Summary: Lily and James love/hate fic. James uncovers some dark secrets in his seventh year.
Author's notes: I was bored so I decided to write this part sooner than the last part...I mean...*sweatdrops* Forget it, you all will just confused yourselves....that's if...you actually read this. *eyes everyone suspiciously* How many of you read this stuff anyway? *curious/suspicious look* *shrugs* Oh, and for anyone who actually DOES read this and are curious as to how long this fic is going to be, I have settled on a number. And that number shall be...
...
...
...
TWENTY!(or somewhere around there...@.@) ^.^" Yes, I have all of the chapter titles figured out, the problem I'm going to have is that the chapter lengths are now going to be pretty long *sighs* Oh, whatever am I to do? So much to write in only...*doesn't count this chapter* sixteen more chapters! *gasps* ^.^"
Anyway...to start this part off, I have one thing to say that may offend some people (my appologies to those people ^.^") and here it is: VOLDEMORT IS A SLIMY GIT! ^.^
Disclaimer: You know the drill...*sighs* I still want Jimmy, Siri, and Remy *dreamy sigh* (getting repetative, isn't it?) ^.^
Of Hidden Truths
(Another Detention)
The weeks of September quickly flew by, or at least it seemed that way to Hogwarts' infamous mischief makers. It always seemed as if the four teenagers would always have a prank or witty remark--and never have them repeated--for almost any situation, which was exactly why James got into the same predicament he was in on the third night at Hogwarts.
"But...Professor!" objected Evans while James also tried to put in a coherent statement. McGonagall wouldn't have any of this, however, and silenced them with a glance.
"You two have disrupted my class for the seventh time today. I've given you both several warnings and now you have left me with no choice but to assign you detention," she told them sharply. Evans looked at her hands as if she were ashamed while James pursed his lips.
The last time he had detention with Evans he did most of the work while she criticized his work and would ignore everything he said. Typical Evans behavior, but very, very annoying.
"Report to me tonight for your punishment," finished McGonagall as she turned away from the two and continued her lesson. While her attention was away from the area, it gave Sirius, Remus, and Peter enough time to snicker at their friend's plight and for James to scowl at Evans.
"I think our dear Prongs fancies Dearest Lily," whispered Sirius to Peter and Remus. "This is his second detention with her this year."
"Not that that's too surprising," agreed Remus with a hint of a smile on his face.
"Bugger off," muttered James, having overhearing the small exchange.
"Ah, come on, Prongs. Ya know she isn't that bad looking..." Sirius studied the redhead who was taking notes on everything McGonagall said, as if it would make up for disrupting the professor's class. James snorted, not even really looking at Evans.
"I would have to agree with Padfoot on this one," said Remus, glancing at Evans and then James and back again.
"Oh, whatever," sighed James, going back to what they were working on. Transfiguration was James' best subject so he didn't actually pay attention to McGonagall's lecture and, instead, idlely looked around the classroom. It was too bad that they had this class with the Ravenclaws, as Sirius had taken note of weeks ago.
Knowing that there would be nothing to do in this class, James sighed and rested his chin on his fist, waiting impatiently for McGonagall to dismiss class, which turned out not to be that long of a wait. As soon as she announced that they could pack up their things, the darkhaired Gryffindor stuffed his books and quills into his bag and was about to run out of the classroom when the professor's voice announced, "James Potter, see me as soon as the class leaves."
With a look of dismay, James looked over to his friends, who gave him sympathetic looks...well, Remus and Peter gave him the sympathetic looks while Sirius handled the laughing-like-a-hyena look. James watched as they all left the room, leaving him to deal with Professor McGonagall.
"Sit, Mr. Potter," she ordered, going back to her desk for a moment. James slowly took his seat again, watching with some suspicion as the strict teacher took a seat behind her desk a tight look on her face.
There was a moment of silence before McGonagall spoke up again, "Mr. Potter, I was asked by Professor Dumbledore to detain you until he had a moment to speak with you, so you may stop acting as if I had sentenced you to death."
At that, James breathed a sigh of relief. So he wasn't going to be suspended or expelled or whatever. "Er...all right, Professor, but might I inquire why Professor Dumbledore would want to see me?" he asked, curiously.
"You may, but I answer you honestly that I am not the one to tell you. You will find out when Professor Dum--" The older woman stopped herself as the door to her classroom opened to reveal the exact man they were speaking of. "Albus. I hadn't expected you to come this quickly," she greeted, beginning to stand, while Dumbledore waved a hand, smiling cheerfully.
