Title: Unforeseen.
Summary: The summer before sixth year, an under-appreciated and bullied Lily Evans is off to Australia. She's ready to forget her rough past and unreturned crush on James Potter- until one night on the town she runs into a very familiar face.
Rating: PG-13 (for kiss-type scene's, language and adult themes).
Disclaimer: Anything you recognise doesn't belong to me. Any OC's and the plot do...I think you guys can figure out which is which!
A/N: A mega-watt thanks to my amazingly wonderful reviewers...you guys are like extra chocolate-chips for my crappy cookie story (make any sense to you guys? If not, don't worry. Doesn't make any sense to me either). A special big thanks to my amazing sister Steph (yes it was her that left the slightly disturbing review!)
EXTRA NOTE: I'm looking for a beta for this fic, so anyone interested, please email me at hunny___@hotmail.com....Oh! If anyone wants to be added to the Unforeseen mailing list, leave you're email in your review, and I'll email you whenever I get new chapters up.
Thanks! Enjoy the fic!
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CHAPTER 5.
Lily felt as if someone had glued her to the floor.
This couldn't be happening...no way was James here in Australia. It must be a dream, yes, a horrible, horrible nightmare. But Sonya had just kicked her and she remained awake.
It was real.
"Hi," he said, looking intently into her eyes, causing her to shiver violently at various memories of those very same blue eyes. "Have we met before? You look so familiar."
"Umm..." Lily mumbled, losing the power to speak completely. Sonya looked over at her, curiously, as if she was a retarded sheep with a cardboard box attached to her head. She then held her hand out to James and smiled widely.
"Hi there. I'm Sonya and this is my cousin, Lily."
"Hi Sonya and Lily," he answered, shaking her hand enthusiastically, "I'm James Potter."
Sonya let out a sudden gasp, dropping his hand, and at once Lily knew that she was done for. Suddenly she wished she had never told Sonya about her problems with James...
"So, Lily," James said turning back to her playfully, "have we ever met before? I'm sure I would remember such a pretty face...its like sleeping beauty--Once upon a dream."
"NO!" Sonya cut in, as everyone spun around to face her, Lily shooting her a fast glance, trying to determine what the hell was actually going on.
"I mean..." Sonya continued, looking around for help, "I'm sure they haven't met--uh, surely they would have remembered each other if they had?"
She elbowed Lily in the ribs, and Lily, stunned with shock, quickly stammered, "Yes. I-I'm sure I would've remembered meeting you and..."
Luckily BJ saved her any further embarrassment by asking her to dance. Lily agreed, feeling the tears start to form in her eyes. This was all to much for her...this holiday was supposed to be a time to discover herself and improve her attitude for everything in general. There was no way she could do that with James hanging around.
"Penny for you thoughts?" muttered BJ, softly pulling her to the dance floor.
"Wh-hat?" stammered Lily, looking distractedly over his shoulder at James, who was now laughing uproariously over something Dustin had said.
"Never mind," sighed BJ, "Its just an expression."
Lily didn't reply...her mind was busy elsewhere.
Another terrible thought had just struck her. What if James found out who she was and publicly humiliated her? What if he told BJ about her rocky past or decided to blab around school that 'dusty little Evans' had finally gone for an over due make-over. What if he laughed? Lily didn't think she could stand the laughter.
She never could.
* * * * *
"Quiet girl that cousin or yours is," remarked James to Sonya, gazing at the pretty red-head from his perch next to the dance floor.
"Yes...you could say that," replied Sonya in a tone that James identified as very distracted indeed.
Trying to sort things out, James looked around at the small crowd that surrounded him. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong. They had all been chatting and getting along great, until the dark eyed Sonya and her serene companion had showed up. From that moment an awkward blanket had been passed over all of them, and James could not think for the life of him why.
"Has she always been like that?"
"Who? Lily? I guess so...I only met her for the first time recently. I think she's just very shy."
James bit his lip and nodded. He wasn't exactly sure what was so captivating about the beautiful redhead...was it the way she had avoided his gaze? Or how she had so feebly resisted his charms. It wasn't only that- she had something about her. Something he recognised. But who exactly was she?
"What's her last name?" he asked curiously, not breaking his gaze on Lily once.
"I'm going to the bathroom," blurted out Sonya randomly, earning herself strange looks from Sam, Dustin and James.
"Sam," she continued, digging her elbow into his side. "Do you mind getting me a drink while I'm gone."
"What!" he cried hotly, "Why can't you get your own drink."
James looked on in amusement as Sonya stepped heavily on his toes and whispered something unidentifiable in her ear. Whatever it was, it worked, and Sam got up to leave, with a brief,
"Uh, will you excuse me."
Yes, James concluded, something was definitely up.
* * * * *
"Sam!" Sonya hissed, shoving him against the night-club wall, "James CANNOT, I repeat, CANNOT, know who Lily is!"
"Why?" asked Sam, completely puzzled as he glanced around at their surroundings.
The corridor to the bathroom was cramped and hot with white tiles adorning every possible space. People kept rushing past and shooting dirty looks at the twins. one even going as far as to ask in a hoity-toity tone, if they could please move- and fast. Fumes from the bar were also addling their already lost brains, making conversation halted and difficult.
