The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round, the wheels on the bus go round and round, all day long. Sing it with me now! The baby and the bus goes wah wah wah, wah wah wah, wah wah wah, the baby on the bus goes wah wah wah all day long. The horn on the bus goes beep beep beep, beep beep beep, beep beep beep, the horn on the bus goes beep beep beep all day long. I SAID SING!!!!! Fine if your gonna be like that then I'll not talk at all. –SILENCE- Oh come on just one song. There is 100 bottles of beer on the wall 100 bottles of beer. If you take one down and pass it – I DID NOT SAY THROUGH IT AT MY HEAD! Fine, you've forced me to do it! DRIVER MOVE! Oh and don forget about the seatbelts!
Disclaimer: Blueskywillow does absolutely not own Harry Potter - Past, Present or Future, she merely runs the tour. And just to mention she doesn't get paid either, after all the tour is free. – At least she would sing along with me!!!
Chapter 16Sirius walked over to Michelle and sat down.
"How'd it go?" Michelle asked.
"I don't know. Have you heard the story? Man it's sad." Sirius said.
"Yeah I heard it all. I hope Lily forgives him, they look so cute together in the pictures." Michelle said.
"I only saw the picture that James has of them. They looked so happy, different from what they are now." Sirius said. Sirius and Michelle looked at each other, there eyes locked for a single moment and something happened between them. Sirius looked away.
"A game of chess?" Sirius asked.
"Sure." Michelle said trying to clear the awkwardness between them.
Lily was walking through the castle. It was cold out and Lily pulled the cloak closer to her. Thoughts were running through her head. She didn't know what to do. Was this just a scam to get Lily and James back together? Lily didn't know what to believe. She didn't know if she could trust James again. She stopped when she heard two voices come towards her.
"So anyway, I told the mudblood girl, Evans, that I slept with him and she totally bought it." Kerry laughed.
"Did you sleep with James?" A girl asked.
"No, I wish I had though. I just told her that so she would be put of him. I think she put a love spell on James, I mean like he would really love a mudblood over me." Kerry laughed.
Lily was so angry. It was true that Kerry had made everything up. Kerry and her little friend were passing by Lily now. She couldn't resist it - she slapped Kerry across the face. Kerry fell to the ground and looked about to see no one there. Her friend bent down to help her up. Lily spun on her heel and walked away from the scene.
Lily didn't know what to do, she sat by the lake and thought. She thought about her future with James and what it would be like. She definitely saw a future with him, it's just she couldn't see a present. She loved James more than she would ever love anyone but she was a seventeen-year-old girl who had a long future in front of her. If she and James were meant to be then it would happen just not right now. Lily decided that she had to go talk to James.
She headed back inside, still hidden under the cloak. She whipped it of just before entering the common room. Claudia, Michelle, Sirius, Remus and Peter were all sitting on the couch. Lily walked over to them and handed the cloak to Sirius.
"Thanks. I better go apologies to this prat." Lily said rolling her eyes. "Is James alone upstairs? I really need to talk to him?" Lily asked Sirius. Sirius nodded.
"Why do you need to apologies to James for?" Claudia asked looking up from the magazine she was reading.
"I shouldn't have yelled at him that day. It wasn't his fault; I was just pissed off." Lily said before walking up the stairs to James' dorm. Lily opened the door lightly and walked in. James was still punching on his punch bag. Lily didn't want to do this but she had to if there was ever going to be a future.
"James?" Lily said quietly. James spun round and looked at her.
"Lily?" James said, shocked to see her there. "Wha-?" He began.
"James, don't speak just listen." Lily said holding a hand up to silence him. "I believe you. I know you didn't sleep with Kerry." Lily said.
"You believe me?" James asked moving towards her. Lily put her hand up again.
"I believe you but we can't be together." Lily said staring at the ground. Tears were forming in her eyes.
"What? Why?" James was outraged; his heart had been mended and broken in less than a minute.
"We just can't." Lily said before running out of the room. She ran down the stairs and up to her own dorm, everyone watching and wondering what had went on in the room. A few minutes later James came down the stairs. He had totally forgotten to put on a T-shirt before chasing after Lily. All the girls started whistling and clapping. James took no notice of this.
"Where'd she go?" James asked his friends. Sirius pointed towards the dorm. Before anyone could ask him anything he ran up the stairs, his friends watching curiously.
"What the hell happened now?" Remus said shaking his head. "I swear if he keeps pissing her off I'll knock him out myself." Remus said. Claudia looked at him then quickly stood up.
"Umm Remus remember you have to help me with that umm Defence against the dark arts homework." Claudia said. Remus looked at her then quickly stood up.
"Umm yeah. See you guys later." Remus said following her out of the common room. Sirius and Michelle watched them go.
"Our friends are weird." Michelle said thoughtfully. Sirius chuckled.
