------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Lily! You’ve received a letter!�

“Coming, Mum!� Putting down the book she had been completely absorbed in – Jane Eyre, one of her Muggle favorites – Lily Evans leapt gracefully from her room and excitedly ran downstairs. Her vivid red hair, which was often a cause for jealousy at Hogwarts, flew behind her as she hopped from one foot to the other.

As Lily reached the bottom of the staircase, she barreled straight into Petunia, her older sister.

“Watch where you’re going… freak!� Petunia snarled, but Lily said nothing as the older girl continued up the stairs. Her sister had been angry and jealous – though she would never actually admit it to the rest of her family – ever since Lily had been accepted at Hogwarts six years previously.

Shaking her head sadly, Lily continued into the kitchen, where she knew the mail would be waiting for her. Sure enough, her beautiful tawny owl Amber was awaiting her arrival. To Lily’s surprise, there was a pitch-black owl next to Amber, which she did not recognize in the slightest. Both owls had letters tightly clutched in their beaks.

Lily first took the letter that Amber was holding, and the owl immediately hastened for her perch in Lily’s small bedroom. Smiling slightly at Amber’s spirited impatience, Lily opened the letter, which turned out to be from Hogwarts. It was thicker than usual, causing Lily to wonder what could possibly be inside.

As soon as she carefully slit open the envelope, a shiny gold badge slipped out and gently landed on the table. Lily timidly picked it up and shrieked when she saw the large “H� inscribed on the surface. Just to be absolutely sure, she dug deeper into the envelope and pulled out a letter written in bold green ink. Her own green eyes twinkled in merriment as she skimmed the letter – she had been made Head Girl! Simply unable to contain her excitement, Lily shrieked again as she put the badge and the letter down on the table. Even though she had been a Prefect for the past two years at Hogwarts, she had been rather unsure about whether or not she would become the next Head Girl.

Just as she was about to remove the envelope from the black owl’s clutches, her mother ran into the room. She was astonished to see that the house was not falling down after her daughter’s scream; rather, the red-haired girl was grinning up at her.

“Lily, what in the world happened here? I thought the house was burning up!�

“Mum, oh Mum, you’ll never believe what came in the mail! I got Head Girl!� Lily’s mum, who knew all about Hogwarts at this point, smiled proudly at her daughter.

“Congratulations honey, I knew you would get it. Well, I have to go back outside to tend the garden. Enjoy your happiness, sweetheart.� Her mother smiled again and walked out of the room, leaving Lily to contemplate the remaining owl once more.

Still grinning to herself with a sense of accomplishment, Lily took the letter from the black owl. As she did so, she found herself hoping that it would be from her dear friend Remus Lupin To her bemusement, the black owl stayed put, as though it was waiting for her to write a reply. Lily curiously turned the envelope over and was slightly disappointed to find an unfamiliar slant, rather than Remus’s untidy scrawl. She nervously opened the letter and gasped in surprise as she noted whom it was from:

Dear Lily,

I know you will be shocked and possibly furious upon opening this, but I beg you to hear me out instead of tossing this parchment aside.

I am writing to tell you that I have been made Head Boy, and I am positive that you are Head Girl. After all, there is no one smarter, more beautiful, or a better leader than you are.

As much as you probably despise me, please don’t think that this letter is simply a prank or ploy for your attention. I sincerely assure you that it is neither of those things. As the Heads for our seventh and final year at Hogwarts, I wish to call a truce. This request may anger you, and you may wish to never lay eyes upon me again, but I hope you decide to give me a chance. Write back and tell me what you think; it would be so much easier to carry out our duties this year if we maintain something akin to friendship.

I will listen to whatever you have to say. I hope you are having a wonderful summer, Lily Evans. Remember: I’ll be waiting impatiently for your owl.

~With Love,
~Yours Forever,
~Sincerely,
James Potter

Lily stared, dumbfounded, at the letter. She read it twice more just in case she was imagining things, but she quickly realized she was not. She eventually found herself utterly and completely horrified.

Even though James – no, Potter, she reminded herself – had told her to not think his letter was a prank, that was exactly what she thought it was. After all, who in their right mind would make James Potter Head Boy? It should have been Remus who received the position. He was the smartest and most dignified of the Marauders, if not the most kind. In contrast, Potter was arrogant, pigheaded, rude, and played far too many pranks for his own good. In this he was not alone; Sirius Black often accompanied him.

Potter did get good marks, Lily admitted fairly, but he simply did not deserve the position… so what could she do about his letter? He wanted a truce – that in itself was a mature and shockingly un-arrogant thing to ask for, especially after all these years.

Lily pondered what to do, and in the end, she made up her mind. Grabbing a quill and a bottle of black ink from the kitchen counter that she always left there for special situations such as this, she wrote a brief response to the letter:

Potter,

A truce? Very well. But does this mean I must start calling you “James�? Anyway, congratulations on becoming Head Boy. I was sure it would be Remus, but I suppose I’ll have to deal with you instead. However, keep this in mind: If you display any arrogant behavior or anything that would get your position taken away from you, I will never speak to you again. You have been warned.

~Sincerely,
Lily Evans


Putting down her quill, she tied the letter around the black owl’s claw and watched as it soared away through the open kitchen window. Lily knew her response had been indescribably rude, but she couldn’t help it – James Potter didn’t deserve her kindness. He was a prat, and she managed to convince herself that he would always be one. She pushed away the little voice in the back of her mind that pointed out how mature James had been by sending her the letter in the first place, and headed upstairs to continue reading her book. The plot, unlike her life, was imperfect and simply wonderful because of it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James Potter gazed out his bedroom window, nervously running his fingers through his already untidy black hair. Next to him, his best friend and almost-brother Sirius Black lounged on his bed reading Wuthering Heights. Though he would admit it to nobody but James, Sirius was rather fond of Muggle romance novels. He felt as though they were the complete opposite of his own life, and he was certainly not complaining about that. As a permanent bonus, they would probably also annoy most of his family.

