“Head Boy!” Mrs. Potter said, following Jazz’ lead. “Oh goodness. And I thought I was doing something wrong raising you,” she said, enveloping her shell shocked son into a hug.

“I’m surprised the Marauders didn’t throw a prank this year,” Lily commented offhandedly. “You’d think with this being their last first day of school and all, they’d do something to commemorate the evening.”

“I doubt McGonagall is going to appreciate that. Two out of the four are supposed to be role models.”

“It makes sense,” Jazz said, narrowing her eyes. “Think about it. No major pranks. No detentions. Oh, and he hasn’t asked you out recently, has he? Nope. In fact, it's getting disturbingly quiet... He used to pop out of nowhere, that James Potter...”

“Well I’m glad at least they are,” Sirius said, his tone shifting uncharacteristically serious. “You know, Jazz, I should be the one who plays your bodyguard. Not James or Evans…”

She snapped her book shut as she saw Jazz and Sirius walk in the farthest corners of the common room. Sirius's eyes were glued to Jazz' back as she shut the door behind her. His eyes never left that direction.

"Okay," Lily said. And as if overwhelmed by instinct, she closed the gap between them and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him as he lay his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.

"He'll be okay," Lily whispered to his ear, soft enough that only he could hear it. "We'll all be okay," she said.

“Well, let’s see… if we keep this up, we end up angry, and so we'll go back to our best friends to encourage them to break up with each other. And as if that isn't bad enough, we'll start growing animosity to each other, and because I am so head over heels in love with you, that might prove to be a slight challenge if I were to want to, say, go on a date with you some time,” Lily said.

“Be that as it may,” James said. “It’s all rather exciting. I haven’t had such an adrenaline rush since I was made Head Boy.” James said gleefully. “Haven’t planned a huge covert operation… You know, I was just starting to wonder if I’ve lost my touch.”

“Professor,” Jazz said, panicked. “You can’t suspend us. I know we trespassed and went off alone against school rules, but think about Lily!” She said, pointing to her best friend whose face had gone completely pale.

“Lily Evans,” she scribbled on the parchment as she read aloud. “I am bored off my pants. Mum and dad are at work fighting the forces of evil and I am singing Yuletide carols to my withering Christmas Tree. I hope you are having a better time. Give Petunia a big, fat, slobbery kiss from me. Love, Jazz.”

But mostly, he knew – he knew what his friends pointed out were what they observed, yet they couldn’t know what he was feeling – guilt, and an overwhelming desire to apologize to Jazz for everything. Everything he didn’t do.

“I know what you did last night,” Lily said, emphasizing every single word, as she looked as shock, surprise and horror was registered upon the faces of the last three boys.

“Ever heard that two worlds collide?” She laughed. “I think I know what I want to do now,” she said.

“What if I fall?” She said, apprehensively holding the broom.

“Then I’ll catch you,” James said, wrapping his hands around hers on the broom as he kicked off, the wind whipping in their faces and the familiar sensation of riding a broom overwhelmed him.