It's not mine; it's all J.K. Rowling's.
Chapter 10: In Which Lily is Not Possessed
or
In Which Lily is Possessed
Where our most confused and beloved heroine was last seen:
I turned and barreled up the stairs. Thank the founders for not trusting boys! This is the one place in the school Potter can't follow me. It's a pity I can't say that about girl's bathrooms anymore.
ooo…ooo
I sat up in bed and stretched my arms out over my head.
It's another new and glorious day. New days are always so lovely because they always have the potential to turn into amazing and astounding days that you'll remember forever.
Maybe I'll do something fantastic today, like cure the world of diseases or set the world record for swimming the English Channel or ask James to marry me or invent my own charm or ... what was the about James?
Did I think that?
You know ... there really is something wrong with me. I know it's not me who's thinking these things. It just can't be. I'd never think things like that! I'm a normal person. Normal people don't think about marrying James Tristan Potter! They just don't!
I'm going to skip breakfast and go see Madam Jeffries …
"I'm sick." It's true. I'm horribly, horribly deranged in my mind.
"I see, dear. What sort of symptoms do you have?" Madam Jeffries asked kindly. She's very nice, isn't she?
"I keep having these thoughts that aren't mine." I told her matter-of-factly. She looked at me oddly, so I smiled my sweetest, most reassuring smile. I wouldn't want to worry her too much.
"Are these ... thoughts influencing your ... decisions?"
I thought about it. "No, not really. They're more annoying than anything else ... wait ..." I said, my eyes going wide. "You don't think the thoughts are to blame for the invisible strings, do you?" That would be a wonderful explanation. It would make everything I've been doing so much more … explicable.
Madam Jeffries fidgeted, looking over her shoulder like she was frightened or worried. "Can you stay here for just one second, dear?" Why does she always call me 'dear'? Do I look like a 'dear'? I don't think I'm a 'dear' sort of person. Oh well.
"One second," she emphasized, holding up one finger like I was too stupid to understand her without hand motions.
"Alright ..." I said, slowly, "I'll be right here," I gestured at the ground to make sure she got the point.
She nodded. "Just one second," she called over shoulder as she scurried into her office. She's kind of odd, isn't she? I mean, I'm not the brightest kid in the school, but I'm no slouch. Heck ... they didn't make me Head Girl because I can't tell what one second is.
"One one-thousand." Now that was one second. Well gee, I waited one second and Madam Jeffries isn't back yet. Hmm ... I guess that means I should leave.
I know, I know, I should probably stick around, but it's just so tempting. She just made such a big deal out of the one second thing. I grinned to myself as I walked out. Sure I want to know what's wrong with my mind, but now that I think about it Madam Jeffries probably wouldn't be able to help all that much anyway. Sure she's nice, but look at her ... she's the epitome of a rather ditzy blonde. And think about what she did to Potter's leg. I mean, peroxide! That had to sting!
Besides, I'm feeling much better now. I haven't thought about Potter in ages.
Except right then, but that doesn't count!
It was simply early morning panic that made me go to the Hospital Wing. Yep, early morning panic, no other reason. Now that it's no longer early, I'm feeling much calmer.
I walked into Transfiguration whistling a little under my breath. I'm really feeling fantastic. Maybe I've been cured of these thoughts about Potter ... Potter and his boyish charm. I wish he were here; I'd like a good morning hug and kiss.
Wait! NOO! I guess I'm not as cured as I thought. Maybe I'll stop by the Hospital Wing again after Transfiguration. Still, this is going to be a good day; I know it.
I started to walk over and take the seat next to Ally when I realized someone had already put their things next to her. I stopped confused.
Oh ... right, Sirius. I'd almost forgotten. This must mean they're 'going public' with their relationship. It's kind of cute ... I guess. If only it weren't so ... odd. If they're happy, though, I'm happy too. But where am I going to sit?
I looked around, trying to locate an empty seat. There was one next to a Slytherin girl, but the look she sent me made me want to run in the opposite direction. I was about to check out the other side of the room when an arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me down.
"Ahh!" I yelped, and grasped desperately at my attacker. I scrabbled a bit, threw my bag at my attacker's head, and ended up in his lap ... with my lips attached to his (but that bit was an accident).
"Potter," I yelled, shoving myself away from him by pushing on his shoulders.
"I thought you were looking for a seat," he said, sounding dazed.
"What?" I asked. Then I noticed the empty seat he'd been trying to pull me into. Ok ... I might have over-reacted a bit ... just a bit.
"Oh," I said, blushing as he gestured at the chair. Getting out of his lap, I sat down in the chair, feeling rather stupid. At least he's better than the Slytherin option (kind of).
"I saved you some breakfast. You shouldn't skip meals," James said, sitting two biscuits down in front of me.
"Thanks," I said, tearing off a chunk of the semi-warm biscuit.
"So where were you?"
"Hospital Wing."
"Are you alright? Do you not feel well? Do you need anything?" He gushed, sounding disturbingly like a fretful mother hen. A very cute and sexy fretful mother hen, but a mother hen nonetheless.
"Don't worry. I'm ... I'll be fine." I can't very well tell him what's wrong with me, seeing as it concerns him. After all, the thoughts only seem to be about him.
I finished off the biscuits and wiped the crumbs onto the floor. I know, I know, not very polite of me, but I doubt lightning will strike me down for scraping crumbs onto the floor just this once instead of into a trash bin.
The time for class to start came and went ... and McGonagall didn't show up. I exchanged a confused look with James. A worried murmur ran through the class. I can imagine what they're thinking, mainly because I'm thinking it too.
What if something has happened, someone's been hurt or even worse ... McGonagall's never late. This can only be bad.
"Don't worry," James whispered, taking my hand from where I'd been gripping the table and wrapping it in his. Gods, I love his hands. The odd 'whole' feeling was back too. It's the biscuits! Ah ha! I knew it was something I ate. I'll just have to avoid the biscuits from now on.
My eyes met his and I was trapped. It was like the invisible strings, but in a more magnety way. My eyes were being held captive by his, but not being drawn toward them. I started when I felt his lips on my hand and I tore my eyes from his to see him gently kissing my hand.
"Lily," he whispered, "Will you ..."
There are so many ways to finish that sentence.
Will you ...
... buy me some french fries?
... go dig a hole for me?
... carry my books?
... kiss me?
... marry me?
... stay by my side for the rest of our lives?
... itch my back?
... help me with this charm essay?
... make out with me in the broom closet next to George the Great tonight?
Ahem ... yes, well, there are a lot of ways to end that sentence and he didn't get the chance to use any of them because at that second the door flew open.
James' words were cut off and I spun around to see Madam Jeffries, McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Vittles walking through the door.
What's going on? Why do they look so worried, so serious?
McGonagall walked to the front of the classroom and looked at all of us. This is it; she was going to break whatever horrible news she has to us. I inched to the edge of my chair, both anxious to hear what she had to say and dreading it.
"Class," I froze in anticipatory terror, "Today we will be working with the transfiguration of humans into animals." I let out a breath of air. That wasn't what I'd been expecting.
"Miss Evans." I jumped in my chair as a frail papery hand fell on my shoulder. My nerves are so shot. I mean if Dumbledore saying my name is enough to scare me to death ... well, that's just saying something.
Potter wiggled his fingers and I realized I had them in a tight, death grip.
"Sorry," I whispered, loosening my grip. Then I turned to Dumbledore. "Professor, is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes, Miss Evans, there is. We need you to come with us." He looked deadly serious. Vittles was standing behind him like some kind of bodyguard, with his hand on his wand. I glanced at Madam Jeffries who was lingering by the door, nervously wringing her hands.
"Where?" I asked slowly. Now it was James' hand tightening on mine, but I didn't have the heart to tell him to loosen up. Truth be told (and the truth really is over-rated) I was grateful for the added reassurance.
"To the Hospital Wing, I'm afraid."
"W ... why?" I stuttered.
This was freaking me out. Why in the world did they need me to go to the Hospital Wing? Was something wrong? Was someone hurt? What if Ally was hurt? Wait ... Ally's in this class a few desks in front of me. Ok ... I need to calm down.
This is nothing to freak out about ... except it really is.
I could hear McGonagall's voice droning on in the background as Dumbledore gave me a sympathetic glance.
"Madam Jeffries just needs to do a few tests on you."
"Yeah, and then chuck you in St. Mungo's." I heard Vittles mutter under his breath.
What? What did he mean 'chuck me in St. Mungo's?
I looked at James in panic and saw he was staring at Dumbledore with a calculating look on his face. He glanced to me and gave me a warm smile then turned back.
"Why do you need to run tests on Lily?" He asked politely. Good question! I nodded, emphasizing I would also like to know the answer to his question.
"We have reason to believe that Miss Evans might be possessed ..." Dumbledore answered, talking directly to James, as if I wasn't even there.
"Possessed!" I shrieked, cutting him off in horror.
Possessed!
What the heck did he mean ... POSSESSED?
And why had he been talking about me like I wasn't even here? Had he forgotten I was here or something? Did he think I couldn't hear him if he was talking to James? Didn't he think I might be slightly interested in the fact he thinks I'm possessed?
Me. Lily Evans. Possessed. What a laugh.
"I'm not possessed! Is this some kind of joke? Because it is NOT very funny." I demanded, leaping out of my seat, facing Dumbledore.
James got up as well ... probably because I was still latched onto his hand. I contemplated letting go so I could wave my hands frantically around, but decided that might actually make me look possessed and it was comforting to know James was there by my side.
I stared at Dumbledore, asking wordlessly if he'd lost his marbles. He stared back a sad, serious look in his eyes. Oh gods. He's serious. He honestly thinks I'm possessed. I'm not possessed! Does anyone believe me?
I resisted the urge to look frantically around the classroom. I could hear people whispering and muttering behind me. I could imagine what they were saying ...
"The Head Girl's finally lost it. I knew that Potter would drive her insane."
"Getting taken away by the Headmaster, no less."
"Five Galleons says she's booked into Mungo's within 2 hours."
"She was such a nice girl; it's a real pity."
Yes, isn't it a pity? I felt my face flush and my eyes started watering. I took a step toward Dumbledore and he backed away. I was surprised.
Is he ... afraid of me?
Vittles elbowed past Dumbledore, standing in front of him and pulling out his wand ... like an actual bodyguard. Guarding him from me? I'm not possessed! I wouldn't ever hurt Professor Dumbledore! What's wrong with these people?
James grabbed my waist and with a fluid tug, pushed me behind him, putting himself between Vittles and me.
"Out of the way, Mr. Potter. I won't hurt her. She just needs to calm down and come with us."
"I most certainly am not calming down!" I bellowed back, trying to edge around James, so I could yell in Vittles ugly face, "You just accused me of being possessed! That is not something to be CALM about!"
James yanked his wand out of his pocket and held it in the guard position in front of him. "She's not possessed," he said slowly, dangerously.
Hallelujah! Someone sane! James doesn't think I'm possessed. Gods, he's the best. I could kiss him!
"This is not some childish feud from which you can protect her, Mr. Potter. Either get out of my way willingly or I'll curse you out of it!"
"James, move," I said, shoving his arm.
I don't want the one person who believes I'm not possessed to get blown off the face of the planet by Vittles. I mean Vittles isn't someone to be trifled with. You can't beat him. I heard a rumor that he once beat Dumbledore (Dumbledore!) in a practice duel. I'd never forgive myself if Potter got himself hurt on my account ... again.
Besides ... what's the worst that can happen if I just go with them? They'll throw me into St. Mungo's for the rest of my life. Oh shit!
Sure, I've always wondered if I was crazy, but I never really felt insane. Then again, I'm not sure I know what being insane feels like. Maybe I really am insane and I've just always been insane, so I don't even know what not being insane feels like! No … no, I'm not insane! I'm not!
"I'm not moving. I won't let you hurt her." Gods, he's so sweet, but he's going to get himself killed.
Vittles looked surprised at his answer (along with everyone else in the room). I wonder if anyone's ever stood up to him before. Maybe, but certainly not in all of the time I've been at Hogwarts.
James is kind of like his protégé too. This must bite for both of them.
"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore began, but was cut off by Vittles throwing a disarming spell at James.
There wasn't any warning, just a flick of Vittles' wand, but I could feel the raw power soaring toward James and me as clearly as if Vittles had shouted 'Expelliarmus!'
I shrieked. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I did. I just wasn't expecting it! I'm not a sissy or anything (most of the time).
James on the other hand was prepared, maybe due to all of the time he's spent with Vittles. He whipped his wand up and with a quick slash, conjured a shield that sent Vittles' disarming spell spinning harmlessly into the wall.
The whole room was filled with an unearthly silence as Vittles stared at James in astonishment. I'm having a hard time keeping my jaw from dropping as well.
James just blocked one of Vittles' spells! Vittles! As in, the impossible to defeat/fool/best in anyway even if you are James Potter, Vittles!
There was so much power behind that spell, but James blocked like it was nothing. The only way he could do that is if he put tons more power into his shield than Vittles used in his spell. That would be a lot of power. A huge elephant sized load of power. Wow. Just wow. Have I mentioned how lucky I am to have him on my side?
"I have another suggestion, professor," he said, a tad bit mockingly, but, heck, he does have a right to gloat. I'd gloat if I could deflect Vittles' spells (which I can't, but hypothetically speaking). "How about I escort Miss Evans to the Hospital Wing and remain with her there to ensure she doesn't suffer any ... difficulties?"
He phrased it as a question, but it was obviously a command. I hate it how he's so good at doing that. Suggesting something politely, with smile, when all the while he knows (and you know) you can't refuse.
There was a silence, I don't think anyone was even breathing, then Dumbledore said, "That is acceptable, Mr. Potter. I assure you there will be no difficulties as long as Miss Evans lends us her full cooperation." He's talking like I'm not here again! Why does he keep doing that? It's starting to get annoying.
"I will," I piped in, looking at Dumbledore from behind Potter's arm just to prove that I do actually have ears (contrary to popular belief that I function on a higher level of brainwaves and can just read thoughts and, thus, have no use for petty things like ears … alright, that's not popular belief, but one of my more interesting cough crazy cough fantasies).
"Very well," he said, gesturing for us to head toward the door.
I bent down and picked my bag up from the floor. As I straightened, I looked at Vittles.
He hadn't moved since Potter had blocked his spell. He was just standing there with an odd look in his eye. As I was staring at him, his eyes suddenly hardened and he seemed to shake off the paralysis that had been freezing him. I watched as he brought up his wand.
What's he doing? It almost looks like he's going to curse someone. I shot a look toward where his wand was pointed ... James Potter's back.
James, who was bent over, scooping loose parchment into his bag.
I can't believe it ... Vittles is going to curse James while his back is turned!
That ... that no good, muck raking, inconsiderate, un-sportsmanly, cheating, filthy, backstabbing git!
My eyes whipped back to Vittles and I could see his wand starting to move in the motion of a curse.
"James!" I shouted as a warning. I saw him start to turn, but I could tell he wouldn't be fast enough.
Oh gods, I can't watch. James is going to be hurt!
How can anyone watch the person they like, and might even love, be hurt!
