A/n: Soorry for the long wait but you know what happened? I was almost
finished and my stupid damn computer erased the whole freaken chapter even
after I had saved it a trillion times! I HATE it! I am sooo mad, like its
not funny. I just want to take a hammer and smash my computer and if I had
another one I totally would, but sadly I don't. And NOW, since it took so
long for this chapter to come out, I will lose all my nice reviewers, and
noone will review :( But if you wanna be nice; prove me wrong and R/R!
Chapter 11
Lily had been having the strangest day. Well, actually, she wasn't really having a weird day herself; she was just witnessing strange events. Particularly the strange events of James Potter, who couldn't have acted queerer if he was bewitched by Snape. He came down to breakfast with enough grease in his hair to fuel the cars of all Europe twice. Then he jounced about, acting like a puppet, bouncing from table to table, chair to chair, girl to girl. Lily had to twist her neck around so many times, she thought it was just going to fall off.
Lily had thought she'd finally cracked James code; thought she was beginning to understand him. However, this was just another signal, telling her she didn't understand him in the least. Lily had thought he was beginning to give up his player days; boy, did today prove her wrong in sooo many ways.
Transfiguration: Given a detention for flirting with Amy Parker during lessons. Herbology: They were working with toxic plants, so Professor Sprout asked him to remove the leather jacket he had borrowed from Sirius. It got stuck on him, and Professor Sprout had to cut it off with garden sheers, much to the complaining of Sirius. Charms: sent to the Infirmary due to the injury he got from falling off his chair since he hadn't been able to take his eyes off of Amy Parker's arse, even as she went to her seat in the back of the room. Arithmancy: Bribed the person sitting next to Amy Parker five galleons to trade seats with him. Potions:Given a detention for staring at Lily's ear throughout the class. That one confused Lily the most because after the events of the day, it should be detention for Amy Parker's ear at least; not hers.
"Mongrel," she muttered to herself as he walked by.
However, the second she muttered that, he backed up so he was standing next to her and said "Did you just call me what I think you did?"
Lily glared at him. She had been talking to herself, not him. How dare he eavesdrop on her personal conversation, with, well, herself? Ok, it did sound weird, but still, Lily felt she did have a point.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Lily finally mumbled, fiercely wishing that their was a cliff right behind him so she could 'accidentally' push him over, and then stare, elated, at the splatter he made on the ground. She could be a bit vindictive sometimes, but it was only near James; he always seemed to bring out the worst in her.
"You either just called me a monster or a mongrel- I'm not sure which one, but I definitely heard you say that. And now you're staring at me as if you want to push me off a cliff or something-" Lily's jaw dropped as he said that-had he read her mind?-"but I have no idea why."
"Well, why don't you go ask Amy Parker's ass since that's what you seemed so keen on staring at all day? Oh no wait, you did take some time out to have a conversation of sorts with my ear which you were so intent on staring at during Potions, according to our endearing Professor," Lily snapped at him.
James stared at her in shock for her out-rightness, but recovered quickly, and smirked as he said "Well, I didn't realize you had been watching me all day,"
"It's not my fault you're in my bloody line of vision," Lily said hotly.
"Well, I will ask Amy Parker's arse later, on our date. In fact may be I'll do more than ask,"
"Oh, ew! Spare me, please," Lily covered her ears "Any ways, I don't understand why you seem to think she is so special. You even invested money in her, I heard."
However, disgusted as she was, she couldn't help tighten her chest when James mentioned his date. What was that- Jealousy? No, but it couldn't be, she lectured herself. She didn't like James; she couldn't like him, not even if she wanted to for multiple reasons.
"Well, a guy's got to do what a guy's got to do," James cocked his face to the left, putting on a mocking expression which Lily couldn't help but chuckle at "If you were a guy, you'd do the same,"
"If I were a guy, I'd just wish I was a girl," Lily retaliated quickly, dismissing his last point "So, you scored with the Parker girl, huh? Don't want to be late do you?"
"Oh, she'll wait for me. They always do," James said arrogantly.
Lily's eyes widened at his vain tone, hoping he was joking when he said that. He was just sooo disgusting when he was around her; sometimes she had so much fun with him and other times she just wished she didn't know him.
