Opening the Door

Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Chapter 8 – Good Enough

Lily Evans smiled and nodded her greeting to her ex-dorm mates. Now that she was Head Girl, she had her own room (and Common Room with the Head Boy) – but that didn't mean she couldn't come back to her old Girls' Dorm.

Lily frowned as she saw Evangeline's bed was empty and neat, as usual – but she frowned because of the papers left on there.

Under your spell again.
I can't say no to you.
Crave my heart and it's bleeding in your hand.
I can't say no to you.

Lily sat down - glancing towards the bathroom, where she assumed Evangeline was – before picking up the papers, flicking through them.

She frowned deeper as she spotted a tattered notebook. She flicked through it, not taking in the music that it held, blinking as a loose paper fell out, into her lap.

Dear Diary,

James, Remus and Sirius – the remaining Marauders – have taken it. Everything. James stole the music, and I'm pretty sure either Remus or Lily Evans stole my chance as a top student compared to everyone else. Of course, I don't blame them for that – they can't help it if they're smarter than me – but I wish James wasn't always better than me at everything…

But that doesn't matter, now.

Shouldn't have let you torture me so sweetly.
Now I can't let go of this dream.
I can't breathe but I feel...

They told me to write them a song for the Talent Competition, and I've written them two.

But that's not good enough, because they'd started on their own song (which I wrote all-but-the-lyrics for) before seeing either of mine.

It doesn't matter, though. I'd better go do that essay for Professor McGonagall, now.

-Evangeline Potter-

Lily gaped down at the lost diary entry, before looking to the two songs.

The Marauders were dead.

Good enough,
I feel good enough for you.

Leaving the papers in a bundle on Evangeline's bed, Lily quickly left, in search of her three new victims.

-------

"How dare you use her like that?! She's just as human as you three are, except her head isn't stuck up her ass like the three of you!"

Drink up sweet decadence.
I can't say no to you,
And I've completely lost myself, and I don't mind.
I can't say no to you.

James, Sirius and Remus all winced at Lily's yells, each knowing deep down that the redheaded Head Girl was completely correct about it. They shouldn't have done that to Evangeline.

"…She always let you do that to her, but now you've really hurt her! You'd better go apologise before she hurts herself or something!" Lily scolded, her hands on her hips.

Her green eyes widened as she took in her words.

"Oh my God…!" she breathed. "Eve!" she cried, racing off, the Marauders forgotten.

Shouldn't have let you conquer me completely.
Now I can't let go of this dream.
Can't believe that I feel...

All three raced after the redhead without another thought.

-------

They finally found Evangeline alone in Clock Tower again, this time with her back to them, writing in the tattered notebook she always seemed to have with her.

Lily opened her mouth to say something, when Evangeline began to sing the words written in the book, using her wand to make the backing music again.

"Good enough,
I feel good enough.
It's been such a long time coming, but I feel good."

As Evangeline finished her song, Lily came forward, her expression one of pity.

"Evangeline? The Marauders and I want to apologise for the way we've treated you." She said.

Evangeline whipped round, startled at Lily's voice. Her eyes widened and cheeks darkening as she realised who was there.

And I'm still waiting for the rain to fall.
Pour real life down on me.
'Cause I can't hold on to anything this good enough.
Am I good enough for you to love me too?

"D-Did you hear me?!" Evangeline asked hurriedly, stuffing her notebook into a pocket and hiding her wand, though she knew it was no use.

Lily nodded, smiling. "Don't worry, you're a wonderful singer." She assured her. Lily shot a glare at James, who cringed guiltily.

"You shouldn't have helped them, though, Eve."

Evangeline glanced up at this.

Lily smiled at her once more. "It's a Talent Competition, after all – it should be their talent, not yours."

Evangeline smiled back weakly.

"Thank you, Lily…" she said quietly, her eyes on the ground again. "…But you really shouldn't worry about me. I'm fine."

Lily didn't like those words, but didn't stop Evangeline as she got up and walked briskly from the Tower, weaving around the Marauders to reach the exit quicker.

Lily frowned.

Something in Evangeline's voice made her feel that she wasn't fine.

That Evangeline wasn't fine at all.

So take care what you ask of me,
'Cause I can't say no.

That things concerning Evangeline weren't ever going to be fine…

…And that Evangeline knew that.