Paradise: Wow has it been so long?

Sirius: YES (looks at her angrily) you had me waiting for so long.

Paradise: I'm sorry. I know it took forever to get this up, but I had a test and assignment to get done. I have by some miracle passed my first year in my course and I'm moving into my second year. As I'm fasting as well, it's hard to write on an empty stomach. Oh and my sister and mum been dragging me to every clothing shop they know because we're getting ready for Eid. Seriously I thought I was going to suffocate from being trapped in a building filled with soo many people.

Sirius: Well congratulations on passing though, but you can't keep me waiting for so long. I thought you left (looked at her teary eyed).

Paradise: Aww Paddy you know I will never leave you or this story. I'm with this till the end (grins).

Sirius: Really? (She nods and he grins, gathering her into a hug).

Paradise: Anyways thank you soooo much for the lovely review. They were awesome, I'm glad you're all enjoying it. Well I have written a really long chapter, my sister was completely shocked that I wrote more than twenty pages (laughs). So I expect a lot of reviews, I will be so grateful like I said your opinions/thoughts are really important for me.

Sirius: So there a lot more action in this chapter?

Paradise: (grins wickedly) more than just action. Lily and James definitely have some surprises waiting for them (throws her head back and laughs evilly) Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha! (Goes into a coughing fit).

Sirius: You haven't been practicing have you?

Paradise: (gasps) N-no! But anyways on with the chapter.

Sirius: Enjoy (grins).

Paradise: Oh wait (she runs up to Sirius and pulls him into a hug, surprised he returns it).

Sirius: What was that for? (Bewildered).

Paradise: (smiles) that's from Missy396.

Sirius: (grins and waves at Missy396 happily) Thank you and I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Paradise: what he said (laughs).


Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything of Harry Potter, that's ALL J.K Rowling.


The next day was serene and quiet. Obviously as it was a Saturday morning and no lessons needed to be attended. So most of the students were enjoying the time staying in their beds longer, burying themselves deeper into their warm cosy beds, no worries about getting up, getting dressed and ready for lessons.

But that couldn't be said for two students in one part of the school building. Where one happened to be more awake then the other.

"JAMES, HURRY UP!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming," came a muffled response from behind the door and then the sound of something hitting the floor.

It was six in the morning and Lily was waiting quite impatiently for her fellow head to get ready. After banging on his door to wake him up and promising bodily harm if he didn't, she decided to sit down and wait.

She was just too excited and wanted to get going quickly, wanting to see the headmaster and run their idea through him that she didn't care if it was too early or that he might still be asleep. She'll bang on his bedroom door as well if she had too… well no she wouldn't, but that didn't stop her from imagining it and lately she's been imagining a few thing that she shouldn't be. But the headmaster just had to say yes.

Finally James walked out of his room and glowered at Lily. He had an hour to go for Quidditch practice and he wanted to catch a few more minutes of sleep. He hadn't liked the way he had been woken up. Lily stood up, straightening out her clothes and looked at him.

"Don't look at me like that. You were the one who said to see the headmaster before your practice, so stop looking so sour."

James rolled his eyes and stood straighter; he couldn't deny that he didn't say that, but… "Well you didn't need to threaten me with transfiguring my face to look like a–" actually he didn't want to finish that sentence. Who knew goody-goody Evans knew that type of language, "a simple knock would have done it," he edited instead.

"Well you were taking too long," she crossed her arms and she looked at him properly and scowled at him, "you didn't even get dressed properly. Tuck in your shirt."

James looked down at himself and made no move to tuck his shirt in. He liked it the way it was. He had a white button-down t-shirt on with its two top buttons still undone and black trousers. It was comfortable.

"You're not my mother and I like it this way," this time James looked at Lily's attire. Unlike him she had her full uniform on, looking neat and tidy, dressed smart.

"When did she wake up?" he thought, guessing it would have taken time for Lily to look all professional, but still beautiful. She could wear anything she wanted and he still would say she looked beautiful, but at this moment he couldn't help roll his eyes at her.

"Lily we're just going to see Dumbledore, not going into an interview for a job."

Lily scoffed, crossing her arms, "it's well to dress smart James, not like the outlaw look you're going for," but she couldn't help but think he looked quite handsome. The white shirt fit him perfectly, hugging his well toned muscles and chest and his trousers hanging loosely from his hips and his messy hair topped it off. She resisted the urge to lick her suddenly dry lips. She quickly realized what she was doing and looked away, in her head an imaginary Lily was frantically stomping on the current images she was imagining up.

"Get a grip Evans, stop thinking," she scowled herself.

James grinned and started walking to the door, Lily following behind him. "Like you said I have practice. I'm going to have to change again, so what's the point dolling myself up then taking it all off again within the hour."

"I haven't dolled myself up," she said annoyed. They were out of the common room and now heading down the corridor in the direction of the headmasters office.

"Never said you did," he said, giving a side-ways glance at her as she walked besides him. She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him.

They arrived outside the headmaster's office in a few minutes. "Ice Mice," said James and the statue sprang awake, moving out of the way and revealing a spiral staircase to the office door.

Lily had never been inside the headmaster's office, having a clean record and doing exceptional well in her studies made sure of that. But she was curious, excited to see the inside. James on the other hand had many visits to the bearded man's office that he would have looked quite bored if he didn't enjoy the stimulating look on the red-haired face, their argument earlier forgotten.

