Chapter 8
A/N: I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry. It's been what, three months?? I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry.
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The weeks passed uneventfully. After the Halloween Feast, which passed smoothly and was enjoyed by all (though you'd never get the Slytherins to admit it), November fell on them with cold, icy winds. However, this did not stop James from working his team till they honestly thought they'd never be able to move again.
Lily had finally requested time off to study Vivian's book from Dumbledore. He granted her permission, and she spent hours pouring over the thick volume up in her room. She had wheedled and begged James to show her where the kitchens were again, so that she could memorize the way. Ok, so maybe she'd only gotten through half of her request before he'd dragged her off pointing out 'landmarks', as he called them, so she wouldn't get lost.
Now, she was upstairs studying, and trying to resist the urge to run down to the kitchens. ~You're getting fat, Lily, ~ she told herself firmly. ~You've got to stop eating so much. ~ Sighing, she focused on Vivian's work.
* Calaelens' visions are often brought on when the receiver of the vision or his/her friends need the information given in the vision. These are usually the dream visions. Often, when the Calaelen is getting ready for sleep, or has had a taxing day, he/she will all of a sudden, for no apparent reason, become extremely exhausted. This signals a vision, but it will only come when the Calaelen is asleep. Important visions may occur if the need is great enough while the Calaelen is awake. Visions often occur during the day or while the Calaelen is awake, but more often the vision is unimportant. *
Lily sat back, thinking. ~That does make sense, ~ she thought. ~Almost all of the visions I have during the day are about someone, like the one with MacGonagall. That one wasn't important. ~ Though this did make sense, it still didn't explain what her dream visions were about. She hadn't had one in a while, but they still haunted her.
* Dream visions often mean that someone needs to know something from the past, yet it isn't recorded, nor does anyone know about it. Often the Calaelen won't know what he/she is dreaming about, and must infer. *
~Well, damn, ~ Lily thought. ~That doesn't help me any. ~
* A Calaelen doesn't immediately, once he or she is born, begin to have visions. In fact, the Gift lies dormant-*
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"All right, team, excellent practice!" James yelled over the biting wind. "We'll be kicking Ravenclaw's arse next week! Now, go change!" The Gryffindor Qudditch team cheered as they ran to the showers.
James was *cold*. He decided not to shower in the changing rooms. The thrill of having his own room and his own shower hadn't worn off yet, and he didn't want to be walking back to school with wet hair in this wind.
He stepped into the drafty Entrance Hall and started towards the seventh floor. He ran into Filch, who scowled as James waved and grinned cheerfully. Reaching the portrait, he smiled at Earane. "Good afternoon, Mr. Potter," she said jovially. "Practice went well, I trust?" James' smile broadened into a grin as he said, "I love my team. I love Quidditch. I love my shower even more." They laughed together as James gave her the password.
After the portrait had closed up behind him, James heard nothing. The silence was a comfortable one, though. Very homey. Sprinting up the stairs to his bathroom, James let thoughts of hot, steamy water flow through his mind.
After his shower, he went downstairs. Looking around, he smiled. It was the kind of smile that had often graced his features in the past few weeks. Slow, lazy, and content, the smile softened his grey eyes. ~I wonder where Lily is?" he thought to himself. Then he remembered. She had finally asked for time to study Vivian's book, and was probably in her room.
James looked toward the fireplace, remembering that almost-kiss. His lips tingled at the memory, wanting to feel hers under them. Pushing his longing aside, he looked towards the stairs that led to Lily's room. He smiled again as an idea formed in his head. ~Sometimes, that girl just works herself too hard, ~ he though affectionately as he stepped out of the 'Head's Headquarters.'
When he reached the kitchens, James ran into Remus, Sirius, and Gabe going to the kitchens as well. "Hey guys," he called, running up to them. "Hey, Prongs," Sirius and Remus answered. Gabe just smiled and nodded a greeting.
"What's up, man?" Remus asked him. Sirius reached out to tickle the pear, and the four stepped into the kitchens. "Nothing, really. I'm about to rip Lily from her studying. She's working too hard," James said. The three other boys gaped at him. "What is she studying for?" Sirius asked, his voice ripe with incredulity. Gabe finished with, "We don't have any tests for another week or so." James just shrugged and said, "You know Lily."
"What can we do for you, sirs?" a house elf asked politely. Mitsy came up to James and asked the same question. "Anything cartable and sweet," Sirius answered immediately. James knelt so that he could look Mitsy in the eye. "Does Lily come down here often?" he asked. Mitsy nodded eagerly. "She does, Mr. Potter, Miss Lily does," she said excitedly. James smiled and asked, "What does she like, do you know?" Mitsy's grin was quick and contagious and she answered immediately. "Chocolate," she stated firmly. James laughed. ~I should have guessed that, ~ he told himself. "Then could you get me chocolate?" he asked, his grey eyes sparkling. "Of course, Mr. Potter, sir!" Mitsy cried enthusiastically, scampering off to fill his request.
James laughed, standing. Remus, Sirius, and Gabe were all looking at him. Sirius raised an elegant eyebrow, the corner of his lips quirking upward. James gave him a questioning look in return. Remus opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted as 6 or 7 house elves came up offering food. Mitsy came individually, carrying a basket of wrapped sweets all containing chocolate of some form. She beckoned him to come down to her level. "I put some Butterbeer in the basket," she whispered in his ear. "I thought sir and Miss Lily would enjoy it. Don't tell the other sirs!" Mitsy giggled and gave him the basket as he grinned. "Thanks, Mits," he said, waving as he followed his friends out.
