Summary: James Potter returns to Hogwarts School, this time as a teacher, and meets Lily Evans, brilliant and full of life. He falls for her and romance, comedy, and drama follow.
AN: The lines in this chapter mostly indicate point of view change from Lily to James. It should be fairly apparent as to who is who, but in case it isn't, I've put the names just after the line. For anyone that is wondering why I've done this, it is to show what the character is thinking. If it is James's POV and James is seeing the world, he should not be able to see or think what Lily is seeing or thinking, so in order to see or hear what Lily is thinking, I need to switch to her point of view. Also, James is not likely to call himself Professor Potter, so that is an immediate clue that the scene has switched into Lily's point of view. Likewise, Lily is not likely to call him James (yet) and this is a sign that we're now in James' point of view. This is why I don't mention both characters thoughts within a line as well. If anyone is confused at all by this, let me know in a review, and I'll try to avoid having so many changes in the next chapter. If POV made more sense to you before my pathetic attempts to explain it, ignore this. :D
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, anything from the brilliant mind of JK Rowling, and whatever else that isn't mine.
Chapter 6
"Do you think he was talking about our Lily?" Archibald Morris asked his twin brother, who was slumped against a wall in the basement of Honeydukes, where the two had rushed to avoid detection by their teacher. After all, they were off the grounds without permission.
"I don't know, it could be another Lily. He didn't say much so it's hard to tell," his brother replied.
Just then, the trapdoor in the floor of the Honeydukes cellar opened. Lily peered out, making sure that it was safe to enter.
"Who was talking about me?" she asked curiously, stepping out of the tunnel and holding the trap door up so as to allow Loren and Gretty to exit as well.
"How on earth did you hear that?" asked Albert, incredulously.
She laughed. "Don't know. But really, who was talking about me?"
Archie sighed. "Professor Potter and his friend. Sirius Black, I think."
The Marauders had been legends at Hogwarts, so they were recognizable to any Hogwarts student that didn't live under a rock, since pictures and stories were passed around frequently.
"What?" Loren asked.
"Well, we don't really know if it was you, but he and his friend were talking about a person named Lily and what would happen when they got married," Albert asked.
"What exactly did he say?" Loren questioned.
"I don't know! I can't remember everything," Archie defended.
"You'd think between the two of you, you could remember something other than 'Lily', 'marriage'," she said exasperated.
"So sorry," said Archie, rolling his eyes.
"That's kind of weird," Lily said. "I mean, if he was talking about me."
"Why?" asked Loren.
"But he probably wasn't, I mean why would he?" Lily continued.
Loren cocked her eyebrow, but said nothing.
"So where are we off to?" asked Albert.
"I kind of want to buy my mum a gift, since we're here," said Gretty. "Think we could head to Morgilly's?" Morgilly's was an obscure, little shop that sold small trinkets.
Archie and Albert groaned, since neither enjoyed shopping but followed the girls out of Honeydukes, sneaking out of the cellar one by one and meeting outside. They began to walk in the direction of the shop.
(James)
"Where are we headed?" asked Sirius as he and James exited a small building, where James had been asking after a few skrewts for his students to practice spells on.
"I dunno," James said, looking at the shops around him. Morgilly's, Darlina's Dance Studio, Sandra's Kennel For Magical Pets. "Back to Honeyduke's? I think I left one of the bags of candy that I bought back there."
(Lily)
Lily and her friends had been walking down the street a little ways, when suddenly Gretty stopped short.
"Crap."
"What?" Archie asked, turning his curious gaze from her to where she was staring.
"Shit."
"Archie!" Gretty scolded.
"Well what? What do we do?"
All five of them were now staring at an approaching Professor Potter and Sirius Black, who, it seemed, had not yet noticed them since the two were talking animatedly.
"What do we do?" Archie repeated.
There was, in fact, no time to really do anything. No alleys or stores were close enough to duck into, and crossing the street would be pointless. In a panic they attempted to throw on the hoods of their robes, in hopes it would hide their faces.
