Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all of these characters and settings
Summary: James has been going after Lily for 2 years. On their seventh, James stops, thinking that their love wasn't meant to be…and Lily finds herself wishing he didn't. But now, Lily can't quite bring herself to tell James how she feels, let alone talk to him.
Authors Note: THANK YOU!!! 92 reviews!!! Thank you!!! I did my dance so many times! (Haha I must've looked like a weirdo with all the crazy steps you suggested) And I'm sorry this chapter came out later than usual. One, I had a bad case of writer's block, so I wrote this chapter then erased it because I wasn't happy with it, and two, I had to get ready for ::gasp:: SCHOOL! dun dun dun. Yeah, it's nearing, I can feel it… Aaaahhhhh!!!! Anyway…
Thank you to potatodepp, Knockturnalley256, moonlit-walks-in-the-rain, LadyofRavindor, Twilight66, princessouch, Ariasne, Suji, and Indiangurl for adding me to their Author Alerts/Favorites List! It's very much appreciated! And also, thank you to those that took the time to review my other story. I was so cheerful! Now for my grateful list…
Siria Black Midnight: Thank you! I try my best to describe what I see in my imagination, I'm glad. Don't worry about the Helen thing. It will be all over…soon.
truegryfinndorgrit: Yeah, I love the dance! Peter's such a rat! Well, figuratively and literally. Thank you.
martian doll: don't worry, they'll be more than friends very soon. Thanks!
Twilight66: Yup. Turmoil is needed to spice up the story. I can't wait for the happy ending as well! (not that I want it to end, but you know what I mean).
ShOrTnSwEet9013: Thanks! Your step is added at the bottom! =D
rockluver: Wow. I love your long review! There are chances, don't worry, or else how would the story end. Haha, Alice might go nuts helping Lily out. I'll see what I can do with the teasing thing, it looks like it might work, and I if I use it, I'll credit you! And the marauders screwing things up. I added your wonderful steps down below. Good Charlotte would be good, but I was hoping for something more seventies. Hey, I'm glad you'll stick around! Nice one, SEE ya later! Thanks!
Knockturnalley256: Thank you! I'm glad you think it's cool!
Linnet Gryffin: Well, I guess you noticed that in the latter chapters I stopped doing it already. I'll fix it once I go on my editing spree. Thanks.
potatodepp: Haha. Great name! Yeah, Lily and James forever! (Better tell Helen to watch out, someone wants her to …DIE!)
LilyPotter: Aaaaa! Take your EVIL chickens away! I ::ow!:: updated ::ow!:: now! Phew! They're gone! Thank you! Your review was so funny! And it's okay, the A-S-S word isn't that bad. I have a surprise for you in this chapter… you'll see! Fluff will come! There's some slight fluff here. ::waves good-bye to the evil chickens::
Krissy4: Thank you! Nice joke, the be-you-tea-ful thing! Harhar. Helen's pretty annoying in this one. Be gone you jealous-not-meant-to-be girlfriend of James!
cggeek241: Helen's evil in her own way. Beware! Yay! (although they made Lupin very ugly) the 3rd movie comes out soon! Thanks!
Secret sshhhh: cute name! I'm writing/typing on so please read/review! Thank you!
Slimpun: Thanks! Here's the update!
Kyo-grli91: Thank you! You write one of the sweetest reviews ever! You really know how to make a writer feel good! Is your story up yet?
GryffindorGoddess28: Squishy's the cutest name! Yup, poor Lily, and I hate Peter, too! I mean, he ruined everything! If not for him, Sirius wouldn't have been imprisoned, and James and Lily wouldn't be dead, and …argh! Peter annoys me to no end! I guess Helen is sort of hate-able, I sort of dislike her, even if I wasn't suppose to. Your head-banging idea was moved to the next chapter since this one was getting too long. Don't worry, I won't forget! And I still am going to read your other stories when I'm free. Yeah, still thinking for the songs…I was thinking of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by the Beach Boys at the end, but played slower. Your step is added down below! Thanks!
john lemon: no this isn't me. haha. thank you. are you still reading this? I doubt it. Yup, I love reviews! And I love reviewers!
sting-23: Professor Atalanta is funny when she doesn't mean to be. Yup, lots of L/J! Thank you! I love combinations, a balance of everything!
