Disclaimer: As my name is not J. K. Rowling and I'm massively in debt due to school loans, I think it's quite obvious I do not own Harry Potter.
One
It was the first warm day.
Not all places of course, but in much of England, it was the first warm day they had seen since September, unless you counted that unusually warm day in November, but generally, it was the first. People were flocking outside to lounge on the grass of Hyde Park, or sit by the water near Big Ben. Even in Scotland, there were lakes to jump in and regretfully climb out of shivering, and large willow trees to sit under and watch people jumping into said lakes.
Lily Evans was doing none of these things. She was huddled in the corner of a library pouring over the books that she had spread across a large wooden table. She did not know how nice it was outside, having been in the library since early that morning, when the weather was not cooperating in the same fashion. She was not aware of many things. The boy furtively sneaking glances at her through the bookshelves or the two girls lying in the grass discussing when she would realize how much fun she was missing for instance, escaped her. No, right now all Lily was aware of was how soon her exams were and how ill prepared (in her mind that is) she was.
James Potter was also doing none of these things. He was sitting across from Remus Lupin, staring at the book in front of him. At least at the moment he was. Once he noticed the sandy haired boy in front of him crinkle his forehead deeply involved in translating runes, he would glance towards his right. Through the bookshelves to his right sat a redhead. She was scrunching her freckle dusted nose and flipping rapidly through the pages of at least three textbooks, he couldn't count the number open on the table from his angle. "Achem." Across him, Remus was looking up from his book and at him disapprovingly. He quickly averted his eyes back to the book guiltily.
Dorcas Meadows was pacing in the seventh floor corridor. Back and forth she went growing ever more frustrated. Finally after what she decided must have been her twentieth time walking through the hallway, she stopped short. There it was, finally. She cast a look both ways and then pushed the door open and stepped in. She hated waiting.
Caradoc Dearborn was laughing. At the moment, he barely remembered a time where he wasn't. He gently nudged the giggling girl next to him and pointed straight ahead at the lake. She erupted into louder laughter than before, snorting along the way. She stopped and covered her mouth, slowly looking up at Caradoc. He leaned against the tree smiling at her stricken face. He suddenly lifted his hand pushing his nose so that it looked like a pig's snout. "Oink oink" he said in a monotone voice. After a second of continued staring up at him, the girl fell back into her giggles, bringing Caradoc along with her.
Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew however, were taking full advantage of the day. They were both dripping wet. Sirius Black had wanted someone to go in the lake. Peter Pettigrew happened to be walking alongside him discussing an idea for a prank when Sirius had processed that notion. After a struggle that took both by surprise, Peter because Sirius' shove was unexpected, and Sirius because he hadn't expected so much of a fight, Peter was in the lake. Not in accordance with Sirius' plans though, he was also in the lake. As he climbed out Sirius shook out his dark hair allowing the wet strands to fall across his eyes in a graceful, well practiced manner. He didn't notice Peter Pettigrew's smirk like Caradoc Dearborn and Emmeline Vance did. He did however notice when he was falling backwards into the still-feels-like-ice cold lake.
Mary MacDonald was thinking about her boyfriend. He was rather fetching. She was simultaneously talking with Marlene Jardine. Marlene was mad at their friend. Not really mad, just annoyed at her dedication to schoolwork, rather than her friends. Mary didn't mind Lily Evans' disappearance, as it was typical for exam period. She was trying to work her boyfriend into the discussion. Lily liked to study? Well funny as it is, so did Ben. Lily was still taking Potions? Maybe Ben was in class with her. It wasn't long before Marlene was annoyed with Mary too.
Edgar Bones was late. He ran through the halls cursing the long winded speeches of the Divination professor. He knew she'd forgive him, she always did, but he felt overly guilty and was sure the feeling would continue through their meeting. He stopped short in the hallway in front of a small door that matched the walls. He wondered what she was thinking. He pried open the door and entered, knowing he'd soon find out what she was thinking. He hoped she wouldn't yell for long.
It was the first warm day, but really, it was no different than the last cold day.
"What do you want?"
Lily was unsure of how many times she had spoken these exact words to James Potter. It had started the first day of Hogwarts, coming across on the boats. His response had been to get her away from the grease ball she was with. Her answer had been to call him a bully and shove him into the water. She had been the first in her year to have points taken away, after sorting of course prompting her to decide she shouldn't use physical force against him.
In second year his answer had been help with his Potions homework. She had acquiesced his request and they met in the library. After being hit by a glop of blue gunk, and firing any hex she could think of, Lily had decided that being nice was not an option.
Third year he had wanted her to pass him the potatoes. She had ignored him. He had asked louder, which she ignored. He had asked even louder, and began repeating himself in increasing volume until she, along with the rest of the Great Hall, could not reasonably fail to hear him. She tried to ignore him still, but ended up (accidentally) causing the bowl of mash potatoes to fly over and hit him in the face. She decided it was lucky she was at Hogwarts (she had already received warning letters about the statutes of secrecy), and that ignoring him wasn't effective.
