Well, it seems like the number of reviews I'm going to get has permanently stuck at 6, so I suppose I might as well post this.
It's a bit on the long side, but I hope you like it nevertheless :)
November 1976
Sixth Year
The bench was cold and unforgiving under Lily Evans's thighs as she slumped forward, burying her face in her arms and closing her eyes with a heavy sigh. Other Hogwarts students chattered around her as they ate their breakfasts, gearing up for another day of magical education. Lily, on the other hand, had had an incredibly late night studying for a Defense Against the Dark Arts practical exam and therefore was too tired to think, much less function like a normal human being.
Er... as normal as a sixteen year old witch could be, that is.
"Oi, you're getting your gorgeous hair in my eggs," Marlene McKinnon complained, pushing Lily's head away from her plate. The redhead in question mumbled something unintelligible as she shuffled an infinitesimal amount down the bench. Dorcas Meadowes sighed and grabbed a mug, reaching for the coffee pot across the table. Remus Lupin handed it to her with a smile, something which still made Dorcas blush despite a month and a half of dating. Mary MacDonald merely poked Lily in the head with her wand tip. "Not necessary," Lily ground out, finally lifting her head and blinking blearily at her surroundings.
Dorcas dropped two sugar cubes and a swirl of milk into the coffee before handing it to her; sipping it gratefully, Lily stared up at the owls that were now soaring into the Great Hall. A tawny owl landed in front of Mary and dropped a roll of newspaper in front of her; Marlene unrolled it as Mary rummaged around for two Knuts. "Any news?" Lily asked, looking over from her coffee with a guarded look.
"Three missing," Marlene reported, voice flat. "Over in Oxfordshire." There was a pause. Then: "Oxfordshire?" Dorcas repeated, face whitening as she dropped her spoon.
Marlene looked up, startled. "Yes, what - "
Lily snatched the papers from the other girl's hand and scanned the article. No familiar names jumped out at her. "It's not anywhere near your family, Dor, it's all right," she said quickly, reaching across the table to show her the paper.
Dorcas's body went limp quite visibly, Remus's arm going around her shoulders in a hasty attempt to comfort her.
"I'm surprised they even bother reporting it anymore," Lily said, sleepiness fading as she read the rest of the report.
"It's a tiny article on the side, look..."
"Bother reporting what?" Sirius Black's voice came from behind Mary and Lily, causing the two of them to jump as Marlene glared from the opposite side of the table. Sirius merely raised an eyebrow in the latter girl's direction.
"Missing persons," Remus replied, giving his friend a meaningful look from behind Dorcas's head. Sirius swung into a seat beside Mary, helping himself to Marlene's toast as he read the article upside down. Peter Pettigrew appeared just as Marlene yanked her plate away from Sirius, her scowl matching the one growing on the boy's face as he continued to read. "Oxfordshire," he spat. "Not so far from London. I'd bet my cousins had a little fun last night. And - yep, here's one, Bellatrix." Peter started at the name, casting a wild-eyed glance around the room as if he expected the woman to jump out from under Dumbledore's chair and attack him.
"What about dear Bella?" James Potter asked as he slid in next to Lily. She rolled her eyes as he grinned at her but made no other comment, instead choosing to pour more tea into Dorcas's cup.
"Apparently she was on the scene when these three pro-Muggle chaps were taken," Sirius said, contempt leaking from his tone. He stood up a little, toast in mouth, to look over at the Slytherin table. "Look at their faces," he scoffed. "Bloody smug, they are. Look at my rat of a brother, grinning at Snape like they've won a Quidditch match - "
But at the mention of Snape the entire group tensed; sensing this, Sirius sat back down and busied himself with stealing more food from Marlene. Dorcas started a conversation with Mary and Remus about a sale that Madam Malkin's was having in a day's time; Peter cast a quick look at James, whose expression had darkened; and Lily sat quite still as she pondered whether to eat kippers or bacon.
