Hi, I know I said the story was going to be on hold, but I was bored and decided to read it again, sand I had a great idea, so here's the next chapter. And unless I read it again in a month, it really is on hold! And to all those people who read HBP, sorry, it wasn't out when I started this, so Slughorn will be replaced my Metgan.
8888888888888888888888888888888
"Ah, Professor, how nice of you to join me here." Albus Dumbledore said to the confused Potions Master sitting in front of him.
"Yes sir, but may I ask why you called me here?" Professor Hannah Metgan asked.
"Yes, it is my pleasure to inform you that you will be changing the-er-curriculum of you Potions class tomorrow. You see, I am in desperate need of setting two students up, as I'm sure you should understand." Professor Metgan just nodded, knowing Albus was talking about James Potter and Lily Evans.
"So, seeing as you are a highly skilled potion maker, I will ask you to change the curriculum a bit. Instead of making Love Potions in February as planned, could you please make them tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow? But sir, I'm not sure that I have all the ingredients-"
"Ah, you will find that the ingredients have been delivered to your classroom a few months early."
"Yes, sir, but do we have Ministry of Magic approval?"
"Yes, we do. The Ministry officials have conveniently forgotten that we shall not be starting love potions in February as planned, but in October."
"Sir, how will I get Miss Evans to take the potion?"
"I'm sure you will think of something. You are her favorite teacher, you know. Either you or Professor Flitwick."
"Thank you, Professor. I'll make sure they get together, even if I have to give them detention together. Although I wouldn't want to hurt Miss Evan's excellent record," Hannah Metgan said.
"Yes, Hannah, I'm sure you'll do fine. Thank you for your time."
"Goodbye, Professor."
888888888888888888888888888888
Professor Hannah Metgan was unusual for a Potions teacher. She was a woman, for one thing. Most of the previous Potions Masters were men. She was also a Gryffindor, not a Slytherin like most of the previous Potions Masters. One more thing set her apart. The students didn't hate her. Most of them rather liked her, for she was fair and unbiased. She was also a very good teacher, and most of the students in her previous classes went on through the N.E.W.T. level, and passed.
One of Professor Metgan's favorite students was Lily Evans. Lily was a very good potions maker. Potions was probably her best subject besides Charms. Professor Metgan was a very good observer, and saw the looks of hate Lily often sent James' way during class. But the professor also could see something else in Lily's eyes. It was hard to tell, but Hannah Metgan thought that something else was- love.
888888888888888888888888888
Lily entered the classroom in front of Hermione. "We can sit here, and you can be next to your friends," she said, pointing to a table next to the one Harry and Ron were sitting at. Lily took a seat on the far side of the boys.
"Hey Hermione, can I sit next to Lily for a moment?" Harry asked. It was weird calling his mom by her first name!
"Sure, if it's okay with her," Hermione replied. "Hey Lily, do you mind if I go sit by Ron and Harry sits here?" she asked.
"Sure, I don't care," Lily said. Hermione and Harry switched spots. Hermione looked over to her right at the next table and saw Remus sitting there. "Hi Remus," she said shyly. "Do you like Potions?"
"Yes, it's one of my favorite subjects," he said.
"Really? I've always liked it, but in our time, Snape teaches it, so it's never fun."
"Snape, that greasy git? Is he any good?" Sirius asked from the next table.
"Well, he's intimidating, give a lot of homework and criticism, but I always get good grades in that class." Hermione said.
"You get good grades in every class, Hermione," Ron said from her left.
"Yeah, I guess I do," she said.
Over at the other table, Harry was talking to his mother. Hermione wondered what was going on. She had a feeling that something wasn't right in the way Lily was looking at Harry. "Harry? A word, please?" she asked him.
"Oh, sure Hermione, I'll be right back, Lily," he said, and walked over to where Hermione was standing in a corner.
"Harry, we all know that Lily must have at least some feelings for James. I think she likes the way he looks, just not acts. We all know that you look just like him, except for some minor differences. We also know that you don't act like him much. You're more responsible, less mean and teasing. I think that's what Lily likes in guys. We can't have her falling in love with you, Harry," she said.