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Why did he say that? James hadn't meant to come off so cocky; it was his defense mechanism. However, from her disgusted look, he could tell he had gone too far. He would have to do a full turn around to make up for it.
"Calm down doll, I was just joking," James tried to reassure her while still acting suave and smooth.
"Yeah, I sure hope so," Lily tossed her hair, acting like hen with all her feather ruffled up.
"I'll think of you on my date," James said smoothly, moving closely to her.
"Wonderful. I'm so pleased. Time to create a shrine, build a totem pole, and start a new religion worshiping you," Lily said in a monotone.
"I am awed by your enthusiasm," James exclaimed over-enthusiastically, forcing a small smile out of Lily.
"Aren't you funny?" Lily finally mustered. James laughed as she said that, since he knew she hadn't been able to come up with the hurtful comeback she'd wanted.
"Aren't I?" He just shot back lamely.
"Well, have fun with Amy's arse. Be nice to it, will you? When you break up with it, do it nicely; it's the least you could do after playing with her heart. I feel bad for all those poor girls. You're horrid to them," and with that she whirled around, leaving him dumbfounded and feeling horrible.
So, that's what she thought of him: an arrogant, horrible with no heart who toyed with other people's emotions. But that's not how she was supposed to think of him! James ran down the hall after her, accidentally slamming into her, sending them both sprawling on the floor, on top of each other.
"If you wanted to say something, you could have said it to me without bumping into me like that!" Lily exclaimed, after she had gotten up and brushed herself off.
"You know, the bumping into you part wasn't actually an intentional thing," James said, as he got up.
"Well...." Lily drawled, rolling her eyes.
James mouth was suddenly dry. Why had he run after in the first place? He couldn't remember what he was going to say to her. Crap, he was not good at improvising.
"I'm waiting. I hope I was at least smashed into for a reason," Lily tapped her foot impatiently as she said that.
"I was just gonna say," James finally spurted out "That maybe you were right."
"Right about what?" Lily asked, confused.
"About what you said before." James said vaguely, not wanting to go into detail.
He was wishing now that he had not ran after her- he was only making a fool out of himself. Plus, he was going to seem vulnerable now; and vulnerability is what led to rejection. And he didn't rejection, didn't even know exactly what it was. He liked the external cover of arrogance and mean words that shielded him. It was just safer that way.
"I said a lot of things before, and was probably right about a lot of them. So which points that I said are you specifically talking about?"
"All the stuff you said about me being a player, I guess. And not treating girls right. Maybe you were right," James finally expanded quickly, widening his stance, and staring down at the ground as he spoke.
Lily stared at him strangely him for a moment, looking at him so closely James felt that she was judging each and every one of the molecules that made up his face, before saying "Great observation. Nice to know you've begun to open your eyes to see the obvious around you."
"Well, thanks for the support," James shot back, straightening himself up, getting extremely annoyed with her snide remarks.
"Your welcome. Oh, and now that you've come to a realization, I hope you act on it," Lily answered before once again turning on her heel and leaving him standing.
James sighed and shook his head in frustration. He couldn't take this anymore. He was trying so hard, and what was she doing? Only making things harder. What happened to teamwork and cooperation? If Lily would cooperate things would just be so much easier. But then again, what little relationship they had consisted of one-liners and snide remarks; not much cooperation and teamwork needed for that. (A/N: I said that last par. sooo much better in the old draft. I miss it :( ) **************************************************************************** *****
"- And then she's like to me 'Shape up, girl,' and I'm like 'Why?' and she's like 'Cuz I said so, stupid,' and I'm like 'Whoa, who gave you the right to say that to me?' And she's like 'the school.' Well, you know what James, I say damn the school, she still had no right to hurt me so. Don't you agree?" Amy looked at James hopefully for approval.
