Disclaimer: Again...only the plot is mine.
A/N: Sorry, bit of a longer wait for this chapter...anyway, don't want to keep you from reading, so I hope you enjoy ;)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 7- Unwanted News
Lily was in one of those moods where you find yourself lost in thought, and nothing around you seems real or important. She simply stared at the wall, trying to analyze her life, though she knew not why. She thought through everything that had happened in the past few days- and the past few years of her life. So much could happen in so little time, and her new relationship with James was proof of that.
She wasn't quite sure of what she was feeling for James. Sure, she liked him a lot...but was it anything past like? Supposing that was why they had started going out in the first place- to get to know each other better- she decided to see how it ended up. She was sick of worrying about every little thing; one of her main goals for this year was to relax a little.
But when she was around James it seemed like there was something more there. It was like...he completed her. She failed to distinguish why or how. For example, that evening in the common room when he had first kissed her- she had been thinking something along the lines of love, and loving him, and at that moment it all seemed to fit; to work and make sense. And now- what did she feel?
Lily lay back on her bed, stretching herself out across its soft fabric. Her brilliant green eyes were unfocused with contemplation; her auburn hair spread out over her pillow. She was unaware of everything around her at that moment, because she chose to be.
So when Mary walked into the dorm, she sensed her friend's mood. Her sky-like eyes watched Lily, trying to decipher what she was thinking of. It wasn't easy; Lily was very secretive, and didn't tell even her best friend things that she thought unnecessary to tell.
The black-haired girl didn't wish to cut into Lily's realm of thought, but thought it was the best thing to do.
"Lily?" her voice strongly rang out into the silence that hung around them.
It took her a moment, but Lily looked up at Mary questioningly. "Yes?" she asked.
"Well, we never did discuss how we were going to make this year fun." a small smile crept onto her face.
Lily's head turned slowly, her brilliant jade eyes looking up at Mary. She sat up, grinning devilishly. "Well, I believe that I've already started my little crusade for fun, what with James and everything. But you, you still have to make your first move."
Mary was a little taken aback; she hadn't expected the conversation to be turned upon her. "Er- what do you mean?"
Lily grinned and began to enjoy the conversation. "Well, it's your turn to do something unexpected...we need to think of something good. Unless you already had an idea in mind?"
Mary's mouth worked silently and she began to wish she had never brought up the subject. "I don't know..." she trailed off quietly. She knew her friend well, and that look upon her face at that moment- it was bad news.
"Well I do." Lily stated simply. "Why don't you ask out one of your many admirers- or maybe someone that you've had your eye on. That way we'd both be...involved."
"But- I can't..." Mary trailed off looking away.
"Why not? It's time we get you over that shyness. But I suppose you don't have to..."
Mary spun back around, black hair flying out behind her. "No. I'm doing it. Remember, we made a deal to have fun, and no complaining."
Lily smiled. "Yes, of course, how could I forget. So, who's the lucky guy going to be?"
It was Mary's turn to grin. "Well, you know Daniel Hopkins?"
"The Ravenclaw chaser?"
"Yep, that's the one. Well, I was thinking I'd ask him...he is rather cute, I think..."
Lily seemed to think about this a moment. "Sure...he's cute. But he can't hold anything to James..." she smiled while Mary rolled her eyes.
Just then the door burst open to admit James Potter, of all people, in his usual attire and grinning like a fool. He strode over to where they stood at the end of Lily's bed, maintaining his grin and confident step.
"Hello ladies." he addressed them smoothly. Lily gave him a small smile, contenting herself to merely watch him.
Mary looked between the two of them before smoothing her robes and declaring, "I think it's time I be going," she smiled at the newly-formed couple and made a move towards the door. Lily grabbed her arm, however, and said softly, with a grin,
"Do it now." and Mary nodded in consent. She left the room swiftly, looking a little nervous.
James watched her go before turning back to Lily. "Do what?" he asked, confused to some extent. She just smiled and replied,
"Oh, nothing that concerns you. Forget about it, it isn't important." she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and pulled him down onto her bed, so that they were both sitting, facing each other. "Where have you been?"
