Disclaimer: Some characters, some situations, and some places in the story do not belong to me. They belong to the brilliant J.K. Rowling and I am not trying to steal them from her (much as I want to) and IÕm not getting any money from this, either (much as I want to...). Some characters, situations, and places do belong to me, and those are the ones that are not recognizable from JKRÕs books and other Harry Potter related stuff. Additionally, some of the titles may be from songs, and IÕll try to cite them, but I donÕt always remember. This is the only time IÕm putting up a disclaimer, Ôcause IÕm lazy.
James Potter was not looking forward to the sixth year.
Although he put forth a front of excitement and acted as though he was looking forward to endless pranks on Slytherins and tormenting first years, he got sick to his stomach even thinking about returning to Hogwarts. It was rather like the feeling when he was at SiriusÕs house and they got into his parentsÕ mead at age fifteen.
The problem was Lily. It was all Lily Evans. The mere thought of her produced a swooping feeling that, well, swooped, into his stomach, his cheeks reddened, and his throat went dry. It was lucky that all this only happened when he wasnÕt around her.
ÒI just donÕt want to have to deal with a whole nother year of rejection, Padfoot,Ó James complained to his best friend, Sirius Black. SiriusÕs family was out, and therefore, the alcohol was in.
ÒWell, I see one solution,Ó Sirius said calmly, stirring his martini.
ÒWhat?Ó James asked, practically bouncing up in his seat to face Sirius.
ÒDonÕt ask her out in the first place, mate,Ó Sirius said, chuckling. ÒWhat good will it do you, anyway?Ó
James shook his head. ÒI have to try.Ó
Sirius shrugged. ÒAll right, but if you want my opinion-Ó Ò-Which I donÕt-Ó Ò-The person who came up with ÔIf at first you donÕt succeed, try, try againÕ should be given a vasectomy.Ó James gave an exasperated sigh and Sirius drained his glass.
James had recently turned seventeen and he had passed his Apparation test, so that meant he could Apparate to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, which he did. It saved the trouble of the Muggles and the barrier. Looking around, he saw all sorts of familiar faces: Joseph McKinnon and Marlene Greco were making out just to the left of the barrier, Fabian Prewett was wiggling his eyebrows at a giggling Hufflepuff Marianna Kremp, and Frank Longbottom and Alice Johnson were holding hands and beaming at each other right next to the trainÕs door. So many couples. But James wasnÕt actually interested in looking at any of them; his sole purpose for scanning the platform was to find Lily Evans.
And there she was, talking with her mother and her friend Renee Ottoman. James watched as she hugged her mother and grabbed her trunk. Renee ran off to go visit one of her other friends, and LilyÕs mother headed uncertainly over to the barrier. James seized his chance.
He ran up behind Lily, but before he had said as much as ÒHelloÓ he watched as her trunk split and the lock broke. Out tumbled her clothing, books, quills, money, and...her Journal.
Hardly aware of what he was doing, James knelt to the ground and started helping Lily pick up all her things and place them back in her trunk. Looking mildly surprised, Lily glanced at him swiftly a few times but said nothing. She was busy picking up her hairbrush when James grabbed her journal and pocketed it.
In all the mess, Lily didnÕt notice it had gone missing. She grabbed the trunk and held it together with her hands. She looked at him again, a searching look, but she still didnÕt speak.
Beginning to feel uncomfortable and look stupid, James had to cover. ÒYou might want a new trunk, Evans,Ó he said, giving her a charming smile. The only thing that gave away his nerves was his hand ruffling through his hair.
Lily eyed him a few more seconds before replying matter-of-factly, ÒI donÕt need a new trunk, thank you. I only need a new lock.Ó With that, she turned around to head onto the train.
James could hardly say the encounter had gone well, but at least she hadnÕt glared at him (her glares were like poison to him; made him shrivel up inside) and at least they hadnÕt taken out their wands and started dueling or anything. He was just beginning to feel good about the whole event when, as she was walking away and carrying her trunk, he heard her mutter, ÒI wish that great prat would just leave me alone.Ó
He stiffened and it took all his self control not to call out to her and hex her. A good Jelly Legs would have done the job.