Sonya grumbled under her breath, leaning uncomfortably against one tiled wall, before answering in a broken voice, "Its nothing, really. Lily would just feel uncomfortable if James found out she was a student at Hogwarts."
"Well obviously," Sam said sarcastically, "I want to know WHY!"
"Ok...the thing is...Lily and James have a bit of a history. He doesn't really know her and he's been known to, well, laugh at her quite a bit...and by laugh, I don't mean with her. I mean at her."
"What!" growled Sam, trying to edge around Sonya, ignoring the tittering crowds of girls pushing there way past into the bathroom, "That lousy little...why I should..."
"Settle down!" Sonya whispered urgently, "you'll only make it worse for them--and yourself. It just that Lily's also had a bit of a crush on him for awhile. His good opinion means the world to her and she's terrified that he might shun her if he knew who she really is. Think about it? How would you feel if I announced to Kristy Macey that you had a crush on her. Think about what Lily is going through."
"Shit."
"I know. But don't worry...I think I have a plan."
"Going to share?"
"Right." Sonya said, looking flustered and trying to piece her thoughts together. "Right then. James can't know who Lily is."
"I got that much."
"Umm...ok. We'll tell him her last name is Smith. Lily told me that James has only ever known her as 'Evans' or 'The Library Girl'. If he thinks she has no connection to Hogwarts then it will give him a chance to get to know her better--build a relationship. He won't judge her by others standards and it will be the perfect opportunity for Lily to show him the real girl inside."
"Good thinking Einstein."
"Thanks...I try."
"Just one thing?"
"Yes?"
"What happens why she goes back to school?"
"Shit."
* * * * *
James watched as Lily spun awkwardly around on the dance floor. Dustin, however seemed to be having the time of his life with her, and ignored James's frantic signalling, as he attempted to send his friend the message that he wanted to talk to him.
James was educated and sure about this sudden infatuation he was experiencing. He'd had it many times before...like the time he believed Sirius's cousin was the ideal girl for him, or when he fell madly in love with the muggle band 'the Beatles' only to disregard their music a month later.
Deciding that this problem would only be solved in the same manner as the rest (i.e. approaching the subject head on) James strode towards the dance floor, and ignoring the disco music that was blasting out, tapped Dustin on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?" he asked politely, after they had spun around to face the intruder.
Dustin glared at James for a split second. It was obvious that he didn't want to give up his gorgeous partner--especially not to someone with such a reputation as a womaniser.
"Go ahead." He finally answered, grumpily, all but shoving the poor girl at James.
"Thank-you kind sir," quipped James, winking at Lily, who blushed and giving Dustin a cheeky grin.
"Yeah, yeah." Dustin muttered in disbelief as he walked, muttering from the floor.
"Now," said James, turning back to Lily when he was sure the coast was clear. His attention was momentarily distracted when the DJ, deciding they had experienced enough raving, put on a slow romantic ballad.
Lily looked up at him in pure terror, and James had to bite his lip to stop from laughing. He had no idea why such a heavenly creature would be intimidated. Surely she must have had her share of handsome boys offering her their hands.
In a small attempt to make her feel more comfortable, he leaned over and whispered gruffly in her ear.
"I won't bite."
Lily trembled and waited for the next anticipated words.
"Hard."
The music then started and James swept her into his tight embrace, leaving no room for awkwardness and no time for embarrassment.
During the course of the song, James glanced down at the silent girl, nestled so silently in his arms, and almost gasped at her utter radiance. One of the blue lights had swept across the room, capturing her face, and defining her crystal-rose skin...the beam then continued its journey, travelling across her face and capturing her eyes, making them sparkle much more then the rarest crystal in the world.
Lily looked up at that exact moment and saw before her for on split-second, the REAL James Potter...his unguarded pain, humour and wide abundances of love.
Terrified, she tried to pull away, still not uttering a single word, but he continued to hold her tightly and whispered three little words;
"Who are you?"
* * * * *
BJ sat glumly at the bar, watching his friends prance around and generally make complete idiots of themselves. Usually he would be one of them, leaping at any chance to behave like a prat, but at that very moment he wasn't exactly in the mood.
A sudden burst of volume from the dance floor captured his attention, but no sooner had he looked, than he desperately wished he hadn't.
James Potter, British buddy to his best friend, was standing on the dance floor with the one girl BJ had hoped to impress, fitting snugly into his hold.
BJ fumed.
He had done everything in his possible power to attract Lily to him...VIP tickets, drinks, dances--you name it. But still she was prancing around with that over-grown British turnip, instead of being where she belonged. By his side.
There was something special about Lily, something he couldn't quite place. Maybe it was the fact she had pulled away when he had kissed her? In this age and era that was something almost unheard of! It could even be the fact that she was magic...in more ways than the obvious. BJ wasn't exactly sure WHAT the hell it was, pretty much all he knew was that he wanted her. Badly.
"Hi BJ," said a soft voice to his left.
