When You Wish Upon a Star

Chapter three: Of Confessions and Sorting Hats
By Christabell

“What’s that about?” Peter asked Sirius. Sirius looked puzzled, as did Remus.

“Wait...... Sirius? Are they really going out? I didn’t actually think that it would happen this fast.” Sirius sighed.

“No, Remmy. They aren’t actually going out. It was sort of my cover because we were talking about your birthday present. Plus I wanted them to get together. Because James really does like her, and Lily really does like him. It’s odd, though. We met Lily only a couple of hours ago. It seems like I’ve known her my whole life.”

Sirius sat there pondering why Lily fit in as well as she had with them. Remus had to agree.

“I know what you mean. It almost makes me believe in fate. Lily and James. Lily and the rest of us. It just works. But however you look at it, it’s good for her. I mean, think about what her life has been. It’s been horrible. I don’t know how she managed to keep herself together with her sister around, and it seemed like she took care of her mother and the house as well. It’s more than I could handle. And what she said about Durmstrang? How could everyone make fun of her? She is such a fabulous person. but I wonder what will happen between her and James. Will they go out? Hopefully James will get up the nerve to formally ask her out. Whatever happens, I would love to have her stick around, and hang out with us.” Peter jumped into the conversation.

“Yeah. I met her by crashing into her, not watching where I was going. But she didn’t judge me by that. Didn’t even get mad. She just smiled and asked for help. I was so glad when I found out that she was a witch and that she would be going to Hogwarts as well. But guess what I found out? She’s the new Head Girl. She told me that on the way to the platform. Apparently Dumbledore just looked at her grades and saw that she had never been in much trouble. Then he talked to her old headmaster and that was that. Crazy, huh? I wonder who the Head Boy is....” Peter trailed off, lost in thought.

******

Meanwhile, Lily and James had finally found an empty compartment where they could talk. James looked at Lily, who was looking very uncomfortable.

“James, that kiss.... it was... I mean, I felt...” James stopped her there.

“I know, Lily. I know exactly what you mean. When I kissed you, I felt like that was all that I needed. That nothing else mattered. That everything would be ok. I guess what I want to say is that I would really love to go out with you. Not because of what Sirius said. But because it’s what I want and I think it’s what you want too. So Lily, will you go out with me?” he said, his voice shaking a bit. ‘Damn those nerves,’ he thought to himself. His thoughts stopped there as he felt Lily grab his hands, and stare into his eyes.

“James, I want to. I really do. It seems like I can trust you. But, I mean, I just met you a few hours ago. Don’t take that the wrong way. It’s just, this is moving really fast. I’ve never had a boyfriend before. And before today, I’d never been kissed. It scares me.”

“Lily, if you say yes, I promise that I will take it as slow as you want me to. I swear.” He looked steadily at her, trying to make her understand. “I know you’ve been hurt by your family, and your life hasn’t been the greatest, but I will never hurt you.”

“I still don’t really understand why you’d want to go out with someone as ugly and gross as me. I know, you say that I’m not, but why would my sister lie to me?” Lily said, staring off into space. James stared at her in disbelief.

“Why would your sister lie to you? Lily..... she’s the one who is causing you intentional pain, beating you up and verbally harassing you. How could you believe someone who would do that, kin or not? Trust me Lily, you are anything but ugly and gross. You are so beautiful, so kind.” James reached out a hand to touch her cheek gently. “Believe me. Please?” he pleaded quietly.

“Ok, James. I’ll try. I’ve just believed this for so long that it’s hard to imagine it not being the truth. And I guess you just changed my mind. You still want to be my boyfriend?” She smiled at him, and he pulled her into a huge hug. Just then, the train slowed down. They were arriving at Hogwarts. James and Lily walked back to their compartment, holding hands the whole way. As soon as they entered, Sirius sighed.

“James? Lily? I want to say that I’m sorry. I put you guys in a really awkward position, and while it was amusing, it was kinda mean. I told Remus that it was just a cover for talking about his birthday. So he knows everything.” James chuckled

“Actually, the three of you don’t know everything. We are actually going out now.” He grinned and gave Lily a peck on the cheek. Sirius, Peter, and Remus just stared as the new couple collapsed in laughter.

“Well,” said Sirius unintelligently. “Oh, Lily? Congrats. First, on both snagging and snogging James within a few hours. Not just anyone could do that. And second on being Head Girl. Do you know who the Head Boy is?” Lily shook her head.
“No, not yet, but..” James cut in.

“But I know.” They all turned to look at him. “It’s me.” Lily shrieked and gave him a big hug.

“That’s awesome! We get to work together all year long!”

“Yeah, but just how will they be working together... that’s what you have to ask.” Remus muttered to Sirius and Peter, hoping that Lily had not heard. She had. She sent him a death glare, and a light smack.