He grinned widely. "Oh, nowhere that concerns you."
@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
"Sirius?" Remus hissed quietly. The two of them were carefully concealed underneath James' invisibility cloak, tip-toeing through the Hogwarts castle and towards the Slytherin common room.
"What?" asked Sirius, looking down to make sure that he was securely gripping the video camera under his arm.
"You do know how to work that...thing, right?" he asked, glancing uneasily at their primary prank object of the day.
Sirius smiled. "Of course. James showed me how. It is a wonder how he knows...but oh well. This should be good; I wonder if any of the Slytherins have ever even heard of one." Even through the dim lighting of the corridor, a mischievous glint was apparent in his cerulean blue eyes.
They turned the corner, and found themselves walking the length of a dark, dreary corridor- the one which they knew (from past experience) to lead to the Slytherin common room. It was not a very happy hallway, but whoever said that anything Slytherin-related was?
They reached the large portrait of a snake, curled up and nestled into the side of a tree. Sirius cleared his throat while Remus looked around to make sure nobody was coming.
"Wizard Duel." Sirius whispered. The snake looked up and around, its thin, crimson tongue snaking in and out of its mouth. It saw neither Sirius nor Remus, of course, because they were wearing the cloak. Nevertheless, it swung forward to admit them, not asking any questions.
The two boys stepped inside cautiously, looking around to see the common room filled with Slytherins. The room was painted a dark, uninviting green color, with furniture to match. The room was dimly lit; only a few candles hung in their holders on the walls. A group of the younger Slytherins seated near the door turned around to see who was entering, but noticing that nobody was standing there, turned back to their conversation.
Remus was not one to be easily excited; he was usually calm, collected, and rational, with answers to everything. But he wasn't the one to take charge this time. Sirius grabbed hold of the video camera that he had so carefully been holding, and, noiselessly crossing the room with Remus trailing right behind him under the confines of the cloak, set it upon the fireplace, taking care to click it on.
They then retired to a corner of the common room to watch, as some of the Slytherins first discovered it.
"Hey, Narcy, look at this thing over here." one majorly stupid- looking one called out. A girl- with a long neck rather like Petunia's and a slutty carriage- turned around to look at it. She tapped the video camera, trying to figure out its purpose.
"It's, like, blinking." she pointed to the red light. "Oh my gawd! Like, what is it?"
It wasn't long before the whole common room was aware of this mysterious black object, with its blinking red light. Girls and guys alike were crowded around it, tapping on it, sticking their faces near it, and looking thoroughly confused.
Meanwhile, Sirius and Remus were still hiding cautiously in the corner, but watching the scene with interest and laughing at the stupidity of the Slytherins. They decided, after some time, that they should be getting on their way. And so they took care as they treaded over to the camera, snatching it up and away from the Slytherins- who, upon seeing it disappear, were scratching their heads and staring about the room- and tip- toed out the entrance.
After making certain that it was turned off, they high-fived each other and set off down that same dark and dismal hallway.
@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
"No way." Lily exclaimed, punching James lightly in the shoulder.
"I'm serious. We really did." he replied, grinning in reminiscence.
"But I thought it was against the law to run around naked! Weren't you-" she was cut off as the door slammed open again, and this time Sirius and Remus were standing in the doorway, holding, of all things, a video camera and James' cloak.
Lily looked slightly perplexed, but James simply continued to grin. "So it worked?" he asked, indicating the camera.
"Yes, of course, did you ever doubt us, Prongs?" Remus said, strolling over to the bed.
"So it's ready to show to the school in the morning?"
"Er- how do we do that?" Sirius commented.
James sighed. "Well, we hook it up to something called a television, which we can magically enlarge so that everyone in the Hall will be able to see it."
"Oh." Sirius replied stupidly at the same time Remus grinned, "Alright."
