Expecto Patronum – Chapter Five - Learning How to High Five.

It turns out that sleeping doesn't help me at all. Instead, I spent the entire night tossing and turning, fretting about Potter. Yes, I was definitely fretting about his idiotic ways. I was certainly not dreaming dreams about him. That would be ridiculous.

…

Must go back to sleep.

Being sleep deprived is obviously driving me crazy.

This morning, Maddie, Lucy and I decided to skip breakfast in favour of the beautiful sunshine outside. A picnic basket had been conjured as we headed down towards our favourite oak tree, where we were most likely to gossip about the new term and catch up on anything.

"So, Lily, what's this we hear about you and a certain Mr Potter?"

Maddie wiggled her eyebrows towards me suggestively as waited for my answer. Honestly, my friends would believe anything going around our school. A bunch of gossips they were.

"Nothing is happening with Potter and me."

"Really? That's not what we heard from Esme John-"

Maddie stopped talking instantly, but it was too late and the damage was already done.

"ESME JOHNSON? AS IN THE COW WHO JINXED ME IN OUR FIRST YEAR?"

Maddie nodded sheepishly, her eyes searching me carefully, worried I was about to start yelling again.

I didn't mean to yell.

Well, I don't think I meant to yell.

Esme Johnson is the 'Queen Bee' of our year. I personally can't stand her, but everyone else seems to like her perfectly well. She's such a cow; she put me in the hospital wing in our third year for 'accidently' knocking Bubotuber Pus onto me.

I met her on the train to Hogwarts on our very first day. I distinctively remember her coming into our compartment, looking for James and Sirius.

She must have been really desperate back then.

Her head stuck between the compartment doors as she asked "Do you know where James and Sirius are?"

That would have been perfectly fine if she hadn't continued her sentence with "Oh. You won't know who they are. Muggleborns don't really know anything, and you reek of muggle blood."

Of course, being the innocent girl I was, I merely blinked in confusion as she strutted off, continuing her attempts to become popular. I was so glad to have had Lucy with me in the compartment; she quickly filled me in on everything in the wizarding world and helped me avoid people like Esme Johnson.

Come to think of it, Lucy doesn't particularly like Esme Johnson either. Unfortunately, Maddie likes to see the best in everyone and give everyone second chances. This rule apparently applies to Esme as well.

Like I said, unfortunate.

Noticing that Maddie was still looking at me worriedly, I answered "What's Esme been saying about me?"

"All I heard was that you were begging him to date you."

My head whipped around to Lucy in shock.

"Of course I knew it wasn't true. That's why I didn't bring it up today."

Lucy quickly amended her sentence and gazed down uncomfortably, fiddling with the picnic blanket.

That's it.

Time to find Esme and her big mouth.

Why do I always find myself in this broom cupboard?

I should just hang a sign on the door and declare this to be my new house.

I could invite house elves to come have tea with me!

And decorate it with huge curtains to give it a homey feel!

... I think I'm getting carried away.

Anyway, never mind Esme and her big mouth, I was going to have to sort my own out first!

*Note to self: Go look for Esme and throw something heavy at her. Like a rock.*

Oh, why?

WHY DID I HAVE TO SAY YES?

WHY?

Ugh.

James Potter is throwing notes at you. I really think you should read them. - Maddie

No. I'm still looking for a rock to throw at Esme. Then I'll deal with James. - Lily

James? Did you just call him by his first name? – Lucy

Are you feeling okay? Do we need to take you to the hospital wing?

Get your hand away from my forehead! I'm fine!

You sure?

Positive.

If you don't read one of these notes, I will.

Feel free; I have no idea what they're about anyway.

What does 'LHTHF' mean?

Ohmygosh! Don't read those!

Lily, please stop tackling me.

Lily, I think you should stop trying to get your notes back.

Lily?

Lily?

Guys, Flitwick does not look happy.

Lily! - James

What?

Do you want to talk about what happened earlier?

Not particularly, though it was probably the most decent conversation we've ever had.

Oh, Lily! I feel hurt that you would think our few conversations we had before wouldn't compare.

Please stop pretending to faint, you look like an idiot.

My dearest Lily, you really are the best with compliments aren't you. But yes, our conversation was particularly interesting. I learnt quite a few things about you. Want me to make a list?

Not really. But I can see you already scribbling down things to I'll let you have your fun.

1) You said yes to becoming friends and therefore began calling me James as I have you Lily.

2) You don't know how to high five properly, lessons will commence after class!

3) You really like the broom cupboard. What is that about?:)

"No, hold your hand out flat and aim for mine!"

James' voice was patient as he taught me how to high five. Of course this was only meant to be a joke, before James became all teacher–like and decided to give me a proper lesson.

And for some reason, I was actually having fun.

"Stop running away!" I yelled after him as he sprinted off, around the room, his hand still raised for me to high five.

We both ended up circling each other round the classroom, both of us too stubborn to give in.

THWAK!

"YESSSS!"

I slapped my hand across his and grinned triumphantly. This felt so ridiculous and childlike, and it felt great to be able to have fun for once.

And surprisingly, having fun with James Potter was pretty cool too.

We panted from either side of the room, both of us trying to catch our breath as we laughed at how ridiculous we were.

"We truly are the best examples for this school." His joking tone made me grin as I replied

"Of course. We're perfect together."

As soon as the words left my mouth, my hands covered my lips, shocked at what I had said. He looked stunned too, and for some reason, both of us knew that it wasn't a joke anymore.

"Lily."

He moved a step closer to me, his expression unreadable.

"I..uhh…gotta go!"

I yelled over my shoulder as I ran out of the classroom.

Off to the broom cupboard I go!

2nd time in one day.

I should really start thinking about moving in there.

Hope you like this chapter! I'm not too pleased with this one, but I really wanted to get a chapter up. Sorry for the long wait! Hope you're all good and well! :)x