Chapter Three

"Lily! Come on! Talk to me!" James complained. He was walking, or rather running, down the corridor after Lily. He'd been chasing her all day, and now they were on their way to lunch. Not a very good way to spend your Saturday.

"Lily Evans," he gasped as he finally caught up to her and grasped her arm. "You are not going into the Great Hall until you explain to me what the matter is."

Lily looked at him with blazing eyes. "I don't want to talk about it," she said coldly.

"Tough, because you are," James said firmly. "I need to know why you're avoiding me. We haven't had a row since… Since before we were going out!" His expression softened. He looked worried. "Please tell me?"

She pulled her arm from his grasp. "James, not now. People are watching," she said.

"People are—? What? I don't care. This is how much I care if people are watching." He pulled her close to him and kissed her hard on the lips. After a moment or two, he pulled away.

"James," whispered Lily, "I'll talk to you later. Not now." She walked away.

"Talk about déjà vu," said Sirius unhelpfully as he walked passed. He was referring to when James had first asked Lily out (and she had taken him seriously.)

ooOOOoo

As lunch was drawing to a close, James walked up to Lily. She turned from her conversation with Molly and looked up at him.

"Come on, Lily," he said quietly. "We need to talk." He took her hand and pulled her up.

She didn't object to him, but she looked down at the floor as he led her out.

James didn't plan where to take her, he just walked and ended up at the beech tree near the lake. He sat down and pulled her down next to him.

"Now," he said. "What's up?"

At first, Lily said nothing. She pulled at the grass and looked at the lake. Then she turned to him.

"You and I used to hate each other," Lily said.

"Correction. You used to hate me," James said.

"Well," said Lily. She paused. "I don't know where I'm going with this," she sighed, and started again. "You, Sirius, and Remus are best friends. And Peter's your friend, too," she added. "Molly is Sirius's best girl mate," said Lily, "so you lot have been good friends with her for a long time. Molly and I are best friends, but we haven't always been. However, we've always been friends."

James nodded, confused as to where this was going.

"At the end of sixth year I started to hang out with you," she said. "Now you and I are going out. So naturally, I'm mates with your mates. Basically," she said, taking a deep breath, "we're all friends. All of us. All six. This is good! I used to have a gang of people to hang out with, but I wasn't very close to any of them. Now I have a girl I can talk to, three guys I can talk to, and Peter. But…"

She faded away and looked into the distance. "As good as things have been going with us, James," she said, "and they've been going really great, don't get me wrong, but… Well, we never have any time together. Alone," she added as James opened his mouth to protest. "You and Sirius are with each other always. And that's great, but I can never talk to you by yourself unless it's in the middle of class. Ok," she said and stopped. "This probably sounds very stupid right now. But what I'm trying to get at id this: We aren't getting anywhere."

"Us?" said James stupidly.

"Yes, us," replied Lily. "Nowhere. We've been in the same spot relationship-wise for months. Sirius and Molly are progressing better than we are, and they're not even dating! And I was thinking about all of this Friday night, and I walked into the common room to find out that I am a major risk in your life! And if I'm so much of a problem, you might as well get it out in the open, because this relationship isn't getting anywhere, anyway. We might as well brake up, because the only difference would be less kissing and no risks."

"Lily, I didn't mean that you're a risk! I meant asking you out was a risk! You used to hex me when I bothered you and stuff. Remember?" He asked helplessly. This wasn't happening— He wouldn't let it happen—

Lily made no reply; she stared at the lake again, as though waiting for someone to pop out of it and wave.

James stared at Lily. His heart was pounding in his chest so hard that he figured that Lily could probably hear it. He wished it would shut up, because it was getting annoying. He found it hard to breath. His skin was burning up. He felt sick.

"So—" he choked. "So are you— I mean, you're—?" he sputtered.

Lily looked at him sadly. "I'm so sorry, James. I really am. But this— it can't go on like this." She stood up and walked away, leaving James sitting under the beech tree, wondering whom he killed in a past life to deserve this.

Lily ran up to the school, tears stinging her eyes. She refused to look back at him, for she new he'd still be sitting there. The look in his eyes— one of pure horror and sadness— upset her more than she'd ever been before. Lily wanted nothing more than to be with him, but things weren't going as planned. Every other girl who had gone out with James always seemed so happy— And Lily was happy, in the beginning. But it seemed that all he ever wanted to do was hang out with his friends.

She finally reached the doors, ran through them, and headed for Gryffindor Tower. The common room was empty, as usual on a Saturday, and when she got in there she collapsed on the floor, crying her eyes out. She remained there for God knows how long. All Lily did was cry— it was the only way to get better. Yes— crying would surely make all the bad things go away…

ooOOOoo

James walked into the building and into the Great Hall. He wouldn't go to the common room— that's where Lily would go. He wasn't quite sure what the benefit of going to the Great Hall was— there'd be loads of people there. When it wasn't a mealtime, it was like one giant common room for all houses to go to. As he entered it, he could hear a radio somewhere. "Ladies and gentlemen, now, the popular muggle band, which is slowly becoming popular in the wizarding world, The Beatles!" it said.

James could hear one of the four, he didn't know which (they all sounded the same to him), start to sing:

Your day breaks

Your mind aches

You find that all her words of kindness linger on when

She no longer needs you

She wakes up

She makes up

She takes her time and doesn't feel she has to hurry

She no longer needs you

And in her eyes, you see nothing

No sign of love behind the tears

Cried for no one

A love that should've lasted years

James froze.

You want her

You need her

And yet you don't believe her when she says

Her love is dead

You think she needs you

James couldn't believe it. God was showing off, right now. That's what it was. He headed for the door.

And in her eyes, you see nothing

No sign of love behind the tears

Cried for no one

A love that should've lasted years

You stay home

She goes out

She said that long ago she knew some one

But now he's gone

She doesn't need him

Your day breaks

Your mind aches

There will be times when all the things she said

Will fill your head

You won't forget her

And in her eyes, you see nothing

No sign of love behind the tears

Cried for no one

A love that should've lasted years

ooOOOoo

Molly was in a panic. She had been all excited to tell Lily something that she had just figured out— something very important. But now she was worried, and for a few reasons. The first reason was this: She had watched Lily throughout lunch, and Lily had not eaten one thing. Not one thing. She had a drink, but that was it. The second reason was this: Molly had not seen Lily since lunch, and that was an hour ago. She had seen James, and he looked terrible, which wasn't good. Nope, definitely not good.

Molly has checked all of Lily's hotspots on the grounds. Which included the shore of the lake, the beech tree, and Hagrid's Hut, but she wasn't in any of them. Then she checked the Great Hall, the library, the owlery, but to no avail. Molly was heading up to the Gryffindor tower right now.

She arrived at the portrait, panting, and gestured to the fat lady with her hand to hold on a moment. When she finally caught her breath, she said, "Doxy wings," and ran inside to find Lily hugging her knees on the staircase.

"Lily!" gasped Molly, and ran over to her.

Lily looked up the Molly and wiped her eyes. No, this was definitely not good at all.

"Oh, Lily," said Molly, as she sat down beside her. "What happened? He didn't— I mean, James— you two didn't—?"

Lily sniffled.

"Did he break up with you?" whispered Molly. He wouldn't have! "Ooh, if he did, I'll kill him. He loves you so much, Lily. I know he does… And you love him, too." But to Molly's surprise, Lily cried harder at this comment.

"Lily, what is it?"

"He— He didn't dump me, Molly…"

"He didn't?" asked Molly, surprised. "Oh."

"I dumped him."

Molly was dumbstruck. "What? But, Lil—"

"I know— but it wasn't working."

"Yes it was! Lily, do you know how jealous of you I was?"

"What?" asked Lily, surprised. "Of me? Why?"

"I was jealous of you and James. You two are what I want to have. You guys are in love. I want to have a boyfriend that for once, loves me. And I want him to love me for who I am, for my flaws as well as my strengths. I want him to be my best friend as well as my boyfriend. I want so much more than just a relationship."

"That's what I wanted, too, Molly," said Lily. "But it doesn't work out that way. I gave up so much— including my friends. He didn't return what I was putting in to it. I know he loves me, but… It's so hard to explain to someone who's never been in love."

Molly looked down. "I was originally looking for you to tell you something, Lily, but I figured that your position was more important than mine for the moment."

"What is it?" asked Lily. "I'm ready to listen!"

Molly looked up and grinned. "I figured it out, Lil! I did, I did! All by my self! Oh, Lily, I'm—"

Sirius was looking for Molly. He had already spoken to James, the poor chap, and he wanted to know what the Hell was up with Lily. And, he figured, who better to ask than her best friend? Lily's brain had to be seriously addled, because you don't just dump someone when things are going so great unless—

Unless there's someone else.