Meanwhile upstairs James knocked on the bedroom door; there was no answer so he walked on in. He could see Lily lying on the bed. She had her back to him. James sat down on the bed and put his face in his hands, making sure his back was to Lily. There was a moment's silence between the two.
"It's not that I don't love you James, it's just..." Lily trailed off.
"What Lil? What is it?" James asked.
"I think we need a break from everything that is going on." Lily replied just above a whisper.
"In other words you're scared." James said turning on the bed to face her.
"Yeah I'm scared. I'm scared of the feelings I have for you. I'm scared that if we get too serious too soon it'll all end quickly." Lily said, she kept her back to him. James put a hand on her shoulder.
"It won't end like that though." James said. Lily turned. James noticed that she had been crying because of the tears leaking down her face.
"You can't promise that." Lily said.
"No I can't, but I can promise that every minute we spend together will be worth it." James said.
"It already is James. But I just want to take a break for a while." Lily sat up on the bed and hugged her knees to her chest. "I want to know what it feels like to be independent." Lily said staring at her bedspread.
"You are independent." James said a bit confused.
"No, James I'm not. Ever since I have been god knows what age I have always had a boyfriend. Once I broke up with one boyfriend the next day I would have another. I've always been insecure like that and I don't want to be anymore." Lily paused as she took a deep breath. She traced a pattern on her bedspread with her fingers as she tried to keep her focus and not look into those eyes. "These past few weeks that we've been fighting, I felt in a tiny way...happy. I was happy that I could be free and not feel that I had to worry about what my boyfriend thinks of me." James tried to interrupt but Lily quickly stopped him. "I've always had these insecurities and I know I'm being so selfish right now but I gotta be true to myself. Right now in this moment of time I wanna be just friends. But I know everything I just said ruined whatever friendship we could ever have." Lily said.
Before James could say anything the door opened and Sophie and Kent walked in. They both stopped when they saw the pair. Lily turned her head away from the door and wiped her tears. Sophie noticed that James didn't have his top on and grinned.
"Oh what have you two been up to?" Sophie asked. James looked at the ground and didn't say anything. He then stood up and looked at Lily.
"I'll talk to you later." James said to Lily then walked out of the room. Lily didn't say anything as Sophie and Kent stood in the doorway looking at each other, both wondering what was going on. Lily quickly closed her curtains making sure neither of them saw her face. Sophie walked towards the bed.
"Lily, you okay? Did you and James get into another fight?" Sophie asked through the hangings.
"Everything is fine Soph." Lily said. Sophie looked back at Kent and shrugged. That night James barely slept, Sirius had tried to get what happened out of him, but he wouldn't talk about it.
James stayed up most of the night thinking about what Lily said. He knew she was right. It was better to have her as a friend than not to have her at all. Finally at 4 o'clock James fell into a troubled sleep, he kept twisting and turning. Lily was the same she had cried herself to sleep but kept waking up. She really did want to be independent in her life, but she loved James so much that she wanted to be with him. But the only way Lily knew that she could be with him for a long time was if she was independent and happy with herself. Lily knew that she was being selfish but she just knew this was the right thing. With this thought Lily fell into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning Lily woke up a bit late. When she opened her curtains all her friends were getting ready to go down to the great hall.
"Oh Merlin! She's alive." Claudia laughed. "We've been trying to wake you for ages, but you just wouldn't wake up." Claudia smiled. Lily gave her a small smile.
"Sorry." Lily muttered.
"Do you want us to wait while you get dressed?" Michelle asked. Lily shook her head.
"You guys go ahead, I shouldn't be too long." Lily said hooking through her drawers. The girls left. Fifteen minutes later Lily walked into the great hall. It was always packed at this time of the morning and today was no exception. There was only one seat left at the Gryffindor table and it was beside James. Lily groaned then walked over to the seat and sat down."You took your time." Claudia said, she was sitting across from Lily, Remus on one side of her and Michelle on the other. James and Sirius were on one side of Lily.
"Did I?" Lily asked weakly. Claudia looked at her.
"You okay?" Claudia asked.
"Fine." Lily said lifting a piece of toast and buttering it. "Has the post come yet?" Lily asked. She made sure not to look at James.
"Not-" Remus began but was interrupted by the post. Two owls landed in front of her. A brown tawny owl and a white owl with a patch of brown on it's wing, this was Lily's owl, Lulu. Lily took the two letters and gave the two owls some of her bacon bits. She opened the letter from the brown owl, which was obviously a school owl.
Let's try it then. I don't want too though because I want you more than anything but if I can't have you as a girlfriend then I want you as a friend. Love you always.
A tear came to Lily's eye but she wiped it away. She looked up to see that James was looking her. Lily smiled at him; James just nodded his head. Nobody else noticed this because they were all too interested in their own mail. Eve came up to James and handed him a letter.
