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Green Eyed Monster
By: Noelle
Chapter 7: Two Girls and a Marauder
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Disclaimer: I do not own Lily Evans, James Potter, Sirius Black, and any of the recognizable characters. I do own Ella Reichman though. I do not own the recognizable places, such as Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. J.K. and Warner Brothers have the right to the Harry Potter universe, and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
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James stumbled into the Fifth Year Boys dormitory at half past 12:00. Sirius awoke when James lit a candelabra, to see where he was going. James changed into his pajamas, and was about to go to sleep when Sirius asked him an innocent question.
"Where have you been, Prongs?" his voice broke the silence. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, as he adjusted to the light.
James looked flustered. "Er… I was in the library," he answered, as he climbed into bed.
"James?" Sirius called out.
"Yes?"
Sirius stared at him, his dark eyes penetrating James' pale blue eyes. "You have lipstick on your neck. And a smudge on your ear too. Library, eh? The back shelves, right? Now, just tell me that you weren't there with Lily, or else that would mean I lost the bet."
James looked down, his cheeks turning a rosy red colour as the blush swept upward. "I wasn't there with Lily," he said, without emotion.
"Who were you there with, Prongs?" Sirius asked, his voice now booming. He looked inquisitively at his fellow Marauder.
James looked down once again. "Vanessa McKinnon," he muttered. "She can be very persuasive, you know…"
He chuckled. "I'm sure she can be," Sirius said.
"What's going on with you and Ella?" James asked curiously.
Sirius looked down guiltily. "Well, I think that I am going to end things with her on Friday. It's just that… I'm Sirius Black. She's had two weeks. I mean, Ella's great and all, but still… by the way, Prongs, nice diversion tactic."
"It was not a diversion tactic," James said huffily, crossing his arms.
"It was. And do you want to hear what I think?" He did not wait for James' asnwer. "Well, Prongs, just end this thing with Vanessa before Lily finds out. If she knew that you were trying to get her to fall for you while snogging Vanessa in your spare time, I doubt she'll be very happy."
James' temper began to flare up. "Oh, shut it," he snapped, throwing the covers over his head. He fell asleep instantly.
He had a strange dream. Vanessa was running, Lily chasing her. But it wasn't Lily. Not exactly. The thing chasing Vanessa had two heads, and was twenty feet tall. The only similarity was the eyes. The monster had Lily's green eyes. It continued to chase Vanessa, but James grabbed Vanessa's hand, and the monster disappeared. They walked a few steps, holding hands, when Vanessa began to kiss him. She stepped back, smiling, and began to grow into a hideous creature. James screamed, and stepped backward, falling into a hole. And he fell, and fell, and fell, never reaching the bottom. He fell onto a canopy, and bounced upwards some ways. He flew out, and continued to fly. He landed near a stream. There was a field surrounding him. A field of lilies, to be exact. The lilies were softly whispering to the wind, 'Betrayer'. They were calling James 'Betrayer'. James jumped into the stream, and tried swimming upstream. But the current was too strong, and pulled him the other way. It was too late that he realized there was a waterfall. He fell, his arms flailing about. He landed in a calm pool of water. Suddenly, he saw a fin jump out of the water. And then, arms wrapped around him. He turned to find a mermaid resembling Vanessa. On his other side was a mermaid resembling Lily. "You have to choose," they said together. "You have to choose…"
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James caught up with Lily outside of the Charms classroom the next morning, after class. "Hullo, lovely Lily," he said jauntily. Lily gave him a frosty glance.
"You never stop trying, do you?" she stated, instead of questioning. Lily quickened her pace. She wanted to go to the library and find a book on Nicholas Flamel, the famous alchemist. Afterwards, she wanted to go to lunch, and then maybe a stroll around the castle. She would then go to Transfiguration. Her plans did not involve James Potter.
"I'm persistent," James said, quickening his pace to keep up with Lily. "So, how about studying for the next Defense test together?" he suggested brightly.
Lily rolled her eyes. "I'd rather not. Besides, I always study with Ella."
