Hey guys. I'm on Spring Break, so hopefully I'll be able to post
three chapters this week. I started writing this chapter and I just
couldn't stop, so I had to split it into two parts. I will post the second
part on Tuesday.
I want to thank the people who have taken the time to review. Padfootlet, sproxkkk, bosworth, Sammy Solo, Tropical girl, oAngel85o, LJStagflower4e/Jctigerwolf4e, flyingwind33 and JKReviewer. Thank you guys for taking the time to write me fantastic reviews and taking time to read my story.
The usual: Nothing belongs to me except my characters, everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling and etc. etc. etc. so don't sue me.
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Chapter 10: Hogsmeade Part I.
"Come on Ravenwood," said Sirius for the third time since Quidditch practice started, "You know that you want to be accompanied by the best looking male in seventh year." Faith hit the bludger back across the field.
"Black! For the last time I'm tying to practice here!" yelled Faith annoyed.
"Then answer my question and I'll leave you alone," grinned Sirius, as he flew in front of her to knock the bludger out of Liz's way, leaving her open to score. Faith sighed loudly.
"For the last time, NO!" shouted Faith, finally loosing her temper. "I do not want to go with you to Hogsmeade tomorrow and if you don't stop pestering me about it, I'm going to take this club and knock the senses out of you!"
"Maybe this is a bad time to ask you about this," grinned Sirius. "I'll ask you later when you've had a chance to shower and cool off." He ducked out of the way laughing as Faith hit the bludger square at his head. "Oy! That almost hit me! You could've ruined our date tomorrow Ravenwood!"
"Sirius! Faith!" yelled James from above them. "You two are supposed to be doing drills, not making date plans!" If looks could kill, James and Sirius would have both dropped dead in midair, because Faith gave them the perfect look of death and sped off down the field.
"Doesn't look to good mate," said James as Sirius laughed.
"She's in love with me," said Sirius batting away the bludger that Faith had just hurled at him. "She just doesn't know it yet."
"Either that or it's the best love-hate relationship act I've ever seen," laughed James as he resumed looking for the snitch.
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Lily walked into the dorm room after spending some time studying in the Prefect lounge to see her two best friends laughing hysterically.
"What's so funny?" asked Lily quizzically, throwing her bag on the floor near her bed. Liz and Faith looked at each other and laughed harder than ever.
"Come on! You know I hate when you guys do this to me!" pleaded Lily, sitting down on Liz's bed.
"Go on, it's better if you tell it!" said Liz, doubling over from laughter. Faith wiped her eyes and tried to compose herself. Lily looked at her intently.
"Well, all through practice Sirius Black would not leave me alone about going with him to Hogsmeade tomorrow," began Faith.
"Are you going with him?" asked Lily.
"Well, hold your horses I'll get to it," said Faith suppressing a giggle. "I kept telling him no over and over again. But you know Sirius and he takes rejection as a form of encouragement. Well anyway, after practice when the boys were in the shower, Liz and I snuck into their locker room......... and........ we put.......... jock itch powder in his boxers!" shouted Faith before collapsing in hysterics. Liz who had not stopped laughing the entire time fell off the bed. Lily laughed so hard that tears were forming in her eyes.
"You did not! I can't believe you two!" she said in between laughs. "That is so mean! But hysterical!"
"Oh it's not done yet!" laughed Liz, looking at Faith with pride.
"We emptied half the bottle in his shorts! Anyway, after we showered and stuff, I waited outside for him. He came out of the locker room with James, and I could see he was trying so hard not to itch himself. So I asked him if I could talk to him for a minute. I took him over to the corner of the hallway and told him that I had considered going to Hogsmeade with him." Faith let out a fit of giggles. "I kept the poor guy there for at least five minutes and to a guy with jock itch, that is hell! It was so funny! He tried so hard not to let me know that it was bothering him and he tried to act so cool. After wasting a few more minutes telling him what we would do tomorrow and stuff, he finally lost it! He just let out this high- pitched scream and just went to town itching it," said Faith erupting into laughter.
"He did not! That is so disgusting!" said Lily laughing harder than ever. "What did you do!"
"I said, 'OH MY GOD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!' He looked at me all embarrassed and said that there was something wrong with his boxers. I told him that if this is his idea of a joke for me to get his pants off, than I am reconsidering going with him tomorrow. Then I walked off all shocked and Liz and I ran right up here," laughed Faith. Lily looked at her with disbelief.
"That was so cruel! Why didn't I think of that for Potter!" laughed Lily picturing James in his boxers jumping around the locker room, trying not to itch. I wonder what his boxers would look like anyway? She mentally scolded herself for thinking that and leaned back on the bed, still grinning.
"Well, I wish my night was half as eventful as yours," said Lily.
"What did you do?" called Liz, still lying on the floor from when she had fallen off it. Lily sighed.
