Landslide 2
Lily had quickly made her way back to her dorm, bypassing a few people - causing a few to jump out of her way. She could just feel the vein throbbing in anger on her forehead. How rude could he be? And there was still a year to go with him being one step away from her at all important events. And how long could it be before her patience broke?
She slammed the door shut to her dorm. The sharp bang made her feel better, and she relaxed enough to take in her surroundings.
Since she had become Head Girl, Lily was given a dorm to herself, as well as her own bathroom and study area. The room was magnificent. There was dark wood and stone floors, making it seem royal in itself. The bedsheets and curtains were an off white colour, and even a few burgundy and gold banners were hanging from the walls. Lily even noticed a small Gryffindor flag above the headboard.
But what impressed her most was the study area. Lily was a notorious bookworm, so her admiration for it was understandable. There were shelves of books to the raised celing, and a desk to work at. There were a few oddities around the room, including a globe, paintings, an ornate mirror, and - the best thing - a gliding ladder that ran the perimeter of the room.
Lily promptly forgot about James, and ran to pull down a few books. She read late into the night, catching up on her favourite subject, charms. Once her eyes became droopy and she had to strain to keep her head up, she retired to bed, thankful to be back where she felt most at home.
*
A month flew by, and soon the students at Hogwarts began to talk of the upcoming Tournament. Lily was pestered non stop over whether or not she would submit her name in the Goblet.
"For heavens sake, I'm thinking about it!" she exclaimed to a babbling 5th year. He looked slightly offended, but seemed content at her answer. As he ran off, Lily heard a voice from behind her.
"Thinking about it? I thought you said you were."
Lily didn't answer. She had a class to get to. Unfortunately, James cought up with her, along with his best friends. They called themselves the marauders, apparently.
"Chickening out?" he persisted. A boy Lily knew as Peter Pettigrew snickered into his hand. She raised her chin slightly and walked faster.
"We're all going to put our names in." came Sirius Black, James' best friend.
"And?" she said finally.
"Well, not many others we know are going to try for it. Just wanted to ask."
"She said she was going to, and just now she says she's thinking about it." James said accusingly.
Lily didn't look at him, but said loudly, "I only said I was thinking about it because I'm tired of saying yes."
"But isn't saying ' yes ' easier than saying ' I'm thinking about it ' ?" said Peter thoughtfully.
"He has a point," quipped Sirius.
"It's only easier to some." Lily said, looking directly at James.
A sudden squeal to their right made them jump. A skinny girl from Ravenclaw, whom Lily recognized to be in their year, rolled onto her toes and ran up to James.
"Oh, James! I just found you! Congrats on becoming Head Boy! Are you putting your name in for the Tournament? I just know you'll be chosen over everyone else!"
James broke into his famous grin. This girl's smile got twice as big as before.
"Yeah, Lauren, my name's going in."
He chose that time to look gloatingly at Lily, but he saw her back just dissapearing around a far corner. He turned his attention back to Lauren, whose face had just appeared in front of his.
"Who's she?"
James re-adjusted his glasses. "Oh, no one. Come on, I'll walk you to your class."
Lauren smiled, and hooked her bony elbow around his.
*
Dumbledore called for silence.
"Everyone please calm down for a moment. The students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be arriving shortly. I ask that you take this time to make yourselves presentable for our guests. And remember, manners would be greatly appreciated as well."
Lily tried to brush a few wrinkles out of her skirt and sweater. A lot of students openly expressed their dislike of the school uniforms, but Lily favoured their simplicity and clean cut appearance. She noted that her shoes were a bit old and well worn, but she refused to get rid of them. It had taken her four years, and she had finally made them comfortable. She wiped her badge with a napkin, and made sure that her wand was safe in her pocket.
Dumbledore came up to her end of the table, and called for her and James to join him and a few teachers at the entrance doors.
"Okay, we will be lined up along the bottom stair of the outdoor entranceway like thus."
The Headmaster walked among them, ushering them to certain spots until he was satisfied.
"Now everyone stand still, I'm going to go and get the rest of the students. I'll be back in a moment."
Lily stretched her neck out and looked dow the line of teachers. She and James were at the beginning of the line, much to her dislike.
"This is exciting." James commented. "The Tournament hasn't been held for ages. It'll be interesting to see how it goes. Maybe it'll become a tradition."
