Disclaimer: I in no way, shape, or form own any of the characters contained in my story. They are the property of J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter universe. Not all of the ideas contained in this story are original; I just thought I'd try my hand at writing what I considered fantastic concepts. I do not make any money from my writings. I write for the enjoyment it gives me, and the possible enjoyment reading gives others. With that being said, taking something from another writer without crediting them is plagiarism, and it's against the law. So please don't do it.

Chapter 7

"I am very disappointed with these results. There are fifteen flasks in front of me, and only three received a passing grade." Professor Slughorn waved at the bottles filled with potions in front of him. A few continued to bubble inside their corked containers.

The class groaned. "He wasn't like this last year," Sirius said under his breath.

"Last year we weren't in danger of failing our N.E.W.T.s," said Remus.

"It's September, N.E.W.T.s aren't until June. There is no danger of failing," said Sirius as he laid his head on the desk.

"These must be redone," continued Professor Slughorn. "And to think, I started with the easy potions as a simple lead in to the more complex ones. Please be more attentive to the process this time. Go with your gut feeling. If the exact amount won't turn the potion the proper shade, then go a little lighter with the ingredient. You are N.E.W.T. students; you should know this by now.

"In addition to completing all three potions this time, I want five feet of parchment describing the process for each potion, paying close attention to how you went wrong the first time and what you did to fix it. You need to understand the delicate balance between ingredients and timing before we move on. I see that look Mister Avairs, and no, there will be no extensions. That means fifteen feet of parchment and three flasks of potions, one each of the Forgetfulness Potion, the Sleeping Draught, and the Confusing Concoction, are to be on my desk Monday morning. I will keep the lab open over the weekend so you may continue to work in pairs. But by Monday, we will move on to more complex potions."

Sirius sighed. "There go Quidditch trials."

James looked over. "I'm still holding trials, Padfoot, and I expect you and Moony to be there. You're my top pick for beater, and I needed Moony's opinion on everyone else."

"With all this Quidditch practice, when will we have time to finish these potions, Potter?" asked Lily.

James shrugged his shoulders. "Sunday?"

Lily shook her head. "You're hopeless."

As Lily began setting up their cauldron and instructions, James went to gather the ingredients from the school store.

"I see there's trouble in paradise."

"Bugger off, Snivellus," James said, purposely refusing to look at Snape.

"Look at her, Potter." Spit flew from Snape's mouth as he spoke. "She's not happy with you. She'll never be happy with you."

James looked at Lily. Her brows were knotted together, and she furiously wrote notes along the margin of her text. She looked at James' text still open on the desk and magically erased some of James' notes and replaced them with her own.

James smiled. "Doesn't look too unhappy to me."

"You could never fulfill her needs, Potter. You're better off stopping before it's too late."

James looked Snape in the eye. "I've been looking after her since our first year here, Snivellus, I'm not going to stop now." James returned to Lily and began organizing the ingredients. "The Forgetfulness Potion, again, right?" he asked.

"Yes," replied Lily. "I've been trying to think of what we could have done wrong, and I think I've found it."

"Lily, you do realize that the three passing flasks are mine, yours, and Snape's?"

"I thought Remus was third in the class?" Lily asked as she looked over the ingredients James brought over.

"He's smart, but not great when he's working with Sirius."

Lily nodded. "Still, the coloring was a bit off. It should be a deeper blue. We probably added the Jabberknoll feathers a few seconds too late."

James nodded his head. "Right. Because Jabberknoll feathers are our problem."

"Potter, please don't make me recite the importance of these feathers in memory potions. Because if I did, I would be writing your essay for you."

"Sorry," said James. The two continued to work in silence, alternating between grinding and cutting ingredients and stirring the contents of their cauldron.

"And now, we slowly reduce the flame before extinguishing it. And we're done." Lily looked proudly at their potion. "Yes, this is the correct shade of blue. Much better than last time."

James looked into the cauldron and could see no difference. "Yep, much better. You were right; it probably was the Jabberknoll feathers."

Lily began bottling their potion in two separate flasks. "I was thinking we could meet around ten Sunday morning. We could start with the Sleeping Draught, since that needs the most time to simmer, which would allow us to work on our essays. And then after a quick lunch, we could finish with the Confusing Concoction."

"What about your other schoolwork?"

Lily shrugged one shoulder. "I'll finish everything else by Saturday night, so I'll only have to worry about Potions on Sunday. Although you're one to talk. How are you going to finish with Quidditch trials tomorrow?"

