Disclaimer: Most of the Characters and Places in this story are a creation of the wonderful and brilliant JKR.
Chapter 6: THE ACCIDENT
Lily Evans sat on the library, at 6: 50 am, reading a huge dusty volume on Self- transfiguration, and her eyes were closing periodically while she passed each page slowly. Since last year, she had been preparing herself to become an animagus, so she could become an animal at will, but nobody knew, not even her best friends.
Her long wavy read hair was up in a ponytail, thick glasses covering her bright emerald green eyes, not so different from 5 years ago, except the shinning prefect badge that was pinned in the right side of her robes. She was much taller than few years ago, and much stubborn than before now been 16.
Lily was a prefect since fifth year though she didn't use the prefect dormitories; she much preferred to sleep with her friends in the girl's dormitories. A smiled found his way into lily's lip at the thought of her friends. If they knew she was illegally becoming an animagus, they would go ballistic. It was something Lily would never do, according to them.
She could imagine each and all of their reactions.
Lily dropped the quill she was holding, gave a sigh and proceeded to rub her sleepy eyes.
Anna would probably smack her for not telling her; Diana would throw some dramatic phrase and Kathy…She would probably shake her head and tell her it was a dangerous business to think better of it. Lily's smiled grew. Them 4 had become quite close and had learned to be true sisters.
They all had grown beautifully, and strong, well, if you could call it that. They didn't consider themselves as beautiful or as strong; the only thing Lily didn't like was the fact that Sirius Black was Diana's twin. He had a fondness for himself and thought to be God's gift to woman, and pretty much annoying. And if you thought about Sirius Black, you had to think about his best friend, and partner in crime James Potter. To say the least he annoyed the hell out of Lily. Ever since first year he had done nothing productive, but to bother her, smirking every time and passing a stupid hand over his wild black hair, making his blue eyes sparkle.
He was, besides the prankster, an excellent student, almost as good as Lily. Lily rolled her eyes. And that Snitch! What a dolt.
At that exact moment her stomach growled. She was hungry.
She stood up, took all her stuff and headed to the Great Hall, which was surprisingly full for been so early. A quick scan and Lily spotted Anna, Kathy and Diana. Lily went straight to the Gryffindor table and sat down next to her friends who were oddly quiet, looking at her.
-What? - Lily asked, taking a toast from a nearby plate.
-Nothing- Kathy said smiling and biting on her toast.
Lily raised her eyebrow – Why is it that I find that highly unlikely?
-Where were you? - Anna asked, her light brown eyes sparkling with a teasing glare, she said the next part almost laughing- We woke up and you weren't in your bed like you usually do, you don't wake up early…EVER…
-Is it a boy, Lily? - Kathy smiled, god since when was she so…happy?
-No, it is not a boy! - Lilly squealed indignated, glaring at them.
-Can it be possible? That our webee Leelee had finally been swept of her feet by her night and savior? -Diana said, putting both hands over her heart to add more drama to the phrase.
The four of them laughed at this, like they always did with Diana's stupid dramatic remarks. Lily shook her head.
-No, there is no boy, so shut it – lily said, as she started eating her bacon, thinking maybe her friends got the hint, but no, as sweet as they were, they would never let an opportunity to annoy lily.
-But lily – Diana continued, poking lily on the ribs – why else would you be up early?
-She's got a point - Anna replied while nodding.
Lily looked at them, one by one and she shook her head.
She couldn't tell them, it was very dangerous to become an animagus, many wizards had become only half transformed or even died. And she wanted to be an animagus since the day she found out about it, become one, she even had an animal picked, a bird.
-Sorry to disappoint you girls, but I was in the library finishing some charms homework for next week - lily said gulping a generous amount of pumpkin juice, she stood up and smiled at her friends and went out of the great hall with a "See you lot later ".
-Unbelievable – Kathy said shaking her head.
-She is hiding something from us- Anna bite her lower lip – but what?
-Well – Diana smiled evilly – there is only one way to find out...
-A little spy? - Anna smirked.
- Mayor spy …
The three friends smiled, giving each other high five.
