Chapter 21
The next chapters will all take place on the day of the Hogsmeade trip from different POVs hope you enjoy :)
Lily's POV Part 1
Lily woke up that Saturday feeling strangely excited about the Hogsmeade trip.
She and James hadn't talked since yesterday morning about the trip.
But from what she had seen yesterday he seemed pretty surprised that she agreed.
But not just that he even seemed to be looking forward to it.
Lily understood him being surprised she agreed considering that wasn't how it usually went. But she didn't expect him to be so happy about her saying yes.
It was a nice thought though, as reluctant as she was to say it she really did like hanging out with James.
He had this eternally optimistic view of things. Always trying to find the good in a bad situation. This light-hearted attitude made it pretty hard to have a bad time around him.
Lily liked that.
The other day Lily had spilt coffee on her hardback copy of Anne of Green Gables. (One of her childhood favourites.)
She felt bummed that she had ruined her copy.
Even after doing her drying charm, there was still a brownish tint on the pages.
Lily had sighed about it being ruined.
When James saw this happen he walked over.
He outstretched his hand toward the book and asked to see it.
"Is this a muggle book?"
He asked examining the cover.
"Yeah, it was one of my favourites. "
"Is it an old book?"
"Pretty old yeah, it was written about a
hundred years ago. And now it's spoiled."
James opened it and flicked through the stained pages.
"No, it's not! See the coffee looks cool on it makes it look its age you know. Like it's an original copy or something."
Lily smiled thinking of the encounter.
Today will be fun.
Lily figured she should probably get out of bed even though the trip wasn't till 12 and it was only 8 now.
She was already up so she might as well get started.
Lily had a very specific routine in the mornings.
She'd take her journal from her bedside.
Get out of bed and head to the bathroom.
She had started to weigh herself naked as she wanted a more accurate measurement of where she was at.
She stripped down quietly.
Tugging off her oversized pyjama tee and flannels.
And pulled out the scale and prepared herself to step on.
103lbs
The calorie charm must have been working. In the last few days, she had started to eat 900 instead maybe that helped.
She scribbled the number down in her journal log and went to the next step of the routine.
(Her least favourite part)
She started to examine her body closely in the bathroom mirror.
She did this to see any changes but mostly it just made her more motivated because without fail every morning.
Despite the numbers going down.
No changes were made at all.
Her thighs were still far too chubby.
Her stomach still looked big and bloated.
Her face was puffy looking and her arms looked soft and droopy.
She took a deep breath and started to dress again.
How disappointing it was to still look the same after all the effort.
Then a horrible thought occurred to Lily as she was redressing into her pyjamas.
She'd have to choose what to wear today.
She had not worn her muggle clothes since summer. She had some nice stuff from when she bought lots of new things in a vintage shop in Camden with her mum.
But God they were far more figure-hugging than her baggy school robes.
James would have to see her in those clothes.
See all the things she saw in the mirror.
The thought terrified her.
Maybe she could find something a little loose?
Maybe she could wear lots of layers?
Or oh god maybe She'd have to bite the bullet and pick something.
Lily walked out of the bathroom.
To find Marlene sitting up in the bunk.
"Morning Lils," she whispered as Lily walked towards their bed.
"Morning," Lily said.
"Excited for your date?" Marlene smiled.
"It's not really a date though Marls." Lily corrected.
"If that's how you want it." She paused "But I think Potter is hoping it is."
Lily shook her head and smiled.
"I don't know honestly."
"Will you give him a chance Lil?." Marlene said gently "He might just surprise you."
"Anyway,." Lily said attempting not to answer.
"I've no clue what to wear."
"Oh I can help," Marlene said enthusiastically.
"Really?"
Lily was shocked Marlene usually had no interest in fashion at all. Well, at least not in the clothes Lily liked to wear.
"You're gonna help me pick?" Lily asked gratefully.
Marlene laughed.
"No ahaha. But I can help."
With that, Marlene picked up and rolled a fluffy sock that Lily assumed was worn yesterday. (hopefully only yesterday)
And hurled across to Mary's bed with perfect aim.
Whacking her sleeping face.
"MARYYYYYYYYY."
Mary shot up like she'd been electrocuted.
A look of realisation came across her drowsy face twisting it to an angrier expression.
She looked at the sock.
"I SWEAR TO MERLIN MARLENE YOU THROW YOUR SWEATY STINKING SOCKS AT ME ONE MORE TIME!!"
Marlene sat there innocently and smiled sweetly.
"Lily needs help picking an outfit for her date."
Lily blushed.
Mary's anger melted immediately.
"Ohhh you said yes!!! Let me help please!!." Nothing excited Mary more than fashion.
' But Marlene dear, you throw anything to wake me up again and I'll smother you in your sleep."
This time Mary smiled sweetly.
Lily laughed at this unable to help it.
Before she knew all three of them were giggling.
After the laughter subsided Mary and Lily sorted through the options.
A tight mustard turtle neck with a brown mini skirt.
Flared jeans and a cropped red top.
And a low-cut green velvet dress with bell sleeves and small suns embroidered at the hem.
Lily felt scared looking at this none seemed ideal.
The dress was maybe the best option considering it didn't show her figure too much and only really cinched in at the waist.
Mary liked the dress best as well.
"It has to be the dress." She said confidently.
"Is it not a bit much?" Lily asked not too sure now.
"Lily it's the first trip this year everyone is dressing up!"
Mary then rooted through her closet and pulled out a pair of high-waisted denim shorts and a dusty pink tie-up top as well as a pair of pinkish-red boots.
"Cool boots." Marlene gaped.
"Seeeee" She reassured her friend.
"Now go put the dress on I want to see how it looks! Wear these too!"
Mary said handing Lily a pair of chunky tan platforms, excited to see her styling complete.
Lily took the shoes and dress and turned towards the bathroom to change.
"Oh just put them on here Lily it's nothing we haven't seen before." Mary laughed.
Lily felt sick.
Technically Mary was right the girls changed in front of each other all the time. Or at least they all had till Lily stopped about 3 weeks ago. She just hated the thought of anyone noticing how big she was. It wasn't something most people would point out but she knew they'd notice.
But Lily really couldn't think of a reason to get out of this. She'd simply have to go along with it.
Fuck.
Lily turned shyly and pulled off her baggy bed shirt facing away from Mary and Marlene.
Mary gasped
This was worse than Lily could have imagined. Mary and Marlene had finally noticed how fat she'd gotten Lily felt humiliated.
She quickly finished changing and turned around.
"What is it?" She said half sick.
"Did you lose weight, Lily?" Mary asked.
What!?? Surely Mary couldn't know. Sure Lily pretty much looked the exact same.
Lily wanted to act casual like she hadn't spent the last month focusing on it.
"Oh have I?"
Maybe that was too casual? Lily thought worried.
"Yeah you look pretty thin Lil are you feeling all right?" Mary replied sounding a little worried.
"Yeah I noticed you haven't been at some meals either do you feel sick?" Marlene added concerned
Shit shit shit
"Oh yeah just been busy with homework I guess I forget sometimes."
Lily hoped that she seemed convincing.
She tried to get away from the topic
"How does the dress look?"
"You look beautiful." Marlene said sincerely.
"Lovely Lils! Here let me tie up the back."
Mary came over and tied back the ribbon at her waist.
Lily tried not to think about how it would show her stomach more.
"Lily?" Mary asked.
Please don't be about my eating Lily begged internally.
"Can I pleaseee do your makeup?"
Lily sighed with relief. Thankful for Mary's short attention span.
"Sure."
By 11 all 3 were finally done getting ready.
Mary had blown out Lily's hair so that it bounced in auburn waves around her face.
She had given her a soft nude eye shadow and dark brown liner making her green eyes stand out. As well as a subtle blush still showing her freckles.
And glazed her lips in tinted gloss.
Mary herself left her hair natural only oiling it slightly. She wore a slightly dark mauve lipstick and wore a matching eye shadow.
She added chunky hoops to her outfit and was ready as well.
Marlene only took about 20 minutes.
Quickly fluffing her hair and robbing some of Mary's eyeliner.
She wore a pair of bell-bottomed jeans and a black halter with a chunky belt and her signature black leather jacket.
The girls made their way to the common room when they were all finally ready.
Most Gryfindor 5th years were already there.
Including the marauders.
"Looking good Mcdonald" Sirius smirked cheekily at Mary.
Mary winked back giggling. Then walked off.
And Sirius looked very pleased with himself.
Marlene rolled her eyes. Lily couldn't say she blamed her.
The two dated and broke up in 3rd year but pretty much flirted ever since.
"What's wrong Mckinnon upset you aren't getting attention?" Sirius Teased lightly.
"Don't want it Black. At least not from you." Marlene responded smiling.
Sirius just laughed lightly.
The two tended to bicker but only in a friendly way as they both played together in Quidditch.
Lily saw James then
He was wearing a mustard Button down and a pair of loose flared jeans.
He had obviously made some sort of effort to tame his hair but it just looked slightly fluffier.
He stood up the minute he saw her and walked towards her.
Marlene took the hint and wandered across the room to Molly.
Mary seemed to be already flirting with Fabien Prewitt nearby.
James stood in front of Lily.
"Hey" the two said at the same time.
Then laughing at themselves.
"You look..." James stared at Lily.
She knew the dress showed her body too much he was probably thinking of how big she looked.
James took a breath in.
"Stunning" He finished making eye contact as he did.
'Lily just wow" He said.
Lily felt her face flush red. Surely he didn't mean it?
"You look very nice James." Lily smiled.
James smiled shyly and ran a hand through his curls.
"So there's this coffee shop in the village. It's eh called toadstools. It's a pretty nice spot. I think so at least. I mean they have lots of bookshelves there I know you read a lot so maybe you could read some? Or maybe not because I probably can't talk to you if you start reading. Or do maybe if you want to-"
Lily stopped him
"Sounds lovely."
He looked grateful that she stopped his rambling.
"Don't worry I think I can refrain from reading," she smiled " though that entirely depends on the books."
Professor McGonagall then entered the common room.
"Permission slips everyone if you please."
She announced to the room.
Everyone lined up to hand over slips.
Lily couldn't help but notice Sirius looking slightly worried.
All the 5th years patiently waited to give on slips but when it got to Sirius who was just before James.
Mcgonagal studied his slip for a minute glancing at the boy.
"Mmhm" She looked at Sirius again the James. James nodded at her "Looks ok Black You are good to go." Relief washed over Sirius's face and he left the line to Join Remus. She then moved on to James, then Lily who was last in line.
After this was done they all headed to the hall to leave with the other 5th years.
When they got down Sirius called over James.
"Sorry, Evans I'm gonna have to steal your deerly beloved for a minute." He gestured to James "Prongs."
Lily shook her head at him and left them to it.
Mary was still flirting with Fabien and laughing at every second word he said.
Swishing her curls as she did so.
Marlene was across the room talking to Pandora Roseir, an eccentric Slytherin dressed in a blue tunic dress embroidered with stars. She was wearing matching pins in her long blonde hair with threads of silver braided into it. Lily liked Pandora she was quiet and sweet and despite coming from a pureblood family she never treated anyone differently based on blood purity or family name. But they were not very close and didn't speak beyond pleasantries. So Lily decided not to interrupt.
Lily spotted Emmeline Vance standing alone near a group of Ravenclaws.
She took a breath and made her way over.
"Hey, Emmeline."
"Hello, Lily."
Emmeline studied her for a minute looking up and down at her. Lily felt embarrassed to be looked at so intensely. Especially by Emmeline when she was essentially perfect herself.
"So it's working," Emmeline said nodding.
Lily took a second to understand what she was saying.
"Yeah, I uh guess." Lily stammered.
"What are you at now?" She responded
"Sorry?" Lily asked.
"I assume you are tracking your weight. What is it?"
Lily was shocked that Emmeline had asked that she'd never really told anyone her weight out loud. It felt like a dark secret.
Lily lowered her voice to answer.
"103 pounds."
Emmeline looked slightly impressed Lily felt sickly proud of that.
"Not bad at all." She nodded at Lily.
Lily didn't know what to say next. Was she supposed to ask Emmeline?
"What about you?" Lily said unsure.
"94 at 5'9" Emmeline sounded disgusted by her own weight.
"Wow" Lily was shocked Emmeline was so much lighter despite being half a foot taller than her.
There must be more tips she hadn't told her.
"How?" Lily needed to know.
"It's simple and hard really. Just don't eat.
I gave you the charm that is really all there is to it."
Lily was disappointed by this.
" And what if you do eat?"
"Well if you eat too much I guess there's always Eructo." Emmeline shrugged.
"What's that do?" Lily was curious.
"It gets rid of it."
The house heads then called attendance.
Lily had to make her way across to the rest of the Gryffindors.
Remus came over to Lily as she rejoined the group of Gryffindors.
"Hi Lily," He said politely.
Remus was pretty shy.
For someone who could be so intimidating,
Never to Lily though.
"Hii Remus." Lily smiled.
"I can't believe you said yes" Remus joked gesturing towards James who was currently holding Sirius's wallet above his head and out of his reach while Sirius tried to grab it. Peter Pettigrew looked like he might wee himself laughing at the two.
"Neither can I." Lily laughed.
"Are you going to Hogsmeade with anyone? I heard some of the girls saying they asked you." She continued looking back at Remus.
"Nah." He shrugged There's some other stuff I needed to get done."
"Oh fair enough." Lily smiled getting the feeling she shouldn't pry.
Sirius Jumped and took back his wallet.
"Ha! Got it you lanky prick!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Yeah, you did mate." James smiled cheekily "But only because I let you "
Sirius huffed and turned to Remus.
"See how he abuses me Moony," Sirius whined.
"It's your fault Pads you shouldn't have jinxed Wormtail's wallet to hide his gallons," Remus replied shaking his head fondly.
"That was funny though wasn't it Wormy?" Sirius turned over to Peter.
"Well um, actually I was eh pretty worried I'd lost my money. Mum would've gone spare if I did."
Peter replied looking a little worried as if his money was still missing.
"See I was only giving hassle in the name of justice." James said proudly.
Lily smiled
"Quite the vigilante." She said half sarcastically.
Though James looked as if he took it as a genuine compliment.
"OK everyone follow your heads of House to Hogsmeade, come along now."
McGonagal announced. Her voice carried throughout the hall.