Disclaimer: I have no rights to the Harry Potter franchise. I'm merely
borrowing her characters and their personalities for my (and your) personal
enjoyment.
A/N: This is my first Lily/James fic, so bear with me. Actually, bear with the characters because sometimes they don't like to cooperate with me. Have fun!
Chapter 2: Hell Hath No Fury
Next morning, the Great Hall proved to be a hive of interesting events. James dressed quickly and head downstairs with the Marauders, hoping that Lily would be there. The others were waiting for him, fidgeting and acting quite nervous themselves. Peter had been informed about yesterday, and patted him on the back for support. They all knew James Potter was an abominable actor, could he really do this?
They paused at the doors, wished him luck and walked in. The four long tables were piled high with food. The scent of toast and coffee wafted through the air and the magical ceiling displayed a bright azure sky. The Marauders walked down the Gryffindor table and sat near Lily and her friends. Instead of James being the closest to them, as was his custom, Sirius filled the spot and greeted the girls. James chose to sit in between Peter and Remus, talking to them animatedly about nothing at all. Excitement ran through him, anxiously waiting for the right time.
Halfway through the meal, James' eyes swung to the door. Andromeda walked to the Ravenclaw table next to them. As beautiful as before, she caused quite a number of heads to turn. Facing James, she sat down and smiled at him. Feigning a look of modesty, he made himself blush and looked down. He felt ridiculous doing it but did it anyway, hoping Lily or one of her friends would notice. They continued until James finally stood and whispered to Sirius, who was talking to the girls. He gave a sound of approval and waved him away. James jogged over to the table and sat right next to Andromeda Black.
To all who saw, it happened in slow motion. Everyone knew how James loved Lily and how she had always berated him and never returned his feelings. This was how it had been since their first year. Even more so than before, it made others give Lily a higher respect to know that she had turned down the handsomest wizard in Hogwarts. With James and Andromeda sitting together, James had given up on Lily in pursuit of someone else.
She had glanced quickly at them before anyone had noticed and kept calm. She knew that people would immediately start to search her for any reaction. Instead, she just tossed her hair and talked to Peter and Sirius, her expression quite serene. Remus was occupied talking to Alice McKellen. She smiled appreciatively at the couple. Alice blushed.
It had only been three weeks since they started going around together and they were an adorable couple. Remus positively glowed. Both alike and completely different, Remus and Sirius had their ways with women. Remus had charm he reserved only for certain girls. Sirius, however, was very generous and gave his charm away frequently, much to the pleasure of all Hogwarts girls.
She finished her breakfast quickly and gave the Marauders a warmer farewell than usual, pacing her steps and walked out of the hall without looking at James and his new love interest.
***
"She didn't look at all! The whole thing was worthless," he sighed, looking disheartened as she left."
"James, you really do need to learn about girls," Andromeda whispered, "she did look and she didn't like what she saw. Keep that in mind today when you have Defense Against the Dark Arts. Be subtle, not too overbearing. From what I saw, you have a good sporting chance." She stood, getting ready to leave "I need my books for Transfiguration, would you like to accompany me, James?"
She had put on her act again, brushing her hair away from her face, lips pouting, looking quite ravishing. James couldn't help but grin. She was completely different from what people believed. He chuckled, "Why of course, my lady. Shall we?" He snatched her hand and led her out of the Great Hall. He was beginning to feel like his old self. This isn't too bad, he thought.
***
Lily sat in the back of the library, mulling over what she saw. She had no right to be jealous of James or Andromeda. Why did she feel the way she did? She felt hurt, like something had been taken from her. She began to realize it was them. Their relationship was special.
Whenever he made her mad, he would compliment her and ask her to go out with him. It felt normal for him to come out of the blue and hit on her. He was always so arrogant about her, always assuming that one day she would be his. She never encouraged anything between them and made sure she never did. Had she made him stop with their game? It was a game, so why did she feel so bad?
Her eyes flickered towards the clock, noticing the time. Defense Against the Dark Arts was next. She promised herself she would think about it later. Meanwhile, she would carry on like she always did: collected, kind and never haughty. She gathered her books and went up to the third floor for class.
