Romance in the Hospital Wing
by Wo Ai Ni16
Chapter Five: Confrontations
Saturday, First week of August 1978; 6:20 P.M.
The four just stood there (apart from James, who was lying on his bed), rather stupidly, shock seeming to still have a hold on their systems. Ameile was the first one to recover, asking "I said 'What do you think you're doing to my boyfriend?!'" Her whole countenance was livid with restrained anger and shock.
Ethan was still standing one foot behind her. He shook his head as if to clear away the rather unpleasant (to him) scene that he had just witnessed. Being the optimist he forced himself to give a little smile before asking, "Yes, I think I would also like the answer to that, Lily darling."
Lily darling? James thought. What the hell…? With his head still lying on the slightly inclined pillow, he looked up at Lily with questioning eyes.
Lily was still staring back at Ethan, her eyes slightly wide like a deer in headlights. She too shook her heads as if to clear her thoughts and immediately her already rose-blushed face turned even redder. Clearing her throat, she said "Us? Well, I was just-"
"She was just checking on my wounds, sir," James cut in defensively as he proceeded to sit up halfway, before clutching his chest in pain and lying back down in pain. Lily turned and was about to check on him but Ameile got there first, kneeling immediately beside him and taking his hands in hers.
"What on Earth is wrong with you, James?" Her eyes were shining with fear and worry.
Lily decided to take opportunity and explained, "He had a chest wound. I applied some potion on him to heal it, but apparently the wound was too deep. Although it is gone, he will still feel some soreness in the area that was affected."
Ameile looked at her again, "So you're also his MediWitch?"
"Yes."
Ethan smiled and said, "So that's what that was all about. I'm sorry I presumed things, Lily. I knew that you wouldn't…" He trailed off, and everyone knew what he implied.
Lily smiled in earnest, her cheeks still slightly red. I honestly have been blushing too much lately, she thought, reprimanding herself. But why was she feeling slightly guilty at what Ethan just said?
James observed the entire scene before him while trying to ignore the annoying pain in his chest. It looked like he wouldn't be able to get up anytime soon. However, he still narrowed his eyes at the man standing in front of Lily. Who is he?
Knowing that her boyfriend was alright, Ameile stood up and regarded Lily with friendlier eyes. She smiled at the MediWitch and shook her hand. "I'm sorry too. I suppose I'm just overprotective."
Lily smiled back and shook Ameile's hand as well. "I understand. I know how it must've looked like from your point of view."
"He will be alright, won't he?"
"Oh yes, of course. He should even be up and about by tomorrow morning."
James felt slightly indignant at being ignored. They're talking as if I'm not here. Finally speaking up once more, he regarded the man and asked him in a would-be-casual voice, "And you, sir? You haven't introduced yourself yet."
Ethan smiled, definitely not detecting the subtle sarcasm in James's voice and stepped up to him, shaking his bandaged hand, "Ethan, Ethan Aberforth." He turned around and gestured at Lily behind him. "I'm her fiancé. Once more, I apologize for having presumed things."
James nodded his head to show that he acknowledged his words, but stopped listening once he heard Ethan say "fiancé." A great weight seemed to have dropped at the pit of stomach. He must have dazed off for a while because Ameile's hand waved in front of him.
"James, James, are you okay?"
He looked back at her, "Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine. Just," he thought of an excuse, "..as Lily said, my chest still hurts a little bit." Seeing her worried, he smiled reassuringly. "I'll be fine, honest." He looked back at Lily who seemed to look at him, but her eyes reflected those of someone in deep thought.
Ethan looked back from Lily and then to James. Thinking that Ameile and James would like some private time to themselves, he asked her, "Lily, I suppose we should go?"
Lily glanced at him before looking once more at James. Fishing in the right pocket of her MediWitch robes she took out a small vial of a pale-blue potion. She gave it to James who observed the potion curiously.
"That's a standard pain-killing potion," Lily explained. "You can drink the entire potion and it should be enough to help you throughout the night." She turned to follow Ethan out the curtains.
He smiled and nodded, "Thanks, Lils."
Lily paused at the sudden use of her old nickname and nodded back at him, and walked out with a small smile on her face.