BJ looked over and groaned inwardly. It was Sonya again.
Sure, BJ liked Sonya a bit (as a FRIEND) but he wasn't about to start wildly making out with her on the dance-floor. The trouble was that ever since Sonya had first layed eyes on him, back in seventh grade (A/N that's the equivalent to first year high school in England) she had immediately decided that BJ was the guy for her. It only got worse when he had formed a close friendship with her twin brother. Sam constantly dropped 'Sonya' hints, endlessly trying out new schemes to ultimately place the two of them together.
"What?" BJ snapped, trying to look closer at Lily. He wasn't intentionally trying to be mean--but at this particular moment he was sort of busy.
"I just wanted to know if we're going back to your place," Sonya said dejectedly, looking hurt and chewing on her bottom lip, a habit BJ noticed she did a lot of.
"Right." He answered shorty. "Yeah that's fine. Uncle Mick is expecting you guys."
"Right." Sonya answered softly, staring at her hands.
"Anything else?" he asked rudely.
"No."
"then tell the other's we're leaving in ten minutes."
"Are you sure you don't want to stay-"
"No!" barked BJ, making Sonya jump nervously.
" 'Kay," she whispered, sliding off the bar stool and edging away.
In his haste to return to his 'Lily-watching' BJ neglected to notice that Sonya's eyes were awfully glassy...wet even. But even if he had noticed, BJ would not have been worried.
Sonya didn't cry.
* * * * *
The small group contained very mixed feelings as they finally struggled out of the club and into an awaiting taxi.
Sonya was sad. Nobody could tell though--Sonya was an amazing actress. For the first time since her beautiful cousin had come to Australia, Sonya was having negative thoughts about her. It didn't seem fair what Sonya had sacrificed. Why should Lily keep BJ as well as the handsome new stranger? Suddenly the make-over and everything that came with it seemed like a very bad idea...especially when all the backseats of the cab were taken, forcing Sonya to ride shotgun with the rather unappealing fat driver, whose showed no hesitation in the learing glances sent her way. Sonya was unused to being out of the limelight, and to tell the truth, she hated it.
Dustin was excited. It had been months since he had seen his best friends BJ and close friends Sonya and Sam, and to his ever optimistic eyes things were going perfectly...especially because from his perch in the back of the taxi, Dustin was at an incredible vantage point to stare at Sonya. She sure had grown up since the last time he had seen her. To cut straight to the cheese, she was nothing short of beautiful.
Sam was confused. He was sick and tired of playing the messenger for everyone. Why couldn't BJ learn to like Sonya? Why did Dustin like her all of a sudden? Why was James so attracted to the girl he had once teased? Why did Lily's name and heritage have to remain a secret? Why? Why? Why?
BJ was frustrated. Here he was, so close to the girl that had so recently graced his dreams, and he wasn't even allowed to tough her. Why did she choose James, a guy she had just met, over him, BJ, the kind caring guy who had so abundantly flattered her with gifts?! Nothing made sense anymore...Sonya only complicated the matter further. At least though, he had the good fortune of being one of the two sitting next to the very desirable Lily Evans...who was the other you ask? James Potter.
James was happy. He had just met an absolutely amazing girl--it didn't matter that she had scarce spoken four words to him all evening. She was special. His good mood was only improved when he was shoved into the back of the taxi, in a position that left him snuggled up close to Lily. He had indeed won the favour of Lady Luck.
Lily didn't know what she was feeling. Her emotions were as jumbled as a basket of thread, colours representing her fragile personality weaving through each other until they formed a messy knot that would take careful skill to untangle. The whole thing seemed fake. The attention James was paying to her completely surreal. How was she supposed to feel? Supposed to act? This was the moment she had dreamed of all her life, but now it was a sudden reality. No longer was her subconscious in charge--it was just her in the drivers seat, stearing though the rough weather.
James... Just the name could set her on fire...but play with flames and you're sure to be burnt.
"Lily," murmured James sleepily, dropping his head onto her shoulders as the cab's smooth movements created a soft lullaby.
"Mmm..." she muttered, unsure what to say.
"You never told me who you are."
"Didn't I?"
"No. I want to know though. I bet that you're a princess or a fallen angel, which reminds me, do you have a Band-Aid 'cos it sorta hurt when I fell for you."
The flattery was not lost on Lily as she chuckled quietly and shut her eyes, willing herself to believe she was dreaming.
"Who are you..."came James voice, entering her mind as softly as a cloud floating on the wind. Feeling false courage rise, as the world became more surreal, and James turned into nothing more than a fantasy, living beneath the surface of her dream, Lily stroked his hair and thought.
"You really want to know?"
"Yes please."
"I'm Lily."
((A/N) I was going to stop there--but then I thought there had been no real snogs, and it seemed sorta cruel to wait 'till next chapter.)
* * * * *
Sonya spread her sleeping bag out, and when she was satisfied it was straight, she flopped down on it, laying her head heavily onto her arms.
"Tired?" Dustin asked sympathetically from his spot two sleeping bags down.
"Not really." Sonya replied, then unfortunately let out a massive yawn.
