Foolish Games

You took of your coat

And stood in the rain

You were always crazy like that

Lily watched, from Gryffindor Tower, as James, her best friend James, took Cassie out for a moonlit broom ride. Cassie, his new flame. She sighed, and pressed her hand against the window. She took it off, the place where it had been was moist, and it was stained. She put her hand back on the window, as she steadied herself, to look further, until they were around the corner and out of sight. She could hear footsteps behind her. She felt arms around her waist, and then someone burying their chin in her shoulder.

"Don't worry Lily."

It was Sirius. She smiled up at him.

"About what?"

He let her go, and beckoned her over to a chair by the fire.

"I saw you looking out the window. And I know what you were looking at. And, I'm sorry, but you can't hide it from me. I know you too well. But don't worry. One day, James will wake up."

Lily just smiled wanly at him, and then stared back into the fire. "He's just ...too lost in the forest that he can't see the trees."

Lily laughed. "Oh, come on Sirius. You know I'll only ever be friends with him ..."

"Maybe." He said, wisely. "And maybe that's the best way. But maybe ... Maybe James will realise what he finally wants."

"What is that supposed to mean?" She said, turning around. But when she did, he was gone. She looked up to the boys staircase, and saw his retreating back. She smiled. Sirius could always be counted on for things like this.

* * * * *

An hour or so later, James walked into the common room. He found it deserted, except for a small figure sitting in an arm chair by the fire. He grinned. He went and sat down beside it.

"Hey stranger."

She jumped in surprise.

"Oh ... hi." And then she turned away.

'What's wrong?"

"Hmm ?"

"Well, you are acting sort of strange."

"What do you mean?"

"Well ... normally you're overjoyed to see me."

"Aren't we the modest one." Said Lily, with a grin.

James grinned back at her.

"Well, I'm tired Lils. Goodnight!" He pulled her into a hug, and then walked off into the darkness and up the

stairs. Lily looked back into the fire, and this time, the firelight was glinting off something else than just her eyes. Her tears.

 

I watched from the window

Always felt I was outside

Looking in on you

 

"'Hey Jamsie Boy. What's up?"

"The sky."

"Aren't we a genius this evening?"

"O shut it."

"What's wrong with you now? Trouble in paradise ?"

"No ... Lily was just acting strange. Do you know anything about it? I mean, did I say anything to her? Do anything wrong?"

He looked around at Sirius and Remus. They both climbed into their beds, and shut the drapes forcefully.

"We know nothing!"

James was confused. Very, very confused. What would Sirius and Remus know about Lily that he didn't! After all, he was Lily's best friend. And then came Daniella. But ... Oh my, he was too tired. Sirius' voice came back from behind the curtains.

'So ... How was Cassie ?"

"She's an idiot. She kept blabbing on about how she was so lucky I chose her, and how everyone is in love with me ... It was all I could do to not throw her off my broom stick."

"Was she a good kisser?"

"Is that all you ever think about?"

"No, but it's all YOU ever think about."

"No I don't."

"Yes you do."

"Whatever."

"You haven't answered my question."

"Fine. She was horrible."

Even though James couldn't see Sirius, he could tell that Sirius was wearing a big, triumphant grin.

* * * * *

"Time to partner up!"

Lily grabbed Daniella, and they sat at their usual table, with James and Sirius. Emily, Sarah, Peter and Remus sat at the next table.

"So ... what's everyone doing for the Valentine's day dance?" asked Daniella.

"I don't know yet." Said James.

"Not Cassie?" Said Lily, with surprise.

"Definitely not Cassie." Said James, sniggering. He and Sirius exchanged a Look. Lily shook her head in disgust.

"Who are you going with?' Sirius asked Lily.

"No one, yet ... But Donahue, Morgan, and Snape have already asked me."

"What?! But the dance was only announced at breakfast!"

Lily blushed. "So, Sirius, who are you taking?"

"Lily." He said without missing a beat.

"You are?" demanded Lily, James, and Remus all at once.

"Lily, do you wanna go to the ball with me?"

Lily gave him a once over.

"I'd love to."

Sirius lept up, and gave her a hug. He looked over at James, and saw exactly what he had been looking for. Something like ... jealousy? He wasn't trying to steal Lily. Not at all. He just wanted James to grow up. I mean, he thought, he was SURE that James felt the same way about Lily. Come on! He had to. But he wasn't realizing it.

