Days in Avalon

Chapter Twenty-Five: Both Sides Now

As the weeks flew by, most of the sixth years finished off their written part of their project and were now concentrating on their practical half of their task. Every group of students found it hard to find a quite and safe place to perform their spells the night before the project's due date. Most of them opted for deserted rooms in the dungeons and classrooms in the north tower or sixth floor of the castle.

Lily on the other hand could be found in a somewhat unusual place, considering the circumstances. She could be found sitting in a far corner of the common room going over her essay for the hundredth time while other year students busied themselves with homework, talks of Quidditch, or a game of wizard's chess. She had no clue whatsoever as to where James had run off to after dinner just a few hours ago. That morning she sent James a note asking him to meet her in the common room later on that evening so they could go over their practical one more time, even though both of them had been practicing the spells since the moment they chose them.

As she sat there wondering where he could be, she slipped back to a few weeks ago in the library. Lily knew from experience that James could hardly ever be taken seriously, but for some reason all that seemed to change since they started working together. He didn't seem so arrogant or childish all the time in her eyes, which surprised her to some extent. But what astounded her most was this feeling deep inside that she always felt whenever she was around him. Just spending a few minutes with him made her feel warm and content from head to toe. She couldn't help but wonder what he would do or say next that would make her laugh so hard that her sides would hurt. But what she found most appealing about him was the look in his eyes whenever he would look at her. If someone had asked her what she meant, she couldn't really describe it but every time she saw it, it always made her feel different. It was as if that one look, made her feel like she was the only woman in the world that deserved to be worshiped fully and completely.

But his look also frightened her at times, and made her feel as if she were cheating on Edwin. Since the incident at Halloween, she hadn't really spent anytime with her boyfriend, saved for a few lunch dates and walks around the castle when they were on duty together. She made a mental note that once this half of the project was over, she'd make it up to him somehow. But as she thought this, the thought of not spending so much time with James was one she didn't know if she could stand.

'When did he get under my skin so much? Sure, he irritated me to know end for nearly five years as a self-centered prat, who takes pleasure in other people's pain. So why can't I picture a time without him in it?' she though to herself as she sucked on her sugar quill pen.

'I know that he can be rude and down right mean at times, especially to Slytherins, but that's only when he's with his friends and is acting like a Marauder. When he's by himself with me, however, he's completely different.'

As she continued to stare off into space, she remembered when they were first starting to work on their project. She remembered how he hardly did anything at all and how she didn't really know him at all, until that one night in the common room. That was the first night she learned there was another side to James Potter. A side that was so foreign compared to the one she had seen, ever since the first time she met him. To her, he seemed almost…vulnerable when he talked about the brother he had lost, when he talked about his parents, or the rest of his family. Just from the descriptions he gave of them, she knew that he had a deep love for his family and would do anything for them.

She wouldn't admit it to anyone, especially Andy, but she could see what was so appealing about James Potter. Sure he has his faults and still acts like a child most days. But for some strange reason, that is what seems the most attractive to her. Since she started spending more time with him, she's been more drawn to his out look on life, carefree and reckless. Something she hasn't really known of since she was a small girl. Whenever she's around him, she finds herself feeling more at peace with the world. As if she is slowly finding the hidden child within.

"Lily? Earth to Lily? Come in Lily," said a voice.

Lily blinked out of her daydream to find Felicia and Kelly standing in front of her with Felicia waving her hand in front of her face to get her attention.

"Oh, hey guys. Uh….did you say something?" she asked.

"Yeah, we asked what was going on?" said Felicia.

"Where did you go? You looked as if you were a million miles away," said Kelly as she took a seat next to her.

"Oh, uh…nowhere. Just thinking about some things, that's all," said Lily quickly.

"Well what ever you were thinking of, it must have been something really good," stated Felicia with a grin and a raised eyebrow.

"Why do you say that?" Lily asked.

"Because you had this sappy look on your face. Daydreaming about cutie?" asked Felicia.

