Hey There! Yeah I updated! Sorry to keep everyone waiting. I only have a
month left of school and then I'll be able to post three times a week. I
can't wait!
I want to thank everyone who took the time to review:
Padfootlet – Hey there ho there! I'm glad you love the story. I hope that it makes people feel good when they read it. I'm going to try to update soon. Please don't hex me! Lol
Pigwidgeon188- Thank you for the review! Don't worry, Lily will come to her senses soon enough about James. She just needs some more persuading. If you are a Faith and Sirius fan, than you will love the end of this chapter and the beginning of the next one.
Flyingwind33 – Faith is my favorite character. I don't know how I came up with her. I guess she is who I would want to be if I was in the story. I didn't write about how James and Lily felt about the next day because I wanted to leave it your imagination. I'm glad this chapter touched your heart cause I wanted to show what a good friend Faith is.
Sproxkkk – Thank you the sweet review! I promise I'll update as soon as possible, I hate keeping you guys waiting.
Padfootedmoony- Thank you for reviewing my story! I really appreciate it and I hope you continue to read it.
Sammy Solo – Sammy, Sammy! Thank you for being so kind in your reviews! I look forward to reading what you have to say after each chapter! Thank you for always reviewing. Faith does rock!
Okay here's the usual disclaimer: Evil monkeys have invaded my house and taken over my computer. They are actually writing this story not me. They have used their bananas to beat me into writing down what they want since they are too stupid to learn how to type. OUCH! Damn dirty monkey! I am not responsible for what they write or if they are copying anything from J.K. Rowling. Please don't sue me. Send help right away, I think one of them has learned how to use the nail gun!
Chapter 13: Gryffindor vs Slytherin
Lily woke up Friday morning with a nagging feeling of dread resting in the pit of her stomach. Tonight she would have to finally be alone with James and she was not looking forward to it. She had no idea what to say to him. She had gone over in her mind at least a hundred different would-be conversations with him and none of them sounded good to her. She rolled over and looked at her two best friends. Faith was in her usual spot by the vanity applying her makeup and Liz was at her trunk picking out a uniform. Lily had discussed her feelings about James with Liz and Faith, but she concluded that their advice was incorrect and she was not going to follow it.
The girls walked down to breakfast thirty minutes later. Faith and Liz were engaged in a frivolous conversation about tomorrow's first quidditch match against Slytherin. Lily wasn't paying too much attention to it. She didn't mind quidditch, but sense she didn't play the sport, she didn't really know too much about the finer details that they were talking about. The girls sat down at there usual spots along the Gryffindor dining table. Lily glanced over at James as she sat down. He was turned around in his seat and talking, with a big grin on his face, to a rather homely, dark haired Ravenclaw girl who Lily recognized as Ashley Wright. A pang of jealously struck Lily hard in the stomach and she felt like her eyes were on fire. She forced herself to focus on a plate of waffles as she tried not to think about what was going on a few feet away from her.
"You're making a big mistake, Wright," Lily heard James say. She casually looked over at him. He was grinning broadly and shaking his head at the Ravenclaw girl. "Peter is a wonderful guy who would treat a woman of your magnitude with great respect and dignity. He is lover of epic proportions and would show you a good time. But it's your loss."
James shrugged and turned around in his seat. "Sorry mate, she just doesn't fancy a good time I guess," he said to a blushing Peter. Peter looked at his food, obviously very embarrassed.
"Thanks anyway James." Peter grabbed the Daily Prophet and began to read the front headline; trying to hide his brilliantly red face.
Lily felt the knot in her stomach loosen as she turned back to her breakfast. But before she knew it, the knot was replaced with a new one as Sirius, James, Remus and Peter all slid down next to the three girls. Remus settled himself next to Liz and she reached for his hand. Lily saw her give it a little squeeze as she began to talk to him. Peter was next to Remus and had abandoned his paper, but not his breakfast. Sirius had slid next to Faith and he put his arm around her shoulders and James moved next to Sirius and looked at Lily, who was avoiding his eyes.
"I waited for you last night, love," said Sirius sweetly into Faith's ear.
"Oh it must have totally slipped my mind. I got caught up in doing my nails and I found it more entertaining than having to spend time in your company," said Faith, smiling just as sweetly and taking a sip of her coffee. Lily smirked and tried to hide her amusement by making a production of preparing her tea.
"That hurt, love," said Sirius, staring into Faith's eyes. "I thought you would have known that I was serious about my invitation." Faith put down her coffee and turned her head towards Sirius.
"Well Black, you so famously said to me that you enjoy a good chase. Now what sort of prey would I be if I let you catch me that easily?"
"Do you know how beautiful you are when you play hard to get?" said Sirius in her ear as his arm slide down from her shoulders and rested around her waist. Faith rolled her eyes at Lily, causing her to choke on her tea.
"See what you did, mate?" said James grinning at Lily. "You nearly made Evans toss her tea with all of your sappy lines." Lily laughed despite herself and smiled at James. James felt his stomach give a pleasant flop, as his grin grew wider.
"Well now that I've lost my appetite," said Faith pushing her plate away from her. "I think its time to head off, don't you agree?" She looked at Lily, who nodded immediately.
"Are you coming?" asked Lily poking Liz in the arm.
"What?" said Liz, still smiling at Remus. Lily rolled her eyes and repeated the question. Liz gave Remus a quick hug and the girls departed from the table.
"Goodbye, love," called Sirius at Faith's departing back. "Don't miss me too much while we're apart." Faith looked over her shoulder and gave him a sly smirk.