@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
Lily and Mary seated themselves with the Marauders the next morning, watching them prepare their prank. It was not long after the whole of Hogwarts was assembled in the Great Hall that they brought the small television out- or rather, it appeared, since they were using the invisibility cloak, and magically enlarged before everyone's eyes. The students were baffled, some because they didn't know what this strange object was, and others because they didn't know what it was doing there.
Lily watched as the television came on, revealing Slytherins sitting around in their common room, followed by the whole stupid episode of them trying to figure out what it was, their faces right next to the screen, tapping on it and making idiotic comments. It was all very amusing- but you would have to be there for it to be so. Decidedly, the Slytherins looked more angry than embarrassed.
The television disappeared as quickly as it had come, and the Marauders reappeared without anyone except Lily and Mary noticing. After the laughter had quieted down, the mail arrived with hundreds of owls swooping down from above. Lily was a little surprised to find that a small envelope was dropped on top of her plate. She made a grab for it, slipping her finger under the seal and pulling the letter out.
Dearest Lily-
I just wanted to check up on you and see how school was going. I'm sure looking forward to Christmas this year- we're having a nice party and inviting all sorts of people. I'm assured that you'll be anticipating it too, after I tell you all that's happening. First, your sister Petunia has returned from her stay at the Dursleys', and it has gone quite well, I think. She is now proudly engaged to Vernon Dursley! Not my first choice, I'll admit, but he's from a respectable family either way. Also, your husband-to-be is coming! Isn't that wonderful, sweetie? You'll be able to spend some quality time together. Anyway, just thought I'd send you some good news and ask what sorts of things are going on at school.
Love you always,
Mother
Lily just stared at the page, torn between annoyance and dread. *Good* news?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Thanks to all of my reviewers, once again! Y. Kuang- thanks a lot for that *long* review ;) Oh, and I did read that book a few years back- it's one of my favorites! I'm sorry I can't thank all of you one by one- but I'm afraid it would take up too much space. I'm happy that you all liked the last chapter, and I hope you liked this one too! There's no way of my knowing unless you review ;) so please do!
~Emily~
A/N: Sorry, bit of a longer wait for this chapter...anyway, don't want to keep you from reading, so I hope you enjoy ;)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 7- Unwanted News
Lily was in one of those moods where you find yourself lost in thought, and nothing around you seems real or important. She simply stared at the wall, trying to analyze her life, though she knew not why. She thought through everything that had happened in the past few days- and the past few years of her life. So much could happen in so little time, and her new relationship with James was proof of that.
She wasn't quite sure of what she was feeling for James. Sure, she liked him a lot...but was it anything past like? Supposing that was why they had started going out in the first place- to get to know each other better- she decided to see how it ended up. She was sick of worrying about every little thing; one of her main goals for this year was to relax a little.
But when she was around James it seemed like there was something more there. It was like...he completed her. She failed to distinguish why or how. For example, that evening in the common room when he had first kissed her- she had been thinking something along the lines of love, and loving him, and at that moment it all seemed to fit; to work and make sense. And now- what did she feel?
Lily lay back on her bed, stretching herself out across its soft fabric. Her brilliant green eyes were unfocused with contemplation; her auburn hair spread out over her pillow. She was unaware of everything around her at that moment, because she chose to be.
So when Mary walked into the dorm, she sensed her friend's mood. Her sky-like eyes watched Lily, trying to decipher what she was thinking of. It wasn't easy; Lily was very secretive, and didn't tell even her best friend things that she thought unnecessary to tell.
The black-haired girl didn't wish to cut into Lily's realm of thought, but thought it was the best thing to do.
"Lily?" her voice strongly rang out into the silence that hung around them.
It took her a moment, but Lily looked up at Mary questioningly. "Yes?" she asked.
"Well, we never did discuss how we were going to make this year fun." a small smile crept onto her face.
Lily's head turned slowly, her brilliant jade eyes looking up at Mary. She sat up, grinning devilishly. "Well, I believe that I've already started my little crusade for fun, what with James and everything. But you, you still have to make your first move."