"What? I'm not gonna fall in love with my mom! I like- wait I can't tell you that."
"Harry, I didn't say you will fall in love with her, I'm saying she might fall in love with you."
"But-"
"Face it, Harry, you're someone that most girls would die for, Lily included. You have to act like you can't go out with her. But how? Oh no," Hermione said, looking stricken.
"What's wrong? What do I have to do?"
"Harry, I know you're going to hate this, but you're gonna have to act like I'm your girlfriend," Hermione said, looking devastated.
"What? I can't do that! It'd be like dating my sister! Oh god, Hermione, isn't there another way?"
"That's the only thing I can think of, until we get Lily to fall in love with James, and I don't know how we're going to do that, either," Hermione said, still looking devastated.
"Why do you look like that? Ok, so what do we have to do to make her believe we're going out?" Harry asked.
"I look like this because I'm not happy about what we have to do." She looked over Harry's shoulder, made sure Lily was watching, and said, "I'm sorry, Harry, but it's the only way." Then she stood on her tiptoes and kissed Harry on the lips. Harry groaned. Hermione broke off the kiss.
"God, Hermione, that was- wrong," he said.
"I know, but at least she knows she can't have you," Hermione said. "Now we should go back to our seats. But you have to-hold my hand. It's the only way to make it look real!" she said, deciphering to look on Harry's face.
"Oh, all right, but just this once," he said, and picked up her hand. She gave a strained smile and led him back to their seats. Harry sat down next to Lily and dropped Hermione's hand at once. Lily looked distressed.
"So, are you guys, like, a couple or something?" she asked.
"Yeah, I guess you could call it that," Harry replied, not meeting her eyes. At the other table, another discussion was going on.
"Hermione! What was that?" Ron asked, furious.
"I thought Lily might fall in love with Harry, so it was the only way to stop her," she explained.
"So you and Harry aren't really a couple?" Remus asked.
"No, we're not, thankfully," she said.
"Oh good," he said, leaning back.
"Remus? Is there something you're not telling me?" she asked him.
"Huh? Oh no, there's not," he said. But his face said differently.
"A-hem, I think there is," she said firmly. He sighed.
"Ok, Hermione. You win. I have to tell you something. I know this is wrong, because you're really 19 years younger than me, but I really- like you," he said, blushing.
There was a sharp intake of breath at Hermione's table, and she said in a strained voice, "you do?"
"Yes, I do. Hermione, will you- go to- Hogsmeade- with- me?" he asked.
"You mean, like a date?" she asked.
"Yeah, I guess like a date."
"Ok, then, I guess it's a date, then."
"Good." Just then, Professor Metgan walked in.
"Alright, class, we're in for a little change of plans. Today we're starting Love Potions." The class gasped.
"But professor, we're not supposed to start those until February!" Lily called out.
"Yes, I know Miss Evans, but there was a change of plans. Now will you all please open your books to page 394 and gather the ingredients. You may begin."
There was a slight hold-up at the student store cupboard, but everything was sorted out eventually. Within 45 minutes, everyone was standing by a cauldron full of pink liquid.
"Very good, very good, class. Mr. Potter! Your potion is perfect!" Professor Metgan exclaimed, looking into his cauldron. "And Miss Evans! Your potion is absolutely superb!" she cried, taking a ladle from her pocket. The professor scooped up some of Lily's potion, pulled a bottle out of her robes, and poured the liquid into the container. She repeated the process with James' potion, with a different flask this time. The bell rang.
"Class dismissed," the teacher called. "Mr. Potter, Miss Evans, please wait a moment," she said. James and Lily turned back and stood in front of the teacher's desk. "Your potions were the best I've seen. The only person I know who could brew a better potion is myself. Congratulations, you've earned this. It's butterbeer," she said, smiling at the confused looks on James and Lily's faces as they stared at the bottle. "Now go out in the hall and celebrate. Mr. Potter, the Transfiguration king, I believe you should be able to conjure some glasses for the occasion. Good day to you two," she finished, and disappeared into her office. James and Lily looked at each other for a moment, then laughed and exited the room. James sank down to the floor and conjured two glasses for them. He poured them each some butterbeer. Lily picked hers up and raised it. "To potions," she said.
