Chapter Eleven - The Captivity of Collisions

Lily's blood chilled. She couldn't move her eyes away from Kristen and Selene. Nobody's mouth seemed to be working anymore. Their brains were frozen, thoughts stalled and everything forgotten. Consequently, it turned into an open-mouthed staring fest, where nobody was winning.

Kristen was the first to move, swinging her head towards Selene. She let out a half-choked laugh. "I think I'm dreaming."

Without breaking her gaze with Lily, Selene replied, "You're not."

The boys were taking a bit longer in their stupor. They had not overheard any conversations in the library, and the last they checked, James Potter was on horrible terms with the Ausculto Head Girl. The scene in front of them suggested completely otherwise.

"Are you kidding me? Has this been staged?" Sirius roared, not noticing his loud tone. He sounded slightly nervous. "Well that's hilarious! Haha! You've fooled me. Can we return to reality now?"

James cleared his throat and then swallowed again. "This is reality, Sirius." Lily glanced over at him carefully, her eyes tired and strained, and then she cast them to the floor, feeling her stomach follow that motion.

"It bloody well is not! What are you doing!" Sirius was enraged, his face becoming redder by the second. "What happened to my friend?"

"I'm the same person that-"

"Don't play that fucking game with me, Potter! You aren't the same person at all. I don't even know you anymore, clearly." He cast a neglecting hand towards Lily, as if her presence enforced his point.

James stepped closer to Sirius, in front of Lily. "Do not blame her for this." His hair was becoming messier with every movement.

"I think I'll just blame both of you, thanks."

Lily frowned, stepping out from behind James. "Blame us for what, exactly? Having some semblance of sense? We should be the people pointing fingers. You can't even see past some petty argument, just because it's been going on for several years! Don't you ever think for yourselves!"

Sirius grated out, "What I'm thinking is not something I should mention in the company of…oh hell, you're Auscultos anyway, so you don't count."

Selene scowled. "Count as what? That's probably the worst insult I've heard from you yet. Lily's right, you can't think for yourself."

At this, Lily's head rose and a slight feeling of hope ran through her. When she met Selene's eyes, the feeling fell away and a gap remained in its place. Selene was examining Lily with an indescribable expression upon her face; a mixture of anger, scorn, and anguish, among other things. "I am not saying that this-" She gestured around them, "-is right. Don't for one second think that I forgive you, or that I even care to consider that option. You have lied to us, betrayed us, and neglected us- for what? For him?"

Lily shook her head, feeling heavier by the moment. "Not for James. For everyone."

Kristen and Selene were looking at her like she had gone mad. Kristen glowered. "For everyone?"

Lily sighed. "Do you think that we can ever defeat an enemy such as Voldemort when we've already made enemies of each other?"

Remus, who up until then had been as silent as Peter, cut in. "That really isn't the point right now."

"Was I speaking to you?" Lily snapped, feeling her patience run out. "It is the point. None of you are seeing that."

None of them appeared to hear her it, either. Sirius, who was looking a bit less stone-like, turned to James. "I don't know what bothers me more, Prongs, the fact that you're dating an Ausculto, or the fact that you lied about it."

James shook his head. "I'm not sure if dating is the right word for-"

Sirius growled, "Then what is? Making out? Canoodling? Fu-"

"That's enough!" Lily yelled, cutting him off. Her hair had slipped out of its tie completely, strands sticking up and falling in front of her eyes.

"Shut up, Ausculto!"

James interrupted, "Don't yell at her like that, Sirius. She's done nothing wrong."

If anything, Sirius's voice only raised. "NOTHING WRONG! Nothing wrong, my ass. That's exactly what an Ausculto would say!"

Everyone in the room made a noise of surprise, except Peter. It took the boy a moment to realize that the insult had been directed at James; Sirius calling him an Ausculto showed exactly how angry he was. Peter shivered, feeling as if he should like very much to leave right then.

James's jaw had tightened, but Lily was quicker this time, her face completely furious. "What the hell is that supposed to mean! What have you got against Auscultos?"

It was a stupid question, really. She knew that. Her thoughts had not prepared a more intelligent comment just yet, and while she was thinking, a loud crack! penetrated the strained air. She had seen it unfold, so quickly that she was thankful for not blinking. Selene had stepped right up and sent a blow to Sirius's jaw.

