Landslide :: 6 ::
Lily's eyes fluttered open, her arm rushing instantly towards her pocket for her wand. It wasn't there. Panic. She needed her wand. She needed to see, but the vision in front of her was still blurred. The others must have gotten their flags by now. They had to have gotten them.
"No, Lily - don't move. We need to get out of here,"
Her eyes stopped rolling around and fixated on a moving object in front of her. One with jet-black hair.
"Come on, don't fall asleep. Stay awake, that's it."
Lily thrashed away from him - whomever it was, and tried to stand on her own. Her soaked fingers flew to her eyes, rubbing them, coaxing them to see.
James watched as Lily swayed on the spot, rubbing her eyes. She squinted, and started making her way towards the door.
"They'll get there before me," she said, now in an effort to keep from crying. "They'll be ages ahead!"
James got back to his feet and ran as fast as he could after her.
"Evans you won't be able to -"
"No!" she yelled, as he tried to grab her arm. She pushed it away, feeling her eyes start to get warmer. She was in the tunnel now, a few teachers flocking around her. Lily took off like a dart, James almost right behind her.
"Slow down or you'll pass out again!"
"Shut up!" she yelled over her shoulder. "I'm finishing this -"
Lily could feel something bubble up in her throat, but she swallowed hard and pushed her legs to move faster. She clambered over a small ridge and could just see the back of Anya before the Durmstrang student darted out of sight.
"- Your girlfriend might beat me," she said breathlessly.
James slowed down, annoyed at her blatant refusal to be civilized.
"Of course she will!" he yelled to Lily's back. He grabbed his sweater and wrung out all of the water.
"And you're welcome, by the way." he said under his breath.
Lily knew James was right, Anya would most likely get to the top first, and Marc was probably out of the lake already. And there was the entrance now, like a beacon of light after everything that had just happened. It was suddenly easier to breathe. She stumbled slightly upon her exit into view of the audience. Was it this bright when she started the task?
She swallowed hard against the rising in her throat. She was right. Both of her competitors were out before her. Madame Pomfrey was in front of her in an instant, grasping her shoulders so hard it was painful.
"Lily? Are you alright? You look a mess - come -"
Lily shook her head angrily, not trusting herself to speak. She somehow shook herself free and made her way to the others.
"Miss Evans? Good God, what happened to you?"
"S'fine." Her words slurred together in the frozen air. Her soaked clothes were beginning to freeze, but she plastered a grin on her face. Mr.Warrick seemed convinced.
"Right. Well, I'll need your flags then. How many? Three. That's - 18 points. You're tied with Anya for second place."
Lily soon heard her score being shouted out to the crowd. Their reaction was a polite applause, nothing spectacular, but nonetheless louder than that of the others. She looked over at Marc, who looked drenched, but unfazed by it. Lily felt a swell of anger in her stomach.
'Thanks for waiting,' she thought. Anya looked menacing. She was just as wet as they were, but she had managed to come out of the task with the least amount of scratches. She rounded on Lily.
"You vere of luck this time. I vill not be beaten by a Hogwarts student, nor vill I tie vith one. As for him," she said, jerking her head in the direction of Marc, "He had sense enough to take most valued flag before you, even though you verr scared by creature and did not move."
Anya was staring down at Lily, with a snarl curling at her lips. Lily narrrowed her eyes, although their abnormal fixation had given her adversary a humorous appearance.
"That's right. You won't be beaten by a Hogwarts student, you'll be trampled by one. And as for Marc, your favoritism towards his unsportsmanlike manner won't be able to equalize the embarassment you feel when it comes back to bite him in the ass. Now if you don't mind, you've been standing in my way long enough."
Lily pushed past Anya, not bothering to acknowledge the look on her face as she concentrated on the Tournament officials. Her knees were still shaky, but she managed to stay upright with an air of dignity, something her soaked appearance wouldn't have allowed otherwise. She hugged her soaken sweater closer to her, the smell of wet wool wafting up to her nostrils. That's one sweater to be tossed out later - no spell could fix this.
Lily narrowed her eyes towards the judges. 'Hurry up,' she thought, her knees going weak and her stomach churning with swallowed lakewater.
"Congratulations on completing the first task! You have all done very well, and your respective schools are very proud of you. Now then. The second task will take place in late February. Be prepared to take to the skies for this one. We provide the brooms, you provide the talent. Understood? Great. Now hurry inside before you catch cold, and again, congratulations."
All of the teachers shook Lily's hand, pestering her if she felt alright. After about ten different reassurances, she shivered slightly and pulled her feet in the direction of the castle. The rest of the students were being held back for some kind of an announcement, Lily hearing only the date of the next task and something about a ball.
"Lily!"
A hand came over her shoulder, and Lily had the right mind to swat it off before she realized who it was. Emanuel spun her around and hugged her tightly.
"Are you alright? I waz of worry about you."
Lily couldn't free herself from his tight grasp to hug him back, and her face was buried in his shoulder. She could smell a sporty scent from his robes. After a long moment, he let go, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the castle.
"I thought for a moment zat you wouldn't make it. What 'az happened to your knees?"
"I fell," Lily said, using her free hand to feel the back of her head. Her hair was frozen, but she felt a definite lump underneath. It made her lightheaded just to touch it. She shivered again.
Emanuel walked her back inside the castle where Lily insisted that she continue along alone.
"It's almost time for dinner. I'll see you then, okay?"
"Yes, of course. Feel better,"
"Thank you."
Emanuel kissed her on the forehead, and Lily blamed the spinning feeling on emotion. He smiled and left, while Lily leaned onto the banister, wet shoes slipping on the marble staircase.
*
Arabella waited until Dumbledore had finished talking about the Yule Ball before trying to find Lily. She managed to be the first to run out of the stands and onto the grounds. She searched around wildly, the throng of students behind her beginning to spill over the scenery.
'Aha, there she was. Aww, and there was Emanuel. Cute hug, he looks a bit distracted though. Oh, there's that Marc character. That's probably why. If Lily saw him, I bet she would have told him off, or gotten upset. That's probably why Emanuel signaled him away.
This is too cute to interrupt. I'll just leave them be.'
*
Lily had made it up the grand staircase, although it took her a longer time than expected. As she reached the final steps, her knees bent so much that she was almost sitting on each step. She gave a whimper as the dried blood on her left knee cracked and fresh blood spilled over. She pushed herself to her feet, ordering her legs to support her. She heard the doors creak open. Looking down she saw Potter and Anya coming inside, Anya's arm hooked around James' neck, pretending to need his help in walking.
Anya saw Lily, although James didn't. Immediately Anya's other arm flew up to James' chin, pulling it towards hers, soon pressing her lips to his in a kiss. Lily grimaced and hobbled away as she looked at her with a triumphant grin. James narrowed his eyes at Anya, and followed her gaze, just seeing Lily walk out of sight.
The Durmstrang student let out a fake whimper, and James turned back to her.
"I'll take you to the Great Hall. Dinner is about to start anyways."
"Vill you wait vith me?"
"I just need to check something back in my dorm, I'll be back in a minute. Can you manage to be away from me that long?" he asked, giving her his famous grin. Her back straightened.
"Yes."
"Great." James said, helping her take a seat at the Slytherin table. He pecked her on the cheek. "Be right back."
He sprinted back out to the entrance hall, slipping ungracefully on his soaked shoes.
"Stupid Evans. You had better be on your way to the inf - IR - mary... Jesus..."
He took out his wand and muttered a drying spell on his uniform. He managed to catch up with Lily just as she was rounding a corner for the second floor stairs.
"Infirmary?"
Lily shook her head no.
"And why the hell not? Look at you! You're a mess!"
"Shut UP Potter, I don't care how I look, I feel f -"
Her hands held the banister so tightly her knuckles were white. She leaned her head on the wall.
" - faint." she finished.
James' heart softened for a fleeting instant.
"Come on," he said gently. "I'll help you."
Lily's eyes were brimming with unshed tears. She didn't trust herself to walk up a flight of stairs. Her legs were frozen and blood stained, her head was throbbing, and she was still soaking wet with frozen clothes. Her eyes travelled slowly up the staircase, wich seemed to instantly strech farther.
"This way," James said, pulling her gently over to a picture.
"What're you -"
"Puddlemere United." he muttered, and the portrait swung open. There was nothing but black beyond it. James moved foreward, but Lily stayed back. He noticed she wasn't with him, and turned around.
"Coming?" he said, staring at her.
