Remus Lupin could barely remember his name when he woke up the next morning. His head pounded sickeningly and his stomach clenched and unclenched, desperate to rid itself of its poisonous contents.

This was a common ritual of a Saturday morning and he was well used to it, but despite its repetitiveness, he never could quite learn to stand the sight of his own sick.

He swallowed thickly and slid down beside the sink, breathing heavily. The fact that James and Sirius were likely to suffer only a small degree of what he would this morning did nothing to ease his mood.

Remus didn't even like alcohol. Firewhiskey burned at his throat and reacted badly to his weak stomach in a way that seemed to escape his friends.

But what it did do, was provide him with a means of escape from the sometimes overbearing burden that had once made his life such a misery. Being a werewolf was not easy.

Remus wiped a shaky hand over his mouth. When he was firmly balanced against the sink once more, he reached forward and pulled open a cabinet. He rummaged through and quickly found what he was looking for.

A small, grateful smile lightened his features for a moment as he examined the potion, his respite, and his saviour. Remus downed it in one large mouthful, thanking his lucky stars that they'd invented this stuff. It simultaneously cleared the head, settled the stomach and freshened your breath- all symptoms of a hangover gone, without a single side-effect. They'd made a fortune with it last year until it had been inevitably banned by Filch. They still had a stash though, much to Remus's gratification, and he was finally able to think in a straight line.

It took a moment, but memories of the previous night quickly began to flood his mind. Remus felt the colour slowly drain from his face as realisation dawned.

Tripping over himself, he ran back into the dormitory to shake awake his friends.

...

Saturday morning found Severus Snape skulking in the dungeons. However, there were a few minute differences in his overall manner that suggested a measure of optimism in the sour face that had not been present on any other day.

His subtle attitude readjustment would have been evident to anyone who'd taken a close look at the lanky, greasy haired Slytherin. But no one did, and so his new found hope would go unnoticed.

Severus replayed his plan over and over in his head, convinced each time that he did in its utter flawlessness. Yet this cunning idea would have to wait until the following week before it took effect, as he was not foolish enough to believe that Potter would appear in the corridors at weekends. There was no quidditch match scheduled that he knew of.

That gave Severus two whole days to formulate his plan to absolute perfection. He wouldn't allow it to fail. He couldn't afford it to.

Seeing as he'd never desired, nor tried, to seduce anyone before, he was not unaware that he needed some advice. And as there was only one person in Hogwarts who could look at him without flinching, it was towards she that he would venture for guidance.

Lily Evans was in the library, working, when she noticed the familiar form of her Slytherin friend sloping in, attempting, as always, to go unnoticed. She smiled warmly and waved him over.

Severus' mouth twitched in an attempt to return the greeting but he gave up as an awkward moment passed. He could not, try as he might, will his lips into action. He'd always assumed he'd been born with this problem. The odd facial expression that others seemed so willing to indulge and pass back and forth, day to day, was a form of tradition that Severus constantly remained an outsider.

He shifted awkwardly into the chair beside Lily, glad that for once she was alone. He never had the courage to approach her with the usual flock of giggling girls at her elbow.

''Working, Sev?'' she raised her eyebrows as he dropped his bag onto the table. ''Not like you on a Saturday.''

''No, I'm not working,'' he replied, scanning the room carefully with dark eyes. He wanted no eavesdroppers on this particular conversation. ''Not school work. There is...something I wanted to ask you.''

''Oh.'' Lily closed the book she'd been working on and gave him her full attention. It wasn't often that Severus confided in anyone, even her. ''What is it? Is everything ok?''

''Yes,'' he answered after a careful pause, fidgeting slightly, disconcerted by her eagerness to assist. If he hadn't been so adamant in his plan to destroy Potter, he would never have put himself in such an awkward position.

''I was wondering…I just wanted to know…If you ever…If you could tell me…'' he stammered, avoiding her eyes.

Severus silently berated himself at his lack of coherence. He'd had this speech prepared; he'd been rehearsing all morning and now he was messing it up. It seemed he'd underestimated just how uncomfortable this was going to be.

Lily sat patiently, waiting with a concerned expression on her face. ''It's ok, Sev. Whatever it is…you can tell me.''

Snape nodded shortly and took a deep breath. He knew she'd never laugh. He could trust her.

''How could I get someone to like me?'' he asked finally, watching her reaction carefully from the corner of his eye.

Lily stared.