MissMisFit9: Haha. that one made me laugh too. Um, I don't really understand your question. What did I do on purpose? (hehe, I guess I'm dense as well) If you mean Sirius purposely asking Helen to be his partner so Lily would be stuck with James…yes. Or the figures on the tea leaves…yes. Anyway, thanks!
webdwonder: Thanks, dawg! But I'm wondering what a spider like you is doing saying words like dawg? Shouldn't you say stuff like spida! Thanks, spida!
ne0nhunter: aw…why such a short review! oh well, it says a lot! Thank you.
spin dol: Thanks! Do you have three thumbs? Are you an actual mutant? Hehe. Four thumbs up to you!
LCH8292: Thank you! I'm glad you think that!
Suji: I totally respect your views on its improbability, but I tried my best to not make Lily seem so fickle. I mean, I gave her 1 and ½ chapters to be in denial. And love is actually as unpredictable. It's like an emotion that erupts at anytime. You don't know whom you end up liking. Anyway, thank you! You're welcome for the review. Your review is much gratified.
LadyofRavindor: The second I read your name, I knew it's a combination of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, right? Well, I know I'm right since I checked your bio. Thank you! Maybe I should make the story Romance/Humor…Ah well, never mind. Yes, I did my R.A.D. =)
Indiangurl: Yeah, I made myself sad. (is that possible). Hmm…counseling for Lily, we'll see, we'll see. And if I use it I'll credit, as always. What's that…in between your coughing fit? Did you say Famous or Remus? Haha. Yeah, James is being a weirdo. Thanks!
LisBleu: Thank you! Yes, I'm writing more!
A/N: Okay, so now it's time to read the chapter. If you notice, the title is changed from "Dudley Demented" (you know, the first chapter in book 5) to "Helen demented". So that should give you a clue. There's more Lily/James interaction here. Credit for the Helen turning into a jealous psycho goes to LuluIsALobster and Sting-23. Thanks! Read on!
You're Hurricane, You're Fire in the SunBy: kaleidoscope0 0eyes (Pat)
Chapter 6: Helen DementedHis eyes stayed wide open as he breathed heavily. He could feel the cold breeze whipping at the window and the darkness surround him. Sounds of crickets chirping and Sirius snoring filled his ears, as he contemplated.
'Why did I ask her to be my 'friend'?' James recalled, having second thoughts of what he did. He wasn't sure whether he lessened the problem or he just exacerbated it. He grunted in dismay as the image of an innocent redhead formed in his mind. Deep down, he somehow knew she was the one, yet what caused him to ask Helen out?
'Because you're a coward and you don't want to be put down again.' Another voice answered in his brain.
'Oh, great' he groaned, 'now my thoughts are actually arguing.'
'It's true.' the sensible voice interjected, 'you really do LOVE Lily. But, you just feel humiliated that she didn't say she loved you back.'
'- and that must mean you really don't like, like Helen. Aha! That makes sense!'
'Right..' James grumbled. 'Now when my 'angelic' thoughts and my devilish opinions agree… that's definitely a sign of lunacy.'
'Liii-ly…LIII-LY…LILY!!!' James tapped his head with the side of his palm, wondering why Lily's name reverberated through his mind.
He turned around, and smirked at the bed beside his. 'LI-' He threw a pillow across the room, hitting Sirius on the face. Feathers flew out from the goose-down cushion and landed in Sirius' open mouth. "Shut up, Padfoot."
-----------------------------------------
Reflection of light, in the form of drifting squares, circled the walls of the Divination room. Its luminosity shone through the fog, caused by incense, and beamed the classroom bright. The students, who were sitting by pairs, were buried behind a pile of books, researching on various topics concerning horoscopes to answer the questionnaire.
"What's the next question?" James asked, looking up from the heavily worded book. His glasses drooped at the edge of his nose, and his eyes looked bored and tired. One hand held the book open, while the other was resting on a piece of parchment clutching a quill.
