Outward Appearances

Chapter Two: The Quidditch Match

Loud voices woke Lily from sleep's tight hold. She groaned and rolled over into her pillow in an attempt to drown them out, but they persisted.

"Has the Princess finally decided to grace us with her presence?" Arabella's voice rang through Lily's head like nails on a chalkboard. She gritted her teeth. Her head was pounding, and her stomach ached something awful.

"Come on, Lily! The match's in twenty minutes, and we aren't going to wait for you!" Marcella chirped happily. Her voice was a notch louder than Lily would have liked. What were they talking about? She wondered hazily. Oh, right. That Quidditch match was today. Slytherin versus Gryffindor.

Sighing, she began to rub her temples. Lily would have much rather stayed asleep. She had been having a rather pleasant dream about a man dressed as a stag.... Maybe if she didn't open her eyes she could fall back to sleep and--

"LILY! Don't make me set your bed-curtains on fire!" Arabella cried shrilly.

"FINE," Lily growled. Emitting another loud groan, for Arabella's benefit, she attempted to sit up. Blinking her eyes open, Lily's heart stopped. She was still wearing the sandals... Was she still asleep? The pounding in her head quickly assured her that she was more than awake. Wait--why was she wearing sandals?

She froze.

"Oh no..."

Everything came rushing back with painful clarity as Lily realized that she was still in her costume from last night. Luckily for her, the bed-curtains were drawn around her bed, shielding her from view, but that didn't lessen her panic. Any of the girls could pull them back at any time.

No, no, no, no!!!!

She chanted the word over and over again in her head. Touching her face, she realized that the mask had been removed. Angrily, she reached to undo the sandals. How could she have been so stupid? Walking right into the dorm like this.... Lily stopped. How had she gotten back? She strained her mind, but could only remember a concerned face.... The stag. He hadn't been a dream after all. Lily shivered at the realization. Her hand touched something soft, and looking down, she saw the formerly cardboard wings, no longer attached to her back. Next to the wings, was her bag.

"Lily," Vivian began, somewhere to Lily's left, in a singsong voice. "If we don't get out there, you might not be able to sit next to Remus...." There was some distinct giggling on the other side of the curtains.

Lily rolled her eyes. Arabella had obviously wasted no time informing their dorm-mates about Remus's innocent question. Of course Arabella would have exaggerated, and added some details of her own. By now Remus had probably proposed marriage on bended knee in the middle of class. But Vivian had a point... She would want to sit near Remus. Lily quickly pushed all thoughts about the stag to the back of her mind. Sieranda's was a place of fantasy, not reality. She would probably never see him again. An unwelcome pang shot through her at the thought, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. A fresh wave of panic rose up in her. How was she going to get dressed? Her clothes were in the drawers of her bedside cabinet, and she couldn't let the others see her like this!

Doing some quick thinking, Lily shoved the sandals and wings into the bag, and then pushed it under her pillow. Holding her breath, she pulled back the blankets to her bed. Lily wiggled into the sheets, and pulled them up to her chin. Freeing one hand, she pulled the curtain back.

Arabella was already dressed in her robes and house scarf. Her hair and makeup were already done, and she stood smirking at Lily.

"About time."

Giving her a weak smile, Lily pointed to the trunk at the foot of her bed, where her bathrobe was strewn. "Could you hand me my robe?"

She rolled her large, amber eyes. "Lazy bum." But to Lily's relief, she picked up the robe and threw it to her.

"Thanks." She quickly pulled the curtain closed again.

"I don't know why you're suddenly so modest. There isn't anything under there that we haven't already seen, Lily."

She almost laughed as she pulled on the fluffy, pink robe over the dress. As an afterthought, she reached up to touch her hair. Along with the patterns, her curling charm had worn off. She took a breath, and pulled the curtains open. Stumbling out of bed, she ignored the other girls' stares, and moved toward her cabinet. Pulling out fresh clothes, a black robe, and a house scarf, she shuffled into the bathroom.

Locking the door behind her, Lily dropped her bundle on the sink counter, and took a shaky breath. Why couldn't she remember coming back to the dorm? Somehow she had gotten away from the pulsing crowd, found her way back to the tunnel, remembered to pick up her things, and then managed to get back to Gryffindor tower and then into the dorm room where she had collapsed on her bed. Why couldn't she remember doing any of that?

Sudden pounding on the door caused Lily to jump.

"I don't hear the shower running!" Arabella yelled through the thick wood.

She rolled her eyes. Who needed a mother when you had Arabella?

