The next day, Elizabeth and the rest of her year were let into the Great Hall to start their first exam of the year and sat down silently, most of them incredibly nervous.

"You have two hours," Professor Binns called out in his usual monotone voice. "Begin."

An hour in, Elizabeth sat still, transfixed, staring at her exam paper, completely confused at the question she was being forced to answer. What? She had no idea what year goblins first applied for freedom! She couldn't remember ever reading that. She snuck a glance around the hall and was thankful to see many other puzzled faces. She shared a look with Lily, who gave her a reassuring smile, and she felt a little bit more confident in herself. She started scratching at the paper with her quill, hoping that she would at least pass this subject.

After the exam, she and Lily went outside to the edge of the lake, basking in the afternoon sun.

"I am so glad that exam is over!" Elizabeth sighed happily, squinting in the bright sun. She stretched out on the ground, her legs growing hot in her black tights, just as Lily nodded in agreement.

"I didn't understand question nine though," she said, with a frown quickly clouded her face. Elizabeth rolled her eyes, grinning at her friend.

"Oh, come on, Lily," she teased. "Each time you think you have done badly on an exam, you come away with a great mark! It happens every year."

Lily smiled in appreciation at Elizabeth, who noticed that four boys had settled themselves under a nearby tree, and two of them were keenly looking over. She smiled to herself but ignored them, determined not to be the one who made the move. Unfortunately, Lily noticed her smirk.

"What are you looking at?" her friend asked, following her gaze to the tree. She saw the boys and frowned again, her red hair shining viciously in the light.

"You need to stay away from him, Lizzie," she said darkly, turning away and putting her back to the boys. Elizabeth noticed that James looked crestfallen at Lily's response, but Sirius smoothly winked at Elizabeth, who prayed her cheeks wouldn't betray her feelings. She simply turned away, refusing to acknowledge him in front of Lily.

"He's not all bad, Lily," she said softly, hoping the boys wouldn't hear her.

"He has a bad reputation," Lily replied, her eyes on the lake, which was shimmering peacefully. Elizabeth didn't reply, not wanting to fall out with her friend. She simply closed her eyes again and leant her head back, quietly enjoying the warm rays that her pale skin was lapping up. Next to her, she could hear Lily rummaging around in her bag, but didn't open her eyes, allowing her friend to go about her business. However, she was forced to eventually open her eyes when she felt something move in the way of the sun. Squinting, and a little annoyed, she forced her eyes apart to see Remus standing over her, a textbook in his hand.

"Sorry, Elizabeth," Remus said, running a hand through his thick brown hair. "I didn't mean to wake you up. I just wanted to give Lily back her textbook."

"It's all right, Remus," Lily answered for her, smiling up at the newcomer. Elizabeth smirked. Remus was the only one out of the four boys that Lily liked.

Remus handed over the textbook, smiled at the two girls and paused, as though he wanted to say something. Both Lily and Elizabeth patiently allowed him to collect his thoughts, his greying skin looking quite ill in the summer's light.

"How did you find the exam?" he finally asked, his eyes darting behind Elizabeth.

"I didn't like it," Elizabeth said coolly, knowing that Remus was looking at the boys by the tree. "I knew the majority of the answers, but a few tripped me up. What about you?"

"I think I did all right," Remus answered, glancing at Lily, who was trying to force the textbook she had been handed into her rucksack, which was full of other battered books. "It's just a matter of waiting."

Again, he made as though he wanted to say something else, but kept glancing at Lily, who was oblivious to the stares. Elizabeth slowly turned around to face the tree and saw the three remaining boys all staring at Elizabeth and Lily, James and Sirius both with grins on their faces.

"What does Sirius want?" Elizabeth asked, turning back and Lily's head snapped up, a scowl on her face. Remus looked sheepish and raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" he asked calmly but the corners of his mouth twitched.

"Why did he send you over?" Elizabeth rephrased her question, smirking up at Remus, who was nervously grinning.

"He wants a word, but he knew that Lily would disapprove," he finally said, glancing at the redhead, whose temper flared.

"He would be right," she said firmly. "I swear, Liz, I think Sirius might have feelings for you."

Despite rolling her eyes, Elizabeth prayed that she didn't give away anything. She turned back to Remus.

