Chapter 11: Shocked and Appalled
"Miss Evans! Mr. Potter!" Professor Flitwick squeaks, glasses tumbling down the bridge of his nose. "That is NOT the proper way to sit on the benches!"
"But we're still taking notes, Professor," James says innocently, holding up his parchment. "Two sets."
"Out! In the hall!"
"But the seat was cold!" I protest as I'm being ushered into the hall by Flitwick's spastic hands. "I couldn't concentrate."
"Your focus does not improve by 'warming' on Mr. Potter's lap!"
"Mine sure did," James says, pulling me in front of him to hide how 'warm' his lap truly is. "Ten fold. Worked like a charm, Professor."
Professor Flitwick's face turns a deeper shade of purple. "That is not funny in the least, Mr. Potter. Even if you are accustomed to detention does not mean you should lead Miss Evans down the same garden path. You--"
"Professor Flitwick!" I gasp. "I am shocked and appalled that you would even suggest that James and I were doing anything in class other than listen to a scintillating Charms lecture and taking copious notes. Our papers will prove that we, indeed, have two sets of notes. I cannot help if the bench is cold, thus reducing me to find heat from another source."
"Perhaps we should request Filch heat the castle better," James suggests. "I can't stand the thought of Lily being cold."
"Don't get smart with me, children!" Flitwick squawks.
"But we're head boy and girl, Professor," James says in the same wide-eyed innocent tone.
"Naturally we're smart," I add.
Flitwick is shaking at this point. "Out! Of my class! Detention! Till I see fit to lift it!"
"Yes, sir, sorry to upset you, sir," James says, arms snaking around my waist as Flitwick huffs back into the classroom. "I'm impressed, Evans," he murmurs into my hair. "We might have to vote you an honorary Marauder with a performance like that."
"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good," I recite, turning in James' arms to face him, fingers tangling in his already disheveled hair.
"Mr. Prongs commends you on your choice of boyfriends," he says, grinning broadly.
"Really?" I tease, rubbing a finger back and forth underneath his chin. "What else does Mr. Prongs have to say to me?"
"Mr. Prongs suggests returning to the dorms before classes let out."
"No doubt to 'talk'? I always take Mr. Prongs' advice."
James laughs, pulling me by the hand toward the Great Hall and dorms. "I have loads to discuss with you."
"Take your time. I don't like hurried conversations."