Lily looked at her notes and answered with a slight yawn, "Based on your partner's Horoscope, what attracts them to their lover/suitor?" She stretched out her arms and tightened the bow that held her ponytail.
"I found that somewhere here…" he said in a sleepy tone, as he briskly turned the pages. He glanced at the 'wizard clock' and saw it was nearing 1 in the morning. They would all be given passes for staying out of their dorm late.
"Here is yours. "Lily spoke. "Sagittarians are to be won by brilliant and cheerful conversations. They enjoy eating well and good company."
James snorted. 'The only conversation I have with Helen is Quidditch.'
"What's mine?" Lily inquired. She rested her book down, as this was the last question on the report, and leaned her head against her arm, turning sideways to face James.
"Um…Capricornians, "he read, "have a hard time falling in love, and people that conquer their trust are lucky. They can be demanding and cultured, and they are deeply attracted to those that make them smile." He closed his book, and gazed upon Lily's exhausted face.
"If I make you smile…" he started, "does that mean you'd be attracted to me?"
Lily's cheeks were dabbed with a blush of red when he said this. She didn't really know what to say. What exactly was going on? Was he flirting? Or just being friendly?
"Would I make you smile if I said you were the most interesting person in the world and that I enjoy your brilliant conversations?" He asked jovially.
'What precisely is he trying to do to me? Make me embarrass myself…again?'
Her cheeks reddened even more and her teeth bit her bottom lip to fight a grin.
"Or would I make you smile if I said you looked beautiful?"
She couldn't help it. A wide, flattered smile spread across her very red cheeks. She wanted to turn away, but she felt glued by James' stare.
James looked at her expression, and nodded. "I see. You would smile." No matter how calm and collected he seemed, his insides erupted with joy from getting a smile from Lily Evans. He used to dream about getting a smile from her….
Helen looked at the pair behind her, through the corner of her eye. Her body burned with hatred towards Lily, and her teeth clenched. If there was one flaw of hers, it was a crazy, possessive, jealous side…and now it was showing.
Helen stood up and headed towards her boyfriend's table. Her hand lay upon his piece of parchment, and she quickly pulled it out of his hand. "Honey, are you finished? I want to walk back to our dorm together." She eyed Lily as she stressed the 'together' part.
James eyes quickly shot up from Lily's gaze and looked up at his disturbed girlfriend. "Uh, yeah. It's getting late." he said to Lily waving good-bye.
Helen walked ahead of James and strutted out, her head sticking out proudly like a peacock's. Before James left, he looked back at Lily and said in a low whisper just so she could hear, "And I meant what I said."
Lily watched his retreating figure and continued to look on. She looked back at her parchment and the pile of books in front of her, and smiled in disbelief. She put her hand against her thumping heart and shook her head. Closing her eyes she murmured "Bloody Hell. Am I just off my trolly (translation-- going crazy) or does he still like me?"
-----------------------------------------
Lily Evans sighed as she doodled on her scrap piece of parchment, her hands were smudged with ink, and a small smile stayed plastered on her face. She recalled last night's events with James Potter, exhaling as she blew strands of thick auburn red hair away from her face. She pushed her reading glasses nearer to her emerald green eyes and admired her 'artistic work'. She reached out her free hand, and felt her way to grab another paper among the disheveled pile of parchment. In a curly, neat handwriting she wrote "ADMIRER". Lily studied each letter and shuffled them. Anagrams were her hobby. One by one, she crossed out a letter and added it to a different word. It spelled "MARRIED"
Shocked, she rechecked the letters. Was this a sign? Would she marry her admirer? Or was she just being superstitious?
Her concentration was interrupted when a loud outburst of laughter exploded from the center of the Gryffindor common room. Her eyes shifted towards 4 bustling, cheerful boys, surrounded by beautiful women. Sirius in particular enjoyed their company very much. It was then that she noticed Helen glare at her in disgust. She put her arm around James and kissed his cheek. Then she looked back at Lily and smiled evilly.