Stumbling backwards slightly, Sirius clutched at his jaw as he cast a venomous glance towards Selene. By his appearance, he was ready to kill something. Selene flipped her long black hair over her shoulder and stared him down. Only one thing was holding him back; he had never struck a girl before. Deciding to take another course, he hastily peeled his wand from his robes and threw the first curse that came to mind towards her.

She did not have time to counter it or even to reach for her own wand before it struck her in the neck. Selene's hand flung up to her throat, which seemed to be sprouting boils. Her face contorted in pain, but that did not deter her from clutching her own wand and throwing a hex back towards a satisfied Sirius. He dropped his wand and grabbed onto his leg, moaning.

Seeing this, Remus grabbed his own wand and was casting a curse towards Selene when Kristen scooted in front of her. Both she and Remus's spells left their wands at the same moment, hitting one another in what was a painful blast. Peter was at the point of being too frightened; he scuffled out the door in a great hurry.

James and Lily stood off to the side, horrified at this new turn of events. They edged away from their friends, two of whom were still attempting to shoot curses at one another. Lily was trying to decide the best course of action. Confusion and fury lay in a heavy cloud around them.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Dumbledore happened to be passing by at that moment, on his way to a staff meeting. He had witnessed a figure, who he recognized as young Pettigrew, scurrying away in terror. His face hardened and he listened intently. Of course, he caught wind of some of the commotion and general shouting that was being issued from the Head common room, and his face took a graver turn. He thought it would be a nasty thing if his Heads manage to strange one another; and here he had thought they were finally working together nicely. With a sigh, he entered the room and met a sight that even he had not anticipated. His light eyes perused the scene before him in silent disapproval, though the left corner of his mouth was twitching strangely.

"Silence!" It was not entirely loud, but a direct command from the headmaster.

Everyone in the room turned and noticed his presence for the first time. Lily stepped forward nervously. "Professor Dumbledore, I can explain-"

The aging man held up a hand, which silenced her abruptly. Everyone except Lily and James were hexed so completely that they could no longer speak properly. Nonetheless, Sirius made a noise of anger towards Selene.

Dumbledore sent him a stern look.

"Professor! I-" James interrupted this time. Again, a hand silenced him.

He spoke quietly, but clearly. "I don't believe I need an explanation at this moment. I am not entirely sure that you could provide one, either. There are more pressing matters." He directed his gaze at the four temporarily crippled teenagers. "Detention, I think, for all of you. Sirius and Selene, you may serve it together, as will Remus and Kristen. I am not the Head of your House; you will see Professor McGonagall about your specific assignments. At the present, however, I believe you four will be needing some assistance. To the Hospital Wing, all of you."

They didn't need to be told twice. Dumbledore watched closely as they hobbled out, shoving each other and still mumbling nasty comments. Then he turned back to Lily and James, who looked torn and embarrassed.

The Headmaster smiled slightly. "I will not be giving you any direct punishment. But I see that patiently asking you to work together has not come to any great outcome."

The two students hung their heads. "We didn't mean for-"

"I know. It does not matter. But I will make it a rule now that you must work together from this point on, at least every other day. No matter what may happen between you and your friends."

Lily and James nodded, glancing slightly at one another. "Yes, Professor," James replied.

The headmaster nodded, glancing between them. He sighed. "Things are not always easy, and I know that I don't make them any easier on you. But there are some issues which need attention, and I hope that you see the necessity in this."

Before either of them could respond, he was leaving them to their own devices. An awkward silence followed the click of the door.

James turned towards her. "I'm sorry," he said.

"God James, for what?"

"For everything- for even bringing this up- for starting the whole thing."

"You didn't start this. Whatever we may have started was mutual, I thought. I'm not stupid, James. I have some sense. It would have pointed me to the same conclusion…to working together."

"Well, clearly you aren't stupid," he gestured towards their surroundings. "I just think- I don't know. I don't know what I've been thinking." He paused. "I'm sorry I kissed you just then."

Lily groaned. "What did you think I wanted? Merlin."

James met her eyes, his weary and sadder than she had ever seen them before. "Well…what now?"