"I went to the Prefect's lounge to study." Liz and Faith giggled.
"Oooooohhhhh, was Alexander there?" cooed Faith in a mock love tone.
"Yes he was," said Lily in the same mock tone. "It was a very nice evening. We had a great conversation on stinkweed and its uses in potions."
"Wow! It sounds like you have a keeper there, Lils. A guy who can woe you with stinkweed is a hard one to find, " said Faith with a wicked grin. Liz sat up suddenly and looked at Faith dramatically.
"Oh Lily! Shall I compare thee to a summers day?" she said to Faith with her hand over her heart.
"No Alexander. Compare me to stinkweed! For if you do, my love shall be yours forever!" said Faith to Liz dramatically.
"Oh......shut up you two," laughed Lily throwing pillows at Faith and Liz.
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"AHHHH! I CAN'T STOP BLOODY ITCHING!" hollered Sirius in frustration.
"Well take another shower," said James laughing at his best mate as he danced around the room, trying to take his mind off of the irritating itching sensation.
"I've already taken three!" shouted Sirius, hopping from one foot to the other, as if he was standing on hot coals.
"Well, you can go see Madame Pomfrey. She'll know what to do," said Peter looking up from his book grinning.
"Oh that would be a lovely visit! 'Hello Madame Pomfrey. Tell me, do you have anything to cure my balls from itching like mad?" said Sirius annoyed. James and Remus laughed. "Doesn't anyone know a counter curse or something?"
"What do you think I'm looking up, Padfoot?" said Remus, staring at his book.
"The worse thing is that I don't understand how it happened. I was fine before I left the shower. It was like as soon as I put on my clothes, it started itching," said Sirius, jogging around the room.
"How did it go with Ravenwood? You never did say anything. You just ran up to the room shouting," asked James curiously. Sirius snorted.
"Oh fine until I couldn't take it anymore and I started itching uncontrollably!" said Sirius bitterly.
"You scratched yourself right there? Are you mad!" said Peter in disbelief.
"Yeah I did! I couldn't take it anymore. Then the girl thought it was a practical joke and walked away! Women." Sirius continued to jump up and down. "Dammit Moony, haven't you found something yet?!"
"Come over here, I think I have," said Remus, looking at the book intensely. Sirius ran over and stood in front of him, jumping on his heels. "Okay, now stop moving.........On the count of three.........One.......Two......Sirius if you want this to work you have to stand still for three seconds!"
"Moony, you try standing still when your manhood is on fire!" barked Sirius irritably.
"Well if you want it to continue to be on fire than keep moving!" said Remus. Sirius stopped moving. "Okay. One.........Two........Three!" Sirius flinched as a jet of blue light sped at his irritated area. Immediately the itch subsided and Sirius sighed in relief.
"Moony, don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't a genius!" said Sirius; pulling the waistband of his shorts out and looking down to make sure everything was all right.
"Thank you. But more importantly, what caused that?" said Remus, putting the book down and staring at Sirius.
"I told you, I put on my shorts and instantly it started to burn. It was the oddest thing," said Sirius.
"Hmm........." Remus thought very carefully for a minute. "Where are your shorts?"
"Over there in my trunk. Why?" said Sirius. He walked over to the trunk and pulled out the shorts. James got off his bed and walked over to Sirius. Peter knelt on the end of his bed and watched eagerly. Remus took the shorts and inspected them carefully. After a moment he took out his wand and tapped the shorts. A white powder appeared all over the shorts.
"Just what I thought," said Remus grinning. "You've been pranked mate. That's jock itch powder."
"Son of a bludger! No wonder I couldn't understand why I itched so bad," said Sirius inspecting the shorts for himself.
"But who could have done that?" said Peter looking over from the end of this bed.
"It must have been when we were in the shower, that's that only logical explanation," said James thoughtfully
"Yeah, but why was I the only one targeted? I mean no one else had this problem," said Sirius, throwing the shorts on the floor in disgust.
"Well, who have you angered lately?" asked Remus, sitting on the end of his bed. "Any boyfriends you've upset by hitting on their girlfriends?"
"Nah," said Sirius, waving the question away. "I've been reasonably good this year. I only hit on single women. It's less complicated." His eyes suddenly widened and a dawning comprehension spread across his face. "You know mates, I bet it was a Slytherin! It makes sense, after this morning."
"It makes sense, but again, why would only you be targeted?" asked James, thinking hard.
"Maybe they didn't have enough time to do everyone's?" said Peter, trying to add to the conversation. "Or maybe it was only one person and they thought you were someone else."
"That could be," said James with a furrowed brow.
"Well, I say we prank the Slytherins just in case. I'm almost positive that it was them. It just makes sense," said Sirius, coming to a conclusion.
"I'm for that," said James grinning. Peter leapt off the bed and headed over to James and Sirius. "Are you in Moony?"