"Padfoot, can I ask you something?" said James, turning his attention away from the sea of shining red hair walking away from him.
"Shoot," said Sirius, casually leaning back on the bench.
"Why do you bother with Ravenwood? You have pursued that girl since last term, and without fail she has shot you down with every attempt you have made." Remus stared at Sirius with an inquiring expression on his face.
"More importantly, why have you only decided to pursue only one girl this year and why is she that one girl?" said Remus, with a raised eyebrow. "I haven't seen you go after anyone else this year. I think it's a record." Sirius sat there for a moment, his face contorted as he pondered the question.
"Well, it's difficult to explain. Ravenwood isn't like other girls. The girls around here are giggly and flighty and they have no uniqueness. They may possess book intelligence, but they don't have a brain in their head. She's a challenge. She makes me work for her affection. I find it most intriguing."
"I think you're touched in the head," said James, shaking his head. "She doesn't make you work for anything. She just plain doesn't fancy you. You are living in denial, mate."
"Ah, but she does, Prongs my old friend," said Sirius; a superior smile spreading across his face. "Haven't you noticed that since last term, the dismemberment and cursing threats have become non-existent? That she lets me touch her without threatening to break my wrist? She stares at me when she thinks no one is looking and I've seen her smile at me more and more lately." James leaned back on the bench.
"Well that doesn't mean that she fancy's you. It could mean that either she's planning to prank you or that you have something stuck on your face," said James, grinning and shaking his head at Sirius. Sirius and Remus laughed.
"Mate, I'm going to let you in on a secret," said Sirius, leaning in. "Women like to be pursued. Even if they resist and it seems like they absolutely despise your very existence, they don't. I've learned that when a woman really despises you, they won't play along with your little game. They want to be pursued, they like it."
"Well I don't totally agree with that insight," said Remus, shaking his head. "I agree that women like to be pursued, but most of the time they flirt back."
"Yeah, well not everyone is like Liz," said Sirius. "The way you two act lately, it makes me want to curse myself blind," said Sirius making a disgusted face.
James sat there for a moment, completely oblivious to the Sirius- Remus debate of who has had more women to test their theory on. James thought that they both had a valid point. Since the beginning of term, Lily had calmed down on the insults. Her face had softened towards him lately. She wore a smile more than a scowl in his presence.
'Well," James thought to himself, "women like to be pursued. And last time I checked, which was only a few minutes ago, Lily was a woman."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The day had flown by much to fast for Lily's liking. Before she knew it, it was time for patrolling duty with Potter. As she sat in the common room waiting for him to meet her, she felt her stomach churn at the thought of him. She didn't know what to say. Frankly, she didn't want to say anything. She wished that she could just go back in time and stop herself from doing it in the first place.
"I'm just going to be professional and mature about the whole thing," Lily thought to herself. "What happened does not interfere with our head duties." Lily took a deep calming breath, but she could feel her dinner swirling dangerously inside her stomach.
James bounded down the stairs loudly. Lily could hear his footsteps long before the door of the boys dormitory opened and he appeared through it, smiling at her.
"Ready, Evans?" he asked motioning to the portrait hole. Lily nodded and got up from the chair.
They walked the corridor in silence. Both of them kept looking at the other sporadically out of the corner of their eyes. The tension was so thick that Lily thought it would take a chainsaw to cut through it. As they turned down the corridor heading towards the astronomy tower, they glanced at each other only to find the other glancing back. Both of them quickly looked away. Lily let out a laugh and James smiled. For some reason, all of Lily's fears about facing James vanished right there. James felt his heart lighten as she laughed.
"What's so funny, Evans?" asked James, with a broad grin on his face.
"This is childish," laughed Lily, turning to look at him. James looked at her curiously. Lily sighed in between laughs. "Oh come on, Potter. Why don't we just get it out of our system and talk about it? It's crazy to keep up this game of peek-a-boo all night." Lily took out her wand and unlocked the door to the astronomy tower.
"True right," said James opening the door and stepping inside after Lily. "So, er, why did you run away the other night? Was it that horrible?" asked James, watching Lily as she gave the astronomy tower a once over.
"I don't know. I was embarrassed I guess," said Lily, her back to James as she looked out onto the balcony of the tower.
"Embarrassed?" asked James, checking the ladder leading to the roof. "You had nothing to be embarrassed about." He turned to look at Lily, who was walking towards him. Starlight poured into the room through the windows, outlining both of their figures in the darkness.
"It was the best kiss I've ever had." James could see that Lily was smiling at him. "I'm not embarrassed and neither should you be." James reached over and took her hand. Lily felt tingles run up her arm and into her spine. James moved closer and stopped inches from her. "I don't regret a single moment of that night or any night that I get to spend with you. Even if you spend most of the night telling me what an arrogant git I am."
Lily let out a nervous laugh and looked at the windows. "Well you have your moments, but you can be charming so I guess it makes up for it." Lily gave him a sly smile.
"So you don't regret it?" asked James, looking down at their intertwined fingers.
"I thought I did," said Lily, "but now I'm beginning to change my mind." James looked up into her smiling face with surprise. A dashing smile spread across his face. Lily couldn't help noticing how handsome he looked in the starlight.
"So, does that mean that I can kiss you whenever I want?" asked James teasingly but slightly hopeful.
"Don't press your luck, James," grinned Lily mischievously, turning away from him and slipping her hand out of his. James smiled despite the answer. She had just called him by his first name; something she had never done until now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You have to eat something Faith or you're going to be sick during the game," said Liz, shoveling food into her mouth and looking at the plate of untouched scrambled eggs in front of Faith. Faith made a disgusted face and grabbed her glass of orange juice.