James wanted to be able to roll his eyes, look at her scornfully, while snapping a scathing comment, but he knew that would just be going about it the wrong way. Besides, they were already back at the castle (James was NEVER sneaking out with a girl like that again; She had acted like she had been transported to another planet, exclaiming how exciting everything was), so he decided to just suck it up and settled for mocking secretly as he said "The frigid bitch! Though I'm sure Minerva used more tasteful words to diss you deservingly,"
"Well, yea, she threw in some words like 'horrendous' and 'unrighteous' and some big words like that. Trying to act like she is better than me. Well, Professor, talk to the hand, because my wardrobe can beat up your wardrobe- " she stopped her tirade for a moment to pose and wouldn't move until James finally signified his approval "- and my hair can turn your hair into.... a huge mess of ugliness-" she stopped once again to bask in her 'brilliance "- G-d, I should really use these on peo-"
James just had to shut her up! He leaned in to kiss her and she moaned with pleasure, digging her nails into his skin, and biting his mouth so hard he thought he was going to bleed. She moved her tongue around frantically, as if she had lost something, and pushed her body against his. Finally he couldn't take it anymore and pulled apart, saying "And I think we may be over," before waving and walking away.
"I had fun, too," She shouted after him, waving like a maniac.
James just chuckled to himself, as he stepped into the Common Room. A few days ago, Amy would have been the ideal girl friend. And now- now James saw what he should have seen- someone who didn't put too much emphasis on intelligence, kissed like a garden hose, and was totally incompatible with him. I mean, why would he want to talk about her 'discussion' with Professor McGonnagol all night? Frankly, he'd rather have actually been out with Minerva then with Amy; at least he could've scored some house points!
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Lily watched the conniving, scheming boy enter the Common Room with a conniving, scheming smirk. Ech, that irked her;after everything he had said to her, he still had gone off and acted like he usually did with girls: dreadfully. That liar! She turned the page of her book, fluttering her eyes on the room carelessly, pretending she had no idea he had come in. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him look at her for a moment and stop, then turn completely around and hustle off to his dormitories.
"Bastard," Lily mumbled, shaking her head.
"Aren't they all?" Lynn answered, as she drew up for air in between the snogfest she was having with Peter.
"Oh, shut up, you hypocrite," Lily glared as she teased Lynn.
She sighed, a wave of emotions flowing over her. Disappointment, annoyance, desire- every ingredient that was always there when you had that curse: a crush. And G-d, Lily couldn't stop it anymore. She didn't understand herself anymore. James, asshole James, player James, her rational side would yell. Then her other side would sigh romantically and say cute James, nice James, funny James and it was a whole dramatic cycle.
OK, she could do this. She closed her eyes and thought 'I like James. I have a crush on James'. Apprehension surrounded herself from every corner once she admitted to it. For one thing, she didn't know if James even liked her. In fact, she was almost sure he didn't. For another, even if they did go out, he'd probably just use her and dump her like the others. And the worst: Lily was scared. She didn't want to start something new, and yet she did. Even if James said he liked her, Lily didn't know how she'd respond. She was just so uncertain; was it even the right thing? She certainly didn't know and the only way to find out was to start allowing it.
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"Hey, sweetheart," Lily turned around abruptly and breathed harshly when she realized it was him.
"Jesus, James," She said, fanning herself "You scared the crap out of me."
"My every intention," James smiled, and took her arm, steering her to a couch, acting way more confident than he actually felt "Come. Sit. Stay awhile,"
"And why?" Lily asked, but she was already sitting down.
James sighed with relief. At least he wouldn't have to go into begging and pleading to get her to stay. He settled himself out on the couch, his stance wide, his leg rubbing against Lily, electricity oozing through it and pulsating it to the rest of his body. That one touch, the touch of a leg, brought on waves of feelings that James had never even felt before. It was funny what a simple touch could do.
"Wasn't it you who was dying to hear what Amy Parker's arse was dressed up in?" James teased, streching his arms out, leaving one along the top of the couch, over Lily's head. Lily moved a bit away, which was discouraging to James, but then she moved her legs closer to James, giving him renewed hope.
"Well, now that you mention it, I am a bit interested in tonight's tale. Do tell, kind sir," Lily grinned as she said this, and a soft pink ascended on her cheeks as she crinkled her nose, making her look pretty adorable.
"It all started and ended just-" James started off enthusiastically and paused dramatically before saying in a monotone "-horrible!"
"What was so bad about it?" Lily asked, shifting her pose, so it was directed to him.