He heard someone approach behind him. It was two someones, actually; Remus and Peter, his fellow Marauders and troublemakers. The were looking at him with slightly amused faces. After a second of silence, James prompted, annoyed, ÒWell, arenÕt you going to tell me how pathetic that was? What a great prat I am?Ó
His two friends exchanged a look. ÒI think she already covered that, Prongs,Ó Remus said quietly.
***
Lily Evans was already not having a good term.
That morning, as she was getting ready to leave, she had knocked on her sisterÕs door. Petunia Evans was still asleep, but Lily figured it was proper for her to at least say goodbye.
She was wrong, however. Petunia squinted to see who it was, and, seeing Lily, wrinkled her nose in distaste.
ÒWhat?Ó she snapped.Ó Lily smiled. ÒJust saying goodbye, thatÕs all.Ó
Petunia stared at her.
ÒSo...gÕbye.Ó Lily said slowly.
Petunia sighed, a long and heavy sigh, as though it took great effort to answer. ÒGood riddance,Ó she said finally, and rolled over to continue her sleeping. That was all she ever did anymore--that and hang out with her boyfriend and their friends.
Lily shut the door, blinking. She should have expected that.
Her mother, who was taking her that morning, was already ready to leave by the time Lily had eaten. Not wanting to waste her motherÕs time, Lily hadnÕt double-checked her trunk to see if sheÕd packed everything. Now, doing so on the station, she found her journal wasnÕt in there. Cursing her stupidity, she glanced around for her mother, but sheÕd already left. She must have left her journal on her desk.
Renee came up behind where Lily was kneeling, rifling through her trunk. ÒSomething wrong?Ó she asked.
Renee Ottoman had been one of the first people Lily had met at Hogwarts. She was stunning-looking; she dominated the room and captivated everyoneÕs attention. The way she walked and talked just gave off a distinct aura of self assurance. She was, however, one of the best people Lily knew. She loved having fun, and was also extremely gifted in classes. ReneeÕs snappy comebacks and sly smiles made most guys drop to their knees.
Lily straightened. ÒMy sister hates me, James PotterÕs driving me mad, and I left my journal at home. What about you?Ó Renee shrugged. ÒNothing, really.Ó
ÒI wish I could say the same,Ó said Lily, smiling grimly.
ÒSomeoneÕs not very happy, are they?Ó Renee said, biting her lip.
Lily paused, measuring her answer. ÒI havenÕt been looking forward to this term,Ó she said finally.
Renee nodded. ÒI understand. ItÕs just James, isnÕt it?Ó
Lily looked at her. ÒYeah, it is.Ó
ÒMaybe heÕs not as horrible as you say he is,Ó Renee offered.
Lily stared at her as if she was speaking Ancient Egyptian. ÒNot as horrible as I think he is? Renee, do you recall how many times he asked me out last year?Ó
Renee squinted. ÒWasnÕt it three-hundred-and-fifty-four times?Ó
Lily nodded. ÒThatÕs after October, which was when I started counting. It wasnÕt the whole year.Ó
Renee shrugged, struggling to find the silver lining. ÒWell, it must have at least been good for your self esteem.Ó Lily shook her head slowly. ÒNot really. I mean, maybe the first time, but it feels to me as though...okay. Do you remember Marinda Pickle from third year?Ó Renee nodded.
ÒEveryone hated her, and then after about half a year, then everyone decided she was their best friend. Everyone still hated her, but everyone pretended they absolutely loved her. And she knew it. She knew everyone disliked her, and they were just teasing her. ItÕs the worst kind of being mean; being fake-nice is. And...I really think thatÕs what James is doing to me. I think thatÕs what heÕs been doing all along. And it really doesnÕt feel that good.Ó Renee shook her head. ÒIf he was doing that to you, Lily, then heÕd have stopped last year. HeÕs got a short attention span; he wouldnÕt keep playing at a joke thatÕs gotten old. So, I guess even if he asks you out with a goofy smile and a lot of laughing, he really means it.Ó
Lily wasnÕt quite sure what to say.