It had been several months since The Lake Incident, but sometimes the sting felt as fresh as if it had been only yesterday. After all, losing one's best friend of over five years was not an easy experience, and to lose said friend to something as petty and stupid as prejudice only made it worse. Snape and Lily had not talked for the duration of the summer, both of them avoiding old haunts and instead deciding to either meet up with other friends or stay holed up at home. When they returned to school the situation did not change; it was almost as if they had never known each other. A snide reference was made here and there by Slytherins, but the Prefect badge on Lily's chest ensured that it didn't get more out of hand than that, at least during school hours.
Still, the fact that references were being made was awful in and of itself because it showed just how much Snape's friendship had protected Lily for the past five years. She was one of the most outspoken Muggleborns in Hogwarts, not to mention one of the most successful, and therefore had had a target painted on her back since day one. Snape, however, had managed to deter most malevolent treatment directed at her for five years, and the sudden loss of that protection meant that the Slytherins were practically chomping at the bit to be the first one to get under her skin.
"Ready for the exam, Lily?" Dorcas asked, her happy-go-lucky, motherly nature having returned. "You were up so late last night studying, I was worried - "
"She wants to beat me, of course she studied," James said suddenly, grinning down at Lily. "Isn't that right, Evans?"
"Please, if I had wanted to beat you, I would've been able to sleep at eight."
He clutched at his chest. "Oh, how you wound me!"
Peter let out a laugh as the bell rang, signaling start of first period. Sirius sprinted off with a stack of toast levitating before him, Marlene chasing him with a stream of expletives falling from her mouth. Remus carried Dorcas's rucksack like a gentleman and Lily hoisted her bag onto her shoulder, heading down to the Defense classroom with Mary at her side. James, having suddenly received a letter from his very tired-looking owl, lingered at the table.
"Did you eat breakfast?" Mary asked, looking at Lily.
"Er, no. I forgot." Lily held up her hands defensively. "There was a huge ruckus at the table. I'll eat lunch, don't worry."
"You're going to kill yourself, you know," the other girl replied, tugging on a lock of her frizzy brown hair as she did so. "Especially with your condition - "
"Oi, MacDonald, Evans! Wait up." James came up from behind them, ruffling his hair and tucking parchment into his pocket. His expression, stormy with something almost like anger, cleared up as he reached them. "Running off without a bloke like that... shame on you."
When the three Gryffindors reached the corridor, Sirius and Marlene were refusing to speak to each other, toast was scattered on the floor, Dorcas and Remus were talking in quiet voices, and a select number of the Ravenclaws they had class with were huddled together. As James approached, the Ravenclaws started muttering; the curious look he gave them only served to excite them more. Raising his eyebrows, he leaned against the wall and waited. Lily, hyper-aware of the badge pinned to her robes and the responsibility it entailed, watched closely. The students not involved in the scene filed into the classroom, chattering loudly and casting a few curious looks at the students remaining outside.
An envoy, Hannah Simone, was sent over to meet with James. By this point, Remus and Sirius had taken a sharp interest as well, automatically gravitating to James's sides to flank him. Marlene watched Simone with clear eyes and Mary sneered at Hannah, making her distaste for such gossipy, giggling girls apparent. Dorcas hovered by her side and dragged Lily closer as well.
"James," Simone said warmly, tossing her honey locks over her shoulder. Remus coughed slightly, giving Lily a barely perceptible smirk. She fought to keep the grin off her face as she nodded back. Hannah was a fellow Prefect and Remus and Lily had endured many Prefect meetings in which she'd fawned over James and his many accomplishments.
"Simone," James acknowledged, blissfully unaware of her designs on him. The girl frowned a little at his usage of her surname but brushed it off after a glance back at her housemates. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, we were just wondering if..." Hannah cast a look over at everyone else listening, gaze lingering on Lily in particular. "Um... did you think about what Patrick Greengrass told you?"
James's expression, which had been politely interested before, now turned stiff and cold. "No. I didn't even consider it. Why?"
