In Love and War

by BeTheChange23

Opposites attract, but do they belong together? For Lily her life at Hogwarts has been complicated; a difficult relationship with her sister, growing distance with her best friend and the unwanted attentions of a certain Gryffindor. For James life has always worked out, but Lily is proving to be the exception to the rule. With war looming outside Hogwarts, can they learn to trust?

Pilot - Chapter 0.1

"Go out with you? GO OUT WITH YOU? What is wrong with you? What could possibly be going on inside your head that makes you think I would say yes?"

"Well I mean…"

"I don't need an answer…"

"Really Evans, you should work on your phrasing…"

"Do you even know the damage you could have done to Bertie?"

"Ah but Evans, Prongs is a master at transfiguration."

"Why thank you Padfoot" he replied with a bow, flourishing his hand as he bent down.

"You don't even care" she whispered, as if she were reasoning with herself.

"Evans…" but whatever James had been about to say was swallowed up as Lily screamed, "ENOUGH!" She paused to draw a breath before angling her head up and walking towards him slowly.

"… That is enough. But you, you are not enough. These childish games, these stupid spells, do you know what they say to me? That you do not know how to be more than the same spoiled, arrogant brat you've been since you got on the train to Hogwarts. I thoroughly dislike you, and no, Black it is not a secret crush. I despise you. I despise you because you make me sad. You use your strength and your skills to put down other people, to give you and your friends an easy laugh at other people's expense. Oh people will like you for your skill at Quidditch or your charm; but you disgrace yourself with your own behaviour and you make me sick. You could be more than you are, but you chose not to be. Content to be flattered, fawned over. So no Potter I will not go out with you. I will never go out with you. I am tired of repeating what you still don't seem to understand, so I will only say it once more. Grow the fuck up, and leave me alone."

With that Lily turned on her heel, and walked up to her dormitory with every eye in the Gryffindor common room on her. As soon as she disappeared beyond the winding staircase, the room began to thaw, with people stealing not-so subtle glances over at James Potter.

Had Lily glanced over her shoulder she would have seen James rooted to spot staring after her, his chest rising and falling heavily. She would have seen him shake off Sirius' hand as he reached out to pat his shoulder. And she would have seen him sink into the armchair behind him, and bury his head in his hands.