rumor mill [lily]

[pandorah]

It had been only two days. Two days since the accident that was Sirius Black and the beginning of the end of her reputation. Why she had done it she still could not explain and she was furious with both herself and him for it even happening. Pandorah was a serious girl, dedicating her life to her studies and classes and to becoming something better than most of her peers. There was a chance that she could come back after graduation and even more classes elsewhere and be a teacher here, the Arithmancy teacher was what she wanted. That or something far grander, her eyes were set on the headmaster position but that took years of dedication and she knew it, but she was up for the task.

With one moment in time, one accidental issue...she had screwed so many things up. Sure her reputation wasn't completely trashed, she was still serious and studious and uncaring about others, or most of them. Yet, the rumors circulating now were dangerous ones, and most of them completely false! Yes she was caught and yes it was quite the compromising position but half of the things being said were not true and she could happily kill one Sirius Black with her own bare hands, magic be damned in this instance.

Pandorah was frazzled and touchy because of all this. She had been snapping at people left and right and losing sleep. The first night the sleep was lost due to over thinking everything and playing the scenario over and over...the other because of all the talk. The rumors started out from just the fact that she was kissing him and went up to that they were now going out and all the way down to having sealed the deal completely with him in that dark classroom. Now boys were flirting heavier with her, some touching her arms and sides. Girls were mad and bitching at her and she had gotten in trouble for practically ripping a girls face off earlier. Thankfully it was her first problem and they had let her off due to stress but that still meant something.

Now she was wandering the halls and floors, hoping to just get away from the crowd. Her hair was a bit of a mess, her face pale but cheeks ruddy from frustration and anger. This was just what she needed in the beginning of the damned school year. If it had been at the end it wouldn't be so bad but now she would have to endure all the bull. Too bad if Sirius was, he was getting what he deserved. The Gryffindor boy was a bastard, a jerk and a playboy. Somehow she had fallen right into the trap that was his arms and lips and it drove her batty just thinking about it.

A low growling screech escaped her mouth and she snarled at a passing Slytherin right before they opened their mouth. “Don't EVEN ask me a damn thing!” Argh she was so tired of all of this! When would it end?! Her footfalls were heavy with her anger and she began to think and not pay attention to her surroundings, something she did often and found herself on floors she wasn't even planning or thinking of going to.

[lily]

Rumors...they were horrible little things Lily decided very early on in her life. Her older sister loved them, her and her friends spending hours on the phone or in her room just talking and talking about supposedly what other people had done and why they deserved whatever they did for the supposed thing they had done. It was all rather dull, but then again Lily did not have much else to listen to over this past summer except for that.

At Hogwarts she'd always thought people better here, a little more above the who did what, why, and where....but it was not long until over the table in the great hall that she heard the murmurs and giggles.

Sirius...with a Prefect? No way!

I heard it was that Ravenclaw one...a smart girl no less....

He can get under any skirt it--

I wouldn't mind it if it were mine.

I never liked her at all, why does she get to have all the--

By the time breakfast was over Lily had barely touched a thing on her plate. She knew Pandorah, or rather knew of her. It seemed rather unbelievable, but it seemed that this was all being told by a young Hufflepuff who over breakfast seemed eager to share it with anyone who listened. "Merlin help us all..."

Hurrying off she began her day, but it seemed that curiosity got the better of her though when as she was passing between classes later she heard the cool sharp tone as she looked up to see the very heart of the rumors walk by looking rather dangerous to approach.

This wouldn't do...not for a Prefect. Too much rode on being an example, and perhaps this was just a stupid Marauder's prank that would get too far and hurt someone if it kept on. Moving quickly she caught up with Pandorah, her robe fluttering open about her uniform as she hugged her books tightly to her with one arm, the other moving to catch the Ravenclaw's arm. She'd followed her all the way to the second floor, the empty corridors void of student life. It was a little creepy, but as long as they avoided the bathroom here it would be fine.

"Pandorah! I'm glad I found you..." She smiled pushing a fiery tendril of hair out of her eyes, "I know we Prefects don't hang out much with all that goes on in the Houses, but I thought we could talk for a bit." Her voice dropped a little though her smile didn't fade too much in case anyone else had thought to follow them.

"Seriously though...you know you shouldn't put up with these boys. I don't mind losing points if they've pulled a prank like this on someone like you." She started right in, "God, and Black nonetheless...they didn't seem the type to make up stupid stories to have their fun."

[pandorah]

Footfalls sounded loudly near her, someone quickening their pace. Pandorah had been dealing with a lot of bull the past two days and because of it when anyone approached her she immediately bristled like an angry cat and practically bared her teeth and showed her claws. While it had kept away the more meek of people some just were not to be swayed with such a juicy rumor floating around. So she had effectively been harassed since the incident and was just tired of it all already.

Her body went stiff as she waited for the person to hopefully pass her by, or at least hurry up and say what they needed to say and move on. The composure she as famous for for the previous five years here at Hogwarts was crumbling and a mess. Instead the person not only did not pass her up but they grabbed her arm. The move wasn't rough or violent but being grabbed at all was almost too much. She snarled quietly under her breath and sucked in a large gulp of air before she ended up with a detention and a lost Prefect status, simply because she wanted to immediately punch said person.

Blinking and sighing she turned her head and noticed it was a fellow Prefect. Great, was she going to be lectured by Lily Evans now? The pretty and pert redhead was pretty popular with the boys, whether she gave them attention or not, and also good at what she did. They had known each other a bit, or at least talked to once another from time to time. Still, she had her hand around Pan's arm and the cold eyes looked downward to where she was touching her and she pulled her arm back. Trying not to be rude but never comfortable with physical contact, especially now.

“You happened to be looking for me?” Her tone was emotionless and the German accent soft because she was speaking quietly. “No, Prefects do not usually intermingle. I know what you want to talk about, everyone does.” Her pale face screwed into an expression of anger and frustration and her voice became louder, the accent a lot more pronounced and violent sounding. “Suddenly I am so damned popular and everyone has questions for me!” Her breath hissed from between clenched teeth and her full upper lip lifted into an expression resembling a snarl.

