Readers I need your help. I need some advice as to where to take this story – what do YOU want to see happening? All the help is appreciated.
I haven't done this yet but shout out to my wonderful reviewers so far –
SoccerDiva: thanks so much for all the support, hope you're still reading
Jilyforeva: I'm glad that your enjoying the story, sorry about the grammar errors I do try and proof read but –as you can tell – I'm not very good at it haha
And the anonymous reviewers: come off anon!
Thanks all from me now, enjoy the next chapter! :)))
LILY POV
Lily could barely hide her excitement when Saturday morning finally bloomed. The week had passed so uneventfully, that it just seemed so fitting that they finally had plans. Most of Lily's free time had gone into either thinking about or planning her and Marlene's gathering. They still didn't know where the kitchens were hidden so they we're relying on the Marauders to supply food and drink, but the rest was all them.
She hurriedly clambered out of bed, pulling her messy hair back into a knotty ponytail. Not bothering to change into casual clothes, she slipped her feet into a pair of cozy ugg boots and made her way downstairs. A couple of weeks ago James had down a run down to the kitchens and got enough food to properly stock their small kitchenette. Ever since then, the House Elves had started doing it for them.
Lily had always felt a little guilty about the way they spoilt the students, but Marlene had convinced her during fourth year that preventing them from spoiling us would technically be even crueler in their eyes. Despite that, Lily couldn't help feel bad as she pulled out a loaf of fresh bread and stuck two pieces into the toaster. Then she busied her mind with organizing a cup of tea.
Saturday mornings had become her lazy mornings. When her breakfast was done she settled herself near the fireplace and opened her book. A clock near her chimed seven times the mark the hour. As if on queue the portrait door swung open to reveal a disheveled and muddy James, his broom hefted carelessly on his shoulder. He grinned cheerfully when he noticed her on the sofa.
"Morning Evans," he said, dumping his broom by the door.
Somewhere during the past week they'd started using each other's last nights as almost affectionately. She wasn't sure if that was the right word, but he was the only person her called her Evans in that tone, and she couldn't help but form some kind of connection between them because of it. The idea was mental. Her and James didn't have a connection.
But then again, whom was she kidding? They'd had some sort of connection ever since the first day on the train. Teasing and joking had molded into frustration and annoyance, which had taken a steep dive into hatred at the end of fifth year to only drive bumpily into ignoring each other by the middle of sixth year. The start of seventh year saw them jumping sharply into a weird friendship. And now she couldn't help by realize that there ship was sailing into unmarked territories.
Whatever she felt for James Potter was more than friendship. It felt immensely different to what she had with Remus. Each second with James was exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. She could count on him for spontaneity and – well as long as she was admitting these things to herself – a definite spark.
"Ahh Lily?" James continued. "The answer is usually morning or even hey."
Startled from her realization Lily nearly dumped the content of her tea everywhere. She glanced up at James.
"Sorry – day dreaming," she told him. "How was practice?"
James shrugged. "Good enough to scrape a win against Ravenclaw, maybe."
"So really good then?" She replied, uncertainly.
The rules she understood – to a very basic extent. And the excitement she understood. But any talk about teams and strategies and broom types just became lost to her. Alice and Marlene were both avid players and were constantly trying to "teach" Lily but she always drew the line when they offered to show her how to properly brush the bristles on her broom or something similar.
James snorted. "Ravenclaw has got a crappy team this year. They had to get in five new players, and although they have potential our team at least has experience in old strategies and plays," he informed her. His eyes seemed to shine – if possible – even brighter as he spoke.
"Ahh, of course," Lily said sarcastically.
Noticing her tone, James grinned sheepishly. "Not a huge Quidditch fan then?"
Lily half shrugged. "I like watching the games," she said.
"You're like Remus and Peter," he said. "They both can't stand it when I start talking Quidditch. Once Peter put a silencing charm on me."
At the idea of a mute James, Lily laughed brightly. It was moments like these – when James became so lost in just being himself – that she forgot why she ever hated him in the first place. It wasn't that he was a different person around his friends, or any of the Hogwarts population for that matter, it's just he seemed more relaxed. Or maybe, a nagging voice in her head muttered, he's just most comfortable around you now you've stopped firing detentions at him. Every time she thought about the old Lily and James she instantly felt guilty.
He hadn't been perfect. But neither had she.
"I'm going to go shower," James declared suddenly. "I take it you're not going to breakfast." He pointed at her half eaten toast. Now that it was cold and soggy it wasn't nearly as appetizing as she'd hoped.
