Chapter Twenty Nine

"Great win, James."

"Good job, Potter."

"Nice catch of the snitch, there."

"Very smooth, Potter. Very smooth."

James wasn't even hearing all the congratulations for winning the quidditch match with such ease. There was another victory party being held in the common room for all the Gryffindor students, but James wasn't listening. His eyes were focusing on a red haired beauty, sitting on the floor, reading a book by fire-light.

"Hey there, Lily flower." he said sweetly, walking up to her and sitting down beside her.

When she looked up at him, James thought he saw a flicker of joy and excitement in her eyes, but then they went cold, her face expressionless. After staring hard at him for a few long moments, she turned back to her book.

"Hello, James."

"What are ya doing?" he asked curiously.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" she said sharply. "I'm trying to read."

Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, James thought.

"How about that announcement yesterday? We've never had a real ball before."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Clearly, if it's a 'Decennium Ball' that means it's held once every ten years."

"I was just saying that we've never had one, jeez." James said.

"Sorry, I'm just.... stressed." she said.

"I'm sorry, Lily flower." he said sympathetically, putting his arm around her shoulder, only to have her pull away and shrug him off. He stared at her perplexedly before continuing.

"Well, listen." James said, gathering up his Gryffindor courage and running his hand through his already-messy hair. "About the ball...... I know it's kind of far off, but I was wondering if you -"

"James," she said, suddenly interrupting him, "Don't, okay?"

"Don't what?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her curious behavior.

"Just go away, James." she said in a frustrated voice. James froze, his heart wrenching.

"Well, well - back to our old routine of 'get thee behind me, 'eh?"

"Trust me, James." She stood and laughed bitterly. "Just not right now, okay?" Then she started to walk away, leaving James in his confusion.

"What? I mean, jeez, Lily! What's up with you lately? You're completely blowing me off - not exactly friend material, if you know what I mean. And was it just me, or were you leading me on before Christmas break? Must have just been me and my wishful thinking, right?" he said cynically.

"James, I can't answer that right no-"

"Can't or won't?" James said, standing to his full height in front of her. "And why the hell not? What are you afraid of? What people might hear, or are you just afraid of love?"

"Don't you dare talk to me about love, James Potter!" she yelled with anger flaring in her eyes as she whirled around, shaking a finger in his face.

"Before Christmas we got close, Lily. You let me think that...... and then all of a sudden you break up with Travis for nothing? No, I don't think so. I don't believe that for a second."

"Well, believe what you want, James, because-"

"No, I'm going to make you see it." he said, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back to him. "I'm going to prove to you that you do care for me."

"Really? How?"

He suddenly and forcefully brought his lips down on hers, quickly engaging her in the passionate exchange of his kiss. She did not shove him away immediately as he had expected. She not only stood there, letting him kiss her, but he could sense her contentment, he could feel her kissing him back and he let her revel in her momentary exposure for his own enjoyment. This was what he was looking for and what he knew he would find. He knew from the first time he kissed her, when she didn't fight or pull back, he knew then that he owned a small piece of her heart.

She suddenly ripped herself from the warm confines of his arms and slapped him soundly across the face. "Leave me alone, James. Just leave me alone." she said in a wavering voice. Then she stormed into the girls dorm where everyone else was heading for bed, slamming the door behind her.

James sighed and again ran a hand through his dark hair, walking to his own bedroom.

What was he going to do with her?

---

Travis was standing at the entrance of the Great Hall, watching Jenny from across the room as she sat at the Gryffindor table, staring dazedly at nothing. Taking in her presence and beauty, he wondered why his heart was beating faster then normal, though he knew why...

Her short blonde hair had grown longer, framing her face attractively and making her look more mature with its shimmering glow; her pale blue eyes, he had noticed become deeper and more vibrant, causing him to stop and catch his breath when he looked into them; her smile... her warm, friendly smile made his heart melt, and made him think crazy things, like fighting the urge to take her in his arms and...

Travis shook his head was he began walking towards her, trying to sort out his incredible thoughts. Just the thought of kissing Jenny brought back wonderful childhood memories that he shared with her. As young children living a few houses away from each other, he remembered playing house at age ten with his best friend in his backyard. When he would come home from 'work', he would greet his 'wife' with a kiss on the cheek...

Yes, those were the good old days, playing house with my best friend, he thought with a grin.

Best friend, huh? said a contradicting voice in his mind. Then why did you get so jealous when you saw her with Potter? Why did you ask her about their relationship? Why were you suddenly so curious about how she felt for you?

I can't worry about a friend, can't I?

Well, it was true. He had always thought she'd had a little crush on him. From her ears turning pink every time he would kiss her cheek in their little game or the way her eyes always lit up when she saw him, he was always curious as to how he stood in her eyes.

But in his eyes, she was his very best friend, even over Frank. Even though he was a great guy and somewhat socially ignorant, Jenny was the only one who knew the real him. She understood him - she appreciated him for who he really was. Maybe that's why you didn't like her with Potter - you thought he was jeopardizing your one true friendship.

Sighing, he walked up to her anyway.

"Hey, Travis." Jenny said, looking up at him with a cheery smile and sparkling eyes. When Travis felt his knees go week, he shook his head.

