Outward Appearances

Chapter 8: Trip to Hogsmeade

Lily gritted her teeth and buried her head under her pillow.

Blasted James Potter!

She had been having a particularly vivid dream involving her stag when the jerk had ruined everything by actually showing up in it! Things had taken a dramatic change in direction after he had popped in. Lily shivered, and then slammed her fist on the mattress.

"Jackass!" she cried.

There was a thick silence on the other side of her bed-curtains, before Arabella pulled them open. Vivian stood behind her, glaring.

"I don't have to date Mungdungus if I don't want to!" she said shrilly.

Lily flinched. Vivian obviously thought that she had been talking about her. "Not you, Vivian. I was talking to myself." She quickly reminded herself that she didn't really care what Vivian thought.

"You were calling yourself a jackass?" Arabella asked, obviously amused.

"No," she said, avoiding her eyes. She didn't want to tell them that she had been dreaming about James.

"Then who?" Vivian asked. She didn't look particularly convinced that Lily hadn't been talking about her.

"Professor Tilandi," she said quickly. "I dreamt that he made me clean out fifty cauldrons."

It was a pathetic, not to mention lame explanation, but they seemed to buy it.

"I've had that dream," Arabella said thoughtfully. "But I was naked in mine."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "I bet you were in Tilandi's too. Have you noticed the way that he stares down girls' blouses?"

Arabella smirked. "Just Cynthia Kraft's. But who can blame him? She purposely leaves at least six buttons undone."

Lily smiled, and was attempting to re-close the bed-curtain, when Arabella swiftly pulled them away from her.

"I don't think so, Princess. You're not going to make me late today."

Glaring at her, Lily pulled the pillow back over her head. "I'm not going," she mumbled.

"The hell you aren't," she said, pulling the pillow away from her.

"Vivian can go in my place," she said hopefully.

"No, she can't. The brat isn't willing to go with Mungdungus, and I am not going to put him through seeing her on Xavier's arm."

Vivian opened her mouth to protest, but Arabella held up her hand. "Don't deny that you're a brat, because we all know that you are."

"Well, where's Marcella?" Lily asked, just desperate enough to result to that.

"She's going with Rex Rapaport. A seventh year," Vivian told her.

"Damn."

"That's right," Arabella said. "Now get in the shower before I conjure up a rain cloud over your bed."

"Do you enjoy threatening me?" Lily grumbled, but she got up obediently, and moved to her cabinet.

"It gives me a thrill, yes."

Scowling, Lily dragged herself into the bathroom. She moved with deliberate slowness, taking twice as long to shower and get ready. She shampooed her hair twice, purely for spite.

When she finally emerged, she saw that Arabella and Vivian were both lying on their backs on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Arabella craned her neck upward when Lily opened the door.

"About freaking time."

"What are you still doing here?" Lily asked Vivian. She pulled a floppy hat on her head, knowing full well that it made her look like an elf.

"She's going with us after all," Arabella said, standing up so that she could rip the hideous hat off of Lily's head. "And if you must wear a hat, wear this one." She grabbed another hat out of her open trunk and tossed it to Lily.

Vivian's lower lip was stuck out in a pout. Arabella had probably been nagging her about going with Mungdungus since before Lily had even woken up. Smirking, she put on Arabella's hat, and checked the mirror over Marcella's vanity. This one actually complimented her.

"Aren't you worried about being seen with us?" she asked Vivian bitterly.

Vivian flinched. "Don't be that way, Lily."

"How do you expect me to be, Vivian?"

"Listen, I'm sorry, but Marcella was really upset with you. She's my best friend. You would do the same for Arabella."

Lily gave Arabella suspicious look. Her feigned innocent expression suggested that she had coached Vivian, knowing that approach had thrown Lily off once already.

"Damn."

Arabella grinned. "Damn, indeed."

She sighed, giving in. "Let's go, then."

Lily led the way, trudging down the staircase. She might as well get this day over with. At least after today, Xavier would leave her alone. Ever since that idiot Darvins had opened his mouth, his friend had been hanging around Lily like a second shadow; eating meals at her table, and sitting next to her in classes that they shared with the Ravenclaws. The only reason she hadn't already told him off was because for some reason, he seemed to tick off both Severus and James simultaneously. Lily grinned. If looks could kill...

But when they reached the crowded entrance hall, Lily no longer felt like grinning. The guys were waiting directly at the bottom of the marble staircase. Greg put his arm around Arabella and whispered something into her ear that made her laugh loudly. For only knowing each other a week, they had surprisingly taken to each other.

Xavier wasted no time in grabbing her hand. Lily was about to pull away, but she noticed Severus scowling a few steps away. Smirking, she allowed Xavier's little show of ownership. After the way Severus had spoken to her, he deserved to stew for a while.

It was a small source of comfort to see that Vivian didn't look too pleased either. But she did feel bad for Mungdungus, who was beaming, oblivious to Vivian's displeasure.