Fourth year he had wanted to escort her to class. She declared that she was an independent woman and could walk herself to class. He caused her bag to split open and empty the textbooks she had been carrying, along with vials of ink and a few quills, to fall on the floor. Scooping them up he told her she needed a man to help her and stalked off with the contents of her bag in his arms. She wasn't sure what to make of the incident.
Fifth year he wanted a Hogsmeade date, each Hogsmeade trip during the year. She decided that there were several new ways not to deal with his answers including but not limited to, cursing him (he always managed to hit hurt with just as many), avoiding him (he seemed to know where she was at every turn), trying to date someone else (Amos Diggory was still mad at her for James Potter's reaction), and pawning him off on a friend (apparently none of them saw him that way).
It was now the end of Sixth Year, and Lily was afraid for his reply. In advance she began trying to formulate a new plan of attack, or escape, once he responded.
"To ask you something."
Lily blinked up at James, before sighing and turning back around to settle into her previous position on the couch. She readjusted and opened her textbook to the page she was looking at before the interruption while James shifted awkwardly from foot to foot.
"I don't want to go out with you. Go away."
"I wasn't asking you that." He said with an edge to his voice. Lily's eyebrow twitched the slightest bit, but she appeared to remain uninterested.
"Then what." Lily said still looking at the same page of the Transfiguration book.
"I just…" James paused and his face darkened. "Merlin never mind Evans." With those last words he walked briskly away, not noticing that Lily had finally looked up.
"What do you want?" Emmeline whined at her friend. "I have one week so I either have to place an owl-order by tomorrow or find it in Hogsmeade on Saturday. We leave the day after your birthday and you-"
"Emmy be quiet. You don't need to get me anything." The blonde boy said leaning backwards to lie on the ground. He had classic features, looking more akin to a prince than the average schoolboy.
"Caradoc" Emmeline continued, "You're my best friend. When in the 15 years we've known each other, have I not gotten you a gift."
"I think when we were three," he countered.
Emmeline smiled, "Actually you wanker, you took the head off my Celestina Warbeck doll so I decided that was your gift." They both laughed recalling the screaming fit Emmeline had thrown when she had come into her room to find Caradoc and her younger brother tearing the heads off assorted dolls. In their defense though, she had become frustrated earlier in the day and caused their toy brooms to splinter in half.
Caradoc sat up again, his eyes widened in delight. "There is something you could do for me Emmy. And you wouldn't even need to order it."
Her excitement visibly risen, she eagerly replied "What is it?" She leaned forward as if waiting for a secret to be whispered to her.
"Talk to Lily Evans for me?" He asked hopefully, "I wanted to ask her to Hogsmeade but I didn't want to start a rift with the Marauders."
"So why now?" Emmeline asked, disdain lining the undertones of her voice.
"They're not really speaking to one another, or rather to Black." Came the answer, "And Potter hasn't been rambling on about her for a month so I think I'd be in the clear."
Momentarily distracted, "They're not speaking to Black? Pettigrew and him are right over there horsing around?" Emmeline questioned.
"Ah well Pettigrew seems to have forgiven him for whatever it is." Caradoc said slowly,
"But when was the last time you saw him, Potter and Lupin together?" Emmeline bit her bottom lip trying to recall it. Changing the topic Caradoc said, "So Lily Evans, you'll talk to her for me, yeah?"
"What do you want?" Mary asked while absentmindedly twirling her hair. "No boys are good enough for you Marl."
Marlene opened her mouth to explain to Mary what she was looking for, before realizing she didn't really know. It wasn't that she needed a boy who opened doors for her and displayed perfectly chivalrous behavior, no she wasn't that delicate. It wasn't that she needed a guy to take her to fancy restaurants or buy her expensive toys; no she had never wanted to be a kept woman. She just wanted someone that was right.
Mary continued twirling her hair. "Ben is good enough for me. He's smart and funny and he's going somewhere." She let out a giggle. "And he's a bloody great shag." Marlene left her thoughts and rolled her eyes playfully at her friends comment.
"Sure Mary. Wasn't Jacob a bloody amazing shag too?"
Mary smirked, "I only date boys that are bloody amazing shags. What else are they good for?" Mary's lilting voice emphasized her view.
Marlene sighed, "Who knows."
After a moment of quiet, Mary stated bluntly "You need a shag." Marlene shot her friend a glare.
"I do not." With a cynical look from Mary, Marlene went on the defensive "At least it hasn't been a long time for me. Go annoy Lily. She hasn't been with a bloke in forever."
"Lily's crazy." Mary laughed, "She doesn't know the good mood and nice rodgering can put you in. You on the other hand," Mary wiggled her eyebrows at her friend, " have had Mister Black show you a good time."
Marlene gently shoved her friend, "I'm never going to live that down, am I?"
Mary laughed, "Our crazy little red head flew off the handle when you told her."
"I flew off the handle when I woke up realized I was starkers in Black's bed." Marlene smiled, "I think I vowed to never drink again."
"Until the next weekend," Mary added. Smirking she said, "Isn't it Caradoc's birthday Monday? The night before we leave?"
"Someone needs to remind the Marauders. A last night party would be perfect." Marlene commented, excitement bubbling up.
"Do you want to tell your ex-lover or shall I?"
"What do you want to do now Petey?" Sirius Black asked, while shaking out his hair. The black strands hung down across his face, heavy with water. Peter Pettigrew glowered at him, as the water sprung from his hair to spray the already wet blonde. Looking through his bangs, Sirius laughed at his friend before pulling out his wand and drying them both. Before Peter could answer, Sirius announced, "Kitchens."
"Good idea Padfoot." Peter agreed. A brisk pace, a few shortcuts, and one hidden staircase later, the duo had arrived at the portrait of a bowl of fruit.
Sirius bowed to his friend, saying "Would you do the honors?" Peter shoved his friend and reached up to tickle the green pear on the portrait.
Upon entering the kitchens, they were immediately ambushed by house elves, trying to discover what it was they could serve the two.
"I'm thinking butterbeer and a couple pumpkin pasties." Peter decided, before turning his head to face his friend.
Clapping Peter on the back, Sirius nodded consenting to the choice. He then sat down in one of the chairs at the replica of the Gryffindor table while Peter sat opposite him.
"How do you feel about pulling a prank tonight? It's been awhile since we've been in the Ravenclaw common room. " Sirius said lifting his right foot to push off against the table, and lean his chair on the back legs.
"I..uh..I'm gonna have to pass." Peter said, suddenly looking guilty.
"What for?" Sirius smirked, an expression he was well-known for wearing. "Meeting a girl Wormy?"
Laughing nervously, Peter apologetically replied, "I made plans with Prongs and Moony." Immediately Sirius dropped his right foot from the table, causing his chair to slam back on four legs. Jumping slightly from Sirius' abrupt reaction, Peter continued
"Maybe you could come? We're just hanging out in the dorm."
"Because they would love it if you brought me." Sirius replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Sighing, Peter asked, "Why don't you just apologize?"
Casting a look at Peter, Sirius snapped, "It's hard to apologize to someone when they avoid you and kick you out of your own dorm isn't it?"
"You can come back, probably." Peter sheepishly replied, "I won't vote this time, and Caradoc never did…"
Without a word, Sirius stood up and walked out. He was tired of this.
"What do you want?" Edgar said to the beauty lying next to him. "How can I make you want this?" Pulling the green sheets with her, the girl rolled off of his arm and onto her side, so that she wasn't facing him. "Dory come on."
"Do not call me that. I don't do pet names." Edgar sighed and moved closer to her.
Making a frustrated noise, Dorcas sat up, still bringing the sheets with her.
Gazing at her back, Edgar reached out a hand and gently tugged her arm. "Lie back down with me."
She moved her elbow out of his reach and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I don't have time for this Edgar. I need to meet my friends."
Edgar sat up against the headboard. "Why don't you just stay with me? We can hang out."
"We don't hang out" she scoffed, tying her long hair back into a pony tail effortlessly. Edgar's face hardened, recognizing the only way she'd respond. He hated this sometimes.
With a swift move, Edgar wretched Dorcas back on to the bed and loomed over her. He moved down to her ear and whispered, "What do we do then?" As she responded the way he knew she would, she always did, Edgar inwardly cursed himself.
"No."
"James. You guys have to forgive him."
"The fuck we do."
Peter had walked into the library to greet a sour James, ("Failed Lily encounter" Remus told him), and a pale Remus. Cautiously Peter had broached the subject of forgive and forget with their fourth friend. Remus had remained silent while James had vehemently disagreed.
"He lives with you James. He's our brother."
"He's not my brother and I won't let him come back. I won't." James stubbornly said. He crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair. Peter noted to himself, once again, how similar Sirius and James were. He highly doubted he or Remus could retain the casual position in the same way those two could.
After another few minutes of arguing between Peter and James, the latter had finally reached his breaking point. Standing up in a fury, he towered over Peter. "I will not forgive him." Breathing heavy he didn't notice all the looks he was getting from students interrupted from their studies, or the girl behind him.
"Yes, the mighty James Potter. Too comfortable on his high horse to forgive his best friend. What's it been, a month since anyone's seen you or Black screwing around?"
Turning slowly to face her for the second time that day, James said, "Evans, it's none of your business."
"Of course not," she said cooly, walking towards the exit. "But a word of advice Potter, you need your friend. You're just not the moron we know without him."