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Chapter 1: Something Different
"Mum, please! Cut it out! You're choking me! Please Mum; Dad, some help?"
"Darling, let her breathe."
"Oh all right. But you be good and write when you can," She sniffed and fussed unnecessarily at the badge pinned to her daughter's jumper. "We are so proud of you."
Rolling her eyes, Lily Evans nodded her head anxiously. "Please, I really do have to go, I love you!" Kissing them both on the cheek she grabbed her trunk and turned around. "Parents," she muttered. The Hogwarts Express gleamed in front of her, steaming and ready to leave. This was Lily's 7th and final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The sight of the scarlet steam engine and the platform thronging with people sent excitement coursing through her. She approached the train, feeling slightly lopsided with the weight of her luggage, and looked back at her parents standing by the barrier. She smiled and boarded.
She pressed her way through the corridor, past students running to say a last goodbye to their families. Lily found an empty compartment near the end. She smiled and nodded to friends in a compartment a little ways down, before heaving her things through the door.
Lily was hoisting her trunk onto the luggage rack when two hands grabbed the other end and her best friend ducked under.
"Need help?" Lily nearly dropped the trunk on top of herself.
"SHIRLEY!" She heaved the trunk onto the rack and pulled her friend into a tight embrace. "Oh, I missed you so much! How are you? What have you been up t..." Lily gasped, "You look...amazing!" she squealed as Shirley twirled around, smiling broadly.
Shirley Beals was a charming girl of seventeen. She was on the shorter side and had a beautifully curvy figure. Her ice blue eyes gave the impression of ambition and excitement. She had sheer blonde hair that came down to the bottom of her neck in corkscrew ringlets, framing her shapely face. Shirley had pink bow in her hair that matched her pink skirt and white cardigan she was wearing. She always looked so innocent and pretty at the same time it was unnerving. Shirley was sweet and quiet, but very outgoing. She seemed to contradict herself in every way. Her mischievous smile she wore most of the time was always playing with other minds.
"So this is definitely the first time I made an entrance and wasn't noticed." Lily turned around and smiled at the girl standing in the compartment door. She ran over and they hugged each other tight. Joanna Reeves was Lily's other best friend. Tall and magnificently thin, she was quite stunning. Her long dark brown hair fell to the middle of her back. Her chestnut brown eyes always had a type of glint to them and her smile was rather dazzling. Joanna was wearing a pair of jeans that hugged her sides perfectly with a black jumper. She didn't need to dress nice to bring out her attractive look. Jo was, Lily admitted, the prettiest amongst the three of them. Often referred to as a goddess, she was wild, spontaneous, outspoken, and most of the time the reason that the three of them ever got into trouble.
Lily had always thought of herself as the oddball in a group of beauties when she was with Shirley and Jo. She had crimson red hair that was visible in the largest of crowds. It just topped her shoulders and was very straight and thick. She came to be just inches under Jo and had a fine figure. She was more on the thin side, but did have her fair share of curves. The one thing that did set Lily apart from the other two, were her eyes. She had almond shaped eyes that were a startling emerald green. She was wearing a pair of jeans and forest green jumper that brought out her eyes remarkably. Lily was very pretty, something she didn't give herself credit for. She was very bright and clever, the top one in her class. She was frivolous and very witty. Although, Lily was never too keen on breaking rules and had a very short temper.
"Jo, how are you? How was your holiday? You look great, as usual." Lily took a seat across from Shirley and Jo as the train lurched forward.
"Oh, you know. The same old things! How are you two? It was quite a drag without yo...." Joanna's jaw dropped as her eyes fell on the badge fastened to Lily's jumper, "HEAD GIRL?!"
Shirley squealed excitedly, "Why didn't you tell us?! This is big!"
"So much for the tell-us-everything friendship bond," Jo said smirking.
"Well I was going to, but you two didn't give me two minutes to breathe!" She laughed and looked down at her badge.
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Lily, Shirley, and Jo sat laughing and exchanging summer stories while an occasional person would pop their head in to say a quick hello. It was about a quarter past; Shirley had her calico cat sleeping on her lap, she was giggling at Jo who was inspecting Lily's Head badge while making faces. Lily was behind her Charms book when the compartment door slid open. Shirley's stopped giggling made Lily look up at the four figures framed in the doorway.
