Boys Before Magic

Author's Note: Thanks to littledoe, mya14, and daomingshi for the reviews. I feel flattered. This is my first fan fic, so the reviews were really comforting. Some things are going to be out of order (as I am trying to weave all the plots together in one sensible and coherent series of events). There will probably be a lot of editing as I go along. I'm going to try to get at least one chapter per week despite the massive amount of work I'll be doing in the next several weeks.

As a special treat, I will be inserting mini-specials and side stories to supplement this story. Since most of this story will be from Lily's point of view, I'm sure you will all be interested in what the other characters think (i.e. James, Sirius, Remus, Bella, and etc.)

Disclaimer: Harry Potter, Meteor Garden, and Hana Yori Dango each belong to their respective owners. This is only for the enjoyment of fans worldwide.

Only three more years and I'll be out of Hogwarts for good.

Only three more years of being a nobody.

Yet, *he* had to come crashing into my life.

Oh well, he asked for it.

I, Lily Marie Evans, will be the weed that will persevere.

Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm

"That bastard!" I muttered angrily as we walked towards the Great Hall. "It's because of people like him that makes the world such a dismal place. He almost made us miss the sorting ceremony. Don't you think so, Bella?"

An uncomfortable silence lasted for a few moments until Bella finally whispered, "I can't believe you just did that."

I stopped dead and quickly turned around to face my friend. "Did what? The asshole deserved it." Then I added with a wink, "Don't tell me you, the fearless and independent Bella, are afraid of a superficial snob like Potter?"

Bella averted her eyes to the floor and remained silent. I couldn't believe my eyes. My dear brave Bella is becoming a lemming right in front of my eyes. I tried to reach for her hand, but she took a step back.

I sighed. Forcing a small smile, I quickly uttered, "Nice knowing you" and ran into the dark hallways leaving Bella behind.

I couldn't remember what happened after that. Ignoring her calls, I just ran. I ran down the halls, up the stairs, across the courtyards, anything to get me away from Bella and the rest of the wizarding world. I didn't care that I was missing the sorting ceremony and opening remarks. I just needed to get away from it all. I needed to find comfort.

I finally found myself at the top of the astronomy tower in the Divination classroom. The pale moonlight shone through the large glass windows as its light spilled onto the plush crimson cushions and bright fuschia pillows. The charmed candles effused a dark scarlet light which illuminated the dark shadows around the room.

'Dark shadows,' I thought with an ironic smile. 'That's exactly how I feel right now.'

The immense glass windows effortlessly opened with a gentle push. Closing my eyes, I leaned against the stone railing and felt the slight breeze kiss my pale cheeks. Hogwarts was breathtaking at night with its silhouette surrounded by the dense forests and magnificent glistening lake. I slowly opened my eyes to see the sparkling stars glittering in the black sky.

I let out a huge sigh as I watched the twinkling stars dancing in the sky.

"Stars are so lucky. They get along with each other even in the huge sky. Here I am stuck on earth where the whole world seems to be against me."

A soft voice chuckled and commented, "That's funny. I never thought of it that way."

Startled, I swiftly turned to the source and gasped.

"You're… you're… Remus… Remus Lupin" I finally blurted out. 'Blessed Avalon, I'm stuttering like a lovesick fool. Thank goodness the shadows are hiding my blush.' I quickly regained my composure and said coldly, "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the sorting ceremony right now?"

Remus shrugged. Glancing at the golden 'PREFECT' badge on my robes, he lifted his eyebrow and questioned, "How about you, Miss Prefect?"

I bit my lip at the blunt retort. 'Damn it, he's right. What a bad first impression I'll be making as a new prefect.' Suddenly, two heather-gray eyes were inches from my own green eyes. I was immediately aware of his fingers under my chin as he tilted my face upwards. Entranced by his steady gaze, I was unable to move. I was afraid to breathe. All I could hear was my rapidly beating heart.

"You know, Miss Prefect. You invaded my private spot."

"Umm," I dumbly replied 'AAAHHH! Why am I such a blubbering lovesick fool!'

Before I could come up with a coherent response, Remus motioned towards the two armchairs near the fire. "Since you're here, it's no use just to stand there. It's more comfortable sitting down, Miss Prefect."

I quickly nodded and sat in one of the brown leather armchairs. "Is it okay for me to be here?"

Remus's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, you're the first person to come to this place besides the usual snogging sessions, unless…"

I vigorously shook my head and exclaimed, "I'm not that kind of person."

"Well after punching James Potter squarely in the face, I'm sure you're not."

My cheeks burned with embarrassment but I defiantly retorted, "So Mr. Lupin, you do remember that incident."

Remus laughed again and replied, "It was only a few hours ago. My memory isn't that horrid."

I didn't think my face could be even redder. I probably looked like a tomato at this point. A long silence followed our small conversation. Dark shadows no longer dwell in my empty heart. For once at my time in Hogwarts, I felt at peace with myself. As I casually made several glances towards Remus, I wonder if his presence was the key to my happiness. Contrary to popular opinion, I am talking to a bright and amiable Remus instead of the brooding and mysterious Remus. Is it possible that I…

I cleared my throat and loudly spoke, "Shouldn't we go back to the house towers… "

Silence.

I groaned. "Are you paying any attention to what I'm saying?"

I turned to see Remus was fast asleep in a brown armchair near the fire. I reached over and gently shook his arm, but there was no response.

'Jerk. They're all the same, but Remus looks so peaceful and cute when he's sleeping.'

I leaned towards him and whispered into his ear, "It's Lily Marie Evans, not Miss Prefect."

Not to disturb Remus's slumber, I slowly tiptoed my way to the exit. I carefully closed the trap door above me and secretly smiled to myself while I walked back to the Gryfinndor tower.

Author's Note: Whew… that took a lot of energy. Sorry if this chapter is so slow. Things will get interesting in the next chapter. I promise