Hospital Wing: Main Ward
Megan was currently sitting near Frank, Alice, and another wizard in soiled auror robes. The MediWitch needed rest, exhausted from the day's activities. Everything was finally calming down; the large wave of incoming patients was over. All of them were being treated by the rest of the medical staff. She wiped her slightly sweaty forehead with a washcloth. As she sighed and lied back at the seat, she couldn't help but hear the conversation the group was having beside her:
"But Alice, you know that Lily's more sensible than that. She's engaged for goodness's sake!" The handsome auror complained to the young woman.
The woman named Alice argued back, "I don't know, Sirius. You may not know this, but Lily used to really care about James…"
The auror scoffed and said with dripping sarcasm, "Yeah right, she definitely did a good job of showing that while we were students."
Alice sighed, looking temporarily defeated before turning to the man in the bed beside her for help, "You remember, don't you, Frank?"
The said man nodded his head, "Of course I do. He was all she ever talked about during first and second year." He paused and looked thoughtful for a while before saying, "But I'm not so sure, Alice, didn't she get over him?" He looked at Sirius before saying, "I'll have to agree with Sirius, I mean, it is practically an understatement to say that she hated him during fourth year onwards."
Sirius smiled triumphantly, "Ha! Told you I was right, you're outnumbered two to one, Alice!"
The woman looked like she was about to say something but held back, closing her mouth shut with pursed lips. She sighed and put up a fake smile, "I guess you're right," she lied. You don't know half of the story, Sirius, Frank, she thought to herself. Lily definitely would not have told you two, but I've been her best friend since first year…
Megan heard all this being said and started to feel sorry for Lily. So she and James have a history then.
Lily and Ethan were currently walking down the long corridor of the Hospital Wing. The young MediWitch was still slightly shaken at the day's events. Ethan had his arm wrapped around her waist. He didn't seem to mind the silence but to Lily the lack of conversation between them was unnerving. Trying to end the awkward silence she asked "So Ethan, what are you doing here, exactly?"
Her fiancé looked down at her with a slightly surprised expression. "Oh I'm sorry Lily, I must have disturbed your work, didn't I? Well, I just heard about the attack and I just felt the need to check on you…"
Lily suddenly felt guilty once more. Of course he'd be worried about me; I must have sounded like such a self-centered brat. "No, I'm sorry, Ethan, I didn't mean for it to sound that way. Of course I'm happy that you're here. I guess… I was just a little bit surprised that you'd be visiting so quickly; it has only been a couple of hours."
Ethan chuckled and hugged her closer to him, "Well I can't really help it if I'm in love with you, right?" Lily blushed at what he said. Although they had been together for a decent amount of time, she still sometimes felt awkward around him for some reason. Ethan smiled, mistaking the reason for her blush for one of being flattered and dropped his arm as they approached the end of the corridor and entered the main ward of the Hospital Wing. Lily let out a breath of relief before she heard-
"Ah, speak of the devil, there's our Lils!" A young man came up to Lily and quickly hugged her. Lily squealed in surprise at being hugged unexpectedly. Being the petite witch that she is, it didn't help that the man was tall; she could swear that she was being lifted up at least ten centimeters off the ground. She looked confusingly at Ethan, who she could see behind the man's shoulder. Apparently his equal look of confusion confirmed that he had no idea who the man was either.
"Aww, come on Lils, don't tell me that you don't recognize me!" Lily could practically hear the pouting in his teasing, mischievous voice. A sudden wave of realization swept over Lily. Wait a minute, I recognize this familiar voice! This… annoyingly familiar voice. She groaned out loud, finally realizing who the man was before saying, "Sirius, you sneaky bastard, put me down!"
Complying with her wishes, the auror put the fiery redhead down. "Now Lily is that anyway to greet a friend after you've met them for two years?" Sirius asked with mock indignation.
Lily couldn't help but roll her eyes and smile. "'Friend,' my arse. It seems you haven't changed one bit, Sirius. You're still the same most reckless, immature, annoying jerk I have ever met." She paused and added with a smirk, "Apart from Potter, of course."