"Of course," grinned Remus.
"Okay, here's what I was thinking. Grant it, it won't be easy and we are going to need more supplies," said James as the boys drew nearer with identical mischievous grins spread across their faces.
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The morning sunshine illuminated the girls' room. Lily sat up and looked out the window. She could tell it was going to be a beautiful day. There were hardly any clouds and the grounds looked green and lush. She smiled to herself, thinking it was one of the most beautiful places she had ever been.
"Morning," mumbled Faith groggily. Lily laughed at the sight of her best friend's horrible bed head. She had forgotten that Faith's hair usually stood up on all of its ends in the morning, cause Faith usually got up before her.
"Good morning, Miss Bed Head," smiled Lily.
Faith yawned loudly and immediately grabbed the radio and headed for the shower. Lily sat there for a minute staring at the grounds. The sound of music blaring from the shower filled the hallway and the room. Lily knew that everyone on the floor was now awake and probably not too happy since it was a Saturday. She grabbed her bathrobe and headed for the shower herself. Faith's singing filled the bathroom. Lily laughed and joined in. As she stood in the shower for a few minutes, just letting the warm water drift over her, she realized that today was the Hogsmeade trip. An odd feeling rested in the pit of her stomach as she thought about spending the day with Alexander Frey. Lily shook her head as if to rid her body of the heavy feeling. As her mind drifted to various things, an image of James Potter's grinning face illuminated her subconscious. She thought about sitting across from him at a table in The Three Broomsticks, laughing and talking. He reached over and touched her hand, and embraced it in his. Her mind drifted to the other night and her hand was pressed against his lips. "Is that better?" his voice drifted into her mind.
"And the warmth of your smile starts a-burnin'. And the thrill of your touch gives me fright. And I'm shaking so much, really yearning. Why don't you show up and make it all right?" Faith sang at the top of her lungs, waking Lily from her daydream. She mentally shook herself and quickly finished her shower.
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One o'clock came faster than Lily was ready for. She walked down to the entrance hall with Faith and Liz.
"Are you nervous?" asked Liz.
"Not really," said Lily, casually. "I mean it's only a date. It's not like we are making anything offical."
"Well you know the drill. If the date's a dud then give one of us the signal," said Faith, as they entered the front entrance and made their way through the sea of students.
"I don't think it's going to be necessary, but okay," said Lily spotting Alexander by the wall. He waved at her, grinning broadly.
"Okay then, I'll see you two in Hogsmeade," said Lily, turning towards her friends.
"Have fun and good luck!" said Liz, giving her a quick hug.
"Remember, don't kiss on the first date. It's bad luck," winked Faith.
"Thanks guys," said Lily, walking away towards Alexander. Lily had to admit that being Head Girl had its advantages as most of the students moved to let her pass.
"Good afternoon, Lily," said Alexander, taking her hand and kissing it gently.
"Hello Alexander," said Lily blushing.
"Are you ready to go?" he said offering his arm.
"Absolutely," said Lily taking his arm and heading towards Mr. Pringle, the caretaker who had the unhappy job of signing students out of the castle. As they approached, he grunted at them and they walked out the doors and down the castle steps.
"He is perhaps the grumpiest soul I have ever met!" laughed Lily as they headed down the pathway leading to the front gates.
"Oh I don't think he is that bad. He is just very overwhelmed with his work," stated Alexander matter-of-factly. "He does have a lot of work to do in the castle after all."
"Oh I don't think he has it that hard. Dumbledore is a great headmaster and the house-elves do most of the work," said Lily, trying to make light of the conversation.
"Well, I suppose you have a valid point. However, I must disagree with you. There are a lot of pranksters in this school that have little regard for school rules, let alone trying to make his job a little easier," said Alexander, looking at Lily with a superior smile.
Lily was about to respond when several excited yells caught her attention. Lily released Alexander's arm and turned around. James, Sirius, Remus and Peter were all running down the path, yelling and shouting excitedly. Lily couldn't help but laugh. They looked like a bunch of monkeys that were just released from the zoo. James, Sirius and Remus were all battling for first as they ran past Lily. James did not so much as glance at her as he pushed Sirius out of the way and took the lead. Peter was huffing and puffing, struggling to keep up with them, but failing miserably. People ahead of Lily were jumping out of the way, to keep from being trampled over. Most people were laughing at the sight of the four boys. Up ahead Lily saw Faith and Liz cheering as the boys ran past them.
"Fine example of a Head Boy we have there," said Alexander with a disgusted look on his face. "Running like a madman, pushing and shoving people out of the way. Honestly."
"Oh, they aren't doing anything wrong," said Lily laughing. "They are just doing what all of us would like to be doing right now."