"What did she tell you?" Gabe asked curiously. "Nothing important," James said, smiling. "Listen, I'll see you guys later. Tell Alex I said hey!" James waved as he ran off in the direction of his dormitory. Sirius and Remus sighed. "What's is it?" Gabe asked. Remus replied, "He's changed." Sirius added, "He must be growing up." Gabe smiled. "Maybe he's falling in love, and doesn't know it."
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"Lily!" James yelled up the stairs. No answer. Shaking his head and smiling, he walked up the stairs to her room. The door was open, and through it he could see Lily stretched out on the bed, with a huge book lying open in front of her. Her softly curling red hair fell around her face, and James watched in fascination as a slender, pale hand reached up to push some of that glorious hair behind a small ear. Her emerald eyes were misted over in thought.
For James, it was nothing short of a heavenly sight.
Taking a deep breath and gathering control over his sudden and intense desire like a cloak, he knocked on her open door. Lily looked up sharply, startled. When she saw who was at her door, her face softened and she smiled. "James," she said, motioning for him to come inside. "You scared me. What's up?"
James stepped inside and made his way over to where Lily was lying on her bed. He set the basket in his hands down on the floor as he sat beside her. Reaching, he pulled Vivian's book toward him. Looking it over, he frowned. "You can read this?" he asked her. She looked at him strangely. "Of course," she replied. "It's in perfect English." He stared at her. "Oooook, if you say so." He let it go, and placed the book on the floor beside the basket.
"You study too much," he told her frankly. Lily shot him a look. "I don't study *this* enough," she replied. James shook his head. "Well, I brought you-us-something," he said, smiling at her and picking up the basket. Handing it to her, he grinned. "Mitsy says you like chocolate." Lily smiled sheepishly. "I eat too much," she said quietly, like indulging herself was a sin. "I'm getting fat." James rolled his eyes. "You don't eat enough," he stated firmly. "What is it with females and eating? Sirius and I eat like there's no tomorrow and we don't worry about gaining weight." Lily sighed. "It's different with guys than it is with girls," she murmured.
"Lily," James said softly, recognizing an old, still-festering wound. "I've carried you before, twice. You don't weigh enough. I don't care what you think about your weight, you're *going* to eat, if only for my peace of mind." Pulling out a warm, soft chocolate chip cookie knowing it was her weakness, he gave it to her. "Eat." Lily laughed, giving in and taking the proffered sweet. Rummaging through the basket, James chose something for himself and pulled out the two bottles of Butterbeer. Tossing one to lily, he said, grinning, "Courtesy of Misty the House Elf, and the other three didn't get any."
Lily laughed. She grabbed a pillow and stretched out on the bed. Looking up at James, she felt her heart race. ~He's so handsome, ~ she thought. The word sounded old, she knew, but it was true of James. Not only was he hot, but he was also kind, generous, and a total softie. Slytherins not included in this survey.
"How did practice go?" she asked him, pushing the sudden flare of affection aside. He had a reputation as a ladies man, or he used to. He hadn't dated anyone since Kimberly. He flashed a grin. "Ravenclaw doesn't stand a chance," he told her. Lily laughed, knowing it was true. "I suppose that was a stupid question," she said. "Damn straight."
James stretched out beside her. "So," he said conversationally. "Learn anything knew from Vivian's book?" he asked, looking at her. Once again, Lily wondered at his unquestioned acceptance of her abnormality. Shaking her head, she told him, "No, nothing important. Just that visions while I'm awake are usually unimportant, and the dream visions are important." James looked at her. "What do you mean, 'usually unimportant'?" he asked. "Just that," she replied. "If the need for a vision is great enough while I'm awake, I'll have an important one." Though she didn't see why she would *need* to have a vision of the past.
They were quiet for a minute or two, and the silence was a comfortable one. Then James asked, "Have you had any other dream-visions lately?" Lily shook her head. "Good," James said. "And you know that if you have another one, you can come to me." Lily smiled at him, and a feeling of accomplishment filled his heart. ~I made her smile, ~ he thought giddily. "I know, James. Thank you." Hesitantly, Lily moved and put her head on his shoulder. James, in turn, slipped a strong arm around her waist, banishing any fear she had about him pushing her away. She tucked her head under his chin, and he placed a chaste kiss on her hair.
The air was warm and smelled of chocolate. The two teens lying on the bed, in what they thought was a completely platonic position, were drifting off to sleep in each other's arms. Because they were oblivious to everything around them except each other, they didn't see the glow at the open door. The glow gave way to a woman, a woman with pale, scaly skin and white-blonde hair. She looked at the young girl and boy, and a smile formed on her delicate features. "Sleep well, my young ones," she whispered into the silence. "May your hearts never be empty." And then she faded.
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"Alex!" Lily called. "Wait up!" Alexandria stopped and turned around, her deep blue eyes searching the Hall. When she spotted a head of beautiful red hair, a smile broke out. "Hey Lils!" she called back, waving. Since she had come to Hogwarts, Alex had become a much happier person, and so had her brother. Alex and lily had become best friends, and both were tentatively exploring the idea of being able to trust another girl.
