I A/N: Well, here is my next chappie. Everything all confusing, yet? Well, it can only get more from here. Thanks to all you awesome reviewers and thanks too my beta. Another thanks is in order for Paige Woods my self-esteemer (she fixes all the troubles my beta causes). Thanks for reading. Enjoy!

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We're Gonna Go Swimming

Chapter 4: Flight of the Fairy

Eleena Thea

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"Rhi." James had just come out of the changing rooms to find Rhi sitting in the first row of seats on the Quidditch Pitch. She looked amazing.

"Oh, James. I had to sneak a peek of your practice. You were wonderful. Some of those goals you scored. I mean, wow!" Rhi had a look of pure adoration on her face.

"You're a big Quidditch fan, then?"

"Oh, it is the only sport in my opinion. Both of my older brothers played, and I have kind of grown up with it in my house. I am pretty good on a broom. In fact, I probably would have gone out for the team if my parents would have allowed me," there was a hint of hostility in her voice.

"They wouldn't allow you?" James had never heard of such a thing.

"They felt girls didn't belong on the Quidditch Pitch," Rhi seemed to be getting very mirthless so James quickly changed the subject.

"So you think you're pretty good on a broom, do you? Well, care to have a go?" James smiled as he handed Rhi his Cleansweep. This would be most entertaining.

Rhi mounted the broom and kicked off the ground. She flew around in the air and made a few simple spins and turns. She actually wasn't all that bad. She landed after a few moments and James applauded her. She was nothing compared to him but it was proper to compliment her.

"Wow! I'll have to watch my back," James said still clapping a few last times.

"Thank you. That really means something coming from a Quidditch God like you." Rhi looked flattered. James desired nothing more than to hold her face and kiss her seductive lips. He resisted the temptation and instead snatched her silky hand.

"I was thinking a stroll down by the lake would be a pleasant beginning to the evening."

"Whatever you want, Jamsie."

* * *

Lily watched for James at dinner, but he never came. She wanted to discuss the previous day's events. She also felt like she needed to find out for herself if he was really seeing that despicable Rhiannon Overholt. Lily knew her type. Reggie had called her a Quidditch groupie.

Lily thought it bizarre. James didn't often miss an opportunity to eat. He must have been preoccupied.

* * *

James and Rhi sat on the couch in the Common Room. James had wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and she was laughing at a story he had just finished.

"That is great, James. Really. He flew – upside-down. Ha, Ha, Ha."

"Yeah. Lily never liked me harassing Snape."

"Lily Evans? Isn't she kind of a bluestocking type girl?"

"Yeah. I suppose she is." James had never thought of Lily in that way before but compared to Rhiannon she was a prude.

"Poor, James. You need some excitement in a relationship."

"I guess I do." James suddenly realized what time it was.

"We're late for dinner!" he exclaimed, standing up from the couch. Rhi grabbed his arm and pulled him back down.

"I have your dinner." Rhi turned towards him and kissed him fervently. He liked this girl more and more every moment he spent with her. He returned the kiss and wrapped his hand around the back of her head. She had placed her warm hand on the side of his face and now ran her fingers through his hair. After a few moments, she pulled away and smiled.

"Yum," James breathed. He then rolled her over and kissed her again.

* * *

It had been a week since James had formally asked Rhi to be his girlfriend. She, of course, had said yes. Lily thought the two of them were quite nauseating. Rhi was constantly in his lap hugging or tickling him. The couple definitely didn't worry bout displaying public affection (Judging by the fact that they almost always had their tongues down each others throats). Lily thought the two were worse then Sirius and Reggie, and that was saying something. She glanced over at her friend who was sitting, cuddled up against Sirius's chest as he petted her hair. All the touchy-feeliness in the room disgusted her to no end. She had to escape.

"Good night, everyone," Lily said with an obvious agitation in her voice. Reggie and Sirius were now kissing, but she waved a hand to acknowledge Lily. How nice.

"Don't go to bed Lily. It's still early," pleaded Ling. She seemed just as frustrated as Lily.

"I'm not feeling to well, Ling. Sorry," Lily said rubbing her forehead as if she had a headache. She then turned and left her friend behind as she went upstairs.

Lily slowly got ready for bed. The dormitory was empty. Everything was empty to Lily nowadays. Her relationships, her hobbies, even school felt empty. She was lonely. Really lonely. She didn't understand it either. Sure, Reggie was busy with Sirius but she was there when Lily needed her. Ling had also sort of distanced her self from Lily. Lily didn't blame her the way she had been treating her. Even Remus had become friendlier since Lily's accident, but something was missing. Lily just couldn't put her finger on it.