"My dear Lily, it is not a good example to set for the younger years. The Head Boy must be rule abiding and act like a gentleman. He must always show himself as a proper role model. The only role James Potter shows is how to act like a buffoon," said Alexander grimly, as they walked past the iron gates.
"Well, Alexander, he is the Head Boy and Dumbledore must think that he is a decent role model or else he would not have made him Head Boy in the first place," said Lily coldly; her fiery temper boiling in her stomach as she fought to keep it there. Alexander looked at her only mildly interested.
"There is no use discussing this, Lily. This is our date and I don't want to start it off on the wrong foot by debating how unfit James Potter is as Head Boy," said Alexander, smiling slightly at her.
"Sounds good to me," said Lily, wishing she were walking up head with her two best friends, singing and laughing, instead of here with Alexander.
As Lily and Alexander entered Hogsmeade, Lily caught a glimpse of her friends walking into Gladrags Wizardwear. Lily began to head over to The Three Broomsticks, her preferred place to hang out.
"Um, Lily. Where are you going?" asked Alexander.
"Into The Three Broomsticks," said Lily, looking at him with confusion. Alexander began to laugh.
"Oh, I was thinking that we would go to Madame Puddifoot's," said Alexander steering her over towards the frilly looking teashop.
"Oh, okay," said Lily looking slightly disappointed. She had been looking forward to a butterbeer since she arrived at Hogwarts. 'Well I can always get one there" she thought to herself. Alexander opened the door for her and Lily walked into the frilly, cozy teashop. The place was filled with couples, kissing and giggling over teas and shared butterbeers. Lily smiled politely as they were seated at a corner table.
"What will you have?" asked the hostess to Lily.
"I would like............" began Lily.
"We would both like two cups of tea with no cream and one lump of sugar," interrupted Alexander.
"Actually, I ..........." began Lily again.
"Very good," said the hostess walking away. Lily looked at Alexander with disbelief. 'Maybe he was just trying to be a gentleman. He didn't know that you wanted a butterbeer.' She tried to calm herself, but she felt her stomach turn as he spoke again.
"So, my dear Lily. Are you enjoying our day so far?" inquired Alexander, folding his hands on the table and looking at her with interest.
"It's been illuminating," said Lily sarcastically. Alexander smiled broadly.
"Well I'm glad that you are having fun, because I am certainly enjoying your company. You are the most interesting girl I have dated in a long time," he grinned. Lily smiled politely, trying to think of some way to get out of this horrible situation. The hostess walked over with two cups of tea and placed them in front of Lily and Alexander.
"I have something that I want to tell you," said Alexander, pushing his tea to the side of the table. "I have been quite fond of you for a long time. Since fifth year actually, but I was always afraid to talk to you because, well, frankly I wasn't sure if I was fit enough to be in your company. You are the most intelligent witch in the year and it is a tad intimidating." Lily didn't know what to say, so she smiled and took a sip of her tea. 'Needs more sugar' she thought to herself.
"That is why I was hoping to make Head Boy. I figured that way I would be equal to you or, pardon me for being so bold, perhaps a little better as to catch your attention."
"Well you've certainly caught my attention now," said Lily with a hint of sarcasm. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. The arrogance was something to be amazed at.
"Excellent," smiled Alexander. He reached across the table and took Lily's hand in his. "Well since I have, I think that we should become official."
"What?" said Lily with disbelief. "Make what official?"
"Our courtship of course," laughed Alexander, stroking her hand. Lily pulled her hand away from his and looked at him with skeptically. "Is something the matter, dear?" For a moment Lily was speechless.
"Are you on the mickie?" asked Lily; the anger rising from her stomach and into her face.
"What do you mean?" inquired Alexander; a confused look on his face.
"Is this your idea of a joke? You insult the Head Boy, who happens to be in my house and my friend. Then you dismiss my opinions and treat me like a first year by telling me where to go and what to do. Then you totally disregard my existence by not even bothering to ask ME what I want to drink. I might not even like tea, did that cross your mind? Then you tell me that the only way for you to be happy with me is to always be better than me and I'm suppose to swoon over you?" yelled Lily. Alexander sat there speechless for a minute. Everyone in the shop turned to look at them.
"Lily, dear, now I know that we are having problems but it is something that will be worked out in time," said Alexander looking around at the inquiring faces looking at them.
"You are mad! Do you know that!" shouted Lily, getting up to leave. "Our date is over Alexander. Please don't ever bother me again!"
"Lily, where are you going?" said Alexander in a panic, standing up. "Lily, come back here. Lily I order you to come back here and finish our date." Lily stopped and turned around to face him.
"Oh Alexander............bite me!" She took out her wand and a jet of green light hit him square in the chest. His face contorted into a horrible pig like form and he was instantly covered in huge, grotesque, puss filled boils. He shrieked in horror as he looked at his hands. "There, now you look like a more suitable role model." Lily turned on her heel and walked out the door with her head held high. She felt extremely proud of herself.
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Don't forget to review! Part II will be posted on Tuesday; so don't forget to check back.
I want to thank the people who have taken the time to review. Padfootlet, sproxkkk, bosworth, Sammy Solo, Tropical girl, oAngel85o, LJStagflower4e/Jctigerwolf4e, flyingwind33 and JKReviewer. Thank you guys for taking the time to write me fantastic reviews and taking time to read my story.
The usual: Nothing belongs to me except my characters, everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling and etc. etc. etc. so don't sue me.
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Chapter 10: Hogsmeade Part I.
"Come on Ravenwood," said Sirius for the third time since Quidditch practice started, "You know that you want to be accompanied by the best looking male in seventh year." Faith hit the bludger back across the field.
"Black! For the last time I'm tying to practice here!" yelled Faith annoyed.
"Then answer my question and I'll leave you alone," grinned Sirius, as he flew in front of her to knock the bludger out of Liz's way, leaving her open to score. Faith sighed loudly.
"For the last time, NO!" shouted Faith, finally loosing her temper. "I do not want to go with you to Hogsmeade tomorrow and if you don't stop pestering me about it, I'm going to take this club and knock the senses out of you!"
"Maybe this is a bad time to ask you about this," grinned Sirius. "I'll ask you later when you've had a chance to shower and cool off." He ducked out of the way laughing as Faith hit the bludger square at his head. "Oy! That almost hit me! You could've ruined our date tomorrow Ravenwood!"
"Sirius! Faith!" yelled James from above them. "You two are supposed to be doing drills, not making date plans!" If looks could kill, James and Sirius would have both dropped dead in midair, because Faith gave them the perfect look of death and sped off down the field.
"Doesn't look to good mate," said James as Sirius laughed.
"She's in love with me," said Sirius batting away the bludger that Faith had just hurled at him. "She just doesn't know it yet."
"Either that or it's the best love-hate relationship act I've ever seen," laughed James as he resumed looking for the snitch.
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Lily walked into the dorm room after spending some time studying in the Prefect lounge to see her two best friends laughing hysterically.
"What's so funny?" asked Lily quizzically, throwing her bag on the floor near her bed. Liz and Faith looked at each other and laughed harder than ever.
"Come on! You know I hate when you guys do this to me!" pleaded Lily, sitting down on Liz's bed.
"Go on, it's better if you tell it!" said Liz, doubling over from laughter. Faith wiped her eyes and tried to compose herself. Lily looked at her intently.
"Well, all through practice Sirius Black would not leave me alone about going with him to Hogsmeade tomorrow," began Faith.
"Are you going with him?" asked Lily.
"Well, hold your horses I'll get to it," said Faith suppressing a giggle. "I kept telling him no over and over again. But you know Sirius and he takes rejection as a form of encouragement. Well anyway, after practice when the boys were in the shower, Liz and I snuck into their locker room......... and........ we put.......... jock itch powder in his boxers!" shouted Faith before collapsing in hysterics. Liz who had not stopped laughing the entire time fell off the bed. Lily laughed so hard that tears were forming in her eyes.
"You did not! I can't believe you two!" she said in between laughs. "That is so mean! But hysterical!"
"Oh it's not done yet!" laughed Liz, looking at Faith with pride.
"We emptied half the bottle in his shorts! Anyway, after we showered and stuff, I waited outside for him. He came out of the locker room with James, and I could see he was trying so hard not to itch himself. So I asked him if I could talk to him for a minute. I took him over to the corner of the hallway and told him that I had considered going to Hogsmeade with him." Faith let out a fit of giggles. "I kept the poor guy there for at least five minutes and to a guy with jock itch, that is hell! It was so funny! He tried so hard not to let me know that it was bothering him and he tried to act so cool. After wasting a few more minutes telling him what we would do tomorrow and stuff, he finally lost it! He just let out this high- pitched scream and just went to town itching it," said Faith erupting into laughter.
"He did not! That is so disgusting!" said Lily laughing harder than ever. "What did you do!"
"I said, 'OH MY GOD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!' He looked at me all embarrassed and said that there was something wrong with his boxers. I told him that if this is his idea of a joke for me to get his pants off, than I am reconsidering going with him tomorrow. Then I walked off all shocked and Liz and I ran right up here," laughed Faith. Lily looked at her with disbelief.
"That was so cruel! Why didn't I think of that for Potter!" laughed Lily picturing James in his boxers jumping around the locker room, trying not to itch. I wonder what his boxers would look like anyway? She mentally scolded herself for thinking that and leaned back on the bed, still grinning.
"Well, I wish my night was half as eventful as yours," said Lily.
"What did you do?" called Liz, still lying on the floor from when she had fallen off it. Lily sighed.
"I went to the Prefect's lounge to study." Liz and Faith giggled.
