"It's so great to be partners with one of the Marauders. They make everything more fun, even potions," she said loud enough for Lily to hear.

Lily tightened her jaw not wanting to say something that she would regret.

"It means a lot of things to be partnered up with a Marauder, Russel," she heard Sirius say, "The best part of it is that you never know if we're laughing with you, or at you."

James gave her a nod and walked down the hallway and through the doors. Madame Pomfrey promptly came out of her office and placed a hand on her hip when she saw him. "I was wondering how long it would be until I saw you in here."

"Comfort her?" James's eyes narrowed. "All this week I've been noticing that you two are a lot closer than I used to think. She goes to you with her school and personal problems, her friends accepted you long before they started even giving me a chance... I changed a lot for her to like me, but I didn't know it would've been easier if I had just become you."

"You're pretty cute for a guy who thinks I didn't notice your friends buying fireworks," she smirked.

"You're pretty cute for a girl who only pretended to be interested in my favorite joke toys," he said.

“Awaken, my dear Marauders!” James’s voice rang through their dorm, “The time has come! This morning we will officially begin the reign of terror of the Marauders!”

“Got the food,” Peter said.

“Got the drinks,” Remus said.

“Got the guests,” Sirius winked.

“Morning class,” Slughorn greeted. “Before we start today’s lesson I’d like you all to line up at the back of the wall for partner switches.”....

“Uh-oh,” Lily muttered. James’s eyes widened when he realized what was about to happen.