Now, the two were on their way to their dorms. It was Friday, and the students had one class after lunch, and then the rest of the afternoon off. "So," Lily said conversationally. "Do you think the guys had fun in Divination?" she asked Alex. The auburn haired girl grinned, thinking of her twin's constant complaints about how boring Divination was. "Oh, I honestly don't know, Lily," she replied, smiling as she caught sight of the five boys walking towards them, with huge looks of relief on their faces. "But I'm almost certain we'll find their complaints entertaining." The girls laughed.
"God, that woman can *not* be any slower," Sirius complained. " That room is *always* stifling, even in the winter," Remus added. His normally pale cheeks were flushed, proof of Trelawney's 'stifling room'. Peter mopped his sweating brow with the sleeve of his robe. Gabe nodded in agreement, standing by his sister and giving her a one-armed hug.
James said nothing.
"James?" Lily asked, touching his arm. "What's wrong?" He looked at her; his grey eyes troubled, and shook his head, shooting a glance at the others. She got the message and nodded. Taking another studying look at his face, she saw… *fear* in his eyes. It was well masked, but Lily knew what it looked like. She used to see it often in the mirror.
"So," Lily said, letting it go-for now. "James, I think we need to call a prefect meeting to discuss ideas for the Christmas Ball." James nodded. "Transfiguration classroom at eight sound good?" he suggested. "Sure. I'll go spread the word. Would you take my stuff up to the dorm?" she asked him. He nodded again and shouldered her bag. "I'm going with Lily," Alex spoke up. "Gabe, would you take my stuff?" Her brother nodded, accepting her bag. The two girls walked away, heading for the dungeons. James heard Lily say, "Might as well get the worst over with."
"I need to go put Lily's stuff up, and since you can't out Alex's stuff in her dorm, Gabe, we could put it in Lily's room." The guys laughed. Gabe had tried to go see his sister once, forgetting James' warning. It had resulted in a long, hearty laugh for Remus and Sirius. James hadn't been there (he'd been patrolling), but when he'd heard about it, he'd laughed breathing became difficult. "That might be a good idea," Gabe agreed. James laughed, saying, "All right, but I'll have to use a Confundus Charm on all of you once we get there. Can't have you knowing where I sleep." Remus and Sirius exchanged glances. "Why not?" they chorused. James replied, "You'll find out soon enough," and started toward the seventh floor. "James," Peter spoke up. "I've got to go to the Library. I'm failing Potions." James nodded. "All right Wormtail," he said. "We'll see you later." (A/N: KILL THE RAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I'm better now.) Peter headed toward the Library, and Sirius, Remus, and Gabe fell in behind James.
When they reached Earane, James stopped. 'All right, guys, I'm going to Confund you," he said, raising his wand. "Confundus," he muttered, watching his friends' eyes lose focus. He smiled at Earane, who was grinning. "Nienna," he said and she laughed as the portrait glowed blue.
He stepped through the gaping hole in the wall and turned. Cocking his head in that adorable way of his that made Lily's knees weaken, James pondered how to best get his friends inside. Grinning, he thought, ~Oh, the joys of being lazy, ~ and waved his wand. The three boys lifted into the air and floated into the living area, where James let them drop.
A round of 'hey!'s and 'ow's were heard. The spell was broken by the impact, and James stood grinning in the middle of the room. Smirking, he said, "Welcome home, boys." Running up the stairs to Lily's room, he placed the two bags on her bed. Looking around, he took a deep breath. The air smelled of chamomile, and something else distinctly Lily. He loved it. ~Geez, James, you're hooked, ~ he thought, only a little upset by the idea.
Downstairs again, he found Remus, Sirius, and Gabe gaping at their surroundings. "Shut your mouths," James said, slapping Sirius' head. "You look like fish." The other three glared, but only for a moment. "James," Gabe said, "this is awesome." James sighed. "I know," he said. Secretly, he thought, ~As long as Lily is with me, I don't really care if I'm living in a cardboard box. ~ As soon as he thought it, he nearly groaned out loud, knowing it was true.
"We should head back. I've got to inform Professor MacGonagall that we need to use her classroom tonight," James said. "I'll have to Confund you again, too." The other three sighed regretfully, both for having a second-best room and because of the charm. However, they followed James out without question, and endured the Confundus Charm once more.
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"All right, people, you can leave now. Don't forget to post the announcement on your House bulletin boards about Hogsmeade," Lily said clearly. The scraping sound of chairs being pushed back and papers being placed in bags filled the classroom as the prefects left. James and Lily stayed behind to clean up- part of their deal with MacGonagall.
The meeting had gone well. They had decided that the Christmas Ball was to be held the day before students went home for Christmas. Dress was formal, Muggle or Wizard clothing. 4th year and up could attend, and those under fourth year would attend a small celebration in their common room the same night. This rule was laid down by the Heads, who knew, though they didn't say anything, that someone would spike the punch *coughSiriuscough*. They had a month to get everything ready.
James moved the last chair back into its proper place. He groaned, rolling his shoulders and stretching. "I wasn't made to sit in meetings for an hour," he complained. Lily rolled her eyes, too tired to say something back. Sighing, she lifted her bag, which at the moment seemed to weigh the equivalent of a ton of bricks, and headed for the door. James followed, slinging his own bag over his shoulder as he did so.