"Oooooohhhhh, was Alexander there?" cooed Faith in a mock love tone.
"Yes he was," said Lily in the same mock tone. "It was a very nice evening. We had a great conversation on stinkweed and its uses in potions."
"Wow! It sounds like you have a keeper there, Lils. A guy who can woe you with stinkweed is a hard one to find, " said Faith with a wicked grin. Liz sat up suddenly and looked at Faith dramatically.
"Oh Lily! Shall I compare thee to a summers day?" she said to Faith with her hand over her heart.
"No Alexander. Compare me to stinkweed! For if you do, my love shall be yours forever!" said Faith to Liz dramatically.
"Oh......shut up you two," laughed Lily throwing pillows at Faith and Liz.
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"AHHHH! I CAN'T STOP BLOODY ITCHING!" hollered Sirius in frustration.
"Well take another shower," said James laughing at his best mate as he danced around the room, trying to take his mind off of the irritating itching sensation.
"I've already taken three!" shouted Sirius, hopping from one foot to the other, as if he was standing on hot coals.
"Well, you can go see Madame Pomfrey. She'll know what to do," said Peter looking up from his book grinning.
"Oh that would be a lovely visit! 'Hello Madame Pomfrey. Tell me, do you have anything to cure my balls from itching like mad?" said Sirius annoyed. James and Remus laughed. "Doesn't anyone know a counter curse or something?"
"What do you think I'm looking up, Padfoot?" said Remus, staring at his book.
"The worse thing is that I don't understand how it happened. I was fine before I left the shower. It was like as soon as I put on my clothes, it started itching," said Sirius, jogging around the room.
"How did it go with Ravenwood? You never did say anything. You just ran up to the room shouting," asked James curiously. Sirius snorted.
"Oh fine until I couldn't take it anymore and I started itching uncontrollably!" said Sirius bitterly.
"You scratched yourself right there? Are you mad!" said Peter in disbelief.
"Yeah I did! I couldn't take it anymore. Then the girl thought it was a practical joke and walked away! Women." Sirius continued to jump up and down. "Dammit Moony, haven't you found something yet?!"
"Come over here, I think I have," said Remus, looking at the book intensely. Sirius ran over and stood in front of him, jumping on his heels. "Okay, now stop moving.........On the count of three.........One.......Two......Sirius if you want this to work you have to stand still for three seconds!"
"Moony, you try standing still when your manhood is on fire!" barked Sirius irritably.
"Well if you want it to continue to be on fire than keep moving!" said Remus. Sirius stopped moving. "Okay. One.........Two........Three!" Sirius flinched as a jet of blue light sped at his irritated area. Immediately the itch subsided and Sirius sighed in relief.
"Moony, don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't a genius!" said Sirius; pulling the waistband of his shorts out and looking down to make sure everything was all right.
"Thank you. But more importantly, what caused that?" said Remus, putting the book down and staring at Sirius.
"I told you, I put on my shorts and instantly it started to burn. It was the oddest thing," said Sirius.
"Hmm........." Remus thought very carefully for a minute. "Where are your shorts?"
"Over there in my trunk. Why?" said Sirius. He walked over to the trunk and pulled out the shorts. James got off his bed and walked over to Sirius. Peter knelt on the end of his bed and watched eagerly. Remus took the shorts and inspected them carefully. After a moment he took out his wand and tapped the shorts. A white powder appeared all over the shorts.
"Just what I thought," said Remus grinning. "You've been pranked mate. That's jock itch powder."
"Son of a bludger! No wonder I couldn't understand why I itched so bad," said Sirius inspecting the shorts for himself.
"But who could have done that?" said Peter looking over from the end of this bed.
"It must have been when we were in the shower, that's that only logical explanation," said James thoughtfully
"Yeah, but why was I the only one targeted? I mean no one else had this problem," said Sirius, throwing the shorts on the floor in disgust.
"Well, who have you angered lately?" asked Remus, sitting on the end of his bed. "Any boyfriends you've upset by hitting on their girlfriends?"
"Nah," said Sirius, waving the question away. "I've been reasonably good this year. I only hit on single women. It's less complicated." His eyes suddenly widened and a dawning comprehension spread across his face. "You know mates, I bet it was a Slytherin! It makes sense, after this morning."
"It makes sense, but again, why would only you be targeted?" asked James, thinking hard.
"Maybe they didn't have enough time to do everyone's?" said Peter, trying to add to the conversation. "Or maybe it was only one person and they thought you were someone else."
"That could be," said James with a furrowed brow.
"Well, I say we prank the Slytherins just in case. I'm almost positive that it was them. It just makes sense," said Sirius, coming to a conclusion.
"I'm for that," said James grinning. Peter leapt off the bed and headed over to James and Sirius. "Are you in Moony?"
"Of course," grinned Remus.