Lily watched him, wanting to hug him and even to kiss him again, but somehow that all seemed inappropriate now. She remained where she was, her eyes saying things her heart wanted to, but her mouth could not. Finally, she found words, though they weren't words she cared for. "I need…to think. I can't stay here right now." She frowned heavily, meeting his eyes one last time before disappearing through the door, not entirely sure what her plans were or why she was leaving him in the middle of a conversation.

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Lily spent the night in her room, alone and staring at the walls for lack of anything better to do. Her mind wandered incessantly, and she had trouble distinguishing between dreams and reality, so often did she slip in and out of sleep. She hadn't come to any real resolution, or made any sense out of the situation. Her friends were so angry with her. They had never been this angry with her before. For the past several years, they had been everything keeping her steady when she needed it.

She was still alone in her room the next morning; Kristen and Selene had not returned from the Hospital Wing, probably because of too many compiled curses which could not all be cured at once. Either that or they were completely avoiding her. Lily didn't think so, however. They didn't have an alternate bed, like she did, should she ever decide to use it.

She had been thinking, perhaps a little too much, about what had happened, and her friends' expressions, and what she should do about it…she kept coming to the same conclusion, and she kept pushing it away. There would have to be a better way of gaining their trust again….but she was no longer sure that anything would help. She was becoming more frustrated with each passing moment.

Lily suddenly heard a sound, and glanced over towards the door, which was opening slowly. Lily squinted at the figure scooting into the room. "James," she greeted.

"Lily."

Lily's eyes widened suddenly. "James!" She jumped off her bed to face him. "How did you get up here?"

James simply smiled at her and shrugged.

Lily shook her head. "You shouldn't be in here."

"Why?" He stepped closer to her.

Lily sucked in a breath. "Because…" He was watching her intently; almost too intently. "Because Selene and Kristen may be coming back any second- because…. you're a Cavillor."

"And what are they going to do to me?"

"I-" Lily faltered. She sat back down on her bed, examining her hands. "They're already terribly angry right now. Finding you in here with me is not going to help the situation."

"Can we help it anyway?"

This was what Lily had been wondering for the past several hours. The question beat her over the head and squeezed until one somewhat possible solution came out. "I think…we shouldn't see each other anymore."

James's forehead creased. He looked confused as he sat down next to her, on her bed. "What? But Dumbledore said we have to work together."

Lily felt her resolve weakening as he inclined his head and looked at her clearly, sitting less than a foot away. "Work together, maybe. But I don't think we should see each other. Our friends are going to have a hard enough time dealing with this news without us…being together and all that."

Realization hit James like cold water. "Oh." His eyes slipped off her face. "Ever?"

"Well… I just don't think I can handle it right now, James. You understand that, right?"

"Yes, I might…I mean, I can. You're probably right, I guess…But ever? Is this final?"

Lily met his eyes. "Well I didn't think that you would want…You're not exactly on the list of least desirable men right now. I can't ask you to…"

James shook his head. "I'll wait for you."

"You don't need to…"

"If I can't change your mind, I will wait for you."

"Oh, James…" Lily felt some of the weight fall from her shoulders; so she wouldn't have to deal with seeing James around with other girls, holding hands and…and kissing. There was still something weighing on her heart though; she couldn't be that girl. Not now. But later? Was there even that possibility? Perhaps it could…maybe one day everything would be different.

"Is that an 'I'll wait for you too'?" James nudged her hand with his, and she ran her fingers over his palm.

"I don't think I could say no even if I wanted to."

James grinned. Then he paused. "Well then…what do we do now?"

"We focus on getting the groups together. We hope that our friends come around."

James heaved a heavy sigh. "I think Sirius would rather murder me right now."

Lily looked sidelong at him. "I doubt that. He was angry, though."

"They all were."

Lily nodded to herself, her mind awash with memories, only half of which had anything to do with the confrontation the day before. Could she really be with James and not want to be with him? But then, that really wasn't fair, was it? She should also be asking whether her friends could really forgive her. It seemed that both would take more willpower than she (or they) were used to giving. Perhaps if she attempted the first question, they might consider the second. It was all she could think of to do.

"James, I- I'm sorry."

He frowned. "So am I."

They stared at one another for a long moment, their eyes seeming to weigh one another's thoughts. James's eyes dropped to her lips, he frowned, and then glanced away. "I should probably be going, you're right. No need to make this worse than it already is…"

Lily nodded, and was surprised to find him leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek. Only, it didn't happen the way either had planned. One, or both, of them adjusted their head so that James didn't reach Lily's cheek, but her lips instead. She opened her mouth and tilted her head farther to one side. Damn! This isn't the way it's supposed to go! For some reason, that only made her want to kiss him more. There was something exhilarating in the fact that she was in an empty room with someone she shouldn't even be talking to. It was so against the rules. She'd never done something this against the rules before, not so close to where the rules mattered.

She unknowingly gave a sound of contentment. He pressed harder against her, bringing her closer by wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. Someone could find you here, and then what would you do? Her hands found their way to the sides of his face, and she pulled him down farther. I'm talking to myself again…ohh, this is nice…no! No, it's not! She attempted to shut her mind off, enjoying the sensation, and decided to give as much as she was getting. It must have surprised him a little, because he tightened his grip on her waist.

And then, the door was thrown open. Lily and James continued to blissfully kiss. Someone shut the door again. Selene and Kristen stood watching them. Disgusted, Selene said,

"Oh, give it a break or something."

Kristen was staggered as Lily and James broke apart, both looking at the floor. "Damn, Lily. I would've never thought you to snog like that."

Lily's jade eyes shot up, focusing on her friend. She burst out, "I can't believe you just said that!"

Selene rolled her eyes, walking over to her bed. "Yeah, well, I can't believe a lot of things."

After a moment of staring, Kristen followed and sat down on her own bed. She scowled at Lily, seeming to have regained her senses. "You're lucky it was us again."

"Hell, she's lucky we aren't telling any of the other Auscultos, like we should!" Selene flung her arms up in the air, her face contorted with anger. "And the only reason we haven't," she looked like she preferred to talk to the air, rather than Lily, "is because we don't care to see anyone decapitated just yet."

Lily tried to ignore her friends for the time being; perhaps if she let them cool off, they might forgive her. But for some reason the prospect looked very unlikely.

Glancing at James and taking a step back from him for safety purposes, she said, "I guess that proves our earlier…discussion. You…understand me, then?"

Although neither was sure exactly what that meant in its entirety, he replied, "Yes." He then headed towards the door.

Lily glanced at her friends, who were ignoring her, and tugged on a strand of auburn hair. She followed him out the door, wanting to make sure he didn't encounter any Auscultos on his way down the stairs. How had he made it up the stairs unnoticed? She closed the door and leaned against it, watching James disappear from sight. She groaned. How was she supposed to work with him all the time without…without...oh, bugger it.

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Selene wore a scowl on her face, thinking of everything that was completely wrong with the situation she had been put in. Would a good shake put some sense into Lily? Why was she doing thi? Her friend was always the smart and dependable one…why was she ruining everything like this? Lily wasn't thinking! Selene only wished she could do something about it before she might lose Lily completely as a friend. Just the thought of her becoming a Cavillor and leaving the Auscultos behind made her shudder. She didn't think Lily would go that far, but then again, she would never have thought this would happen either.

And now…now she had detention with that filthy Cavillor. Oh, he was a dumbass and as big of one as she had ever known. She wasn't altogether sure how she was going to spend the evening cleaning the trophy room with him when all she really wanted to do was strangle him or punch him or something that would hurt very, very badly. Clenching a fist, she turned the corner, remembering McGonagall's instructions.

"The Headmaster sent me, Professor McGonagall."

The stern woman looked at Selene from over the rims of her glasses, making the Auscultos wish she had brought some kind of protective wall, to save her from actually having to look at McGonagall. She might very well be the only person who occasionally freaked her out.

After what seemed like an eternity, McGonagall pressed her lips together and replied in a cold and direct manner, "About your detention." She set her quill down and folded her hands together. "Yes, you shall report to the Trophy Room at six o'clock sharp this evening. Sirius Black will be meeting you there." Watching as Selene made a repulsed face, she added, "And if either of the two of you so much as injuries the other, you'll be given additional detentions…together, until you can work with one another fitfully."

"Joy." Selene droned, clearly sarcastic.

McGonagall surveyed her, again pressing her lips together in disapproval. "I'm glad to see that you're so enthused."

Selene grimaced at the memory. Oh, how badly she wished she could get out of this. Anger pulsed through her body and she couldn't take it out on anybody. Not unless she wanted to spend extra time with that bloody Cavillor. Not a chance in hell, she thought, sweeping into the Trophy Room at last.

To her utmost dismay, Sirius Black was already there, bent over a pile of rags. Selene watched him for a moment. He looked so, well, normal when he wasn't yelling or cursing her. It was almost nice…but no, he was an enemy. It had always been that way for her and she wasn't about to question the ethics of it now. Not that she wanted to.

Approaching him, she bumped roughly into his back, causing him to topple forwards into the rag pile. "Oh, oops." She said dully, meeting his eye.

Sirius blinked, regained his composure quickly, and scrambled to his feet. "You! Watch where you're going!"

"Yeah, I'll have to try that sometime…but keep in mind, I'm only courteous with actual humans."

His forehead furrowed and she rolled her eyes. He's such a bloody idiot. Can't even figure out what I'm talking about. Selene stretched out a hand and picked out a rag, then turned back to him. "Well? Get to work! The sooner we finish, the sooner I can never see you again." She began to polish the closest trophy; a gold one with silver inscriptions.

"Don't be so sure of that." He replied darkly, smirking to himself.

Her hand paused and she looked back at him. "Right black, I'm quivering. What, going to try pranking me?"

Sirius crossed his arms, his rag hanging down from one hand. "And what if I do?"

Her eyes narrowed; she should have liked nothing better than to reach over and punch him until he keeled over. But she didn't. "Then I'll find a way to make you wish you were never born."

Sirius frowned. Who was this girl, to say things like that to him? He had to admit, even if it was unconsciously, that she was a little threatening. And he…oh crap, he actually liked it. But not in such a way that he would ever be civil with her. That was completely out of the question.

Abruptly, the two of them realized that they had been watching one another for awhile, and snapping back into reality, they went straight back to polishing. They were silent, until Selene felt something wet and slimy smack the side of her head. She couldn't help but grin because of the absurdity of it all, but she refused to turn around and let him see her amusement. Instead, she pulled out her spare wand (which she wasn't supposed to have in the first place), and mumbled a spell which caused the bucket of water that was sitting in between them to dump itself on Sirius's head.

Selene turned around with a very smug face and burst out laughing at his expression. "What did I tell you, Cavillor?" she asked through a grin, "Don't bother messing with me."

He frowned and cursed, wiping water out of his eyes. "You think that was enough to make me rate you as dangerous?"

Quieting, she raised an eyebrow angrily. "Oh, so you don't believe me?" She paused, tapping her wand against her thigh and staring him down. "I'd be very happy to show you."

Despite himself, he glanced at her wand and swallowed. Then he remembered that he was Sirius Black, a Cavillor and a Marauder…and she was just some girl! Why should he be afraid of that wand of hers?

While he was thinking all of this over, which was very uncharacteristic of him in the first place, she was advancing towards him, her eyes narrowed. She stopped directly in front of him.

Selene was obviously shorter, and had to strain her neck upwards to look him in the face. He smelled pleasant…What? Damn it! I hate you, Sirius Black! She glared up at him, while he finally realized her close proximity. He glared back down at her.

It was suddenly very hot in the room, and the energy the two of them were creating was all bundled in between them. It was making them jumpy, and they were having strange impulses, which they did their best to ignore.

Slowing, Sirius slipped out his extra wand. Selene's eyes widened slightly upon seeing it, but she quickly resumed her uninterested air.

"Great minds think alike." She smiled spitefully, more of a snarl. "It's a shame that you don't have a mind at all."

"Fuck you." He said, stepping closer. He had never known that her eyes were so blue. He rather lik- Shut up!

Nobody insulted her. She thought most people were afraid to, and while she didn't exactly flaunt that authority of hers, she did utilize it. "What did you say, you ass?"

"I said- fuck you." He repeated, with more of a hard emphasis.

Selene clenched her jaw together and took a step forward, not breaking eye contact. His eyes widened; she was pressed right up against him. Why wasn't he thinking properly?

