Emerald and Hazel

Chapter 19 - A Day of Questions

Lily's P.O.V

I'm glad James broke up Lisa. Is that wrong? I mean he wasn't happy and now he is, that's good isn't it? Yes, yes that's definitely good.

And that's why I'm happy today. Not because now he's single but because now he's happy. And that's good.

I think this over and over while I stir my cornflakes in the Great Hall.

'Lily?' Marlene's voice is quite but there's a general demeanour about it that makes it seem like she's almost shouting.

Then I realise I've zoned out in my thoughts of James.

I smile. Oh Merlin even the thought of James makes me smile!

'Yeah?' I almost giggle but suppress the urge in time.

'You seemed lost. I could have hit you over the head with the pumpkin juice jug and you wouldn't have noticed!' Sirius voice is the next to speak.

'You're over exaggerating,'I say finally taking a bit of my cereal.

'They're really not.' James smirks.

'Maybe I can't wipe that arrogant smirk off your face but this certainly will!' I laugh and tilt my head in the direction of Lisa and her friends all glaring at James with disdain.

Everyone stifles their laughs and Marlene hides her smile in Sirius shoulder and his in her hair.

'Typical girl behaviour! One thing happens and then all of a sudden all of their friends have you on their hit-list!' I smile and shake my head at James' embarrassment and frustration.

'Not all girls.' I say.

'Come on we have to get to the meeting about the Yule Ball.' James says.

'Oh yeah. Come on let's go.' I say and we walk to the meeting without saying a word.

James avoids my gaze and I don't know why.

James' P.O.V

Yeah, I know I'm a coward! I didn't tell Lily I loved her, instead I freaked out and just told her I'd dumped Lisa. But it's not all bad! Cus' she said she was glad, but then realised what she'd said and changed it to that she was glad if it's what made me happy.

But she meant something else. I'm sure she meant something else. When you mean something you don't correct yourself or take it back.

'James!' Lily's voice is full of alert as she yanks me to the side suddenly and I lose my balance and stumble hitting the pillar.

'What happened?' I say.

'You almost walked into the wall.' She says and give a laugh of relief.

'Sorry, I'm a little bit out of it today.' I say almost sheepishly.

'Maybe one of Lisa's friends put a jinx on you.' she laughs and my mouth forms a thin line across my face.

'Wouldn't put it past them.' I say looking around just for good measure.

She laughs the laugh I love. The laugh when you can understand and tell she's genuinely happy and content. The laugh that makes you want to her laugh again. The laugh that makes you happy as well.

'We need to start the meeting.' She says still half laughing as she pushes the door open and all eyes are on us. And Remus is me giving a smug look. I return his look with another that says shut up before I hex you.