Gold in Fire

"The best thing about loving and being hurt is that you get to know what true love really is. For as gold is tested in fire, and so love will be perfected in pain." ~Marvin Jay M. Torres

Chapter Three: Flirting with Death

Who knew Fate could be so cruel?

And I don't even believe in Fate.

There she sat- the crimson-haired beauty with whom I once flirted so playfully- vivacious, emerald eyes wide and voluptuous, rosy lips agape in utter disbelief at the new-found identity of her pupil.

Let's see...the only thing missing...

Ah. There it is.

That lovely fire in those lovely emerald orbs. Although it would be much more welcome if its oxygen wasn't Hate. But you can't get everything in life.

I allowed my gaze to become bored as I tossed my things onto the table in front of my dreams' haunt.

"Well, this is certainly a surprise, I must say. Let's get this started, shall we?"

"Are you kidding me!?" I stopped myself from wincing at her reply. "There's no way in he- I'm not tutoring you!"

She had stood while ranting and had knocked over her chair- rather noisily, I might add- in her fury. She now began to pace.

"How could they- I mean, really! It's utterly ridiculous- argh!"

She kept muttering to herself, tugging at her hair.

I rolled my eyes.

Before this year, had I been placed in this situation, I would have commented on how immensely attractive she because when in such a temper. Now, I simply fixed my gaze on hers, never allowing her to see...me.

"They can, and they did. Get over it, Lily. If you were to tell Professor Flitwick that you won't tutor me, well, just imagine how he would perceive that. Besides that, you're acting very childish. Grow up and sit down, so we can get this thing over with."

Damn.

I am flirting with Death.

Either that, or I'm just incredibly stupid.

Possibly both.

But to my utmost surprise, the fiery beauty in from of me actually bent over, right her toppled chair, and sat in it.

She intertwined her fingers with her elbows upon the table between us and sat her chin atop them.

"You call me childish?" she questioned with a grin.

Ah. Ouch.

That grin. There it was. Sickly sweet, it was. Lily Evans had a way about her that could either infuriate you to the core or sting venomously like no poison ever known. When you hit the right nerve, she lost all displays of anger, and, instead, took up a disposition as sweet as honey.

And I can promise that nothing stings worse.

"You dare to call me childish, James Potter?" She then proceeded to list all the reasons that I could be considered as such, voice dripping with poisoned honey.

"When you're through with your temper tantrum, I'd like to ask when your observation skills began to fail," I interrupted.

That did it. Snapped her out of that sugary state and allowed her to recommence yelling at me.

I can handle myself here- it's more familiar territory.

"Temper tantrum!? I'll show you a temper tantrum, Potter, you-"

"Oh, say, Lily, I'd love to hear it again. It's been awhile, hasn't it? What're you waiting for? Go for it- I'm waiting."

A visual change overcame her. It was as if the steam ceased to pour from her ears and her eyes returned to green from scarlet.

For the first time in years, Lily Evans looked at me through defeated eyes.

Merlin, where's a calendar? This day is one to be marked!

"You're right."

What!? Is that even possible!?

"You hardly even speak anymore, and I...I acted like a complete bi-" she paused, and took a breath, "a complete b***h." She winced. I would have grinned like the Cheshire Cat, but I don't remember how to smile. "How about we try this again tomorrow afternoon?"

I nodded, and without another word, picked up my belongings and made my leave.

Upon reaching the door, I turned to observe one Lily Evans. The seventeen-year-old girl had her head in her hands and was staring at the stone floor. I turned and retreated to the Gryffindor common room, pondering on how it was humanly possible to change moods so quickly.

And so was the complex infrastructure known as the female mind.

They should be forced to wear mood rings upon birth.

♫~♪~♫

It's what you've been waiting for your whole life.

It's what everyone waits for. Searches for. Hopes for.

If that's what you're looking for, I hope you enjoy pain.

I asked myself if I could ever again.

Yes.

If nothing else, I'll be left in pain. Preferably in agony.

If I'm going to hurt, I might as well do it properly, no?

It takes over. Am I talking about Pain or...what you've been waiting for?

It doesn't matter. They both apply.

Once upon a time, I had a daisy.

Then I saw the thorns.

They were covered with crimson...It blended with the petals.