A/N: I've got a question: are my chapters too short?? I can't tell…Let me know, please.
Gred and Forge Disclaimer: We're bloody rich off the joke businuss. Blew Zonko's right off the chart… why would we need to steal our creator's money?
Lily stirred in her sleep. She had never felt so good before… she was sleepy and warm and comfortable and… in the boy's dormitory? She sat up hurriedly and looked around her. When she spotted James sleeping next to her, she remembered everything. She had told her secret…and he still wanted to be her friend…She checked her magically charmed watch and started. She was late for breakfast. Lily slipped to the door, and after making sure that the common room was empty, slipped downstairs. She crept up to her dormitory and peeked her head inside. It was empty. She ran in and changed into clean robes, after a quick shower. She grabbed her bag and fled the room, following the sound of voices to the Great Hall. As she entered and walked in to sit at the table with her fellow Gryffindors, whispers followed her. She could hear people murmuring. Poor girl… Is that the one who got pushed into the lake?…Surprised she survived…Lily felt incredibly awkward. She slowly walked along the table, until she saw an open spot next to a girl with long, raven-black hair. She looked like the girl who had spurred the Gryffindors on at the edge of the bank the previous night. Lily asked timidly, "Is this seat taken?"
"Not at all," The girl grinned up at her. "It's Lily, right?"
"Yeah. Lily Evans," Lily said, relieved, as she sat down.
"Well, nice to meet you. I'm Rhiannon, really, but everybody calls me Rhia. Why weren't you in the dormitory last night? You missed meeting the resident bitch. It couldn't have taken that long to tend your injuries, even with Pomfrey."
"I—had personal issues," Lily hedged.
"Oh—I'm sorry. But anyway, about her, she's a complete nutter; thinks that just because her father owns this chain of department stores, she owns everyone and everything. She tried to confiscate my pajamas last year. Said they 'didn't go with the décor'. And – here she comes now. Lovely. A tall girl came striding down the table towards them. She had a snub nose and tons of makeup on, and her blonde hair was in French braids. As she walked, boys' faces turned all over the room. She stopped right in front of Rhia and Lily. "Natalia. Natalia Moore," she said imperiously, like it was an honor for them to meet her. She had emotionless gray eyes, and her voice was devoid of anything colorful. Lily decided to be nice to her. What could it hurt?
"Lily Evans." She stuck out her hand. Natalia eyed it like it was something repulsive, then carefully retrieved a handkerchief from the bag she had slung over her shoulder, wrapped it so it completely covered her hand, then gingerly shook hands with Lily and pulled away quickly. Behind Lily, Rhia raised her eyebrows. Natalia bent down and said in a dangerously low voice, "I want you to know that this is my school, and my future boyfriends attend it. If I ever find out that you have stolen even one from me, you will wish that you had never been born. Have I made myself clear?"
"Crystal, Natty." Lily replied in a daring voice. She didn't bother to keep her voice down, and a few of the braver girls around the Hall clapped.
"What did you just call me, Evans?"Natailia said disbelievingly.
"Well, I thought we were going to be friends. I can't just call you Natalia. That's a horrible, ugly name. But I guess, since you've moved on to last names, that won't be necessary. Sorry. Won't happen again," Lily countered, with an insincere smile. Then, for perhaps the first time since the snobby girl had set foot in Hogwarts, someone turned her back to Natalia Moore. Lily calmly began eating breakfast, as girls clapped and cheered. Rhia was grinning broadly, and whispered "touché" to her, as Natalia stormed out of the Hall. Shortly after that, James, Sirius, and Remus entered the room, still looking sleepy. They spotted Lily and made their way over to her. "Hey, Lily," James said softly. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I'm sorry for…you know…"
"It's fine. If you ever need to talk to anyone, I'll be right here, ok?"
"Yeah. Thanks." Lily hugged James. He smelled of wind and fresh air, a breezy scent. The effect was totally spoiled by Sirius and Remus sniggering in the background. This wasn't rare for Sirius, but for Remus, it was. James glared at them. "What?" he said irritably.
"Well, It's just that-"
"We saw you two-"
"Last night-"
"WHAT?" Rhia nearly screamed. "Lily…god. You've known each other for how long? About one day? That was your personal issue?!" She said, lowering her voice. Lily got up, slung her bag over her shoulder, and ran out of the Great Hall. Rhia saw a single tear trail down her friend's face.
"What did I say?"
"You MORONS!" James yelled. "You have NO IDEA!" You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed. He sprinted out of the Hall, following Lily.
He found her in a most unusual place; she was sitting inside a scoring hoop in the Quidditch pitch, her broom hovering beside her. He flew up there, and when he was at eye level, she silently scooted over to make room for him. It was a bit cramped, but neither of them minded. They sat there in comfortable silence for a few minutes, until James conjured up a plate of toast and two glasses of orange juice. Lily accepted one gratefully, and they stayed up there, talking and eating, until it was time to go to classes.
A/N: Howzat? I fell asleep, so instead of updating at one in the morning, I updated at about four. Ah, well. I'll have to get some icecubes down here…