DISCLAIMER: As my friends now, I am naturally lazy so therefore I hate doing this for every chapter. So, I will say this now for the next few chapters. I do not own Harry Potter because if I did, I would not be living in WEST VIRGINIA.
Chapter 6: Manipulation
Dumbledore escorted her down to the Great Hall. Many heads turned to look at her. Curious eyes followed her as she walked to the Gryffindor table.
"Gryffindor?" Sirius asked smiling and scooting over to make room for her.
"Yes," Hermione smiled back. She squeezed into the seat Sirius made available between him and James. Remus, Peter, and Lily sat across from them.
James was completely ignoring Lily's presence. Hermione noticed how Lily kept glancing over at him in hope. Hermione took pity on the girl.
"Hermione Granada," she said, extending her hand.
"Lily Evans," she said taking Hermione's outstretched hand.
"I know." Then at seeing the confused look on her face added, "Sirius told me who you were after you left the train compartment."
"Oh. By the way Sirius, Snape still hasn't figured out the counter curse," Lily said. She pointed over at the Slytherin table. "I think you should tell him."
Sirius looked at her and laughed. "What, and make life easier on him? Besides, he deserves it after the way he treated Hermione."
"Mind you, she's very good at getting even herself," James added.
Lily stared at him. James didn't even look at her. Then Hermione understood, Lily like James.
"Is there anything wrong James?" Hermione asked innocently. "You were talkative on the train."
Sirius stared at her wondering what she was doing. She smiled at him and turned back to James. "The only one sitting here that wasn't with us on the train is Lily. But surely, you don't have a problem with Lily do you?"
Sirius could have laughed at how easily she was manipulating James. Lily was watching James closely as he was forced to answer.
"No," he mumbled.
Sirius couldn't help himself. "What was that Prongs? I couldn't hear you."
"No I don't!" James nearly screamed.
Hermione smiled happily. "Then what could ever be the problem? Have I done something wrong?"
"No," James grumbled.
"Did I?" Sirius asked.
"No, but your very close to receiving a thumping when we get up to the dorm," James threatened.
"Oh don't threaten Sirius, James," Hermione said sweetly. "If we didn't do something then what is wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Yeah and Lucius Malfoy is a God," Hermione said sarcastically and everyone, except James, exploded into laughter.
"Lily," Hermione said, turning her gaze towards the red head, "what do you think is wrong with James?"
"How would I know?" Lily asked.
"I don't know. I just thought you would know since your both being very quiet."
"I'm a quiet girl," Lily said defensively.
A loud "Hah" came from the mouths of every guy and girl who could hear the conversation.
Hermione turned to Sirius. "What do you think Sirius? What could ever be the matter with James, who is so determined no to look at Lily. And Lily. What could ever be the matter with her? She keeps looking at James and then looks away. I just can't figure it out."
"I don't know," Sirius played along. "What could ever be the matter with two people who are trying so hard not to be caught looking at each other. I just can't figure it out either."
"Stop it!" Lily and James shouted earning them curious glances from people. Hermione, Sirius, and Remus busted out laughing. McGonagall lead the first years into the Great Hall right then.
"So let me see if I can guess," Hermione started. "James, you could probably have any girl in this room yet your in love with Lily. Yet, she was always prone to your charm so you've always acted like you were all that. Lily, you were turned off by his 'I'm so hot' attitude and always refused him. Yet this year, he is no longer his egotistical self and you have no defenses against him. You both want each other yet your afraid to be the one who admits it."
Before anyone could refute, the sorting began.
A/N- How's that for hitting the nail on the head? Never mind. This conversation will carry on in the next chapter which should be posted in the next couple of days. Thanks for reading and Please review.
If you guys have time, you should check out Moonlight, Sunlight or Love to Hate or a story by sueanne . I think I got that right. Or an easier way is to go up and click my little name and then go to C2 communities. It's all there. Thanks!