"I was thinking about the stuff we talked about before we went, and I guess it affected me," James said seriously, though making sure to add a bit of a casual to it "And everything just reflected off it. Until it came to the point that I couldn't even see her anymore, I just heard her, and what I heard was about the dumbest conversation I must have ever had. So, I sorta broke it off," James shrugged nonchanantly.
Lily's eyes lit up and she exclaimed "I'm so happy I've reformed someone! Welcome to the tunnel of light. I'm proud of you."
James beamed, which was a bit un-like his usual, suave style "Thanks. I do owe it all to you. Though-" he couldn't help adding "- her arse? Not even that wonderful. I tell you, they don't make them like they use to,"
"It's always one step up, one step down with you, "Lily stood up, and James followed suit "You say something, and then another that completely contradicts the first thing. Its interesting though,"
James laughed, pleased at how well the conversation was going. He looked around at the Common Room and saw that they were the only ones left. It was perfect, the perfect time for him to try.
"I'm pleased I interest you," James moved closer, touching her arm softly "And you were certainly thought of on my date,"
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"Really?" Lily asked breathily, her heart fluttering a bit.
"Yeah, actually. I kept thinking 'you know, I would have been having such a better time with Lily right now'. I would have, you know," James said softly.
"Yeah, right," Lily felt tingles go up her arm as he rubbed it softly. Lily's ears were ringing with his last comment. It was just so different from the usual him; it was sweet, very sweet.
James just laughed softly, and to Lily's surprise, began playing with her hand. He was talking more about his date and Amy as he did, but Lily barely noticed. She was just focused on the signals that were running from the tips of his fingers to hers and then flowing to the rest of her body, ending in her heart. James picked up her index and middle finger, bending them softly, and then rested his thumb on her pointer finger, rubbing against it gently. He then took her other hand and bent all of her fingers slowly so that they were her touching her palm. James smoothed each out one by one, so they were straight and stiff, and then put his hand over hers.
"Hey, look," He exclaimed over his newfound discovery "Look how much bigger my hand is then yours,"
He held is hand up, so that the palm was facing hers, and she followed suit, putting her hand against his, her tips just surfacing the last joint of his fingers.
"Yeah, my hands are pretty small," she laughed.
She moved her hand over slowly, so that her thumb was resting on the opening between his thumb and pointer finger. James closed his hand around hers, moving it up so it was eye level to him.
"You have nice hands," he observed " Delicate, too."
"Thanks," she answered, shivering faintly.
He brought them back down, and threaded his fingers through hers, swinging their hands slowly. Lily smiled softly, folding her fingers inbetween his, massaging his thumb softly. They just looked at each other smiling for a few moments, enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the touch of each other's hands. James unlatched his left hand, and rested it near her waist.
"So, Amy Parker not up to your standards?" Lily questioned.
"She's about as low as they come," James laughed "Don't remind me of the horror of the night."
They smiled uncertainly again, and finally James opened his mouth uncertainly, and then closed it. He swallowed, opened it again and said hoarsely "Lily..."
All of a sudden the dormitory door slammed open, and Annie cried "Lily, Omigod, I need you in here now. Lynn is insane,"
Lily and James broke apart quickly staring at different parts of the rooms, but blushing. There was a crash followed by a hand dragging Annie away from the door. Annie seemed to be fighting off, and finally won. She ran and grabbed Lily's hand (James had touched it!) and pulled her.
"Uh, James, so I'll see you.." She said, but James was already walking to his room, his head low, and hadn't heard her.
Lily sighed, and followed Annie's lead feeling like the moment had been stolen and would never come back. It was gone, lingering in her thoughts, but not in the atmosphere anymore. The mood had changed and the Common Room was once more the student lounge, with a sagging couch, and a strip of wallpaper ripped off. The beauty had left, leaving a bare, soulless room.
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Thank you dear G-d, Thank you dear G-d, THANK YOU DEAR G-D! I finally finished (AGAIN) and to tell you the truth, I don't think it turned out to bad....what about you R/r please!
