Boys Before Magic

Author's Note: That took way too long to write. Anyway, the action starts! Sorry for the wait. I'm taking a poll on which Hanadan character you want to make the first cameo appearance. I won't tell you when he/she will appear, but the winner of the poll will make a guest appearance. Leave a review with your vote.

Disclaimer: Same old, same old. Hanadan and Harry Potter do not belong to me. Don't sue.

For one moment,

I felt peaceful and calm.

For once,

I thought I belonged.

Boy, was I wrong…

Chapter 3: Stepping Out

'I can't believe I missed the sorting ceremony and welcoming speech,' I thought as I groped through the dark corridors of Hogwarts. 'I should apologize to my fellow prefect from Gryffindor for my lack of responsibility. Good thing I bumped into Professor Dumbledore, or else I would be spending my first night back without a room.'

Soon after I came down from the Astronomy Tower, I bumped into my Transfiguration teacher, Albus Dumbledore. Luckily, he did not question my absence during the sorting ceremony. According to Professor Dumbledore, the prefects have special coed dormitories separated from the House towers. My roommate has already taken up my belongings to the room.

"Goblin's knuts."

The giant suit of armor nodded and glided sideways revealing a hidden entrance. I walked through the archway and observed my new home for this coming year.

The Prefect Common room was a sight to behold. I thought the Gryffindor House Common Room was beautiful, but this room was absolutely magnificent. It was an oval shaped room a door on each side leading to the bedrooms. In front of me, there was a fireplace made of black pumice. Lavish maroon draperies framed the tall glass windows. In one corner of the room is a mini-library with two mahogany desks. Colorful paintings decorated the crème walls.

I walked to the door that said "Lily Marie Evans" and quietly murmured, "Alohomora."

After the door opened, I walked into my room. A private bathroom and closet were provided for the prefects' convenience. My suitcases were placed neatly near the bed. I didn't notice the door closing behind me.

'I'll have to thank my roommate in the morning.' I quickly noted as I fell back onto the soft bed. 'I'll unpack before classes tomorrow.'

"Sweet dreams, Remus Lupin," I murmured softly to the ceiling above.

"And to any living spirit inside my room," I added thoughtlessly as I closed my eyes.

I could've sworn I heard someone chuckle, but I was too sleepy to notice.

"Shit, I knew I should've at least unpacked my alarm clock," I cursed as I braided my hair back while hurrying into the Great Hall for breakfast. Ignoring all the stares and snickers from the other students, I quickly grabbed a blueberry muffin and took a seat at one of the long wooden tables.

"Is that what I think it is?"

"It's the red spark."

As the students murmurs increased, I couldn't help but noticed the attention I've been getting since I walked into the hall. I continued to ignore them as I ate breakfast.

"I guess the first day of classes will be crazy."

"It's about time that Mudblood knew her place."

I began to feel nervous once they mentioned that name. I took one deep breath and rationalized that they called me that name many times before. There was nothing new about this particular situation. It never bothered me before. They were just all talk…

"Hey guys, check this out."

"Wingardium Leviosa."

Right after I stood up from the table, I turned around to see a dungbomb floating in front of my face.

Ka-BOOM!

Luckily, I managed to shield my eyes from the blast and sustained little injury. I can't say the same about my robes. Raucous laughter rang through the hall. The stagnant odor was almost overbearing, but I only had a few minutes before classes start.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath. Tears began to form in my eyes, but I defiantly wiped them away. I can not cry, because I am strong. I must rely on myself.

"Looks as if the Mudblood got a little dirty."

"Oh if it isn't Mr. Potter," I said sarcastically as I turned to see a conniving James standing before me. "If you think your influence will get me out of this school, I would like to inform you that it's useless."

"Oh really?" James nonchalantly asked, "Hey Marauders. How many days til this girl transfer schools?"

Suddenly, I saw the rest of the Marauders appear behind James. I blushed slightly when I caught a glimpse of Remus. Fortunately, James did not notice.

"I say we give the cutie one week," the grinning Sirius replied as he placed his arm around James. "How about you, Wormtail?"

"She doesn't look as if she could last that long. I say four days."

James laughed and patted Peter on the back. "Hey Moony, what do you think?"

My eyes locked onto Remus's gray eyes as I awaited his answer. Emotions from the night before swirled inside of me. Where was the serene smile from last night? His eyes did not radiate comforting peace but rather cold indifference.

Remus sighed and answered, "I don't care."

'Don't care,' I thought incredulously. 'Don't care? Don't care?! Idiot.'

With sudden determination, I resolutely pulled out my red hair ribbons freeing my scarlet tresses. I defiantly looked at James and loudly spoke, "Hey bastard."

Before James could respond, I whispered a charm which permanently attached the red ribbon to James's forehead. You should have seen the look of James' face. It was the classic Kodak moment.

"This is my declaration of war."

*Flashback*

"Lily dear, what's wrong?"

"I need power."

"There goes my sister again with her talks of world domination."

"Lily dear, you shouldn't act so brash."

"Lilies are different from daisies. I will be strong."

*End Flashback*

I won't be overprotected like most flowers. It's time I take a stand. I will be strong. I can overcome any obstacle. This is my declaration of war.

After mumbling the counter-charm, James regained his composure and laughed. "You're funny. Fine with me. Don't expect me to be easy on you because you're a girl."

