How It All Began
Chapter 18
Author's Note: My long awaited chapter. I hope this is good. This has taken me quite some time to write. Please review, please!
Oh and a thank-you to Cassy and her friends for the motivation. It has helped me. Also I would like to thank the band Muse for producing such an amazing CD entitled Absolution. It has truly been my 'muse' for this chapter.
(James's pov)
"Sirius, you honestly have to start packing. My parents aren't going to wait for you!" I shouted as I hustled around the dorm, looking for clothes and other things I would need for holiday.
"Are you that daft James? I think you may have forgotten one very important detail," Sirius said, lounging on his bed. He took his wand from his bedside table, swished it, and all his belonging placed themselves in his trunk. "We're wizards, you moron."
I laughed at how I had forgotten that very detail. I muttered a spell and all my stuff flew into the trunk. "You know Sirius, I think you are right. I am daft. I have completely lost my mind, what with all the planning that I've been doing and whatnot. I just want everything to be perfect. This trip could make or break me. If all goes well, Lily could be my girlfriend."
"Oh calm down. Things are gonna go great. You will totally and completely woo Lily. Girls dig all that romantic stuff. Bring her to Central Park, and sit under the stars. Remember when I brought Lindsey outside to that clearing. Oh Merlin, she literally had stars in her eyes. I always knew Lindsey loved me and all, but there is something about the stars that really confirms it, you know. If you do things right, which hopefully you will, things will be smooth sailing for you."
"Well, fingers crossed, yeah," I added. Sirius laughed and closed his eyes.
"To think, in a couple of days, we'll be in America, in New York City. It is gonna be so damn awesome!" Sirius said, smiling.
"I know what you mean-" I started. The door swung open and in came Lindsey, pouting.
"What's the matter baby?" Sirius said, getting up from his laying position.
"Someone stole my favorite bloody jumper! You know the jumper I got for my 15th birthday, the black one with the stars on it. The one you bought me. It is bloody missing!" she shouted.
"Are you sure it's missing honey?" Sirius asked, he was clearly worried.
"Yes! I looked absolutely everywhere. It isn't in the closet or the drawers or my trunk!"
"Are you sure you didn't leave it here Lindsey?" I asked. I had an inkling on where it could be.
"That is impossible!"
"Is it now?" I said, picking up a black jumper that was lying underneath Sirius's bed.
"JAMES! Why didn't you give this to me earlier?"
"I just found it. The sleeve was poking out from underneath."
"Ah, I love you!" Lindsey said, running over and giving me a hug. She then skipped over to Sirius's bed and hopped on. "Well now I'm ready to go," she added, pulling the hoodie on over her head. Sirius placed an arm around her and pulled her back onto the pillow.
"So I take it that you're done packing Linds," I said, perched upon my four-poster.
"Your intuition has led you to the right conclusion once again James. I am so stoked. It is going to be so romantic there. I owled my parents asking them to check the weather over in the states. They said it was snowing in New York. I can't wait!" Lindsey exclaimed.
"I don't believe that I have ever witnessed you this happy," Sirius said while grinning.
"This is a special occasion, I suppose. I'll be with my best friends and with my loving, wonderful, spectacular boyfriend!"
"Flattery isn't going to give you anymore advantage than you already have on Sirius, Lindsey," I said, chuckling.
Sirius barked out a laugh and closed his eyes once more. "We're leaving tomorrow for your house, James. Are we going to spend a night there and then go to the airport, or are we going like an hour or two after we get to the house?"
"I think we are leaving tomorrow, definitely."
"Can I spend the night in here?" Lindsey asked, all of a sudden.
"I don't see why not; but what about Lily?"
"If you want me to ask Lily to spend the night in your bed James, I'd be more than happy to comply and ask her," Lindsey replied jokingly.
I felt my face heat up and flush immediately. "No, no, that is quite alright. I guess she'll be fine."
The door swung open once more and in walked Lily and Remus.
"What a long day!" Remus sighed, falling onto his bed.
"What did you do all day to make you this tired Moony?" Sirius inquired.
"I went into Hogsmeade to get new dress robes for a fancy dinner that I am having with Vanessa and her parents; and then I had to buy a gift for her, so I had to browse around jewelry shops. Lily finally helped me pick out something nice because I would have been there all day. Then we walked around a bit, talking about life and here we are now," Remus explained.