Yeah. Friendship. Right.

"Hey, Jenny." he said with a chuckle, sitting down beside her.

"How about those prep exams?" she said, rolling her eyes. "The real N.E.W.T.S. are going to be hell."

"Yup, that they are." he said simply.

"Are you okay?" she asked in concern, raising an eyebrow.

"Yea, I was just thinking... I got an owl from mum yesterday."

"Aw, I miss your mother. I haven't seen her in forever." Jenny said affectionately. "I was just a little muggle girl, and she was the sweetest coolest woman I had ever met. How was I to know that she was a witch?"

"She mentioned you actually. Remember how we liked to play house in my backyard?" he said quietly with a bashful look on his face.

"Oh, goodness! And I wore the ridiculous apron... of course, I remember! Those are some of my fondest memories as a child, playing house with you, pretending to be your wife." she said, playfully shoving him with a blush on her cheeks.

Little subtle hints like that, Travis thought, that make me curious as to how she feels about me.

"Well, you can forget the apron if you want, but once school gets out, mum wanted you to come over and visit." Travis smiled.

"Of course, I'd love to." Jenny said, then began giggling. "The last time I was at your house, I was wearing her dress and earrings."

"Well, no matter what you wear, I've still got the cutest wife." Then he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Oops.

He only pulled back an inch or so, only to lock eyes with the dreamy gaze that had now covered her eyes. He watched as she licked her lips, then felt her uneasy breath on his face. He knew that if he leaned in once more, he could satisfy his curious mind about the taste of his kiss. After seven years, its bound to have improved....

"Well, hello there."

Both Jenny and Travis jumped, turning to see Frank and Nancy-Alice, taking a seat across the table from them. Travis pulled away from Jenny and chuckled, trying to clear the nervousness in his throat. He looked at her and the disappointment on her face probably matched what he was feeling.

And those were not 'just friends' feelings.

But this is no time to examine them, he told himself.

"So, what are you two up to?" Travis asked, trying to dismiss the awkward moment that Frank and Nancy-Alice had walked up on.

"Just waiting for dinner, like you two, I'm sure." Nancy-Alice said with a tease in her voice, looking at Jenny with raised eyebrows. Jenny only laughed and looked back at her with a face that said 'I'll tell you later.'

"Ah, Nancy. Just the person I was looking for."

All four turned to see the sleek Slytherin, Lucius Malfoy, long blonde hair slicked back and wicked grin covering his not-so charming face.

"Um, if you don't mind, it's Nancy-Alice, and why would you be looking for me?" she asked.

"Oh, details, details." he said, putting his hands on the table and leaning in to peer at her. "Being the wonderful guy that I am, I will ease your nerves and let you know that you have the opportunity to go to the ball with me. As long as you can go by a few rules of course. Firstly, you can't be seen with this mudblood girl," he said shooting an evil glare at Jenny, causing all of them to glare back, "or any of this ridiculous lot while we're there, and secondly, I-"

Suddenly, Nancy-Alice burst out laughing. "Man, why don't you just stop while you're ahead, okay? Firstly, I don't date Slytherins."

"You went out with Jeremy." he spat back.

"Well, that was a long time ago and that was a big mistake. But don't interrupt. Now, secondly, and most importantly, what on earth makes you think that I'd ever go out with you after you insult my friends?"

Without losing any momentum, Malfoy stood with a grin and took hold of her wrist. "Why don't you come with me for a few minutes? Let's get away from your friends and take a walk. I can be very convincing and make it worth your while...."

"Forget it, go away." she said, trying to yank her hand away. "Ow! You're hurting me, let go!"

Suddenly, Frank stood and shoved Malfoy away, causing him to stumble, but remaining his calm.

"Leave her alone, Malfoy." he said simply, though some people were turning to see what all the ruckus was about.

"What are you going to do about it, Longbottom?" Malfoy sneered with a laugh. "Trip and knock me into the lake?" This earned snickers from the Slytherin table, as it had happened to Frank and Nancy-Alice earlier that week.

Surprising everyone, Frank grabbed the collar of Malfoy's robes and pulled him to face him "I'll drag your sorry carcass outside and show you how to be a real man, instead of picking on innocent women." he said through gritted teeth. Though before either of them could grab their wands, they were suddenly interrupted.

"Is there a problem, boys?" said the authoritative voice of Professor McGonagall, standing in the doorway.

Frank gave Malfoy a small shove before responding. "No, Professor. No problem."

"Very well, then. Please everyone take your seats as dinner is about to be served."

Malfoy only glared at Frank once more before everyone who had gathered turned to sit down. At the Gryffindor table, Frank was greeted with shocked whispers of approval.

"Right on, buddy!" Travis said.

"I never knew you had it in you, Frank." Jenny said.

"You really didn't need to do that, Frank." Nancy-Alice said worriedly. "I would hate for you to get in trouble."

"Ah, he deserves everything that's coming to him, bloody git." Then he mumbled some other things under his breath before turning to her again. "Now, if he gives you any more grief, promise me you'll let me know."

"Frank, I-"

"Promise me, Nancy-Alice!"