"I'll bet," Dustin answered grinning.
"So," BJ interrupted, staring intently at Lily, "what do you guys want to do?"
"Play something!" cried James, grinning mischievously.
"Like what?" scoffed Sam, "cards?"
"Do you have any?" James asked BJ, looking around the family room in which they were sleeping.
The walls were painted a bright blue, with timber cabinets spread around in strange places. A large screen TV was shoved against one wall, next to the closed door that lead to the kitchen. Two large leather sofas had been pushed against one wall to accommodate them all, and they were all especially careful of their drinks, trying not to spill them on the magnificent cream rug.
"Not sure." Replied BJ half-heartedly, "But I have a better idea for a game."
"What?" they all chorused curiously.
"Truth or dare."
"Yes!" squealed Sonya, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Enthusiastic much." Dustin whispered to Lily, making her giggle, despite her nervousness.
"I'll start," volunteered Sam, "and since Sonya is so eager, she can go first. "Truth or Dare?"
Sonya considered her options for awhile, then hesitantly replied, "dare."
"Right...I dare you to...to eat some of the cat food that's set out on the kitchen counter."
"Ewww!" Sonya screeched, while everyone broke down into laughter. However, Sonya was not the sort of person to back down from a dare, and after BJ had fetched the cat biscuits, she hesitantly shoved them into her mouth, chewing furiously.
"All right?" Dustin asked, fighting his laughter.
"Fine..." Sonya muttered, before suddenly leaping up, and sprinting into the bathroom. When she had emerged, five minutes later, she reclaimed her spot in the circle and studied each participant carefully.
"Lets see...James. Truth or dare."
"Dare," he said, without any hesitation.
"Right. I dare you to... Kiss Lily!"
Gasped went up around the room, as BJ glared at James, Lily glared at Sonya, and James looked like the cat who ate the canary.
"Don you mind, Lily?" He asked, sauntering over.
She wanted to scream, of COURSE I don't mind, but wisely kept her mouth shut, with a small whimper.
"Right then." He muttered, leaning in a kissing her soundly on the lips.
Although it was just a peck, it sent fireworks through Lilys entire system. Never had she felt this good. Never.
"Can we move on?" BJ snapped, jerking her from the dreamy trance she was in.
"Sure," James answered cooly, obviously sensing the enemy, "But its a pity really. I'd be happy to kiss Lily here forever."
"Oh puh-lease," BJ muttered under his breath.
Nevertheless, the game continued with the outcome of several people having to kiss each other, including one very happy Dustin, who had managed to snog one very distracted Sonya.
After the game had come to an abrupt end, Lily snuggled into her sleeping back, feeling totally happy. Her lingering worries seemed to have gone on vacation for awhile, something that Lily didn't mind in the slightest.
A sudden feeling a warmth crept up her back, and Lily turned, only to face James smiling at her with his usual cocky grin.
"Hi." He whispered.
"Hi." She answered.
"The game was fun, wasn't it?"
"Yes."
"Mind If i sleep next to you?"
"No."
"Good."
There was silence for awhile, as Lily tried to mask her heavy breathing. This situation was another that belonged in a dream.
"Goodnight Lily-no-name," James muttered, sounding very far away for someone right next to her.
"Night James Potter," she whispered, savouring the name and wishing that this night would never end.
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Sorry this chapter wasn't especially interesting...its a bit of a filler chapter to show where everyone stands with one another. Lol, the love complications are going to get bad!
*Next chapter*
- Now, I know it looks like James had just accepted Lily straight away...but he knows something is missing. How can she be magical and not go to Hogwarts. How come he recognises her so much? All questions James is dying to find an answer for.
- BJ is getting jealous! See the lengths he we go.
- Will Sonya ever get over BJ, and see the charming Magical Man, named Dustin, who is so obviously enraptured with her?
- Snogs, beach-partys and boating...all on the menu for next chapter.
!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*!@#$%%^&&*!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*!@#%%^&*
Now, a shout out to my fabulous reviewers!
SarashPeach--Thanks heaps, I was trying to avoid any magor cliches (though I know I still have quite a few) I agree that James shouldn't be too shallow, the problem is that its so easy to write him that way!
The elfin child- I agree! I would probally don a camouflage suit, and sneak off into the sunset.
FTC writer- I know! Convenience rocks! Have you read Serendipity? (can't remember who wrote it, but its a mad L/J fic)
mystikalolo- I know! I feel so horrible for kids who have to suffer that sort of stuff.
Aiya and earendil- I was terrified of finding myself half-eaten by wolves, pitchforks and such, so i quickly wrote out this chapter! lol ` div- I know! I'm that jealous as well! (now...if we could just throw Draco Malfoy into the midst.)
LIBRA!!!- awwwww...thanks!
izzy- go team Sydney! I hope I'm describing our beautiful city ok. Because in my opinion, its the most gorgeous city on earth!
lil-brat888- Its ok, I'll leave you guys some absailing hooks, so you're never hanging all that much AND A BIG THANKS TO;
Celine, me, Lavon, Clearbrook, snowgremlin (cool name!), illusions and mysticpixie! You guys rock.