Thanks to: elsie, Alicorn, Pigs*In*A*Blanket, starborn, kitty prydew (well of course it's true. James is a girl-user. Bad boy, I know. Well, he is now REFORMED anyways), jtw, Shrouded Spirits, Omni, goodmorning(iluvfrogs);):);(:P, Parselmouth Majare, elsie, Night-'n'-Day, someone, drops of jupiter. Sorry that I can't write bigger thank yous this time, I just really want to post this. And you don't know how much I appreciate reviews. I really really love them and I am soo happy when people review, and sad when they dont sooooo: REVIEW! (please)
Chapter 11
Lily had been having the strangest day. Well, actually, she wasn't really having a weird day herself; she was just witnessing strange events. Particularly the strange events of James Potter, who couldn't have acted queerer if he was bewitched by Snape. He came down to breakfast with enough grease in his hair to fuel the cars of all Europe twice. Then he jounced about, acting like a puppet, bouncing from table to table, chair to chair, girl to girl. Lily had to twist her neck around so many times, she thought it was just going to fall off.
Lily had thought she'd finally cracked James code; thought she was beginning to understand him. However, this was just another signal, telling her she didn't understand him in the least. Lily had thought he was beginning to give up his player days; boy, did today prove her wrong in sooo many ways.
Transfiguration: Given a detention for flirting with Amy Parker during lessons. Herbology: They were working with toxic plants, so Professor Sprout asked him to remove the leather jacket he had borrowed from Sirius. It got stuck on him, and Professor Sprout had to cut it off with garden sheers, much to the complaining of Sirius. Charms: sent to the Infirmary due to the injury he got from falling off his chair since he hadn't been able to take his eyes off of Amy Parker's arse, even as she went to her seat in the back of the room. Arithmancy: Bribed the person sitting next to Amy Parker five galleons to trade seats with him. Potions:Given a detention for staring at Lily's ear throughout the class. That one confused Lily the most because after the events of the day, it should be detention for Amy Parker's ear at least; not hers.
"Mongrel," she muttered to herself as he walked by.
However, the second she muttered that, he backed up so he was standing next to her and said "Did you just call me what I think you did?"
Lily glared at him. She had been talking to herself, not him. How dare he eavesdrop on her personal conversation, with, well, herself? Ok, it did sound weird, but still, Lily felt she did have a point.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Lily finally mumbled, fiercely wishing that their was a cliff right behind him so she could 'accidentally' push him over, and then stare, elated, at the splatter he made on the ground. She could be a bit vindictive sometimes, but it was only near James; he always seemed to bring out the worst in her.
"You either just called me a monster or a mongrel- I'm not sure which one, but I definitely heard you say that. And now you're staring at me as if you want to push me off a cliff or something-" Lily's jaw dropped as he said that-had he read her mind?-"but I have no idea why."
"Well, why don't you go ask Amy Parker's ass since that's what you seemed so keen on staring at all day? Oh no wait, you did take some time out to have a conversation of sorts with my ear which you were so intent on staring at during Potions, according to our endearing Professor," Lily snapped at him.
James stared at her in shock for her out-rightness, but recovered quickly, and smirked as he said "Well, I didn't realize you had been watching me all day,"
"It's not my fault you're in my bloody line of vision," Lily said hotly.
"Well, I will ask Amy Parker's arse later, on our date. In fact may be I'll do more than ask,"
"Oh, ew! Spare me, please," Lily covered her ears "Any ways, I don't understand why you seem to think she is so special. You even invested money in her, I heard."
However, disgusted as she was, she couldn't help tighten her chest when James mentioned his date. What was that- Jealousy? No, but it couldn't be, she lectured herself. She didn't like James; she couldn't like him, not even if she wanted to for multiple reasons.
"Well, a guy's got to do what a guy's got to do," James cocked his face to the left, putting on a mocking expression which Lily couldn't help but chuckle at "If you were a guy, you'd do the same,"
"If I were a guy, I'd just wish I was a girl," Lily retaliated quickly, dismissing his last point "So, you scored with the Parker girl, huh? Don't want to be late do you?"
"Oh, she'll wait for me. They always do," James said arrogantly.
Lily's eyes widened at his vain tone, hoping he was joking when he said that. He was just sooo disgusting when he was around her; sometimes she had so much fun with him and other times she just wished she didn't know him.
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Why did he say that? James hadn't meant to come off so cocky; it was his defense mechanism. However, from her disgusted look, he could tell he had gone too far. He would have to do a full turn around to make up for it.
"Calm down doll, I was just joking," James tried to reassure her while still acting suave and smooth.