Lily glowered and her fist that held her quill clenched. She felt like she could break it. No one ever taunted her that way, except for her horse-faced sister Petunia. Ever since 1st Year, Helen and Lily had been civil towards each other, now, it looks, they would become more than civil, they would become enemies.
At that moment, she focused her frown at Helen's long, batting eyelashes. She could feel an almost unstoppable urge to pluck them out, one by one. (A/N: credit for that goes to LilyPotter! Thank you) She knew something was going to happen. Something Lily wasn't going to enjoy.
She watched James stand up from the couch, Helen trying to pull him back, and head toward her. She could feel anxiety tug at her thumping heart, and she took in a gulp of air. Her brain wanted to run, but her legs just froze in place.
Closer, and closer, James was. The more nervous Lily got.
"Hi." he said. "Can I sit here?" he asked, motioning towards a chair across hers.
Lily put on a smile and nodded. "Hi."
"Um…" James started, "What are those scribblings on the parchments?" He glanced at the messy pile of sketched paper.
Lily discreetly moved her elbow over the ADMIRER = MARRIED doodle, and gave an uneasy yelp. "Oh, these…just drawings I do, during my free time. Nothing special." Her eyes landed on a certain caricature of a certain James Potter. She gulped loudly and quickly put her hand on top of it, and crumpled it. Her eyes grew wide and it looked filled with terror.
James gave a skeptical look at Lily's behavior and inquired, "Uh...is something wrong?"
"Ah, no?" it came out as a question. Lily shook her head and recovered. "I mean, no. Nothing's wrong." She gave a sweet smile and went back to her normal self. "What brings you here, by the way? You looked like you were having a lot of fun over there."
James gave a devilish grin, "Why? Was Lily Evans watching me?" he said in an astonished mocked tone.
Lily gave herself a mental slap. "Haha. Very funny." She looked down, then looked up at James' face again, "Besides, who could concentrate with the racket you're causing!"
He laughed and ruffled his hair, much to Lily's dismay. She eyed his hand that tapped against the wooden table repeatedly.
"Anyway," James continued, wiping his eyes from tears of mirth. "I came to invite you and Alice, if she wants, and maybe even Frank, to my little birthday gathering."
"Okay." Lily said. She was so happy that he even thought about inviting her.
"Yeah, it's two days from now, in the Three Broomsticks, during our Hogsmeade weekend, probably at 5 o'clock. Can you go?" he asked hopefully.
"Most probably. But I have to check with Alice and Frank." she answered.
"Sure." James said and stood up from the chair. "See you!"
"Bye." Lily called out.
Her eyes continued to follow him, and her hand gripped the crumpled parchment nervously. Slowly, she flattened the sides to admire the caricature she drew of him. She rather liked it. She depicted his messy brown hair, and his lopsided smirk; even the snitch he used to carry with him was flying in the background. But what captivated her the most were his eyes.
His eyes were like the hurricane that she got caught up in. Her life was so balanced and clear before, until he came along and blew her away. She got lost in his hurricane eyes and each time she looked at him, she felt weak. At first, she didn't enjoy the wind he blew her way, but now she quite enjoyed it.
He actually was her hurricane.
-----------------------------------------
The day was filled with celebration and a happy atmosphere, especially in the Gryffindor Common Room. At normal circumstance, Lily would have been sick to her stomach at the display, but seeing as she now had an infatuation with him, she felt obligated to join in on the festivities.
No, it wasn't Christmas or Halloween or anything like that…it was James Potter's birthday. The lovable headboy/hero/pranks extraordinaire's eighteenth.
Still early morning, the Gryffindors were dancing in the common room in their pajamas. Golden confetti fell from the ceiling, and a banner, displaying "Happy Birthday James!" was charmed to hover around the upbeat room.
James was overwhelmed with the mountain of presents he received, but politely declined to sit on the throne they had transfigured for him. If he was fifteen, he might've enjoyed the attention, but now, his focus was set on the quiet redhead clapping her hands from the top of her staircase, joining in singing "Happy Birthday".
"Thank you all!" James shouted to everyone. "Thank you! But today's a Hogsmeade day, so I suggest we all get dressed and get ready to leave!" Some cheered, and some (particularly the first and second years) sighed.