Mary was a little taken aback; she hadn't expected the conversation to be turned upon her. "Er- what do you mean?"
Lily grinned and began to enjoy the conversation. "Well, it's your turn to do something unexpected...we need to think of something good. Unless you already had an idea in mind?"
Mary's mouth worked silently and she began to wish she had never brought up the subject. "I don't know..." she trailed off quietly. She knew her friend well, and that look upon her face at that moment- it was bad news.
"Well I do." Lily stated simply. "Why don't you ask out one of your many admirers- or maybe someone that you've had your eye on. That way we'd both be...involved."
"But- I can't..." Mary trailed off looking away.
"Why not? It's time we get you over that shyness. But I suppose you don't have to..."
Mary spun back around, black hair flying out behind her. "No. I'm doing it. Remember, we made a deal to have fun, and no complaining."
Lily smiled. "Yes, of course, how could I forget. So, who's the lucky guy going to be?"
It was Mary's turn to grin. "Well, you know Daniel Hopkins?"
"The Ravenclaw chaser?"
"Yep, that's the one. Well, I was thinking I'd ask him...he is rather cute, I think..."
Lily seemed to think about this a moment. "Sure...he's cute. But he can't hold anything to James..." she smiled while Mary rolled her eyes.
Just then the door burst open to admit James Potter, of all people, in his usual attire and grinning like a fool. He strode over to where they stood at the end of Lily's bed, maintaining his grin and confident step.
"Hello ladies." he addressed them smoothly. Lily gave him a small smile, contenting herself to merely watch him.
Mary looked between the two of them before smoothing her robes and declaring, "I think it's time I be going," she smiled at the newly-formed couple and made a move towards the door. Lily grabbed her arm, however, and said softly, with a grin,
"Do it now." and Mary nodded in consent. She left the room swiftly, looking a little nervous.
James watched her go before turning back to Lily. "Do what?" he asked, confused to some extent. She just smiled and replied,
"Oh, nothing that concerns you. Forget about it, it isn't important." she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and pulled him down onto her bed, so that they were both sitting, facing each other. "Where have you been?"
He grinned widely. "Oh, nowhere that concerns you."
@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
"Sirius?" Remus hissed quietly. The two of them were carefully concealed underneath James' invisibility cloak, tip-toeing through the Hogwarts castle and towards the Slytherin common room.
"What?" asked Sirius, looking down to make sure that he was securely gripping the video camera under his arm.
"You do know how to work that...thing, right?" he asked, glancing uneasily at their primary prank object of the day.
Sirius smiled. "Of course. James showed me how. It is a wonder how he knows...but oh well. This should be good; I wonder if any of the Slytherins have ever even heard of one." Even through the dim lighting of the corridor, a mischievous glint was apparent in his cerulean blue eyes.
They turned the corner, and found themselves walking the length of a dark, dreary corridor- the one which they knew (from past experience) to lead to the Slytherin common room. It was not a very happy hallway, but whoever said that anything Slytherin-related was?
They reached the large portrait of a snake, curled up and nestled into the side of a tree. Sirius cleared his throat while Remus looked around to make sure nobody was coming.
"Wizard Duel." Sirius whispered. The snake looked up and around, its thin, crimson tongue snaking in and out of its mouth. It saw neither Sirius nor Remus, of course, because they were wearing the cloak. Nevertheless, it swung forward to admit them, not asking any questions.
The two boys stepped inside cautiously, looking around to see the common room filled with Slytherins. The room was painted a dark, uninviting green color, with furniture to match. The room was dimly lit; only a few candles hung in their holders on the walls. A group of the younger Slytherins seated near the door turned around to see who was entering, but noticing that nobody was standing there, turned back to their conversation.
Remus was not one to be easily excited; he was usually calm, collected, and rational, with answers to everything. But he wasn't the one to take charge this time. Sirius grabbed hold of the video camera that he had so carefully been holding, and, noiselessly crossing the room with Remus trailing right behind him under the confines of the cloak, set it upon the fireplace, taking care to click it on.
They then retired to a corner of the common room to watch, as some of the Slytherins first discovered it.
"Hey, Narcy, look at this thing over here." one majorly stupid- looking one called out. A girl- with a long neck rather like Petunia's and a slutty carriage- turned around to look at it. She tapped the video camera, trying to figure out its purpose.
"It's, like, blinking." she pointed to the red light. "Oh my gawd! Like, what is it?"
It wasn't long before the whole common room was aware of this mysterious black object, with its blinking red light. Girls and guys alike were crowded around it, tapping on it, sticking their faces near it, and looking thoroughly confused.
Meanwhile, Sirius and Remus were still hiding cautiously in the corner, but watching the scene with interest and laughing at the stupidity of the Slytherins. They decided, after some time, that they should be getting on their way. And so they took care as they treaded over to the camera, snatching it up and away from the Slytherins- who, upon seeing it disappear, were scratching their heads and staring about the room- and tip- toed out the entrance.
After making certain that it was turned off, they high-fived each other and set off down that same dark and dismal hallway.
@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
"No way." Lily exclaimed, punching James lightly in the shoulder.
"I'm serious. We really did." he replied, grinning in reminiscence.
"But I thought it was against the law to run around naked! Weren't you-" she was cut off as the door slammed open again, and this time Sirius and Remus were standing in the doorway, holding, of all things, a video camera and James' cloak.
Lily looked slightly perplexed, but James simply continued to grin. "So it worked?" he asked, indicating the camera.
"Yes, of course, did you ever doubt us, Prongs?" Remus said, strolling over to the bed.
"So it's ready to show to the school in the morning?"
"Er- how do we do that?" Sirius commented.
James sighed. "Well, we hook it up to something called a television, which we can magically enlarge so that everyone in the Hall will be able to see it."
"Oh." Sirius replied stupidly at the same time Remus grinned, "Alright."
@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@
Lily and Mary seated themselves with the Marauders the next morning, watching them prepare their prank. It was not long after the whole of Hogwarts was assembled in the Great Hall that they brought the small television out- or rather, it appeared, since they were using the invisibility cloak, and magically enlarged before everyone's eyes. The students were baffled, some because they didn't know what this strange object was, and others because they didn't know what it was doing there.
Lily watched as the television came on, revealing Slytherins sitting around in their common room, followed by the whole stupid episode of them trying to figure out what it was, their faces right next to the screen, tapping on it and making idiotic comments. It was all very amusing- but you would have to be there for it to be so. Decidedly, the Slytherins looked more angry than embarrassed.
The television disappeared as quickly as it had come, and the Marauders reappeared without anyone except Lily and Mary noticing. After the laughter had quieted down, the mail arrived with hundreds of owls swooping down from above. Lily was a little surprised to find that a small envelope was dropped on top of her plate. She made a grab for it, slipping her finger under the seal and pulling the letter out.
Dearest Lily-
I just wanted to check up on you and see how school was going. I'm sure looking forward to Christmas this year- we're having a nice party and inviting all sorts of people. I'm assured that you'll be anticipating it too, after I tell you all that's happening. First, your sister Petunia has returned from her stay at the Dursleys', and it has gone quite well, I think. She is now proudly engaged to Vernon Dursley! Not my first choice, I'll admit, but he's from a respectable family either way. Also, your husband-to-be is coming! Isn't that wonderful, sweetie? You'll be able to spend some quality time together. Anyway, just thought I'd send you some good news and ask what sorts of things are going on at school.
Love you always,
Mother
Lily just stared at the page, torn between annoyance and dread. *Good* news?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Thanks to all of my reviewers, once again! Y. Kuang- thanks a lot for that *long* review ;) Oh, and I did read that book a few years back- it's one of my favorites! I'm sorry I can't thank all of you one by one- but I'm afraid it would take up too much space. I'm happy that you all liked the last chapter, and I hope you liked this one too! There's no way of my knowing unless you review ;) so please do!
~Emily~