"If it isn't Gingerhead, Blondie, and Mud; our three favorite ladies." Lily groaned loudly as Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and James Potter, the Marauders, stood smiling down at them.
The Marauders were all very popular and held the affection of most of the girls at Hogwarts. Granted they were all good-looking (except Peter), and had a high-spirited air to them, Lily didn't see why half the girls would have thrown themselves down just to get a glimpse or smile from any of them. It's not like they were polite or anything.
Peter Pettigrew, a small, watery eyed boy, was the quietest of the four. He had a rather pointed face and was no where near as handsome as the other three. Remus Lupin was best friends with Potter and Black. He was always seen in the company of them. With his sandy blond hair and pale blue eyes, he was attractive. He was a one of school work and had been a prefect the previous year. He was quiet, clever and had a bit more sense than Potter and Black.
Sirius Black was possibly the best looking bloke in Lily's year. His dark black eyes flashed with his smile that would make all the girls goggle and squeal like caddy schoolgirls. He was tall, lean, and physically fit. Many compared him to a God, which he arrogantly did not oppose. He was very clever and had a sharp mouth. Black was a true trouble maker and never missed a chance to play a prank.
James Potter was Black's best friend, almost brothers. He too was strikingly handsome. He had jet black hair that always looked like he just rolled out of bed. He had deep hazel eyes that you could see behind his round glasses. He was just inches taller than Sirius and was amazingly built. James was Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He was cheeky and very clever. James was known for being arrogant, but that didn't stop him being loved by many of the giggling girls. His smile was able to melt many girls into blubbering idiots; except one.
Lily had tried to deal with the Marauders inappropriate pranks and antics for six years, and now she could only pray for this year to better than the one before...and the one before that...and the one before that... She didn't think she would have the temper to handle any more mischief from the Marauders. Especially from Potter... stupid, stupid, arrogant Potter...
"Do you need something?" Jo asked.
"Oh you know, just stopping by," Sirius replied easily, "Just to say hello to three lovely ladies with my three lovely mates." He put his arm around Remus and James' shoulders.
"Gerroff me," Lupin said, shoving Blacks arm off.
"Sirius Black just stopping by? Right. I wouldn't be surprised if the entire train just, blew up, because of you," Jo said as she picked up an issue of Witch Weekly next to Shirley. Sirius turned to Joanna.
"Well, aren't you cute?"
"I try," she answered, smiling sweetly. Remus coughed as if to announce the rest of their presence.
"So, you all look brilliant, holiday treated you well, I see," James said. He meant this to go to all three them, but he was looking at the top of Lily's head, as she kept her face behind her book.
"Aww, I never knew you thought I was pretty Prongs! It is much appreciated." Sirius said, batting his eyelashes jokingly. James elbowed Black in the ribs.
"Oww..."
"Oh come off it, Potter," Lily said, closing her book. "Leave us alone, wont you?"
"Please, call me James," he bowed smiling large. Jo snorted and Shirley laughed openly. Lily rolled her eyes.
"Reeves, what's THAT? Head Girl? And I thought even you would keep your dignity," Sirius said in disgust.
"Me? No, I still kept my dignity, or whatever. It's Lily's." She threw the badge into Lily's lap. A grin spread across Black's face.
"Ah, looks like Prongs and Evans have something in common!" James shifted uncomfortably next to him.
"Excuse me? What would that be?"
"Why your Head Girl, Evans, and Prongs here is Head Boy!" Sirius put two hands on James' shoulders. "Go ahead Prongs; show Miss Evans your new badge!" James smiled faintly and pulled the glinting badge out of his pocket.
Lily just gawked at him. Everyone was looking at her, expecting a reaction. Jo had lowered her magazine to look at Lily and Shirley was leaning towards her.
"I'm sorry!" she said, a crack in her voice. She shook her head. "I think...I think I just hallucinated.......what?!"
"Well, that's a...surprise." Jo said slowly, her eyes wide. Lily snapped her head at Remus.
"Wait! Remus, you aren't....." He shook his head, "Your not...your sure....him?" Lily pointed a shaking hand at James.
"Don't the Head share duties, or something? Plan things like that?" asked Jo.
Remus answered, "Yes, that are later in the yea.."
"I CAN'T! I CA...I WON'T! I'll...I'll give up my badge!"
It was quiet, except for Jo. She was behind her magazine and she snorted loudly. Lily spun around.
"What was that?!"
Jo looked up and closed her magazine calmly.
"Oh, Lily, we all know you wouldn't turn in your Headship. Even with the...certain...circumstances," she said waving a hand at James. He scowled. Lily exhaled deeply and stood up.
"If you will excuse me, I have a Head meeting to attend to," She put a lot of emphasis on the "I" part. As Lily made her way to the door, James jumped in front of her grinning and extending his arm.
"May I escort you there, Miss Evans?" Lily looked absolutely furious. Pushing past him, she slid the compartment door open and slammed it shut. James, still smiling slid the compartment door open.
"Prongs, you're an idiot." Sirius said shaking his head. Jo looked up.
"Your digging your own grave!" she yelled at him. James winked and sprinted down the corridor after Lily. Shirley rolled her eyes.
"Those two, honestly."
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James caught up to Lily as she reached the Head compartment.
"Evans! Oi, Evans!" Lily spun around so swiftly James almost collided into her. "Hey, listen, Evans..."
"No, you listen, Potter. I don't know how and I don't know why Dumbledore chose you as Head Boy. But I do know this," she took a step forward, "You will not ruin this year for me. We may have to work together, but I will not take your pathetic antics this year. I am not losing it all to you." With that, she turned on her heel and marched into the Head Compartment. James smiled slightly, she's so funny when she overreacts, he thought and stepped into the compartment.
Lily was already speaking to the group of prefects assembled around her, all of whom took their attention off Lily to watch James enter.
"Your job is to make sure that there is no trouble taking place in your own common rooms or hallways and such. You will all have patrol duty at some time which will be assigned to you by your Heads of Houses. Now here is the patrol duty fo..." She cleared her throat loudly. Many of the girls had been watching James hopefully as he leaned back in his chair. Lily again cleared her throat, in attempt to gain her audiences full attention.
"Please, please. Everyone's attention on the beautiful lady in front," James said smiling up at her. Lily exhaled and continued, assigning patrol duty for the rest of the train ride. Once all the prefects had exited, Lily made her way over to the door.
"That was quite a speech," James said, jumping over a chair to meet her at the door.
"Save it, Potter. For all you know, you'll be needed a compliment later in life." She strode from the compartment leaving James with a confused look on his face.
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Lily came back to an empty compartment. She changed into her school robes and pinned on her Head badge. She was gazing critically at her reflection in the window when Jo and Shirley stumbled in, both laughing.
"How was the meeting?" Shirley asked taking deep breathes from her laughter. She sat down next across from Lily and Jo sat next to her.
"Oh, you know, Potter and his pathetic ways."
"Tell me," said Jo, "What's so wrong with him?"
Lily gaped at her. "Don't even get me started."
"I duno, I don't think they are all that bad, really," Shirley blushed. Jo looked at her astounded.
"All right, fess up. Which one is it? Huh?" Shirley giggled but didn't answer. Lily desperate to change the subject asked them what they had been doing while she was at the meeting.
"Well, Jo ran into that Hufflepuff bloke, what's his name? Diggory...Amos, I think, and he well tried, keyword being tried, to magic a bouquet of flowers for her and," Shirley giggled, "His wand ended up spraying him with undilulated bubotuber pus!" All three of them burst out laughing.
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Lily always enjoyed the Start of Year feast at Hogwarts. The Great Hall was always decorated brilliantly and the food was undoubtedly the best. She liked seeing old faces and the new faces as they were sorted into their new houses. The Sorting Hat would sort different students into one of the four houses: Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, or Slytherin.
Lily was talking energetically to Shirley and Jo as they moved with the rest of the crowd into the Great Hall. She had barely glimpsed the bewitched ceiling of clear stars, when she heard her name called.
"Miss Evans! Mr. Potter! Over here please!" Lily detached herself from the massive throng of people and made her way over to Professor McGonagall, standing on the marble steps. Professor McGonagall was a very strict and well kept witch. Her hair was wrapped tightly in a bun on the top of her head and she always wore dark black robes and hat no matter the occasion. She was the Head of Gryffindor house and Lily's Transfiguration teacher.
"Miss Evans, Mr. Potter," Lily glanced to her right and to her disappointment she saw James walk up next to her. Professor McGonagall continued. "Welcome back, to the both of you. Now, as you are both Head Boy and Head Girl, it is your duty to patrol the hallways tonight as it is first night of term. I expect you to be on your best behavior," She eyed James, "to set a proper example for the other students. You will meet back here after the feast to begin your patrols. Do you understand?" Lily's eyes were wide as she nodded her understanding. James thrust his hands into his robe pockets and nodded, looking at the floor. There was a small smile playing on his lips. Professor McGonagall turned and led the way back towards the Great Hall. Lily hurried and took a seat next to Jo. James sat next to Sirius farther down the table, who immediately put their heads together, Remus and Peter leaning across the table.
"Oh no! Did I miss the Sorting already?" Lily asked as she saw tiny Professor Flitwick levitate the stool and Sorting Hat away. Shirley nodded then looked back up at the Head table as Professor Dumbledore stood.
Professor Dumbledore was the Headmaster at Hogwarts. He was very old, but never looked it. He had a silver beard that fell down to his waist. He was wearing dark silver robes that almost matched his beard. He was cheerful and always seemed so energetic. His twinkling blue eyes were sparkling as he smiled at the school in front of him.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome all. To our new faces...welcome. To our old faces...welcome back. Now if I am much mistaken, I am sure you all are quite famished. Now I say...tuck in."
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Lily was feeling rather sleepy when the golden dishes cleared themselves. Then she remembered she had patrol with Potter that night. Groaning, she slid her head into her hands.
"It'll be fine, Lily. Just try and ignore what he....he says," Shirley yawned.
"Yeah, and if he says anything just hex him," Jo said as her eyes drooped. They all stood up and walked out of the Great Hall, towards the marble stairs. Lily hugged her friends goodnight and they walked up the stairs. She was leaning on the banister, seriously considering just closing her eyes and falling asleep, when James tapped her on the shoulder.
"Ready?" he asked. She blinked her eyes and turned around to face him.
"Let's just go, get this over with."
"After you," he smiled that award winning grin. Lily stayed firm. "Not working, huh?" he asked.
"Never does, Potter." It stung the way she said his name with such dislike. She walked up the stairs, James following.
The walk was long and tiring. They paced up and down the corridors, keeping an eye out for anything. Strangely, they didn't talk much. Only to suggest they turn down a certain corridor or to yawn loudly. Lily found the quietness in James rather odd. He normally would have said something witty or maybe even rude, and he definitely would have asked her out by now. Actually, he hadn't asked her out once today, not once. As this hit her she took a quick glance up at him. He didn't look different, not really. He just looked a bit taller and older perhaps. James saw her eyes upon him and he smiled, not looking at her. Lily quickly turned her head and stared at the ground while she walked. She did not want to be caught giving James Potter looks.
They finished with a final walk around the Fat Lady's corridor. They came to her portrait, yawned the password, and clambered in. The common room was deserted entirely, but the fire blazed happily in the fireplace. She walked across the room and started up towards the girl's dormitory.
"Goodnight, Lily." Lily stopped at the sound of her first name and half turned.
"Goodnight, Potter." She turned back and took another step.
"It's James." Lily stopped again. She turned to look at him across the room.
"What?"
"James, that's my name. You can use it." She stared at him. He stared back.
"Oh, well...goodnight... James," The word felt funny in her mouth, almost uncommon. She climbed the flight of stairs and into her dormitory. She quietly shut the door behind her and leaned against it, darkness pressing against her eyes. That was certainly bizarre; I've never heard him call me by my first name before. He was so quiet the entire way. She felt her way over to her four-poster and changed into her nightdress. The next bed over, Jo was sleeping deeply, her breathing relaxed and soft. Lily crawled into her cold bed and pulled the hangings shut. She lay in the dark, thinking.
Maybe he's different, well something is different. Maybe...... She rolled over and fell asleep; losing track of her thoughts. As she did, a boy with untidy black hair fell asleep in a dormitory across the way; Lily Evans on his mind.
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[A/N: Hey thanks for reading! I need reviews to know if I'm going to keep it going. I probably will even if you don't want me to, hehehehe! Well next chappy should be up soon! READ AND REVIEW!!!!!! Love ya'll!!!
FireboltPrincess