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 FOR THE REVIEWS! Gosh, you guys rock! I'm sorry this chapter came out later than usual; I had to pace my plot so I could have like 9 or 10 chapters, instead of just 8. Plus, I was a little low on the inspiration level. I love dancing the R.A.D!
Thank you to Clfev, lilypad-7879, May May 15, firewalker32, and natarajani for adding me to their Author Alerts/Favorites List! Now, for my very indebted list to those who are very nice and reviewed my story!
Twilight66: Thank you so much! I try my best in writing!
martian doll: I know, even I started to get annoyed with Helen's whining! Thanks!
Kara Adar: Yeah, GREEN! I already have Lily's dress planned (from the beginning, hehe). And the R.A.D. is interesting! Haha. It's ok, Ithat definitely wasn't a pointless review! And it was long! Yay! Thank you!
Krissy4: Haha. Gaudy-bigheaded girl. Skank-on-a-Stick. You're very good at insults! Yeah, the ball's going to be fun! And fluffy, if you like that! Thanks!
MuGgLeNeT27: Let's celebrate! She's finally out of the picture! Your step is added down below. Thanks!
nina: Thanks for reviewing! I hope you review more often! Your step is added down under (no not in Australia, haha, get it?)
LilyFlower1001: Thank you! I love it when Lily confesses her feelings and stuff like that!
MissMisFit9: I'm glad you got the 'hurricane' thing! (I just noticed all my stories have to do with the weather) And it's good the title catches your eye, woah, another pun that goes with my name! cool! Yes! That review was nice and long! Thanks!
no one: I like your name. Hehe. I was so flattered when you called it brainy! Yeah, I researched a lot! Thanks!
Bonzai!!!: Do another chapter? Here's the other one. =D Thank you!!!!!
LilyPotter: Was that the whole review? Oh well, I got most of it. They'll be together (in the next chapter…oops. did I type that?) haha. Hopefully, we'll all love Helen again! Thank you!!!
GryffindorGoddess28: I used your head0banging thing, and I credited (down there, see?). I don't think it's as funny as I planned, but I guess it'll do. James is one popular dude. Um, I always thought you had to be 17 to be in 7th year. So people who were born in the middle of the school year are older. Did you get it? PETER IS STUPID!!! (I hate him) Yeah, Remus and Sirius figured out already. I love your long reviews, btw! Thanks!
Luthien RhiannonCat5: I counted, and estimated 10 chapters. Thanks. I like being original. Hehe. You do know that the pregnant and married thing is a joke, right? Thank you for putting me on your favorites list!!! I reviewed your story! It was great! I put all your steps down below. I hope you did your homework by the time you read this. Haha. Thanks, again!
lilypad-7879: I love your enthusiasm! I tried to hurry, but I couldn't. Sorry! But I hope this chapter's as good as the others! Thanks! I read your fic!
firewalker32: It's okay, you don't need to give me dances! As long as you review. hehe. Thank you!!!
Clfev: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are very very very nice!
ne0nhunter: Yeah, clicking the submit button can easily happen, I don't blame you. Hey, we can be Lily's cheerleaders, or something! ::joins in the cheers:: Thank you!
sting-23: Thank you! I love describing! And thank you for saying it's well researched. I'm weird; I have a knack for facts! Hehe. I lie the loooong review!
Suji: I know, they're both pretty clueless. Or just scared. You're review was so beautifully long! I love it! And I enjoyed reading it very much! Haha. The RAD really helps, huh. Thanks!
trugryfinndorgrit: Wow. Even it was short, it meant a lot! A lot a lot! It was so flattering to read! Thank you!!! (Sorry if I review late on your story, hehe. But I review nonetheless)
Kyo-grli91: You are just very talented in complimenting. They should give you an award for being the best compliment-er! Thanks!
spin dol: The birthday was a bit over, huh. Well, it was funny that way! You have four thumbs? ::gasp:: Thanks!
pixieballerina: Thank you! Your step is added after the story (I like it very much)!
cggeek241: I'm so glad you like it! Thank you!!!
webdwonder: Hehe, Padfoot always makes me laugh! Yes, dawg! You're Randy Jackson, doh! Thanks, dawg!
Tizzie: Haha, Good one, Hell-en! Yeah! But she isn't that that bad. She got worse though. But she's gone! Thanks!!!
MightyMouth: New word: updations! Cool! You should start a dictionary! When are you gonna sign up? Thanks! You're so great!
