Previously on: Hidden
Soon enough, Lily and James were moving as one, lips locking to each other, hands grabbing desperately at whatever they could reach. Lily felt like her mind had exploded into pure bliss, and just as she was beginning to feel the entire rhythm of it, James pulled away.
Lily looked ashamed. She had put herself completely out there and had been kissing James. Kissing James. "Remember what happened the last time you loved someone?" her conscience said, nagging. She couldn't let him get close. And he had pulled away…
Chapter Nine: Hidden
The next Monday, Lily decided that she needed to get out of the house. She was in the middle of a thick novel by Schumoder that was as boring as it was long, so she felt that maybe a change in scenery would speed up the process. After putting on a tight black shirt, dark jeans and her white jacket, she apperated to a bathroom stall in the lobby of a skyscraper in downtown London, flushed the toilet, and walked out. The streets were covered in sloshy snow- the kind that looks like a dirt icee.
Two blocks down Lily found a Asian restaurant that was busy enough and cheap enough for her to not get noticed. She walked swiftly inside and sat at a booth near the window.
Subconsciencly, she wanted a distraction from her book.
"Anything to drink, miss?" said a tall, balding waiter- still furiously scribbling down the last table's orders.
"I'll just have water, thanks. And I'm ready to order- just a bowl of chicken Lo Mein."
"Alright," he mumbled, as he stumbled away, making his way towards the kitchen.
The night was clear and suprisingly warm for late December. You could see the steam rising from the street through the light of the cars. Sometimes Lily missed the muggle world- everything was so simple, yet they had such creative solutions for the absence of magic.
The snow was falling hard now, but behind the white sheets Lily could make out two familiar figures. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. Lily prayed to God that they would pass on by- she buried herself in her book but had a suspicion that her hair would give her away. There was a bell at the door- someone walked in. It was them. From the corner of her eye Lily saw them looking around for a place to sit. Sirius got a malicious smile on his face and started walking over to her booth. Shit.
"Lllian how nice to see you here. How's the home planet been? Sufficiently evil?"
Without asking, he sat down, with a reluctant and uncomfortable Lupin behind him.
"No, no." Lily said, her temper rising but her voice soft and firm. She wasn't taking this anymore.
"No what Ms. Priss?" Sirius said, looking at the menu.
She remembered last night how James had told her they thought she thought herself
superior to everyone else. "Despite what you may think, Black, I am not from another planet. I also do not think that I am better than anyone else. I am going through some really tough times at home, and the way I happen to deal with it is isolating myself. Besides, your jokes are getting lamer and lamer. Haha- Lily Evans is from another planet! No, seriously. Not funny. Can you please just stop. Can we just… just start over? I'm sick of all this trivial drama that just wastes time."
Silene. Sirius had not been expected that.
"That's a great idea Lily. My name is Remus Lucus Lupin. I am from a small town in north England. I enjoy books, long walks on the beach, bubble baths, Star Wars, and Arithmancy. I am the only mind with a conscience in our group, and often tell Sirius and James off for their ridiculous and sometimes dangerous plans, though they seldom listen to me."
"Yah Moony, but you make us feel bad." Sirius said, eyeing Lily.
"Moony?" Lily said, her head cocked to one side.
"Yes. We call him moony because he has an obsession with the art of mooning. In fact, he has shown his ass in over three continents and twelve countries. Isn't that right?"
"Don't tell her! That's our secret!"
"She'll have to be killed."
Lily laughed.
"And I am Sirius Black. I am from a rich dark pureblood family in London that I absolutely hate. Actually, I think it's mutual. I love pranking, food, cake, Coca-Cola, fried chicken, rice pudding and most of all, pasta. I am the handsome one in the group and would like to be an Auror when I graduate. Kick some sorry Voldie ass.."
He said this all very fast.
"I hate rice pudding." Lily said, shaking her head.
"Another reason for you to be killed."
"I was also thinking about being an auror when I graduate. You know, be useful, somehow. Oh, I guess it's my turn, then. My name is Lillian Mae Evans, and--"
"Lily Mae! Lily Mae!" Remus started. Lily glared. He stopped.
"I love thunderstorms and coffee and people watching. I'm muggleborn."
They talked about people watching, and Remus and Sirius ordered food. There was a silence after the waiter taking their orders left, and then Sirius suddenly spoke.
"You're not a bitch. I'm sorry. I just thought-"
"No, I'm sure I come off as one. The sticking gummy bears were a bit unnecessary." Lily said, staring straight at Sirius.
"Pranking is how the exercise their curiosity." Remus said, looking down at the ice floating in his water.
Her Lo Mien arrived, and she dug in. It had been quite a while since she had had Oriental food; there certainly wasn't any at Hogwarts. Shortly after, Sirius' sesame chicken and Remus' sweet and sour chicken arrived.
Lily, Remus and Sirius sat talking until all three were done eating. Lily had never expected it, but they really were funny and charming. It felt good to really be talking to people again- laughing and chatting. A month ago, she would have never opened up to the Marauders- but now she felt herself letting go.
As they finished their meal, Lily pulled out her wallet.
"No I got it" Sirius said, pulling out money.
"Let me pay for my meal," Lily muttered. She hated all things money.
"Lily Mae- I insist. I hate my parents, and I make it a point to spend as much of their money as I can. Help me please?"
"I guess.." she said, lowering her wallet.
"Listen, Lily- Those same lovely parents are having a ball next week- all big wizards and boring conversation, but it would be wonderful if you could come. It will be the only time you will ever see us all in dress robes."
"Er- maybe. I'll have to see," she said, taken aback.
Sirius and Remus were standing up now- layering up in gloves, scarves and coats.
"Well, it's Thursday night at 8:00. It's at the Franklen Ballroom in downtown London. " he said, throwing the remaining two feet of his scarf over his shoulder.
"Happy reading!" Remus called as they headed towards the door.
A ball? With the marauders? Friends with the marauders?
A/U: Well, you can't blame me. Every good LJ fic has to have a ball in it somewhere…. I really don't like this chapter, but this forgiveness and new friendship had to happen. Review!