"Tell him to meet me outside the Great Hall," she said, getting up and grabbing her bag, swinging it over her shoulder.

"Are you just leaving me here?" Lily demanded, surprised at Elizabeth's decision. Elizabeth nodded and gestured at Remus.

"You two can revise for the Transfiguration exam tomorrow," she said, smiling and walked off, slightly annoyed at her friend's reluctance to accept Elizabeth's feelings.

"Why are you going to meet him?" Lily called after her but Elizabeth kept on walking as though she hadn't heard anything.

Inside, she waited for Sirius, gently drumming on her leg as she stood. She silently watched the other students milling around, discussing the exams, laughing at each other's jokes, shouting to their oncoming friends. Elizabeth even saw Severus talking in low whispers to his two friends, ignoring her as he passed. However, the young witch didn't have time to feel sad, as she felt an arm snake around her waist, and turned to see a smiling Sirius next to her.

"Hey," he said, nuzzling her neck softly. Elizabeth grinned, nervously looking to make sure the several students weren't watching.

"Not here," she whispered, leaning away. Sirius smiled at her wickedly and looked around, pulling her into an empty classroom by her wrist, locking the door behind them.

"I've missed you," Sirius said breathlessly, kissing her gently as they leant against the wall together. Elizabeth didn't reply, knowing no answer was required except responding to his caresses. Sirius swayed her slightly as he clung to her waist, eagerly kissing her. Elizabeth smiled on his mouth, pulling away for breath.

"We shouldn't be here," she said quietly, glancing at the locked door. She felt Sirius squeeze her hand and turned back to look at him. He looked concerned, and Elizabeth felt a tug on her heart. It was very rare to see Sirius's emotions, as he usually hid behind his pranks and laughter. She felt privileged, as her boyfriend felt truly comfortable with her to reveal his true feelings.

"Beth, we're not doing anything wrong," he whispered in her ear, but Elizabeth wasn't convinced. She bit her lip anxiously and heard Sirius sigh as she rested her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head, holding her close.

Suddenly, the supposed locked door flew apart and an angry Lily stood there, wand in her hand. Next to her stood Severus, his greasy hair twitching with excitement. He had a mixed look of anger and smugness, as though he had just been proven right about something, but wasn't happy about it. He was also holding a wand, and it was pointed directly at Sirius. Elizabeth instinctively stood in between the boys, so they wouldn't harm each other.

"Lizzie!" Lily hissed, her eyes staring daggers at Sirius, whom Elizabeth was sure was smirking back at the fiery red head. "What happened to thinking Sirius Black was an idiot? A bully?"

"You think I'm a bully?" Sirius asked, but Elizabeth could hear the humour in his voice. She kept her eyes on Severus, anger forming in her stomach. It was probably him who had told Lily where she was and who with. Severus and Lily weren't even close friends anymore and yet he still possessed that incredibly infuriating knack for interfering.

"Lily, this has nothing to do with you or Severus!" Elizabeth growled back, folding her arms. "Who I see is my business and if you can't understand that, then –"

She stopped suddenly. She valued her friendship with Lily too much to actually make a threat but she couldn't ignore her feelings for Sirius. She certainly didn't want to choose between the two of them.

"I suppose you told Evans where to find us, Snivellus?" Sirius asked, and his voice was filled with venom. Severus flushed angrily and Elizabeth saw his hand tighten on his wand, but he didn't hold it any higher. "I think you better leave before I teach you some manners."

"Sirius!" Elizabeth hissed but Lily's eyebrows shot up.

"See?" she pleaded. "A bully! And, you want to date him, Lizzie?"

"Yes!" Elizabeth snarled, shaking slightly in anger. "Yes, I do, and you have no right to tell me what to do, Lily. Now leave, both of you!"

Both Lily and Severus looked slightly taken aback at Elizabeth's outburst, but for once, she didn't care. She glared intently at them as they slowly backed out of the room; Lily red with anger and Severus with his eyes on Sirius.

"You still want to date me, even if I am a bully?" Sirius asked, kissing Elizabeth's neck, his teeth gently nipping her skin like a dog.

"You're not a bully," Elizabeth sighed, trying to keep a straight face as Sirius' hot breath tickled on her neck. "I mean, you could tone down the practical jokes from time to time, but you're not a bully."