(James)
James and Sirius laughed at the five students who were desperately attempting to conceal themselves a little ways away. They slowed down as they approached and were finally standing in front of the group, doing their best to conceal their laughter.
"Found the passageway to Honeydukes I take it?" James asked.
"Lily and I found it in second year." Albert interjected proudly.
Lily promptly stomped on his foot with one of hers.
"Ow!"
James chuckled. Then he realized, if these students had been here the entire time, and in Honeydukes…
Shit, who exactly had heard what Sirius said?
He panicked.
"Detention, all of you. Tonight. Nine o'clock. My classroom."
"But Professor!" protested Gretty.
"Oh, I'm proud of all of you. I'm just not supposed to tell you that. Sorry, not my rules," he said, smiling weakly.
"No, we understand," said Lily.
"Good, now, I'll see all five of you tonight. Don't be late."
(Lily)
"Detention!" exclaimed Gretty as they made their way to James' classroom. "I've never had detention."
"Relax," said Loren. "It's really not that big of a deal."
Before Gretty could rant on about how big of a deal it really was, Archie hastily interjected.
"What do you suppose we'll have to do?"
"Guess we'll find out," Lily said as they entered the room.
(James)
James smiled at them.
"I've let you off pretty easily tonight," he began. "One hour detention. Archie and Albert, you'll both be off with Filch, ensuring that all my old quidditch trophies are absolutely sparkling."
The twins groaned. No one liked Filch, so it wasn't much of a wonder as to why.
"Loren, you'll meet with Professor McGonagall shortly, and you and she will have a marvelous time catching humbugs for her next Transfiguration lesson."
"Humbugs? But Professor, those nasty things bite."
She was quite right. They usually put up a nice fight. He sincerely hoped that one of the large, shelled insects didn't knock her in the head with it's struggling.
"I'm sure Professor McGonagall will take excellent care of you. And Gretty, you'll be with Madame Pomphrey, squeezing Jublets – you know, those nice spiky fruits – for one of her healing potions."
Gretty sighed. Jublets were awful fruits to deal with, but Madame Pomphrey was usually nice enough.
"Now, Lily," he said, turning to her. "You'll be in here with me, sorting these files." He pointed to a humongous stack of folders on one of the desks behind her. If they had been anywhere other than Hogwarts, it would have been a wonder it hadn't fallen in a heap on the floor.
He hoped that the ease he had let her off with hadn't been apparent to her friends, but he wanted to figure out if she knew anything about his conversation with Sirius in Honeydukes.
Maybe he was being ridiculous. Perhaps no one heard anything. And even if someone did, how likely was it that they would suspect this Lily?
His Lily.
No, no. Just Lily. Her own Lily, he corrected himself
One by one, each of her friends left the room, leaving her alone with James.
A very nervous James.
"Alright then, why don't we get to work," he said, hoping his voice wasn't shaking. "Hand me some of those files."
"I'm not complaining, Professor, but usually in detention, the student does the entirety of the work…" she said slowly.
"Oh, I know what detentions are like, believe me, I've had my share," he said. "If you'd prefer to do it all…"
"Oh, no, no, this is fine," she said hastily.
He smiled to himself. She was adorable, and he would let himself think it.
She handed him a small stack of files. His hand lightly brushed hers as he took them from her. It seemed to radiate warmth, and he shivered a little at this contrast to the chilly castle.
She then pulled up a chair and sat across from him at his desk, looking at her own stack of files.
"Er… how exactly do you want me to sort these?"
"By the dates at the top of the page," he said simply, not looking up, afraid that if he did he would somehow give her some sign that he was attracted to her.
(Lily)
"Oh… okay," said Lily, feeling rather stupid.
This was rather strange. She didn't know if she was allowed to talk, especially since it was a detention.
A few minutes passed in silence, giving her ample time to think and to glance up now and then to look at Professor Potter for… she didn't know what for.