James smirked. "I'll manage." He ran a hand through his hair, unknowingly leaving strands sticking up in his wake. "It would be nice if you came round the Quidditch pitch tomorrow. You know, if you just sat in the stands while you did some of your work. It's always good to see fellow Gryffindors supporting the team, and it gives great moral to the younger ones who are trying out for the first time." James' glasses were slipping off his nose as he looked down, reluctant to look at Lily.

"Maybe I will, Potter," said Lily.

James' head snapped up and he watched as Lily took out her wand and labeled the two flasks before walking them up to Slughorn's desk.

Sirius sat in Lily's empty stool. "Why do you look like you're catching flies?"

"She said 'maybe'." James' eyes never left Lily's form as she went to talk with Alice and Marlene.

Sirius nodded. "Right. Maybe. Sure thing, Prongs."

LJLJLJLJ

"You don't have to stand here and talk to me, Lils. You should go, mingle. You might find the man of your dreams," said Alice with an obvious wink. She and Lily were standing underneath a portrait of a gargoyle that kept growling, thus keeping away the other students.

Lily sighed. The sixth and seventh year party was only half way through, and Lily was bored. She kept sneaking glances at James in the center of the room, surrounded by girls from every house. "So, how are the wedding plans coming?" she asked Alice.

"You know very well how the plans are coming along since I update you every time I change my mind." Alice took a quick inventory of the room. "You did a nice job with the party."

"Oh, that wasn't me. Potter said he'd take care of everything." Lily tried to discreetly watch James while talking to Alice. "He said Black was really into the whole idea and wanted to help, so I let them take care of it."

"And right now you're wondering what they put in the food."

Lily turned her full attention back to Alice. "It does seem rather suspicious, doesn't it?"

Alice shrugged her shoulders. "Everything's working out fine. The room looks great, the food is fantastic, and the music selection is good. The only thing wrong is you standing with me while every guy in this room is ogling you."

Lily took a quick look around the room. "Why are they staring? Did I spill that fruit tart on me? I knew I shouldn't have eaten food supplied by Potter. Was it Potter? Did he hex me? I can't see if he did anything." Lily glanced down, trying to find something wrong with the way she looked.

"Nothing is wrong with you. They're staring because they're waiting for me to leave you alone so they can pounce."

Lily straightened up. "So Potter didn't do anything?"

"Potter created a situation that could only result in his jealousy over the guy who eventually captures your attention. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to join the gaggle of girls surrounding Potter and watch the boys trip on their way to be the first to talk to you." With that, Alice left Lily to her own devices.

Lily turned and faced the room. Suddenly, all other faces turned away from her. She held her breath and waited. As she watched the others, she noticed secretive glances made her way.

"Hi, Lily. Would you like some pumpkin juice?" Travis Avairs, the seventh year Hufflepuff prefect, was standing behind Lily, two glasses of pumpkin juice in his hands.

Lily turned toward Travis. "Oh, sure. That would be nice." She accepted the proffered glass and took a sip. "It's lovely."

Travis smiled. "Hogwarts' finest."

Lily giggled nervously and made sure to smile. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight, Travis?" she asked.

"Now I am." He casually leaned his shoulder against the wall, causing the gargoyles in the painting to squeal at his proximity. "So this is what you do in your spare time? Plan events and coordinate the actions of house elves? It's a valuable skill; one that my mother knows well. Our three house elves are very well trained, and I was promised one as a wedding present. I'm hoping for the youngest, Emzie. She's been with my family for six generations, and is a great asset to running a smooth household. Unfortunately, I believe my father wants to do away with Rami, the eldest. He's too old for most of the required work, and a complete waste if you ask me. What about you? Are your parents giving you a house elf as well? Two elves in one household are lovely."

"No, I don't believe they are." Lily quickly looked over at Alice, who was laughing with the other girls at James Potter, then at Marlene, who was talking intimately with Dennis McKinnon. Her last hope, Dorcas, had already left for the evening, claiming that there was no reason to stay, as she had no plans "to bag a husband." "And actually," Lily said as she turned back to Travis, "I didn't prepare anything for tonight. James Potter and Sirius Black did most of the planning." Lily saw Remus in the corner of her eye and she mentally willed him to interrupt.

Travis' smile dipped slightly at Lily's mention of James, but then quickly recovered. "Well, I'll have to admit, he is skilled. Sending singing love notes to every girl in school takes some considerable talent, as well as an over abundance of time. I, for one, am far too busy to concentrate on that many girls. One at time is plenty." His teeth shone as he spoke, causing Lily to stare at their brightness.