"I'm just not hungry and bugging me about it is only going to make me not want to eat more," said Faith before forcing down a sip of orange juice.
"Liz is right Faith. You need to eat something. Here have some toast at least," said Lily pushing a few pieces of toast in front of Faith. Faith stared at the toast like it was crawling with disgusting, slimy insects.
"I'm fine with juice thanks," she said shortly.
"Oh you are so stubborn!" said Liz in frustration as she dug into her plate of waffles.
"Yeah, yeah. Tell me something new will you," said Faith rolling her eyes. "So how was patrolling duty last night? Did you kiss him again?" asked Faith looking across the table at Lily.
"No," said Lily sarcastically. "And patrolling was fine. We talked about it briefly and we both decided that it was no big deal. End of story."
Faith snorted. "You are such a horrible liar, Lily. Ever since first year you have tried fooling me without success. You'd think after seven years that you would have learned that you cannot lie to a liar. Suite yourself and don't tell us about what really happened. I'm sure it would just gross me out anyway and I'd end up tossing what food I've eaten all over the table and embarrass myself."
Faith took another sip of her juice and looked at the toast as if pondering if it was safe to eat yet. Lily knew Faith's little baiting trick and wasn't going to fall for it this time. Even if she were going to tell her about last night it would have been interrupted by the very topic of the conversation. James strolled over to the girls and plopped down next to Liz.
"And how are my two fellow teammates this lovely morning?"
"Very excited," said Liz, taking a break from her breakfast to wash it down with some juice.
"Having a nice big breakfast I see," said James looking at the plate of untouched food in front of Faith.
"Why are people so concerned with my eating habits?" said Faith irritably. "For Merlin's sake, I'm just not hungry!"
"Maybe you need someone to feed it to you," said Sirius, who had just entered the conversation and took a seat next to Faith.
"Black, I'm already on the verge of vomiting, the last thing I need is to add you to the mixture," said Faith, making a disgusted face.
"Well you better eat something. I don't want a partner that can't carry their weight on the field," said Sirius, the grin vanishing from his face.
"Are you calling me weak?" said Faith with narrowing eyes.
"Well I call what I see," said Sirius with a matching expression. Faith reached over and grabbed a piece of toast. Then turning to look him straight in the eye, she stuffed the entire piece in her mouth.
"Happy," she mumbled through a mouthful of toast.
"Ravenwood! I've never seen you eat like such an animal before. You look so beautiful with a mouthful of toast," said Sirius grinning. Faith hit him hard on the shoulder.
"Oy careful! That's my beater arm!" laughed Sirius, leaning away from Faith's still clenched fist.
"Hey now! Save it for the game," laughed James as Faith turned away from Sirius and tried to swallow the mouthful of food with a scowl on her face.
"I think it's time to start heading down to the field," said James glancing at his watch. The four team members stood up.
"Good luck," said Remus giving Liz's hand a little squeeze. Liz blushed and mumbled 'thanks'.
"You'll do fine," said Lily smiling at Faith. Faith gave her a nervous smile before being escorted out of the hall by Sirius. Lily looked over at James, who was standing over her.
"How about a good luck kiss?" he asked, grinning broadly and turning his cheek slightly.
"How about I wish you good luck?" said Lily with a twinkle in her eyes.
"How about you wish me good luck and give me a kiss?" pushed James. Remus laughed and shook his head. He reached for the paper and began to read it; the smile still on his face.
"How about I wish you good luck and if you win, maybe I'll give you a kiss?" said Lily after a moments pondering. James's face lit up and his smile widened.
"Deal."
"Well then, good luck!" said Lily, grinning slyly.
* * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily, Remus and Peter slid into the Gryffindor stands an hour later. Lily noticed how strange it felt to be sitting alone with Remus and Peter. Usually she had Faith there beside her to keep her company. But in all actuality, she didn't mind so much. She liked Remus and considered him a good friend. Lily chatted amicably with Remus and Peter and a few fellow Gryffindors before they heard the trumpet that announced the game and voice filled the stadium.
"Good afternoon wizards and witches! What a beautiful day we have here for quidditch! I am your commentator Matthew Saddler. And what a game we have here for you today. Two fabulous teams starting out the season, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin!" The crowd cheered for their favorite.
"And now introducing the Gryffindor team!" The Gryffindor section erupted with cheers, followed by booing from the Slytherin side.
"Corentine, Zelter, Tennyson, Black, Ravenwood, Marcus and Potter!" screamed Matthew Saddler as the Gryffindor Quidditch team erupted out of their entrance and soared around the field.
"And now announcing the Slytherin team! Bonn, Rainkwitz, Snape, Rosier, Avery, Beck and Van Houten!" The Slytherin Quidditch team burst out of their entrance and circled the field once. The crowd was a mixture of boos and cheers.
The players on both sides took their respective positions. The referee, Professor Hammond walked out onto the field; the quaffle held under his left arm, his broomstick in his right hand.
"Let's keep this game clean! I have given you my warning!"
He threw blew his whistle and threw the quaffle up into the air. Liz immediately dove for the quaffle, pushing Bonn out of the way. She grabbed the quaffle and flew towards the Slytherin pitch. She threw the quaffle over to Zelter and bumped Rainkwitz out of the way. Zelter looped around Rosier and threw the quaffle Tennyson, who dropped it avoiding a bludger from Avery.
"Oh nice hit by Avery! Bonn with the quaffle, he passes to Snape. Ouch! Black nearly took his head off with that one!"
Snape ducked just in time as Sirius sent a bludger straight at his head. Faith zoomed straight at Snape. She dove underneath him, but pulled up at the right moment, causing Snape to make a sharp turn and drop the quaffle right into Tennyson's hands.
"GOOD ONE FAITH!" screamed Lily as the players flew by the Gryffindor stands, towards the Slytherin pitch.
"Tennyson passes the quaffle to Corentine, now back to Tennyson, forward to Zelter, who rolls away from Bonn just in the nick of time! She passes it to Tennyson and forward to Corentine! What an amazing bludger attack by Black! Corentine's wide open ........."
Liz headed straight for the right pitch; Beck the Slytherin keep flew in front of it. Liz jerked left and hurled the quaffle threw the middle pitch. The Gryffindor stands erupted into cheers! Lily jumped to her feet and screamed. She gave Remus a quick hug and returned to the game. Liz gave a high five to Zelter as she zoomed back towards the middle of the pitch.
"Amazing! Gryffindor leads 10 to 0. The seekers are still soaring around the pitch looking for the snitch. Remember the snitch is worth 150 points to whomever's team seeker catches it."
James soared around the field looking for that little glint of gold. The Slytherin seeker, Van Houten, was following close to his tail, obviously waiting for James to find it first. James looked below him. Snape had just thrown the quaffle to Rainkwitz. He wove in and out of the Gryffindor chasers. Sirius sent a bludger straight at him, but Rosier got to it first and pelted it at Liz, causing her to abandoned her tailing of Bonn. Rainkwitz passed it back to Bonn who immediately passed it to Snape. Faith flew right at him but missed as he dove underneath her. Snape lined up his shot and hurled it at the left pitch. The Gryffindor keeper Marcus dove for it and batted it down towards the ground.
Zelter swooped down and scooped up the quaffle. She immediately passed it to Liz who wove in and out of the Slytherin players with some fancy flying. She headed towards the Slytherin pitch. Avery narrowly missed her head as he swung at her as she flew by him. Liz was caught off balance and dropped the quaffle right into the hands of Bonn. He sped towards the Gryffindor pitch, wide open. Faith and Sirius hit the bludger back and forth between them as they tried to catch up with Bonn. Just as he was about to throw the quaffle, Faith hit the bludger with all of her strength straight at him. The bludger hit the back of his broom, sending him toppling forward and hitting the ground hard. The quaffle fell but was scooped up by Liz. Sirius flew over to Faith and they knocked their clubs together, shouting excitedly at one another before heading back.
"Ouch, that had to hurt! It looks like Bonn is out for the count! Nice shot by Gryffindor newcomer, Faith Ravenwood! Now Corentine with the quaffle, she passes to Tennyson, and oh, he taken out by Rosier. Snape with the quaffle, he has his shot. He shoots.........he scores!" The Slytherin stands erupted into cheers. Lily, who had been on her feet in excitement, slunk back down into her seat. Remus and Peter remained standing, however.
The Slytherin's scored twice more before James saw the glint of gold hovering above the Gryffindor center pitch. James knew that as soon as he went for it, Van Houten was going to knock him out of the way and grab the snitch. James looked around at the field below. Rainkwitz had the quaffle again. He was heading back towards the Gryffindor pitch. James turned his broom around sharply and whizzed towards the Gryffindor pitch. Van Houten stayed where he was, thinking that James was headed to stop the Slytherin chasers from scoring again. A bludger speed past his ear as he neared the pitch. Rainkwitz passed the quaffle to Snape. Snape saw James speeding towards him. Quickly he threw the quaffle at the right pitch. Marcus dove to block the quaffle. James pulled up sharply just missing Marcus diving towards the right pitch. The quaffle flew through his arms and through the pitch. James reached out his hand and felt his fingers close around the tiny golden ball. The whistle blew and James held up the hand with the snitch beating against his closed fist.
"Potter has caught the snitch! 150 points to Gryffindor! They win 160 to 40! I'm Matthew Saddler and I hoped that you enjoyed today's match!"
James was immediately swarmed with twelve hands patting him on the back and hugging him as he descended towards the field. The Gryffindor stands were filing out onto the field. The team dismounted from their brooms a moment later. Liz and Faith immediately hugged and jumped up and down, screaming out of happiness. James was shaking Sirius's hand, broad grins plastered across their faces. Lily ran over to Liz and Faith and hugged them with congratulations. Remus walked over to Liz, picked her up and swung her around nearly knocking out several second years that were standing to close. Sirius walked over to Faith and turned her around by her shoulders to face him. He bent his head down and kissed her hard on the lips. Faith laughed as she looked at him in shock; her eyes as wide as galleons. James was in the middle of a crowd of cheering Gryffindors. He had his hand containing the snitch raised in the air, a broad grin on his face. He caught Lily's eye and walked over to her. His hair was messier than usual and it stuck out in all directions. His glasses were slightly askew and he was sweaty. He looked down at her with a dazzling smile spread across his face. Lily beamed up at him. She didn't know if it was just the excitement of the moment or what, but as she looked up at James she was overwhelmed with a desire to kiss him right there in front of the whole school.
"So it looks like I won Evans. Isn't there something that you owe me?" asked James giving her a dashing grin. Lily laughed and rose on her toes. James bent his head down to receive his prize. Lily turned her head and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and fell back down. James laughed and shook his head as Lily turned a slight shade of red.
"Come on, party in the common room!" shouted Sirius, his arm around a laughing Faith. The crowd slowly began to move as one towards the end of the field.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Don't forget to review! (Oh and send help for the evil monkeys!)
I want to thank everyone who took the time to review:
Padfootlet – Hey there ho there! I'm glad you love the story. I hope that it makes people feel good when they read it. I'm going to try to update soon. Please don't hex me! Lol
Pigwidgeon188- Thank you for the review! Don't worry, Lily will come to her senses soon enough about James. She just needs some more persuading. If you are a Faith and Sirius fan, than you will love the end of this chapter and the beginning of the next one.
Flyingwind33 – Faith is my favorite character. I don't know how I came up with her. I guess she is who I would want to be if I was in the story. I didn't write about how James and Lily felt about the next day because I wanted to leave it your imagination. I'm glad this chapter touched your heart cause I wanted to show what a good friend Faith is.
Sproxkkk – Thank you the sweet review! I promise I'll update as soon as possible, I hate keeping you guys waiting.
Padfootedmoony- Thank you for reviewing my story! I really appreciate it and I hope you continue to read it.
Sammy Solo – Sammy, Sammy! Thank you for being so kind in your reviews! I look forward to reading what you have to say after each chapter! Thank you for always reviewing. Faith does rock!
Okay here's the usual disclaimer: Evil monkeys have invaded my house and taken over my computer. They are actually writing this story not me. They have used their bananas to beat me into writing down what they want since they are too stupid to learn how to type. OUCH! Damn dirty monkey! I am not responsible for what they write or if they are copying anything from J.K. Rowling. Please don't sue me. Send help right away, I think one of them has learned how to use the nail gun!
Chapter 13: Gryffindor vs Slytherin
Lily woke up Friday morning with a nagging feeling of dread resting in the pit of her stomach. Tonight she would have to finally be alone with James and she was not looking forward to it. She had no idea what to say to him. She had gone over in her mind at least a hundred different would-be conversations with him and none of them sounded good to her. She rolled over and looked at her two best friends. Faith was in her usual spot by the vanity applying her makeup and Liz was at her trunk picking out a uniform. Lily had discussed her feelings about James with Liz and Faith, but she concluded that their advice was incorrect and she was not going to follow it.
The girls walked down to breakfast thirty minutes later. Faith and Liz were engaged in a frivolous conversation about tomorrow's first quidditch match against Slytherin. Lily wasn't paying too much attention to it. She didn't mind quidditch, but sense she didn't play the sport, she didn't really know too much about the finer details that they were talking about. The girls sat down at there usual spots along the Gryffindor dining table. Lily glanced over at James as she sat down. He was turned around in his seat and talking, with a big grin on his face, to a rather homely, dark haired Ravenclaw girl who Lily recognized as Ashley Wright. A pang of jealously struck Lily hard in the stomach and she felt like her eyes were on fire. She forced herself to focus on a plate of waffles as she tried not to think about what was going on a few feet away from her.
"You're making a big mistake, Wright," Lily heard James say. She casually looked over at him. He was grinning broadly and shaking his head at the Ravenclaw girl. "Peter is a wonderful guy who would treat a woman of your magnitude with great respect and dignity. He is lover of epic proportions and would show you a good time. But it's your loss."
James shrugged and turned around in his seat. "Sorry mate, she just doesn't fancy a good time I guess," he said to a blushing Peter. Peter looked at his food, obviously very embarrassed.
"Thanks anyway James." Peter grabbed the Daily Prophet and began to read the front headline; trying to hide his brilliantly red face.
Lily felt the knot in her stomach loosen as she turned back to her breakfast. But before she knew it, the knot was replaced with a new one as Sirius, James, Remus and Peter all slid down next to the three girls. Remus settled himself next to Liz and she reached for his hand. Lily saw her give it a little squeeze as she began to talk to him. Peter was next to Remus and had abandoned his paper, but not his breakfast. Sirius had slid next to Faith and he put his arm around her shoulders and James moved next to Sirius and looked at Lily, who was avoiding his eyes.
"I waited for you last night, love," said Sirius sweetly into Faith's ear.
"Oh it must have totally slipped my mind. I got caught up in doing my nails and I found it more entertaining than having to spend time in your company," said Faith, smiling just as sweetly and taking a sip of her coffee. Lily smirked and tried to hide her amusement by making a production of preparing her tea.
"That hurt, love," said Sirius, staring into Faith's eyes. "I thought you would have known that I was serious about my invitation." Faith put down her coffee and turned her head towards Sirius.
"Well Black, you so famously said to me that you enjoy a good chase. Now what sort of prey would I be if I let you catch me that easily?"
"Do you know how beautiful you are when you play hard to get?" said Sirius in her ear as his arm slide down from her shoulders and rested around her waist. Faith rolled her eyes at Lily, causing her to choke on her tea.
"See what you did, mate?" said James grinning at Lily. "You nearly made Evans toss her tea with all of your sappy lines." Lily laughed despite herself and smiled at James. James felt his stomach give a pleasant flop, as his grin grew wider.
"Well now that I've lost my appetite," said Faith pushing her plate away from her. "I think its time to head off, don't you agree?" She looked at Lily, who nodded immediately.
"Are you coming?" asked Lily poking Liz in the arm.
"What?" said Liz, still smiling at Remus. Lily rolled her eyes and repeated the question. Liz gave Remus a quick hug and the girls departed from the table.
"Goodbye, love," called Sirius at Faith's departing back. "Don't miss me too much while we're apart." Faith looked over her shoulder and gave him a sly smirk.
"Padfoot, can I ask you something?" said James, turning his attention away from the sea of shining red hair walking away from him.
"Shoot," said Sirius, casually leaning back on the bench.
"Why do you bother with Ravenwood? You have pursued that girl since last term, and without fail she has shot you down with every attempt you have made." Remus stared at Sirius with an inquiring expression on his face.
"More importantly, why have you only decided to pursue only one girl this year and why is she that one girl?" said Remus, with a raised eyebrow. "I haven't seen you go after anyone else this year. I think it's a record." Sirius sat there for a moment, his face contorted as he pondered the question.
"Well, it's difficult to explain. Ravenwood isn't like other girls. The girls around here are giggly and flighty and they have no uniqueness. They may possess book intelligence, but they don't have a brain in their head. She's a challenge. She makes me work for her affection. I find it most intriguing."
"I think you're touched in the head," said James, shaking his head. "She doesn't make you work for anything. She just plain doesn't fancy you. You are living in denial, mate."
"Ah, but she does, Prongs my old friend," said Sirius; a superior smile spreading across his face. "Haven't you noticed that since last term, the dismemberment and cursing threats have become non-existent? That she lets me touch her without threatening to break my wrist? She stares at me when she thinks no one is looking and I've seen her smile at me more and more lately." James leaned back on the bench.
"Well that doesn't mean that she fancy's you. It could mean that either she's planning to prank you or that you have something stuck on your face," said James, grinning and shaking his head at Sirius. Sirius and Remus laughed.
"Mate, I'm going to let you in on a secret," said Sirius, leaning in. "Women like to be pursued. Even if they resist and it seems like they absolutely despise your very existence, they don't. I've learned that when a woman really despises you, they won't play along with your little game. They want to be pursued, they like it."
"Well I don't totally agree with that insight," said Remus, shaking his head. "I agree that women like to be pursued, but most of the time they flirt back."
"Yeah, well not everyone is like Liz," said Sirius. "The way you two act lately, it makes me want to curse myself blind," said Sirius making a disgusted face.
James sat there for a moment, completely oblivious to the Sirius- Remus debate of who has had more women to test their theory on. James thought that they both had a valid point. Since the beginning of term, Lily had calmed down on the insults. Her face had softened towards him lately. She wore a smile more than a scowl in his presence.
'Well," James thought to himself, "women like to be pursued. And last time I checked, which was only a few minutes ago, Lily was a woman."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The day had flown by much to fast for Lily's liking. Before she knew it, it was time for patrolling duty with Potter. As she sat in the common room waiting for him to meet her, she felt her stomach churn at the thought of him. She didn't know what to say. Frankly, she didn't want to say anything. She wished that she could just go back in time and stop herself from doing it in the first place.
"I'm just going to be professional and mature about the whole thing," Lily thought to herself. "What happened does not interfere with our head duties." Lily took a deep calming breath, but she could feel her dinner swirling dangerously inside her stomach.
James bounded down the stairs loudly. Lily could hear his footsteps long before the door of the boys dormitory opened and he appeared through it, smiling at her.
"Ready, Evans?" he asked motioning to the portrait hole. Lily nodded and got up from the chair.
They walked the corridor in silence. Both of them kept looking at the other sporadically out of the corner of their eyes. The tension was so thick that Lily thought it would take a chainsaw to cut through it. As they turned down the corridor heading towards the astronomy tower, they glanced at each other only to find the other glancing back. Both of them quickly looked away. Lily let out a laugh and James smiled. For some reason, all of Lily's fears about facing James vanished right there. James felt his heart lighten as she laughed.
"What's so funny, Evans?" asked James, with a broad grin on his face.
"This is childish," laughed Lily, turning to look at him. James looked at her curiously. Lily sighed in between laughs. "Oh come on, Potter. Why don't we just get it out of our system and talk about it? It's crazy to keep up this game of peek-a-boo all night." Lily took out her wand and unlocked the door to the astronomy tower.
"True right," said James opening the door and stepping inside after Lily. "So, er, why did you run away the other night? Was it that horrible?" asked James, watching Lily as she gave the astronomy tower a once over.
"I don't know. I was embarrassed I guess," said Lily, her back to James as she looked out onto the balcony of the tower.
"Embarrassed?" asked James, checking the ladder leading to the roof. "You had nothing to be embarrassed about." He turned to look at Lily, who was walking towards him. Starlight poured into the room through the windows, outlining both of their figures in the darkness.
"It was the best kiss I've ever had." James could see that Lily was smiling at him. "I'm not embarrassed and neither should you be." James reached over and took her hand. Lily felt tingles run up her arm and into her spine. James moved closer and stopped inches from her. "I don't regret a single moment of that night or any night that I get to spend with you. Even if you spend most of the night telling me what an arrogant git I am."
Lily let out a nervous laugh and looked at the windows. "Well you have your moments, but you can be charming so I guess it makes up for it." Lily gave him a sly smile.
"So you don't regret it?" asked James, looking down at their intertwined fingers.
"I thought I did," said Lily, "but now I'm beginning to change my mind." James looked up into her smiling face with surprise. A dashing smile spread across his face. Lily couldn't help noticing how handsome he looked in the starlight.
"So, does that mean that I can kiss you whenever I want?" asked James teasingly but slightly hopeful.
"Don't press your luck, James," grinned Lily mischievously, turning away from him and slipping her hand out of his. James smiled despite the answer. She had just called him by his first name; something she had never done until now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You have to eat something Faith or you're going to be sick during the game," said Liz, shoveling food into her mouth and looking at the plate of untouched scrambled eggs in front of Faith. Faith made a disgusted face and grabbed her glass of orange juice.