James' face fell as he remembered that Sirius was planning on ending things with Ella today. That would ruin what slim chance James had to win the bet. Why would Lily want to associate with the best friend of the boy who broke her best friend's heart? He had to stop Sirius, before it was too late. "I have to go," James said distractedly, as he broke off in to a run. He ran to the Gryffindor Common Room first. Sirius was not there. He then ran to the famous alcove where Sirius broke so many girls' hearts. He was not there either.
James was in a panic. He did not know where to find Sirius. He wouldn't take her up to the Astronomy Tower. No, he was not that cruel. James checked the Great Hall, the library, and the History of Magic classroom. Sirius was not to be found. He had nearly given up when he heard a sniffle from the Charms classroom. Slowly, James walked over to the door, and peeked in stealthily.
Ella was sitting, her back to him, on top of a desk. Her legs swinged, and she sniffled once again. James mentally kicked Sirius. He had already done it.
"Who's there?" Ella called out, hiding any signs she had been crying. James considered going to talk to her. But what would he say? Sorry? No, that wouldn't work. James quietly backed out of the classroom, and walked down the hall still facing the classroom, and bumped right into someone.
"I was wondering where you were," Vanessa said, in her most 'sultry' voice. Her arm clamped over his shoulder, so her hand rested on his chest. James was not in the mood. He brushed her off.
"Vanessa… can we do this later?" he asked moodily.
Vanessa gazed at James, her brown eyes pensive. "I saw you with Evans earlier."
"I was asking her if she would help me study for the Defense test. I did horrible on the last one, and she got perfect marks, like usual," James partly lied.
Relaxing somewhat, Vanessa stepped back. "So, there is nothing going on between you two?" she asked.
James looked up at her. "There is nothing going on between me and Evans," he said clearly, his voice void of any emotion. Although it is the truth, James thought.
Vanessa grinned. "Good. So, I was thinking we could go up to the Astronomy Tower later…" she leaned in toward James, kissing him softly. James just stood there.
"I can't. I have to go to the library," he lied, trying to walk away. Vanessa caught his arm though, gripping on to him.
"Or we could go there," she added. When James didn't answer, she continued on. "Good. It's a date."
James looked at his watch. "I have to go, or I'll be late to Transfiguration."
"Bye James," Vanessa said, smiling faintly. James gave a single wave, before walking slowly to Transfiguration.
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Lily finished up her Transfiguration test rather quickly. James, her only competition in the class, had come late, and was still working on his test. Smiling, Lily raised her hand, to turn her paper in. Professor McGonagall walked over, and took the parchment, smiling at her favorite student. However, her face soon fell. It turned a rather unique shade of purple, and Professor McGonagall pursed her lips together. "What is the meaning of this?" she whispered to Lily.
"Er… I don't know," Lily whispered back. "Is that number seven you're asking me about?"
Professor McGonagall began to turn a shade of fuchsia. "See me after class, Ms. Evans."
Lily tapped her fingers while class continued on. She was scared. She had never been in trouble before. She was used to seeing Professor McGonagall turn that shade of colour with James, or Sirius, or even Remus, but never her! Lily wondered what was wrong. What had she done that was so utterly terrible?
At noon, Professor McGonagall dismissed everyone but Lily. Lily sat in her seat, her hands folded on her desk, looking down. Professor McGonagall stood before her, Lily's test in her hand.
"Did I really do that horrible?" Lily blurted out, before Professor McGonagall could begin talking. "Can I retake it?"
Wordlessly, the stern professor handed Lily her test. Lily read over it, not believing her eyes. Tears began to well up in her eyes. She knew she was in trouble. More trouble that ever before, not that there was a before.
The handwriting was her own. Lily could tell that much. But she would never write those horrible words on paper. Even if she might have thought of them before, she would never write them. Insulting words about Professor McGonagall filled every answer space.
"Professor, I would never do this…" Lily said, tears stinging her eyes.
Professor McGonagall's face softened slightly. "It doesn't seem like you, but what other explanation is there? It is your handwriting. I have no choice but to give you detention. We'll be meeting in the Trophy Room at 6:00, after dinner. Don't be late."