 

You were all the mysterious one with

Dark eyes and careless hair

Lily sat there, motionless, while the others discussed what they were going to do about the ball. She had just said yes to Sirius. Why had Sirius asked her? He knew she liked James ... But she couldn't have said that in front of everyone. She looked over at James. She loved the way his eyes sparkled mischievously, the way his hair fell across his face, and had a mind of it's own. It was 6th year. He looked up, and caught her looking at him. He smiled at her, and she blushed, and looked away.

* * * * *

Why had Sirius asked her to the dance? Sirius! Of all people! I mean ...

Didn't Sirius like Daniella ? As far as anyone knew, he did. And he DEFINITELY didn't like Lily. So ... Oh, he was confused. He looked up at Lily. She was looking right back at him. He smiled, she blushed and turned away. Lily? Blushing? Oh my ... I need to have my head examined, he thought. I think I'm going blind. He looked at Daniella.

"So Dan. How about it?"

Dani smiled, and said yes. But James could tell her heart wasn't in it.

You were fashionably sensitive

But too cool to care

 

That night, Lily and James were walking home from dinner together.

"So ... Are you looking forward to the dance?" Lily asked James.

"Ya ... I guess. But Daniella wouldn't be my first choice."

"Then why on earth would you ask her?"

"Because, well, I guess I haven't found the one, yet. I mean, I suppose she's out there, but ... I just haven't found her. But believe me, Lils. When I do, you'll be the first to know."

Lily had stopped walking. She stared at him with disgust.

"You don't get it, do you James?" She said, half laughing. "You just don't get it."

And she turned and ran back down the stairs, towards the kitchens. James, was, by now, very confused. What in the world didn't he get? He thought he was being perfectly reasonable. It's not HIS fault that he hasn't found her yet. Not his fault at all. He walked up the stairs to the portrait of the fat lady, said the pass word 'flibbertigibbet' and walked in. He was sitting on his bed, in his boxers, playing cards, when Sirius walked in.

"Hey James ... What's up?"

"I am very vexed. Very. Very vexed."

"Vexed, hmm ? I don't like that word. Why are you so vexed ?"

James regaled him with the events of the night. Sirius was practically laughing by the time he finished, and looking at James with complete and utter disbelief.

"You know, she's right. You just don't get it."

And James watched, dumbfounded, as Sirius walked out.

"Whatever." He said, and then turned around, and immediately started snoring. Remus came in later, along with Lily, Sirius, Sarah, Emily, Peter and Daniella, and they all sat on many of the beds, talking, while all the while, James snored on, like a bulldozer. Sirius giggled like a girl, and then brought out his wand. He squirted James with water, and nothing happened. He did it again, and this time, shot awake. His hair was askew, and his glasses were at the end of his nose.

'Wha ... what's going on ..." He sounded confused, and totally out of it. But then, he began to see what was going on. "Aha ! You guys were having a party ... I like party's. Thanks for waking me up."

"No, James. We are going to play truth or dare."

"We are?" chorused everyone in the room, aside from Sirius, who grinned evilly.

"Yes, we are. Remus is first."

'I am?" cried Remus, with dismay.

"Yes, you are. Truth or dare?"

Remus looked thoughtful. "Dare."

"I dare you to tap dance naked in front of McGonagall."

Everyone stared at Sirius.

"I'm JOKING! Fine. Kiss Emily."

Remus nonchalantly leaned over and kissed her, acting like it was no big deal. But when he pulled away, he was a good deal redder than he had been when he had originally gone. Sirius then grinned evilly.

"Jamsie ... truth or dare."

"Dare."

"Snog with Lily."

"What?!" Cried Lily. "I can't!"

'Why can't you?" Asked James, out of curiosity.

"I just .." But before she could get anything out, James' mouth was on hers.

* * * * *

Sirius watched amusedly as James kissed Lily. Well, snogged. It was fairly obvious that Lily never

had before, and VERY obvious that James had, more than his share. When they broke apart ( it

was a good deal later ) everyone was staring at them.

* * * * *

Lily pulled away. She couldn't believe what she had just done. She was bright red, she could feel it. 'Am I nuts?' she wondered. I'm going completely bonkers. O, hell, and she leaned back in.

You stood in my doorway

With nothing to say

Besides some comment on the weather

Later that night, when Lily and Daniella were sitting in the dark, talking ...

"I can't believe you did that!" exclaimed Dan.

"Neither can I."

"But, mind you, James didn't look too upset."

"No ... I don't suppose he did."

"So .. What's up between you two anyway?"

"Nothing."

"But you wish there was ... Don't you?"

"Maybe ..." she admitted. "Sometimes, I do. Sometimes, I don't. Today was a 'do' night."

"We noticed."

"I wonder if James did?"

"Ya ..."

"It would be about time, if he did."

"Yes ... Are you mad? About me, going to the ball with him?"

"No ... you aren't mad about Sirius are you?"

"I was. But that isn't going to get me anywhere, is it."

"No, I don't suppose it will."

Well in case you failed to notice

In case you failed to see

Lily pulled on her green dress, that went all the way down to the floor, and swept up her hair into an upsweep. Daniella grabbed some clips, including little butterflies that actually moved, and stuck them in random places, making sure they looked just right. And then , Lily did her makeup. She examined herself in the mirror, and then sat down on the bed. She sat there, along with Dani, until a knock came at their door. Emily pulled it open, and the 4 guys walked in. ( Emily was going with Peter ) and Lily got up. She avoided looking at James, and walked straight over to Sirius. Sirius presented her with a perfect white rose. She Squealed with delight, and threw her arms around him.

Soon, he offered her his arm, and they made their way down to the hall.

* * * * *

James looked at Lily, as she walked across the room towards Sirius, still contemplating what had happened three nights ago. She still hadn't talked to him about it. He watched as Sirius presented her with the rose, and watched her hug him. He looked jealously on. How could he be jealous? Snap out of it Potter. This is your best friend. You do NOT fall for her. No matter how pretty she is.

 This is my heart, bleeding before you

This is me down on my knees

And these foolish games

Are tearing me apart

And your thoughtless words

Are breaking my heart

Breaking my heart ...

 

Lily watched James and Daniella dancing. Daniella was pressed up against his chest, and was obviously enjoying it. Half the girls in the hall were staring at her, jealously. Everyone wanted a piece of James. Lily felt Sirius squeeze her. She closed her eyes, not letting herself watch over his shoulder anymore. Instead, she let her head rest on his shoulder. How long she stayed like that, she didn't know, but it was more than one song. Finally, she felt a tapping on her back. It was James.

"May I cut in?" He asked Sirius. Sirius nodded, and retreated to Dani, where they both got punch and sat watching.

Lily felt herself in James' arms. Had she not been so uncomfortable around him lately, she would have enjoyed it more. After all, she was a girl, right ?

"Uh ... Lils? I think we should talk."

Lily moved to pull away, but he held her closer. Lily stopped struggling.

"Fine. Whatever about?"

"Well ... you have been sort of ... avoiding me, these past couple of days-"

"Hmm ... I wonder whatever that could be about?"

"Look, Lily. It was just a stupid game of truth or dare. It doesn't mean anything unless you want it to."

"But what if I do, James? Why the hell do you think I've been avoiding you all this time? Because I think I'm falling for you. And I don't know. And, since you are commonly acknowledged as the biggest player in the school. I mean, come on! I'm your best friend! I've seen everyone you go out with. But no, I have always just been on the side, like an old shoe, haven't I ? Just, dependable old Lily. But, you know what? You don't get it. I mean, Jesus! Every day, you would go out with someone, tell me all about it ... Tell me how you hadn't met the one for you yet ...

Were you being purposely stupid, or did you just not see? I mean, even SIRIUS did."

James just gaped at her.

You were always brilliant in the morning

Smoking your cigarettes, and talking over coffee

Philosophies are not moved

"No, wait, don't answer that. I don't want to hear it." And she pulled out of James' arms, and went to go talk to Sirius. The two of them soon left the hall, and Daniella came over to James.

"Did the thing that I think just happen there actually happen?"

James nodded deftly.

"I've been really stupid ... haven't I?'

Daniella smiled sadly at him.

 

And these foolish games are

Tearing me, you're tearing me,

You're tearing me apart

"Uh ... Lily? Can we talk?"

"Oh, not this again."

"No, seriously. Lily ... Ever since three days ago ... I think I've, well, fallen for you. And I think I did before that too, but I was too stupid to realize it. Or, I didn't want to. You were my best friend and all. I mean, going out with every girl in our year is one thing, but ... you were my best friend. And I didn't want to lose what we had."

 And your thoughtless words are

Breaking my heart

Breaking my heart ...

"Did you ever think that, maybe, we had already lost it?"

"What do you mean?'

"Well, when you think about it, when somebody says "My innocence is being lost forever." Or something along those lines, it means that it was already gone. I mean, once you think about losing our friendship, it's already lost. So we can go one way or another."

 

You took your coat off

And stood in the rain

You were always crazy

Lily stood at the Gryffindor Tower, watching as James took Natalie out for a moonlit broom ride.

Like ... that