Something Like Deception
A/N: I am so sorry. I would have updated much, much sooner, but my computer had this virus thing and I couldn't get on it which means I haven't checked anything, including my email . . . which means I had no idea about any of your reviews! AND THEN I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET ON AND I WAS SO SURPRISED . . . and pleased. I'm glad you all like my story. I really appreciate all of your reviews!
And Bewilderment555 wanted me to mention him/her in my story! So here you go! Of course I don't mind. Thank you for reviewing, and you think the story is humorous and light? Yay! That's exactly what I was going for, so it's nice to know that I made it!
Disclaimer: (insert funny/sarcastic something here)
Chapter Ten – betrayal and when enough is enough
Evans was acting so weird! James didn't understand it. Just last night she had said that she hated him and Remus both, and now she kept staring at him in class. Not Remus, but HIM! What was her problem?
"What's up, Prongs?" a loud whisper behind James caught his attention.
He shrugged, and looked over his shoulder at Sirius. "I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but . . . does Lily seem to be acting different to you?"
Sirius raised his eyebrows. "No. But then, I don't watch her every move twenty-four/seven, so I wouldn't know."
James rolled his eyes. "I do not watch her twenty-four/seven."
Remus suddenly leaned over, and said out of the corner of his mouth, "The teacher is looking this way."
James quickly turned toward the front, not wanting to get into trouble in Remus's body. If he hadn't turned so fast, he would have noticed a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of Remus's mouth.
---
Sirius banged his head into the table repeatedly, earning himself a nasty look from Madam Pince. He grinned at her sheepishly when he noticed, and gave her a half-hearted wave. She narrowed her eyes, but went back to what she was doing.
There was nothing in the library on anything. He had been looking everyday for two weeks and a half now, and he was seriously worried. Neither James nor Remus had said anything about the most important issue yet: Remus's transformation, and it was due to happen in about three days. James didn't appear to be experiencing any of Remus's usual pains, and Remus hadn't said anything, which was very strange for him.
Sirius thought that Remus would at least remember the most traumatic recurring experience of his life, but what did he know? Maybe he did remember, but he just didn't want to bring it up because James hadn't said anything, yet?
Sirius sighed. He just wished his friends would go back to nor-
"Do you think he's suspecting anything, yet?"
"Oh, he definitely is. He told Sirius in class that you were acting weird, but I broke up that conversation."
"Why?"
"I don't think it's a good idea for him to suspect everything so soon, you know? He might get too suspicious."
Sirius stood up slowly, and leaned around the bookshelf. His eyes bugged out when he saw who was talking. James and Lily! No . . . Remus and Lily! Remus, in James's body, of course, but what were they talking about?
Sirius's mouth suddenly dropped open. It . . . It couldn't be! Remus and Lily . . . kissing!? Impossible!
Sirius sat down hard in his chair, and took a deep breath. 'Okay, Sirius . . . think! Think! There has to be a reason . . .' Remus not wanting to turn into James . . . Lily's freaking-out when he "disappeared" for a day . . . Remus refusing to help James "get" Lily . . . the way Lily and Remus always looked at each other . . . THE "PREFECT" BUSINESS they always snuck away to do, and the way they never invited any other prefects . . .
That's it. It all made sense. Remus liked Lily. A lot. And they were already going out. Sirius shook his head. But he didn't want Prongs to know. Why? Because Prongs liked Lily, too.
Sirius closed his eyes to think. This didn't make any sense, though. 'Why didn't Remus just tell James in the first place? Why go to all this trouble to hide it?' he thought. 'Remus must've not wanted James to get hurt.' Sirius scowled, recalling Lily's and Remus's recent conversation. 'But he obviously doesn't care anymore.'
---
"Remus . . . we should . . . go . . ." Lily sighed. His lips were warm on her neck.
"Just a few more minutes," he whined, very unlike him.
"As much as I want to say yes . . ." Lily started. Remus pulled her against him.
"Then say yes," he said, grinning.
'I would,' Lily thought, 'but that's Potter's smile. Not Remus's.'
He grinned wider, noting her hesitation, and lowered his lips to hers.