As they walked side by side along the corridors, the bag Lily carried seemed to grow heavier, or her arm grew weaker, she couldn't tell which. James was lost in thought, remembering his Divination lesson, which he'd effectively pushed from his mind. ~What did it mean? ~ he thought, frowning as he walked up the last set of stairs. The sound of a quiet whimper, so quiet he almost didn't hear it, stopped him.
Turning, he saw Lily still standing at the foot of the staircase. His frown deepened when he saw that her arms were shaking and the circles under her eyes, always there no matter how much sleep she had, had darkened.
"What's wrong?" he asked, hurrying down to her. "It's so heavy," she whispered. "What's heavy, Lils?" he asked, running a gentle hand down her curls. "My bag," she answered, and James immediately took it from her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "James, what's wrong with me? I was fine earlier, and now I'm exhausted. My neck and my arms and my legs feel like jelly. I don't think I can get up the stairs."
James slid the arm that was around her shoulders to her waist, and drew her arm around his neck, supporting her up the stairs. Ignoring the things her nearness did to his senses, he half-carried her all the way to their dormitory. Hurriedly, he gave Earane the password, and she let them in without question. As the portrait whole glowed blue, James felt Lily's head drop onto his shoulder. ~She really must be tired, ~ he thought, and then the glow disappeared and he stepped through.
Dropping their bags on the floor, he looked at Lily to ask if she needed some help getting to bed. The one look answered his question, and he swung her up into his arms. Taking the stairs two at a time, he had a sudden sense of deja'vu. ~How many times have a done this? ~ he asked himself as he placed the now-asleep Lily on her bed. He pulled her shoes and socks off, and then gently tugged her robe off.
James tucked her in securely, and brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. He gave in to the sudden urge to run his hand through that beautiful hair of hers and did so. It felt like silk, soft and fine and warm. ~James, you are an idiot, ~ he told himself idly. ~You could have any other girl in the school; why did you have to pick the one so far above you you'll never have a chance? ~ Not that he minded the thought of being less. Not if it was Lily who was above him.
Lily's sleep did not seem peaceful. Her mouth was set in a slight frown, and there was a troubled look on her face. "I'm so sorry, Lily," he said as he left her room, though he wasn't quite sure why he said it.
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~Dream Sequence~
"Today, class," a bundle of robes said from near the corner near the fire, "we will be reviewing crystal balls." The class groaned, sinking further into their poufy chairs around their tables. In the back, the four Marauders and Gabe rolled their eyes. "We've done this hundreds of times before," complained Sirius, dragging his sleeve across his sweating brow. "Not as if we've ever seen anything," Remus added. The mutterings quieted, as the Professor set their ball on the table. The boys leaned forward.
"So, Remy," Sirius asked, "what do you see?" "I see…" Remus started, his voice huskier and full of 'mystery'. "I see. . .a wolf. . .and a dog, I think that is. . . and there's a huge white stag behind them. . .and over their, in the corner, I think. . .is that a *rat* I see?" Sirius, James, and Peter sniggered. "How original, Moony," Peter told him. "Hey!" Remus said indignantly, slapping Peter across the back of his head. "I never claimed to have an imagination."
Gabe shook his head and rolled his eyes. "I won't even ask," he said. "What do you 'see', James?" James grinned, leaning forward to gaze into the swirling fog. "I see. . ." he started, and then trailed off, staring intently into the dewy depths of the ball.
There was a house, a huge house with a lake in the backyard. James watched as someone with unruly black hair walked up the driveway into the house. After a minute or two of silence, people wearing black robes with hoods that hid their faces started to enter by breaking windows and doors. Screams filled with agony and defiance filled the air. A huge skull, green and smoky with a snake trailing out its mouth, formed above the building, which was now starting to burn.
The foggy forms drifted apart, and another scene took its place. It was the front page of the Daily Prophet, and the headline made James' throat close. AIDAN POTTER FOUND DEAD IN FAMILY MANSION AFTER ATTCK! There was a picture of his father, smiling softly and brushing a lock of untidy hair out of his eyes beside the headline. The print was too small to read, but James didn't need anymore.
The newspaper dissolved, and James could see nothing but the swirling white mist he usually saw. ~It must have been a dream, ~ he thought, thinking he had drifted off. ~But it was so clear. . .~ His heart contracted at the thought of losing his father, the only family he'd ever known. ~No! ~ he told himself firmly. ~I fell asleep. ~ However, the looks on the faces of his friends said differently. All four of them opened their mouths to ask questions, but then the bell rang, signaling the end of class. James turned away, both to avoid confrontation and to hide the fear he knew was plain in his eyes.
~It can't be real, ~ he thought fearfully. He wanted to scream, find some release from the agonizing terror. At the same time, he wanted to cry, run away and find a hole to hide in until it was all over.
~End Dream Sequence~
In her bed, Lily tossed and turned, and a single silver tear slipped down her cheek.
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In another part of the castle, in her own room, Evelien Kara stood staring out her window. She blinked once, seemingly coming out of a trance.
"Oh, James," she murmured, pressing a hand to the glass. Her heart ached for the child she knew would not be a child for much longer. "I'm so sorry," she said, and laid her forehead against the glass and wept.