James screwed his face as an unwanted smell reached his nose.
-You see Moony, its working! - That voice, James groaned, Sirius.
James suddenly opened his eyes to see indeed Sirius, balancing a dirty sock in front of his face. He screwed up his face even more.
-What the hell? - He exclaimed, slapping Sirius hand and rubbing his tired eyes.
-I just had to find a way to wake you up, you sly sleepy strawberry- Sirius said with a sweet tone, putting his hands together and smiling at James.
James pushed Sirius out of the bed, making him fall flat on his back.
-Hostility towards the princess! - Sirius screamed in a high-pitched tone as James laughed and went to the bathroom.
-Padfoot – Remus whispered patting Sirius back- you are really troubled deep inside …you know that.
-I SECOND THAT- James yelled from the bathroom.
-Hey! - Sirius pouted – I RESENT THAT.
-So, are you telling her today James? - Remus said taking his book bag and swinging it over his shoulder.
Tell What? To Who? - James yelled while water started to run over his tired body.
Tell HER that you LOVE her- Sirius said adjusting his tie in front of the mirror and smiling at himself.
No response whatsoever came from behind the bathroom door.
-HA! - Sirius laughed- Bet you couldn't say anything to that!
Lily breathed in relieve as she made her way up the staircases to the Charms classroom. The stair seemed longer this time, as she still carried the heavy books from her Animagus research.
That was too bloody close! - She thought, shaking her head-If they find out…
As Lily got to the second landing, she heard someone screaming.
It took a second for her to realize someone was rolling down the stairs, and sure enough, her eyes widen as she saw the figure coming straight at her. She raised her wand, trying to find a spell to stop the person, but it was no use, they were already rolling down the stairs.
After a few seconds they landed with a loud …Thud.
Her book bag flew across the hall way and broke open, throwing all her books, quills and parchment all around the floor. Lily's glasses had disappeared long ago and her head was spinning with pain. She realized she was on top of the person, as this person groaned in pain.
She opened her eyes. And a blurry vision welcomed her.
The person was shifting painfully and was looking back at her, with some beautiful blue eyes and wild black hair. They locked eyes for a second.
James slowly smiled at her.
Lily blushed as she realized she was still on top of him and she quickly stood up. He tried to stand up but he fell back down holding his left leg.
-You should watch were you are going Potter - Lily declared harshly, bending down and helping him stand up.
James glared at her as he put his arm around her neck putting all his weight on his right foot and standing up with her help. After he was up, they momentarily loose balance, as he was taller than her. Their faces were inches apart.
James broke the eye contact and took his wand and waved it, making Lily's book fly neatly into the now repaired book bag and into Lily's hand.
- Thanks…-
-Don't worry, I can take it from here Evans - James took his arms from around her neck and proceeded to walk away.
Three steps away from Lily and James fell down again- Damn it!
Lily gulped inwardly and hurried to help him stand up, again, she shook her head – We should get you to the hospital wing… and for god's sake Potter, watch were you are going next time… you could harm yourself.
They walked up a few steps towards the hospital wing before James spoke.
- You know Miss perfect, it wasn't my fault, and it was an accident.
Lily raised an eyebrow – It was not you fault?
-I swear, it was Sirius fault…that git made me fall down the stairs.
Lily laughed– your not so far from been a git yourself Potter…
James glared at her while taking his hair away from his eyes- Well EVANS, you are….
As they turned around the corner they found Sirius, Remus and Peter all laughing.
-You see mate, old buddy- Sirius said, smiling, – not even falling down the stairs you get away from cute girls…
James glared at Sirius as he blushed and untangled himself from Lily. She almost smiled at his blushing state. Then it was like somebody had hit him in the face.
- HEY! You were the reason I fell in the first place! – James yelled.
Sirius smiled with guilt – sorry?…
-Its Ok Padfoot - James said smiling in a smashingly sarcastic way – Only be sure to run really fast…
- You should thank me Prongs, please don't miss this opportunity- Sirius began with a superior air, but screamed and run as James made a move to catch him.