"No!" she hissed, pushing him away. She tried to ignore the hurt look on his face. "I'm sorry, Remus, but . . . I can't kiss you like this! What if someone SEES us? Don't you get it? You're James Potter, not Remus Lupin! And besides . . . it's just weird for me. Sorry, but let's wait, okay?"
Remus sighed, and released her from his embrace. "Okay."
---
Sirius walked slowly back to the common room. There was no other choice, really. He had to tell James, didn't he? James was his first and best friend. Besides, this whole thing was ridiculous, really. James would see the humor in it, and in time forget all about Lily Evans. Then, Remus could live happily ever after and-
Sirius sighed, stopping in front of the portrait of the fat lady. "Who am I kidding?" he whispered. James would be heartbroken. His and Remus's friendship would never be the same again, and Sirius would be stuck in the middle. Meanwhile, Lily would walk off as happily as a pixie wreaking havoc.
Speaking of Lily –
"Hey, Sirius!" the girl said, coming toward him from the hallway. Her face was flushed and she looked excited, full of life.
Sirius glared at her. She appeared not to notice. "Have you seen James?" she asked, blushing a bit.
"No," Sirius said shortly. "I haven't."
She looked taken aback by his harsh tone. "Are you alright, Sirius?" she asked.
"Why don't you call me 'Black' like you usually do?" Sirius snapped.
For a second, she looked completely confused. "What are you talking about? I thought we were okay, now. I mean, I'm friends with Remus . . . and James . . . and you, now, right?"
"Friends! Ha!" Sirius barked. "You think I don't know your little game? What you've been up to? Come on, Lily. I can't speak for my friends, but I'm not stupid!"
Lily stared at him. "What ARE you talking about, Sirius?" she said, sharply. "What have I done?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "You've hated all of us since forever. And all of a sudden, we're all best friends? When did that happen? Before or after you started snogging Remus, I wonder?"
Lily's face flushed. "I-I don't know what you're t-talking about – " she stammered.
Sirius laughed bitterly. "Well, I know exactly what I'm talking about, and I won't let you do this to my friends – "
"Sirius, I think you've got it all wrong. Remus and I . . . well, yes we're dating and we have been for a while now – "
"Ah, ha!" Sirius exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at her. He was well- aware that he was acting childish, but at the moment he didn't care. "So just jumped in the floo with the first Marauder you saw, did you?"
"NO!" Lily shouted. "I'm not one of those superficial girls that hang around and ooh and ahh over you guys! I'm not like that! Remus and I really like each other. He just didn't want to hurt his best friend, Sirius, so he asked me to keep it a secret and I did. But then, you guys did this to him! You tricked him into doing something he didn't want to do, being someone he didn't want to be, didn't you, all because of Potter's selfish needs! Well, I'm not having it, Sirius! I will not bend to Potter's will like all the rest of you! I like Remus, NOT Potter, and he's the one I want to be with!"
Sirius just stared at her. She had tears in her eyes, now.
"He's going to get what's coming to him, Black! And so will you, if you try to stop me! I swear it!" Her eyes flashed angrily, and she went storming off down the hallway, leaving Sirius looking after her, wide-eyed.
---
Lily kept on stomping until she reached the Quidditch Pitch, where she knew James would probably be, regardless of whose body he was inhabiting. "Ja – Remus!" she called, sweetly.
Sirius wanted to play games with her, did he? Well, now his friend would pay for it! He should've known not to cross Lily Evans!
"Hey, Lily!" James said happily, waving to her from the Gryffindor bleachers. "What's up?"
'This is it,' Lily thought, biting her lip. 'I have to make this seem real.' She held her breath on her way over to him, forcing her cheeks to become really red, so it seemed as though she were blushing.
"H-hi," she gasped. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," he said, smiling.
Lily grimaced. He was smiling at her with Remus's grin. She had to remember whose brain was in that head. "Listen . . . um, I just wanted to apologize to you . . . I shouldn't have gotten upset last night . . . I was just . . . uh, having girl problems."
It's was Remus's – no, James's – turn to blush. "I see," he said quickly. "Well, it's okay. It doesn't matter. Uh, have you talked to Prongs – James – yet?"
"Yeah, sure," Lily said, shrugging.
James frowned, and Lily fought the urge to laugh.
She suddenly flashed him a grin. "I thought it was more important to apologize to you, though. You're my friend, aren't you?" She laid a hand on his arm.