Indiangurl: It's like Jackal & Hyde, or something! James experiences more 'pain' here (or whatever you call it). Nice, 'Scooby Gang". No, I don't hink I heard the song 'Push' before, but, then again, maybe I did. ::shrugs::. Thanks! You rock! (and so does your new story!) Haha! Added your step!
LCH8292: Hmmm, what does your name mean? Yeah, bye bye Helen! I added your step, below the story! Thanks!
A/N: Okay, I won't delay. Credits for the Head-Banging thing goes to GryffindorGoddess28. Thanks! Read on!
You're Hurricane, You're Fire in the Sun
By: kaleidoscope0 0eyes (Pat)
Chapter 7: Head-Banging, Head MeetingBANG!
A loud repeating banging noise interrupted the somber atmosphere that supposedly filled the Gryffindor common room. Alone, near the table, James banged his head neurotically against the wooden surface, murmuring certain curse words, purposely censored from this text.
BANG!
It had been two days after his break-up with Helen, and he noticed the sudden air of anxiety and tension between him and Lily. He racked his brain out of utter confusion. 'Why are girls so hard to understand?'
BANG!
Word had spread like fire in a coniferous forest. By now, everyone knew Helen and he had split up, and were no longer a couple. Hope was reborn in the hearts of his many admirers. Groups of gushing girls could be seen with wide smiles plastered on their cheeks – they once again had a chance.
BANG!
For Helen, on the other hand, her charming, sweet nature seemed to have vanished so quickly (how would he work with her in Quidditch?). Right after she got 'dumped', she fleeted over to Amos Diggory. Her relationship with James Potter seemed to have earned her some brownie points in getting a guy, and the amount of men that wanted her suddenly shot up.
BANG!
It was just like males. They always want something that's hard to get.
BA –
"What!" James snapped. Someone had put their hand against his forehead to stop him from banging against the table. His glasses dangled against his nose askew and dark circles surrounded his narrowing eyes.
"Prongs! What exactly are you trying to accomplish?" It was Remus. His face was lighted in deep concern.
James looked up at him in slight incredulity and muttered "klydegflgveofgikfhuwexeewf! kyvfhvfgal? idsgurghdifdty!" Then, let his head slowly fall against the table once again.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Wow. A triple threat.
"Um…that says a lot? I definitely know what's going on now." Remus replied sardonically. He looked amused at the figure of James' head facing down at the table, muttering angrily at the wood. With the slightest bit of strength, he reached at James' untidy hair and pulled.
James groaned as his head was raised backward. His forehead was brick red, and his glasses dented the bridge of his nose. "What do you want, Remus?" he grunted in frustration.
"What's wrong, mate?" Remus asked.
James gave him a knowing look and automatically smirked.
"Lily?"
"Obviously" James nodded. He sighed at her name and showed Remus the book he was supposed to be reading.
Written in calligraphy, at the corner were the initials "L.E." in the center of a flying snitch.
Remus gazed upon it and gave a toothy grin. "She hasn't spoken to you yet?"
James shook his head, sadly. Why was she ignoring him? He didn't do anything wrong.
"She can't ignore you forever." Remus comforted. "Don't worry, things will look up soon."
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Lily waded through the pile of books in front of her. She had read and reread "Hogwarts: A History", "Atrociously Scary Arithmancy", "Bloodcurdling Omens", "Hazardous Hexes for the Horrible", and, her favorite muggle romantic novel "By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea".
She grinned dreamily as she examined the last page of the novel. It was the part where they claimed their undying love.
---
"Elizabeth, darling!" the young man called after her, in a husky voice. "Never leave me!" He ran toward the glowing brunette, waving his arms around rapidly.
She smiled, and scurried as well, swishing her large flowing cotton skirt against the flowing water. It grew heavier and took in ample amounts of sand at the end. "Oh, I love you!" She screamed, out of pure happiness.
"And I love you!" he replied as he held her in his arms. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes." she said. "YES!"
They pulled each other in a passionate kiss.
---
It was horribly clichéd, yet Lily enjoyed reading it. Perhaps because she had fantasies of it happening with James Potter.
She frowned. James Potter. She was trying her best of ignoring him. Not the obvious silent treatment kind, but the kind where you stay as far away as possible. She did this out of cowardice.
It scared her deeply. She was never good at relationships. How do you go up the next step? She knew that James liked her now, or maybe she just thought. But how would she go about all this? Does he know she likes him? Or…
BANG!