Lily nodded, not yet crying. She refused to cry, even if tears were in her eyes. "I understand," she said, her head bowed. Professor McGonagall stared at Lily, before walking out of the classroom. Lily sat, taking deep, calming breaths. Lily heard footsteps, as people rushed in. Lily tried to smile. She couldn't let them know how upset she was.
"Lily?" Ella said softly, putting her hand on her best friend's shoulder. "Are you all right?"
Forcing herself to smile, Lily nodded. "Yes. I'm fine." She turned to find Ella and James staring at her.
"What are you doing here?" she said to James, not bothering to add the hostility to her tone.
James looked down. "I was worried about you," he said. "The both of you actually. Are you two all right?"
The two girls said 'Yes', clearly lying. James, the excellent Liar, could tell a lie when he heard one. "First. Lily, what happened?"
Lily found herself explaining to James and Ella about the parchment, and about her detention. "Well, don't worry," James said. "I have detention too. I'll keep you company," he added, smiling charmingly.
Lily sighed. This was her first detention ever. And it would definitely be her last. "Thanks," she said, sighing.
James then turned his attention to Ella. "How are you holding up?" he asked.
Ella now sighed. "I'll live," she said. "After all, I wasn't expecting marriage or anything. I just thought… well, never mind. It was fun while it lasted."
"What was fun?" Lily asked.
She looked down. "Sirius ended things with me," Ella said. "Probably for the best," she added, trying to act like nothing was bothering her. "So, is it time for Dinner?"
"Yes," James said, checking his watch. "Let's go…"
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James felt incredibly guilty about what he did to Lily. He had used a charm on her test, so she would get detention. James made many a girl fall for him in detention. Sure, he felt guilty, but it was something he had to do.
After dinner, he walked with Lily to the Trophy Room. She didn't even make any snide remarks to him. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them.
"You two are the only ones today. You have to clean, no magic. Your wands, please…" Lily and James grudgingly gave Professor McGonagall their wands. Professor McGonagall wished them luck before leaving.
"So," James said, taking charge. "We can either work together or work apart. It would probably go faster if you started on the east shelf and worked your way toward the center. I'll start on the west and work my way there. Then, we'll do the middle shelves together."
Lily wordlessly picked up a rag, and began cleaning. She worked feverishly, yet lazily, and was done with her shelf within an hour James worked hard to keep up. He had to have this timed perfectly. They reached the center shelves together. Lily worked near the bottom, while James was on a ladder, cleaning the higher up trophies. Then, with a smile, he dropped his sopping wet rag on Lily's head.
"Watch it up there!" Lily screamed, not meanly, but more happily. James smiled, and went back to his trophies. Until a sopping wet sponge hit the back of his neck. He looked down at Lily, who was grinning.
"Oh, you asked for it," James yelled, as he dumped a bucket of water below him. It landed on its target -- Lily. She screamed delightfully, and flung one of her buckets of water at him.
James quickly came down the ladder, and flung a rag at Lily. She ducked out of the way. "You throw like a boy," she taunted him.
"Isn't that good?" James asked.
Lily thought about this. "Nope!" she screamed, as she threw another bucket of water on James. James grinned, and chased her around the room with his own bucket. He caught up to Lily, and dumped it right over her head. Her hair fell from its bun as she chased him.
James let Lily catch up with him, and then he grabbed her, smearing a sponge in her face. He then leaned in, and kissed Lily gently. As he ended the kiss, he looked at her and smiled. "You look pretty with your hair down," he whispered.
Staring at him with wide eyes, Lily backed away. She backed her way out of the room, and then ran, as fast as she could away, leaving James to finish the work, and evaluate his relationship. Lily would never trust him again. She probably thought he was some 'playboy'. He just didn't want to lose Lily.
With a gasp, James realized what he had just thought. Why was he worrying if she trusted him? And why did he care about what she thought of him? Why did he care if he lost Lily? And why did he actually want her to fall for him? Could it be true that HE was falling for Lily Evans, the Green Eyed Monster?
James Potter was beginning to fall for the Green Eyed Monster.
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The next morning, Lily awoke relatively early. She dressed quickly, and pulled her long red hair into a bun. It was a long time before breakfast. She decided to go on a sunrise jog around the grounds and around the lake.