James looked flustered for a minute, but he quickly regained his composure. "Sure, we're friends."
"Right," Lily whispered, lightly running her fingertips up and down his arm.
James seemed transfixed by this. His eyes followed her fingers.
"Listen, Remus . . ." Lily said, softly. She sat down next to him and lightly placed her hand on his cheek. He looked so . . . vulnerable. Lily inwardly grinned.
"There's something I've been meaning to tell you . . ."
---
James could do nothing but stare at her. Was it just him, or was she licking her lips a lot more than was necessary? And why was her hand on his face? He swallowed, suddenly getting very, very nervous.
"Lily – " he started to say.
"Remus," she whispered, interrupting him. "Please, let me finish. I have to."
James nodded, all at once incapable of speech.
"These past two weeks," she started, stroking his cheek. He shivered at her touch. "I just . . . started to notice . . . how . . . very attractive you are."
James's eyes widened. "What?" he gasped.
"It's strange," Lily continued. "But I've never noticed until now . . . how much I like you." She fixed her eyes on him. "I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice the change in you. It's as if you've become . . . a whole new person."
She lowered her face towards his, but he regained use of his body and abruptly stood up. "Evans, wait! You . . . you don't understand . . ."
She stared at him. "What are you talking about?"
James took a deep breath. "I'm . . . not who you think I am."
"Yes, you are," Lily insisted. "Stop acting weird. You're Remus Lupin, aren't you?"
James turned bright red. "Umm . . . See, that's the thing . . ."
Lily grinned. "Remus, you're such a joker." Wincing mentally, she reached over and hugged him. "I like you so much! See you later, okay?"
Without giving him a chance to reply, she skipped off, humming a tune.
James watched her go, an icy feeling settling in his stomach. He cradled his hands in his head. "Man, oh man, oh man . . ."
---
A/N: did you like it? did you like it? I hope so. I worked on it for two days. Well, not two days straight, since I started really late last night, then I went to sleep. Then I woke up after noon, and worked on it some more. Okay, I'm rambling now! Just review and tell me what you think! THANKS!
Ariana S.
A/N: I am so sorry. I would have updated much, much sooner, but my computer had this virus thing and I couldn't get on it which means I haven't checked anything, including my email . . . which means I had no idea about any of your reviews! AND THEN I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET ON AND I WAS SO SURPRISED . . . and pleased. I'm glad you all like my story. I really appreciate all of your reviews!
And Bewilderment555 wanted me to mention him/her in my story! So here you go! Of course I don't mind. Thank you for reviewing, and you think the story is humorous and light? Yay! That's exactly what I was going for, so it's nice to know that I made it!
Disclaimer: (insert funny/sarcastic something here)
Chapter Ten – betrayal and when enough is enough
Evans was acting so weird! James didn't understand it. Just last night she had said that she hated him and Remus both, and now she kept staring at him in class. Not Remus, but HIM! What was her problem?
"What's up, Prongs?" a loud whisper behind James caught his attention.
He shrugged, and looked over his shoulder at Sirius. "I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but . . . does Lily seem to be acting different to you?"
Sirius raised his eyebrows. "No. But then, I don't watch her every move twenty-four/seven, so I wouldn't know."
James rolled his eyes. "I do not watch her twenty-four/seven."
Remus suddenly leaned over, and said out of the corner of his mouth, "The teacher is looking this way."
James quickly turned toward the front, not wanting to get into trouble in Remus's body. If he hadn't turned so fast, he would have noticed a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of Remus's mouth.
---
Sirius banged his head into the table repeatedly, earning himself a nasty look from Madam Pince. He grinned at her sheepishly when he noticed, and gave her a half-hearted wave. She narrowed her eyes, but went back to what she was doing.
There was nothing in the library on anything. He had been looking everyday for two weeks and a half now, and he was seriously worried. Neither James nor Remus had said anything about the most important issue yet: Remus's transformation, and it was due to happen in about three days. James didn't appear to be experiencing any of Remus's usual pains, and Remus hadn't said anything, which was very strange for him.
Sirius thought that Remus would at least remember the most traumatic recurring experience of his life, but what did he know? Maybe he did remember, but he just didn't want to bring it up because James hadn't said anything, yet?
