willing to waste your holidays, doesn't mean the rest of us will do that. I'm going home and enjoying myself. You guys want to come over?" said Sirius. The last question was directed to Remus and Peter.
"Are you sure?" asked Remus cryptically.
"Sure, why not? Besides, we don't need, James," Sirius assured him.
"Are you sure?" echoed Peter nervously.
"You'll all be fine," assured James. Lily wondered what they were talking about. Sirius, Remus, and Peter wondered why James wanted to go and work during the holidays. It didn't make much sense. Potters didn't do manual labor unless they were forced to. The rest of the Marauders didn't want to see the results of someone unwisely bossing around James Potter.
*
The next morning, Lily, James, and Frank waited for the Isabelle to pick them up. The carriage was a very fine one, which showed the wealth that Isabelle's husband had. She emerged from the carriage. Once again she was dressed in a wonderful set of robes. She swept up to Lily and the boys.
"Good morning, Lucas. And who is this?" asked Isabelle.
"This is James Potter and Frank Longbottom. They're interested in working in the chalet, too," replied Lily, hoping that Isabelle would take them along. Isabelle walked up to them and did the same look over she had given Lily earlier. She nodded her head with approval. They look strong. I could torture them. She thought happily.
"You can come along. Let's go," agreed Isabelle. The boys gave each other a nervous look, wondering why she was grinning so gleefully. They all piled into the carriage. It was a wonderful trip. Lily now knew why Isabelle didn't mind not traveling by the usual wizards' way of either by apparating, which could not be done on Hogwarts' grounds anyway, or by Floo Powder.
The scenery was beautiful with the snow coating everything. It was truly a winter wonderland. Lily was in completely awe. James sat next to her, while Frank and Isabelle sat next to each other. "Thank you very much for helping me out. I would have demanded that my son be brought along, but my husband didn't want me to," explained Isabelle.
I think her husband saved Reggie from the fate that awaits us thought Lily ruefully as she continued to look outside the carriage window.
"You've never really been on holiday with wizards have you, Lucas?" asked James.
"Nope. All the members of my family are Muggles," replied Lily.
"Must be strange to be the only wizard in the family," said Frank. "But, at least you're different. I'm probably going to be an Auror like my parents."
"What about you, James?" asked Lily.
"I don't know. For right now, all I want to do is play Quidditch," admitted James.
"You seem like good boys. You'll enjoy your time at the chalet. Don't worry, you'll get some days off, too," said Isabelle.
"Thanks," said Lily as she smiled.
The carriage came to a stop after a short while. They all got out. Lily and Frank were very impressed with the chalet. James didn't look impressed at all. He wasn't. His family had a lot of property around the world, so he wasn't that surprised that the chalet was so big.
"Wow! It's amazing," said Lily as she looked around.
There were two people on the balcony on the second floor. The boy was talking to a girl. She was blushing at him as she pulled in close at her. "Byron! What do you think you're doing?" demanded Isabelle.
The girl turned bright red as she immediately left the balcony. "Come down here! Now!" ordered Isabelle further. The boy, Byron, followed the blushing girl. Isabelle impatiently waited for them to arrive. The boy and girl looked to be around the age of the Hogwarts students.
"This is Byron and this is Christina, from Beauxbatons," said Isabelle. "They are Lucas Evans, James Potter, and Frank Longbottom. They are from Hogwarts."
"Welcome," said Christina as she shyly smiled at Lily, James, and Frank. She was obviously embarrassed by the position they had seen her in when they had arrived.
"I'll carry the bags in," volunteered Byron. He had a British accent, while Christina had a French accent. That wasn't something Lily had expected considering the school he attended.
"I'll help you," said Lily happily. James' eyes followed them as they went back to the carriage.
"I hope you don't mind sharing a room. The rest are reserved for the guests. Lucas and James, you'll be sharing a room. Because you're already roommates, I'm sure that you wouldn't mind," said Isabelle. "And Frank, you'll be sharing a room with Byron."
Frank frowned at that last part. Why did James get all the advantages when it came to Lucas? It wasn't fair. Suddenly, Frank quickly reprimanded himself because Lucas was a boy and he shouldn't be thinking that way. He quickly turned his head.
Byron had remained quiet as he and Lily grabbed the trunks. He was studying her. She's cute. Her haircut makes her look like a pixie. Very cute, he silently acknowledged as she met his eye.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
And she's trying to sound like a boy. But, she's trying too hard. Byron gave her a grin, and said, "You're pretty cute. But, why are you pretending you're a boy?"
Lily's face turned ten shades of red before she blabbed back, "Because I am a boy! I am a boy!"
Byron laughed at her distress, but she was now scowling at him. "Okay, okay. Whatever."
James watched them carefully. He didn't like the way that Byron was talking to her. He didn't like it one bit. "I'll take care of it, Lucas. Just go inside," he finally said.
"Huh?" asked Lily as she broke her angry glare away from Byron. James was already up to them and took her end of the trunk.
"Go inside," said James with a slight smile. "It's okay."
"Okay," nodded Lily as she went inside.
Byron waited until she was inside before saying to James, "She's pretty cute."
James looked at him with a surprised look, but said nothing.
"So, you're her roommate, aren't you?" asked Byron.
"Stop call him 'her,'" corrected James. It was better that the creep thought that Lily was an effeminate boy than a real girl.
"Really? So, you're playing along, too?" asked Byron. James didn't give a response. He merely made them move the trunk faster. For the rest of the time, James didn't talk to Byron. As soon as everything was moved in, Byron went back outside to put the carriage back in the stables by himself.
A plan was formulating in his head as he smiled. He always liked a challenge. She's the one this year. I'll make sure of that thought Byron.
Post Author's Note: Here we learn a little more about James. Sorry for such a short chapter. I am very busy with school. I'm headed for my week of finals. ^_^;; Anyway, what's Byron up to? What will he do? Can Lily sense the danger she's in? Let me say this right now: Byron's a player. And he's got his sights set on Lily, but James is already in alert. What will happen next?
Okay, I want to reach two hundred reviews. Pretty please? ^_~ Make me feel better during the upcoming weeks...I may contemplate throwing myself off a building after finals. It depends.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (For You in Full Blossom). I just borrowed these for my fic.