James Potter was not looking forward to the sixth year.
Although he put forth a front of excitement and acted as though he was looking forward to endless pranks on Slytherins and tormenting first years, he got sick to his stomach even thinking about returning to Hogwarts. It was rather like the feeling when he was at SiriusÕs house and they got into his parentsÕ mead at age fifteen.
The problem was Lily. It was all Lily Evans. The mere thought of her produced a swooping feeling that, well, swooped, into his stomach, his cheeks reddened, and his throat went dry. It was lucky that all this only happened when he wasnÕt around her.
ÒI just donÕt want to have to deal with a whole nother year of rejection, Padfoot,Ó James complained to his best friend, Sirius Black. SiriusÕs family was out, and therefore, the alcohol was in.
ÒWell, I see one solution,Ó Sirius said calmly, stirring his martini.
ÒWhat?Ó James asked, practically bouncing up in his seat to face Sirius.
ÒDonÕt ask her out in the first place, mate,Ó Sirius said, chuckling. ÒWhat good will it do you, anyway?Ó
James shook his head. ÒI have to try.Ó
Sirius shrugged. ÒAll right, but if you want my opinion-Ó Ò-Which I donÕt-Ó Ò-The person who came up with ÔIf at first you donÕt succeed, try, try againÕ should be given a vasectomy.Ó James gave an exasperated sigh and Sirius drained his glass.
James had recently turned seventeen and he had passed his Apparation test, so that meant he could Apparate to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, which he did. It saved the trouble of the Muggles and the barrier. Looking around, he saw all sorts of familiar faces: Joseph McKinnon and Marlene Greco were making out just to the left of the barrier, Fabian Prewett was wiggling his eyebrows at a giggling Hufflepuff Marianna Kremp, and Frank Longbottom and Alice Johnson were holding hands and beaming at each other right next to the trainÕs door. So many couples. But James wasnÕt actually interested in looking at any of them; his sole purpose for scanning the platform was to find Lily Evans.
And there she was, talking with her mother and her friend Renee Ottoman. James watched as she hugged her mother and grabbed her trunk. Renee ran off to go visit one of her other friends, and LilyÕs mother headed uncertainly over to the barrier. James seized his chance.
He ran up behind Lily, but before he had said as much as ÒHelloÓ he watched as her trunk split and the lock broke. Out tumbled her clothing, books, quills, money, and...her Journal.
Hardly aware of what he was doing, James knelt to the ground and started helping Lily pick up all her things and place them back in her trunk. Looking mildly surprised, Lily glanced at him swiftly a few times but said nothing. She was busy picking up her hairbrush when James grabbed her journal and pocketed it.
In all the mess, Lily didnÕt notice it had gone missing. She grabbed the trunk and held it together with her hands. She looked at him again, a searching look, but she still didnÕt speak.
Beginning to feel uncomfortable and look stupid, James had to cover. ÒYou might want a new trunk, Evans,Ó he said, giving her a charming smile. The only thing that gave away his nerves was his hand ruffling through his hair.
Lily eyed him a few more seconds before replying matter-of-factly, ÒI donÕt need a new trunk, thank you. I only need a new lock.Ó With that, she turned around to head onto the train.
James could hardly say the encounter had gone well, but at least she hadnÕt glared at him (her glares were like poison to him; made him shrivel up inside) and at least they hadnÕt taken out their wands and started dueling or anything. He was just beginning to feel good about the whole event when, as she was walking away and carrying her trunk, he heard her mutter, ÒI wish that great prat would just leave me alone.Ó
He stiffened and it took all his self control not to call out to her and hex her. A good Jelly Legs would have done the job.
He heard someone approach behind him. It was two someones, actually; Remus and Peter, his fellow Marauders and troublemakers. The were looking at him with slightly amused faces. After a second of silence, James prompted, annoyed, ÒWell, arenÕt you going to tell me how pathetic that was? What a great prat I am?Ó
His two friends exchanged a look. ÒI think she already covered that, Prongs,Ó Remus said quietly.
***
Lily Evans was already not having a good term.
That morning, as she was getting ready to leave, she had knocked on her sisterÕs door. Petunia Evans was still asleep, but Lily figured it was proper for her to at least say goodbye.
She was wrong, however. Petunia squinted to see who it was, and, seeing Lily, wrinkled her nose in distaste.
ÒWhat?Ó she snapped.Ó Lily smiled. ÒJust saying goodbye, thatÕs all.Ó
Petunia stared at her.
ÒSo...gÕbye.Ó Lily said slowly.
Petunia sighed, a long and heavy sigh, as though it took great effort to answer. ÒGood riddance,Ó she said finally, and rolled over to continue her sleeping. That was all she ever did anymore--that and hang out with her boyfriend and their friends.
Lily shut the door, blinking. She should have expected that.
Her mother, who was taking her that morning, was already ready to leave by the time Lily had eaten. Not wanting to waste her motherÕs time, Lily hadnÕt double-checked her trunk to see if sheÕd packed everything. Now, doing so on the station, she found her journal wasnÕt in there. Cursing her stupidity, she glanced around for her mother, but sheÕd already left. She must have left her journal on her desk.
Renee came up behind where Lily was kneeling, rifling through her trunk. ÒSomething wrong?Ó she asked.
Renee Ottoman had been one of the first people Lily had met at Hogwarts. She was stunning-looking; she dominated the room and captivated everyoneÕs attention. The way she walked and talked just gave off a distinct aura of self assurance. She was, however, one of the best people Lily knew. She loved having fun, and was also extremely gifted in classes. ReneeÕs snappy comebacks and sly smiles made most guys drop to their knees.
Lily straightened. ÒMy sister hates me, James PotterÕs driving me mad, and I left my journal at home. What about you?Ó Renee shrugged. ÒNothing, really.Ó
ÒI wish I could say the same,Ó said Lily, smiling grimly.
ÒSomeoneÕs not very happy, are they?Ó Renee said, biting her lip.
Lily paused, measuring her answer. ÒI havenÕt been looking forward to this term,Ó she said finally.
Renee nodded. ÒI understand. ItÕs just James, isnÕt it?Ó
Lily looked at her. ÒYeah, it is.Ó
ÒMaybe heÕs not as horrible as you say he is,Ó Renee offered.
Lily stared at her as if she was speaking Ancient Egyptian. ÒNot as horrible as I think he is? Renee, do you recall how many times he asked me out last year?Ó
Renee squinted. ÒWasnÕt it three-hundred-and-fifty-four times?Ó
Lily nodded. ÒThatÕs after October, which was when I started counting. It wasnÕt the whole year.Ó
Renee shrugged, struggling to find the silver lining. ÒWell, it must have at least been good for your self esteem.Ó Lily shook her head slowly. ÒNot really. I mean, maybe the first time, but it feels to me as though...okay. Do you remember Marinda Pickle from third year?Ó Renee nodded.
ÒEveryone hated her, and then after about half a year, then everyone decided she was their best friend. Everyone still hated her, but everyone pretended they absolutely loved her. And she knew it. She knew everyone disliked her, and they were just teasing her. ItÕs the worst kind of being mean; being fake-nice is. And...I really think thatÕs what James is doing to me. I think thatÕs what heÕs been doing all along. And it really doesnÕt feel that good.Ó Renee shook her head. ÒIf he was doing that to you, Lily, then heÕd have stopped last year. HeÕs got a short attention span; he wouldnÕt keep playing at a joke thatÕs gotten old. So, I guess even if he asks you out with a goofy smile and a lot of laughing, he really means it.Ó
Lily wasnÕt quite sure what to say.