They climbed the stairs and James knocked on the door, a clear, "come in," was heard from the other side.

"Good he's awake,"thought Lily with a smile and they both walked in. The headmaster was sitting at his desk with his midnight blue robes on, his usual half-moon glasses perched on his nose and his blue eyes twinkling as he saw his two heads.

"Ah good morning Mr. Potter, Miss Evans. What do I owe for this early visit," he said smiling as they both took a seat on the chairs opposite him. James smiled back at him and Lily looked around his office, clearly taken in by the various trinkets and objects around the circular room and the pervious headmasters and mistresses snoozing in their portraits. Fawks perch stood unoccupied near Dumbledore desk.

"Good morning Professor," greeted James and he nudged Lily, bringing her attention back to them. She blushed and quickly greeted the headmaster as well, who chuckled at her warmly.

"I do hope Miss Evans hasn't brought you in for misbehaving Mr. Potter. It is still quite early for your mischief to begin."

James laughed and relaxed into the chair, "perish the thought Professor, I would never try to get into trouble this early, I have far better things to be doing. But we are here to ask for your permission."

"On what may I ask?"

James turned to look at Lily and gestured for her to continue. She smiled at Dumbledore, "well we had an idea… well it was mostly James, but we discussed that it was be beneficial for the student if we had a Christmas ball. The dull atmosphere around the castle and with everything happening outside of Hogwarts, it's kind of taking a toll on everyone; we think this would be a better way to take the students mind off of the attacks and focus on something positive."

"Instead of being loading with more essays to do, I don't think I can hear any more of Sirius complaining," concluded James. Dumbledore smiled merrily and nodded.

"Yes Sirius has been quite vocal in his complaint to the rest of the Professors, apparently they all wish to seek relief from it as well," grinned Dumbledore, laughter dancing in his blue eyes. "But a Christmas ball does sound like an excellent idea, it seem you have solved my problem for me. I was becoming extremely concerned for the holidays."

"Concerned Professor?" asked Lily bewildered; James only nodded in agreement, understanding what the headmaster was talking about.

"It's better for the students to stay in Hogwarts for the holidays Lily. Hogwarts is a much safer place. We're all protected here; it might not be wise for everyone to leave while the Wizarding world is having so much trouble at the moment."

"Precisely Mr. Potter," Dumbledore smiled warmly at James, his eyes twinkling happily. "The Christmas ball will definitely help and it will ease my mind that my students will be safe to enjoy their holidays."

Lily watched them both as they continued with their conversation, especially the black-haired boy sitting next to her. He looked a lot more comfortable in Dumbledore presence, joking with him and smiling. Like it was more than a student-teacher relationship with them, she thought it felt a lot more like she was sitting with a grandson and grandfather. She smiled at the thought; she couldn't help think how cute it was and she was surprised that James was thinking ahead. She couldn't have imagined his concern for the rest of the students in the castle to be so great.

"So we can have the Christmas ball then Professor?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied. "I'm sure Professor Flitwick would enjoy helping with the decorations and Gladrags Wizardwear would provide for some dress robes if needed for the students. I'm sure most of the female population would love to do some shopping, though I would rather not partake in that activity myself," chuckled Dumbledore.

"Tell me about it," shivered James. He remembered the last time he went shopping with his mother. There was a sale on in Diagon Alley clothing store and he swore he'll never step foot in it again, not after he was practically trampled by females of ever age, thrusted into changing rooms, having to be measured about a hundred times, watching ladies fight over pieced of material, tugging and growling at each other and being pressed up against the wall and narrowly missing being hit by stray jinxes. Let's just say that was enough to put him off.

"I will make the announcement at dinner tonight, I'm sure everyone will be thrilled. It has been far too long since there have been any formal events to look forward too. Now I do believe you have Quidditch practice to attend Mr. Potter. I wish you best of luck for the match and breakfast is about to start, so off you go both of you."

"Thank you Professor, there's no way we're going to let Slytherin take the cup this year," said James determinately.

"Thank you again for agreeing Professor," grinned Lily as she and James got up to leave. Dumbledore smiled and waved them away. They both left with matching grins on their faces.

"Well all is a go Lily, this will be some year," Lily nodded the grin still in place.

"I can't wait."

James laughed, happy to see Lily in high spirits. He hasn't seen much of her smiles since the article of the attacks and he was glad that the Lily he knew and loved was back. "Me either. Well I got to get ready for practice, see you later," and he raced back to the head common room. Lily took her time heading in the same direction, decided to pick up her books before going to the Great Hall for breakfast. Before she got there, James had already left for the pitch.


The clouds were moving lazily across the sky as James prepared his team for the up-coming match. They all wanted to win the Quidditch House Cup this year and not suffer the taunts and bragging of the Slytherin House again.

They all started off with some light drills together, doing laps around the pitch and passing the Quaffle to each other while hovering in the air in a circle. After that practice got harder as every one of them were pushing themselves to their limits, planning strategies and executing manoeuvres together. James called it quits after what seemed like hours to the team as he felt they had a good session.

Currently the team was in the locker room. Tired and sweaty they slowly changed back into their uniforms, all of them glad that it was a weekend.