“Don’t think I won’t hit you harder next time, Remus. You may act all innocent, but I can see right through that. I’d be willing to bet that you’re worse than Sirius!” Sirius glanced up with a look of mock pain.

“Dear Lady, need you insult me so? How doth the small and...... damnit, I forgot the word..... small and..... Meek! I got it! Anyway, How doth the small and meek Remus compare to my strength and wit of the tremendous Sirius. One so small would never dare to surpass me.”

“Siri, darling. It’s quite easy to be smarter than you. And if I do recall correctly, which, of course I do, I beat you in our last fight. So there,” Remus exclaimed, acting extremely childish. Sirius, no more mature than Remus, glared at him, and began to pout.

“Remmy, sweetheart. That is very rude of you. I’m not talking to you anymore.... We’re fighting!” Sirius said, looking very proud of his “intelligent” retort.

“Oh, Siri dear... I am heartbroken at the fact that you no longer reciprocate my feelings. And all this time I thought we were in love.” He flung a hand up to his forehead in mock pain.

“Oh Remmy. I’m ever so sorry. You know that I love you. I always have. I will until the end of time. I can’t help it - you’re just too damn sexy for me to resist.” The two boys embraced each other dramatically, then momentarily broke apart, laughing so hard that tears formed in their eyes. The rest of the group joined in, and it took several minutes before they could calm down.

“Well, umm... That was relatively new and interesting...” James said, still chuckling.

“Hey... let’s go. We’re here,” Peter said. “We don’t want Lily to miss the sorting. Hope for Gryffindor!” Lily smiled.

“I am. But even if I don’t get that, will I still have some classes with you?” she asked.

“Of yeah, and we’ll definitely sneak you into our common room with lover boy’s invisibility cloak.” James blushed at the reference and was about to defend himself, but Lily came over and put her arm around his waist.

“Don’t worry about it, lover boy,” she joked. “They’re just jealous because it’s you, not them who’s gonna be getting some.” With that, the five headed off towards the carriages that would bring them to the school.

******

When they arrived at the school, James grabbed Lily’s hand and squeezed it.

“Are you nervous?” he asked sweetly. He knew the answer. Lily was already shaking.

“Well, yeah, a bit. I’m just so worried that no one else will like me. And what if I get into Slytherin or something? What will happen to me then? I won’t really be able to talk to you guys, or be with you, James. That would just really....”
“Suck?” James supplied.

“Basically. It would be horrible. Also... do you know where I should go? I don’t really want to sit with the first years. And... Oh God, everyone’s going to hate me!” James reassured her.

“First. You wouldn’t get into Slytherin. You are too nice. Second. I’ll show you where to go. I have to talk to Dumbledore. I think Head By and Head Girl sit up with the teachers for the sorting, so you will just sit up there with me and probably go first. It’ll be no big deal.”

“Thanks James.” They reached the doors to the Great Halls and walked up to the front of the room, up to Dumbledore, who greeted them warmly.

“Welcome Miss Evans, Mr. Potter. I take it that you two have met,” he said, glancing down at their intertwined hands. “James, did you explain to Lily what would be happening?” James nodded, and Dumbledore carried on. “Good. As you might know, you will be the first to be sorted. We always have transfer students and anyone else with any other special circumstances go first. The first years can wait. You to can sit over there.” With that, he pointed to two seats which had just appeared next to his. He cleared his throat, and began to speak to the students.

“This year, the sorting will not start with the first years. It will start with our new Head Girl, Lily Evans. She is transferring from Durmstrang, and I hope you will all make her feel welcome. Come here Lily. It’s your turn to be sorted.” Lily looked over at James, who gave her a reassuring look.

She slowly walked up and placed the hat on her head, sitting on the stool. She could immediately feel its presence in her, entering and probing her mind, searching through her soul. ‘Ah. Ms. Evans. What a surprise. It’s not very often that I get a 7th year student to sort. Now, let’s see..... where shall I place you. Hmmmmm... I think that “Slyther.....” No, that won’t do. You have the ambition, but alas, you are muggleborn. Then I suppose that “Hufflep....” No. While you are kind, you wouldn’t be able to get used to the dull yet happy-go-lucky life style. Then how about “Ravencla.....” No. You are smart enough, but I see that your heart lies elsewhere. Then it shall be “Gryffindor.” You will fit in perfectly there, with your new friends.... and James.’

Lily promptly took the hat off her head, looking at the confused and disappointed faces of all except the Gryffindors, who were cheering like mad. It was the first year that both the Head Girl and Head Boy were both from the same house, let alone theirs. ‘Hmmmm. I guess it’s strange for one person to fit into all four houses.’ She shrugged and went back to sit next to James, thankful that her sorting was over.