A/N: Hey everyone who bothers to read this! Anyway, I'm starting a new James and Lily story. It's called ' Scarred ' and for all who want to read it, I should warn you, it's very...graphic and explicit. Both Lily and James have hidden pasts and emotional scars that will, eventually, bring them together. I'm also starting a Draco and OC one, called ' Deadly Temptation '. Aurora, my OC, is a dark witch seeking to use Draco in her quest for dark magic. But, Draco ALWAYS gets what he wants, doesn't he...and he wants Aurora. Can she resist the fatal temptation? Anyway, I've kept you all waiting long enough...here's Chapter 14!
She hated him. Her fingers were just itching for her wand, to wipe the smug smirk off his face. At first, he had the grace to look guilty. He seemed to actually regret what he had done. But then...he changed his mind. Now, he was amused by the taunts she received every damn day!Every single day she was goaded and mocked. Every single Slytherin felt compelled to ridicule her. And falling asleep in Divination had not been wise. Afterwards, the chants had become neverceasing.'' Fantasising about Potter, Evans? '''' Just waiting for a chance to go fuck him in the closet? '''' Tired after your active night, Evans? ''
And he loved it. Every damn second. Every minute of every hour of every day he was grinning stupidly at her, silently quaking with laughter. And Black was even worse. He had actually attempted to hang some posters declaring her ' yearning for Potter ' in the Great Hall, before McGonagall had caught him and he was sentenced to two week's detentions.
That, in fact, was the only silver lining. McGonagall had taken thirty house points from James for his ' crude language ' and had given him three week's detentions for ' disrupting the dance '. Although she wished the house points hadn't suffered at all, since Slytherin were now in the lead, she felt a complacent satisfaction at the memory of James' thunderstruck face.But had that stopped him? No. No, he still had to annoy her, embarrass her further. She was utterly humiliated. The entire school believed she wanted Potter. Potter! He had told everyone she had fantasised about him!'' But you did,'' the harassingly vainglorious voice in her head corrected. '' Once! '' she screamed, hurling her book across the dorm so it smacked loudly off the wall.'' Once, for Merlin's sake! ONCE! ''
She vaguely heard the door click open softly.'' Er...Lily, are you ok? ''
Bailey propped her head around the doorjamb. Lily whirled around, startled. And too wrapped up in herself to realise it was Bailey.
'' Yes, I'm fine! '' she barked. '' Why wouldn't I be? Huh? The entire school thinks I'm up here imagining fucking Potter senseless, but I'm just fine and dandy! Never been better, in fact! Do you know, I feel so good, I'm going over to Potter's dorm right now and we'll fuck all night! '''' He really got you mad, didn't he? '' Bailey voiced gently, ignoring some scandalised first years who had heard Lily's rant and were squeaking nervously as they ran away. She closed the door quietly, then settled herself on her waterbed.'' Yeah,'' Lily sighed desparagingly. Then, she frowned, looking out at the setting sun, that cast a cascade of orange light seeping through the rifts in the blinds.'' It's not so much what he said...it's the fact that it's true...'''' What? '' Bailey raised a confused brow as Lily flung a hand over her mouth, reddening.
'' Well...'' she began haltingly. '' Um...er, that is...''
'' Spit it out, Evans. Stutters don't suit you,'''' Don't call me that! '' Lily responded angrily, her voice vicious. '' He's the only one who calls me that,''
Bailey threw her hands up in mock defence. '' Sorry, Lily...now, go on...out with it...'' As Lily was reminded of her slip of the tongue, she blushed deeper.'' Well...the night...we, um, stayed in the hospital wing...I kinda, might have, had just the eensiest weensiest fantasyaboutPotter,'' she finished quickly, in a rush.'' NO WAY,'' Bailey breathed. Lily nodded miserably.