Sirius laughed and bowed very low, "You forgot handsome, madam! I am still the dashingly handsome, superiorly strong, ultimately brave young man you've ever met!" Lily could see a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he leaned closer to whisper to her, winking, "And let's not forget how talented I am in bed." The last comment earned him a hard slap on the cheek. "Argh! Sirius Black, you disgusting pig! Like I ever slept or even snogged with you at all!" Honestly, you think that after two years the jerk would act more mature! Lily hmph-ed and stomped out of the ward past Ethan, completely ignoring him and muttering something about checking on her patients.
Alice, who was watching the entire scene from behind tried to stifle her giggles as she pulled poor Sirius away from the indignant redhead. Frank was still lying on his bed, laughing uproariously. It was amazing that after two years, when put together, the friends still acted as if they were in Hogwarts. "Come on Sirius, I'm sure Arabella wouldn't be too happy with you either." She pulled him down to a chair before laughing at the horrified expression on Ethan's face. "Don't worry Ethan, this to our standards is completely normal." Alice couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for the poor man who wouldn't understand her friends' antics since he didn't attend Hogwarts with them. Since Lily was indisposed to explain, she decided to enlighten Ethan, "This here," she jabbed her thumb pointing to the direction of Sirius, "Is Sirius Black. I guess you could say that he and Lily were friends. Don't worry about him, he's completely sane." Ethan numbly nodded his head. To put an end to his doubts she added, "And no, he and Lily did not have any relationship whatsoever." She turned around to glare at Sirius.
Sirius, however, stood up again and walked over to Ethan shaking his hands enthusiastically. "So you're Ethan!" Sirius said with an all-too-happy smile on his face. He stood back, looking at the man up and down, trying to figure out what kind of person Ethan was through his outfit. Warm gray robes…yup this guy is definitely boring, just like the kind of person Lily would marry. He looked up at Ethan saying,"Lily is really lucky to have met someone like you!" Not- god, Prongs can easily win against this guy. "I'm sure she couldn't be any happier!" No way, I bet she's downright miserable. "Knowing my dear Lilykins, I can definitely see you two as a couple." Did Prongs meet this guy? I'd love to see the look on his face when he finds out.
Alice, knowing that all the words Sirius were saying was the exact opposite of what he felt, she pulled him back once more from Ethan. "Alright, Sirius I'm sure he gets the point."
Ethan straightened his robes. "Yes, well er… It's nice meeting you too Mr. Black." Looking at the clock on the wall he noticed how late it was, "Goodness, 8:00 already! I've been gone from the office far too long, please excuse me." He tipped his hat and wore his overcoat, walking quickly out the door.
Once he was out of earshot, Sirius quickly turned around to Alice and Frank, "What on Earth possessed Lily to get engaged to him?"
Lily was still stomping down the corridor contemplating the long day's events. She never expected for all of this to happen; for her past to come back to her when she transferred her services to the Hospital Wing. She remembered how much she wanted to get out of Hogwarts. She did love the place, however, she hoped to start a new life and get away from the haunting memories that were the Marauders. They did somehow come to terms back in seventh year but…
Lily sighed, she didn't need all this. She was engaged to Ethan, why should she be worrying about all these things? Everything was final, nothing can be changed now. She found a secluded corner with a comfortable-looking couch beside an open window. Sitting down, she stretched her overworked muscles and gazed out the open fields. The crescent moon was ever bright, making adding a warm glow to the starry night sky.
She looked down and played with a stray thread from her uniform. James…Yes, she remembered all their experiences in Hogwarts, the good and the bad. Smiling ruefully she recalled the many arguments they had during their fifth year, particularly one that she dubbed, the "Snape Incident." James had been such an arrogant bullying toerag back then. She frowned as other memories passed in her head. No, I shouldn't be thinking of these things. She stood up and was resolved to find something to do, lest she wanted more memories of the past to come back to her.