"I could do with some eggs," she said.
James beamed. "Wait for me?"
"Ten minutes Potter," she told him.
Mock saluting her, he disappeared upstairs, the sound of his feet echoing through their cozy common room. She could hear their bathroom door slam and the groan of pipes as James turned on the shower. He was probably nude right now, Lily thought.
Lily froze, knocking the toast off its plate. Had she really just thought that? James Potter was showering naked in their bathroom. Why hadn't that thought come to her before? She was sharing a bathroom with a boy. She basically shared living quarters with a boy. If her Mum and Dad knew they'd been astounded. Sure she'd written letters, but for some reason her new room hadn't come up. If she told her parents that she now shared a bathroom and common room with James they'd probably flip. She could almost hear her Mum's voice. Isn't that the boy that charmed all the suits of armours to sing love songs at you? I don't trust him and his intentions.
Chuckling to herself, Lily grabbed a spare piece of parchment and decided to write a quite letter to her parents.
Hey Mum and Dad,
School is going well. Even though it's NEWTS year I'm still having fun. The girls and I are hosting a small gathering (nothing too wild, don't worry mum) tonight in the Heads common room. I'll explain that in a bit. I got an 'O' in my Transfiguration essay. I know, what happened. Actually I've been getting some random tutoring from James Potter. Yeah, yeah, I'll explain that in a bit too.
Alice has taken on embroidery so if you want a new pillow design or something just ask me. Marlene is still being eccentric. She broke up with her boyfriend Sirius, but no one really expected the relationship to be forever lasting. I don't think he's ever been in a relationship with a girl for over four months before (Marlene broke his three week record!). Who else do you want to hear about? Oh yeah, Remus is still a prefect so I've done some patrols with him every now and again to give James a break. We finally got Alice and Frank talking – long over due! It's mainly the reason for tonight's party.
Anyway, I'm actually written because I can't believe I forgot to tell you about my new room. I know! The Head Girl and Boy share their very own common room and we get bigger and better bedrooms! I know what you're thinking mum – sharing with a boy? But don't worry – as I told you before, James has matured beyond years.
So, how's home? Do you still read the Daily Prophet? I guess, if you have, you've noticed all the new attacks by unidentified magical people. I don't want to alarm you in such an impersonal way so I'll explain what I know (which really isn't much) when I see you for Christmas!
I better go get some breakfast. I'm sending this with James owl – Ellie – who's very well tempered unlike her namesake. Maybe I'll explain that one over Christmas.
Love yours,
Lily xxx
Lily folded the letter at the same time James thumped loudly down the stairs, his black hair glistening. They made their way to breakfast together, James happily chatting about anything and everything that came to his mind. Once Lily had found the habit annoying, but now she found it simply took her mind off others things and for those short seven minutes to the Great Hall, Lily was immensely thankful that she'd finally taken Marlene's advice to heart.
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"How on earth did they manage to convince the House Elves to give them Fire whiskey," Marlene said loudly, shaking her head at the bottles of alcohol lined up in James and Lily's small fridge.
Lily snorted. "I want to know how they managed to find Muggle alcohol," she said, pointing her finger at the two bottles of Vodka. "That stuff's deadly."
Marlene squinted at it. "I vaguely remember my brothers spiking my drink with it. Or maybe it was rum. Muggles certainly have a wider variety of drinks!"
"Arggh," Lily moaned, throwing her hands up. "Finally someone admits it. I've been craving a cappuccino since the beginning of third year."
"Yeah, yeah," Marlene said, waving her off. "Don't go Muggle on me."
Lily threw herself down on the nearest sofa, satisfied with their handiwork. They'd sound proofed all their walls to prevent any staff members from shutting them down. Marlene had transfigured some of Lily's older textbooks into extra chairs and had artistically placed them around the room is small clusters. The lights had been dimmed. The food and drinks all organized. The music was ready to go. All in all, Lily had high prospects for the night. Then why was she stressing so much?
A groan from Marlene caught her attention. "I should probably go change," her friend said, heading for the door. "We told everyone eight right?"
Lily checked it watch. It had just gone seven thirty. It wasn't the time that caused Lily's heart to bang louder however.
"You can't leave me," she blanched.
Marlene blinked. "I'll be back soon. Thirty minutes soon to be precise."
"But if you go it'll be just me and then – well then, umm…" decieding it was less painful to just wave Marlene off, Lily forced a non-committed smile. "Don't worry. Just stressing over what to wear."