Meanwhile, James was anxiously waiting for the return of his owl, Verity. He knew the name was rather obscure, but he couldn’t help himself. He was trying to get Verity’s name as close as possible to the French word for green (vert), because that was the color of Lily Evans’s eyes. And he loved those eyes with a passion.

Suddenly, he saw a black speck in the distance. It was Verity! He poked Sirius in the shoulder and gestured maniacally out the window when the latter irritably glanced up.

“Lily wrote back already, Padfoot! This is a crazy day.�

“Indeed. Evans actually responded to you. I am surprised,� Sirius said mechanically, and returned to his novel.

Verity flew into James’s room and landed on her owner’s shoulder, lightly and affectionately pecking him on the cheek. He ruffled the gorgeous owl’s feathers and lifted her to her stoop. She cooed thankfully and promptly proceeded to sip all the water from her bowl.

James then stared at the letter as though it were a bomb. Or even worse, a Howler. Sirius noticed this and grabbed the envelope right out of James’s hand, sliding it open and taking out the letter in the process. Before James could so much as open his mouth, Sirius grinned.

“You’re in luck, Prongs. She actually wrote you a response and it’s not going to explode!�

Frowning at Sirius, James took his letter back and read. He read it again and just to make sure he wasn’t imagining the beautiful calligraphic writing, he read it a third time. After he was done, he looked up with a confused expression.

“So… she writes me a letter that’s shorter than any note I’ve ever seen… and she still manages to insult me, threaten me, and refuse to call me by my given name. Oh Padfoot, why did I have to go writing all those nice things about her? Why couldn’t I have just told her I was Head Boy and that I wanted to make a deal with her? WHY?� Sirius merely rolled his eyes.

“Mate, I’m pretty sure that anything you know how to say to Lily Evans includes a compliment. You’re just unable to speak otherwise. So don’t be so hard on yourself. At least she replied!� repeated Sirius, hoping more than anything that James would shut up so that he could continue reading.

James groaned, hoping his best friend was right. He didn’t think he could take another whole year of Lily Evans hating him. He thought back to the moment when he realized he loved her…

***

It was the first day of their third year at Hogwarts, and James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter Pettigrew had gathered in the compartment that was always reserved for the Marauders. No one had ever questioned this ownership, nor would they ever do so, because the Marauders were too popular to be argued with.

They had been playing a rather exciting game of Exploding Snap when Lily Evans had opened the door, annoyed. James ignored her at first, too immersed in the game to care about the entry of another person into their private compartment. When their tower of cards suddenly exploded, however, James turned around to look at Lily. Before she could say anything about how loud they were being, James’s jaw practically dropped to the floor.

Lily was – there was no other way for it – the most beautiful girl James had ever seen. He had mentally scolded himself for thinking such a lame thing about a girl, but he knew it was true. Meanwhile, Sirius had followed James’s stare and gasped slightly. He was certainly not smitten with Lily, but even he – the most popular wizard at Hogwarts – had to admit that she was quite pretty. Her red hair had grown past her waist over the summer, and her acne had completely cleared away.

Only Remus and Peter were unaffected by Lily’s appearance, and so Remus spoke first.

“Hello Lily! Did you have a nice summer?�

Lily, who had been blushing under the intense stares of the other two Marauders, smiled in thanks.

“Actually yes, it was wonderful! Petunia wasn’t nearly as annoying or rude as she usually is, and we went on a trip to America! It’s so different from here, but we enjoyed ourselves nevertheless. How was your holiday?�

Before Remus could reply, James cut in.

“It was great! The other three came over to stay at my place and we –“

“I believe I had intended the question for Remus, Potter. Please go on, Remus.� Remus looked uncertainly in James’s direction before speaking – the latter had been staring daggers at him ever since Lily had interrupted him.

“Well Lily, as James was saying, we went over to his house and played a lot of Quidditch for the most part. He and his parents were pretty awesome hosts – they took us to the Quidditch World Cup Final!�

“Oh, I’m sure that was terrific!� Lily smiled, but it did not quite reach her cold green eyes. “Well anyway, I came in here to tell you that you were being too loud!� At this, she glared pointedly at James and Sirius, who had the decency to look at the ground and apologize. After grudgingly accepting their apologies, Lily had strutted back the way she came, leaving James completely entranced in her wake.

Sirius, who had snapped out of his reverie as soon as Lily had yelled at James, tried to get James’s attention. The attempt was lost on him, however.

“Padfoot,� James remembered saying, “I think… I think I love her!�

***


“Prongs? Prongs!� Sirius waved his hand desperately in front of James’s face.

“Huh?� James said dreamily.

“What in the name of Merlin just happened to you?�

“I was thinking about Lily. Padfoot, I can’t wait to see her. I’ll prove that I’ve grown up this year. I will make her fall in love with me.�

Thankfully, Sirius’s mutter of “Big surprise� went unnoticed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Far away from the homes of both the Potters and the Evanses, a dark shadow slowly turned around to face a kneeling young man.

“What information do you have for me?�

“Potter and the Mudblood have been made Head Boy and Girl, my Lord. They will be more vulnerable this following year, as they will patrol the barren halls of the school at later hours than we could have ever hoped to find them.�

“Very well. We must soon put my plan into action if we ever hope to fulfill the prophecy…�

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You know, Padfoot, if I had known that you never wake up on time, I wouldn’t have let my parents take you in this summer!�

It was 10 AM on the first of September, and James was making frustrated – albeit half-hearted – attempts to wake Sirius up.

“Ugh,� groaned Sirius, “it’s not my fault. I’m normally an extremely punctual person. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.�

“You? Punctual? Since when? Back when you still lived at home?� joked James. However, neither Marauder failed to notice how all of the humor had mysteriously vanished from the air. Sirius turned to face James, fixing him with a weak glare.

“Prongs, I know it’s been three months since I ran away from home. But I keep thinking about Regulus and I…� Sirius stopped talking and embarrassedly looked down at the bedroom floor, leaving behind an awkward pause that the two best friends were not familiar with.

