A/N: Yes, I updated a couple of weeks ago but I'm updating again cuz, well, cuz I want to!
Thanks to all the people who reviewed the last chapter! It was greatly appreciated.
I had to do a bit of research to complete this chapter. Previously, I had no idea what seventies clothes looked like so I went on to the internet to find something for Lily to wear on her date. All I can say is, WOW! Talk about colour. And the shoes! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that if there are any mistakes clothing wise, it is entirely my fault.
Disclaimer: Let's see… do I own any of this? Hmmm… no… no, I don't think so. Oh no, wait. I own Gabby, Courtney, Emily and the mirror room!
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Who's That Girl?
Chapter 8: Hogsmeade
The day of the trip to Hogsmeade was sunny and in the air was the scent of fun.
When the sun shone through the window of the seventh year Gryffindor girls' dormitory, Lily sighed and rolled over to face the other way.
Around the room, her friends were in varying states of consciousness. Gabby was sitting up and stretching and Courtney was stuffing her head under her pillow muttering something like "ten more minutes, Mum" but the other two girls who roomed with them seemed to be sound asleep behind their curtains.
Lily herself had been awake for the past hour and a half thinking about the day ahead of her. This was the day that she had been anticipating and dreading for the last two weeks.
She didn't know why she was so nervous really. She'd been on dates before and the whole school, teachers included, knew that Lily Evans and James Potter were finally dating.
Since the night by the lake, Lily and James sat together in the classes they shared and at mealtimes. Every time they separated, James made it a habit to kiss her cheek. It was sweet and Lily had nothing against it. Her friends and the Marauders were like one big, happy family and the only thing that dampened their sense of fun was the fact that Peter had become increasingly quiet of late and was hardly ever around. When he was, Lily often caught him glaring at her when he thought she wasn't watching.
"Come on, sleepy head. Time to rise and shine!" came Gabby's voice from across the room.
"Don't want to," Courtney said, her voice coming from under her pillow.
A soft thump was heard followed by a muffled groan and Lily knew that Gabby had taken it upon herself to throw her own pillow at their friend.
Courtney's head surfaced and she looked around, bleary eyed and responded with an annoyed, "Alright already, I'm up. There's no need to wage a war, Gabby." Propping herself on her elbows, she continued, "Lily? You awake?"
"Yeah," Lily replied, "Yeah, I'm awake."
Lily sat up and arched her back, much like a cat would. She grimaced as she heard her bones give a small pop.
Opposite her, Courtney stretched, gave a huge yawn and asked what she thought was the most important question in any self-respecting girl's day. "What are you going to wear, Lils?"
Lily groaned and realised the time had finally come. She had deliberately put off deciding what she was going to wear. She wasn't quite sure why but Lily knew that it would have been better to be prepared.
Crawling to the end of her bed, Lily pulled the lid of her trunk towards her and, looking in at the clothes inside, decided that it might take a couple of hours.
Courtney, suddenly fully awake, propelled herself off her own bed and landed in front of Lily's trunk. Immediately she started rummaging around inside. Lily watched in silence as her wardrobe was hurled around the room.
Gabby picked up a dark blue skirt that had landed on her bed and held it up to herself. "This is nice."
Courtney looked at her and rolled her eyes. "She doesn't want to look 'nice', Gabby. She wants to look 'hot'."
In an exasperated tone, Lily said, "She wants to look cute."
"You already look cute," Courtney said and, seeing her friend glare menacingly, continued, "Cute, right. I've got this shirt that my mum sent me last week. I haven't worn it 'cause it's blue and it would've looked better in purple. You can try it on. It seems to be about your size."
Courtney crawled the short distance to her trunk and pulled out a frill shirt which she threw to Lily.
Looking it over, Lily had to admit that it was cute. It was pale blue with frills at the collar and cuffs and was obviously made to be tied up in the front.
"I could wear my flares with this," Lily commented, "And I've got my platforms."
"Right, now, go try it on and see how it fits."
Lily gathered up her clothes and walked into the bathroom were she put on her pants then tentatively donned the shirt. She stared at herself in the mirror and couldn't believe how different the shirt made her look.
"Well?" Courtney asked from the other side of the door, "How does it look?"
"Great. If you don't want this shirt, Courtney, can I have it?"
"Please, I won't be wearing it. Now, get out here so we can look at you."
Lily hurriedly put on her shoes and stepped out into the open.
Gabby's eyes widened and Courtney grinned. She readjusted the tie as she said, "Lils, you're going to knock 'em dead."
Lily laughed and did a little twirl. "Courtney, you're amazing!"
"Yeah, I know."
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Seven floors below, in the Great Hall, James was nervously stirring the cereal he hadn't touched and glancing up at the doors every two minutes.
Remus neatly spread marmalade on his toast and said, "I don't know why you're so nervous. How is this different from any other date you've ever been on?"
