A/N: Here it is, the long-awaited (I hope ...) sixth chapter! I finished OotP, by the way. Just one word, WOW! That was a complete shock! Anyway ...
Disclaimer: I don't own anything familiar, it belongs to JKR, and the plot is mine!
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Chapter 6: Only a Friend?
James looked around a crowded Platform 9 3/4, trying desparately to find a certain redhead. James, being as tall as he was, could only spot hair. His wandering eyes halted as he saw a fiery red and a dashing brown, side by side. He began to walk toward the two, weaving in and out of the crowds.
When James finally got over to Lily and Delia, his heart sank. He looked Lily up and down, just to be sure of himself. "Delia, what have you been feeding this girl? Honestly, I don't think she's getting much of it."
Lily looked at the ground, seeming a bit angry. "I eat just fine, thank you. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to find a compartment," she said, pushing her trolly past James.
"Lily, I have no idea how you have the strength to push this," he said, stopping the trolley with his hands," let alone stand! I've already found a compartment, and you two are more than welcome to join us," James finished with a small smile.
Lily gave up, out of experience, and allowed James to push her trolley. "Us?" she asked as an afterthought. "Who, exactly, were you implying?"
"Us. As in the Marauders."
"The what?" Lily asked, dumbfounded.
"The Marauders. Our new name for our ancient group," he repeated, smirking.
"So, Mr. Marauder, shouldn't Lily be worried that all this is some ploy aimed to steal her luggage?" Delia asked, all too knowing.
'/That's not all I intend to steal,/' James thought. He smiled. "Of course not! Me, steal?" he said, with a mock expression of hurt.
Delia chuckled, amused. They arrived at the train, and James picked up Lily's things with ease, using his finely-toned quidditch-gained muscles, and began walking toward the compartment.
"Hey, what about me?" Delia said indignantly, hands on hips. "I swear, Lily here has all the fun!"
James laughed and shook his head. "I'll take care of it. You two wait here," he told them.
In almost no time, James returned with Remus in tow. Remus smiled sheepishly. "Delia, need a hand?"
Delia laughed richly, and shook her head. "Go ahead, Remus," she said, smiling, as she moved aside. "That's twice! I think I owe you a bit of thanks!"
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Once in the compartment, Delia pulled James aside. "I have a feeling you're going to try to steal something else of Lily's as well, and if you succeed, James, you had better keep it whole. If you bread her heart, James, you /will/ regret it," she finished. James looked positively shocked, and Delia continued. "I think it's great you fancy her! Go on, talk to her, instead of me!"
James stood there in the doorway for a second. Had he been that obvious? Delia had taken a seat between Remus and Peter, leaving an empty seat beside Lily. James had no choice but to take it. He sat down, and looked at Lily. She seemed so weak, and fragile, he was afraid he'd blow her over with the slightest breath.
Sirius pulled out a chess board, and his own chess pieces. "Peter, you game?" he asked, knowing he had a sure victory.
"Any time, Sirius." Peter knew he was hopeless when it came to wizards' chess, but loved it just the same.
After a while of watching the chess match play out, James again turned to Lily. "So, Lily, how are you holding up?"
"I'm fine," she began, looking at the ground.
"Lily, please be honest with me. You don't look as if you're taking this too well, and it's already been a month," he told her.
"I, um, can we talk about this later, please?" she pleaded quietly, not ready to embrace the subject.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to, uh, make you uncomfortable," he apoligized.
Lily sighed, and stood up. "I think I'll change now," she announced, and Delia stood up to join her.
"We'd better change too, I suppose," Remus said, and the girls left to change.
A short time later, Lily and Delia returned, adorned in Hogwarts robes, to the compartment. they boys had also changed, and Lily spoke up. "James, what's that?" she asked, pointing to a badge on James's chest. "Why, you've been made Head Boy! Congratulations! Why haven't you mentioned this before?"