"NO! I-I was just thinking about things I need to do before the holidays," lied Lily.

"Sure you were, Evans," smirked Felicia.

"Oh would you leave her alone. Just because you daydream about the opposite sex all day long, doesn't mean that Lily or anyone else for that matter does too," said Kelly. "You know I think you've been spending way to much time with that boyfriend of yours."

"Why do you say that?" she asked.

"Because you're starting to sound just like him. And to quote Andy, "the world can barely with stand one Sirius Black as is. If anyone ever decided to become him, or (heaven forbid) he ever reproduces, I'm taking the first spaceship off this planet and getting the hell away from here."

Lily couldn't help but laugh at Kelly's little reenactment of one of her best friends speeches about her arch rival, while Felicia just simply rolled her eyes and turned back toward Lily.

"So what are you up too?"

"Nothing really. Just waiting for Potter to get here. We're supposed to be practicing our spells for McGonagall tomorrow," said Lily as she rolled up her report and placed it back into her bag.

"Oh don't remind me about that. I just came back from a complete evening of torment," shuddered Felicia.

"I take it you and Peter aren't working out?" said Kelly.

"The boy is a complete klutz! He's always tripping over something, and…I don't know. He's just always giving me the creeps sometimes," she responded with.

"Oh relax, Figg. Peter is harmless. He couldn't even hurt a fly," said Kelly.

"I wouldn't go that far," said Lily. "He is one of Potter and Black's gang."

"Good point," said Kelly. "But so is Remus."

"Remus is the exception. Karen got the good one out of the lot. Well other than me of course," said Felicia.

"Ah, yes. Saint Sirius, the perfect boyfriend. And just where is your beloved? Tormenting a Snivellus?"

"No, he's in the library."

"Alone?" asked Lily finding it hard to believe he would be there at this time of night by himself.

"No, he's with someone," said Felicia, wondering how this turned into a twenty questions game of where's Felicia's boyfriend.

"Another woman? Ah! It already starts," exclaimed Kelly.

"No, you over dramatic drama queen. He's in the library with Andy, finishing up his project for tomorrow," yelled Felicia.

"Ah, I sense I bit of the green eyed monster of jealousy in your voice," smirked Lily. It was at this point that Felicia realized that both of them were messing with her, trying to get her all riled up, defending her boyfriend.

"Oh would you two just shut up!" chuckled Felicia. With that she headed up the stairs to her room to get some rest.

"Oh man, I love messing with her like that," laughed Kelly. "So how long are you waiting for Potter?"

"Until he comes I guess," shrugged Lily. At that moment, Kelly gave her a weird look that took little back a bit. "What?"

"Nothing, just…nothing. Forget I even thought of anything," she said.

"No I want to know," insisted Lily.

"Well, I guess you're going have to wait. Here comes new friend now," said Kelly. Lily turned toward the portrait and found James walking through it, and looking around for someone. Once he spotted Lily and Kelly sitting together he started heading toward them. Lily began to feel a fluttering feeling in the pit of her stomach, when she locked eyes with him.

"Hi! I'm sorry I'm late," said James truthfully.

"Well I take it that's my cue to leave. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good night, Lily, James," said Kelly as she bid them goodnight and headed up the stairs to her room.

"Night, Kelly," said both of them at the same time.

"Where have you been? I thought we said we'd meet up at nine?" said Lily with some confusion in her voice.

"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't realize the time and…I'm sorry. Do you still want to practice? I mean it's not too late for you is it?"

"It's fine. I'm game if you are?"

"Sure. So…where do you want to practice?"

"Uh, well, it's a little late to go off to find an empty classroom. Why don't we wait here for awhile, then we'll have the room to ourselves," suggested Lily.

"Sounds like a plan to me," said James with an infectious smirk. "This actually gives me time to finish my astronomy homework. Hopefully I can remember what Star told me earlier today."

"What did she say?"

"Oh, I just asked her about which constellations go with which mythology story," said James with his head hung low.