"Sounds like a fun filled day," Lindsey scoffed sarcastically.
"Oh believe me, it was," Lily replied. She too took a seat next to Remus. "But, I must say, I am thoroughly tired."
"You two should bunk here," Sirius suggested. I threw him a glare, and he returned it with a smirk.
"That sounds like a great idea. You don't have a problem with that, do you James?" Remus asked, turning to me.
"Problem? Oh no problem at all."
"Good! Now, Lindsey could sleep next to me and Lily can share with Remus. You can have the bed all to yourself James. We all know how you like your space," Sirius said mockingly.
"Actually, you don't mind if I share with you James, do you? I need to talk to you," Lily said shyly.
I gulped and merely nodded that I had no problem with it at all.
"Alright, cool. Lindsey and I will be right back." Lindsey and Lily bounded out of the room.
"Hey James, you can wipe your mouth now," Remus said laughing.
"Shut it," I muttered, throwing a pillow at him.
"Pillow fights Prongs? Aren't we a bit too old for such childish conquests?" Sirius questioned. His eyes gleamed. "Oh, and may I recommend no physical contact with young Miss Evans. It will get you excited and her disgusted. Think about it," He added. That wanker! Remus howled with laughter. I silently cursed them both.
"You both bloody suck!" I yelled.
"It is our pleasure to make your life a living hell Prongs. It is why Sirius and I were brought to this world, to bring you pain and embarrassment."
"That's good to know," I mumbled.
"Always a pleasure!" Sirius called out from his bed.
The door opened up and Lindsey and Lily, both clad in pajamas came strolling in. Lily was in a pair of emerald silk pajamas, with a teddy bear in hand. Lindsey was in Sirius's old Puddlemere United t-shirt and a pair of black shorts. She had a little pink blanket in her hand. Both of their hairs were in pigtails.
"So cute!" Sirius squealed, jumping up and scooping Lindsey in his arms. Lindsey giggled and fell to the bed.
"Lily has the right idea Linds, you are gonna be awfully cold," Remus said.
"I'll stay warm," Lindsey replied, snuggling closely up to Sirius's body.
"That's right, I'll keep her warm," Sirius added protectively.
I laughed but that soon subsided as Lily climbed into the bed next to me.
"Uh…you wanted to talk Lily?"
"I'm not going to bite James," she said laughing. "Unless you provoke me, and then I might just take a little nibble."
I knew she was joking, but I suddenly got all hot and bothered. I was as uncomfortable as a Slytherin would be in the Gyffindor common room. "What do you take me for Lily, some kind of amateur?" I replied, laughing nervously. "But anyway, you wanted to talk?"
"Oh right, well, I was thinking about our 'date' and I was wondering if you had anything planned."
"As a matter of fact, I do."
"Oh?" her ears perked up.
"We are going to see the tree they supposedly have there, that is all decorated and all ornate. Then we are going to walk around Central Park and ice skate and hang out a bit."
"That sounds so amazing. You know, I was a little apprehensive about this date when we first made the deal, but this is gonna be great, I can tell!" Lily exclaimed joyously. She yawned and placed her head on my chest. My breath sharpened.
"Why don't you go to bed? You seem terribly tired."
"Maybe you're right. But honestly, I don't think I could fall asleep because I am so excited."
"Just try," I whispered softly. She closed her eyes and her breathing became lighter. I stroked her hair and muttered a spell to turn out the lights. "Goodnight my lovely Lily."
(Lily's pov)
It must have been about 10 o' clock when I first started stirring. A familiar scent filled my nostrils and I breathed in heavily. It smelt heavenly. I was warm and comfy and cozy. This is exactly the way I want to wake up every morning. I opened my sleep filled eyes and realized that I was face to face with a chest, a very nice chest, might I add. It was James. I didn't care anymore, he was warm, and so I snuggled even closer to him. His grip on me tightened. Oh Merlin, this is ecstasy.
"Morning sleepyhead," James mumbled sleepily. He nuzzled his face in my hair.
"Morning James," I whispered. "Have a good sleep?"
"Best sleep I've had in a long while."
"Good."
"Do you know what time it is?" James asked, tousling his already tousled hair with a hand.
"Uh, it's 10:45."
"Thanks, we still have another hour or so before we have to be up and about."
"You know, I could stay like this forever," I muttered into his chest.
"Mmm, I know what you mean."
"Hate to ruin this moment, but, do you think that anyone else is up?"
"And you are concerned about this because…?"
"I was just wondering James."
"Just go back to sleep."
"I can't now. I'm too wound up. I'm too excited." I got up from James's warm embrace and almost groaned at the loss of heat.
"Are you going to get dressed?" James asked curiously.
"Nope, I'm going to wake everyone up!" I said, drawing open the curtains and hopping down from James's bed. I walked over to Remus's bed and pulled open the curtains. He was already up, propped on a pillow, reading Hamlet. "Good morning Remus!"
"Ah, Lily, the sunshine of my life," Remus said chuckling. "I suspect you slept well."
"Like a baby! I'll be back, off to wake Sirius and Lindsey up."
I walked over to Sirius's bed and pulled back the curtains. The scene I saw was one of the sweetest pictures ever. Lindsey was curled in a ball with Sirius's chin resting on her head. The blanket was wrapped tightly around them and Sirius's hand was running up and down her arm.
"Wake up you two," I whispered. Lindsey roused out of sleep.
"Ugh, it is so early," Lindsey yawned.
"But we are going to New York today and they are 5 hours behind us in time. You'll get plenty of sleep then." She smiled and put a hand to Sirius's chest.
"Baby, wake up," she said softly.
"Hmm," Sirius moaned.
"We're leaving soon. You can sleep on the plane ride there anyway," Lindsey explained.
"Oh fine!" Sirius said knowing that he had been defeated.
I smiled and skipped back over to James. "Lindsey and I are going to get dressed. Meet us downstairs with all your stuff. We can make our way to the Great Hall from there."
(Lily's pov- upstairs)
"What do you think I should wear for today; our first day in New York?" Lindsey asked, holding up a pair of jean bellbottoms with a black long sleeve shirt and a hot pink poncho. "Or should I wear this?" she inquired, holding up another pair of jeans, pointy toed black knee boots and a black, off the shoulder ¾ sweater.
"Go for the 2nd outfit. My clothes for today are similar to the 1st one," I said, holding up my jeans, black tank-top and an emerald green poncho.
Lindsey smiled and sighed. We both got dressed and levitated our trunks to go downstairs.
"It's about time," Remus said while reclining on.
"We wanted to look good Remus; you of all people could understand that!" I said laughing.
"Indeed."
"Let's go. We need to catch some breakfast and go straight to Dumbledore's office. My parents are waiting there," James said quickly. He ushered us into the hallway and down the stairs.
(After breakfast and on the way to Dumbledore's office- James's pov)
"I've never been on an airplane before," Sirius commented.
"It'll be a cinch Sirius. Just pray it doesn't crash and burn," I scoffed.
"WHAT?! I am way too young to die. I can't die. There are so many things I never tried. Oh Merlin, I don't want to fly!" Sirius yelled.
Lindsey hit me lightly on the head and comforted Sirius. "James is just joking. Planes hardly ever crash. You won't die."
"Good because America can't miss out on these devilishly handsome good looks," Sirius said, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
I snorted. "Oh yes, because Lindsey is going to let any girl get near you within a 2 meter radius."
Once again, Lindsey hit me over the head. "I was just stating a fact Lindsey! You don't have to beat me!"
"I wasn't beating you James, I was just knocking some sense into you," she said sweetly.
"I'm sure you were," Lily said giggling.
(Dumbledore's office-James's pov)
"Mum, dad, hey," I said, entering Dumbledore's office. I walked over to them and hugged each of them.
"Darling, how are you?" my mum asked.
"Fine, everything is just fine. Mum, dad, you know Sirius, Remus and Lindsey already; this is Lily Evans," I said introducing Lily.
"Hello you three; nice to meet you Lily," my mum said, extending a hand towards Lily.
Lily walked timidly over to my mum and shook her hand. She shook my dad's hand as well. "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Potter." I smiled to myself at how shy Lily is acting. She certainly is the type I would love to bring home as my girlfriend to mum and dad. If only.
"Alright, you all should be going!" Dumbledore said excitedly. "Have a safe trip Maureen, David."
"Thank-you Albus."
(Plane Ride- Sirius's pov)
"Okay, so I honestly don't think I like these airplane ride things. Can I get off?" I asked Lindsey nervously.
Lindsey put her hand on my hand and gave it a slight squeeze. "Sirius, don't worry. Everything will be alright. Before you know it, the flight will be over and we'll be in America."
"But we just got on the bloody thing!!" I shrieked.
Lindsey giggled and rested her head on my shoulder. "Just calm down, and, uh, chew this," she said, handing me a piece of gum. I gave her a questioning look. "So your ears won't pop."
"Remember Sirius, crash and burn," James whispered to me. He made explosion noises and grinned at me.
"Sod off you bastard." James's grin just got wider.
"Don't let him get to you honey. He doesn't understand that this is your first time on a plane. As soon as we land, I give you permission to beat his arse," Lindsey said. I smiled down at her and tried to relax.
"You know what might help, reading," Lily suggested.
"Because that is the first thing I want to do," I replied sarcastically.
"Just a suggestion; I'm not reading though. James, Remus and I are playing a game."
"And we aren't invited to participate?" I pouted.
"You and Lindsey sit behind us, therefore, it is a physical impossibility on your behalf," Remus responded smartly.
"Don't be such a smart-arse Remus!" Lindsey said while poking him on the head.
"You know darling, maybe we should just watch the film."
"Maybe you're right," Lindsey replied, settling herself, once again in my arms.
"What film is this?"
"Young Frankenstein; it is supposedly a very funny film. Mel Brooks directs it," Lindsey explained.
"Alright, I'll give this a shot." I need to keep an open mind.
(Some time later)
"'Do you mind telling me whose brain I did put in?'… 'And you won't be angry?'… 'I will NOT be angry!'… 'Abby someone'… 'Abby someone, Abby who?'… 'Abby Normal.'…" I laughed out loud. This film was hilarious. I felt a stirring next to me.
Lindsey looked up at me with sleepy eyes. She yawned. "How long have I been sleeping?"
"Oh, I don't know. You might have been out for about a half hour to 45 minutes; not too long."
"What did I miss?"
"You didn't miss too much. This film is wonderful by the way."
"I thought you would like it," she yawned.
"You're that tired baby?" I asked, glancing down at her.
"Yeah, we didn't get much sleep last night, now did we?" she replied cheekily.
I smiled, bent down and kissed her softly. "Get some rest. I love you," I told her gently.
"Alright, I love you too," she replied. She then closed her eyes and fell asleep with her head on my chest. I stroked her hair.
"Someone is whipped," James said from in front of me.
"At least I have someone who loves me enough to whip me," I retorted. Remus chortled.
"That came out totally wrong Padfoot," Remus laughed.
"Well, you guys all know what I mean!"
"I know what you mean Sirius. No need to get defensive," Lily reassured me.
"At least someone does," I said and then muttered to myself, "always starting something with me, those bloody wankers."
(Lily's pov)
"Why are you guys always picking on Sirius?" I asked, quite harassed at how Sirius was being treated.
"Easy target I suppose," James said while leaning back in his chair.
"Easy target eh, and I suppose you aren't an easy target, huh James? I don't know, the way you always tousle your hair to make it look windswept, the way you always look around the Great Hall to see if anyone is looking at you, need I go on?" I inquired.
James's jaw hit the ground and he looked a bit shocked at what I had said to him. Serves him right though. "I don't know what you are insinuating there Lily," he said. "I do not do any thing that you just listed."
"Actually Prongs, you do," Remus chimed in. James gave Remus a withering glare and turned his attention back to me.
"Drop it," he mumbled.
"I'll drop it if you both stop starting with Sirius, deal?" I requested, holding out my hands. Remus took one, and James took the other and we shook on it. "Now that, that is settled, does anyone have something for me to do? I don't feel like reading like I suggested to Sirius and that game we were playing was getting a bit boring, if you ask me."
"You could go to sleep, watch the movie, or snog James," Remus said.