With a hesitant grin Marlene left. Lily marched herself into her room and pulled open her closest. She had never been one of those girls who dressed up to impress some other boy, but she couldn't help admitting that feeling good in your outfit helped immensely with confidence. And for some reason the nerves were killing her.
A bang from downstairs alerted her of James' return – and by the sound of it one of the marauders. Her traitorous heart picked up it's frantic pace.
"Lily?" James' voiced drifted up from the common room. For one wild second Lily thought he'd heard her heart beat but then common sense kicked in.
She coughed lightly before calling back, "I'm here. Just getting dressed."
"What do you want to drink?" He shouted. Then softer, and obviously not for her ears she heard him mutter, "what even are these Muggle drinks? I just thought she'd might like them."
The laughter that followed his comment was instantly recognizable as Remus'. Only Remus could make laughing sound like a warm smile.
"Uhh," Lily said. "Can you mix some of the vodka with soda please?" The words sounded so forced and narrow that she instantly winced. This is Potter, she reminded herself. Ignoring her wild heart beat she quickly added, "and don't be stupid with it Potter."
His light chuckle soothed her panic attack down to a more socially acceptable level. She quickly threw on a simply outfit – fitted, long sleeve top and a black, denim skirt – before running a brush through her hair. Up or down? She tried pulling it up into a messy bun, then a loose pony tail – then even tried two tight braids but nothing was working. She shook it loose for the hair tie and flicked it over her shoulder. Noticing the time – Marlene would be back in minutes – she hurriedly scrambled through her make up bag.
Foundation. Minimal bronzer. She laughed at the blush before remembering she was by herself. Some gold eye shadow and mascara. Her finishing touch was some shiny lip gloss. Once done, she tucked her wand into her pocket and made for the common room.
James and Remus were sitting on one of the couches – their backs to her.
"Hey," she said, ignoring the obvious hitch in her voice.
She was going to ignore her nerves – Merlin knows why they were here – even if they threatened to explode from her body. James swiveled around instantly, a broad grin across his face. He got to his feet, her drink in his outstretched hand. She took it, nervously sipping from the pink straw he'd added.
"Place looks good," Remus commented, when he realized none of them were about to speak.
He cast his eyes between them, his brows furrowing. Lily instantly blanched, her mind going into a whirlwind. If someone was going to catch onto her nervousness it was going to be Remus. The boy would probably noticed if someone moved his bed a little to the right.
"Thanks," Lily said expressionlessly.
Urgggh, she thought. Suddenly everything was tense and strained. It was her doing, that much she knew, but she just couldn't shake the nerves. Luckily for everyone in the room the portrait door slammed open revealing a laughing Marlene, a red faced Alice and two startled looking Marauders. Sirius sent James a these-girls-are-mental look before making his way to the drink table. Peter, on the other hand, greeted Lily and the others. Lily couldn't help but think that Peter looked nicer than usual tonight.
After another twenty minutes of small talk and more curious glances passed around about the tension between Lily and James everyone had arrived – Mary MacDonald bringing up the rear apologized frantically about her lateness. Apparently a Head's Party wasn't a solid excuse for getting out of detention early.
The three Hufflepuffs – Frank, Alfred and Lucy – arrived together looking slightly out of place and wondering why they'd been invited in the first place. Lucy instantly struck up a conversation with Lily. So far, their main source of entertainment had been the brief interaction between Poppy and James. Lily could only say trust straight-forward and blunt Poppy to evaporate all awkwardness between them.
"Marauders," she'd cried, banging through the portrait door. For a solo entrance it was certainly bold. "Dorm mates minus one. I've brought cards for drinking games."
James stood up and cheered at that. "Drinks to Poppy."
Poppy grinned and bowed. "We could've gone long ways Potter, you and I."
"Pity our hearts our both set on different people," James crooned, pretending to clutch his heart. That was news to Lily's ears – Poppy was already in love with someone else. Was he in this room with her? Was that the reason she'd come?
"That does complicate things," Poppy said, and then gracefully made her way to join Sirius at the drink table.
Remus eyed her carefully and Lily could tell that he was wondering the same thing. She took another sip of her drink, wincing slightly at the rancid taste of vodka. James had certainly over doused her drink – she was guessing it contained maybe three standard drinks – but figured he'd just been confused. Deciding that it couldn't hurt anyone if she loosened up a little, she finished it off in one go.
JAMES POV
Poppy spread the pack of cards around a transfigured plastic cup – facing downwards – so that the cup was fully circled. James eyed the cards warily. When they were younger him and the marauders used to play drinking games in their dorm room using some of James' father's "borrowed" firewhiskey – 0ften enough that he knew each Marauder's limits.