There was no need for her to be mad at the ginger but she was. Just another in a long line of people bothering her over that one simple mistake. Still she reigned in her temper as Lily continued to speak and even licked her lips before responding. “Well, I suppose you, like all of them, came to me for the 'truth' of the matter. I refused to talk to any of them and I am not sure you need to know either.” Why would it matter? The rumors would still be going like mad no matter what she said anyway. Brows drew together and she sighed.

“I'm sorry. You haven't done anything wrong but I am awfully touchy right now. The stories are only half lies and half truths.” Admitting this now meant nothing, but Lily wasn't someone she had ever had a problem with and being a fellow Prefect it was better she knew the truth, even if it was bad. “What, did Sirius say something specifically?” She was in the same house as the Black boy she had been caught with, so maybe she heard things or he was boasting wildly. He did have that shiner, or rather had. Someone had taken care of it for him but he would have had it when he went back to the Gryffindor common room.

For now she decided to just inquire before telling the entire truth, see what had been said and if she would have a reason to hex Sirius or not.

[lily]

Catching up and getting a hold of Pandorah Lily slowed them both down to stop. It seemed no one else was around to talk or listen in...unless a ghost was about and the only one she knew here was Myrtle, and no other ghost seemed to like talking to her...so she figured it was safe. The Gryffindor Prefect was hardly surprised that she was rebuffed from questions so quickly. Of course she'd already know about the rumors, and no doubt others had been snoopy and tried to figure out what had happened. Could she blame her really for being upset?

She talked about half truth and lies an that of course peaked Lily's interest as she wondered a little more how much had been said and how much had actually been done. "Depending who you talk to they say you've been in love with Black since first year and his playboy attitude is just a ruse to cover the relationship...others are saying you were another conquest." She sighed, shaking her head. "Really Sirius hasn't said anything, but he's denying nothing to my knowledge." Shifting from foot to foot she brushed her skirt down a bit more before reaching down to pull up one of the long socks that came up just above her knee, the dark red knit pattern keeping the wind off her legs a little as the days grew cooler.

"I had to wonder if any of it at all was true. I mean Black? That boy is more of a child then even Potter...probably more like a puppy even. I know he and his friends are always starting trouble. I was worried that they might just now be making up stories to get good Prefects and students into trouble. If they are then obviously we as Prefects need to stop this now before they do something of serious consequence." Because in Lily's mind there was no way a strong smart girl like Pandorah would fall for the charms of that fool...never...couldn't be...

Shifting again she looked over her shoulder, "However Koenig, if it's true then...well I mean I really would be surprised. I can't imagine a girl like you out of all the boys picking that one. You if anyone have a better pick of the school." She tried to make the comment as light as possible. Merlin help her if the smart Ravenclaw actually liked Black and she'd just shoved her foot in her mouth.

"I really am more interested in helping squash out the misunderstanding. Students have better things to do with their time then gossip, and really I would like to say that you and I could be friends seeing how we have the same sort of things to deal with." Another smile graced her lips as she relaxed a little, standing close to the other as she kept her voice soft and low, "In time it'll blow over, but I'm sure a few well place charms and hexes would make it go away quicker. Really though if you don't want to tell me what happened, you don't. I'm just offering help if you want it."

[pandorah]

It was nice that there was no one else around, otherwise Pandorah may not have relaxed even that fraction of an amount. Her eyes closed and she opened them right off. Every time her pale blue gaze was shrouded by her own eyelids she saw it all. His smiling face, that insolent little grin that turned up at the corners into something rather erotic as he grasped her hips and pulled her body tightly against his. Seeing led to remembering and feeling the ghost of the sensations that he brought about within and without of her. Silently she hoped that he had at least been teased, rather mercilessly as well, by his housemates for the black eye he received on her end.

“In love with Sirius Black? Ha! I am definitely not some sad little puppy girl who would follow around a boy like him just hoping for a scrap of his attention.” Pandorah practically spat the words, the feeling was disgusting. She had seen many girls hover around him and his cronies hoping to get attention of any sort, a smile, a look, and Merlin forbid an actual touch. Sirius was not wanting for female attention and in some ways it made her sick. Sick that she was now being lumped right along with them. Her pride was strong and fierce and she felt like it had been injured and was some wild animal lately. The only way to stop this was to somehow make a scene where she denounced him.. maybe? Ugh, she had no idea she was clueless with this.

“Figures he wouldn't deny it, he is enjoying my torment I bet.” She shook her head, black hair swaying to and fro with the motion. “There is nothing going on with Sirius and I, there never was and there never will be. Even if I happened to like him it wouldn't matter as he is a playboy who flirts from one honey pot to the next, sampling all wares.” Sadness tinged her pale blue eyes and not just because of what she said but some of it dealt with how she figured this was how most boys were in the end. Greedy, selfish and unworthy of her attentions.

Now, she had not said that nothing happened only that nothing was going on. No relationship, no love...nothing. Raising both brows she looked Lily over like she was judging for something and nodded to herself. “Yeah, he...ugh I screwed up.” One long fingered hand lifted only to wipe across her face, a way to soothe herself and to try and continue. “I was following him as I knew he was up to no good, per usual. He stepped into an old classroom and my familiar followed him in there. I may not have entered had Sasha not gone in.” Once more she peered about them, making sure no one was nearby. Why she was telling the other Prefect all of this was obvious, someone needed to know the truth and it was a way for her to realize how she felt about what has happened.

“The room was pretty dark and the door shut behind me. I went to it, almost tripping and it was locked. Somehow magically locked. Sirius decided to do what he does best and be an idiot and scare me, well I punched him in the face...gave him a black eye too. I'm pretty sure he got it taken care of, he would never admit to being hit, especially by a girl.” Pandorah smirked at what she knew and probably only Sirius had before her. “I have no idea what happened, I felt sorry cause I hit him rather hard. I touched to see if he was okay, one thing somehow led to another and he kissed me.” Now she began to fret, her toes digging at the floor.

“Lily, that was my first kiss.”

The proclamation was hard to admit and she knew Sirius didn't even know that. No one knew what she did when she was back home so how could they assume? “I didn't happen to pick him it just happened like I said. However much of a complete buffoon he is, his mouth sure is smart. I'm not sure if that is how kissing goes but it worked well enough to make me forget who I was with and where we were.” Pale cheeks flushed at what she considered a compliment. Having her pick of the school? She didn't think so but it was nice to hear, Pan knew her temperament was not easy to be around.