"It was no trouble, Minerva, though I daresay that three mischievous boys that were listening behind the door were quite surprised when I approached them," he answered with a small chuckle and a bright twinkle in his blue eyes.
James smiled despite himself. Typical of Sirius, Remus, and Peter to listen in on what the professor was telling him.
"Honestly," sighed McGonagall as she sat back down. "I don't know what to do with those boys--" Here she paused to look briefly at James, who sent her a smile. Again Dumbledore chuckled heartilly.
"They are only but seventeen, Minerva. Let them enjoy their last year here before you decide anything," he replied with a small smile on his old and wisened face.
"By the time they leave this school, Albus," started McGonagall. "They will be far too old to whip into shape and will no longer be able to serve detentions, although I daresay they enjoy it--" Here James smiled innocently.
"Yes, it is a sad thing when students move on and you stay behind. But there is still plenty of time left for these...marauders." Dumbledore looked down at James for a moment before looking toward McGonagall once again.
"If you say so, Albus." McGonagall sighed once again before moving to stand again. "I'll be out in corridor if you need anything."
Dumbledore nodded. "That would be appreciated," he answered as the Transfiguration professor gave a short nodm stood, and then exit the room. When the door closed again, James rose a curious brow at the Headmaster, who merely gave the young boy a small smile.
"It is good to see you again, Mr. Potter, when you aren't in my office waiting for punishment," he greeted merrily, eyes twinkling with amusement. James couldn't help but to smile at that. Dumbledore was just the kind of man that could put any person at ease and it was true that James rarely saw his Headmaster unless it was for punishment.
"Good to see you, too, Professor," he replied as the old wizard went up to McGonagall's desk, before leaning against the front of it, patiently watching the young boy before him.
"Yes, but I'm afraid that my visit is not going to be pleasent," said Dumbledore, losing the twinkle in his eyes for a moment. James shifted in his seat, anticipating where the topic was headed. He was not going to talk about that, especially in front of Dumbledore.
"Sir?" he asked, as if confused even if he actually knew what his Headmaster was saying.
Dumbledore gave him a look that plainly told him that he knew that James knew what he was talking about. Before the older man could say anything, James looked down at his desk and glared at it, angry that he was being forced to talk about this.
"I understand that you wish all this to go away and that you do not have to face the truth or tell anyone of it, but--" Dumbledore paused to look at the student in front of him for a moment before continuing, "but it is better to let someone help with the burden then carry it all on your own."
James didn't reply.
"Ah, yes," began Dumbledore with a sigh. "Jessica Potter was a lovely woman. Brave, selfless, courageous, proud, stubborn, and very, very loud, if I do recall correctly." Again Dumbledore paused, watching James curl his hands into fists in an attempt to reign in his emotions.
"It is sad that she passed on at such a young age," he continued, "but she knew, if anything, that sadly all great things must come to an end and that death is nothing but the next great adventure. Even with that knowledge, however, she would always be wary...perhaps even fearful. Yes, such a sad thing that she passed on at such an age..."
"She didn't pass on," muttered James through clenched teeth.
Dumbledore gave the boy a curious look. "Beg pardon?" he asked.
"She didn't pass on, she was killed. Why doesn't anyone else see that?" answered James, looking up at the Headmaster.
"Because not anyone and everyone knows of what occurred last year. Myself being an example," replied Dumbledore. "There is no need to get upset. I was merely musing on the past. A past that seems much more distant that how I should remember."
James gave the man a slightly confused look before looking down at the desk again, unclenching his fists. "She didn't pass on," he repeated softly.
"And I understand that now," said Dumbledore.
James shook his head. "I'm sorry, Professor, but I would like to go now, if you wouldn't mind."
Dumbledore nodded, a sad look in his eyes. "Yes, I understand. But remember, James...the past is just that. The past. And until you can reach beyond that which has happened previously in your life, you will remain just there. In the past." The older man gave him a pointed look. "And the past is more painful than the fear of the events to come."
Without another look to Dumbledore, James lifted his bag and headed out of the classroom. For a moment he stood there, in the middle of the hall, staring at the ground under his feet. It was only when the floor became blurry in his eyes that he continued on, wiping his eyes as he went. Instead of heading to the Common Room, however, the seventh year Gryffindor headed outside, not willing to face his friends with himself in this position.
On the banks of the lake was the most peaceful place on the grounds at Hogwarts and that was where James spent most of the afternoon. He was lucky that he had no more classes that day and only had to look forward to the dentention that night. His luck, however, ended there. For he once again unwittingly ran into his House rival.