***
Instead of sitting in desks, Professor Haldir had set the tables aside motioned them to take a partner. James and Sirius nodded to each in agreement. As inconspicuously as possible, he glanced in Lily's direction and was furious to see her talking to Diggory. Head hung low shyly, he had asked her to be his partner. Sirius looked at James, livid and ready to burst and whispered, "remember it takes time, mate. I know you'll ruin him in Quidditch, you always do." At that, James composed himself and listened to Professor Haldir.
"After summer holidays, I assume most of you are a tad rusty so we'll start slow. The object of this lesson is to know what these spells feel like. Magic, in itself, is far powerful than any man-made force on Earth. It has its limitations, of course, but those limitations can be stretched, depending on the inner strength in the person.
When practicing magic, its important to know what is happening to the people it affects. We use magic for household purposes; that's perfectly fine." She pointed to a broom, which started to sweep them floor. It stopped after a few seconds and she continued.
"Yet, when your magic affects another human life, it changes them. Physically, sometimes. Mentally, always. This is why the Three Unforgivable Curses are punishable by prison. To harness another's life is wrong and inhumane. As I said earlier, we will practice on one another. Use the spells you have learned and realize what the purpose of magic is. If you're having trouble figuring it out, I suggest you try to remember the title of this class. Now, go on!"
The class nodded. Pairing off, the students faced each other. Taking turns, each person cast a spell on their partner. Alice cast a Tarantallegra Spell on Remus. James cast Wingardium Leviosa on Sirius while James felt the effects of the Jelly-Legs Jinx. Everybody then started to wonder what it would feel like if they were under Imperius or Cruciatus. Defense Against the Dark Arts was useful, they concluded.
The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs left the class somber and pensive. James was furious. It was hard to keep his emotions inside. During class, Amos and Lily had worked together. He had flashed his signature winning smile and shouted, Accio Lily! When he had her in his arms, he shouted Rictusempra! Lily was laughing uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face. Amos turned to James and winked. James wanted to punch the smug grin off the slimy prat. It was unbearable. Seething with anger, he stalked off to the courtyard, trying to sort out his thoughts. Sirius ran after him, trying to catch up.
Heading for the lake, James was almost there before he heard someone following him. "Sirius, I don't want to talk!" He turned, expecting to see his friend. "Snivelly, what do want?' he muttered, grabbing his wand. It was useless; Snape already had his wand out and shouted. Furnunculus! James's face broke out in boils. Snape looked triumphant and spat, "Did you think I'd forget what you did to me?"
James lost it; he bitterly pointed his wand at Snape. "Petrificus Totalus!" Snape keeled over, stiff as a board. Pointing to his own face, he mumbled, "Reducio" then resumed his torture of Snape. Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered to watch them. Snape was still unable to move, wriggling with fury. "Mobilicorpus!" Snape's body was lifted off the ground and started moving towards the lake. Just as Snape was about to fall in the lake, James heard a shout. "James Potter don't you dare!" He whirled around to face Lily and said bitterly, "What does it mean to you?"
This only fueled her temper and she glared at him. "Nothing. But last time I checked, nobody forced you to become an idiotic prat. I can't stand you. Of all the moronic things you could do.didn't you hear anything we learned in class?"
He threw her a disgusted look, "did you?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh bugger off, that's rubbish. You know what you did. How was it when--"
He felt a hand clasp over his mouth. Andromeda hissed, "How dare you! Merlin, what am I going to do with you?" She pushed him out of the crowd and left Lily fuming. Snape was still midair above the lake. They didn't stop walking until they reached a clearing.
There was pure silence. After a while, she looked at him and began to speak. "Do you know how much hard work you just made for yourself?" "No" He retorted. "Well, now you do. I came outside to tell you what I learned about Lily from Alice from Remus. But I don't think I should considering you blew it."
"WHAT did you learn?"
She took a deep breath and started with her story.
*Just a note: Thanks for the reviews guys, I've fixed things up and it looks better. And yes, I'm a passionate Ringnut with a very special place in my heart for everything HP. The next chapter is done, I'm just fine- tuning it. Check in a few days, it should be up.
