Disclaimer: You know the drill. Everything's J.K Rowling's, I'm just filling in the blanks.
Author's Note: Ok, so usually I put these at the end of my stories, but I just feel like before anything else, I owe you guys an explanation. I'm sorry it's been soooooo long since I last updated, take a look at the equation:
Major writer's block + Not a lot of free time (stupid school) + Other issues in my life right now = Not a lot of updates :(
Anyway, I promise I'm not abandoning this story, and I really hope you guys haven't abandoned me! I guess we'll find out at the end of this chapter when everyone that reads it reviews (hint hint.) I'm sorry again, and I promise never, EVER to leave it so long again before an update. I've tried to make it up to you guys with a super long chapter, and hopefully I'll update again tomorrow :) Love to all you guys that are still here - you have the patience of saints. Enjoy! :)
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James sat in front of the Headmaster, fidgeting nervously as he pondered his fate. It was obvious to him that he was going to be punished – Lily had publicly accused him, and nobody but the Marauders had any reason to doubt her story. She was a model student. James, on the other hand, had spent many a night in detention with Sirius after pulling some prank or other, and had often used that opportunity to wreak more havoc. The professors knew what he was capable of, and even though this was probably the one prank he hadn't been involved in (well, technically, at least) he doubted they would believe him.
A ghost of a smile passed across his lips as he considered the irony of the situation, then quickly faded as his thoughts drifted to his parents. He doubted they would see the humour behind it.
Across from him, Dumbledore seemed completely at ease, shuffling papers as he hummed quietly to himself. He didn't appear to be angry, but James wasn't soothed. He continued to shift uncomfortably in his seat as he waited for the storm to break. Why couldn't they just expel him already? The waiting was only making him more nervous…
Almost as if he had read his mind, Dumbledore's humming stopped, and he raised his head, meeting James eyes. Immediately the boy sat up a little straighter, simultaneously trying to flatten his hair with his hand. Despite his catalogue of misdemeanours at the school, James actually had a great deal of respect for the Headmaster, and a wave of shame and guilt washed over him under Dumbledore's piercing gaze. He knew that he never should have let this revenge thing go ahead, but it was too late now. He hadn't stopped it, and he was about to be hit hard with the consequences.
"Well, Mr Potter, I assume you know why I asked you to accompany me here."
It wasn't said as a question, but Dumbledore continued to watch James, as though waiting for some confirmation of his wrong-doing. James gulped, then nodded his head.
"Yes sir," he replied.
"Good. You are aware then, of the strong allegations made against you by Miss Evans concerning what happened to Mr Snape?"
"Yes sir," James said again, his anxiety building.
"Are you also aware of the very serious action that would have to be taken against someone involved in such a prank?" Dumbledore never once raised his voice, but his tone was serious, and the shame in James heart became too much. He dropped his head as he answered in a whisper.
"Yes, sir."
Dumbledore's gaze never wavered, and James could feel it burning into his scalp as the Headmaster began to speak again. He squeezed his eyes shut tight, knowing that this was it.
"Very well Mr Potter. I shall have to ask that you look at me please." James slowly lifted his hazel eyes again until they were level with Dumbledore's blue ones, and braced himself.
"Tell me, then, if I am also right in assuming that there is absolutely no truth to Miss Evans' claims."
He blinked, startled. Of all the things he could have pictured Dumbledore saying, that was not on the list. Shouldn't they be kicking him out about now? His surprise was so great that it actually took him a few seconds to realize that he had to answer. Even when he did, James could only nod, although he was careful to meet Dumbledore's eyes as he did so. At least, in a purely technical sense, he had answered truthfully.
"I thought so." Dumbledore stated briskly. "I take it you have no clue who the real culprit is?" His eyes glinted as he said that, and James was sure there was a hint of a smile on his face.
"No, sir," he responded quickly, determined to protect his friends no matter what. After all, he had started this, and knew that if the situation were reversed, they would do the same for him. Still, when he met the old man's eyes, James couldn't help but note the twinkle in them, and he suspected that Dumbledore already had some clue of the Marauders involvement.
That suspicion was confirmed by the next words out of Dumbledore's mouth.
"Hmmmm…" he said, looking thoughtful. "It was a very extreme thing for someone to do though, don't you agree? What, James, do you suppose might provoke one to do that to a fellow student?" His tone kept a light, curious air, but there was an undercurrent to his question that James immediately picked up on.
Dumbledore knew he and the Marauders had been involved, and now he wanted to know why.