''A lot,'' he added, feeling the heat in his face and scowling against it.

''How could I get someone to like me...a lot,'' he repeated clearly, encase she hadn't understood. She was his only chance.

''Urm...You want to know how to make friends?'' Lily asked uncertainly.

''…Not exactly.'' Severus had no use for friends and probably never would. ''I want someone to love me.''

Lily quickly hid her surprise. She certainly wasn't expecting that.

''Do you fancy someone, Severus?'' she whispered, unsure as to how she felt about this. She scanned his face carefully, but as ever, he was hiding from her. The reddish tinge to his sallow cheeks was the only clues she got to indicate his true feelings.

Severus stared stonily back at her, silently daring her to laugh.

Lily just raised an eyebrow at his continued silence.

Severus looked away, grimacing to himself and considering his options. If he didn't say anything, he wouldn't have to lie; he didn't want to have to deceive her, though he was a Slytherin, and certainly couldn't tell her the truth. Not in this matter.

Thankfully, Lily was jumping to conclusions all on her own.

''I never thought that you'd…wow, Sev,'' she breathed, a wide smile forming on her face as she acknowledged his sincerity. ''Who is it? Is she in our year? A Slytherin?''

Severus winced, then gave a half committal nod and a small shrug. ''Will you help me then?''

Lily very much looked like she was about to hug her smaller friend. Always prepared, Severus glared defensively, disrupting any sort of inappropriate impulse before it could be forced upon him.

It worked. Lily lay her hands firmly on the table, but she continued to smile warmly. ''I never thought I'd see the day when Severus Snape would be asking me how to woo a girl…''

Severus blanched immediately and made to stand up, but Lily grabbed his sleeve, hauling him back.

''Sorry, Sev, sorry…'' she said quickly, reminded of how easy it was to knock this boy's confidence. Severus never had been able to stand teasing, even if it was totally innocent. ''It's just that I'm happy for you,'' she explained, ''and of course I'll help. Sit down. Please.''

She packed away the remainder of her books as Severus cautiously reclaimed his seat, apprehensive and wary. It was going to be a long day.

...

''Are you sure, Mooney?''

''Yes!''

''The Unbreakable Vow?''

''Yes!''

Remus stared at the blank, sleepy faces of his friends and willed them, with all his might, to understand.

''Take the potion!'' He shoved the bottle into Sirius hands but the dark haired wizard pushed it away with a sluggish grunt.

''You know you're the only one who ever needs that thing, Mooney.''

''Then why don't you remember?'' Remus hissed in frustration, perplexed that they could not be stimulated enough by his information to at least pay him the slightest bit of attention. Every ounce of his posture screamed out his anxiety, as he turned from face to sleepy face.

''No you don't!'' He grabbed Sirius's hand in desperation as the hung-over teen tried to conceal himself once again behind chequered bedspread. ''Sirius, James could die!''

Sirius movements stilled, his attention finally gained. His eyes darted over to where James lay snoring peacefully, having fallen back to sleep.

''Alright, Remus,'' he said slowly. ''I'm up, ok? Calm the fuck down.''

A short while later, the four fully awake friends sat with rapt attention round the common room fire. They were the only occupants of the room, seeing as it was a Saturday, so they had all the privacy that they needed.

It didn't take Remus long to fill in the missing gaps in the other's memory of the previous night; it was not a rare occurrence as he was frequently required to do so.

''Let me get this straight,'' James sighed, running his hand through his hair and taking it to ever greater heights of unruliness. ''I have to fall in love with Snape or I die.''

''No... Snape has to fall in love with you or you die. You made a bet that you could do it,'' Remus replied, trying hard to be patient. ''You and Sirius...and me...We made the vow.''

James stared at Remus. It was way too early in the morning to process all of this. He shook his head in denial and looked over to Sirius to see how he was reacting, and found him watching him intently, an unreadable expression on his face.

He knew instantly, as their gazes locked, that he was trying to work out the exact thing he was: how much trouble were they in...?

''I'm so sorry, mate…'' Sirius said finally, speaking for the first time since Remus had begun. His voice was still rough from sleep but he did his best to get across his sincerity. ''I really am. I would never have... the dare maybe, but not the vow.''

''It took two to seal it,'' James replied quietly, his face ghostly white. He was still unsure of the extent of what they had done, but he did know one thing for sure. He didn't want to die. He liked his life, it was that simple. The threatening of his morality was not something that he could take lightly. He couldn't die now, vow or no vow.

