She span her wand around her fingers thoughtfully, staring at the problem before her. "And you said James did this to you?" The poor boy in front of her nodded, his face swollen, and for some unimaginable reason, flashing a whole host of beautiful colors. "Did he say anything before hand?"
The boy shook his head, tears running down his face in the same manner a clown's make-up slides, surreal and bright.
"Well, did you say anything?" The boy hesitated, shaking his head more slowly this time. She sighed, and placed a hand on her hip. "Maycee, if you've said something to that git I call my brother, I need to know. It might give me a hint as to exactly what spell he might have used."
Maycee tried to mumble something, but his lips ballooned at just that moment, making it impossible for him to speak. Lily was pleasantly surprised; she’d always assumed James had got by on smarm and charisma. This spell showed real effort; something of this morphic quality would mean more than one trip to the restricted section, and a higher knowledge of charms than most. Her brother’s marks were good, but she’d thought he’d found away around learning. Apparently not.
“Can you write it down?” Lily pointed to the scroll of parchment. She had been planning on using it for a potion’s essay. That would have to wait now. Maycee shrugged, and picked up the quill, scrawling something on the middle of the scroll. She tried not to wince at his blatant wastefulness.
“I called you not? What’s that supposed to mean?” He shook his head, and put quill to page once more. “I called you hot. Is that all?”
He looked at, his eyes illuminated with something that could have only been described as hope. “Well, I can’t imagine him cursing you for just that. Are you certain you didn’t say anything else?” Maycee shuffled his feet, looking at the quill as if it might bite him. “Come on. Spit it out!”
He glanced from her, to the paper, and back to her again. “I haven’t got all day, you know.” He hesitated, then scrawled on, almost knocking the ink over in his haste.
“I told him that he was an…” Lily paused, trying to figure out the word. “An idiot? Is that what it says?” Maycee nodded, and she continued. “An idiot for thinking that you should be in Gryffindor, because bravery is for tossers, and that if he was angry with your house, he shouldn’t, because Slytherin is the best. Even if it wasn’t, you’re happy here, so bugger off. Right then. And that’s all.” He shook his head, pointing to the bottom of the parchment. “Then you asked him if you could date me?”
Maycee hid his face, nodding furiously. “Well, in that case, I know exactly what he would have done.” She raised her wand, and with some concentration, removed her brother’s handiwork. “I have to ask. Why on earth did you think it would be a good idea to ask my brother that?” He shrugged, and turned away, the tears probably building up again.
“Hang on. I’m not done with you yet.” Maycee stopped, and turned around. He was surprisingly dry eyed. Perhaps the tear had just been a reflection, a minor charm to project outwardly the inner emotions. She could ask James later, when she chewed him out for being such a prat. “You can pick me up at eight. And if you’re late…” She smirked, suddenly looking far more like James. “Let’s just say, I’ll make this look like a child’s attempt at face painting.” Maycee fled the room, nodding furiously. He couldn’t believe his luck.
Author's note: Maycee is one of the Patil twin's children. Probably Padme's.