Lily only nodded slightly. Her hands were cold, even though the evening was mildly cool and inviting. She wasn't very good at meeting people. It always made her nervous and uncomfortable, and the thought of the whole school being behind her - watching - made her vision blurr.
James noticed her unease.
"What's with you?" he asked.
Lily swallowed a lump in her throat.
"I'm not very good at this," she said without thinking."And the fact that the whole school is watching me makes it worse."
James looked at her. She was rubbing her hands and would occasionally shift her weight from foot to foot. He heard the bang of the school doors and the loud rumble of the students as they spilled onto the front lawn.
Lily, meanwhile, was cursing inwardly. Why did she just say that? She had just given him license to tease her about this for the rest of her school year. She dropped her hands to her sides.
James was unaware of what to do at that moment. Had the reply come from any other girl, he'd have just turned on the Potter charm, and instantaneously he'd have a girlfriend. He shoved his hands in his pockets, and gently elbowed her in the side.
"You'll be fine," he muttered, looking over the lake.
Lily was speechless for a moment.
"Thanks,"
He looked at her, before turning away and laughing quickly.
Lily cleared her throat.
There was no more conversing between them, even when the Durmstrang ship surfaced in the lake. Lily watched with interest as about 16 students and a tall witch exited along a small bridge and made their way over to the school. Her stomach turned over.
The students seemed to understand what was going on, and introduced themselves to the ling line of Hogwarts representatives. Lily could feel the blood pouning in her ears.
A boy her age was first.
"W - welcome to Hogwarts." she said quietly. She almost didn't hear herself.
"Vot?" he said, leaning his ear to her face.
"Welcome," she repeated, her cheeks becoming red. He nodded and moved on. A very pretty girl was next, and Lily chose to just smile and nod at her. Once she stepped over to James, Lily could see out of the corner of her eye that the girl was somewhat taken with him.
"Hello," she said, grasping James' hand with both of hers and shaking vigorously.
'Oh great,' she thought. 'Now the fan club is going international.'
Once the students had gone inside, Lily formally introduced herself to the woman accompanying them, who turned out to to be the Durmatrang Headmistress.
"Lily Evans." she said. "Welcome to our school."
The woman raised a pointy nose.
"Headmistress Volinovic of Durmstrang." she replied, squeezing Lily's hand rather tightly.
"James Potter, Head Boy."
Volinovic smiled slightly, without saying a word. James waited until she was out of earshot before he spoke again.
"5 galleons says that nose is fake."
Professor Sprout, a middle aged teacher beside him snorted.
"I'd bet 10."
Lily rolled her eyes, though she secretly agreed. It was a few minutes later that the Beauxbatons carraige - led by 12 massive winged horses, came veering around a far corner of the school, and came to a halt near the Forbidden Forest.
James let out a whistle. Lily watched as the door to the impressive carraige opened, and 8 students came out, led by a plump man with a golden beard. She felt more confident this time, and didn't make a fool of herself.
It was the second last student that had cought Lily's attention. He was her age, and he was strikingly handsome. Dirty blond hair and a pair of eyes that were deep blue. He seemed mildly interested in Lily, who remained level - headed and shook his hand with a firm grip. He smiled at her, and Lily added it to the list of things that she liked about this boy.
The Headmaster's name was Distrait, and he seemed a lot more friendly than Volinovic. As soon as everyone was inside and seated at the freshly scrubbed tables, Dumbledore made his speech.
"Welcome guests! I hope your stay at Hogwarts is memorable and enjoyable. If ever any concern arise during your stay, feel free to talk to myself, a teacher, or our Head Boy and Girl. This evening will signify your welcome, and the beginning of the Triwizard Tournament. Before the casket is brought in, I would like to introduce two well respected members of the Ministry, who will join the judging panel throughout the year. Firstly, Mr Frank Warrick, our Minister for Magic, and Mrs. Wilhemina Johanssen, Head of the Magical Sports Division of the Ministry."
A polite applause was held for the both of them, as they rose from their seats, bowed, and were seated again. Once the ovation had stopped, Dumbledore beckoned to Argus Filch, Hogwarts caretaker. He approached the head table, holding a wooden box, carved intricately with celtic knots and entangled roots adorning its edges. It had a small brass keyhole that looked slightly battered, and well worn.