"It, um, didn't seem all that relevant at the time, I suppose," James began, slightly blushing. "And you, Head Girl, huh? Very impressive, Lily. This may sound crazy, but I'm proud of you!" James knew how hard she had worked to acheive the rank of Head Girl, and felt she deserved some credit.
Lily smiled warmly, which she rarely did as of late. "Thank you, James," she said, her mood a bit lighter.
Everyone took their seats, and Sirius and Peter continued their chess game. As expected, Sirius was crushing Peter, or more appropriately his chess pieces, to bits.
James and Lily were whispering to eachother, with Lily occasionally smiling at James's words. Delia, seeing this, nudged Remus softly. "Are you watching this?" she asked him, and he nodded. "It's a bit amazing, if you ask me. Lily's usually so self-enclosed, and hear she is having a grand old time with him," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I'm a little shocked as well. James is not what you'd call 'outgoing', when it comes to girls anyway. He usually trips all over himself trying to talk to one. She's a bit different, I suppose?" Remus added, looking at Delia for confirmation.
"Oh, I'm quite sure of it. He seems to think she's very different. This could get somewhat interesting ..."
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The first years had just been sorted when a certain Severus Snape of Slytherin house jumped up and shrieked. His fingernails were now a nice shade of pearly pink, and growing longer by the second. His face, in turn, was also being 'done up', as one would put it. He pushed his chair back, and stalked out of the great hall, trying to keep at least some of his dignity. He undoubtedly failed, though, because he was followed out by bits of laugher along the way.
Remus looked over at James, who was sitting next to Lily. They were positively beaming. "Ah, so that's what you two were whispering about," he told them.
"James, you left me out of your first prank of the year?" Sirius whined.
"Sirius, Snape has had a whole summer whithout any of our pranks, and I think he needs to get used to the idea of being 'pranked'. No prank of yours is small enough to accomplish that," James said, trying to keep a straight face.
"Right, James. I think you just wanted an excuse to talk to Lily," Peter told him, causing Lily to blush.
"Lily, here, provided the expert engorgement charm. I merely provided the little bits of color here and there," James said, proud of their little achievement.
Their converation was interupted by Professor Dumbledore, who was ready to give his traditional first-of-year speech. "Ahem. May I have your attention?" The Hall went silent. "Thank you. Now, first years, welcome to Hogwarts. Please take note that the Forbidden Forest is, well, quite forbidden. Our new caretaker, Argus Filch, has compiled a list of two-hundred forty-seven items that are now banned from Hogwarts. As the list is much too long to read to you all now, it will be posted in front of Mister Filch's office. I believe that will be all," Dumbledore said, scanning the audience. His eyes settled on Lily and James. "Ah, yes. Would the Head Boy and Girl please see me in my office precisely after the feat? TUCK IN!"
Everyone, too concentrated on eating, refrained from conversation well until desert was served. Remus, watching Sirius disgustedly, spoke first. "I swear, Sirius, I have no idea how you stay fit with all you eat!"
"Well, Remus, I /do/ have an advantage over you," Sirius began. "I have quidditch, for one, and, um, /other/ thinkgs," he said, grinning madly.
"I can't believe you stopped eating long enough to get that one bit of bragging out!" Peter laughed, and a few others chuckled.
"What? Can't a man eat, here? Must save my strength ..." Sirius finished before diving into a second helping of black pudding.
James sighed. He tapped Lily lightly on the shoulder to get her attention. "Did you happen to catch the password?" he asked her, once she had turned his way.
"Yes, Mary Knighton, the sixth-year prefect, told me after I had changed into my robes," she explained. "It's /alabaster/," she told him.
Nearly everyone in the hall had finished and most people were beginning to leave. All the teachers had retired to their respected offices, and soon only a few students remained.
The six Gryffindors rose. "So, I'll see you two tomorrow then?" Delia asked Lily and James. "It's straight to bed for me," she added, barely stiffling a yawn.
"Goodnight, then, Delia. Goodnight, everyone," Lily said as the three boys left with Delia. James also did the same.