A/N: This is my first Lily/James fic, so bear with me. Actually, bear with the characters because sometimes they don't like to cooperate with me. Have fun!
Chapter 2: Hell Hath No Fury
Next morning, the Great Hall proved to be a hive of interesting events. James dressed quickly and head downstairs with the Marauders, hoping that Lily would be there. The others were waiting for him, fidgeting and acting quite nervous themselves. Peter had been informed about yesterday, and patted him on the back for support. They all knew James Potter was an abominable actor, could he really do this?
They paused at the doors, wished him luck and walked in. The four long tables were piled high with food. The scent of toast and coffee wafted through the air and the magical ceiling displayed a bright azure sky. The Marauders walked down the Gryffindor table and sat near Lily and her friends. Instead of James being the closest to them, as was his custom, Sirius filled the spot and greeted the girls. James chose to sit in between Peter and Remus, talking to them animatedly about nothing at all. Excitement ran through him, anxiously waiting for the right time.
Halfway through the meal, James' eyes swung to the door. Andromeda walked to the Ravenclaw table next to them. As beautiful as before, she caused quite a number of heads to turn. Facing James, she sat down and smiled at him. Feigning a look of modesty, he made himself blush and looked down. He felt ridiculous doing it but did it anyway, hoping Lily or one of her friends would notice. They continued until James finally stood and whispered to Sirius, who was talking to the girls. He gave a sound of approval and waved him away. James jogged over to the table and sat right next to Andromeda Black.
To all who saw, it happened in slow motion. Everyone knew how James loved Lily and how she had always berated him and never returned his feelings. This was how it had been since their first year. Even more so than before, it made others give Lily a higher respect to know that she had turned down the handsomest wizard in Hogwarts. With James and Andromeda sitting together, James had given up on Lily in pursuit of someone else.
She had glanced quickly at them before anyone had noticed and kept calm. She knew that people would immediately start to search her for any reaction. Instead, she just tossed her hair and talked to Peter and Sirius, her expression quite serene. Remus was occupied talking to Alice McKellen. She smiled appreciatively at the couple. Alice blushed.
It had only been three weeks since they started going around together and they were an adorable couple. Remus positively glowed. Both alike and completely different, Remus and Sirius had their ways with women. Remus had charm he reserved only for certain girls. Sirius, however, was very generous and gave his charm away frequently, much to the pleasure of all Hogwarts girls.
She finished her breakfast quickly and gave the Marauders a warmer farewell than usual, pacing her steps and walked out of the hall without looking at James and his new love interest.
***
"She didn't look at all! The whole thing was worthless," he sighed, looking disheartened as she left."
"James, you really do need to learn about girls," Andromeda whispered, "she did look and she didn't like what she saw. Keep that in mind today when you have Defense Against the Dark Arts. Be subtle, not too overbearing. From what I saw, you have a good sporting chance." She stood, getting ready to leave "I need my books for Transfiguration, would you like to accompany me, James?"
She had put on her act again, brushing her hair away from her face, lips pouting, looking quite ravishing. James couldn't help but grin. She was completely different from what people believed. He chuckled, "Why of course, my lady. Shall we?" He snatched her hand and led her out of the Great Hall. He was beginning to feel like his old self. This isn't too bad, he thought.
***
Lily sat in the back of the library, mulling over what she saw. She had no right to be jealous of James or Andromeda. Why did she feel the way she did? She felt hurt, like something had been taken from her. She began to realize it was them. Their relationship was special.
Whenever he made her mad, he would compliment her and ask her to go out with him. It felt normal for him to come out of the blue and hit on her. He was always so arrogant about her, always assuming that one day she would be his. She never encouraged anything between them and made sure she never did. Had she made him stop with their game? It was a game, so why did she feel so bad?
Her eyes flickered towards the clock, noticing the time. Defense Against the Dark Arts was next. She promised herself she would think about it later. Meanwhile, she would carry on like she always did: collected, kind and never haughty. She gathered her books and went up to the third floor for class.