"From the parental units." She said, there was now an empty seat beside Sirius and she sat down in it. James read through the letter. His eyes widened. He then looked at the front page of the Daily Prophet that Remus was reading. It read, "Potter is Minister".
"Go Dad." James laughed. Eve laughed.
"He's still minister? That's great." Eve said excitedly. Lily smiled at them then went to read her other letter. It was from her parents.
Dear Lily
Glad schoolwork is going well. How is everyone? Tell Michelle, Claudia and Sophie we said hello and tell that nice boy also. Everything is fine here. Your father sends his love; he is at work at the moment. We are so happy you have decided to come home for Christmas. The house just isn't the same without you. We will see you at the platform in two weeks.
Love Mum and Dad.
P. S. there is a note from Petunia, but she wouldn't let us read it.
Lily set the letter down and noticed there was another letter. Claudia picked up the letter Lily just put down.
"You're going home for Christmas? And who is this guy your mum is talking about?" Claudia asked with a mischievous grin on her face.
"Yes and none of your business." Lily said with a smile. Claudia rolled her eyes. Lily opened her sister's letter and read it.
Lily
Things aren't good at home, no matter what Mum says. Mum and Dad have been fighting a lot more lately and it's getting worse at every row. It's good that you are coming home but I just thought I should warn you before you see it for yourself. I can't take any of this anymore. I can't handle the fighting. I have decided to stay with Vernon for a few days until you come home.
Petunia
Lily dropped the letter as tears came to her face. She stood up and ran out of the hall. Her friends watched her go. James picked up the letter and read over it, then ran after her, the letter still clutched in his hand.
"What the hell did Petunia write in that letter?" Claudia asked as she watched James go after her. James had a feeling he knew where Lily went. He headed out of the castle and towards the lake. Sure enough there she was. She was sitting underneath a huge oak tree, her knees held against her chest and her face buried. James sat down beside her and wrapped and arm around her and pulled her close. Lily didn't say anything she just put her head against James' chest and cried harder. James put his other arm around her and put his chin on her head. He felt so bad for her. He didn't know how she was feeling but he just wanted to make it better for her. They sat there for what seemed like forever but it was just a few minutes. After a while Lily lifted her head and looked into James' eyes.
"I'm sorry." Lily said. Her eyes were all red and puffy. "I shouldn't be burdening you with my problems." Lily said wiping her eyes and standing up. James stood up also.
"That's what friends are for." James said with a small smile on his face. Lily smiled. "That's a very pretty smile, where has it been hid?" James smiled. Lily laughed and rubbed her eyes.
"You're so corny, James Potter." Lily smiled. James shrugged.
"It works, doesn't it?" James smiled.
"Nope." Lily laughed again.
"I won you over." James grinned.
"Keep thinking that." Lily smiled. James pouted.
"That hurt, Lil." James said touching his chest. Lily rolled her eyes.
"We better go back up to the castle." Lily said. James moved towards her. He put a hand on her cheek then leaned in and gave her a sweet romantic kiss. When he pulled away Lily had a small smile on her face. She looked at the ground.
"That's against the rules." Lily whispered.
"I'm a rule breaker. You should know that by now." James grinned. Lily looked back into his eyes and smiled.
"I'm not gonna allow you to kiss me all the time." Lily said mischievously. James pouted.
"Fine then I'll not kiss you like that." James sighed. He then leaned and kissed her passionately. When he pulled away a grin formed on his face to see that Lily's eyes were still closed and she was on tiptoes. "I'll kiss you like that." James said. Lily opened her eyes.
"James you can't do that." Lily sighed.
"I know, I know. It's just so hard not being able to kiss you." James said. Lily smiled.
"The feeling is mutual." Lily said. She started to walk back up to the castle, James beside her. They started talking as friends would. They talked of everything that had happened since their awful fight.
"Wow so you have a good chance of getting into the camp? That's great." Lily said.
"Yeah, but I still have to tell my parents." James said.
"You haven't told them yet? James you know you have too. I think they'll be a bit suspicious if you disappear for a few days over Christmas break." Lily laughed.
"I can always tell them that I'm with you." James grinned.
"Somehow I can't see that happening cause I'll be with your mother." Lily said.
"Oh yeah, I forgot you had that meeting with that dude Merlin." James said rubbing his head. Lily laughed. James stopped and stared at the figure that was standing straight in front of him.
"Ashley?" James said in shock. The girl turned around and smiled at James.
"James? How long has it been?" Ashley asked hugging James. Lily surveyed the girl. She was a bit taller than Lily; she had layered brown hair and piercing blue eyes. She had a small beauty spot on her neck and had a clear complexion. She looked older than both Lily and James but she could just look older than she was.