Remus shook his head and smiled- Forgive him Prongs, you knows he's insane, but very accurate-Remus raised his eyebrows and left, followed closely by Peter.
An awkward moment passed between Lily and James.
-Just wait until I put my hands on Sirius – James said leaning on the hospital doors, holding his left feet again with a pained look, he did not look at Lily– Anyways Evans…
Thank you
Lily nodded –Your welcome.
James simply looked at her – ha, I wish…
At that moment, before Lily could protest, the door of the infirmary burst open, making James fall down again.
- Ouch! - He yelled , jumping on one leg and cursing.
Madam Guinevere took James by the shoulders and dragged him inside the hospital wing apparently against his will.
Lily sighed.
She shook her head and made her way to the Charms classroom, a little more content and unpreocupied than before. Just a little bit.
- SO…- Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and all the students turned to look at her and dropped their conversation-We are going to be learning today half human transfiguration, but, seeing as it is a very important lesson I took the liberty of pairing you up based on your skills in this class.
Anna breathed lightly as she let a smile play on her lips, she was extremely good in this subject so she wouldn't have a problem .She turned to look at Lily who was biting the end of her quill and listening to McGonagall. She poked Lily on the ribs making her almost choke.
Lily, wouldn't it be fun of you get paired up with James? – Anna smiled as her friend shook her head.
Haha, your hilarious, you know it wouldn't.
- Because you've been avoiding him for a couple of years, I mean 6,but who's counting? You'll see destiny is fair, wont let you be with nobody else.
- What? Are you a seer now? - Lily raised her eyebrow- because that's pathetic
- God forbid.
McGonagall cleared her throat once again as students had begun talking again. She looked at them reprovingly, like daring them to speak again.
- Now I'm reading the list, quietly, and remember, it can be with either a member of your own house, or the house you share with this class, in your case, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.
Alice Longbottom and Ewan Macnair.
Kathy Pinhais and Remus Lupin.
Erin Groope and Nigel O'craw
Andrew Stratford and Lily Evans.
Lily sighed in relief and looked around in the room to see who was her partner, she saw a blue eyed, blonde guy who smiled at her with perfect white teeth, she just sat there and smiled at him, he was cute. Anna just rolled her eyes.
Yeah right, destiny …- Lily said while she smiled.
Molly Black and Arthur Weasley
Ganish Riverdale and Simon Flynn
Tania Blair and Peter Pettigrew
- What? – Tania, a spectacular girl with brow hair and blue eyes, stood up looking at McGonagall like she had gone mad -I CANNOT work with him…
- Well, suck it up Blair – Anna said so only Tania could hear.
Tania threw her a sarcastic look while Anna smiled.
Diana Black and James Potter.
Tracy Bulingtomn and Neil Cawel.
Patrick Atkins and Daphne Bowles
Anna Callaghan and Sirius Black.
Anna's mouth dropped a little bit before she close her eyes. Followed by a crumpled note that hit her exactly in her right cheek.
TURN AROUND PARTNER.She did and Sirius's smiling face welcomed her view, she threw him a fake smile and proceeded to glare at Lily, who was about to laugh but decided not to.
- Well suck it up Callaghan- Tania smiled.
- No, no, no I am not missing trip night to finish that blasted project- Sirius easily pulled back as Anna tried to drag him into the library. - It's for next week.
- It's just a broom ride around Hogwarts - Anna said still pulling and pushing- I want to finish this off as soon as possible, for god's sake!
- But James and I had to beg Dumbledore to let us do this every Thursday- Sirius complained.
- You'll go next Thursday after we hand in our project; there is no other time, please …
Sirius gave a big sigh and looked at his shoes, admitting she was right - Can I at least go for 10 minutes?
Sure, let me go get everything, I'll meet you in the library in15 minutes- Anna replied grabbing her book bag.
Sirius smiled and nodded turning around.
Hold it! - Anna exclaimed narrowing her eyes- I'm coming with you …
Sirius turned to her with an annoyed expression- No you're not Anna.