The halls were deserted as Lily and James walked down them, en route to Dumbledore's office. It was a long way off, and James felt the desparate need to start up a conversation.
"So, Lily, I never got the chance to ask you how your stay at Delia's was. Did you enjoy it?" James asked politely.
"Yes ..." Lily began slowly. "Why?"
"Only curious, I guess. Listen, are you sure you're okay? You can tell me the truth, this time. Please, answer me."
"I really don't want to talk about this now ... " Lily began. She sighed inwardly with relief as they rounded the corner. They had reached the entrance to Dumbledore's office, where Professor McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Hello Evans, Potter," she greeted them.
"Hello, Professor," James replied.
"I wanted to congratulate you two in person, on making such an accomplishment. I know you both will do magnificent jobs as Head students," she told them, beaming. "I am very proud to call you Gryffindors."
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Lily told her, blushing slightly at her praise.
"Yes, thank you," James added.
"Well, on to business. Professor Dumbledore asked me to meet you here and provide you with the password. /Cauldron Cakes/," she said, and the statue came to life. It moved out of the way, and a winding staircase was revealed. "Goodnight, then," Professor McGonagall told them as she walked away swiftly.
James and Lily walked up the staircase, and into the very familiar office of Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dumbledore stood behind a large desk, and ushered them in. "Have a seat here, if you would. This should not take long," he told them.
"Lily, James, congratulations on your achievements. I must warn you, however, that your positions are not to be taken lightly. Being the Head students requires a vast capacity for responsibility. I am sure you are already aware of this, so I shall move on.
"Many of the students here have been deeply wounded emotionally over this past year, as I am sure you are well aware." He looked at Lily sympathetically, but she only nodded. "I am afraid the times are not so bright, and the world is not so safe. Students will be much safer here, I believe, and I would feel considerably better if the majority of the students stayed here over Christmas holidays. I cannot, however, force anyone to stay. Do you have any suggestions as to an incentive for the students to remain at Hogwarts?" he asked them.
James and Lily thought about this for a moment. "We could hold an event here, around Christmas," Lily began. "Perhaps some sort of 'talent showcase', or ..."
"Or a ball, Professor," James finished.
"Yes, a Christmas ball would be wonderful!" Lily added enthusiastically.
"So, you are both in agreement on the matter?" Dumbledore inquired. They both nodded, so he went on. "Very well then. That is settled. The first prefect meeting will be held on Thursday, and all proceeding meetings will be held on the first Thursday of every month. Now," he said, all formalities gone. "I assume you are both very tired, so I will let you go. Goodnight," he told them.
Lily and James said their goodnights and walked down the spiral staircase. They began walking towards Gryffindor tower. James immediately began talking. "This ball thing should be great! Everyone's going to love it! I mean, I'm sure Dumbledore'll wait a while to announce it, but Remus'll be completely ecstatic!"
"Why is that?" Lily asked, confused.
"Oh, um, he uh ... " James began, wondering if he should tell her. "Remus sort of fancies this girl, but never has the chance to tell her. He says he can't ever find a way to. If he asks her to this ball, then a few more chances should appear, don't you think?"
"Um, sure," Lily said, not quite understanding his reasoning.
"Oh, yes, very good engorgement charm back there, I must say. Brilliant!" he told her, lightly slugging Lily on the arm.
"Thank you," Lily said. "Although your instant makeup charm was much more noticeable."
"Imagine me, more noteworthy than you!" he said sarcastically. "Lily, no one's even come close." Lily couldn't tell whether he was serious or not, but chose no to ask.
They arrived at the entrance to Gryffindor tower. "Alabaster," James said quietly, and the portrait of the Fat Lady swung open to allow entrance. James waited for Lily to enter first.
The common room was deserted. Lily and James turned to their respective staircases, and parted. Just as each had reached their own staircase, James stopped and turned around.
"Lily, if you need to talk to someone, I'll always be here."
Lily turned to James. "I know, and I thank you for it. I just don't know if I ..." she began, but faltered.