"Okay, here's what I was thinking. Grant it, it won't be easy and we are going to need more supplies," said James as the boys drew nearer with identical mischievous grins spread across their faces.
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The morning sunshine illuminated the girls' room. Lily sat up and looked out the window. She could tell it was going to be a beautiful day. There were hardly any clouds and the grounds looked green and lush. She smiled to herself, thinking it was one of the most beautiful places she had ever been.
"Morning," mumbled Faith groggily. Lily laughed at the sight of her best friend's horrible bed head. She had forgotten that Faith's hair usually stood up on all of its ends in the morning, cause Faith usually got up before her.
"Good morning, Miss Bed Head," smiled Lily.
Faith yawned loudly and immediately grabbed the radio and headed for the shower. Lily sat there for a minute staring at the grounds. The sound of music blaring from the shower filled the hallway and the room. Lily knew that everyone on the floor was now awake and probably not too happy since it was a Saturday. She grabbed her bathrobe and headed for the shower herself. Faith's singing filled the bathroom. Lily laughed and joined in. As she stood in the shower for a few minutes, just letting the warm water drift over her, she realized that today was the Hogsmeade trip. An odd feeling rested in the pit of her stomach as she thought about spending the day with Alexander Frey. Lily shook her head as if to rid her body of the heavy feeling. As her mind drifted to various things, an image of James Potter's grinning face illuminated her subconscious. She thought about sitting across from him at a table in The Three Broomsticks, laughing and talking. He reached over and touched her hand, and embraced it in his. Her mind drifted to the other night and her hand was pressed against his lips. "Is that better?" his voice drifted into her mind.
"And the warmth of your smile starts a-burnin'. And the thrill of your touch gives me fright. And I'm shaking so much, really yearning. Why don't you show up and make it all right?" Faith sang at the top of her lungs, waking Lily from her daydream. She mentally shook herself and quickly finished her shower.
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One o'clock came faster than Lily was ready for. She walked down to the entrance hall with Faith and Liz.
"Are you nervous?" asked Liz.
"Not really," said Lily, casually. "I mean it's only a date. It's not like we are making anything offical."
"Well you know the drill. If the date's a dud then give one of us the signal," said Faith, as they entered the front entrance and made their way through the sea of students.
"I don't think it's going to be necessary, but okay," said Lily spotting Alexander by the wall. He waved at her, grinning broadly.
"Okay then, I'll see you two in Hogsmeade," said Lily, turning towards her friends.
"Have fun and good luck!" said Liz, giving her a quick hug.
"Remember, don't kiss on the first date. It's bad luck," winked Faith.
"Thanks guys," said Lily, walking away towards Alexander. Lily had to admit that being Head Girl had its advantages as most of the students moved to let her pass.
"Good afternoon, Lily," said Alexander, taking her hand and kissing it gently.
"Hello Alexander," said Lily blushing.
"Are you ready to go?" he said offering his arm.
"Absolutely," said Lily taking his arm and heading towards Mr. Pringle, the caretaker who had the unhappy job of signing students out of the castle. As they approached, he grunted at them and they walked out the doors and down the castle steps.
"He is perhaps the grumpiest soul I have ever met!" laughed Lily as they headed down the pathway leading to the front gates.
"Oh I don't think he is that bad. He is just very overwhelmed with his work," stated Alexander matter-of-factly. "He does have a lot of work to do in the castle after all."
"Oh I don't think he has it that hard. Dumbledore is a great headmaster and the house-elves do most of the work," said Lily, trying to make light of the conversation.
"Well, I suppose you have a valid point. However, I must disagree with you. There are a lot of pranksters in this school that have little regard for school rules, let alone trying to make his job a little easier," said Alexander, looking at Lily with a superior smile.
Lily was about to respond when several excited yells caught her attention. Lily released Alexander's arm and turned around. James, Sirius, Remus and Peter were all running down the path, yelling and shouting excitedly. Lily couldn't help but laugh. They looked like a bunch of monkeys that were just released from the zoo. James, Sirius and Remus were all battling for first as they ran past Lily. James did not so much as glance at her as he pushed Sirius out of the way and took the lead. Peter was huffing and puffing, struggling to keep up with them, but failing miserably. People ahead of Lily were jumping out of the way, to keep from being trampled over. Most people were laughing at the sight of the four boys. Up ahead Lily saw Faith and Liz cheering as the boys ran past them.
"Fine example of a Head Boy we have there," said Alexander with a disgusted look on his face. "Running like a madman, pushing and shoving people out of the way. Honestly."
"Oh, they aren't doing anything wrong," said Lily laughing. "They are just doing what all of us would like to be doing right now."
"My dear Lily, it is not a good example to set for the younger years. The Head Boy must be rule abiding and act like a gentleman. He must always show himself as a proper role model. The only role James Potter shows is how to act like a buffoon," said Alexander grimly, as they walked past the iron gates.