Sirius was giving some tips to the third year Seeker Emily Lawler who was going to be up against his brother Regulus Black, who was the Slytherin Seeker. While James and Andrew Spinnet were speaking in encouraging tones with the new chaser Dan McMillan, who was voicing his concerns to his fellow teammates.

Half an hour later James and Sirius were walking back to the castle, continuing their discussion about the practice and the coming match. They both stopped outside the Great Hall when they got there. James decided to have a warm shower first he was feeling to stiff and sweaty, while Sirius went on into the hall for something to eat, promising to save something for him. James highly doubted Sirius would though, he probably eat it after a few minutes if he really did decided to bring James something. But James could always go to the kitchen if his food did end up in Sirius –or Peter for that matter– stomach.

They both planned on meeting up later so they could go to Hogmeade with Remus and Peter. James walked happily to the Head common room; a long hot shower would do his stiff and aching muscles some good. Reaching the portrait and saying the password, James went in and was met by complete silence.

"Guess Lily must have gone to Hogmeade," he thought, remembering her saying something about going with Frank and Alice today. So he'd probably see her later in the day.

Looking around he saw a few of his books and parchments lying on the table as well as some of Lily's, a cluster of her and his things casually lying around on the shelves and table. The Daily Prophets still occupying the sofa like it did two days ago when he read it.

He wasn't much of a tidy person, but he wasn't like Sirius or Peter who tended to leave everything out and about in their dormitory or like Remus who made a place for everything and where everything had its place. He guessed he was somewhere in between, but leaving his stuff around never did get on Lily's nerves… okay maybe it did, once or twice, but now it seemed Lily was rubbing off on him and him on her. They never did say much about it and it felt… comfortable in a way.

Lily must have forgotten about her rules as well.

Chuckling James walked into his room as he started undoing his white shirt and threw it on his bed leaving his chest bare. He sat down on the edge of his bed and took off his shoes and socks, the coolness felt good against his skin. He lied back, sighing softly and closed his eyes, the cold duvets felt even better against his back, but he was still sweaty and didn't want his cover to become smelly and wet he got up. Looking forward to a nice hot shower, he grabbed himself a towel on his way out of his room and crossing the common room towards the bathroom.

Just when his hand reached for the doorknob, he was suddenly startled and jumped back when the door swung open, revealing Lily wrapped only in a –thankfully large– towel. Her hair was wet and dripping a little. She jumped as well and a small scream escaped her lips as she grasped her towel closer to herself.

They both stood still, looking at each other for a few seconds before a healthy shade of red spread across their faces. James quickly stepped aside and turned his back to her, hiding his face in the towel he was holding.

"S-sorry Lily, I didn't know you where here," he said quickly, his voice a little muffled from within the towel.

Lily quickly ran towards her room and shut the door. "I-I thought you wouldn't b-be back so soon," he heard her shout so he could hear her from across the room, her voice stumbling.

"We ending it a little e-early, I-I'm going to take a shower," and he leaped into the bathroom, shutting the door, not waiting to hear if she responded or not.

The image of her wrapped in that towel flooded his mind as he leaned heavily against the bathroom door; he tried desperately to rid himself of the picture of her red wet strands of hair plastered to her neck and cheeks. The colour of her hair seemed to darken when it's wet, her skin red and soft, still moist from the hot water.

"No James, bad thought, don't think about that," he told himself, but he still felt aroused, his cheeks feeling warmer than usual and he quickly went over the Quidditch strategy they came up with, trying to banish his thoughts.

He took a deep breath; his heart pounding against his chest, willing himself to calm down.

"She hates you remember. She hates you…don't think about it," he told himself again. He stood up straighter and took off his trousers and boxers and moved into the shower, still going over the manoeuvres and what he was planning on buying in Hogmeade. He soon calmed down and enjoyed the hot water as it loosened his stiff muscles, making them relax; he gave out a soft sigh, closing his eyes.


She heard him say he was going to take a shower and made no response, half a second later she heard the bathroom door shut. His voice sounded a little shaken and she couldn't help scowl herself."Obviously he's going to be shaken, you idiot, you just stood there ogling at him."

Sighing, Lily walked over to her bed and grabbed another towel and started drying her hair. Her mind wondered again. Sure she thought James looked hot when he's sweaty after a Quidditch match or practice. His skin usually being red, his hair being wild and his smile making it harder for her to look away, but that was observed from a far away glance. It was nothing like the close up view she just got a few minutes ago.

James gave her such a fright that she had to take a second to come to her bearings, but with that well-toned, naked chest coming into her view, she lost it again. She knew James was attracted, that was one of the things that draw her to him. But that tanned, well-toned chest, his skin red and sweaty, his hair sticking out in odd directions and some of it stuck to his forehead, his eyes wide in surprised… she couldn't help feel aroused.

The blush returned, "Oh damn," she cried and flung herself onto her bed, burying her head into her pillow and she let out a scream, muffled by the pillow.

A few minutes later she calmed down and got dressed, taking her time. It was half an hour later when she heard the door next to her room open and close.


"I'm sorry," he said as he came into the common room and saw Lily curled up on the couch reading a book.

They hadn't seen each other for the rest of the day since the morning 'incident'. Each leaving at a different time out of the common room and for Hogmeade and returning without both of them seeing the other.

