Chapter Two – Surprises?
Every night, I try to justify, all the angry things I said, oh, but I can't take 'em back. No, I can't do that. I was wrong, oh, but now you're gone.
So, after I told mum my great news, I found my self sprawled out on that same bed, staring at those same stupid cracks in the ceiling. Some things never change. Fortunately, some things do change. For example, that horse faced, skin and bones, neat freak sister of mine finally moved out. Unfortunately for her she had to move in with a walking whale. Seriously, if he looked down, he wouldn't be able to see his feet. I bet he has Tuna tie his shoes for him 'cause he can't reach. And she calls me a freak! She's the one that got married to that piece of lard. Wow, don't I sound rude. That man though, urgh after he found out I was a witch, he was always hanging around the house with Petunia… staring at me… intently; like I was going to blow him up or something. I hated it, with a passion. I wonder if Petunia realized that her husband is indeed a freak, which, despite her conviction on the matter, I am not. Luckily, he never comes around any more. I don't know how much longer I could've handled the man.
Anyways, today's the day we've all looked forward to. What do we get to do today? We get to spend the afternoon with none other than James Nathaniel Potter! This is the point where all the ladies start shrieking with joy. So here I am at 10:55 in the morning, about to step in to the fireplace so I can floo to The Leaky Cauldron. Flooing, one of the joys of my life. Oh for those of you who aren't aware of the transportation methods of witches and wizards, Flooing is traveling from one fireplace to a different one with a special pinch of Floo powder.
What a rush! I've hated doing that since the first time. I have the rotten luck of either saying the name incorrectly, or managing to bump my elbows all along the way. And then, what's worse is that when I finally get to my destination, I'm covered in ash, and have an extreme fear of dying from a cough attack.
Okay, enough about the fireplaces. The Leaky Cauldron, gateway to the infamous Diagon Alley, and most importantly, gateway to one awkward day. There's James, staring like an idiot. How come there are no surprises in my life? It just isn't fair. Everything is just so… predictable. One of the many constants in my life is James Potter. For instance, right now he will walk up, stare me up and down, and eventually ask me out, which of course I will refuse for the millionth time.
"Hey Lily, I'm glad we decided to meet up before school started. How have you been?"
What no up- down stare? James Potter, not even giving the slightest inclination that he is obsessed with me? What's this? The apocalypse? Oh no, what does this mean… life no longer predictable. Is this good? Or bad?
"Lily, anyone there? Anyways, does this constitute as a date, because you know it just might be you're lucky day, a date with the James Potter."
Oh thank you God of Predictability. Okay now that we've established the fact that we aren't all going to die, we can move on to Diagon Alley, which happens to be one of the most interesting places in the magical world.
"James Potter, no this isn't a date, no, I won't go on a date with you, and no, I will never go on a date with you. Does that answer all your questions? Good! Ready to go?"
Okay, back in control of things. I just happen to be a control freak… when I lose control… well lets just say it's not very fun for those around me.
So I open the hidden entrance to Diagon Alley and start heading towards Flourish and Blotts to get some school things. I hate school shopping. It's all the same… books, paper, pens (well parchment and quills in this case), and it just adds even more predictability to the life of Lily Marie Evans. Fortunately, nothing out of the ordinary happens for quite a while. The afternoon turns out quite more uneventful than I had imagined. Well... as uneventful as hanging around James Potter can be, with a crowd of prissy girls following him around, the usual up- down stares, and lest we forget friends popping out of nowhere, literally. I didn't realize Sirius had passed his Apparition test. And wow was that a surprise, Sirius Black popping right in front of your face. In fact it was so abrupt, I continued walking before I could react, which resulted in me coming a bit too close to comfort. Well after a few minutes filled with awkward silences, Sirius departs saying James and I need some "alone time." With him, the prissy girls leave as well.
Anyways, James and I found ourselves not surrounded by a bunch of idiots for the first time since entering Diagon Alley. So, brilliant as I am, and I use that term loosely, I thought James might know whether Remus had made Head Boy, and if he didn't James might know who did have the pleasure of working with the one and only Lily Evans.
"James, I have a question."
"Are you asking me out Lily, because if you are, that would be great."
"Now why would I do something as idiotic as that? No I was wondering if you know if Remus made Head Boy?"
"Umm… no he didn't"
He hesitated. I heard it why did he hesitate does he know something I don't? Well he probably does, but I mean regarding the Head situation.
"Well do you know who did?"
"Yeah, but are you sure you want to know, I don't think you'll be very happy with it."
James sputters his reply out very quickly, like he wishes I would change the subject… what is this all about? Me not happy with the head boy? I groan, audibly. Only one person comes to mind that I would deeply regret having to work with for a whole year… living close to him… having to share a dorm with him… planning dances, trips, and feasts with.
"Its not Severus is it? Gosh I hope not…"
This is the point where James erupts in a mixture of snorts and side splitting laughter. I really don't understand what's so funny, but I'm sure I'm about to find out. That is if he doesn't fall over and crack his head on the cement. If he really wants to… I could help you know a little nudge in the right direction.
"That slimy git? Head boy?" (More snorting and laughing) "Dumbledore would have to be insane to make Snivellus Head Boy."
So, it's not Severus… well who else would I not be pleased about making Head Boy? All the other prefects last year were fine. No problems concerning any of them. Well I suppose I was wrong about only one person I wouldn't want to be a Head with. That's when it hit me… And that's when I begin to hit myself. Oh no, oh no, oh no. No, no, no!
"No, oh no, please no. He wouldn't, I'll kill him if he did. No, Dumbledore doesn't want me to become a murderer. It's you isn't it?"
I start groaning and crying out, before James has a change to answer. He really couldn't do this too me. One look at James tells me otherwise. I will MURDER Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Whew that's a mouthful… well if I had said it aloud it would have been.
"Indeed it is, my dearest Lilykins. It appears as if we will be spending quite a bit of time together this year. And no, I did not bribe Dumbledore, he isn't as blind as you are, and he recognizes my self-worth."
Self-worth my arse. Could anything more conceited come out of that mouth. I thought he had grown out of the- I'm the greatest thing since Chocolate Frogs stage. Honestly, self-worth? Does he actually believe the words that come out of his mouth? I decide to ask him that very question.
"Do you actually believe what comes out of your mouth or is just for my benefit?"
"Well love, of course I believe what I say, because it's the truth, but as for it being your benefit, you're just lucky enough to be around yours truly to hear these amazing words."
Okay that's it self-control gone. I have to live with this, all year. I can't handle that. Day after day in his company, being asked out just to annoy, not to mention the constant pranking and hexing! Just remember what the anger management lady said, deep breaths. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in breathe out. Okay here's my calm façade coming up.
"James, could you please act your age and not your shoe size. Thanks. Well I think we're all done here, so I think I'll be heading home. Thanks for inviting me, I'll see you on the train and don't forget about our Heads meeting. If you do happen to forget, you'll be sorely regretful."
Whew, now how I managed that with out murdering him is beyond me, but now I am safely on my way to my predictable sanctuary, where people like James Potter are not placed in a position of authority.