Author's Note: I do not know how frequently I will be updating this story. I am almost done with school so I will be having more time at my disposal. All I can say is that I will update as much as I possibly can, which will probably be once a week….Now, on to the story
September 1, Later
Perfect Compartment
Wow. Ummmm….. I cannot even begin to comprehend what just happened here. I think that the going back to school whatever must be catching up with me. That is the only possible explanation that I can think of.
James was…..actually nice to me.
I know, strange.
Because after he said "hey" and I turned around in a fast half circle which made my auburn hair fly out all around me. I was so surprised that he was there; let alone calling me by my first name. For we have never ever been on a first name basis. I then made that huge mistake of looking at him, because he looked fantastic.
He was just standing there in his school robes acting all cool and collected, leaning against the door frame. The picture of ease as he stood waiting for my answer.
I, on the other hand did not act cool or collected at all. How was I supposed to do that? Here I was, not just two seconds ago, talking about him. The doors are not sound proof. He must have heard Alice's and Beth's totally wrong speculations about my feelings for him. Hopefully he would believe what I had said. Who was I kidding, he would just use that as another opportunity to humiliate me, by asking me out for a date.
His brow started to crease between the eyebrows in a little "v". His hazel eyes started to get all concerned; probably with worry over the fact that I had lost the ability to speak. Well, I suppose that I had for a few seconds. He left me speechless, boy doesn't that sound cliché.
"Evans, are you okay?" He asked.
"I am fine, thank you. I'll ask you, however, what in the world you are bothering me for?" I tried as best I could to make my voice sound harsh, but instead it was slightly squeaky and high. His talking to me right now was not in any way helping my calm expression at the moment.
"I just cane to tell you that we need to get ready for our first prefect meeting here on the train to brief the 5th years what to do. And that meeting is in…about….seven minutes." He said as he checked his watch and then looked at me.
"Oh." I said in a slightly smaller voice, because I had indeed completely forgotten about the meeting. I had been rude to him for no reason at all. Great start to your new year, Lily. I thought to myself. "I guess we should get going then." I said while giving him a small half smile.
"Right after you." He said while slightly lowering his head in a mocking attempt at gentleman behavior.
I decided to let that small jibe pass. It was not worth my effort to comment on his behavior. "See you later." I muttered quickly to Beth and Alice hurrying out of the cabin before they could make any comments about my feelings for James Potter.
I walked as fast as I could. I was practically jogging down the hallway in a pointless attempt to avoid any further conversation with him. Noting my abrupt quickness, James sped up, easily keeping pace with me. Damn Quiddich practices for keeping him in shape.
Before he tried to start any conversation with me I said, "We are going to be late if we don't hurry up. Come on."
Thankfully before he could respond we were at the prefect compartment. It was already full with the selected 5-7th year students, so I knew that we were late. We took our assigned seats next to each other to start the meeting.
I don't really remember what was said because the only thing that I was aware of was the fact that James Potter was sitting next to me. I was extra aware of his every movement. I shouldn't be this aware of him, I told myself. He had just turned to look at me; I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
Sensing my uneasiness James started digging around on his bag for a quill and some scrap parchment. He wrote me this note…
Lily,
After this meeting you and I need to talk about something. And don't try to get out of it because I will win that argument no matter what you say.
Yours,
James
I decided that it was absolutely pointless to try to avoid him because I knew he meant what he said about doing it no matter what. And unfortunately for me that time would probably be in front of Alice of Beth. So I wrote back….
James,
Fine, I will talk with you, but I don't know what we could possibly talk about. I do not have anything that I need to converse with you about.
Sincerely,
Lily
I would like to state for the record that I only did agree to his suggestion because he had perked my interest.
But what the bloody hell could he want to talk to me about? James Potter and I have absolutely nothing in common. Well, that is except the good marks, being in Gryffindor, and excelling in everything else. But like I said earlier nothing, absolutely nothing in common at all.
So after the meeting he just told me to wait until everyone else had left. And once again he was the picture of ease sitting there with his feet in the table in front of him. I, on the other hand, was freaking out; like my hands were sweating profusely.
"Lily are you okay because you seemed really off during the meeting. If you are nervous I know that you can handle the responsibility of being Head Girl. You are totally capable; I have complete faith in you." James said in what could only be described as a smugly concerned voice.
"Well that is only one small portion of why I am "off". But not really the major part of it. Thanks for the concern but I don't really want nor need it." I said trying as I might to imitate Beth's brusque, sarcastic manner.
"I know that you don't like me. I know that I haven't given you much reason to like me. I know that you think that I am arrogant, but I have really put some effort into deflating my head some. I really don't want to give you more stress than you probably, in truth, need. So, I want you to know that I'll be nice." James said as he put his hand on my forearm. It was not a belittling gesture; he was trying to reassure me.
I froze. This was the first time that he had ever touched me in a simple, friendly manner. His palm was warm, but not by any means hot; it was comfortable. Strong enough to protect you, but soft enough to soothe your fears. It was just a little sweaty; I could tell he was not certain how the gesture would be received. I gave him a little smile to show him that I did not mind his hand being there. This shocked me because until about thirty seconds ago I would have slapped him for touching me. I guess I could tell that he was really trying to be nice.
So I replied "Thanks, James. You promising not to intentially annoy me is a load off my mind. It is not entirely your fault though. I was not exactly nice to you either." I gave a small laugh at the end, finally turning to face him. He broke into a bright grin also while his eyes sparkled with agreement, amusement, and some other emothion that I could not identify.
"Great, so friends Evans?" He asked as he moved his hand to put it out into the front of his chest waiting for a handshake.
"Friends." I agreed taking his hand and give it a good shake. And since this is my journal I can confide that when we shook hands I felt a tingling sensation go up my arm. I never wanted to let go. I had to consciously remind myself that this is James Potter, and that I did not like him like that.
"Lovely, well I have to go." He said quickly as he got up from the bench to go to the door.
"Talk to you later, Potter." I added while I sat staring at my hand.
"See you around friend." He said, giving me a quick wink before he left the compartment.
I sat there dumbstruck for the next minute or so. The wink was a classic James moment, but why do I get the feeling that I'll never see one again without thinking of him.
I should probably get going before Beth and Alice come looking for me. God only knows how many questions they are going to spring on me.
James Potter and Lily Evans, friends?
Wow, I know.
Damn Scary, right?