Disclaimer: I in no way, shape, or form own any of the characters contained in my story. They are the property of J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter universe. Not all of the ideas contained in this story are original; I just thought I'd try my hand at writing what I considered fantastic concepts. I do not make any money from my writings. I write for the enjoyment it gives me, and the possible enjoyment reading gives others. With that being said, taking something from another writer without crediting them is plagiarism, and it's against the law. So please don't do it.

Chapter 2

"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts," said Professor Dumbledore. Lily thought he seemed older, more worn. His usually sparkling eyes held a tinge of sadness. "Before we begin the feast, I would like to impart a few words to ponder, retain, and hopefully enact throughout the year." He took a breath and glanced at each of the four tables in front of him. "There are trying times ahead of us, and I encourage everyone to work on building fruitful relationships, as well as resolve bitter feelings towards those we think are our enemies." With Dumbledore's eyes fixated on her, Lily couldn't turn her head to the one person she would have the most trying time fulfilling Dumbledore's orders with.

James Potter sat across the table and three seats down from Lily Evans, and his gaze stayed on her throughout the remainder of Dumbledore's speech. He watched as Lily twirled the ends of her hair around her fingers, a nervous habit she'd had since she was a little girl. Each time James caught Lily playing with her hair, he wished he could hold her fingers in his hand, stilling their movements with a calming touch.

"A new way is quickly advancing upon us. For some, it has already been imposed upon our daily lives. For others, it is only a matter of time. We will need strength to approach it, and constant reminders of how to overcome it." Dumbledore sighed as the corners of his mouth turned upwards once more. "But enough of this talk for now. Tonight is for laughter, friendship, and food. Enjoy." As his last words rang out in the Great Hall, Dumbledore raised his arms and the tables filled with food.

"What do you think all that meant?"

Three young men turned to look at their fourth companion. "Are you daft, Wormtail, or are you really ignorant to everything that's been going on?" Sirius stared at the shorter boy who was filling his plate with mashed potatoes.

Peter looked up and glanced at each of them in turn, his eyes widening at the shocked faces. "What do you mean?"

"What do I mean?" Sirius' voice rose, drawing the attention of the students sitting closest to them. "Prongs, are you hearing this? What do I mean?"

"Padfoot, I hear you, as does everyone else, so could you please—"

"Why am I not surprised, Potter. Not even a full hour in the castle and you're already causing an uproar," Lily said as she glared at the four boys. "Just remember, Potter, you're Head Boy now, you can't be the one to cause the commotion, you need to be the one to stop it this year." Lily turned away from the self-proclaimed Marauders, and continued her conversation with Alice.

Remus turned toward James as Lily returned to her friends. "So I guess your conversation didn't go well on the train."

James sighed, "No, she still hates me."

"Cheer up mate," said Sirius, "it can't be that bad. When Remus came back from the prefect meeting he said he thought it went rather well."

James shook his head, his dark hair falling into his eyes. "That's what I thought; the meeting was fine. We talked about passwords to the dormitories and what to look out for when patrolling. Then everyone else left the compartment and it was just the two of us. She would only speak about our duties, nothing else. How is she supposed to fall in love with me if she won't even talk to me?"

"Well, it was to be expected."

"Moony, what an awful thing to say." Sirius' eyes widened, surprised that Remus would speak so freely about Lily in front of James.

"No, Sirius, it's true. We need to start addressing the facts. And you, James need to start understanding them." Remus used his knife and fork to punctuate his meaning. "The four of us have been playing pranks on Lily Evans since our first year. You can't actually expect her to change her mind about Prongs just because he's now Head Boy."

Peter's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "Yeah, but Moony, she considers you her friend, and you helped us with most of those pranks."

"While I don't deny that I was often unable to stop the three of you, or more specifically, James, from tormenting Lily, my role was usually diminished or dealt with research and not execution. Plus, we had to form an amicable relationship in fifth year during our prefect duties. And it wasn't until late last year that she considered me a true friend and confidant."

James sighed, his thoughts returned to his conversation with Dennis McKinnon on the train. "Was that because of you or her, I wonder?" James asked under his breath.

"What?" asked Remus.

James shook his head, his gaze firmly rested on Lily. "I can't wait two years to become her friend, Moony. This has to be the year she realizes that I really do love her. There's too much going on for us to wait."

"Mate, you've got an awful way of showing your love."

James looked at Sirius. "I've asked her out, given her flowers and candy, tried to write her poetry, and all but professed my love for her at the Quidditch finals last year. How else am I supposed to show her how I feel?"

Remus sighed. "Do you think that maybe all the attention you give her could be the reason she won't give you a second glance?"

"No, no. That can't be it."

"It could be that time you turned her hair green," said Peter.

"But it matched her eyes."

"What about when you stole her Charms' notes?" said Remus.

"I'd lost mine and she's the best in Charms. Who else would I borrow notes from?"

"Notes from an entire year right before exams? Without even telling her you took them?"

"I was desperate."

"Yeah," Peter laughed as he spoke, "but then you had purple fungus growing out of your nose for a month because she wouldn't tell anyone the counter curse."

"And then there was that time—"

"I get it. You guys can stop now." James looked down and picked at his food.

"It's not all bad," said Remus.

"Moony, it can't get much worse."

"No, but she does care about you."

James lifted his head. "What do you mean?"

"I wasn't going to tell you, but you were mentioned in the few letters we managed to send each other over the summer."

James smiled. "I always knew it. What did she say, Moony?"

Remus shook his head. "It's between us, mate. But I will say this, she did recognize that you've changed in the past year, though she'll deny it to the death."

James returned to his plate, his appetite renewed. "Thanks, Moony."

LJLJLJLJ

"So I hear you fancy me, Evans." The rest of the students had moved from the Great Hall and were making their way to the dormitories. James and Lily walked toward the side room for their first meeting with Professor Dumbledore.

"Where on earth would you hear such a monstrous lie like that?" Lily asked; her face contorted in disgust as she quickened her pace. "Let's just get this forced time together done and over with, Potter."

Professor Dumbledore stood at the entrance to the side room. "Welcome Miss Evans, Mister Potter. Please let's do begin, I fear it has been a very long day."

Lily and James followed Dumbledore into the room and sat in the two chairs provided for them.

"For the basics," said Dumbledore, "as you read in my note on the train, or as Miss Evans read and relayed to you, Mister Potter, you are to patrol every night between eleven and one. Tonight you will be excused; the teachers will keep watch for one night. I'm afraid the longer patrols are part of the extra precautions I felt necessary to impart this year. If you observe any suspicious activity, I would like to be informed. Is this clear?"

Lily and James nodded their heads.

"Good. Now, we will meet in my office every Friday to discuss any concerns you may have, as well as plan Hogsmede weekends and various feasts and celebrations." Dumbledore sighed, suddenly weary. "I feel we need to make this year as pleasant as possible. We are due for many changes, and very few will be good, I fear."

"Sir," said James, "what exactly are we in for?"

Dumbledore smiled. "That, my dear James, is a question for another night. Now, if Miss Evans has no questions or comments," Lily shook her head 'no,' "then I will see the two of you Friday night at seven. Please bring your ideas for the year. And oh, I like Cockroach Clusters."

Lily and James left the room, more apprehensive than soothed after their short meeting with Dumbledore.

"I was hoping he would say something that would help me get through the year without worrying about everything," Lily said as they walked to the Gryffindor tower.

"Nothing comes without worry now. It's all thanks to Voldemort."

Lily glanced at James. "You don't cringe or shudder when you say his name."

"I didn't see you do either."

Lily shook her head.

"I don't fear him," James said.

"You're awfully confidant."

"It's not a question of confidence, Evans. It's a matter of fact. I don't fear Voldemort because I know I will fight him, and I will defeat him."

Lily smirked. "This coming from a boy with no Auror training, only practical defense against the dark arts exercises in a controlled environment, and over fifty years less experience than the most feared man in our world."

"Someone has to know they will defeat him."

"You'll kill yourself in the process, Potter."

"Does this mean you won't fight?" James asked.

Lily stopped and faced James. "No, I will fight. But I'll fight smart. I won't go into war simply knowing I will win. I'll go prepared, with training and knowledge."

James shook his head. "Don't you get it? This is war; there's no time for that. It's all or nothing."

"It can't be all or nothing, Potter. I won't allow it." Lily began walking again and quickened her pace.

The two remained silent as they continued their way to the tower. As they approached the portrait of the Fat Lady James said, "Nifflers," and the portrait opened to reveal the Gryffindor common room.

"So I'll meet you here tomorrow at eleven to start our rounds?"

"Sure," said Lily, already starting on the stairs to the girls' dormitories.

James watched Lily climb the stairs until they rounded, following the natural spiral of the tower. "Good night, Lily," he whispered before heading up to the boys' dorms.

LJLJLJLJ

The next morning found Lily sitting in the Great Hall surrounded by the Gryffindor first years full of questions and observations.

"Does the ceiling ever turn real? I mean if it was raining outside, would it start raining inside?"

"Well, no. Except that one time, but it wasn't rain, it was snow, and really, it was the Marauders; it should never have—"

"Can the people come out of the pictures?"

"No. At least I've never—"

"I had a real conversation with a ghost last night. He showed me where they tried to chop his head off with a dull blade. It was so cool."

"That's Nearly Headless Nick. And actually, his head's—"

"Do you think we'll get to use magic right away? My brother always teases me that he can do magic and I can't. I'd love to get him back just once."

"Well, you should know that magic isn't to be treated lightly. You need to be careful or—"

"Good morning everyone."

Lily looked up and sighed in relief as James approached the Gryffindor table. "Good morning, Potter. I trust you remember the new Gryffindors?"

"How could I forget? You're the ones that will carry on our tradition of bravery and honor after the two of us have gone."

The first years slid down on the bench so James could sit next to Lily. He smiled in apology, but Lily just shrugged her shoulders.

"How did everyone sleep? Were you warm enough? Did you stay up making friends?" James was a natural with the young students. He kept the conversation between them going throughout breakfast with quick comments and trivia. After Professor McGonagall, the Head of Gryffindor House, handed out the time tables to the younger students, James pointed them in the right direction to their first Charms class, even warning them to be mindful of the staircase, because "it likes to move around in the morning and not return to where you need it to be for quite some time."

"That was nice of you," said Lily as the two of them made their way to the dungeons for Potions.

James ran a hand through his hair. "I thought that's part of what Heads and Prefects do—help the little ones."

"They're not all little. Did you see that new Syltherin? He looked like he ate another first year."

James let out a burst of laughter, his eyes sparkled behind his glasses "Too true, my dear Lily. Too true."

Lily felt her heart jump at James' sudden burst of laughter, or was it his use of her first name. "I wonder what's in store for our last year? We have N.E.W.T.s coming up."

"Ugh, don't even mention N.E.W.T.s, Evans. My parents talked about them non-stop over the summer. I need at least one days rest from them," James said, his face twisted, causing a Hufflepuff second year to laugh as she passed by.

Lily forced a smile on her face as they descended to the dungeons. As they entered their Potions classroom, Lily looked for an empty seat, finding two available seats at the same table as Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. Her only other option was next to Severus Snape.

"Come on, sit with us," James whispered in Lily's ear. "Though we don't have your charms when it comes to Slughorn, we're not all that bad at potions."

Lily nodded and walked with James to the empty seats. "Good morning Remus, Black."

"Good morning, Lily. I trust your first night was an enjoyable one?" Remus smiled at their formality.

"Yes, it was thank you. And you, did you enjoy the feast last night?"

"I found it quite informative." Remus smiled at James as he spoke.

"Please, inform me, dear friend, what you learned last night," James said as he glared at Remus.

"Oh, I think that information should be left for another time. Besides, here comes our dear professor now."

Lily watched the interaction with interest, noting how Sirius chose to ignore his two friends.

"Good morning, class," said Professor Slughorn as he shuffled to the front of the classroom. "You're knee deep in N.E.W.T. preparations now, and must begin to act like it. To start, a bit of a review. On the board are three separate potions. We'll begin easy and work our way up to the more difficult potions. Please pair up and choose one to be completed by the end of class." With a wave of his wand, Forgetfulness Potion, Sleeping Draught, and Confusing Concoction wrote themselves on the board.

"Well, at least he's right. They are easy ones. Nothing past third year," said Sirius. "So what'll it be, Moony? I'm thinking we might need to confuse someone soon."

"Sounds good, Padfoot." With that, the two left the table to gather ingredients.

"So, how about it, Evans? Do you want to forget, sleep, or be confused?"

Lily glanced around the room, noticing that she and James were the only two who hadn't started gathering ingredients. "Oh, well. Um."

James laughed. "I meant it, you know. I'm really not that bad at potions."

"I know," Lily said, nodding her head in assurance.

"Forth in the class; not to shabby."

Lily tried to keep the corners of her mouth from lifting upwards. "You couldn't do any better than forth?"

James let out another quick burst of laughter, forcing Lily's insides to jump as they did earlier. "Well, I do have to compete with you and Moony. And lets not forget that Snape has an unnatural ability when it comes to this stuff."

Lily quieted at Snape's name. "How about the Forgetfulness Potion."

James noticed Lily's change of attitude when he mentioned Snape. He nodded. "Right, we want to forget. Why don't you set up here, and I'll get what we need from the school store."

LJLJLJLJ

"Today was a good day, wasn't it?" asked James. He and Lily had just started their first patrol. They began near the trophy room, glancing in empty classrooms and behind statutes looking for students out of bed.

"What do you mean, Potter?" Lily marched ahead, eager to end the night without too much hassle.

James ran a hand through his hair, forcing bits to stick up near the back. "For starters, you actually talked to me today."

"I'm forced to talk to you most days, Potter," Lily said, her voice monotone and bored.

"Yes, but today you enjoyed talking to me." James smiled. "This only proves that you should go out with me."

Lily sighed and continued walking.

"Plus, you sat with me though two classes today. Potions and Charms. And you know how Slughorn hates when we switch Potions' partners, that means we'll be partnered together for the rest of the year."

"I had little choice in that matter, Potter. It was either you or Snape."

"Which means I'm the better man." James fixed a cocky grin on his face and began to swagger.

Lily suddenly turned, forcing James to stop abruptly. "No, Potter. It means you are simply the lesser of two evils. I would have preferred to work alone, but I felt nice this morning. I'm not feeling so nice now."

"What happened, Lily?" James asked.

"Nothing. Forget it." Lily turned and continued walking along the empty corridor.

"Lily."

Her stomach filled with pixies, and they had trouble staying still.

"I know the two of you used to be friends. What happened?"

Lily ignored her rapidly beating heart. "It was nothing, Potter. I suggest you forget about it."

They began walking again. James kept a step ahead of Lily, the light from his wand illuminating their way around the castle.

James paused as they neared the entrance to the kitchens. "Let's stop in for a bit."

Lily rolled her eyes. "We don't have time, Potter. We need to keep moving."

"Actually, Evans, we still have almost an hour. Just one drink, that's all I ask. And maybe a muffin."

"Not tonight." Lily's voice was weak with a slight rasp. Her steps slowed as they continued their way through the castle.

As they ended their night and approached the Fat Lady, James put is hand on Lily's arm. "I know I've made things difficult between the two of us, but I want you to know that I'm willing to change things. I'm here when you need me."

Lily shook her head. "I don't think I'll be needing you, Potter."

"Lily."

Lily's heart quickened.

"Don't you think it's time we started using our first names?"

Lily pulled her arm from James's touch, her skin burning where his fingers touched her bare forearm. "I don't want the informality that comes from using first names with you, Potter. So please stop using mine." With that, Lily said the password and entered the common room.

James watched as she ran up the dormitory stairs, his breath caught as his heart gave a small lurch.

"James?"

James turned away from the stairs and saw Alice sitting by the fire, a piece of parchment and a quill by her side.

"I didn't see you," he said. "Writing to Frank?"

"Yeah. It's weird not having him here this year."

James nodded, his eyes drifted back to the stairs.

"Come, sit with me a bit."

"No, that's OK. I should really—"

"Please," said Alice as she patted the spot next to her on the sofa.

James sat and stared at the dying embers of the fire. "Does she really hate me? Am I really wasting my time?" he asked, his voice a mere whisper.

Alice glanced at the stairs. "I think it will work out for you."

James shook his head. "How?"

"Because for the past two days she's done nothing but talk about how insufferable you are and how much she's dreading working with you as Heads of School."

"This is supposed to help me how?" James turned towards Alice, his mouth forming a half smile.

"She was also lying as she said it." Alice smiled. "Dorcas is oblivious, but she usually is when it comes to things with deep meaning. But Marlene and I have talked about it. There's something there, don't give up yet." With that, Alice kissed James on the cheek and headed for the girls' dormitories.

"Hey Alice?"

Alice turned. "Yeah James?"

"Thanks."