Summary: The summer before sixth year, an under-appreciated and bullied Lily Evans is off to Australia. She's ready to forget her rough past and unreturned crush on James Potter- until one night on the town she runs into a very familiar face.
Rating: PG-13 (for kiss-type scene's, language and adult themes).
Disclaimer: Anything you recognise doesn't belong to me. Any OC's and the plot do...I think you guys can figure out which is which!
A/N: A mega-watt thanks to my amazingly wonderful reviewers...you guys are like extra chocolate-chips for my crappy cookie story (make any sense to you guys? If not, don't worry. Doesn't make any sense to me either). A special big thanks to my amazing sister Steph (yes it was her that left the slightly disturbing review!)
EXTRA NOTE: I'm looking for a beta for this fic, so anyone interested, please email me at hunny___@hotmail.com....Oh! If anyone wants to be added to the Unforeseen mailing list, leave you're email in your review, and I'll email you whenever I get new chapters up.
Thanks! Enjoy the fic!
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CHAPTER 5.
Lily felt as if someone had glued her to the floor.
This couldn't be happening...no way was James here in Australia. It must be a dream, yes, a horrible, horrible nightmare. But Sonya had just kicked her and she remained awake.
It was real.
"Hi," he said, looking intently into her eyes, causing her to shiver violently at various memories of those very same blue eyes. "Have we met before? You look so familiar."
"Umm..." Lily mumbled, losing the power to speak completely. Sonya looked over at her, curiously, as if she was a retarded sheep with a cardboard box attached to her head. She then held her hand out to James and smiled widely.
"Hi there. I'm Sonya and this is my cousin, Lily."
"Hi Sonya and Lily," he answered, shaking her hand enthusiastically, "I'm James Potter."
Sonya let out a sudden gasp, dropping his hand, and at once Lily knew that she was done for. Suddenly she wished she had never told Sonya about her problems with James...
"So, Lily," James said turning back to her playfully, "have we ever met before? I'm sure I would remember such a pretty face...its like sleeping beauty--Once upon a dream."
"NO!" Sonya cut in, as everyone spun around to face her, Lily shooting her a fast glance, trying to determine what the hell was actually going on.
"I mean..." Sonya continued, looking around for help, "I'm sure they haven't met--uh, surely they would have remembered each other if they had?"
She elbowed Lily in the ribs, and Lily, stunned with shock, quickly stammered, "Yes. I-I'm sure I would've remembered meeting you and..."
Luckily BJ saved her any further embarrassment by asking her to dance. Lily agreed, feeling the tears start to form in her eyes. This was all to much for her...this holiday was supposed to be a time to discover herself and improve her attitude for everything in general. There was no way she could do that with James hanging around.
"Penny for you thoughts?" muttered BJ, softly pulling her to the dance floor.
"Wh-hat?" stammered Lily, looking distractedly over his shoulder at James, who was now laughing uproariously over something Dustin had said.
"Never mind," sighed BJ, "Its just an expression."
Lily didn't reply...her mind was busy elsewhere.
Another terrible thought had just struck her. What if James found out who she was and publicly humiliated her? What if he told BJ about her rocky past or decided to blab around school that 'dusty little Evans' had finally gone for an over due make-over. What if he laughed? Lily didn't think she could stand the laughter.
She never could.
* * * * *
"Quiet girl that cousin or yours is," remarked James to Sonya, gazing at the pretty red-head from his perch next to the dance floor.
"Yes...you could say that," replied Sonya in a tone that James identified as very distracted indeed.
Trying to sort things out, James looked around at the small crowd that surrounded him. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong. They had all been chatting and getting along great, until the dark eyed Sonya and her serene companion had showed up. From that moment an awkward blanket had been passed over all of them, and James could not think for the life of him why.
"Has she always been like that?"
"Who? Lily? I guess so...I only met her for the first time recently. I think she's just very shy."
James bit his lip and nodded. He wasn't exactly sure what was so captivating about the beautiful redhead...was it the way she had avoided his gaze? Or how she had so feebly resisted his charms. It wasn't only that- she had something about her. Something he recognised. But who exactly was she?
"What's her last name?" he asked curiously, not breaking his gaze on Lily once.
"I'm going to the bathroom," blurted out Sonya randomly, earning herself strange looks from Sam, Dustin and James.
"Sam," she continued, digging her elbow into his side. "Do you mind getting me a drink while I'm gone."
"What!" he cried hotly, "Why can't you get your own drink."
James looked on in amusement as Sonya stepped heavily on his toes and whispered something unidentifiable in her ear. Whatever it was, it worked, and Sam got up to leave, with a brief,
"Uh, will you excuse me."
Yes, James concluded, something was definitely up.
* * * * *
"Sam!" Sonya hissed, shoving him against the night-club wall, "James CANNOT, I repeat, CANNOT, know who Lily is!"
"Why?" asked Sam, completely puzzled as he glanced around at their surroundings.
The corridor to the bathroom was cramped and hot with white tiles adorning every possible space. People kept rushing past and shooting dirty looks at the twins. one even going as far as to ask in a hoity-toity tone, if they could please move- and fast. Fumes from the bar were also addling their already lost brains, making conversation halted and difficult.
Sonya grumbled under her breath, leaning uncomfortably against one tiled wall, before answering in a broken voice, "Its nothing, really. Lily would just feel uncomfortable if James found out she was a student at Hogwarts."
"Well obviously," Sam said sarcastically, "I want to know WHY!"
"Ok...the thing is...Lily and James have a bit of a history. He doesn't really know her and he's been known to, well, laugh at her quite a bit...and by laugh, I don't mean with her. I mean at her."
"What!" growled Sam, trying to edge around Sonya, ignoring the tittering crowds of girls pushing there way past into the bathroom, "That lousy little...why I should..."
"Settle down!" Sonya whispered urgently, "you'll only make it worse for them--and yourself. It just that Lily's also had a bit of a crush on him for awhile. His good opinion means the world to her and she's terrified that he might shun her if he knew who she really is. Think about it? How would you feel if I announced to Kristy Macey that you had a crush on her. Think about what Lily is going through."
"Shit."
"I know. But don't worry...I think I have a plan."
"Going to share?"
"Right." Sonya said, looking flustered and trying to piece her thoughts together. "Right then. James can't know who Lily is."
"I got that much."
"Umm...ok. We'll tell him her last name is Smith. Lily told me that James has only ever known her as 'Evans' or 'The Library Girl'. If he thinks she has no connection to Hogwarts then it will give him a chance to get to know her better--build a relationship. He won't judge her by others standards and it will be the perfect opportunity for Lily to show him the real girl inside."
"Good thinking Einstein."
"Thanks...I try."
"Just one thing?"
"Yes?"
"What happens why she goes back to school?"
"Shit."
* * * * *
James watched as Lily spun awkwardly around on the dance floor. Dustin, however seemed to be having the time of his life with her, and ignored James's frantic signalling, as he attempted to send his friend the message that he wanted to talk to him.
James was educated and sure about this sudden infatuation he was experiencing. He'd had it many times before...like the time he believed Sirius's cousin was the ideal girl for him, or when he fell madly in love with the muggle band 'the Beatles' only to disregard their music a month later.
Deciding that this problem would only be solved in the same manner as the rest (i.e. approaching the subject head on) James strode towards the dance floor, and ignoring the disco music that was blasting out, tapped Dustin on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?" he asked politely, after they had spun around to face the intruder.
Dustin glared at James for a split second. It was obvious that he didn't want to give up his gorgeous partner--especially not to someone with such a reputation as a womaniser.
"Go ahead." He finally answered, grumpily, all but shoving the poor girl at James.
"Thank-you kind sir," quipped James, winking at Lily, who blushed and giving Dustin a cheeky grin.
"Yeah, yeah." Dustin muttered in disbelief as he walked, muttering from the floor.
"Now," said James, turning back to Lily when he was sure the coast was clear. His attention was momentarily distracted when the DJ, deciding they had experienced enough raving, put on a slow romantic ballad.
Lily looked up at him in pure terror, and James had to bite his lip to stop from laughing. He had no idea why such a heavenly creature would be intimidated. Surely she must have had her share of handsome boys offering her their hands.
In a small attempt to make her feel more comfortable, he leaned over and whispered gruffly in her ear.
"I won't bite."
Lily trembled and waited for the next anticipated words.
"Hard."
The music then started and James swept her into his tight embrace, leaving no room for awkwardness and no time for embarrassment.
During the course of the song, James glanced down at the silent girl, nestled so silently in his arms, and almost gasped at her utter radiance. One of the blue lights had swept across the room, capturing her face, and defining her crystal-rose skin...the beam then continued its journey, travelling across her face and capturing her eyes, making them sparkle much more then the rarest crystal in the world.
Lily looked up at that exact moment and saw before her for on split-second, the REAL James Potter...his unguarded pain, humour and wide abundances of love.
Terrified, she tried to pull away, still not uttering a single word, but he continued to hold her tightly and whispered three little words;
"Who are you?"
* * * * *
BJ sat glumly at the bar, watching his friends prance around and generally make complete idiots of themselves. Usually he would be one of them, leaping at any chance to behave like a prat, but at that very moment he wasn't exactly in the mood.
A sudden burst of volume from the dance floor captured his attention, but no sooner had he looked, than he desperately wished he hadn't.
James Potter, British buddy to his best friend, was standing on the dance floor with the one girl BJ had hoped to impress, fitting snugly into his hold.
BJ fumed.
He had done everything in his possible power to attract Lily to him...VIP tickets, drinks, dances--you name it. But still she was prancing around with that over-grown British turnip, instead of being where she belonged. By his side.
There was something special about Lily, something he couldn't quite place. Maybe it was the fact she had pulled away when he had kissed her? In this age and era that was something almost unheard of! It could even be the fact that she was magic...in more ways than the obvious. BJ wasn't exactly sure WHAT the hell it was, pretty much all he knew was that he wanted her. Badly.
"Hi BJ," said a soft voice to his left.
BJ looked over and groaned inwardly. It was Sonya again.