"To potions," he replied, and clinked his glass against hers. They each drank a sip, then shuddered. "That didn't taste too much like butterbeer," James said, staring at Lily, then the bottle, the Lily again. She was looking up at him from half-closed eyelids, fluttering her eyelashes.
"Jamesie-poo, lets go to the Common Room," she said. They stood up and Lily reached for James' hand, which he let her take. She smiled at him, he grinned back. They made their way back to the Fat Lady's portrait. "Password?" she asked.
"Lemon Drop," James said, staring at Lily, who was gazing back. The Fat Lady swung out, almost hitting Lily. James grabbed her and pulled her out of the way just in time. "Thanks James," she smiled. They climbed through the portrait hole, making their way to a couch in front of the fire. James sat down and Lily sat right next to him, resting her head on his chest. He stroked her hair. She sighed. "James, will you go to Hogsmeade with me tomorrow?" Lily asked.
"But of course, Lily my flower," he whispered. She tilted her head and smiled up at him. He leaned in and kissed her lips. She gladly let him. Soon they were locked together in a tight embrace, kissing like the world was about to end. When they finished kissing, they sat there and talked about things. School, teachers, the world, politics, the rising threat of Voldemort (Lily could almost say his name), everything in general. As the fire was dying down, Lily fell asleep on James' shoulder. He smiled, then eased her down on the couch. He conjured blankets and a pillow, tucked the blankets around her, stuck the pillow under her head, and kissed her good night. "Good night, Lily darling," he said, smiling. Then he went to his dorm to go to sleep.
888888888888888888888888888888
The next day, Lily woke up with a start. What had happened last night? Suddenly she remembered. James! Oddly, she didn't want to kill him, she wanted to kiss him. She ran up the stairs to the boy's dorm, knocked on the 6th year's door, and when there was no answer, opened the door. Lily ran to the bed she knew was James', ripped open the curtains, and saw him sleeping in his boxers. She covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a giggle. She rolled him over onto his back, then laid on top of him, whispering in his ear, "Wake up, James, sweetie!"
James smiled in his sleep, muttered "Lily," and hugged her to him. She sighed, then settled her head on James' bare chest, and went to sleep.
When James woke up an hour later, it was to find his chest covered by a head full of red hair. He smiled, then sighed. James thought he might have an idea as to why Lily had been acting so funny. He would have to talk to a certain Potions professor. He must have moved while thinking this, as suddenly Lily woke up and smiled at him.
"James."
"Lil."
"Oh my god! James!" Lily shrieked, jumping off the bed and glaring at him. He just looked curiously at her. She sighed, then stopped glaring, and instead looked at him with love in her eyes. "Are you thinking the same thing I am?" she asked.
"It depends on what you're thinking about," James replied.
"I just happen to be thinking that Professor Metgan put a love potion in that butterbeer," she said, still looking at him funnily.
"And by now, the effects of the potion have worn off, and you hate me," James said, looking downcast.
"Actually, I don't hate you. I think the potion wore off last night. We only took small sips of it," Lily told him.
"So… this morning… was actually you, and not a potion?"
"Yeah, I guess it was," Lily said, smiling. Suddenly she laid back onto him and settled herself where she had been before.
"Uh, Lil?" James choked, wondering if she had lost her mind.
"Yes, James?"
"Er- do you still want to go to Hogsmeade today?"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
"As a date, I mean?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Lily reached up and touched his hand, which was stroking her hair. "Thanks for last night. It was wonderful," she said, and kissed him. When she broke away after a moment, they both grinned wildly and Lily got off him. "I have to go get ready," she said, and dashed out the door. James stared after her, still grinning. "I have a date with an angel," he said, and fell back onto his pillows.
"James?" a voice asked.
"Remus? Is that you?" James asked.
"Yeah, and you're not the only one who's got a date with an angel."
8888888888888888888888888888888888
Back in the girl's dorm, both Lily and Hermione were frantically getting ready.
"Are you going to Hogsmeade with Remus today, Hermione?" Lily asked curiously.
"Yeah. He asked me in Potions yesterday," she said. "By the way, what are you getting ready for?"
"I'm going to Hogsmeade with James," Lily said dreamily. "He's so perfect."
Hermione was just wondering if Lily was right in the head, when there was a tap on the window. Both girls looked curiously over at it, seeing James there on his Nimbus 1001. He waved at Lily, who waved back, still putting on her earrings. She opened the window, grabbed the broom James offered her, and flew out the window after him. Hermione just looked incredulously after them, then grinned when Remus darkened the window, also on his broom. He flew inside the dorm, turned around, and told her to get on. She climbed up behind him, grabbed him tightly around the waist, and he took off.
Both couples reached Hogsmeade at the same time. Hermione dismounted the broom, looking slightly green and still clinging tightly to Remus. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. "Anyone up to a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks?" Remus asked, concerned about Hermione. Everyone nodded and they set out along Main Street to the pub. James went to the counter to order the butterbeer, and the rest found a table in a corner. Remus and Hermione wanted to know what was going on between James and Lily, so Lily had no choice but to tell them. When James joined the table, she was just finishing up. He set down the butterbeers and everybody thanked him, Lily with a kiss. He smiled at her and kissed her again. She blushed. Remus and Hermione shared knowing looks.
"Well, I know I'm running out of Dungbombs, so Lily, do you want to go to Zonko's?" James asked, setting down his empty tankard of butterbeer.
"Sure," she said, and they left.
"Well, they're gone now, and they're together. Mission accomplished. I guess you don't have to pretend to be Harry's girlfriend anymore," Remus said, looking at Hermione.
"No, I don't," she said. "But I want to be yours," she said under her breath.
"What was that?" Remus asked.
"Nothing," she said quickly.
"I know you said something, and I'm going to find out what it is." Hermione didn't meet his eyes. "Hermione. Look at me," he pleaded. She slowly raised her head and looked deep into his eyes. "What did you say before?" he asked her.
"I said I wanted to be yours," she said monotonously.
"My what?"
"Girlfriend." He suddenly looked away, and Hermione stopped talking in a monotone. "Remus! Did you put some kind of spell on me?"
"Yes," he said sheepishly. "But I wanted to know! And now I know, so Hermione, will you be my girlfriend?"
"I don't know what to say!"
"Say yes."
"Ok then, I will. Yes, I will be your girlfriend, Remus."
"Good. And I believe you know what people who are boyfriend and girlfriend usually do?" Hermione looked scared all of a sudden. "What's wrong, Mione?"
"Its just… well… in your future, in my past, you're my teacher. And I just don't think it'd be proper…"
"Mione, this isn't the future. It's now. We're the same age now, and I want to kiss you, and I think you want to kiss me, also. So let's forget the rules for a minute, and will you kiss me?"
Hermione still didn't look too certain, but she nodded anyways. "Good," Remus said, and he leaned in and kissed her. It was a perfect kiss, one you only hear about in storybooks. It was short and sweet, yet to the young couple, it lasted an eternity. As they broke away, Hermione looked down at the table. Remus lifted her head with his thumb, and wiped away the tears that had worked their way down her cheek.
"Why are you crying, Mione?" he asked her.
"It's just that… I really want to be with you, but I know I can't. It's tearing me up inside," she said, more tears adding to the ones already on her face.
"Shh, Hermione, it's okay," Remus said, taking her into his arms and rocking her back and forth. She wrapped her arms around him, and he let her cry on his shoulder. She gave a final sniff and fell asleep. Remus kissed the top of her head and transfigured his wooden chair into something more comfortable, an oversized armchair. He let Hermione be, and fell asleep with her in his arms.
88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Meanwhile, James and Lily were at Zonko's Joke Shop. James was checking out the Dungbombs, with Lily leaning over his shoulder. "You know I don't like those, James," she said disapprovingly.
"If it doesn't please you, I won't get it," he said, stuffing it back on the shelf.
"That's what I love about you, James. You're so nice," she said, hugging him. He didn't let her go for a long time. When she finally got his arms off her, she led him over to another shelf. "Now this stuff, I like," she said, smiling. He looked at the shelf. It contained a full range of potions to make other people's hair change color. "I wouldn't object to you changing Snape's hair to green, or pink, or orange," she said. "After all the times I helped him, he keeps calling me a Mudblood." James looked stricken. Snivellus, calling his Lily a Mudblood? He'd have to give him hell tomorrow. But today, Lily.
"Lil, it's okay, he's just a dirty Slytherin," said, taking her into his arms. She hugged him and started crying on his shoulder.
"I'm being silly," she said through her tears, which were saturating James' cloak. "He's just an ugly, greasy git. I shouldn't pay any attention to him, I should just keep my head high and ignore him."
"That's right, Lil. And you should also help me change his hair to green tomorrow," James said. Lily sniffed.
"Thanks, James. That made me feel better," she said, squeezing him tightly.
"Lily, Lily, Lily. C'mere." She released her hold on him a little, and he kissed her. It was just like Remus and Hermione's kiss, if anything, even sweeter. As they broke apart, James wiped away the tears on Lily's face just as Remus had done to Hermione.
"It's okay, Lil. It's ok," James said, rubbing small circles on Lily's back with his thumb.
"James," she said, her voice muffled in his chest. "I think I want to go back to Hogwarts."
"Okay, Lil, just let me pay for this," he grabbed a bottle that would turn Snape's hair green and went to the register, holding Lily's hand tightly the whole time. "Wait, I have an idea," he said, and walked next door to Honeydukes. Lily followed him, and had to grab his hand tightly when they entered, for it was full to bursting with Hogwarts students. James made his way directly to the chocolate section, picked out a large bar of Honeydukes best chocolate, and squeezed through a crowd of third years to get to the register. He paid the cashier 3 Sickles, then he and Lily made their way out of the store. James gave Lily the chocolate, saying "Eat it, it'll make you feel better." She obliged, and had finished the bar by the time they got to where they had left the brooms.
"Do you think we should tell Remus and Hermione where we're going?" Lily asked, concerned about her new friends.
"Nah, they'll be fine," James said, and took off. Lily followed on what she knew was Sirius' broom. When they got to the girl's dorm, James magically opened the window and followed Lily in.
"I'll put the brooms away, then we can go to the common room and talk, okay?" he said, and walked out the door to the boy's dormitory. Lily sat down on her bed and sighed. When had James changed so much? He had always been so stupid and mean, but now he was acting so nice and… perfect. She'd have to ask him about it when they talked in the common room. Lily went down to the common room to find James already there, saving her a seat on the couch. She sat down beside him and put her head on his shoulder. He stroked her hair.
"James?" she asked quietly.
"Mmm?"
"When did you change?"
"What do you mean?"
"When did you stop being an idiot?"
"I'm not sure… are you saying I'm an idiot, or I was an idiot?"
"You were an idiot, then you stopped being one. What happened?"
"I don't know… I think it was after Professor Metgan gave us the love potion."
"Yes, that would explain a lot. And you're sure the potion wore off after a while, like last night? How late last night?"
"I'm not a potions expert, but I would think it'd wear off after about an hour or so," James said, smiling.
"An hour? So for the better part of the night, we were acting of our own accord? And this morning, and today, that was all us?"
"Yep. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"It depends on what you're thinking."
"I'm thinking that you're starting to like me," he said playfully.
"I don't think so," Lily said. James looked disappointed. "I think I'm starting to fall in love with you, James."
888888888888888888888888
How was that? 4066 words. Wow. Ok, from now on, this story is on hold, unless I come up with a brilliant idea, like I did for this chapter. This is by far the longest piece I've written for fan fic, so review and tell me if it's good, too mushy, not mushy enough (God forbid!), or just right. Please? (Gives puppy dog eyes)