"How did you know -"
"Know what - this?" James came back and pulled her arm over his shoulder and helped her walk. The portrait swung shut behind them, and James lit his wand, illuminating a small corridor.
"You don't honestly think that I'd spend 7 years here and not snoop around. This corridor we found in fifth year. It's one of the few shortcuts we'll be using to get to the infirmary."
"Shortcuts?"
"Yeah."
"How on earth -"
"Like I said, harmless snooping - marauding, if you will. Don't worry, we don't let students see us, so we haven't corrupted the future prefects and Heads - don't look so scared."
"Maybe not corrupted, but you've probably smashed a hundred school rules to pieces on the way."
"What rules? Investigating your own school isn't breaking rules."
"You just said marauding -"
"Marauding, investigating - same th- oh, careful -"
Lily 's hand flew out to the wall to level herself. All this talking in almost darkness was dizzying.
"How much farther?" Lily asked, wiping cold sweat from her face.
"Quit whining, we're almost there. What is it with women and whining?"
"We don't whine, we're just inquisitive. There is a difference."
"More like interrogation. What's even more annoying is -"
"Shh!" Lily hissed. "Just stop talking."
"If I stop talking, you'll fall asleep. That's not a good thing."
"Why? Because I might slip into a coma and leave you with all the Heads work, or no one else has listened to you this long before?"
"The first one."
James heard Lily laugh silently, and then felt her head drop onto his shoulder. Her haphazard walking slowed down.
"Hey - Evans."
No answer. He shrugged his shoulder a bit, feeling Lily's head roll off.
"Evans?"
Lily slumped to the floor.
"Shit - Evans?!"
James dropped to his knees, lifting Lily's head up.
"Wake up, come on. Wake up!"
Her arm shot up on its own and grabbed James' ear painfully. Lily's eyes shot open.
"Ow!"
"If I hear that you've been snooping around this school again, I'll take away house points and rethink the coma. Got it?"
Lily let go of his ear and sat up, dusting off her skirt.
"You were just -?"
"Pretending. Now help me up."
James grabbed her hands and helped her to her feet.
"Do you have any idea how-"
He stopped.
" - much farther I can make us walk if you do that again?"
"Not too much out of the way. Your poor girlfriend is probably waiting."
"She really banged up her ankle."
"Oh, of course she did James. And I really almost fell asleep back there."
"Y'know, You're sounding really jealous right now."
"I'm what? Newsflash Potter, I'm not jealous of anyone associated with you."
"Yes, I am irresistable, thank you."
"Can we talk about something important - please?"
"What else is there?"
"Oh, that's right. Mister Social Butterfly needs to discuss the tupperware party."
James didn't say anything - he was trying not to smile. Lily had made an albeit funny smartass remark. She looked at him, and let out an exagerrated gasp.
"Did Lily make a funny?" she said incredulously.
James laughed. Lily watched him, and for a split second she understood why he was so attractive. The way he laughed was very - how to put it - cute.
Her face suddenly became very stern, although she didn't say a word.
'This is what happens when you hit your head on the side of a boat.' she thought. 'No matter. Emanuel is very good looking, sweet, and well mannered - while Potter is just an arrogant git.'
*
Emanuel kissed Lily on the Head and left the Entrance Hall. Outside, he could see a swarm of black cloaks making their way up to the castle. Leading the way was that Potter and whatserface. He rolled his eyes, and plastered a grin on his face.
"Zat was excellente. Good luck on ze next task." he said to Anya, tipping an imaginary hat. He smiled at James too, as he passed by with her.
James nodded, although he didn't return the smile. Emanuel's grin seemed somewhat forced, and very awkward.
*
Marc was pacing back and forth on the edge of the forest. He checked his watch, and found it broken from being in water.
"... je ne peux pas croire que j'ai paye $400 pour ceci," he muttered, undoing the clasp and throwing it over his shoulder.
"Zis can be fixed, you know."
"Your eenglish iz terrible."
"My eenglish iz doing you a great favour. Alors, qu'est-ce que c'est, la tache prochaine?"
Marc shoved his hands in his pockets, ignoring the watch Emanuel was examining in his hand.
"Incroyable. Some stupid person 'az thrown away a repairable watch..."
Emanuel batted away Marc's flailing arms.
'I'm keeping this as compensation for my work, not to mention half the prize money.' he thought, tauntingly swinging the watch just out of his best friend's reach.
Lily's eyes fluttered open, her arm rushing instantly towards her pocket for her wand. It wasn't there. Panic. She needed her wand. She needed to see, but the vision in front of her was still blurred. The others must have gotten their flags by now. They had to have gotten them.
"No, Lily - don't move. We need to get out of here,"
Her eyes stopped rolling around and fixated on a moving object in front of her. One with jet-black hair.
"Come on, don't fall asleep. Stay awake, that's it."
Lily thrashed away from him - whomever it was, and tried to stand on her own. Her soaked fingers flew to her eyes, rubbing them, coaxing them to see.
James watched as Lily swayed on the spot, rubbing her eyes. She squinted, and started making her way towards the door.
"They'll get there before me," she said, now in an effort to keep from crying. "They'll be ages ahead!"
James got back to his feet and ran as fast as he could after her.
"Evans you won't be able to -"
"No!" she yelled, as he tried to grab her arm. She pushed it away, feeling her eyes start to get warmer. She was in the tunnel now, a few teachers flocking around her. Lily took off like a dart, James almost right behind her.
"Slow down or you'll pass out again!"
"Shut up!" she yelled over her shoulder. "I'm finishing this -"
Lily could feel something bubble up in her throat, but she swallowed hard and pushed her legs to move faster. She clambered over a small ridge and could just see the back of Anya before the Durmstrang student darted out of sight.
"- Your girlfriend might beat me," she said breathlessly.
James slowed down, annoyed at her blatant refusal to be civilized.
"Of course she will!" he yelled to Lily's back. He grabbed his sweater and wrung out all of the water.
"And you're welcome, by the way." he said under his breath.
Lily knew James was right, Anya would most likely get to the top first, and Marc was probably out of the lake already. And there was the entrance now, like a beacon of light after everything that had just happened. It was suddenly easier to breathe. She stumbled slightly upon her exit into view of the audience. Was it this bright when she started the task?
She swallowed hard against the rising in her throat. She was right. Both of her competitors were out before her. Madame Pomfrey was in front of her in an instant, grasping her shoulders so hard it was painful.
"Lily? Are you alright? You look a mess - come -"
Lily shook her head angrily, not trusting herself to speak. She somehow shook herself free and made her way to the others.
"Miss Evans? Good God, what happened to you?"
"S'fine." Her words slurred together in the frozen air. Her soaked clothes were beginning to freeze, but she plastered a grin on her face. Mr.Warrick seemed convinced.
"Right. Well, I'll need your flags then. How many? Three. That's - 18 points. You're tied with Anya for second place."
Lily soon heard her score being shouted out to the crowd. Their reaction was a polite applause, nothing spectacular, but nonetheless louder than that of the others. She looked over at Marc, who looked drenched, but unfazed by it. Lily felt a swell of anger in her stomach.
'Thanks for waiting,' she thought. Anya looked menacing. She was just as wet as they were, but she had managed to come out of the task with the least amount of scratches. She rounded on Lily.
"You vere of luck this time. I vill not be beaten by a Hogwarts student, nor vill I tie vith one. As for him," she said, jerking her head in the direction of Marc, "He had sense enough to take most valued flag before you, even though you verr scared by creature and did not move."
Anya was staring down at Lily, with a snarl curling at her lips. Lily narrrowed her eyes, although their abnormal fixation had given her adversary a humorous appearance.
"That's right. You won't be beaten by a Hogwarts student, you'll be trampled by one. And as for Marc, your favoritism towards his unsportsmanlike manner won't be able to equalize the embarassment you feel when it comes back to bite him in the ass. Now if you don't mind, you've been standing in my way long enough."
Lily pushed past Anya, not bothering to acknowledge the look on her face as she concentrated on the Tournament officials. Her knees were still shaky, but she managed to stay upright with an air of dignity, something her soaked appearance wouldn't have allowed otherwise. She hugged her soaken sweater closer to her, the smell of wet wool wafting up to her nostrils. That's one sweater to be tossed out later - no spell could fix this.
Lily narrowed her eyes towards the judges. 'Hurry up,' she thought, her knees going weak and her stomach churning with swallowed lakewater.
"Congratulations on completing the first task! You have all done very well, and your respective schools are very proud of you. Now then. The second task will take place in late February. Be prepared to take to the skies for this one. We provide the brooms, you provide the talent. Understood? Great. Now hurry inside before you catch cold, and again, congratulations."
All of the teachers shook Lily's hand, pestering her if she felt alright. After about ten different reassurances, she shivered slightly and pulled her feet in the direction of the castle. The rest of the students were being held back for some kind of an announcement, Lily hearing only the date of the next task and something about a ball.
"Lily!"
A hand came over her shoulder, and Lily had the right mind to swat it off before she realized who it was. Emanuel spun her around and hugged her tightly.
"Are you alright? I waz of worry about you."
Lily couldn't free herself from his tight grasp to hug him back, and her face was buried in his shoulder. She could smell a sporty scent from his robes. After a long moment, he let go, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the castle.
"I thought for a moment zat you wouldn't make it. What 'az happened to your knees?"
"I fell," Lily said, using her free hand to feel the back of her head. Her hair was frozen, but she felt a definite lump underneath. It made her lightheaded just to touch it. She shivered again.
Emanuel walked her back inside the castle where Lily insisted that she continue along alone.
"It's almost time for dinner. I'll see you then, okay?"
"Yes, of course. Feel better,"
"Thank you."
Emanuel kissed her on the forehead, and Lily blamed the spinning feeling on emotion. He smiled and left, while Lily leaned onto the banister, wet shoes slipping on the marble staircase.
*
Arabella waited until Dumbledore had finished talking about the Yule Ball before trying to find Lily. She managed to be the first to run out of the stands and onto the grounds. She searched around wildly, the throng of students behind her beginning to spill over the scenery.
'Aha, there she was. Aww, and there was Emanuel. Cute hug, he looks a bit distracted though. Oh, there's that Marc character. That's probably why. If Lily saw him, I bet she would have told him off, or gotten upset. That's probably why Emanuel signaled him away.
This is too cute to interrupt. I'll just leave them be.'
*
Lily had made it up the grand staircase, although it took her a longer time than expected. As she reached the final steps, her knees bent so much that she was almost sitting on each step. She gave a whimper as the dried blood on her left knee cracked and fresh blood spilled over. She pushed herself to her feet, ordering her legs to support her. She heard the doors creak open. Looking down she saw Potter and Anya coming inside, Anya's arm hooked around James' neck, pretending to need his help in walking.
Anya saw Lily, although James didn't. Immediately Anya's other arm flew up to James' chin, pulling it towards hers, soon pressing her lips to his in a kiss. Lily grimaced and hobbled away as she looked at her with a triumphant grin. James narrowed his eyes at Anya, and followed her gaze, just seeing Lily walk out of sight.
The Durmstrang student let out a fake whimper, and James turned back to her.
"I'll take you to the Great Hall. Dinner is about to start anyways."
"Vill you wait vith me?"
"I just need to check something back in my dorm, I'll be back in a minute. Can you manage to be away from me that long?" he asked, giving her his famous grin. Her back straightened.
"Yes."
"Great." James said, helping her take a seat at the Slytherin table. He pecked her on the cheek. "Be right back."
He sprinted back out to the entrance hall, slipping ungracefully on his soaked shoes.
"Stupid Evans. You had better be on your way to the inf - IR - mary... Jesus..."
He took out his wand and muttered a drying spell on his uniform. He managed to catch up with Lily just as she was rounding a corner for the second floor stairs.
"Infirmary?"
Lily shook her head no.
"And why the hell not? Look at you! You're a mess!"
"Shut UP Potter, I don't care how I look, I feel f -"
Her hands held the banister so tightly her knuckles were white. She leaned her head on the wall.
" - faint." she finished.
James' heart softened for a fleeting instant.
"Come on," he said gently. "I'll help you."
Lily's eyes were brimming with unshed tears. She didn't trust herself to walk up a flight of stairs. Her legs were frozen and blood stained, her head was throbbing, and she was still soaking wet with frozen clothes. Her eyes travelled slowly up the staircase, wich seemed to instantly strech farther.
"This way," James said, pulling her gently over to a picture.
"What're you -"
"Puddlemere United." he muttered, and the portrait swung open. There was nothing but black beyond it. James moved foreward, but Lily stayed back. He noticed she wasn't with him, and turned around.
"Coming?" he said, staring at her.