The Hall of students stared at it. Dumbledore looked eager. As soon as the box was placed in front of him, he withdrew a brass key from a bracelet on his wrist and clicked the lock open. The lid opened towards the captivated audience, not allowing them to see a thing until Dumbledore lifted whatever it was out into the open. Even Lily found herself discretely craning her neck to maybe see something, but nothing came of it.
Dumbledore placed a hand itno the box.
"I present the impartial judge, the Goblet of Fire."
And his hands brought out a battered wooden cup. James snickered quietly, before he saw the blue flames dancing around the rim.
"The Goblet will be placed in the Entrance Hall, and those eligible will be able to submit their names within the next 24 hours. Tomorrow night it will present us with the three names of each school champion. And now, we will retire to bed."
Lily's eyes shot over to the Hufflepuff table, where she had seen the Beauxbatons boy seated. He was talking with his friends in rapid French. He looked up at her suddenly, smiled. Lily looked away, feeling stupid. She chanced to look back, however, and saw that his friends were now looking at her. They turned away when the boy said something to them. They all laughed, making him roll his eyes. He winked - winked - at her before turning away with them.
"Made a friend, have you?" said James. Lily looked at him, embarassed. She folded up her napkin and tossed it onto her plate.
"That's none of your business," she said matter-of-factly.
James laughed. It was cut short, however.
"Excuse me. Haff you knowledge of wherr is library?"
James whirled around, and looked at the girl from Durmstrang he had met earlier, clutching her robe over her forearms. He was momentarily speechless. He could see Lily put her elbow on the table and rest her head on her hand, looking mildly interested and amused.
"I - it's just upstairs." he said, turning back into his suave character. The girl smiled.
"You must take me therr someday."
"Sure -?"
"Anya."
"Sure Anya. James Potter." he said, extending his hand. She took it, smiling.
"I shall see you tomorrow, James Potter." she said in a heavy accent. Lily stifled a laugh. It sounded as if she had called him 'Jums'.
The girl walked away, meeting her friends at the doors. Her brown hair bounced in its ponytail as she walked.
"Made a friend, have you?" Lily taunted.
"At least she came up to me. Yours ran away early on. Smart man."
"He's got a mysterious side, unlike a lot of guys around here, who give away all they've got within five minutes."
"Are you trying to say something Evans?"
"Should I be specific and call you pathetic, or do you want me to leave my statement open to interpretation?"
"You're just miffed because you can't have any of what I'm showcasing."
"What's with you and avoiding the point of an arguement?"
"I don't avoid it, I'd rather talk about something that's important to me."
"Ugh, you just refuse to accept the fact that not every girl in this castle has an infatuation over you!"
"That's not true!"
"Yes it is - and you hate that, don't you?"
"You yourself don't represent the entire female population, so stop the supremacy act."
"Supremacy act? What are you on about?"
James rolled his eyes while simultaneously throwing his arms in the air.
"Have it your way. Once you're done scolding my ego, you may want to deflate yours."
He got up from his seat and stuffed his hands in his pockets before stalking off. Lily wanted to go up to her dorm, but it was right beside his, and she didn't want to be one step behind him on the way. After waiting only a few minutes, she decided to leave.
On her way upstairs, she saw the Goblet sitting on a pedastal in the center of the entranceway. A few students were walking away from it, having just submitted their names. She again saw the boy from Beauxbatons, scrawling his name on a slip of parchment beside the Goblet. She bit her lip, and went back downstairs.
Her shoes clacked quietly on the marble floors. He looked up.
"Bonsoir." he said, smiling that cute smile.
Lily's mouth opened and shut again. She nodded slightly. He folded up his parchment and dropped it into the Goblet.
"Zere. I hope ze Goblet is a smart Goblet."
Lily laughed. She tried to look busy with writing her name on the parchment. He looked over her shoulder.
"Hello, Lily Evans.My name iz Emanuel Gerard."
"Hi."
They both stared at each other for a while. His smile widened, and he tipped an imaginary hat before walking past her on his way out.
"Emanuel!" Lily heard herself exclaim.
He turned around.
"Bonne chance." she said.
"Ze same to you, Lily."
They left each other then, Lily still clutching her slip of parchment, the Goblet still dancing with flame.