Giving him one last smirk, she raised her knee up right against the most sensitive area of his body. Groaning with pain, he fell back against the floor. She stood above him, hands on her hips, fingers still clenching her wand. His eyes squinted up at her. "Bitch!" he pointed his wand at her and fired, while she was still looking pleased.

Selene tumbled backward and hit the floor, hard. She landed funny on her right leg and heard it crack. Pain shot through her body in waves. Gripping her wand, she blindly shouted out a curse, hoping that it would hit him. She was clutching her leg, but she did hear him call out in agony. This wasn't satisfying enough. Trying to shut out the pain, she began to pull herself over to him, so that she could throw her wand off to the side and start using her fists properly. She didn't get very far.

"Good God!" A voice at the door announced. A flutter of feet sounded across the floor, and then Professor Jenkins, the Potions Master, stood over them, frantic and sweating. "What are you two doing?"

It was quite a sight to see. Sirius was lying on the floor in extreme pain; Selene's second curse had obviously hit his arm, which looked fractured at the least, and Selene was lying just short of him, glaring and trying to pull herself closer with a broken leg. Neither looked ready to give up. It was a good thing Jenkins was there….how far might they go? And both good students! Why? The professor shook his head fervently and halted Selene, who was still crawling around. He summoned a stretcher under each of them.

"I'm taking you to the Hospital Wing." He managed to pry their wands away from both of them and tucked them into his robes. "McGonagall will have to deal with you after you're fixed up a bit. Merlin, what were you trying to do, get yourselves killed?"

Selene grumbled and clenched a fist. "He's a pushover anyway. I wouldn't have gotten myself killed."

Sirius looked over at her venomously. "I hate you!"

Before Selene could laugh at him, Professor Jenkins broke in, "Now, kids, you've already-"

"I am not a kid!" Sirius gripped the side of his stretcher, trying to pull himself out, but failing terribly.

Jenkins heaved a sigh and started to exit the Trophy Room, the stretchers floating behind him. He made sure that they were far enough apart…the two teenagers had done enough damage already.

The floated along in silence, until they passed by another student. "Selene!" Kristen yelled. "What the hell happened?"

The raven-haired girl lifted her head off the stretched and glared at Sirius before glancing over at Kristen. "I was just taking care of business."

Kristen sighed, brushing a strand of dark blonde hair away from her face. "You're insufferable sometimes, Kelehan." But she couldn't help but feel proud of her friend.

Selene looked back at Sirius and announced, loud and daring, "Two to one, Black! Two to one!" She meant, of course, that she had gotten him twice, while he had only managed to hit her with a single curse. She felt triumphant as she lay back down.

Kristen watched as they disappeared from view. She stood there a few moments.

Remus passed by and glanced at her, then realized who she was, and backtracked. He looked up at her warily with his light eyes. She didn't look at him, and burst out laughing instead.

Remus snapped, "What's so funny? We have to spend detention together in a few minutes!"

"Selene and Sirius Black."

Remus chuckled quietly to himself. "I saw them on my way over here as well." He appeared amused. "Leave it to the two of them."

They both smiled and sniggered, but when their eyes met, they realized who they were laughing with. They let their glances fall to the floor in silence and embarrassment.

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A/N: Yes, yes…if you've read the story before, the last half of this is nearly identical. This is about where I was telling you the plot would tie in with the old story, and thus I will be using a lot of what I've written already. Of course I'll have to change a few things because of what I've changed already, but you'll find that you recognize most, if not all of it, I'm sure. For those of you who haven't read the old version, I apologize for rambling on about this and I hope that you're still enjoying the story.

On the bright side (well, there really wasn't a negative side, I suppose…) this means that updates shouldn't take very long, because I'll just be going over a lot of old material. Welll…thanks for reading, as usual.

Helen- Wow, that's a hefty compliment. I thank you for that. Hopefully you won't change your mind within the next few chapters ;)

Katie- Cliffhangers are never fun for anyone except the author, lol. I had fun. But I don't think anyone else did. Ah, well. Thanks for putting up with me.

GoddessoftheMaaN- Lol, well I would consider this pretty soon, so I hope you agree. Thanks once again!

-Emily