A/N: Okay, so this is chapter two. I'm actually really pleased with it. I knew I said I'd wait for four or five reviews to update, but I had a change of heart. I think it is really progressing, Hope you enjoy it, and please review!! - Chrissa
PS- DON'T FORGET TO READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE BOTTOM!!
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Gravity
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I should've known he'd catch up to me.
"So," he said as we exited the Great Hall and started up the stairs. He didn't have to walk fast at all to match my hurried yet pitiful pace, and he watched my feet with a sort of bemused expression. "Any ideas yet?" I shook my head.
"Anything funny happen at dinner?" I barely sat down to eat at all, ironically because of him, so I shook my head again.
"Any words to speak at all?" I gave him a look that shut his mouth. But doing this gave him time to smirk, and also gave Gravity it's cue to mess with my vital organs again. I hate that smirk.
When we arrived at the Heads' dorm, I spent a lot of time clearing off the table in front of the fire. The mess wasn't my fault; Potter had invited his band of miscreants over for a "study session," something they did not need. I knew perfectly well that Remus was the only one who studied, and Sirius only got his good marks because of his impeccable (and occasionally incriminating) memory. I'm honestly not quite sure how Peter gets along, but he's pretty average in everything except Charms.
"Sorry about the mess," Potter said absentmindedly, vaulting over the backside of a sofa. He made himself comfortable and used a Vanishing Spell to remove the trash from my grasp. I sighed and brushed off my hands, sitting down on a chair across the room.
"I've been thinking," he started.
"That's new," I said lamely, the words tumbling out before I could catch them.
He frowned, but continued. "I've been thinking about some possible themes." He pulled some parchment out of his robes' pocket. "Remus and Sirius gave me a few ideas, too." I raised an eyebrow to show sarcastic curiosity. It's funny how irritable I get when I'm alone with him. Not funny for him, obviously, but later on when I'm alone I'll replay the sad expressions he made in my head and cackle evilly.
I hope you don't think I'm rude or anything, because I'm not. He just irritates me. Should I use the vegetables and chocolate theory again?
"...and there are a few more from Sirius on here, but I don't think toga parties or hoe downs are appropriate for such an occasion."
"Togas?" I asked, focusing on his face for a moment. Tug. "Damn it," I muttered, looking away.
"Yeah, those white towely things they wore in ancient Greece? Don't most Muggles know that?"
I shook my head dismissively. "Yes, we do, I just wasn't paying attention..." I trailed off, hoping he'd assume something on his own.
"Oh, I see." I think it worked. "We could attempt this in the morning if you'd prefer?"
"No, we'll do it now. Run those ideas by me again?"
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The next morning, I'd had my full of James Potter and his little friend Gravity. I felt like I'd been threw a tug-of-war with the guy, and I hadn't been within six feet of him the entire night.
We decided we'd have the seventh years vote on their favorite theme out of three choices: the summery and casual Tropical Oasis ("That's cool. Summer will be here sooner than we think," Potter grinned), the semi-formal From This Moment On ("Good for the sentimental people, I suppose," I muttered when asked my opinion), and the ever popular, Masquerade Ball ("I must insist on that one. It's the only chance I'll be able to wear something stupid without trashing my reputation," Potter had said with that bloody smirk). After making the ballots, and having a house elf deliver them to each of the four Common Rooms, we turned in for the night. Not that bad, right? We barely talked at all.
Well, I barely talked at all.
Anyway, since it was Saturday morning (and regrettably, it was raining), I decided to retreat to the kitchens. Yes, the kitchens. Saturday mornings are pretty much nonexistent for me, because I sleep as late as humanly possible. I miss breakfast on those days, so I usually spend an hour or two in the kitchens, nursing a cup of coffee and the occasional muffin while I read the Daily Prophet or catch up on homework.
"Miss Lily is upset, Tally thinks." I looked up from the essay I was working on to see my favorite house elf.
"What makes you think that?" I asked, smiling slightly at the sight of her. She had the usual large eyes and ears, and a towel with the Hogwarts crest wrapped around her, but she had a certain look on her face, a ghost of a smile perhaps, that was positively contagious.
Her greenish blue eyes warmed. "Miss Lily has a wrinkle," she said, pointing to the spot on my forehead just between my eyes. I must've had my forehead creased in thought; Natalie says I do it when I'm frustrated.
"I suppose I have a lot on my mind," I responded, rubbing at the spot unconsciously.
"Will Miss Lily share with Tally? Tally has time." She sat down across from me and clasped her hands expectantly. I felt wind near my knees; she was swinging her feet.