"Well, Alexander, he is the Head Boy and Dumbledore must think that he is a decent role model or else he would not have made him Head Boy in the first place," said Lily coldly; her fiery temper boiling in her stomach as she fought to keep it there. Alexander looked at her only mildly interested.
"There is no use discussing this, Lily. This is our date and I don't want to start it off on the wrong foot by debating how unfit James Potter is as Head Boy," said Alexander, smiling slightly at her.
"Sounds good to me," said Lily, wishing she were walking up head with her two best friends, singing and laughing, instead of here with Alexander.
As Lily and Alexander entered Hogsmeade, Lily caught a glimpse of her friends walking into Gladrags Wizardwear. Lily began to head over to The Three Broomsticks, her preferred place to hang out.
"Um, Lily. Where are you going?" asked Alexander.
"Into The Three Broomsticks," said Lily, looking at him with confusion. Alexander began to laugh.
"Oh, I was thinking that we would go to Madame Puddifoot's," said Alexander steering her over towards the frilly looking teashop.
"Oh, okay," said Lily looking slightly disappointed. She had been looking forward to a butterbeer since she arrived at Hogwarts. 'Well I can always get one there" she thought to herself. Alexander opened the door for her and Lily walked into the frilly, cozy teashop. The place was filled with couples, kissing and giggling over teas and shared butterbeers. Lily smiled politely as they were seated at a corner table.
"What will you have?" asked the hostess to Lily.
"I would like............" began Lily.
"We would both like two cups of tea with no cream and one lump of sugar," interrupted Alexander.
"Actually, I ..........." began Lily again.
"Very good," said the hostess walking away. Lily looked at Alexander with disbelief. 'Maybe he was just trying to be a gentleman. He didn't know that you wanted a butterbeer.' She tried to calm herself, but she felt her stomach turn as he spoke again.
"So, my dear Lily. Are you enjoying our day so far?" inquired Alexander, folding his hands on the table and looking at her with interest.
"It's been illuminating," said Lily sarcastically. Alexander smiled broadly.
"Well I'm glad that you are having fun, because I am certainly enjoying your company. You are the most interesting girl I have dated in a long time," he grinned. Lily smiled politely, trying to think of some way to get out of this horrible situation. The hostess walked over with two cups of tea and placed them in front of Lily and Alexander.
"I have something that I want to tell you," said Alexander, pushing his tea to the side of the table. "I have been quite fond of you for a long time. Since fifth year actually, but I was always afraid to talk to you because, well, frankly I wasn't sure if I was fit enough to be in your company. You are the most intelligent witch in the year and it is a tad intimidating." Lily didn't know what to say, so she smiled and took a sip of her tea. 'Needs more sugar' she thought to herself.
"That is why I was hoping to make Head Boy. I figured that way I would be equal to you or, pardon me for being so bold, perhaps a little better as to catch your attention."
"Well you've certainly caught my attention now," said Lily with a hint of sarcasm. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. The arrogance was something to be amazed at.
"Excellent," smiled Alexander. He reached across the table and took Lily's hand in his. "Well since I have, I think that we should become official."
"What?" said Lily with disbelief. "Make what official?"
"Our courtship of course," laughed Alexander, stroking her hand. Lily pulled her hand away from his and looked at him with skeptically. "Is something the matter, dear?" For a moment Lily was speechless.
"Are you on the mickie?" asked Lily; the anger rising from her stomach and into her face.
"What do you mean?" inquired Alexander; a confused look on his face.
"Is this your idea of a joke? You insult the Head Boy, who happens to be in my house and my friend. Then you dismiss my opinions and treat me like a first year by telling me where to go and what to do. Then you totally disregard my existence by not even bothering to ask ME what I want to drink. I might not even like tea, did that cross your mind? Then you tell me that the only way for you to be happy with me is to always be better than me and I'm suppose to swoon over you?" yelled Lily. Alexander sat there speechless for a minute. Everyone in the shop turned to look at them.
"Lily, dear, now I know that we are having problems but it is something that will be worked out in time," said Alexander looking around at the inquiring faces looking at them.
"You are mad! Do you know that!" shouted Lily, getting up to leave. "Our date is over Alexander. Please don't ever bother me again!"
"Lily, where are you going?" said Alexander in a panic, standing up. "Lily, come back here. Lily I order you to come back here and finish our date." Lily stopped and turned around to face him.
"Oh Alexander............bite me!" She took out her wand and a jet of green light hit him square in the chest. His face contorted into a horrible pig like form and he was instantly covered in huge, grotesque, puss filled boils. He shrieked in horror as he looked at his hands. "There, now you look like a more suitable role model." Lily turned on her heel and walked out the door with her head held high. She felt extremely proud of herself.
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Don't forget to review! Part II will be posted on Tuesday; so don't forget to check back.