Taking a deep breath she let it out slowly and began to finish what she had started. “Well, by the time the door opened, as Sirius was so brilliant to lean against it, we were very much into the kiss. We fell out of the door. I landed on top of him my hands gripping his pants for leverage and his hands wrapped firmly about my hind end. That was what the Hufflepuff saw.” Her expression changed to one of chagrin and she looked Evans over carefully. “That is the truth. Nothing more or less. It went too far but not as far as things have been said.” She held out her hands, palms showing like she was letting Lily see that she had nothing up her sleeves and nothing hidden.

[lily]

Lily didn't really know what to expect out of the Ravenclaw girl. Part of her wanted to hear her curse the Gryffindor, but at the same time she had to admit where Black or Potter were involved she never was surprised by the fact that they'd pull something...do something. The only surprise came when the thing they were doing happened and then it was a guess of who'd be surprised, who'd be amused, and who might get hurt....

However Pandorah began to talk about what happened and in the empty hall Lily leaned up against an abandoned pedestal meant probably for some teacher's bust. "I figured you weren't...I mean, not in love with him carrying on some secret relationship. The things people will say though for entertainment, right? You seem better than to just fall for a pretty face." She regretted saying pretty the minute it came out, but at least no one was around to hear her say it. Yes he was handsome, and his manners and pranks set him up to be known and catch attention, but Lily knew how his good humor went to far, why the distance she kept was there.

Looking up at the other girl Lily listened as she began her story, snorting a bit, "When isn't he up to no good?" She joked lightly before going quiet. Bright green eyes scanned the pale face, taking in the bits and pieces.

She followed, ended up enclosed with Black in a small space, and then...then...

Crimson colored Lily's cheeks, the freckles that always appeared over the summer vanishing within it as she stood there a little speechless at that moment. She gave a small cough, looking away.

It was true? The surprise could not be contained. Lily herself felt a little bad for Pandorah though, "Losing your first kiss to Black. There are worse people in the world, but that should be special. How mean." Her own hand came up to her lips. She'd not even had her own yet so who was she to talk? And of course now Pandorah was into describing it as the blush on Lily's cheeks grew ever darker. It was grotesquely fascinating for the young Gryffindor as fingers fiddle with the edge of her skirt, taking a step closer as her gaze swung back up the few inches to meet the blue.

"Was he now?" Really out of the girls she'd heard or being with Sirius, not many spoke of what they had done, or rather what he'd done. She's just tuned them out and thought that Sirius Black probably just did what she'd heard every other boy do in the end...grope around blindly in the dark in hopes of touching something nice. Was that how a first kiss was suppose to go? Forgetting everything for the moment?

"Ah..." She began, unsure what to respond with as the story finished. Though the truth was nowhere near as scandalous as the story the Hufflepuff boy had evolved his into being it was somehow a little more exciting to hear. Though if Lily was around any other student she'd never admit it. "Wow...well..I guess some students have too much time and imagination on their hands. Everyone has their own version now it seems, but the Slytherin are the worse. I'll talk to the Hufflepuff Prefect if you want, I know who the boy is, and if the teachers catch him his house will lose points for showing rather un-Hufflepuff behavior."

Stepping a little closer she sighed and shook her head, "I believe you Pandorah. I have no reason not to. Black will enjoy the fun where he can get it. He and Potter both. I think in a little time most of these students will forget about it. I mean you're a Prefect, if anything it's just a rumor and sooner rather then later there will be another girl doing something, or a boy getting caught..and well... you know the rest." She waved her hand around in the air a bit as if that was the world defined.

"Really though, Black a good kisser..." She chuckled behind her hand, "If you want me to hex him still I can. Or maybe sneak a few love charms near him that makes him irresistible to toads." As a Prefect Lily had to show by example what a good student was, but still mischievousness did arise occasionally. From her robe pocket she took out a small bag of candy she'd carried with her since her last Hogsmeade trip, offering some to the other girl.

"This'll be over sooner than you think. How are you holding up though?"

[pandorah]

She knew it made no sense to the other Prefect. A reasonable and smart girl doing something so scandalous and reprehensible. Her reputation was that she didn't accept anyone's advances. Boy or the occasional girl, she snubbed all of them. Too full of herself of of her need for knowledge, other wizards were just a fading blip on her radar. They came and went but her thirst for learning was ever growing. Then this incident happened and she had no idea what was going on anymore. Her thoughts were not on what she needed to be listening to in her classes but on the feelings, the sensations that she experienced in that short amount of time. It was infuriating.

One brow rose, she had called Sirius pretty. “There is no doubt the boy is attractive, it would be foolhardy to say so otherwise.” Looks were just another outside aspect of the shell that people wore. The Ravenclaw often agreed with a simple quote she had found and figured that Lily would enjoy it so she told her. “Beauty is a curse upon the world Evans, it keeps us from seeing who the real monsters are.” A pretty thing, a beautiful face, a lovely body...they were easily distracting and alluring all at once. You would fall into the trap before you even realized there was one to tip into. All attractive things were nice to look at, from afar. Pan already knew how easily it was to become entangled in such a thing.

Much like Lily, Pandorah was blushing as she recounted what had happened in the dark room. What she had done with, to and accepted from Sirius Black, practically legendary playboy of Hogwarts. Her lips tingled and she lifted a hand to touch them, remembering the feeling of his on hers and how it had changed everything in an instant. Pan was very aware of herself, physically of course. It was not a thing she had put much thought into before, except that she knew people liked her long legs and curves.

“I never thought about my first kiss before, and now it's too late.” Her shoulders shrugged but it was obvious from the tone in her voice and how sharp her German accent was for that one moment that it did bother her. She hadn't lied, she never really thought about it before. Though it had not been bad, far from it indeed, yet it was over and done with and she didn't even have that to share with someone that she might actually be able to be with. Sirius was definitely not that type of guy which was sad that it had been wasted on him but she couldn't exactly change the past and wasn't one that liked to have regrets. It happened, she was dealing with the consequences, the end. “Oh well what is done is done and it cannot be undone as they say.”