Hannah was obviously thrown off by the change in his demeanor, and stuttered through her next sentence. "We - some of us thought it was a worthy offer, one that someone like - well, like you would find worthwhile, but - but if - "
"The Dark Arts don't interest me at all," James responded coolly, looking away from the now totally disconcerted Hannah and effectively closing the conversation. "You lot ready to head in?" he added, looking back at his friends. Sirius gave the gaggle of watching Ravenclaws a dirty look and nodded, pushing his way past them to enter the classroom. Remus grasped Dorcas's hand protectively and ushered her in, Mary keeping a tight grip on her wand as she followed. Marlene tried to catch James's eye but he avoided her, instead moving slightly to the left to block Lily from the Ravenclaws as they filtered into the classroom, still muttering and eyeing James. He gave them a dark look. Marlene rolled her eyes and grabbed Lily's hand, practically dragging her inside just as Professor Slattern entered.
"What - Marly, you know Potter the best, what's going on?" Lily hissed as her friend pushed her into a seat.
"Politics," she answered, an enigmatic look on her face. She was just about to sit down next to her when James set his bag down on the desk. "James -"
"She needs to hear from me," he said, cutting her off. Marlene looked as if she wanted to argue, but instead threw up her hands and went to sit next to Sirius.
"Hear what from you? Potter, I want a straight answer - "
"You can't go anywhere without one of us, all right?" he said as Slattern told the students to take out parchment, a quill, and their wands.
Lily made no move to retrieve the items from her bag, instead staring at the boy next to her with a mingled look of anger and confusion. "What are you talking about? I can go places with whomever I like, thank you very much."
"Take me or Sirius or Remus or Mary or Marlene or even Peter, for Merlin's sake, but don't go anywhere alone - "
"Are you insane? I have Prefect rounds, classes to get to, a social life, as surprising as that may be to you - "
"Lily," he said, turning to look at her for the first time since he'd sat down. "I know you're independent, and I know you don't like taking orders from me, but for God's sake, just do this one thing for me, all right?"
She didn't know if it was the sound of her first name coming from his mouth, the usage of God instead of the Wizarding Merlin, or if it was simply the way James was staring at her, all intense and regretful and fierce and proud. Whatever it was, it made her close her mouth and look down at her bag. James's shoulders dropped and some tension left his frame as he looked through his own bag.
"All right, so Human Transfiguration," Professor Slattern said, clapping his hands together. "We've spent a good week on this, so I expect good marks from all of you, yes? Okay, wands at the ready..."
(x)
"I still can't believe you gave Potter antlers," Marlene said an hour later, laughing. "Slattern clearly said to change the color of his hair, but no, the great Sirius Black won't settle for simple Human Transfiguration, he has to show off..."
"I thought it was funny," Sirius said, smirking.
"And appropriate," Remus added in a low tone, setting off more laughter among the Marauders.
"Well anyway, Lily beat James, so I figure it's a good day for all," Marlene said, dropping a lazy wink at Lily.
"Oi, I thought you said that wasn't your goal!" James accused, turning to face Lily and walking backwards.
"That was to knock you off your game," she said smugly.
"You're trouble," he said, nearly crashing into a pair of Hufflepuffs going the opposite direction. "Whoops, sorry. But - I'm not trusting you ever again."
"Did you ever?" she asked, laughing.
"Depends on the situation. But mark my words, you're trouble."
Lily rolled her eyes and adjusted the strap of her bag farther up her shoulder. "I'm off for my free period. I'll see you lot in a bit."
James nudged Sirius in the side and a moment of silent communication passed between them before Sirius loped over to her. "I'll follow you up there; I left something I need in my trunk, anyway," he said with easy grace.
Lily turned back to look at him, then at James, all traces of previous mirth gone. "I don't need a bodyguard, Potter, this is ridiculous. You won't even tell me why - "
"You agreed, and I'm holding you to your word," he replied, voice suddenly cool and impersonal. "S'laters, Padfoot. I'll tell Sinistra you went to the loo."
He walked off with Remus and Marlene before Lily could retort.
"C'mon, Evans. Sooner we get there, the sooner I can get to Astronomy. Although," he added, looking thoughtful, "it's not like I particularly feel the need to learn about Saturn today, so..."
"Come along if you must, then," Lily snapped. "I didn't agree, I just stopped talking! Bloody wanker..."
"I'm not that bad," Sirius said reasonably as he led Lily around the corner.
"Not you, Potter. Who does he think he is?" she burst out, startling a first year ahead of them.
"I know, love," Sirius soothed her, dropping a wink at the first year as he maneuvered Lily past her. "He's bang out of order."
Lily stopped short and glared at Sirius. "Why are you being so agreeable?" she asked suspiciously.
He blinked innocently back at her. "I'm always this gentlemanly, Evans. You're just too prickly to approach."
"Don't give me that load of bollocks," she grumbled, starting off for the Tower again. "You can go to class now," she added as the bell rang.
"We're not there yet though, and I have strict orders to escort you all the way."
"But why? What does Potter think will happen?"
"Nothing," he said evasively as they passed the dungeons. Sirius gave the area a quick, sweeping glance before picking up the pace a little.
"The Slytherins?" Lily guessed, catching on. "This definitely has to do with what Simone was talking about, something about Patrick Greengrass - "
"Shut up, please," Sirius said pleasantly, ensuring that the pair remained silent until they reached the staircase leading up and away from the Slytherin Common Room. "Now, what were you blathering about?"
"Gentlemanly, my arse," Lily muttered. Sirius laughed. "I want to know what has James so defensive over me, when it sounds like Greengrass was propositioning him."
"Propositioning him, eh? Lecherous." Sirius grinned. Lily sighed, plucking at the skin of her thigh with her fingernails. "Well, put it this way. James isn't in danger because he's pureblood. You, on the other hand..."
"So he's setting up a system in which you four protect every Muggleborn in the school?" Lily scoffed. "You're going to have to come up with a better excuse than that."
"Not every Muggleborn, no. But as you said, the offer was given to James. And the one Muggleborn he's notorious for chasing after is you, yeah? Connect the dots here."
Lily paused for a moment, letting the information sink in before continuing to walk. "He'll get over me," she muttered, refusing to look at Sirius. He remained silent at this assumption. "But - but what was the offer?" she asked more loudly.
"I've told you enough already," Sirius said, herding her to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Lily blinked, surprised at how far they'd walked without her noticing. "Just..." Her companion seemed to be at war with himself, but he finally sighed and gave her a careful look. "The word 'offer' isn't really the right term... think of it more as 'threat.'" There was a very pregnant pause. "All right, that's enough for one day. You can get through to the Common Room on your own, so off you go."
"But Sirius, what - "
"No, Evans."
"I don't - "
"Evans."
"If you could just tell me - "
"Take care of this one, won't you?" he said to the Fat Lady, grinning before he walked away.
Lily stared after him in mute frustration.
(x)
Dear James,
I know you're waiting for news, but all I can tell you is that we're safe and hidden. Your mother sends her love.
I feel the need to warn you once again to stop picking fights with those aligned with Voldemort. Times are growing too dangerous to risk such conflicts. You must keep your friends close, and watch out for recruiters.
I know you are worried about Remus and his furry little problem, as well as Lily Evans and her so-called blood status. Don't do anything rash. Doing anything blatant will only tip the others off as to whom you're inclined to protect. Affection is a weakness in these times, so you must hold off from showing too much of it, lest they twist it to their advantage.
Stay out of trouble. I've written to Minerva McGonagall and she promises to keep an eye out for you but also says that it'd be best to close all channels of communication. So this will be our last correspondence until we can meet in person.
Don't be rash. Stay your temper. Be on the watch.
Your Father
(x)
Lily threw another quill across the room. "I can't even fathom - just... how dare he? I can take care of myself, I don't need any bloody watchdogs, I'm plenty skilled enough in defense! Aren't I?"
Marlene shrugged as she stared at the canopy of her four poster bed, comfortably nestled amongst her covers. She blew a lock of honey colored hair out of her face, thinking. "Look, Lils, I'm not saying you're shoddy at spells, cause you're actually quite brilliant, but have you considered the fact that James just wants to look after you?"
"He should know that I can look after myself! It's not like he can do much better than I can."
"That's just the way he is, though," Marlene said thoughtfully. She rolled onto her stomach and looked at the other girl head on. "That's the one thing you catch onto after growing up with the kid: he's awfully protective of things he likes."
Mary looked up from her textbook. "Potter, overprotective? I never would've thought," she drawled, trademark sarcasm seeping into her tone. "It's not like he blew his top when Snape called Lily a you-know-what last year or anything."
Lily winced. Mary had a habit of ignoring the sensitivity of some topics, but after six years she'd learned not to take offense. Dorcas still gave her a reprimanding look from the vanity table, where she was attempting to braid her short blonde locks. Mary rolled her eyes and muttered a reluctant apology.
"He really fancies you, Lily," Dorcas said. Lily stiffened and started toying with the sleeve of her pajamas. "He does. And he just wants you to be safe."
"He's overdoing it," she said shortly, avoiding Dorcas's gaze and the mirror behind her.
"Well, you two are getting along much better. Maybe... maybe he sees an opening there, and he wants to make sure you're safe when he takes it."
"An opening? What am I, a Quidditch strategy?" Lily cried. Her indignation was quick to rise to the surface, as she was already feeling defensive about her new-found tolerance for James. Dorcas backtracked quickly.
"Not - not an opening like that, I mean - "
"She means exactly what she said," Marlene interrupted, feeling impatient. "Whether you're willing to admit it or not, you like James and you're getting along with him better now. You may not fancy him yet, but - "
"Yet? Merlin, Marly, who's side are you on?"
"His," she responded, a remorseless grin spreading over her face.
"Well, I'm on Lily's side," Mary said flatly. "Not because I have a problem with Potter specifically, but because it's good of Lily to be independent and stay free of attachment. Especially in a time like this."
"What do you mean?" Dor asked, turning in her seat.
"First, it's very feminist, and I like it," Mary replied. "And also, Lily's not the romance type. She doesn't want or need anything like that for a while. And third, knowing her, even if she did fancy anyone, she wouldn't risk dragging them down with her on the so called "blood status" ladder."
"It's true," Lily admitted. "Mary's being blunt about it, but it's true. I can't afford to fancy someone. Not now. And I don't want to."
"People rarely fall in love because they want to, Lils," Marlene said sagely. This was probably the wisest thing said all night.
"I'm sure it'll all turn out in the end," Dor said, anxious but optimistic. "He still fancies you, and is keeping you safe because of it. It'll all turn out in the end."
"Yeah, unless Simone snags him," Mary said, wrinkling her nose.
Lily ignored the tight feeling in the pit of her stomach at the thought.
"Merlin, not that slag," Marlene moaned. "I'll personally hex James if he chooses to go out with her. Or give him the antidote to the love potion she's most likely administered..."
"If he makes the choice, I'm sure he'll have reason to," Lily said diplomatically.
"Yeah, an attempt to make you jealous," Marly grumbled. Lily tossed a pillow at her as Dorcas laughed.
"Anyway," Mary said, making her distaste for romance obvious, "are you going to take Potter's decree lying down?"
"Oh, she'll do plenty of lying down with James, all right."
"Marlene McKinnon!"
"What? I'm just saying..."
"Not like I have a choice, really," Lily responded to Mary, rolling her eyes at Marlene's self-satisfied grin.
"You always have a choice," Mary said, a wicked smirk breaking out. Her three friends groaned, well aware of what that particular smirk entailed. "I'm freezing, Lils, really. Think you can nip down to the kitchens and get us all some cocoa?"
Lily opened her mouth, but shut it again after a moment's deliberation. "You know what? I think I will."
"I - Lily, wait, I don't think this is a good idea - "
"Leave her be, Dorcas," Mary said, more gently than she would have to anyone else. No one could really muster up the spite needed to be truly mean to Dorcas Meadowes. "Potter's too full of himself anyway."
Lily got up from her bed, steadying herself against the bedpost as her head spun at the movement. "I'll be back in a few. If I don't die, that is," she joked, chuckling a little as Dorcas shrieked. Marlene's laugh echoed as the door shut behind her.
The Common Room was still filled with a few older students chatting by the fire, but thankfully none of the Marauders were there. Lily clambered out of the portrait hole and lit her wand, making her way down to the kitchen entrance. The corridors were as cold and dark as always, but nothing out of the ordinary jumped out at her. The kitchens weren't even near the dungeons, she reasoned, so she was safe from whatever threats James knew or was imagining.
Nevertheless, she was glad to reach the warmth and safety of the kitchens, and after receiving four mugs of hot cocoa from three enthusiastic house elves, she made her way quickly back to Gryffindor Tower. "Did any beasties try to eat you?" Mary deadpanned as she accepted her mug.
"Yeah, nearly got mauled by a manticore," Lily replied, voice just as sarcastic. Marlene giggled as she sipped her drink, and Dorcas cast a half-reproachful, half-amused look at the other girls. There was a short silence before a sudden knock on the door startled all four of them.
"It's nearly nine, who could possibly... Potter?" Mary looked shocked for a split second, then her expression morphed into exasperation. "You lot have got to stop flying up here on your broomsticks - the founders made the staircase trap for a reason."
"Where's Evans?" his voice said from behind the mostly closed door. It was uncharacteristically cool and tightly controlled.
"None of your sodding business - Oi!" Mary caught herself on the edge of her bedside table as James shoved the door open, tactfully keeping his eyes on the ground as Marlene scrambled under her covers. "Get out before I hex you."
"Evans. Common Room. Now."
Lily put down the incriminating mug of cocoa and stood up, expression fierce. "What if I don't want to?"
"Come quietly, or I'll make a scene. Your choice."
"You can't just barge in here and - ah! James Potter, put me down this instant."
James had scooped her up and exited; he now stepped on one stair and waited until the entire staircase morphed into a slide before dumping Lily on it and pushing her down. She rolled unceremoniously down to the Common Room, eliciting several stares as she sat up and started swearing, rubbing her quickly-bruising knees. James slid down with more grace, tossing his broomstick onto a nearby couch before whirling to face Lily.
"Right, let's get some things straight - "
"Yes, let's," she responded furiously, picking herself up and ignoring their curious housemates. Her head started to spin at her sudden movements. "You cannot just fly into our dorm and manhandle - "
"You clearly can't follow simple directions! Merlin, Evans, is it so hard to take a mate with you when you go places? You're birds, don't you lot travel in packs anyway?"
"Ignoring the vague sexism in that comment, how on Earth did you know I went out?"
"We're good at locating people," he said enigmatically, still glaring angrily at her. "Look, when I ask you to - "
"Ask? That's a laugh! You spat an order at me and refused to explain why the hell I should even consider listening to it! I had to weasel information out of Sirius - "
"Padfoot told you things? That wanker - " James made as if to storm up to the boys' staircase, but Lily grabbed his sleeve and turned him around again.
"Don't you dare walk away from a fight you started, Potter. Sirius didn't tell me anything, so you can stop throwing a tantrum and explain to me what's going on."
"I... it's not like I can just - Oi, you lot, clear out!" he demanded suddenly, glancing at the few students still in the Common Room. They grumbled but started to move towards their respective dorms, all too familiar with the rows that James and Lily participated in and unwilling to get caught in the crossfire.
Lily waited until the last door had slammed shut, then took a deep breath. "I just want to know what's going on. What happened with Greengrass? Why can't I go anywhere? How did you know I was out? Why - "
"Bloody hell, Evans, can't a bloke just ask the girl he - a girl to stay clear of some Slytherins without getting assaulted with useless questions?"
"So it has to do with steering clear of Slytherins!" she said triumphantly.
"I - no, don't jump to conclusions - "
"Too late, Potter. Now tell me why, and I'll think about following your request. I probably won't, to be perfectly honest, but at least this way we'll both be appeased."
"Appeased, my arse," James muttered. "I'm not going to tell you shit, especially since you're being so contrary."
"That's not fair!" Lily said, volume raising again. "You can't restrict my freedom like that and then not tell me why - "
"I'm trying to keep you safe from bastards like Greengrass!"
"And you don't think I can do it myself?"
"No, I know you can't do it yourself. That's why people like me have to look out for you."
"You're no better at spells than I am! I can take care of myself - "
"Stop being so bloody stubborn and just admit that you wouldn't survive three seconds in a duel!"
"I could knock you off your arrogant arse if I had the inclination!"
"All talk, no action - "
"Petrificus Totalus!"
James flicked his wand and created a hasty shield, torn between feeling impressed and angry. "Stop trying and just accept our help - "
"Not when you're being a total prat about this all! I'm not going to come running to you or your mates every time something goes wrong!"
"Why is it so hard for you to take someone along with you?"
"Because it's an unnecessary hassle and - and it's just the significance of the whole thing! I'm not going to do something simply because you say to - "
"Maybe you should, since you have a fucking bulls-eye attached to your forehead - "
Lily gripped her wand, frustration and anger building up until she couldn't breathe properly, much less think straight. "Listen, you absolute pig, I'm not even going to consider - I... fuck, give me a second - " She sat down abruptly, head whirling.
Most of James's anger melted at the unexpected sight and he kneeled down next to her, placing a hesitant hand on her shoulder. "Er, Evans?"
Lily sighed. "Just let me sit for a moment. And don't touch me."
He ignored her, instead grabbing her hands. "You're freezing. Did you eat enough today?"
"Bowl of soup and bread. And coffee."
"You're supposed to eat more than that."
"Forgot."
James's brow furrowed, but he tried to cover up his worry with an echo of his previous irritation. "See, this is what I mean. You can't even feed yourself properly; what happens if you feel weak in the middle of a confrontation?"
"I cast a shield and wait it out. Besides, the only confrontation that drains me is yelling at you," she retorted, feeling grumpy and in no mood to mince words.
He rubbed her hands between his warm ones. "Look, Ev - Lily. I'm... I'm trying, okay? I just can't tell you some things because... well, you know the saying 'ignorance is bliss,' right? Well, trust me when I say that you'll be less hassled if you remain in the dark about some things. All right?"
She gave him a tired look. "I'm not agreeing to a bodyguard system, James. I'm not."
"After hours, then. During patrols or when you decide to have a lark. We'll lay off during school hours."
"Why are you so desperate to cover me?" she asked him, feeling lightheaded and cold. The floor swam under her feet and she mentally berated herself for not eating protein that day.
He looked to the side, hands stilling over hers as he avoided her gaze. "Ignorance is bliss, Evans."
She frowned, then struggled to her feet. He scrambled up and tried to support her, but she shook him off. "I'm going to bed."
"Really, or are you just going to sneak out again?" he asked suspiciously, arm still reaching to support her swaying frame. She sighed and allowed him to lead her to the foot of the staircase.
"I'm tired, and I'm not in the mood to argue with you anymore," she said, resting against the rail.
He gave her a stern look, then called, "Oi, Marlene. Take Evans up, will you? She doesn't feel great."
There was a flutter of movement up above and Marlene's golden head bobbed into view, Dorcas's frantic voice not far behind. "I'm not an invalid," Lily said, presumably irritated at the fuss everyone was making. She stormed up the steps on her own. "I just haven't taken my potion in the past few weeks," she said to Dorcas, her voice unintentionally carrying down to James and Marlene.
"Lily Evans, you come here right this instant and take your medication - "
"Don't badger her, Dor, she'll take it when she gets up here," came Mary's disembodied voice.
James watched the proceedings with an unfathomable expression, then called, "I expect an agreement to the deal, Evans!"
"When hell freezes over, Potter," was the scathing reply before the door slammed.
"Tough luck, James," Marlene said sympathetically.
"She's so bloody stubborn."
"Remind you of anyone?" she shot back, grinning. "Honestly, you two..."
"What potion?" James asked, unable to mask his curiosity much longer.
Marlene's expression grew wary. "What?"
"What potion was Lily talking about?"
"Since when was Lily Lily to you? Isn't it always Evans and Potter?"
"Marly, you and I both know that you're shit at deflecting. You have been since you were eight."
She sighed, shoulders loosening. "I can't say anything. It's... it's her business, and I'm not going to disregard her privacy like that."
James frowned, then opened his mouth again. "Okay. Oi, Evans, what - "
"James!" He looked down to see Marlene scowling at him.
"What?" he asked, genuinely baffled.
"Boys," she muttered instead, throwing up her hands and stalking upstairs. "Go to bed, Potter."
"Hey, that's not fair, I'm not done arguing with Evans - "
"Now."
"All right, no need to whip out your wand - where did that even come fr - okay, Merlin's pants!"