I choked on what I was drinking, and my eyes started to tear. "Are you crazy?"
James just looked horrified. "There will be no snogging here at all, period," James's mum called from in front of us." Remus blushed and James's head fell in shame. I giggled.
"It wasn't my idea from the beginning, Mrs. Potter. It was all in the mind of a certain Mr. Remus J. Lupin." Mrs. Potter laughed.
(JFK Airport- James's pov)
"So Sirius how was your first plane ride ever?" I asked, looking over at Sirius, who was walking as if he were drunk.
"Don't like them much, give me a portkey or some floo powder any day," he said putting his head on Lindsey' shoulder. She gave him a slight pat on the head.
"Are you kids ready to get going? We are going to portkey to our resort," Dad said, checking his watch. "We need to go, now!" We got our luggage and walked over to a room.
"The Potters?" the man said, who was looking over a list.
My dad nodded, and we were ushered into the room. "Now remember to keep at least one finger on the portkey at all times," the wizard said in a monotonous tone.
We all put a hand on the old football, and I felt as if a hook was pulling at the bottom of my navel. Two minutes later, we whirled into a grand looking room.
"James, Remus and Sirius, this is your room here. Lindsey and Lily, your room is over there," Mum explained.
"Actually Mrs. Potter, if you don't mind, Lindsey and I are going to be sharing a bed," Sirius stated boldly.
Mum raised a questioning eyebrow. "Is that so Sirius? I don't think that Mr. and Mrs. Laurence will be too happy about that arrangement. You two are only 16 after all."
"It isn't like we do anything Mrs. Potter; there are other people in the room. We aren't that inconsiderate," Sirius said.
Lindsey blushed a brilliant shade of cranberry and merely shook her head. She was utterly speechless.
Mum smiled. "As long as nothing goes on, I will allow you two to share bed. I just better not find out that things went on that shouldn't have."
Sirius grinned and said, "Yes ma'am"
"Anyone up for a nap, I am jetlagged," Remus stated right before yawning very loudly. "And we wouldn't want you by yourself Lily, you can share with me."
"Ah, thanks very much Remus; I think I will take you up on that offer."
"Naps all around then?" I asked.
Everyone nodded their consent.
I climbed into the bed after kicking off my shoes, closed the curtain around my bed and just laid there. I heard Sirius and Lindsey laugh. One could only wonder. Sirius snorted and Lindsey giggled. "What's going on?" I yelled over at them.
"Sirius is tickling my neck with his mouth," Lindsey said. Sirius only laughed harder.
I grinned and rolled over. "Go to bed. You two were practically dead on the plane."
"Yeah sure," Sirius said. I heard the bed springs move and the laughing and talking ceased to continue.
(Remus's pov)
I must have woken up 4 hours later. It was silent in the room. Lily was still sleeping. Tonight was my dinner with my parents, Vanessa and her parents. Oh Merlin I am nervous.
"Remus, are you nervous?" Lily asked. Her eyes were half opened.
"Oh so terribly nervous; I have no idea what the hell to wear tonight!"
"Here, let me help you. I want you to make a good first impression," Lily said softly. She got up out of the bed and walked over to my trunk. "Well, you don't want to wear this suit, it is way too formal. You might want to go with the black dress pants, this nice grey knit jumper and these black shoes. Oh, can I do your hair too!?"
"Yes, yes, sure, sure," I said, complying with Lily's offer.
I went into the bathroom and changed into the designated clothes that Lily picked for me. I walked out 5 minutes later and Lily gasped. "Remus, you look so handsome!!"
I blushed and she walked over to me. "Now, I have to do something with that hair."
"I know I agreed to that, but as you can tell, my hair is on the longish side, I don't see what you could possibly do with it."
"You are right. Leave it the way it is then, you look pleasantly cute tonight anyway. Changing your hair would throw off the whole look."
I looked at my watch: 6:45. "I need to get going. Thanks for your help Lily!" I kissed her on the cheek, grabbed my wallet and dashed out of the room.
"Sorry I'm late everyone. Traffic was murder," I panted as I ran into the restaurant.
"No need sweetheart. Anyway, Eric, Lucille, Vanessa, this is Remus, our son. Remus this is everyone," my mum said. She was beaming at me.