Deidlan Domerly was prancing around like the prat that he was, throwing candies in the air that were left over from the last Hogsmeade trip. Lily laughed as one of the candies hit Severus square in the face.

"What a loser," Xavier said snottily. "He's the announcer for the Quidditch games, isn't he?"

"Yes. His name is Deidlan," Lily told him.

Xavier made a face. "He always makes those stupid jokes in between plays. I recommended my friend Stephen for the announcer position, but for some reason Dumbledore seems to like that kid."

"Deidlan," she repeated, getting annoyed. It was one thing for her to make fun of Domerly, but Xavier didn't even know him.

"Whatever," he shrugged.

Lily looked back over at the large, blonde boy. He may be an idiot, but he was Gryffindor's idiot. She watched as Deidlan blew some streamers in James's face. As opposed to Xavier's reaction to him, James merely laughed and ruffled his hair. She grinned.

Xavier suddenly tightened his grip on Lily's hand, and she quickly lost the smile. She gritted her teeth. Xavier actually had her thinking pleasant thoughts about James Potter.

Oh yes, this guy definitely had to go.

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Sitting in the Three Broomsticks, it occurred to Lily why she had always avoided keeping company with jocks.

Wait, that wasn't fair. Greg was on the House Team, and he was a sweetheart. But she was about ready to punch Xavier. He wouldn't shut up about freaking Quidditch. Now Lily, like any respectable witch or wizard, liked the game, but everyone had their limit, and Xavier had long ago crossed that line.

"Did anyone hear about those Muggle killings out in Bulgaria?" Vivian asked, in a desperate attempt at changing the subject.

Before anyone else could answer, Xavier said, "Oh, yes. They were threatening to cancel The Quidditch World Cup because of it. As you know, Bulgaria was chosen to host it this year-"

Lily gritted her teeth. If... she... had... to... listen... to... one... more...word...about... Quidditch...

She stood abruptly. Everyone looked at her in surprise.

"I'll be right back," she said, edging away from the table.

"But you haven't even gotten your butterbeer yet," Xavier said.

"I'll save it for you," Arabella said quickly, after Lily sent her a desperate look.

She gave her a grateful smile before practically running out of the Three Broomsticks. Once she was safely outside, she took a deep breath. There was no doubt about it. After today, Xavier would be thrown out of the picture so fast it would make his head spin. She didn't care how many times Arabella muttered, "Rebound board," at her.

She began walking down the street, enjoying the cool air on her face. This place looked so different during the daytime. All of the shudders were open, and people were bustling in and out of the shops in a happy stream. Spotting Sieranda Smiltine's up ahead, Lily made for the familiar building.

A string of small bells jingled loudly as Lily pushed open the door. She was immediately struck by how different it looked. First off, the size of the room was considerably decreased. There was lavender carpet on the floor, and the walls were covered by different material samples. Mannequins were stacked against the walls, and red pincushions, ranging from normal to the size of large pumpkins, were strewn about the room.

Sieranda was snoring behind the counter near the back of the store. Smiling, Lily walked up to her and poked the woman gently. Even Sieranda looked drastically different. Her hair was still purple, with odd things poking out of it, but the braids had been let loose, and her clothes were normal. Without the mask, Lily could see that she actually had a clear, youthful face.

Sieranda jerked, snapping awake.

"Wha..." she mumbled. She blinked at Lily, confused. Then recognition filled her face, and she smiled jovially. "Lily, dear!"

"Hi, Sieranda. Hard on the job I see," Lily teased.

Sieranda shrugged, and took Lily's hand. "How are you, Dear?"

"Just fine," she said. "You?"

She pulled a face. "Bored out of my mind, as usual. I'm absolutely delighted that you came to visit me! I don't know how I'm going to last another two weeks."

Lily tilted her head, confused. "What's in two weeks?"

Sieranda's face immediately brightened. "A certain redecorating of this place," she said, winking.

Lily smiled. "Already?"

"Already? What do you mean, 'Already'?" she cried shrewdly. "I'm going insane here! Do you know what it's like, with no one interesting to talk to, day in and day out? And with those hags who keep trying to convert me to one thing or another... They know about my-er-redecorating, you see. Don't approve."

"Since when do you plan so far in advance?" Lily asked.

"I had a special request. This young man was very... insistent. I let him go on for awhile, for entertainment, of course. Not because I really needed convincing, you see."

Lily reached for the necklace hidden under her collar. He had said there would be another gathering in three weeks. That was a week ago.

"What did he look like?" she asked eagerly.

"Dark hair, kind of tall. Let me show you my new headdress!" she said, reaching down for something behind the counter.

Lily bit her lip in frustration. That could be practically anyone. "That's all you remember?"

Sieranda lifted a round box onto the counter. She looked thoughtful for a moment, before saying, "Actually, I do remember something else! He had these lovely blue eyes."

Lily shivered. It had to be him. How else could he have known so far in advance?