Remus was a blatant lightweight. Two cups and he was usually very obviously drunk. Five cups and he was out like a light. Peter was probably the stubbornest of the group when it came to alcohol, so much that with him they usually altered his rules. If he had to drink, they'd double his glass. Then there was Sirius. Remus always referred to him as a deadly drunk. He'd drink consistently for an hour or so and it wouldn't hit him at all until another three hours had passed.
"We're playing King's Cup," Poppy declared. "But the girls and I have our very own rule sheet."
James caught Lily blushing as Poppy pulled a crumpled piece of parchment from her pocket. He suspected that maybe the girls had done the same thing.
"Oh no," Marlene groaned, also blushing slightly. "I thought you were joking. We made those rules as jokes."
That piqued James' interest.
"I wanna hear these rules," Sirius whined.
"It's a mix between a drinking game, strip poker and truth or dare," Poppy said grinning. Noticing the blank stares of most she added somewhat cheekily, "just be happy we drew the line at spin the bottle."
"Youngest starts," Sirius demanded. He had an eager grin across his face.
The youngest turned out to be Alice. Fuming slightly at the injustice she picked up the first card and flipped it over. "It's a three," she muttered.
Poppy consulted the rule sheet quickly. "It's a truth and dare one. You can ask anyone."
"How are we going to know if people are telling the truth or not?" Sirius interjected.
"It's called trust Black," Lily told him, looking indignant. "If you're planning on spiking our drinks with Veriterserum then you're strongly mistaken."
"All right, all right," Sirius said, still grinning lopsidedly. "Got it. Ball's at your feet Al."
Alice scanned the circle. James could see the clogs running in her head. He realized instantly that this game could turn a dangerous corner. There were tensions and secrets between this group he'd rather not reveal over a drunken game of King's Cup. Then she clocked eyes with him.
"James," she said. "Truth or dare?"
Not trusting the glint in her eyes he opted for the safer option. "Dare."
"I dare you to tell everyone why you named your owl Ellie," Alice said, cocking her head.
James froze. He glanced at Lily, trying to figure out why she'd told her friend such an embarrassing secret. Lily looked just as confused, which filtered out his anger instantly. Not wanting to prolong the discomfiture James launched fully into the story, sending Marlene the stink eye when she burst out into raucous laughter.
"We did not give you enough crap for that name," Peter said, clutching his sides.
"Drink up James," Poppy added.
Frowning at his mates, James downed his drink. He then picked up the next card. "A seven," he told Poppy.
Poppy and Marlene burst out laughing. "Remove an item of clothing Jamesy," Marlene said. "And shoes and socks don't count," she added when James had gone to untie his laces.
James growled as he pulled his shirt off his head. Somehow this game was affecting him most. He balled his shirt in a fist and threw it at Marlene's head. A few wolf whistles spread around the room, mostly initiated by Sirius and Peter. He sent Lily a curious glance and faltered when he noticed her blush. She quickly drew her eyes away before selecting a card. Maybe this wasn't the worst game in the world, he thought to himself.
"Eight," Lily declared.
"You've got three truths," Poppy told her. "Use them wisely."
Lily looked affronted. James could almost hear the worry radiating off her. He leaned in close, careful not to brush his bare skin against her, and muttered something in her ear. Lily shook her head, shoving James away.
"C'mon Lils," Sirius complained. "It's just a game. No one's going to be offended."
"It's silly," she said. James couldn't miss the anger seeping into her voice. "Why embarrass someone when I don't have too."
"Oh come off it," Sirius said loudly. "Don't be a prude."
James sent his mate an angry glare.
"Prude?" Lily repeated. "Is that what you think of me Black?"
"Everyone thinks it," Sirius said, his words slurring.
Marlene's eye narrowed toward her ex. "So what if she's a prude," she said. "It's better than the rumors about you."
"Ahh guys," Alice tried to interrupt. "We've had a bit too much to drink –
"Let me get this off my chest," Marlene continued, pretending to have not heard Alice. "You Black are an animal. Jumping on girls any chance you get and then bragging about your conquests the next morning. It's disgusting."
Sirius scoffed. James wasn't sure whether to stop Marlene or not. Some of her words rung with the truth – Sirius had thrown himself more vigourously into flirting with other girls to get over Marlene, but what she didn't know was that he hadn't done anything with them. He glanced around the room, catching Lily's look of bewilderment and Remus' gaze of horror.
"You," Sirius spluttered. "You think I've been off gallivanting with other birds?" His voice rose scarily. "That's what you think of me."