Lily always used this time to get perspective on life. She jogged faster and faster as she thought about James Potter. She was feeling guilty about everything she's done to him. He was just trying to be nice. She should've given him a chance. And yesterday, with this kiss. No, she couldn't fall in love. She couldn't. She would not fall for James Potter. Her mind firmly set, she decided to talk to James, and end things, during breakfast.
Lily entered the Great Hall, intent on finding James. However, he was nowhere to be found. Lily did see Remus Lupin though, sitting with Peter Pettigrew. Remus was nice, but Lily never truly understood why Peter was in their group. Shrugging, she went to talk to Remus.
"Hullo," she said cheerfully, sitting down beside Remus.
"G'Morning Lily," Remus said politely. Peter blurted out a greeting through a mouth full of chewed food. Smiling slightly at Peter, Lily turned her attention back to Remus.
Lily decided to be somewhat tactful. "How'd you do on that Defense test?" she asked.
Smiling, Remus told her that he had received a 98.
"That's great," Lily said enthusiastically. "I was wondering if you knew where James was. He borrowed my Defense notes that we need to study for the next test."
Remus looked thoughtful. "I'm pretty sure he said he had to go to the library. You should try checking there."
"I will," Lily said happily. "Thank you!"
"It's nothing," Remus answered. "I'll see you in Charms."
Lily hurried off to the library, hoping to find James quickly. He wasn't sitting at one of the tables, so she decided to check the shelves. He might be looking for a book. As Lily came closer to the back, she thought she heard his voice. Edging closer, she peered between two books, watching James.
He was standing with Vanessa McKinnon. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but when Vanessa wrapped her arms around James and kissed him, Lily got the picture. Lily turned away, shocked, and walked slowly out of the library. However, James must have noticed her because he ran over. "Lily!" he shouted.
Lily turned around, with a faint smile. "Hullo James. Having fun with Vanessa?"
James' eyes were wide with guilt. "Lily! It's not what you think…"
"I'm sure," Lily answered wryly. "I'm happy for you. I just wanted to come over and apologize for everything."
James' eyes flashed with a brief thought of hope. "Lily!"
"I also wanted to let you know that yesterday was a mistake. And things can't continue like that. It meant nothing. I hope you and Vanessa are very happy together this week," Lily said. "I have to go find Ella. I was supposed to meet her here, but I guess she is waiting for me in the Great Hall."
"But Lily!" James' voice hid a sign of urgency.
"But nothing. I have to go." Lily turned around, and walked out of the library. She didn't like James, but she didn't think that he would move on so quickly. And with Vanessa McKinnon, of all people. Lily did not like James. Not at all. Lily would never fall in love. She couldn't. She just couldn't…
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James slowly returned to Vanessa. "Look," he said, looking at his feet. "I told you. It's over. I'm sorry."
Vanessa smiled wryly at him. "Trust me, James. You will be sorry. Years from now, you will understand what you lost. And you'll be sorry. Heck, you might realize it in days…" she added mysteriously. Vanessa then turned, and walked out of the library, leaving James wondering how girls walked like that. Sighing, he followed.
He didn't have a chance with Vanessa, obviously. And now, he would surely lose the bet. How could Lily ever fall for him, after catching Vanessa trying to 'convince' him to not give up on their 'relationship'? How could she ever trust him? It didn't matter. He had lost Lily, probably for good. Once again, James had messed everything up.
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A/N: Ooh. A conflict! Little bit of romance, but don't worry all you people who like mean Lily, because she's back in the next chapter. Also, James and Sirius are going to have a strain on their friendship, namely Ella. It's the Christmas holidays, and not everyone is merry, but Professor Dumbledore's scheme is sure to help. Sorry this took a while to get up. I was having problems with ff.net, and then yesterday, I kept having power failures (seriously!) I would get on the computer, and just get on line, and then all the lights would flicker, and the power would go off, and come back on ten seconds later. It kept doing that every three minutes too! Anyway, I am going away on vacation (with no access to a computer) so I will hopefully write another chapter or two while I'm away, and type and post the day I get back. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!
~Noelle
Luckie7n13@aol.com