Wait ... what was that? Was that the voices again? Stupid voices! Can't they just leave me alone? I mean, it would be one thing if they were my thoughts, but ... Oh ... My ... Gods ...
They are my thoughts.
That wasn't a voice, was it? It was me.
Without a second thought (obviously because if I'd thought it through I'd never have done it), I jumped in front of James and took the curse myself.
I was right, it hurt ... a lot.
It started as a burning sensation where the curse had hit my chest and spread outwards, running through my veins like fire.
I've never been in so much pain in my entire life (except when I had to sit through my sister's engagement party ... heck, I'd thought the wedding was going to be bad, but it was a piece of cake compared to that party. I still have nightmares about it).
This is one nasty curse ... I mean, who designs curses to be this painful? Who in their right mind comes up with things like this? Well whoever he (or she, but for the sake of argument I will refer to the spell's maker as a he) is, he's one sick chap.
I gasped in pain as the blinding light that had flashed in my eyes when the spell hit, faded.
I felt my knees buckle under me and I hit the floor, hard.
Ouch! Gods cursed floor!
At least it's not rough, though. Stone sucks, but rough stone ... I don't even want to think about it. The Transfiguration room does have very nice floors in that respect.
In the distance, beyond the pain that had become the focus of my world, I heard someone yelling (I think I heard my name too, but I'm not positive, they could have been saying chilly or hilly or Billy or silly or Millie or … well you get the idea) and I saw flashes of light, but I didn't feel any additional pain (which was a good thing because I was already feeling quite enough).
Finally the world went mercifully black.
ooo…ooo
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed. It's a bit of a cliffy, I know, but you must admit it does make things more interesting. If you haven't been attacked by your not quite boyfriend's mentor who just had some sort of a mental breakdown, I'd love a review!
Daystar – I'm sure we could try. I don't know if we'd succeed. Besides, I'd feel kind of bad if we turned in the same thing twice. Now if we added a bunch to it and … finished it, then we'd have to guilt what so ever. So … WRITE me a LETTER, you big slacker.
HauntedAngel – Yes, a little Sirius-ness. I hope James and Lily will keep you diverted until he pops back up.
Deefa – My titles are a bit crazy, but they do have a reason. I was absolutely in love with the enchanted forest chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede when I was younger, who uses the 'In which' titles, and since she's awesome and I want to be awesome I figured I'd give them a whirl. I think they're quite fun.
Procrastinator-starting2moro – Wow. I'm kind of pitiful. I just read your review and it cracked me up. "little things please little minds." That's great. You realize, of course, that I'm the one who's supposed to make you laugh, not the other way around?
J.E.A.R.K.Potter – Lily thanks you for your advice, but reminds you that she is an excellent runner and hider and won't be letting a little thing like fate get in her way.
Shattered Serenity – The gremlins have certainly made their appearance. No worries though, Skittles won't be fired (unless the rabid candy corn worshipers take over my lap top). I would keep an eye on that microwave if I were you, sounds dangerous.
TajM- I know what you mean. I always thought it was a bit too much for James' middle name to be Harold. I mean then Harry would be like entirely named after his dad. I think Lily or some dead family member or whatnot should get a little stake on ol' Harry.
Thanks and Hugs to: Duck-a-roo, genuinescence, Siriusly Sirius Lily Black, graceypoo, famousindafuture, devOtion, HarryluvsMoaningMyrtle, Silver Weasley, missprongs07, skyhoofhearted, drumer girl, GoddessoftheMaaN, Heiress-To-The-Dark-Throne, hawaiiangirl, dsf asdfl, PsychoLeopard, vegitarians ROCK, siriusforeva, October Tuscany, eluding-you, kuddls, Kiyda, FrEgOrGeLuVeR225, sodafizzz19, Anonfornow, hplovesme, Wrinkles the Troll, Sirael, Brighton Baby, taniita, Mischief16, suckerforlove, michaeljnluver, and nanirain.