Author's Note: New story, new ideas. No promises on when I'll update though :P


Chapter 1: Discovered


Lily Evans sat at the very far corner of the Gryffindor Common room, but still close to the blazing fireplace. It was one of the few places she felt inspired. Scribbling furiously with a comfortably worn quill, she concentrated. She was almost done, when someone tapped her from behind.

Lily jumped, snapping her notebook closed, and turned to face the intruder. Her heart was pounding and she was scared that a stranger had discovered her secret hobby. She was going to give the person a piece of her mind for interrupting! But when she saw the person she breathed a sigh of relief. It was only Selene, one of the girls she tutored for Herbology (not one of Lily's best subjects, but she was decent at it and had more patience that insufferable James Potter to teach it). She was still a little irritated though, no one knew about her hobby – it was a way for her to relieve stress and she loathed to show her work to anyone. It wasn't very good, and intensely personal and private.

Lily straightened the gold rimmed glasses on her nose, and stood rigidly. "Yes Selene? Can I help you with something?" Lily tried to hide the black book behind her back but Selene's eyes were wide and focused on it. "Pillocks, she saw it," Lily thought.

"Lily," Selene breathed, her face filled with awe. "I didn't know you could draw like that!" she exclaimed.

The Head Girl winced, glancing around to see James Potter and his friends crowded around a table. She didn't want everyone to know! She didn't want any ONE to know for that matter. She moved her hand in a hush-hush motion. "Please Selene, if you don't mind, I'd rather not have everyone know about my pastimes. They're not that good anyways," Lily said quietly, hoping that no one had heard Selene's outburst. That was unlikely however as aforementioned James Potter and crew had their heads turned towards them.

Selene gave her a sneaky smile. "I'll make you a deal Lily."

Lily groaned. Since when were fifth-year Gryffindors supposed to be manipulative! And to think she helped her with Herbology!

"It's not that bad," Selene said sympathetically. Her eyes were shining with eagerness.

"Not a good sign," Lily thought. She recognized that look as one that James and his crew often got when they thought of an idea for a prank.

"Sketch a picture of…" she hesitated and lowered her voice a little, but she continued, "…James Potter for me, and I won't tell a soul about your little secret. I'll pay you for it too."

"Ugh," Lily thought. "Why me?" Selene was being reasonable, but it was James Potter! She couldn't stand the bugger! She didn't want to waste even a thought on him, let alone a stroke of a quill! She sighed. But she really wanted to keep her sketching a secret. It was the one thing she had to herself. And it wouldn't take her more than a couple of days to sketch the cheeky little bastard. Two days of blackmailed work, and she would be free to draw whatever she liked again.

She frowned at Selene. "I want you to know that I am only agreeing to your terms very reluctantly. I don't have a choice in this, but if that's what it will take for you to keep my secret. Although, I'm surprised you would manipulate me this way after all the help I gave you in Herbology." Lily gave her a pointed look, hoping that the girl would feel guilty enough to back down from her demand.

To her credit, Selene blushed. "I know Lily. I really am grateful for all your help. But you don't know how long I've wanted a picture of James. I have the biggest crush on him," she admitted.

Lily's resolve softened just a tiny bit. "So why not just get a picture from him? There's . . . Merlin knows more than enough floating around." She rolled her eyes, remembering the stupid git signing his bloody pictures for his adoring fans, not even being considerate enough to be quiet about it!

"He always has this arrogant smile though. I was hoping you could sketch a portrait of him that's more relaxed, more . . . personable, charming," Selene said shyly. "Besides, I've always been a fan of Muggle styled art work, and not the normal moving ones."

"Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do. But this is the last time for this sort of thing Selene," Lily said firmly. "I should have it done in a few days. See me at the end of the week."

Selene nodded eagerly and rushed off.

"Morgana's curses!" Lily cried, grabbing her things and stalked out of the room. What in the bloody hell had she gotten herself into?

"What's wrong with her?" Peter asked, voicing the question the other Marauders had as they watched the irate Head Girl curse under her breath and walk out of the room.

"No idea mate, no idea," Sirius said, shaking his head, and going back to the game they were playing.

James merely sneaked a glance at Lily before she left, his curiosity piqued.