"Why are you acting like that?" questioned Lily.

"Well…because…I did want you to know that astronomy isn't one of my strong points," he said feebly. Lily couldn't help but giggle at him. Not because of his confession, but because he looked so adorable acting so nervous.

"Potter I don't care what your weak or strong points are. Everyone has their own weaknesses and strong points. No one is perfect," said Lily.

"That's not true. Some people believe you are."

"Well, I'm not. I have my weaknesses too you know."

"Really? Such as?"

"Hmmhmm….can't tell," stated Lily as she shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Because it's a secret," she said with a smirk.

"Ahh…but you know me. I love secrets. Come on. You can tell me," said James with puppy dog eyes.

"Don't give me that look. It doesn't work for any of my other friends, so it won't work for you James Potter," giggled Lily.

"Awak…you're no fun. That's alright though. There are other ways of finding out what you're weaknesses are. Just give me time. The other thing that I love more than secrets are finding out what the secret is," replied James giving off an evil laugh.

Lily couldn't help but chuckle and roll her eyes at his display of being an evil villain. The two continued to work on their other homework for another half hour or so until the last person finally headed upstairs for bed.

Both of them quickly got up and began to move some the furniture around so it didn't get damaged while they were practicing. Each of them took turns casting their spells on the various objects that they would be using for their project tomorrow. Lily was amazed at how good James had gotten with the spells in such a short time span. She knew that he hadn't been practicing for long, but he had pretty much mattered the style and perfection of the spell.

James was also astounded at how good Lily was with her performance. Although, she hadn't quite got the artistic style of their one spell.

"Uh…Evans? You're doing it wrong," said James suddenly as Lily was about to fire another spell.

"Excuse me?"

"You're doing it wrong," he repeated.

"How am I doing it wrong? The spell is working fine," she said.

"It's not the spell. It's your form. You're shoulders are slouching a bit when you're casting your spell."

"I am not!"

"Yes you are. Here let me show you. Go ahead. Cast the spell."

Lily gave him a skeptical look before she shrugged her shoulders and began to cast the spell. Before she could even utter a word, she felt James touch her shoulders, causing her to jump up at least three feet in the air.

"What are you doing?" she asked breathlessly.

"Trust me, Evans. I know what I'm doing," he said softly. He forced her to turn around toward the small statue sitting on the coffee table.

"Go ahead, and begin to cast," he said. Lily gave off a shallow breath and began to cast her spell. She began to lift up her wand arm and she once again felt James's hands on her shoulders.

"Relax," he whispered into her ear softly. The feeling of his warm breath on her ear sent chills down her spine. She instantly began to relax against James's fingers and started to get that familiar feeling she felt in the pit of her stomach. A feeling that she usually felt whenever James was around.

"Square out your shoulders and spread your feet apart a bit," he said softly again. Lily complied with his request and slowly began to close her eyes while her breath began to quicken a bit.

"Now cast your spell."

Lily muttered the words and instantly the stone statue was transfigured into a steel suit of armor, without any force that Lily had been putting into it in order for it to work.

"There you go. Now wasn't that a lot easier?"

"Yes," answered Lily in a low voice as she turned around to face James properly. She looked up into his eyes and felt lost again in the pool of hazel that was before her. He had a look in his eye that she couldn't quite read. But the more she stared into his eyes, the more she felt she was floating on air, and closer toward him.

"I guess I'm not that unintelligent am I?" he said with a chuckle.

"I never said you weren't intelligent, James," Lily replied as she drew a bit closer to him. Upon hearing his name come from her lips, James snapped out of the trance that he was in with Lily and quickly took a step back.

"That was really good. Why don't you try that again?"

"Alright," said Lily a little confused as to what had just happened. She turned back around and returned the suit of armor into its original state.

"Uh, James do you mind if I ask you a question," she asked trying to change the air in the room.

"Sure. You can ask me anything."

"What took you so long to get here? I though you said you would be here as soon as you returned a book to the library?"

