Title: Fools and Luxury Author: Meg
A/N: First of all, I just like to thank all of you who have read my story and to the ones that reviewed! None of you have failed to let me down! I'd also like to apologize for my grammar mistakes haha…it's kind of embarrassing when I go back and read them. So please just try to ignore them and I'll try my hardest not to continue doing this! A special thanks to Cosmopolitan, Princess of the Elements, BrazilianPrincess, Super Cara, Laxrules18, James-s2-Lily, Licordycamel, This-Recurring-Dream, Stargirlll and Bryanna! Hope you like it and please REVIEW!

Chapter 3

James's POV

It felt like hours had gone by, lying on the floor. I couldn't help but think of how cruel Lily Evans really was. "That's my girl" I muttered hoarsely under my breath.

The real problem was that it was getting late and I was still tightly bound behind my back. "Bloody…stupid…women" I mumbled as I attempted my umpteenth time to struggle free of the ropes. If only I had my wand! But it was stored in one of the pockets of my book bag which I had regrettably left in my room.

All I had managed to do was scoot myself closer to my door. In a desperate attempt I raised my legs above my stomach and kicked at the door viciously, praying someone would hear. I knew this was a very, very, very slim chance, but I was hoping one of the Marauders would be in the common room, having wondered in.

"SOME…ONE…HELP...ME..." I bellowed, "…HAVE TO…WOO…LILY!"

After about ten minutes of repeatedly beating away at the door I gave up. I lay back on the cold floor; the position was killing my arms. I swore under my breath but then instantly lightened up like a shock of energy ran through me. A smile tingled on my lips. On the Brightside, I had seen Lily Evans naked.

After reminiscing for a period of time, I became aware of faint footsteps climbing the dormitory stairs. I wildly flung my feet at the door. "GET ME OUT OF HERE!" The footsteps were becoming louder and drawing nearer. "HELP M-"

I was greeted by a rather tall figure with somewhat shaggy, brown hair.

"MOONY!" I hollered. I was so relieved. Maybe I would make Lily's date on time.

"Prongs?" He gave me a questionable look. "What…what the devil happened to you?"

"Lily Evans."

He nodded and bent down on his knees and I rolled over onto my stomach. He whipped out his wand from his front pocket and within seconds I was free. "Thanks mate, owe you one." I rubbed my wrists; they were aching from the strain of the day. "Do you have the time?"

Remus pulled back his sleeve and read his watch. "7:50, have you forgotten about your date?"

I gave him my "Are-you-mental?" look. "Do you really think I forgot a date with Evans?" He smiled and shrugged his shoulders in a tired fashion.

I examined my reflection in the mirror. Good-looking as usual. I pushed the dark hair out of my eyes and messed it up a bit. I did look a bit tired on the other hand; most likely from the little visit I had with the floor all day.

I turned to Moony. "Alright mate, wish me good luck." Butterflies were starting to form in my stomach.

He smiled weakly at me. "Best of luck." He seemed genuinely happy but I could sense something was up.

"You feeling alright?"

He seemed startled by this question. "Yeah, of course. Just hurry up or you'll be late!" He grabbed a hold of my arm and urged me out the door. This pushed me on and I sped out of my room, down the stairs, and out the portrait hole.

I ran down countless corridors and down many staircases. Only a few more floors to go. Sharp pains formed in my stomach but I still continued on.

Was I late?

What was she thinking?

Was she even there?

I wasn't even prepared. All of my thoughts and ideas were absolutely ruined from the backfire that was this morning.

I was running down the top of the marble staircase when I heard a distant, prompt voice. In the next moment my body became wholly paralyzed and rigid. My footing was lost and I tumbled down the marble staircase. A swooping feeling overcame my stomach with every roll, as if it was wondering what part of my body was going hit the hard marble next. I landed in a pile at the bottom. I was positioned so that I could only see the great oak doors in front of me. Even if I hadn't been hexed, I wouldn't have been able to move an inch. Every part of me ached like it had just been trampled on by an elephant. A warm liquid was pouring down my face and onto the floor. I had an odd sensation in my right leg and many of my fingers.

From above I heard laughter. Anger prickled through my system. Whoever had done this to me was briskly walking down the marble staircase, each step echoing throughout the hall. This wasn't the first time today that I had felt helpless. No one could get away with doing this to me.

Eventually the footsteps hit the stone flooring and made their way behind me. Fear and anger were overwhelming me.

"Well, Potter." The voice belonged to no other then Snape; Snivellus. "Looks like Black's not here to come to your rescue this time. He stepped over my limp body and squatted down so I could focus on his face, not that I fancied to take a look at his greasy features. "You and your mudblood taste disgust me." He smirked and drew to his full height. Just as I was expecting him to leave, he raised his right foot in the air and with all his force, stamped on my face.

"Crack."

I heard the sickening noise of my nose breaking. More blood poured over me and I was falling in and out of consciousness as I heard his footsteps and laughter leaving me. My eyes were watering and overflowing onto my cheeks and my body ached like it never had before and I was so enraged at that filthy slime but more at myself for being in such a position.

I was on the verge of unconsciousness when before me the grand oak doors quietly creaked open and a small figure slipped their way in. My body relaxed and I was immediately comforted when I heard Lily Evan's panicked voice running over to me. I gave in and passed out on the cold floor, knowing I would be in good hands.