Another time she lifted her brows and simply nodded. “Yeah, he was. I may not be happy about what happened but it was definitely not unpleasant. In fact it was entirely too pleasant. I cannot stop thinking about it, very distracting.” She shuddered just enough for it to be visible and frowned. Such an obnoxious preoccupation.

“I didn't expect to get caught but I am glad I happened in a way. I honestly couldn't say what would have happened had we not been. Too bad the Hufflepuff didn't see his black eye as well, little defamation of his character would be nice.” Pandorah chuckled then and smoothed her hands over the front of her uniform subconsciously. “Let the little Hufflepuff have his fun, I don't think I care anymore. It's everyone coming up to me that is bothersome and it's too late to stop that now the damage has been done.” That and well, her own thoughts.

Pandorah paced back and forth slowly, looking from Lily to the floor. “If you feel you need an actual reason to hex him sure use me. Personally him just existing is a reason.” Graciously she accepted a piece of the candy and popped it past her full lips. “I'm alright now, thank you. I was not doing well a moment ago. Everyone thinks I tore his clothes off and we made mad monkey love on the floor of that dirty old classroom. Just kisses, that is all. Has James continued to harass you?” Pandorah was a bit forward, using peoples first names instead of their last ones, sometimes considered impertinent but she didn't care.

[lily]

When her own comments about calling Black pretty arose once more she just nodded not really knowing what to say. Heaven forbid they be heard giving a compliment and let it be taken out of context by some other fool. She was quick to glance around once more. Peeves would be the worse of the ghosts to hear though she figured they would be alright as it didn’t seem anyone was trying to listen into what two Prefects would say to one another. “Beauty is an odd little thing. I don’t think it’s bad though. I mean all in all when it comes to Black he got into Gryffindor because of something, and I hardly think the hat judges one based on looks.” Dear Merlin, she was almost defending him now to make a point. She hoped Koenig would not jump to conclusions on this as she waved her own words off and kept going, “I mean real monsters will sooner show their hands. I would think something evil would be more fair then Black and feel far less goofy then he does.” She hoped that she was right.

Never had she really admitted it before but as she stared at Pandorah she gave a weak smile, “Look at the Black family...where he comes from I would be more worried about in their fancy Pure Blood world. The fairness, the lovely looks...compared to them Sirius is probably harmless to an extent.” The world could make good people from bad families and bad people from good families...it was possible. They were all growing up, getting older, trying to mature with a world that was now making leaps and bounds. Lily tried to believe in the best still of all people.

The two girls stood there mimicking each other in blushes and thoughts. Most girls their age now were focused on finding boyfriends, husbands, lives beyond school. Oh with only two years left here Lily had never even considered a boyfriend. She’d always been busy with studies, or Sev...but love, or even lust...

She suddenly laughed trying to shake herself out of it, “Goodness people put so much into kissing don’t they? It’s rather ridiculous!” She laughed again, suddenly feeling like she got caught reading one of her mother’s romance novels “You’re right, it can’t be undone...at least it wasn’t with some boy that kisses like a frog or something...” Part of her wanted to fall into the habits she’d heard her sister’s friends fall into again and again...digging until they’d taken all the precious information from the source. To hear Pandorah was like listening into a class of something fascinating and yet so beyond even Lily’s reach.


Another laugh came as Pandorah talked about her relief that they were discovered, “A blessing and curse all at once I guess.” A small frown creased her lips though, “God I wish I had seen that. Sirius with a black eye. It would have been the talk of the school more than any kiss. He kisses enough girls. Not every day one punches him. I just wanted to make sure you were alright. I know we never really talked before, but we Prefects should stick together, you know? Even this late into school it’s never too late to make friends. It can’t hurt to have people on your side.” Plus for Lily though she had a good number of friends who were girls she really didn’t feel she has any girls who she felt were on the same level as her. Their focus on other things then school...whereas Pandorah she felt some kinship to just talking with her.

Taking a few more bits of caramels and candies she popped them into her mouth pondering if she would hex him at all when the subject of another certain boy was from up. Maybe it was because she’d just gotten a grass flavored jellybean mixed with her caramels and chocolates but still at the name she made quiet a face, twisted up in a rather annoyed manner. “Potter is Potter.” She replied, “He is charming, but Merlin knows that he’s just trying to get under a skirt. I’m sure he’d love to say he did what Sirius did even, but I’m keen on him. Maybe if he tried to grow up he’d have a chance at a kiss even. As it stands really the fact that he is a bully ruins any chances of his good looks phasing me one bit.”

With a sigh and a smile she shook her head, "What of you? Any boys that are worth being a distraction from studies?" She asked light heartedly as fingers tangled in her fiery locks again pushing them away from her face.

[pandorah]

Lily was right, beauty wasn't really a bad thing but it could be used against others. Pandorah knew that when push came to shove she was ultimately attracted to a persons outside before their inside. That was what you saw and began the initial everything. Hogwarts was not lacking in the pretty faces department, though there were also the ones you wanted to turn around so you didn't have to see them any longer. Cruel but true unfortunately. Her own taste in people was uncertain. Not having really thought about it before or even paid that much attention she didn't know just yet. Though it seemed like she would be learning it rather quickly, with more people approaching her then ever before. “If the hat judged people on looks I would wonder which houses would gain the pretty ones and which the others?” Just an idle thought, one she might ponder later for the fun of it but nothing to worry about right now. Luckily for Lily the Ravenclaw girl too no note of how it was defense for Black and just simply commented. “I wonder then if I am as evil as people believe?” Pan knew she could be bad but it was just not worth the effort, not yet it seemed.

“I know all about having a family that expects things from you. My own father was surprised I was not Slytherin, like himself and based on...other things. Though the Koenig's are known for both Ravenclaw and Slytherin alumni. My own brother however is Gryffindor, my twin.” It was common knowledge she figured because not many people would have the same last name, pitch black hair, pale skin and icy eyes as her and not be related. She had a cousin or two here in Hogwarts but they were not very close and she didn't talk to them much if at all. “Optimism is fine but realism is better Lily.” Observation on how the other girl was speaking and a nod toward her obvious way of thinking. “Hmm, no that is not right. I believe realism is better, it's up to person interpretation if it is or not.” Pandorah was doing that now, being a realist. Even the tone of her voice was rather flat for a short bit.

Tilting her head she realized that she had to disagree. “I think if the kissing is good then you should put your all into it. Have you never kissed before Lily?” Not that she herself had a lot of experience in the subject but having felt it once she knew that it was something that should be done again and again, with someone you were fond of especially. The leggy Ravenclaw could only imagine what such a kiss would have been like, or would be like, if the person in question was perhaps a boyfriend and not just a pretty face. It made her intensely curious but the likelihood of her having a boyfriend was pretty slim. She hoped Lily would have the opportunity to find it out as well. If either of them deserved something passionate and heart throbbing it was the sweet redhead from Gryffindor.

“Oh, someone had to see him with the black eye. He was not miraculously healed after I got off of him. I would bet it was that one friend if his, Remus is it? That boy is pretty smart and solicitous.” Still, much like Evans she really wished that Sirius had been caught with the shiner and that people would realize he was only mortal after all. “Someone on my side? I confess I do not quite understand such a thing.” Peering about she began to walk, though slowly, down the hall and hoping that Lily would follow her. “My legs are becoming a tad stiff from standing. But yes, I have given Black enough of my firsts, I do not think he deserves any more. Hell, he didn't deserve even the ones he got!” Snorting rudely she shook her head then grinned. Sirius had gotten her first kiss, the first erotic rise out of her body, her first curious explorations of touching. The bastard wouldn't even appreciate such a thing she figured but it was done with already.

Pandorah could not help herself, turning just in time to see Lily with such an expression after she had mentioned Potter was priceless. The leggy girl burst into laughter that was rather loud and hearty, and had tears at the corners of her eyes. “Oh my it seems like just the idea of him makes your mouth go sour. I take it you do not like the boy at all then?” Turning around she began to walk backwards just so she could keep an eye on the lovely redhead. “All boys are trying to get under a skirt are they not?” Again the Ravenclaw laughed and simply shook her head. “Boys are not going to grow up, I believe this is as mature as they are allowed to be. Well, most of them that is.” Unlike Lily, Pandorah didn't have a problem with a boy who was a bully, it was the base ones that were annoying. At least be creative about it if you were going to do something.

Pale eyes widened at the question and instead of just shaking her head she actually stopped walking and looked thoughtful a moment. “Before I would have shook my head, said no and moved on. Things have changed for me lately and I cannot honestly say no now.” A hand lifted and she smoothed her inky hair away from her forehead. “Sirius of course is a major distraction lately, I cannot stop thinking about certain aspects of what happened. There is also this Slytherin boy, Kyran Sinclair, the brother to my housemate Salem. I found myself watching him when I didn't think he was looking but our first meeting didn't go well. Otherwise no.” Tilting her head she nodded then, pretty positive. “How about you? Is there a boy that you find on your thoughts more often than not?”

This was enjoyable. Talking about boys and things with another girl, an intelligent girl at that. Pan hoped that they could perhaps form a friendship out of this because she would very much like this to not be the last time.

[lily]

“Oh that would be an interesting and sad way to judge people and place them. Looks...” A roll of her eyes showed what she thought of her own idea, as amusing at it was in some way it made her sad to think there were people who believed it not such a bad thing to judge on. Still when Pandorah asked if she was evil Lily was quick to shake her head and reach out once more. Fingers found purchase on the sleeve of her shirt as she smiled and sighed, “Don’t say those kind of things Pandorah. It’s one thing to be a little mean sometimes, another to be a bully but...”

Evil, what did it mean to Lily? Evil to her was knowing that some people thought her family including herself deserved to serve under others, or worse really. Evil was the dark whispers that sometimes made their way from quiet voices across the dinning hall or in libraries about a man...no, a monster looking to create a new order to things. Evil was the look in the eyes she’d seen when she first heard the word ‘Mudblood’ ever spoken at her. She’d cried for several weeks straight and not even Sev could pull her from the depression the little girl had felt knowing what it was she’d be called and why. “You aren’t evil. You are far from being anything close to evil. Believe me.”


When talk turned to family Lily really didnt’ have much to chip in about. Her mother and father were just so happy to have a Witch for a daughter, to see that letter to Hogwarts...they didn’t really have any expectations about what the letter meant. When she worried about school Mum would simply make her a hot chocolate and tell her how happy she’d be just to know Lily tired. She couldn’t dare imagine the pressures that would come from having family who would expect positions in the same house as them, or a certain level of work, a way of how one treated others. “I guess you could say I’m an idealist in a way. Sev always says I see the good in everyone and that can get me in trouble.” She laughed a little bit at herself with that. Maybe it was true. Maybe it was best to be careful instead, more realistic in this day and age. “Your twins? Hmmm...well I guess I just haven’t gotten to know him all that much. Maybe I should pull him aside and get to know him. If he’s half as interesting to talk to as you I’m sure we’d get right on.”


“...Have you never kissed before Lily?”

That caught the Gryffindor Prefect off guard enough she almost tripped over her own feet and let loose her books upon the floor. Her head snapped up before she quickly looked away. “Kissed? Why of course I have.” Freckles vanished once again into a blush, the lie out her lips before she could stop herself, “I just...think that you know...there are better things to do.” Sweet Merlin and all that was magic why did she have to go and say such things?

“Remus!” She exclaimed, quick to move on to talking about the black eye a certain Black had gotten, “Yes, a sweet boy and such a fool for his friends. He’d fix him up right as rain, god I hope he at least lectured him...like he’d listen though. Too bad sweet Remus got mixed up with them. Maybe if he makes Head Boy he’ll give them up.” As Pandorah began to walk Lily was quick to follow, “Don’t let Sirius know or he’ll just brag Pandorah. And really when it comes to standing at sides and such I simply mean if you need a friend.” She smiled, though the taste of the grass bean mixed with the chocolates lingered in her mouth as her new friend seemed amused by the face she’d made to it.

“Potter is not a bad person, but really he could do with some growing up. I don’t hate him, I just wish he’d leave me and my friends alone.” Lily sighed as she moved to keep her steps in line with Pandorah’s. What an odd looking picture they must make, the tall dark haired Prefect with the short fiery-haired one following, every few steps taking an extra little hop to keep pace. “Not all boys though Pan.” She shortened the name rather instinctively, “There are a few good boys out there.”

As the conversation turned to boys Lily let her mind wander over the few boys she knew well enough and if she fancied them. “Well I think most girls say no at first. I mean coming to Hogwarts, and the magic, and everyone...the thought of dating never popped into my head at all. I’m sure those boys are fine and all. It’s important to find someone easy to talk to I would think. Mum always said that you can tell the good ones because after hours of talking with them it only feels like minutes have passed.” This was fun. It had been forever since Lily had someone to talk to like this. It wasn’t like Sev was all up for girly talk with her all the time. No doubt he had guy friends to discuss things he didn’t want to talk to Lily about.

“No boys that I can think of. Severus is the only one that I’m really close to.”

[pandorah]

Most people were judged by their looks so really Pandorah wouldn't be surprised if something so outrageous happened. In muggle communities certain things like that talked. Her father was good at manipulating the sad individuals and she didn't mind. What he did had nothing to do with her even if her family had the reputation for being not exactly the nicest of wizards. Luckily for her that they were also all rather attractive though, or at least that was what her father kept telling her. Tall of height, pale of skin, dark of hair and icy colored eyes. It was a Koenig family trait that seemed to pass down to all of them.

“I've been called a bully, told I was evil as well. Just because I caught people doing things they shouldn't be. I'm fairly used to it really.” Her strong shoulders shrugged like it was of no nevermind to her. Her own personal reputation was pretty wicked and she knew what others thought of her by now. “Evil is subjective anyway isn't it? Much like good. It is all subject to the person experiencing or seeing it. What I considering one thing you may see as the opposite or not as bad.” Being able to talk to another person this way was nice but she still felt odd and every now and then her accent would sharpen and her tone go cold and distant. A flash of the past and what she was trying to change. You couldn't go anywhere in life without some people to know. If she planned on not only being a teacher but perhaps even the headmaster then she should start now.

Having noticed how the subject seemed to change Lily's expression the taller girl decided it was best to not continue on that thread. Maybe later, if the girls were closer, she could ask her and be told. Right now was too soon and it would be just creepy to start to pester her.

The subject kept changing between the redhead and the raven haired girl. From looks, personality alignments and family. Then boys. Wasn't that always a subject on teenage girls lips though? Pandorah smiled in spite of herself and could not believe she was having a cliched talk with another female. The other Prefect seemed to be enjoying the current subject at hand and if Pandorah was honest with herself she was too. It was...normal. But a name caused her to tilt her head and she questioned Lily about it. “Sev? Who is that? Oh yeah ha, we are twins. He is taller than me, pretty tall in fact, plays Quidditch too. His grades aren't the best however. I have the brains he has the... well he is alive.” Her lips quirked into a smirk and she shrugged again. Elexrian was a nice guy, funny too...not stupid but not huge in the brain department. He was however strong.

One brow lifted as she watched the redhead and her reaction to the kissing question. She decided not to call her out on it but it was such a sudden and quick one that Pandorah highly doubted she was telling the truth. Though that could all change in a matter of minutes. “Of course you have, what was I thinking?” There were better things to do but if Lily had actually kissed someone, and they were half as skilled as Sirius was, than the other Prefect should be thinking about it some. Pan knew there was no way she could be the only girl that affected by such a simple seeming thing.

When the other girl was very eager to change subject Pan knew she had caught her in a lie and just gave her a knowing half smile half smirk. No words were needed for this. “Not many sweet boys in this day and age it seems. Yet he is being poisoned by the likes of Potter and Black. The likelihood of Remus giving any of those in his small knit group of is slim to none. I have no idea what they have as a dynamic but it works and honestly I must admit I am a little jealous.” Subject changed yet again and the leggy girl thought her brain might swell or leak out through her ears. Her moods shifted like this yeah but she hadn't quite thought of so many things in such a short amount of time.

“I would hope there was no need to take sides. Poor Sirius would lose. The pretty face will not win anything when it comes to me. It's all about heart, and smarts. Yes, I rhymed them on purpose.” She turned to look at the green eyed girl and grinned crookedly. Pan was relaxing around the other Prefect and she felt that it was a good thing. She actually liked it. “All the good ones out there, boys that is, seem to be pushovers or weak.” Yeah she was referring to the ones like Remus and Severus though not on purpose. That and Pan would never considering Snape a good boy in any way but his grades.

“Dating wasn't a thing that had crossed my mind before until this year. Not so much before as after what happened between Sirius and I either.” Again she was reminded that good and bad were subjective when Lily kept talking and nodded. “I think any boy who would be able to keep my attention for long would have to be...wild. Not necessarily a run around pain in the butt like a certain person but they would have to have fire, passion. I don't think they could be the type to sit and read for hours, because then I wouldn't notice them, you know? I already do that I don't need other people for it.” It was out loud speculation that rang true to her and so she took note of it.

One brow quirked again and Pan thought about the boy Lily named. Severus Snape, pain in the butt Slytherin who had issues with being the best at everything, though so did she. He had a nasty attitude and shabby demeanor. Sirius and them were always rude to the boy but so was most of the student body. After being with him for the shared assignment she knew he was a force to reckon with and actually had respect for him. “Snape is an interesting boy, very smart but hard to work with. We have a mutual respect for one another.” She knew he had to respect her some as well, or there was no way they could have gotten through that assignment together, alive and unharmed.

“It would be nice though to go on a date, have a boyfriend. Silly to ponder because I know how hard I can be to deal with but still something nice to think about. He would have to be around my height, hopefully taller. I could never date a boy three or more inches short than myself.” While they kept walking she talked about idle ideas of preferences. Maybe they could help one another figure things out this way.

[lily]

The conversations jumped around, from family to kisses, to boys, to dates, to everything really. It was as if a dam had been opened up for Lily. It was a little bit of a rambling babble from her to the other Prefect, but she always held back so much with other girls. It wasn't like she wasn't close to others, it was just that...well...it was hard to be open and honest with every person that she knew. There were some people like Sev who knew almost everything about her, but still....he was a boy and it was hard to talk about everything and have him understand. There were girls she wasn't really that good of friends with either and would prefer not to hear any of what she was saying now in fear that they'd used it against her just for the fun of another rumor.

"Wild boys? Really?" Lily laughed as she eyed Pandorah slowly from her toes to the top of her head, "I don't know if I should be surprised or not that a Ravenclaw Prefect wants some passion. I guess with all the books a girl might want something other than a book worm." Her mind wandered to the scene that the other girl had explained with the Gryffindor boy as she sighed softly. Passion...she could see a girl like Pandorah having no trouble finding that. She seemed more than the typical Ravenclaw girl.

"I'm sure you'll have a good amount of luck with that. Though maybe after seventh year when there are more grown men and less boys." She teased gently, holding her books a little tighter to her. With the year just starting out there was no telling really. Though was there ever?

"Snape...Sev..." Lily replied as Pandorah turned the conversation to him. She smiled broadly, "Sev is Snape. We've known each other for years. He's a stubborn boy alright, but he's just...well we don't get to see each other as much as we like....but he can be nice and sweet." She defended, though she was happy to hear at least there was respect. Maybe in finding a friend in Pandorah she could find Snape another friend as well? They were all smart people, prone to pull themselves above fads and things as if they were the most important thing in life.

Perhaps?

Looking up Lily chuckled and stopped as she eyed their difference, "Oh bloody hell you are tall. I never really stopped to think about it." She pushed herself to her tip toes, the black mary janes barely lifting her another inch as she tried to judge the measurements. "You're so lucky to be so lovely...like the girls in movies back home. The Femme Fatale." She'd spent nearly all summer watching old movies on TV, trying to mimick them...going so far as to charming her hair a few different colors though it always faded rather quickly. "Like I said, you have your pick Koenig."

With that she started to walk again, scuffing her feet a little as she did, "We should go to Hogsmeade together sometime! Just go have fun and forget about studying or exams for a while. Might be nice to perhaps be friends outside of an empty hallway." Turning she smiled, the expression a little sheepish now, "I mean only if you want to really. I know being a Prefect isn't always an easy job."

[pandorah]

“I know, it's not something I expected either. I think it has to do with how I can be, what I am inside. I have this, thing about me. I feel like many different people sometimes all wrapped up into one package.” These were words she had never spoken before and even as they slipped from her lips she had no idea why she was doing it now either. Lily Evans wasn't her friend, not really, or at least not yet. They had just met together out of a curiosity on the redheads part from a rumor about Pandorah and Sirius. Not that they hadn't talked before, here and there as they passed. This was just something new and refreshing and instead of bottling everything up she decided to see what would happen. The worst thing would be that the other Prefect wouldn't want to speak to her again.

Grinning suddenly she made a kissy face at Lily. “I think there is nothing in the world like true passion. No matter what it is about. Books, boys or...butterbeer! Truly to feel so strongly about something, anything...it defines being alive.” Oh the kiss was definitely a passionate thing and Pan had to forcibly think of something else before her mind went back down that trail again and to how his arms had felt around her and how close they had been. Merlin save her but she could not get him out of her mind!

The Ravenclaw giggled in spite of herself and shook her head. “Boys, men what is the difference? I heard that they do not grow up much from this age anyway. Besides, the younger they are the easier to train right?” Some of these things she had heard were very amusing and she wondered how much actual truth there was to them. Looking at the group she had to choose from now, if she was actually going to choose at all that is, her pickings were slim. Every boy was pretty full of themselves and very much hormonal. That didn't stop her from being curious and wanting to try things though. Better now than later when she may have to actively put up with them for a longer time.

One of her dark brows quirked up as Lily talked about Severus but she refrained from commenting. The only one in the entire school who would ever call that boy sweet and nice. Sure he hadn't exactly been a complete ass to her but she knew what he was like and had no interest in him beyond what she had to do with him in class. After that it didn't matter, he didn't matter. Pandorah felt this way about most people however so this was nothing new. What was new is her wanting to change this...somewhat.

“Yeah I am taller than a lot of guys even. It's nice when one of them is even a few inches bigger than me.” She grinned then and rocked back and forth on the floor. “Alas most of them are shorter, by a few inches or more.” Pan made it seem like such a horrible thing but in a joking manner by sighing dramatically and placing her hand against her forehead. “Lovely? I never really thought of it that way myself. I know I am pretty I have been told it often enough.” To have another person call her lovely though was nice, even if it was just another girl. She gave Lily a friendly smile and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “Femme fatale, I think I like that though. I know I am dangerous. My disregard for others makes me so.” She had Slytherin written all over her but because of many things she wasn't This urge and want to be friendly with others changed that.

Pandorah waved off the comment about having her pick and stepped before going down a set of stairs once they reached it. She did not believe Lily in that aspect. There were many boys who were very intimidated by her and others who didn't fit her rather strict criteria for something such as that.

“Hogsmeade you say? I wouldn't mind that. Depending on my work schedule. I have the tendency to take on a lot, to always fill my free time. Though it seems for this year I might not have taken on enough.” She too turned to face the other girl and looked her over thoughtfully. “I think being friends would be nice. I don't really have any thanks to my ahh, behavior in the past. Besides, nothing worthwhile is ever easy, being a Prefect is just another job.” They would be parting ways soon and Pan wanted to make sure that this was not to be the last time that they spoke. Though her actions and speech were different from normal on this meeting that was not to say she wouldn't be snappy or even cranky the next time. One of the worst things about her, even she had to admit, was her constantly and wildly fluctuating moods.

[lily]

“That is an interesting way to look at oneself.” Lily replied hands finding the pockets of her robe as she returned her candy to it’s hiding place. She sometimes would bend the rules a bit, have candy in classes, stay out past curfew...nothing to bad really. Still being Prefect had its perks other than just a bathroom and bossing Potter around, “I mean we all have many sides to us Pandorah, some stronger than others, while other sides surprise everyone. I think it’s something abut growing up that makes us realize they’re there....and that we’re not the same person we were before. Maybe...I could be just talking about foolish thing.” She laughed, trying to clear the air of her serious words as her hand waved around a little bit.

Though as she cleared the air it seemed that Pandorah had the same idea in lightening the mood as the puckered face drew a loud laugh from the gingered Prefect, the crimson blush to her cheeks fading to a dull pink as she shook her head covering her mouth now as the sound bounced around the open hall. No one came out to check thankfully as the now dulled giggle escaped her, “Passion can be for anything. Not just boys and girls.” Her voice was soft now agreeing with her...

What was Pandorah Koenig? Peer? An aqauintence? A friend? she’d like to think friend as they were already so gleefully talking about romance no matter how frustrating and annoying some boys could be in that aspect. Really for Lily talking about Sev so casually usually meant that she was comfortable with the person. Too many times before with other girls she’d say his name and be met with questions of why she would seen with him....and it hurt to hear her childhood friend torn apart by people who only seemed to have ears for what Potter and other bullies said. This Prefect though, she didn’t do any of that, gave into none of the rumors, and didn’t seem to show disgust. Even to her own tragic experience with the rumor filled teens she seemed to take it in stride. She also was bright, quick to keep up, but fun to joke with. Maybe...just maybe...

“They do grow up. I mean surely at some point they realize that they can’t act like fools forever.” Rolling her eyes she sighed, “I don’t want to feel I have to take on any more work with romance. Training included. I may never fall in love if that’s the case.” She kidded as word fell more towards Pandorah as the girls started down the steps.

“Could always charm yourself shorter, would last for a little while. I wouldn’t mind being that tall myself. Part of that Femme Fatal charm to look down and intimidate and enchant.” Too many movies this summer had put more of a romantic twist to many of Lily’s thoughts, as if it was always true that the good guys won, true love conquered. It was nice not to have the other laugh at her for her words, but be amused. Muggle habits, they slipped through, the excitement over fantasy sometimes got her frowns, still it was easy to forget such things as the witch grew more entertained as their conversation continued, “Pish-posh...dangerous. Koenig you are probably the nicest girl I’ve met because you’re only mean when you have reason.” A grin crossed rosy lips, “I feel safe.”

Taking a few more of the steps the grin never left her lips, “It’s settled then. Once we aren’t busy corralling students or studying.” Maybe she’d let her invite Sev, maybe she could have her own little group, even as there were few years left for them here it would be nice to have more than just being called popular. “Well if you ever want someone to talk to or hex Black for you I’m your girl. We call that a friendship if you want.” She teased, really meaning being called a friend even if it didn’t include getting back at Black.

[pandorah]

Pandorah had to agree with Lily though not necessarily out loud. There were many sides to people, some no one would ever suspect. The Ravenclaw girl knew that she was one of the people with hidden parts of her personality that were going to be unexpected if anyone found them out. That inner darkness and those twisted urges that she stamped down and locked away while at Hogwarts but didn't always succeed in keeping a rein on while back home. Slytherin her father called her, hissing it out like she had failed him. Ravenclaw she would screech back hoping it jabbed him good. They hadn't gotten along much since she was sorted and though it hurt like hell to have one of the people who was supposed to love her seem to be upset with her for something out of her control, she pretty much ignored it and felt disgusted with him. She wasn't the only one though, he was seemingly more upset with her brother but Elexrian didn't have a nasty bone in his body, he was just too nice, if a bit of a playboy.

It was time to start questioning everything and just go with it. What was the harm? Lily Evans was not a malicious harpy of a girl, like so many could be, and she probably didn't stand to gain anything by getting information out of Pandorah either. She was already smart, popular and pretty...what more could she want? Honestly though Pan didn't know what Lily would want beyond that because most girls only seemed concerned with such things and she had the tendency to lump them all together unless they proved her wrong about it. So far she wasn't sure her initial thoughts on the redhead were true, which was a lot nicer than the alternative.

“They do grow up? They must live in some sort of insular community then, I haven't seen many of them. Even in the teachers.” It was obvious her opinion on males was pretty awful and she didn't care. Her best examples were her father and brother and both of them used women like tissues, her brother also played with the boys if they were pretty enough. Seeing the revolving door of people come in, get their hearts broken and leave was just sickening. It had hardened her heart a long time ago. Why it was starting to soften some now she didn't know. The change was mind boggling, interesting and frightening all at once. “Love is harsh, cruel and painful. All I ever hear is how much people have been hurt and rarely how happy they are. Who would really ever want to fall in anything, let alone love?” The bitterness in her voice was palpable but she moved on preferring not to focus on such upsetting things.

She could see now why James liked Lily. She was very easy to get along with. Hell she could even see why Severus and Lily were friends. The Gryffindor Prefect was someone that everyone could probably talk to but keep things to herself and honor a friendship. It made Pandorah feel a bit happier that she other girl had sought her out, no matter the reason why. One brow raised at her confession about being tall and she just shook her head with a smile. Pan didn't exactly mind her height, she minded that other people seemed to find a problem with it. Teenagers were just a pain in the rear and picked apart anything that they could, usually to make themselves feel better.

That stopped her a moment. The other girl felt safe? No one had ever said that before, in fact it was usually the opposite. It sounded odd, foreign but it still had a nice ring to it so she let it be and nodded to the redhead. “If you say so Lily.”

“Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. My schedule is insane but that is my fault I asked for it. It will be hard trying to be social when I never cared on top of being so studious when it was all I ever wanted before.” Again she stopped since they were probably going different ways now. “Well, regardless of the reason Lily I am glad you approached me. This meeting turned out a great deal differently than we both probably figured and you helped to relax me of which I am terribly grateful for.” She had been so upset, so tense that her temples and jawline still ached. It would be awhile before it faded but at least now she was not nursing a throbbing headache while clenching her jaw in anger.

It felt awkward for a moment. She thought people hugged but really it was too soon for something like that and instead just gave the other Prefect a half bow and a smile. “Please contact me as soon as you have some free time and I will try to work my schedule around yours.” That was what friends did yes? Accommodations and such. With those words said she turned on her heel and sauntered off. Her walk was rather predatory even if she never noticed it, all rolling hips and that commanding air.

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OOC: Pan has left the building, or at least thread lol. We shall have to converse about another one at some point! Maybe one with Lily, Snape and Pan XD