At least...his House rival ran into him, sitting on the banks of the lake.
Sitting there, with his knees drawn up to his chest, his arms wrapped around his knees, and looking out onto the lake's surface as the wind rustled his unkempt hair, James looked less like himself--a seventeen-year old prankster that was usually surrounded by people--and more like someone else--a seven-year old loner that was often seen alone. He didn't care what he looked like to anyone else, however, and that included Lily Evans.
James didn't even have to look up to know who it was that was creating the shadow that cast over him.
"Go away," he said dully, still staring at the lake's surface.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Evans as she stood next to him, watching him curiously.
"Why do you care?" James unwrapped one of his arms, searching the ground for a rock. When he found one, he hurled it into the lake, creating a slight splash as it hit the water and then sunk to the bottom of the lake.
"Nice throw," said Evans, still not moving from her position.
James didn't answer.
Evans sighed. "Listen, do you want me to go get your friends? Black? Lupin? Pettigre--"
"Why don't you just leave me alone?" demanded James, annoyed at Evans for being there and interrupting his thoughts.
"Fine. Whatever," said Evans, her face going red. "Someone tries to be nice to you and you bite their heads off. Amazing that you even have friends."
Evans glared at him a moment before walking off. As she left, however, James muttered, "You're right...I don't deserve friends, do I?"
"What?" asked Evans' voice and James looked over to his right to see that she had stopped and looked back at him, hearing what he had said. James' eyes narrowed as he pushed himself off the ground and into a standing position.
"You're right," he repeated. "I don't deserve any friends. And you want to know why?"
Evans shook her head, showing she didn't know and not really knowing how to act when James was upset like this. She never had to deal with this before now and was surprised that she was dealing with it now. She was surprised yet again as James angrily pulled something out from under his robes and held it out for her to see.
It was a golden necklace that had a pendant on it. Not just any pendant, but a red stone surrounded by gold. "This thing," continued James as he held it out for her to see. "This thing is why. And I can't even tell anyone what it is! Some friend I am if I can't tell my friends what it is and why it puts me and them in danger! You get that, Evans?"
Evans nodded slightly, showing she understood, but still looked kind of shocked that he had told her this. James shoved the necklace back under his robes and glared at the ground, not willing to take his anger out on her like he almost did that day on the train.
He sighed, feeling the anger drain from his person, and sat down--more like fell back onto the ground--again, putting a hand to his temple. "Look, I'm sorry I got angry right now...it's not your fault."
"No...erm...that's okay," said Evans. "It looked like you were going to explode if you didn't get it off your chest sooner or later."
At that, James laughed dryly. "Might as well blow up at you then, eh?" he asked, before standing again. "Honestly, I didn't want to get mad at you. It wasn't your fault. I just want to be alone for a while, okay?"
Evans nodded again, uncertainly. "Yeah, all right."
"See you at detention then," he murmured before turning and walking away. This day was not turnin out to be his best. Not only was he upset because Dumbledore had attempted to get him to talk about what had happened last year, but his House rival had seen him when he was vulnerable and hadn't done anything like she usually did. She was actually...nice...
James shook his head as he walked aimlessly around the grounds. He couldn't begin to think that Lily Evans may not be that bad of a person. If he did, then that meant that something else had changed in his life and he wanted everything to stay the same. Changes were painful and he didn't want to go through another one.
Of course, as always, James discovered that he must have been thinking for quite a while because soon the sun was setting in the west and it was near time to report to McGonagall for his detention with Evans. Oh, joyous day. Could anything else go wrong?
Obviously they could, James discovered as he walked into McGonagall's office for the second time in the day and saw McGonagall talking to the redhead Head Girl that was Lily Evans.
"Good evening, Mr. Potter. Glad you could join us," greeted McGonagall as she looked over Evans' shoulder. Evans turned around a bit, saw him, and turned back around, acting as if there was nothing different between them.
Good then. No more changes. Or so James had hoped. Once he was standing next to Evans, he noticed how tense she was and how she wouldn't look over at him at all. The old Evans would haven't have been like this.
"Tonight, you two will be working in the potion class room with Professor Bulstrode watching over you. I will be talking with Professor Dumbledore and will be unable to supervise you, so I expect that you will behave just as you would if I were there, is that understood?" she asked, looking at the two teenagers before her. Neither said anything, so she nodded.
"Right then. Follow me." With that, McGonagall led them toward the dungeons where the potion's room was located. Both of the teenagers were silent all the way down, althought one was certainly more silent than the other.