James looked up at his friend as if he'd just asked the most ridiculous question in history. "This is different because I'm going out with Lily Evans."
"But she's just the same as all the other girls here."
James shook his head stubbornly and said, "But this is Lily Evans! The girl I've been chasing for seven years!"
Remus sighed and watched amused as Sirius shot his winning smile at a Hufflepuff girl across the hall.
"Sirius! Would you stop flirting and support me, please?" James practically yelled.
Sirius looked around Remus at his best friend. "James, if you stress any more about this, you're going to break out. Stop worrying about it and eat."
"What if she's up there thinking about it and realising that she doesn't like me? What if she changes her mind?"
"Listen, if she changes her mind, help her change it back but I really don't think that will be necessary."
"Oh really? And what gives you that idea, oh wise and brainy Moony?"
"Well," he replied slowly, as he stirred sugar into his coffee, "She's standing in the doorway." When he said this, Remus looked at James and pointed to the door with his spoon.
James turned his head and, sure enough, there she was, blushing at all the attention she was getting.
He had never seen her look so beautiful as she did at that moment. Dressed in a tie-up top, flares and platforms with her fiery hair brushed down in waves, James thought she looked down-right cute.
Lily walked slowly towards him, followed by Gabby and Courtney who were smiling secretively. When she reached him, Lily avoided his eyes and he realised she was as nervous as he was and, funnily enough, it boosted his confidence.
"Hi," she said, awkwardly.
"Hi, you look great. You should wear that shirt more often."
Lily smiled and sat down beside him, reaching for the toast and jam.
"Morning Lily, Gabby, Courtney," said Remus, ever the gentleman.
"Morning Remus," the three chorused and then Courtney said, "Sirius, close your mouth, if James sees you staring that way at his girlfriend, he won't be very pleased."
The group turned to look at Sirius, who hastily took a sip of pumpkin juice and ended up choking on it which got a laugh out of everyone.
"She's right, you know Padfoot. You go on and admire your little Hufflepuff friend over there. I won't be needing your support as much as I thought."
"Right," he said and made a bee line for said girl, calling back to them, "See you in Hogsmeade."
"Support?" Lily asked, confused.
James flushed and said, "Oh, it's nothing."
"Don't be untruthful, James," Remus said and pointedly ignored a glare from his friend. "James kept telling himself that you'd change your mind and worked himself into quite a state."
James gave an uneasy laugh and looked confused when Lily laughed outright. "When I woke up, I did exactly the same thing."
"Really?" asked Gabby, "You were fine when we woke up."
"Yeah, by that time, I'd realised that, after chasing me for seven years, he wasn't going to give up what could be his only date with me."
It was at that moment that Sirius wandered back over. "Are we going to go or are we going to sit here all day?"
"What happened to the girl?" Gabby asked curiously.
"She's got a boyfriend."
James grimaced. "Since when have you cared?"
Sirius looked shocked. "James! I'm turning over a new leaf. Don't give the girls a false impression of me!"
Remus raised his eyebrows. "A new leaf. Sure."
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The group walked to Hogsmeade together and, on arriving, said goodbye to Lily and James. Courtney and Gabby had decided previously that it would be a laugh to spend the day with the Marauders instead of the regular girls.
"So, were do you want to go first?" James asked when the others had walked away.
Lily shrugged. "Anywhere's fine, I really don't mind."
James thought for a moment then said, "We could go to Madam Puddifoot's if you want."
Lily turned to him with a look of utmost disgust on her face. "You've got to be kidding."
"Oh… okay then. How about Honeydukes then? Not even you could pass up Honeydukes Sweet Shop."
Lily laughed. "You've got that right. You're talking to the owner of the biggest sweet tooth this side of the Channel."
The pair walked slowly to the favourite shop of every student to ever pass through Hogwarts. They could see through the windows that it was packed as usual but it didn't deter them.
The sugary warmth welcomed them as Lily pushed open the door and they entered.
They looked around at all the shelves and barrels, taking in all the treats surrounding them.
"Yum," James said and reached for a box of Chocoballs, the muggle chocolates filled with strawberry mousse and clotted cream.
"You like Chocoballs?" asked Lily, sounding confused.
"Yeah! They're my favourite!"
"Your favourite?"
"Yeah… is that surprising?"
Lily looked hesitant. "Well, yes actually. I always thought you'd favour something more…"
"Interesting?"
"… yeah."
James laughed loudly and hugged her tightly to him. "For your information, I'm not as predictable as you might think. I like Sugar Quills too."
Lily smiled up at him and shook her head. "Well, you can have your Sugar Quills and Chocoballs. Me? I like Peppermint Toads and Fizzing Whizzbees."
"Fizzing Whizzbees? They make you levitate."
"I know, I like eating them while I read."
"Hm. Now, that's interesting."
"Why?"
"Well, you're Lily Evans."
"I know that too but what has my identity got to do with anything?"
"Well, I guess I never saw you as the levitating type."