“Look, Padfoot,� James said gently, “I’m sorry about what I said. I wasn’t thinking. But you made an effort to convince Regulus that the Dark Side isn’t the place for him. That’s all that you could’ve done.�

For a long time, neither one of them spoke; they simply absorbed the renewed silence. Finally, Sirius glanced back up again. James was shocked to see that his best friend’s eyes were full of pain and remorse.

“Maybe we haven’t exactly acknowledged it this summer, James, but other than the occasional foul humor and Lily-pining… we’ve grown up too fast, haven’t we?

James realized how worried Sirius was; he never would have used his given name otherwise. Slowly, James nodded, letting the anxious words wash over him.

“Yes, Sirius. We have.�

They held their unsteady gaze for a few seconds longer, and Sirius grinned.

“Well, bloody hell. I have no intention of acting like a sullen prat for our last year at Hogwarts! I think I should Siriusly get ready,� he managed to say with a relatively straight face.

James smacked Sirius with a pillow and, after insisting that the “Sirius� joke had gotten old three years ago, left the room to hear his co-Marauder roaring with laughter behind him.

Ten minutes later, they were both packed and ready to go. After taking a rather long while to say goodbye to Henry and Emile Potter – who were both fairly old – they cracked identically wicked grins. For the first time in all their years at Hogwarts, they would be Apparating to Kings Cross Station. With one last look back at James’s smiling parents, they turned on their heels and disappeared instantaneously, leaving a patch empty space where they had been just moments before.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Lily… I understand that you’re Head Girl, but could you please explain to me what we’re doing at the station this early? It’s only 10:15!� Harold Evans, though certainly not irritated with his younger daughter, was fairly confused by Lily’s excessive punctuality.

“I need to set an example for the other students, Dad. I also need to be here before Potter.� Lily’s jaw was set, and she clearly did not want her intentions questioned.

“But isn’t he the Head Bo--� Mr. Evans abruptly stopped talking upon seeing the warning look clearly displayed on his wife’s face. “Oh, but of course, Lil,� he corrected himself hastily. Lily turned around and smiled up at her parents for being so understanding.

“I’m sorry Mum, Dad,� she said sincerely, “I know it’s hard having a witch in the family, but even after all these years, you haven’t complained once. I just hope you’re not mad at me for splitting up the family like I did, what with Petunia refusing to come within ten feet of me.�

Lily’s parents were speechless. Apparently, they had no idea their daughter was feeling so guilty and conflicted.

“Oh, Lily, sweetheart…� Genevieve Evans embraced her daughter and held on tight – she hated saying goodbye to her precious second child. Lily was always so thoughtful and sensitive; she just wished that Lily’s special talents hadn’t divided her and Petunia so.

“Lils, I expect you to write home to us weekly,� her father attempted to say sternly, but failed miserably in the process. At last he just gave her a weak smile, and followed his wife’s example by hugging her lovingly.

Lily didn’t quite know what to say. She opened and closed her mouth, before finally choosing her words. “You’ll stay with me until I have to leave, right?� Her parents quickly nodded and reassured her that they wouldn’t depart until she was ready. This was hard on all three of them – it would be the last time her parents saw her off to Hogwarts before she entered the Wizarding world as a fully qualified witch.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At precisely 10:45 AM, James and Sirius boarded the Hogwarts Express. By this time, the train was bustling with students earnestly searching for empty compartments.

“So Prongs, mate,� Sirius said casually, “ready to go get our compartment for one last time?�

“Sorry, Padfoot… I have to go up to the Heads’ compartment. We have to give the Prefects instructions and divide up the patrol schedule. I’ll be back here within the hour, though.�

Sirius initially looked disappointed, but he quickly brightened and said, “Whatever you do, mate, don’t go making a bloody fool out of yourself in front of Evans.�

James turned a bright shade of red and walked away, muttering to the heavens. Sirius could only smirk as he went the opposite direction, attempting to locate the Marauders’ famous compartment.

Meanwhile, James was having a tough time of getting to the designated location for the Heads and Prefects’ meeting. He broke up a bunch of duels that had been started over compartments, while at the same time kindly showing several nervous first years where they could sit and meet other people.

When he finally got to the Heads’ compartment, he prayed that Lily wasn’t already in there. Holding his breath, he slowly slid the door open. He automatically let out a sigh of relief – nobody was there yet.

He walked to the furthermost seat by the window and carefully sat down. Fishing around in his pocket, he withdrew his Head Boy badge and a list of all the dormitory passwords for the upcoming year. He pinned his badge onto his shirt just as somebody else walked in.

“Hey, Prongs. Have a good summer?� Remus Lupin said quietly, taking the seat opposite James.

“Hi, Moony! Yeah, I did. Sirius ran away – of course, I already owled you about that over the summer. He stayed at my place and we kind of just lazed around. Oh, but there was something I wanted to talk to you about.�

“Yeah?�

“Well, you know how I sent you a letter right after I found out I was Head Boy? Well, I sent another letter…�

“To who?� Remus asked, though he looked like he already knew the answer.

“To me,� said Lily snidely, as she entered the compartment.
To James’s utmost horror, however, Lily was not alone. Tate Voleur, a seventh year Ravenclaw, had accompanied her inside, and they were holding hands.

Before Remus or James could so much as open their mouths to respond to Lily’s remark, Lily had leaned up to kiss Tate. James felt his blood boiling as he watched the girl of his dreams kissing some stupid Ravenclaw git. How could he have forgotten that Lily had a boyfriend? What must she have thought when she read his letter?

“I’ll meet up with you later, Tate,� Lily whispered, giggling.

“Of course, Lils. And Potter!� he said loudly, glaring in James’s direction. “Stay away from my girlfriend, do you understand me? I’ll excuse that letter you sent her over the summer, since you probably just had a lapse in thought. But try anything like that again and you’ll find yourself somewhere you won’t want to be.� With another nasty look at James, Tate kissed Lily on the cheek and strolled out of the compartment.