Discarding the bathrobe, Lily peeled off the dress and undergarments. She switched on the shower to her favorite temperature. Waiting for the water to become warm, she opened the cabinet above the sink, searching for her aspirin. Her friends didn't understand why she would use such a primitive Muggle remedy, but after plenty of hangovers, Lily had learned that she didn't have the patience to come up with an excuse to get the ingredients for a certain potion from the Potions Master each time. Aspirin would have to do. Finding the familiar green bottle, she extracted three pills and popped them into her mouth. She didn't need water to swallow them anymore.

Replacing the bottle, she closed the cabinet, and stepped under the warm water. Sighing, she tilted her head back and enjoyed the feel of the water running over her body. It had an immediate calming effect, and Lily chuckled at her own raw nerves. As the pain in her forehead lessened, Lily slowly relaxed. She had overreacted. Someone had obviously slipped something into her drink, but inspecting herself, she didn't see any actual damage.

Lily selected her own shampoo from the mass of different hair products lined around the tub. Inhaling the lilac scent, she squirted some into her hand and rubbed it into her hair.

Plus, she seemed to have gotten away with it. The halls must have been deserted whenever she had stumbled in, or else she would have most likely woken up in Filch's office instead of her own bed. Smirking, she imagined the look on the teachers' faces if they could have seen perfect little Lily Evans drunk off her ass.

She leaned her head under the showerhead, enjoying the feeling of the lather running out of her hair. Apparently it wasn't a hangover she was suffering from because the pain was already almost gone. Maybe an effect from whatever had been put into her drink.

Reluctantly, she turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. Grabbing a towel, Lily wiped off the excess water. She should have known better than to accept drinks from strangers. Unless she wanted to be caught, Lily would have to be more careful from now on.

After pulling on her clothes, Lily surveyed herself in the mirror. Slightly tired green eyes stared back at her, almost hidden under mops of wild, wet hair. Sighing, she picked up a hair-dryer. If it weren't for Vivian, she would be completely hopeless. Luckily for her, Vivian was a master at all things hair or makeup, and she had enough patience to teach Lily. The other girls hadn't needed her help, both having older sisters. Lily smirked at the idea of Petunia helping her with makeup.

When her reflection was satisfactory, Lily stepped out of the bathroom. Arabella was seated on the edge of her bed, smirking.

"Marcella and Vivian already left. They're saving us seats," she said.

Lily smiled weakly. "Sorry."

Arabella shrugged. "I guess if I wanted look on the bright side, I could think that we're being fashionably late. Very fashionably late," she added for effect.

"Sounds good to me. Let's go."

Arabella raised an eyebrow. "Now you're hurrying me? I was just getting into staring at the wall. Did you ever notice that stain next to Marcella's vanity?"

Laughing, Lily hauled Arabella to her feet, and the two of them made their way out to the Quidditch pitch. When they got there, Lily saw that the game had already started. Arabella shielded her eyes, searching for Marcella and Vivian.

"There they are!" Arabella cried, pointing toward the top of the Gryffindor stands.

Lily looked up, and saw Marcella waving her arms frantically. She groaned.

"Naturally, they would pick the highest point," she grumbled.

"Yeah, let's hide their lipsticks when we get back," Arabella smirked.

Puffing, Lily followed Arabella up the stairs to the top of the stands.

"Hey Lily."

Lily stopped, and almost groaned again. Marcella and Vivian had planted themselves right next to Remus and Sirius Black. She definitely needed to talk to Arabella about her big mouth.

"Hey Remus. Sirius," she said. Marcella had left a not so subtle amount of space between herself and Remus. Arabella raised an eyebrow, and took the empty seat next to Vivian. Fighting a blush, Lily squeezed into the empty space. Remus gave her a small smile. God, could they have been more obvious about it?

"Geez, James can fly!" Sirius exclaimed.

Looking up, Lily watched as James dropped close to the ground, pulling up just in time. He made a quick arch over the Gryffindor stands, a goofy grin on his face.

"Show-off," Remus muttered, but he was smiling.

Marcella and Vivian giggled loudly. Giving them an amused look, Lily leaned over to whisper conspiratorially in Remus's ear. "Marcella has the worst crush on James."

Remus raised an eyebrow, and the corner of his mouth quirked. "No kidding? What about you?"

He was staring so intently at her, that Lily suddenly wished that she had spent more time on her makeup.

"I appear to be immune," she managed. He had such lovely eyes.....

Remus laughed. "You'd be the first."