Lily let her head fall against the table. She quickly shot her head up, and put her hand against her forehead. "Ow!"
She looked around at the library to see if she disturbed anyone. To her relief, she was only one of the five there.
Lily took out a seat cushion and placed it under her head.
THUMP!
This was the way to do it. Bang you head against a pillow. After all, Lily couldn't suffer from any concussions now, N.E.W.T.S. were coming up.
-----------------------------------------
"Ms. Evans!" someone called out in a stern voice.
Lily whirled around just as she exited the Library, holding a pile of books under her arm. She found Professor McGonagall walking towards her holding out a roll of parchment.
"Yes, Professor?" she asked politely, trying her best to keep her numerous books from toppling over because of her sharp turn.
"Here's the agenda for today's Head meeting. No prefects will be required for this one." she declared, and shoved the roll under Lily's other arm.
Lily was speechless. "H-Head m-meeting? Today?" she stuttered.
"Yes. You didn't forget, did you? You are to continue your plans on the Christmas Eve Ball."
Lily mentally slapped the upside of her head. 'How are you going to ignore James now?'
McGonagall inspected Lily's expression, and didn't wait for a reply. "You might as well remind our dear Head Boy."
Lily nodded hastily as she watched McGonagall tip her pointed hat in a good-bye.
'Oh great.'
----------------------------------------- (James' side)
Sirius, Remus and James put their heads together, whispering fervently to plan their next full moon escapade that would take place a week after Christmas. They grinned excitedly from ear-to-ear, and looked like a bunch of susceptible lunatics. James was unreservedly energized about their adventure, but could still feel the sting of Lily at the back of his mind.
His grin dropped when the portrait door swung open revealing a flustered redhead. His gaze followed her footsteps, and he realized she was actually heading towards him. He could feel his heart thump loudly, and he gulped.
When she turned to look at him, he quickly looked down at their plans, pretending he didn't notice her. But he felt her presence as she neared. Each step closer, the temperature rose. He could feel the palms of his hands grow clammy. He never felt this nervous before in his whole life. James Potter was never nervous.
"Potter." she acknowledged, stopping in front of the grinning group. Her voice was shaky and her face was red.
James looked up, and pretended to be surprised. "Hello, Lily." he said, disguising his apprehension.
Remus and Sirius stopped talking and looked at the situation that was ensuing. They figured out a few days ago that Lily liked James, and after what happened at the Three Broomsticks, they realized that James still liked Lily (he confessed earlier on). They looked at each other cautiously and hid a mischievous smirk.
The girl cleared her throat. "Professor McGonagall wanted me to remind you of our meeting later at 7 o'clock."
James just nodded. He was a little taken aback by Lily's cold manner towards him.
"Right. I'll see you then. At the empty classroom, next to the dungeon." Lily ended. It seemed like she was rushing all the words out of her mouth, and it came out in a slur.
James nodded once more, but spoke. "Right. See you at 7." he said. It just struck him that this was his chance to actually be able to speak to Lily. He could finally put an end to his uncertain misery and ask her what was going on. Out of habit, he ran his fingers through his hair. James felt Lily's eyes on his hair, as it stuck in different directions, and quickly brought his hand down awkwardly.
Lily muttered a quick good-bye and turned to the staircase leading to her dormitory. James watched her walk slowly to the steps. Probably thinking that she was already out of sight, she broke into a run.
James exhaled loudly, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, and continued working on his plans.
-----------------------------------------(same scene but from Lily's side)
"Squirting Gobstones." Lily said to the Fat Lady. The portrait opened swiftly, and she climbed in.
There he was -- with his friends. Lily took a deep breath, as she felt shivers vibrate through her spine. She held her books tightly under her arm, careful to keep them there. The last thing she needed was for her to drop all of them and make a fool of herself once more.
Slowly but surely, she watched her feet and walked towards their table, wary of any protruding cracks that would cause her to trip. She looked up at James and caught his eyes for about a second. Was he watching her?
Remus and Sirius were grinning goofily, while James stared intently at a laid out roll of parchment.
"Potter." she said, trying to sound as cool as possible. To her surprise, she came out…stern.
James looked up. "Hello, Lily."
Right then and there, she felt like fainting. She loved the way her name rolled off his tongue. She fought a grin.
Suddenly, all three dashingly handsome boys had their eyes on her. She wanted to melt under their stare. She cleared her throat, and managed to squeak out "Professor McGonagall wanted me to remind you of our meeting later at 7 o'clock."