He had gotten worried if the 'incident' had somehow disturbed their friendship. He couldn't help but think she might be mad at him and was avoiding him, but then he thought why would she care, she hated him right? Didn't want anything to do with him, then why was he worrying? Why just seeing her did he burst into an apology?

He hadn't been with it all day, always daydreaming or spacing out. Sirius at one point smacked him over the head with a rolled up newspaper. Hard. That he ended up falling and Remus exploded a stink bomb near his nose, resulting in him stinking like a skunk for hours and chasing a laughing Remus all over Zonko's joke shop knocking various things down and getting kicked out —the owner would never band them, they were his best customers. When asked about it, James would only shook his head, telling them it was nothing and turned away, sporting a blush on his cheeks.

He would nevertell them what happened. He couldn't even speak of it even if he did, so his friends were left none the wiser. This was one secret he wasn't going to tell and it wasn't bad secret at all.

He just looked at her as her eyes left the book she was reading and found his worried ones; she blushed and smiled at him.

"A-about what?"

"You know… for this morning. I didn't mean to see you like that. I didn't know you were in here."

"It's okay James," she said as he came over and sat down on the armchair, still looking at her.

He still looked worried and she wanted to get rid of it. "I'm sorry I surprised you like that, I didn't know you we're coming back so early. I was planning on meeting Alice and Frank at one, so it's my bad too."

James smiled at her and searched her eyes if she really did forgive him and he saw that she did. Man why was he making such a big deal out of this? He looked away, "I'm still sorry thought."

"I know. But thank you for apologizing, I never would have thought you would," came the response.

James chuckled and shrugged, "there's a lot of things you don't know about me. I do try to keep an air of mystery around myself," he cast a mischief grin in her direction and she rolled her eyes.

Lily deciding to change the topic, "so how was practice? I forgot to ask you."

"Yeah right forgot my foot," she thought. A grin appeared on James face as he dove into the detailed of the practice.

"It was great, we got a new strategy planned out and we're all playing at our best. I think this year we're actually going to win, we're all pumped."

"That's what you said last year," she pointed out chuckling.

"Well this year is going to be different."

"That's what you said last year as well… and the year before that and the year before that come to think of it."

James blanched for a second before gaining a determining look. "Well this year IS going to be different and we're definitely going to win." She resisted the urge to tell him that he said that last year too and about five seconds ago, but decided to agree with him.

They lounged about, talking and started on their Transfiguration and Charms essays before heading down to Great Hall for dinner, meeting up with the rest of the Marauders half way.

"Jamesie, Lily Pad how delighted I am to see you," Sirius said, bouncing up to then with a big grin.

James growled at him and Lily hit him over the head. "Don't call me that," they both shouted at him in unison.

Sirius rubbed his head, pouting, "fine fine, no need to get physical."

"What got you so happy anyways?" asked James as they continued down to the Great Hall; Peter was humming to himself, clearly happy as well. James raised an eyebrow at them.

Remus answered before Sirius could get a word out, "him and Peter are just glad to get something into their stomachs and put their essays starting on a hold," he rolled his eyes as James laughed as Lily tsked at them.

"Hey it's not my fault. I wish the professor would quit assigning more essays, like we haven't got other things to worry about," grumbled Sirius as they made their way to the Gryffindor table, ignoring the glares coming from the seventh year Slytherins.

"Well Padfoot I think things are about to change. You don't have to worry about assignments for long," grinned James and Lily giggled. Remus, Sirius and Peter looked at both of them.

"Is there something you want to tell us?" asked Remus suspiciously.

"You know something we don't, don't you?" accused Sirius. James and Lily only gave them knowing looks.

"You'll find out soon, be patient Paddy," James smirked and finished at that.

Half way through dinner everyone turned their attention to Dumbledore as he got up and addressed the whole student body and the Christmas ball was announced. Followed by the reduction of essays, giving the students the opportunity to take time off and prepare for the ball. The Hall erupted with cheers and shouts of relief. None of them were louder than Sirius; Remus had to pull him down as he attempted to do a dance on the table.

"You knew about this," said Peter, grinning at James.

"Who do you think gave him the idea?" James smirked, winking at Lily. She giggles and nudged him.

"It wasn't all your idea, I told Dumbledore."

"Yes well it was me who came up with it." Lily only rolled her eyes and smiled, nodding and turned back to an excited Alice.

"You're a life saver mate. No more long stays at the library," shouted Sirius happily.

"Padfoot, you never got much done in the library. You only stayed there for like an hour and most of the time you were grumbling and making books smack anyone who walked past us," said Remus annoyed.

"An hour is the highest I'll stay in the library Moony," said Sirius and turned back to his dinner. Remus rolled his eyes at him and James laughed, both of them returning back to their half eaten plates.


October was nearly coming to an end and the Quidditch match was approaching quickly. James scheduled more practices, booking the pitch every weekend.

The Slytherins were getting every chance they got and scheduled practice as much as the Gryffindor team did too.

It had been a tough few weeks, at some points both teams would come to the pitch at the same time. Both Captains arguing that it was their turn to use the pitch, leading to a fight and ending up with Madam Hooch coming and disbanding everyone.