"I understand. Goodnight, Lily," he said.
"Goodnight," she said before turning up the stairs and disappearing in her dormitory.
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James lay awake in bed, wishing desperately for sleep to drop in on him. He knew bitterly that sleep would skip his rounds tonight. He stood up, frustrated, and pulle don a maroon dressing robe. He crept quietly out of the room, and tiptoed down the stairs. A bit of thinking in front of the fire would do him some good.
James stopped when he realized he was not the only one who had had that idea. It was dark, but her feiry red waved were unmistakable. Lily was sitting on the couch, her knees pulled toward her chest. His pulse seemed to quicken, but he was used to it. He welcomed the side-affects that came along with any encounter with Lily.
He walked soundlessly over to Lily, who was staring at the dying flames. After a few moments, Lily looked up and noticed him, just standing there. She smiled weakly.
"Couldn't sleep," James muttered.
"Me either."
"Mind if I join you?" James asked.
"No, not at all," Lily said, sliding over as if indicating there was plenty of room.
James sat next to Lily and got comfortable. Lily removed her feet from the couch, sitting normally.
"So, what's weighing on your mind?" James asked her.
Lily shifted a bit. "Nothing, really ..." she began.
James turned towards her. "Lily, you can tell me," he told her reassuringly.
"I, well, I suppose I can. Let's see ..." her eyes darted a lot. "To be honest, I've been thinking about, well, /you/. You've done so much for me, you've been here for me through all of this ... I have no idea how I could every repay you."
James smiled. "Lily, you don't have to-"
"But I do, James! I owe it to you!" she said urgently.
"There's one thing, then. You could, well, you could talk to me." Lily looked puzzled. "Lily, you've been putting off any conversations with me since we got off the train, and I'm beginning to worry you're tiring of me," James said with a smirk. Lily's gaze returned to the fire.
"What do you want to talk about, then?" Lily asked.
"Tell me how you're taking all this. Tell me, tell me how you feel, or ... just ... talk."
"James, I really miss them, you know? Does it ever leave?" she asked, her voice a bit shakey.
"It weakens, yes, and diminishes, but a small portion will always remain. You need that one bit to hold on to their memories." James ran his hand through his hair, making it seem a bit more unruly, if possible.
Lily looked up at James pensively. "You know, James, you've really grown up."
James was slightly taken aback, but chuckled lightly. "Oh, if you mean going from hexing Snape because he exists to hexing him because he's Slytherin, I suppose I have."
Lily laughed a little. "I suppose that is important, but that's not what I was referring to. You, you've been such a great friend to me, James, through everything." She moved a bit closer to him, their thighs touching. "I've watched you grow, James, in age and spirit. Only a few years ago, I would have been almost ashamed to call you company." She looked up at him, at his deep, blue eyes. "I am now very proud to call you a friend."
James leaned in. "Only a friend?" he whispered, barely audible, but Lily heard. She moved an inch forward, and their lips brushed lightly, sending a strange buzzing sensation down her spine. She shivered.
James, for the life of him, could not believe what had just happened. He smiled down at her, getting lost in her big, emerald eyes. The light from the fire was casting a slight glow over her face and hair, making Lily appear almost heavenly.
"Thank you, James, for everything," Lily whispered softly. She kissed him on the cheek, and in one motion, she had stood up. "Goodnight, James," she said, and slowly made her way to the girls' dormitories.
As soon as he heard the door close behind Lily, James sighed deeply. So she /did/ have feelings for him! If only he knew the extent of those feelings, knew if they were as deep as his own. He got up very slowly, and walked to his own dormitory. He three his robe off, and slid into bed, pulling the curtains closed. Soon James was asleep, dreaming of one green-eyed angel, smiling all the while.
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A/N: Well, that was a bit longer, wouldn't you say? I am trying to make all my chapters longer, so they may take a little longer to come out. Sorry about that, but I don't want to rush them. Anyway, hope this was a bit lighter in the mood aspect, and I'll try not to make James too perfect! lol
Until later,
-roxy
Disclaimer: I don't own anything familiar, it belongs to JKR, and the plot is mine!
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Chapter 6: Only a Friend?
James looked around a crowded Platform 9 3/4, trying desparately to find a certain redhead. James, being as tall as he was, could only spot hair. His wandering eyes halted as he saw a fiery red and a dashing brown, side by side. He began to walk toward the two, weaving in and out of the crowds.
When James finally got over to Lily and Delia, his heart sank. He looked Lily up and down, just to be sure of himself. "Delia, what have you been feeding this girl? Honestly, I don't think she's getting much of it."
Lily looked at the ground, seeming a bit angry. "I eat just fine, thank you. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to find a compartment," she said, pushing her trolly past James.
"Lily, I have no idea how you have the strength to push this," he said, stopping the trolley with his hands," let alone stand! I've already found a compartment, and you two are more than welcome to join us," James finished with a small smile.
Lily gave up, out of experience, and allowed James to push her trolley. "Us?" she asked as an afterthought. "Who, exactly, were you implying?"
"Us. As in the Marauders."
"The what?" Lily asked, dumbfounded.
"The Marauders. Our new name for our ancient group," he repeated, smirking.
"So, Mr. Marauder, shouldn't Lily be worried that all this is some ploy aimed to steal her luggage?" Delia asked, all too knowing.
'/That's not all I intend to steal,/' James thought. He smiled. "Of course not! Me, steal?" he said, with a mock expression of hurt.
Delia chuckled, amused. They arrived at the train, and James picked up Lily's things with ease, using his finely-toned quidditch-gained muscles, and began walking toward the compartment.
"Hey, what about me?" Delia said indignantly, hands on hips. "I swear, Lily here has all the fun!"
James laughed and shook his head. "I'll take care of it. You two wait here," he told them.
In almost no time, James returned with Remus in tow. Remus smiled sheepishly. "Delia, need a hand?"
Delia laughed richly, and shook her head. "Go ahead, Remus," she said, smiling, as she moved aside. "That's twice! I think I owe you a bit of thanks!"
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Once in the compartment, Delia pulled James aside. "I have a feeling you're going to try to steal something else of Lily's as well, and if you succeed, James, you had better keep it whole. If you bread her heart, James, you /will/ regret it," she finished. James looked positively shocked, and Delia continued. "I think it's great you fancy her! Go on, talk to her, instead of me!"
James stood there in the doorway for a second. Had he been that obvious? Delia had taken a seat between Remus and Peter, leaving an empty seat beside Lily. James had no choice but to take it. He sat down, and looked at Lily. She seemed so weak, and fragile, he was afraid he'd blow her over with the slightest breath.
Sirius pulled out a chess board, and his own chess pieces. "Peter, you game?" he asked, knowing he had a sure victory.
"Any time, Sirius." Peter knew he was hopeless when it came to wizards' chess, but loved it just the same.
After a while of watching the chess match play out, James again turned to Lily. "So, Lily, how are you holding up?"
"I'm fine," she began, looking at the ground.
"Lily, please be honest with me. You don't look as if you're taking this too well, and it's already been a month," he told her.
"I, um, can we talk about this later, please?" she pleaded quietly, not ready to embrace the subject.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to, uh, make you uncomfortable," he apoligized.
Lily sighed, and stood up. "I think I'll change now," she announced, and Delia stood up to join her.
"We'd better change too, I suppose," Remus said, and the girls left to change.
A short time later, Lily and Delia returned, adorned in Hogwarts robes, to the compartment. they boys had also changed, and Lily spoke up. "James, what's that?" she asked, pointing to a badge on James's chest. "Why, you've been made Head Boy! Congratulations! Why haven't you mentioned this before?"
"It, um, didn't seem all that relevant at the time, I suppose," James began, slightly blushing. "And you, Head Girl, huh? Very impressive, Lily. This may sound crazy, but I'm proud of you!" James knew how hard she had worked to acheive the rank of Head Girl, and felt she deserved some credit.