This time it was Lily who laughed. "I'm more interesting than you originally thought. Aren't I, Potter?" she said and walked off to find her favourite sweets.
Fifteen minutes later they were back outside and Lily was saying, "We can go to Zonko's if you like. I've never been in there."
James was stunned. "You've never been to Zonko'
Lily shook her head. "Nope."
James needed extra clarification for this one. "Let me get this straight. You've been visiting Hogsmeade for four years and you've never once set foot inside Zonko's Joke Shop?"
"That's right. Not once."
Now, James looked offended. "My dear girl, you have been missing out. Come on!"
James took her hand and pulled her off down the street to a yellow building with 'Zonko's Joke Shop' written across the windows in large blue letters.
James pushed open the door and a bell tinkled. Lily was in awe. All around the room, items whizzed, banged, popped, went up in smoke and did a variety of other things.
"Look, its Sirius, Remus and the girls." Lily said and pointed them out.
"Of course it is. Where did you think they'd be?"
They joined the group and Gabby said, "Lily! Why didn't we ever come in here before? It's so much fun!"
Lily laughed to see Gabby so excited and nodded as the Marauders excused themselves for a moment motioning to the Frog Spawn Soap, Dungbombs and Stink Pellets.
"So… tell us everything!" Courtney said excitedly.
"We haven't been gone an hour!"
"And?"
Lily sighed. "He's sweet and his favourite sweet is Chocoballs of all things. So far, that's all I've got to say."
"Fine," Courtney said grumpily, "But make sure you take mental notes!"
"What are you three planning?" asked James as the Marauders approached. He put an arm around Lily and Gabby noted how her friend unconsciously leant into him.
"Nothing, James," Gabby said, "But Courtney and I could use a drink. Are you two coming?"
James looked expectantly at his date but Lily shook her head. "No, I'm fine but if you're thirsty…"
"No. I'm good and I just know you want to visit the book shop so we better get going."
"Okay then. See you two lovebirds later," said Sirius.
Lily and James waved as they left the shop and walked back down to the book shop that hardly anyone ever visited.
They were in there for a good two hours but Lily purchased only one book titled 'Prominent Wizarding Families Throughout History'.
"There's just one more shop I want to look at before we leave, alright?" James asked as they stepped back on to the street.
"Sure, okay. Which one is it?"
He crossed the narrow road and stopped in front of the jewellery store directly in front of them.
"You want to go into the jewellery store?"
"Yep. Coming?"
After one confused moment, Lily hurried after him and entered the shop to find her boyfriend bending over something the store keeper had just gotten him.
"What do you think of this, Lily? Do you like it?"
Lily ventured over to the counter and stared down at the very pretty but very expensive gold chain with a gold phoenix hanging from it.
"It's very beautiful."
"Good," James said and looked up at the store keeper. "I'll take it."
Lily was shocked. "Please don't tell me that you bought that for me."
"Why not? You said you liked it."
"I know but it's so expensive!"
"I've got the money."
"But James… James, I can't take this," Lily protested.
"You can and you will. Phoenixes are associated with the sun and you, Lily, are the light of my life."
He accepted the piece from the man behind the counter and draped it around her neck. Lily moved her hair out of the way to make it easier for him.
James fastened the clasp then bent and gently kissed her neck, his lips lingering.
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Just before dinner, Lily showed up in her dormitory. Gabby and Courtney were already there, talking about Remus and Sirius when she walked in.
"Hey! You've been out a while!" Courtney said.
"Yeah, we were starting to wonder if he'd kidnapped you or something," said Gabby.
Lily laughed and said, "Today, I had the time of my life. Do you know how much fun he is? He offered to take me to Madam Puddifoot's but I thought that was a bad idea so we went to Honeydukes instead, but you already know that. Then there was Zonko's, of course and he didn't complain once when we spent two hours in the book store! Then, get this, he went into the jewellery store."
"He what?" Courtney was sitting up, very interested.
"He bought me this necklace," Lily said and picked it off her chest to show to them. Both her friend's crowded around to get a better look.
"Wow," said Gabby, "It's so pretty. I wish he'd gotten me one."
"It is nice, isn't it?" Lily asked then bit her lip.
"What's wrong?" Courtney asked, concerned. "You should be happy."
"I am but… I realised something today."
"What?"
Lily stared into the faces of her two best friends, one muggle-born and one pure-blood and Lily knew that they'd understand.
She took a deep breath, not quite believing what she was going to say. "I think… I think I love him."
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A/N: OK. That's it. Long, I know but you like long chapter's right? Tell me what you think by reviewing.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I need help! I want an 'encounter' to happen between Lily and Emily but so far have no ideas. Please, leave me a few ideas and I'll see if any will work. You'll be mentioned in the disclaimer but I might change things a bit.
Thanks!
P.S: Please excuse any mistakes you might find in this chapter. My brother really wants to use the computer and I want to put this up now.