James just nodded, keeping his eyes on her. She twiddled her fingers, thinking of what to say next. "Right. I'll see you then. At the empty classroom, next to the dungeon." she said as quickly as possible.
James nodded again, but replied, "Right. See you at 7."
Lily was about to leave when he brought his hand up to mess his hair, like he always did. She couldn't move. She was hypnotized. She gawked at his fingers, studying every direction each strand of hazel brown hair.
Her stare was broken when he quickly put his hand down. 'Oh my! I was staring at him!' she mentally screamed. Lily murmured a quick good-bye and walked briskly toward her staircase, not daring to look back. Once she reached the steps, she broke into a run, and spent the next hour looking forward to, yet dreading the meeting.
-----------------------------------------
7:05. He was late.
He exited the portrait door and ran towards the dungeon, taking in and out even breaths, something he had learned at Quidditch.
He couldn't believe it. He was nervous. Afraid, even, if he could admit it. Memories of Lily's temper flew in and struck him hard. How was it that Lily changed so quickly? How was it that the girl who hated him, became so quiet and friendly, and then turned cold once more?
Lily Evans was a very complicated girl.
Why couldn't he like someone who said she loved you, and that's the end?
But where would be the fun in that?
Besides, the feel of her silky soft skin, and her luscious red lips against his, wouldn't you die for that? Her conscious smile, and her warmth, isn't that something worth living and dying for?
James rubbed his head, outright irritated. He entered the dark, echoing corridors, and realized how lonely he was. He needed Lily. He subconsciously craved for her.
Water trickled down the wet cobblestones covering the wall. The silence was aggravating. His heart thumped loudly against his chest as he turned the engraved golden knob. Slowly, he pulled it while looking at the time (7:10), and found a blank-faced head girl staring right at him.
The fire crackled widely in the fireplace, and it highlighted Lily's features, her small nose, her red cheeks, and her dazzling green eyes. He noticed she had laid out all the materials they would need for today: the agenda, quills, scrolls –
"You're late." was what she said. She wasn't angry, nor happy. Her face was unreadable.
"Sorry." James mumbled and quickly took a seat across hers.
-----------------------------------------
She didn't know why, but she felt like he stood her up. But he didn't, because, (1) he showed up, and (2) IT WASN'T A DATE!
Still, she couldn't help but show her anger, or was it hurt?
She took out the roll Professor McGonagall gave to her, and read it aloud. "The Head C-couple" she stuttered as she read 'couple', as images of James and her being a couple quickly flashed through her mind, "are to discuss the details of the Christmas Eve Ball, and are to submit it by tomorrow noon. It is to be written on a foot-sized parchment, nothing more, nothing less. An outline of the topics you shall mull over is situated below…"
So like Professor McGonagall, she took stride in precision.
To James' disappointment, Lily was able to have a 'discussion' without having to talk to each other. She divided the work: James doing the list of songs the band can play, the menu for the evening, and the organization, while Lily would work on the decorations, table settings, and such.
Every now and then he would look at her curiously, and Lily would ignore him. "Lily?"
"Hm?" was all she said, willfully not looking up. She tried her best to focus all her attention on her parchment.
"Which band would you prefer: The Bizarre Brothers, or The Creepy Crawlies?" He played with the tip of his quill, and let the feathers stroke his chin.
Lily finally looked up and stared into his, daresay, wide, 'innocent' eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She ended up just shrugging.
James gaped. "Why aren't you saying anything? We're supposed to 'discuss'!" He held out his list, and said, "Do you call this 'discuss'? No."
Lily just looked at him, expressionless. Then turned back to her quill and continued writing.
"Are you suffering from that muggle sickness? Largytinis?"
"Laryngitis." she said.
He stood up and clapped. "Yay! She finally spoke!"
Lily looked up once more, and gave him a tiny, minuscule, minute, infinitesimal smile (however way you describe it, it was small). But, since it was so little, maybe it wasn't even a smile.
He sat down once more, and took hold of her hand. "Lily? Why aren't you speaking to me? What did I do?"
Lily shook her head in defiance, waving her red hair madly around her face. "Nothing, okay?"
It was obvious she was lying. "Lily, please tell me." he begged, clutching her hand tighter this time. "Please? I thought we were friends? What happened?"
'I like you is what happened' is what she wanted to say, but how could she? What if she was wrong about him liking her? That would be absolutely embarrassing. Her lips trembled, as she bit it. She was always so emotional. She wondered if he could feel her hand shaking. Or if he knew that the hair on her back was standing. "I thi-think we are friends…"
"You don't act like you're my friend." he said cautiously, but meaningfully.