Lily smiled warmly, which she rarely did as of late. "Thank you, James," she said, her mood a bit lighter.
Everyone took their seats, and Sirius and Peter continued their chess game. As expected, Sirius was crushing Peter, or more appropriately his chess pieces, to bits.
James and Lily were whispering to eachother, with Lily occasionally smiling at James's words. Delia, seeing this, nudged Remus softly. "Are you watching this?" she asked him, and he nodded. "It's a bit amazing, if you ask me. Lily's usually so self-enclosed, and hear she is having a grand old time with him," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I'm a little shocked as well. James is not what you'd call 'outgoing', when it comes to girls anyway. He usually trips all over himself trying to talk to one. She's a bit different, I suppose?" Remus added, looking at Delia for confirmation.
"Oh, I'm quite sure of it. He seems to think she's very different. This could get somewhat interesting ..."
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The first years had just been sorted when a certain Severus Snape of Slytherin house jumped up and shrieked. His fingernails were now a nice shade of pearly pink, and growing longer by the second. His face, in turn, was also being 'done up', as one would put it. He pushed his chair back, and stalked out of the great hall, trying to keep at least some of his dignity. He undoubtedly failed, though, because he was followed out by bits of laugher along the way.
Remus looked over at James, who was sitting next to Lily. They were positively beaming. "Ah, so that's what you two were whispering about," he told them.
"James, you left me out of your first prank of the year?" Sirius whined.
"Sirius, Snape has had a whole summer whithout any of our pranks, and I think he needs to get used to the idea of being 'pranked'. No prank of yours is small enough to accomplish that," James said, trying to keep a straight face.
"Right, James. I think you just wanted an excuse to talk to Lily," Peter told him, causing Lily to blush.
"Lily, here, provided the expert engorgement charm. I merely provided the little bits of color here and there," James said, proud of their little achievement.
Their converation was interupted by Professor Dumbledore, who was ready to give his traditional first-of-year speech. "Ahem. May I have your attention?" The Hall went silent. "Thank you. Now, first years, welcome to Hogwarts. Please take note that the Forbidden Forest is, well, quite forbidden. Our new caretaker, Argus Filch, has compiled a list of two-hundred forty-seven items that are now banned from Hogwarts. As the list is much too long to read to you all now, it will be posted in front of Mister Filch's office. I believe that will be all," Dumbledore said, scanning the audience. His eyes settled on Lily and James. "Ah, yes. Would the Head Boy and Girl please see me in my office precisely after the feat? TUCK IN!"
Everyone, too concentrated on eating, refrained from conversation well until desert was served. Remus, watching Sirius disgustedly, spoke first. "I swear, Sirius, I have no idea how you stay fit with all you eat!"
"Well, Remus, I /do/ have an advantage over you," Sirius began. "I have quidditch, for one, and, um, /other/ thinkgs," he said, grinning madly.
"I can't believe you stopped eating long enough to get that one bit of bragging out!" Peter laughed, and a few others chuckled.
"What? Can't a man eat, here? Must save my strength ..." Sirius finished before diving into a second helping of black pudding.
James sighed. He tapped Lily lightly on the shoulder to get her attention. "Did you happen to catch the password?" he asked her, once she had turned his way.
"Yes, Mary Knighton, the sixth-year prefect, told me after I had changed into my robes," she explained. "It's /alabaster/," she told him.
Nearly everyone in the hall had finished and most people were beginning to leave. All the teachers had retired to their respected offices, and soon only a few students remained.
The six Gryffindors rose. "So, I'll see you two tomorrow then?" Delia asked Lily and James. "It's straight to bed for me," she added, barely stiffling a yawn.
"Goodnight, then, Delia. Goodnight, everyone," Lily said as the three boys left with Delia. James also did the same.
The halls were deserted as Lily and James walked down them, en route to Dumbledore's office. It was a long way off, and James felt the desparate need to start up a conversation.