As they came up to the door of the potion's room, McGonagall turned toward them, causing them to stop their walking. "Professor Bulstrode should be waiting for the two of you. He will assign you your punishments." And with that, she turned and left, leaving the two in the hall.
They, however, made no move to go toward the door, not wanting to start their detention just yet and not wanting to have to endure Bulstrode's Slytherinness(as Padfoot would call it, James thought). It was Evans who broke the silence.
"Have you ever...er...served dentention under..." she asked, hesitantly. James couldn't help but to smirk slightly at the question.
"Don't worry. He'll most likely yell at me the most." That answer, however, didn't help Evans nerves, but she didn't get a chance to say something as the door opened in front of them, allowing them entrance to the room and letting them see their potion's teacher.
"Evening, Bulstrode!" greeted James as he walked in. Bulstrode glared at him for a moment before looking at the nervous Evans.
"Well, Ms. Evans? Are you going to enter or do I have to--" Evans quickly rushed into the room, only to bump into James. James looked at her for a moment, brows furrowed.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, curious as to why she was acting so timid.
"I just...er...I mean," she stuttered and jumped when Bulstrode slammed the door shut. Unconsciously, Evans grabbed James arm, while James rose a brow.
This was different.
"That wasn't as loud as usual, Sir...are you beginning to lose your touch?" asked James with false innocence. It was good to pretend that the conversation with Dumbledore never happened, that he was used to having Evans clutching his sleeve--which was pretty strange in itself.
"I'd make sure your mouth was closed, Potter, if I were you--" began Bulstrode as he stalked over to his desk.
"If you were me you wouldn't be as ugly as you are now, you know?" put in James with a smile. Evans looked over at him with wiped eyes and then looked back to Bulstrode as if she thought he was going to pull out his wand any second. Instead, he slammed his fist on the desk.
"Funny, Potter. Be sure to come back here tomorrow evening for another detention." James shrugged, shamelessly. "And you, Ms. Evans--" Evans looked up at him, curiously, as she now realized that he wouldn't do anything too terribly bad to them. "--kindly detach yourself from Potter. Even if you two may have snogging sessions in broom closests, it is hardly--"
"SNOGGING SESSIONS!" shrieked Evans, outraged as she released James' arm as if he had burnt her. James blinked a moment before looking over to her with a sly grin.
"Really, Lily Dearest," he said, slinging an arm around her shoulder, much to her dismay. "I would have never thought you would have told anybody--"
"ARGH! Get your hands off of me, Potter!" yelled Evans, shoving him off of her and knocking him into the student desks. Not being able to regain his balance, James fell over, knocking over several objects over.
"ENOUGH!" roared Bulstrode. James stood up and brushed himself off before looking at a red-faced Evans. All right, so things were back to normal now. That must be a good sign.
Sadly, this was not the case.
"Potter! You are to check every ingredient there is in my storage and see if they are all still useable. You will check the labels, use a book to see how long they remain fresh, and carry out all ingredients that have spoiled. Evans! You watch over him while I work on grading papers," barked Bulstrode before sitting down at his desk.
James sighed, realizing that it was to be a repeat of the last time he was in detention with Evans, only this time it was with Bulstrode watching instead of McGonagall. Making a face at Evans, he went over to the storage room and began his task of sorting out the bad ingredients from the good, while Evans told him what he did wrong and watched as he strained under the weight of the bottles of the spoiled ingredients. All the while, one thought ran through the young boy's mind.
Why on earth were all of those bottles so heavy?
Phoebe Goose: Oooh! You wear glasses too? Yesh! ^.^ I know...they'r just so...so...that way that I couldn't help but to write those fights in the halls. Yeah, Lily is cool and yes, Jimmy was stupid to put those on. Oh, and here's a tip. Don't try that face(you know the one with the squinty eyes?) because it always stops the review *shrugs* I know...it sucks. ^.^ Thanks for reading again and I hope you liked this part as well! ^.^
RedRaspberry: Thanks for reading! Hope you continue to read! ^.^
Kranberries: Hey! Yes, I continued it, and there will be more. I do not plan to abandon it like I did my other fics. Your eyes are that bad too? Yeah, my eyesight sucks. Badly *makes a face* Lol. I think I MIGHT survive a day without my glasses, but I'm not too too sure. ^.^ Oh, and don't worry about rambling! I love rambling! Rmable some more if you review again! ^.^" Thanks for reading! ^.^
The Infallible Teller: Aw...thanks for the nice review. And no worries about my not finishing this fic! I shall finish it! I shall not fail you fathe--*covers mouth* I have been watching WAY too much tv...anyway...Hope you enjoyed! ^.^
Author's notes: I was bored so I decided to write this part sooner than the last part...I mean...*sweatdrops* Forget it, you all will just confused yourselves....that's if...you actually read this. *eyes everyone suspiciously* How many of you read this stuff anyway? *curious/suspicious look* *shrugs* Oh, and for anyone who actually DOES read this and are curious as to how long this fic is going to be, I have settled on a number. And that number shall be...
...
...
...
TWENTY!(or somewhere around there...@.@) ^.^" Yes, I have all of the chapter titles figured out, the problem I'm going to have is that the chapter lengths are now going to be pretty long *sighs* Oh, whatever am I to do? So much to write in only...*doesn't count this chapter* sixteen more chapters! *gasps* ^.^"
Anyway...to start this part off, I have one thing to say that may offend some people (my appologies to those people ^.^") and here it is: VOLDEMORT IS A SLIMY GIT! ^.^
Disclaimer: You know the drill...*sighs* I still want Jimmy, Siri, and Remy *dreamy sigh* (getting repetative, isn't it?) ^.^
(Another Detention)
The weeks of September quickly flew by, or at least it seemed that way to Hogwarts' infamous mischief makers. It always seemed as if the four teenagers would always have a prank or witty remark--and never have them repeated--for almost any situation, which was exactly why James got into the same predicament he was in on the third night at Hogwarts.
"But...Professor!" objected Evans while James also tried to put in a coherent statement. McGonagall wouldn't have any of this, however, and silenced them with a glance.
"You two have disrupted my class for the seventh time today. I've given you both several warnings and now you have left me with no choice but to assign you detention," she told them sharply. Evans looked at her hands as if she were ashamed while James pursed his lips.
The last time he had detention with Evans he did most of the work while she criticized his work and would ignore everything he said. Typical Evans behavior, but very, very annoying.
"Report to me tonight for your punishment," finished McGonagall as she turned away from the two and continued her lesson. While her attention was away from the area, it gave Sirius, Remus, and Peter enough time to snicker at their friend's plight and for James to scowl at Evans.
"I think our dear Prongs fancies Dearest Lily," whispered Sirius to Peter and Remus. "This is his second detention with her this year."
"Not that that's too surprising," agreed Remus with a hint of a smile on his face.
"Bugger off," muttered James, having overhearing the small exchange.
"Ah, come on, Prongs. Ya know she isn't that bad looking..." Sirius studied the redhead who was taking notes on everything McGonagall said, as if it would make up for disrupting the professor's class. James snorted, not even really looking at Evans.
"I would have to agree with Padfoot on this one," said Remus, glancing at Evans and then James and back again.
"Oh, whatever," sighed James, going back to what they were working on. Transfiguration was James' best subject so he didn't actually pay attention to McGonagall's lecture and, instead, idlely looked around the classroom. It was too bad that they had this class with the Ravenclaws, as Sirius had taken note of weeks ago.
Knowing that there would be nothing to do in this class, James sighed and rested his chin on his fist, waiting impatiently for McGonagall to dismiss class, which turned out not to be that long of a wait. As soon as she announced that they could pack up their things, the darkhaired Gryffindor stuffed his books and quills into his bag and was about to run out of the classroom when the professor's voice announced, "James Potter, see me as soon as the class leaves."
With a look of dismay, James looked over to his friends, who gave him sympathetic looks...well, Remus and Peter gave him the sympathetic looks while Sirius handled the laughing-like-a-hyena look. James watched as they all left the room, leaving him to deal with Professor McGonagall.
"Sit, Mr. Potter," she ordered, going back to her desk for a moment. James slowly took his seat again, watching with some suspicion as the strict teacher took a seat behind her desk a tight look on her face.
There was a moment of silence before McGonagall spoke up again, "Mr. Potter, I was asked by Professor Dumbledore to detain you until he had a moment to speak with you, so you may stop acting as if I had sentenced you to death."
At that, James breathed a sigh of relief. So he wasn't going to be suspended or expelled or whatever. "Er...all right, Professor, but might I inquire why Professor Dumbledore would want to see me?" he asked, curiously.
"You may, but I answer you honestly that I am not the one to tell you. You will find out when Professor Dum--" The older woman stopped herself as the door to her classroom opened to reveal the exact man they were speaking of. "Albus. I hadn't expected you to come this quickly," she greeted, beginning to stand, while Dumbledore waved a hand, smiling cheerfully.
"It was no trouble, Minerva, though I daresay that three mischievous boys that were listening behind the door were quite surprised when I approached them," he answered with a small chuckle and a bright twinkle in his blue eyes.
James smiled despite himself. Typical of Sirius, Remus, and Peter to listen in on what the professor was telling him.
"Honestly," sighed McGonagall as she sat back down. "I don't know what to do with those boys--" Here she paused to look briefly at James, who sent her a smile. Again Dumbledore chuckled heartilly.
"They are only but seventeen, Minerva. Let them enjoy their last year here before you decide anything," he replied with a small smile on his old and wisened face.
"By the time they leave this school, Albus," started McGonagall. "They will be far too old to whip into shape and will no longer be able to serve detentions, although I daresay they enjoy it--" Here James smiled innocently.
"Yes, it is a sad thing when students move on and you stay behind. But there is still plenty of time left for these...marauders." Dumbledore looked down at James for a moment before looking toward McGonagall once again.
"If you say so, Albus." McGonagall sighed once again before moving to stand again. "I'll be out in corridor if you need anything."
Dumbledore nodded. "That would be appreciated," he answered as the Transfiguration professor gave a short nodm stood, and then exit the room. When the door closed again, James rose a curious brow at the Headmaster, who merely gave the young boy a small smile.
"It is good to see you again, Mr. Potter, when you aren't in my office waiting for punishment," he greeted merrily, eyes twinkling with amusement. James couldn't help but to smile at that. Dumbledore was just the kind of man that could put any person at ease and it was true that James rarely saw his Headmaster unless it was for punishment.
"Good to see you, too, Professor," he replied as the old wizard went up to McGonagall's desk, before leaning against the front of it, patiently watching the young boy before him.
"Yes, but I'm afraid that my visit is not going to be pleasent," said Dumbledore, losing the twinkle in his eyes for a moment. James shifted in his seat, anticipating where the topic was headed. He was not going to talk about that, especially in front of Dumbledore.
"Sir?" he asked, as if confused even if he actually knew what his Headmaster was saying.
Dumbledore gave him a look that plainly told him that he knew that James knew what he was talking about. Before the older man could say anything, James looked down at his desk and glared at it, angry that he was being forced to talk about this.
"I understand that you wish all this to go away and that you do not have to face the truth or tell anyone of it, but--" Dumbledore paused to look at the student in front of him for a moment before continuing, "but it is better to let someone help with the burden then carry it all on your own."
James didn't reply.
"Ah, yes," began Dumbledore with a sigh. "Jessica Potter was a lovely woman. Brave, selfless, courageous, proud, stubborn, and very, very loud, if I do recall correctly." Again Dumbledore paused, watching James curl his hands into fists in an attempt to reign in his emotions.
"It is sad that she passed on at such a young age," he continued, "but she knew, if anything, that sadly all great things must come to an end and that death is nothing but the next great adventure. Even with that knowledge, however, she would always be wary...perhaps even fearful. Yes, such a sad thing that she passed on at such an age..."
"She didn't pass on," muttered James through clenched teeth.
Dumbledore gave the boy a curious look. "Beg pardon?" he asked.
"She didn't pass on, she was killed. Why doesn't anyone else see that?" answered James, looking up at the Headmaster.
"Because not anyone and everyone knows of what occurred last year. Myself being an example," replied Dumbledore. "There is no need to get upset. I was merely musing on the past. A past that seems much more distant that how I should remember."
James gave the man a slightly confused look before looking down at the desk again, unclenching his fists. "She didn't pass on," he repeated softly.
"And I understand that now," said Dumbledore.
James shook his head. "I'm sorry, Professor, but I would like to go now, if you wouldn't mind."
Dumbledore nodded, a sad look in his eyes. "Yes, I understand. But remember, James...the past is just that. The past. And until you can reach beyond that which has happened previously in your life, you will remain just there. In the past." The older man gave him a pointed look. "And the past is more painful than the fear of the events to come."
Without another look to Dumbledore, James lifted his bag and headed out of the classroom. For a moment he stood there, in the middle of the hall, staring at the ground under his feet. It was only when the floor became blurry in his eyes that he continued on, wiping his eyes as he went. Instead of heading to the Common Room, however, the seventh year Gryffindor headed outside, not willing to face his friends with himself in this position.
On the banks of the lake was the most peaceful place on the grounds at Hogwarts and that was where James spent most of the afternoon. He was lucky that he had no more classes that day and only had to look forward to the dentention that night. His luck, however, ended there. For he once again unwittingly ran into his House rival.
At least...his House rival ran into him, sitting on the banks of the lake.