She sighed. "Fine, fine. I promise."

"Good." he said, kissing her sweetly on the side of the head and entwining her fingers in his. "I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."

---

"Mr. Potter!"

James shook himself from his sleepy daze and looked up into the ghostly narrowed eyes of Professor Harding, the History of Magic teacher. "Can you please tell me exactly what year Barbara Featherstone graduated from Hogwarts with highest honors and was immediately accepted into the Ministry of Magic?"

James paused, because the name did sound familiar to him. "Uh, last year." This caused groans, sighs and giggles throughout the classroom, but only earned an evil glare from the professor.

"Would anyone else like to venture a guess?" After a moment of still silence, Lily raised her hand.

"1862." Then after smirking at James, she turned and continued to listen to the lesson.

James stuck his tongue out at her, though she didn't see it. Then after glaring at his parchment, he angrily grabbed his quill and began to scribble all over his doodling, which consisted of 'Lily,' 'Lily Evans,' and 'Mrs. Lily Potter.'

"Bloody girl wouldn't recognize love if it came up and sat down on her lap... hmmm, maybe I should try that sometime..." James was muttering under his breath.

"Mr. Potter." said Professor Harding again, causing James to pause in his scribbling and look up. "What, may I ask, are you doing now?"

"Just taking tons of notes from your wonderful class." he said with a fake grin, meriting many snickers from the back of the room, but Lily just rolled her eyes. Professor Harding, who was a ghost that had died in the early 1900's, did not recognize his sarcasm, and took this as a compliment.

"Oh, well, please just do it a bit quieter, as to not disrupt the class." he said with a nod, then he continued teaching. Lily, however, sitting beside him, leaned over and tried to see his 'notes,' but James covered his parchment quickly. "No cheating, Lily." he said.

"Ha. I know you're not taking notes." she whispered with cold eyes. "I was just trying to see what you were up to."

"Well, that shows how well you know me." he said in mockingly.

"James, honestly, since when have you taken notes in any class?"

"Well, I used to watch this one girl throughout all my classes. But after seven years of rejection, now watching her is a bore."

James watched as her beautiful eyes filled with pain and remorse, but he didn't care. He'd been hurt by much worse than words. She turned back to face the front of the class and James went back to scratching out his doodling but he just couldn't do it anymore. 'Mrs. Lily Potter' looked and sounded too good.

Right before the close of class, James ripped off a corner of his parchment, which included one of the doodles that he had missed while scribbling, which read simply: Lily. Then he wrote:

Meet me tonight by the willow - we need to talk.

Then circling her name to let Sirius know what they would be talking about, he crumbled it up. As soon as the professor's back was turned, James threw it at Sirius and hit him in the head. He whirled around angrily, but after seeing James' pleading eyes, he picked up the parchment, un-crumbled it and read it quickly. Just as Sirius turned to nod at James, Professor Harding cleared his throat loudly.

"Okay, you can all wake up now. Class dismissed,"

People suddenly began yawning and bustling out of the room and James stood, only to have someone bump into him. When he turned to make a rude retort, he saw instead a very pale and very sickly looking Remus.

"James," he groaned, "I don't feel well."

"Oh, damn." Sirius said quietly, looking out the window at the setting sun. "It's coming, Prongs. We need to get him to the shack soon."

"Drop your books here, Moony." James said gently as the classroom emptied. "Sirius, you take his books back to the rooms and get Wormy. I'll take Remus to the edge near the tree, but we need Peter to push that bloody button."

The three of them hurried out of the room, but James caught one more glance of Lily before she rounded the corner of the hall. She looked at him regretfully, then with a sigh, she walked away.

---

Serverus Snape smirked. He was sitting in the back of the class, watching everything unfold as 3/4 of the Marauders fled the room, leaving him alone. He stood after a moment and, with great pleasure, picked up the piece of paper that he had seen Potter throw, Black read and then drop before they escorted that disgusting creature that they treated like a human and called Remus Lupin out of the classroom. He curiously read the note, then hurried out of the room with a wicked grin on his face.

Oh, revenge was so sweet.

---

Lily turned behind her to see who had tapped her on the shoulder and gasped in surprise.

"Um, what do you want?" she asked Snape.

"Trust me, mudblood. I wouldn't talk to you under any other circumstances had Potter not threatened me." he spat.

"Potter? What does he have to do with this?"

"He threatened to flush my head in the toilet if I didn't give you this note." he said, tossing it in front of her. "And believe me, I have no desire to see the plumbing of this school first hand." Then he turned swiftly on his heel and walked away.

Lily reluctantly opened the note; James had even addressed it to her with her name on the top. But James wanted to meet her at the Whomping Willow?! Was he nuts?

Yes, and so are you. Because you know that you're going to meet him. said the voice in her head.

Lily sighed. Of course she would go. Maybe he wanted to reconcile their relationship. Maybe he was finally ready to be 'just friends.' And she was glad that he had finally come to that realization, because no matter how much she loved him, that's all they could ever be.

---

A/N: Hmmm, I could be really mean and leave you all hanging on this evil little cliffy... but no, I have one or two more chapters to put up tonite.