-Yes I am... if I let you go, you'll never come back to the library. – Anna pointed to herself and then at him – I know you.
- So, let's do something…- Diana said.
She, Lily and Kathy were all in their dormitory wearing pajamas and slippers.
Ganish and Tania weren't there, which was very good.
-I want to sleep-Lily confessed covering herself with her sheets.
-Me too – Kathy said taking her slippers off and going under the covers herself.
Diana looked from one to another and rolled her eyes. -You bunch of party poppers! Come on you guys!
-Ok, ok, tell us di, you wouldn't be bothering if it wasn't for something important- Kathy said getting out of her bed and jumping to Diana's bed. Lily nodded knowing it was true.
- Well, if you really need to know …- Diana said making believe as if she was
thinking what to say.
-Any time in this century di – Lily said getting impatient.
- Do you really want to know?
- YES!
-Fine, I'll tell you! I've got a boyfriend! - Diana shouted and started giggling.
Lily's eyes got big at this. Kathy 's mouth dropped. All three of them looked at eachother for a second before they broke into a fit of giggles.
Anna burst inside in that exact moment looking agitated and looking for something, truly missing all the giggling.
Anna! Come here …we've got to tell you something! - Lily said.
Anna jumped, not realizing the girls were there until lily shouted. She gave a sigh and sat down next t the girls.
Gosh, you look happy, something wrong? - Lily exclaimed.
-No, I'm fine, I just…nevermind, so… tell me, what's going on? - Anna said.
-DI's got a boyfriend! - Lily shouted. They laughed.
-Wow DI, you don't lose any time now do you …- Anna smiled. - Who's the lucky guy? cough …cough
-Ha ha, very funny …its Benjamin- Diana said, turning red instantly and covering her face with the nearest pillow.
They broke into giggles again, throwing each other pillows.
-STOP! - Anna shouted – I have to go meet Sirius to finish McGonagall's project…so, I'll see you guys later.
Ganish and Tania walked into the dormitory talking animatedly among eachother.
-I can't believe he asked me Ganish! A broomstick ride wit Sirius Black! I have to hurry up; he's waiting for me right now.
-Right now? - Anna asked confused – Last time I checked, we were going to finish a project right now.
-You checked wrong. - Tania smiled evily.
Tania went directly to the bathroom while Anna stared at her. Then Anna dropped her eyes to her shoes with a frown.
-He is unbelievable! – She finally exclaimed.
Diana shook her head- That is a lot like Sirius, to say something and then do something else.
- Well, I don't care, I'll do the project myself then- Anna said taking her books and sitting on her bed, Indian style with book.
- I could help you if you like – Lily offered.
- No, don't worry Lily, I can handle it – Anna said, flipping through " A GUIDE TO TRANSFIGURATION, only on humans ".
Lily shrugged.
Ganish was standing there, in the middle of the room looking at the ceiling occasionally looking at the bathroom door waiting for Tania to emerge.
After about 5 minutes Tania came out of the bathroom, looking absolutely breathtaking. She smiled as Ganish nodded and gave her the thumbs up.
Anna, Lily, Diana, even Kathy all rolled their eyes. Tania went out of the room followed closely by Ganish.
Anna immediately dropped her book and went straight to the window overlooking the grounds.
- You guys! There she is with Sirius…They're flying together- Anna said with such surprise in her voice that Lily, Diana and Kathy all went to the window and saw two lonely figures going straight to the Astronomy tower on a fast broomstick. Anna gave a big sigh and furiously went back to reading her book.
-Does this bother you so much? – Kathy asked frowning.
-Yes! The nerve of that baboon! – Anna said, flipping through her book rapidly.
-It's just a broomstick ride…-Lily added, sitting next to Anna.
- And a very long snogging session with that prick- Diana said shaking her head and sitting too on Anna's bed, she shiver- its not so cute when its my brother kissing ..
-I don't care about it! Ok? I don't! -Anna screamed, making Diana and Lily jump out of her bed. Anna covered her face with her palms and gave a big sigh. Then she looked at Diana and Lily. – I'm sorry …I shouldn't have yelled.