* * *

Halloween was rapidly approaching. Lily and James had taken Sirius's "house party" idea to a prefects meeting and Dumbledore liked it so much that he suggested that all four houses should throw their own. Now the whole school was engaged in Halloween cheer. Conversations about costume ideas and decorations filled the corridors. Everyone seemed to be notably excited about the upcoming parties.

"So, Lily, we need an idea for costumes." Reggie and Ling had snuck up on Lily in the hall one day.

"I don't know, Regg. I assumed you and Sirius would be dressing up together."

"Sirius didn't want to. He said he can't have me infringing on his artistic energy," Reggie said crossly.

"I hope you knocked him up side the head," Lily replied bluntly.

"Hey, that is a great idea," Reggie smiled. "Be right back." She slowly approached the small huddle of people Sirius was standing in. She lightly tapped on his shoulder and when he turned around, she shoved his head toward the couch forcefully.

"See if that can't help your artistic energy." Reggie was laughing as Sirius staggered backwards a few steps. The people around them were also laughing. Reggie returned to her friends.

"Well, That was nice," she said sweetly.

"You know, he might dump you for that," Ling interjected.

"You think so? That would be great," Reggie said to herself. Then she realized she had said it out loud and blushed.

"Anyway, I think I might have an idea for our costumes." Lily changed the subject. Seeing Reggie hurt Sirius definitely lightened her mood. "I was thinking we could go as fairies." Her friends laughed.

"Fairies? You mean we would get to flutter around in pretty little dresses and wings? That would be great, Lil," Reggie said sarcastically.

"Hear me out. We would be beautifully seductive fairies. We would each have our own theme."

"What? Love, happiness and bubbles?" Reggie laughed.

"I am serious. I was thinking that you could be a light fairy. You could wear all white and we could put a glowing charm on your dress so it would give off light. It would be perfect." Reggie nodded in approval.

"What about me?" Ling asked excitedly.

"I was thinking a water fairy."

"That would be great!" Ling sounded very excited.

"What about you, Lily?" Reggie asked.

"A fire fairy, what else?"

* * *

The Marauders had congregated in their dormitory. They were quietly discussing Sirius's plans for the party when an owl came in through the window.

"Now who is that for, I wonder?" Sirius said taking a parcel out of its mouth, "Oh! For me, of course," he said conceitedly before tearing into the package. The others watched in curiosity. The package was large and the first thing that could be seen was florescent yellow.

"What on Earth is that, Padfoot?" James thought it was hideous.

"My Halloween costume."

"Well, what is it?"

"I'd tell you, but I don't want to."

"Well, then I won't tell you."

"That's fine," laughed Sirius. Remus rolled his eyes.

"What about you, Pete?" Sirius had turned on Peter.

"I-I don't know. I am not very good at that sort of thing."

"Not to worry, Wormtail. I have the perfect costume for you."

* * *

Halloween had finally arrived. It fell on a Friday so, unfortunately, everyone had to endure classes. There was a certain amount of excitement in the air that made it a near impossible to stay focused. All four houses had decided that they were going to have the greatest party and it had definitely turned into a competition. Even Lily had been caught up in the craziness that had become the student body. She sat in her potions classroom trying to brew her potion. There was only a little time left in the class and she had not yet finished. She added the wormwood she had just chopped and began to stir it furiously.

After it had finally boiled for the appropriate time, she poured some into a vial and set it on the table. She began to clean up her area, forgetting to give the vial to Professor Drackney. After a few moments, Severus Snape passed her table and smiled weakly. Lily laughed, and his white cheeks turned red. As he passed her vial, he swept it off the table with his hand.

"Oops. I am sorry. You had already cleaned the rest of it up too, hadn't you?" He smirked at her. Lily began to panic. Professor Drackney was in his office but there was not time to begin again! She had never received a zero on a potion before. She was on the cold dungeon floor cleaning up the broken vial (on brink of tears) when James approached.

"Lily, get up." He grabbed her upper arm and helped her off the floor.

"I-I'm going to get a zero mark. I can't! I-I . . ."

"Lily, calm down. Here is an extra vial of my potion." James handed her the vial and smiled.

"Oh, James. Thank you." She threw herself at him and hugged him knocking him farther onto the dungeon floor. After a few moments, she pulled away and blushed when she saw the embarrassed look on his face. He turned and walked away without saying another word just as Professor Drackney came out of his office.

"All right. Everyone please place their vials on my desk." Lily began to ascend to his desk when Snape ran up.

"Professor Drackney, Evans can't possibly have a potion to turn in!" Snape exclaimed.

"Well, what is this in my hand, Severus." Lily smiled.