"Yeah, I sure hope so," Lily tossed her hair, acting like hen with all her feather ruffled up.
"I'll think of you on my date," James said smoothly, moving closely to her.
"Wonderful. I'm so pleased. Time to create a shrine, build a totem pole, and start a new religion worshiping you," Lily said in a monotone.
"I am awed by your enthusiasm," James exclaimed over-enthusiastically, forcing a small smile out of Lily.
"Aren't you funny?" Lily finally mustered. James laughed as she said that, since he knew she hadn't been able to come up with the hurtful comeback she'd wanted.
"Aren't I?" He just shot back lamely.
"Well, have fun with Amy's arse. Be nice to it, will you? When you break up with it, do it nicely; it's the least you could do after playing with her heart. I feel bad for all those poor girls. You're horrid to them," and with that she whirled around, leaving him dumbfounded and feeling horrible.
So, that's what she thought of him: an arrogant, horrible with no heart who toyed with other people's emotions. But that's not how she was supposed to think of him! James ran down the hall after her, accidentally slamming into her, sending them both sprawling on the floor, on top of each other.
"If you wanted to say something, you could have said it to me without bumping into me like that!" Lily exclaimed, after she had gotten up and brushed herself off.
"You know, the bumping into you part wasn't actually an intentional thing," James said, as he got up.
"Well...." Lily drawled, rolling her eyes.
James mouth was suddenly dry. Why had he run after in the first place? He couldn't remember what he was going to say to her. Crap, he was not good at improvising.
"I'm waiting. I hope I was at least smashed into for a reason," Lily tapped her foot impatiently as she said that.
"I was just gonna say," James finally spurted out "That maybe you were right."
"Right about what?" Lily asked, confused.
"About what you said before." James said vaguely, not wanting to go into detail.
He was wishing now that he had not ran after her- he was only making a fool out of himself. Plus, he was going to seem vulnerable now; and vulnerability is what led to rejection. And he didn't rejection, didn't even know exactly what it was. He liked the external cover of arrogance and mean words that shielded him. It was just safer that way.
"I said a lot of things before, and was probably right about a lot of them. So which points that I said are you specifically talking about?"
"All the stuff you said about me being a player, I guess. And not treating girls right. Maybe you were right," James finally expanded quickly, widening his stance, and staring down at the ground as he spoke.
Lily stared at him strangely him for a moment, looking at him so closely James felt that she was judging each and every one of the molecules that made up his face, before saying "Great observation. Nice to know you've begun to open your eyes to see the obvious around you."
"Well, thanks for the support," James shot back, straightening himself up, getting extremely annoyed with her snide remarks.
"Your welcome. Oh, and now that you've come to a realization, I hope you act on it," Lily answered before once again turning on her heel and leaving him standing.
James sighed and shook his head in frustration. He couldn't take this anymore. He was trying so hard, and what was she doing? Only making things harder. What happened to teamwork and cooperation? If Lily would cooperate things would just be so much easier. But then again, what little relationship they had consisted of one-liners and snide remarks; not much cooperation and teamwork needed for that. (A/N: I said that last par. sooo much better in the old draft. I miss it :( ) **************************************************************************** *****
"- And then she's like to me 'Shape up, girl,' and I'm like 'Why?' and she's like 'Cuz I said so, stupid,' and I'm like 'Whoa, who gave you the right to say that to me?' And she's like 'the school.' Well, you know what James, I say damn the school, she still had no right to hurt me so. Don't you agree?" Amy looked at James hopefully for approval.
James wanted to be able to roll his eyes, look at her scornfully, while snapping a scathing comment, but he knew that would just be going about it the wrong way. Besides, they were already back at the castle (James was NEVER sneaking out with a girl like that again; She had acted like she had been transported to another planet, exclaiming how exciting everything was), so he decided to just suck it up and settled for mocking secretly as he said "The frigid bitch! Though I'm sure Minerva used more tasteful words to diss you deservingly,"
"Well, yea, she threw in some words like 'horrendous' and 'unrighteous' and some big words like that. Trying to act like she is better than me. Well, Professor, talk to the hand, because my wardrobe can beat up your wardrobe- " she stopped her tirade for a moment to pose and wouldn't move until James finally signified his approval "- and my hair can turn your hair into.... a huge mess of ugliness-" she stopped once again to bask in her 'brilliance "- G-d, I should really use these on peo-"
James just had to shut her up! He leaned in to kiss her and she moaned with pleasure, digging her nails into his skin, and biting his mouth so hard he thought he was going to bleed. She moved her tongue around frantically, as if she had lost something, and pushed her body against his. Finally he couldn't take it anymore and pulled apart, saying "And I think we may be over," before waving and walking away.