***
Instead of sitting in desks, Professor Haldir had set the tables aside motioned them to take a partner. James and Sirius nodded to each in agreement. As inconspicuously as possible, he glanced in Lily's direction and was furious to see her talking to Diggory. Head hung low shyly, he had asked her to be his partner. Sirius looked at James, livid and ready to burst and whispered, "remember it takes time, mate. I know you'll ruin him in Quidditch, you always do." At that, James composed himself and listened to Professor Haldir.
"After summer holidays, I assume most of you are a tad rusty so we'll start slow. The object of this lesson is to know what these spells feel like. Magic, in itself, is far powerful than any man-made force on Earth. It has its limitations, of course, but those limitations can be stretched, depending on the inner strength in the person.
When practicing magic, its important to know what is happening to the people it affects. We use magic for household purposes; that's perfectly fine." She pointed to a broom, which started to sweep them floor. It stopped after a few seconds and she continued.
"Yet, when your magic affects another human life, it changes them. Physically, sometimes. Mentally, always. This is why the Three Unforgivable Curses are punishable by prison. To harness another's life is wrong and inhumane. As I said earlier, we will practice on one another. Use the spells you have learned and realize what the purpose of magic is. If you're having trouble figuring it out, I suggest you try to remember the title of this class. Now, go on!"
The class nodded. Pairing off, the students faced each other. Taking turns, each person cast a spell on their partner. Alice cast a Tarantallegra Spell on Remus. James cast Wingardium Leviosa on Sirius while James felt the effects of the Jelly-Legs Jinx. Everybody then started to wonder what it would feel like if they were under Imperius or Cruciatus. Defense Against the Dark Arts was useful, they concluded.
The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs left the class somber and pensive. James was furious. It was hard to keep his emotions inside. During class, Amos and Lily had worked together. He had flashed his signature winning smile and shouted, Accio Lily! When he had her in his arms, he shouted Rictusempra! Lily was laughing uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face. Amos turned to James and winked. James wanted to punch the smug grin off the slimy prat. It was unbearable. Seething with anger, he stalked off to the courtyard, trying to sort out his thoughts. Sirius ran after him, trying to catch up.
Heading for the lake, James was almost there before he heard someone following him. "Sirius, I don't want to talk!" He turned, expecting to see his friend. "Snivelly, what do want?' he muttered, grabbing his wand. It was useless; Snape already had his wand out and shouted. Furnunculus! James's face broke out in boils. Snape looked triumphant and spat, "Did you think I'd forget what you did to me?"
James lost it; he bitterly pointed his wand at Snape. "Petrificus Totalus!" Snape keeled over, stiff as a board. Pointing to his own face, he mumbled, "Reducio" then resumed his torture of Snape. Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered to watch them. Snape was still unable to move, wriggling with fury. "Mobilicorpus!" Snape's body was lifted off the ground and started moving towards the lake. Just as Snape was about to fall in the lake, James heard a shout. "James Potter don't you dare!" He whirled around to face Lily and said bitterly, "What does it mean to you?"
This only fueled her temper and she glared at him. "Nothing. But last time I checked, nobody forced you to become an idiotic prat. I can't stand you. Of all the moronic things you could do.didn't you hear anything we learned in class?"
He threw her a disgusted look, "did you?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh bugger off, that's rubbish. You know what you did. How was it when--"
He felt a hand clasp over his mouth. Andromeda hissed, "How dare you! Merlin, what am I going to do with you?" She pushed him out of the crowd and left Lily fuming. Snape was still midair above the lake. They didn't stop walking until they reached a clearing.
There was pure silence. After a while, she looked at him and began to speak. "Do you know how much hard work you just made for yourself?" "No" He retorted. "Well, now you do. I came outside to tell you what I learned about Lily from Alice from Remus. But I don't think I should considering you blew it."
"WHAT did you learn?"
She took a deep breath and started with her story.
*Just a note: Thanks for the reviews guys, I've fixed things up and it looks better. And yes, I'm a passionate Ringnut with a very special place in my heart for everything HP. The next chapter is done, I'm just fine- tuning it. Check in a few days, it should be up.