Why do I keep looking at him? Maybe Loren's right, maybe I do like him. Or maybe I'm completely overanalyzing the whole thing.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault," he said suddenly
"What?" she asked, surprised and rudely awakened from her thoughts.
"For not telling you how to sort them."
"Oh, no, I should have known."
He's sort of attractive, I guess.
"How?" Professor Potter asked, looking up at her.
No, he's very attractive. Oh wow.
"I… don't know. But it doesn't matter, we're aiming for 'the teacher is always right' method of getting through detention."
Stop it, you told Loren yourself earlier, eight years difference and he's a professor.
He laughed. "Are detentions really that bad?"
"Aren't they supposed to be?"
He thought for a second. "I guess so, but I was trying to make this easy. Am I failing miserably?"
But still, there's something about him. He seems so mischievous and clever but rather sweet and awkward at the same time.
She shrugged. "It isn't that bad, it's just sort of uncomfortable."
"Uncomfortable how?" he questioned, returning his gaze to his paper.
"I don't know. Too much room to think." She didn't elaborate.
"Okay. Well, you can talk, hum, sing if you want, I won't punish you for it," he said chuckling.
She found herself blushing, and just as he looked up.
(James)
Damnit, she was cute when she blushed.
How he hoped he was coming off as professional and perfectly at ease.
Fact: He was nowhere near at ease.
"Erm, alright… so how is teaching at Hogwarts?" she asked him.
"Great. I'm glad to be back here. How's the student life?"
"Good," she responded, nodding.
"And how terrible are the Slytherins this year?"
She laughed. "Pretty terrible. There's one boy, I think his name is Lucius Malfoy. He's kind of strange."
"How so?" he asked her curiously.
"He's always looking at me. And every time I'm forced to partner up with him during potions he never meets my gaze and just sort of stares at my tie. It always makes me worry that I've spilled something on it."
"I see…" James said, trying hard not to look at her… erm… tie.
Disgusting James, don't be so disgusting.
Control yourself. You're in your twenties, don't act like a teenager.
"Well, it is a rather nice tie, it must be said," his voice felt as though it was about to fail him.
She smiled. "Thank you."
Then she looked up at his face from a folder she was working on.
"Are you alright?" she asked him.
He struggled to hide the anger on his face.
"I'm fine," he responded. Just plotting different ways of how to kill perverted Slythering prats, he thought, but instead said"So, what does he look like?"
"Really tiny, you'd think he was a first year. He's always around some blonde girl with bug eyes."
"Hair colour?"
"An odd blonde sort of thing, as if he's had one too many lightening charms put on it."
"Hmm. I'll look for him."
"Alright…" she said.
(Lily)
Lily wondered why Professor Potter was so curious about this Slytherin boy, but didn't ask. She looked at the enchanted clock hanging on the wall over his head. Only about fifteen minutes of detention left. She found herself wishing this had been a two hour detention instead, which was strange. But, he was interesting to talk to.
"Well," said Professor Potter. "I've met your lovely friends already. Any enemies or lovers?"
"Enemies, not that I know of. And lovers, no, not really. Can't seem to find the right boy here at Hogwarts.
It's kind of strange how you seem to be everything I've looked for but can't find someone my own age, she thought.
"I'm sure quite a few boys like you, you seem like a lovely girl."
Suddenly, a piece of parchment on his desk began to shake. He struggled to grab it and cover it up, but Lily managed to catch part of a message that was beginning to appear:
"She's beautiful. Don't screw it up."
She acted as though she had seen nothing, though she was curious as to whom the message was about.
Professor Potter coughed.
Able to see that he was uncomfortable, she quickly returned to the subject of which they were previously speaking.
"Well, thank you, Professor," she said. "If they do, they haven't told me. Sometimes I wish I could read minds. Things would be so much easier if people could just be honest with each other, don't you think?"
He smiled. "Well, then, tell me what you're thinking. We'll start this chain of honesty off."