Keep it hypothetical James, he thought to himself. Sure, Dumbledore didn't seem mad now, but no way was he risking Sirius' place at Hogwarts for anything. They were practically brothers. So James pulled a thoughtful look onto his face as he replied.
"Oh, I don't know Sir…I suppose, if Sniv- I mean, if Snape had called someone a name, a really AWFUL name…" He made eye-contact with his teacher, trying to convey the word without saying it, and then continued, "and if someone else had tried to defend the person he had called it, and just ended up getting themselves into trouble with the Head Girl…Well, I suppose that a friend of that person might not be too happy about it. He might decide to get revenge…maybe, Sir."
He worked hard to look like he was merely hypothesizing, worried he had said too much. Dumbledore was studying him intently over his half-moon spectacles, a knowing look in his eye. James tensed, forcing his body not to squirm, and met the Headmaster's gaze. He looked thoughtful.
"Do you suppose, James, that the best friend might have been encouraged in some way to carry out the revenge?"
James' eyes widened, but he stared directly at Dumbledore as he replied, "Yes Sir, I don't think there's any way he would have carried it out without encouragement from someone."
Now, no matter what happened to him, most of the heat was off Sirius. James went on then, his voice tinged with regret. "But I'm sure, Sir, that whoever encouraged him would seriously regret it now. They'd know what they did was wrong, and I don't think they'd ever do anything like that again."
Just then, as James' gaze once more met his Headmasters', he felt a strange feeling wash over him. It was similar to dizziness, and seemed to be pressing into all the corners of his mind. Memories of Snape's harsh words against Lily, her fury and refusal to let him explain, Sirius' plotting in Potions, his own agreement but also his warning to keep it low key, and his feelings of nerves and regret from the Great Hall that morning all flashed rapidly through his head in an uncontrollable swirl.
Dumbledore, seemingly unable to see any outward signs of the turmoil going on inside James' head, looked down again, and once more began shuffling papers on his desk.
Then, just as suddenly as the feeling had come, it stopped. James' head cleared, and he blinked several times, puzzled by what had just taken place. However, before he could explain to Dumbledore what had happened, the old man looked up and nodded, smiling briefly at him before continuing their conversation.
"I would hope not. Still, it's only a theory – it's far more likely that Mr Snape's pumpkin juice simply combusted into Polyjuice Potion…it's been known to happen."
His eyes continued to twinkle as he spoke, and James allowed himself a quick grin as Dumbledore went on. "And no permanent harm has been done, so I suppose, with such a lack of concrete evidence, the matter will have to be dropped." He smiled again, reassuringly.
"You may go, Mr Potter – to the Common Room, I'm told - the 7th year has been given a free period. Professor Slughorn had to go and administer a calming draught to Miss McKinnon."
James cleared his throat uncomfortably, and then stood to leave, hardly believing his luck. He hadn't been expelled – hell, he hadn't even been punished! He walked towards the door, punching the air with glee inside his head, but just before he could leave the room, Dumbledore called him back.
"And James?" He turned back around to face the Headmaster, and saw his eyes had lost their glint, serious once again. "While a distinct lack of evidence," he emphasised these words, his eyes piercing, "means that no action can be taken this time, I must ask you to tell those you may…happen across in the Common Room that if anything like this ever happens again, the consequences will be unimaginable."
His voice was grave, and James knew that he was deadly serious. This one time he and Sirius had had a lucky escape and an understanding ear – they would not be extended that courtesy again.
"Absolutely Sir, I'll tell him -them!" he covered quickly, his face reddening. "I'll tell them Sir," he repeated, and then slipped out the door, heaving a sigh of relief only once it was firmly shut behind him.
* * *
The Gryffindor common room was in utter pandemonium.
It wasn't often that the 7th years got such exciting free periods, and they were certainly making the most of it. Everywhere you looked there were groups of people gathered: gossiping, laughing at the Slytherins' misfortune, praising James Potter to the hilt. Popular was something he had always been, but now? People were acting as though he was God.
Of course, Lily was victim to many glances and whispers too, but she barely noticed them from the corner by the fire, where she sat with Alice, deeply immersed in a heated discussion.
"I'm just saying, Lil," Alice whispered to her friend. "Did you really have to accuse him like that in front of all the teachers and everything? You don't even have any proof James Potter was involved."
"Don't be ridiculous Alice," Lily snapped back, her face flaming red once more. "We both know this had Potter written all over it – are you saying you think he deserves to get away with it?" Alice opened her mouth to protest, but Lily ploughed on, completely oblivious to her friend's attempts to calm her. "Well, I don't! And I personally hope he comes through that door just to pick up his trunk and leave!"
"You better hope that doesn't happen Evans," came a calm voice, and Lily looked up to see Sirius Black sauntering towards her, seeming just as at ease as always.
Lily narrowed her eyes. "Or what, Black?"
Sirius pulled a thoughtful face, as though having an internal debate with himself, before replying, "Or I'll become your own personal Peeves for the rest of the year?"
Lily glared at him coldly. "Oh, I'm terrified," she said dryly.
"You should be. I'm warning you now Evans, if my best friend gets expelled because of your stupidity, you will seriously regret it." His voice took on an edge that hadn't been there before, and he folded his arms across his chest.
Lily's temper bubbled over, and she rose sharply to her feet.
"MY STUPIDITY?? Don't you dare threaten me, Sirius Black! I know that you think Potter's big and clever, but he isn't in the slightest, and I'm glad I spoke out about his little stunt – it's about time someone put that arrogant arse in his place!"
"Yeah? Well maybe if you had taken the time to get any facts at all before you opened your BIG MOUTH," Sirius retorted, feeling his own temper flare, "you'd have realised that this wasn't James' little stunt at all!"
Both boy and girl were on their feet now, and they stood facing each other, each wearing a look of utter fury.
Lily was the first to break the silence.
"Well, Black, I might have known you'd be involved – what'd you do to get McKinnon's hair, snog the face off her? I always knew that girl had no taste." Sirius' face darkened dangerously, but Lily was so angry she just couldn't help herself.
"Since you seem so attached to Potter, why don't you go tell the Headmaster about your contribution to Severus' utter humiliation? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to expel the both of you." She smirked.
Sirius smirked right back. "What, you mean you'd give up the opportunity to tell on me and suck even further up the professor's-"
"Do not tempt me, Sirius Black," hissed Lily, taking a step closer, bringing the two practically nose to nose.
Sirius opened his mouth to retort, but just then a soft voice cut in, and Remus moved from position behind Sirius, where he had been standing unnoticed for several minutes.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that Lily."
Lily stopped then, looking past Sirius to the sandy-haired boy behind him.
"Remus," she said, with mild surprise in her eyes, "surely as a prefect you realise some justice has to be seen here."
"Of course, Lily. I just can't allow you to blame Sirius for stealing the hair or replacing Snape's pumpkin juice when it wasn't him."
"What?" Lily stared at him, confusion clear on her face.
"Sirius didn't-"
"Shut up, Remus," Sirius cut in suddenly. "I can handle this."
"Padfoot, I can't let you shoulder the blame for this," he responded, as though reading his friend's mind. "Prefect badge or not, she has to know the truth."
"That's if she shuts up long enough to let you tell it," Sirius murmured under his breath, but he stepped back, and Remus turned back to Lily.
"As I was saying," he continued, "I can't let you blame Sirius for stealing the hair or switching the juice, because it wasn't him. It was me."
Lily's mouth fell open, and she blinked several times in disbelief.
"What?"
"It was me," he repeated calmly. "Marlene sits in front of me in Muggle Studies – it was quite easy to pluck a hair from her robe without her noticing. And as for Snape's pumpkin juice…" He stole a quick glance at Sirius then "…We Marauders know all the elves in the kitchen – I simply switched it right before breakfast."
Seeing Lily was still speechless, he went on, "I know it perhaps wasn't the wisest thing to do, but I'm sorry – a lesson really needed to be taught."
Lily flinched at these words, and she finally seemed to find her voice again. "A lesson?" she said, in the coldest voice she had ever used to address Remus. "A lesson? Remus, you really think anyone deserves what you did to Severus? Regardless of how much you hate him, I can't believe you could be so cruel." She made no attempt to disguise the shock and disgust in her voice, but Remus was undeterred.
"You misunderstand, Lily. Snape wasn't the person I was referring to – I was trying to teach a lesson to you."
"Me?" she exclaimed, her voice incredulous. "How exactly was that supposed to teach me a lesson?"
"To show you that the only arrogant arse around here isn't James Potter, Evans – it's you."Sirius had settled into an armchair by the fire, and looked up into Lily's eyes from where he reclined.
"Sirius." Remus threw him a sharp look, and said to Lily softly, "I just wanted to show you how you never give him a fair shot."
Lily was dumbfounded, and sunk back into a chair herself, her anger melting into disbelief. They practically ruined a boy's life, and they thought she was unfair?
"I'm just saying that sometimes your clear dislike for James clouds your judgement Lily. You act before you know the facts. If today doesn't prove that to you, then look at the other night on rounds, when James-"
"You mean the night he attacked Severus and pinned him against a wall?" Lily asked cuttingly.
"Well, maybe if you'd given him a chance to explain," Sirius interjected just as cuttingly, "you'd know that the only reason he attacked Snivelly in the first place was to defend you!"
Lily blinked. "Is that true?" She looked to Remus for an answer, and he nodded.
"Yes. Snape baited James, but he was holding back, until Snape involved you." He cleared his throat, and Lily waited for him to continue. "He said- He called you-"
"He called you a Mudblood!" Sirius spat, throwing the word from his mouth as if it were coated in venom and tasted foul. Lily flinched, and Alice, who had been watching silently up until this point, let out a gasp of fury.
"So yeah, he's a cocky prat sometimes," Sirius went on, "and maybe threatening Snivelly wasn't the best thing to do, although personally I think it was completely deserved. But we both know how much James hates people using that word." He lowered his voice, and fixed his blue eyes piercingly on Lily's green ones. "Especially when it comes to you."
Lily knew. Suddenly her head was filled with images of the lake, Snape's outburst, James' fury, and her own words…her harsh words…
You're as bad as he is!
"I'm an idiot."
She spoke very softly, more to herself than anyone else, but Sirius heard her, and his face softened, almost as if her admission had vanished his frustration and annoyance with her. He cleared his throat awkwardly, and then spoke.
"Well Evans, you generally seem like an rational girl, attitude towards Prongs aside. So all I'm asking is, would it really kill you to cut him some slack? Because for some strange reason…" He leaned forward.
"He's crazy about you."
* * *
James practically flew down the stairs from Dumbledore's office, he was feeling so high. No expulsion, no detention…now all he had to do was find a way to slip into a letter to his mother that the Headmaster had taken his word over Lily Evans' without explaining the situation and everything would be perfect…
James rounded the corner still lost in thought, and was only snapped out of his musings when he slammed straight into something solid, and warm, and human-shaped.
"Oh, sorry," he started, looking up, "I was just- Oh."
Speak of the witch.
Lily felt her face flush, and she floundered, searching for the words she had been rehearsing the entire way from the Gryffindor common room. Eventually, after several minutes of her and James avoiding each other's gaze and shuffling their feet, she decided to just dive right in.
"I spoke to Sirius and Remus. They told me what you did. Well, what they did, and what you did, and what you didn't do…" She trailed off, biting her lip, lowering her eyes to the floor again.
"Listen Lily, if you're going to Dumbledore, they only did it because-"
"Don't be an idiot, James," she snapped, and for a second he saw the Lily Evans he knew and loved so well. But she dropped her gaze once more, and muttered, "I came to tell you I'm sorry."
James blinked – this was new. "Excuse me?" he questioned, savouring the moment while he had it.
Lily sighed deeply, and muttered, "I knew you were going to make me say this more than once."
But when she finally raised her emerald eyes to James' hazel ones, they were completely sincere, and she said clearly, "I'm sorry."
"Fo-or?" James dragged the word out, his eyes taking on the mischievous glint that they so often had around Lily.
Lily raised her eyebrows at him, but answered the question. "For always jumping to the worst conclusions about you…" her face reddened again, "…even without any proof. Don't get me wrong, you're still an idiot for attacking Snape in such a cave-man manner, but…I also really appreciate it. So I'm sorry, James, and thank you."
James shrugged in an offhand manner smiling widely, and said, "Oh, it's fine - now just repeat after me. I, arrogant, pig-headed, albeit stunning redhead Lily Evans…"
"Don't push your luck, Potter," she said, narrowing her eyes but smiling, relieved that he had been so quick to forgive. She knew she wouldn't have extended him the same courtesy if the situation had been reversed.
James chuckled then, and a genuine grin spread right across his face. "Apology accepted, Evans." A brief moment of understanding and connection flashed between them, but James was back in joker mood before Lily had time to figure it out.
"I guess I owe Padfoot and Moony after all – better hurry back to the Common Room and apologise for blaming the whole thing on them back with Dumbledore…"
He strode off down the corridor, and Lily laughed then too, before turning and starting to follow him.
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Author's Note: So what do you guys think? Worth the wait? Please read and PLEASE review, and I'm sorry again! :)