Sirius sighed. He just wished his friends would go back to nor-
"Do you think he's suspecting anything, yet?"
"Oh, he definitely is. He told Sirius in class that you were acting weird, but I broke up that conversation."
"Why?"
"I don't think it's a good idea for him to suspect everything so soon, you know? He might get too suspicious."
Sirius stood up slowly, and leaned around the bookshelf. His eyes bugged out when he saw who was talking. James and Lily! No . . . Remus and Lily! Remus, in James's body, of course, but what were they talking about?
Sirius's mouth suddenly dropped open. It . . . It couldn't be! Remus and Lily . . . kissing!? Impossible!
Sirius sat down hard in his chair, and took a deep breath. 'Okay, Sirius . . . think! Think! There has to be a reason . . .' Remus not wanting to turn into James . . . Lily's freaking-out when he "disappeared" for a day . . . Remus refusing to help James "get" Lily . . . the way Lily and Remus always looked at each other . . . THE "PREFECT" BUSINESS they always snuck away to do, and the way they never invited any other prefects . . .
That's it. It all made sense. Remus liked Lily. A lot. And they were already going out. Sirius shook his head. But he didn't want Prongs to know. Why? Because Prongs liked Lily, too.
Sirius closed his eyes to think. This didn't make any sense, though. 'Why didn't Remus just tell James in the first place? Why go to all this trouble to hide it?' he thought. 'Remus must've not wanted James to get hurt.' Sirius scowled, recalling Lily's and Remus's recent conversation. 'But he obviously doesn't care anymore.'
---
"Remus . . . we should . . . go . . ." Lily sighed. His lips were warm on her neck.
"Just a few more minutes," he whined, very unlike him.
"As much as I want to say yes . . ." Lily started. Remus pulled her against him.
"Then say yes," he said, grinning.
'I would,' Lily thought, 'but that's Potter's smile. Not Remus's.'
He grinned wider, noting her hesitation, and lowered his lips to hers.
"No!" she hissed, pushing him away. She tried to ignore the hurt look on his face. "I'm sorry, Remus, but . . . I can't kiss you like this! What if someone SEES us? Don't you get it? You're James Potter, not Remus Lupin! And besides . . . it's just weird for me. Sorry, but let's wait, okay?"
Remus sighed, and released her from his embrace. "Okay."
---
Sirius walked slowly back to the common room. There was no other choice, really. He had to tell James, didn't he? James was his first and best friend. Besides, this whole thing was ridiculous, really. James would see the humor in it, and in time forget all about Lily Evans. Then, Remus could live happily ever after and-
Sirius sighed, stopping in front of the portrait of the fat lady. "Who am I kidding?" he whispered. James would be heartbroken. His and Remus's friendship would never be the same again, and Sirius would be stuck in the middle. Meanwhile, Lily would walk off as happily as a pixie wreaking havoc.
Speaking of Lily –
"Hey, Sirius!" the girl said, coming toward him from the hallway. Her face was flushed and she looked excited, full of life.
Sirius glared at her. She appeared not to notice. "Have you seen James?" she asked, blushing a bit.
"No," Sirius said shortly. "I haven't."
She looked taken aback by his harsh tone. "Are you alright, Sirius?" she asked.
"Why don't you call me 'Black' like you usually do?" Sirius snapped.
For a second, she looked completely confused. "What are you talking about? I thought we were okay, now. I mean, I'm friends with Remus . . . and James . . . and you, now, right?"
"Friends! Ha!" Sirius barked. "You think I don't know your little game? What you've been up to? Come on, Lily. I can't speak for my friends, but I'm not stupid!"
Lily stared at him. "What ARE you talking about, Sirius?" she said, sharply. "What have I done?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "You've hated all of us since forever. And all of a sudden, we're all best friends? When did that happen? Before or after you started snogging Remus, I wonder?"
Lily's face flushed. "I-I don't know what you're t-talking about – " she stammered.
Sirius laughed bitterly. "Well, I know exactly what I'm talking about, and I won't let you do this to my friends – "
"Sirius, I think you've got it all wrong. Remus and I . . . well, yes we're dating and we have been for a while now – "
"Ah, ha!" Sirius exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at her. He was well- aware that he was acting childish, but at the moment he didn't care. "So just jumped in the floo with the first Marauder you saw, did you?"