A/N: I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry. It's been what, three months?? I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry.
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The weeks passed uneventfully. After the Halloween Feast, which passed smoothly and was enjoyed by all (though you'd never get the Slytherins to admit it), November fell on them with cold, icy winds. However, this did not stop James from working his team till they honestly thought they'd never be able to move again.
Lily had finally requested time off to study Vivian's book from Dumbledore. He granted her permission, and she spent hours pouring over the thick volume up in her room. She had wheedled and begged James to show her where the kitchens were again, so that she could memorize the way. Ok, so maybe she'd only gotten through half of her request before he'd dragged her off pointing out 'landmarks', as he called them, so she wouldn't get lost.
Now, she was upstairs studying, and trying to resist the urge to run down to the kitchens. ~You're getting fat, Lily, ~ she told herself firmly. ~You've got to stop eating so much. ~ Sighing, she focused on Vivian's work.
* Calaelens' visions are often brought on when the receiver of the vision or his/her friends need the information given in the vision. These are usually the dream visions. Often, when the Calaelen is getting ready for sleep, or has had a taxing day, he/she will all of a sudden, for no apparent reason, become extremely exhausted. This signals a vision, but it will only come when the Calaelen is asleep. Important visions may occur if the need is great enough while the Calaelen is awake. Visions often occur during the day or while the Calaelen is awake, but more often the vision is unimportant. *
Lily sat back, thinking. ~That does make sense, ~ she thought. ~Almost all of the visions I have during the day are about someone, like the one with MacGonagall. That one wasn't important. ~ Though this did make sense, it still didn't explain what her dream visions were about. She hadn't had one in a while, but they still haunted her.
* Dream visions often mean that someone needs to know something from the past, yet it isn't recorded, nor does anyone know about it. Often the Calaelen won't know what he/she is dreaming about, and must infer. *
~Well, damn, ~ Lily thought. ~That doesn't help me any. ~
* A Calaelen doesn't immediately, once he or she is born, begin to have visions. In fact, the Gift lies dormant-*
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"All right, team, excellent practice!" James yelled over the biting wind. "We'll be kicking Ravenclaw's arse next week! Now, go change!" The Gryffindor Qudditch team cheered as they ran to the showers.
James was *cold*. He decided not to shower in the changing rooms. The thrill of having his own room and his own shower hadn't worn off yet, and he didn't want to be walking back to school with wet hair in this wind.
He stepped into the drafty Entrance Hall and started towards the seventh floor. He ran into Filch, who scowled as James waved and grinned cheerfully. Reaching the portrait, he smiled at Earane. "Good afternoon, Mr. Potter," she said jovially. "Practice went well, I trust?" James' smile broadened into a grin as he said, "I love my team. I love Quidditch. I love my shower even more." They laughed together as James gave her the password.
After the portrait had closed up behind him, James heard nothing. The silence was a comfortable one, though. Very homey. Sprinting up the stairs to his bathroom, James let thoughts of hot, steamy water flow through his mind.
After his shower, he went downstairs. Looking around, he smiled. It was the kind of smile that had often graced his features in the past few weeks. Slow, lazy, and content, the smile softened his grey eyes. ~I wonder where Lily is?" he thought to himself. Then he remembered. She had finally asked for time to study Vivian's book, and was probably in her room.
James looked toward the fireplace, remembering that almost-kiss. His lips tingled at the memory, wanting to feel hers under them. Pushing his longing aside, he looked towards the stairs that led to Lily's room. He smiled again as an idea formed in his head. ~Sometimes, that girl just works herself too hard, ~ he though affectionately as he stepped out of the 'Head's Headquarters.'
When he reached the kitchens, James ran into Remus, Sirius, and Gabe going to the kitchens as well. "Hey guys," he called, running up to them. "Hey, Prongs," Sirius and Remus answered. Gabe just smiled and nodded a greeting.
"What's up, man?" Remus asked him. Sirius reached out to tickle the pear, and the four stepped into the kitchens. "Nothing, really. I'm about to rip Lily from her studying. She's working too hard," James said. The three other boys gaped at him. "What is she studying for?" Sirius asked, his voice ripe with incredulity. Gabe finished with, "We don't have any tests for another week or so." James just shrugged and said, "You know Lily."
"What can we do for you, sirs?" a house elf asked politely. Mitsy came up to James and asked the same question. "Anything cartable and sweet," Sirius answered immediately. James knelt so that he could look Mitsy in the eye. "Does Lily come down here often?" he asked. Mitsy nodded eagerly. "She does, Mr. Potter, Miss Lily does," she said excitedly. James smiled and asked, "What does she like, do you know?" Mitsy's grin was quick and contagious and she answered immediately. "Chocolate," she stated firmly. James laughed. ~I should have guessed that, ~ he told himself. "Then could you get me chocolate?" he asked, his grey eyes sparkling. "Of course, Mr. Potter, sir!" Mitsy cried enthusiastically, scampering off to fill his request.
James laughed, standing. Remus, Sirius, and Gabe were all looking at him. Sirius raised an elegant eyebrow, the corner of his lips quirking upward. James gave him a questioning look in return. Remus opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted as 6 or 7 house elves came up offering food. Mitsy came individually, carrying a basket of wrapped sweets all containing chocolate of some form. She beckoned him to come down to her level. "I put some Butterbeer in the basket," she whispered in his ear. "I thought sir and Miss Lily would enjoy it. Don't tell the other sirs!" Mitsy giggled and gave him the basket as he grinned. "Thanks, Mits," he said, waving as he followed his friends out.
