Bring On The Rain

Lily awoke the next morning to find a tawny owl tapping vigorously at her window. Unlatching the window, Lily recognized the owl as Tina; her parents owl. (She got them one last Christmas so they could write.) After giving Tina some owl treats, Lily sat down on her bed to read her letter.

Hello Lily.

How are you? I'm good. Sorry it took me so long to write, it's just that I've been really busy. I gave this to your mum so I hope it finds its way to you. Ever since your sisters wedding I can't stop thinking about you. I was wondering if maybe you'll come visit me one weekend or during Easter break.

Awaiting Your Response,
Dylan

P.S- I still think your mum is SUPER hot!

Reading the last part of Dylan's letter caused Lily to laugh. That night had been wonderful and Dylan was extremely attractive. Glancing at the nearby clock, Lily saw that if she didn't hurry she'd be late to her first class, so she quickly tucked the letter into her pocket.

"Settle down, settle down," Professor McGonagall said.

The first class of the day was Transfiguration. The ever nearing N.E.W.T's had all the teachers loading on the work. Piles of papers, endless reading, and tons of homework; not exactly what you call fun.

"Today," McGonagall started, "we're going to try something new. Instead of throwing many assignments at you and doing them by yourself, you shall get a partner."

Many students began shifting their chairs towards their friends, but McGonagall said, "I will be choosing your partners."

Groans came from everyone. "But Minerva!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Mr. Black please be quiet, and don't call me that. Now, the two of you are to complete all the assignments I give and go over anything that the other doesn't understand," McGonagall explained. "Partners are as follows: Smith and Wither, Green and Yip, Evans and Potter, Jyls and Hill, Black and Ashe..."

And the list went on.

The rest of the class period went by pretty quickly. Just as the bell rang Professor McGonagall yelled out the assignment; which included their partners.

"I can't believe you got James," Emma said as they walked to their next class.

"I know," Lily said. "Just my luck."

"It will be ok," Katie reassured. "I'm just glad I didn't get Remus; that would have been really awkward."

"Have you talked to him since the breakup?" Emma asked.

"No," Katie answered, "but I really should."

Lily and Emma agreed.

"Emma's the lucky one," Lily said grinning. "She got the hottest guy in our class!"

"I would much rather have Sirius," Emma complained.

After Care of Magical Creatures and Potions, the seventh years were loaded with homework. How in the world they were gonna find time to sleep was a mystery. Dinner was pretty much their only relaxation time.

Later on in the common room Lily, Katie, and Emma were sitting in fluffy armchairs doing their homework when James approached.

"Uh Lily?" he asked awkwardly.

"Yes James?" Lily answered without looking up from her book.

"Do you want to get started on the Transfiguration assignment?"

"Sure," Lily said. She shut her book and put down her quill. "I'll see you guys later," she said to Katie and Emma.

"So where do you want to work?" James asked as they stepped out of the common room.

"An empty classroom or something should be fine," Lily answered.

"I think I have just the place," James said showing a small grin.

"Oh no," Lily said. "I know that look."

"What look?" James asked innocently.

"That one!" Lily answered pointing. "James Potter you smell of mischief."

James laughed. "I was only going to suggest Hogsmeade."

"Hogsmeade!" Lily exclaimed. "We could be expelled for that!"

"Oh come on Lily, please?" James begged, giving her his best puppy dog eyes.

Lily rolled her eyes. "Fine," she said. "but if we get caught I swear I'll tell Dumbledore that you used mind control on me."

"Fair deal. Now let's go."

James grabbed Lily's hand and led her up several flights of stairs and many twists. Finally reaching a statue of the one eyed witch, James whispered the password and they gained access.

Once inside the tunnel it was completely dark. Lily pulled out her wand and said, "Lumos."

Though her wand was lit, it was still pretty dark. Lily kept stumbling over small rocks and she had to take twice as many steps as James just to keep up with him.

After some time of walking in silence Lily said, "I still can't believe I let you talk me into this."

"Oh Lily don't fight it," James replied. "You know you just love my little excursions."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

Finally reaching the trapdoor that lead them into Honeydukes, they began discussing where they should work.

"How about the Three Broom Sticks?" Lily suggested.

"I was thinking about the Shrieking Shack," James said.

"James Potter I am not going into a haunted house to do Transfiguration. Absolutely not," Lily said crossing her arms.

"Oh come on," James begged. "It's not haunted, that's just a rumor. There's also a lot of space in there. Please?"

"I swear," Lily started. "It's as if you want me to die."

"I promise I'll protect you," James said, once again giving her his famous puppy dog eyes.

Lily stared at him. "Fine," she said.

"Lily you rock!" James exclaimed.

While climbing upthe huge hill that lead them to the Shrieking Shack, Lily kept picturing all the horrific ways she could die. No one was around this part of Hogsmeade so they didn't have to worry about running into a teacher.

When they reached the front door, James opened it and let Lily go in first. "Age before beauty," he said smiling.

Lily gulped, too scared to respond to his comment, and stepped inside. When James closed the door, all the light was gone, leaving them in the dark.

"Lumos Maxima," James said.

All the lights and many small candles suddenly lit up, giving Lily a chance to get a good look at the place. It was a huge house. Many pictures still hung on the walls, completely covered in dust, and the furniture was ripped to pieces. It looked as if a lion had decided to go on a clawing spree.

"If this place wasn't so dusty and messy it wouldn't be half bad," Lily said.

"Told ya," James replied. "And look, no ghosts."

"Well, lets get to work," Lily said taking a seat on the floor.

James sat down beside her and the work began.

First they readthe two chapters in the text book,and thenthey got to work on the spell. Within a couple tries James had it down pack but Lily on the other hand, was having a bit of trouble.

"This is impossible!" Lily exclaimed. "I think she assigned the hardest spell ever."

"It's not that hard, Lily," James said. "I think if you flicked your wand instead of swishing it, you'd get it."

Lily gave him an evil glare. "What makes you so smart?"

"Lily, Lily, Lily," James said. "You must learn that I am the all mighty James, and uh Transfiguration is my strong point."

Still glaring, Lily decided to swallow her pride and take James' advice. She flicked her wand and said the spell.

"Alright Lily!" James exclaimed. "Told ya it was all in the flick."

Once they practicing the spell a few more times, Lily said, "Well, it's getting pretty late; maybe we should head back."

"I guess so," James agreed.

Lily got up and began making her way towards the door. Reaching for the handle she turned around to see if James was behind her. He was still by the pillows and he was reading something.

"James?" Lily asked. "Are you coming?"

He looked up from what he was reading, not saying anything.

"James?" Lily tried again.

Lily made her way slowly over to him, wondering what was wrong. When she got close enough to realize what he was reading, she let out a small gasp.

"Give it back," Lily said firmly, holding out her hand.

"Were you planning on telling me?" James asked.

"Give. It. Back," Lily repeated.

"After what you said last night and then this? God, Lily."

"That's none of your business!" Lily exclaimed. "Now, give it back!"

Lily went to snatch it from him, but James was quicker. "Were you even planning on telling me?"

Lily let out a sigh. "I just got it today."

"Are you seeing him?"

"Not officially. Can we just go please?" Lily pleaded.

"Why on earth didn't you just tell me?" James asked, looking disappointed. "And after last night I thought you might..."

"Might what?" Lily asked.

"Might actually wanna get back together," James finished. "But I guess not."

James thrusted the letter into Lily's hands and jerked open the door, leaving without her. Lily jogged to catch up to him.

"You can't be mad over this, you know!" Lily yelled. "We're not together anymore and plus you're still with Ally!"

James stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face her. "I can be mad over this, I am fully aware we're not together anymore, and I dumped Ally last night."

Lily gaped at him. Since when did everything become so complicated? A rumble of thunder in the distance brought her back to reality.

"Y-you dumped Ally?" Lily asked dumbly. "Why?"

"You know why!" James exclaimed. "And to think, you're the smartest witch in the whole school."

The thunder was getting louder, and it looked as if was going to start pouring any second.

"You know I don't want to hurt you," Lily said. "I just..."

The rain came pouring down in big cold drops. They weren't near any type of shelter so within seconds they were completely soaked. Lily didn't even get a chance to finish her sentence because just then James pulled her into a deep kiss. His strong arms wrapped around her felt oh so familiar, making her not wanting to pull away.

After a few minutes they pulled away, each gasping for air. James was staring at her as if he didn't know what he was doing and Lily felt the exact way.

It's almost like the hard times circle round,
A couple drops, and they all start comin down
Yeah, I might feel defeated,
And I might hang my head,
I might be barely breathing,
But I'm not dead
Cause tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain

-Jo Dee Messina

A/N- Sniff...sniff. That is such a romantic chapter! Well, compared to what I usually write. I know what you're probably thinking...Lily possibly can't go out with James, she has Dylan. Let me just assure you that there is much more drama ahead.