Sitting there, with his knees drawn up to his chest, his arms wrapped around his knees, and looking out onto the lake's surface as the wind rustled his unkempt hair, James looked less like himself--a seventeen-year old prankster that was usually surrounded by people--and more like someone else--a seven-year old loner that was often seen alone. He didn't care what he looked like to anyone else, however, and that included Lily Evans.
James didn't even have to look up to know who it was that was creating the shadow that cast over him.
"Go away," he said dully, still staring at the lake's surface.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Evans as she stood next to him, watching him curiously.
"Why do you care?" James unwrapped one of his arms, searching the ground for a rock. When he found one, he hurled it into the lake, creating a slight splash as it hit the water and then sunk to the bottom of the lake.
"Nice throw," said Evans, still not moving from her position.
James didn't answer.
Evans sighed. "Listen, do you want me to go get your friends? Black? Lupin? Pettigre--"
"Why don't you just leave me alone?" demanded James, annoyed at Evans for being there and interrupting his thoughts.
"Fine. Whatever," said Evans, her face going red. "Someone tries to be nice to you and you bite their heads off. Amazing that you even have friends."
Evans glared at him a moment before walking off. As she left, however, James muttered, "You're right...I don't deserve friends, do I?"
"What?" asked Evans' voice and James looked over to his right to see that she had stopped and looked back at him, hearing what he had said. James' eyes narrowed as he pushed himself off the ground and into a standing position.
"You're right," he repeated. "I don't deserve any friends. And you want to know why?"
Evans shook her head, showing she didn't know and not really knowing how to act when James was upset like this. She never had to deal with this before now and was surprised that she was dealing with it now. She was surprised yet again as James angrily pulled something out from under his robes and held it out for her to see.
It was a golden necklace that had a pendant on it. Not just any pendant, but a red stone surrounded by gold. "This thing," continued James as he held it out for her to see. "This thing is why. And I can't even tell anyone what it is! Some friend I am if I can't tell my friends what it is and why it puts me and them in danger! You get that, Evans?"
Evans nodded slightly, showing she understood, but still looked kind of shocked that he had told her this. James shoved the necklace back under his robes and glared at the ground, not willing to take his anger out on her like he almost did that day on the train.
He sighed, feeling the anger drain from his person, and sat down--more like fell back onto the ground--again, putting a hand to his temple. "Look, I'm sorry I got angry right now...it's not your fault."
"No...erm...that's okay," said Evans. "It looked like you were going to explode if you didn't get it off your chest sooner or later."
At that, James laughed dryly. "Might as well blow up at you then, eh?" he asked, before standing again. "Honestly, I didn't want to get mad at you. It wasn't your fault. I just want to be alone for a while, okay?"
Evans nodded again, uncertainly. "Yeah, all right."
"See you at detention then," he murmured before turning and walking away. This day was not turnin out to be his best. Not only was he upset because Dumbledore had attempted to get him to talk about what had happened last year, but his House rival had seen him when he was vulnerable and hadn't done anything like she usually did. She was actually...nice...
James shook his head as he walked aimlessly around the grounds. He couldn't begin to think that Lily Evans may not be that bad of a person. If he did, then that meant that something else had changed in his life and he wanted everything to stay the same. Changes were painful and he didn't want to go through another one.
Of course, as always, James discovered that he must have been thinking for quite a while because soon the sun was setting in the west and it was near time to report to McGonagall for his detention with Evans. Oh, joyous day. Could anything else go wrong?
Obviously they could, James discovered as he walked into McGonagall's office for the second time in the day and saw McGonagall talking to the redhead Head Girl that was Lily Evans.
"Good evening, Mr. Potter. Glad you could join us," greeted McGonagall as she looked over Evans' shoulder. Evans turned around a bit, saw him, and turned back around, acting as if there was nothing different between them.
Good then. No more changes. Or so James had hoped. Once he was standing next to Evans, he noticed how tense she was and how she wouldn't look over at him at all. The old Evans would haven't have been like this.
"Tonight, you two will be working in the potion class room with Professor Bulstrode watching over you. I will be talking with Professor Dumbledore and will be unable to supervise you, so I expect that you will behave just as you would if I were there, is that understood?" she asked, looking at the two teenagers before her. Neither said anything, so she nodded.
"Right then. Follow me." With that, McGonagall led them toward the dungeons where the potion's room was located. Both of the teenagers were silent all the way down, althought one was certainly more silent than the other.
