CHAPTER 4-Fate

After a very long and tiring week, all the seventh-year students woke up on Saturday morning, with no intention whatsoever to study and with every possible intention to relax. Even hard-working students like Lily or Remus breathed with relief as the weekend dawned and joined the throng of students who were heading to the grounds to enjoy the last days of summer.

“I HATE school! I never thought I’d hear myself say that, but-I do! This is so much worse than bloody OWL year!” Alice yelled.

“Shouldn’t be sayin’ tha’ now, Miss Vance. I’m sure ye don’ mean it!” Hagrid, the grounds keeper came past them, holding what looked like dead ferrets. Lily and Luna smiled and waved, while Alice muttered on her own, with a disgusted look at the dead animals.

Lily and Luna didn’t reply, but they both felt the same. They walked towards the lake, avoiding a certain beech tree, where four boys were lying. The girls sat on the grass, savouring the warmth and lack of teachers.

For a while, Lily listened to Alice and Luna talking about the lessons without taking part in the conversation. She watched some fifth-years, who were jumping into the lake and apparently annoying the giant squid. Nat Pattinson was among them, screaming with the rest. At some point he looked over at Lily and waved. She waved back, smiling and watched him diving spectacularly into the water. Suddenly, she felt the desire to jump in the water herself and turned red at the thought of Nat seeing her in a bathing suit. What was wrong with her? She switched her attention to the Daily Prophet that had been delivered today. One glance at the headline told her she did not want to read it.

MINISTRY OFFICIAL FOUND DEAD:
HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED SUSPECTED FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE MURDER

Lily swallowed uneasily, her mind traveling to the conversation with Dumbledore. She needed a distraction. Fortunately, Luna was there to provide one.

“Hey, watch this for a second,” she said and took out her wand. The other two watched apprehensively. They had previous experience with Luna’s spellwork. Them and everybody else at Hogwarts; Sirius had had an especially hard time.

“New spell, Luna?” Alice asked in what she thought was a calm voice.

“Luna, maybe we should, you know, have some distance between us? To be on the safe side.” Lily smiled nervously, as she backed away.

Luna laughed.

“Don’t worry, this one’s safe. I’ve tried it at home a million times. Watch!” she pointed at a bare patch of grass in front of Lily and muttered: “Anthophytous!”

Lily took an intake of breath but relaxed immediately as soon as she realised what the spell was doing. A beautiful flower was growing at an, admittedly, abnormal speed. Luna put her wand down and admired the result. Lily bent to smell it.

“It’s great, Lu.”

Alice was looking relieved.

“Does it only do lilies? Or can you grow anything?”

“If you have the image of the flower in your head, you can charm it. It’s good, isn’t it?” Luna said proudly.

“Actually, Davies, it’s pretty lame,” said a sneering voice.

Lily turned on the spot only to find her least favourite person in the world: Bellatrix Black and her usual pack of Slytherins; Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape, Evan Rosier and lurking behind maliciously, Avery. Her eyes stopped at James’ greasy-haired rival. Snape was giving her his usual degrading look. What is his problem?

Lily swore under her breath. There was only so much a Head Girl could handle alone. She waited for the voice she knew was coming.

“Hey, Evans, need any help?”

---

James was watching Lily from the shadow of the beech tree. Along with Luna and Alice, she sat on the edge of the lake, her long red hair glistening in the sunlight. She was looking at the fifth-years swimming and James noticed that Nat kept glancing over at her until she finally saw him and waved. As he dived in the water, James grounded his teeth. ‘Show-off.’ He turned to the sheet of paper in front of him and started planning Quidditch tactics that, strangely enough, needed no Seeker.

Remus from beside him was, predictably, reading while Peter was going through his homework for the one hundredth time. Sirius, on the other hand was doing anything but his usual; he was keeping himself hidden behind the tree; Martha Jorkins, a notorious Hufflepuff sixth-year was hunting him down again. Obsession was the word in this case.

“Hey, Prongs,” said Sirius, suddenly. “I think your damsel’s in distress.”

James immediately looked to the east of the lake and cursed loudly at the sight of Sirius’ cousin, Bellatrix and her usual pack of bullying cronies. He got up in a flash and ran towards Lily. Remus and Sirius trudged after him.

“Here we go again,” Sirius sounded bored. Peter followed, unwillingly.

“Hey, Evans, need any help?” James’ voice was serious.

Lily looked behind with disdain.

“Oh, of course, Potter. Why ever not? They haven’t actually done anything yet, but a girl can’t even deal with that on her own!”

James frowned. He knew she wanted help but her stupid pride wouldn’t let her admit it. He turned to his usual strategy. He ignored her.

“Hey, Avery. We’ve got Quidditch trials about now, do you think I’ll have time to look for a new beater? Because your loyalties seem to be misplaced.”

Avery put an ugly expression on his already ugly face.

“You wouldn’t dare, Potter. I’m the best you’ve got. Without me the team’s heads’ would be twice the size. Not that yours isn’t anyway.” He smirked; the Slytherins burst into laughter.

From the corner of his eye he saw Lily muttering. Despite himself, James grinned. Avery had stolen her line; he’d pay for that at some point.

“Oh, shut up guffawing, the lot of you.” Lily snapped. “Just tell us what you want; I’ve got better things to do than listen to you acting like Kings of the Castle!”

Bellatrix yawned.

“Save the big talk, Evans. We just came to- admire -Davies’ spellwork, not to listen to Princess Lily. We’ll go now. We wouldn’t want Avery to miss his training.” She winked at James and added: “Oh, and Potter, stay away from my sister. You’re a bad influence.”

“I’m not any worse than the crowd her sister consorts with. I mean, what better company could you have?” James gestured recklessly at Bellatrix’s gang, while Sirius stood beside him, ready for any fight involving Severus Snape, his favourite play toy. “Malfoy, the biggest loser in Quidditch history; Rosier, who can’t string a sentence to save his life; Avery, who I’m not going to comment on; you; and, of course, Snivellus…”

Snape flinched at James’ last word. “That filthy Mudblood has turned you soft, Potter. Why don’t you come here and tell me what you just said on a more-,” Snape grinned maliciously, “-personal level.”

“Why don’t you, Snape, and I’ll do more than just call you Snivellus! And shut your dribbling little mouth, leering at Evans all the time! It’s sick!” James pulled up his sleeves angrily. At that point, Lily forgot about the leering part and remembered she was Head Girl.

“Save it, Potter. You’re just as bad as him.”

“Do you honestly think I’d ever call you-” James retorted indignantly.

“We’ve been through this before. You’re both the worst kind of bullies I’ve ever known! Now,” Lily turned authoritatively to the amused, dark-haired Slytherin, “Bella, I want you to leave quietly. Now.”

Bellatrix smiled and, with a mocking bow, she left, the others trailing behind her. James controlled himself from shouting at Lily, by looking anywhere else. His watch caught his attention.

“We’d better get to the pitch. Are you coming, Alice?”

Alice, who had been forced to sit between the silently arguing Sirius and Luna, nodded with relief.

“Oh, I’m coming,” she walked to James, “Lily, you come and watch too. Luna -you can come as long as you stay away from Sirius.”

“Nothing I wouldn’t want more. Come on, Lily. Remus, you come, too.” And they headed together to the pitch, Peter following behind.

The three Quidditch members watched them go.

“I think we can get there faster,” said Alice, grinning and raising her wand.

“Definitely,” replied Sirius, doing the same.

“Accio brooms!” they all said and waved their wands in front of the impressed on-looking crowd. In a matter of minutes, three broomsticks were flying towards them, with great speed.

James mounted his Cleansweep and felt the excitement rising in his chest; it was his second nature to fly. Beside him, Sirius was grinning like a spoilt kid and Alice had let her hair down for the impressive wind-swept effect.

“Chasers, let’s fly!”

---

“Avery, what the hell are you playing at? You nearly knocked her off her broom!” James had shouted himself hoarse over the continued yells of ‘Sirius for Captain!’ from Martha Jorkins.

“You said you wanted true match conditions! Well, she’d better get used to having Bludgers thrown at her then! How else are you supposed to find out whether she can cope?” Avery shouted back, waving his bat dangerously.

James didn’t answer; partly because he thought Avery had a point; partly because he knew Avery was paying him back for the comments he’d shared with Bellatrix. He famously worshipped her; everyone knew it, including Bellatrix herself, who used it to her advantage, but it was plain he had no hope in the world. Bellatrix was going out with Lucius Malfoy, who had seized his chance, as soon as Rodolphus Lestrange left school and was- apparently-out of the picture.

“OK, I want all of you to get back on your brooms or to the stands! The rest of the Keepers wait in line! Florence, you’re next!”

He watched patiently as the line of Keepers got steadily smaller. Each of the Chasers took it in turns to throw the ball at the candidate Keeper, who had to save them, five times out of five. Needless to say, that rarely happened; either because of nerves or uselessness. Most of the hopefuls were complete rubbish but he had to admit some of the younger ones were talented. After two very long hours, James finally decided on Florence Finnigan who was greeted with general enthusiasm both by the team and the Gryffindor fans and had been the only one to be at the receiving end of one of Avery’s Bludgers and not fallen down.

After practice, the team landed and headed to the castle for a late lunch. James joined Remus and Sirius (Peter had already left to eat -mercifully with Martha) and they followed Lily, Alice and Luna who were ahead and kept throwing angry glances at them.

“Shepherd’s pie, my favourite!” said Sirius, as they sat on the Gryffindor table, and he pulled the dish towards him, wolfing it down using four, very huge ladles.

“Hey, Davies, pass over that plate. There’s no more shepherd’s pie left here.” Luna looked contemptuously at Sirius who was still gobbling mercilessly and passed the dish over to James.

“Sirius, I thought your favourite food was roast beef,” Remus frowned.

“As long as it’s edible, he’ll eat it,” said James. “That’s why he’s such a great dog,” he added in a whisper.

“Well, if that is the case I should be in dire need of meat, right now. But I can control myself.” Remus cocked an eyebrow.

“I can hear you, you know.” Sirius rose from his food.

“And I thought dogs had a great sense of smell, not hearing. You seem to be the wonder of canine nature, Sirius.”

“Oh, give it a rest. Wolves, dogs, you’re both slower than stags.” James pushed the plate away from him.

“Oh, Ok, then, Prongs. Why is it, then, that little Nat seems to be much quicker than you when it comes to a certain fiery-haired creature?” Sirius said, grinning. Remus clapped him appreciatively on the back.

“WHAT?”

James turned to where Lily was sitting, to find her in deep conversation with Nat Pattinson.

He stood up.

“I’ll get that back-stabbing, good-for-nothing, little-” he began punching his fist into his palm, only to be pulled back down by two pairs of hands.

“Whoa, there, lover-boy,” Sirius chortled.

“Yes, James, you would definitely not be setting a good example as Head Boy, if you beat Nat to a-well-” Remus paused, but Sirius generously supplied.

“-pulp.”

As they tried to calm James down, a voice came from behind them.

“Not that I care-” Luna said brightly from behind, “-but if you really feel the need to release your anger, James, I suggest beating someone else to pulp. And, oh, from the top of my head, I think Sirius would be more than willing. See you!”

“Go snog someone, Davies. You’d be doing something more useful with your mouth, anyway, than sharing your bloody brainwaves…” Sirius muttered bitterly.

Luna laughed.

“I doubt you would want me to do that with anyone, Sirius!” she walked away, shaking with laughter.

“Oh, she’s definitely on to you, Sirius. Frankly, you have been really obvious. It’s a wonder she didn’t realize sooner,” Remus pointed out.

“What d’you mean by that?” Sirius snapped.

“Touchy, are we?”

‘Well, you would be if your best mate was giving you complete c-!’

“Don’t say it. I was just pointing out the fact that you and Luna clearly fancy each other,” Remus replied calmly. Not one of them realized James had stood up and was heading, unnoticed by either of them, towards Lily and Nat.

“Me? And, and, and her? Are you mental? Since when have you been the expert on women? I doubt your being lovesick with Vance qualifies as experience!” Sirius roared. James began walking to the other side of the table, as quietly as possible. Remus twitched angrily at the mention of Alice.

“I never said that. But just because you two are so thick you can’t admit it, we all have to listen to your lack of any common SENSE!” Remus finally cracked. James was slowly approaching Lily.

“YOU ALL? Who the hell is ‘you all’? ” Sirius towered over the sitting Remus.

“Us. Me, Alice, Jame- James?!”

Sirius and Remus whipped around and immediately spotted James nearing Nat and Lily, with a raised fist.

“JAMES!”

They ran together, instantly forgetting their argument. They caught up with him and forced him to the marble staircase outside.

“To the dorm. NOW!”

---

Lily giggled without much amusement at Nat’s joke. She didn’t feel at all good about what she was doing but it was the only way she could get back at Potter. Using people to annoy others was not her thing but Potter seemed to bring the worst side out of her. And anyway, if he could associate with a Slytherin just to aggravate her even more then he shouldn’t complain if she did the same. But he didn’t seem to be getting annoyed. She looked over at him. Well, that explained it. Remus and Sirius were controlling him. Ha, she thought, did you like that, Potter?

“Hey, it’s past five, I should be getting to the library. Slughorn put us an essay on Shrinking Potions.” Nat smiled apologetically. Lily did the same. Even if her intentions were not that innocent, she had enjoyed talking to him. He was a breath of normal air in her little community of completely abnormal seventh-years.

“I’m going to the Common Room; maybe I’ll get some homework done, though I doubt it.”

She slung her bag over her shoulder and walked with Nat to the Entrance Hall. After waving goodbye, she climbed the marble steps alone, glancing out of the window that overlooked the grounds, where the more care-free first, second, third and fourth-years were appreciating the sun. Sighing enviously, she walked away, untying her ponytail and letting her wild, red hair reach her waist.

At the portrait of the Fat Lady, she managed to go through without a fight and entered the Gryffindor Common Room, where most of the seventh-years were. She sat next to the girls, including Katie and Shirley, who were watching a fairly interesting chess game between Tiberius and Sirius. Bizarrely enough, Sirius was winning, but, to be fair, it was only because it took McLaggen so long to make a move.

“So, how did it go with Natie?” asked James in a mock casual voice.

“Jealous are we, Potter?” Lily retaliated, reminding herself of him on the train. Apparently, it reminded him too.

He looked at her for a second then threw his head back and laughed.

“We are so meant for each other, Evans.”

She leaned close to him. He watched her, unnerved.

“You mean as in…Fate?” He nodded. She leaned in closer. They were barely an inch apart. Now everyone had turned their attention to them. “Potter…I don’t believe in Fate.”

Goes to show just how wrong a girl can be…

“Ha,” came Sirius’ voice. “Checkmate.”

And just how stupid a boy can…

A/N: I hope you liked the last part- I really had a problem ending this chapter and finding a title.
P.S. Next chapter’s called “Once Defied”. Cliff-hanger or what?

CHAPTER 5- Once Defied

31st October 1977

“…and, from Golpallot’s third law, we are lead, in turn, to his second known law, which was disproved by the Italian Potion-maker Ciceron, in the early 14th century. This law states that the antidote of a poison will only partially counter-act another poison, bearing in mind that the two poisons have at least half their ingredients common. So, I will ask you all to come to my desk and fill two phials with the two potions of Amortentia and the Draught of Living Death, and create two antidotes, while fully describing your actions on paper, meaning how you disproved the theorem, as that will be what I will correct. Begin!” Slughorn finished, rubbing his hands together expectantly.

The eight NEWT students nodded at their Professor and started filling their phials with each potion. James, his brain still slightly fuzzy after Slughorn’s speech, looked over at Moony, who was staring at his cauldron, momentarily stymied. Well, if Remus was finding it difficult to understand Golpallot’s law, he definitely wouldn’t; much less disprove it. The only ones who seemed to have made anything out of Slughorn’s rant were Lily and Snape; they were trying to outdo each other.

“Miss Vance, if your ambition is still to become an Auror, then I suggest you pay more attention to what’s going on in the classroom and less on what’s going on, on the Quidditch pitch!”, the round Professor said sternly to Alice, who was levitating the ingredients of her potion.

“Oh, sorry, Professor. But it’s Halloween today and tomorrow it’s a Hogsmeade trip-you can’t expect us to be attentive.”

“I can and I do, Miss Vance. Take Evans, for example,” he bent over Lily’s cauldron, “Oh, very well done, Lily. And you, James? Has Halloween had an effect on you?” James instantly woke up, knowing he had a heavy revision to look forward to.

“Merlin, you two look as though the Potions class exploded. Lots of homework?” Sirius asked brightly, an hour later, as he and Peter joined James and Remus from a Care of Magical Creatures lesson.

“Extremely difficult lesson and extremely lots of homework, yes, Sirius. But don’t brag. I’m positive Kettleburn gave you nothing.” Remus muttered darkly.

“Alright, I won’t. But I feel sorry for you. You both look a sight. And just for your information, it wasn’t such a peachy lesson-Martha nearly attacked me again.”

The four boys left their bags in their bedroom and, with James and Remus slightly less dejected, they joined the crowd of Gryffindors who were heading hungrily to the Great Hall, which was decorated spectacularly for Halloween. Live bats were flying in and out of the giant windows; pumpkins with gruesome carved faces were leering eerily at each entering student, while the Hogwarts ghosts seemed to have taken it upon themselves to scare the living daylights out of every living thing; but the students themselves were the centre of attention, creeping behind their friends with terrifying masks, some making uncanny imitations of the Bloody Baron and causing the Prefects and Head Girl to run from every House table giving out detentions that were never actually done. The Head Boy, on the other hand, was enjoying his own part in the overwhelmingly large rule-breaking mob.

Not for long, though.

“POTTER!”

James sighed regretfully at the sight of Lily making her way towards him, in what was probably not one of her best moods, gave an apologetic smile to the crowd of Ravenclaws he had been entertaining with his jinxes on every approaching Slytherin and, running his wand-free hand through his already not-so-windswept hair, he prepared himself for the row he knew was coming. From the corner of his eye, he could see Dumbledore and the rest of the teachers watching, amused. As Lily came closer, the crowd dispersed, not wanting to receive yet another detention.

“POTTER!” Lily was a deep shade of red, clearly on a role. “Potter! The one time I could really use your help with this deranged lot, YOU are HERE, ORGANISING IT! ARE YOU OR ARE YOU NOT HEAD BOY?”

James was, for one of the few times of his life, without a snappy reply. After a moment, when the noise in the Great Hall subsided considerably, he turned to Lily with his most annoying grin.

“I am.”

“Well, you’ve got a good way of hiding it!”

“If you mean my hanging around, I’d much rather be doing this, than running after every broken rule like a bloody lunatic!”

“Potter! You are the most annoying specimen of unpleasant human being that I have ever had the tremendously wretched chance to meet!”

“What? What did all that gibberish mean?”

“Well, if you can’t understand plain English than you’re worse than Rosier!”

“Hey!” Rosier had stood up indignantly. That’s when Lily and James finally realised what uncanny silence there was in the Hall.

“That’s not on, Evans. Look what you’ve done to everyone. It’s like they’ve been watching a tennis match! After being struck dumb,” he added.

The occupants of the Great Hall, as one, had turned their heads to Lily, waiting for an answer. She stood there, looking strangely calm after James’ maddening answer. In fact, after a few silent minutes, she smiled.

“Thanks Potter. We really do work well together. See, in just seconds we managed to quiet down the entire Great Hall. And , I won a bet. Again, thanks.” Lily walked to the Gryffindor table, where she sat and spread her open hand to Nathaniel, who, grinning, gave her a handful of Galleons.

Sirius patted James’ shoulder, sympathetically.

“She picked a fight with you to shut us all up and win a couple of Galleons…” said Sirius, in a mock hurt voice. “I feel so used…”

James, his mouth still open, was watching Lily reach for some treacle tart. As she did, she caught his eye. She waved slyly and mouthed:

“It’s my turn.”

---

1st November 1977

Lily woke up on Saturday with a slight cramp in her leg. She sat up, yawning with tiredness and checked her watch. It was eight o’ clock, which meant she had only slept four hours (Halloween!) and the Hogsmeade trip was beginning in more than two. She debated for a while on lying in bed and being lazy, but restlessness was one of her faults; she couldn’t just do nothing. She got up noiselessly and got dressed, putting on warm clothes and slipping in her jacket pocket a small, woolly hat, which she would never wear; but still, better safe than sorry. The sky looked extremely dark from her window. It would not surprise her if it snowed, even though it was early November.

Lily slid down the girls’ staircase (evidently Sirius had tried, unsuccessfully and for the hundredth time, to break into Luna’s room) and landed neatly in the empty Common Room. After attempting to read an essay on Boggarts a third-year had left half-done, she left and headed to the library, to investigate the slightly alarming possibility of whether or not Boggarts had the ability of seeing through women’s clothing.

The library door was, as always, open but it seemed that Madam Pince, too, had had a late night, for the librarian was nowhere to be found. Still Lily made as little noise as possible; she could not bring herself to break the silence of the room.

Half an hour of searching on Boggarts drew Lily to the conclusion that the student had been misled by a fellow third-year prankster (although for all she knew a number of certain stupid seventh-years could have done it as well) or had completely misinterpreted a joke made by the author of A Thousand Magical Feet: An Epic, which would have confused anyone. Suddenly, Lily looked up from the chapter she had been reading (How we escaped from the masterful feet of Merlin). She had heard the distinct noise of someone closing a book with frustration. But she hadn’t seen whoever it was. Had they sneaked in? Possibly to steal?

Feeling slightly reckless, she sneakily followed the narrow aisle of books and, in what she liked to think of as a detective manner, she narrowed her eyes and tiptoed towards the direction of the noise, failing to notice as she did, that Peeves was silently above her.

“The Head Girl sneaking around the library…well, that don’t sound too good…” he said in a whispered voice.

Lily, knowing it was utterly pointless, gazed pitifully at the ghost and whispered:

“Peeves, whatever you do, please don’t-”

“HA HA-HA HA-STEALING-THIEVING-PINCHING-NICKING-RAIDING-ROBBING!”

“-shout…” Lily finished resignedly. But as she did she noticed a flash of dark hair running frantically towards the entrance of the library. Grabbing her wand, she rushed after him only to find Peeves in her way again.

“Get out of the way, Peeves!” The poltergeist sneered nastily. Lily, angrily, pointed her wand at him and thought with all her might “Tarantalegra!” Although it didn’t have quite the effect it would have on a living being, it gave her enough time to reach the entrance, where, once again, she was stopped, this time by Madam Pince in her nightdress.

“What in the name of Heaven’s do you think you’re doing, Miss Evans? And what is THAT doing in my library?” Madam Pince was pointing at Peeves, heatedly.

Leaving the seething librarian to fume after Peeves, Lily walked to the entrance and saw it completely empty. She bit her lip and, struck by a sudden thought, she turned to the Restricted section of the library, where the guilty culprit had been. There she found nothing except a tiny open book written in Ancient Runes. She studied the passage that was neatly underlined and tried translating it. She sat on a study table and grabbing a spare piece of parchment she started copying the text.

“Miss Evans, I believe you have no note for that particular book,” said a cheerful voice.

Lily looked up guiltily and cringed under the Headmaster’s gaze. Madam Pince must have called him to get rid of Peeves. She nodded and shut the book, hiding her own paper from view. Dumbledore smiled and picked up the book. His smile seemed to falter for a few seconds before he looked up at Lily again.

“Miss Evans, you should be preparing for the Hogsmeade trip. Some students have already left but I have requested that Mr Potter wait for you. I wish for you to patrol the village. I believe there might be need for caution today, or at least in the evening, when I expect a certain- visitor,” Dumbledore spread out his arm and Lily walked steadily to the door.

“Yes, Professor. Oh and good morning.”

“Good morning, Miss Evans.”

---

“I heard about Peeves’ morning performance. I think he’s probably the one thing I hate at Hogwarts. Besides Snape, obviously. And the Blacks-not Padfoot. And Malfoy. And Avery. And Mc-”

“Honestly, Potter, when have I ever shown any enthusiasm for the people you bully and are bullied by? Because if I have, it was most definitely unintentional.” Lily clicked her tongue impatiently, as they headed towards the main Hogsmeade road.

“Sorry, Evans. Pay more attention, I will.”

They walked together side by side, one resigned to the fact that she was going to have to endure the infuriating company of the other, while he was enjoying both the fact that they were so close and that tell-tale wolf-whistles were frequently heard.

At some point, just before seven o’clock, when most students were returning to the castle and only the seventh-years were allowed out, Lily and James stopped at the Three Broomsticks for a Butterbeer.

“No, don’t worry, Madam Isabella, no, we will not come near the bar. The Firewhiskey is safe from us. God, woman,” Lily ground her teeth and walked with James to a small table in the corner of the pub where Alice, Luna and the Marauders were all sitting.

“No, I’m willing to bet that Isakson could completely outrun Whyte on any game. They play different positions but it’s obvious who’s got the skill!” Alice was arguing with Sirius about Quidditch. Remus was watching with a sweet smile on his face.

“Oh, come on Al, he’s still got a Shooting Star, for Merlin’s sake, Whyte has a Nimbus 1001-”

“Whyte plays for the Wasps and I admit they’ve got good Beaters but Isakson has an international standard; do you know how much the Vultures paid to get him? And since he joined they’re top in the Bulgarian league with no match lost and they’re the favorites for the European Cup!” Alice had lost her timidness and was openly supporting her favorite Quidditch player.

Luna, oblivious to the wrestling match next to her, was explaining the simple techniques of yoga to an attentive Peter. Lily and James sat near her and waited for the pub-owner’s daughter to bring their Butterbeer.

“Thank you, Rosmerta.” James grinned and sipped the warm drink.

“James, mate, when d’you get here? Hey, Lily. Prongs, come here and explain to the Isakson fan club that there’s more to Quidditch than blue eyes and a geeky grin, will you?” Sirius sighed exasperatedly.

Alice was about to answer scathingly when she was interrupted by Luna, who had finally realized who they were talking about.

“Is Isakson the nice-looking blonde Quidditch player? The one that’s only a few years older than us?”

“Yep, that’s him. Don’t tell me you’re in the club, Davies?” Sirius looked sincerely disappointed.

“Someone tell me why we’re sitting with this lot? I’m just wondering…” Lily sipped her Butterbeer pleasantly, plainly living in her own world.

“So what if I am?” Luna had stood up to face Sirius.

“Is he that Dutch guy, Alice? The one you’ve got a poster of? That’s been torn?” asked Lily, deciding to take part in the conversation, resigned to the fact that she had to stay with James for while longer.

Alice cringed. Remus looked up with sudden interest- and a frown.

“Only because you wanted it yourself, Lily! And it’s not only him; it’s the whole of the Vratsa Vultures!”

It was Lily’s turn to cringe. James had turned to her indignantly.

“So, you prefer blondes to brunettes? What, I have to dye my hair to get your attention?”

“Your hair is black, Potter. And I’d be worried if you started calling yourself a brunette. But no amount of dye will ma-” Lily was cut short by a scream, coming from outside. She and James stood up instantly and ran to see what was going on.

James felt his breath get caught in his chest. A group of masked men were jeering at each other, waving their wands and watching hungrily at something above them. James raised his head reluctantly, fearful of what he was about to see.

A small third-year girl was floating in the air, her face twisted grotesquely in agony, under the curse one of the masked wizards had cast on her. Under her, a fifteen-year old boy was yelling desperately. Suddenly, James realized it was Nat, Gryffindor’s Seeker.

“Oh, my God. It’s his little sister, Natalie!” Lily was watching helpless.

“Natalie and Nat?” James whispered. Lily shot him a filthy look. Not the right timing for a joke, I guess.

Abruptly, Nat seemed to lose his control and charged at the wizards, wand out. James ran after him and caught him before they had time to retaliate, though not before he had thrown a Stinging hex at one of them and made him lose the control of the spell, causing small Natalie to fall down safely in her brother’s arms.

“Filthy Mudblood! You will PAY FOR THAT!” The masked man roared his voice full of rage.

Lily seemed to have regained her decisive self. She stood next to Nat, and, after making sure both brother and sister were alright, she shouted: “Stupefy!”

The wizard fell down, instantly.

“Don’t ever say that again!” she whispered dangerously. James looked over her shoulder and put on a mock sympathetic expression.

“Trust me, do what she says, I know how much it hurts.”

A well-built masked wizard neared Lily and towered over her. James pulled her back.

“You dare humiliate us? Crucio!”

“LILY!”

James managed to push a momentarily taken aback Lily out of the way, before he took control of the situation and fired back at the slow-moving wizard. “Incarcerous!”

“We are the Chosen ones, the Death-Eaters! We will not stand for two school brats disgracing us! Fight back and make our master proud!” said a woman’s voice form behind a mask.

Fear clutched at James’ chest; he could feel it choke him. He had to protect Lily and Nat, they were both vulnerable. He raised his wand one more time, ready to utter any curse, when he felt his own body rising. A scream escaped from a girl’s lips; he could hear Sirius and Remus trying to punch at the wizards and witch. Then, without warning he heard another voice, altogether more terrifying than anything else James had ever heard.

“What is going on here?”

A wave of cold ran through James. He looked down, knowing he was going to regret ever doing it.

A black-clad figure stood amongst the Death-Eaters. Deathly white hands were holding a wand and from where he was, James could only see the jet black hair of Lord Voldemort. As if he had heard his thought, the figure raised his head and James felt another wave of nausea. The face that was looking mercilessly up to him was horribly formed, almost as though it had melted, as white as those awful hands. And the eyes…those eyes told him his life was short…that however it came, the end was near…he heard a faraway voice…a flash of light. Oh…he would not see Lily again but, even so…death was not that frightful…almost like flying…

THUD! James shook his head and realized that, he hadn’t, in fact, died. He had fallen. He glanced around and found Lily lowering her wand and Voldemort rubbing his hand. There was gash of blood there and Voldemort was caressing it in a detached way, as though he could not quite feel the pain.

“Lily? I shall find more about you, but not now. This time you leave, unharmed.” There was a swish of movement and he had Apparated, followed by the Death-Eaters.

Lily gazed at the spot where Lord Voldemort had disappeared, shaking. James, knowing what was about to happen, ran to her and caught her, just before she had fallen down, faint.

A/N: Sorry for the delay but I hope you enjoyed the longest chapter yet. This is the one where most of you will realize why I’ve called this fiction Thrice Defied. Our first glimpse of Voldemort is quite scary, if I may say so. And there are one or two other important points in this story that will unravel the mystery of Lily and what she really knows about Voldemort, so it’s probably one of the most important chapters. Review, review, review, review please! Oh, and remember the dates-it’s kinda important for the next chapter!

CHAPTER 6- A Visit From a Friend

1st November 1977

Albus Dumbledore sighed and tried to hide a smile as he confronted Madam Pince. It was the second time that week that the librarian had asked him to ‘sort that bane of her existence out’, meaning Hogwarts resident poltergeist, Peeves.

“Well, where is he, now, my dear Madam Pince? He seems to have vanished!” Dumbledore said, with as straight a face as he could manage. The librarian crossed her arms huffily and replied sulkily.

“That girl Evans cleared him off, which is more than I can say for you, Albus, when it comes to that-thing! Next time, I expect you to remove him from the castle. He has caused too much damage to me and to-to others…” she finished guiltily.

When she left, Dumbledore chuckled to himself. He knew very well who those others were; one other in particular. It had become quite a joke between students to comment on the relationship of Argus Filch and the Librarian.

Suddenly, a noise caught his attention, a rustling of paper. He followed the sound and was led in front of the Hogwarts Head Girl who intently reading a passage from a book. Recognizing the slanted writing of Ancient Runes, he said jovially:

“I do believe you have no note for that particular book, Miss Evans.”

The young woman froze at the sound of his voice and turned steadily into a deep red colour. She nodded awkwardly and handed the book to Dumbledore. He glanced at the cover, ready to hand it back with a wink, when he realized what this book was. A tumble of memories flooded his mind and he felt the need to steady himself. A few seconds later, his self-control had returned. He smiled again warmly.

“Miss Evans, you should be preparing for the Hogsmeade trip. Some students have already left but I have requested that Mr Potter wait for you. I wish for you to patrol the village.” Dumbledore hesitated for a fraction before continuing. “I believe there might be need for caution today, or at least in the evening, when I expect a certain- visitor.”

“Yes, Professor.” The girl seemed resigned to her fate. He could tell she did not wish to spend the outing in James Potter’s company. But Dumbledore knew otherwise. Lily Evans turned before she left the library. “Oh and good morning.”

“Good morning, Miss Evans.” Dumbledore responded calmly. As soon as she had disappeared, his eyes returned to the book. Today of all days… After that contemplation, he returned to his duties with Professor McGonagall until five o’clock. As the clock struck, he hurriedly walked to his office, still holding the book in his hands. As he turned the knob of the door, a voice said sarcastically:

“Well, Dumbledore, we thought we’d lost you.”

The Headmaster spared not a glance to the portrait of Phineas Nigellus, as he usually would have done. Phineas was the one he enjoyed talking to most (an argument or two was guaranteed in their conversations) but today he hadn’t the time. He could hear the portrait moodily muttering behind his back. Dumbledore laid the book down and reached a hand out to open a small cupboard. From there, he pulled out a small stone basin, with an illuminating fluid inside; the Pensieve.

“In trouble, are you? That’s the only time you ever use that thing,” Phineas sought for attention.

“I, myself, am not in trouble, Phineas. But if I do not do this, my students may well be,” Dumbledore said before plunging himself inside the bottomless fluid.

“Old fool,” Phineas muttered with venom. The rest of the portraits returned the compliment.

Dumbledore straightened his robes and took in the scene around him. He was, once again, in the library, only this time he was facing two people he would never ordinarily have faced; Tom Riddle and himself, although much younger. He chuckled at the state of his beard.

He could remember this night very well. It was in Tom Riddle’s fifth year of Hogwarts. And the Dumbledore of that time had found him doing something that a Prefect would not customarily be doing.

“Tell me, Tom. Is it usual for school Prefects to use their time for patrol in order to get some last-minute homework done?”

Tom snapped his head up. He had obviously been paying too much attention underlining something in his book to realise he wasn’t alone. His handsome face frowned. “I’m sorry, Professor. It’s just a translation for Ancient Runes that I haven’t quite finished. I was hoping to have it ready for tomorrow.” His expression betrayed no emotion, but Dumbledore knew he was hiding something.

“Then let me assist you. I consider myself quite apt at Runes. Other than Transfiguration, they were once my best subject,” he offered.

The boy’s face broke a little at that offer of help. Then he composed himself one more time. “No, sir, there really is no need. I’d like to manage by myself.”

At that, Dumbledore knew for certain that something was amiss. “Could I have a look at the book you are using, Tom?” His voice was mild, yet Riddle sensed the threat.

“Sir, I’d rather you didn’t.” Once again, the Dumbledore of fifty years previously sensed the challenge arising. The on looking Dumbledore watched quietly, remembering just how many times the teacher and student had played at this game.

“Hand me the book, Tom.”

The boy, recognising the authority of his teacher’s voice, put on an ugly expression and threw the book over. The Transfiguration teacher glanced at the book and then at Tom. “This is from the Restricted Section. And I doubt you have a note.”

Tom Riddle didn’t hang his head nor did he put an expression of defeat as any other student would have. He stood up and outstretched his hand. “Can I have that book, Professor?”

Dumbledore looked startled. “No, Tom, you can’t.”

Tom left from his studying table and walked from the library. “I’ll continue my rounds then, Professor?” The game continued.

“Yes, Tom. And I’ll see you tomorrow in class. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Professor Dumbledore.”

As Dumbledore returned with a daze to his office, he knew immediately that he was not alone. The visitor he’d been expecting had arrived. Tom Riddle could not have looked more different. He was wearing midnight dark robes and an inscrutable expression.

“I do hope you weren’t visiting a memory that includes me, Dumbledore. It would be highly impolite.”

The Headmaster didn’t shudder at the voice as anyone else would have done. He smiled sincerely and sat his desk, opposite Voldemort. The memory of his last visit was still quite vivid.

“You have not come to ask for a job again, surely Tom? I expect your current activities are much more time consuming.”

“They are,” Voldemort answered. “But I have come here for a short visit only. To warn you, Dumbledore.”

Dumbledore continued smiling. “To warn me?”

“Yes,” came the hideous voice. “To warn you. My followers are innumerable by now and not only in the adult wizarding world. Your faithful students have decided to join as well. I wanted you to know, so that, when the end does come, you will know it is your students, whom you so love, that will bring your downfall. Along with me, of course.”

“Dare not harm them, Tom. Or you will face me, alone. I know more about you now. And I know what you have deceived my students into doing. Your Horcrux is no longer a secret.”

Tom stood up instantly and stared at Dumbledore cruelly. A smile formed on his face. “If you know of my Horcrux, Dumbledore, then you are woefully ignorant. You shall never really know.”

Hogwart’s Headmaster watched his old student leave. Then, exhausted, he prepared himself for
some thinking.

“I never did like that boy,” commented Phineas airily.

A/N: Oh, it’s getting darker and darker isn’t it? And that word-game Voldemort played-Horcrux in contrast to Horcruxes- I hope you all got it. Hope you enjoyed it and anything not yet explained will be explained next chapter. Which will be soon! By the way-have you checked out the banner I made for Thrice Defied? Tell me what you think of my designing skills as well!

CHAPTER 7- A Horcrux and A Snitch

Lily didn’t like missing her school lessons at the best of times-especially because of injuries. But this time it was completely unbearable. Two days in a bed right next to James Potter’s was not her idea of a ‘chance to relax and forget her traumatic experience’.

The first day was not so bad; she had had the small Natalie for comfort but then she too had left. She had a feeling she could stand him if he really was in need of treatment but he had openly confessed to her that he was completely cured-apparently there were many benefits in staying at the Hospital wing. Now why she had not told anyone that he was in fact restored to health was beyond her. But then again he had saved her from an Unforgivable Curse. And he was not that annoying. Actually, if it hadn’t been for him and his stupid, but witty, remarks she would have screamed to get out of the room. The only exciting thing that had happened at the Hospital wing was Professor Dumbledore’s visit and when Sirius presented them with the front page of the Daily Prophet, in which they were the headline:

HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED AND SUPPORTERS
ATTACK HOGWARTS STUDENTS

Yesterday, November 1st, in the village of Hogsmeade, an unprecedented attack on students was provoked by supporters of the wizard who styles himself as a Lord. At approximately twelve of that day’s morning, three underage students were unjustly attacked both verbally and physically by unknown masked wizards. A Muggle born, Natalie Pattinson, thirteen years of age, was the first victim of this unjust attack as one supporter found it amusing to display his power over a yet unqualified witch. Eye-witnesses report that, if it hadn’t been for the drastic action of the Head Girl and Boy of Hogwarts, the thirteen year old student might have suffered more injuries and even taken to St Mungo’s Hospital.
At the announcement of this attack, newly appointed Minister for Magic, Millicent Bagnold was said to have called an urgent meeting of all Department Heads, involving the action needed to be taken. It is rumoured that the Ministry will soon openly show its opposition to the views He Who Must Not Be Named has been promoting and will seek security measures for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
“Parents are therefore asked to remain calm and not be led into extreme and desperate actions. Already, the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts has informed us of at least five students who have been withdrawn which is most definitely not the correct course of action(cont.pg12)


“Hey, Evans. I just went to Madam Pomfrey and she said we’re leaving tomorrow,” Potter sighed sadly, as he flopped on his bed.

Lily looked up from the newspaper and hid it from view. She had been humiliated enough from Potter who had persisted in reading the article at least ten times.

“She didn’t sound too sorry, to tell you the truth. But I should be grateful. Gryffindor’s first match is on Saturday, so I’ve only got three days for practice. Against Hufflepuff, though-it should take us about a minute to win.”

“Is that all you people care about? Quidditch? I mean, when Alice gets all…well…quidditchy on me…it’s like…Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde…Honestly!” Lily said exasperatedly. James looked at her incredulously.

“Lily, you know a lot-that’s why we love you-but Quidditch is definitely not your area.” James shook his head resignedly.

“Well, at least I don’t have to wait for the results of a match to know whether or not I can show my face in the Common Room for a month!”

James shook his head again and grabbed the latest issue of Which Broomstick, muttering something about ‘girls’. Lily pulled a face and in turn searched in her schoolbag for a small dictionary and a piece of parchment that had lain forgotten for the last couple of days. Since her accident she hadn’t given the ancient text she’d copied a single thought-Potter was too much of a distraction.

After an hour of mutual silence, Lily hadn’t had much progress on the Ancient Runes. Most of the text was easily translated but she couldn’t make out the meaning. And there was one word that kept repeating itself…one word that had been underlined many times on the book…but she hadn’t ever seen it before…she couldn’t even read it properly, for goodness’ sake!

She shut the dictionary with a snap. Potter, who must have been dozing of, jolted in his bed.

“What the effing hell is going on?”

Lily checked her watch. It was half past eleven, nearly midnight. The matron would be asleep, so no one would see her. She threw the covers of her and sat on Potter’s bed. He looked as though Christmas had come early.

“Don’t get any ideas, Potter. I just need your help.”

He looked a bit disappointed but nodded, bewildered. Lily shoved the Ancient Rune text under his nose.

“You need help with homework?” he raised an eyebrow.

“If it was homework, I would have asked Professor Marchbanks, not the Head Boy of Hogwarts who has a knack of being the most infuriating person in the world, especially when it comes to me.”

“Ah,” was all Potter could reply.

“It’s-well-it’s from-now, don’t go and tell anyone, because I will be convicted of your murder-but it’s from the Restricted section of the library.” Lily whispered with a heavy conscience.

“Am I about to find out why Lily Evans, Head Girl and model student, was wondering around the library at eight in the morning, when not a decent soul was around?” James grinned.

Lily, ignoring his jubilant expression, continued. “Decent meaning you? Never mind. I was in the library, checking something about Boggarts, when I heard someone else there, too. After the Peeves thing, I found this book in Ancient Runes and I copied this, before-well-before Dumbledore took it away.”

“Oh, God, this is priceless.” James was laughing hysterically.

“Shut up or Dumbledore will come down and find this! Now, don’t get cocky on me, but can you help me with this word? I can’t translate it-or read it, for that matter. You’re good enough at Runes. Try.”

Potter didn’t stop his silent, stupid giggle but took her paper. After a while, he put it down and said, smiling:

“I have no idea what it means but the word is either read O-c-r-u, with this rune silent, or-,” he studied the paper again, “or it’s H-o-r-c-r-u-x. Horcrux.”

Lily took the paper. She tried to remember her lessons on Rune pronunciation. ‘The Runes of the medieval time and onwards are more complex to read, but more simple in understanding, as many letters are omitted for the sake of them being more enchanting to the ear. Any words and phrases from before that time are read exactly as spelt…’ Lily weighed Potter’s options. Somehow the word Horcrux sounded right, but she had never heard that word before, never in English.

“But, Lil, what is this thing? I mean, your translation’s accurate enough, but the whole thing is weird…‘such a deed means only murder…the soul of one who is ignorant of his purpose…three times the bells need chime, for the curse to fully bind…’ I don’t know but it reminds me too much of Dark Magic…” His voice betrayed his anxiety for her.

“Oh, don’t worry, Potter, I’m sure I’m much more in danger from you. Anyway, I was just interested that’s all. Thanks, though. Night and don’t let anything bite.” She winked.

Potter took his chance.

“Is that an invitation, Evans?”

She scowled.

“Grow up. And don’t even think it!” She threw her pillow as he threw his own. An hour of this and Madam Pomfrey was in the ward, shouting her head of, until she separated Lily from the sniggering James, with one of them in one far corner of the room and one in the other.

---

“Oh-my-God, she’s HUGE!”

“Look at those muscles. She must be strong.”

“You’re telling me, I had to shake hands with her!” James was massaging his hand, as he watched Bridget Smyth, Hufflepuff’s Beater and Captain talking to her team (or at least that’s what it looked like-they couldn’t seem to see much but Bridget’s backside).

“Isn’t there some kind of limit to the-size-of a player?” said the correspondingly small Florence Finnigan.

“Can’t we petition for a rematch or something? Because I don’t fancy my chances with her throwing the Bludgers.” Sirius was watching the Beater apprehensively.

“Coward,” Avery muttered, though he looked shaken too.

“Yeah, and you wouldn’t want Luna seeing chicken out, eh, Sirius?” Alice grinned.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Vance?” Sirius retorted, distracted from his customary waving at the adoring fans.


“That you and Lu fancy each other to the point of nausea. And anyway, what is it with all of you calling me Vance whenever I annoy you people?” Alice ignored Florence’s warning cough.

“Must hear it often then…” Sirius said scathingly.

“Er, excuse me-”

“Sirius for Captain!”This was from the crowd.

“Now, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Erm, James?-”

“Just what you know it does, Vance.”

“James!”

“What?’ James was too interested in listening to Sirius and Alice to pay attention to Nat and Florence.

“We should have been in the air five minutes ago!”

“WHAT?! Quick, on your brooms, now! Good luck, Florence! You two! Stop acting like a couple of idiots and get up here!”

James mounted his broom and soared in the air, feeling the thrill of the match. He did a loop just for show and then hovered near Madam Hooch and David Gerrard, the opposing Chaser. Then the match begun with James catching the Quaffle spectacularly and speeding steadily towards the goalposts. There he met with the determined Bludger that Bridget had evidently sent. Not too sure he could avoid it he passed the ball to Alice, who was flying underneath. The girl did an amazing zigzag formation (that Lily would hopefully recognize as the Woolongong Shimmy) and entered the scoring area to give Gryffindor its first ten points.

“And the quick-thinking Alice Vance, a promising Quidditch player, scores the first goal of the game, giving the working hard Gryffindor team a good lead!” Liam Kingsley, a third year of Ravenclaw, shouted from the commentator’s podium, though his voice was drowned from the shrieks of Gryffindors. James distinctly heard Lily, Luna, Katie and Shirley conducting the cheers.

Ten minutes later, Gryffindor was still in the lead with sixty points to ten, Florence making great saves and only failing the last because the intimidating Bridget had thrown a Bludger directly to her head.

“And it seems as though Adrian Bennet of Hufflepuff has finally caught sight of the Snitch near the Gryffindor goalposts! Yes, he’s speeding to scrape a win with Nathaniel Pattinson tailing him from a distance. The game seems to have stopped for the rest of the players as we all watch to see whether Bennet can do last year’s miracle, when he landed his team at second place for the Cup! Finnigan has gone out of the way and is leaving all the space she can for Pattinson who looks as though he’s gaining speed. They’re practically neck to neck! Oh! That has GOT to HURT!”

James watched from afar as Nat and Bennet crashed on the same goalpost. He flew to his Seeker, to see if he was fit to fly when a sudden roar erupted in the stadium. He looked over at the concussed Seekers and found himself yelling with the Gryffindors at the sight of Nat raising a woebegone Snitch.

The team fell happily to the ground, yelling madly. Sirius thumped James on the head and even Remus got a little wild. As they joined the crowd of celebrating Gryffindors (including the mad Jorkins sisters), James felt an arm entwine with his.

“I’m feeling pretty quidditchy myself, Potter. Good goals.”

Lily winked at him and went over to congratulate Nat, leaving James the happiest person on earth.

A/N: Hi, everyone! Long time, no see, as they say, but this summer is dedicated solely to exam-preparation and re-reading (again and again and again and...) Deathly Hallows. As I’ve said, I altered a little in the story to fit with DH but, thankfully, I wasn’t far off in my plot-actually I guessed some facts pretty well!
A bout this chapter, well, I honestly enjoyed doing the Quidditch match-J.K. must have really loved doing them. And there was no Quidditch in Deathly Hallows! So disappointed, but I’ll try and make mine as exciting. Obviously, the Horcrux thing’s important.
I’ll write soon! (you’ll adore the next one!)

CHAPTER 8- Under the mistletoe



November passed quickly enough for most of the students at Hogwarts. Homework was still hard but Quidditch and the steady feeling that the Christmas holidays were nearing had distracted most of them. The only ones that were not allowed any excuses were the Head Girl and Boy, who had to patrol the corridors of Hogwarts almost daily, leaving them no time to study or practice with the Gryffindor team.



“I am honestly sorry, Potter, but there is nothing I can do. Professor Dumbledore has specifically asked that all Prefects and Heads patrol and give out reports and I personally could not agree more. With the stories we have been hearing and what we have read in the Prophet, these extra safety measures are to ensure the students are in no danger - at least at Hogwarts.” Professor McGonagall finished and gazed haughtily at the not-so-satisfied Lily and James who were sitting on the uncomfortable chairs in her office. Lily was busy munching a Ginger Newt that the teacher had handed them from a small tin box; James had argued with the professor for a good ten minutes before finally taking one grudgingly.



“But, Professor, we will patrol, we want to, but it’s not that easy for us. We don’t have time to study and I’ve missed the last four practices of the team. At this rate me and Lily will end up bottom of the year and Gryffindor bottom of the TABLE!” James shouted angrily, bits of Ginger Newt flying in every direction. Lily kicked him and smiled apologetically at their teacher.



McGonagall clicked her tongue in a disapproving way.



“Do not raise your tone at me, Potter. I understand the situation. I’ve heard it all too many times. All the Prefects have appealed for more free time. I had Mary McDonald in yesterday and Severus Snape has also expressed his fatigue.”



James didn’t bother hiding a snort and Lily looked away distractedly. The Professor, showing no sign she had noticed, went on.



“But there is nothing I can do except appeal to the Headmaster for him to grant you a certain amount of free time each week which you can spend either revising or doing anything else you see fit. I will not be the one to prevent Gryffindor Quidditch team from practice. However,” here McGonagall stood up dauntingly and Lily swallowed her biscuit with some difficulty, “you should have expected this amount of responsibility on receiving word of your new post. Seeing as you had been notified beforehand you could have easily rejected it - although I believe most Prefects only consider the numerous advantages when accepting the position. The use of the bathroom and the right to hand out detention most prominent among them. Now, you two have handled the difficulties well enough so I shall do my best to grant you this favour. Do you have any other questions or �“” McGonagall gave a warning sniff, “- requests?”



“Yes,” James said. Lily threw him a warning glance. “Professor, what did you think of the match against Hufflepuff? It was good, wasn’t it? We’re in first place now, fifty points over Slytherin.”



McGonagall looked at him for a second coldly, as though about to shout. Then her face broke into a very small smile and she ofeered them yet another Ginger Newt. She stood up and opened the door for them, still holding the tartan box.



“Considering your lack of practice, Potter, it must have been a near miracle that you scored five goals. Although perhaps the novelty of Miss Evans cheering you gave you a boost of newly found energy.”



“I couldn’t agree more, Professor,” James said, winking at Lily, who shook her head with the pointlessness of it all. “I couldn’t agree more.”

---

“Martha! It’s Martha! She’s going to use a Love Potion on me! Please, please, Prongs, help me!”



“Wha-what am I supposed to do?” James spluttered with difficulty, trying not to join in the fit of giggles that Sirius’ appearance from the portrait hole and mad shouts had caused. He glanced at Lupin, who was not going through the trouble of hiding his laughter along with everyone else in the Common Room; painfully, James tried to keep a straight face. Showing some loyalty to your best friend could be hard at times; especially when that friend happened to be Sirius Black.



Sirius ignored the small crowd of Gryffindors that were listening in on the conversation and grabbed James’ shoulders. His eyes opened madly. “Love potion, Potter, love potion! How would it look if I, Sirius Black, started acting like you when you’re drooling after Evans or like Moony when he’s sulking after-”



“Stop it right there, Sirius.” Remus had parted from the silently chuckling throng and was smiling a little too kindly at Sirius. He sat down next to James, who was frowning at Sirius and clapped his hands together. “So, what seems to be the trouble, Padfoot?”



Sirius put a hand to his forehead and fell to the floor in mock indignation. “Even Evans’d be more helpful, I mean, Merlin, what have I done to deserve that girl’s bloody attention?”



James and Remus grinned at each other.



“Well-”



“-well-”



“-erm-”



“-you, see, Sirius-”



“-when you act-”



“-like-”



“-like-”



“-like, like God’s heaven-sent gift to women-”



“-Yeah!-”



“-yes, good choice of words, wasn’t it? Anyway...”



“-yeah, anyway-”



“-well-”



“-well-”



“-you’re not helping, James-”



“-right-”



“-well-”



“-well, it doesn’t work on only certain women-”



“-yes, not only on certain blondes who tend to have a reputation of being called strange-” This was said in a whisper that James silenced by aiming a kick at Remus.



“-yeah, Padfoot, you can’t blame the girl for dreaming, can you?” James smiled apologetically at his best mate.



“Yes, Sirius. And I seriously doubt she’ll descend to the level of Amortentia Potions. I don’t think they’re allowed, anyway...” Remus patted Sirius lightly, leaning to the floor.



Sirius stood up and sighed. “Well, if the worst comes to the worst, I’ll count on you to fix me up, eh?” The other two glanced at each other, once again grinning.



“Well-”



“-well-”



Sirius’ eyes widened dangerously again. “If you dare leave me in a state like that, I swear I’ll stick your wands-”



The rest of his sentence was drowned as James and Remus fell upon him, pummeling every bit of his body that was visible to them. They only stopped when Peter entered the Common Room and, while trying to pull them apart, he got punched in the eye, causing it to go a dangerous purple colour.



“That’s probably the colour Martha’s Love Potion will be, Sirius. I’d watch out for it, because she’s an abysmal Potions maker,” murmured Remus and James had to take out his wand to stop them both from getting into another fight.

---

“Martha, how many times do I have to tell you not to prowl around looking for more gossip to spread? Especially after nine!” Lily snapped at the guilty-looking Hufflepuff.



Before Martha Jorkins could reply, Lily’s wand vibrated slightly in her hand and emitted a few white sparks. Lily inwardly thanked James for calling her. She didn’t fancy giving a detention tonight; she was too tired.



“Listen, Martha. If you go to your Common Room now, I won’t give you detention. I’ll forget this ever happened. So make sure nobody sees you. Good night.”



“Thanks, Lily. Oh, and, by the way, there has been a rumour about that Nat Pattinson, so, what’s the story-?”



“Goodnight, Martha.”



“But, I have heard from Sirius that-”



“Goodnight, Martha!”



Lily watched her go towards the kitchens where she now knew the Hufflepuff quarters were and then began to make for the Prefect’ Quarters, where she guessed James was, siriously doubting whether Sirius Black had ever spoken a word to Martha Jorkins other than maybe an occasional yell. Before she reached the hidden room though, she heard a noise in the corridor behind her. She hesitated; judging by the sound, the two people that were inside didn’t want to be disturbed. But she was Head Girl, for Merlin’s sake; she had to check whether or not students were out of bed after curfew. She approached the door of the corridor, until she recognized one of the voices. It was Bellatrix Black.



“If only Rodolphus knew…I’d love to see you two fighting over me! Ha!” Her voice was full of irony.



Lucius Malfoy replied sickeningly. “I’d do a lot for you, Bella. And I can do a lot more to you, if you get my meaning…”



Lily drew herself away, a look of disgust on her face. She did not want to interrupt that particular scene. Shaking her head and wondering why Malfoy was after Bella, when every single Slytherin fawned over him, Lily made her way to the Prefects’ Room. I mean, she’s such a…a…Luna and Alice were much better at finding what exactly Bellatrix Black really was. She walked away, not noticing a shadow following.



At the tapestry, she felt a hand cover her eyes. For perhaps a fraction of a second, her heart thumped with unnecessary panic. Then she recognised the warm hand holding her. She struggled to stop herself from laughing and twisted her body to face James. He grinned at her and Lily noticed that he was very close to her. She gulped and drew away, playing with a strand of loose hair.



“What did you want?” She continued looking downwards as though intently interested at the stone floor.



“What? Oh, right,” he looked highly disconcerted for a moment ,“er, McGonagall just found me to say we’ve half an hour of patrol and then we’re free for tonight. I reckoned we could do it together. It’s a bit boring walking around on my own.”



Lily smiled with embarrassment and nodded at the floor. Since the event at Hogsmeade she and James had come a lot closer, though she knew James wanted it to become even more so. Lily, on the other hand, was enjoying this new and more responsible James too much to let him spoil it by letting him admit to fancying her.



“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Lily smiled as they walked together towards the Great Hall in silence. “I think Hagrid’s put up the Christmas trees. He did it after dinner. Let’s go and see them.”



James nodded and followed her to the closed door of the Hall. He took out his wand and tapped it three times on the lock, just as Flitwick had told them a few nights previously. The huge oak doors creaked open and the moonlight from the windows flooded through. The two Heads went inside and couldn’t stop the gasps that escaped their mouths, as they looked upon the decorations of the Hall. The live fairies that the Charms teacher had promised were asleep and although they were not brilliantly sparkling, a faint white glow came from their wings. The snow that had piled out the windows gave the room an even more mystical magic. Lily couldn’t help laughing with delight and clapped her hands together like a small child. As she did, James seemed to make a decision. Her bracelet’s charms jingled as he grabbed both her wrists and nodded with his head at the ceiling. Lily didn’t look up; she didn’t have to. She had been the one organising the Christmas decorations with the Prefects.



“Only this once. And I promise to forget it ever happened,” James whispered.



Lily bit her lip. She knew he was telling her the truth. And she knew that she would consider it a dream in the morning. Slowly, reluctantly, she nodded.



James cupped her chin and made her look into his eyes. Lily tried to hide her sorrow for not returning the feelings. For a second, James seemed to hesitate. Then he leaned down and kissed her; just once…on the lips…softly.

---

Jealousy was not a familiar feeling for Severus Snape. And yet, he was experiencing it, not for the first time. And for the wrong person. He left for the Slytherin Common Room, not looking once back at the Great Hall.



A/N: It was very short, I know, but still the kiss made up for it. Didn’t it? No? Fine, fine, OK, it was a bit short. But I swear it was shorter at some point and I added a scene or two. Now, ahem... *leighpotter imagines angry readers throwing things at her any moment now* I may not be able to post for a while now because of school �“ but before anything sharp hits me (!!!), I’d like to assure you that I have written a few chapters throughout the summer (I’m not going to tell you how many because that’s when the real throwing will begin!) so don’t worry, I will post whenever I have the chance and you will be able to enjoy more of the story! Now, how about some motivation for speedy chapter-updates �“ you all know what I mean! (Review!!!) Oh and check out the banner I made for Thrice Defied in my bio!

CHAPTER 9- Christmas without Prongs

“Horcrux? No, I can’t say I have, Evans. Are you sure that’s how it’s read?” Professor Marchbanks yawned and blinked.

“Oh, don’t worry, Professor, it’s nothing important. It was probably just a misinterpretation of mine. Thank you anyway. Erm, merry Christmas.” Lily left from the classroom after her tutoring, heaving her heavy bag of books. At the entrance of the Runes classroom, she stopped, suddenly hearing the sound of two people whispering. It was past nine. With the suspicion that one of those people was Sirius (and the other was probably an adoring fan �“ or someone else she knew quite well), she gave a small cough.

“Hey, Evans, need a hand? Looks like your bag’s about to explode!” Sirius came from around the corner with a backwards glance behind him at a blonde ponytail that was leaving from the other way. Lily nodded and threw the over-flowing schoolbag into Sirius’ arms. She yawned and stretched her arms. After an hour of remedial Ancient Runes that she felt were useless, all she wanted to do was fall asleep. But, unfortunately, she had to patrol that night. Again.

“What do you want, Black?”

Sirius tried to catch up with her, but the bag gave him little choice. He was left to shout from the end of the hallway.

“Well, honestly, nothing, I just wanted to get away from �“ er - that pack of Ravenclaws. Can’t seem to throw them off. Must be my dashing good looks.” He considered.

Lily paid no attention. She felt her eyes close and almost screamed with frustration. Three days until the holidays started; it still seemed a very long time. There must be some way she could avoid patrolling that night. She leaned on the wall and waited for Sirius, who was still struggling with the bag.

“What were you doing?” he asked with no real interest.

“Runes Primary,” Lily answered. Seventh-year students had to choose at least one subject for private tutoring once a week. She had chosen Runes as a Primary Newt, along with Potions and Charms.

“Runes? Nah, not for me. I chose Defence and Magical Creatures. Same as Wormy. James and Moony take Defense and Transfiguration. You look knackered, by the by, Evans.” Sirius yawned in sympathy.

“You would too if you knew you had to roam around the castle for two hours.”

“Hey, I think Moony isn’t doing anything tonight - anything worthwhile anyway. I could go ask him, if you want.” Sirius offered, looking surprised himself with this unusual exhibition of kindness.

“Oh, would you, Black?” Lily didn’t sound too grateful. “Yes, I suppose you do feel guilty, traipsing around here getting your hands on any witch you find, while I work like a house elf!”

“I was only offering-”

“Oh, go get your friend and leave my books in the Common Room. I’ll be waiting right here.” Lily’s tone was final. Sirius shrugged and left taking one careful step at a time.

“Idiot, honestly!”

Lily waited, sitting at a window seal, muttering about the uselessness of everyone but herself. After a while she heard the distinct sound of someone approaching. Anger and fatigue boiled up inside her and she readied herself for a fight. Sirius had been over ten minutes. Was he so stupid he couldn’t even get to the Common Room in one piece?

She crossed her arms and waited for Remus or Sirius to show up so she could vent her spleen on them. The footsteps stopped. This was not her lucky day.

James stood there, grinning sheepishly. On second thoughts, it was probably a luckier day than most. She could insult Potter to the point of becoming suspiciously like Bellatrix Black and he would not turn a hair. And she hadn’t done that too often these days for obvious reasons. But her head didn’t have room for any other emotion other than fury, tiredness and excessive thinking concerning Arithmancy progressions and Rune translations. Embarrassment did not even enter her mind.

“Oh, well, isn’t it Saint Potter? What, your friend sent you because he thought I couldn’t handle this myself? Or perhaps I needed some sense knocked into me by a fellow sufferer?” she sneered nastily, sounding nothing like herself.

As she expected, he didn’t even turn a single hair.

“I’m not going to argue about that - though there’s absolutely no reason for you to bite my head off. And what are you on about Sirius? Because I doubt you’d talk about Moony like that.” He took a bite out of chocolate éclair she knew he had stolen from the kitchens. Her stomach rumbled hungrily.

“If you’re going to pretend you don’t know, then I am not going to tell you. Do you really believe that I - ARGHHHHH!” Lily waved her hands helplessly as something feathery and without a sense of direction flew from the window to her face.

James was staring incredulously at the flying monster. “JAMS?” The winged thing gave a hoot at the sound of its name.

Lily, over her surprise and anger, stared at him and the woebegone owl. Lips slightly pursed and close to laughter, she repeated, as unemotionally as she could: “Jams?” Then, barely controlling herself, she burst into laughter.

“It’s our family owl,” James muttered through gritted teeth. “I didn’t call him �“ it - that. It misjudged its name. My dad was calling me and the stupid bird heard jams. I think it’s almost deaf.”

Lily laughed even harder at this information and at James’ red face. She put a hand on the wall to stand steady but, gradually, her laughter subsided at the look of James’ face. As his eyes went lower reading the letter, they became narrow and scared. Lily gulped.

“James? James, are you alright? James, I’m talking to you.”

She finally did get a reaction, but most definitely not the one she expected.

“Oh, don’t worry, Evans, I can hear your ear splitting bloody voice! Oh, Merlin forbid that we don’t pay attention to bloody Lily Evans! But the whole world does NOT concern you. Some things are more important than your finger-sized brain!”

Lily, hurt, but knowing he meant nothing of what he said, raised her arms to calm him.

“Alright, James, alright. I’ll leave you alone, now, take it easy.” She turned to leave and then felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked at James’s drawn face. Her heart did a back-flip and she had no idea why.

“I’m sorry, Lily. I’m sorry.”

Lily, too concerned to think about what she was doing, pulled him closer and squeezed his warm hand.

“I don’t want you to tell me. Don’t feel like you need to. Just -”

“It’s my mum and dad.” James pulled away. “They’re at St Mungo’s.”

She looked at him carefully and pushed him to the end of the corridor.

“Go to McGonagall. Now. And I’ll do patrol. Go.”

He looked at her, his face glowing with thanks. James nodded and ran. Just before he was out of sight, she shouted.

“Let me know how it goes. Please, Potter.”

---

Dear Remus, Sirius, Peter, Lily and anyone
remotely interested (namely Alice and Luna),

Thanks for your Get well-Christmas card. My mum loved it - she’s a
madman for cards that sing or, in this case, screech none too reassuringly.
Anyway, to the point - mum and dad are fine.
The healers say it’s a matter of weeks before they’re completely
cured. They haven’t quite explained what happened to them but it’s a common
magical illness for people their age and apparently nothing to worry about. Stll,
I’ve persuaded them to let me stay a while longer.
Hope you have a great Christmas and Happy New Year,
James

“Well, that, I suppose, is one less thing we have to worry about,” Remus folded the letter in two and handed it to Lily. She smiled, tired after patrol, and scanned the letter for herself.

When she finished, she pocketed it and gazed around the empty room. It was Christmas Eve and everyone was in bed, except for Lily and Remus who had been asked to do a round of the castle before bed. When they’d entered the Common Room, they’d found the letter (which their friends had obviously left for them to read) on a small table round the fire.

Remus yawned.

“Sorry. Merlin, I am incredibly tired.” He rubbed his eyes.

Lily nodded. “Hey, Remus, why don’t we just fall asleep here? Christmas tomorrow, no one will care - and I can’t be bothered to change.”

“You read my mind. Goodnight.”

“Merry Christmas, Remus.”

---

It was almost midnight in the Gryffindor Common Room. All the seventh-years were slumbering on the armchairs savouring the relaxing holidays that they deserved. Also, half of the seventh-years had drunk too much very-mature-Firewhisky the night before (at Sirius’s suggestion) so there was an uncommon silence in the room. Of course, Luna’s arguing with Sirius contributed to the silence �“ although Lily was quite sure the argument wasn’t all that sincere.

Remus suddenly stood up.

“Well, I’m going to bed. I finally made the fatal mistake of succumbing into Sirius’ very bad judgment of the amount of Firewhisky my body can handle. And besides, I’m not feeling up to myself these days. I think I may be falling ill, again.” No one but Peter quite understood the hidden meaning of his words.

“Yes, I think I’ll come too. With James coming tomorrow, I don’t think we’ll get much sleep.” Peter nodded and followed Moony to the boys’ dormitory. Tiberius, who had been playing Exploding Snap with Nat, his friend Colin and Alice, heeding Peter’s words and realizing it was his last night of peaceful sleep, jumped up and ran to his room, not taking notice of his burning pyjamas. After a while, Luna followed suit and bade them goodnight, making a point of not even glancing at Sirius. He, on seeing her leave, grinned mischievously and left too, making it as plain as daylight that what Lily and Alice had long been suspecting had indeed happened.

At midnight, once again, only a few people were in the Common Room, including Lily, Alice, Nat, Colin and a couple of yawning sixth-years. Nat, seemingly realizing this, gave a small nod to his friend, who, taking the hint, made a show of how tired he was and went to bed.

“You know, I’m awfully worn out, too,” Alice stretched and headed to their dormitory, though not before she politely pushed Lily back in her seat. “No, really, Lil, you stay, I’ll be fine on my own, Luna’s not that terrifying in the nighttime �“ you get used to it! G’night, Nat!”

Lily felt her cheeks grow hot. Alice had had the ridiculous idea that she and Nat liked each other (though she hadn’t said it quite like that) and was plainly trying fix up a situation that was not to Lily’s liking. Or so she said.

“Hey, Lily, d’you fancy going out for a bit? Do something wild for a change?” whispered Nat, so the waking sixth-years wouldn’t hear.

Lily was about to put on a scandalized expression and remind Nat of his “wildness” the other night, when the seventh-years along with some of the more daring fifth-years got hold of some Fire
whisky. But, suddenly, a recklessness took hold of her. Why not? She would prove them all wrong; Alice, James, Bellatrix Black, even Nat, who thought being wild was a change for her routine life.

“On one condition only; we’ll come back as late as possible,” Nat grinned and beckoned towards the portrait; none of the sixth-years noticed a thing in their sleep.

The Fat Lady too was asleep and so they were spared of an unwelcome lecture. As they walked on (Nat holding her hand, without Lily noticing), the Head Girl took out her wand. She had never seen Hogwarts this late at night and although she knew almost every nook and cranny, she couldn’t suppress a shudder and felt thankful of Nathaniel’s comforting hand.

“Hey, do you fancy going up to the Astronomy tower? It should be nice seeing; it’s gibbous moon tonight,” he whispered. Lily looked at him, puzzled for a moment. Then comprehension dawned.

“Oh, gibbous, when the moon is not completely full, you mean? I’m sorry; my astronomy is a little rusty, not having studied it since fifth-year…”

Nat lead her to the north of the castle with such ease that she was sure he had made this trip before. She felt a pinch of jealousy. Just how many girls had he brought up here? Even though she could hear nobody, she saved her question for when they got to the tower. Arguing would be less audible from there.

At last, they climbed the steps and Lily, although she had seen it many times with her telescope during her Astronomy classes, could not help but feel awed. There were millions of stars strewn in the dark sky and just above them was the almost-full moon. A breeze blew and Lily shivered, but even Nat’s noble (yet cliché) act of giving her his jacket didn’t let the question she had been dying to ask slip her mind.

“You seemed to know your way around, Natie,” she stressed the last word. “Have you brought your girlfriends here often?” A slight note of sarcasm managed to escape her lips.

Nat grinned.

“No, not any girlfriends. Girls that are friends, yeah, boys that are friends, too, girls that are sisters as well, but no girlfriends. Not yet, at least.” He didn’t let her comment. “Do you like it?”

“Mm, yes. Slightly cold for my taste, but other than that, I could not ask for a better place for a midnight outing…” Lily took out her wand and made a swishing movement; tiny flowers erupted from its tip, in different colours and sizes. Nat watched admiringly and Lily, feeling the need to show off, decided to reveal another of her abilities, less known to anyone but her close friends. Lightly, she raised her hand and picked up one of the falling flowers. As she held it in her hand, the flower opened and closed like a living creature. Nat, impressed, tried to do the same but however hard he tried, the flowers remained still at his touch.

“How do you do that?” he asked, puzzled and slightly annoyed after his ninth try. Lily laughed.

“I don’t really know; I could do it before I learnt I was a witch. I think it has to do with my affiliation to Charms, nothing special, but nice.”

She swished her wand once more, letting colourful bubbles from it, and they were both soon almost swimming in the tower. Finally, when no more than two small bubbles were left, Nat approached Lily decisively. When he was barely inches from her face, the last bubble flew between them. He stroked it with a finger and - with a pop! - it disappeared. Lily smiled happily and waited. Nat leaned and -

“Up here, you incompetent fools! Before the caretaker sees!”

Lily had seconds to decide what to do. Before Nat could argue, she cast the Disillusionment Charm on him and herself and backed away to a corner of the tower that was furthest away from the door. For a second there was silence; then the wooden door burst open and three people came out, all cloaked.

“Why have you brought me here, Cissy? To introduce me to your boyfriend?” asked the tallest of the three, a girl, in a very familiar voice.

The cloaked short one, Cissy, sneered in a mock outraged voice: “If that’s what you think of me, maybe I should have left you in your ignorance.”

The third figure twitched and said in a completely unknown (but with a strange bark to it), daunting voice: “This is no time for your fruitless quarrels. We have come here for a purpose. And if you don’t want to feel any of the repercussions, I suggest you get on with completing the assignment you were given.”

The mocking girl, Cissy, turned to her sister.

“You know from Rodolphus who now is his and our master. The Lord wishes to gain more supporters and he believes that the best place to start is here, at Hogwarts. You know of his ideas, you openly support them here and this is your chance to prove yourself. To do more than talk, to act, to rid our world of unnecessary scum. Join us!”

Her sister was watching her silently.

“I am no killer, Cissy. I dislike them, true, but I have no bloodlust.”

Cissy showed no frustration, except in pacing to and fro from her sister.

“But, we can get rid of those we dislike, those who have jeered us! My - our master has no love for those wizards who show affection for the mud dwellers! You know who I mean! We can be the ones who destroy them!” Here, Lily could see, Cissy had hit home. Her sister stirred uneasily and twirled the wand in her hand. She seemed to be debating the matter. For time, she turned her head to the silent boy next to Cissy.

“And you mean to say that he,” she spat the words with contempt “, too has, joined your cause? This cowardly worm?”

The boy made no move, but suddenly the air around them seemed more menacing.

“It is not me you accuse, cousin, it is my family; one member in particular. Although I need not remind you that you are closely related to us both. But my master did not seem to find it a problem. Neither should you.”

The girl looked almost apathetic, but Cissy shuffled uncomfortably. “Heed him. He is one of the few the Lord confides in. Besides me, of course.”

“Your arrogance knows no boundaries. But I am not concerned. You,” the boy turned to the tallest of the three, “have a short time to decide. Until the end of this week. Inform those you find trustworthy and bring them to us. Now, it is late. Go, both of you and do not let a word slip to anyone remotely uncalled for.” The two sisters, though they clearly despised being ordered by the boy, left the Tower.

The boy waited for a while, then threw back his hood, revealing long black hair.

“It is begun, my Lord. What you once started, I shall continue.”

As soon as he left, Nat lifted the charm and breathed deeply. Lily was gazing at the creaking door.

“Nat, do you know who that was?”

Nat swallowed agitatedly. Lily took a sharp breath of cold air, almost aware that what she was about to hear would change her life.

“'Course I do. Never seen two brothers less alike. Regulus Black is the complete opposite of Sirius.”

A/N: Well, here we have the appearance of the infamous Regulus, who’s important for my story, very much so. Another important point, Lily’s falling for Nathaniel. But don’t worry, fellow fans, for James is arriving soon. To post again soon!

CHAPTER 10-Falling Snowflakes

“Regulus? And the Lord �“ er �“ what was it �“ er, You-Know-Who? But Lily, from what you said they didn’t actually say his name, did they? So, it could be a �“ a stupid game or something. Don’t jump to the worst conclusion.” Alice tried to keep a sensible side to the conversation.

The two girls were in their room, sitting on Luna’s fourposter. It was just past midday of the last day of the year and Lily had finished telling Alice about her midnight adventure. They had both tried to find Luna but she had mysteriously disappeared. And, unlikely though it may seem, Sirius had too.

“I don’t think so, Alice. They sounded scared of him, like they were afraid to mention his name. But, even if it has nothing to do with,” Lily paused uncertainly “, with You-Know-Who, it still is important. Don’t you think I should tell Dumbledore?”

“No. No, not yet. At least, I think you should discuss it with James first �“ and then decide.”

Lily agreed wholeheartedly with her. She didn’t feel completely sure about the information she’d gathered and she did not want to point her finger to someone who might be utterly innocent and clueless.

“And anyway, that Lord-Thingy person is causing enough trouble as it is,” said Alice, levitating Lily’s ponytail. “Two missing Ministry members, three Muggles dead, tighter than tight security in the blooming castle and Quidditch season shortened! I told you that the final’s only a few weeks away?”

“A few million times, yes,” muttered Lily wearily; she had heard nothing else from members of the teams, fans and teachers. But she wasn’t paying attention to her friend’s ramblings. The conversation from last night kept coming back to her. She felt almost convinced that there was something dark and, at the very least, something to be answered for. And then there were those girls, the sisters…with those familiar voices…

“Anyway,” continued Alice, a sly grimace on her face. Lily frowned suspiciously. “Before Regulus Black did a �“ well �“ Black and interrupted you, you and Nat must’ve been having fun. What’s happening, Evans? Do we like the little fifth-year?”

Lily scowled and pushed Alice off the bed. “You make me sound like some sort of scarlet woman, you idiot. And, as a matter of fact, nothing happened. Because I didn’t want it to.” She crossed her arms. Alice grinned.

“But Nathaniel, I presume, did?’”

“I never said that.”

“He did! Oh, I knew it, I knew it! I knew it since the time I caught him oggling at you when you were in the Library last year! I am so good at this! I knew it, I knew it, yes, yes, I knew it!” Alice got up from the floor and started doing a little jig around the bedroom. Shirley Malkin came in at that moment but, on seeing Alice, she rushed out alarmed. Lily was shaking her head.

“Alice, stop acting like a fool �“ ”

“I knew it, I knew it, yes, yes, I knew it!”

“Alice �“ ”

“I knew it, I knew it, yes, yes, I knew it!”

“LILY!” Lily jumped a foot in the air and Alice fell over her own feet and from the floor �“ once again �“ turned to Luna, who looked as though she had just come of the worse (or the better) of a wrestling match. “Lily, come down. It’s Black. He tried to climb up to the girls’ dormitory. Again.”

Lily shook her head. Alice looked ready to explode. She’d even stopped her little number.

“Have you two not heard me yelling? I must have used every swearword in existence. And not only from the English language,” Luna continued proudly.

“THAT is IT! I’ve had it with both of you!” Alice shouted, giving Luna and Lily a fright. “Luna, I am not as blind as a bat. I do have eyes and I do use them �“ sometimes �“ and even if I didn’t it would be extremely difficult not to realise that YOU and Sirius have been getting off with each other since almost the beginning of the year!” Lily looked at her with amazement. She had not been privy to that startling bit of information. “Don’t look at me like that, Lily, me and Remus said nothing to you and the others because we knew that sooner or later you would let it slip and we wanted to know how long these two would go on at it in secret!”

There was silence for a while. Then Luna’s small, quiet voice was heard. “Sorry.”

“That’s completely alright.” Alice answered with dignity, hugging her friend playfully. Lily just watched, wordlessly. “Oh, get a grip, Lily. We didn’t tell you and Peter because you’re both so naïve that you would have spat it out first chance you got, if not on purpose.”

Lily still watched mutely.

“So, James knows then? That was why he kept looking at me funnily all year! I wondered about the extra-special merry Christmas he gave me a minute ago. And we haven’t been getting off with each other all year. It’s only ever been a snog or two. Maybe a few more at Christmas.” This was all said without embarassment. Luna was used to such behaviour.

Suddenly something registered in Lily’s brain. She snapped up. “Did you say, James? As in James Potter?”

“Oh, yeah, he got here a little while�“”

Lily ran from the room and down the staircase, momentarily forgetting it was not, in fact, a staircase. As she slid, unorthodoxly, into the common room, only one thing came into her mind.

“Damn you, Potter.”

“Hey, why is everything always my fault? Padfoot did the slide thing, not me!” said a familiar voice and a smiling James Potter gave her a helping hand. Lily took it, giving Sirius, who was chortling freely, a murderous look. She patted down her school robes and a thankful smile at Potter.

“So. You’re back.”

James grinned at her roguishly.

“Yes. I am.”

---

Winter at Hogwarts was an important business. Apart from the necessary Christmas decorations �“ which Hagrid and Professor Flitwick arranged surpassingly �“ it was one of those times in the year that most students felt the need to forget they were at school. Jokes and tricks were played with alarming frequency, some involving nothing more than a fanged Frisbee, while others leading teachers to actually throw themselves into the ten-foot snow to save many simple-minded first-years. Strangely enough, the Marauders were not the centre of these misdeeds; rumour had it that the four seventh-year boys had become soft and were now giving up their position as supreme rule-breakers to any who were willing. Sirius Black soon put this rumour in its place; Donald Allen, of Ravenclaw, was found standing, in the middle of the night, in the deep snow, shivering for all the warmth Professor Sinistra’s undergarments provided. For some odd reason, he had completely forgotten who had brought him there.

“So what’s been going on here? Besides kids being found buried in snow, I mean,” said James as he, Remus, Peter and an innocent-looking Sirius walked through the snow-covered courtyard. Around them, other students were making their way to the lake for the annual, unofficial snowball throwing contest. It was Remus that answered the question.

“Really, James, you’re expected to know that the world around here stops when you’re not with us! Whatever could happen?” Sirius sniggered and patted Lupin on the back. James smiled; he enjoyed it when Remus let go of his serious manner from time to time.

“C’mon, Moony, don’t bite!”

“Was that supposed to be a joke?”

“Oops! Wow, that was thoughtless.”

“Surprising?”

“No, not really. But, come on, what happened? Give me all the juicy gossip!” Sirius snorted and fell over a stray branch, head spattered with white ice. He shot up instantly and narrowed his eyes. Just a little in front of him was a group of three girls; Lily Evans, Alice Vance and Luna Davies, whose mittens were suspiciously wet-looking. He growled and ran forward, aiming a ball of snow at Luna’s head. She swooped down just in time; all around yells of delight were heard.

“SNOWBALLERS! GET SET! GO!”

James shot in front, throwing a well-aimed ball at the head of Hufflepuff prefect Amos Diggory. He didn’t have time to see if it met its target; a huge, rolling snowball was heading for him, compliments of Bridget Smyth, the equally huge Hufflepuff Beater. Yells could be heard from left and right; even the timid first-years had joined in, expertly throwing small balls of ice at the considerably older �“ and dumber �“ students. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Lily, green eyes twinkling, having so much fun her face seemed to glow. His knees began to buckle; that girl had the worst possible effect on him. Yet he couldn’t help watching her; red hair escaping its protective wooly hat, scarlet coat unbuttoned, exposing her somewhat to the cold but making her look more like a playful child than ever. He felt himself just standing there, staring at her; all he wanted to do now was to go to her, pick her up and �“

“James! James!”

He turned his dazed eyes to the voice; it was Lily. A silly smile crept onto his face.

“Duck, James, duck!” She was yelling and laughing at the same time and James was still in his little daze when cold snow suddenly flew to his face. He span around and swore loudly at Sirius. “Stop making a bloody fool of yourself, Prongs! You look like a lovesick pup!” James shook his head exasperatedly and approached Lily slyly from behind.

“You’ve got to aim first, Evans! I’m surprised your mate hasn’t taught you how to throw a Quaffle yet!”

Lily laughed. “Alice? She can barely teach herself anything, she’d never be able to teach me! And no one else has ever tried!” She knelt down to avoid a ball of snow sent by a passing red-head (one of the notorious Weasleys no doubt) and pulled James down with her. They both rolled up their own snowballs. “So, Potter? Are you going to teach me then? When no one else has ever succeeded?”

James grinned and winked. Lily smiled herself, noting how much more cheerful she’d become since he’d returned. She raised a hesitant gloved hand and wiped the lenses of his glasses that were drenched with melted snow; his dark eyes glinted as she did. “I’m sure I’ll manage, Evans. Though my technique might be damaged slightly. I think my body’s gone all shivery.”

“From the cold?” Lily whispered; the shouts around seemed to have been muted. James laughed and held Lily’s hand against his cold face; he could feel her trembling.

“You could say that,” murmured James, his own fingers shaking like mad. He felt oddly exposed in this wintery scene. From behind were the tall trees of the Forbidden Forest; straight ahead were the lit up windows of Hogwarts Castle, twinkling colourfully against the dark sky; and there they were, Lily and James, knelt together on the white ground, hand in hand, each wondering what was happening between them.

Suddenly, a snowflake fell from the blue sky, landing in the tiny space between James’s red nose and Lily’s pink one. Lily giggled awkwardly; Prongs chortled, thankful of the distraction. The rest of the crowd was brought to their attention; they weren’t alone anymore. Everyone had stopped their snow fight. They had all formed tight groups, protecting themselves from the cold, looking upwards at the falling flakes. Sirius and Luna were leaning on each other’s shoulders, Lupin and Alice were reaching up to catch the falling snow, Peter and a couple of first-years were Charming it to land in different colours. Lily and James stood up together, a little further away from the others, taking in the delightful sight. James held his grip on Lily’s hand; she didn’t relinquish her own.

“It’s like the stars are falling,” said Lily quietly.

“Falling to meet their angel,” answered James. “And mine.”

A/N: Ah, the perfect chapter for the best time of the year �“ a little present from your favourite author *grins and winks to all*! I hope you enjoyed it I prepared it especially for the Christmas season. Originally, it would have been another chapter but I thought I’d wish you my own Merry Christmas this way! What about giving me my own presie? A review and a “Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”? (that’s my attempt at giving you a subtle hint to review *I’m rolling my eyes right now at my stupidity*!)

CHAPTER 11- Head Detention

“Get a grip, Prongs. You’re prancing around like a ballerina again. Stop it, for Merlin’s bloody sake!”

James immediately sat down by the fire and pulled a face at Sirius. “I’m not prancing around like a ballerina,” he said hotly.

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes. You. Are.”

“Oh, shut up.”

James hid a grin behind a mock frown and shrugged, as though exasperated, at Remus who was watching with grim amusement. James noticed that his friend seemed rather pale today; a quick calculation told him tomorrow night was full moon. He parted his lips to cheer him up by reminding Sirius of his doggy adventure last month, when the portrait hole swung open and he was left wearing a silly smile on his face. Sirius took one look at him and groaned; you didn’t have to be a genius to realise who had just come into the Gryffindor Common Room.

Lily, seeing James, paused at the door, looking confused. A deep flush spread from her neck to her forehead and she turned her bright eyes to the floor, not wanting to meet James’s. He saw Alice elbowing her and muttering something in her ear. A laugh escaped Lily and the blush subsided. Together, they approached the lazy threesome.

“Hello, boys. What’re you doing? Where’s Peter?”

As Alice asked the question, James saw the other two turn their heads guiltily this way and that, as though only just remembering that their best friend was missing. But Sirius didn’t seem puzzled for too long.

“Detention, Vance. He got caught red-handed throwing a Dungbomb in Charms corridor,” he answered with a yawn. “Where’s Loony?” James heard the indifferent tone in Sirius’s voice but wasn’t fooled; Luna Davies might be slightly ‘bananas’ in her own right but it was plain Sirius had more than one soft spot for her. And this, in turn, led him to think of his own soft spot for Luna’s best friend, who was, right now, talking quietly with Remus about homework and carefully avoiding meeting eyes with him.

“Writing a subscription to this new magazine that’s just come out. The ‘Queerer’, or something...” Alice grinned and shoved Lily of the arm of Remus’s chair. Coincidentally she landed right next to James. Coincidentally.

“It’s the ‘Quibbler’, Alice. And don’t shove.”

“Fine, fine, same difference. And just try to say you didn’t want me to.”

“Want you to what?” Lily asked dangerously. James felt his own face grow hot �“ something that hadn’t happened in �“ well �“ years. Sirius was sniggering like a fool again. Alice put on an innocent expression.

“Well, correct me, of course. What else?”

“Alice, sometimes, I swear...” Lily was shaking her head; a strand of red hair fell into James’s eye. He howled and Lily, horrified, leaned over him. James, not as hurt as it seemed, placed a hand over his eye and put on a brave face, considering how best to take advantage of the seating situation. Lily herself provided the answer; she pulled James’s hand away from his face and, with an expression of innocent, beautiful, godly-sent affection, she gently stroked his forehead. Somehow, James knew his painful eyesight scheme hadn’t fooled her; and yet, this made him all the more happy. He grinned. She carefully arranged her features and said nothing; her brilliantly green eyes, though, somewhat betrayed her.

“It doesn’t hurt that bad, Evans,” he murmured, the crackling fire making him heard by no one but her. She began to pull her arm away but he caught it and made her look at him. She seemed oddly frightened. James smiled and felt her relax slightly. Smiling too, Lily pulled her hand away and played with her hair.

“Potter �“”

“Lily �“”

They laughed nervously and caught Sirius’s attention. He rolled his eyes and whispered to the room in general, “They’ll be finishing each other’s sentences, if we’re not careful. It’s bad enough to see Prongs lovesick �“ I’d hate o think what Evans looks like!” A well-aimed pillow shut him up. Lily and James joined the rest of the seventh years’ conversation, each privately thinking of the other.

---

“At seven, OK, Alice? And don’t bring Luna! Every time Sirius is near her, his tiny little brain can’t register any other information �“ and we need to practice at some point!”

James followed Remus to their first lesson after Christmas, History of Magic, which was easily his least favourite. The two boys dragged their heavy bags across the floor and joined the flow of students who were as reluctant as they were to start school after a long holiday. James noticed with amusement that several girls were turning to watch them with a smile; ever since Sirius had publicly displayed his more-than-affection for Luna, most of the girls at Hogwarts had turned their attention to him and Lupin. Some other girls, meanwhile, were said to be found muttering mutinously in the bathrooms, plotting about ways to poison the lovely blonde. Lily was certainly found more often reprimanding female students for handling dangerous ingredients, most of which were found in the famous Amortentia.

“Hey, Moony�“” James pulled Remus to a corner, away from the nosy students, “�“it’s full moon tonight, right? Is it �“ are you �“ we are �“ ?”

“Oh, pull yourself together, James.” Remus snapped impatiently at James’s usual yet stupid awkwardness with his ‘little furry problem’, as he chose to call it. “Yes, it is tonight, but,” here Remus himself looked uncomfortable, “I’m not so sure it’s a good idea to actually go on with it �“ you remember what happened last time �“ Sirius nearly got bitten!”

James tried to keep a straight face. It took all his will power to keep himself from exploding with laughter �“ for about half a minute. After that, he burst out chortling, remembering how last month, Padfoot had attempted to entertain an enraged werewolf with his ingenious, so called ‘doggy tap-dance’.

“It is NOT funny! How would you like to have two friends in my position? It’s not all fun and games, James! Someone could get hurt! And I really do have a strange feeling about tonight �“ so I think it’s better if, at least for this time, I’m on my own.”

James watched his friend’s reaction. “Look, Remus. We’ve been doing this since fifth-year and we’re not about to stop now. So drop it. We’re with you whatever happens and no number of warnings from you will make us forget that!” Remus smiled gratefully. “So, when is Madam Pomfrey taking you?” James couldn’t be bothered to argue for too long; so he made sure he won by changing the subject in a trice. Remus didn’t bother arguing any longer.

“Taking you to your tree house, wolf-boy?” said a whispered, sneering voice. The two Marauders threw a murderous look at Severus Snape, who had followed them to their class. His long nose was raised haughtily; it took James all his self-control (and Remus’s strong grip on his shoulder) to stop himself from pouncing.

“Yeah, is there a problem, Snivellus? ?” snapped James, always ready to pick a fight with his longtime rival. “’Cause if there is,” he twirled his wand in a caring manner in front of Snape’s overlarge nose, “I’m sure I’ll be able to help you with it.”

“Just one more reason my revenge will be sweeter, Potter…You’ll see…all of you will. I’ll make you pay �“ for everything. And I swear it will hurt �“ I swear I’ll laugh at the sight of you!” and with that Snape ran before James’s curse managed to reach him, leaving the other two pondering at his words.

“What do you think he meant by that?”

“I don’t know,” answered James truthfully. “But he sounded strangely overconfident, didn’t he? For the grime-licking sniveler that he is. Anyway, what time did you say Pomfrey will come get you?”

“After your Quidditch practice, I think.” Then, Remus noticed that the corridor was strangely quiet. “Oh no…”

James checked his watch. The hands showed twenty minutes past nine. He grinned and Remus shook his head.

“What time did History of Magic start?”

“Nine.”

“Damn. Still. Wonder what it looks like when a ghost’s got his knickers in a twist?” An elbow thrust itself in James’s shoulder. “Ow!”

---

Lily watched Quidditch practice, utter boredom etched on her face. A match she could stand �“ she could feel the excitement, the thrill, but this was a complete waste of time. But Alice had wanted her there so they could go to the Library together and finish their Herbology essay. Lily cursed. If only she’d said no, then she would be in the warm Common Room with Luna �“ who was an expert on plants �“ giving her advice on the flesh-eating Moonflower. She shook her head and smoothed out the Muggle Times that was on her lap; unlike most of her Muggle-born friends, she liked being updated on both worlds. Soon, she was lost reading an article on a missing Muggle family somewhere in Yorkshire.

She checked her watch, yawning. It was ten to nine. Well, now she had an excuse ready made. And they would all have to follow. She stood up from the stands and waved madly for someone’s attention. Unfortunately for Lily, she caught the attention of the two people that she most definitely did not want. Nathaniel and James.

“What’s up, Evans?”

“Hey, Lil �“ what d’you want?”

She bit her lip into a nervous smile, which they both returned before looking daggers at each other.

“Erm, well, it’s nearly nine, so if those who have the necessary power�“” she glanced meaningfully at James, “want to show they’re responsible, they should send their team to the castle, unless they’re looking for a group detention.” She smiled again and the two boys rushed to their team with identical shrewd expressions.

Lily waited for Alice �“ though she doubted whether they would be able to manage the homework tonight. Alice looked completely exhausted. She couldn’t blame her. James had insisted on two hours of practice non-stop in order to get ready for their last match, which hopefully would bring Gryffindor top of the table and with a good chance for the Cup.

“I’m sorry, Lily. I don’t think I’ll be able to concentrate on evil-smelling sunflowers tonight. I’ll try to get it done before breakfast. But now, I’m soo �“ (a yawn) �“ ooo tired!”

Lily agreed that her friend needed rest and promised she would find Luna’s essay and copy it well-enough for both of them. She said her goodnights to the rest of the team and, receiving a smile from each Nat and James, she left for her final shift of patrol until eleven. After that, Professor Flitwick would take over. She stepped out of the portrait hole and two seconds later, James appeared at her side.

“Stop right there, Potter. We haven’t taken to stalking the unwilling victim now, have we?” She purposely kept a blank face; actually, her stomach churning pleasantly. She pressed a cold hand on her cheek and felt it burning up.

James did not even pretend to listen. He didn’t even seem to notice her hot face. He opened his mouth nervously and started balancing oddly on his feet, something that he did only when he felt uncomfortable �“ which, admittedly, did not happen often.

“I �“ eh �“ what are you doing out here?”

Lily raised her eyebrow in question. Then she said with as much sarcasm as she could muster. “Erm, well, I’m patrolling.”

Comprehension dawned on James’ face. Then it turned into another nervous sort of understanding. “You can’t do that �“ not tonight. We agreed that I would do full moon nights.”

“Yes, well, since you left, McGonagall had to change the Prefects shifts and mine so I got tonight.” She looked at him, suspiciously. “Why? Why tonight?” Her voice betrayed what was going on in her mind. Her stomach was now bubbling nervously. She hoped her gut feeling was wrong.

“Oh, nothing,” he flapped his hand airily, in a way that would fool no one. “I just like it �“ when �“ er �“ the moon…you know!”

“No, I don’t, Potter, and I have to say I am intently interested in what you, of all people, find striking in the m �“ Sev �“ Snape! What are you doing here?”

James turned sharply, cricking his neck by the sound of it, to throw a disgusted look at Severus Snape, who had just emerged from the corner. He too looked amazed at the sight of the two Gryffindors. He stood a little away, wary eyes watching.

“I �“ none of your business, Evans.” His eyes were trying to avoid searching Lily’s. She kept her face blank, confusion mounting.

“It is my business if a student is roaming out of their House at quarter to ten at night, Snape. What are you doing?” Lily placed her hands on her hips. James copied her ridiculously.

“Yeah, Snivellus, what are you doing?” James said, stressing the word ‘what’ in a dangerous and, somehow, knowing way.

“Checking for vermin, Potter. You, know rats, cats, things from the forest. I’ve heard that even wolves get in at times.” Snape said decisively. Lily had a feeling he knew exactly what he was looking for.

“Look, I don’t care what you were, apparently, searching for, Snape, but you are out after hours so a detention is due. Even if you’re a Prefect you have to follow schedule. You’re not due to patrol tonight. Follow me to the Prefects Quarters. You, Potter, go to bed.”

James looked alarmed. “Er, Lily, why don’t I give him detention and you can go back to the Common Room? I mean, there’s no need �“”

“There’s no need to risk you bringing him back in box, either. I can deal with it, Potter. Don’t make me give you detention. That’s something I really do not want to do. A Head Boy in detention would not give a good example.” Lily signalled to Snape to follow her. He did, while whispering audibly.

“I fear this is going to be the first time a Head Girl does give detention to the Head Boy. What a shame �“ especially for Gryffindor.”

“You watch your mouth, Snivellus! Don’t go spreading any lies!”

And with that inscrutable comment, James left.

---

“We can’t go then. At least, not tonight. It would be mental.” Peter whispered in the dark of the room, as James described to him and Sirius the incident with Snape.

“It’s not going that would be mental! Don’t you remember last year, during exams, when we didn’t go and Remus scratched himself to pieces? He nearly got himself killed!” James retorted angrily, in a voice that nearly woke the sleeping Avery and Tiberius.

He didn’t have an answer for that. But then Peter offered another opinion.

“If �“ if Lily did find us, do you think, maybe, she would �“”

“No.” answered James. He knew Lily only too well to understand that if a situation like that arose, she would go by the rules, without a second thought. And if Snape got to her, as he sometimes, inexplicably, did... Only if they explained to her, would she consider. But no, that was out of the question. They couldn’t betray Remus’ trust for anything �“ not unless he specifically asked them to. And even then…

“Well, we do have the Cloak. And we’re not called the Marauders for nothing. So, let’s cross our fingers and hope for the best.” Sirius shot out of bed and the others, resigned to his eternal optimism, followed.

Ten minutes later and they were safely in the Shrieking Shack, or as safe as you can be when in the company of newly transformed werewolf. Fearful of bumping into any teachers that Lily might have summoned, the Marauders stayed inside, rat, dog, stag and wolf.

For a whole four hours, the Marauders forgot everything that was on their minds and instead, let their animal instincts prevail. At around five o’ clock in the morning, when the sun started rising, Remus finally transformed from a hungry wolf to a tired seventeen-year old.

“You three had better get to the dormitory before Snape gets the chance he’s been waiting for.” He shooed them out but pulled James back for a moment. “James, be careful. Don’t ruin it all with Lily now. Use the Map.” James frowned.

“I will, Moony.”

“She never hated you, James. Don’t give her an excuse to start now,” Remus whispered, eyes concerned. “You know what will happen.” James avoided his gaze and walked away, following the distant howls Sirius was making as he chased the rat that was Peter.

The remaining three headed for the castle, laughing and shouting about their midnight adventure. Just before they reached the portrait hole, James took off the Invisibility Cloak and had started folding it up along with the Marauder’s Map when he found himself in front of an outstretched wand.

“Uh oh,” Sirius sniggered humourlessly.

“You said it, Black,” answered Lily.

---

“I have never been more ashamed of being Head of the Gryffindor house. And moreover, I have never been more ashamed of having both Head Boy and Girl from Gryffindor. To think that the Head Girl caught the Head Boy out of bounds, it is �“ unthinkable! It is humiliating! And, unfortunately it results in giving three students a heavy detention, while extracting one hundred and fifty points from their House. And �“ ”, here McGonagall breathed in and towered over James dramatically, “�“ and in relieving the Head Boy in question from his duties. I have nothing more to say, except that Gryffindor’s chances in winning the House Championship this year rely solely on the Quidditch team’s performance. And even they are slim.”

James felt wretched after having replayed the scene in McGonagall’s room once again in his mind. Gryffindor lose the House Championship! And him, the Head Boy, at fault! He rubbed his hands on his face, feeling sick. He didn’t blame Lily �“ not in the least. All his animosity targeted Snape. What wouldn’t he do to get his hands on that son of a…but no. He would have to control his anger. He’d been in detention and he’d lost points before, but never at this scale. And his badge…he didn’t honestly care about that either. It was Lily’s face that he cared about, when he’d handed the badge over to McGonagall. Stony, without an ounce of emotion and in total agreement with the professor’s words. And when she’d accidentally made eye contact with him on the way to the Common Room, she had looked disgusted and ashamed.

He felt himself laughing at absurdity of it all. The irony, honestly…a Head Boy in detention…well, no, a Head Boy no more…

---

In the room next to his, though he wasn’t to know, a girl was crying silently. Lily wiped her tears angrily as she thought of James. He had promised her. And he had broken his promise. And now she knew how much it hurt, she realised just how much that promise had meant to her.

A/N: And, yes, after possibly a million years I have updated - (*waits patiently for applause - applause doesn't come*) Oh, well, I suppose I shouldn't expect too much...But, in my defence, exams are three months and twenty-something days away (*feeling faint, hands tremble, possible anxiety attack on the way*) and applications to Universities have been sent. Also, I'm a little ill (*coughs and chokes pointedly*) but, again, excuses, excuses...!!! Anyhow, chapter is done and awaits your reaction - pretty please leave a review!!!???

CHAPTER 12- Firewhisky and Rain

A week had already passed and the aftermath of James’ renowned capture, detention and his no longer Head Boy status still caused sensation. Not that it bothered him too much. As far as Lily could see, there had been no change in him. He was still the cocky seventeen-year old he always had been; he was even seen accepting congratulations from some other troublemakers. The only thing that had changed slightly was the way fellow Gryffindors approached him; after all he had lost them a considerable number of points and they were therefore last in the running for the Championship. But, despite that, they acknowledged his quiet work for the Quidditch team and the way the Marauders were being so unusually rule-abiding.

Only Lily had not forgiven him. Since the night she had caught him, Peter and Sirius she had not said a word to him; she had not even spared him a glance. There was no need to anyway. He was no longer Head Boy and McGonagall’s consideration of demoting him to a Prefect found only objection with Lily. So they spent none of their extra time together. Lily, in fact, took great care in making sure she avoided him as much as she possibly could. Her temper had always been at the brink when it came to Potter; the midnight incident just proved he couldn't change. Not even for her.

Lily now stared out of the window of the Owlery, without really seeing anything at all, her eyes a little bloodshot from the tears she had been fighting all week. Who would have known last year that Lily Evans would be crying over James Potter? Unwillingly, her mind drifted to their sixth year when they were still sworn mortal enemies that made each other laugh with their witty remarks and drunken comments. The Quidditch Final and the party afterwards...the first time she'd tasted Firewhisky...Potter's innocent and embarrassing marriage proposal...and - No. It would do no good to remember anything that happened after that. Lily shut her eyes and took a deep breath. It was all over now. Anything more that had been shared this year would have to be forgotten. She sighed and patted the small tabby cat that was mewing at the windowsill.

“…Put me in all the detention you want, Lily, but compared to what Potter will get, it will be nothing! Out of bounds after midnight, I doubt it can get much worse…” Lily remembered Snape’s words. She hadn’t believed him at first; she’d even laughed as she lay in bed thinking of them. He had always been jealous of James for some reason. But, then, just before she fell asleep, she’d decided to call James with her wand and when he hadn’t answered… why, why did he have to do that now? What an idiot he was! What a stupid, inconsiderate, arrogant pig-headed...There was no need to finish that sentence. It was pretty obvious exactly what Potter was.

She looked at her watch; it was nearly nine, she should get back and do some homework, she hadn’t done anything all day. As soon as she walked out of the musty room and picked up the disappointed kitten, she felt the familiar vibration of her wand. She sighed and headed to the Prefects’ Room, where Remus - the new Head Boy - was most likely to be. She yawned widely as she opened the creaking door - and stopped abruptly as she realized who had called her. Hot-headed anger boiled up in her chest; she felt the need to strangle something. Preferably someone. The someone who was in front of her.

“You!”

Potter stood up to prevent her from running out of the room, grabbing her from both wrists (Marmalade had jumped from her arms and ran away) and reminding her forcibly of another time when he’d done the same - with very different results.

“Oh, no, don’t get any ideas, Potter! You’ve caused enough trouble to me as it is! Stay AWAY!” Lily backed away, with a look of disgust. She noticed despite herself that he seemed a little less groomed than usual; his hair was disheveled and his chin was a little stubbly. But she didn't really care about his stubbly chin; unless you counted as caring the fact that she wouldn't mind throwing a punch at it. Ah, he was infuriating even when he was flustered!

Potter heeded her words and walked back to sit on the chair, where, not so long ago, they had been laughing about the new Slytherin passwords. He swallowed and looked up at her pleadingly. She took no notice; she just gazed at him, trying not to hex him.

“I’m sorry.”

Anger flooded through her again. “I’m sorry? That’s what you have to say? I’m sorry? An apology? Well, if that’s the case, I should be apologizing, too!” She seemed quite demented.

James watched, uncomprehending and a little afraid. “You? Why? Lily, no-”

"Do NOT call me LILY!"

"But your name is-" James seemed utterly lost. Honestly, his stupidity sometimes surpassed his ability to annoy her. She ground her teeth loudly.

"I know perfectly well what my name is, Potter!"

"But then, what-?"

"Forget it! What do you want?!"

James sobered up at once; he even looked a little worried . “Lily, I want to explain, I really do, what happened the other night was completely out of my hands but...It was me, only me! I’m the one who should apologize, not you! I’m sorry that I can’t explain, but it’s not for me to decide! I could hurt somebody else if I do!” James whispered, his voice, though barely audible, clearly begging.

“Oh, of course, the usual excuse! ‘Oh, yes, Lily, I would tell you, but it’s not up to me, it has nothing to do with me!’ Well, guess what, Potter! I don’t care! For all I care, you could have been saving orphan werewolves from almost certain death! But no, I don’t-want-to-know!” Lily continued to shout, not paying the least attention to James’ horrible flinch to the word “werewolf”.

“Lily, please, I didn’t want this, you know I didn’t. You know why! Lily, I-”

“NO! NO!” Lily’s tears stung her eyes but she wouldn’t let them come. “NO! I AM NOT LILY TO YOU! AND YOU-YOU AREN'T James!" She was almost screaming, beside herself with anger. Her mouth clamped shut though as soon as she saw James stand up with an unreadable expression on his face. She backed away, afraid he might attempt another wrist-grabbing, kiss-ensuing move. But he stayed right in his place, watching her with wary eyes.

"This thing," he muttered finally, his voice threatening to break with all the bottled up tension, "this thing is just an excuse for you, isn't it?"

"What are you-?" She tried to interrupt but he didn't let her. His raised hand silenced her faster than a Silencing Charm.

"We've been in each other's company for more than half a year, you've seen me and my mates act like prats more times than I can remember, you've threatened me with a full-week's worth of detention despite the fact that I was then still Head Boy but as soon as this happens, you avoid me, you don't talk to me, you act like you couldn't care less! And I can't help but wonder whether this is just some kind of pathetic attempt to lie to yourself, to try and lull yourself into a false sense of security!" His eyes were darker than she had ever seen them before; she shivered.

"Potter, what on earth-?"

"Have you forgotten what happened before Christmas?" Lily flinched, she couldn't help it; the memory of what had happened under the mistletoe was still vivid. Too vivid than it should be. She struggled to keep her face passive. James ignored her silence. "Or what about what happened just a few days ago? Or, last year even, when-"

"Potter," she cut him short before he could continue, "what is the point of all this? Whatever happened-"

"Whatever, she says!" James sneered uncharacteristically.

"Whatever happened, has nothing to do with your stupid little stunt that night!"

"It has everything to do with my 'stupid little stunt' that night! Or rather, with your reaction to it!"

Lily's eyes were slits; she felt her heart beat rather fast. "Potter, I swear..."

"Seven years I've been after you, Lily! Seven! And the most I've ever got from you is that I'm an arrogant toerag! But now-"

"But now?" Her voice was quiet, a thinly veiled threat. She dared him to continue. James looked at her once more, hesitating.

"I think you're starting to feel the same." His voice was barely more than a soft breeze but it knocked the air out of Lily's lungs. She stared at him, mouth opening and closing like a fish. Of all the pompous, conceited things in the world...She barely registered the fact that he had moved closer, that he was now right at the door. She had an impulse both to stop him from leaving and to help him get the hell out with a kick at the rear. But she did nothing. The last thing she heard was his voice.

“You’re wrong, by the way. You’re wrong. You’ll always be Lily to me.”

Lily waited until she heard the door close. Then, she walked to the almost bare shelves and threw everything at the door. Her heart was still beating too fast.

---

"Go away, Potter! This is near bordering obsession! Why do you constantly have to be within three feet of me?"

"Erm, wait, I know this one! Is it, maybe, possibly- though it's a long-shot - because we...share this bloody Common Room?"

The sarcasm in James's voice caused Lily to momentarily stare at him, wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Then she recovered to full potential. She stood up and felt her eyes narrow to slits. A chill ran through the room in general; it was almost midnight and luckily only the Gryffindor seventh-years were in the Common Room. Still, it was audience enough and they had the sense to begin backing away as Lily and James began one of their famous fights. Alice and Luna remained at Lily's side, as did Sirius and Remus on James's. Peter seemed to have vanished, yet again.

"Don't use that language in front of me!"

"I'll use what language I damn well please, Evans!" At his right, Remus and Sirius exchanged a glance; James's tone was uncharacteristically bitter.

"Not while I'm here you won't!"

"Fine then! I'll do it somewhere where it won't bother you or your dainty little ears!" James stood up as well, nose inches away from Lily's face. Their eyes met and they both gulped at the same time. He because, as always, felt his breath catch at the realisation of how beautiful Lily really was and how close her body was to his. She because the now familiar indistinguishable beats of her heart were doing a marathon right now as she fully appreciated James's height over hers; he could pick her up as almost no weight at all, it seemed. Then the truth of their situation sank in again. James's eyes behind his round glasses flashed as all thoughts of Lily's beauty were replaced by just how bloody annoying she could get and Lily's blazed green as once again the boy in front of her proved how much of a 'damn well' conceited pig he was. She leaned in closer and whispered.

"Good riddance then."

"Same here," sneered James, lowering his head to her height. To anyone remotely unfamiliar with their situation it might have seemed as though they were about to kiss. "Same here," he repeated, as though trying to convince himself. "Good riddance, Evans. To bad rubbish." He felt himself shudder at the lie he was murmuring.

Lily blinked and fought back her own shiver at the coldness of his words. "To bad rubbish, indeed. Potter," she added spitefully. "The feeling's mutual, trust me."

"Oh, I do!" James started, an insanely fake grin plastered on is face. "Implicitly!"

"Oh, go fly a broom, Potter!"

"Oh, go read a book, Evans!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"I'll do just that!"

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Good!"

"GoodBYE, POTTER!" A distant slamming sound was heard and Lily disappeared from James's sight. He turned around to those who had stayed behind and they all instinctively drew themselves back. He scowled at them and mirrored Lily, climbing the boys' staircase and swinging the door unceremoniously shut.

"Well, that went well," muttered Sirius, raising his eyebrows at Remus. A well-aimed push threw him of his chair and shut him up.

---

James adjusted the Invisibility cloak over his tall and lanky figure, so Professor Slughorn (who, at the moment, was taking his time in choosing which pineapple piece to eat, in the middle of the Entrance hall) would not notice him trying to escape to the school grounds. After five minutes (and after the teacher had stuffed at least ten pieces of pineapple in his mouth), James felt it was safe for him to open the doors and head for the open Quidditch pitch, with his broom over his shoulder. He breathed in the frosty air and shuddered; though not because of the cold. It was his way of releasing all the tension; and he had a lot of tension bottled up inside him.

As soon as he was safely away from any prying eyes he folded the Cloak away and put it in his pocket, while getting on his broom. As he rose into the air, he forgot for a while everything that lay heavy on his mind and focused solely on flying; the only thing about his life he could take for granted and could always rely on. Everything else was uncertain; everything…He flew over the dark pitch, inwardly thanking Remus for keeping a blind eye on his late night flight. Looking at the stands, images unbidden came in front of him; Lily cheering him from the stands, Lily coming to meet him after the match, Lily holding his hand in hers…

“Get a grip, Potter,” James said sharply to himself. It was stupid. It was so stupid! Why? Why of all the girls in Hogwarts he had to go and, and, and what? Like? Love? Adore? Worship? Infatuate himself? And with her! Obsession was right. He obsessed himself with things he couldn't and wouldn't ever have. And Lily Evans definitely made the top of that list. In fact, he thought, as he swerved skillfully around the goal hoops, she was probably the only thing on the bloody list.

"Dammit!" he yelled, punching the wind and nearly toppling over his broom. "Damn!" Frustration leaked through him. What a bloody awful day. What a bloody, awful, disgusting, stupid, worthless, annoying, effing bloody da-!

"Bloody hell!" James muttered again as he felt the cold drops of rain fall on his long nose. What had he done to the world? Wasn't he getting punished enough? He flew higher and narrowed his eyes, pulling out his wand. "Impervius!" The rain around him started avoiding him altogether. He gave himself a small grin. He'd finally mastered that spell. As he flew over the stands he remembered how difficult he'd found the spell last year. It was at the Quidditch final that he'd actually managed to pull it off. Another smile twitched at the corners of his lips as he remembered last year's final. He could remember everything about that night, even though he’d hit the drink hard. He laughed aloud. It wasn’t only him that had got smashed…

---

"Sirius, watch it! There are sensitive products in that box!" James whispered to his best friend and gestured to speed up, a ridiculously happy grin on his face.

And anyway, why shouldn’t he smile; they’d just won the Quidditch Final and were getting ready for the traditional party at Gryffindor House. Though maybe not so traditional; last year the drinks had consisted exclusively of Butterbeer and pumpkin juice. This year, though, James and Sirius had decided to liven things up a bit. How? By simply relieving the Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head of some of their most precious items: twenty four bottles of single malt Firewhisky - whatever that meant. James took out the Marauders’ Map and studied it. It looked as though every Slytherin was in their Common Room, probably moaning and venting their spleen on Malfoy; he’d really outdone himself on the pitch. The rest of the students were safely tucked into bed but the teachers…now that might be a problem.

"Quick, Cloak, Flitwick!"

It took a moment for Sirius to assess the situation but eventually he managed to lean against the wall with the precious crateful of bottles in his arms and cover himself with the Invisibility Cloak. The two boys waited with baited breath while the tiny Professor tottered past them, muttering something about 'innocent children having fun'. As soon as he was out of sight, the boys took off the Cloak and sniggered silently, having no doubt that the innocent children were ecstatic Gryffindors.

"OK, work now, fun later," whispered James and beckoned Sirius to follow him. They turned a corner, still having a silent laugh, when they bumped into another loaded Gryffindor.

"What the effing hell-? Frank!" exclaimed Sirius delightedly at their fellow team player. "Hey, you’re already carrying the food, I’m sure a tiny box wouldn’t do your figure any harm!" And he dumped the Firewhisky on Frank Longbottom’s already unsteady arms. The tall, round-faced boy stumbled slightly under the weight and mouthed something at Sirius. His breath was so caught in his chest, though, that the only thing James and Sirius could make out was a weak mumble.

"Alice won’t be too happy about that," James pointed out.

"Well then you can try carrying that much illicit drink to a school! You’ll enjoy it I’m sure!"

James grinned but didn't answer. Frank couldn’t take part in the conversation if he’d wanted to; he was groaning with weight he was carrying. The two Marauders continued to argue as they finally reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, paying as much notice to Frank as they would have to a fly. After they yelled the password to their sleepy portrait, they leaped into the crowded Common Room, where they were greeted with enthusiastic yells and cheers.

"Where’s Frank?" Alice Vance demanded with her eyes narrowed.

"Ah."

"Well, you see, Alice-"

"Oh, you idiots, are you completely useless?" Alice was frantic as she ordered some fourth-years to run to Frank’s aid. Another girl came into their direction, her arms crossed. Lily Evans was not happy.

"What is in that crate, Potter?" she asked, always quick on the uptake.

"Er - I - erm - what?" James answered with a guilty and hardly-suppressed grin.

"I said what - is - in - the - crate?" she got closer, absent-mindedly fingering her Prefect badge.

James gulped, while desperately signaling at Sirius to hide the drinks. In a flash, Padfoot grabbed one of Dr Filibuster’s rockets that they had ordered the day before and, within seconds, the room resembled a Muggle carnival. Desperately, James searched for Sirius, leaving Lily doing the same thing.

"Sirius?!" The tall black-haired and now ashen-faced boy looked up, grinning, and mouthed something incomprehensible. James frowned as he tried to distinguish the words. "What?!" Sirius repeated the movements but stopped abruptly as Lily reappeared.

"Where is that crate, Sirius?"

"Absolutely haven’t the foggiest of what you’re talking about, Lil! Want a drink? Pumpkin juice? Or Butterbeer?" Sirius gallantly offered both. Lily, after watching his reactions, accepted some juice. Her expression looked surprised as she tasted it.

"It’s �“ different." She concluded, sipping some more.

"Nice different?" Sirius asked mischievously.

"Mmm," was Lily’s only answer, as she poured herself some more.

James raised an eyebrow and offered himself a glass. Realization hit as he tasted the alcohol. “Lily, no, don’t �“”

"Come now, James. Don’t spoil Evans’ evening with your antics. Let her have her fun!" Sirius said meaningfully. He leaned closer. "I doubt she’s had this before. She’ll be out of it in no time and then the party can go on freely. Might give Moony a taster…" he added thoughtfully, watching Remus chatting to a fellow Prefect with a frown on his face.

"Ahuh…" replied James, drinking his third 'pumpkin juice'.

Two hours later and the Gryffindor Common Room brought anything to mind other than a school. First, second and third years who, initially, had not been permitted entrance were now throwing up generously after their first contact with alcohol. Older girls were singing loudly (and badly) Celestina Warbeck’s latest hits while Sirius conducted them with his wand. The seventh-year students (who had found out quickly where the booze was hidden) were a little more in touch with the world, though not enough to come up with an idea to control the situation.

"I’ve put a spell on-hic-you, thrown in a love potion or-hic-twoooo…"

"Merlin, do they sing bad!" James yelled unnecessarily; Lily had fallen dizzy on his lap. She looked up and tried to get her bearings, without success. She made another effort and, this time, she managed a sitting position; again on James’ lap.

"You - you’re…" she gave a giggle that didn’t suit her, "James…ha-ha!"

"Yup, that’s me! James Potter, wizard extraordinaire! Oops!" he had tried to get up, forgetting Lily was sitting on him. They both slid on the floor, hopelessly laughing.

"Nothing a good jinx-hic-can’t undoooo…"

"Lily?"James sounded dozy.

"Yup?" Lily giggled again.

"Will you-hic-whoa!" Sirius had thrown himself on James after conducting the girls completely off tune.

"Hey, mate! I feel funny, don’t you?"

"It’s probably - hic - the Firewhisky!"

"What whisky? I only drank juicy juice!" Sirius and Lily both replied. Lily was overcome with laughter.

"Why you laughing?" Sirius asked accusingly. The girl shrieked even louder. "She sounds like my mum. She screeches like that all the bloody day long!"

"Watch it, Black! Don’t-hic-insult her!"

"Oh, right, you’re in lurve with her! I bet she likes me more," Sirius added thoughtfully.

"What - hic - makes you say that?" James was genuinely interested.

"Look. Hey, Lily?" The girl turned, hiccoughing now. "Will you maaary me?" sang Sirius. She blinked and screeched with laughter again, nodding. James approached her indignantly.

"Lily," and his voice was surprisingly smooth and steady (considering he had already drunk half the quantity of Firewhisky that had been mixed with pumpkin juice), Lily Evans, don’t listen - hic - marry me!"

Lily’s giggling subsided and she was watching James as he tried to keep his kneeling knee from collapsing. Then she offered him her hand and said with an oddly-knowing voice: "Of course, James Potter."

James gave a huge grin and Sirius, realizing he wasn’t the centre of attention anymore, stood up and heaved his friend in his arms, shouting with all his might: "But I’ll be best man!"

---

Lily watched James flying, hidden behind the curtains of her window; she hadn’t noticed him at first - the Quidditch pitch being on the other side of the castle - but the boy soon flew purposely towards Gryffindor tower. She sat herself more comfortably on the windowsill and hugged her knees, sighing. Her eyes fluttered towards the window, searching for Potter through the rain. She couldn't see him anymore; perhaps he had returned to the Quidditch pitch. She smiled slightly to herself; she'd noticed how the raindrops had all fallen away from James. He must have used 'Impervius!'. She remembered teaching last year's Gryffindor team that spell to deflect the rain. She also remembered quite vividly the aftermath of the final. The Firewhisky, Celestina Warbeck's awful songs, Sirius asking her to marry him and James...Oddly, the fact that James proposed didn't linger in her mind. What had happened after that she was significantly more aware of.

She twisted around, looking at the dormitory. It hadn't happened in this room but in the boys' dormitory. She remembered every second...

---

The low rumble of snoring could be heard along with the rising and falling of someone's breathing chest. James felt himself stir and grudgingly made himself wake up, if only because what he assumed to be a foot was now tickling his ear. He wrenched open his eyes and rotated his head to the right where, sure enough, Sirius's big foot was not letting him sleep. He sat up slowly, aware of the dull throbbing pain in his temples. As his eyes adjusted to the faint light coming through the windows, he took in the scene around him. Every single Gryffindor seemed to be peacefully sleeping in the Common Room, one on top of the other, all either on the floor or hanging of the edge of an armchair. He gave a small smile and massaged his stiff neck.

Though he was dead tired, the thought of falling asleep on the floor again and the possibility of finding himself with more than Sirius's foot all over his face made up his mind for him. He would go to the sixth-years' dormitory and sleep quietly in his bed, more comfortable and relaxed than any of the silly sods in here. He pushed his glasses up his nose and felt his way to his legs that someone was apparently using as a pillow. A mane of thick long hair got tangled in his fingers and a waft of a sweet flowery scent floated to him. He froze. He knew that scent. That meant that the person lying sleepily beside him was none other than-

"Lily?" he whispered. A low groan told him his guess was right. He patted his jean pockets and pulled out his wand, casting light over Lily's sleeping figure. His heart thudded dully in his chest. "Stop that," he muttered to himself.

Now what was he going to do? He had to get up - a cramp was already forming on his backside - but he didn't want to disturb her. Also, he couldn't help but notice that most of the people surrounding Lily were boys - and the thought of leaving her alone among them made him ground his teeth. There was nothing for it; he would have to take her up to her own dormitory. Surprisingly - for this wasn't something he experienced often - he felt himself cringe at the thought of holding Lily in his arms.

After a few minutes of struggle - Lily had apparently had so much drink that she wasn't fully conscious but was fit enough to punch him blindly - James managed to pull himself upright, holding Lily gently between his arms. He caught his breath as she moved - but relaxed almost immediately as he realised she was just nestling closer to him. He carefully made his way through the rest of the sleeping students, stumbling only slightly not because of Lily's weight - she felt like a feather - but because he couldn't make out whose limbs were where. The problem struck him as he stood in front of the stairs of the girls' dormitory. Of course! How was he going to get her to her room? The stairs turned into a slide when boys climbed it. Sirius had proven this on a number of occasions. James cursed Godric Gryffindor at that moment; were boys so untrustworthy?

He glanced down and felt his anger melt away as he watched Lily breathe slowly. Her red hair was stuck onto her face and her eyes were hidden behind their eyelids but she was still beautiful. Still an angel...Of course, when she woke up, she wasn't much of an angel - especially when talking to him - but right now...he could stare at her forever...James shook himself. What was he doing? He could stare at her forever? For a long time maybe but staring at someone forever - particularly a someone who hates you - was most politely called stalking. He sighed. What should he do now? He considered depositing her on the floor again but dismissed the idea instantly, not least because he could not stand the idea of her being so far away. He scowled at himself; there was only one thing he could and would do. There were no other boys in his room, he tried to persuade himself, and there was no way he'd do anything to Lily even if he was drunk. He looked down at her again and felt dizzy. Damn her, he thought. How could she do this even when she was sleeping?

He barely struggled a step as he climbed the staircase to the boys' dormitory. At last he reached his open bedroom and lay the sleeping Lily on his bed after a moment of hesitation. Then, feeling only a little foolish, he pulled the bedcovers over her, tucking her in like a baby. He smiled as she snuggled to the pillow. He wanted more than anything to have had the courage to lay beside her but he knew he'd never do something like that. Instead, he sat quietly at the end of Sirius's bed, eyes never wavering from the sleeping beauty on his bed.

"I meant it, you know," he whispered to no one. "I meant it."

His eyes fluttered shut when he couldn't resist sleep anymore. He didn't see the smile forming on Lily's face.

---

James shook his hair vigorously and patted his damp clothes. The rain had done him good. He felt lighter somehow; as if everything that had weighed him down had been washed away. Well, almost everything. He couldn’t lie to himself.

He couldn’t face climbing up to the dormitory. He was too tired and the fire that was ablaze in the Common Room looked inviting. James laid down his broom on a nearby table and sat on one of the armchairs near the fireplace. The house elves had obviously visited Gryffindor Common Room before he’d returned; there was no sign of the customary rejected homework sheets or of any leftovers from food stolen from the kitchens.

James yawned widely. He was leaning comfortably on the armchair, adjusting the cushions, when he heard a sound from the direction of the dormitory staircases. He groaned quietly; he wasn’t feeling particularly friendly tonight. He turned his head so he could get a good view of the stairs and half-closed his eyes to hide the fact that he was awake. The footsteps grew louder and suddenly a dim light appeared at the doorway of the girls’ dormitory entrance. James opened one eye, wondering who of the girls would be in the mood for a nighttime stroll, especially at this time of night; it was almost four in the morning!

The footsteps stopped just before the doorway revealed who the girl was; only her hand could be seen from where James was. But that was enough. He took an intake of breath. No, anyone but her, anyone at all, but her… Lily came down slowly, looking both ways to see if she was alone. James felt his chest ache again, as he took in every small detail of her; the pain was physical now. Her burgundy hair fell lightly on her shoulders and her eyes glittered strangely in the darkness. She was wearing a white sweater over her checked pyjamas and was holding her wand high, its tip glowing with light. James debated on whether to reveal himself but Lily made the decision for him. Her wand tip lit over his armchair and he had seconds to decide.

“Potter!” she whispered at his seemingly sleeping figure. She bent nearer to him; he could smell her sweet perfume. Then something happened he had certainly not expected. Lily reached out a hand to stroke his wet hair, slowly and gently. James tried to steady his breath, feeling panic-stricken. The standing girl next to him sighed and pulled her arm away.

Her voice sounded resigned. “I know you meant it.”