"Hmm." Lily took another sip from the glass in her hand. "So, Travis, how are your N.E.W.T. preparations going?"

"There are preparations? In September?" Travis laughed loudly, causing many students to look at the pair in the corner. "I'm practically guaranteed a position at the Ministry. I don't even have to apply, they're handing me the position."

Remus raised his eyebrows at Lily after Travis' outburst.

Lily tried calling Remus over with a slight head motion that looked more like a nervous twitch.

Remus gave a slight upward turn of his lip before raising his glass of pumpkin juice to his lips.

Lily returned to Travis. "So you're going into the Ministry after Hogwarts? That seems exciting. You'll be able to help stop the war."

"Oh, no. I won't be going into the Ministry directly out of Hogwarts. I'm planning on touring the magical communities of Europe. There's a beautiful little village outside of Vienna that hand makes these incredible musical instruments, and then charms them to play anything you ask. And the French Alps are full of secret communities hidden from muggle eyes."

"Wow. I didn't know such communities existed. Are you going alone?"

"No," Travis said with another laugh. "My father's dream was to travel throughout Europe, and with my upcoming graduation, and the increasing danger staying in Britain brings to wizards, he thought it would be best to spend the next few years out of the country. We leave two days after I return to London."

"So you won't be fighting in the war?" Lily asked with her eyebrows raised, looking astonished at Travis' blatant disregard for Britain's wizarding safety.

"It's not that I don't want to fight, Lily. But think of it this way. My wife, whomever she shall be," Travis said with a wink, "and I would retreat from the danger and then return in a few years and help rebuild the wizarding right. We would be safe. Why fight when—"

"No. I can't believe you just said no."

Lily and Travis turned to Sirius, now standing with Remus.

"I had it all worked out, and you said no. Now what? What am I to do now?" Sirius shouted at Remus, brushing his hair back from his face, showing his furrowed eyebrows and flared nostrils.

The room quieted as everyone turned to stare at the pair.

"I thank you for your consideration, Sirius, but I cannot do it. You know all the reasons against us; please, don't make me spell it out for you." Remus looked torn. His hands itched to run through Sirius' hair in comfort while his feet wanted to flee from the unwanted attention of the other students.

Sirius straightened his back and looked somber through the strands of hair that made their way back in front of his face. "It can work." He made to reach out to Remus.

Remus shook his head and took a step back. "I can't, Sirius. Please don't ask me again." His voice was soft.

Sirius took a quick survey of the students staring at them. "You're embarrassing us. Please, reconsider."

"You brought this on, Sirius." Remus turned and walked out the room.

Lily met James' gaze after Sirius followed in a rush.

"You Gryffindors really are something," said Travis.

Lily kept her attention locked on James while Travis tried to pull her back to him.

"First you throw a great party, then you go and ruin it."

Lily snapped back to Travis. "Did you ever think that what happened is more important than a silly party? Two of my friends just had a serious fight, and you're standing there criticizing them because they ruined your precious party."

"Well, they didn't ruin all of it. The night's still young, we could make our own private party elsewhere." Travis smiled, causing the dim light to shine off his teeth again.

"Forget it. Go find some girl who will drool over you, because I won't." With that, Lily turned and walked to the other side of the room where James, Alice, Marlene, and Dennis were gathered.

"Should one of us go after them?" asked Alice.

James shook his head. "Peter just left to find them and make sure they don't kill each other. I've seen them argue before, and it will get ugly. Remus probably walked out because he didn't want everyone witnessing that."

"Will they be ok?" Lily asked, placing her hand on James' shoulder.

James felt the warmth from Lily's hand through his sweater. "They will be. I'll have a talk with them separately tomorrow after Quidditch trials. We'll get it worked out."

"Yes, your Quidditch trials. Good luck finding a replacement seeker, Potter. After Yeats left, you're done with," said Dennis.

"Don't be so sure of yourself McKinnon. I'm known for training my teammates to play in any position, and I will find a replacement for Yeats, and he'll be even better."

Lily smiled at their banter and unconsciously slid her hand down James' arm and slipped her arm through his. "You don't think you're being a little over sure of yourself, Potter?" she asked.

James looked at their entwined arms. "I'm never overly sure of myself. I'm always just sure enough.

Marlene looked at the pair in front of her. "Come on, Dennis, let's leave to do some unspeakable act in an empty broom closet before these two come searching for unscrupulous students out past curfew."

"Be sure to stay close to the fifth floor, we won't be there for at least two hours," said James as Marlene led Dennis out of the room.

"They're a cute couple, aren't they?" said Lily.

Alice nodded. "She really seems to like him. And he's good to her. Yesterday, he flew a note to her desk in Muggle Studies and asked if she felt alright because she looked a bit pale."

"Was she ok?" asked Lily.

"Oh, yes. We were reviewing the muggle wars, and you know how she gets about them." Alice smiled as Lily leaned her head against James' shoulder. "I think I'm done mingling for the night. You two did a fantastic job. Thank you."

"Good night, Alice," said James.

"Yes, good night. I'll talk to you tomorrow," said Lily. Lily turned her attention to James. "It was a good night, wasn't it?" The party was winding down and James and Lily began to clean up.

"It turned out better than I expected. Even a few Syltherins showed up. That's definitely a plus."

"You did a wonderful job with everything," Lily said. She watched as the last of the students left the room. Only she and James remained.

James looked up from the pumpkin juice spill he was waving away with his wand. "Thank you. But you know I can't take all the credit. Sirius did help."

"Yes, I was originally suspicious about that. But everything turned out all right. Do you know what he and Remus were fighting about? It seemed pretty serious."

James stopped cleaning for a moment. "It's really important to both of them, but not for me to tell." James looked at the mess around the room. "Who knew fifty people could create such a big mess?"

"Any house elf could have told you it's a chore cleaning up after us. And you seem so well connected to the house elves here that I thought you would have know that."

James smirked as he levitated cups and plates towards the trash bin. "Here's an idea," he said as he turned towards Lily. "Why don't we try using conjoined magic to make the clean up go faster? The extra practice will help with our essays."

Lily twirled the ends of her hair with her fingers. "I suppose we could give it a try." She walked so she was standing next to James. "What first?"

James pointed his wand at the table filled with leftover food. Lily did the same. Suddenly, the food disappeared and the table returned itself to a teacher's desk. The two turned their attentions to the other corners of the room. When they were through, they were standing in an empty classroom, no evidence of a party remaining.

"It's a bit of a rush, isn't it?" asked Lily, her left hand resting over her heart, its increased beating causing her to take slow, calming breaths.

James looked at Lily's flushed cheeks. "Yeah, it is. Have you tried it with anyone else?"

Lily nodded. "Alice. We're not a good match. You?"

"All the Marauders. Only Sirius and Remus work well together, but neither of them feel what I feel when I do magic with you."

"It's strange, isn't it? Why should we feel this connection so strongly when there's no documented proof of anything like this ever happening before?"

"I was thinking of talking to Professor Flitwick after class on Monday, if you'd like to join me?" James led Lily out of the now quiet classroom and through the corridors for their nightly patrol.

"I think I would, thank you."

"So, I saw you and Avairs tonight. Was I witnessing the birth of the next great Hogwarts' couple?" James nudged Lily playfully with his shoulder, but his smile didn't quite meet his eyes.

"Please, it was just a friendly conversation." Lily kept her face neutral as the two checked behind statues and in empty classrooms.

"So that's why he laughed so loud. Because of your 'friendly conversation'."

Lily tried to keep her face straight as they made their way down to the dungeons. "Ugh. Fine. I don't understand it. All the girls talk about Travis Avairs and his great personality and award winning smile, but he was a complete bore with too many teeth showing. And they were so white; I felt like I needed to shield myself from their glare."

James kept his smile to himself as they continued their way through the dungeon corridor.

"And he's planning on hiding out during the war. What a coward. They'll be nothing to rebuild if everyone goes into hiding." Lily sighed. "And what about you? Did you enjoy amusing the ladies who grappled for your attention?"

"I found the evening amusing," James said with a shrug of his shoulder. "You should know that there was only one person in the room I wanted to impress, and I think I did a pretty good job of that."

Lily went to turn towards James when the shine from a prefect badge caught her eye. She immediately raised her wand and filled the hallway with light. "Mister Vaisey, what are you doing out past curfew?"

The fifth year Syltherin glared at Lily and James. "I'm warning you to stay away."

"Nice attitude, Vaisey. Let's see you hold onto it on the Quidditch pitch," said James.

Lily placed a hand on James' arm. "Not now," she said before returning to Vaisey. "What's going on?" she asked.

Vaisey smirked and began to walk backwards. When he was out of earshot of Lily and James, he whispered and a door appeared to his right. With a nod and a smirk to the Heads of the School, Vaisey disappeared into the Syltherin common room.

Lily let out the breath she was holding in. "That was odd."

James scanned the corridor for any more students. "I'll inform Professor Dumbledore tomorrow morning. We should go before something happens."

Lily nodded and allowed James to lead her up the stairs.