Bad. Bad, bad, bad. This would screw James up even more. When Sirius got to the portrait hole, before he could say the password, the Fat Lady spoke.

"Out of politeness, I really think you should come back later," she said.

"What?" asked Sirius, not really caring.

"There are two girls in there talking. It sounds pretty private; I really think you should wait."

"What if I want to get something?" asked Sirius impatiently.

"What do you want to get?"

"Doxy Wings," he said rudely.

"I beg your pardon?" asked the fat lady.

"Doxy wings! It's the password!"

"Oh. Yes, well, all right then, but it's awfully rude of you," and the fat lady's portrait swung open.

He walked in and was surprised to see that the two girls were Lily and Molly. They didn't seem to notice him, however, so he crept up behind the sofa where they couldn't see him. Then he had a miraculous idea— He had James's invisibility cloak in his pocket from earlier on when they were in the kitchens. He hadn't yet given it back. Sirius took it out and covered himself in it, which was getting considerably more difficult to do, as he was much taller than when he had been eleven.

Sirius moved to a point where he could hear better. Maybe he could find out why Lily had dumped James.

"…I know he loves me, but… it's so hard to explain it to someone who's never been in love," Lily was saying.

Molly looked down. "I was originally looking for you to tell you something, Lily, but I figured that your position was more important than mine for the moment."

"What is it?" asked Lily. "I'm ready to listen!"

Molly looked up and grinned. "I figured it out, Lil! I did, I did! All by my self! Oh, Lily, I'm in love!"

Sirius's stomach dropped. Then it did a few somersaults, and a cartwheel. Molly? In love? With who? Whom does she dare be in love with? Who could possibly be good enough for Molly? Not anyone that Sirius knew, anyway. He knew that he should leave; they didn't seem to be saying anything that would help Sirius figure out his problem, but somehow, he couldn't.

"Oh, Molly!" Lily said happily. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Thank you. It was so weird, though. Yesterday I didn't know it, and today… Well, when Sirius and Remus sat down for lunch today, I looked at them, and—"

Remus? She loved Remus? Well, that explained the kiss. How could she love Remus?

"—A voice in my head just said, 'Hey, there's Sirius. I'm in love with him.'"

Sirius froze. He couldn't breathe. Molly…. Molly loved him. Sirius? He wanted to shout, to tell everyone, to ask her out, to tell her he could be everything she wanted, but for some reason, he was nervous… He had told James that he was trying to stop liking her, but in actual fact, he had liked her more and more…

"Oh, Molly," Lily kept saying. "I knew it, I really did, are you going to tell him? Well, of course you are, you're one of the bravest people I know."

Molly laughed. "How am I brave? I'm always wondering why I was put in Gryffindor."

"Well," Lily began, "There's more than one kind of bravery. You have the guts to stand up for people. I see you stand up for Peter all the time, and I've caught you telling people off for teasing first years, that's one kind of bravery."

"I guess, but to me that's just morals—"

"And," said Lily, talking over Molly, "you can go out in public wearing the most bizarre outfits, I wouldn't be able to wear them, as much as I'd like to. You don't care what people will think of you; you don't care what they say. That's bravery."

"I never really thought about it that way—"

"And," said Lily even louder, "you're the only person I know who asks questions in History of Magic. You're the only person who asks for fish and chips without fish. You're the only one who dips crisps in ketchup. The only one that goes easy on Snape. The only one that tries to be nice to everyone, the only one who doesn't fight back when you're picked on, the only on who's ever gotten so close to me, the only one who comes looking for me when I'm upset," Lily said. "It's endless, Molly. Just because you don't go slay dragons, or walk up to Voldemort, doesn't mean you're not brave."

Molly looked down.

"And I know that Sirius at least fancies you; you two have a damn good chance together. You should tell him."

Molly looked up at her friend. "I should, I know. But something's holding me back. This is my weakness— Sirius."

"It's a great feeling, isn't it?" asked Lily, smiling.

"Yeah," said Molly. "It's the best feeling I've ever had."

Sirius put his hands in his hair. This was the best news he'd ever heard, but in a way, the worst. It had a sense of bitter-sweetness to it. He knew he could never be with Molly because it might ruin their friendship.

Sirius stood up, still wearing the cloak, and opened the portrait hole as quietly as he could.

"What was that?" asked Molly suddenly.

"It was the portrait hole," said Lily, pointing to it.

Molly stood up and ran over to it. She quickly opened it up. She could see Sirius halfway down the hallway.

"Black!" she called.

He turned around. "Oh, hey, Moll. What's up?" he asked.

"Were you just in the common room?" she asked suspiciously.

"No," he said quickly.

A bit too quickly, in Molly's opinion.

"Don't lie to me, Sirius. I think that I know when you're lying by now. And anyway," she added. "We heard the portrait hole close."

"Ok," he said in defeat. "I walked in there, but I saw you two talking, so I left." Well, it was partially true.

"W-what did you hear?" she asked nervously.

"Um, nothing really," said Sirius politely.

"Sirius, please tell me what you heard," pleaded Molly.

"Look, all I heard was, 'it's a great feeling, isn't it? And then you said, 'yeah.' That's all."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep," said Sirius.

"Is that James's cloak?"

Sirius looked at the cloak that he was still holding. "Um, yeah… I forgot to give it back to him earlier on; I was looking for him."

Molly was biting her lip. She wasn't quite sure that she believed Sirius, but when had he ever lied to her before? He was usually a trustworthy guy. "Ok," she said uncertainly.

She turned on her heel and ran back, blushing slightly.

Sirius scratched his head and wondered what would happen next.

ooOOOoo

Hogwarts School was beautifully decorated for Christmas, which was only a few weeks away.

The Christmas spirit wasn't very high with the seventh year Gryffindors, however. Since Lily and James weren't talking to each other, that meant that none of the other Marauder's could talk to her, or Molly couldn't talk to James without it being awkward for Lily and James. So they tried to talk when the Head Boy and Girls weren't around.

That was another problem— they were Head Boy and Girl, which meant that they had to go to meetings together.

One night, Molly, Sirius, Remus, and Peter were sitting in the common room, awaiting the return of Lily and James.

"This is bad," said Molly suddenly.

"What is?" asked Remus.

"Lily and James! I hate it! I miss talking to you guys and James. It stinks. I mean, it's not fair, right? I'm, your friend, and I can't talk to you now."

"Well, she didn't say that you couldn't hang out with us," said Sirius.

"Think about it, Sirius. She pretends not to mind, but it's always awkward for her. I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable," said Molly.

Just then, Lily and James came into the common room. Lily headed for the staircase, and James came over to the sofa.

"Lily," said Molly. "I'm over here."

"Oh," said Lily, flustered. Molly got the impression that Lily had known that, but was trying to get away from James.

She walked over and took a seat next to Molly, and stared into the fireplace.

"So," said Sirius. "What did you two talk about, then?"

"The dance, mostly," said James, determinedly not looking at Lily.

"Um, what are the plans, then?" asked Molly.

"Same old, same old," said Lily. "Snow, floating candles, the lot."

"Sounds exciting," said Remus lamely.

"Yeah," said Lily and James at the same time.

"When is it?" piped up Peter, trying to be helpful.

"Three weeks away," said James. "Christmas Eve."

"Ooh, it should be fun," said Molly dreamily. "I love Christmas Eve. I hope it's a full moon."

All four boys looked at Molly.

"I don't," said Remus.

"Why?" asked Molly. "It's so beautiful then."

"I hate the full moon," said Sirius sharply. In fact, he loved running around as a dog, but he felt for Remus; becoming a wolf wasn't fun for him.

"I don't get it," said Molly.

"That's when the werewolves come out," said James darkly.

Remus shot him a glare.

Molly stared at the boys. "Don't tell me you lot are afraid of werewolves?"

"Who isn't?" said Remus sadly, looking down.

"I'm not. Well, I'm sure I would be if it were the full moon. If you're not afraid of them… You're not prejudiced, are you? That's horrible, if you are! It's not their fault that they become a wolf! They didn't choose to be bitten! And most of them are wonderful people. It's not fair that they should be treated the way they are," said Molly.

James looked at Remus, who was smiling at the floor. Sirius grinned at Molly. Peter hadn't been listening.

"What are you smirking at?" asked Molly to Sirius.

"Nothing!" he said. "I'm just— I'm just really glad that you think that. I hate prejudice just as much as the next guy."

"Which would be me," said James, raising his hand. "And I hate it, too."

"Good," said Molly. She looked at Lily. "Ready for bed?" she asked.

Lily smiled. "Yeah. You're a mind reader."

"Well, I just know you too well," said Molly as she stood up. "Good night, lads!" she called to the boys as she walked toward the staircase. "Or," she said to Lily, "maybe I just knew it because you were endlessly staring into the fireplace."

"Perhaps," said Lily.

"I think I like the first theory better. Or, hey! I've got an even better one! Maybe I'm psychic! Did you ever wonder why…" and Molly's voice could be heard going on and on up the staircase with Lily.

ooOOOoo

Lily's plan was getting a bit messed up. Was it possible that they could hook up on their own? No. No way. They definitely needed Lily's help. Definitely. But it wasn't helping that Molly was prepared to confront Sirius by herself. That would screw it up! That was the wrong way to approach it! Molly needed to be subtle. She needed to make Sirius realize that he was crazy about her and make him jealous. But, in the slight chance that Molly succeeded in telling Sirius how he felt, and he told her, her plan would be useless. Lily didn't like feeling useless. So she would continue with her pre-plan just incase.

What she needed to do was to find someone that would take Molly's mind off of Sirius momentarily. Who?

Lily spent the next two days watching people… Ravenclaws, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, even Slytherins. That would really upset Sirius. But alas, no one seemed like the kind of person Molly would like. She needed someone like herself-- Open minded, wild, crazy, funny, nice… The only person that fit that description was Sirius. Or James, maybe… No. Not James. Lily wouldn't allow it. And anyway, Molly would have no interest in him. Right?

The only other person would be Remus. Lily could see that happening. But she didn't know how he would take it when Molly dumped him for Sirius. What if she told him ahead of time? No, he wouldn't agree. What if they grew too close? Molly and Remus already got along great. No, Lily would have to pick someone that Molly wasn't her friend.

Who?

"Lily!" said Molly, running up to her. Lily jumped. She was sitting under the beech tree near the lake.

"Hey, Moll," said Lily. "What's up?"

"Nothing. What are you doing out here all alone?" asked Molly as she plopped herself down next to Lily.

"Pondering," said Lily. She immediately thought of James. Then she shook him out of her head.

Molly laughed. "That's a weird word."

Lily smiled at Molly's habit to be easily amused. She had to get her with Sirius.

"What are you 'pondering' about, then?" asked Molly.

"Just stuff," said Lily. "Nothing much."

"So, hey. It's lunchtime. Come on. I'm starving."

"I'm not hungry," said Lily.

Molly stared at her. "Lily Evans, get inside and eat now or I'll hex you."

Molly's tone of voice took Lily aback. "I beg your pardon?"

"There is no need to beg, Lily. You have my pardon." Molly stopped and thought about his for a moment, and spoke again. "You don't eat breakfast. You hardly eat lunch. The only meal you eat is dinner, and you eat a very small one. Why?"

"Molly, I don't know! My metabolism's different from yours, maybe! I just don't eat as much as you!"

"Are you saying I overeat?" asked Molly, surprised.

"No!" said Lily. "That's definitely not what I'm saying."

"Then why are you being so stupid about this?" yelled Molly. "You're going to get sick! Are you worried about your weight? I hope not, because you're skinnier than me!"

"Look, Molly. You don't need to be worrying about me. I can handle myself," Lily said coldly.

Molly stared at Lily. They had never spoken to each other like this before. They had never had a fight before. "Fine," said Molly. She stood up and left Lily sitting at the beech tree, just as Lily had left James.

ooOOOoo

Molly ran into the Great hall in a huff. She stormed over to the Gryffindor table, but she heard someone call her name.

"Hey, it's Molly Mudblood!" a voice came from the Slytherin table.

She spun on her heel. Lucius Malfoy was sitting at the table, laughing, and next to him was a very quiet, very sullen Snape. Snape wasn't one to call out names unless someone hurt him, first. So it had to be Malfoy. Stupid Slytherins…

"Levicorpus!" yelled Molly, pointing her wand at him. She didn't have the patience for a git right now.

"MISS ST. CLAIR!"

Molly turned to see professor McGonagall storming her way. She looked upset. Very upset. Upset in a very unpleasant way.

Molly stole one last glance at Malfoy, screaming like a girl, dangling from his ankle, and turned to face her consequences.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" she shouted. "Follow me. At once!"

Molly looked down. The whole of the Great Hall was staring at her, even her teachers. Molly had never really been a troublemaker, but she couldn't control herself. People made fun of her, and she was sick of it. Constantly, it was mudblood, slut, Goth… You name it, she was called it. She saw Lily walk in the doors, stop, and watch as McGonagall escorted Molly out of the hall.

Molly looked for James. She saw him a few seats away from where she was standing. "James," she whispered.

He looked at her.

"Make sure she eats something." Molly gestured at Lily, standing in the doorway.

He made a face stating that he didn't understand, but Molly had no time to explain. She followed McGonagall out of the hall.

ooOOOoo

Lily walked up to the Gryffindor table.

"Lily!" said a voice.

She turned. "Um, hi, James," she said uneasily.

"Did you see what happened? It was brilliant! Come here!"

Lily walked over cautiously to James and sat down next to him. He hadn't spoken to her about anything unless they were at a Head Boy and Girl meeting.

"So what happened?" Lily asked.

"Molly hexed someone," James said casually as he ate his lunch.

"I gathered that much," Lily said.

"Have you tried the Shepard's pie? It's the best I've ever had," James said, spooning some onto her plate.

Lily eyed it. "I… I don't want any. I'm, um, not hungry…"

"Come on, Lil, its great."

Lily took a bite. It was pretty good… "So, who did she hex?" asked Lily.

"Malfoy," James said. "He was being a prat, as usual. But I've never before seen Molly lose her temper like that. She's all in to non-violence, peace, and stuff like that, isn't she? She must have something on her mind," said James. "Hey, you're not eating your Shepard's Pie!"

"Oh, sorry," Lily said. She took another bite. After a few more, she couldn't eat anything else. She felt like she was going to be sick, even though she had barely eaten anything.

"Lily," said James.

"Yeah?" she asked.

"Why was Molly so upset? Do you know?"

Lily looked down. "Um, we….We disagreed on something," Lily said, staring at the Shepard's Pie.

"You mean she's mad at you?" asked James in awe. "You guys have never had a row over anything!"

"I know," Lily said ruefully. "But… I can't really explain." She clutched her stomach. "Uhh," she moaned as it squirmed. "I feel really ill. I have to go—" She got up as fast as she could. "Oh, James?"

"Yeah?"

"Does this mean we're ok? As friends, I mean."

"Um, yeah. I guess."

"Good," said Lily. "I missed you." Lily turned as fast as she could and ran to the bathroom.

ooOOOoo

"Disgraceful! I wouldn't have expected it from a Gryffindor unless it was Black or Potter! But not from you, Miss St. Clair!"

Molly looked down. Professor McGonagall was very intimidating.

McGonagall sighed. "Sit," she said, pointing to the chair.

Molly did as told.

"Now," said McGonagall, "your behavioral record is quite good, Miss St. Clair," she said.

Molly nodded.

"I don't understand why you would let it slip now. Is there something wrong?" asked McGonagall.

Molly mumbled something that McGonagall couldn't hear.

"What was that?" McGonagall asked her.

"I said, I'm sick of the way I'm being treated," Molly said louder. "I'm always being made fun of. Constantly! And it's not that I'm not popular; I have loads of friends. But everyone in Slytherin… They're always calling me 'mudblood,' or some other worse name. It really puts a person down. And it's not always so bad when you've got a gang of friends, but we're all falling apart," Molly said. She couldn't believe that she was telling all this to a Professor, but it felt good to let it out.

"Please continue," Professor McGonagall said.

"Well, I was best friends with Patrice for a long time, but now we argue a lot. However, having lost her, I gained Lily," Molly heaved. "And Sirius has always been my best guy mate. But when Lily and James broke up, it became hard to talk to James, Remus, and Sirius, because Lily wouldn't talk to James. And Sirius and I got in a row over something stupid, so now everything is all awkward with us. And just now, Lily and I got in a fight over something serious, but I miss her already. I suppose it just becomes hard to put up with people when you're having problems that are more important than they are. I'm sorry I lost my temper, Professor, but its people like Malfoy that make my life just a little bit worse."

Professor McGonagall nodded. "I believe I see your position, Molly," she said calmly; a bit more human-like. "I'm willing to let it go, but please do not let a situation like this arise again. I will talk to Professor Slughorn about the discipline of his house. As for your friendship problems, all I can do is hope it works out for you."

Molly smiled. "Thank-you, Professor."

ooOOOoo