Disclaimer: JKR owns all characters, plots, etc. that you recognize.
Summary: It seems love just isn't what's in store for Lily Evans and James Potter. After two years in a relationship, they couldn't see why they were still together. Now they try to convince themselves and everyone around them that breaking up really was for the best, even though deep down they are heartbroken. They struggle to find some sort of happiness, sort through confusion, and end up realizing that they were meant for each other. Then all they have to do is put aside their pride and tell each other the truth. Eventually LJ! R&R Please!
Chapter 8
I rounded a corner of the now familiar halls of the Auror Department. I still couldn't believe I've been working here for a month and a half now. It felt like I've been here longer. So far this job seemed pretty easy with how slow it's been and not having much to do, but I knew better than to think that. We spent most of our time out on the training field or we had to go over previous missions. It's been a bit boring, but I guess it's needed so we don't make the same mistakes.
Not really paying attention to where I was going, I bumped into Moody. He stood in place, while I fell to the ground. I muttered a sorry as I pushed myself back up.
"Evans, pay more attention."
"Yes, Sir."
"I want you and the rest of your team out on the field on time today," Moody ordered.
I nodded in response, while Moody walked away. I've sort of redeemed myself with him¾no longer am I on his bad side, which I have to admit I like a lot more. And I think he actually enjoys my disputes with Eric. He's pretty twisted if you ask me.
Lately, I've noticed that Moody's been very distracted. And though he'd never admit it, I can tell he's anxious because there haven't been any attacks recently. Some of the other Aurors who've been working in the department for a longer period are becoming just as anxious. I often hear from hushed conversations that it's like the calm before the storm. And I have to agree with them.
Continuing on my journey, I walked right past James and his new girlfriend, Isabel Covington. He started dating her just after I began working here. At first, I thought she was just another dumb bimbo like the ones he dated at Hogwarts. But now that I've met her, I know she is a really sweet and kind person. It's hard because I really want to hate her, but I can't. I honestly don't know if she'd be the same if she knew of my past with James. Shaking my head, I tried to block out thoughts of him and the breaking of my heart; I still felt something for him, but at the same time he drove me crazy.
I reached my destination a few minutes later. I noticed the room was lacking most of my team mates, as I made my way over to my desk. Glancing at the clock, I realized I arrived almost an hour early. I dropped my things at my desk and headed over to where Sirius sat. Exhausted, I fell ungracefully into the chair I stole from James' desk.
"Morning, love."
"Thanks," I said gratefully as I took a cup of coffee from him. Sirius always brought me a cup of coffee, which I loved and needed daily.
"So, what are you doing here this early? Not planning bodily harm to your partner, are you," he questioned playfully.
"No. Not yet, anyway. It's too early for that. And to answer your question, I have no idea why I'm here this early."
"Maybe you're just too distracted, dreaming of Eric Freeman," he teased with a grin on his face.
"Not dreaming. It's more like horrifying nightmares that keep me from getting decent amounts of sleep."
Sirius grinned widely as I recalled a previous nightmare I'd had about Eric. Just as I finished my story, the devil himself walked in. Sirius and I immediately looked at each other before cracking up with laughter.
"What's so funny," Eric questioned in a nasty tone.
"Nothing," I replied with the same tone.
This past month and a half has had its ups and downs. And Eric often fell into the downs category. All we ever did was fight¾there were even a few where we almost got into physical fights. Though, we did try to keep it to a minimum while we were around Moody and Mrs. Freeman. I swear we are worse that I used to be with James at Hogwarts. I remember comparing him and James, not knowing who was worse. Well, I do now¾it was definitely Eric. Oh and now, James and Eric are becoming good mates. I think James is doing it mostly out of spite. Or that's how it was in the beginning.
"Have you talked to the others yet?"
"Yeah. Everyone is going to meet at the pub around nine."
"Good. I haven't seen any of them since I started working here. I can't wait for tonight."
"It should be fun. And I'll finally get to see what muggles drink."