''Three,'' Remus corrected him. ''I cast the spell. We're all in this together.''

''But I'm the one who will...'' James couldn't finish his sentence but he didn't need to. Remus dropped his eyes and Sirius was staring determinedly at his socks. They both understood the seriousness of what could happen.

A loud snore cut into the silence, distilling the tense atmosphere that had fallen upon them. They all turned towards the interruption and snorted their disapproval. Peter had fallen asleep once again. He looked quite at peace with the world.

James shook his head. ''Well, the three of us at least.''

''How long does he have?'' Sirius asked, looking away from Peter in disgust. ''When does he...?'' He cleared his throat, like James, not prepared to finish the sentence now that they all knew the potential outcome of their reckless stupidity.

''One month,'' Remus answered, attempting to swallow but finding his throat constricted. ''If I'm right, he has until the ball. That's when it...ends.''

Sirius paled, images of James collapsing, screaming in an agonized death, with the whole school watching, played about his mind. He shivered, and for the first time, he regretted such a immature act on his behalf. He'd always prided himself on his ability to know just when to draw the line.

James sighed, getting annoyed by the nervous glances his guilt ridden friends were sending his way. ''Look, I'm not going to die, ok?'' he said, frowning firmly at them both. ''Remus, come on.'' He forced a short laugh which he didn't quite manage to pull off, and succeeded only in sounding artificial and uncertain. ''You can't have made a vow. It's like really advanced magic. You wouldn't have been-''

''I did,'' Remus nodded reluctantly, ''I'm sure I did. There's no way to check but...''

''So, it's a possibility,'' James accepted, but quickly grew impatient with the grief that remained solid on his friend's faces. ''I understand that, but can you stop planning my funeral already? I've got a chance, haven't I?''

Sirius looked at Remus questioningly, an eyebrow raised as if to say, 'has he?'

''Stop it,'' James snapped, irritated by their lack of support. ''You both thought I could do it last night! What's changed really, except the influence of alcohol? You must have the belief somewhere inside of you that I'd succeed or you'd never have suggested the damn vow.''

Sirius sighed and sat back further in his chair, relaxing for the first time. He allowed his eyes to flicker over James before he turned to stare out of the window, admiring the orange glow on the horizon, in a detached sort of way.

He was torn from his stupor by an impatient hand on his shoulder. James spun him round and glared into his eyes. ''I don't plan on dying,'' he said firmly, ''so you can stop saying your goodbyes and start helping me figure out how we're going to do this.''

''James...''

''No, be quiet, Remus. I need to know how I'm going to get Snape to...you know...'' he cringed and took a step back.

Sirius gave him a knowing look but James just frowned. ''You thought I could do it last night, Padfoot,'' he argued, almost pleadingly. ''Why not now? Don't make me panic over this, please. I know this is shit and we never should have done it, but what's done is done, right? This can be just another marauder prank...It'll be good... But I need you with me.''

''I'm with you James, of course I am,'' Sirius replied immediately, an irritated edge to his voice now. ''And I don't doubt you at all. I just happen to have a problem with you dying, ok?'' He pushed James back roughly so that he could see Remus and demanded, ''Is he mad or can we do this?''

''We have no choice but to try,'' Remus answered after a pause in which he studied them both with sad eyes. ''I am sorry James. I-''

James hissed and fought the urge to throw a silencing spell and him. ''Shut up Mooney, will you? This. Isn't. Your. Fault. Ok?''

He knew it would take more to convince him and there was only one way how. He'd have to do this. He'd make Snape fall in love with him. How hard could it be?

''It'll be good guys, I promise,'' he said, forcing as much conviction into his voice as possible. ''Just like we said it would be last night. It's a dare. They're always dangerous, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.''

''James is right,'' Sirius said, a pure force of need to believe what James was saying distinguishing his doubts. ''We made this vow. We'll see it through. We're marauders aren't we? You can make Snape fall in love with you mate, no problem. I don't know what we're worrying about.'' The lines across his face smoothed with some effort and his mischievous grin took its place, marred only slightly with the remainder of anxiety. ''The vow just makes it more exciting.''

''Sirius…'' Remus warned. This so wasn't a joke.

''What? This could be fun. We may as well make the most of it. This could still be the greatest prank ever pulled. Right, James?''

Remus quickly looked over at the seeker stood leaning against the fireplace with a pensive expression. He couldn't be the only one with who was going to take a sensible view on this. He should have known they'd attempt to make light of such a dire situation.

