xiv. There's Something Different About Her
Hogwarts Fourth Year
James was positive that this was going to be his year. Even his recent breakup with Lorraine Gilbert (literally on the train ride) didn't really hurt that much as he found out that she swung the other way, as now he got the most valuable thing that he found in his dad's drawer,
The Marauder's Map!
He spent throughout the Summer along with his friends to decode it. George had told them a hint when they met in Summer and it came very easy and naturally for them to unlock the map. Then on the train to Hogwarts, the boys were racking up plans for their greatest pranks yet.
Now they were in the ceremony for the first years, and James was annoyed of the whispers.
"Malfoy's prettier this year mate," He heard.
"Yeah, but isn't she always pretty?"
"She is... Too bad she's a Slytherin though. She looks down on everything... Can't really approach her mate." The guy sighed. James had frowned at that. After his stalemate with Lyarra, he had found her presence to be quite... Fun, actually.
Lyarra Malfoy was witty, and fair to say that she doesn't really show it to people she's not friends with. Yet, James had managed to see that part of her. He didn't know how long he was thinking about her since the whole faculty had started eating.
Fred eyed his cousin curiously and took a muffin.
"Malfoy looks really different this year." Fred hummed as he ate his muffin, catching the attention of his friends.
"She looks the same, mate." Danny replied with an eye roll, pouring juice onto his goblet.
"Hmmm... Maybe you're right." Fred shrugged and turned his attention elsewhere.
James looked up from his plate. How convenient was it that he instantly saw Lyarra when he did? His fingers mindlessly played with a spoon as he analyzed her critically... What was so different about her?
She's still blonde. Her hair may be longer and straighter. She probably grew a few inches, but it doesn't show much. She still had those puffy cheeks of hers that honestly doesn't look very bad. Her nose was sleek and pointy, a nice shape. Her eyelashes are the usual, her lower lashes was longer... Maybe more curly? Or Maybe it's her eyebrows... They looked trimmed...
His heart dropped as Lyarra turned to look for the one that has been looking at her. James quickly took Danny's juice goblet, startling the boy, and started drinking, covering his face from her line of sight.
"James? That's my goblet." Danny raised his voice irritably. James took a sneak peek at Lyarra again to find her conversing back with her friends. He sighed.
"Oof, sorry mate." James gave Danny his goblet back. He looked so disappointed as he poured more juice onto his goblet.
Fred and Terrence just laughed and continued talking to each other.
James took a bite of his food slowly as he calmed his heart rate down. He was almost caught, damn it. He finally poured some water onto his goblet and drank it, and found himself staring at Lyarra Malfoy again.
She was brushing her hair to the back of her ear, and that was when James finally noticed.
"She has a new piercing," He whispered.
"What?" Fred turned to him.
"Oh, nothing." James quickly brushed it off, and tried to join his friends on their conversation.
"So, how are we going to win the Quidditch Cup this year?"
Unbenknownst to him, Lyarra had watched him curiously as he talked to his friends.
"What's wrong, Lya?" Jemma had asked her friend who seemed to be in thought.
"I just thought someone was staring at me, that's all." Lyarra explained, brushing it off. Jemma leaned closer to her and followed her line of sight.
"And you think it's Potter?" She frowned. Jemma still obviously didn't like the Gryffindor.
"No... I was looking at him because... I thought he was talking about Quidditch." Lyarra lied.
"And you can read lips?" Blaise chuckled.
"I think he was talking strategy on how they could win, honestly." Knowing Potter...
"Oh Lya..." They all laughed and went back to eat.
It was horrible.
But Lyarra was grinning.
Someone managed to prank the first years going to the Potions Classroom so they were stuck on the hallway's floor like a fly caught in glue.
"Lyarra, are you laughing at the poor first years?" Jemma said incredulously. Lyarra tried hiding her smile.
"No, it just reminded me of the TV show you showed me about those mosquitos being trapped." Lyarra explained as they waited for the prefects to help the first years.
"...I never knew you were this sadistic."
"I'm not. But it's just funny to see." Lyarra smiled. Jemma sighed.
"Knowing what pranks you did... Of course you would like them. I'm sure those Gryffindors did this."
It was finally good for them to cross as the prefects had cleared the glued floor away.
"What, you mean James Potter and his friends?"
"Yes. I'm quite sure they're scheming something big, Lya." Jemma whispered as they went in Potions class, and saw the said group of Gryffindors laughing. "And I honestly don't want to get caught in the middle of it."
The two got to their table.
"Oh, I'll protect you." Lyarra laughed and patted jer friend's back. Jemma sighed with a smile.
"Of course you do. For a Slytherin, you're quite loyal, Lya."
"Are you saying that I'm a Hufflepuff? Come here, you--"
The girls were caught in giggles as they tried tickling each other. It was when Professor Slughorn came that they stopped.
"I'm glad we're friends." Jemma whispered appreciatively.
"Me too." Lyarra smiled.
A/N
Sorry for the long update! Life has been busy. Here's the Fourth Year that you have been waiting for! It's still quite filler-y while the next chapter, big things will happen. Please stay tuned!
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