"How did you know -"
"Know what - this?" James came back and pulled her arm over his shoulder and helped her walk. The portrait swung shut behind them, and James lit his wand, illuminating a small corridor.
"You don't honestly think that I'd spend 7 years here and not snoop around. This corridor we found in fifth year. It's one of the few shortcuts we'll be using to get to the infirmary."
"Shortcuts?"
"Yeah."
"How on earth -"
"Like I said, harmless snooping - marauding, if you will. Don't worry, we don't let students see us, so we haven't corrupted the future prefects and Heads - don't look so scared."
"Maybe not corrupted, but you've probably smashed a hundred school rules to pieces on the way."
"What rules? Investigating your own school isn't breaking rules."
"You just said marauding -"
"Marauding, investigating - same th- oh, careful -"
Lily 's hand flew out to the wall to level herself. All this talking in almost darkness was dizzying.
"How much farther?" Lily asked, wiping cold sweat from her face.
"Quit whining, we're almost there. What is it with women and whining?"
"We don't whine, we're just inquisitive. There is a difference."
"More like interrogation. What's even more annoying is -"
"Shh!" Lily hissed. "Just stop talking."
"If I stop talking, you'll fall asleep. That's not a good thing."
"Why? Because I might slip into a coma and leave you with all the Heads work, or no one else has listened to you this long before?"
"The first one."
James heard Lily laugh silently, and then felt her head drop onto his shoulder. Her haphazard walking slowed down.
"Hey - Evans."
No answer. He shrugged his shoulder a bit, feeling Lily's head roll off.
"Evans?"
Lily slumped to the floor.
"Shit - Evans?!"
James dropped to his knees, lifting Lily's head up.
"Wake up, come on. Wake up!"
Her arm shot up on its own and grabbed James' ear painfully. Lily's eyes shot open.
"Ow!"
"If I hear that you've been snooping around this school again, I'll take away house points and rethink the coma. Got it?"
Lily let go of his ear and sat up, dusting off her skirt.
"You were just -?"
"Pretending. Now help me up."
James grabbed her hands and helped her to her feet.
"Do you have any idea how-"
He stopped.
" - much farther I can make us walk if you do that again?"
"Not too much out of the way. Your poor girlfriend is probably waiting."
"She really banged up her ankle."
"Oh, of course she did James. And I really almost fell asleep back there."
"Y'know, You're sounding really jealous right now."
"I'm what? Newsflash Potter, I'm not jealous of anyone associated with you."
"Yes, I am irresistable, thank you."
"Can we talk about something important - please?"
"What else is there?"
"Oh, that's right. Mister Social Butterfly needs to discuss the tupperware party."
James didn't say anything - he was trying not to smile. Lily had made an albeit funny smartass remark. She looked at him, and let out an exagerrated gasp.
"Did Lily make a funny?" she said incredulously.
James laughed. Lily watched him, and for a split second she understood why he was so attractive. The way he laughed was very - how to put it - cute.
Her face suddenly became very stern, although she didn't say a word.
'This is what happens when you hit your head on the side of a boat.' she thought. 'No matter. Emanuel is very good looking, sweet, and well mannered - while Potter is just an arrogant git.'
*
Emanuel kissed Lily on the Head and left the Entrance Hall. Outside, he could see a swarm of black cloaks making their way up to the castle. Leading the way was that Potter and whatserface. He rolled his eyes, and plastered a grin on his face.
"Zat was excellente. Good luck on ze next task." he said to Anya, tipping an imaginary hat. He smiled at James too, as he passed by with her.
James nodded, although he didn't return the smile. Emanuel's grin seemed somewhat forced, and very awkward.
*
Marc was pacing back and forth on the edge of the forest. He checked his watch, and found it broken from being in water.
"... je ne peux pas croire que j'ai paye $400 pour ceci," he muttered, undoing the clasp and throwing it over his shoulder.
"Zis can be fixed, you know."
"Your eenglish iz terrible."
"My eenglish iz doing you a great favour. Alors, qu'est-ce que c'est, la tache prochaine?"
Marc shoved his hands in his pockets, ignoring the watch Emanuel was examining in his hand.
"Incroyable. Some stupid person 'az thrown away a repairable watch..."
Emanuel batted away Marc's flailing arms.
'I'm keeping this as compensation for my work, not to mention half the prize money.' he thought, tauntingly swinging the watch just out of his best friend's reach.