Later that evening, Sirius and Elizabeth walked to the common room hand in hand, as they no longer had anyone to hide their relationship from. Climbing through the portrait hole, Elizabeth caught sight of Lily sitting with Paige by the fireplace. Her eyes were slightly red and Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt; Lily had been crying.

"Don't worry, she'll come around," Sirius whispered, squeezing her hand and Elizabeth nodded, although not entirely sure. She also noticed Seraphina perched on Lucas' lap. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and she was kissing him softly, but as Sirius and Elizabeth walked further into the room, she froze, her eyes flashing angrily.

"About time," James said, approaching them with a big grin on his face. "I thought you were never going to admit you liked each other."

Sirius smirked back but Elizabeth was still looking at Lily, who had silently left the table and was retreating up to the dormitory. Another pang of guilt. Elizabeth didn't want to lose her best friend – she was too stubborn to let that happen.

"Hey, I'll be right back," Elizabeth whispered, and Sirius nodded, probably knowing what she was going to do. Leaving a quick kiss on Sirius' cheek, she rushed up the dormitory steps and walked in on Lily wiping her eyes dry.

"Lil?" she said softly, cautiously stepping forward and Lily turned around, surprised. "Lily, I'm sorry for yelling at you. I was just angry."

Lily smiled weakly and nodded in understanding, sitting heavily on the bed.

"I'm sorry too," she said quietly. "I don't want to fall out with you. I just don't like Sirius Black, that's all."

"You don't have to like him," Elizabeth smiled, gently sitting down next to Lily. "You just need to accept that I do, that's all."

Their next exam was Defence Against the Dark Arts and Elizabeth felt more confident in her ability to pass than she had with History of Magic. Sitting in the hot room, she scratched her answers into the parchment, blowing away a stray piece of hair that had fallen in her eyesight.

'Give five signs that identify the werewolf.'

Elizabeth smiled to herself, glancing around at Remus, who was sat a few seats away from her. He was bent over his exam paper, completely absorbed in his answer. Elizabeth frowned slightly. Remus looked incredibly pale, and slightly ill.

Lowering her gaze back to her paper, Elizabeth noticed that the student in front of her was tilting his chair back on two legs. She glanced up and smirked. Sirius was lounging back in his chair, evidently finished with his exam paper. From what Elizabeth could see, his dark hair was falling into his eyes again and she rested her head on her hand for a moment, gazing at his casual elegance. Sirius must have known that he was being stared at and shifted slightly in his seat, winking at her. She grinned back and lowered her head, determined to finish her paper in time.

About ten minutes later, Professor Flitwick's voice rang through the Great Hall.

"Quills down, please! That means you too, Stebbins! Please remain seated while I collect your parchment! Accio!"

Every piece of parchment in that room flew through the air and towards Professor Flitwick, knocking him flat on the floor. Small amounts of laughter rang through the room as a few students from the front desks rushed forward to help him.

"Thank you… thank you,' Professor Flitwick said, brushing himself down. "Very well, everybody, you're free to go!"

Elizabeth stuffed her quill into her backpack and quickly scanned the room for Lily, spotting her in the far corner. She felt Sirius move past her, whispering something as he went;

"Common room in an hour."

Elizabeth smirked and nodded, snaking in between the desks to the open door.

"Hey, fancy going to the water?" Paige asked as she approached Elizabeth and Lily. Elizabeth nodded, eager to get out into the sun. It was incredibly hot as they walked out on the grounds and Elizabeth sighed contently. She spotted Sirius, James, Remus and Peter sitting over by the beech tree; James was playing with a small flying gold object, catching it every time it tried to fly away. Peter was watching excitedly, clapping each time James grabbed back the golden sphere. Remus had pulled out a book and was no doubt studying for his next exam. Sirius looked bored and kept staring around the many students occupying the lawn.

"Look who's coming," Paige whispered as Elizabeth took off her socks and shoes, dipping her toes in the lake. The cold water refreshed her feet and she breathed in deeply, just as she received a dig to the ribs. It was Lily and she nodded her head to something behind Paige. Elizabeth turned around, squinting in the sun, to see Seraphina tearing down the lawn.

"Uh, oh," Paige said quietly, hiding a smirk. "She doesn't look happy."

"I wonder who's upset her," Isabella said, joining them by the water side. "She looks furious."

Elizabeth and Lily shared a glance; they knew exactly who she was angry with.

"Are you and Sirius dating?" Seraphina demanded, stopping still in front of the four girls. She was staring daggers into Elizabeth and her hands were firmly gripping her hips. There was a mad glint in her eye and Elizabeth felt almost sure that her right hand was positioned directly over her cloak pocket, exactly where her wand would be.

Swallowing slowly, Elizabeth nodded her head. Seraphina's nostrils flared and her fingers flexed, as though itching to grab her wand.

"Did it start when I was still in a relationship with him?" she asked, her dark figure looming over the four girls. Isabella chewed her lip, obviously not wanting to be there; Paige was staring at Seraphina, her mouth open slightly; and Lily's eyes were narrowed in anger. She might not like Sirius, but she was still Elizabeth's best friend.

Elizabeth glanced over at Sirius and noticed he was looking over at them. Not wanting him to come over, Elizabeth forced a smile, hoping he would think everything was fine, and laughed.

"Of course not, Seraphina," she chuckled, discreetly nudging Lily. "You had started dating Lucas by the time Sirius and I got together. I thought you were happy with him."

"Yeah, Sera," Lily laughed, glancing over at Sirius and understanding Elizabeth's prod. "Every time we're in the common room you and Lucas are glued to each other's mouths. I'm not even sure you guys breathe normally like the rest of us."

Seraphina glared at her but didn't reply. Elizabeth suspected that she didn't want to contradict the girls, or they might tell Lucas. Instead, she smirked and flicked her hair, holding her shoulders back.

"I am very happy with Lucas," she simpered. "I was just surprised that Sirius has begun losing his mind. I mean, picking that over me?" She threw Elizabeth a look of contempt and Lily got to her feet.

"All right, that's enough," she said fiercely. "I don't know what your problem is, Sera, but just leave Elizabeth alone."

"Oooh," Seraphina mocked, but she backed down slightly. Lily had grown considerably over the year and as the girls stood face to face, Elizabeth saw that Seraphina was stunted by at least two inches. "Since when did you join his fan club, Lily? I thought you hated him."

"Just leave, Sera," Lily warned and her threat was clear. Seraphina gave Elizabeth one last look of loathing and stormed away, heading back to the castle.

"Thanks, Lily," Elizabeth said wearily, also getting to her feet and Lily smiled back, but before anyone could say anything else, there was a loud shout from across the lawn, by the beech tree.

"Impedimenta!"

Elizabeth looked past Lily to see James pointing his wand at someone with their back to the girls, panting on the ground, evidently in pain. Remus and Peter were still by the tree, but Peter's eyes lit up as he got to his feet, hunger for excitement evident on his face. Sirius joined James' side and the two advanced, shouting snide, inaudible remarks at their victim, who was trying to fight the jinx James had placed on him. He struggled and finally Elizabeth saw his face. It was Severus.

Feeling thoroughly sick, Elizabeth couldn't move. She swore under her breath as she watched Sirius and James taunt her brother.

"Lizzie?" Lily said quietly, slowly turning around just as Severus started swearing at James, still fighting the jinx. She furrowed her brow and Elizabeth could almost hear her brain working, putting two and two together. "That's it."

Lily marched away, Elizabeth close behind. By now James and Sirius had gathered quite a crowd. Most of the students were watching with bated breath, some were laughing, others frowning in annoyance.

The two girls tore up the lawn; Lily broke into a run when she saw James throw another spell at Severus. Pink soap bubbles poured out of his mouth, staining his cloak, choking him. Elizabeth quickened her pace.

"Leave him ALONE!" Lily yelled, finally reaching the boys. Both James and Sirius turned around and saw Lily standing there, red in the face, anger burning in her eyes. James immediately ruffled his hair.

"All right, Evans?" he said, as though nothing had happened. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and glanced at her brother as she slowed her pace, suddenly not wanting to confront this situation. Severus was still attempting to fight the Impediment jinx, rather unsuccessfully, his eyes avoiding Elizabeth.

"Leave him alone," Lily repeated. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," said James, as though thinking about his answer, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…"

Laughter rippled in the on-looking crowd, but Elizabeth scowled, finally reaching Lily. She raised her eyebrows at Sirius, who instantly look sheepish. After all these months he had supposedly been leaving Severus alone, and he chose now to ruin it all.

"You think you're funny," Lily said to James. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone."

"I will if you go out with me, Evans," said James before Lily could walk away. "Go on… go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again."

While he was talking, Elizabeth noticed that the Impediment Jinx was wearing off. Severus slowly crawled towards his wand, spitting out soap suds as he went.

"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid,' said Lily.

"Bad luck, Prongs," said Sirius smartly, although he glanced briefly at Elizabeth, who was still scowling. He followed her gaze and turned back to Severus. "OI!"

He wasn't quick enough. Pointing his wand at James, Severus cast a non-verbal spell and blood splattered out of a cut on James' face. Furious, no doubt at being embarrassed in front of Lily, James spun around and threw another jinx at Severus. Before it could be deflected, Severus was flipped upside down, hanging in the air. More jeers from the crowd, including Sirius. Although furious, Elizabeth's mouth twitched as she fought back a smile, just as Severus' robe slid over his head to reveal his underwear. However, her loyalty to her brother rose inside of her.

"Let him down!" she yelled at James, who smirked at her.

"Certainly," said James and he waved his wand. Severus fell to the floor painfully and James grinned again. However, Elizabeth noticed that Sirius hadn't averted his gaze from Severus, who was quickly getting to his feet. Then Elizabeth saw the wand in his hand.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Sirius yelled and Severus' arms and legs snapped together. He lost his balance and fell to the floor once more.

'LEAVE HIM ALONE!' Lily shouted, pulling out her wand. Elizabeth followed her example and pointed her wand directly at Sirius, who eyed it cautiously.

"Come on, Beth, lighten up," Sirius smirked but Elizabeth didn't return the smile.

"It's not funny, Sirius!" she yelled as she felt her cheeks grow red. Anger bubbling in her stomach, she turned her gaze to Remus. Out of everyone she knew, he was the only person who could ever get through to Sirius and James when they went too far in a joke, and yet Remus was just sat under the beech tree, reading a book. She noticed that his eyes weren't moving and her temper flared again as she realised he knew she was looking at him. "And, why aren't you stopping them, Remus? You're a prefect, for goodness sake."

Remus finally glanced up and looked apologetically at Elizabeth, who simply glared back. She turned back to Sirius, who was still watching her wand. He knew Elizabeth was very skilled with jinxes.

"Evans, don't make me hex you," said James, all traces of laughter gone from his voice.

"Take the curse off him, then!" Lily ordered, her grip getting tighter.

With a quick glance at Lily's wand, James sighed and reluctantly performed the counter-curse, releasing Severus.

"There you go," he said, annoyed, watching Severus struggle to his feet. Both faces were filled with loathing. 'You're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus –"

"I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!"

Elizabeth's gaze snapped from Sirius to Severus, thoroughly shocked. She had heard that word before, usually from her mother, but Severus had never said it because of Lily. Elizabeth thought he valued his friendship with Lily too much to use it, but it now seemed that she was wrong.

"Fine," Lily said calmly, but Elizabeth could see hurt in her eyes. "I won't bother in future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus."

She lowered her wand and turned away.

"Apologise to Evans!" James bellowed, his wand pointed directly at Severus. Something was telling Elizabeth to go forward and defend her brother, but his words were ringing in her ears. How could he call Lily a Mudblood?

"I don't want you to make him apologise," Lily shouted, turning back around, her hair flying. "You're as bad as he is."

'What?' James asked, evidently confused. "I'd NEVER call you a - you-know-what!"

Lily laughed scornfully.

"Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can - I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK."

She spun around and stalked away, breathing heavily as she ran.

'Evans!' James yelled after her. 'Hey, EVANS!'

No response.

"Well done, boys," Elizabeth growled, almost like a tiger and glared at Severus, who stared back. He seemed ashamed of what he had said, but wasn't about to admit that in front of James or Sirius. Grinding her teeth angrily, Elizabeth glanced at Sirius, who seemed to have finally noticed how angry she was. She rolled her eyes, suddenly exhausted with the fighting and duelling and bullying.

Without saying another word, she followed Lily across the grounds.