Sieranda lifted the lid off of the box, and pulled out the most hideous headdress Lily had ever seen. The mask was made of scaly green skin, and a large grinning crocodile head perched amid high green feathers made up the headpiece.

"Isn't it just to die for?"

Interesting choice of words, Lily thought. The thing looked like it might come to life and snap off one of Sieranda's limbs at any moment.

They chatted for a while longer, until Lily looked at her watch. She sighed. Arabella would probably send out a search party, or worse yet, Xavier, if she stayed away for much longer.

"I have to go now, Sieranda," she said.

The older woman looked positively distraught. "So soon? But you just got here!"

"I know," she said dejectedly. "But my friends are waiting for me. I'll see you soon." She winked.

Sieranda winked back. "Yes, I suppose you will."

The bells suddenly jingled as someone pushed open the door. Turning, Lily saw three hags enter.

Sieranda groaned. "Oh, not again!"

Giving her a sympathetic look, Lily left the shop. She turned to head back to the Three Broomsticks, and stopped. James was leaning against the store window, his arms folded.

"Buying a dress?" he asked. There was definite amusement on his face.

"Are you lost, James?" she shot back.

"Hardly," he smirked.

"Well, then I suggest that you move before one of your friends sees you hanging out in front of a dress shop," she teased. Knowing that she had something to look forward to had raised her spirits considerably.

James shrugged. "I highly doubt that they'll care either way."

Lily said nothing. Of course his friends wouldn't care. After Remus and Sirius, James would hardly be the one susceptible to gossip.

They stared at each other.

Lily knew that she should just leave now, before the inevitable fight ensued. Aside from when Xavier was around to bother him, she had avoided James even more than usual since their confrontation a week earlier. He had left her upset and confused, and she was just starting to get back to normal. But between James and Xavier... Well...

"Lily, what are you doing?" he asked quietly. His face was a mask.

"I don't know what you mean..." she said hesitantly. What was he leading her into now?

"With Gallaway, Lily," he said.

She stared at him. James's face betrayed nothing.

Well, here we go, she thought dejectedly. Her good mood died. "That's none of your business."

His eyes narrowed. "You made it my business by flaunting him at me."

Lily struggled to keep her face impassive, but she felt a blush creeping into her cheeks. Apparently Arabella wasn't the only one who was too smart for her own good.

"Just so you know," she said through gritted teeth. "The world doesn't revolve around you. I haven't been flaunting anything."

He snorted. "I'm not an idiot, Lily."

Lily glared at him. Anything, even Xavier, was better than this. "Get over yourself, Potter!"

"So where is Wonder Boy?" James asked, smirking again.

Damn his mouth, Lily thought angrily. Three times she had almost kissed that stupid, smirking mouth. Well, she didn't have to listen to the crap that came out of it. Ignoring his question, she brushed by him.

James followed her. "That's right, Lily! Just run away! That's what you always do, isn't it?"

She stopped and whipped around. "What is that supposed to mean?" she growled.

"Every time something gets unpleasant, you run! You're a coward, Lily," he said, his eyes burning.

"You don't know anything about me!" she cried. Lily turned and continued walking briskly back the way she had come.

James didn't know what he was talking about. His eyes were burning a hole in her back. Lily knew that she should just keep walking, but her pride wouldn't let her leave it there. She stopped again and turned around. "I don't run from my problems!" she yelled.

James quickly covered the small distance she had put between them, his whole face red. "You run from everything, Lily! You run from your life, you run from me, and now you're probably about to run from Wonder Boy in there!" he yelled, pointing at the Three Broomsticks.

Lily gaped at him, shocked. "How in the hell would you know what I run from?"

James didn't answer. He squeezed his eyes shut, and when he opened them they were no longer burning. "Why are you doing this to me?" he asked in a weak voice.

"Doing WHAT?" she cried, throwing up her hands in exasperation.

"This!" he said, spreading his arms out to emphasize. "Everything could be so simple, Lily. But you," he pointed a finger at her. "Keep making it more complicated!"

"How? How do I keep making it more complicated? WHAT do I make more complicated?"

"US!" he cried.

Lily froze.

James ran a shaking hand through his wild hair. "You have every one of my nerves in a knot, and I'm actually starting to think that Sirius and Remus have the right idea! But I've had enough of this, Lily! I'm at the end of the rope, here. Everyone knows that we should be together except you, and I'm not going to keep chasing after you because you're never going to put yourself out there."

She remained silent, trembling.

He took a step back from her. "You'll always be with guys like Gallaway, Lily, because that way you'll never have to worry about them getting too close to you."

Lily watched him take a couple more steps backward. "I won't bother you anymore, so you don't have to keep avoiding me." He finally turned around and started walking away.

Not even aware of herself anymore, Lily jumped forward. "James!"

He hesitated, and then slowly turned. "What?" he asked warily.

Lily did the only thing that made sense.

She kissed him.

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