This was going to be one heck of a day.
-----------------------------------------
Lily and Alice had set off to Hogsmeade to buy a dress robe for the Christmas ball. James and Lily had planned it previously, but got into an argument and only decided that it would be a muggle ball. Yes, some would have thought it was corny, but sometimes, the simple balls are always the best.
Lily grinned at the times when she and James used to argue. Or rather, she argued and he eventually got annoyed. It was a lot easier then. James was supposed to ask her out, she would get angry, then he would either feel sad, or get annoyed as well. That was supposed to be the story, but her feelings changed it.
Alice pushed the glass door open, and they walked past a colorful, beaded curtain. They gasped at the exhibit of hundreds –no thousands of dress robes hanging on the wall. The different colors of the robes, dangling all together gave the room a vibrant effect and a magical feel. It was as if once you stepped in, you suddenly felt beautiful.
The giant store was already packed with other young ladies trying on numerous styles. They would hold a bunch at a time and bring it to the dressing room.
Lily grinned. "This seems like fun!" Alice nodded vivaciously and headed to the nearest rack.
"What style are you going for?" Alice asked, looking through the line of dresses.
"You're actually lucky." Lily stated, as she winded her finger around her hair. "Your black hair can go with anything. I mean, what sort of dress coordinates with dark red hair and emerald green eyes the shape of almonds!"
"I forgot!" Alice said, "This is the first ball you're going to, right?"
"And I wouldn't even think of going to this one, except headgirls are required to go." Lily pouted.
Alice looked at Lily in disbelief. A while ago Lily had said this would be fun.
Lily glanced at Alice's incredulous look and sighed. "Okay fine. I-I'm a little nervous about this whole ball thing."
Alice laughed, but stopped when Lily gave her a friendly glare (if that's possible). "You aren't supposed to be nervous about these things. It's supposed to be fun!" Then she gasped mockingly, "Unless you don't know what fun means…"
Lily hit Alice playfully on the shoulder. "I know what fun means! Come on!"
Alice smiled at Lily's change of attitude and got pulled into the throng of girls chattering over their dress.
-----------------------------------------
'Our ickle Jamesie is 18!" Sirius screamed, pinching the cheek of James.
James quickly swatted Sirius' hand away and took a gulp of butterbeer. Helen sat beside him, on the look out for Lily Evans.
Lily could hear the expressions of hilarity the erupted from the Three Broomsticks, as she entered the place, Alice and Frank in tow.
"Lily! Alice! Frank!" they greeted. Lily waved cheerfully and Alice and Frank raised their hands that were clasped together.
Alice and Frank scooted over on to the bench Remus and Sirius sat on, while Lily sat next Helen.
Helen gave her a short glare then cuddled up to James. Lily glowered once more then ordered her butterbeer.
Shortly after, her drink arrived and the group talked on various subjects. Although, Helen kept trying to drive it toward Quidditch, knowing very well that that was one subject Lily couldn't participate in.
They were all having a good time, until Peter opened his mouth and accidentally put Lily on a spot.
"So, Lily, " he asked, "from all the guys in Hogwarts, whom are you most interested in… as a boyfriend I mean?"
Everyone turned silent, and Sirius gave Peter an annoyed smirk. Peter knew who Lily liked, because of the note, but he wasn't suppose to ask her in front of everyone. Remus looked at Peter disappointedly and shook his head.
"I-I-I" Lily sputtered. By now, everyone was staring at her, and she could feel the temperature raise. "I-I-I –"
"Come on, Peter." James said. "Lily doesn't need to answer that. She's not obliged to tell us her secrets."
Helen gazed at James, shocked, and purposely stretched her elbow so that it would knock Lily's butterbeer.
SPLASH! Lily was drenched. She was speechless. The day was going fine, until now. "I'm going to go clean up." she said quietly and ran outside to go to the nearest ladies' room.
James watched Lily worriedly and excused himself. "I'm going to check on Lily."