As they came up to the door of the potion's room, McGonagall turned toward them, causing them to stop their walking. "Professor Bulstrode should be waiting for the two of you. He will assign you your punishments." And with that, she turned and left, leaving the two in the hall.
They, however, made no move to go toward the door, not wanting to start their detention just yet and not wanting to have to endure Bulstrode's Slytherinness(as Padfoot would call it, James thought). It was Evans who broke the silence.
"Have you ever...er...served dentention under..." she asked, hesitantly. James couldn't help but to smirk slightly at the question.
"Don't worry. He'll most likely yell at me the most." That answer, however, didn't help Evans nerves, but she didn't get a chance to say something as the door opened in front of them, allowing them entrance to the room and letting them see their potion's teacher.
"Evening, Bulstrode!" greeted James as he walked in. Bulstrode glared at him for a moment before looking at the nervous Evans.
"Well, Ms. Evans? Are you going to enter or do I have to--" Evans quickly rushed into the room, only to bump into James. James looked at her for a moment, brows furrowed.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, curious as to why she was acting so timid.
"I just...er...I mean," she stuttered and jumped when Bulstrode slammed the door shut. Unconsciously, Evans grabbed James arm, while James rose a brow.
This was different.
"That wasn't as loud as usual, Sir...are you beginning to lose your touch?" asked James with false innocence. It was good to pretend that the conversation with Dumbledore never happened, that he was used to having Evans clutching his sleeve--which was pretty strange in itself.
"I'd make sure your mouth was closed, Potter, if I were you--" began Bulstrode as he stalked over to his desk.
"If you were me you wouldn't be as ugly as you are now, you know?" put in James with a smile. Evans looked over at him with wiped eyes and then looked back to Bulstrode as if she thought he was going to pull out his wand any second. Instead, he slammed his fist on the desk.
"Funny, Potter. Be sure to come back here tomorrow evening for another detention." James shrugged, shamelessly. "And you, Ms. Evans--" Evans looked up at him, curiously, as she now realized that he wouldn't do anything too terribly bad to them. "--kindly detach yourself from Potter. Even if you two may have snogging sessions in broom closests, it is hardly--"
"SNOGGING SESSIONS!" shrieked Evans, outraged as she released James' arm as if he had burnt her. James blinked a moment before looking over to her with a sly grin.
"Really, Lily Dearest," he said, slinging an arm around her shoulder, much to her dismay. "I would have never thought you would have told anybody--"
"ARGH! Get your hands off of me, Potter!" yelled Evans, shoving him off of her and knocking him into the student desks. Not being able to regain his balance, James fell over, knocking over several objects over.
"ENOUGH!" roared Bulstrode. James stood up and brushed himself off before looking at a red-faced Evans. All right, so things were back to normal now. That must be a good sign.
Sadly, this was not the case.
"Potter! You are to check every ingredient there is in my storage and see if they are all still useable. You will check the labels, use a book to see how long they remain fresh, and carry out all ingredients that have spoiled. Evans! You watch over him while I work on grading papers," barked Bulstrode before sitting down at his desk.
James sighed, realizing that it was to be a repeat of the last time he was in detention with Evans, only this time it was with Bulstrode watching instead of McGonagall. Making a face at Evans, he went over to the storage room and began his task of sorting out the bad ingredients from the good, while Evans told him what he did wrong and watched as he strained under the weight of the bottles of the spoiled ingredients. All the while, one thought ran through the young boy's mind.
Why on earth were all of those bottles so heavy?
Phoebe Goose: Oooh! You wear glasses too? Yesh! ^.^ I know...they'r just so...so...that way that I couldn't help but to write those fights in the halls. Yeah, Lily is cool and yes, Jimmy was stupid to put those on. Oh, and here's a tip. Don't try that face(you know the one with the squinty eyes?) because it always stops the review *shrugs* I know...it sucks. ^.^ Thanks for reading again and I hope you liked this part as well! ^.^
RedRaspberry: Thanks for reading! Hope you continue to read! ^.^
Kranberries: Hey! Yes, I continued it, and there will be more. I do not plan to abandon it like I did my other fics. Your eyes are that bad too? Yeah, my eyesight sucks. Badly *makes a face* Lol. I think I MIGHT survive a day without my glasses, but I'm not too too sure. ^.^ Oh, and don't worry about rambling! I love rambling! Rmable some more if you review again! ^.^" Thanks for reading! ^.^
The Infallible Teller: Aw...thanks for the nice review. And no worries about my not finishing this fic! I shall finish it! I shall not fail you fathe--*covers mouth* I have been watching WAY too much tv...anyway...Hope you enjoyed! ^.^