"So, Lily, I never got the chance to ask you how your stay at Delia's was. Did you enjoy it?" James asked politely.
"Yes ..." Lily began slowly. "Why?"
"Only curious, I guess. Listen, are you sure you're okay? You can tell me the truth, this time. Please, answer me."
"I really don't want to talk about this now ... " Lily began. She sighed inwardly with relief as they rounded the corner. They had reached the entrance to Dumbledore's office, where Professor McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Hello Evans, Potter," she greeted them.
"Hello, Professor," James replied.
"I wanted to congratulate you two in person, on making such an accomplishment. I know you both will do magnificent jobs as Head students," she told them, beaming. "I am very proud to call you Gryffindors."
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Lily told her, blushing slightly at her praise.
"Yes, thank you," James added.
"Well, on to business. Professor Dumbledore asked me to meet you here and provide you with the password. /Cauldron Cakes/," she said, and the statue came to life. It moved out of the way, and a winding staircase was revealed. "Goodnight, then," Professor McGonagall told them as she walked away swiftly.
James and Lily walked up the staircase, and into the very familiar office of Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dumbledore stood behind a large desk, and ushered them in. "Have a seat here, if you would. This should not take long," he told them.
"Lily, James, congratulations on your achievements. I must warn you, however, that your positions are not to be taken lightly. Being the Head students requires a vast capacity for responsibility. I am sure you are already aware of this, so I shall move on.
"Many of the students here have been deeply wounded emotionally over this past year, as I am sure you are well aware." He looked at Lily sympathetically, but she only nodded. "I am afraid the times are not so bright, and the world is not so safe. Students will be much safer here, I believe, and I would feel considerably better if the majority of the students stayed here over Christmas holidays. I cannot, however, force anyone to stay. Do you have any suggestions as to an incentive for the students to remain at Hogwarts?" he asked them.
James and Lily thought about this for a moment. "We could hold an event here, around Christmas," Lily began. "Perhaps some sort of 'talent showcase', or ..."
"Or a ball, Professor," James finished.
"Yes, a Christmas ball would be wonderful!" Lily added enthusiastically.
"So, you are both in agreement on the matter?" Dumbledore inquired. They both nodded, so he went on. "Very well then. That is settled. The first prefect meeting will be held on Thursday, and all proceeding meetings will be held on the first Thursday of every month. Now," he said, all formalities gone. "I assume you are both very tired, so I will let you go. Goodnight," he told them.
Lily and James said their goodnights and walked down the spiral staircase. They began walking towards Gryffindor tower. James immediately began talking. "This ball thing should be great! Everyone's going to love it! I mean, I'm sure Dumbledore'll wait a while to announce it, but Remus'll be completely ecstatic!"
"Why is that?" Lily asked, confused.
"Oh, um, he uh ... " James began, wondering if he should tell her. "Remus sort of fancies this girl, but never has the chance to tell her. He says he can't ever find a way to. If he asks her to this ball, then a few more chances should appear, don't you think?"
"Um, sure," Lily said, not quite understanding his reasoning.
"Oh, yes, very good engorgement charm back there, I must say. Brilliant!" he told her, lightly slugging Lily on the arm.
"Thank you," Lily said. "Although your instant makeup charm was much more noticeable."
"Imagine me, more noteworthy than you!" he said sarcastically. "Lily, no one's even come close." Lily couldn't tell whether he was serious or not, but chose no to ask.
They arrived at the entrance to Gryffindor tower. "Alabaster," James said quietly, and the portrait of the Fat Lady swung open to allow entrance. James waited for Lily to enter first.
The common room was deserted. Lily and James turned to their respective staircases, and parted. Just as each had reached their own staircase, James stopped and turned around.
"Lily, if you need to talk to someone, I'll always be here."
Lily turned to James. "I know, and I thank you for it. I just don't know if I ..." she began, but faltered.
"I understand. Goodnight, Lily," he said.