Sure, BJ liked Sonya a bit (as a FRIEND) but he wasn't about to start wildly making out with her on the dance-floor. The trouble was that ever since Sonya had first layed eyes on him, back in seventh grade (A/N that's the equivalent to first year high school in England) she had immediately decided that BJ was the guy for her. It only got worse when he had formed a close friendship with her twin brother. Sam constantly dropped 'Sonya' hints, endlessly trying out new schemes to ultimately place the two of them together.
"What?" BJ snapped, trying to look closer at Lily. He wasn't intentionally trying to be mean--but at this particular moment he was sort of busy.
"I just wanted to know if we're going back to your place," Sonya said dejectedly, looking hurt and chewing on her bottom lip, a habit BJ noticed she did a lot of.
"Right." He answered shorty. "Yeah that's fine. Uncle Mick is expecting you guys."
"Right." Sonya answered softly, staring at her hands.
"Anything else?" he asked rudely.
"No."
"then tell the other's we're leaving in ten minutes."
"Are you sure you don't want to stay-"
"No!" barked BJ, making Sonya jump nervously.
" 'Kay," she whispered, sliding off the bar stool and edging away.
In his haste to return to his 'Lily-watching' BJ neglected to notice that Sonya's eyes were awfully glassy...wet even. But even if he had noticed, BJ would not have been worried.
Sonya didn't cry.
* * * * *
The small group contained very mixed feelings as they finally struggled out of the club and into an awaiting taxi.
Sonya was sad. Nobody could tell though--Sonya was an amazing actress. For the first time since her beautiful cousin had come to Australia, Sonya was having negative thoughts about her. It didn't seem fair what Sonya had sacrificed. Why should Lily keep BJ as well as the handsome new stranger? Suddenly the make-over and everything that came with it seemed like a very bad idea...especially when all the backseats of the cab were taken, forcing Sonya to ride shotgun with the rather unappealing fat driver, whose showed no hesitation in the learing glances sent her way. Sonya was unused to being out of the limelight, and to tell the truth, she hated it.
Dustin was excited. It had been months since he had seen his best friends BJ and close friends Sonya and Sam, and to his ever optimistic eyes things were going perfectly...especially because from his perch in the back of the taxi, Dustin was at an incredible vantage point to stare at Sonya. She sure had grown up since the last time he had seen her. To cut straight to the cheese, she was nothing short of beautiful.
Sam was confused. He was sick and tired of playing the messenger for everyone. Why couldn't BJ learn to like Sonya? Why did Dustin like her all of a sudden? Why was James so attracted to the girl he had once teased? Why did Lily's name and heritage have to remain a secret? Why? Why? Why?
BJ was frustrated. Here he was, so close to the girl that had so recently graced his dreams, and he wasn't even allowed to tough her. Why did she choose James, a guy she had just met, over him, BJ, the kind caring guy who had so abundantly flattered her with gifts?! Nothing made sense anymore...Sonya only complicated the matter further. At least though, he had the good fortune of being one of the two sitting next to the very desirable Lily Evans...who was the other you ask? James Potter.
James was happy. He had just met an absolutely amazing girl--it didn't matter that she had scarce spoken four words to him all evening. She was special. His good mood was only improved when he was shoved into the back of the taxi, in a position that left him snuggled up close to Lily. He had indeed won the favour of Lady Luck.
Lily didn't know what she was feeling. Her emotions were as jumbled as a basket of thread, colours representing her fragile personality weaving through each other until they formed a messy knot that would take careful skill to untangle. The whole thing seemed fake. The attention James was paying to her completely surreal. How was she supposed to feel? Supposed to act? This was the moment she had dreamed of all her life, but now it was a sudden reality. No longer was her subconscious in charge--it was just her in the drivers seat, stearing though the rough weather.
James... Just the name could set her on fire...but play with flames and you're sure to be burnt.
"Lily," murmured James sleepily, dropping his head onto her shoulders as the cab's smooth movements created a soft lullaby.
"Mmm..." she muttered, unsure what to say.
"You never told me who you are."
"Didn't I?"
"No. I want to know though. I bet that you're a princess or a fallen angel, which reminds me, do you have a Band-Aid 'cos it sorta hurt when I fell for you."
The flattery was not lost on Lily as she chuckled quietly and shut her eyes, willing herself to believe she was dreaming.
"Who are you..."came James voice, entering her mind as softly as a cloud floating on the wind. Feeling false courage rise, as the world became more surreal, and James turned into nothing more than a fantasy, living beneath the surface of her dream, Lily stroked his hair and thought.
"You really want to know?"
"Yes please."
"I'm Lily."
((A/N) I was going to stop there--but then I thought there had been no real snogs, and it seemed sorta cruel to wait 'till next chapter.)
* * * * *
Sonya spread her sleeping bag out, and when she was satisfied it was straight, she flopped down on it, laying her head heavily onto her arms.
"Tired?" Dustin asked sympathetically from his spot two sleeping bags down.
"Not really." Sonya replied, then unfortunately let out a massive yawn.
"I'll bet," Dustin answered grinning.
"So," BJ interrupted, staring intently at Lily, "what do you guys want to do?"
"Play something!" cried James, grinning mischievously.
"Like what?" scoffed Sam, "cards?"
"Do you have any?" James asked BJ, looking around the family room in which they were sleeping.
The walls were painted a bright blue, with timber cabinets spread around in strange places. A large screen TV was shoved against one wall, next to the closed door that lead to the kitchen. Two large leather sofas had been pushed against one wall to accommodate them all, and they were all especially careful of their drinks, trying not to spill them on the magnificent cream rug.
"Not sure." Replied BJ half-heartedly, "But I have a better idea for a game."
"What?" they all chorused curiously.
"Truth or dare."
"Yes!" squealed Sonya, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Enthusiastic much." Dustin whispered to Lily, making her giggle, despite her nervousness.
"I'll start," volunteered Sam, "and since Sonya is so eager, she can go first. "Truth or Dare?"
Sonya considered her options for awhile, then hesitantly replied, "dare."
"Right...I dare you to...to eat some of the cat food that's set out on the kitchen counter."
"Ewww!" Sonya screeched, while everyone broke down into laughter. However, Sonya was not the sort of person to back down from a dare, and after BJ had fetched the cat biscuits, she hesitantly shoved them into her mouth, chewing furiously.
"All right?" Dustin asked, fighting his laughter.
"Fine..." Sonya muttered, before suddenly leaping up, and sprinting into the bathroom. When she had emerged, five minutes later, she reclaimed her spot in the circle and studied each participant carefully.
"Lets see...James. Truth or dare."
"Dare," he said, without any hesitation.
"Right. I dare you to... Kiss Lily!"
Gasped went up around the room, as BJ glared at James, Lily glared at Sonya, and James looked like the cat who ate the canary.
"Don you mind, Lily?" He asked, sauntering over.
She wanted to scream, of COURSE I don't mind, but wisely kept her mouth shut, with a small whimper.
"Right then." He muttered, leaning in a kissing her soundly on the lips.
Although it was just a peck, it sent fireworks through Lilys entire system. Never had she felt this good. Never.
"Can we move on?" BJ snapped, jerking her from the dreamy trance she was in.
"Sure," James answered cooly, obviously sensing the enemy, "But its a pity really. I'd be happy to kiss Lily here forever."
"Oh puh-lease," BJ muttered under his breath.
Nevertheless, the game continued with the outcome of several people having to kiss each other, including one very happy Dustin, who had managed to snog one very distracted Sonya.
After the game had come to an abrupt end, Lily snuggled into her sleeping back, feeling totally happy. Her lingering worries seemed to have gone on vacation for awhile, something that Lily didn't mind in the slightest.
A sudden feeling a warmth crept up her back, and Lily turned, only to face James smiling at her with his usual cocky grin.
"Hi." He whispered.
"Hi." She answered.
"The game was fun, wasn't it?"
"Yes."
"Mind If i sleep next to you?"
"No."
"Good."
There was silence for awhile, as Lily tried to mask her heavy breathing. This situation was another that belonged in a dream.
"Goodnight Lily-no-name," James muttered, sounding very far away for someone right next to her.
"Night James Potter," she whispered, savouring the name and wishing that this night would never end.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Sorry this chapter wasn't especially interesting...its a bit of a filler chapter to show where everyone stands with one another. Lol, the love complications are going to get bad!
*Next chapter*
- Now, I know it looks like James had just accepted Lily straight away...but he knows something is missing. How can she be magical and not go to Hogwarts. How come he recognises her so much? All questions James is dying to find an answer for.
- BJ is getting jealous! See the lengths he we go.
- Will Sonya ever get over BJ, and see the charming Magical Man, named Dustin, who is so obviously enraptured with her?
- Snogs, beach-partys and boating...all on the menu for next chapter.
!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*!@#$%%^&&*!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*!@#%%^&*
Now, a shout out to my fabulous reviewers!
SarashPeach--Thanks heaps, I was trying to avoid any magor cliches (though I know I still have quite a few) I agree that James shouldn't be too shallow, the problem is that its so easy to write him that way!
The elfin child- I agree! I would probally don a camouflage suit, and sneak off into the sunset.
FTC writer- I know! Convenience rocks! Have you read Serendipity? (can't remember who wrote it, but its a mad L/J fic)
mystikalolo- I know! I feel so horrible for kids who have to suffer that sort of stuff.
Aiya and earendil- I was terrified of finding myself half-eaten by wolves, pitchforks and such, so i quickly wrote out this chapter! lol ` div- I know! I'm that jealous as well! (now...if we could just throw Draco Malfoy into the midst.)
LIBRA!!!- awwwww...thanks!
izzy- go team Sydney! I hope I'm describing our beautiful city ok. Because in my opinion, its the most gorgeous city on earth!
lil-brat888- Its ok, I'll leave you guys some absailing hooks, so you're never hanging all that much AND A BIG THANKS TO;
Celine, me, Lavon, Clearbrook, snowgremlin (cool name!), illusions and mysticpixie! You guys rock.