"Is he popular with girls?" Lily asked, attempting to capture her hair, which the wind seemed to be making a sport of splaying all over the place.

"Usually." Remus gave her another look.

"Gryffindor scores!" boomed Deidlan Domerly's voice over the loudspeaker. Lily flinched. This was the last time she sat so close to the announcer's booth. She turned around so she could see the scoreboard. It was already 30 to 0.

"Hey guys," said a squeaky voice.

"Hey there, Fletcher," Arabella beamed.

Mungdungus Fletcher was a small Ravenclaw boy who was ridiculously accident-prone. Lily and Arabella had adopted him during their second year when he had accidentally spilled hot porridge all over a blonde Slytherin who had made a rude comment about Lily's hair.

Arabella scooted over to make room for Mungdungus, simultaneously causing everyone to squish together, and Lily to press into Remus's side. Lily smiled at his blush. He was cute when he was flustered. Hell, he was always cute.

Lily suddenly remembered warm hands moving up and down her sides, but pushed the thought away. This was reality, she reminded herself angrily. Remus was next to her, not the stag.

"So, Lily." Sirius leaned over Remus so he could see Lily. "You're pretty good at potions, aren't you?"

"I guess so..." she said slowly.

Marcella laughed. "Please! She's top in our class! You wouldn't believe how she pours over those books-"

To Lily's relief, Arabella elbowed her, and Marcella shut up. Sirius pretended to cough, but Lily was pretty sure that she saw a smirk before he covered his mouth. Angrily, Lily focused on the game. Sure, think I'm just a boring bookworm, she grumbled silently. If you could have seen me last night-

"Lily?"

She jumped. "What?"

"I was saying that James is looking for a potions tutor. Interested?" Sirius flashed perfect teeth at her. Lily felt Remus squirm slightly next to her. Sirius was still leaning over him.

"Of course she's interested!" Vivian cried. She looked embarrassed at her eagerness, and quickly pretended to be interested in the game.

Sirius didn't bother hiding his smirk this time. "Lily?"

Lily really didn't feel like tutoring anybody, and she couldn't help feeling a little insulted that Sirius's first thought about her seemed to be "tutor." But they were all looking at her, and she didn't want to seem rude. She also couldn't find a good enough excuse...

Holding back a groan, she said, "Sure."

Sirius grinned. "Great. I'll tell James."

Lily grinned weakly. She was going to have to talk to the Potions Master, Professor Tilandi, about using the classroom.

Lovely.

After hours of homework, she would be spending another hour with the wonderful James Potter in the cold potion room, and then come back for another hour of grilling by Vivian and Marcella about every single thing James did.

Yeah.....

Great.

Lily suddenly felt her headache coming back.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Gryffindor had won the game, and there was a loud party in the Common Room. People were dancing around and stuffing food into their mouths. Lily sighed. The usual Gryffindor version of a party.

"Do you think I should ask him to dance?" Marcella had been debating this question for the better half of an hour.

Arabella rolled her eyes. "The biggest question next to who really shot Kennedy."

Lily laughed as she searched the room for Remus. They had gotten separated after the game, and he hadn't made any attempts to come talk to her since. For some reason, his behavior thrilled her. She had always been a firm believer in the thrill of the chase.

"I'm serious, Bella!" Marcella whined.

"So am I!" she insisted in mock seriousness. "I just don't buy that Oswald crap."

"Shut up, Bella," Vivian said. "Just go ask him, Marcella. What's the worst that could happen?"

"He could say no!" Marcella cried.

Lily quickly made up her mind. "Marcella, would you ask James if I asked Remus?"

Marcella bit her lip. "I don't know..."

"Come on." Lily grabbed Marcella's arm before she could protest, and tugged her towards the fireplace where the boys were standing together in a group.

"Hey guys," she greeted breathlessly. All eyes turned to them, and she felt Marcella stiffen next to her.

"Hey Lily." James smiled at her.

"James. Remus," she nodded to them. "You guys want to dance?"

Remus blushed, and looked at the ground. James laughed. "Remus doesn't dance." The other guys in the group made noises of agreement.

"I'll teach you." Lily grabbed Remus's hand and pulled him to the middle of the room. Remus looked around self-consciously.

"James wasn't joking you know," he said slowly. "I can't dance."

Lily smiled at his unease. A shy guy was definitely refreshing after that stupid fling with Evan Rosier. His hands had more brains than his hands did.

"Come here," she said, tugging his arm until he moved closer. She took both of his hands, and put them on her waist. "Just move with me."