James was finding it extremely difficult to fight the temptation to go pound Tate into a pulp. He caught Remus’s eye and the latter shook his head by a mere fraction, but it was enough to calm him down. He drew in a deep breath, exhaled, and said pleasantly, “Good morning, Lily. Did you have a good summer?�

If Lily looked surprised at James’s calm demeanor, she didn’t show it. Instead she said, “It was fine. Just fine, Potter.� James winced at her tone and her use of his last name, but did not say anything more.

Just then, the Prefects began filing into the compartment, and all tension between the Head Boy and Girl was quickly forgotten. The last person to enter was Severus Snape, and he also happened to be the last person James ever wanted to see. Although, he thought viciously to himself, Tate Voleur had just been added to the list.

“Oh-ho, so the Mudblood has been made Head Girl!� he said tauntingly as he sat down. They were several shouts of indignation from the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw Prefects, but the Slytherins simply sniggered.

Now James was really having a hard time restraining himself. He took another deep breath to calm himself and said, “Snape, that kind of language isn’t accepted from a Prefect, nor is it tolerated from anybody else. You should apologize to Lily.�

Neither Snape nor Lily was adept at hiding their surprise toward James this time. Snape had placed one hand over his wand, while Lily’s eyebrows contracted and shot up into her hair.

James, however, maintained a straight face and said, “Now, if that’s settled, we really need to get on with this meeting. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is James Potter and I will be your Head Boy this year. This is your Head Girl, Lily Evans,� he said, gesturing to the still speechless Lily. “We have with us today a list of passwords for each of the dormitories, so if all of you can come pick them up after the meeting, that would be appreciated. Now, we also have schedules so that each of you knows when you have to patrol. You will have to do this twice a week…� James rambled on, but all the Prefects were paying him their undivided attention – aside from Snape, naturally. Occasionally, he would glance toward Lily to see if she wanted to help him explain the proceedings, but she didn’t seem to know what to do. Never in his life had James seen Lily lack confidence, and now that he had, he wished he hadn’t. It was unnerving for a girl like Lily Evans to be rendered so speechless that she couldn’t even carry out her basic duties.

At long last, the meeting was over, and everyone except James, Lily, Remus, and Snape retreated from the compartment. Once they were all out of earshot, Snape turned to Lily.

“So, Evans, you just sat here for an entire meeting and let Potter here do your dirty work for you. You let him defend you. I’m disgusted,� he said. His angry façade had long since faded, but the disappointment was evident in his words.

“For your information, Snivellus, Potter here has just as much right to speak as I do. Although I will never be all right with it, he is Head Boy. He is an arrogant toerag who doesn’t deserve the position, but for whatever reason, Dumbledore chose him. It’s not dirty work; this is our job. Now, it would only be good for you if you were to leave.

Snape had finally run out of things to say, so he left the compartment without so much of a backwards gaze.

“Well, Lily, if that’s all,� said James, standing up and stretching his sore limbs, “I think I’ll be off. Coming, Remus?� Remus nodded and stood up to follow James, but Lily stopped him.

“Just a moment, Remus. I want to have a word with you.� Lily half-glanced at James, expecting him to get angry or look at her suspiciously, but he did neither of those things. Instead, he just nodded and walked off to the Marauders’ compartment.

“What’s bothering you, Lily? What happened just now?� Remus immediately asked, concerned.

“For whatever reason, Potter is actually being… civilized. This isn’t just an act, right? This is going to last?�

“Well for your sake, Lily, I certainly hope it lasts. But the only person you can openly discuss that with is James himself.�

“I just hope he stays how he is. I don’t want him ruining my relationship with Tate. He was mad enough as it was after James sent me that letter,� Lily said nastily. After abruptly hugging Remus, she left the compartment. Remus was left standing alone, shaking his head in a bemused manner. No matter how much advice he gave James and Sirius, he would never truly understand the female species.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Oi, Potter! Get over here.� James turned around to find Lily gesturing toward him. His heart leapt, but he was quickly saddened to see the furious expression on her face. He vaguely wondered why she had sought him out instead of Voleur, but he was quite sure he was about to discover the reason.

“Potter,� stated Lily.
“Lily.�

“I failed to say this earlier, but what you did back in the Prefects’ compartment was unacceptable.�

James was bewildered. He had been mature, he didn’t curse anyone, he had been tolerant of Snivellus, and he had defended Lily. What could he have possibly done this time? The confusion must have been displayed on his facial features, because Lily immediately resumed her tirade.

“As Head Boy and Girl, it is our responsibility to equally divide our duties. Taking over the Prefects’ meeting just because you think you’re the only one suitable to rule the school and trying to discipline Snape just because you thought it’d make you look good – why can’t you just stop being a pig-headed bully? And by the way, I can defend myself!�

Without waiting for a response, Lily turned and stalked off down the aisle to join Tate, who was waiting for her nearby. As James jealously watched the couple, he was left wondering why his very existence seemed to anger the only person he made an effort with.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I refuse to share a common room with you!� Lily cried furiously. She knew she was being fairly immature about the matter, but what else could she do? This was James Potter she was dealing with! The aforementioned James threw his hands up in frustration.�

“Look, Lily, this wasn’t my idea. And as should be obvious to you by now, it’s a part of our responsibility as Heads to cooperate.�

Lily looked livid at being told off by James Potter, even more so because he was being perfectly reasonable.

“Fine. Fine! We’ll share and I won’t complain, but don’t come anywhere near me!� Lily whispered menacingly.

“Why would I want to?� James shot back before he could stop himself.

Lily merely snorted in exasperation and turned to face the painting of Godric Gryffindor that was hanging at the entrance to the Heads’ common room.

“Ah, so the young lad and lady fair have finally agreed to stop arguing with each other!� he said boldly. “Did you hear them go at it, Salazar?� Lily and James looked at each other, puzzled, and then noticed that there was empty portrait right next to that of Gryffindor.