"But James dear!" Helen tugged James robe, "I'm sorry about spilling the juice, but I think she can take care of herself!"
James ignored Helen and ran after Lily.
-----------------------------------------
Lily rubbed her eyes as she stepped out of the bathroom, and got shocked as she bumped into someone.
"Ah!" she jumped and looked up at the tall boy in front of her.
"Hello." James greeted gingerly.
"Wow. This seems familiar." she said surprisingly in a normal, sort of cheery tone. She decided to pretend that the whole bad incident never happened. "Wasn't it before I bumped into you my belongings flew out of my hands."
James laughed. "and wasn't it, pumpkin juice that spilled on you before."
Lily blushed and giggled shyly. "I hoped you'd have forgotten about that."
"I'm sorry about what happened with, you know, Peter and Helen."
"It's okay." Lily said. "It's not like it's your fault."
"Friends?"
"…Friends."
Their walk back to the Three Broomsticks was a comfortable and casual one. Lily enjoyed it very much. They entered the place in good moods and walked toward their table.
Helen watched them enjoy each other's company and couldn't take it anymore. She stood up, holding her wand and whispered a chant.
An incandescent wave emitted from the tip of her wand and formed, in large golden cursive words "LILY LIKES JAMES". People read the display, and Lily stopped in her tracks, surprised and humiliated. At first, James seemed flabbergasted, but he ended up doing something very unexpected.
He grabbed Helen's arm and pulled her out. Helen watched his angry eyes as he did so, and couldn't find the courage to speak. She expected him to drop Lily, but this was definitely unanticipated.
"Helen" he said slowly, desperately trying to keep himself from shouting, "why did you do that?"
Helen gave a glare and crossed her arms. "Who cares."
"What do you mean 'who cares'?" James croaked. His temper was getting very heated.
"Look, " Helen said defiantly, "It's your fault. You keep paying attention to Lily Evans! She's just your darling, isn't she!"
"That's not true!" James said. "I treated her as a friend and you as a girlfriend!"
Helen pouted. "You know, you're lucky I'm your girlfriend." she pointed out, now placing her hands on her hips, "I can have any guy at school, and I chose you."
James frowned. "I don't." he stated.
Helen's eyes grew wide in disbelief.
'I don't choose you." he continued. "You aren't the one for me, especially with the way you're behaving. We're…we're through."
"What?" Helen screamed. "How?"
"We're through." he finalized.
Helen screamed in rage and turned on her heel, her head sticking up out of pride. She stopped and glowered at him, "You'll be sorry! You'll see me with this handsome guy one day and say 'Wow. I wish she was still mine'!"
James watched her go and walked slowly to the table, once again.
Lily sat upright and stared at James with her eyes opened astonished. They had been watching the argument from the window, and she just couldn't believe it.
James dumped his girlfriend for her.
A/N: Well? How was it? Now you all know what the "hurricane" means. Okay, I know Lily is quite emotional, but hey, she's a teenager and she's still subject to mood swings. No more Helen! yay! Would it be too much to ask if I requested for LONGER reviews? I really enjoy reading them. THANK YOU!
PLEASE REVIEW! Comments, suggestions, constructive criticism, questions, ideas...song stuck in your head right now…anything! You guys are the greatest! You brighten up my gloomiest days!
Review Alert Dance (R.A.D.): (you are invited to add)
clap your hands twice, then kick up high.
hop like a kangaroo, and wiggle your butt (added by webdwonder)
do the waltz with a family member (added by spindol)
moonwalk on rollerskates while flapping your ears (added by fallen816angel)
do the Macarena (added by ShOrTnSwEeT9013)
jump on one foot and stick your tongue out (added by rockluver)
flap your wings like a turtle dove (added by rockluver)
wobble your body like a hula-hoop (added by rockluver)
spin until you throw up (added by GryffindorGoddess28)
Oh yeah, I have something to share with you. I was playing with the letters of 'Lily Evans James Potter' and I got this (although it's not a complete anagram, with 3 letters left out but):
(extra letters=JAT) Simply Earnest Love
I've got my eyes (get it?)on you, kaleidoscope eyes (Pat)
3