James was confident with his team, giving them pep talks and running through their plans. He decided to give the team the last weekend off, telling them to rest and enjoy themselves.

Next Saturday was the day; everyone was there to watch the first Hogwarts Quidditch match, Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Thankfully the weather was good, cloudy, but there didn't seem to be any chance of rain, but neither sun.

Currently everyone was in the changing room, all in their Quidditch gear and wearing their House colour proudly. James moved to the front and called everyone's attention.

"Right guys—" Mary Dingle the Keeper and Emily Lawler cleared their throats and glared at him. He quickly corrected himself, "— and girls, we practices all month for this match and I've seen every one of you work your butts off. There's no way we're going to lose this match. Play as a team, keep each other covered, I know the Slytherins won't take it easy on use…"

"They might try something, so be on your guard," added Sirius, he knew all too well how nasty the Slytherins could get, the rest of the team nodded at him, nervousness etched on their faces.

"But don't worry, do your best out there and do as we practiced. We can win this and it'll be our turn to rub it in," finished James and grinned at his team, they all cheered and nodded.

They started to march out of the changing room and positioned themselves, mounting their brooms and ready to fly onto the pitch when called. "Oh and remember," He turned to his team a grin on his face; eyes shining with excitement "have fun."

The statement was met with smiles and Sirius patted James on the back, swinging his Beaters bat in anticipation.

The introduction for their team was heard and each of them shot into the air, circling the pitch and waving at the Gryffindors in the stands. James loved it, he felt so free, the wind in his hair, his robes fluttering behind him, all his worry were left on the ground and all he could think of was the feel of the wind around him, of flying, the cheers and the goal to win this match. His hands tightening around the handle of his broom, he wasn't going to let his team down.

Remus, Peter and Lily were cheering and waving as they come into view. James and Sirius smiled giving them a small wave and moved into position. The Slytherin players sneered at them looks of determination on their faces as well

Madam Hooch flew onto the pitch, the Bludgers and Snitch were let loose and she released the Quaffle, signalling the beginning of the match. All the players broke into motion and James was the first one to catch the Quaffle and shot toward the Slytherin goal post. Andrew and Dan hot on his tail as well as the Slytherin Chasers.

James passed it to Andrew and quickly dodges a Bludger as it flew past him. Andrew swerved and twisted past the players and balls, nearing the goal post. He passed it to Dan who caught and threw it through the middle goal post.

"Ten points to Gryffindor. A brilliant shot scored by new Chaser on the team Dan McMillan," shouted Ryan Jordan a sixth year Gryffindor. The Gryffindor crowd erupted into cheers as well as the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw stands, the Slytherin booed.

The games continued with Ryan commentating, but half way getting scowled by Professor McGonagall for his rude remarks on the Slytherin team. Gryffindor had made three more goals in the process.

"The Gryffindor Chasers are doing an excellent job of keeping the Quaffle away from the Slytherins. Look at them go. Come on guys you can do it, beat those ruddy—."

"Mr. Jordan," interrupted Professor McGonagall stern voice.

"Sorry Professor. Anyways… oh Slytherin made a goal, that's ten points to Slytherin with Gryffindor still in the lead with forty points."

The games was reaching an equal as both team were pushing themselves, the score was now Gryffindor with seventy points and Slytherin catching up with sixty points. Andrew had the Quaffle as he passed the players, dodging and twisting out of the way; he neared the goal post. When a Bludger suddenly collided with him straight on, knocking him unconscious and off his broom, James and Brady the other Gryffindor Beater quickly caught him and lowered him to the pitch, where Madam Hooch flew out and escorted him off the grounds.

"Come on Dan it's up to you and me," and they both flew back into the game, while Slytherin made another shot, the score now being seventy to seventy.

"That was a nasty shot," frowned Lily as she and Remus watched. The sandy-haired boy nodded in agreement. The Slytherin Beaters were playing rough he noticed, hitting Bludger after Bludger at the young Seeker, but being the smallest, Emily easily out manoeuvred them. Sirius was swinging his bat, successfully unbalancing the Slytherin Chasers, but not enough to knock them over; he could see Sirius and Brady were getting frustrated. His brother Regulus was keeping close to Emily, so he couldn't risk hitting him and end up hitting their Seeker.

Warrington a Slytherin Chaser had the Quaffle in his possession and he passed it to Avery. But James quickly shot between them, intercepting and snatching the Quaffle away, turning over and he darting toward the Slytherin goal post.

"Bloody brilliant, Potter successfully snatches the Quaffle back from between the Slytherin Chasers. What a move," Avery growled angrily and flew after him.

Young Dan stayed with James as they both passed it to each other, dodging the Bludgers aimed at them now. It seems the Slytherin Beaters, Crabbe and Goyle decided to target them, trying to unbalance them out of their rhythm and knock them down. They neared the goal post, Dan faked a right and passed the Quaffle to James who shot it through the lower goal post, narrowly missing the Keeper and scored.

"Well done Dan," grinned James as the stands erupted with cheers and boos and they darted off again. The score now was eighty to seventy with Gryffindor in the lead.

From then on the match got complicated. The Slytherin started to play dirty, just as Sirius predicted. They started flying randomly in front of the Gryffindor players, nudging into them hard and the Beaters were viscously hitting the Bludgers dangerously close to the two Chasers.

"Emily seen the Snitch," Peter shouted over the cheers and shouts after another ten minutes passed and Lily and Remus turned to watch the girl. She suddenly darted across the pitch with Regulus hot on her tail. Ryan also saw and commentated.

Suddenly cries of shock were heard around them again and all three of them darted their eyes back to the rest of the game and they say James, hovering in one place, clutching his left arm, his face twisted in pain.

"What happened?" cried Lily; this was one of the reasons why she didn't like Quidditch, people always got hurt.

"Crabbe hit the Bludger at Dan, but he couldn't dodge it quickly enough and James pushed him out of the way. But he got hit."

In the process Dan lost the Quaffle as Goyle aimed the second Bludger at him. Mulciber another Slytherin Chaser caught it and successfully scored into the Gryffindor goal post, Mary narrowly missing it. The score equalled again.

Sirius smacked a Bludger at Warrington who had the Quaffle, hitting it straight on, resulting in him loosing the Quaffle and falling off this broom.

"Nicely hit by Black there and Potter has the Quaffle," commented Ryan.

James caught the ball before Avery and passed it toward Dan, who U-turned in the air and speedily flew towards the opposite goal posts.

James arm was aching; the force of the Bludger might have actually broken it. But he ignored the pain and kept an eye on Dan as he flew around the players. He saw Emily find the Snitch again as she was dislodged by a Bludger before, he only needed her to catch it and they might win. The score was at a tie at the moment, all they had to do was score a few more and get ahead.

His grip tightened, his arm reacting in pain and willed his broom to go faster. Dan passed him the Quaffle as he narrowly dodged one of the Beaters which shot past him. He growled they were playing dirty; he tightened his hold on the ball in his right arm and shot toward the goal post.

Bludgers flew past him, sometimes swerving around and aiming at him again. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought someone much have jinxed them to follow him.

Suddenly he felt a blinding pain as a Bludger hit him square in the chest. He groaned, hunching over a little, but not letting go of the Quaffle.

"Oh that was a nasty hit to Potter. Goyle and Crabbe are seriously not letting up."

James kept his eyes on the goal, he could see Dan trying to get close to him, but Avery and Mulciber kept on blocking him.

He kept going; something black flashed at him and another Bludger hit its mark again. James cried out in pain as his back burned from the forceful hit. The pain flew through him and his eyes were getting blurry, this time he nearly did lose his grip on the Quaffle. A second later Avery bashed into him and the Quaffle flew out of his grip and into Mulcibers awaiting arms.

James cringed as another spark of pain shot through his chest and arm, ignoring it the best he could, he turned and followed them, Dan already underneath them.

"SIRIUS, BRADY," he shouted and with that two Bludgers flew out of nowhere hitting both Slytherin Chaser, knocking the Quaffle out of their arms and down into Dan.

Like a bullet they both flew towards the goal post, Dan passed it to James and he caught it, again ignoring the pain that shot through him as he tightly held the ball to his chest. Nearing the goal post, they both circle around the Keeper, James passed it to Dan, who threw the Quaffle and scored into the middle post.

"Gryffindor is in the lead with ninety points," shouted Ryan with joy. "And Black and Lawler are neck to neck."

Emily and Regulus we indeed neck to neck, both of their arms stretched out as the Snitch fluttered only a few inches away from them. Brady aimed a Bludger and whacked it in Regulus direction.

Regulus saw it coming, not having any choice but to abandon the chase and get out of the way. He quickly moved to dodge; leaving Emily in the course of the Bludger, but Sirius flew in between them and whacked the Bludger off route.

Having the chance, Emily willed her broom to go faster and her fingers circles around the golden ball, holding it in a tight fist.

"LAWLER CAUGHT THE SNITCH," erupted Ryan "SHE CAUGHT IT. GRYFFINDOR WINS," roars of cheers were heard all around them.

"That was an outstanding strategy by the two Gryffindor Beaters. The teams have really played well in this match. The finishing scores are Gryffindor with two hundred and forty points and Slytherin with eighty points."

Everyone was cheering, except for the Slytherins and James, his eyes blurring from the pain as it sparks up and down his arm, back and chest.

Mulciber and Avery growled furiously at the Gryffindor players. They said they'll get them back for the pranks they pulled on them and they weren't joking. Even if they didn't do it by winning the match, they'll do it by other means. Mulciber grabbed Goyles bat and stared menacingly at the other team. He noticed James just hovering in one place as the other players were circling the pitch and a sadistic grin spread across his lips.

"There's definitely going to be a party in the Gryffindor tower tonight," said Peter, cheering.

"Is James okay?" asked a worried Lily. She was still looking at him as he slowly started to descend to the ground, his right hand rubbing his chest. She saw the hit he took and so did Remus, but his attention was somewhere else.

"What are they doing?"he thought as he watched three green clad players huddled in together, two holding the Beaters bat. His eyes suddenly widened in realization and he quickly looked at James, "JAMES WATCH OUT."

It was too late, just when James and Sirius heard him yell and looked up, two Bludger hit the black-haired captain and they watched in horror as he plummeted to the ground.

Sirius darted towards his falling friend and quickly caught him, lowering him to the ground. He was unconscious.

Remus, Peter and Lily quickly ran onto the pitch and toward them as well as Madam Hooch. Ryan was shouting and cursing both Mulciber and Crabbe as he saw them target James too. Professor Slughorn and McGonagall were scowling them, promising detention and banding them from further playing in the team.

"James? James, come on mate wake up," said Sirius worriedly, he was gently shaking him, patting him on the cheek, but he wasn't responding.

Madam Hooch quickly checked him over and looked at the Marauders and Lily, "best get him to the Hospital Wing. I can't believe this happened, this is one of the foulest dirty-handed tricks I have ever witnessed and right after the end of the match," she kept on tutting, growling about how her favourite sport was desecrated like this. She turned to join the two Professors still berating the guilty players.

"Come on Moony, let's get him inside," Sirius and Remus grabbed hold of James's arms, swinging them over their shoulders and started walking toward the castle. Peter and Lily walking closely behind them.


Sirius was pacing anxiously outside the Hospital Wing as Peter sat quietly watching him with a frown and Remus and Lily were both sitting down, waiting patiently for Madam Pomfrey to come out, both sporting restless faces.

It had been an hour since they brought James to Madam Pomfrey. At seeing the state of him, she quickly instructed them to place him on one of the beds and shooed them out, shutting the door behind them. Now they were becoming completely restless and edgy as they waited.

"What is taking her so long?" said Sirius as he stopped pacing near the door.

"Sirius, James was hit five times with the Bludger, he was really hurt," said Remus softly looking at him, willing him to calm down.

"I know," he said dejected and came over to sit next to Remus, "I couldn't even do anything; I just stood there and watched."

"Well actually you just hovered there and watched," squealed Peter and quickly ducked a punch that was directed to his head.

"Same thing, all I did was watch," he said angrily. Remus placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Calm down Padfoot, this wasn't your fault; we knew the Slytherins were going to try something."

"Yeah we did and I did nothing to stop them. I couldn't even knock them off their brooms," Sirius placed his face in his hands and sighed heavily.

Lily just sat there quietly, frowning with a deep look on her face. Before Remus could say anything, the hospital doors swung open and out came Madam Pomfrey. They all quickly got up and looked at her anxiously, questions started to sprout out of their mouths. She quickly hushed them and looked at them sternly.

"It seems Mr. Potter has multiple deep bruises on his arm, chest and back. Undoubtedly from where those retched Bludgers hit. He also had a broken arm and a few broken ribs, we were lucky none of them punctured his lungs."

"Will he be okay?" asked Lily speaking for the first time. Poppy looked at her sadly.

"I have healed his bones, he will be fine, but the bruises are another thing," she said solemnly. They wanted to ask her what she meant by that but she had turned to walk back into the hospital wing.

"You can come in and see him, but behave. He is sleeping and I don't want you waking him up before he's ready," the matron turned and looked directly at the Marauders, who nodded at her and quickly ran in to where James was lying, sleeping and they gathered around his bed.

He had bandages wrapped around his left arm and shoulder, as well as his chest. His hair was sticking out in odd angles; he was lying so stiff, as if the slightest movement would cause him pain.

Lily stared down at him; he looked so vulnerable and peaceful when he was sleeping, except for the occasional flinches and moans and his muscles tightening now and then. She gently touched his arm, but it caused him to flinch again and give out a small moan. She quickly moves her hand away and looked at James face.

"Stop that Lily, you're just causing it to hurt more," said Sirius as he moves to Lily's side, Remus and Peter standing opposite them.

"Stupid Slytherins, they can't even play fair for at least one match. We don't even play that rough against them," said Sirius angrily. Remus and Peter nodded; they felt helpless now when their friend was hurt and when he was brutally getting hit.

"Why play Quidditch at all if he's going to get hurt so badly like this," whispered Lily, they all heard her.

Remus shook his head and looked at her. "You don't understand. James loves Quidditch, he loves to fly, not because he's really good at it, because it something he enjoy, he loves the feeling."

"We'll make James explain it to you when he wakes up," said Sirius as he saw Lily confused face.

Lily huffed and folded her arms across her chest; ready to argue with the boy standing next to her on not being so dense that she wouldn't be able to understand.

Sure she disliked Quidditch and didn't know much about it, sure she thought it was a barbaric sport and she couldn't understand sometimes why some people loves it to death. But that didn't mean she wouldn't understand what they were saying.

But before the argument could initiate, they all heard a moan and they turned to look down at James as he slowly opened his eyes and looked around, squinting. Remus quickly handed him his glasses and he smiled up at them as they came into perfect view.

"Hey guys," his voice sounds a little weak.

"Hey Prongs, how you feeling?" asked Sirius

"Like I've been hit with a dozen rogue Bludgers," he chuckled, but stopped as his chest sparked up with pain.

They all laughed lightly, glad he was awake and Madam Pomfrey came in.

"Ah Mr. Potter I see your finally awake."

James nodded, and then flinched. The matron moved quickly to his side as the others got out of her way. She started checking him over again, casting diagnostic charms.

Finishing she sighed and looked at him wearily. "Well Mr. Potter it seem you haven't only bruised your chest, but your ribs as well. I'm afraid you will feel quite a lot of pain for a while."

"For a while? Haven't you got any pain reducing potion or something?" asked James as he touched his chest, he winced as his hand makes contact with a sore spot.

"I'm afraid not Potter. I have recently run out of any pain reducing potions and there's nothing I can give that can heal your severe bruises so quickly. It will take a few weeks till Professor Sprout can grow the right ingredient and for Professor Slughorn to make some more batch of healing potions for me, but I'll find something for the time being," she patted him on the shoulder gently, reassuringly and left.

James sighed and closed his eyes, so he had to put up with this pain for Merlin knows how long and he didn't know how long Madam Pomfrey was going to keep him in here. The others looked at him helplessly.

"It'll be okay Prongs, you're a fast healer. You'll be running around like your old self in no time," said Sirius trying to cheer him up.

James gave a small smile, "I hope so. I hate staying in here."

Sirius laughed, "They should make a bed reserved just for you mate." He received a glare in return.

"Well you have ended up in here for more than one occasions," said Remus, a small grin on his face.

"You mean Quidditch matches don't you?" asked Lily with raised eyebrows; she always saw James or Sirius come out from the hospital after Quidditch accident more often than anything else.

The four boys looked at her, "where have you been Evans?" asked Sirius.

"What?" said Lily as she placed her hands on her hip; they all looked at each other and then back to Lily.

"Um … Lily you seriously can't be that dense. Quidditch isn't the only reason James has landed himself in the hospital wing," Sirius was looking at her as if he was seeing her for the first time.

"Well of course I know. You're stupid pranks also landed him or yourself in here," she countered. Their pranks were stupid and if it weren't for them pranking the Slytherins, James would have never ended up here, hurt more than usual.

"HEY! Our pranks are not stupid and they are perfectly executed… except for a few minor mishaps," countered Sirius as he too crossed his arms around his chest.

Lily glared at him and turned her glare at all of them, "all your pranks are cruel and dim-witted. You all act like a bunch of idiots and get yourself into trouble, why can't you grow up," her voice sounding harsher then intended.

"They are not," shouted Peter and Sirius and the arguing continued.

Remus wasn't watching the three of them; instead he was looking at James, who had slowly gotten up while they were arguing. He had hunched over for a little while for the pain to surpass and then just sat there, his head down with a blank look on his face. Remus moved over to him and placed his hand on his good shoulder.

"James?"

James just shook his head, his fist clenched, "forget about it guys," he said loudly enough for Lily, Sirius and Peter to hear him and stop. "She doesn't care, there's no point."

James was still looking down. Sirius and Peter sighed and came over to stand next to Remus, leaving Lily standing alone opposite them.

"But James…" started Remus and Sirius.

"No Padfoot, Moony. I already know what she thinks of us… what she thinks of me. I thought it might have changed, but I see it hasn't," James raised his head, his face clear of any emotions and he looked at Lily, "she doesn't need to know, like she would care."

Shock overtook Lily's features and she nearly flinched at the empty look he was giving her. Where was all this coming from? When did she say she didn't care?

Sirius and Remus understood quickly. They still remembered what James had told them on the train, but they thought the same too, that everything was changing, but if Lily couldn't reallysee them, then they guess it wasn't. Peter apparently stayed clueless.

Lily looked at the four of them, all of them becoming quiet, acting completely unlike themselves. What was she missing? She looked at James again; he suddenly had a lot of pain on his face. His hands on his chest… she moved forward.

But James beat her by saying, "I'm tired, can you guys come back later. I don't feel up to talking."

The three boys nodded, "sure James, we'll come after dinner," said Remus not wanting anyone to say another wrong word. It seemed Sirius was gearing up to do just that, but he nudged him with his arm to silence him.

Sirius sighed, but smiled, "of course but don't redecorate the wing before then, you know what happened last time when you did that."

James smiled and laid back down, closing his eyes, "I'll try not to."

The boys left, not one of them turning to look at Lily. When they heard the door close silence ran through them. Lily came a step closer then stopped, not sure what to do.

"James—" she attempted to say, but was cut off.

"Lily... please. I'm too tired to start arguing, I'll see you tomorrow," dismissing the conversation, he didn't turn to look at her at all. Lily stared at him for a while, before sighing and walking out of the hospital wing.

James turned his head to the door as he heard it open and close. He sighed heavily, his breath shaking and turned to look up at the ceiling.

"What am I going to do?" he said miserably.

Madam Pomfrey then walked in and did her check up on him.


(A/N) Well there you have it. So tell me what did you like, love, hate, which was your favourite part etc… this is the longest chapter I have ever written. I know I took so long and I apologize for the wait, but I hope you enjoyed this chapter (smiles at the Readers) please review and tell me what you think.

It's my first time writing about a Quidditch match, so I wasn't sure if I wrote it any good and I knew Mulciber and Avery were in Hogwarts at the same time as Lily and the Marauder (I think), so I decided to put them in the Slytherin team, even though I'm not sure if they were.

So what's going to happen with James and Lily now? Find out in the next chapter… which won't be up so quick, might take less time than this one, but with Eid coming, preparations to do and with me going back into my second year of university, I will be busy. But I won't give up on this story, you can count on that (grins).Thank you so much for sticking with me and this story, I will update hopefully soon and if I get more reviews than the last time, it might come up sooner than later (wink, wink).

Now you know what to do, pretty please (Padfoot looks up at you with the cutest face you have ever seen) pwease…