I thought a moment. "Promise not to tell?" She nodded. "All right."
So I told her about Potter irritating me (although I didn't mention his partner-in-crime, Gravity), and how I had to help plan the graduation dance for the seventh years, and how working with Potter made the job less enjoyable than it should be. I told her about my older sister, Petunia, and how she won't answer my letters anymore because I used a bit of magic in front of her during the winter holiday. Then I mentioned how I couldn't believe my time at Hogwarts would be over in a little less than two months. She was a good audience, asking questions here and there and making the proper expressions at all the right times. By the time I was done blabbering, she had refilled my coffee mug twice.
"Tally thinks Miss Lily thinks too much," she said as I noticed the time and began packing up my things.
"Maybe," I said with a laugh. "Any idea how to stop that?"
She took my mug and stood up. "Tally would work to forget her thinkings, Miss Lily. Tally would work."
I considered that as the other elves began bustling about to start lunch. "Well, it was nice talking to you, Tally."
"Tally's pleasure, Miss."
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Hmm. Work to forget. That sounds like an idea.
"Hey Nat?" I asked as I approached her in the library. She nodded in recognition but did not remove her nose from her book. "Would you be willing to help me with the dance?" That got her attention.
"I thought we weren't talking about that," she said suspiciously. I sat down across from her.
"Well," I said reasonably, "if I'm going to make it through this, I'm going to need help. That's where you come in." I glanced at her parchment. "Hey, that's not homework..." I went to reach for the paper, but she pushed my hand away.
"It isn't your business either," she said quietly. I blinked, but put my hands in my lap. After writing a bit more on the offending paper, she stowed it away inside a library book. "Now, what did you want help with? You need a personal secretary or something?"
I picked up on the joke and forced a laugh. "No. But I need a messaging service."
It was her turn to blink. "A messaging service."
"Yes."
"So I'm your messaging service."
I shook my head. "No, I want you to help me make one."
"Make one?"
I dove into my explanation, about needing a way to talk to Potter without actually seeing Potter. I also told her I'm going to really concentrate on this dance to avoid "thinking too much," as Tally put it. By the time I was done she had out a fresh roll of parchment and was scribbling a small diagram. "What's that?" I asked.
"A messaging service."
"So you'll do it?"
She chuckled sarcastically. "No, Lily dear, I'm just doodling for my health." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I'll do it," she said after a moment.
"Thanks Nat," I said, gesturing towards the paper again.
"Your welcome. Maybe I'll have something going by dinner. Right now I have to work on Slughorn's assignment, but I'll get on it later."
"Thanks."
She nodded, picking up the library book she had put the parchment in and bringing it back to a shelf. "You left your stuff in there," I reminded, trying to be helpful.
"I know," she said, quietly as before. I quirked a brow but said nothing more.
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"Hey," said Potter as he hopped over the sofa again beside me. I was back in our Common Room. "What are you working on?" He leaned over my work.
Tug. Direct question, verbal reply. "Charms essay."
"Mind if I join you?" I ignored the bitter yank that was caused by his hopeful smile and shrugged. "Thanks." We sat in silence for awhile until we heard a loud pop! It was Tally.
"Miss Lily! Miss Lily! Tally has your votes!" She ran towards me, her eyes full of energy, and plopped nearly 400 pieces of purple parchment onto my lap. "The votes for your party!"
"Spectacular," Potter said with a grin (tug), grabbing a handful of the ballots. "These two are for Masquerade... Four for Tropical... Three for This Moment. So far Tropical is in the lead!" He set up three piles on the table. "Start counting!"
I didn't move. He had unknowingly touched my knee. This had caused gravity to nearly give me a heart attack. My heart was aching terribly, and I had the strangest urge to just lean a little closer to his face...
"Lily? Are you feeling well?" It was Potter. I blinked.
"Huh?"
"You look like you're about to pass out. Are you all right?" He Summoned a hand mirror from his room and held it up to my face. I was paler than faded parchment. His own face was unreadable.
Tug.
Bloody hell.
"I'm going to lie down," I told him. I started for my room but he called after me.
"I'll count these with you tomorrow then, all right?"
I nodded and rushed into the confines of my room, shutting the door and locking it before falling against the cool blankets of my bed.
I'm going to need that messaging service quicker than I thought.
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A/N: Now I need help!! Vote on which theme you'd like to see at the dance! Leave a review with which theme you'd like. There's Tropical Oasis (casual), From This Moment On (semi-formal), and Masquerade Ball (formal). Please vote!!!