"Hello," I said, waving a little.
I took a seat. Vanessa had her eyes on me, studying my every move. "Remus, you must be excited, coming all the way from Hogwarts," Mr. Wenham said.
I nodded and said, "Oh yes, it is very exciting to be here. I can't wait to explore this wonderful city in greater depth."
My mum and dad smiled wider, I was talking intelligently and making them look good. I sighed.
"I hear you go to the New York Academy, is that true Vanessa?" I inquired, turning to Vanessa.
"Yes I do. Wonderful school, it is," she said very properly. This girl was as stiff as a wood board. I gave my parents an incredulous look. This was going to be a long night.
- - - Half hour later - - -
"So you are here with your friends, are you not?" Vanessa asked.
"Yeah I am; my very best friends. They would love to meet you, but they probably all went their separate ways tonight," I said before taking a big forkful of steak and mashed potatoes.
She looked me over once more and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a napkin.
"Anyone up for desert?" Mrs. Wenham asked.
"Uh, sure, thank-you," I said, wiping my hands on my napkin.
"Sir, we would like ice cream for the table." Mr. Wenham said.
The ice cream arrived 5 minutes later. I finished it within a heartbeat.
"It was very nice to meet you all," I said, getting up from my chair. My dad elbowed me. "Would you care to join me in exploring the city Vanessa?" I asked.
Vanessa smiled and replied, "I would love to. Is it alright with you?"
Her parents nodded. I grabbed her coat and mine, and we headed out of the restaurant.
Once we were outside, she turned to me and pulled her hair out of the tight bun it was in. I now got the chance to look at her. She was a beautiful girl. Clear skin, bright blue eyes and waist length light brown hair. She was wearing a little black dress, spaghetti straps, with a shawl around her shoulders. My parents didn't do too badly in the picking of my betrothed.
"Now that we are away from them all, where would you like to go?" She turned her blue eyes on me. "I know a great club just a few blocks from here."
"Okay, fine by me." She grabbed my hand, and we ran down the street.
We got to the front of a place called "Chic". "Well come on!" She dragged me in, and I immediately regretted coming here. It was a dance club; something my friends and I would never go to in a million years.
"Let's dance." She pushed me to the dance floor and started dancing real close to me. It isn't the most comfortable feeling in the world, having a girl you hardly know move her arse up and down your leg while flirting with the guy in front of her. ((A/N: I hate it when people dance like that. It's like sex while dancing! Lol)) "And just why aren't you dancing?" she asked 15 minutes into it.
"This isn't me," I said honestly.
"Alright, then do tell me, where would you prefer to go?"
"Well, some nice pub with acoustic music," I said.
She sighed, and we walked out.
She may be pretty, but boy she is one hell of a slag!
((--Bathroom Break for my dear friend Ashley...lol--))
(Sirius's pov)
"Are you ready to go Lindsey? I made reservations at a well to do Italian restaurant for 7, and if we are late, they are not honoured!"
"I'm ready," she said while putting on a hanging earring. She looked stunning. She was wearing a red and black plaid skirt, a black sweater and shoes, of course. "Wait, one last touch," she added. She walked over to her trunk, opened up a velvet black box and took out the delicate necklace I bought her.
"Perfect!" I exclaimed, advancing on my beautiful girlfriend. (A/N: Don't you dare laugh Ashley!) "We need to go now though."
I grabbed my coat and Lindsey's, and we headed out the door. We made our way to the lobby, and I hailed a cab.
I told the driver where we needed to go and was on our way. Fifteen minutes later, we stopped in front of a nice restaurant. I got out first and held the door open for Lindsey. I took hold of her hand and we walked in.
"Name?" the maitre d asked.
"Black," I said confidently.
"Right away sir." We followed her into the dining room and earned many stares.
"I feel uncomfortable Sirius," Lindsey said quietly.
"Don't worry about them. It is just you and me now," I whispered. She smiled, and we walked on.
"Here you are."
"Thank-you," I said and slipped the maitre d a 5 dollar bill or whatever those Americans and muggles call it.
"Sit down sweetheart," I said pulling the chair out for her. She sat down, and I took a seat opposite of her.
