Disclaimer - Not mine. HP belongs to JK but this story belongs to me.

AN - I am a fanfic fail. Sorry for the long break between updates. I have a long list of reasons so I'll point out the highlights: uni has started again (and it's not as rubbish as it used to be, which is nice, but it still takes up a great deal of my time), it was my sister's b-day last weekend and there was much preparation/cleanup time spent on her party, i have been really stupidly tired lately due to all the extra shifts i've been taking at work because I want to travel to england in July and i need the money. So yes. I'M SORRY!!!!

Last time - They gang were all moving into new flats and beginning new jobs following their Hogwarts lives. Remus met a pretty hospital intern named Laura. Death Eaters continue to be evil, etc.


Chapter 2 - Letters to Lily and a Maraudering House-warming

July 29

Dear James,

Well, we've been here a day and I already love it. We'll have to come here together sometime. It's beautiful. At the moment we're in a place called Queensland and it's hot and sticky, but there's rainforest that stretches all the way to the sea, which is turquoise with white sands. Honestly, if you could see it...

My parents and I are staying in a self-contained villa on the edge of the beach - I've got the upstairs all to myself and they have the downstairs. I don't suppose you could apparate over here? There's really nothing to do except swim and read and sleep and, as much as I like reading and swimming, I can't help but think there are more... Interesting things I could be doing with my time.

Oh dear, I'm starting to sound like Sirius with all this suggestion. I'll just chalk it up to missing you.

How are things back in rainy, old England? What've you been up to? I know it's only been three days but it really feels like a lot longer.

Love, Lily.


August 3

Dear Lily,

Four days now. I feel sorry for the owls - it's a long distance for them to travel.

I miss you so much, it's actually ridiculous. Sirius slapped me the other day - an actual girly slap across the face - because apparently I was 'moping'.

Queensland sounds amazing - I wish I could get there and back, but I've got to be here incase something happens with the Order. I know we aren't supposed to talk about it in the letters, but we've got our first meeting in a few days. Dumbledore's going to owl us when it's time. It's a shame you won't be there, but I guess there will be plenty more of them in future given the way things are going. Since you've been away there have been more reports of muggle-baiting in cities outside London, to the south. So far there've been no fatalities but it's only a matter of time.

But I don't want to bring you down, especially when you're on holidays with your family. It sounds really nice. A bit boring - I don't suppose there are any quidditch pitches nearby?

We've been playing a lot of quidditch - me, Sirius, Cat and Remus (after he recovered from the full moon). It keeps us fit, which we're going to need for when auror training starts. Cat is over here all the time, now. She has sort of moved in. Same with Remus. I mean, it makes sense seeing as how there's so much room here but sometimes I just want to be by myself, you know? I haven't been able to go and talk to mum like I used to because Sirius doesn't think it's healthy. I know it's just her painting and that it isn't actually her, but it's as close as I can get. It helps. So now I have to sneak down in the middle of the night if I want to talk undisturbed but usually I'm just too tired.

But enough of my whining! I'm your boyfriend, you should be whining to me!

Write back soon, before I get committed for being 'mopey'.

James.


August 5

James,

I'm bored.

I am freckled and I am bored.

The thing they don't tell you about Australia is how much more sun there is down here. I mean, I knew it was going to be better weather than back home, but this is ridiculous. It's winter over here and I'm still burnt and/or freckled. That's the last time I try tanning without sunscreen on!

In other news, that's really exciting about the Order. Of course it would be better if the Order weren't necessary and we didn't have to fight at all, but since we do I have to admit I'm jealous that you guys are getting stuck right into it while I'm stuck over here with two people who think sitting on the beach is an acceptable pastime for eight consecutive days (consider that my whining done for today).

But please, please stay safe! Keep your cloak on you at all times, just in case (I'm sure I don't need to tell you this - you are a Marauder, after all).

Muggle baiting? Are the Ministry doing anything to help out or are they too busy trying to cover everything up so the muggles are kept in the dark? I sometimes wonder if they've even told the muggle Prime Minister about You-Know-Who.

Ignore Sirius. It's your house and your Mum, if you need to talk to her portrait, go talk to her portrait. Tell Sirius I'll hurt him when I get back if he gets in your way.

I love you.

Lily.


August 7

Lils,

We had our first Order meeting today. It was intense. I know we're fighting for good and equality and safety and all that, but after Mad-Eye spoke to us about how difficult things are going to be I can't help but feel a little helpless. How in the name of Merlin are we going to defeat Voldemort? He has legions of supporters - people who will help him here and there, people who will turn their backs on the wrong that he does, his Death Eaters, etc. We've got a group of about thirty people, with absolutely no support from the Ministry or their law enforcement squads. I know we have to believe that we can do this but...

Anyway, we haven't got any missions yet. I think we're waiting for more intelligence on what the other side are up to. Since I last wrote, they've been laying low. No big attacks, nothing reported in the Prophet, it's making the aurors in the Order uneasy. The quiet before the storm, as I overheard Mad-Eye calling it. Something big is coming and we don't know where or when. At least you're in Australia where I know it's safe.

How is it going? How are your parents? Tell them I say hello.

I have to go now, Sirius and Remus just got back from Diagon Alley and we are going to play a game of quidditch. Unfortunately, it's going to be two on one - Cat's with Anna looking at furniture, I think, and Peter's still in Spain with his aunt and uncle.

Come home soon. It's not the same celebrating my whipping of Sirius AND Remus in a game of quidditch if you're not here to burst my big-headed bubble.

Love, James.


August 11

Dear James,

Sorry it's taken me so long to write back. I know it's probably been more than a week since you sent your last owl. I think he got lost on the way, because we're now further south in New South Wales. Anyway, I hope that everything's alright and that there haven't been any more attacks. I don't like the sound of this silence, though. They must be planning something.

Everyone feels hopeless sometimes - it's just part of war. We have to fight for everyone who thinks the war is already lost; fight for everyone else who already feels it's hopeless. I know that might sound corny but, well... I just think that what we're doing (what you're doing, really) is really important, no matter how much we struggle.

In other news, the holiday is improving. I met some people today on the beach about our age and we're going out to a party tomorrow night. They're backpackers from another part of the country so we bonded over not knowing the area. It should be fun! Anything to get away from the parents. On Wednesday they want to visit the capital and see the miniature village there. It's seriously an entire village but tiny, like houses as big as my shoe tiny. What is the point of a tiny village, I ask you? It's not like it's habitable. Except maybe for ants.

I know if you were here it'd be less boring but sadly you have more important things to be getting on with. I hope you won your game of quidditch. If you did: James Potter, I'm amazed you can get off the ground with that big, fat head of yours. Stop gloating and take your victory like a man! (I hope that was satisfactory. If you lost... Well, I'll make you feel better when I get back to England).

Love, Lily.


August 15

Lily,

It's good to hear that you're having a good time. Who are these people you're meeting? I mean their names, just in case you go missing and I have to inform the Ministry of your whereabouts, haha. But, seriously.

I don't really have much to say. Nothing much has happened with the Order, we're still waiting for more information. I'm just waiting around for auror training to start.

Love you.

James.


August 17

James,

The party was so much fun! We went to this place on the beach where there was some band playing live. Then we went for a swim afterwards. It was a really warm night, too, so it was refreshing and lovely. It kinda reminds me of when we went swimming in the lake after exams.

The people I went with are staying in the same hotel as us; Ellen, Karina, Matthew, Joshua, Kevin and Lewis. So don't you worry - I'm safe.

We're moving south to Melbourne in a few days time. I think the gang might be going the same way, so that'll be nice - not to just be with the oldies.

I hope your holidays improve soon!

Got to go, there's a volleyball competition on at the beach.

Love, Lily.


Remus' Occlumency Diary

Well, another birthday. 19 now - it sounds quite old, really. Only one more year of being able to blame all my faults and foibles on being a teenager.

The next full moon is in a few days time. I'm not looking forward to it. I'm still technically living with my parents, even though I spend every waking moment at James' house, helping them study for their auror courses.

I'm more than a bit jealous of them. They are so lucky to be able to do this. Well, not just lucky. We got our NEWT results yesterday and each of them did outstandingly well (like me, might I add). I'm just jealous that they get to do something with their hard work and good results, while I will probably be stuck working in a shop for the rest of my life doing a job that's beneath me, simply because once a month I am not quite myself. It seems a waste of all my hard work, that's all.

But at least I get to help out in the Order. Moody hasn't said anything specific - we all got a briefing on recent muggle baiting incidences, but we have to wait for more intelligence before we can take preventative action, or stop those responsible. However, I think that perhaps my werewolf status will make me a valuable member in that I could perhaps talk to other werewolves about resisting the temptations that You-Know-Who has offered his followers. I must admit, equal rights sounds terribly appealing, but I know that it's probably an empty promise so it really doesn't deserve my dwelling on it.

The only good thing about going back to St Mungo's is... Well, it's stupid really. Last time I was there, there was a new intern. According to her name tag, her name is Laura. You have to understand that it's just nice to have something different to think about while I'm lying in that same hospital bed in the same ward with some of the same people every month. She seemed quite efficient and obviously she's intelligent if she managed to get the marks to do healing. If I could just have five minutes of conversation that doesn't involve injuries or my lycanthropy then there might be something to look forward to. The fact that she's beautiful probably doesn't hurt.

Enough. I don't need to be thinking about girls. Especially not now.


August 19

Lily,

I've started studying for auror training. I'm flat out. Sirius and Cat have started too, so there's no more quidditch or time out. There are ridiculous amounts of reading to be done for this course - I can't help but hate the laws that stop Remus from being an eligible trainee as he would love a legitimate reason to read all day. It was his 19th birthday yesterday. We didn't have time for a proper party so we all just had dinner at the Leaky Cauldron together. It was nice.

Have fun with your new friends - don't forget to tell them you have a very protective, very sexy boyfriend waiting for you back home.

Love, James.


August 20

Dear Lily,

What's up? I haven't heard from you this entire time!

I'm super busy at the moment with all this preparation I have to do before we go into the advanced auror training program at the start of September, but I thought I'd take the time out to write you a letter, seeing as how you're probably bored stupid with your parents in Australia.

Anna and I took the liberty of buying some second hand (and some new) furniture for the apartment a while ago, and the boys are going to help us move it in this weekend. I know we don't technically move in till you get back, but the other owner is gone so we figured we'd get a head start.

James was completely useless the first week after you left. Sirius kept telling him off for moping about the house - which he did quite a bit, waiting for owls from you, I suspect. We distracted him with some quidditch for a while, but now he seems better. In fact, he's been really busy with preparing for our course. Sirius thinks he's being a swot, but I'm not so sure. At first I thought it was because he missed you, but it seems like he is just really intense about doing well. I suppose that's what happens when your dad is the head auror, though. I'm sure he has probably also told you about our Order meeting. Nothing much is happening yet, but when it does it will be epic.

Anyway, I have to go. Sirius and I are going out tonight, just the two of us for a change, and I need to go and make myself beautiful.

See you soon, lots of love,

Cat xox


August 22

Hi Cat,

It's great to hear from you! Yes, my holiday did start off a bit quiet but then I met some people my age and luckily they have been heading in the same direction as my family and I, so we've hung out quite a bit. James seemed a bit concerned that I was spending so much time with them, but I suppose everyone's a bit edgy these days what with the war.

I can't wait to see the flat, I am really excited about moving in!

I'm not quite sure what's going on with James. One of his letters was really pessimistic about the war, which isn't like him at all. He hasn't gotten any more letters from You-Know-Who, has he? I suppose he would've told me if he had.

Honestly, I was worried about us spending such a long time apart, but I think we'll be fine. He's just really busy and so am I, I suppose. But keep an eye on him for me, would you?

I'll tell you all about my holiday adventures when I get back - right now I'm going out to the theatre with some of the people I met over here.

Hope you aren't studying too hard! See you soon, lots of love,

Lily xx


August 23

James,

Tell Remus Happy Birthday! I sent him an owl, but I'm not sure if it got there on time.

So much sightseeing, so little time! I went to see a show at the Princess Theatre with Ellen and Joshua last night - it was amazing! I can't wait to tell you all about my adventures when I get home. For example, we got caught in the rain the other day on our way through the Botanical Gardens (a big muggle tourist attraction - it's just a massive garden, really). We got completely lost and soaked through, then we had to take muggle transport back to the hotel but we got on the wrong tram and ended up at the opposite end of town. Josh thought it was hysterical but I think Ellen came down with something - she's been sneezing non-stop for the past two days!

Good luck with your study,

Lily x


August 25

Lily,

Sounds like quite an adventure.

Nothing much is happening here except study and stress. We were going to have a welcome home party for you but I don't think we'll have the time to organise it, sorry. And to think, we haven't even started official classes yet!

See you soon,

James.


August 28

James,

Just boarding the plane now but I wanted to send this owl just to let you know (and to see which of us gets there first - the owl or the plane).

See you tomorrow, or today, depending on how you look at it.

Lily.


Lily arrived back in London on the 30th of August, jet-lagged, sunburnt and a little bit cranky. James would have been at the airport to greet his girlfriend but unfortunately her return clashed with his very first day of auror training. While Lily was going through customs at the airport, steadily getting less and less patient, James was being given perhaps the longest lecture of his life by none other than Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody, Head Auror.

"We will push you to your absolute limit. Our world is at war, and we are needed more than ever. If you can't handle the pressure - the hours, the commitment, the spell-work, the danger - then you are in the wrong place. Leave now."

It was towards the end of the long and intimidating speech, as Moody paused to wait for the weaker recruits to throw in the towel. No one moved, this was a determined bunch.

"This afternoon you will be split into groups and assigned a group mentor. If you have any problems with the coursework, if you need someone to talk to, if you want help adjusting to the auror lifestyle, then your mentor is the person you go to," he said with a sour look on his face, as though the idea that anyone would need emotional support was repulsive.

"The rest of the day will be spent with your new group and mentor. They will become your family while you are in training and will be your support network when you officially join the auror office in the Ministry. Today your mentor will explain the layout of the course with regards to structured classwork, fieldwork and reporting. I wish you all luck and remember, constant vigilance!"

"Well that wasn't half intimidating," Cat whispered to Sirius who was sat to her right. James, on Sirius' other side, was nervously glancing around for a clock.

"I'm more worried about the groups we'll be in," Sirius said to Cat, as James was clearly distracted. "I don't know about you, but I do not much fancy having that Vance as a mentor. I mean, I know he's young and all, but I reckon he's the sort to take his job too seriously."

"Maybe taking things seriously is just what you lot need," said a tall, sandy haired man who had wandered up behind them.

"Gid! How are you?" James exclaimed happily, recognising the twenty-something year old man as Gideon Prewitt, an old family friend.

"Not too bad, Potter, not too bad. It's good to see you here. There's been lots of talk about David's son following in his father's footsteps," he grinned. James coloured slightly - though he was proud to be a Potter, he didn't want special treatment just because his father was a top auror.

"Don't tease him, Prewitt. You know James and his dad are like chalk and cheese," Sirius joked, trying to draw the focus off James.

"And Black! Of course you'd be here," Gideon quipped, "Another way to stick it to your family, ey?"

"Any opportunity," Sirius agreed grimly.

"Well then, best get started. I'm your mentor."

"You're joshing!"

"Nope. Apparently they think I've had enough 'experience in the field'," he air quoted with his fingers, "And am sufficiently responsible to look after the rookies. Clearly they don't know me at all," he joked.

"So does this mean James and I are in the same group?" Sirius asked hopefully.

"Yep, sure does. Along with a-" he consulted his list, "Catherine Jones-"

"It's Cat, thanks," Cat interrupted, unsure as to whether she liked this joking yet apparently tactless Gideon Prewitt.

"Okay, Cat. Also we've got a Louise Fournier, Jasmine Elliot and Leo Faulkner," Gideon called out over the crowd.

James, Sirius and Cat exchanged nervous glances - their future safety and general happiness would depend on the three people making up the remainder of their group.

The first to arrive was a girl with sleek black hair cut severely at the shoulders, dressed in tomboyish clothing and sporting a don't-mess-with-me look on her pretty face.

"Louise Fournier. I prefer Lou. I completed my schooling at Beauxbatons Academy but I came here to learn to fight," she said shortly before looking to the Marauders and Cat for their introductions. Before they could begin, another girl had wandered over.

"Hi, I'm Jasmine. Jasmine Elliot?" she asked as though it were a question.

"Yes, you're in the right group," Gideon confirmed, giving her a subtle up and down glance. She was a very pretty girl, after all. With pale, smooth skin, caramel coloured hair that was pulled back into a ponytail that reached halfway down her back, and legs that seemed to go for miles, she didn't fail to catch the attention of most males in the room.

"Faulkner?" Gideon yelled over the crowds, "Leo Faulkner?"

"Yeah, sorry, was talking to... Never mind," said an orange haired boy, who looked perhaps a few years older than Sirius and James.

"So, now that we're all here we may as well introduce ourselves," Gid suggested. "Let's start with you, Potter."

"Okay. Well, I'm James Potter, I'm pretty good at defence and transfiguration. I want to be an auror because I want to be able to fight back against Voldemort and his Death Eaters and stand a fighting chance. I have a girlfriend named Lily, and Padfoot here is my best friend," he concluded, pointing at Sirius.

And so the group continued around in a circle, introducing themselves with what they considered to be vital detail. The rest of the afternoon was spent discussing the course outline in terms of what would be expected of them and what they would be doing the following day (which would be a brief overview and practice of all defensive spells, before moving into pair and team tactics for battles).


Sirius' Occlumency Diary

Interesting first day.

Gideon Prewitt is our group mentor. Smarmy git. I know he's just joking around but sometimes I'd honestly just like to slap that silly look off his face. I mean, it was bad enough that he teased James about his dad (which is a sensitive subject, I should know), but then he has the nerve to mention my family? He doesn't even know me that well!

Stupid bloody arse.

But I suppose he knows what he's talking about - he didn't get to be an auror for nothing, did he?

The rest of our group seems okay, though.

I was so relieved that Prongs and Cat are with me (not that I need support systems, but it's not exactly as though this is an easy job). Then there's also a carrot top by the name of Leo. He seems to be easily distracted (by the birds, obviously) and maybe a bit off with the faeries (so to speak) but he seems a nice enough bloke. He barracks for the Chudley Cannons so he can't be all bad.

There's also Louise (or Lou) who I think might go for the ladies. Call me crazy but my gay-dar is never wrong, and I could've sworn she was giving my girlfriend the once over. Thank Merlin Cat has experimented and decided she's straight, otherwise I might feel insecure. And yes, when she told me she had experimented, I had the best night's sleep ever (best dreams, too).

Last, but certainly not least, was Jasmine Elliot. Or Jazz. Hot as.

Lucky I have somewhere to write this down and get it off my chest, otherwise I might go insane and accidentally say something to Cat. But seriously, she is smoking.

She came off as all timid and tentative to begin with but then she opened up and I tell you what, she has a Marauder sense of humour. She was cracking jokes with the best of us and to be honest, I think she might fancy James.

I love Lily like a sister... Well, sort of. The sort of sister you spent years with mild contempt for because she tried to rain on all pranking parades and stole the heart of a dearest friend. But still, the way she and Prongs feel about each other, you know, you have to respect it. And I'm glad to say that over the past year Lily has really become one of us. Or something like that. I don't know how to put it exactly. But, you know, she's pretty cool.

So I hope that this Jasmine doesn't set her sights on James, because it'd be pretty hard to resist her. If James and Lilyflower weren't already dating, I swear he would've put the moves on her. There was definitely a spark. Cat disagreed with me when I told her what I thought, but she has to, given that she's Lily's best friend and all...

I don't know, though.

We didn't get home till 9 tonight, and we have a seven am start tomorrow. I just wonder when Prongs is going to get a chance to see Lily. Not that it's really any of my business - Cat and I are practically together all the time and I get to go to work with my best mate - but I do worry where Prongs is concerned... He's never had the best luck with the ladies, particularly Lily.

I just hope that I'm wrong about this.

Mind you, Jazz is pretty cool. I don't think I'm going to mind hanging out with her at all.

In other news, the actual program sounds pretty good. We're trying to fit all our training into one and a half years to cope with the demand for aurors thanks to the 'Dark Lord', of course. It's going to be bloody stressful, but nothing I can't handle. As long as I don't have to deal with my brother. I know eventually I will have to face facts but I don't want to be the one to personally bring him into custody. I don't care if he is a death eater - he's still my brother...


Lily and James' eventual reunion was not ideal or even particularly memorable. Lily had been back since the middle of the week but the couple had been unable to see one another due to James' impossible hours and Lily's jet lag. They finally managed to see one another on the first Saturday after the auror training program had begun. Sirius had invited the girls over to the Marauder's new flat in Diagon Alley for a house-warming/beginning of new adventures/welcome home Peter and Lily party.

Lily was actually nervous about seeing James again after all the time they had spent apart. She felt as though she had stomach flu and really wished that she had skipped lunch because she was suddenly concerned about seeing it come back up again.

"Hey, are you okay?" Cat asked her as they walked up to the front door of an inconspicuous looking flat.

"Hmm, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," Lily said unconvincingly. Anna shot her a quizzical look.

"You look paler than normal. You're nervous about seeing James again, aren't you?"

Lily looked at Anna, slightly agog. How did she know exactly what Lily was thinking?

"How do you know exactly what I'm thinking?" she asked.

"You shouldn't be nervous, Lils. You guys are, well, not perfect," Cat began. "But, you know, you're Lily and James. You're meant to be together. Just relax."

"It's been more than a month since I've seen him. What if I've gotten fat? What if he's lost interest? What if-"

"Lily, what ifs will get you no where. The only way to find out is to go," and with that Anna pressed the doorbell and pushed Lily in front of her.

The door was jerked open and a flamboyantly dressed Sirius welcomed them into the spacious hall. Once the girls got over the colour of Sirius' silk muggle shirt (it was deep blue with lashings of magenta and canary yellow), they could appreciate what they could see of the flat. The hall opened up to a comfy-looking lounge room with a small muggle television sitting atop a stack of old quidditch magazines opposite a huge couch. Off one side of the lounge room was another hall which led to four moderately sized bedrooms and a bathroom. The other side of the room opened out to a kitchen and dining area.

"Ladies! We welcome you on this fine evening to the new accommodations of the devilishly handsome and witty men you know and love as Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs. Welcome to the Marauders' new home!" Sirius announced with a flourish of his hands.

"Not too shabby, Sirius," Anna grinned, settling herself daintily on the edge of the couch. "Where are these aforementioned other men?"

"Oh, well, Remus is in the kitchen cooking as we all well know that if Prongs, Wormtail or I were to give it a go, we may very well poison you. Wormtail... WORMTAIL?" Sirius yelled.

"I'm in the loo!" a voice yelled back.

"He's in the loo," Sirius said pleasantly. "And James is making himself look pretty. He's a bit nervous you know," he said looking pointedly at Lily.

"I might just go say hi," Lily muttered, trying her best not to vomit. As she approached the door ostentatiously decorated with a gold plate emblazoned 'Prongs aka James 'quidditch god' Potter' she had the overwhelming sense of deja vu. Last time she had visited the Potter mansion and she had found James in his bedroom had been after their five day separation following the end of their time at Hogwarts. It had been difficult enough after five days, let alone a month!

Lily absently wondered if it was normal to be anxious about time apart from a boyfriend - maybe we aren't meant to be together, she thought frantically. Luckily, her overwrought mind and sense of imagination didn't have time to dwell on such things as James chose that moment to open his door.

"Lily!" he said in surprise, before enveloping her in his arms for a bone-crushing hug. Lily found her arms awkwardly bound to her sides, rendering her unable to hug him back. She chuckled nervously before pulling away.

"I'm nervous!" she blurted out. Well, great. Good one Lily, she thought immediately.

"Yeah, me too," James agreed. "Want to come in for a minute?" Lily nodded and followed him inside.

James' new bedroom was surprisingly different from his room at school or at the Potter household. It had deep blue walls, with only a few posters stuck up here and there. Lily noticed that on the back of the door was a list entitled 'Goals' which seemed rather long. She also saw the book she had given James sitting by his double, though not four-poster, bed. The bed which the boy in question then sat down upon.

"You first," he said simply.

"I haven't seen you in ages and I was worried that we might've drifted, you might've lost interest, you know? It's hard to explain."

"I know what you mean, though. Seriously, all those letters I got from you that just went on and on about those people you met on holidays. Particularly the guys. I thought after all that time I spent trying to get you to go out with me, you'd just... Forget me."

"Oh, that's ridiculous!" Lily giggled, relieved that they both seemed to be on the same page. "I said I loved you and I meant it, you great lump!"

"Well so did I, so why are you worried?" James grinned, equally relieved.

"Why are you not kissing me?" Lily countered, launching herself on him.

The rest of the night was spent at the crowded kitchen table of the Marauders' new flat eating mexican food (because, as it had turned out, there had been a reason for Sirius' bright shirt) and discussing the week to come. Lily was to start her healer training at St Mungo's, Cat, Sirius and James were about to start their second week of auror training (for which they had an unusually large amount of reading preparation to complete), Remus had an interview for a position in a muggle book shop-come-cafe (as he had already given up on the idea of working in the wizarding world), while Anna and Peter were continuing into their already established jobs (in Flourish and Blotts and Eeylops Emporium, respectively). There was a hearty discussion in which Cat made a bet with Peter that she could become an animagus in less time than he had. Secretly, the other Marauders believed that Cat would probably win, but for friendship's sake decided to fence sit when it came to actually taking the bets. It was around about one in the morning when the girls finally decided to leave. The boys were insisting that they needed to escort the girls back to their flat, but in the end floo powder turned out to be the easiest option.

Goodnights and goodbyes were said and before they knew it the girls had collapsed onto their own couch in an exhausted heap.

"Well, that was fun," Cat slurred slightly - too much fire-whiskey perhaps being the cause.

"Yeah, we should definitely do that again," Anna said enthusiastically.

"You and Remus got on well," Lily noted.

"We are friends, you know? We're not as awkward as everyone seems to think."

"Why didn't you bring Caradoc along?" Cat asked.

"For one thing, he wasn't invited," Anna said sternly, "And for another, I really like him and he's a great guy and whatever, but that doesn't mean we have to do everything together, does it?"

"Suppose not," Lily said thoughtfully.

"And I don't really want to rub Remus' face in it - that I have someone and he doesn't," Anna added thoughtfully. "That's just poor form."

"Are you really sure you're over him?" Cat asked.

"Yeah," Anna smiled wistfully. "I'll always have a soft spot for him, how could I not after what we went through? But that's well over and done with now. I'm in love with Caradoc."

"Woah! You haven't said that before!" Cat said.

"Does he know?"

"Not yet," Anna replied, unable to wipe the happy grin off her face.

"Well what are you waiting for!?" Lily cried.

"Morning."

"Mm, good answer."

"What about you and James, Lils? What's going on there?" Cat asked.

"Oh, you know, same old."

"Gotten over your nerves?"

"Yeah, I was just being stupid. That's what happens when you spend too much time apart from the love of your life," she replied.

"That's so cheesy if it weren't you saying it I might have been sick," Cat joked.

"No, it's too cute," Anna said. "There's not a level of cheesiness that wouldn't work for you."

"Very funny," Lily deadpanned. "Now, come on, time for bed."

For now, Lily and James' problems seemed to disappear. They needn't have worried about their time apart, because clearly their love for one another wasn't going to fade. But greater trials stood in their way. Some that they could have anticipated but bigger and more dangerous ones that no one could have seen coming...


AN - So, what did you think? Lily and James really are a bit odd, aren't they? So insecure... but they may have their reasons...

Just a warning- things with certain characters may have to get worse (a lot worse) before they get better... not to be ambiguous or anything.

ONE MORE THING!!! I meant to post this on Saturday the 6th of March because it was my sister's 17th birthday (and, as you all know, that means she has come of age in the wizarding world). But I was too tired due to a house full of her 16-17yr old screaming friends so I didn't post it in time. If you have a moment and are feeling lovely, send her a happy birthday message by going to my list of fav authors and clicking on Mrs Rochester... if you feel like it, of course.

As usual, please read and review!!!

Also thanks to Monique101 who sends me messages when she thinks I've taken too long to post a chapter. Which does actually make me move faster. So thanks Monique - I appreciate your (and all my beautiful reviewers') feedback and encouragement.

ONE VERY LAST THING: THE TITLE!!! I'm just about to put up a poll and I would ask you to please vote on which name you think best for this story. Thanks.

Till next time, HAPPY FANFICCING :D