Should she tell him? Should she tell him her deepest, darkest secret that only Alice knew? Risk what she had left of her reputation and her dignity? Should she?
She couldn't.
"J-just leave me alone!" she screamed gathering her books. As she reached the door, she added, "Finish your list, and give it to me tomorrow. I'll rewrite it." She slammed the door behind her and ran. Ran as fast as she could.
Tears started to fall once more, and she mentally scolded herself for how she acted, and how lame she ended their little 'discussion'. The only thing that comforted her was the blowing wind. The cold air caressed her and she just wanted to fly away. Dreams of her childhood came back and felt the urge to go and jump on the clouds and slide down the rainbows.
Could it be, that dreams were just dreams, and fantasies were just fantasies?
-----------------------------------------
James finished his list, alone in the classroom, and walked sulkily back to the common room. Why did she have such an outburst? Maybe he shouldn't have pestered her.
"Squirting Gobstones" he said so the Fat Lady could swing open. He even ignored her attempts of telling him one of Hogwart's secrets.
He dragged his feet over to the Marauder's throne, and propped his legs up on the foot couch. A few seconds later, he felt the seat move, and found Sirius sitting next to him, solemnly. He, as well, put his foot on a different foot couch, and put his arms behind his head, and looked up at the ceiling lazily.
Sirius could actually be very serious when the time came. "Lily?"
"How'd you know?" By now, they were both looking up at the golden ceiling elaborately painted with their Gryffindor crest.
"Anyone could tell with all the loud sighs you were heaving." He grinned. "Lily rushed in, a couple of minutes earlier, or more, before you arrived. She went right to her dormitory, covering her face. Alice right behind her."
James groaned at the image of Lily crying. He had never seen her crying, but the image alone hurt him very much. He didn't want Lily to be sad. He would do anything for her to be happy, even if it meant removing himself from her life.
"Listen" Sirius continued, digging his hand in the right pocket of his robe, "I think it's about time I show this to you. It's a note Peter found. We didn't think it was appropriate for you to see it then, but now that we know you, um, fancy her…here."
James took the parchment Sirius held out, and read it. His eyes widened in amazement. "This was when I was still dating Helen!" he said.
---
I can't believe this! How could he just drop me like this! Then go out with a pretty blonde called Helen! So what if she's nice to everyone, and not as puritanical as I am, and she enjoys quidditch. She's an Aries. James is a Sagittarius. They may think that they're in love, but they're only destined to be friends. Hah!
Oh, but wait! If I'm a Capricorn, and he's a Sagittarius, we're total opposites. His optimism will set against my pessimism; and his disorderliness will come in contrast with my perfectionism…AN IMPOSSIBLE UNION! Noooooo!
Look at their disgusting display. No, they are not lip locking, but they're LAUGHING! ::gasp::
Sickening. Just plain –
---
Everything suddenly made sense. No wonder she acted so strangely!
He pulled Sirius in a big, grateful bear hug, and grinned goofily.
She liked him. He liked her.
This was perfect!
A/N: Or so he thinks! Okay fine, I think they're going to get together in the next chapter, if James plays his cards right. So now, James knows Lily likes him, but Lily only thinks he likes her. I had to let him know one way or another, since he's usually so clueless! Haha.
Very emotional chapter. Notice all the questions? I tried putting them there to accentuate all the confusion they were going through. I hope it worked.
PLEASE REVIEW (long reviews preferred)! Comments, suggestions, constructive criticism, questions, ideas... rants and raves of a movie you recently watched ::coughharrypotter3cough::…anything! You guys rule my world! Without you, I'd be a writer…without the happiness of reviews! So make me happy, and review!
Review Alert Dance (R.A.D.): (it's so long now!) (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)
do the funky chicken while jumping up and down (added by MuGgLeNeT27)
shimmy then spin around (added by nina)
balance a Harry Potter book on your head, and scream 'I love Lily' (added by Luthien RhiannonCat5)
put a laundry basket on your head and fall down (added by Luthien RhiannonCat5)
go out and intoxicate yourself with coke! (added byLuthien RhiannonCat5)
drop on your knees and say three times 'I love suns and hurricanes!' (added by pixieballerina)
strip down and do the chicken dance (added by Indiangurl)
throw up on Petunia (added by LCH8292)
I've got my eyes (get it?)on you, kaleidoscope eyes (Pat)
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