-Hey! Come look at this – Kathy said, pointing at something right bellow in the grounds.
The four of them saw as a limping, dark hooded figure went straight into the Womping Willow. They gasped as he approached it so closely that he touched one of its roots and the angry tree became still and let him inside.
Lily slowly went out of bed and quickly put on her cloak over her pajamas while it was still pitch dark on the outside and the nightstand clock said it was 2:16 am.
Lily didn't stop nor did she turned off the faint light coming from the tip of her wand until she found her goal through the cold dark corridors. The Potion's Master Office.
She entered carefully the dark office and went straight to the shelves, scrutinizing the bottle labels, trying to find the right one. With a soft swift of her wand the whole room was illuminated with a white glow. Her fingers traced the many bottles as she finally realized they were in alphabetical order.
Abyssinian shrivelfig
Aconite
Armadillo bile
Ashwinder eggs
Asphodel root
Belladonna
Bezoar
Bicorn horns
Black beetle eyes
Boomslang skin
Bubotuber pus
Caterpillars
Cockroaches
Daisy roots
Doxy eggs
Lily couldn't help but to feel like a thief when some doxy eggs went straight to her empty bottle…but she sighed and continued looking for the other ingredient she was missing, Magical Hungus Extract. She pocketed the tiny bottle and tried to go out of the room turning off the light. But the door opened in that moment.
Lily quickly tried to hide in a corner but the shelve hiding her completely fell making a huge crashing noise and leaving her exposed. She looked around, scared, ready to take the consequences, biting on her lower lip. But there was nobody in the room.
She looked around for a few seconds then gave a big sigh. The room was completely quiet until she heard the clear steps of someone coming straight to that room and she heard it coming closer and closer. When the sound was so clear that she could see the fat shadow of a person near the door entrance she felt something silky cover her entire body and someone carrying her to the left corner of the room.
Professor Slughorn went into the room in that precise moment, with a set of pajamas that were awfully too big for his already big figure, and a simple cotton hat that make him look more sleepy than he already was.
He looked around the room and saw the shelve in the floor. He groaned, he looked pass Lily and into the broken bottles. He gave a swift of his wand and everything went back to normal. He looked around once more and went out of the room muttering.
-You really should be more careful Evans…- James Potter said, standing up, taking off the silvery cloak from Lily and himself.
Lily looked up and pointed at the cloak – That's is NOT what I think it is Potter.
James smiled showing his perfect white teeth and his blue eyes sparkling - If you're thinking its an invisibility cloak, you are correct.
Lily advanced towards the cloak and ran a hand through it with a smile playing on her lips -Where did you get it?
James gave Lily a lopsided smile, almost a sad smile before he answered- my father gave it to me, before he died last year.
They locked eyes for a second, in a very awkward moment, before Lily lowered her sight and started running her hand through the cloak again – I'm sorry about that…
- Don't worry about it Evans- James said, recovering his cloak and giving Lily his most precious and air-headed smiled- it has helped me a lot to get my ways. The cloak, I mean.
-And that leads me ….Why haven't you given this to Professor Dumbledore? It is not aloud in Hogwarts! - Lily said taking the cloak away from James again.
-Just like wondering the castle at night and taking some ingredients from Professor Slughorn's personal collection. - James replied raising an eyebrow.
Lily looked down in shame - You're right, I'm sorry.
James smiled –It's fine, now lets get you out of here. What were you looking for in here anyways?
-Well, I was looking for some doxy eggs and – Her eyes went wide and she slapped James on the arm – hey! Why do you care? Besides, that's not the problem, I was perfectly going to succeed if not you had barged in invisibly and made me fell all over that shelve….
-If you say so Lily.
- I know so James.
They both looked at each other.
-James huh? I like the way that sounds- James said looking at her and smiling.
-Well you called me Lily- Lily said shrugging- and stop smiling at me!
James smiled, covered them both in the silvery silky cloak and they made their way back to Gryffindor tower under the cloak.
AN: Please , Read and Review , and sorry for the delay anything you want to chat about.