A/N (07/03/08): I've revamped the entire story, correcting the grammar and storyline. I've also added 5 new chapters. Feedback would be brilliant as always.

Chapter 4 – Moving On

Lily Evans sat in silence, at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, reading the Thursday morning Daily Prophet newspaper. A small section on the 2nd page revealed that Harold & Mary Potter's funeral had been held the previous day.

The wizarding world paid its respects yesterday, as Harry & Mary Potter were laid to rest. The respected ex-Auror's leave behind their son James, the current Head Boy at Hogwarts. The aged couple, who both led distinguished career's inside the Ministry, had been ill for nearly a year. The illness finally took its toll on Monday morning. Both Mr & Mrs Potter will be widely missed throughout the wizarding world, and condolenscences to James will not be scarce. May they rest in peace.

"Lily, are you ok?" asked Michelle, seated next to her, whilst reading the article over her shoulder.

"I shouted at him" she replied.

"At who?" enquired the blonde.

"James. On the train; I blew up at him for no reason. I can't believe how horrible I am"

"You couldn't have possibly known about that Lily" said Emma, sat across from the pair.

"It doesn't matter; I shouldn't have behaved like that. Imagine how he must have felt, I'm supposed to be Head Girl and I go and do something as stupid as that. No-one should be treated like that" groaned Lily.

"What?" demanded Lily, noticing the quirky look between the two.

"Well" gulped Emma "It's just that, it's hardly the first time you've had a go at him."

"But that was different" pleaded Lily.

"Not really" interjected Michelle.

"I shouldn't have hurt his feelings like that though."

"Because the other times gave him such a confidence boost?" replied Emma.

Lily scowled at the sarcasm, but couldn't think of a reply.

"Maybe I am too hard on him at times" Lily admitted defeatedly, as she sat staring down at her food which she hadn't touched. "I'm going to apologise as soon as he gets back."

Thursday evening found Remus, Sirius and Peter on the couches in the Gryffindor common room, each with various pieces of parchment, books and quills in front of them in an attempt to catch up on their missed work. Occasionally the three would attract concerned looks from their fellow Gryffindors.

"What's the properties of Moonstone again, Moony?" asked Sirius.

"Honestly Pads, do you even listen in Potions?" replied Remus.

"Of course not, how could I listen to what Slugman has to say when I can think of ways to get Snivelly?"

Remus was about to reply, when the portrait swung open and Lily stepped in and timidly approached the three.

"Um I need to speak to James. Do you know where he is?" asked Lily.

"He's upstairs asleep" spat Sirius.

"Listen, Sirius, I'm sorry for what I did on the train. To both you and James."

"Yeah sure" said Sirius dismissively.

"No, I really am" pleaded Lily.

"More like you feel guilty because his parent's are dead and you shouted at him" said Sirius reading right through Lily.

"It's not like that at all" Lily said, raising her voice, "I shouldn't have said it at all, regardless of his position. He did nothing to deserve being treated like that."

"Well you should hold that in thought next time you speak to him, but at the moment he's asleep and I can't let you up."

"Well, you tell him I want to speak to him" said Lily defeatedly.

In fact, James Potter was not asleep. He was lying on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. His mind drifted between thoughts of his parents and their words, his life, Lily and her words, and his love for Lily. Did he really love her? He was always so sure he'd eventually persuade her and she'd love him back, but now he wasn't so sure. His father's words toyed further with his mind, find someone you love and take care of them. How was he supposed to love and care for Lily if she wouldn't let him? Maybe he'd have to find someone else? How hard could it be after all?

His thoughts were interrupted by the door slowly creaking open, before his best friend Sirius Black entered the room.

"Hey James" he greeted.

"Hey" came the reply.

"Wasn't sure whether you were asleep or not, so I came up to check if you wanted any food or anything" explained Sirius.

"No, I'm fine" said James dully.

"You sure? I mean, you haven't eaten all day"

"I'm fine, I'm not hungry" said James dismissingly.

Sirius walked over to the bed and perched cautiously on the edge "Listen mate, you can't be like this. It's not right. It's not fair on you, me, the others or your parents."

James sat up and glared at Sirius after the last part, but remained deathly silent.

"You really think they'd want to see you like this?" said Sirius firmly "They'd hate it, because it's not the James they knew and loved."

"How can you expect me to just forget them all of a sudden?" shouted James, his eyes, now glazing.

"I don't James. Because you won't, and neither will I. They were your parent's, and they treated me like a son. But we'll never forget them. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't continue to live. It's what they'd want. Remember what your Dad used to say? 'It doesn't fare well to dwell on the past, and forget the future'. You can't just sit here mourning them; you need to honour their lives by living yours James. And when the time comes to start living again, I'll be right here by your side." Sirius finished, and placed his hand brotherly on James shoulder.

James gave his hand a squeeze and replied "Thanks Pads".

"See you later mate" Sirius added, before exiting the bedroom.

Sirius, Remus and Peter were sat at far end of the Gryffindor table for Friday morning's breakfast, as was their usual spot for meal times. It usually allowed, for them being right at the end, to sometimes have private discussions, without prying ears, even though the teacher's table was relatively close.

They were discussing their plans for the day, and with them still having the day off given to them by Dumbledore to help James, they had plenty of time on their hands, but they had resolutely decided it would always be spent as close to James as they could. They were half way through eating and discussing a way to break into the Slytherin common room, when an ominous hush came over the hall, including the teachers, as all eyes fixed on one person.

James Potter had just entered the Great Hall, stood tall but not smiling, proud but also sad. Whispers scatted around the hall, as he made eye contact with his three friends and began the walk up towards them. Usually he enjoyed the walk, as he got to flirt with as many girls as he could, but today he was cursing the walk, when he could feel hundreds of eyes burning into him. He looked up at Dumbledore, to see him proudly smiling, before sitting down next to Remus, across from Sirius and Peter. James knew his smile was probably due to the fact that he had made such an effort to try and get back to normal.

"Morning Prongs" said Sirius gleefully "Toast?"

"Bacon?" offered Remus.

"Eggs?" chipped in Peter.

"Bloody hell guys" said James startled. "I'm not ill; I can feed myself you know."

"Excuse us for being polite" said Sirius mocking offence.

"Pads, you've never been polite in your life, and it's very unlike you to offer food, but since you offered!" said James before reaching over and snatching a piece of toast off Sirius' plate.

"Oi! That was mine" barked Sirius, as he stealthily pinched some bacon off Peter's plate. Much to the amusement of the three, Peter didn't notice anything untoward, and was very self-conscious to find himself the centre of laughter.

"So, what should we do today?" asked Sirius, once breakfast had ended and the plates had been cleared "Hogsmeade?"

"Sounds good, if everyone's up for it" replied Peter.

"What about before then? We've been trying to figure out how to break into the Slytherin common room, James. Any thoughts?"

James didn't answer, as he was staring avidly up at the enchanted ceiling and out through the windows at the sunny, clear sky.

"JAMES!" shouted Sirius, startling not only James, but everyone else in the hall to look towards him.

"I said, what do you fancy doing before Hogsmeade?" now bringing his tone down to a whisper. "Slytherin common room?"

"Nah" said James, his mouth breaking into a smile.

"Then what?" asked Sirius concerned.

James pointed out at the sunny weather, and declared "I fancy swimming!"

"YES!" shouted Sirius, catching on immediately, as he and James stood up, but this time he was joined by Remus also.

Now all eyes were once again aimed in the direction of the end of the Gryffindor table. "Coming Peter?" asked Remus.

"No, I want to finish my breakfast" replied Peter with his mouthful of sausage and eggs.

"Suit yourself" said Sirius, as he started loosening his clothes "but bring our stuff with us once you've finished." James and Remus smiled as they caught onto Sirius idea; however Peter was once again unaware of their meaning.

"Why, what are you doing?" he asked.

"It's a race down to the lake, last one there buys the ales in Hogsmeade" laughed James, as all three boys had now removed their socks and shoes, before quickly removing their cloaks and tops.

Three boys stood up in the Great Hall, wearing only trouser's; revealing their naked torso's was always going to cause a stir. People were stood on benches straining to see the commotion, as girls whistled and giggled at the three boys. James and Sirius's torsos were expectantly, extremely well defined from Quidditch, but most surprising was Remus'. Years of transformations had clearly worked out his muscles, although not as defined as the other two, and a few scars, he was clearly in a good athletic shape.

"Potter! Black! Lupin!" shouted McGonagall. "What are you doing? Put your clothes on this instant!"

"Sorry Minnie, no can do!" laughed Sirius back

"3. 2. 1. GO!" shouted Remus, to everyone's surprise. With that Remus and James started to run towards the main doors, whilst Sirius who was stuck on the other side of the bench simply hopped up onto the table and sprinted along the tabletop causing people to laugh hysterically.

In the background, Professor McGonagall attempted to get up and give chase, but Professor Dumbledore caught her hand, smiled and said "They need this." Her look was nothing compared to the look of disgust on the faces at the Slytherin table.

The three, were evenly matched for pace as the reached the Great Doors, Sirius lagging slightly behind until he jumped over the heads of three frightened first years off the table landing perfectly in stride with the other two. As they exited the hall, many people got up and began to give chase, intrigued as to where the three would head.

The bright sunlight momentarily blinded the three Marauders' as the sprinted out the entrance doors and down the steps, barging playfully each other in an attempt to gain an advantage. As they sprinted across the grass, the curious crowd could be seen marching down the steps. And as they reached the edge of the lake, three shouts of enjoyment could be heard across the grounds accompanied by a splash.

The crowd, now led by a furious McGonagall, made their way down to the edge of the lake, to find the three laughing, splashing and joking.

"Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this? You know full well the giant squid inhabits this lake" shouted the Professor.

"Cheer up, Minnie!" laughed James "What's the worse that could happen" and he turned around to face his three friends before all three vanished under the surface.

Gasps of shock came bellowing from the crowd at their disappearance, as no one had seen the cheeky wink from James to his companions before they disappeared.

"Potter! Lupin! Black!" shouted McGonagall. Cries of 'James', 'Sirius' and a few 'Remus' echoed from many different girls, clearly distressed they had vanished.

Just as the water stilled from activity, the surface bulged, before three heads accompanied by their bodies rocketed into the air, followed by three tentacles which quickly retreated back under the surface.

Cries of laughter and excitement refilled the air from both the crowd and the boys. Remus once midair flawlessly back flipped, James double somersaulted and Sirius somersaulted with a turn, before all three graciously dove back into the water. Claps of awe and encouragement this time filled the air, and even Professor McGonagall afforded a quick smile.

"See Minnie" came the cry from Sirius as they resurfaced, "Charlie would never hurt us!"

"Charlie? Who in the name of Merlin's Beard is Charlie?" asked McGonagall sternly.

"Charlie the Giant Squid" replied James laughing "he's a very good friend!" The watching crowd roared with laughter once more. "Fine, suit yourselves!" cried McGonagall before marching off through the crowd.