“Indeed I did,� said Slytherin, walking into his portrait and speaking as though making a remark about the weather, “and they, ever so rudely, interrupted my nap! Some of us do need some sleep, you know. We’re not all irritatingly brave insomniacs like you, Godric.�

“We apologize for disturbing you,� Lily said quickly, mortified at having angered the Founders of Hogwarts. Her attempts at making peace, however, were in vain. Slytherin merely shot her a contemptuous glare and walked right back out of his portrait.

“Forgive me for his behavior, Miss Evans. He has never taken kindly to Gryffindors. He would, I’m sure, much prefer Slytherin Heads. Alas, the poor soul. He does not yet understand, after this entire millennium, that we cannot have all that we desire.� He ominously shot a knowing look at James while saying this, and James turned slightly red in the face. “Anyway, what would you like the password to be?�

James was rather startled by this question. “We get to choose the password?�

“Well of course you get to choose the password! You’re the Heads of the school; surely you didn’t think that you would be denied such a privilege?� Gryffindor cried indignantly.

“Of… of course not, Mr. – er… sir?� James stuttered.

“You may call me Godric,� he sighed, laughing all the same.

“Oh! Well, Godric, I’d like the password to be --�

“Now just one moment, Lily. Remember, we have to agree on one. How about…� He trailed off, pondering the matter.

“Never mind you, I think the password should be something simple. Godric, as Head Girl, I am making the password ‘Reproba Somnium.’�

“What in the name of Merlin does that mean?� James asked, dumbfounded.

“False dreams,� replied Lily impatiently.

James was annoyed by Lily’s impertinence, but decided that if he was ever going to have a chance with her, he might as well listen to her. At the same time, he was rather fascinated by the password she had chosen, and wondered what could be going through her mind.

“Alright, that’s the password, then.�

“Very well. You may enter!� Godric said impressively, swinging open on the portrait’s hinges to permit them inside.

Lily didn’t even spare James a glance as she stepped inside the common room, but she suddenly stopped in her tracks and gasped. When James followed her inside a moment later, he understood precisely why.

The Heads’ common room was four times the size of the Gryffindors’, and ten times as impressive. There was a roaring fire across the room from them, in a glittering, golden hearth, and there were red and gold sofas surrounding it in honor of the Gryffindor Heads. Spread out along the walls of the room were portraits of famous witches and wizards. Below each portrait, they both noticed, were small descriptions of their various achievements, sparkling in the dim light of the room. Hanging in the center of the common room, about ten feet in the air, was a magical, glistening chandelier, coated in silver and gold. At the very end of the room were three plain doors, presenting an odd contrast to the magnificence of the rest of the room. None of them were labeled.

Forgetting about their earlier argument completely, Lily and James exchanged curious glances and walked over to the doors. It was the first time since they had arrived at Hogsmeade station and rode the horseless carriages up to the start-of-term feast that they weren’t yelling at each other, and James secretly found that it was a wonderful change.

James chivalrously permitted Lily to open the first door, and after rolling her eyes at his gallant gesture, she opened it to find a long, brightly lit passageway. She turned back to look at James with her eyebrows furrowed in apprehension.

“Well, do you reckon we should figure out where it goes?� he said. “It could hardly be something dangerous, considering it’s attached to this common room in particular.�

Lily nodded and stepped into the passageway, James following closely behind. They walked in silence for what seemed like fifteen minutes, though it was really only two or three at the most. James looked sideways over at Lily and was delighted to see that she had regained her confident expression. Unfortunately, Lily caught him staring at her and frowned. She then sped up, completely ignoring him.

James quickly realized that they were approaching the end of the passage; he could see a door up ahead that was similar to the one that they had left behind. Still not waiting for James, Lily tugged the door open and was immediately met with the a chorus of “LILY!� They had entered the Gryffindor common room.

Alice Gordon, Marlene McKinnon, Elysa Perks, and Jasmine Brown, Lily’s fellow Gryffindor seventh year girls and best friends, had just passed by the door to the passageway, which was conveniently hidden by an elegant tapestry. They rushed over to Lily, and they all began hugging each other and squealing. James couldn’t do anything but wish that Lily would act that way around him.

To escape the awkward moment, James’s eyes sought the Marauders, and a moment later, he hastened over to where they were sitting by the window.

“Prongs! When did you get here?� Sirius exclaimed, standing up and clapping James on the back. James greeted Remus and Peter and proceeded to describe the Heads’ common room and secret passageway. At the end of this explanation, the other three looked impressed.

“How come we never found it? We could’ve put it on the Marauders’ Map, right?� Peter queried.

Before James could answer, Remus replied, “I’ll bet it’s Unplottable, just like the Room of Requirement. Besides, from the looks of it, I don’t think that passageway is always there. What if there were Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin Heads? The passageways must change.�

The other three Marauders acknowledged this, and James couldn’t help but glance over at Lily, who was now sitting and gossiping with her friends by the fire.

Sirius followed James’s gaze and groaned. “Prongs, you’re still not over her? I know you continue to insist that you’re in love with her,� he said exasperatedly, as though being in love were a totally ridiculous idea, “but you have to move on! She’ll never even give you the time of day; why can’t you at least take notice of the other girls around this place? They’ll all snap and go out with you if you just say the word.� Sirius made this last remark rather haughtily, as though any girl would be blessed to go out with a Marauder. James had to admit that Sirius had a point, but he wouldn’t give up so easily.

“I know, Padfoot, but she’s just so perfect for me. I can’t imagine dating another girl when she’s right there!�

“In case you haven’t noticed, Prongs, Lily’s already got a boyfriend. Why don’t you give her a little space and see some other people? Maybe not being around her will make her focus her attention on you for a change,� suggested Remus.

“I guess… It wouldn’t be a crime or anything, right?� James asked worriedly of his friends.

Peter rolled his eyes. “Seriously, Prongs, it’s not like you’re cheating on her. She has someone else, and it’s only fair for you to see someone else too.�

“You’re all probably right. Wait here.� James strolled over to where Lily and her friends were sitting as the Marauders curiously watched him from their seats.

