Title: Goodnight, Stars
Chapter: Ice Cold
Author: Cinnamon Sunrise
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns the entire world of Harry Potter, I own the books. Don't sue me; I'm not making money from this.
A/N: This chapter wasn't planned, but I felt the need for *something* in between last and my next chapter.
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And that's how it was. Sirius, James, Remus and Peter; they still plotted stupid things, which weren't that bad seeing as they boosted most everyone's mood. Nevertheless they, we, had grown-up so much. Maybe not Sirius, he was still pretty immature, but the other few of us had. It was nice to see James handling the younger students; he was so at ease, so comfortable around them. I knew one day he was going to make a great father. During that year I found myself contemplating what I wanted to do with my life after Hogwarts. There was no doubt in my mind that I was staying here, keeping my identity as a witch. James and I were at the top of every class, I knew I could make any of my dreams come true. I considered working for the ministry, yet all the attacks had sparked my interest in becoming an Auror. They are the wizards in charge of defeating evil, and I found myself longing to join them. James and I discussed our futures frequently and he too wanted to be involved this battle against evil. He still was tied up with Quidditch, and one day I asked James once if he ever wanted to go professional. I'm sure he could have, but so much had changed within the last few months, I don't think anyone was to certain of their future. With James around I was so at ease;, we relaxed so much around each other. We had been dating for only a couple months, friends for just but a year. But it didn't matter. We had grown so close; our feelings were beyond description. With all of the attacks, it was hard to be happy when the holidays rolled around. But sometimes, you have to take a deep breath and go on with living life. I had been planning to stay around school, help control the students staying behind, but I couldn't turn down the invitation I received one December morning.
*~*~*
"No, pig's spleen is not even in the potion. You need to know the importance of pig's tail. Which is quite easy to remember, Charlotte, if you use the simple acronym-"
"Here Lily, you need another pastry." Sirius said, chewing obnoxiously and shoving the platter in front of her. A few of the sweet rolls fell to the floor as Lily pushed the platter back, shaking her head and resuming her breakfast table study group. Winter holidays were just days away, and the students found themselves drowning in quizzes and tests.
"Alright, so the importance of pig's tail is?" Lily asked the girls, frowning when nobody answered. "Did you study at all for this exam?" The girls remained silent, staring blankly as Lily gritted her teeth. It surely shouldn't be her responsibility to make sure everyone passed. Lately, she found herself using all of her valuable time to make sure they passed their tests, and they weren't even studying on their own. "Alright, so we have a test today and none of you have studied, yet somehow you think that I will magically teach you all the material 15 minutes before the class." Lily tried to remain as calm as possible, yet there was a hint of anger in her voice. "Well," She said, standing up and gathering her books, "I advise you study, class starts shortly." Watching her walk away, the other girls could not believe that Lily Evans had stood up on their study session. The girls weren't the only ones who noticed, James Potter was sitting just down the table, and he rushed after Lily, wondering what was wrong.
"Lily, love, what's wrong?" He said, making his way towards her. Her eyes were cloudy with tears and she looked extremely irritated.
"It's just," She said, her volume increasing with every word, "I'm not, they can't just, this is so annoying! I've used all my free time studying for that exam, and they just expect me to be "Professor Lily" and teach everything to them in 5 minutes. They were out having fun, and now I get to teach them. It's not like I have anything else on my mind, no, of course not. Head Girl Evans only thinks of school, but what a friend to have around on a test day!" Lily wasn't really talking to James; she was mostly just venting frustration. They trudged down the hallway, James realizing they were heading for the potions room. James racked his head for what to say, he didn't really see the situation as irritating as did, but he could tell she was upset.
"Shhh. It's ok, just don't worry about them. They're nothing." James said, his arm finding its way onto Lily's shoulder. Lily's mouth remained frozen in a scowl. "Lil, they can't help it if they have as big of brain as a flobberworm." He laughed gently in hopes to brighten her spirit; unfortunately it did nothing of the sort.
"I mean, it's not like they even want me around at other times-"
"Lils, honestly, listen to me. Please." He moved in front of her, causing her to come to a complete halt. "You're a great person, Lily. And so what if those girls aren't the greatest of friends, Lily, they can just sod off. Sirius, Remus, Peter. Me. We're your friends. You know that, Lily, and I know this isn't just about those girls. You're stressed out. I am too, but you really need a break." James stated, taking her hand as they resume the walk towards the potions room.
"Hm," She paused, wiping her eyes dry. "I suppose you're right. Lucky for me, the holidays are close." Lily's mouth finally broke into a small smile, thinking of how relaxing a break sounded. James grinned back.
"Speaking of, Ms. Evans, Sirius and I would love to have you over for the holidays." James looked at Lily, his round hazel eyes glinting under the high lights in the hall. Lily opened her mouth, gaping in complete surprise.
"Mr. Potter!" She laughed. "James! That's so generous of you! Really, that's great! But," She rolled her eyes. "I can just imagine the look on my parents' faces, 'Mum, Dad, I'm spending my holiday at my boyfriend's house, don't worry about me.' I'd never be allowed." She said, pouting slightly. "Thanks for offering, though," Lily reached over with her free hand to ruffle his hair. "Anyways, I'm sure I'll manage fine. I'm staying here again this year, and it should be okay. Told my parents staying here was part of being Head Girl. Don't think that they'd buy that staying at the Head Boy's house was part of the job, though." She smirked.
James looked slightly put out until he realized the perfect plan. "Lily, you told your mum you were staying here for the holidays?" Lily looked over at James and smiled, following what he was hinting at.
"Yes, but-"
"No, this is too perfect, you're coming." He grinned audaciously at her, and to his surprise, she smiled back, just as widely.
"Messr. Potter! The Head Boy, encouraging the student body to lie to their parents? Tsk, tsk!" She clicked her tongue as they neared the room, hand in hand.
*~*~*
James invited me to go to his house for our break. Surely my parents would have been upset about the idea, but James and I weren't going to go get pissed and wild every night, so I figured what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Hiding a secret was never something I was extremely talented at, so I had James help me with the note I attached with their Christmas gifts. If I didn't really write it, it wasn't really a lie. I would have never considered the idea before, but my life was different, and I needed a break from my duties at Hogwarts. After the pile of homework and notes had disappeared, the tests taken and assignments handed in, it was time to board the train home. Technically, we could have just apparated from Hogesmede, but the idea of riding the train was so much more fun. I was so excited! I rode with James and Sirius, Remus and Peter were staying behind, and we had our very own compartment. We ate sweets and played games, both of the boys really knew how to brighten one's spirit. We got off the train, and while still on the platform, apparated to James' house. It was unbelievable. His family was obviously very wealthy, and the manor they lived in was anything but small. The grounds surrounding the house were amazing; there was a forest in the back and a pond to the left. It was really a dream house; I couldn't imagine how much fun it must have been to grow up there. Sirius and James showed me to a large guest room on the 4th floor; however there were enough guest rooms in the manor to accommodate the entire Gryffindor population. James' parents were dear people, very friendly and polite. They were a fully pure blooded family, yet they were absolutely wonderful towards me. James' mum employed many house elves yet was always the one to do the cooking and make the tea. Sweet, sweet woman. The group of us talked frequently about current events and happenings, the attacks were our main point of conversation. James' dad worked for the ministry, something to do with illegal uses of magic. I'm sure he would have been quite distraught to know about his son's Anamagi secret, thankfully he never found out. Anyways, on Christmas, Sirius decorated purely in mistletoe, causing some laughs when I was forced to kiss both him and James multiple times. Mr. and Mrs. Potter, thank goodness, were nowhere to be found that afternoon. I would have been dreadfully embarrassed with them there, mind you! The air outside was chilly and snow lined the ground, I spent many evenings just walking outside with James. The holidays ended much too quickly, and before long we were back at Hogwarts. Attacks had slowed over the holidays; Merlin's beard I was thankful. The hustle and bustle of school quickly came back into action, as did the duties of being a supporting role model for students, but that was part Head Girl. When I got stressed, James and I would just retreat to the lake, it was so quite, so peaceful there. I really loved James, I couldn't have ever imagined myself loving him, but I really did. I had been shocked, excited yet shocked, when Dumbledore had chosen James for Head Boy. Now, nobody could have convinced me there was anyone better. In March, Sirius received a large bit of gold, from an uncle, and bought a flat to move into after Hogwarts. It was still hard, at that time, to imagine life after school. Towards May of that year, Dumbledore called myself and James to his office. Wizards, those on blatantly "our" side, were uniting in secret to try and overtake the dark force. Of course James and I were both delighted that Dumbledore had asked if we wanted to be involved. We both said yes, both excitedly, and both were told that after we left Hogwarts we would know what to do. We were mature enough to handle any job offered, and I think Dumbledore realized that. School and tests came and went, and before long, we were saying goodbye to Hogwarts. Sirius and Remus, as well as a few others from our year, were let in on the idea, and, as I understand, every one of them had decided to join forces. I had nowhere to go in the wizarding realm, and luckily James spoke up. My parents had given me a small amount of gold to make payments on a decent flat, quite near the city. However, James suggested that instead I move into an empty room in his parents' manor, we were all to be working together, and he suggested I save the money. His parents had plenty of room to spare, so with some cleaver arguments to my parents, I was in. Sirius visited frequently for tea, his presence was always welcome. James' parents were very fond of both Sirius and I; it was always pleasant at the Potter household. I went home for a visit that summer, and I'll never forget that afternoon. Attacks were ever frequent that summer, occurring more than anyone could have expected. Voldemort, the evil wizard, was gaining power, and the lot of us fighting against him were almost powerless. Petunia and I were in the living room, staring at each other with nothing much to say, when it happened. It was sudden, and it didn't last for very long. A dementor, one of the most horrid things you could ever imagine, swooped through the house. Being a muggle, Petunia couldn't see the figure, but she could most certainly feel it. Being around a dementor, it's the most horrible feeling in the world, the worst moments in your life, moments you may not even remember fill your head, and everything is ice cold. It wasn't in the house for very long, and I'm almost certain it just came because it sensed my presence. At the time, the ministry was trying to recruit the dementors away from Voldemort, and it seemed this one had just flown astray. Luckily, he wasn't hungry, or he may have gone in for a kiss. Let me tell you, a kiss from a dementor is worse than death itself. Anyways, Petunia was scared stiff, and it took quite a lot of talk from me to explain what happened. Nevertheless, Petunia hurriedly shoed me out of the house, it seemed her theory that us "freaks" are dangerous had just proved itself, so it was time for me to leave. That summer Petunia wed Vernon Dursley, her boyfriend of a few years. I attended, but my sister only greeted me with a scowl.
*~*~*
"So Lily, you've finished school then? Are you to be attending the university in the fall?" A short, stout man with an obnoxiously wiry beard asked. Lily figured he was some long lost relative or another, and had, much to her personal objection, been conversing with him for the last 7 minutes.
"Hm, no I believe not. I think I am taking some time off from school at the moment." Lily smiled, the man frowning slightly.
"School is very important, Miss Evans. I thought you'd be one to follow in the footsteps of that wonderful sister of yours." The man said, eyeing Petunia from across the living room, dressed fully in bridal gown and shoes. "Ah, Petunia!" He said, quickly leaving Lily and darting over to her older sister. He started to speak loudly to her, but she brushed past him and walked towards Lily.
"Who invited you here?" She said, frowning as she made eye contact with her younger sister. Lily rolled her eyes, turning away, when Petunia grabbed her shoulder.
"We are not talking, but if you bring any of you funny business here, if you do any of those tricks, honest to God you will wish you'd never been born, Lily. Vernon, Vernon's family, they do not need to know what kind of a freak you are, understand me?" Petunia's horse-like face was glaring at Lily, who simply nodded yes. She had learned years ago that it was best to just let Petunia's spiteful remarks glide past her, and she found herself not caring much what was said anyway. She knew she wouldn't trade her life for anything, especially not the snooty, nosy life Petunia led.
*~*~*
My parents still respected me, but I think the attacks were making them nervous, too. Things with Dumbledore were moving slowly; ideas on how to overtake evil had, so far, all proved powerless against the dark force. James and I, along with the others, met with some of the brightest wizards around; I was honored to be a part of it.
*~*~*
A/N: Ahhh okay, this high amount of cheesiness was not supposed to be in here, but alas, somehow the story has been overtaken by it! Everything is a bit OCC but I'm trying to turn it around! Let me know what you think of the story so far by dropping a review. Thanks. Oh, and by the way, I am the process of making all of the P's in previous chapters in the word "prefect" lowercase. My bad!
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cinnamonsunrise@hotmail.com