"Where are you
The sky seems
Empty of stars
Tonight"
-dj
This isn't a cliche. This isn't a rom-com where boy meets girl, girl hates boy, boy loves girl, and all of a sudden, girl loves boy back. This isn't the story of two beautiful people who fall in beautiful love and everything is wonderful and perfect, because this is a real love story, a story where people aren't perfect and where smiles don't always mean happiness. This is the story of James and Lily Potter. This isn't the story of "She hated him!" "Nah she didn't." This isn't a story told through flawed memories; this is not the story of Hogwart's Golden Couple because James and Lily weren't Hogwarts Golden Couple. This is the story of how it really happened, of how two flawed, broken human beings found solace in each other. This isn't some soppy romantic story, this is the story of human beings who weren't attractive and witty and perfect. This is the real story of James Potter and Lily Evans.
The sun was dawning slowly on May 14th, 1977. The children in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry awoke, some earlier than others, and began preparing for the day's classes. The day was a sunny one, and the 5th through 7th years lamented the fact that examinations were coming soon and they couldn't enjoy the nice weather. Robes were left unbuttoned and skirts were hiked up 3 inches too short. Detention was awarded to those who left homework undone, and a Gryffindor fifth year in Charms class was awarded 5 points for correctly performing a cheering charm. This far into the year, it was uncommon to hear the clink of the rubies against the bottom of the gold hourglass. This strange noise prompted a Gryffindor sixth year, Pamela Wood, to move closer to hourglass and investigate. There was a moment of silence and a scream sounded throughout the castle.
Another sixth year winced immediately after Pamela finished screaming, almost as if he heard her, although that was impossible. He was four floors above her in the office of the Headmaster of Hogwarts. The usually twinkling eyes of Albus Dumbledore stared down at Sirius with an uncommon sternness. Sirius Black gained the uncontrollable urge to laugh, although that was instantly quelled with a look at his best friend. Well, he hoped James Potter was still his best friend. If the cold fury emanating off James was any hint, he could start calling James his ex-best friend from now on. The sound of a voice talking aroused him from his thoughts. "Snape," he snarled in his thoughts, but unfortunately, Snape hadn't yet learned Legilimency, so he didn't stop talking. "I don't understand Professor," Snape said in his silkiest voice. "What do you mean, Mr. Snape? What haven't I made clear?" The anger in Dumbledore's voice was clear, and it scared Sirius just hearing it. "Well," began Snape slowly, "I understand why Black over here is being punished, but why isn't the wolf being expelled? I mean he could've killed me! How he was let into the school in the first place is beyond me, but shouldn't the beast be expelled or even put down. He isn't human, he is a danger, but he isn't even being punished? That's ridic-…" Snape stopped with a look at Dumbledore. If the Headmaster was angry before, it was nothing compared to now.
The waves of fury coming off the Headmaster were so terrifying both James and Sirius gave unwilling shudders. "Mr. Snape, Mr. Lupin cannot control what he is. I know that Mr. Lupin has been nothing but kind to you, even if his friends haven't, but there is no reason to speak of a fellow human being in that way. That kind of stigmatization is the reason I need your word that you will not share the contents of last night with anyone." Snape spluttered, "My word? Bbbut, people must be warned about this! You can't possibly…" "Your word, Severus," Dumbledore interrupted. Snape's protests were quelled with a look. "Fine," snapped Snape mutinously. "Mr. Potter, I applaud you for your bravery. I do not wish to undermine Mr. Black's punishment by awarding you points, but I will give you a plaque commemorating your services to this school, and next time you answer a question in class, I daresay you will be highly rewarded for it. James and Severus, you may go. I am releasing you from class today, so please get some rest. If need be, ask Madam Pompfrey for a Sleeping Draught," Dumbledore said with a tone of finality in his voice. James left the office quickly and Snape followed.
"Mr. Black," continued Dumbledore, "this is a serious offense. You not only endangered the life of another student, but almost caused one of your best friends to murder or Turn someone else. I cannot impress the seriousness of this. Besides losing your house all of the points they have, you will complete weekly detentions for the rest of term, and you will not be allowed to play in the Qudditch Cup against Ravenclaw. You will also not be allowed on the Qudditch team next year," Dumbledore paused as if wondering how to phrase his next statement. "Normally, we would write home, and you would plead your case to the board of governors, but I do not wish to inflict more embarrassment upon Mr. Lupin." Dumbledore's voice softened slightly. "Mr. Black, you have to understand that your actions are not one of a sane person. I cannot fathom why you think this is ok, but do not think you are getting off easy." "I know Professor, and if you can believe it, I really am sorry." Sirius' voice cracked on the last syllable. Dumbledore gave Sirius a once-over, and dismissed him. Sirius walked aimlessly before collapsing in a corner on the 5th floor, just outside the Hospital Wing. The extremity of what he did finally sunk in. He had just lost his only family. Dry sobs racked his body as he shook back and forth, the weight of the world on his shaking shoulders.
A/N: Reviews are love, and I hope you enjoy this story. I know I will enjoy writing it. Next chapter will be up shortly.