"Goodnight," she said before turning up the stairs and disappearing in her dormitory.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
James lay awake in bed, wishing desperately for sleep to drop in on him. He knew bitterly that sleep would skip his rounds tonight. He stood up, frustrated, and pulle don a maroon dressing robe. He crept quietly out of the room, and tiptoed down the stairs. A bit of thinking in front of the fire would do him some good.
James stopped when he realized he was not the only one who had had that idea. It was dark, but her feiry red waved were unmistakable. Lily was sitting on the couch, her knees pulled toward her chest. His pulse seemed to quicken, but he was used to it. He welcomed the side-affects that came along with any encounter with Lily.
He walked soundlessly over to Lily, who was staring at the dying flames. After a few moments, Lily looked up and noticed him, just standing there. She smiled weakly.
"Couldn't sleep," James muttered.
"Me either."
"Mind if I join you?" James asked.
"No, not at all," Lily said, sliding over as if indicating there was plenty of room.
James sat next to Lily and got comfortable. Lily removed her feet from the couch, sitting normally.
"So, what's weighing on your mind?" James asked her.
Lily shifted a bit. "Nothing, really ..." she began.
James turned towards her. "Lily, you can tell me," he told her reassuringly.
"I, well, I suppose I can. Let's see ..." her eyes darted a lot. "To be honest, I've been thinking about, well, /you/. You've done so much for me, you've been here for me through all of this ... I have no idea how I could every repay you."
James smiled. "Lily, you don't have to-"
"But I do, James! I owe it to you!" she said urgently.
"There's one thing, then. You could, well, you could talk to me." Lily looked puzzled. "Lily, you've been putting off any conversations with me since we got off the train, and I'm beginning to worry you're tiring of me," James said with a smirk. Lily's gaze returned to the fire.
"What do you want to talk about, then?" Lily asked.
"Tell me how you're taking all this. Tell me, tell me how you feel, or ... just ... talk."
"James, I really miss them, you know? Does it ever leave?" she asked, her voice a bit shakey.
"It weakens, yes, and diminishes, but a small portion will always remain. You need that one bit to hold on to their memories." James ran his hand through his hair, making it seem a bit more unruly, if possible.
Lily looked up at James pensively. "You know, James, you've really grown up."
James was slightly taken aback, but chuckled lightly. "Oh, if you mean going from hexing Snape because he exists to hexing him because he's Slytherin, I suppose I have."
Lily laughed a little. "I suppose that is important, but that's not what I was referring to. You, you've been such a great friend to me, James, through everything." She moved a bit closer to him, their thighs touching. "I've watched you grow, James, in age and spirit. Only a few years ago, I would have been almost ashamed to call you company." She looked up at him, at his deep, blue eyes. "I am now very proud to call you a friend."
James leaned in. "Only a friend?" he whispered, barely audible, but Lily heard. She moved an inch forward, and their lips brushed lightly, sending a strange buzzing sensation down her spine. She shivered.
James, for the life of him, could not believe what had just happened. He smiled down at her, getting lost in her big, emerald eyes. The light from the fire was casting a slight glow over her face and hair, making Lily appear almost heavenly.
"Thank you, James, for everything," Lily whispered softly. She kissed him on the cheek, and in one motion, she had stood up. "Goodnight, James," she said, and slowly made her way to the girls' dormitories.
As soon as he heard the door close behind Lily, James sighed deeply. So she /did/ have feelings for him! If only he knew the extent of those feelings, knew if they were as deep as his own. He got up very slowly, and walked to his own dormitory. He three his robe off, and slid into bed, pulling the curtains closed. Soon James was asleep, dreaming of one green-eyed angel, smiling all the while.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Well, that was a bit longer, wouldn't you say? I am trying to make all my chapters longer, so they may take a little longer to come out. Sorry about that, but I don't want to rush them. Anyway, hope this was a bit lighter in the mood aspect, and I'll try not to make James too perfect! lol
Until later,
-roxy