Disclaimer: Everything that follows belongs to J. K. Rowling, I am merely elaborating on her works.

A/N: This is my first FanFiction story, so PLEASE review or PM me! Comments, suggestions, criticisms- they're all welcome. :) I'd specifically like to know how you view the plot and characters- are they likeable and believable? Without further ado, enjoy!

Lily

When Lily left to return to her compartment after the meeting, she saw that a group of sixth years had hijacked the place, sprawling all over the seats. Among them was Martin McKinnon, the sixth year prefect and Marlene's borther. The two were versing one another in what appeared to be an overly competitive game of exploding snap. After each round the compartment erupted in cheers and catcalls, with the specators thumping the winner soundly on the back. Lily smiled, she was never suprised when it came to Marlene. Alice and Frank had been shunted and were squeezed into the corner, holding hands and exchanging shy smiles. There was absolutely no room left in the compartment. Lily sighed, she was better off patroling the corridor anyways.

After at least an hour of peering into compartments and scolding the occasional student, Lily leaned lazily against the wall, flicking her wand at a wandering fly . Her eyes drifted closed, and she felt that if she had a quiet place to sit she could easily fall asleep. Then a voice startled her out of her haze.

"Lily? Are you okay?" Her eyes snapped open to find Severus standing before her.

"I'm fine, thanks." She said coolly, straightening her blouse and tucking her wand into her pocket. She hadn't seen Severus all summer, and that was fine with her.

"Listen, Lily, I was wondering if we could talk?" When she didn't respond he continued. "You know, ever since I called you that terrible name back in fifth year I've been sorry, but it's been two years! You really can't forgive me for that?" Did he really think that's why she wouldn't speak to him? Frustration boiled up inside of her.

"Severus, I don't care what you called me- you're right, that was two years ago. But I do care that you associate with those filthly Death Eaters! They want to kill me Severus! Do you understand? They want to kill everyone like me!" He paused for a moment, obviously taken aback.

"Lily, it's not like that-"

"Not like that? Not like that?" She interrupted, her eyes widening incredulously. "I'll tell you what it is- it's sick!" She felt her face go hot and she clenched her fists. Severus had been her best friend, how had he strayed this far? He began to speak but she turned her back and and made to walk away, if she listened to his nonsense for another moment she might lose it.

"Lily," He called after her, jogging to catch up. "I've a whole compartment to myself. We don't have to talk if you don't want, but it's at least better than you standing out here."

"Get away from me!" She growled through clenched teeth. Blinded by her frustration, she stormed right into James , who was heading in the opposite direction.

"Whoa, Evans! What is this all about?" He asked as she tried to brush past him.. Then he spotted Severus behind her. His eyes hardened. "Is he pestering you, Evans?"

"Lily's tired and I'm offering her a place to sit, not that you'd know anything about that." Severus sneered at James. Lily turned and tried to warn Severus, but it was too late.

"You've just been standing out here, Evans?" Exclaimed James, looking apalled. "Come sit with us- we've plenty of space!"

"I prefer standing." She replied, eyes flashing.

"I insist, Evans!" James exclaimed, starting towards Lily.

"I'm fine!" She protested, glaring at both James and Severus in turn, but James snatched up her wrist and began tugging her back towards his compartment. She recoiled, attempting to wrench her hand out of his grasp, but he only gripped her tighter. She was already angry with Severus, but this- this was outrageous! Just as James pulled her through his compartment door she managed to evade his grasp.

"Lily, if you're tired I don't understand-" He began, but she cut him off.

"I'd much rather stand than be forced to sit with you!" She spat, exaggeratedly wiping her newly freed hand on her jeans. A voice in the back of her head was telling her that that was completely uncalled for, but her temper had gotten the better of her. "And you," she spun around as she noticed Severus slowly approaching, "give it up, we'll never be friends again!" She glared venemously at him before rushing past, away from both of the boys. As she stormed down the corridor she frantically scanned the compartments, searching for even a bit of floor space where she might be alone with her thoughts. After a few minutes she spied a spot and wrenched open the compartment door before plopping down next to a red-headed first year's feet. He was squeezed onto a bench with some giggling third years.

"Mind if I sit here?" She asked, forcing a smile as she peered up at his red locks and freckles. He shook his head, but looked at her quizzically before continuing to rifle through his collection of wizard's cards.