Lily Evans and the Marauder's Secrets

First Day Dramatics

How long would he stay down there? He wouldn't have stayed all night, would he?

Except... he would. Yes. I can totally see him staying there all night.

My stomach whines pitifully. I haven't eaten since lunch on the train yesterday.

But can't face James yet. I haven't figured out what to say to explain myself. I need more time, and I just want to go to classes today without worrying about this.

I listen as Carol wakes and moves about the dormitory. Because I have no desire to talk to her, I keep my bed hangings shut. I'd already been tucked in by the time she'd come up last night, thank Merlin. The train was more than enough Carol for one day.

But now Carol's heading for the stairs and I feel suddenly grateful; if anyone will be able to get James away, it will be her.

When her footsteps recede, I creep after her, stepping down the first few stairs to listen.

A few moments later, her voice bounces back up to me.

"James?" she says. "I didn't expect to see you here. What are you doing?"

"Just waiting for Lily," James answers. "I didn't ever see her last night and thought I'd try to catch her for breakfast this morning."

I grimace. I can only imagine how Carol will take that.

"Oh, I'll wait here with you," Carol says. Her voice is too sweet, like cough syrup – still bitter under all the artificial flavor. There's a rustling sound, and I imagine she's sunk to the floor to sit next to James.

"Oh. That's – that's okay," James says.

"No, I can. Besides, it's been forever since we've really talked." She hesitates, and I know she's thinking the conversation on the train yesterday didn't count. That barely counted as a conversation for anyone. "You... you didn't write me over Christmas," Carol says, her tone shifting. If I didn't know better, I'd say she sounded vulnerable. Except Carol doesn't do vulnerable. She's all sharp edges and confidence.

"We're not together anymore, Carol," James says, and he sounds equal parts exasperated and gentle.

"I know," she snaps. "So that means we can't talk at all?"

"We do talk."

"Not really," she says. "Not since Lily..." But she trails off, like she doesn't want to finish the thought.

"About Lily," James says then, and I won't pretend I don't catch my breath when he says my name. Even if it's not to me. Even if he doesn't even know I'm listening.

"What about her?" Carol snaps again. "She's why you haven't been talking to me lately, isn't she?"

"Well, you did slap her, Carol. I didn't appreciate that."

"Why do you even care?"

"She's my friend," James answers quietly.

"And that's all?"

I strain forward.

"I..." For the first time, James seems at loss for what to say. I wish I could see his face. Maybe I could see better what he's thinking.

"I see," Carol says. Clearly, she's enjoying the luxury of being able to read his expression. "Well, you're wasting your time. Lily's not even up there," she snaps.

"She's not?" James asks, sounding disappointed.

"Nope," Carol says, popping the 'p'. "She left super early this morning."