Title: A Time For Change
Author Name: DarkForest214
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: "Transforming Thoughts"
Summery: Sequel to "Transforming Thoughts." Follow Lily and James in their new relationship while keeping an eye on their mischievous friends Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or Hogwarts School. I did not write this to try and make money. I am not stealing from JKR and the publishing companies and whatnot… I own nothing!
Author's Note:Okay, here are my excuses. Prom, Dreamscape, Last day of High School ever, and Graduation (last night yay!) In the meantime, my computer's modem crapped out on us and we had to get another one 'cause our connection speed was 14.4 Kbps (if that makes sense to anyone...) So the computer is fixed (for now) I'm single (that's what I get for dating another loser) and life goes on...Leaving me with the one thing I'm sure will always stick around. Books, Fanfiction and my amazing reviewers (please forgive me for the long pause between updates)
Chapter Twenty-Three
"You're freakishly happy, Riley…what did you discover while studying this time?" teased Jessica.
"Nothing," Riley said with a giggle.
"C'mon Ry, you're such a bad liar. What happened? New book by your favorite author?" her friend persisted.
"No…Actually, yes. But that's not why I'm happy," said Riley.
"Happy? Girl, you are downright giddy!"
"I know!" she replied with a huge grin.
"Just tell me. I know you're dying to…" Jess taunted.
"You're right, I can hardly contain myself."
"Then why—?"
"Because I know it'll drive you nuts…"
"Yeah, well it's working," said Jess, rolling her eyes.
"Shush, class is starting," Riley said.
"Tell me," she mouthed.
"I'll give you a hint," Riley whispered. "It's about a boy…" she said slyly.
"What?!" Jessica said aloud.
"Is there something you'd like to share with the rest of the class, Miss Parker?" Professor Sinistra asked sharply.
"Sorry, Professor…" Jessica mumbled. "I just realized I brought the wrong book to class."
"Share with Miss Wolfe if you have to, just keep it down next time," said Sinistra.
"Yes, ma'am," said Jessica. Professor Sinistra was young, a fresh and untried teacher who's habits still made her students wary of her. Riley predicted that in several years she would eventually calm down and mellow out…then again, one can never tell…
Cautious not to draw attention to themselves, Riley and Jessica spent the rest of the class in silence. As they gathered their star charts at the end of class Jessica brought up the topic at hand.
"So it's about a boy, is it?" she asked. Riley smiled and nodded, but didn't say anything. "Fine, you don't have to tell me who…I just want to know what happened."
"Well…I went to visit him—"
"Visit who, where?" Jessica interrupted.
"And we talked for a bit," Riley continued, ignoring her friend. "And when I went to leave he held on and wouldn't let go."
"Pervert!" Jessica squealed, her voice full of disgust.
"No! It was cute, he just wrapped his arms around me and held me close…I didn't want to leave his side…" she said, her eyes had a dreamy glow as she remembered what it was like to be in Remus Lupin's arms. To be held close, to feel safe and warm in his arms.
"Ry? Earth to Riley…"
Riley blinked and shook her head. "Sorry," she mumbled automatically.
"So…who is it?" Jessica prodded. "Did you kiss him? Is he cute? Why won't you tell me who it is?"
"Because I don't want you to be mad at me," Riley replied sheepishly
"Ry, why would I be mad?" she asked, looking her friend in the eyes. Riley looked away and lowered her eyes. Jokingly, Jessica said, "The only way I'd be mad is if you went off and snogged Sirius Black!"
Riley reddened and lowered her eyes, digging her toe in the ground. She might as well have, Remus is his best friend…
"You didn't?!" Jessica said, looking appalled. "You know what kind of guy he is."
"No, no…not Sirius! I wouldn't touch him with a ten meter pole!" Riley said quickly in her defense.
"Then who—?"
"Remus! Remus Lupin!" she said quickly and quietly.
"Was it that bad of a kiss that you're ashamed to tell me?" They stopped walking and Riley leaned up against the wall.
"No, I just gave him a kiss on the cheek…" she said, leaving out the minor detail that he had kissed her as well. "I was worried about what you'd think."
"What?" Jessica looked at her friend carefully. "Riley…why would it matter what I think?"
"Because you're my best friend," she said quietly.
"And you're mine. I have nothing against Remus Lupin, and I'm not going to be mad at you for something that makes you happy," said Jessica, wrapping her arms around her friend in a hug.
"Even though he's friends with Sirius Black?" Riley said, muffled by her friends shoulder.
"Yes, even though he's friends with Sirius Black," Jessica confirmed with a nod. Riley smiled, she looked utterly relieved. "So, you two dating yet?" Jessica asked as they continued on down the hall.
"I…I don't know," Riley admitted. "I mean, it's not like there are any other guys in my life."
"Besides your brother…"
"He doesn't count," said Riley, shrugging it off. Jessica laughed and the two girls went on to their common room to try and tackle some homework before dinner.
A/N: Forgive me? (Sorry it's a short one...arg I gotta keep writing...or at least write more often)