"I had fun, too," She shouted after him, waving like a maniac.
James just chuckled to himself, as he stepped into the Common Room. A few days ago, Amy would have been the ideal girl friend. And now- now James saw what he should have seen- someone who didn't put too much emphasis on intelligence, kissed like a garden hose, and was totally incompatible with him. I mean, why would he want to talk about her 'discussion' with Professor McGonnagol all night? Frankly, he'd rather have actually been out with Minerva then with Amy; at least he could've scored some house points!
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Lily watched the conniving, scheming boy enter the Common Room with a conniving, scheming smirk. Ech, that irked her;after everything he had said to her, he still had gone off and acted like he usually did with girls: dreadfully. That liar! She turned the page of her book, fluttering her eyes on the room carelessly, pretending she had no idea he had come in. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him look at her for a moment and stop, then turn completely around and hustle off to his dormitories.
"Bastard," Lily mumbled, shaking her head.
"Aren't they all?" Lynn answered, as she drew up for air in between the snogfest she was having with Peter.
"Oh, shut up, you hypocrite," Lily glared as she teased Lynn.
She sighed, a wave of emotions flowing over her. Disappointment, annoyance, desire- every ingredient that was always there when you had that curse: a crush. And G-d, Lily couldn't stop it anymore. She didn't understand herself anymore. James, asshole James, player James, her rational side would yell. Then her other side would sigh romantically and say cute James, nice James, funny James and it was a whole dramatic cycle.
OK, she could do this. She closed her eyes and thought 'I like James. I have a crush on James'. Apprehension surrounded herself from every corner once she admitted to it. For one thing, she didn't know if James even liked her. In fact, she was almost sure he didn't. For another, even if they did go out, he'd probably just use her and dump her like the others. And the worst: Lily was scared. She didn't want to start something new, and yet she did. Even if James said he liked her, Lily didn't know how she'd respond. She was just so uncertain; was it even the right thing? She certainly didn't know and the only way to find out was to start allowing it.
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"Hey, sweetheart," Lily turned around abruptly and breathed harshly when she realized it was him.
"Jesus, James," She said, fanning herself "You scared the crap out of me."
"My every intention," James smiled, and took her arm, steering her to a couch, acting way more confident than he actually felt "Come. Sit. Stay awhile,"
"And why?" Lily asked, but she was already sitting down.
James sighed with relief. At least he wouldn't have to go into begging and pleading to get her to stay. He settled himself out on the couch, his stance wide, his leg rubbing against Lily, electricity oozing through it and pulsating it to the rest of his body. That one touch, the touch of a leg, brought on waves of feelings that James had never even felt before. It was funny what a simple touch could do.
"Wasn't it you who was dying to hear what Amy Parker's arse was dressed up in?" James teased, streching his arms out, leaving one along the top of the couch, over Lily's head. Lily moved a bit away, which was discouraging to James, but then she moved her legs closer to James, giving him renewed hope.
"Well, now that you mention it, I am a bit interested in tonight's tale. Do tell, kind sir," Lily grinned as she said this, and a soft pink ascended on her cheeks as she crinkled her nose, making her look pretty adorable.
"It all started and ended just-" James started off enthusiastically and paused dramatically before saying in a monotone "-horrible!"
"What was so bad about it?" Lily asked, shifting her pose, so it was directed to him.
"I was thinking about the stuff we talked about before we went, and I guess it affected me," James said seriously, though making sure to add a bit of a casual to it "And everything just reflected off it. Until it came to the point that I couldn't even see her anymore, I just heard her, and what I heard was about the dumbest conversation I must have ever had. So, I sorta broke it off," James shrugged nonchanantly.