"I'm just not hungry and bugging me about it is only going to make me not want to eat more," said Faith before forcing down a sip of orange juice.
"Liz is right Faith. You need to eat something. Here have some toast at least," said Lily pushing a few pieces of toast in front of Faith. Faith stared at the toast like it was crawling with disgusting, slimy insects.
"I'm fine with juice thanks," she said shortly.
"Oh you are so stubborn!" said Liz in frustration as she dug into her plate of waffles.
"Yeah, yeah. Tell me something new will you," said Faith rolling her eyes. "So how was patrolling duty last night? Did you kiss him again?" asked Faith looking across the table at Lily.
"No," said Lily sarcastically. "And patrolling was fine. We talked about it briefly and we both decided that it was no big deal. End of story."
Faith snorted. "You are such a horrible liar, Lily. Ever since first year you have tried fooling me without success. You'd think after seven years that you would have learned that you cannot lie to a liar. Suite yourself and don't tell us about what really happened. I'm sure it would just gross me out anyway and I'd end up tossing what food I've eaten all over the table and embarrass myself."
Faith took another sip of her juice and looked at the toast as if pondering if it was safe to eat yet. Lily knew Faith's little baiting trick and wasn't going to fall for it this time. Even if she were going to tell her about last night it would have been interrupted by the very topic of the conversation. James strolled over to the girls and plopped down next to Liz.
"And how are my two fellow teammates this lovely morning?"
"Very excited," said Liz, taking a break from her breakfast to wash it down with some juice.
"Having a nice big breakfast I see," said James looking at the plate of untouched food in front of Faith.
"Why are people so concerned with my eating habits?" said Faith irritably. "For Merlin's sake, I'm just not hungry!"
"Maybe you need someone to feed it to you," said Sirius, who had just entered the conversation and took a seat next to Faith.
"Black, I'm already on the verge of vomiting, the last thing I need is to add you to the mixture," said Faith, making a disgusted face.
"Well you better eat something. I don't want a partner that can't carry their weight on the field," said Sirius, the grin vanishing from his face.
"Are you calling me weak?" said Faith with narrowing eyes.
"Well I call what I see," said Sirius with a matching expression. Faith reached over and grabbed a piece of toast. Then turning to look him straight in the eye, she stuffed the entire piece in her mouth.
"Happy," she mumbled through a mouthful of toast.
"Ravenwood! I've never seen you eat like such an animal before. You look so beautiful with a mouthful of toast," said Sirius grinning. Faith hit him hard on the shoulder.
"Oy careful! That's my beater arm!" laughed Sirius, leaning away from Faith's still clenched fist.
"Hey now! Save it for the game," laughed James as Faith turned away from Sirius and tried to swallow the mouthful of food with a scowl on her face.
"I think it's time to start heading down to the field," said James glancing at his watch. The four team members stood up.
"Good luck," said Remus giving Liz's hand a little squeeze. Liz blushed and mumbled 'thanks'.
"You'll do fine," said Lily smiling at Faith. Faith gave her a nervous smile before being escorted out of the hall by Sirius. Lily looked over at James, who was standing over her.
"How about a good luck kiss?" he asked, grinning broadly and turning his cheek slightly.
"How about I wish you good luck?" said Lily with a twinkle in her eyes.
"How about you wish me good luck and give me a kiss?" pushed James. Remus laughed and shook his head. He reached for the paper and began to read it; the smile still on his face.
"How about I wish you good luck and if you win, maybe I'll give you a kiss?" said Lily after a moments pondering. James's face lit up and his smile widened.
"Deal."
"Well then, good luck!" said Lily, grinning slyly.
* * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily, Remus and Peter slid into the Gryffindor stands an hour later. Lily noticed how strange it felt to be sitting alone with Remus and Peter. Usually she had Faith there beside her to keep her company. But in all actuality, she didn't mind so much. She liked Remus and considered him a good friend. Lily chatted amicably with Remus and Peter and a few fellow Gryffindors before they heard the trumpet that announced the game and voice filled the stadium.
"Good afternoon wizards and witches! What a beautiful day we have here for quidditch! I am your commentator Matthew Saddler. And what a game we have here for you today. Two fabulous teams starting out the season, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin!" The crowd cheered for their favorite.
"And now introducing the Gryffindor team!" The Gryffindor section erupted with cheers, followed by booing from the Slytherin side.
"Corentine, Zelter, Tennyson, Black, Ravenwood, Marcus and Potter!" screamed Matthew Saddler as the Gryffindor Quidditch team erupted out of their entrance and soared around the field.
"And now announcing the Slytherin team! Bonn, Rainkwitz, Snape, Rosier, Avery, Beck and Van Houten!" The Slytherin Quidditch team burst out of their entrance and circled the field once. The crowd was a mixture of boos and cheers.
The players on both sides took their respective positions. The referee, Professor Hammond walked out onto the field; the quaffle held under his left arm, his broomstick in his right hand.
"Let's keep this game clean! I have given you my warning!"
He threw blew his whistle and threw the quaffle up into the air. Liz immediately dove for the quaffle, pushing Bonn out of the way. She grabbed the quaffle and flew towards the Slytherin pitch. She threw the quaffle over to Zelter and bumped Rainkwitz out of the way. Zelter looped around Rosier and threw the quaffle Tennyson, who dropped it avoiding a bludger from Avery.
"Oh nice hit by Avery! Bonn with the quaffle, he passes to Snape. Ouch! Black nearly took his head off with that one!"
Snape ducked just in time as Sirius sent a bludger straight at his head. Faith zoomed straight at Snape. She dove underneath him, but pulled up at the right moment, causing Snape to make a sharp turn and drop the quaffle right into Tennyson's hands.
"GOOD ONE FAITH!" screamed Lily as the players flew by the Gryffindor stands, towards the Slytherin pitch.
"Tennyson passes the quaffle to Corentine, now back to Tennyson, forward to Zelter, who rolls away from Bonn just in the nick of time! She passes it to Tennyson and forward to Corentine! What an amazing bludger attack by Black! Corentine's wide open ........."
Liz headed straight for the right pitch; Beck the Slytherin keep flew in front of it. Liz jerked left and hurled the quaffle threw the middle pitch. The Gryffindor stands erupted into cheers! Lily jumped to her feet and screamed. She gave Remus a quick hug and returned to the game. Liz gave a high five to Zelter as she zoomed back towards the middle of the pitch.
"Amazing! Gryffindor leads 10 to 0. The seekers are still soaring around the pitch looking for the snitch. Remember the snitch is worth 150 points to whomever's team seeker catches it."
James soared around the field looking for that little glint of gold. The Slytherin seeker, Van Houten, was following close to his tail, obviously waiting for James to find it first. James looked below him. Snape had just thrown the quaffle to Rainkwitz. He wove in and out of the Gryffindor chasers. Sirius sent a bludger straight at him, but Rosier got to it first and pelted it at Liz, causing her to abandoned her tailing of Bonn. Rainkwitz passed it back to Bonn who immediately passed it to Snape. Faith flew right at him but missed as he dove underneath her. Snape lined up his shot and hurled it at the left pitch. The Gryffindor keeper Marcus dove for it and batted it down towards the ground.
Zelter swooped down and scooped up the quaffle. She immediately passed it to Liz who wove in and out of the Slytherin players with some fancy flying. She headed towards the Slytherin pitch. Avery narrowly missed her head as he swung at her as she flew by him. Liz was caught off balance and dropped the quaffle right into the hands of Bonn. He sped towards the Gryffindor pitch, wide open. Faith and Sirius hit the bludger back and forth between them as they tried to catch up with Bonn. Just as he was about to throw the quaffle, Faith hit the bludger with all of her strength straight at him. The bludger hit the back of his broom, sending him toppling forward and hitting the ground hard. The quaffle fell but was scooped up by Liz. Sirius flew over to Faith and they knocked their clubs together, shouting excitedly at one another before heading back.
"Ouch, that had to hurt! It looks like Bonn is out for the count! Nice shot by Gryffindor newcomer, Faith Ravenwood! Now Corentine with the quaffle, she passes to Tennyson, and oh, he taken out by Rosier. Snape with the quaffle, he has his shot. He shoots.........he scores!" The Slytherin stands erupted into cheers. Lily, who had been on her feet in excitement, slunk back down into her seat. Remus and Peter remained standing, however.
The Slytherin's scored twice more before James saw the glint of gold hovering above the Gryffindor center pitch. James knew that as soon as he went for it, Van Houten was going to knock him out of the way and grab the snitch. James looked around at the field below. Rainkwitz had the quaffle again. He was heading back towards the Gryffindor pitch. James turned his broom around sharply and whizzed towards the Gryffindor pitch. Van Houten stayed where he was, thinking that James was headed to stop the Slytherin chasers from scoring again. A bludger speed past his ear as he neared the pitch. Rainkwitz passed the quaffle to Snape. Snape saw James speeding towards him. Quickly he threw the quaffle at the right pitch. Marcus dove to block the quaffle. James pulled up sharply just missing Marcus diving towards the right pitch. The quaffle flew through his arms and through the pitch. James reached out his hand and felt his fingers close around the tiny golden ball. The whistle blew and James held up the hand with the snitch beating against his closed fist.
"Potter has caught the snitch! 150 points to Gryffindor! They win 160 to 40! I'm Matthew Saddler and I hoped that you enjoyed today's match!"
James was immediately swarmed with twelve hands patting him on the back and hugging him as he descended towards the field. The Gryffindor stands were filing out onto the field. The team dismounted from their brooms a moment later. Liz and Faith immediately hugged and jumped up and down, screaming out of happiness. James was shaking Sirius's hand, broad grins plastered across their faces. Lily ran over to Liz and Faith and hugged them with congratulations. Remus walked over to Liz, picked her up and swung her around nearly knocking out several second years that were standing to close. Sirius walked over to Faith and turned her around by her shoulders to face him. He bent his head down and kissed her hard on the lips. Faith laughed as she looked at him in shock; her eyes as wide as galleons. James was in the middle of a crowd of cheering Gryffindors. He had his hand containing the snitch raised in the air, a broad grin on his face. He caught Lily's eye and walked over to her. His hair was messier than usual and it stuck out in all directions. His glasses were slightly askew and he was sweaty. He looked down at her with a dazzling smile spread across his face. Lily beamed up at him. She didn't know if it was just the excitement of the moment or what, but as she looked up at James she was overwhelmed with a desire to kiss him right there in front of the whole school.
"So it looks like I won Evans. Isn't there something that you owe me?" asked James giving her a dashing grin. Lily laughed and rose on her toes. James bent his head down to receive his prize. Lily turned her head and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and fell back down. James laughed and shook his head as Lily turned a slight shade of red.
"Come on, party in the common room!" shouted Sirius, his arm around a laughing Faith. The crowd slowly began to move as one towards the end of the field.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Don't forget to review! (Oh and send help for the evil monkeys!)