"NO!" Lily shouted. "I'm not one of those superficial girls that hang around and ooh and ahh over you guys! I'm not like that! Remus and I really like each other. He just didn't want to hurt his best friend, Sirius, so he asked me to keep it a secret and I did. But then, you guys did this to him! You tricked him into doing something he didn't want to do, being someone he didn't want to be, didn't you, all because of Potter's selfish needs! Well, I'm not having it, Sirius! I will not bend to Potter's will like all the rest of you! I like Remus, NOT Potter, and he's the one I want to be with!"
Sirius just stared at her. She had tears in her eyes, now.
"He's going to get what's coming to him, Black! And so will you, if you try to stop me! I swear it!" Her eyes flashed angrily, and she went storming off down the hallway, leaving Sirius looking after her, wide-eyed.
---
Lily kept on stomping until she reached the Quidditch Pitch, where she knew James would probably be, regardless of whose body he was inhabiting. "Ja – Remus!" she called, sweetly.
Sirius wanted to play games with her, did he? Well, now his friend would pay for it! He should've known not to cross Lily Evans!
"Hey, Lily!" James said happily, waving to her from the Gryffindor bleachers. "What's up?"
'This is it,' Lily thought, biting her lip. 'I have to make this seem real.' She held her breath on her way over to him, forcing her cheeks to become really red, so it seemed as though she were blushing.
"H-hi," she gasped. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," he said, smiling.
Lily grimaced. He was smiling at her with Remus's grin. She had to remember whose brain was in that head. "Listen . . . um, I just wanted to apologize to you . . . I shouldn't have gotten upset last night . . . I was just . . . uh, having girl problems."
It's was Remus's – no, James's – turn to blush. "I see," he said quickly. "Well, it's okay. It doesn't matter. Uh, have you talked to Prongs – James – yet?"
"Yeah, sure," Lily said, shrugging.
James frowned, and Lily fought the urge to laugh.
She suddenly flashed him a grin. "I thought it was more important to apologize to you, though. You're my friend, aren't you?" She laid a hand on his arm.
James looked flustered for a minute, but he quickly regained his composure. "Sure, we're friends."
"Right," Lily whispered, lightly running her fingertips up and down his arm.
James seemed transfixed by this. His eyes followed her fingers.
"Listen, Remus . . ." Lily said, softly. She sat down next to him and lightly placed her hand on his cheek. He looked so . . . vulnerable. Lily inwardly grinned.
"There's something I've been meaning to tell you . . ."
---
James could do nothing but stare at her. Was it just him, or was she licking her lips a lot more than was necessary? And why was her hand on his face? He swallowed, suddenly getting very, very nervous.
"Lily – " he started to say.
"Remus," she whispered, interrupting him. "Please, let me finish. I have to."
James nodded, all at once incapable of speech.
"These past two weeks," she started, stroking his cheek. He shivered at her touch. "I just . . . started to notice . . . how . . . very attractive you are."
James's eyes widened. "What?" he gasped.
"It's strange," Lily continued. "But I've never noticed until now . . . how much I like you." She fixed her eyes on him. "I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice the change in you. It's as if you've become . . . a whole new person."
She lowered her face towards his, but he regained use of his body and abruptly stood up. "Evans, wait! You . . . you don't understand . . ."
She stared at him. "What are you talking about?"
James took a deep breath. "I'm . . . not who you think I am."
"Yes, you are," Lily insisted. "Stop acting weird. You're Remus Lupin, aren't you?"
James turned bright red. "Umm . . . See, that's the thing . . ."
Lily grinned. "Remus, you're such a joker." Wincing mentally, she reached over and hugged him. "I like you so much! See you later, okay?"
Without giving him a chance to reply, she skipped off, humming a tune.
James watched her go, an icy feeling settling in his stomach. He cradled his hands in his head. "Man, oh man, oh man . . ."
---
A/N: did you like it? did you like it? I hope so. I worked on it for two days. Well, not two days straight, since I started really late last night, then I went to sleep. Then I woke up after noon, and worked on it some more. Okay, I'm rambling now! Just review and tell me what you think! THANKS!
Ariana S.