"Oh don't pretend like you're better than that," Marlene countered. "You've always been an immature berk."
James was worried his friend might say something he'd regret, but to his immense surprise Sirius rose to his feet and marched towards the portrait door. Before he vanished into the corridor he spun on his feet and glared daggers at the room. "You know what McKinnon?" He said.
"What Black? What have you got left to say?"
"You're wrong." And with that he slammed the door.
James was intent on rounding on his cousin – Sirius was his best mate after all – but Marlene was already shaking her head at him. "Don't say a word," she hissed. "I think I better head to bed."
"Wait – we're coming," Mary said, leaping to her feet. Poppy followed cautiously behind her.
Lily rose to her feet, following her friends to the door. James watched her mutter something to Marlene, her shoulders stiff.
"It isn't your fault Lils," he heard Marlene say.
She shrugged before waving goodbye to her three friends. James felt guilt well up in his throat as she made her way over to the sofa and tucked her feet under her legs.
"Well," Frank started, looking uncertain. "That was –
"Bigger than usual," Peter concluded. "You think they'll sort things out?"
"I thought they were fine," Remus commented. "They acted normal on the way over here."
"He could've had a little more sympathy for her feelings," Alice piped, defending her friend. "I mean, he just went from her to someone else –
"He didn't," James said venomously. "He hasn't gotten with anything since her."
That seemed to pique Lily's interest. She glanced over at James. "Then why didn't he say so?" She asked.
"Everyone deals with things differently," James said with a shrug.
"We better be headed," Alfred said after a moment of silence. "Coming Lucy and Frank?"
Lucy clambered to her feet, smiling at Remus as he stood to say goodbye. Frank, on the other hand, glanced over at Alice. His hands were shaking slightly.
"I thought I might walk Alice back to her dorm," he said, trying to sound confident. "If she would like that."
Alice blushed deeply, causing James to grin. Maybe the night wouldn't be a disaster after all. Alice nodded, bemused, before taking Frank's arm. Remus and Peter left with them, leaving just James and Lily behind. When it was clear that Lily wasn't about to speak, James began tidying the room. The clock on the wall struck eleven; it seemed to douse Lily out of her thoughts as she leapt to her feet and starting helping James.
"I'm sorry for wrecking your night," she said quietly. So quietly James wasn't even sure if she meant for him to hear them.
"For wrecking my night?" James repeated, feeling dumb folded but probably coming across as ignorant.
Lily nodded glumly. "I was acting like a prude."
"Hang on – wait," James said, stumbling with the intensity of his thoughts. Somehow he always had this effect over him. "Let me just organize my thoughts," he continued, earning a smile from her. "You didn't wreck the night Lily. Sure, it wasn't the best but it wasn't your fault."
"I should've just pretended like it didn't bother me and just have played the stupid game," she said.
"You shouldn't have to abandon your morals just to please your friends Lily," James told her. "In fact, despite it all, it just made me like you even more."
Lily blushed. "Really?"
James found himself inching closer to her. She looked so pretty with her hair hanging in curls around her shoulders. He felt his whole heart constrict at the sight of her, just standing there and blushing because of something he'd said.
"Yeah, it did," James said. "I don't want to pressure you into returning the feelings but every day I start to like you more and more. Ever since we became friends really."
"I," Lily stuttered. "James –" her voice broke off.
"Yeah Lily?"
"I, nothing," she mumbled. "I should head to bed. Lots to do tomorrow and I've got this essay from Slughorn to finish –
"Lily?" James interrupted her rant, smiling lopsided.
He tried to hide the way his hands were shaking when he asked, "do you want to do something with me tomorrow?"
Lily's emerald eyes grew, if possible, brighter. "Like what?"
James shrugged. "We could go to Hogsmeade."
"We can?" Lily said, surprised. "But it isn't even a visiting weekend."
"I have my ways," James said smugly.
Lily rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you do, but I'm not sure about breaking rules."
"Well we could –
"How about we don't do anything," Lily said. Her eyes were still shimmering but the words sounded like a punch to his chest. He took a slow step backward, the disappointment sinking in.
"Oh okay," he said in a pained voice. "I'm sorry –
Lily's eyes grew wide. "Wait – James," she called, grabbing his wrist. "You daft idiot. Let me finish."
He smiled sheepishly.
"I meant we could do nothing together," she said. "It is Sunday after all. We could maybe eat breakfast here – together – and maybe play a game of chess or something."
"That sounds," he said, his voice trembling. "Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful."