A/N: I know, I know, I know. It's been months when I promised weeks, it's not the best chapter I've ever written, and it's the finale to this story. Buuuutt it's up and it's extra long! In all seriousness (claps a hand over Sirius's mouth before he can add anything) I apologize for how long it took to finish this story. I have a thousand and one excuses, but I won't mention them here. Instead I'll say thank you to everyone who has hung around for this story. It's not something I ever intended to publish, but it has been a fun ride. I'm afraid that my Severus bias snuck into this one ever so slightly, but I hopefully added enough Marauder fun to make up for that. So, now that I've gotten this ridiculously long Author note out of the way, I hope you guys enjoy!

"Well this should make you feel better Prongs," Black sneered. "Look who's decided to join us."

Potter's expression darkened into something feral that made Severus's knees shake. If he was lucky, he might be able to make a break for it. Then again, luck had never really been his strong suit.

Severus mentally kicked himself for not paying better attention to his surroundings. He'd been so engrossed in self-pity and anger that he'd allowed himself to make a ridiculously simple blunder. Wandering too close to the seventh floor was never a safe decision. Now he found himself at the mercy of the worst two Marauders.

"Oi Sniv!" Sirius called out, "Old Sluggy finally kick you out after realizing that horrible smell in his room was you?"

Firmly planting his back against the nearest wall, Severus allowed the anger that was never too far from the surface boil over. Pulling on his darkest sneer he hurled his own retort at the two imbeciles. "The smell of shit left with you and Potter actually."

Potter's face twisted darkly with mischief. "That was not very nice now was it Pads?" He said turning to his companion. "Seems we, as the bigger men here, ought to remind Sniv of the appropriate manner in which to speak to his superiors."

"Superiors?" Severus snorted.

"Yeah like your betters."

"I unlike you have been blessed with a brain and know what it means Black," Severus snapped. "But considering the way Potter used it I'm not certain either of you do. I know big words can be confusing for such simple minds, but you shouldn't use them if you're uncertain what they mean."

To Severus's delight both boys bristled at his comment.

"Why you-" Potter began as he made to step forward, but Black – apparently noting that Severus had his wand at the ready – grabbed his friend quickly by the arm.

For the first time Severus could remember, it seemed that Black was the voice of reason. "I'll cut you some slack tonight Snivellus. But only because word has it that you and the missus have had a bit of a tiff."

Severus felt rage curl it's fingers around his better sense, urging him to attack both boys.

"Ugh don't call Evans his missus, Padfoot," Potter said with disgust. "It gives me the creeps."

Ignoring Potter completely, Severus turned his formidable tongue on Black. "I suppose I should offer you the same Black. What happened to your little pet tonight? Lovers quarrel between the wolf and Potter? Isn't it rather dangerous to let such a creature go prowling the corridors alone?"

Black's eyes flashed dangerously. "Watch yourself Sniv and leave Moony out of it."

"I'm just considering the safety of the school," Severus smiled, realizing he'd struck a nerve.

"You're just sore that Evans went to Slughorn's with him instead at of you," Potter shouted.

"Projecting now, are we?"

Tellingly, Potter hesitated. "Remus is my friend and I'd much rather she be with him than you."

However, the damage had already been done. Severus knew exactly how to get under Potter's skin.

"Is that why you've been staring daggers at them all night?" he sneered. "Because you're happy for the werewolf?"

"Stop calling him that," Black warned.

"Or what? You'll try to feed me to him?" A nasty silence followed that question. "You tried that already if you'll recall. Threats do tend to lose their bite after attempted murder."

Potter at least had the grace to look abashed at his hand in that incident. Black on the other hand, refused to be cowed so easily. "If only he'd succeeded and rid us of your ugly mug," the other boy replied in a nasty mocking voice.

"Then the world would've seen him for the beast he really is and at least it would be rid of him as well," Severus shot back.

None of the boys could ever remember who fired the first spell, but soon Potter's toenails were growing at an abnormally fast and painful rate, Black had a large welp across under his right eye, and Severus was curled against the wall panting and wandless. Forgetting the fact that he came from a long line of wizards, Black aimed several well aimed kicks at the prone boy, while Potter managed to stop his toenails from growing any longer.

Shoving Black aside, Potter grabbed the Slytherin by the collar and pulled him to his feet. Pure loathing shone from two pairs of eyes as the boys faced each other. Struggling to breath, Severus pushed his pain to side and leveled his best scowl at the two Marauders,

"Listen up you greasy little git," James hissed giving the boy a shake, "Remus is ten times more of a wizard than you could ever hope to be."

Objectively, Severus knew that the best thing for him to do in this moment was to keep his mouth shut and not say a word. However, he'd never been good at doing what was best for himself. "Would that be because he's eaten that many wizards?" he quipped.

Potter buried his fist into Severus's gut driving all the wind from his lungs. Gasping for breath once again, Severus vaguely noted that Potter's grip was the only thing keeping him upright. "Bastard," he mumbled as Potter shook him again.

"Still doesn't know how to speak to his superiors," Black added unhelpfully from the side.

But Potter ignored him. "Leave. Remus. Alone."

"Let me go Potter," Severus ordered in a voice that held far more confidence than he actually felt. He managed to roughly shove Potter off of him, causing the other boy to stumble and giving Severus time to gain his own footing. "Your little pet has nothing to fear from me. Our illustrious Headmaster has seen to that."

"You're damn right he did," James said, "and you'd be wise to hold onto your end of that bargain."

"Because you and Black did such an amazing job keeping it a secret. And based on tonight, I wouldn't expect you to rise to the wolf's defense like this. Or is that you only like the beast when he's tame and doing as you say?"

The fist that suddenly connected with the side of his head, told Severus that he'd struck a nerve with Potter. The hits that followed only solidified that belief. Severus managed to throw a punch himself that connected firmly with Potter's jaw and knocked the other boy off balance. Unfortunately he'd forgotten Black who shot a well placed stinging hex at his most vulnerable area. Gasping in pain Severus slid down the wall curling into himself for protection. Over a decade of experience had taught him that such a position would protect vital organs and present the smallest target possible to an attacker. Experience proved right once again as blows continued to reign down on his prone form.

Until the sound of approaching footsteps spooked the inebriated teenagers.

Black's body went rigid as he cocked his head towards the noise. "Someone's coming Prongsy."

"I'd remember this lesson if I were you Snivellus," Potter growled. Providing a contemptuous glare and a final kick that connected with Severus's nose, Potter and Black dashed up the staircase.

Dizziness threatened to overwhelm the Slytherin as he attempted to pull himself into a sitting position. Severus raised a hand to his head and was surprised when he felt a warm wetness spreading above his eye. Pulling his hand back down, he had just enough time to register the blood on his hands before darkness engulfed him.

A darkness that not even the waning moonlight could pierce blanketed the grounds of the old castle. From his position at the topmost point of the Owlery, Remus enjoyed a stunning view of all that Hogwarts had to offer. The castle which had for so long seemed to be a distant dream to the cursed boy had been so much better than anything he could have ever hoped for. He had friends, real honest to God friends, and the prospect of a future. Or at least he'd had friends. At current, Remus was entirely sure where he stood with said friends.

Burying his head in his hands and sighing heavily, he almost missed the sound of approaching footsteps. Remus didn't bother turning around, hoping that whoever it was wouldn't notice him and go about their business. Unfortunately, fate rarely allowed him such reprieve.

"Remus?" A familiar voice called to him. Throwing a quick look behind him, Remus sighed as he noted Lily walking slowly towards him.

"Oh hey, Lily," Remus muttered quietly as he moved over slightly to allow her some space next to him.

"What are you doing up here brooding alone?" She asked sitting a little back from him and the edge.

Unsure if he wanted her company or not just yet, he settled for a half truth. "I just decided it might be a quiet place to think."

"Brood you mean," she corrected him. "Well this is a strange place for quiet," she continued acknowledging the continuous hooting and rustling of the owls.

He consented to both of her points. "Well maybe not so much quiet as devoid of other people."

"Ahh," she said quietly nodding her head. He hoped that she didn't take this to mean he wanted her to leave, he still wasn't sure if he wanted company but something about Lily's presence comforted him. However he need not have feared because she remained sitting close beside him casting her eyes around the owl filled space. "So I take it that you aren't afraid of heights then," she said finally, indicating his legs hanging out over the edge of the tall window.

Remus shook his head and after a moment of quiet decided to take her up on the offer of conversation. "You know, supposedly, the reason that we are afraid of heights isn't the prospect of falling but the fear that we will throw ourselves off." He realized a little too late that that might be too somber for the moment, but, truthfully, he found that he didn't care that much. Lily would go with it. It was one of her best qualities.

"I'm pretty sure my fear comes from a traumatic childhood experience involving a tragic sliding incident," she replied coolly.

"Sounds serious."

"Oh it was. It was a very tall slide. Like at least 5 feet." She said the last with a small smile directed at him.

"That does sound traumatic."

"So I take it that you aren't afraid of heights since you so carelessly have your legs slung over the edge of the extremely tall tower?"

Lily worried her bottom teeth with her lip and allowed a bit of concern to leak into her voice. She was concerned for him. How odd. They'd become closer since becoming prefects, but he'd never considered Lily Evans a serious friend until now.

"Oh no I'm terrified of heights actually. But I'm not looking down so that's supposed to help and all." He answered matter of factly.

"So you fear throwing yourself into the abyss then," she asked lightly. He didn't answer and refused to look her in the eye. Apparently, this was a conformation for her. After a very long pause she continued, "Is this because of Slughorn's party?"

Again his silence seemed to answer her question. "I'm sorry Remus," she said placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "If I'd known James was going to be a complete prat about it all, I'd never have even asked you."

"No," he replied with a shake of his head. "I'm glad you did. I had an amazing time tonight. Social gatherings usually aren't my thing, but tonight was fun. I can take James being a prat, he'll come around eventually."

The reassuring smile he gave her seemed to assuage Lily ever so slightly. Yet apparently, he hadn't been convincing enough.

"Then why are you dangling your legs over the side of the owlery this late at night completely alone?"

He had no good answer for that.

"What did James say that upset you so badly?" she asked gently.

"It's nothing…"

Lily hesitated for several long minutes obviously thinking deeply about something.

"Did he…" she began, "was it… did he say something about… your, well your… condition?"

Her question set his heart thudding desperately in his chest. Praying that he'd misunderstood her, Remus pushed back the panic. "I'm sorry what?" He asked noting that his voice was slightly higher.

"Are you afraid that you will throw yourself off the tower because James said something incentive about your condition?" She asked again slowly but with more confidence.

He hadn't misheard her, he was certain of that now. Remus turned to face her, panic rising and his stomach dropping. "I don't know what you are talking about? My condition…that doesn't make any sense"

A stubborn look settled across her face and even he had to admit that the cracking of his voice wouldn't have convinced him, let alone Lily Evans. Somehow, inexplicably, Lily had discovered his darkest secret. Bumping his shoulder gently with hers she continued. "It wasn't that hard to figure out."

"Lily, you can't... I'm not..." But her expression told him he was fighting a losing battle. He didn't know how she felt about it yet. Confirming this would be a serious step but he knew that she wouldn't believe him if he tried to convince her it wasn't the truth. She didn't seem afraid yet, which seemed to be a good sign. But it would only be a matter of time he knew. Finally Remus relented. "How did you find out?"

"Sev's had theories for years and after – "

"What did he tell you?" Remus asked, anger turning the words harsher than he'd meant.

Apparently, Lily noticed the hostility. "Calm down, Sev didn't tell me anything. Like I was saying, Sev's had theories for years and after getting to know you this year…honestly it wasn't that hard to figure out."

Remus let his head fall into his hands as his rage fled, leaving him with only a hollow feeling in his chest. It was all over now. He'd be forced to leave before he could say expelled. "Is there any use in me begging you not to tell anyone?" he pleaded, hoping against all hope that he could reason with her.

"Remus Lupin give me some credit please!" Lily replied in an affronted tone as she leaned away from him. "Do you really think I'd do that?" Apparently, his face showed his confusion because she continued in a softer tone, "Of course I won't tell anyone. I mean I may not have grown up in this world, but I know how people generally feel about werewolves. And obviously it's not something you've been telling people."

Lily talked to him as if they were discussing the weather instead of the awful curse which had marked his life. Remus didn't know how to react. Fear and hatred, he could handle, but this calm, calculated reaction was unchartered territory. "I'm sorry maybe I'm a little slow here," he responded. "You aren't going to run and tell Dumbledore or a teacher or some other student? I mean you do realize what it means to be like me? You understand what I am?"

She fixed him with a kind stare that bordered on pity. "What you are, is a witty and clever teenager with a condition."

Remus didn't respond, he didn't even know how to respond. He had only ever received such a response from his parents and Dumbledore. He wasn't sure if she completely understood what his condition meant but then most other muggle born children had understood the implications of being a werewolf when they'd discussed it in DADA the other day. "So you aren't afraid of me?" He asked quietly unsure if he wanted her to answer or not.

Lily smiled and bumped his shoulder again. "I'm afraid of heights, I'm afraid of how close you are to the edge, I'm even slightly terrified by the state of this floor and what I might be sitting in. But you? I'm sorry Remus, but you're just not very frightening."

He turned to her and finally met her gaze. Reaching out, Lily took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone your secret. It's yours not mine anyway. Besides, I owe you. You saved my life by going to Slughorn's party with me. Saved the whole world really. How could I be afraid of someone like that?"
Remus's heart felt like it was actually floating. His stomach had receded back to its normal position and he could breathe fully again. He knew that her feelings would probably change when she fully understood the biases that their world held. But for now, in this moment, he had a friend who knew and didn't run away. For now Lily Evans had accepted him and that meant more than anything to him.

"I've been a right prat, haven't I?" James asked as they hurried up the stairs to their common room.

Sirius, who'd been wondering if would take all evening for his best friend to realize that, merely nodded in return. The evening which had promised so much fun earlier in the week, had been a total disaster. The party itself had been a success, but James' actions since could only be designated as disastrous.

"I didn't mean to fly off the handle like that," James continued as they reached the Fat Lady and slipped inside. "I just…"

"You just can't hold your alcohol and are a class one diva," Sirius supplied nudging James with his elbow.

"I guess so," James answered sheepishly.

Unable to take the angst filled silence that followed them to their dormitory, Sirius threw himself onto his bed and tossed a pillow at James's head. "Look Prongs," he began, "you acted like a prick to both Lily, Remus, and myself-"

"-What did I do to you and its prat not prick-" James interrupted loudly.

Ignoring him completely, Sirius continued. "You treated Lily like she's some kind of possession instead of wooing her while you had an excellent chance. You talked to Remus in a way that I'll kick your ass for later when you're less mopey. And now you've placed me in the role of responsible Marauder, and we all know that that is just a very poor decision on all counts." James rolled his eyes in apparent agreement. "However as responsible Marauder, it's my job to inform you that you have been acting like a prick-"

"-I thought we'd agreed on prat-"

"-and as such, you need to apologize as quickly as possible."

James shifted nervously and moved to lean against Sirius's four poster. "Do you think they'll forgive me?"

Sirius shrugged. "Remus will forgive you even if he shouldn't, and Lily hated you to begin with so no loss there. As for me… it's going to take an enormous amount of groveling and possibly a little bribery to win me back Prongs."

"Yeah fat chance, Pads."

"You wound me with your inconsideration."

Falling into a pile alongside Sirius, James sighed and finally lost the battle with gravity. "I can't believe I'm such an asshole."

"I could've told you this years ago, Prongs."

"Be serious for like five seconds."

"I'm always serious," Sirius grinned before relenting. "Look Prongs, you screwed up. No, you shouldn't have said those things to Remus, and it shouldn't have taken an encounter with Snivelly to make you realize you were wrong." Sirius gave him a significant look that instructed his friend not to protest the truth. "But you're a human being and I've been told you people make mistakes sometimes. I'll make sure that Remus gives you enough crap after he's forgiven you."

"If he does," James mumbled.

"He will. Unfortunately, Moony is what we like to call a push over. Grovel at his feet and pledge your undying regret and he'll let you off the hook even if he shouldn't."

"So you're saying he'll forgive me because it's him, not because I deserve it?"

"No one deserves it," Sirius shrugged in a rare moment of wisdom. "But don't worry, I'll make certain Moony gets back at you."

"Thanks Sirius."

The two Gryffindors had sat talking for a few minutes longer, before Lily had finally managed to drag Remus away from the Owlery and down to their common room. They'd almost made it to the seventh floor when the two prefects heard the telltale signs of a scuffle up ahead. Sharing a long-suffering look, Lily and Remus quickened their pace.

"Shit," was all Lily could say as she and Remus stumbled upon her currently estranged best friend slumped against the wall in front of the seventh-floor stairwell. Judging by the blood pouring from Severus's nose and the dark bruising on his cheek and eyes, he'd lost whatever fight he'd been a part of.

Luckily Remus was far more eloquent than she'd been. "Holy shit that's Severus isn't it?"

Nodding, Lily rushed to her friend's side and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Anger boiled through her veins as she took in the various injuries.

"It is," she snapped as Remus joined her. "And I know two currently pissed off Gryffindors who'd be willing to take their anger out on him."

"He should probably go to the Hospital Wing," Remus observed as his face reddened with something akin to shame.

Lily nodded, to furious to say anything more. "I can take him"

"Are you sure?" Remus asked out of polite necessity. "I know you two aren't in the best place right now."

Shooting her friend smile of gratitude, she shook her head. "He'd hate knowing you were here anyway. Besides his stubborn ass is going to be pissed when he comes to and I force him to go see Madame Pomfrey. Best not push our luck."

Relief flooded Remus's eyes as he stood. "Then I'll go handle the potentially responsible Gryffindors."

"It seems we've been doing a lot of handling tonight," she quipped, drawing an honest grin from her companion.

"It certainly does," he agreed. Remus made it all of four steps before he turned back to face her. Rubbing his neck nervously, the boy struggled to meet her eyes. "Lily…"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks," he muttered. "For everything tonight… especially…"

When it seemed as if the boy was completely lost for words, Lily took pity on him. "Of course Remus."

Another shared smile passed between the two before Remus took his leave. Sighing heavily, Lily turned her attention to Severus. A quick assessment of her friend told her that his nose had – once again – been broken and he had a rather nasty gash above his eye. His uneven breathing suggested that he'd taken a hit or two in the chest as well. Sighing once more, Lily gently shook his shoulder in an attempt to rouse him.

When that didn't work, she decided desperate measures were called for. "Ennervate," she said calmly pointing her wand at Severus's chest.

The effect was, thankfully, instantaneous. Severus gasped as his eyes flew open and began darting around nervously. Seeing that the wand pointed at him belonged to Lily, the boy visibly relaxed.

"Hey, Lily," he mumbled. "Fancy meeting you here."

Despite herself, Lily snorted. "Fancy seeing you awake. You look bloody awful."

"Yeah well, you know how it is, call someone a git and for some reason they take insult to the truth."

Lily shook her head as the corner of his mouth twitched into a smirk. "Have you ever thought that maybe it's the way you say things?"

"I'm the most charming person I know, so that can't be it."

"Sev, you're about as charming as a hornet's nest."

That got a rare laugh from her best friend. A rare laugh that turned to a grimace of pain, which thrusted the two back to reality. Severus shrugged her hand from his shoulder as he struggled to his feet. Tension radiated from the Slytherin as he leaned against the wall for support, refusing the help of his friend. Unresolved conflict created a gaping chasm between them and despite having known each other for years, neither knew how to cross it.

"You need to go to the Hospital Wing," Lily said, attempting to offer an olive branch for the time being.

"I'm fine," Severus answered in his usual stubborn fashion.

"Yes, I can tell by the blood covering your face and the way your putting all your weight on the wall that you're perfectly okay," she fired back. "I'm taking you to the Hospital Wing."

However when she moved to take his arm, Severus flinched away from her. An odd ache gripped Lily's heart at that action. He hadn't reacted so poorly to her in years.

"Shove off Lily," Severus growled. "I don't need your help."

"Well too bad, because you're getting it."

"Since when do you care?"

Lily could not have stopped her eyes from rolling if she'd tried. "Oh please Sev, I've always cared."

"Hasn't seemed that way for the past week or so," he retorted. "You've been more concerned with following your Gryffindor friends around and pretending I don't exist." The sneer he wore for everyone else crept across his face, twisting his features in a manner Lily hated.

Goaded into anger by his comments, she allowed her temper free reign. "Maybe I wouldn't have ignored you if you weren't such a prat."

"I'm so sorry to have offended you," Severus snapped back. "I'll be certain to stay out of your way in the future."

Knowing it would make him uncomfortable and give her the upper hand, Lily moved forward until they were less than arms distance apart. "That's not what I want, and you know it."

Severus retreated as far into the wall as he could but managed to keep his voice level while glowering back at her. "Then what do you want?"

"For you to stop being a prat!"

"I still don't even know what I'm supposed to have done to piss you off this time!"

Lily's scowl darkened as she stared disbelievingly at Severus. "I'm mad at you because of what happened to Mary McDonald.

Shock and confusion warred for dominance of his expression. "Am I supposed to understand what that has to do with me?"

"You're friends with those bastards," she replied reasonably as she crossed her arms and shifted her weight backwards, giving him a bit more breathing room. A move she instantly regretted as it allowed Severus to come back on balance and take hold of his obvious indignation.

"And you're friends with the guys who turned my robes pink in the middle of the Great Hall two days ago. How are they any better?"

"Don't change the subject. What Mulciber did was evil, Sev-" Lily began hotly only to be interrupted by the Slytherin.

"And what Potter and Black did isn't?" he contested. "Or is it because they did it to me and I somehow deserve what they did while McDonald was perfectly innocent?"

Struggling to find a proper argument, Lily stumbled over her words. "That doesn't… of course I don't… how can you deny that they're evil?"

"I'm denying nothing of the sort," Severus reasoned in that annoyingly cold voice of his. "But it doesn't make Potter or Black any different. And at least I don't go around actively looking to hang out with the people you so adamantly dislike."

"Anytime you aren't with me you're with them! How is that not seeking them out? She argued.

"They're my housemates, what else do you expect?" he shouted back. "I have to see them at some point you know."

"I could make the same argument," Lily answered stubbornly.

"Except that you've now gone to a dance with one of the Marauders and you left me to deal with Slughorn and his party alone. Not to mention the aftereffects."

"Remus needed me," she exclaimed, angry that he couldn't look past his own misery to see that someone else might need her.

"I needed you too Lily," he shouted back, a desperate sort of anger clinging to his words as his face twisted into a scowl. "And you haven't been here. I thought I was supposed to be your best friend. Thought that meant I'm more important to you than the boys who make my life hell."

His words cut through her indignation. While she personally had no problem with Remus, he was one of the Marauders. And if she was honest with herself, he had a point this time. She'd ditched her best friend for one of the boys who tormented him relentlessly. "You are my best friend Severus. But that doesn't mean I can't be friends with other people."

"Unlike you I don't care who your other friends are," Severus snapped before amending. "As long as it's not them."

And just as suddenly as it had disappeared her anger returned. "I only care who you hang out with because the people you're associating with are dark Sev. They're not good people."

"And Potter and his crew are good people?"

"At least Potter and Black don't want to join a psychotic maniac after leaving school!" She shouted back.

"You're right potential future misdeeds outweigh present ones. How silly of me to forget."

The venom with which Severus spoke struck a nerve in the enraged Gryffindor. Red tinged Severus's face in a manner Lily was certain mirrored her own. Where did he get off? Of course she cared what Black and Potter did at present, but that didn't make what his Death Eater friends right. But their current spat wasn't solving anything.

Taking a deep breath and a step back, Lily attempted to calm herself. "You're better than they are Sev. I just don't want to see you get mixed up in something like that."

Severus shrugged meekly and leaned against the wall. His ability to stand apparently dissipating with his anger. Tilting his head back he shot her a sidelong glance. "I won't get mixed in with that, Lily. Not if it means losing my best friend." Something bitter glinted through black eyes as Lily moved to help him to the Hospital Wing.

The two friends hobbled along in silence for several floors as the weight of their argument slowly settled. They'd not come to anything close to an agreement, but at least Severus had conceded that the boys he hung around with weren't the good sort. He'd stay away from them for her and that had to be enough for now.

"Do you remember when we were kids," Severus began softly as they made their way to the fourth floor, "and we thought Hogwarts was going to be so spectacular?"

Lily shifted his arm around her shoulder and nodded thoughtfully. "You told me such wonderful stories about this place. You could basically quote Hogwarts, A History word for word." Though Lily felt a smile creeping across her face, one look at Severus told her his memories weren't as fond as hers.

"I was wrong," he admitted softly. "Hogwarts was supposed to be an escape, supposed to be wonderful, and amazing. In some ways it is," he amended thoughtfully, "but the people here suck just as much as the people back in Spinner's End."

"I thought you claimed Hogwarts as your home," Lily reminded him attempting to lift him from the black mood that had engulfed him.

A furrow appeared between Severus's eyes as he thought. His voice held something broken and wistful when he finally spoke. "It is…it's just…not what I'd thought it'd be."

Silence clung to the walls around them as Lily considered the boy who'd become her best friend so many years ago. They'd spent so many days before Hogwarts dreaming about how wonderful it would be to finally attend. Severus had been the one to introduce her to the wizarding world and he'd shared all he knew without hesitation. The idea that they'd be separated when they finally got to the school had never crossed their minds.

Yet they had been. Friendship between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin wasn't easy, not even for two who'd been through as much together as they had. Hogwarts had been a dream for her and an escape for Severus. In her mind, the only downside had been the distance that grew between them as they moved into their respective houses. For Severus however… Hogwarts had obviously not lived up to his full expectations. He was still picked on, bullied, lonely, and an outcast. Apparently, there wasn't enough magic in the world to change those traits.

But he still has me, Lily reminded herself. And maybe he's right, maybe I haven't been completely fair to him. She wasn't about to put up with his fascination with the Dark Arts or his prejudiced friends, but he was still her Severus. Sometimes it might be harder to see the excitable boy he'd been but underneath all the anger and cold sarcasm, he was still her best friend. She'd just have to remind him of that more often.

"You're still stuck with me though," Lily said finally with a soft grin.

That at least brought something that might eventually be a smile to his face.

"Still stuck with you," he agreed.

They walked the rest of the way to the Hospital Wing in a much more companionable fashion. Their friendship restored for now, each desperate to hold on to what they had for a little while longer.

Remus found that he had plenty to think on as he made his way to the Gryffindor common room. Lily had solidified herself as a firm friend this evening, whether she realized that or not. When he'd accepted – or had been guilted into accepting – her invitation to Slughorn's party, he'd never have guessed that everything would turn out the way it had.

Oh he'd known James would be pissed and he'd been certain that he'd incur the wrath of his lovesick friend for several days, but Remus had never believed James would react so poorly. Anger still boiled within him at everything James had said, yet even that had been tempered by Lily's blatant acceptance of his condition. He didn't want to lose the friendship of the Marauders but knowing that he had someone else to turn if everything went further south this evening buoyed Remus's spirit.

Slipping quietly through the portrait hole and up to his bed, Remus prayed that the others had not returned just yet. Unfortunately, his luck – once again – didn't hold out.

James and Sirius lay sprawled across Sirius's bed attempting to do something to James's feet.

"Bloody bastard," James grunted as he tapped the ends of his toes with his wand.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter as the other boy's exceedingly long toenails changed into a bright purple color. "He really did a number on you this time Prongs."

"Just wait until I get my hands on that slimy snake," James growled as another twitch of his wand only made his toenails change an even brighter shade of pink which only made Sirius laugh harder.

On any other evening, this would have been the beginning of a late night invested in the discovery of new ways to get back at whatever individual – usually Snape – had dared to hex one of them. However, Remus had a sneaking suspicion that they'd already given taken out enough anger on said slimy snake. That mixed with the general tension that rose in the room as soon as Sirius and James noticed him, promised an evening of far less fun.

"Was I meant to paint my nails before entering?" Remus quipped eyeing Sirius and ignoring James altogether.

Sirius let out a laugh that managed to only sound slightly uncomfortable. "It's all the rage these days Moony."

"Pink nails?"

"I do believe that's fuchsia my uncultured companion," Sirius continued doing his best to lessen the tension between his two friends.

Remus sank onto his mattress, uncertain of how to proceed. His anger at James had yet to abate, but he hated conflict. Despised it really. Yet he had to say something. "I'm guessing that you're the culprits who left Snape at the bottom of the stairs?"

James eyes narrowed as he continued attempting to fix his impossibly long toenails. "That git has another thing coming," he mumbled to himself.

At Remus's raised eyebrow, Sirius took control of the conversation. "My dear Moony, how could you accuse us of engaging in such barbaric displays of masculinity?"

"Yes, law abiding students such as you two frequently go around enlarging body parts."

Despite the uncomfortable feeling of unresolved conflict that ran amongst them, both James and Sirius snickered. "Moony," James started as he slid off the bed and walked towards him. "Remus… I, well… I'm…"

"Wow," Sirius said from his place lounging across the bed, "James Potter speechless. I never thought I'd live to see the day. I think the words you're look for are, I'm sorry I was such a prat Moony."

"Stuff it Padfoot." Shooting a one fingered salute at Sirius, James turned his attention back to Remus. Or more accurately to the floor in front of Remus. "Like I was saying… I'm sorry I was such a prat Moony." He finished lamely. "Really and truthfully. I shouldn't have gotten pissed with you to begin with. And I definitely shouldn't have said all those things I said. You didn't deserve any of that."

For several long beats Remus didn't answer. However, James's nervous fidgeting soon became too much for him to handle. "You were a right git."

James blanched. "I was," he admitted, "I was a git, a prat, a prick, and a shitty friend. And I'm unbelievably sorry. You don't have to forgive me Moony, I just want you to know that I'm sorry."

With that James meandered slowly over to his bed.

"I forgive you," Remus muttered quietly. "I'm still angry, but I forgive you."

James face lit up immediately, but before either of them could speak, Sirius interjected his usual wisdom. "Oh come on, Moony! You didn't even let him sweat it out for a night," the less than serious boy complained. "We have got to work on your manipulation skills."

"Stuff it Pads," James repeated. "Unless you have some spell to fix my toenails, then just stuff it."

"Ohhh," Sirius teased, "ickle Prongsy is still miffed because the big bad Snivlley bested him!"

"Sniv did not best me and I'm not miffed!" James protested in a voice that insinuated the opposite.

"Just go to Madame Pomfrey," Remus suggested.

"Absolutely not! We cannot let that little git know he's bested us," Sirius argued vehemently.

Remus rolled his eyes and leaned back against the pillows. "So then we go with the alternative which is to let James suffer?"

"Now you're getting the whole manipulation thing Moony," Sirius laughed.

Remus sacrificed one of his pillows to be chucked at Sirius's head.

Two hours later and the three boys were still unable to return James's toenails to the appropriate length, though they had found several useful spells for changing their colors and shapes.

"You know I think I rather enjoy these," Sirius exclaimed as he examined his green claw like fingernails. "I think they add an air of danger to me."

"I think they add to your previous stupidity," James observed unhelpfully.

"I think you're both off topic," Remus sighed as he looked up from the transfiguration book he'd been pouring over.

Before either of the other two could reply, the door to their dormitory flew open admitting a very angry Lily Evans.

"Whoa Evans! What are you doing?" Sirius yelled at the same time James exclaimed, "Lily!"

"James Potter, you arrogant toe rag excuse of a human being," the fiery red head began as she stormed into the room.

Here we go, Remus sighed yet again.

"Evans," James stammered as he came to his feet, "wh,what's going on?"

Bearing down on him Lily didn't stop until her face was two inches from his. A position that, under different circumstances, might have thrilled James. "Don't pretend like you have no idea why I'm here you ignorant tosser."

"Such language Ms. Evans," Sirius chided.

Which only caused Lily to turn her ire on him as well. "And you," she shouted, "you're just as bad! To think that earlier tonight I considered that you two might not be that bad." Fixing both boys with a stern glare she addressed them at once. "You two are the most reprehensible things I've ever had the displeasure to meet."

"Evans," James pleaded, "wouldn't it be more beneficial to us if we knew why you were so ticked off at us?"

"You're breathing is that enough of an answer?" Lily fumed. James visibly paled and even Sirius managed to look abashed. "If that's not enough, how about the fact that you two ganged up on Severus two to one?"

Guilt quickly turned to annoyance in both boys. "Snivellus deserved whatever he got," Sirius countered.

Quick to back his friend, James entered the fray. "Look at my toenails Lily! That git hexed me, and we can't figure out how to get them back to normal. Whatever we did to him was definitely well earned."

Unfortunately, James didn't seem to notice that Lily's face only twisted in anger at his defense of their actions.

"You think he deserves to have to arrogant pricks like yourselves gang up on him?" she challenged. "I'm certain I know exactly who started it as well."

"That's exceedingly unfair," Sirius complained.

"And exceedingly true," Lily asserted. "You two are reprehensible and I want nothing more to do with any of you." Panic gripped Remus in the four heartbeats it took for her to amend her previous statement. "I take that back, I want nothing to do with you two. Remus had nothing to do with it."

Despite her assertion to leave him out of it, he heard the unspoken this time. He might trust Lily not to spill his secret to the school, but if he wanted her friendship, he'd have to work for it.

"You're the one who came storming into our room Evans," Sirius pointed out unhelpfully.

"I'll make sure Professor McGonagall notes your complaint when I go talk with her in the morning."

Sirius's eyes flashed with real anger. "You snitch, you don't even know it was us!"

"I spoke with Severus."

"I thought you two weren't speaking," James asked in a voice that was not even close to casual enough to go unnoticed.

Heedless of Sirius's anger or James's indignation, Lily fixed them both with another scowl. "We rekindled our friendship when I realized the poor company, I've kept all evening. You two should be ashamed of yourselves."

With that the furious redhead stormed out the door.

James flopped back onto his bed. "She's never going to speak to me again."

Shaking his head, Remus rolled his eyes. "You could apologize."

"Like she'd believe me," James huffed.

"So should I send back the wedding invites then?" Sirius quipped only to be forced to dodge pillows thrown from both James and Remus.

As the four boys lamented their rotten luck for the evening, the door to the dormitory flew open once more. Taking in the pillows slung across the room, the still smoking curtains, James's downcast expression, and the general lack of excitement among the Marauders, Peter entered cautiously. "Did I miss something?"

As they took turns retelling their adventures of the evening, life settled back into normalcy for the Marauders. It might not have been the perfect evening they'd imagined, but at the end of the day it made for one heck of a story.

A/N: Lame ending? Good ending? Rushed ending? What did you like? What did you dislike? I'll never know unless you tell me! That's right this is the part where I beg for reviews/comments in order to sustain both my life and my confidence at writing. However you feel, please feel free to let me know. For now this story has met its ending. I'd like to thank everyone who has been following this story and all of you who've taken the time to read it. I really do appreciate it more than you know.

As always, I'll see you guys in the next story!