"But I broke your vial. I made sure you had already cleaned up. That is impossible," blurted Snape loud enough for the entire class to hear.

"Severus Snape. I think that a detention is in order here. Lily had obviously filled an extra vial," Professor said winking at Lily and then glancing over at the cackling Marauders.

"But, Professor -" Snape began.

"Let's make it two, shall we?" Professor Drackney smiled. Snape reddened and sat back down. Lily smiled at James and uttered another thank you, before returning to her seat feeling quite pleased with the afternoon so far.

* * *

"Lily, will you hurry up and get your arse out of that bathroom. We have to change too!" Reggie pounded on the door. She finally gave up and sat down on the nearest bed quite flustered.

A few moments later, Lily appeared in the doorway of the bathroom. She was wearing a bright red, close-fitting top that had long sleeves that hung to the floor and a wispy bottom accented with orange and gold. She had fastened transparent wings to her back. She had powdered her face so that it was paler and had accented it with dark red lipstick and a beautiful gold design that traveled around the side. She had made a flowered hairpiece that tied her curled hair into a ponytail. She spun around as her friends made a few obnoxious catcalls.

"The bathroom is all yours."

Reggie had finished up in much less time than it had taken Lily. Her outfit was the same style only white. She had put the glowing charm and it radiated a silvery glow. Lily accented her face with silver using the same design as her own. When Ling had finished, Lily painted the same design on her face, in sparkling blue to match her outfit. The girls had a few moments to spare before the common room was open to the student so they sat down on Ling's bed and waited.

"I hear James and Rhi are going as some sort of couple." Lily said out loud but more to herself.

"Yes. He wants something to do with his girlfriend. Sirius must be embarrassed by me." Reggie glanced down at her feet.

"Regg, you look beautiful. There is no way he could ever be embarrassed of you." Lily hated how self-conscious Sirius had made Reggie. She used to be the girl who didn't care about anything that anybody said or thought about her. Now, she was always worrying, mostly about what Sirius would say. It bothered Lily, deeply.

"Your really lucky, Regg. You can converse with your boyfriend, in person," Ling chimed in. Her beau, Marvin Chang, had graduated the previous year, and now had a job at the ministry. Reggie smiled and hugged her friend. The three girls laughed and continued talking until it was time to go down.

"Are you ready for this?" Reggie asked Lily.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

* * *

The common room was completely unrecognizable. Floating candles hung around the room, illuminating it with an eerie glow. A few tables were covered with Honeydukes delicacies, bottles of butterbeer, and another drink that Lily assumed was fire whiskey. The walls had been covered in black sheets and the floor was lined with pumpkins. A few large pumpkins near the entrance had been bewitched to sing music by various wizarding artists. A few items had been transfigured to ghostly looking figures and now flew about, weaving their way in between the candles.

Not many people had come down from their rooms yet so three girls were quickly noticed.

"Girls, Girls, Girls! Aren't we looking particularly magical tonight?" Sirius came over and wrapped his arm around Reggie's shoulder.

"You my dear look radiant. Like an angel of light, my little pixie," Sirius said kissing Reggie on the cheek. He had obviously already downed a couple glasses of fire whiskey, suddenly became a romantic, or both.

"And Ling. Sweet little Ling. for an ice queen you're looking very pretty." Sirius smiled. Ling however seemed quite agitated.

"And Evans, Wow! You set my heart on fire," Sirius was now laughing. Lily stifled giggle. He was definitely off his rocker.

"So what is it you're supposed to be?" Reggie asked noticing Sirius's outfit for the first time.

"I am a muggle fire fighter."

"I don't think fire fighters wear leather pants, Sirius. I think they sent you a fire man stripper costume," Lily laughed. Sirius was wearing a florescent yellow jacket over bright red suspenders (with no shirt), a bright red helmet, and then to top it of a pair of leather pants. Ling, who had also just noticed the pants, burst into laughter. Reggie however was looking very displeased. She grabbed Sirius by the suspenders and pushed him away.

* * *

James had changed in the prefects' bathroom. He and Rhi were planning to meet each other outside of the portrait hole. He decided he would go and wait for her.

The corridors were almost completely empty. The other houses must have started their parties around the same time. James arrived at the portrait hole to find Rhi already waiting for him. She looked ravishing, as usual. She had curled her hair and tied it up with ribbons. James followed the pink ribbons down her figure. Her dress was dark pink and maroon. It laced in the front, showing of her large breasts. The dress stayed tight through her slender waist and then flared at her waist. It was all very becoming on her but James's eyes were once again drawn to the lace up top.

"Earth to James."

"Oh, right. You look exquisite, princess."