"What did she tell you?" Gabe asked curiously. "Nothing important," James said, smiling. "Listen, I'll see you guys later. Tell Alex I said hey!" James waved as he ran off in the direction of his dormitory. Sirius and Remus sighed. "What's is it?" Gabe asked. Remus replied, "He's changed." Sirius added, "He must be growing up." Gabe smiled. "Maybe he's falling in love, and doesn't know it."
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"Lily!" James yelled up the stairs. No answer. Shaking his head and smiling, he walked up the stairs to her room. The door was open, and through it he could see Lily stretched out on the bed, with a huge book lying open in front of her. Her softly curling red hair fell around her face, and James watched in fascination as a slender, pale hand reached up to push some of that glorious hair behind a small ear. Her emerald eyes were misted over in thought.
For James, it was nothing short of a heavenly sight.
Taking a deep breath and gathering control over his sudden and intense desire like a cloak, he knocked on her open door. Lily looked up sharply, startled. When she saw who was at her door, her face softened and she smiled. "James," she said, motioning for him to come inside. "You scared me. What's up?"
James stepped inside and made his way over to where Lily was lying on her bed. He set the basket in his hands down on the floor as he sat beside her. Reaching, he pulled Vivian's book toward him. Looking it over, he frowned. "You can read this?" he asked her. She looked at him strangely. "Of course," she replied. "It's in perfect English." He stared at her. "Oooook, if you say so." He let it go, and placed the book on the floor beside the basket.
"You study too much," he told her frankly. Lily shot him a look. "I don't study *this* enough," she replied. James shook his head. "Well, I brought you-us-something," he said, smiling at her and picking up the basket. Handing it to her, he grinned. "Mitsy says you like chocolate." Lily smiled sheepishly. "I eat too much," she said quietly, like indulging herself was a sin. "I'm getting fat." James rolled his eyes. "You don't eat enough," he stated firmly. "What is it with females and eating? Sirius and I eat like there's no tomorrow and we don't worry about gaining weight." Lily sighed. "It's different with guys than it is with girls," she murmured.
"Lily," James said softly, recognizing an old, still-festering wound. "I've carried you before, twice. You don't weigh enough. I don't care what you think about your weight, you're *going* to eat, if only for my peace of mind." Pulling out a warm, soft chocolate chip cookie knowing it was her weakness, he gave it to her. "Eat." Lily laughed, giving in and taking the proffered sweet. Rummaging through the basket, James chose something for himself and pulled out the two bottles of Butterbeer. Tossing one to lily, he said, grinning, "Courtesy of Misty the House Elf, and the other three didn't get any."
Lily laughed. She grabbed a pillow and stretched out on the bed. Looking up at James, she felt her heart race. ~He's so handsome, ~ she thought. The word sounded old, she knew, but it was true of James. Not only was he hot, but he was also kind, generous, and a total softie. Slytherins not included in this survey.
"How did practice go?" she asked him, pushing the sudden flare of affection aside. He had a reputation as a ladies man, or he used to. He hadn't dated anyone since Kimberly. He flashed a grin. "Ravenclaw doesn't stand a chance," he told her. Lily laughed, knowing it was true. "I suppose that was a stupid question," she said. "Damn straight."
James stretched out beside her. "So," he said conversationally. "Learn anything knew from Vivian's book?" he asked, looking at her. Once again, Lily wondered at his unquestioned acceptance of her abnormality. Shaking her head, she told him, "No, nothing important. Just that visions while I'm awake are usually unimportant, and the dream visions are important." James looked at her. "What do you mean, 'usually unimportant'?" he asked. "Just that," she replied. "If the need for a vision is great enough while I'm awake, I'll have an important one." Though she didn't see why she would *need* to have a vision of the past.
They were quiet for a minute or two, and the silence was a comfortable one. Then James asked, "Have you had any other dream-visions lately?" Lily shook her head. "Good," James said. "And you know that if you have another one, you can come to me." Lily smiled at him, and a feeling of accomplishment filled his heart. ~I made her smile, ~ he thought giddily. "I know, James. Thank you." Hesitantly, Lily moved and put her head on his shoulder. James, in turn, slipped a strong arm around her waist, banishing any fear she had about him pushing her away. She tucked her head under his chin, and he placed a chaste kiss on her hair.
The air was warm and smelled of chocolate. The two teens lying on the bed, in what they thought was a completely platonic position, were drifting off to sleep in each other's arms. Because they were oblivious to everything around them except each other, they didn't see the glow at the open door. The glow gave way to a woman, a woman with pale, scaly skin and white-blonde hair. She looked at the young girl and boy, and a smile formed on her delicate features. "Sleep well, my young ones," she whispered into the silence. "May your hearts never be empty." And then she faded.
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"Alex!" Lily called. "Wait up!" Alexandria stopped and turned around, her deep blue eyes searching the Hall. When she spotted a head of beautiful red hair, a smile broke out. "Hey Lils!" she called back, waving. Since she had come to Hogwarts, Alex had become a much happier person, and so had her brother. Alex and lily had become best friends, and both were tentatively exploring the idea of being able to trust another girl.
Now, the two were on their way to their dorms. It was Friday, and the students had one class after lunch, and then the rest of the afternoon off. "So," Lily said conversationally. "Do you think the guys had fun in Divination?" she asked Alex. The auburn haired girl grinned, thinking of her twin's constant complaints about how boring Divination was. "Oh, I honestly don't know, Lily," she replied, smiling as she caught sight of the five boys walking towards them, with huge looks of relief on their faces. "But I'm almost certain we'll find their complaints entertaining." The girls laughed.
"God, that woman can *not* be any slower," Sirius complained. " That room is *always* stifling, even in the winter," Remus added. His normally pale cheeks were flushed, proof of Trelawney's 'stifling room'. Peter mopped his sweating brow with the sleeve of his robe. Gabe nodded in agreement, standing by his sister and giving her a one-armed hug.
James said nothing.
"James?" Lily asked, touching his arm. "What's wrong?" He looked at her; his grey eyes troubled, and shook his head, shooting a glance at the others. She got the message and nodded. Taking another studying look at his face, she saw… *fear* in his eyes. It was well masked, but Lily knew what it looked like. She used to see it often in the mirror.
"So," Lily said, letting it go-for now. "James, I think we need to call a prefect meeting to discuss ideas for the Christmas Ball." James nodded. "Transfiguration classroom at eight sound good?" he suggested. "Sure. I'll go spread the word. Would you take my stuff up to the dorm?" she asked him. He nodded again and shouldered her bag. "I'm going with Lily," Alex spoke up. "Gabe, would you take my stuff?" Her brother nodded, accepting her bag. The two girls walked away, heading for the dungeons. James heard Lily say, "Might as well get the worst over with."
"I need to go put Lily's stuff up, and since you can't out Alex's stuff in her dorm, Gabe, we could put it in Lily's room." The guys laughed. Gabe had tried to go see his sister once, forgetting James' warning. It had resulted in a long, hearty laugh for Remus and Sirius. James hadn't been there (he'd been patrolling), but when he'd heard about it, he'd laughed breathing became difficult. "That might be a good idea," Gabe agreed. James laughed, saying, "All right, but I'll have to use a Confundus Charm on all of you once we get there. Can't have you knowing where I sleep." Remus and Sirius exchanged glances. "Why not?" they chorused. James replied, "You'll find out soon enough," and started toward the seventh floor. "James," Peter spoke up. "I've got to go to the Library. I'm failing Potions." James nodded. "All right Wormtail," he said. "We'll see you later." (A/N: KILL THE RAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I'm better now.) Peter headed toward the Library, and Sirius, Remus, and Gabe fell in behind James.
When they reached Earane, James stopped. 'All right, guys, I'm going to Confund you," he said, raising his wand. "Confundus," he muttered, watching his friends' eyes lose focus. He smiled at Earane, who was grinning. "Nienna," he said and she laughed as the portrait glowed blue.
He stepped through the gaping hole in the wall and turned. Cocking his head in that adorable way of his that made Lily's knees weaken, James pondered how to best get his friends inside. Grinning, he thought, ~Oh, the joys of being lazy, ~ and waved his wand. The three boys lifted into the air and floated into the living area, where James let them drop.
A round of 'hey!'s and 'ow's were heard. The spell was broken by the impact, and James stood grinning in the middle of the room. Smirking, he said, "Welcome home, boys." Running up the stairs to Lily's room, he placed the two bags on her bed. Looking around, he took a deep breath. The air smelled of chamomile, and something else distinctly Lily. He loved it. ~Geez, James, you're hooked, ~ he thought, only a little upset by the idea.
Downstairs again, he found Remus, Sirius, and Gabe gaping at their surroundings. "Shut your mouths," James said, slapping Sirius' head. "You look like fish." The other three glared, but only for a moment. "James," Gabe said, "this is awesome." James sighed. "I know," he said. Secretly, he thought, ~As long as Lily is with me, I don't really care if I'm living in a cardboard box. ~ As soon as he thought it, he nearly groaned out loud, knowing it was true.
"We should head back. I've got to inform Professor MacGonagall that we need to use her classroom tonight," James said. "I'll have to Confund you again, too." The other three sighed regretfully, both for having a second-best room and because of the charm. However, they followed James out without question, and endured the Confundus Charm once more.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"All right, people, you can leave now. Don't forget to post the announcement on your House bulletin boards about Hogsmeade," Lily said clearly. The scraping sound of chairs being pushed back and papers being placed in bags filled the classroom as the prefects left. James and Lily stayed behind to clean up- part of their deal with MacGonagall.
The meeting had gone well. They had decided that the Christmas Ball was to be held the day before students went home for Christmas. Dress was formal, Muggle or Wizard clothing. 4th year and up could attend, and those under fourth year would attend a small celebration in their common room the same night. This rule was laid down by the Heads, who knew, though they didn't say anything, that someone would spike the punch *coughSiriuscough*. They had a month to get everything ready.
James moved the last chair back into its proper place. He groaned, rolling his shoulders and stretching. "I wasn't made to sit in meetings for an hour," he complained. Lily rolled her eyes, too tired to say something back. Sighing, she lifted her bag, which at the moment seemed to weigh the equivalent of a ton of bricks, and headed for the door. James followed, slinging his own bag over his shoulder as he did so.
As they walked side by side along the corridors, the bag Lily carried seemed to grow heavier, or her arm grew weaker, she couldn't tell which. James was lost in thought, remembering his Divination lesson, which he'd effectively pushed from his mind. ~What did it mean? ~ he thought, frowning as he walked up the last set of stairs. The sound of a quiet whimper, so quiet he almost didn't hear it, stopped him.
Turning, he saw Lily still standing at the foot of the staircase. His frown deepened when he saw that her arms were shaking and the circles under her eyes, always there no matter how much sleep she had, had darkened.
"What's wrong?" he asked, hurrying down to her. "It's so heavy," she whispered. "What's heavy, Lils?" he asked, running a gentle hand down her curls. "My bag," she answered, and James immediately took it from her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "James, what's wrong with me? I was fine earlier, and now I'm exhausted. My neck and my arms and my legs feel like jelly. I don't think I can get up the stairs."
James slid the arm that was around her shoulders to her waist, and drew her arm around his neck, supporting her up the stairs. Ignoring the things her nearness did to his senses, he half-carried her all the way to their dormitory. Hurriedly, he gave Earane the password, and she let them in without question. As the portrait whole glowed blue, James felt Lily's head drop onto his shoulder. ~She really must be tired, ~ he thought, and then the glow disappeared and he stepped through.
Dropping their bags on the floor, he looked at Lily to ask if she needed some help getting to bed. The one look answered his question, and he swung her up into his arms. Taking the stairs two at a time, he had a sudden sense of deja'vu. ~How many times have a done this? ~ he asked himself as he placed the now-asleep Lily on her bed. He pulled her shoes and socks off, and then gently tugged her robe off.
James tucked her in securely, and brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. He gave in to the sudden urge to run his hand through that beautiful hair of hers and did so. It felt like silk, soft and fine and warm. ~James, you are an idiot, ~ he told himself idly. ~You could have any other girl in the school; why did you have to pick the one so far above you you'll never have a chance? ~ Not that he minded the thought of being less. Not if it was Lily who was above him.
Lily's sleep did not seem peaceful. Her mouth was set in a slight frown, and there was a troubled look on her face. "I'm so sorry, Lily," he said as he left her room, though he wasn't quite sure why he said it.
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~Dream Sequence~
"Today, class," a bundle of robes said from near the corner near the fire, "we will be reviewing crystal balls." The class groaned, sinking further into their poufy chairs around their tables. In the back, the four Marauders and Gabe rolled their eyes. "We've done this hundreds of times before," complained Sirius, dragging his sleeve across his sweating brow. "Not as if we've ever seen anything," Remus added. The mutterings quieted, as the Professor set their ball on the table. The boys leaned forward.
"So, Remy," Sirius asked, "what do you see?" "I see…" Remus started, his voice huskier and full of 'mystery'. "I see. . .a wolf. . .and a dog, I think that is. . . and there's a huge white stag behind them. . .and over their, in the corner, I think. . .is that a *rat* I see?" Sirius, James, and Peter sniggered. "How original, Moony," Peter told him. "Hey!" Remus said indignantly, slapping Peter across the back of his head. "I never claimed to have an imagination."
Gabe shook his head and rolled his eyes. "I won't even ask," he said. "What do you 'see', James?" James grinned, leaning forward to gaze into the swirling fog. "I see. . ." he started, and then trailed off, staring intently into the dewy depths of the ball.
There was a house, a huge house with a lake in the backyard. James watched as someone with unruly black hair walked up the driveway into the house. After a minute or two of silence, people wearing black robes with hoods that hid their faces started to enter by breaking windows and doors. Screams filled with agony and defiance filled the air. A huge skull, green and smoky with a snake trailing out its mouth, formed above the building, which was now starting to burn.
The foggy forms drifted apart, and another scene took its place. It was the front page of the Daily Prophet, and the headline made James' throat close. AIDAN POTTER FOUND DEAD IN FAMILY MANSION AFTER ATTCK! There was a picture of his father, smiling softly and brushing a lock of untidy hair out of his eyes beside the headline. The print was too small to read, but James didn't need anymore.
The newspaper dissolved, and James could see nothing but the swirling white mist he usually saw. ~It must have been a dream, ~ he thought, thinking he had drifted off. ~But it was so clear. . .~ His heart contracted at the thought of losing his father, the only family he'd ever known. ~No! ~ he told himself firmly. ~I fell asleep. ~ However, the looks on the faces of his friends said differently. All four of them opened their mouths to ask questions, but then the bell rang, signaling the end of class. James turned away, both to avoid confrontation and to hide the fear he knew was plain in his eyes.
~It can't be real, ~ he thought fearfully. He wanted to scream, find some release from the agonizing terror. At the same time, he wanted to cry, run away and find a hole to hide in until it was all over.
~End Dream Sequence~
In her bed, Lily tossed and turned, and a single silver tear slipped down her cheek.
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In another part of the castle, in her own room, Evelien Kara stood staring out her window. She blinked once, seemingly coming out of a trance.
"Oh, James," she murmured, pressing a hand to the glass. Her heart ached for the child she knew would not be a child for much longer. "I'm so sorry," she said, and laid her forehead against the glass and wept.