"I was! I mean, I did," squeaked James as he began to twitch nervously. "I did, but I also ran into someone."

"Oh? Who?" she asked as she began to cast her spell.

"No one really. Just a girl I met a couple of weeks ago," he replied looking down at his feet.

"Girl?" choked Lily. Upon hearing who he met, her hand began to drop her wand right as she cast her spell, cause a spark to bounce around the room and eventually hit James in the arm.

"Ouch!"

"Oh gods. James I'm so sorry. I didn't mean too. It was an accident. Are you alright?" she said quickly.

"Yes I'm fine. Geez! Evans, are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Well you just let a spell you mastered slip away from you, after I told you where I was," said James as he rubbed his upper arm a bit more.

"So?"

"One might suspect that you're jealous perhaps," he said with a smirk.

"Jealous? Me? Of you? Please Potter. I may be able to tolerate you now, but what you are talking about is ridiculous," laughed Lily.

"Is that so? So if I said that I asked the girl out on a date, you wouldn't be a tad bit jealous?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Only in your dreams, Potter," chuckled Lily. With that she turned back to look at James and saw a mischievous look on his face. Lily had a pretty good idea what he was trying to do, so she quickly slapped him on the arm.

"Prat!"

"Ouch! That really hurt. I'm going to have to teach you a lesson, Evans," said James darkly.

"What type of lesson?" said Lily cautiously. She then saw the glint in his eye and knew what was about to happen. She quickly tried to jump out of his way, but she was no match for his reflexes as he grabbed a hold of her and began to tickle her sides.

"James! No! STOP! Ah…that tickles!" gasped Lily though her laughter.

"That's the point of a tickle punishment. Do you give?"

"Never!" she gasped.

"Alright then. Have it your way." With that, James began to tickle not only her sides, her neck, behind her knee, and everywhere else as they fell onto the couch.

"Ah…okay…okay…uncle…mercy!" gasped Lily as she fought to breathe.

"Ha ha…I am supreme. Victory once again!" shouted James as he held up his arms in triumph.

"I don't think so," coughed Lily. Before James even knew what happened, Lily and pounced on him, cause both of them to fall on the floor with Lily on top.

"Now what was that about victory, huh Potter?" she asked as she began to perform her own tickling attack on him.

"Ah…okay. Enough. I give," laughed James under Lily's fingers. Both of them began to laugh at the looks on each others faces.

James's hair was as messy as ever, while Lily's red hair looked just as bad. But to James she never looked lovelier with her bright smile and twinkle of pure happiness in her eyes. He always wanted to see that look on her face when ever he saw her from that day on.

As the two began to calm down a bit, that all too familiar feeling of being drawn together came over them yet again as they looked into each others eyes. James began to sit up more and to look at Lily properly. She suddenly felt very nervous as she began to bite her bottom lip. James lifted up his to stroke her face and run his thumb over her bottom lip, causing a let out a shallow breath.

"Lily, I…" whispered James as he leaned in to Lily barely a few centimeters away from her lips.

"Shhh," said Lily as she placed a finger gently to his lips to silent him.

Just as she was about to move her finger away and close the small space between them, the clock began to chime telling them it was now two o'clock in the morning.

"It's late," said James softly. "We should head off to bed."

"Right. We should," said Lily just as softly. He helped her off the floor and the two quickly muttered a few spells to return the furniture back to their original spot. Once the last chair was put back into place, both began to head up to the stairs until they came to the landing separating the boys and girls dormitories.

"Goodnight, Lily," said James as he lend in and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Goodnight…James," she said softly. But before she turned to head up to her room, she looked into James's eyes one last time, before she gave him gentle kiss on the cheek goodnight.

James stood there in shock for nearly a whole ten minutes, before he realized how stupid he must look standing in the middle of the landing, and headed up to get a goodnight's rest. Dreaming about a certain red haired girl.

Disclaimer: I only own this story and the characters I made up…everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling.