Chapter 6: The Time Cometh
Friday, September 10, 1977
I woke up, still in James's arms on the couch. Slept so well, even without my heavenly bed upstairs. I think it was James, but I can't be so sure.
Then again, this is a nice couch.
I must have fallen asleep before him, because I noticed an alarm clock on the table. That wasn't then when I fell asleep. It's 6:15am, so I still have time to shower before breakfast.
I carefully went to lift his arm off from around my waist so I could go get a shower and fresh uniform, when I felt him pull me in tighter.
"Mornin'," he hummed. "You were so tired and when you fell asleep I didn't want to disturb you by getting up or anything, so I just transfigured an alarm clock and set it to go off at 6:30. Just in case. I hope I wasn't out of line."
"No, you're fine. I appreciate the gesture, trust me," I smiled at him. "I sometimes tend to be a really light sleeper, but last night I don't even think the guys with a bottle of Firewhiskey could wake me. I was just knackered. Currently, though, I would like my waist back so I may shower and go get breakfast." I pointed at his arms around my waist.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I should do the same, I'm getting quite hungry. Meet me back here in thirty?"
"Will do!" I hollered as I ran up the stairs to my dorm. Got in for a quick shower, got dressed (but not after a quick "Accio jumper!" since mine was no where to be found), used a charm to dry my hair, and was back in the common room in 26 minutes.
He still beat me.
"You tosser! Did you even shower?" I laughed at him.
"Yes, but I wasn't making a ruckus looking for my jumper," he smirked at me.
"You heard that, huh?"
"Gryffindor tower heard that."
"You're funny. To breakfast?"
"To breakfast," he said and took my hand.
The rest of the day went by in a blur. Learned about night creatures in Defense (or, as Dorcas put it, "How to protect ourselves form anything Hagrid brings home or finds in the Forbidden Forest"), did a basic Alertness Potion with Slughorn (that I wish I had last night), and presented our Runes translations. I got to learn all the Tales of Beedle the Bard stories because of it, or at least the general idea. Some of the translations leave something to be desired. Regardless, I don't know if it was because we're awesome or because of the Alertness Potion, but we passed the Runes presentation easy. Transfiguration was a practical lesson of turning common objects into owls. I had to use a bottle of nail color, and for some reason my owl kept coming out candy floss pink. McGonagall seemed pleased with my work, so I'm not going to complain.
Maybe she has a soft spot for fluffy pink owls.
Now the eight of us are in James and my common room, doing what we do.
Homework.
Mainly Defense and Potions papers. James and I wanted to get a decent dent in ours because we're losing a day, so we took over the study table. Everyone else was scattered throughout the rest of the room.
"I hate writing reaction papers for Slughorn," Marlene said from the couch.
"They wouldn't be so bad if we just had to write a foot, maybe foot-and-a-half. But no. He always assigns three feet of parchment," Dorcas said from one of the armchairs.
"At least Defense is easy," I said. "Just have to write out how to identify the nightbreeds and the best defensive spells. Feels like first- or second-year work."
"I can sum it up in one sentence. 'How do you identify any night creature? The easiest way is to ask Hagrid if he wants one for a pet. If the answer is yes, it's bad news," Dorcas added.
"You said that in Defense, Dorcas," Peter said, still leaning over his parchment.
"Did I? I'm blaming Slughorn's reaction essay. It zaps my brain," she said, covering her face in the aforementioned essay.
"No, that's the alertness potion wearing off," Sirius said. "Can the man make a potion that doesn't make me feel exhausted after?"
"I think he gets a sick pleasure in it," Emmeline added.
"Or he has a secret plot to make all his students fall asleep in the other classes," Sirius suggested.
"I wouldn't be surprised at this point," Remus through a yawn.
Most of the evening went by with little conversation due to us all crashing after the potion wore off. We disbanded around 10:30, which is early for our group on a Friday but we were all dealing with the energy zap from the potion wearing off. It was like that time as a kid when I ate a lot of sweets at Easter and promptly passed out after the sugar wore off. I got up from the study table and flopped on the couch.
"What are the chances Slughorn will give us a fun potion next class? Or at least one that doesn't leave us tired by dinner?" I asked James once I was comfortable.
"Slim to nil," he answered, closing his textbook and rubbing the bridge of his nose to relieve pressure from his glasses. "Maybe he'll just skip the potion that make us crash and just make a sleeping draught instead. Jump the middle-man."
I looked over at him and smiled. Sitting up, I patted the couch next to me. He understood the invitation and came and sat next to me, and I snuggled up next to him, letting him hold me close.
"I'm excited about tomorrow," I admitted. "Don't know how well I'll sleep, even though I feel like I could sleep for a month."
"I'm excited, too," he said, kissing the top of my head. I felt a smile crawl across my face.
We sat there for a while, never speaking. Just watching the fire and enjoying each other's company. My eyes were getting heavy, but I didn't care. I didn't want to leave his hold. When the time was nearing midnight, James finally broke the silence.
"You should sleep in your own bed tonight. Get a proper rest," he said. I couldn't help but notice a twinge of disappointment in his tone. I wanted to spend the rest of the night doing what we were doing, and I think he felt the same.
"Yeah, you're right," I said through a yawn. "Lets just stay like this a little while longer. I don't want to move," I admitted, closing my eyes and laying my head on his shoulder.
"In that case, we'll never leave and we'll sleep through tomorrow. To be frank, I don't want to spend tomorrow sleeping," he said. "But if you don't want to move..."
With that I was airborne.
James had stood up, cradling me in his arms. I grabbed to his neck for my life as I soared up while he stood to his full stature.
"What are you doing?!" I asked in a mild panic. "Are... are you carrying me to my bed?"
"Yes, unless you'd rather me carry you to mine..." he said through a smirk.
"Nice try, mine's fine. Just don't drop me." I was looking down at his feet. I'm not necessarily a tall girl, but I'm not short. But this is high.
"Relax, you're not heavy at all. I've carried Quidditch equipment heavier than you all the way to the pitch."
We we got to my door, I gave a flick of my want and the door swung open. He walked to my bed and placed me down so I was sitting on the edge.
"Well, thank you for the lift," I said. "I will see you when my body decides to wake up for breakfast. Hopefully not past eight or nine."
"'Playing by ear,' is that what you said about tomorrow's plans?"
"Yes, so I'll see you when I see you?"
"That's right. Sometime after the sun rises." He leaned in and kissed my cheek. It took every ounce of self-restraint to prevent myself from turning my head and kissing him back.
On that note he turned and left, silently closing the door behind him.
I couldn't help smiling and flopping back on my bed with so many thoughts running through my head.
What am I doing? Why do I like it? Can so many changes really change in a summer? Do I want it to slow down? Speed up? Stop completely?
No, definitely not that last one.
Tomorrow will be amazing.
I feel asleep smiling.
Saturday, September 11, 1977
It was 9:30 when I felt my eyes flutter open. I didn't dream and the night felt quick, but I felt so rested. Good, I have a wonderful day ahead of me that I wanted to be awake for.
I got out of bed, stretched, and grabbed my red and gold dressing gown. I sat down at my little desk by the window where Magnolia stood, her heart-shaped face staring holes into me. I gave her some treats and started writing.
Dearest Mum,
Sorry I didn't write when I arrived at Hogwarts. Being Head Girl keeps me on my toes, and I made some new friends that wanted to relax before classes began. Well, they aren't new acquaintances. I've known them since first year, but they always rubbed my nerves raw. But Marlene (Do you remember her? She came with Dorcas and Emmeline that summer we rented that beach house. The one with long blonde hair) hung out with them a lot over the summer because she grew up with the only one I thought was a decent person, Remus. It was his three friends that seemed to have a life's mission to leave me completely brassed off. Anyway, Marles said that they grew up a lot and wanted us to give them a chance. And who knew? They did! They're names are Sirius, James, and Peter. Sirius is a little rash, but his heart's in the right place and he makes us laugh. Peter is a bit quiet, almost doesn't seem to fit in with his comrades, but he keeps up with them. James... well... he's... How do I describe James?
How about I leave it at I have a date with him today.
We see each other a lot, seeing has he's Head Boy and we share a private common room (Mum - I know what you're thinking and stop it now!). The eight of us share all our classes except Ancient Runes and Divination, so we all hang out and study together. I also help James and Em with their Muggle Studies work (can you believe that's a class here?). We all also hang out after homework and studies on Friday and Saturday evenings and just be teenagers (again, Mum, STOP THINKING).
That's really it for this year, so far. I'll write again soon, I promise.
Give my love to Dad. Hope he hasn't killed Vernon, yet (She doesn't still bring that closed-minded fool around, does she? I hope she dropped him... he's no good for her). Give my love to Tuney, too, if she takes it.
Love always,
Your little Lily
I folded and sealed the note with the Gryffindor crest in red wax, gave it to 'Nola and sent her on her way. As I walked to the door I noticed my hair, so I ran a brush through it because no one deserves to see that, and reached for the door.
My hand was barely on the knob when there was a soft knock on the door. I froze for a second then opened the door. It was James, still in his pajamas.
"I saw your owl fly by my window and knew you were up."
"Ah! Yeah, that's my 'Nola. She was taking a long-overdo letter to my Mum. I promised to write when I got to school, but one thing lead to another and it completely slipped my mind."
"I follow. Barn owl, right? She's beautiful."
"Thanks, got her for a birthday present from my father when he saw we could bring one to school for post reasons. He said it was a reminder that I need to keep in touch at school," I looked from his eyes to the door and back to his gaze. "You going to let me out or not? Because you know, we can't go on our date if I'm stuck in here all day."
"We can stay in," he said with a smirk.
"It's Hogsmeade or nothing," I said, smirking back.
"Fine," he laughed. "How about this, get dressed and we'll go get breakfast. I'm famished."
"Good idea. I was going to sit by the fire for a little bit, but food sounds like a much better idea." I didn't notice my stomach growling at me until he said mentioned breakfast. "Meet me downstairs in five? I'm just going to throw something on."
He nodded and left back to his room, which was up the stairs a little further. I closed my door, grabbed a pair of jeans and a black jumper out of my bureau, and dressed as fast as I could. I grabbed a hair tie and tied my hair into a ponytail on my way down the stairs to the empty common room.
Yes! I win this round!
James walked in about a minute and a half after I did. I just smirked at him.
"Did you run?" he laughed and took my hand. I just left the smug smile on my face as we left the common room. We walked to the Great Hall in silence, but it wasn't awkward at all. I like being able to feel relaxed and not like I have to talk. We have plenty of time to talk today.
We noticed our group at the end of the Gryffindor table where we usually sit, two seats next to Dorcas left empty. "I take it these seats are ours?" I asked when we arrived.
"We knew you'd be down eventually," she said, smiling up at me. When I took my place next to her, she leaned closer so only I could hear her. "I saved you some chocolate chip pancakes and strawberries. I figured you'd be a little nervous."
Now I remember. This is why she's my best friend. I really need to stop doubting myself. I took my breakfast of nervous champions and watched as the strawberries spread out over the pancakes. They don't stand a chance.
"So, when are you two leaving?" Dorcas asked me, grabbing a muffin.
"I'm not sure. We're just taking things as they come," I told her between bites. Every bite made me feel less anxious. My chocolate chip pancakes with strawberries never fail me. "After breakfast I'm going back to my room to shower and stuff. Can you bring me Em's jacket and your boots at some point soon? Maybe give me 30 or 40 minutes after I leave breakfast so I can shower. You guys know the password."
"Yeah, never stopped us before from coming in for homework and stuff," she smiled. It's true. There were times James or I came into what we thought was an empty common room, but found one or more of our group waiting for us, books open and ready. I don't blame them. We did say it was okay if they wanted to study with us to go ahead and go in rather than wait in the hall (and possibly deal with the resident poltergeist, Peeves) and it's definitely more peaceful than the library. Madam Pince can get a little unnerving when you're working with one of her precious leather-bounds.
"We can do! Expect a party," she grinned at me.
I finished my pancakes and strawberries, figuring it was a good a time as any to go shower and things. "I'm off. Dorcas, remember, give me time to shower then come on over with the stuff."
"Let me know when you're ready," James told me. I nodded and left towards my dorm.
I went right into the shower when I arrived, and by the time I came out wrapped in a towel I had three girls taking over my bed and pillows.
"This bed is amazing..." Emmeline said.
Dorcas was clutching a pillow. "Why can't we have pillows like this?" she asked.
"I don't ever want to leave," Marlene said.
I laughed. Did I look this silly my first night in that bed? "Yeah, it's amazing. No, you can't take my pillows. No, you can't sleep over every night. You bring the stuff?"
Emmeline held up her jacket and Dorcas held up her boots. "Excellent," I said.
"Lily, how in Merlin's name do you fit my shoes? You're so much shorter than I am."
"Dorcas, for the thousandth time five inches isn't that much shorter. Alas, I have the Evans foot. Little bigger than I want but not as bad as Tuney got it. And you also have tiny feet."
"Can't argue that."
"Oh, I felt left out, so I brought something for the cause, too!" Marlene said, holding up a wide, gold cuff. "My dad gave it to me for Christmas last year. I figured it would be perfect for today. Just be sure to return it."
I took the cuff from her and looked at it closer. It was rounded and polished, but had tiny Golden Snitches engraved all over it.
"It's perfect, Marles! James loves Quidditch!" I said, wrapping her in a hug.
"I know, it's why I thought it was perfect. Sure, I know he's a Chaser, but I'm a Seeker. Plus Dad and I always go to Quidditch games over summer holiday."
"Thanks, guys." I wrapped them all in a hug.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know. You love us. Now can we get down to business?" Dorcas said, prying my arms off of all of them. She leapt off the bed and bee-lined for my closet. "Bloody hell, Lily! This closet is amazing!"
Emmeline and Marlene looked at each other then leapt off the bed to follow her. I heard them talking in there for a minute or two, and then headed over myself.
"Focus!" I said, leaning against the door frame. They all looked at me, confused. I raised an eyebrow at them. Then it hit them.
"Right! Girls on a mission!" Emmeline said, pushing her fist in the air. I laughed as they scrambled around my closet.
"Look, I don't want you guys destroying my order in there. Out!" and I pointed back into the room. They all dragged their feet and moaned as they left. I entered and easily found my paisley green dress and knit cap. Then I grabbed a pair of white tights for good measure. Turning around, I went for my jewelry box and grabbed my gold hoops.
When I left the closet I noticed Emmeline had my makeup case and was looking through it. "I think you should go for a natural look," she said, not looking up.
I nodded at her and headed into the bathroom to change. I came out and got three smiling nods in approval. I did my drying charm on my hair and brushed it out, looking in the mirror. "Do I have to wear it down?" I whined.
I got a three-way chorus of a very strong "yes" in reply. I sighed and put my cap on. It fit snugly on my head, showing my red hair through the green knit. After pinning it in place I sat with Emmeline.
While Emmeline was doing my makeup (with Dorcas barking orders at her, like "make sure she's casual," "no eye shadow," and "not that lipstick!"), Marlene was sitting on the floor next to me. "I'm really happy for you, Lils," she said. "James has it bad for you, and I really been hoping for you to give him a second chance. I think you'll have a great time." She slipped the cuff on my wrist.
"I know I will," I replied, doing my best not to move my face too much. Marlene came over and put my earrings on me. "You guys are awesome, I mean it."
"We know," Dorcas said. "Your only payment is to come see us immediately when you return to tell us all about it."
"Everything about it," Emmeline said. "You're done, by the way."
I turned and looked in the mirror. She didn't do much. Gave my cheeks a pink tint and put on some mascara and pink lipstick. "It's perfect," I told her through my reflection in the mirror. "Yes, I will go straight to your room after I return."
"Yay!" Dorcas exclaimed. "The password is-"
"-Archimedes," I interrupted. "One of my privileges." I grinned at them.
"I follow," she said. "Well, we're not going to interrupt your time with James any more. See you later!" They all left, leaving me sitting alone at my vanity. I looked at my reflection.
"All right, Lily. Breathe. You can do this," I told my reflection. "You're ready, lets go."
With that, I stood up and left my bedroom and headed downstairs to the common room.