"I didn't think you would," I spat. "Just because you have status and galleons doesn't mean you can pretend to be all high and mighty. Now if you excuse me, I am already late for class." With that comment, I picked up my schoolbag and left the Great Hall.

Because of that idiot, I bursted into my History of Magic class late much to the annoyance of my professor. Although I truthfully find History of Magic quite boring (it's a wonder that Professor Binns is still alive), I still need to do well in all of my classes. I stopped for a few seconds to catch my breath.

"I apologize for my tardiness, Professor Binns." I gasped in between breaths. "I was held up in the Great Hall and…"

Through his gold spectacles, Professor Binns looked at me with his shriveled eyes. "Please take a seat, Miss Evans. I will excuse your tardiness only this time since it is the first day of classes."

"Thank you," I mumbled as I searched around for the same desk in the corner where I sat every year. When I looked in that corner, there was no desk, just an empty spot.

"Well what are you waiting for?" The ancient professor asked. "Sit down."

"But...professor," I protested while aware of the other snickering students. "There is no desk where I can sit."

"Er… I guess you will need to acquire another desk," Professor Binns replied nonchalantly and continued droning about the Goblin Rebellion of the 565 BC.

I was dumbfounded by that comment. 'I guess you will need to acquire another desk.' I thought it would be a lot more convenient for a teacher to magically request another desk.

I guess it was true that James had the professors controlled by his wand. Disgusted, I left the classroom to find a free desk.

"Easier said than done," I cursed to myself, "It will take me ages to find the caretaker in the immense castle."

Throughout the day, random curses and items were thrown at me. I blocked all the curses with a charm specifically designed to block such hazing practices, but I was helpless against all the items. Eggs and trash were the popular items among the students. Unfortunately, one lucky student landed an egg right in my hair.

Hoping to escape from the constant hazing, I hid in the center courtyard among the sakura trees. Professor Arborem, my herbology professor, explained that the trees were gifts from our sister school in Japan. The sakura blossoms are so significant that the Japanese even celebrate a festival dedicated to the petite blossoms.

Ignoring the egg white in my hair, I let the sweet fragrance encircle me. I wondered what all my Muggle friends are doing right now as I closed my eyes. The cool autumn breeze refreshed my pale skin as I try to escape from reality. My peaceful moment shattered when I heard a twig snap right beside me.

I looked up to see an amused Remus Lupin looking down upon me.

"It seems you have taken another one of my private spots."

'Remus Lupin…'

Once again, I was at a loss of words. Those solemn gray eyes sparkled with interest as he looked into my wide green eyes.

'Why does he have such an effect on me? Am I really that weak?'

"If you'll excuse me, I'm sitting down."

Remus casually plopped himself on the other side of the tree. I was speechless. The memories of last night still burned in my mind. So many questions were left unanswered, yet I was afraid of breaking the silence between us.

"So what's with the egg in your hair," Remus inquired quietly. "Is it some Muggle hair treatment?"

Before I could stop myself, I sharply turned my head towards his back and shouted, "What are you talking about? Because of you guys, my classmates are throwing curses and eggs at me. Are you satisfied?!"

"Oh so you are the one…"

Even if he is part of the infamous and arrogant Marauders, he is really handsome.

After a deep breath, I spoke, "Then maybe you are different. Tell me, what exactly are the Marauders?"

Remus abruptly stood up and said, "I won't talk about us. I recommend that you leave the school immediately."

"I… I can't," I replied. "I was asked by the Ministry…"

"I'm not interested in the business of others, including the Ministry."

Before I could answer back, Remus sauntered back into the castle. His cold demeanor continued to astonish me, yet I had to admit that I was intrigued with Remus. My only two encounters with Remus left me breathless.

'Dude and I thought he was different."

My thoughts were interrupted when I saw a small figure approaching me.

"Bella?"

The dark-haired girl smiled and nodded. She stopped in front of me and kneeled down to my eye level.

"Um… Lily," Bella began as she looked down to her clasped hands. "I just wanted to tell you that I found another desk for you."

"Bella…"

A tear ran down Bella's cheek as she stammered, "I'm sorry. It's my fault…"

I was touched by Bella's remorse and quickly silenced her. I put my index finger to Bella's lips and joked, "Go away. You'll blow my cover, silly. Besides, you don't want to be seen near me, or you'll be the next red spark. Don't worry. I'm strong, you know."

"Lily, I'm truly sorry."

I smiled warmly and replied, "I know."

I like myself now. I can't rely on anybody. I'm stepping out of my shell- I won't give up.

Author's Notes: That was one hefty chapter. Now to give my personal thanks to the following reviewers.

Mya14: Thank you for your high regard of my fiction. Word does travel fast about my story.

Shancai: Four reviews?! Now I must give you my gratitude. Hehe… the model girlfriend… I leave that to your imagination for now… Muhahahahahaha.

To many other reviewers: I didn't know I would have such a positive response about the side stories. (I thought that was the worst writing I ever did. ^^;;) Don't worry, more are coming. It's a good break from Lily's POV. I'm not sure whether I want to devote another section (i.e. fanfic) for side stories to the main fic or integrate them as I go. I have way too many ideas for side stories than the actual main fic.

Well I hope you enjoy the latest installment of Boys Before Magic. See the button below entitled "Review"? It beckons… -__-