Lena scowled light-heartedly at him. “And now you’re going to eat the rest of Lily’s cake on her. How did you know we were here?”

Peter and James sat down, grinning at her. “A marauder never reveals his secrets,” Peter said in a sing-song voice.

 The hall was noisy, and completely normal. At the teacher’s table, most didn’t seem to care. Some were watching the students very carefully, like she was. But they, like her, couldn’t do anything about the commonplace, expected, almost playful bullying that was everywhere in their society.

Her heart felt like it was made of lead as she reached for her wand but the Slytherin boy already had his out, “Stupify!” The world went dark.

 She inspected one poster, the only one that didn’t move. “Beatles fan, huh? I knew there was a reason I liked you.” 

 

He grinned and pulled her close to him. Lily was very aware of his proximity, and the fact that he hadn’t kissed her properly since they had left Hogwarts.

Lily smiled without amusement. “I’m muggle-born, Pet. I’m below him in my world. I’m considered second-class there.”

 

She felt her sister’s eyes on her. “They don’t even accept you? Then why did you leave us?” 

 “You sure are chipper this morning.” James said, grinning as he reached for his glasses on the bedside table, infected by her good mood.

 

Lily thrust the letter into his hands. “Petunia sent me a letter!” She explained joyfully. “She wants to have dinner with us tomorrow night in London!”

James let out an irritated sigh and ran his hands through his messy black hair. “I’ve been dealing with them for a long time. I can handle it.”

Lily pursed her lips, unimpressed. “It doesn’t look like it.”