“Jasmine?� James said cautiously, addressing a petite, brown-haired girl with hazel eyes that were not unlike his own. He knew Jasmine to be an upbeat adventure-seeker – he was the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team on which she played Chaser – and she was also much more laidback than Lily could ever hope to be. Not that he minded this about Lily, but until Lily paid him heed, he would loosen up and see other people like his friends suggested.

“Oh, hey James! Have a good summer?� Jasmine, unlike Lily, had no qualms with James.

“Yeah, it was pretty great. Sirius was over at my place and we relaxed quite a bit. How was your summer?�

“It was pretty nice. I went to France and we went to some really interesting dueling clubs!�

James was intrigued – he had grown up in one of the oldest Wizarding families of the age and had never heard of dueling clubs outside Hogwarts. Deciding that this was all the more reason to ask Jasmine out, he smiled.

“You’ll definitely have to tell me about that experience some time. Anyway, I actually came over here to ask you something. Do you want to go with me into Hogsmeade next weekend? I know it’s only the first night back, but…� James trailed off.

“Oh!� Jasmine looked at Lily hesitantly, who was determinedly looking anywhere but at James. “Of course! I’d love to,� she finally responded appreciatively.

“Great! I’ll talk to you soon, Jazz.� Jasmine blushed slightly and nodded, turning back to her friends to discuss this newest development.

When James returned to the Marauders, they were all looking at him as though they couldn’t believe he was standing there. Noting their mingled looks of shock and pure awe, he said nonchalantly, “What?�

“Well, James... when I said to maybe see some other people, I wasn’t exactly referring to Lily’s friends,� Remus spoke up, aghast.

“Who else was I supposed to ask, some bloody, stuck-up, over-intelligent Ravenclaw?� James asked, thinking fervently of Tate and how much he despised the git.

“Well no, but… never mind.�

“Oi, this just won’t do. You have a date for the first Hogsmeade weekend before I do!� Sirius said, pretending to be infuriated. He then shouted over to Marlene McKinnon, another one of Lily’s friends.

“Hey, McKinnon! Hogsmeade next weekend?�

To everyone’s surprise, she shouted back, “Sure, Black!� Lily nearly fell out of her chair, and Remus just stared. Marlene and Sirius alone remained completely calm and collected.

Peter stared admiringly at Sirius. “How do you do it, Sirius? I mean… you didn’t even really ask her out. You just sort of… yelled,� he finished sheepishly.

“Simple, mate. No one would say no to me,� Sirius said arrogantly.

“I’m sure,� muttered Remus, and Sirius turned to face him, looking hurt.

“Moony, mate, why don’t you go ask Elysa to Hogsmeade?�

“No, I think I’ll retain some of my dignity, thanks Padfoot.� Not a single person noticed the way Remus was looking at Jasmine. And as far as he was concerned, they would never discover how he felt.

“Thank goodness someone here still has a brain,� Lily said as she passed Remus. James looked like he was going to say something, but he then remembered Jasmine and remained silent.

“Potter, are you going to come back to the Heads’ common room? We haven’t opened the other two doors yet.� James was mildly surprised that Lily had willingly chosen to speak to him, but he just nodded and stood up.

“Good night, mates. I’ll see you at breakfast,� he said, yawning slightly.

“’Night. I have to say, it’s going to be really strange not having you in our dorm anymore, Prongs.�

“Don’t worry, Padfoot. I’ll sneak up there once in awhile. Until then, do you want to keep the map?�

Sirius brightened and gratefully accepted the parchment that James extracted from his pocket.

“Well, I’ll be around,� he said to Remus and Peter. They bade him goodnight, and James turned to follow Lily through the passageway for the second time that night.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James woke up the next morning feeling considerably refreshed and reenergized. He gradually recalled the events of the previous night. It turned out that the other two doors had been the entrances to his and Lily’s dormitories, which were fairly similar to the ones in Gryffindor Tower, except that there was much more space with the absence of the extra beds.

He glanced over at the clock on his bedside table, and was comforted to know that he had plenty of time before classes started for the day. He rolled out of bed and got ready quickly before heading down to the common room that he shared with Lily.

Lily was sitting in one of the gold armchairs when James came down the stairs. She didn’t even so much as turn around upon hearing James approach her, so he silently walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder.

“What?� she said, not looking up from her book, which James saw was called Jane Eyre.

“I was wondering if you wanted to go down to breakfast. And incidentally, though I doubt you’d care, Sirius is interested in those books, too. ‘Classics’, I think he calls them.�

Lily looked startled by this interesting piece of information, but recovered and replied, “I’ll go down to breakfast in a bit. Alice and Elysa said they’d meet me here later.�

“Alright, I’ll see you in Transfiguration. That’s probably what we have first, anyway.�

James hesitated and wanted to say more, but he decided to end the conversation before it stopped being civil. As he made to leave the room, Lily stopped him.

“And Potter?� He looked back, wondering what she had to say to him now. “You better not have any ulterior motives in asking Jazzy out. She’s one of my best friends; hurt her and you’ll pay dearly, I assure you.� With that, Lily returned to her book, not noticing the impact her threat had on James.

“Okay,� James replied evenly, and he then went down to the Great Hall to join the Marauders for breakfast, not even noticing Godric calling out to him, as he was lost in his thoughts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Why do you think they asked us out?� Jasmine asked Marlene, as they got ready to go down for breakfast. Alice and Elysa had already departed to go meet Lily.

“Are you thick, Jazz? James is trying to move on. He’s been infatuated with Lily for years and I suppose he’s finally realized she’s never going to see him as more than an arrogant fool.�

“And what about Sirius?�

“Well, this isn’t really the first time he’s asked me out. I’ve been to Hogsmeade with him before. We’re kind of the same, you know, it’s funny. He goes out with a bunch of girls just for the hell of it, and I go out with a bunch of guys just for the hell of it, and in the end we figure out that none of them were worth it at all. We make the same mistake over and over, though. There’s never going to be anything serious between us,� Marlene said. She didn’t seem the slightest bit perturbed about her odd situation with Sirius, but Jasmine bit her lip anxiously.

“But… I know James isn’t over Lily. There’s no way, Marly! But I really do like him. What should I do?�

“James is really loyal, Jazzy. He would never do anything to hurt you on purpose,� Marlene said reassuringly. “Now, I have an idea. I think we should get Elysa with Remus, since Alice is already with Frank.�

“Won’t Lily feel left out, though?�

“Why? She already has a boyfriend. Why should she care who we go out with?�

“Well… It’s no news that all of the Gryffindor guys hate Tate. He’s kind of a jerk, you know. I don’t know what Lily sees in him.�

“She’s a poor, conflicted soul. We can’t do anything about it. Shall we go down to breakfast?� Marlene said regally.

Jasmine giggled at Marlene’s abrupt change in tone and nodded. The two of them walked down to the Great Hall, not noticing the shadow hovering right outside their window, listening to every word that had been said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What do you think you’re doing?� His eyes glinted with the malice that he had been attempting to hold back for months. His anger could no longer be contained in the mental barriers he had so carefully constructed for it.

“Why would you want to know? For all the world cares, we don’t even know each other.�

“So you’re pulling the old disownment thing on me, are you? Very rich, little brother.�

“You really should just leave, you know, before the others get down here and see you. It’s impossible to figure out what they want. Every time… they’ll just eat you alive.�

Sirius raised an eyebrow, and Regulus paled considerably upon realizing how much he had revealed. “Would they do this to you?�

“Don’t be ridiculous… it is you who is not one of them. You cannot claim purity of blood. You cannot escape their wrath.�

“I see that my last warning was completely lost on you, then?�

“I am not a child to be restricted in my endeavors.�

“I’m your brother. I have the right.�

“We’re not related, and it’s purely because of your decision.�

“Are you telling me that there’s nothing I can tell you that will make you realize what an idiot you’re being?�

“We have nothing left to say to each other, Sirius. Accept that.�

Sirius glared at Regulus, but his expression mysteriously softened for a single moment.

“Remember, you can hate me all you want, but you can’t possibly believe that what you’re doing is the right thing.�

“It’s the correct thing.�

“They’re not the same.�

“I know.�

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Oh, sorry…� Lily murmured, not paying attention to where she was going.

“You must be distracted, to pay me an apology,� said an excruciatingly familiar voice.

Lily glanced up from her thoughts to see Severus Snape standing in front of her, looking oddly pained.

“Oh, hello, Sniv—� Lily prepared to say scathingly, but Snape held up a hand to stop her.

“Please don’t. I know you despise me now, but you have to understand that I can’t hate you. And I don’t want to hear the contempt in your voice.�

“What do you think your Slytherin buddies would say if they heard you talking to a Mudblood?�

Snape winced and looked down at the floor. “You wouldn’t believe me, but they can say what they want. I’ve always been the black sheep of Slytherin house; a few more differences between me and the rest of them would fail to change our situation at present.�

Lily was at a loss for words, but even if she had a response in mind, she would not have been able to give it, for James had been approaching the two of them from the opposite end of the corridor. Snape made to leave, but Lily stopped him and gestured for him to stick around. Waiting in apprehension, Lily searched James’s face for some sign of disgust or anger, but none appeared. Instead, he merely glanced at the two of them before continuing on his way. At this point, Lily could not stop herself.

“Wait!� The word slipped from her lips before she could prevent it from doing so.

James turned around to face Lily. “What?�

She searched his face once again. “I… I… Aren’t you going to say something? Do something? Anything?�

“Why would I?�

“Because you’re you! Because you’re James Potter, and you never let a Slytherin off this easy.�

“You’re speaking with him, aren’t you? That would be rude of me.�

Lily stared at him, her mouth agape in confusion. James was not behaving like himself. Or rather, he was not behaving as Lily expected him to. He was acting as the Head Boy should, and Lily was not accustomed to this.

When James realized that Lily was not going to respond, he took it upon himself to explain his actions, while completely ignoring Snape’s presence. Luckily for him, Snape thought it wise not to speak.

“Lily, you need to understand that I’m not the same person you’ve known and hated for the past six years. I have tried to tell you that a countless number of times, but you haven’t been listening to me. I’ll tell you again, now, that I’m not the same person who attacks every Slytherin he sees, and who fails to follow through with his responsibilities. Not everything is about you and what you want to happen. You need to learn that now, or the future’s going to be impossible for you to live. As for him, there – � James gestured to Snape – “don’t break his heart the same way you ripped mine to shreds.�

“What do you mean, I ripped your heart to shreds?�

“Don’t play the oblivious card, Evans. You know how I used to feel about you.�

Used to feel… Used to feel… Used to feel. He used to care about her. He used to. The major implication of that statement that continually resounded through her mind was that he no longer did. For the longest time, she wished for this moment, and now that it was here, she was afraid. She was afraid for the past that she never had, and afraid for the future she might never have. However, she wasn’t about to reveal her fear to James Potter.

“I can’t believe you managed to make this situation about you. You’re so selfish, Potter. I thought you had changed for a moment there, but it’s clear you haven’t. You are such an arrogant toe rag.�

James shook his head sadly. “It’s hopeless trying to make you understand. What you see around you is different from what the rest of the world sees. I try to show you how I’ve changed, I try to tell you how I’ve changed, but nothing is ever enough for the Almighty Lily Evans, now is it? When you lose control of a situation, you find the need to put the blame on someone else, even though it all started with you. Why can’t you ever be happy with your lot in life?�

“Of course I’m satisfied with what I’ve got. What gives you the idea that I even wanted to listen to you rant right now?�

“You told me to wait, and so I did. If you actually wished me to ignore you, you might have chosen a better time to let me know. Later, Evans.�

Without so much as another backward glance, James continued down the corridor, a noticeably new spring in his step.