I laughed out upon hearing this. "Sirius, muggle alcohol is pretty much the same as our alcohol, only they have a bunch of different kinds."
"Really?"
I nodded just as someone knocked on the door. I turned to see Ben standing there.
"Hey Eric. Morning Lily, Sirius," Ben greeted.
We all muttered hellos in reply. I watched as Ben walked over to Eric and began to quietly talk. It had become routine to see Ben at least everyday, whether it was to talk to Eric or just hang out with the team.
A few weeks ago, I learned that Eric and Ben lived a few blocks away from me. I found it a little weird that I had never run into them on the street before, because whenever I go out now, I expect to run into them at sometime or another.
I took another sip from my coffee before turning back to Sirius and stared out the window near by.
"Well, I have to get back to my office. Thanks Eric. See you all later tonight," Ben said.
I looked to Sirius with a questioning look on my face.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. I invited some of the guys around here," Sirius laughed slightly.
"Who, exactly," I questioned.
"Just our team, Ben, and Alice."
"Oh…" I trailed off as Kingsley, Frank, and James walked in.
Sirius opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted.
"You're sitting in my chair," James said rudely.
"I'll talk to you later, Sirius," I said, ignoring James.
I went back to my desk and began to work on my paperwork and go over previous missions.
Tonight was the first time I was free from both my jobs¾no work to take home. I was in much need of a small break, I thought as I took my time getting ready. Ever since I began working in the Auror Department, I hadn't really put much effort into making myself look nice.
"LILY," a voice yelled, startling me.
"What are you doing here Sirius," I yelled back.
"I came to see if you were still coming. It's nine forty-five, already. We were supposed to meet at nine, remember?"
"OH! I hadn't realized it was past nine. Well, go ahead and go. I'll be along in a minute. I just have to finish getting ready."
"Ok," Sirius replied, before a loud crack was heard.
I quickly threw on my clothes and charmed my hair to curl. Glancing at my personal appearance, I nodded in approval. Before rushing out to throw on a jacket, scarf, and my favorite newsboy hat. I slammed my door shut and began running down the stairs. It was then that I realized I didn't lock my door, so with a swish and flick of my wand, the door was locked.
As I jogged lightly to the nightclub, which was only a few blocks away from my apartment, I could hear the heals of my boots colliding with the cement below. Tonight I was going to let everything go¾let go of all my worries and insecurities, and just let loose. I could see the club up ahead with the line going around the block. Trying my luck, I walked up to the bouncer and smiled flirtatiously at him. He smiled back and let me through.
I pushed my way through the crowded nightclub in search of my group. Finally I spotted them in the way back, taking up a corner. Jenn was the first to spot that I'd arrived. Waving me over, the others finally took notice of me.
After greeting everyone, I began to strip myself of my jacket, scarf, and newsboy hat. This left me in a green halter corset, low-rise dark rinse jeans, my very cute boots, and a few bangles.
"Damn! Is that really you, Evans," Eric yelled. I rolled my eyes, ignoring him. I could tell that he was already a bit tipsy because he'd never say that to me. So I pushed past him and sat at the table with the girls. This would be the only time to catch up with them before I became too intoxicated.
After a few minutes of small chit chat, I began to interrogate Abby.
"So…Abby, any guys in the picture," I questioned with a grin.
"Well, there is this one guy. His name is Brad…" Abby said. Then she proceeded to tell us more about him. Apparently, none of the other girls knew about this mysterious Brad. "…we're sort of together but we still have the freedom to see other people."
"Just be careful," I said, concerned. Abby was known to have been in very clingy in "loose" relationships, as she called it. The end result being her heart being broken.
Trying to take the attention off herself, Abby asked Taylor how quidditch was going.
"It's great. We've been practicing nonstop for the last few weeks for the match next week. This season, the team has really blended well," she said with a smile on her face as she held Remus' hand. "You guys will all have to come."
"What about you Remus? How have you been?"
"Can't complain. Work hasn't been as crazy, but we still see a few cases now and then."