'' That's how he knows...he must've heard me or something...and now, he's so damn stuckup cos he knows it's true. That night...well, he seemed human. He defended me against Death Eaters, against Voldemort...and I...I don't know what came over me...''Bailey flinched, then studied Lily hard. '' You never did tell me what happened that night,'' she broached the subject cautiously, seriously.Lily's face closed. '' Does it matter? '' she said harshly. '' Look. '' she sighed deeply. '' All that matters is that Potter has really gotten to me this time. And he'll pay. For once, someone will stand up to James Potter. And we'll see how he likes a taste of his own medicine,''Dumbledore greeted Lily jovially.'' Welcome, welcome! '' Lily took a seat, refusing to look at James. Dumbledore sat across from them, stroking his beard thoughtfully.'' Well. Today, as you both know, is the 7th of November. Which means, it is time for you both to commence your Sage Training. Lady Lasair, or the Lady of Masbolle, as she is nicknamed, has cordially agreed to tutor the two of you in the ways of Sages. She, herself, is of curious descent, with very rare gifts, as she is part Elvish, part Sage. Her realm of power exists in an impenetrable domain in Russia, but she has gracefully deigned to instruct you both, here in Hogwarts, as Sages are, indeed, a special rarity. Madame? ''From the shadows, as though she had simply shimmered into visibility, stepped a very petite, but stunningly beautiful, woman. She moved with ease and elegance, delicately brushing a lock of silvery hair behind her pointed ear. She looked as though her entire form had been spun from moonlight, so pale and efferescent she was. Her eyes were large, liquid orbs of dark green, seeming to see right through Lily's soul. She was robed in a lustrous white, silken dress and a gleaming dagger was tucked into her belt. She exuded power.She smiled suddenly, extending a pale hand that touched first James' forehead, then Lily's. '' Bon Jour, mes eleves,'' she said softly. ( Good day, my students. )Dumbledore beamed. '' Madame Lasair speaks many languages, including English, but French is considered the word of Sages, so she will be teaching you both to speak it fluently, as well as Elvish,''Lily couldn't help it. She grinned. She had always loved the French language and had often been enchanted by Elvish...she could not wait to start.'' Merci, Monsieur Dumbledore,'' ( Thank you, Sir Dumbledore. )
'' This is an astoundable privilege, Miss Evans and Master Potter. Use your gifts wisely. I will leave you in the more than capable care of Lady Lasair. Good day,''
Then he turned to Lady Lasair, bowing. '' Merci, ma chere,'' ( Thank you, my dear. ) Madame Lasair smiled, taking Dumbledore's hand briefly.'' A bientot, mon cher,'' ( See you soon, my dear. ) Then Dumbledore was gone, in a whirl of his cloak, and James, Lily and Madame Lasair were left alone.'' You are quite handsome, Master Potter,'' James almost choked, spluttering for breath. Lady Lasair laughed gently, a sweet tinkling sound. She turned to Lily.'' Do you not think so, mon eleve? '' ( My student. ) Lily blushed.'' Uh...no,'' she finally said, forcefully. Lady Lasair laughed again.
'' But that is not so, Miss Evans. You think him quite handsome, indeed,''
Lily was beginning to dislike her. Lady Lasair turned to study James. '' Ah,'' she said softly.
'' And he thinks you very beautiful. This will not do! '' She clapped her hands, and her tone of voice changed dramatically.
'' Forgive me for this, mes eleves, but you are much too easy to read. I will begin by teaching you the art of Occlumency. I do not mean to embarrass you...I was merely penetrating your thoughts to glean some iota of how open you are to external forces. You must learn to close your minds. Come,''Lily was eyeing her with something akin to resentment. Now James knew she thought him goodlooking! Lady Lasair paused.'' Oh, I have offended thee. I feel terrible. Forgive me, sil vous plait,'' ( If you please. )
She clasped Lily's hand in her own, her eyes seeking hers. Lily nodded grudgingly. She couldn't have known about their past...'' Merci, Lily! '' Lily couldn't help it, she smiled. This woman had an infectious happiness about her, a bubbly soul.'' Ah! A smile! '' Lily laughed softly. Everything seemed to delight this woman. She was very friendly. Lily couldn't explain why, but the atmosphere was different around Lady Lasair. She added an element of excitement to the air, a thick, heady happiness. Maybe it was her magic...'' Now! '' Madame Lasair exclaimed, clapping her hands exuberantly. '' It is time. You have studied all morning at Occlumency. We will now rest somewhat, then we will begin self-defence,''Lily collapsed onto the stone bench running the length of the hall they were in. She was joined by James. The hall was large, with a vaulted ceiling, adorned with arches. Flying buttresses hung from the hallowing stone walls. Lit torches, bracketed to the walls, cast flickering light over the three forms.Lady Lasair was perusing a voluminous tome of aged, yellowed pages that lay upon a dusted podium at the crest of the room. As far as James could see, it was written in scripted Elvish, decorated with detailed diagrams and portraits of magical beings.It was a few moments before Lady Lasair interrupted their rest, having ripped the skirts of her dress, tearing them off and discarding them. Her slender legs were now visible, as was the black garter she wore.She beckoned them forward.'' We will begin with the pressure points. You will learn the vital points, their names, how to find them, depth and direction of strike, what weapon of the body to use and how to find the right opening for these points in attack. We will start with DIM MAK. In general terms, DIM MAK or Death Touch means to press or strike the chi channel, meridians, blood, arteries and cavities. By strikes, blocks, throws, joint locks and pressing the channels, arteries and cavities change. These changes seal the breath, seal the blood, misplace bone and change organs. ''
'' The human body has over 800 chi cavities or pressure points, mostly on the 8 vessels and channels. The chi flow all runs in a 24 hour cycle. The channels are related to the organs and also to a time of day. They switch from one channel to another every two hours. They also run on a seasonal and annual cycle too. When the chi flow is stopped at a particular time, season and year, sickness or death can be the ways the body reacts. ''She paused, letting her words sink in.'' There are 108 cavities that can be hit or pressed to affect chi flow. 36 can cause death. 74 cause numbness and unconsciousness. To make a strike effective, you must know the time of MAJOR CHI FLOW, the right strike, direction and depth.''
Lady Lasair than let her hand, in a butterfly touch, mark the points of chi on a huge, cracked scroll she had unrolled and charmed to hang suspended in the air. A detailed diagram of a human was drawn on the parchment.For the next two hours, Lady Lasair discussed chi with her students, explaining in detail, each one. By the end, James and Lily could mark the points on the diagram with their eyes closed.'' Formidable, mes eleves! Formidable! '' ( Brilliant, my students. Brilliant. )'' Next, we progress to the ' jab '. One begins by using their lead arm to pull the elbow up in a straight line. The other hand remains guarding the chin, with the chin tucked down for protection. The lead arm straightens and twists on impact, so that the strike is executed with the two big knuckles. The shoulder of the leading arm touches the cheek. The arm should then be brought back as quickly as it went out, along the same path, to prevent being hit by a straight hand counter. There are many variations on the jab. Let us practice this way,''
James was unaware of how long they spent, Lily and himself, taking it in turns to perfect their jabs on a huge punch bag Lady Lasair had conjured. He never would have believed it – Lily was tiny, at only 5 foot 2, yet her punch was remarkably powerful. Of course, he was no giant himself, at only 5 foot 8.He gained respect for her that day. Even more than he had before. She put her heart and soul into her training, ignoring her obvious discomfort and exhaustion. It was almost midnight before Lady Lasair allowed them to leave.Lily was in a tower. The long, spiralling turret was adjoined to a cold, dank castle, frosted in ice. A glacier, hidden away in the mountains, swirling muted mists protecting it from sight. She was wearing a single garment that flashed with pearls and diamante. Except the sequins...the beads...they were like ice. Cold, freezing fingers clawing at her skin.Her breath puffed in front of her, clouds of fog. She was trapped in cold. She could see her reflection before her, in a spotted mirror, dulled with the fatigue of age. Her lips were slowly turning blue, her skin slowly turning to congealed frost.'' ColdCOLDcoldCOLDcOlDCoLdCoLdCOLDcoldcoldcoldCOLDColD! Save me from this cold! '' was all she could think, all other thoughts obscured.Then there was a flash of white light before her, blinding her eyes. When they refocused, she saw Lady Lasair.'' You think him handsome, do you not? '' her voice was an echo, mocking. It reverberated around the tower, ricocheted in her frozen, icicle mind.'' I fantasise about him. '' her own voice came then, and an image of herself supplanted itself before her, suffused with lust and greed.
Then, the face of HIM invaded her sight. His sneering face, violet eyes, unnaturally red lips. He was laughing, a high, cold laugh.'' Bow to Lord Voldemort. Bow to death,''
'' NO! '' she screamed, terrified, backing away. Then she saw herself, a flash of blinding green light. And she was dead on the floor.
When Lily woke, she saw James' face in front of her. Close. Too close. She yawned.'' Mmm, James,'' she breathed hoarsely, reaching up with her hand and slipping it through his lustrous black hair. Then snippets of her dream erupted within her. And she woke fully, jerking away from James like she was on fire.She backed away towards her headboard, pulling the blanket up to her chin, staring at him in horror. He was looking at her intently, his eyes dark.'' Wh...wh...what? ''
He cleared his throat, closing his eyes briefly and shaking his head, as if shaking off a thought.
'' Madame Lasair wants...us..um, in the Quidditch Pitch. Now,'' he choked out, his voice low and gravelly. He straightened, rigidly walking out of her dorm. She didn't even ask how he had got in, hanging her head in shame. What had she just done? She hated him! So what if he turned her on? She had to learn self-restraint! She was making an utter fool of herself!She glanced at the magically powered clock. ' 5 am. Too early to be up, Missy! ' She groaned, then stumbled into the shower. She had only a few minutes. What could Madame Lasair posssibly want this early?'' Now! Mes eleves! Bon Matins,'' ( Good Morning. )'' Yeah...'' James said, absent-mindedly glancing at Lily. She ignored him, resolutely staring at Lady Lasair.
'' You must get in shape! The two of you are much too unfit for Sages! So, I have devised a constant method of exercise, for every morning. From 5 am to 7 am, you will run five miles. Every morning. Then, we will eat. At 8 am, 'til 12 pm, we will train in defence. Then we will lunch. And in the afternoon, you will attend your classes, 'til 4. Professor Dumbledore and I have agreed that, for the timebeing, you will only attend Charms, Transfiguration, Defence against the Dark Arts and Potions. The other classes are not important. Then, every day from 4 'til 6, we will study Sages, languages and powers. Then, you are free, for the evening. ''She smiled sympathetically. '' I know it is tres difficile, but it is for your own good! Now, run! '' ( Very Difficult. )Lily and James headed towards the Forbidden Forest, led by Lady Lasair, somewhat disheartened.'' You know he cares deeply for you? '' Lady Lasair said quietly to Lily, smiling, as they jogged forward. James had sped up ahead. Lily shrugged, snorting.'' He does not! '' she corrected crossly. '' He only wants me cos I'm 'unattainable ' ''Lady Lasair studied her. '' How do you mean? '''' Cos I'm the only ONLY girl who's EVER said no to him. And James Potter ALWAYS gets what he wants,''
'' You'd be surprised,'' Lady Lasair answered, nodding knowingly at Lily before departing and catching up with James.'' So..uh, Evans are you alright with me, now? Cos I'm really sorry about what I did and...'' James said contritely as they began walking up the sloping lawns to the castle, bathed in sweat.'' No, I am not ok with you! YOU HUMILIATED ME POTTER! '' she bit out acidly, already sore about having made a fool of herself in front of him that morning.'' Look, I'm sorry, I...'''' No, you're not Potter. But it's ok,'' Lily smirked, suddenly, catching James off guard. '' Your uppance will come. I'll give you a taste of your own medicine Potter. See how you like being publicly ridiculed. You don't know what's coming! ''
James stood, staring after her, as laughing coldly she ascended the stone steps, already plotting her devious prank. He would pay.'' But I really am sorry,'' James finished lamely. But there was no-one there to hear him.PhinixoftheZodiac: Well, I eventually updated! Thanks!Speedoairhead: I know...you'd almost think I hated Lily with all the crap I make her go through! I do try to make James funny, though! Thanks!Erkith: Yeah, it is kinda abusing them...but when has James ever followed rules!? Yes, I am introducing Lil's power...there are clues! Have you guessed what it is? I think I'll do something about expelliarmus...cos it disarms you of your power, so maybe J&L can't use theirs for a while if expelliarmus is used on them! Then, it wouldn't be TOTALLY useless! Thanks!LadyOfMasbolle: YOU ARE THE most awesomely, amazingly, awesomely, terrifically, completely, utterly, honestly, and seriously fantastic REVIEWER!!!!!!!!!! I know I introduced your character sooner than I said...but hey, I changed my mind! Anyway, I know Lady Lasair seems weird and strict and a bitch and not at all like the traits you said, BUT she WILL become a close friend of L&J and she WILL hopefully be more like you in the next few chapters! Sorry if her physical appearance is nothing like you, but I don't really know what you look like! Sorry! Whaddya think of her elvish/sage thing and stuff? Anything you'd like her to do in the next few chappies? Any ideas 4 her character? LET ME KNOW! Thanks 4 your incredible review!!!!!!!!!!FlameSpirit; Thanks 4 your gr8 review! I like Sirius and James 2! Thanks!Deal–With–It: What does ROTFLMAO mean???????? Enlighten my stupidity? Thanks 4 your gr8 review, you rock! And I TOTALLY agree with you!Angel-Dolphin1: Thanks 4 your review! My story isn't awesome, really, but thanks! Flattery gets you everywhere! What did you think of this chappie?I'll respond to any other HOPEFULLY reviews left in the next chapter! Please check out my other 2 stories; DEADLY TEMPTATION and SCARRED. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The info on pressure points was taken from the site on John Brawn. The info on 'jabs' was taken from the Sheffield Kickboxing club website.