To all my reviewers: Wow, I haven't updated for… so long, I know ;; sigh You guys should actually thank my classmates, I had them read my fanfic and apparently underestimated how much they'd like it… I was pressured to write this chapter. It was good pressure though They finally squeezed some creativity from my head. Plus, the third Harry Potter movie also put me back in my Harry Potter-obsessive mode. I've been spending too much time in the anime section of I'm also a downright perfectionist when it comes to writing. If I can't have the perfect idea or inspiration or mood, I don't write. I know it sucks for you guys.. but I can't do anything --;;;
Plus, a great thankies to all of you! I have been praised, encouraged, and/or threatened by you guys. I love you all! xD I definitely went waaaay past my expected 80 reviews. I never knew so many of you guys will like this story. Hopefully you'll all continue to like it
My notes:
#1: I know you guys may have noticed a definite change in the mood of this chapter. From uppity-humor I went to a more down mood. Sorry if this disappoints you, but I'm trying to make the fic as realistic as I can. This will happen a lot in regards to the tone of the chapters. The next one will hopefully have some humor in it, if I carry out my original plan.
#2: I have listened to some reviewers who expressed their wishes in putting more history behind Lily and James. Thus, I have revised the entire story in my head to comply with your wishes. As you guys can see in this chapter, I'm slowly revealing the reason for the conflict between Lily and James. I will continue to try putting little bits and pieces of their past in the upcoming chapters until you guys will finally see why they are acting this way. Hopefully you guys will be satisfied with the story.
#3: I know that this is primarily an AU, however I am also trying to stick to as much cannon as possible. If there is possibly anything that conflicts with the things said in the books it's either because I changed it on purpose to fit my story… or because I missed that eensy weensy tidbit.
On that note, on to my individual responses! There are soo many of them LoL, I don't mind though
Arweena Bloom: Goodness, I never would have thought a website would like to have my fanfic. Unfortunately, I have no access to an email account. I will entrust the story to you, you may put up this story as you wish. I would also like the url of the fanfic, if you do decide to put it up.
Elspeth Renee: Thank you so very much I know this update took… very long. Well I hope you will still continue to read.
S.BR.LJ.P: Aww, I'm sorry about that. Well, at least this chapter didn't end in a cliffie, right?
Hp-Azn: LOL, well James didn't get hurt too much in this beginning part of the story. However, I intend on this story to be really long, so there's a lot of chances that he'll get hurt much more worse in the future.
nightxXxshade: Woah, well so sorry but I definitely know for sure that this update took muuuuuch longer =(
gryffspopgurl: Yeah, I do have to admit that it wasn't too romantic. But I cannot put so much romance too early in the story! It will just ruin the entire thing. As I said, I have to try and make the story as realistic as possible, so I cannot make them be too romantic when they're in their own separate relationships ;; In the future though, when they finally sort out everything (which will take quite a while, mind) Hopefully I'll be able to add much more romance to your liking.
Serendepetee: Indeed, it is sad, non? ;; That's why my classmate kept pressuring me to update ;;
VaNiLLacHai 501: Well I know this update definitely wasn't soon… but at least I did update oo
Mystic fire demon: Thank you! As for Ameile and Ethan, I can't be too sure of anything yet. I have to admit, I did originally intended for them to be a couple but I cannot say anything for sure in the future.
IcePhoenix128: Thank you
carmeLisSa: Oh, thanks a lot! Yeah, I waaay surpassed my goal of 80, thanks for helping out! And thanks for reading my story.
Ladyiris27: Well I'm glad you like Ethan and Ameile. The majority of my reviewers hate them ;; They're really not bad though, but of course, this will definitely be a Lily and James fic, I can definitely assure you of that.
Pinkoceanmist: Hi Hi! LoL, well I didn't get to make Ameile jealous. She will probably have more bouts of jealousy as Lily and James's relationship develops in the future, however ;)
AndromedaTonks: Hahahaha, well they didn't have to do much lol, the entire conflict simply resolved itself on its own. As for Ethan being a Death Eater, lol I've never thought of that. I overlooked that segment when Harry said that in the fifth book ..
FallenFlower: Awww! You hate Ameile? sigh Oh well, lol I guess I can't stop you guys from hating them.
Quak Quak 88: Thanks so very much for your review. Yes, I did revise the entire story in order to give some more history on Lily and James's relationship. I hope it will be good enough for you.
tRuE2U: Thanks so much for having faith in me ;;;; I know this is probably the longest update you've ever encountered, but I did update in the end --; lol thanks so much again!
Toriisen: I hope you liked this chapter.
Auroraborealis: Thanks lots! I was able to fit in Sirius in this chapter. I'll do my best to try and get Remus in here soon, but don't worry, I won't forget about them!
