A/N: Sorry it's taken me so long to post this chappie, but I was struggling with writer's block. Also, school started (blech) and so it's taken me awhile to get back on schedule. Oh, and I'd like to apologize for it's length. Hopefully the next update will be longer. We'll see. But, considering only THREE PEOPLE reviewed my last chappie, I'm sure NO ONE MINDS!!! So, if you are reading this, please, please, please drop a review. Each one is appreciated.
This chappie is dedicated to Dan. Your revisions on this chapter were perfect, really. I'm glad you were so picky, because I think it's helped this chappie be the best that it can be! I really appreciate it. A lot. And I'll be sending you my next chapter. (Once I write it...)
Disclaimer: ...
Chapter Three
"Worchester Sauce"
"James!" James was surprised to hear Lily saying his first name. Actually, he was surprised to hear Lily talking to him at all.
"What?" he asked, abruptly halting. Remus, Sirius and Peter all stopped with him.
"What do you think you're doing? We're supposed to help the Prefects round up all the Gryffindor students!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, right..." he replied, disappointed. He had hoped she was going to ask him something that didn't have to do with his Head Boy duties. "See you lot in the Gryffindor common room," he said to the Marauders. They nodded and continued walking. James followed Lily, who was determinedly walking two steps in front of him all the way back to the Great Hall.
"Gryffindors! This way!" she said, once they had reached the swarming mass of students. "Please, follow your Prefects!" James just watched Lily—he admired her aggression. Everyone started moving out of the hall, and James began to move with them. "Wait!" said Lily, grabbing his wrist and pulling him back. James glanced at her quickly. She dropped his wrist immediately and a slight blush crept onto her cheeks. "We're going to take the end," she added, hastily. "Make sure there are no stragglers." James just nodded, still recalling the feel of her smooth hand on his bare skin. Once everyone had passed them, they began walking. James felt he had to re-establish his cool.
"So, Lily, are you looking forward to having the Head rooms to ourselves?" He winked.
"Yes," she replied. He looked at her, shocked. "I am looking forward to being in my bedroom, by myself, with a locked door and thick wall between us."
"Oh, I know one or two spells that could change that..." he said. They walked in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes.
"I suppose you'll be staying in the Gryffindor common room with your friends," Lily said, suddenly.
"Er...probably...why do you ask?"
"Oh, I'm just trying to time this so that we don't have to run into each other at any point tonight." James grinned.
"How thoughtful of you," he replied. Of course, now that she was planning on being in the Head room, he wasn't going to stay in the Gryffindor common room. He'd give her a little surprise...
They finally reached the common room. Lily pushed her way to the front to give the Fat Lady the password.
"Picked herring!" she said in a clear voice.
"If you say so," said the Fat Lady as she swung open. Everyone followed Lily in. Everyone, at least, except James. He began his walk towards the Head rooms. It didn't take him long to find it with the helpful Marauder's Map.
"Password, oh worthy knight!" yelled Sir Cadogen, the painting guarding the Head rooms.
"You?" James grumbled.
"Aye! Dumbledore has given me the responsibility of guarding these rooms, and I rose to the challenge! None will get past me that don't have the password!" he exclaimed, flashing his sword. James thought for a minute.
"Come on, Sir Cadogen, you know I'm Head Boy, can I just get in?" he pleaded. He couldn't remember the password! Having Lily around when Professor McGonagall was explaining important things was really distracting.
"How do I know it's not a clever disguise? Hmm? Now, the password, young man, or else you will not pass!" James searched his brain.
"Wait, it's some sort of sauce! Tomato sauce? Cream sauce? Mushroom sauce?"
"...Worchester sauce?" added Sir Cadogen, helpfully.
"That's right! Worchester sauce!"
"Y-you tricked me!" exclaimed Sir Cadogen, realizing what he had done.
"But I got the password, so you have to let me in!" said James, gleefully. Sir Cadogen glared at him.
"I will be avenged!" he said, as the portrait swung open. James laughed, and stepped through the tunnel. When he saw the Head rooms, he grinned with pleasure. There was one main room with a fireplace, several very comfortable looking couches, bookcases and two desks. Once he walked over the threshold, the fire lit up, bathing the room in a golden glow. There were two doors on opposite sides of the rooms, and he supposed these lead to their separate rooms. Looking closer, he noticed bronze plaques on each of them, one reading "James Potter" and the other door's "Lily Evans." He immediately strode up to Lily's door and turned the knob. It wouldn't turn. He shook it.
"Nice try, Potter," said a voice behind him. He jumped and turned around. It was Lily!
"Evans! How kind of you to join me," he replied, once he had regained his composure.
"I wasn't doing you a kindness. Now, would you please step away from my door?" she asked, placing one hand on her hip.
"And why would I do that?" he asked.
"Because, I asked politely, and if you continue to refuse, I will not hesitate to hex you."
"I don't believe you," replied James. "You'd get into too much trouble."
"There is no one here, Potter."
"That, Miss Evans, sounds like an invitation," he said, sauntering up to her. She took two steps back and reached for her wand.
"I'm not joking, Potter!" she said, aiming it at him. James stopped walking towards her, beginning to get a little nervous. Luckily for him, Gwen walked into the room.
"Lily!" Gwen exclaimed, running to her friend. "Put your wand down!" Lily complied, reluctantly.
"Thank you," said James, looking Gwen in the eye.
"You two! Honestly!" Gwen said.
"Well, he was about to..." started Lily. James grinned.
"What was I about to do, Lily?" he asked, cheekily.
"About to...about to...ugh!" she said, stomping over to the couches. She dropped down on one and stared determinedly at the fire.
"Is she always like this?" asked James.
"No, only when she's around you," Gwen replied, sighing.
"Really?!" exclaimed James, gleefully. Gwen rolled her eyes.
"I don't really think that's a compliment, James."
"Would you two stop whispering about me behind my back?!" exclaimed Lily.
"You had better leave," said Gwen. "She can get really angry."
"No!" replied James, determinedly. Gwen just looked at him, her eyes twinkling in amusement. She stood like that for a few seconds, thinking.
"She's going to hate me for this, but...I think I'll leave the two of you alone," Gwen said, mischievously. James grinned.
"I owe you one, Gwen," he said. Gwen smiled, walked towards the portrait hole and exited. James glanced at Lily. Her wand was lying on the cushion beside her.
"Accio Lily's wand!" James chanted, flicking his wand in her direction. It came flying to him, and he caught it. "There," he said, pocketing it. "Now I can approach you safely." He walked towards the couch. Lily didn't move. He sat down next to her. She continued to stare resolutely into the fire.
"Aww, come on, Lils, am I really that bad?" She clenched her fist, but continued to stay silent. "Lils?" he pleaded.
"Don't call me Lils!" she yelled, not able to bear it any longer. "Only my friends are allowed to call me that, and you, Potter, do not fit into that category! And yes, you really are that bad! You pester and tease me; you call me pet names and treat me patronizingly in front of all your little friends! I'm tired of it, Potter, tired of it! What type of game are you playing, anyway?!" James just stared at her. She took his silence as an invitation to go on. "You may be handsome and popular, Potter, but that gives you no reason to be bigheaded and arrogant! I'm tired of the way you ruffle your hair, I'm tired of you showing off your Quidditch skills with that Snitch, I'm tired of your stupid remarks, I'm tired of your fan club, and I'm tired of you following me around!!! Most of all, I'm just tired of YOU!" she finished, breathing heavily. Seeing that he wasn't going to respond, she got up off the couch and marched into her room, slamming the door behind her. James just sat, soaking in everything she had just related to him. Finally, he stirred from the couch.
"She thinks I'm handsome..." he whispered aloud as he walked towards his room.
A/N Part Two: Did anyone catch the semi-sly pOtC reference in this chappie? Actually, it's rather obvious but...anyway. Write down what you think it is in your review! 10 points to Gryffindor if you get it!
The Flying Moose: I hope that this one also meets your standards. Here, have a few cookies. ::shoves a cookie jar in your face::
JerryGirl: Thank you for your review, dahling. Now, because you stole the candy, you don't get any cookies. Remember, stealing does not pay off!!! MAY THAT BE A LESSON TO YOU ALL!!!
tennisaddict107: Thank you so much for your kind review. And for everything else.
Now...do whatcha gotta do! REVIEW! (Yes, yes, I am the next Dr. Seuss, I know it...)