She blushed. "I think… it's a lovely day. Beautiful weather."
"It's pouring outside," he told her.
Caught off guard she muttered something about her love for rain.
"Well, you've only got five minutes left, Ms. Lily Evans. Why don't I see you to you're common room, make sure you don't run into any nasty Slytherins."
She nodded, and they left the classroom and began to walk down the corridor.
"Ickle Lilykinnnnns," screeched a voice from overhead.
"Peeves is still here?" asked Professor Potter, seeming mildly surprised.
"He is, and probably will be for years to come. I pity those who have to deal with him for longer than I will."
"He's not too bad."
"Prongsie Potter used to be
Hogwart's most desired.
Now he's aged and elderly
And looks so very tired."
Lily stifled little giggles.
"Demonic little imp," he muttered.
"It's alright, I don't think you're old," Lily said, still laughing a little.
She saw him smile
"Well, we're almost there, I'll let you off here, Professor."
"Alright, sleep well, Ms. Evans."
"You as well, Professor."
They stood there for a few moments. Lily took a step closer.
"Monday, bright and early for DADA. Don't miss my class, it's more important than the others," he said. His laughter shook a little and he stepped forward as well.
"Monday," agreed Lily.
Neither of them moved.
Suddenly a voice rang out from down the corridor.
"Lily!" shouted Loren. "Jeez, the humbugs were awful. I think I might have a slight concussion. One of them got away from me and flew straight at my head. How was your detention?"
Professor Potter then coughed and said goodnight to both girls, excusing himself.
Thanks to all you reviewers, it's very much appreciated.
You can reach me at:
r e n e e l e p i c (at symbol) y a h o o . c o . u k
Take out all the spaces. Or if you prefer, you can get the link from my profile. Sorry it didn't work last time, I'm still a little new at this.
Aznangel4eva – Probably not all of the passages, but some yes.
Moony4Moony – Love to Loretta from Renee. :) Thank you for enjoying my story :D, it means a lot. Now go update Sweet Nothings :p
The Female Nerd – Well, we know who heard him, but James doesn't. And we also now know what Sirius thinks thanks to the shaking parchment.
Elspeth Renee – This chapter is the beginning of their more major interactions, so yes yes. :)
Percephone – I was totally like, I am going to update by Friday so that she has something to read, but then I didn't get a chance till today. I'm sorry. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Phyre'schild13 – Nope, James has always been 25. :).
"James Potter had returned to Hogwarts for the first time in eight years, and he knew it now: this was home." Left at about seventeen, plus eight years is twenty-five.
"I attended this school eight years ago, excellent school, must say. I trained for the position of Auror for three years following my education here and then participated in missions for the past five. This, for you mathematicians, will bring us to the age of twenty-five."
I hope that cleared it up.
Chelle-Lynn – I'm glad you're starting to accept it. :). I know where it's going in general, I just haven't really decided by when they're going to take more major steps and the like.
Cake Dance – Tehe, thanks. I don't see enough LJ teacherness either. Oh well. Thanks for the review, it made me smile.
J.E.A.R.K.Potter/The lovely Erin – We found out who it was, James hasn't really yet, though he has suspicions. And yeah, haha, I totally got the email addresses don't show up… after I posted that chapter. XD.
Amber Tinted – Thank you so very much. Yes, I figured they probably would take it slow, so they are. I always just assumed that Harry's parents probably would. Just let me know if you think they're taking it too slow. :)
complicated123 – I didn't know that cantankerous was one of your vocab words, but that's pretty cool. Maybe I can make some predictions and tell you what your next set of vocab words will be. :p
Gosh, I went overboard on the smileys. I hope they actually showed up. If not, just know the random colons are smileys. If you had a question that I didn't answer, I'm sorry, just ask again, I probably spaced. I'm sorry for not mentioning everyone, I just want to keep most of the fic the actual story. Thanks!
Also, anyone want to beta me? Please? Updates would probably also be a lot faster. I'd be happy to do edits in return, too.