Without Warning

CHAPTER FIVE: A Change of Heart.

"Well," yawned Indigo loudly as she stood up to stretch, "I'd say you've got bigger problems to deal with than some far-fetched idea about Snape's Seeing abilities."

"Uh, like what?"

"Like the fact that it is now common knowledge that James Potter's ultimate goal is to get you to go to the Celebratory Ball with him."

Lily screwed up her nose and groaned loudly.

"Oh c'mon Lil, don't act like you didn't see that one coming."

"I was trying to avoid it, actually."

"At least it's progressed from the extremely repetitive 'Evans, come to Hogsmeade with me!'" Indigo mimicked James' whining tones from previous occasions of rejection.

"It's not going to happen. Full stop," said Lily quickly, swiping a thread of hair behind her ear to cover her blushing cheeks.

"Why Lily Evans! I do believe you just blushed!"

"Oh shush!" Lily grinned as she threw a pillow in Indigo's general direction.

Indigo rolled her eyes at her best friend's pitiful aim.

"Lily, when will you learn? You throw a pillow like this!" Indigo's attempt hit Lily square on top of her head.

A vigorous pillow fight ensued.

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

Lily and Indigo lay sprawled out on their respective beds, panting slightly due to the recent commotion they'd been making.

"I," panted Lily, "so won that."

"I don't think so, little miss I-can't-aim."

"You didn't even know what a pillow fight was! I taught you everything you know."

"Yes, yes, you did. Doesn't mean you're better just because you're a muggle, though."

"Doesn't mean you're better just because you're a star-chaser either."

Indigo poked her tongue out to a grinning Lily.

"Oh, that reminds me, you're coming to the game this Saturday, right?"

"Of course! I'd never miss a chance to see you possibly make an ass of yourself in front of the whole school. Especially when you're playing Slytherin."

"Oh, I can so feel the love from you right now."

"What can I say? I'm just a loving person."

"Except when it comes to a certain boy with the initials of J.P," retorted Indigo.

"I have no idea as to who you're talking about."

"Yes, and I'm actually smarter than Dumbledore. He just asked me to keep it under wraps so as not to undermine him during school hours."

"Wow, now that's an achievement."

"I know. Okay," sighed Indigo, " this is going nowhere. When are you going to admit you have feelings for James Potter?"

"I don't!"

"Lily. I've been your best friend for..." Indigo stopped to count the years on her fingers. "Nearly seven years! I'm pretty sure I know how your mind works."

"You'd be surprised."

"Lily, be serious. You like him. Just admit it! Then we can move on to the second stage."

"I don't like him, Indigo! I just ... I just don't hate him like I used to either."

"Uh huh..."

"And what's his talk about stages? Since when were there stages between James and I?"

"Since I started a secret project in the hope of getting you to together. Or at least to go with him to the Celebratory Ball."

"Please tell me you are not in cahoots with James Potter. Because seriously, I'll have to kill you."

"Oh, no, no. I haven't spoken to him about my plans at all. In fact, I hardly ever do unless it's Quidditch-related. This is all my own doing."

"Indigo!" Lily sounded exasperated, "I don't want you to help me to realise my feelings for James!"

"Ooh, on a first name basis now are we? When did this happen? And you're confirming that there are feelings to be realised? Well this is certainly a new development," grinned Indigo.

"Indigo. This 'project' of yours is going to crash and burn. Number one rule about playing cupid: never tell the people you're planning on getting together. Basically, your plans are now ruined. Thank god."

"Shush! I am a very avant-garde type of cupid."

Lily raised an eyebrow at her best friend's musings.

"I have hated James Potter since my first year at Hogwarts. He is an arrogant, obnoxious little boy with the brain capacity of a four year old. Nothing, not even my best friend, is going to change how I feel about him," she said as she stood up frowning slightly, "nothing."

"Hmm, that must be why he tops every single class, right?"

Lily threw a fully-fledged scowl at Indigo this time, indicating that the latter was about to get herself into hot water.

"C'mon, Lil. Don't you think it's about time for a change? He has calmed down quite a bit since first year, y'know."

"Oh, really? Gee, then I guess it must have been a different James Potter who assaulted me last term with an array of feathers and tar."

"Point taken. However, that was unintentional. He hasn't pranked you on purpose in years."

"No, he just asks me out every time he sees me instead."

"Lily! Isn't that telling you something?"

"Well, it tells me is that he's a complete Neanderthal who won't take no for an answer."

"You really need to stop expecting the worst of him, Lily. He's trying really hard not to offend you at the moment."

"He asked me to revolve around his body juste other day!"

"Okay, well apart from the occasional stuff-up, he is trying really hard."

Lily grunted in response and started to pick the fluff of her duvet. She didn't like where this debate was headed. Indigo seemed to be making sense.

"Obviously, he likes you heaps, otherwise he would have given up by now. I just think you should give him chance, that's all. He's been tailing you for at least four years. That's the longest chase I've ever seen," said Indigo quietly.

"I just don't want to make him think that I'm like every other girl he'll date. I have my own opinions. I'm independent. I am not going to be his trophy girl."

"I don't think he wants you as his trophy girl, Lil," said Indigo as she stood up, "Just think about it. I'm having a shower." And with that, she swept from the om.

Damn it! Lily hated how Indigo could always make her see logic so clearly. They'd always agreed together on the fact that James Potter was a pig-headed git. But now, obviously, Indigo was seeing him in a different light. And Lily had to admit that she was starting to as well.

She huffed slightly. She had to get out of here for a while. So she picked up her half-finished potions essay, and headed down to the common room. No one would be there, now. It was way too late.