Still in a rage, Lily turned to face Snape once again. He was looking at her with pity, and she would certainly not condone this. Before she could say anything, however, he spoke.

“You care about him.� It wasn’t a question.

“How could you say such a thing? All those years that we were friends, the first thing you could know for sure about me was that I hated James Potter.�

“You don’t. I wish it weren’t true, but you have to understand what you become when you’re with him. You don’t want to let him leave.�

“What do you want me to do?�

“What I want and what’s best for you are definitely not the same.�

“Then what do you suggest I do?�

“Open your eyes and realize that what you have is perhaps the best gift you could ever ask for. Something I will never have.�

Lily sighed. “I can’t accept a different reality from what I have. You know about Tate, I’m sure.�

“You’re not happy.�

“I’m not upset, either. Tate’s wonderful. Only you could figure out that life isn’t a fairy tale for me now. We may not be friends anymore, but you know me better than any of the Gryffindors.�

“We’ll never be friends again, will we? And it’s all my fault, too.�

“Friends, no. But I don’t hate you anymore; I hope you’ll remember that.�

“If I forget, I might just do something that I’ll regret.�

“You’ve already done the worst. What more could you do?�

Snape glared at Lily, hurt not by her words, but by the truth in them. He could not believe how well they understood each other, even now. Yet, he would never receive the opportunity to make amends.

“I could lose myself forever, and even Dumbledore couldn’t save me then.�

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You did what?� James and Sirius were sitting in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room, skimming the Evening Prophet while discussing the afternoon’s events.

“I confronted Regulus today, and even though I didn’t get anything out of him, I learned a lot.�

“Like what?�

“Like the fact that he’s frightened. He may not have admitted it, but the other Death Eaters intimidate him. He covered up his slip by giving me the usual “you’re not part of the family� speech, but it worries me.�

“Did you see Snape today?� James asked suddenly, not really focusing on Sirius’s words.

“No, why?� Sirius replied, now concerned. James had a faraway look on his face, as though he was lost in some disturbing thoughts.

“I dunno, exactly, but I saw him speaking to Lily today. Well actually, I passed them in the third floor corridor and I wasn’t going to stop, but Lily called me back. I have no idea why she did it; it’s as if she wanted me to hex Snape or bother them or something. It seemed as though she expected me to do something like I would have done in the past.�

“She hasn’t changed a bit. That’s why she can’t tell that you have.�

James smirked slightly. “I never thought I’d see the day. Lily Evans, judging others. And all the teachers think she’s some sort of angel in disguise.�

“You don’t believe a word you’re saying. Are you actually going to act like you’re over her now?�

“What, don’t I seem like I am?� James said bitterly.

“I know I told you to move on, but I don’t like what it’s done to you. You changed for her, Prongs. You can’t forget that. If she isn’t grateful, then she doesn’t deserve you. Nevertheless, she has to realize what you’ve done for her. It was more than what most blokes would have done for a girl.�

“I have Jasmine now.�

“Even she doesn’t believe it. Marlene told me that Jazz is worried – worried that you’re using her to get over Lily.�

“Well, we are going into Hogsmeade on Sunday – wait, that’s tomorrow. This first week back has been nice with Jazz. I don’t think she should be worried.�

“Oh yeah, I’ve noticed. You ditched me for her in Transfiguration and Potions! Old Sluggy was thrilled to see you two hitting it off, and McGonagall looked as though the sky was falling down.�

“Maybe it’s time, then. Lily doesn’t care about me, and I’ve found someone who has.�

“You’ve only known Jazz for about a week, Prongs.�

“That’s not true!� James protested. “I’ve known her since first year.�

“But when have you ever shown interest in her?� Sirius shot back.

“What’s got your wand in a knot? Do you have a problem with me fancying Jasmine?�

“I don’t, but I know someone who does. I want you to think about it. If you’re actually into Jazz, then fine. However, there’s someone else who would love to be in your position right now, and if you’re just taking advantage of her, then he’ll murder you. Wait, he’s too nice to do such a thing. But he’ll never forgive you, that I can promise.�

“What are you talking about, Padfoot… I think I would know if one of our friends liked her, too.�

“Well, I guess you don’t know the Marauders as well as you thought, then,� Sirius retorted.

“You’re just upset because of your conversation with Regulus.�

“Oh, don’t act like you were actually paying attention when I was telling you about that. It’s always about you now, but when it conveniences you, you’ll pretend to be attentive. You may have changed for Lily, James, but you’ve changed with your friends, too. Only in this case, it hasn’t been in a good way.�

James was at a loss for words. He and Sirius rarely argued, and even when they did, it was generally never serious. He couldn’t fathom why Sirius was making such a big deal about the situation, and before he could respond to his remark, Sirius had abruptly departed for the boys’ dormitory.

On the other side of the room, by the windows, Remus had been watching James and Sirius’s argument while hiding in the shadows of the curtains. He was touched to see Sirius stand up for him, but disappointed that James did not take the hint. Lately, James did not pay attention to anything, and quite surprisingly, the same could be said about Lily. The two of them had been wandering around the castle during their separate patrols rather aimlessly, acting completely lost to the world around them.

Remus wished they would both just get a grip and get together. James was still clearly crazy about Lily, and Lily was obviously, after six long years, falling for James. He couldn’t believe that he was the only seeing the connection between the two. The worst part of it all (for him, at least) was that in his half-hearted attempt to get over Lily, James had stolen the girl with whom Remus had secretly been in love for the past three years as quick as you could say “Quidditch�. It was so easy for James and Sirius to get whichever girls they so pleased, minus Lily, of course. He didn’t have that luxury, all because of his lycanthropy. Remus wondered daily how different his life might have been, how much easier, if Greyback had never bitten him. Perhaps he would be the one going into Hogsmeade with Jasmine, rather than James. Perhaps he would be the popular Marauder that everyone wanted to know. And maybe – just maybe – his friends would never have had to risk their lives for him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------