"Beautiful place, this is," Lindsey said before opening up her menu. Her eyes went wide. "Sirius, I must beg of you to let me pay for my entrée tonight. The prices here are insane!"
"Nonsense! I'm taking you out, and I am paying for everything we do tonight," I said while opening up my menu. The prices were expensive.
"Than I insist that we have dessert elsewhere," Lindsey continued. I sighed and agreed. "Oh Merlin, what am I going to have?"
"Anything you want babe," I said.
She grinned and extended her arm across the table. I held her hand.
"It was delicious Sirius, but way too expensive. How are you affording all this?"
"Don't you worry about this," I said.
"Oh, alright; so where are we headed to now darling?" Lindsey asked.
I wrapped my arm around her and said, "We are headed to Greenwich Village!" I called a cab, and we were off.
We got out of the cab and walked around the city a bit. "This place looks interesting," Lindsey said. We had stopped in front of a café named La Lanturna. "Let's go in!"
We walked into the café and were met with darkness. The café was small, dark with a few candles lighting up the tables. There were many people in there; more than likely all students from New York University. There was also classical chamber music playing in the background. I like this place. Lindsey seemed to like it too.
We sat at a secluded table in the back and studied the menu. "We should share something," I suggested.
"That is a great idea!" Lindsey said.
We ordered a chocolate dipped canoli and two cappuccinos and within minutes our order had arrived.
"It is so romantic here," Lindsey said looking around.
"Oh I know. I love it here. We should come back again before we leave."
A half hour later, we were finished, paid the bill and walked on out.
"Thank-you Sirius!" Lindsey said giving me a hug.
"No problem my dear, no problem."
"I have the perfect idea to end the perfect night!" Lindsey exclaimed.
"And that would be…?" I said quite curious now.
"You need to get your ear pierced!"
"What?"
"That's right; you need to get your ear pierced."
"Alright, I'll get my ear pierced; just for you!"
"Wicked!" Lindsey, she grabbed my hand and ran to the nearest shop to get it done.
(Lily's pov)
"Everyone is gone. Let's go start that date," James said coming out of the bathroom. His hair was wet and all mussed about in a cute sort of way. He looked good though. He was wearing nice jeans and a black jumper that accentuated his nice, broad shoulders. To say that I was a little stunned would be an understatement.
I suddenly felt self-conscious. I didn't look twice as good as he did. My hair was a mess and my outfit definitely needed some changing. "Hang on with that thought. I need to do something about my hair, and I need to change."
"You look perfect, I like you just as you are," James said. (A/N: Sound familiar anyone? The 'just as you are' line, is straight from Bridget Jones's Diary. Mark Darcy says it to Bridget! I just love that movie! Anyway, on with the story!)
"That is all very flattering James, and I thank you, but I look a mess," I said. I grabbed some clothes and headed to the bathroom.
"What to wear, what to wear," I muttered to myself. I looked into the mirror and sighed. I might as well do something with my hair first.
I gave myself two French braids and seemed satisfied with how they came out. I then shook my head and took them out. My hair was now perfectly wavy and looked great, if I do say so myself.
I then looked through all my clothes searching for the perfect outfit for tonight. I needed to look great. I took out a pair of jeans, a black and grey jumper and a pair of black boots.
I came out minutes later and James gasped. "You look, well, uh, you look amazing Lily," he said.
I held back my laugh and replied with a simple thank-you. "Ready to go?"
"Uh, yeah sure; let's go!" James said. We took our coats and were off to see the tree at Rockefeller Center.
James had set up a portkey to take us a few blocks away from the tree in a secluded corner. We went through the usual procedure and found ourselves in a dark area just off of a busy crowded Manhattan street. We walked out and onto the street. "It is so great here," I said while taking in my surroundings.
"Yeah it really is. I should persuade my parents to take me here for every holiday," James said grinning.
"You should," I said looking at him.
"I should," he said quietly. Silence washed over us, and we walked side by side. I felt something brush against my hand and looked up at James. He was looking straight ahead. A few seconds later it happened again.
"Do you want to hold my hand?" I asked gently. I had to push back all my inhibitions and be bold.
James flushed and merely nodded his consent. I held out my hand for him, and he took it whole heartedly. "Your hands are so cold Lily," he said.