Spunkygabi: Thank you, I hope this chapter was also good to you too.
Theresa Black: Wow, thanks lots! I'm happy that you loved the chapter, I hope that I'll continue to do as good of a job these upcoming chapters.
lilynjamesAFF: Eeep! Can't promise any of those too soon, lol.
ThreeEaredBunny: LoL, well as I said, I am going to put some more explanation regarding Lily and James's relationship. And your question about Ameile will be answered in the future.
Obbsesive: Thanks much! LoL.
Child-of-scorpio: Well, Lily and James definitely were able to get themselves easily about this one. ;; But what about in the future? Hm…. ;)
Padfoot103: I'm glad you like it!
PVBookworm: Yup, you're not the only one wondering about James and Ameile. I hope to let the story answer your question in the future
Angelzsweet90: Well, this update was… long ;; But at least I did update.. eheh ;;;
Crogirli: Thanks so much for your compliment. I'm glad you like my style of writing
Ljkalways: Thank you so much!
ChErrYcoBbleR: Aww, I'm sorry Ameile and Ethan had to ruin the moment. But in the future I'm sure that I'll be able to add lots more fluff once all of our characters sort out their feelings for each other.
Restless-soul: Thanks much! LoL, I hope you continue reviewing
Tiger Lily21: I know! Isn't it?! That's why I love writing about Lily and James, they are such a cute couple to write about!
Tiggerbaby2430: LoL, it's okay, I have my lazy days too. I hope you won't be too lazy to review for this chapter though!
Sarah: Thank you so much! I'm glad that my story is one of your exceptions. I hope you'll have the heart to continue reviewing.
Tiniigurl: Aww, sorry that you feel that way. I can't have everything happening too quickly, otherwise the story won't be realistic. And I'm targeting to try and make this as realistic as possible.
FrEgOrGeLuVeR225/Kt: Okay, after this I'll call you Kt! lol
Maggie: Thank you lots for your comment!
Varda: Hey Varda! I'm glad you like my fanfic! Thanks lots for being there to give me input
Black Slytherin Girl: I'm glad you like my fanfic Thanks lots for reviewing.
BrightEmeraldEyes: LoL, I'm not too sure if Ethan and Ameile will get together.
Lilykins: Ah! I used your name in the story! LOL, it was unintentional though, honest. I made Lily's nickname "Lils" or "Lilykins" lol xD I hope you don't mind. Thank you so much for your complement!
Munkylover256: Aww, me so sorry =( Cliffies are too fun to write though! But hey, at least this chapter didn't have cliffie.
Lilyangel04: Thanks so much for your review! I hope you'll continue to like it!
Allie kat5: Well this update wasn't too soon… sorry bout that o--o
Blueskywillow: Thanks lots for your review! I hope you'll continue reviewing.
Katie: Thanks so much!
Watervolleyhp: Wow, thanks so much for your compliment! I hope you'll continue to like it.
cHoCoLaTeZ: Thanks so much! Wow… I'm so happy. Yes, Lily and James are my favorite HP couple of all time! They totally rock, and are the best couple to write about!
fireangel621: Wow, I'm so happy you feel that way, thank you for your review!
Dancinguyn: Eeep…. Well I did finally update ..
Dee: Yeah! I did have the dreaded, dun dun duuun wirter's block! LoL, I had to redraft my whole entire story cuz I was dissatisfied with it…. But hopefully I won't have anymore of them. Thanks so much for your encouragement!
SaMBrat: LoL, yup, cliffies are sooo fun to write
Dimpi: Thanks much for liking my story. I do try to be as creative as possible.
James's girl: Thank you for your review! I hope that I will continue doing a good job in the future.
Sheer: LoL, don't worry, I surpassed my goal of 80 reviews! LoL I was surprised that so many ppl reviewed. I hope you guys continue to review
jasminee: Hey, Jas! LoL, well are you happy now? I finally updated! I hope you'll give me back the printouts tho, I wasted a lot of paper and ink on them! Luv u lots!
Pink Garfield: Yay! I'm glad you think so! I hope that this fic will continue to be good!
Well, I hope you guys continue reviewing! I love you all!
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