''The risk does always make it more… interesting,'' James answered slowly. They both knew that this attitude was the only way to deal with this. They'd have to appreciate it for what it was or suffer the full extent of their conscience. And if James was going to go, he wasn't going to without a fight. Severus Snape was certainly not going to play a part in his death.

''James…'' Remus groaned, witnessing the passion for action return to his friend's eyes. ''Please, you have to be careful. Take this seriously-''

''I am and I will. This'll be a piece of cake, Mooney you'll see,'' he smiled confidently at him, ''It's not like we have any other choice now.'' He ruffled his friend's hair as he walked past, back up to the dormitory for some more much needed sleep, followed closely by Sirius.

It was a long while after his friends had disappeared that Remus moved from the confines of the common room. He felt ill with guilt and regret. If James died, he'd never forgive himself. Not ever. He'd wasn't going to drink again. He was, when it came down to it, the only one really changed under alcohol. The others were only slightly less reckless and irresponsible sober. It wouldn't take them long to, once again, become caught up in the danger and excitement of the dare.

But he would have squashed the idea of the vow, without a moment's hesitation, at any other time. They relied on him, whether they knew it or not, to ensure that things never went too far, but now they had and it was all his fault. He'd let them down.

Remus felt the weight of guilt begin to suffocate him and was forced, as James and Sirius had been, to rely on confidence. He'd just have to make sure that whatever happened now, James succeeded and came out of this as unscathed as possible. He did not want to be dealing with his death... He couldn't. Sirius would be unbearable if James died.

...

Lily sighed. It was late in the afternoon already and she could not see that they were making any considerable progress. Severus just seemed completely unenthusiastic and unwilling to co-operate with any of her ideas.

It didn't take her long to realise that while Severus seemed set, determined even, to win the heart of this person, he was clueless as to what it would require of him. He was looking for an easy way round it; a way that would not require him to have to expose himself in any way. He simply failed to accept that this approach was impossible.

''Severus, you're going to have to open up,'' she said quietly, running a hand through her long hair and sighing deeply, ''otherwise I really don't see how I can help you.''

Severus continued to scowl, questioning seriously his decision to request Lily's help. He did not like this conversation. It was uncomfortable and made him doubt his plan. He realised only now how difficult this was going to be and he didn't like it at all. The whole thing had seemed so perfect in the bathroom...

''This would be so much easier if you told me who it was you wanted to impress…'' Lily said patiently, concealing her irritation, ''then we could work out how you could become more appealing to her. Not that I want to change you, Severus. You're wonderful. I just...not everyone sees you the way I do. She certainly won't if you refuse to even speak to her.''

Severus cringed. He couldn't help it. Every time Lily used the word 'she' or 'her,' he felt ill. What would Lily say if she knew of his real intentions, and especially whom they were towards?

This wasn't working. He wasn't trying to impress some hormonal teenage girl, so all of Lily's tips, such as 'make her feel important,' 'comment on how nice her hair looks' and 'how beautiful her eyes are,' were completely useless to him. He wanted to get the attention of James Potter!

He knew the guy had an obsession with his hair but telling him how sexy he found the untidy raven locks, or how those deep hazel eyes entranced him, would surely get him nothing short of a punch in the face.

''I'm trying to help,'' Lily said wearily, as Severus remained tight lipped. ''Maybe you should tell me what she's like. You don't have to tell me her name. Just...what kind of person is she? What are her hobbies and interests?''

Severus gave this one some thought. It didn't sound too challenging. He knew what James Potter liked, everyone did. ''He…I mean she likes quidditch.''

''Quidditch? Cool,'' Lily repeated, trying to keep her voice from becoming too patronizing. ''Ok, that's a start…''

''Except I know nothing of the game,'' Severus admitted unnecessarily, ''so that does not help at all.''

''You could learn the rules,'' Lily suggested hopefully, ''pick up a broomstick, try out a few moves…I know the Slytherin team are looking for a new beater.''

Severus's horrified expression almost had her giving up on him, but she'd never quit on anyone before and wouldn't start now.

''What is her personality like?''

''Well, she's very arrogant and big headed,'' Severus begun with a small concentrated frown, ''she thinks it's funny to make fun of people and hex them in the corridors, just because she can. She's very popular, though I don't know why, and I hate her friends. She manages to get decent grades, even though she never does any work! And he... she's teacher's pet.''

Lily's eyes widened. ''Ok…''

''Oh. And she likes the...opposite sex. And kissing. A lot.''

Lily opened her mouth but immediately closed it again, unsure of quite what to say with this character assessment. She hid her confusion, wondering as to Severus's choice in girls.

''Sounds a lot like Potter…'' she muttered under her breath, strongly reminded of the Quidditch star by Severus's description.

Severus choked. ''What?''

''Oh, nothing,'' she shook her head, not even an ounce of suspicion crossing her mind. ''Right then, if she's arrogant, I suggest that you pay particular attention to her appearance. She'll like that. Also, take interest in her other outer-curriculum activities. Attend a quidditch match for example and support her house team-''

Severus shuddered at the thought. Standing out in the pouring rain sporting a Gryffindor scarf and flag, cheering on James Potter, was something he'd not be seen dead doing.

''-she is obviously intelligent, and if you don't feel able to compliment her successfully, you could try contending with her? You could fight for the teachers praise; you'd receive more attention that way and she'd notice you…Is this helping at all, Sev?'' she asked doubtfully.

Severus nodded, his tongue between his teeth as he jotted down on a piece of stray parchment the odd points he thought he could use. He refused to let their entire encounter go to waste.

Lily frowned slightly before continuing. She'd never known Severus like this. ''Urm…you don't like her friends, so you could try to get her on her own maybe... Isolate her somehow to get some time alone? Then tell her about yourself. Tell her what you like... Don't hide yourself away. Don't be shy, just be...you.''

Severus looked uncertain but this time Lily knew exactly what he was thinking. ''You do have good points, Severus! You're a great friend and you're a great person.''

Severus gave a small snort.

Lily sighed again. ''Tell me something you like about yourself, Sev. Go on.''

She crossed her arms over her chest. Severus wouldn't have put it past her to wait all day for a response, so he thought carefully about an honest answer.

''I am...reasonably talented at potions,'' he said, eyeing his delicate, potion stained hands, ''and I like the Dark Arts, very much…''

''Well, why don't we leave the dark stuff to the side for now…'' Lily suggested, knowing that would impress no girl, not the ones she wanted Severus mixing with anyway. ''But the potions we can use…''

...

''Ok...'' Lily breathed, a few long hours later. She'd told Severus all she could and could only pray now that it helped him, and that he'd actually take her advice. She'd narrowed her suggestions down to five points in particular, certain that without these he would struggle immensely with his new love interest. They would also help in his everyday life, she was sure.

''Top five tips, Severus?''

''...''

''Come on, you can remember.''

Severus thought hard. He ran his hand through his greasy hair and suddenly recalled number one. ''I must wash my hair.''

''Yup,'' she smiled proudly. ''How often?''

Severus hesitated, his eyes narrowing. ''A trick question?''

Lily shook her head, fighting a smile. ''You must wash your hair whenever it gets dirty. We talked about this, Severus. You're going to wash it every day and get yourself into a cycle.''

Severus nodded shortly, less than pleased about the matter.

''What's number two then?''

Lily showed him a set of pearly white teeth and he grimaced, sure that this, more than the others was an impossibility. ''Smile...''

''And do you know when?''

Severus glared at her. ''When a situation is humorous.''

''And when someone smiles at you...?''

''I am to return the facial expression,'' Severus answered stiffly. ''Especially towards...her. Or I am even to initiate the non-verbal greeting myself, without prompt, if there is an appropriate moment.''

Lily nodded proudly. ''Very good, Severus. And number three?''

''I must walk with my back straight,'' he answered after a few moments and a quick furtive look at his notes.

''That's right,'' she grinned, ''no more hunching over, just like we practiced. 'P' for posture, Severus. It will make all the difference. Two more to go.''

Severus frowned in concentration. He knew the answer...

''Eye...'' Lily whispered behind her hand, bashing her lashes madly.

''Eye contact,'' he grumbled, irritated but refusing to comment on her childish manner.

''And the last one is confidence,'' he finished promptly.

Lily beamed. ''I think you have it, Sev. She won't be able to resist you.''

Severus left the library that night, leaving behind a very exhausted but pleased Lily, feeling a lot more confident in his plan. He clutched his carefully made notes to his chest, along with a bottle of shampoo she'd lent him, as he scurried back towards the dungeon.

He thanked Lily Evans a thousand times over, for now he knew he could not fail. He was going to be James Potter's dream come true. Monday couldn't come soon enough.