"I know they are, but you'll warm them up for me, won't you?" I asked.
James flushed again. I never knew I could have this kind of affect on anyway let alone James Potter.
We walked on and were finally met with an immense tree, lit up with thousands upon thousands of lights. Ornaments specked the tree. It was beautiful; absolutely enchanting.
"It is so gorgeous, just like you Lily, but you're even better," James said.
I flushed a deep crimson colour. "Thank-you James; you are too sweet," I said.
"No problem," he said. "Do you want to go ice skating?"
"Where?" I inquired.
"You can rent skates and skate down there, right in front of the tree Lils," he explained.
"That sounds cool. Let's go!"
We walked over to the rink, rented some skates, and we both walked onto the ice. "However, I am not the best of skaters," I said laughing.
"Don't worry about it. I got you," James said. His grip on my hand tightened, and he skated increasingly closer to me. It was cold outside, but I felt extremely warm. I'm falling for him, and falling very hard indeed.
"James, wait, I think I'm going to-" I fell down, "Fall," I finished lamely. James chuckled and skated around me a bit. "I do need help though," I said.
"Oh, alright," he said. James bent down and extended an arm. I took it and pulled him down with me. "Not fair Miss Evans and you know it," he said laughing.
"Oh, but I think it is," I said getting up. I skated off. James looked after me and finally got up himself.
"I'll get you Lily," James said loudly. I giggled and skated toward him at a rapid speed. I knocked into him and sent us both flying back. James was on the bottom, I landed on top of him.
It was awkward for a second and then I got up and brushed myself off.
"We should get going to Central Park," James said hesitantly.
"Alright James," I muttered.
"It is truly lovely here too. It reminds me so much of the grounds at Hogwarts," I said while taking in the wonderful park.
"Yeah it is awesome here. Makes me a bit home sick though," James said. He took my hand again, and we walked. We passed many young couples, snogging, talking, and just being affectionate towards one another.
"It is also terribly romantic here. Under what pretences did you have for bringing me here Mr. James Potter?" I playfully inquired.
"To show you that I have a sweet romantic side; to show you that I can be the perfect boyfriend," James replied.
I was silent. I was left to sit and think about what he had just said. His hand still lingered on mine. It was the best feeling ever. I sighed.
We walked on for another 10 minutes, every so often stealing glances at one another. He certainly was adorable and very charming.
We came to a slight clearing, trees shaded us from sight, but there was a perfect view of the clear wintry sky.
James and I took a seat on the bench, and I placed my head on his shoulder, breathing in his wonderful scent. "I think I might just sleep next to you tonight. Remus snores something awful," I joked.
James chuckled. "Lily, can we talk seriously for a moment?"
"Sure, what would you like to talk about?" I asked, removing my head from his shoulder. I looked into his hazel eyes. He looked straight back into mine.
"I like you, a lot Lily. But the thing is that I've liked you for a long time. I think since 3rd year. I know I have given you hell for a few years, and I'm sorry for doing that. Back then I didn't know what to do about it, so I teased you mirthlessly until you lashed out at me. I guess I figured that you were giving me attention, granted it was negative attention, but it was attention nonetheless. As the years passed, I found myself filling up the void of not having you by going out with other girls. I admit, some of them were floozies, and dating that Slytherin last year was not the best of ideas, but it was a way to get my mind off of you. Of course, it didn't work, as you can clearly tell because here I am, sitting next to you, the object of my affection for the past 3 years, pouring my heart out to you," James explained.
I sighed heavily and looked down. This was some heavy information. "James, I like you, believe me I do," I started.
"Then be my girlfriend," James said.
"I want to be, but…"
"But what?"
"I don't want to get hurt again," I replied.
"I would never hurt you Lily. I like you way too much to ever want to hurt such a precious thing such as yourself," James said. He placed a hand to my face. I leaned into his touch.
"But that's what Remus said to me…"
"Can I kiss you?"
"Go ahead," I replied and ever so slowly, James leaned in and placed his lips to mine.
Author's Note: There you go. It is done, my longest chapter ever! It has taken me two weeks to write this and I hope this showed all the hard work and effort I put into this. Enjoy and please, I beg of you, review!
-Lindsey 3