"It's been too long." James said pulling away. He looked her up and down. "Wow you sure have grown up." James laughed.
"So have you." Ashley said ruffling his hair. James then remembered Lily.
"Oh Ashley, this is Lily. Lily this is a very old friend of mine, Ashley." James introduced. Lily shook hands with her.
"Nice to meet you." Lily greeted.
"And you." Ashley said.
"So Ashley what are you doing here?" James asked.
"I need to speak to some guy called Dumbledore. But I don't know where he is." Ashley said. Just then Dumbledore came up behind James and Lily.
"Ahh you must be Miss Cooke. I believe you've already met our Head students." Dumbledore beamed. Ashley surveyed him then smiled.
"I have, Professor." Ashley said.
"Now, Miss Cooke if you would please follow me." Dumbledore said leading his way towards his office. Ashley gave them a quick wave then followed Dumbledore away. James watched her leave with a grin on his face. Lily noticed this and looked at the ground.
"I wonder why she is here?" James questioned. He started walking again, Lily right beside him.
They got to the common room and sat down on the couch beside the fireplace. Just as they sat down Sirius, Michelle, Remus and Claudia came in. They sat down beside Lily and James.
"Lily are you all right? You ran out of the hall kinda fast." Claudia asked.
"I'm fine. You know what Petunia is like; she's always so mean in her letters." Lily lied. She went back to staring at the coffee table.
"Lily, I'll have you a game of wizarding chess." Sirius said. "I still have to beat you." He said shaking his head. Lily smiled as Sirius put the board on the table. Lily sat on the ground at James's feet as Sirius sat across from her.
"I'm white." Lily said.
"Fine by me." Sirius shrugged. They began their game.
"Hey Sirius, guess who I just saw." James said.
"Who?" Sirius asked keeping his eye on the board.
"Ashley Cooke." James grinned. Sirius looked up.
"She's here?" Michelle said excitedly. James nodded.
"What is she doing here?" Sirius asked. James shrugged.
"Who's Ashley?" Remus asked.
"This chick who James took a liking to-" But Sirius stopped when he saw the look on James' face. Lily kept her eye on the board. "-I mean who he thought of in an amicable way." Sirius quickly said. Remus got the hint though and smiled.
"She is really cool." Michelle said with a grin.
"How do you know her?" Claudia asked.
"Oh we know her through my cousin Caspian. You know the really smart one." Michelle answered. The portrait hole opened, and Peter and Ashley walked in.
"Thanks Petey." Ashley smiled at him. Peter blushed.
"N-no p-problem." Peter stuttered. Ashley then saw everyone and walked over to the group.
"Hey Michelle, Hey Sirius." Ashley smiled. Both of them jumped up and greeted her with a hug. Michelle sat her down on the couch beside her.
"What are you doing here Ashley?" Sirius asked.
"I'm going to school here." Ashley smiled. Michelle and Sirius looked at each other oddly.
"I thought -?" Michelle began but was cut off.
"They chucked me out of Drumstrang." Ashley shrugged as if it was no big deal.
"What'd you do?" Remus asked curiously.
"I don't know. It was for either abseiling down the castle wall, knocking out my potions teacher or blowing up my dorm." Ashley shrugged. Everybody's face dropped including Lily's.
"You did all that?" James asked.
"I've done worse in Beauxbatons, but Drumstrang just chucked me out for the tiniest of things." Ashley said rolling her eyes.
"Gezz Ashley we knew you were bad but didn't know you were that bad." Michelle laughed. Remus coughed. "Oh yeah, Ashley this is Remus, Claudia and Lily." Michelle said introducing everyone.
"I've met Lily." Ashley smiled at her. "Nice to meet you guys." Ashley said to Remus and Claudia.
"Where's your sis, Eve at?" Ashley asked James.
"Dunno." James shrugged.
"Oh your keeping great tabs on your sister aren't ya? Your lucky my French friends aren't here. They took quiet a liking to Eve. Especially a certain someone." Ashley said with a wink as everybody laughed at James' appalled face. Lily only smiled. She felt uncomfortable around Ashley, but she didn't understand why. Lily stood up.
"Guys, I'm gonna get a head start on my homework. It was nice meeting you Ashley." Lily smiled at her.
"What about our game?" Sirius asked.
"We can finish it later." Lily said then walked up to her dorm. James watched her go and sighed. He went to stand up but Michelle stopped him.
"Let her go." Michelle whispered to him. No one else noticed because they were too busy talking to Ashley. James shrugged and sat back down on the chair.
Wow a lot happened! I don't like the look of this Ashley. She is up to something!!!! But I just wish Lily and James would get together! I am sick of all their angsty stuff! Um I think it would be better if I put this in a review, I've already got 7 warnings from Bluesky. She's a bit crazy if ya know what I mean. Anyway go review so we can get this show on the road again!