"Well, thank you my knight. Care to join the party?" She stuck out her hand and James kissed it.

"Mandagora." James whispered and the portrait hole swung open.

* * *

Lily had just gotten herself a butterbeer when the portrait hole swung open. A couple stepped in, looking very happy together. It was James and Rhi. Rhi looked like a princess (in a frivolous, revealing way.) James was dressed as some sort of medieval knight. He looked amazingly handsome. He was wearing a very light set of armor which accented his muscular physique quite nicely. He glanced over at Lily and she quickly glanced away, sending her hair flying through the air. She looked over again and James was still watching. She could feel her cheeks blushing. She turned and walked over to the couch where Ling was sitting.

* * *

"Peter, hurry up. We're running late." Remus had grown quite impatient with his friend.

"I can't go out in public like this!" Peter squeaked.

"Sirius picked the costume. It can't be that bad." Remus realized what he had just said and grinned. Of curse it was going to be terrible. Peter came out of the bathroom. He was wearing large red shoes, a colorfully striped jumpsuit, and a red nose. He was a clown. Remus laughed hysterically, almost falling to the floor.

"It's not funny, Remus."

"No! Of course not. Your definitely missing something, though." Remus pulled out his wand and said an incantation. Peter's face turned white and painted itself in a typical clown face.

* * *

When Remus and Peter came down the stairs, the Common Room was completely full. A few people around the stairs saw Peter and laughed. he tried to run back upstairs but Remus' reflexes were quick and he grabbed him.

"C'mon now, Wormtail." He began to pull Peter down the stairs. Sirius was in the center of the room but quickly approached his friends.

"Peter, you look great. What are you supposed to be Moony, a gigantic fur ball?"

"He's a werewolf, Sirius." James had excused himself from his date and joined the group.

"I know he's a werewolf, James but what about his costume?" Sirius was considerably intoxicated and had a blank expression on his face. Then suddenly, realization swarmed over it and he laughed.

"Bloody brilliant." He muttered. The other Marauders laughed.

* * *

Lily was utterly disappointed in the party. Everyone else seemed to be having a wonderful time. Many of the couples were now in the middle of the room, dancing to the music omitted from the enchanted pumpkins. Lily watched with envy. James was spinning his beautiful date, who giggled and kissed him on the cheek as he spun her towards him. Sirius was laughing a he literally hung on Reggie, who was the least pleased of the dancers. Ling also looked discouraged. She hadn't spoken in hours. She just sat, sipping her fourth butterbeer. Lily had just finished off her second. She decided to get herself another one.

"Do you want another butterbeer, Ling?" Ling waved her hand and Lily assumed it was a no. She didn't think Ling needed anymore anyway. She stood from the couch and approached the table.

She had just grabbed a bottle when James came up beside her. She turned to leave but he spoke.

"Having fun, Lily?"

"Not really, no." Lily decided honesty was the best route.

"Really? Well, we will have to do something about that." James grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her onto the dance floor. He wasn't quite sure what he was doing. They moved around the dance floor for a few moments until Rhi came up behind James.

"Oh, Rhi. How are you?"

"Well, I am a bit lonely, Jamsie. Care to dance with your date?" Rhi said pulling James away from Lily. "No offense, Lily."

"None taken." Lily had turned to leave the dance floor but Rhi had stopped her. She had leaned close to her ear.

"Why would he dance with a fly when he could have royalty?" She then returned to James, smiling.

"I'm a fire fairy." Lily whispered under her breath. She knew that Rhi wasn't as perfect a she seemed. Lily was at the edge of the crowd when Sirius came up behind her.

"Care for a dance, Lilikins," he laughed.

"Your here with Reggie, Sirius."

"I told him I needed a break." Reggie had come up behind Lily. "Go ahead if you want to."

"Of course she wants to." Sirius had grabbed Lily rather roughly, giving her no choice but to dance. Sirius definitely wasn't as good a dancer as James was (although it was hard to tell with him drunk). Lily was feeling rather miserable. Thankfully, the music slowed down and Lily had the opportunity to escape.

"I think I will sit this one out, Sirius." Lily kissed him on the cheek and sat back down. Ling and Reggie were sitting on the couch laughing. Lily was glad that Ling was finally enjoying herself. Maybe she was even a tad jealous. She sat down and joined in on the conversation. She hadn't even noticed that the music had picked up again until Sirius came over to them dancing.

"Attention everyone.' Sirius exclaimed swinging his hips dangerously close to Lily's face. He pulled her to her feet. "This is Lily Evans, your Head Girl. She is the reason this party was made possible." There were cheers around the room. Lily blushed. "Thank you, Miss Evans." Sirius said hugging her. Lily hugged him back until she felt his hands grasp her backside. She broke free of him but he grabbed her again and kissed her. She could feel his tongue in her mouth, EWWWWWWWW!!!! The taste the alcohol on his breath. She broke away and coughed. She began screaming at Sirius who was now looking white.

"WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL WERE YOU THINKING, SIRIUS BLACK?" Lily screamed. Sirius opened his mouth as if to say something but vomited instead. Lily screamed and ran from the common room as quick as she could.

* * *

James had tried to catch Lily, but she was too quick. He was going to go after her, but Rhi had started kissing him so he resisted.

"Party's over, everyone. Sorry," Remus said standing in the center of the room. The room had let out a groan in unison but people seemed to understand. The crowd slowly started to head up towards their dormitories. Rhi kissed James good night and joined her fellow sixth years. The night had definitely ended on an unhappy note. Sirius was sprawled on the couch. Reggie was standing over him, shrieking. It sent shivers up James spine. No wonder Sirius feared her. James couldn't make out all of it, but from what the few words he had understood, he constructed something like, "What were you doing with your slimy hands on her arse and your tongue down her bloody throat?" That reminded James about Lily. Maybe he should find her. He stood up and left the common room (which had quieted after Remus had pointed out that Sirius was piss drunk, and unconscious.)

* * *

Lily ran for a few minutes until she was far enough away from the Gryffindor tower to feel safe. She sat down on a dark windowsill in the middle of an empty corridor and began to cry. It had been the worst night of her life. She felt foolish for shedding tears over the matter. Sirius was drunk. Still, she felt violated. The tears came at a steadier pace now. She was so wrapped up in her sorrow that she didn't even notice the man coming down the corridor towards her. He was quite absorbed I his own problems and didn't even notice the girl sitting on the windowsill, crying.

* * *

All Aden wanted t do was sit down and rest. This had been one demented evening.

"Ouch!"

"Oh, I – er – didn't see you there." The girl didn't say anything. "I'll just be going, then." The girl still didn't say anything. He looked closer and realized she was crying.

"Miss? Are you all right?"

"F-fine." The girl responded wiping away tears from her cheeks. He turned to leave but felt the urge to stay.

"Are you sure?"

"No!" The girl threw herself at him and began to cry on his shoulder. Aden had never been in a situation like this before. He patted the girl on her back while she cried. He had never been this close to a stranger before and was feeling extremely uncomfortable. A few minutes passed and suddenly the girl sat up and scooted away.

"I am s-sorry. I just – er – got caught up in the m-moment." The girl stuttered nervously. Aden felt even worse.

"It's quite all right. Happens all the time." The girl laughed. "So, care to explain the reason you attacked me?" Lily immediately launched into the long-winded tale of the evenings events when she had finished Aden laughed.

"Why are you laughing at me?"

"I was just thinking that I had nothing to feel sorry about in my evening because yours was much worse. By the way, what is your name?"

"I am Lily Evans."

"Oh, you're Head Girl."

"And who are you?"

"Aden. Aden Kellerman, pleased to meet you." He stuck out his hand and lily shook it timidly. She still looked embarrassed. He gave her a grin.

* * *

Lily had to admit that Aden was handsome. He was a seventh year Ravenclaw, but Lily hadn't gotten to know him. He had always been somewhat mysterious (in a romantic way). Now, he was standing before her, covered in her tears and Sirius's vomit. Lily felt terrible. She pulled out her wand.

"Scorgify." Lily cleaned him up and then cleaned herself off.

"What was that for?"

"Good Samaritans shouldn't have to be covered in other people's vomit." they both laughed. Lily really liked this bloke. They stood for a few moments in awkward silence until Aden took her hand.

"Do you want to take a walk?"

"Please." Maybe the night wasn't as bad as she thought.

* * *

James had wandered the castle for hours, to no avail. He hadn't the slightest idea where Lily had gone to. He felt truly sorry for her, Sirius humiliating her like that. He understood why she had run off. He might have done the same thing. Actually, he would have socked Sirius so hard that he'd have been out until next Tuesday. James laughed to himself. He turned the corner and came upon to figures silhouetted in the moonlight. They were kissing. It wasn't until he saw the wings, that he realized that the girl was Lily

"Bloody hell."

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A/N: Thanks for getting this far without giving up. I know it sucks, right? Do my characters move to fast? Ah well, that's fine. Please R/R. I would like to, once again, thank everyone's favorite beta and author of her very own works, Olivia Frost. (Although don't tell her I said that. It might go to her head.) Anyway, I will try to get the next chappie up son (as if any of you cared, right?)

Eleena Thea