Lily's eyes lit up and she exclaimed "I'm so happy I've reformed someone! Welcome to the tunnel of light. I'm proud of you."
James beamed, which was a bit un-like his usual, suave style "Thanks. I do owe it all to you. Though-" he couldn't help adding "- her arse? Not even that wonderful. I tell you, they don't make them like they use to,"
"It's always one step up, one step down with you, "Lily stood up, and James followed suit "You say something, and then another that completely contradicts the first thing. Its interesting though,"
James laughed, pleased at how well the conversation was going. He looked around at the Common Room and saw that they were the only ones left. It was perfect, the perfect time for him to try.
"I'm pleased I interest you," James moved closer, touching her arm softly "And you were certainly thought of on my date,"
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"Really?" Lily asked breathily, her heart fluttering a bit.
"Yeah, actually. I kept thinking 'you know, I would have been having such a better time with Lily right now'. I would have, you know," James said softly.
"Yeah, right," Lily felt tingles go up her arm as he rubbed it softly. Lily's ears were ringing with his last comment. It was just so different from the usual him; it was sweet, very sweet.
James just laughed softly, and to Lily's surprise, began playing with her hand. He was talking more about his date and Amy as he did, but Lily barely noticed. She was just focused on the signals that were running from the tips of his fingers to hers and then flowing to the rest of her body, ending in her heart. James picked up her index and middle finger, bending them softly, and then rested his thumb on her pointer finger, rubbing against it gently. He then took her other hand and bent all of her fingers slowly so that they were her touching her palm. James smoothed each out one by one, so they were straight and stiff, and then put his hand over hers.
"Hey, look," He exclaimed over his newfound discovery "Look how much bigger my hand is then yours,"
He held is hand up, so that the palm was facing hers, and she followed suit, putting her hand against his, her tips just surfacing the last joint of his fingers.
"Yeah, my hands are pretty small," she laughed.
She moved her hand over slowly, so that her thumb was resting on the opening between his thumb and pointer finger. James closed his hand around hers, moving it up so it was eye level to him.
"You have nice hands," he observed " Delicate, too."
"Thanks," she answered, shivering faintly.
He brought them back down, and threaded his fingers through hers, swinging their hands slowly. Lily smiled softly, folding her fingers inbetween his, massaging his thumb softly. They just looked at each other smiling for a few moments, enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the touch of each other's hands. James unlatched his left hand, and rested it near her waist.
"So, Amy Parker not up to your standards?" Lily questioned.
"She's about as low as they come," James laughed "Don't remind me of the horror of the night."
They smiled uncertainly again, and finally James opened his mouth uncertainly, and then closed it. He swallowed, opened it again and said hoarsely "Lily..."
All of a sudden the dormitory door slammed open, and Annie cried "Lily, Omigod, I need you in here now. Lynn is insane,"
Lily and James broke apart quickly staring at different parts of the rooms, but blushing. There was a crash followed by a hand dragging Annie away from the door. Annie seemed to be fighting off, and finally won. She ran and grabbed Lily's hand (James had touched it!) and pulled her.
"Uh, James, so I'll see you.." She said, but James was already walking to his room, his head low, and hadn't heard her.
Lily sighed, and followed Annie's lead feeling like the moment had been stolen and would never come back. It was gone, lingering in her thoughts, but not in the atmosphere anymore. The mood had changed and the Common Room was once more the student lounge, with a sagging couch, and a strip of wallpaper ripped off. The beauty had left, leaving a bare, soulless room.
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Thank you dear G-d, Thank you dear G-d, THANK YOU DEAR G-D! I finally finished (AGAIN) and to tell you the truth, I don't think it turned out to bad....what about you R/r please!
Thanks to: elsie, Alicorn, Pigs*In*A*Blanket, starborn, kitty prydew (well of course it's true. James is a girl-user. Bad boy, I know. Well, he is now REFORMED anyways), jtw, Shrouded Spirits, Omni, goodmorning(iluvfrogs);):);(:P, Parselmouth Majare, elsie, Night-'n'-Day, someone, drops of jupiter. Sorry that I can't write bigger thank yous this time, I just really want to post this. And you don't know how much I appreciate reviews. I really really love them and I am soo happy when people review, and sad when they dont sooooo: REVIEW! (please)