I looked around to see who was missing from our group of friends, just as Sirius sat beside me. James wasn't here--not that I really minded because he's been such a jerk--but I also realized that Peter wasn't here.
"Where's Peter? I thought he was going to be here."
"Oh, he sent an owl earlier saying he got caught up with work and wouldn't be able to come tonight," Sirius explained.
"That sucks. I wanted to see him tonight," I said.
"Hey, Sirius. Where's James at then," Jenn asked.
"He's picking up Isabel right now," he said, not looking my way.
"WHAT? You never said she was going to be here, Sirius," I accused.
"Well, she wasn't. Originally, she was busy, but her plans changed. So now she's coming."
"Great," I muttered sarcastically under my breath.
Frank and Alice sat down at the table just as the others began questioning us Aurors how work was going. Leaving it up to the others to explain, I asked if anyone wanted drinks. After getting their orders, I headed to the bar.
While I was waiting for my order of drinks, this cute guy stood beside me.
"Hey. I'm Brandon," he said, extending a hand in my direction. Taking his hand in mine, I shook it politely. I could tell he was American by his accent.
"Hi. I'm Lily. You visiting here?"
"Yeah, a couple of my friends and I have decided to visit all the continents."
"Cool. How many have you been to now?"
"Well, we've been to all of them now. This is the last one."
"Wow. When did you start this little trip of yours?"
"About two months ago," he said with a smile.
"Impressive."
"Yeah, so can I buy you a drink," he asked bluntly.
"Uh…"
"Come on, you would really make a guy look bad in front of his friends would you? They're all watching right now."
"OK," I said giving into his puppy dog face.
We talked for a few more minutes before he invited me to come over to the table he and his friends occupied. Before I could respond, I felt an arm sling over my shoulder. I didn't have to look to know who it was.
"Lily, where in the world have you been? I thought you'd gotten lost with the drinks," Sirius said, flashing a grin and a wink at Brandon.
"I've just been talking with Brandon. Brandon, this is Sirius," I introduced.
They nodded at each other. Then quite suddenly, Brandon bid us goodbye as my order came up. It was actually a good thing Sirius was there to help me carry the drinks back to the table.
"So, Lil, trying to pick up some guys?"
"No…"
"Then you must be trying to be a tease."
"No…Where are you getting these ideas?"
"Your clothes…"
I looked down at my clothes before questioning what he meant. Still, he remained oblivious to my questions. Just as we arrived at the table, I could see everyone greeting James and Isabel. Remus, Abby, and Taylor had been the only ones who had not previously met her. I could tell already that she was winning them over. And I hated to admit that they looked great together. This thought continued to run through my head as I politely greeted Isabel and acknowledged James.
I needed a drink, and I needed one fast. They were already all over each other¾they were what I called the "honeymoon faze". And I really didn't need that tonight. Passing around the drinks, I took two shots. Within seconds I could feel the buzz.
Wanting desperately to get away from James and Isabel, I beckoned Abby, Jenn, and Taylor out on the dance floor with me. We stayed out there dancing for a few songs before we went back to the table. I took a few more shots, while the others sipped on cosmos and sunrises. I could see Eric, Ben, and Kingsley at the bar trying to pick up some girls, while Sirius was out on the dance floor dancing provocatively with a couple girls. This made me laugh because it was just so Sirius. The three couples (James and Isabel, Frank and Alice, and Taylor and Remus) sat conversing.
Feeling slightly out of place, I went up to Sirius and flashed a smile at him. He knew how I was feeling without me even having to say a word. Excusing himself from the girls, he moved his way over to me. We danced for quite a while, not saying a thing.
Sirius eventually left me there dancing and suddenly I found myself constantly dancing with more and more random guys.
James' P.O.V.
Isabel headed off to the bathroom, just as Sirius made his way back to the table.
"Where'd Isabel go," Sirius asked as he threw himself down beside me.
"Bathroom."
"Oh. Man, Lily is a wild thing. I can't see how she's still going out there."
I didn't need Sirius telling me this. I could see it for myself. I swear, she was doing all this just to piss me off. I knew I had no right, seeing how I'm no longer with her, but lately everything she does drives me crazy. Ever since we broke up, she's changed into this completely different person. And she never used to dress like that¾she used to be a bit more conservative. I voiced some of my thoughts to Sirius, wondering if he thought Lily had changed.
"Well, I think she's still the same. She just doesn't have anyone to answer to. She's not in a relationship with anyone, but if she was, I'm sure she wouldn't be this way," Sirius said simply, after a few minutes of silence (of course it wasn't silent in the nightclub, I just mean in our conversation).
"But I feel she's just doing this to piss me off," I replied. I could see her coming back to the table after shaking off the guys she'd been dancing with.
I felt another presence plop down in the seat next to me. I turned my head and smiled. Isabel really was a great girl to be with. She was very pretty and had a great personality. The thing that I loved the most about her was that she got along with all my friends. I'm even sure that my family would love her.
"Sorry. The line for the bathroom was horrendous," she smiled sweetly.
"No problem. Just glad your back," I smiled back, gripping her hand.
I heard someone snort and looked around to see Lily standing at the table with a drink in hand. I tried to figure out what was so funny, but Isabel beat me to the punch.
"Oh, nothing. Sirius just said something really funny," she said, unconvincingly.
I narrowed my eyes at her. "I didn't hear him say anything."
Sirius shrugged his shoulders as if to say "what do you want me to say?" This caused Lily to crack up laughing once again. She was really getting on my nerves.
Back to Lily's P.O.V.
I couldn't help but snort when I heard those words come out of his mouth. He had never been this sappy with any of his other girlfriends, let alone me. I was a little startled when Isabel questioned what was so funny. So I said the first thing that came to mind. I had been looking in Sirius' direction, trying to make it seem like it hadn't been me that had laughed. So instead I came up with a totally inconvincible response.
"Oh, nothing. Sirius just said something really funny."
I saw James' eyes narrow and he said that he didn't hear Sirius say anything. Then his eyes shifted over to Sirius who shrugged in return. He had a slight smile on his face and I couldn't take it anymore. I burst out in laughter. I knew I was drunker than I felt I was. My action caused our whole group to look on with interest. Most were torn between laughing and staying quiet. They all could tell I was pissing James off more every second that passed.
I tried so hard not to look at Isabel's face because that seriously would have sent me over the edge. She was the only one out of the loop. I need some more to drink, so I grabbed another shot glass and downed it. By now I'd probably had eight shots and various other girly drinks.
I reached for another one, only to have my hand smacked away. I looked up at the offender only to realize James' face was right in mine. He was glaring at me and in response I glared back. I opened my mouth to say something nasty, but Sirius and Remus intervened. Sirius pulled me away, but I fought him as best as I could. It resulted in me tripping backward and James laughing maliciously. It was decided then that it was time to leave. Besides the pub would be closing soon anyway. Remus grabbed my things as Sirius led me out, gripping my elbow.
Our whole group was outside the nightclub, and I decided to start singing. I heard this one song a while ago and knew that it would piss James off even more.
"You're not worth it babe,
The trouble you bring,
The noise you keep,
and you don't even care,
Yeah,," I sang. I felt encouraged to continue upon seeing everyone's faces, while Sirius and Remus tried to quiet me. I didn't even look in James' direction.
I'm so sick of you,
Babe,
Life's wasted I'm through fakin',
You don't turn me on,
You don't do anything at all
"Baby, I can't stand the sight of your face,
Baby, I don't even wanna hear your name,
Don't know what I saw,
But I ain't seeing it now
Woke up this morning, bitterness in my mouth." A few of the guys began to chuckle.
Guess I fell too fast,
Guess I learned my lesson,
So much for true love,
I'll take the Chivas instead.
"Yeah,
I'll take the Chivas instead,
Oh yeah,
I must've been so, so, so, so, so, lonely,
You are crap," I sang simply. Sirius laughed at this point, but stopped immediately upon seeing James' face.
You're too high maintenance babe,
All the time you spend,
Tryin' to fit in,
and no one even cares,
Yeah,
It's so ridiculous, babe,
Watching you turn as I run
It's like I'm not even there,
Baby, don't you try to hold my hand,
Maybe, you should keep your eyes on your new girlfriend
Don't know what I saw,
But I ain't seeing it now,
Woke up this morning, bitterness in my mouth.
Guess I fell too fast,
Guess I learned my lesson
So much for true love,
I'll take the Chivas instead.,
Oh,
I'll take the Chivas instead,
Over your bed,
It wasn't even good,
Trust me
"Yeah
You should keep your eyes on your new little brat
Yeah," I concluded my song just as James left with Isabel, who still had confusion written all over her face.
It's hard not to look,
I know,
I'm amazing,
I love you, Chivas.
I pushed Sirius off me and began to stumble away. Suddenly I felt terrible. My eyes began to water and I felt like I couldn't breath. Why did it cause me so much pleasure in pissing James off? Was it because I wanted him to hurt as much as I was hurting? No, that couldn't be it. I wiped my eyes clear of any traces of tears before turning back to the group.
The whole group slowly broke apart. The rest that remained was Sirius, Ben, Eric and I. I noticed a girl was standing off to the side. I could see that she was waiting for Sirius, so I told him to go with her, that I'd be fine. He still seemed unsure. Just then, Ben told Sirius that he and Eric would take me home.
"It's fine, Sirius. I'm not your responsibility to take care of. I know my way home." This finally persuaded him.
"Alright. But if anything happens to her, I'll have your heads," he told Eric and Ben. They nodded back and I began to walk ahead of them.
"You better get along. She's leaving without you," he warned them.
They turned and rushed after me.
The walk home seemed to take longer than I thought it would. I couldn't wait to get home and crawl into my nice, warm, comfortable bed. And yet, I didn't want to go home and be alone. I guess I said some stuff that Ben and Eric found extremely funny. Eric startled me slightly when he said he liked me better this way, "the one who has a looser personality and isn't such a bitch" as he put it. In return, I said that I liked him better this way cause he didn't seem like James. So I guess we both like each other better when we're intoxicated. I mentioned that I'm not such a bitch, that I'm only like that because of James. After a few minutes, Eric held his hand out to me. Unsure of what to do with his hand, I just stared at it.
"Truce," he offered.
I debated a second before grabbing his offered hand, replying, "Truce."
We were a block away when my clumsiness got out of control. I stumbled once again, but this time I face planted into the sidewalk. Man, that is one way to almost sober up. Key word being almost. I felt two pairs of arms lift me up. My face felt like it was on fire.
"Are you alright, Lily," Ben asked, with concern in his eyes.
"Mmm…I don't feel so well…" and with that, the world around me faded to black.
A/N: Okay, well here is the next chapter. I had planned on getting this out before Sunday, but that didn't work out as planned. I had the worst weekend: I ended up getting a ticket for turning right on a red light without coming to a complete stop. Then the next day I woke up pretty sick. Anyways, that's how my weekend was. I was so pissed at that cop. Then not even a month ago I got a speeding ticket (going 75 in a 65), but when the cop pulled me over I was going 65. My luck just isn't the greatest with cops on motorcycles….
So, just to let you all know, I'm sorry if this chapter is crappy. I'll re-edit it later. I just wanted to get this out. And I actually plan to start working on the next chapter ASAP, because I have the next two weeks off. Tomorrow, I'll start with the outline, after I watch biggest loser (hehe).
And lastly, the song I used is a hidden track from Kelly Clarkson's My December CD. It's after her song, Irvine. Just wanted to let you all know, and of course give her credit.
Thanks for Reading!
--Jenn
PS. I was so happy to see that you guys are still reading my story. I made this chapter a little longer for you.