Lily had quickly made her way back to her dorm, bypassing a few people - causing a few to jump out of her way. She could just feel the vein throbbing in anger on her forehead. How rude could he be? And there was still a year to go with him being one step away from her at all important events. And how long could it be before her patience broke?
She slammed the door shut to her dorm. The sharp bang made her feel better, and she relaxed enough to take in her surroundings.
Since she had become Head Girl, Lily was given a dorm to herself, as well as her own bathroom and study area. The room was magnificent. There was dark wood and stone floors, making it seem royal in itself. The bedsheets and curtains were an off white colour, and even a few burgundy and gold banners were hanging from the walls. Lily even noticed a small Gryffindor flag above the headboard.
But what impressed her most was the study area. Lily was a notorious bookworm, so her admiration for it was understandable. There were shelves of books to the raised celing, and a desk to work at. There were a few oddities around the room, including a globe, paintings, an ornate mirror, and - the best thing - a gliding ladder that ran the perimeter of the room.
Lily promptly forgot about James, and ran to pull down a few books. She read late into the night, catching up on her favourite subject, charms. Once her eyes became droopy and she had to strain to keep her head up, she retired to bed, thankful to be back where she felt most at home.
*
A month flew by, and soon the students at Hogwarts began to talk of the upcoming Tournament. Lily was pestered non stop over whether or not she would submit her name in the Goblet.
"For heavens sake, I'm thinking about it!" she exclaimed to a babbling 5th year. He looked slightly offended, but seemed content at her answer. As he ran off, Lily heard a voice from behind her.
"Thinking about it? I thought you said you were."
Lily didn't answer. She had a class to get to. Unfortunately, James cought up with her, along with his best friends. They called themselves the marauders, apparently.
"Chickening out?" he persisted. A boy Lily knew as Peter Pettigrew snickered into his hand. She raised her chin slightly and walked faster.
"We're all going to put our names in." came Sirius Black, James' best friend.
"And?" she said finally.
"Well, not many others we know are going to try for it. Just wanted to ask."
"She said she was going to, and just now she says she's thinking about it." James said accusingly.
Lily didn't look at him, but said loudly, "I only said I was thinking about it because I'm tired of saying yes."
"But isn't saying ' yes ' easier than saying ' I'm thinking about it ' ?" said Peter thoughtfully.
"He has a point," quipped Sirius.
"It's only easier to some." Lily said, looking directly at James.
A sudden squeal to their right made them jump. A skinny girl from Ravenclaw, whom Lily recognized to be in their year, rolled onto her toes and ran up to James.
"Oh, James! I just found you! Congrats on becoming Head Boy! Are you putting your name in for the Tournament? I just know you'll be chosen over everyone else!"
James broke into his famous grin. This girl's smile got twice as big as before.
"Yeah, Lauren, my name's going in."
He chose that time to look gloatingly at Lily, but he saw her back just dissapearing around a far corner. He turned his attention back to Lauren, whose face had just appeared in front of his.
"Who's she?"
James re-adjusted his glasses. "Oh, no one. Come on, I'll walk you to your class."
Lauren smiled, and hooked her bony elbow around his.
*
Dumbledore called for silence.
"Everyone please calm down for a moment. The students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be arriving shortly. I ask that you take this time to make yourselves presentable for our guests. And remember, manners would be greatly appreciated as well."
Lily tried to brush a few wrinkles out of her skirt and sweater. A lot of students openly expressed their dislike of the school uniforms, but Lily favoured their simplicity and clean cut appearance. She noted that her shoes were a bit old and well worn, but she refused to get rid of them. It had taken her four years, and she had finally made them comfortable. She wiped her badge with a napkin, and made sure that her wand was safe in her pocket.
Dumbledore came up to her end of the table, and called for her and James to join him and a few teachers at the entrance doors.
"Okay, we will be lined up along the bottom stair of the outdoor entranceway like thus."
The Headmaster walked among them, ushering them to certain spots until he was satisfied.
"Now everyone stand still, I'm going to go and get the rest of the students. I'll be back in a moment."
Lily stretched her neck out and looked dow the line of teachers. She and James were at the beginning of the line, much to her dislike.
"This is exciting." James commented. "The Tournament hasn't been held for ages. It'll be interesting to see how it goes. Maybe it'll become a tradition."
Lily only nodded slightly. Her hands were cold, even though the evening was mildly cool and inviting. She wasn't very good at meeting people. It always made her nervous and uncomfortable, and the thought of the whole school being behind her - watching - made her vision blurr.
James noticed her unease.
"What's with you?" he asked.
Lily swallowed a lump in her throat.
"I'm not very good at this," she said without thinking."And the fact that the whole school is watching me makes it worse."
James looked at her. She was rubbing her hands and would occasionally shift her weight from foot to foot. He heard the bang of the school doors and the loud rumble of the students as they spilled onto the front lawn.
Lily, meanwhile, was cursing inwardly. Why did she just say that? She had just given him license to tease her about this for the rest of her school year. She dropped her hands to her sides.
James was unaware of what to do at that moment. Had the reply come from any other girl, he'd have just turned on the Potter charm, and instantaneously he'd have a girlfriend. He shoved his hands in his pockets, and gently elbowed her in the side.
"You'll be fine," he muttered, looking over the lake.
Lily was speechless for a moment.
"Thanks,"
He looked at her, before turning away and laughing quickly.
Lily cleared her throat.
There was no more conversing between them, even when the Durmstrang ship surfaced in the lake. Lily watched with interest as about 16 students and a tall witch exited along a small bridge and made their way over to the school. Her stomach turned over.
The students seemed to understand what was going on, and introduced themselves to the ling line of Hogwarts representatives. Lily could feel the blood pouning in her ears.
A boy her age was first.
"W - welcome to Hogwarts." she said quietly. She almost didn't hear herself.
"Vot?" he said, leaning his ear to her face.
"Welcome," she repeated, her cheeks becoming red. He nodded and moved on. A very pretty girl was next, and Lily chose to just smile and nod at her. Once she stepped over to James, Lily could see out of the corner of her eye that the girl was somewhat taken with him.
"Hello," she said, grasping James' hand with both of hers and shaking vigorously.
'Oh great,' she thought. 'Now the fan club is going international.'
Once the students had gone inside, Lily formally introduced herself to the woman accompanying them, who turned out to to be the Durmatrang Headmistress.
"Lily Evans." she said. "Welcome to our school."
The woman raised a pointy nose.
"Headmistress Volinovic of Durmstrang." she replied, squeezing Lily's hand rather tightly.
"James Potter, Head Boy."
Volinovic smiled slightly, without saying a word. James waited until she was out of earshot before he spoke again.
"5 galleons says that nose is fake."
Professor Sprout, a middle aged teacher beside him snorted.
"I'd bet 10."
Lily rolled her eyes, though she secretly agreed. It was a few minutes later that the Beauxbatons carraige - led by 12 massive winged horses, came veering around a far corner of the school, and came to a halt near the Forbidden Forest.
James let out a whistle. Lily watched as the door to the impressive carraige opened, and 8 students came out, led by a plump man with a golden beard. She felt more confident this time, and didn't make a fool of herself.
It was the second last student that had cought Lily's attention. He was her age, and he was strikingly handsome. Dirty blond hair and a pair of eyes that were deep blue. He seemed mildly interested in Lily, who remained level - headed and shook his hand with a firm grip. He smiled at her, and Lily added it to the list of things that she liked about this boy.
The Headmaster's name was Distrait, and he seemed a lot more friendly than Volinovic. As soon as everyone was inside and seated at the freshly scrubbed tables, Dumbledore made his speech.
"Welcome guests! I hope your stay at Hogwarts is memorable and enjoyable. If ever any concern arise during your stay, feel free to talk to myself, a teacher, or our Head Boy and Girl. This evening will signify your welcome, and the beginning of the Triwizard Tournament. Before the casket is brought in, I would like to introduce two well respected members of the Ministry, who will join the judging panel throughout the year. Firstly, Mr Frank Warrick, our Minister for Magic, and Mrs. Wilhemina Johanssen, Head of the Magical Sports Division of the Ministry."
A polite applause was held for the both of them, as they rose from their seats, bowed, and were seated again. Once the ovation had stopped, Dumbledore beckoned to Argus Filch, Hogwarts caretaker. He approached the head table, holding a wooden box, carved intricately with celtic knots and entangled roots adorning its edges. It had a small brass keyhole that looked slightly battered, and well worn.
The Hall of students stared at it. Dumbledore looked eager. As soon as the box was placed in front of him, he withdrew a brass key from a bracelet on his wrist and clicked the lock open. The lid opened towards the captivated audience, not allowing them to see a thing until Dumbledore lifted whatever it was out into the open. Even Lily found herself discretely craning her neck to maybe see something, but nothing came of it.
Dumbledore placed a hand itno the box.
"I present the impartial judge, the Goblet of Fire."
And his hands brought out a battered wooden cup. James snickered quietly, before he saw the blue flames dancing around the rim.
"The Goblet will be placed in the Entrance Hall, and those eligible will be able to submit their names within the next 24 hours. Tomorrow night it will present us with the three names of each school champion. And now, we will retire to bed."
Lily's eyes shot over to the Hufflepuff table, where she had seen the Beauxbatons boy seated. He was talking with his friends in rapid French. He looked up at her suddenly, smiled. Lily looked away, feeling stupid. She chanced to look back, however, and saw that his friends were now looking at her. They turned away when the boy said something to them. They all laughed, making him roll his eyes. He winked - winked - at her before turning away with them.
"Made a friend, have you?" said James. Lily looked at him, embarassed. She folded up her napkin and tossed it onto her plate.
"That's none of your business," she said matter-of-factly.
James laughed. It was cut short, however.
"Excuse me. Haff you knowledge of wherr is library?"
James whirled around, and looked at the girl from Durmstrang he had met earlier, clutching her robe over her forearms. He was momentarily speechless. He could see Lily put her elbow on the table and rest her head on her hand, looking mildly interested and amused.
"I - it's just upstairs." he said, turning back into his suave character. The girl smiled.
"You must take me therr someday."
"Sure -?"
"Anya."
"Sure Anya. James Potter." he said, extending his hand. She took it, smiling.
"I shall see you tomorrow, James Potter." she said in a heavy accent. Lily stifled a laugh. It sounded as if she had called him 'Jums'.
The girl walked away, meeting her friends at the doors. Her brown hair bounced in its ponytail as she walked.
"Made a friend, have you?" Lily taunted.
"At least she came up to me. Yours ran away early on. Smart man."
"He's got a mysterious side, unlike a lot of guys around here, who give away all they've got within five minutes."
"Are you trying to say something Evans?"
"Should I be specific and call you pathetic, or do you want me to leave my statement open to interpretation?"
"You're just miffed because you can't have any of what I'm showcasing."
"What's with you and avoiding the point of an arguement?"
"I don't avoid it, I'd rather talk about something that's important to me."
"Ugh, you just refuse to accept the fact that not every girl in this castle has an infatuation over you!"
"That's not true!"
"Yes it is - and you hate that, don't you?"
"You yourself don't represent the entire female population, so stop the supremacy act."
"Supremacy act? What are you on about?"
James rolled his eyes while simultaneously throwing his arms in the air.
"Have it your way. Once you're done scolding my ego, you may want to deflate yours."
He got up from his seat and stuffed his hands in his pockets before stalking off. Lily wanted to go up to her dorm, but it was right beside his, and she didn't want to be one step behind him on the way. After waiting only a few minutes, she decided to leave.
On her way upstairs, she saw the Goblet sitting on a pedastal in the center of the entranceway. A few students were walking away from it, having just submitted their names. She again saw the boy from Beauxbatons, scrawling his name on a slip of parchment beside the Goblet. She bit her lip, and went back downstairs.
Her shoes clacked quietly on the marble floors. He looked up.
"Bonsoir." he said, smiling that cute smile.
Lily's mouth opened and shut again. She nodded slightly. He folded up his parchment and dropped it into the Goblet.
"Zere. I hope ze Goblet is a smart Goblet."
Lily laughed. She tried to look busy with writing her name on the parchment. He looked over her shoulder.
"Hello, Lily Evans.My name iz Emanuel Gerard."
"Hi."
They both stared at each other for a while. His smile widened, and he tipped an imaginary hat before walking past her on his way out.
"Emanuel!" Lily heard herself exclaim.
He turned around.
"Bonne chance." she said.
"Ze same to you, Lily."
They left each other then, Lily still clutching her slip of parchment, the Goblet still dancing with flame.