Remus sighed, like he couldn't believe he was doing this, but he began to move. Lily had to hold back a laugh at his tense movements. That wouldn't do. "Relax," she told him. "Dance like nobody's watching." That was good advice, because the guys around the fireplace were indeed watching. She steered him so that his back was to them.

"Lily," he pleaded.

She hushed him by putting a finger over his lips. "Just dance, Remus."

He gave her a look, but after that he did loosen up, and was considerably better. To her amusement, every time Lily brushed too close, he would blush. She didn't push him. This wasn't Sieranda's, and if she danced like she normally did, it would definitely make a few jaws drop. The thought made her smile. But she couldn't help but compare him to another dancer...

She felt a light tap on her shoulder. Turning, she saw James smiling down at her. Marcella stood behind him, slightly flushed. Apparently she had managed to ask him to dance.

"Switch partners?" he asked, holding out a hand to Lily. Surprised, she stared at it dumbly. What was he doing?

"Go ahead, Lily. I think I'm all danced out," Remus said, with a laugh.

Reluctantly, she took his hand. James guided her away from them, to the opposite side of the room. The music abruptly stopped, and started again as a slow song. The younger years let our cries of protest, which were ignored. James blushed, but he didn't let go of her hand. People began to pair up around them. Giving in, Lily moved closer and let James put his arms around her. Surprised, she felt a little jolt of recognition. His body seemed somehow familiar... She quickly shook it off. Of course he was familiar. She saw him every day.

"I really appreciate you tutoring me," he said into her hair.

"Hmn..." Lily grunted. She was distracted by how well she fit in his arms.

"I'm hopeless at potions," he laughed. His throat vibrated pleasantly against her cheek.

Lily didn't reply, and they fell into a comfortable silence. Across the room, she saw Marcella was back with Vivian. She was watching them through narrowed eyes. Thankfully, James rotated so that she couldn't see her anymore. Surprised, she saw Arabella was dancing with Sirius. She winked at Lily before saying something to Sirius that made him laugh.

James pulled back slightly so he could look at her. A shadow was cast across his face. Lily felt another jolt, but a different kind this time.

"Lily...I really.... I..." he stuttered. For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. He leaned in, and-

A sudden boom caused them to jump apart.

"Happy New Year!" Deidlan Domerly was standing on the coffee table blowing streamers. Judging by the red sparks still hanging in the air, Deidlan had set off some fireworks. Two fifth years rolled their eyes and attempted to pull him down.

James's face was red, but his eyes were sparkling.

"That idiot..." he smirked.

Lily laughed weakly. What had almost happened here? Had she seriously been about to kiss James Potter? No, Remus was the one she wanted. Right? Lily had the sudden urge to get away before she did something stupid.

"I'm gonna go to bed now," she told him.

He looked disappointed. "Okay...well, tomorrow we can talk about the tutoring..."

"Sure. Tomorrow. Night, James."

Before he could reply, Lily turned and hurried up the stairs. Slamming the door behind her, Lily moved to collapse onto her bed. She sighed. Leave it to her to overreact. There was no way that James Potter was interested in her. She wasn't his type. Guys like that went for blondes with chirpy personalities. Girls like Marcella. They didn't try to kiss the class bookworm.

An odd pecking interrupted her thoughts. Frowning, Lily sat up. Looking around, she realized it was coming from her window. Standing up, she went to open it. The second the window opened, a large owl burst into the room. Dumbstruck, Lily watched it circle the room once, before landing on her bed. The large tawny wasn't familiar to her. It didn't belong to any of the girls. Vivian and Marcella had cats, and Arabella's owl was currently taking one of her letters home. Her own was probably being detained by her parents, who were overly fascinated with the concept of owl-mail.

Lily carefully moved closer. When she was standing at the bedpost, it chirped once before holding out its leg. Curious, Lily untied its burden. Immediately, it took off, disappearing out the window like it had never been there.

Lily looked at the small package. There was no name on it. Too curious to wait for the other girls to ask if any of them were expecting anything, Lily tore the paper, and looked at the box it had contained. Carefully, she pulled off the lid and stared at its contents.

A beautiful red rose lay, surrounded by white tissue paper. Lily picked it up and examined it. It was perfect. She envied whomever this was for. She moved to throw the box away, but a small jangle alerted her that there was something else in it. Reaching in, she removed the tissue paper.

Lily's breath stopped. With a shaky hand, she pulled out a gold chain. It sparkled innocently in the moonlight.

How in the world.....

At the end of the chain, was a golden pair of stag horns.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *