AN: 3,285 words, that's how long this chapter was before I added this Author's Note. It's my longest yet, and what's more is- I didn't struggle at all to get it to this length. This really is my favorite chapter too, and not because it's the longest either. It's just funny, and it was really fun to write. Um, in regards to other things however...For one thing, in case you have noticed by now- I'm really interested in the contrast between James' and Lily's background. I think it's an interesting dynamic. For another, I really like having Remus and Lily as friends. I think it's funny how she can get along so well with one Marauder, but not with another. And, I know in the last chapter I've had James and Sirius make up really quickly- but you can blame my Psych/Soc teacher for that. We were talking about the differences between genders- and she kept going on about how quickly boys make up after a fight versus girls. And, I can really see James and Sirius as being those type of friends. Also, you'll notice Sirius is a bit less of an ass in this chapter- I think he has moments where he's an ass, and others where he's compassionate. Oh! I finally remembered what I really wanted to say- so I can stop rambling now.

POVs: With my stories it's usually a clearly defined first person POV, or third omnisicient. In this chapter, I had it a hard time making it either. I just really couldn't keep myself from letting you be in everyone's head. But, each section tends to be in mostly one person's. So, I inserted breaks where it mostly transitions, but realize that there will be tiny lines or so that come from another's head within each section. But hopefully, those lines are clearly defined. I hope it's not too confusing...

p.p.s. This chapter is edited as of 6/2/07.


September 2013: Edited/tweaked. See AN in Chapter One for details.


Dear Emerald,

Secrets can be the end to a person. But again, figuratively not literally. Luckily, our secret appears to be safe. And thank Merlin, because otherwise we'd be in a heap of trouble. And, can I just say: I'm very intrigued as to what secrets you might have. What are the chances you might tell me some of them when we finally meet face to face?

It was interesting to grow up with Aurors I suppose. But, to me- that was life, I'd never (and really, despite my mother currently being unemployed, have never) known anything else. And while I knew other magical kids my age, most of them had Aurors as parents- that's how I knew them. Our parents worked together and were friends. Some parents of my friend's parents did other things, but they all worked at the Ministry doing something or another. Just an odd coincidence, I suppose. Although, perhaps not really. A good deal of wizarding careers tend to involve the Ministry in some capacity or another.

Honestly, I wouldn't say my life has been that secure growing up. I mean, there are threats in the magical world just as there are in the Muggle world. And I'd rather be shot with a bullet than hit with "Avada Kedavra". At least bullets aren't always fatal. In the Muggle world, magic is a good line of defense. But, in the magical world- your opponent has magic just like you, so it's rather like a Muggle versus a Muggle, except that there tends to be more at stake. At least, that's how I see it. But, you've grown up in the Muggle world, so you'd know better than me.

I wouldn't say the Marauders' pranks are heartless or cruel. I mean, they pick their "victims" carefully. Mostly, the "victims" tend to be bullies who need to be taught a lesson. They never pick on the defenseless, unless it's something very harmless. They've only picked on younger years once, and that was when they cast that spell that they all automatically bowed when the professors entered the room. Remember that? It was hysterical, and completely harmless. And, it only lasted a day.

The earwax tasted terrible, it was undoubtedly the worst thing I've ever eaten. And, on another note: for the record, I would kick your arse at tennis.

YQ: What's your favorite class? (And yes, you're right- it is cliché)

MA: Transfiguration. I like all the possibilities it opens up.

MQ: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

MA: Married (I'd be lying if I said I didn't already know the girl, although it's more of a pathetic hope than a future reality), with at least one kid (and hopefully more to come), and working somewhere in the Ministry. I'd like to be an Auror, but I know firsthand that it really prevents having a good family life- and that's something I know I really want. But with the war going on, and not seeming to be ending tomorrow or the day after, I might join the Aurors at least until Voldemort is defeated.

Your Secret Pen Pal,

Raven

-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-

They had planned it down to the dot above each "i". Nothing could go wrong. James had detention at the moment, and with any luck- he'd never know what happened. Or rather, what was about to happen. Sirius observed the scene with keen eyes. Everything was in place. His gaze darted to Lily, looking at her out of the corner of his eyes so that she wouldn't know he was watching.

She was sitting alone underneath a tall tree. A book sat in her lap, and her head was down as she read it. Sunlight shone in just the right way, so that it came at her from behind and made her hair softly glow. Looking at her in such a peaceful state, he felt a slight pain in his gut with the knowledge of what would occur in mere minutes. But he shook his head, shooing the thoughts away. Reminding himself of the reason for this. Reminding himself of what she had threatened to do, and what effect it would have on his friends. And then, the guilt went away...mostly.

He looked at his watch, Operation "Rain on Her Parade" (Remus' name, that Sirius had liked when Remus explained it) would commence in two minutes. He needed to get hidden before it started, so that he could see her, but she couldn't see him and hex the crap out of him right away. He glanced at her one last time, then bit his lip- reminding himself, again, that it had to be done, that it was the only way. Not convinced in the least, he walked away, going in the opposite direction of where he already knew he would be hiding. Appearing to anyone who was watching as though he was headed inside, he quickly turned towards his hiding spot- looping back behind Lily.

He reached his hiding spot and crouched among the bushes. He had the most perfect view possible, without being visible himself. He saw Remus poke his head out from behind a tree- his wand pointed. He muttered a few words, his lips unreadable, before he quickly ducked back behind the tree. And even though Sirius couldn't see it, he knew Remus was now crawling along the ground to hide in some nearby bushes where he too could see the prank run its course.

Suddenly, with a crack of thunder- there it was. A lone, large, stormy gray rain cloud situated a few mere feet above Lily's head- and Lily's alone. She shrieked as the icy water began to pour down in buckets' worth on her. She looked upwards, not bothering to hide her shocked expression. Her eyes widened as she realized there was only one cloud and that it was sunny everywhere else on the grounds.

She jumped up, her forgotten book dropping to the ground. She picked it up and made to run away, which she did. Except the cloud followed her. Sirius had to bite his lips to keep from howling with laughter at the hilarious sight. This was better than any prank he could ever remember pulling on Snape. Quite a feat since this prank had been planned and pulled off without James.

But the laugh died in his throat as he recognized the form that had just passed through the castle doors to the outside. He could tell, despite the distance, that the form was standing there on the steps with wide eyes staring at Lily running around in circles in a vain attempt to get the rain cloud to stop hovering over her head as she attempted to counter the prank.

The form was James.

Oh shit.

-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-

James didn't mind detention that much really. It was never anything too terrible. Scrubbing the floors of a class room was a piece of cake- sure James knew he wasn't supposed to do magic. But what were they going to do, give him another detention of scrubbing floors? Working in the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid wasn't bad either, James liked Hagrid. And he'd spent enough time romping around in the forest during the full moon to lack any fear of it. Working with Slughorn making Potions sucked, but it was evened out by the fact that James always found some way to piss the man off.

This morning was no exception to the easy punishment rule. James had been assigned to scrub the some of the more recent Qudditch trophies, not the simplest task- but nothing too terrible. He'd managed to finish earlier than expected, earning a menacing and suspicious glare from Filch. But, the mad had no grounds to hold him, so he let James go. Now, James was searching for his friends. Sure he would find them out on the grounds (he'd already checked the Gryffindor common room), he pushed open one of the large doors that led to the Hogwarts grounds.

And there, he stopped, frozen. The most puzzling sight was before him. Lily Evans, the girl he'd been crushing on for ages, was running around in circles- and a single rain cloud was following her. She was drenching wet, her uniform fully soaked, her auburn hair clinging in strands to the side of her face. Though still gorgeous as always, the term "drowning rat" came to mind. Not that James had ever seen a red-headed rat, drowning or otherwise.

"What the hell?" He said, speaking to no one other than himself.

What was going on? What had…oh no. Suddenly, James realized exactly what was going on. He was going to kill Sirius. But first, he had to stop the prank. However, he had no clue how. He paused, racking his brain for some idea. But suddenly, with a loud "pop" the rain cloud was gone. Lily halted, her chest heaving. She hunched over, and James realized that it wasn't only water that was dripping down her face. He was going to kill Sirius.

A piece of parchment suddenly appeared, floating down in front of Lily. She reached out and grabbed it, holding with both hands. Her eyes skimmed it through her tears.

"Keep your mouth shut, or else this won't be the end of it.

-The Marauders"

James stalked across the grounds in long strides, stopping when he was right in front of Lily. She was still hunched over slightly, holding that piece of paper in her hand. He took off his robes, and put them around her shoulders. She looked up after she felt the touch of the dry cloth over her damp clingy uniform. She glared daggers into his head. James tried not to gulp.

"HOW COULD YOU?" She screeched,

His eyes widened, and he jumped slightly- startled by her outburst.

"How could I what?" He asked, nervous but trying not to show it. Surely she didn't think that…

"How could I what," She mocked, snarling, "you know what!" She screamed. Or maybe she could...

"Actually I don't…"

She growled,

"I swear I didn't know anything about this…" He protested,

"Oh, sure you didn't" She said,

"But-" He began before she cut him off.

"How on Earth could you think that a stupid heartless prank like this would get me to keep my mouth shut? How could you be so dense? Oh, you can become an Animagus all by yourself- but you can't think through a simple real life situation. Use your head, Potter- it's big enough, there's got to be room in there somewhere for logical thought!"

She was ranting, and loudly at that- but luckily the entire student body had long ago learned to maintain their distance when James and Lily were having one of their infamous rows.

James' eyes widened.

"You…how could you…" He sputtered,

"How could I share your precious secret? How could you pull this stupid prank?!" She screeched the last part even louder than the first

James' face began to turn red with fury.

"Bloody hell Evans! You're a psychopath!"

"A psychopath?" She laughed, deep and heartily. "Better that than being an arrogant ass."

He glared, and a whole string of words came to his mind. He had to bite his tongue to keep from saying them. He was breathing heavily, trying to restrain himself. She was seething just like he, and she stood there expectantly- waiting for a response. Suddenly, a hand clamped down on his shoulder. Sirius.

"So, what's up?" He asked, trying to sound casual,

James swung around, glaring daggers at his best friend.

"What did you do?" He cried,

"Er…" Sirius said, backing away in fear.

"What did you do?" He spoke again, louder now.

"You can try and blame Black all you want Potter- but it won't convince me."

He ignored her, still stalking towards his friend- who was slowly backing away.

-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-

"Lily." A voice said from right behind her, she swerved around. Remus.

"What do you want?"

"Can we talk?"

"Look at me. I'm soaking wet and it's all your best friend's fault! Do I really look like I'm in the mood to talk?!" Remus laughed, but it had a bitter edge to it.

"Not really. But we have to talk. Now."

Lily groaned, but nodded. Remus took her by the arm, and led her a few feet away.

"First off," he began, "James had nothing to do with this."

"Yeah," she said- interrupting, "and I'm the Queen of England."

"Lily, I swear. He didn't." he paused, motioning to where James stood shouting at Sirius and jabbing him in the chest with his wand, "that's why he's about to kill Sirius."

He looked at her, judging her face to see how she was taking it in. She was in deep thought, but Remus couldn't quite tell what she was thinking. He inwardly crossed his fingers that she'd believe him.

"This was just from me and Sirius. Peter knew what were going to do, but he didn't really do anything. James had detention this morning-"

Lily interrupted and said, "Of course."

Remus continued, unfazed, "James had detention this morning, and we didn't think he would ever know what happened. We knew if he found out, that he'd kill us."

"But why would Potter care if you pranked me? And why would you prank me in the first place?"

Well, at least she was listening.

"Lily, you're the brightest witch in our year. Surely by now you've realized that James really does like you."

"A. I wouldn't say I'm the brightest witch in our year. Although," she paused and turned her head towards James and Sirius, "I might agree I'm brighter than certain others…" she paused, turning back to Remus, "and B. Potter doesn't like me, he likes torturing me."

Remus laughed,

"You and I both know, although you may not admit it, that James is probably the brightest wizard in our year to your status of being the brightest witch." She rolled her eyes at this, but Remus knew that she probably knew the truth deep down, "and James does like you. He's just very very bad at showing it."

Lily gave a small laugh at this, and Remus grinned.

"Look, I don't want to talk about Potter…why…why did you prank me Remus? I mean, out of the four you- you've always been the most mature. And, I thought we were friends. So, why…why would you prank me?"

Remus sighed,

"I'm not proud of this Lily. I knew it was the wrong thing to do when I agreed to do it. It's just Sirius is so convincing, and I wasn't sure what else to do." Lily opened her mouth to speak, but Remus cut her off, "I'm not saying that's any excuse. It's just the truth."

"But…why?"

"You read the note."

"Remus, I swear- I'll never tell anyone your secret."

"I know. It's not that secret that I'm worried about."

Lily bit her lip, and Remus gave her an imploring look.

"Lily, if you rat them out….they'll be sentenced to Azkaban. And I know you hate James, and while I think that's silly on your part- I understand your reasons. But, you can't let your hatred for him condemn them all to Azkaban. They wanted to make things easier for me, and I'll never be able to explain how much easier it has made my transformations…

"Lily, say what you want about them- but they're great friends. They've been so loyal to me, and they never treated me differently for even a second after they found out what I am. Well, once they finished yelling at me for not trusting them," He paused, and laughed for a moment at the memory.

"They've been fantastic friends. They've made those regular nights somewhat enjoyable instead of torturous self-loathing ones. I know you may not see it like that, and I know what they're doing is illegal. But, Lily, please…don't make them be punished for something they only did for a friend."

Lily bit her lip, and stood there for a moment. Her face showed deep thought, and inward struggle. Remus hoped that was a good sign.

"Ok... I won't tell anyone. But, if you ever pull a stunt like this again…you'll pay. And you won't pay by me telling their secret- but I swear, you will pay."

Remus laughed.

"Understood."

"And, one more thing."

Remus managed to hold back a groan.

"When we're of age, can you at least try to get them to register? Please?"

Remus nodded,

"I told them they had to when we're of age."

She smiled.

"Sounds like you."

He gave a small laugh, and there was a brief moment of silence.

"Did I apologize for all of this?" He asked, "I meant to, but I'm not sure that I did."

She shook her head.

"Well, I am. I'm really sorry. I should have just talked to you one on one in the first place. I should have known better than to stoop to this…can you forgive me?"

"Yeah, I forgive you."

"Good. Friends?"

"Of course."

They smiled, and hugged awkwardly.

"Say…why is your robe dry?"

She looked down, and a puzzled look crossed her face.

"Oh, I think Potter gave it to me…"

"See, why would a guy who pranked you and enjoys torturing you give you his robes?"

"Guilt?" She offered weakly.

He shook his head.

"You may be bright, but when it comes to James- you don't have a clue." And with that, he put a hand on her shoulder briefly- as if to say "think about it", and then walked away- leaving her utterly confused.

She saw him walk over to his two friends, and put a hand on each of their shoulders. She saw him saw speak a few words, she couldn't tell what, and then James straightened up, and stopped his yelling and wand jabbing. Sirius stopped backing away, and crossed his arms across his chest, a pouty look on his face. Remus said a few more words, and after another glare between the two best friends they finally reached out their arms and shook hands.

And then, that was that. All the tension seemed to dissipate at once, and things were back to normal. Suddenly, James and Sirius were joking around- with Remus joining in. Then, they headed towards the castle. Peter approached, seeming to come out of nowhere. Lily realized he had probably been hiding during the prank, and decided to stay hidden to stay out of the fighting. A cowardly move, but probably a smart one. The four boys headed inside talking and laughing, and never once looking back at the still soaking Lily who stood there shocked and somehow more confused.

Finally, she shook her head and walked over to where her book lay on the ground several yards away. She made a face as she picked it up and realized it was soggy. She shook her head, and as a chill ran up her spine she could cast a drying spell on it and herself once she got upstairs. So, she headed back into the castle and up to the Gryffindor tower, deep in thought.

When she reached her dormitory she would realize she still wore James' robes. She would return it to him at dinner, with a mumbled "Thanks Potter." And his face would break into a wide grin as she left, but she would never see it. After she walked away Remus would tell his friends what he had yet to say- that Lily had promised to keep their secret just that. Then he would pronounce that Sirius was an idiot for thinking a prank would keep her mouth shut, and James would loudly agree. Then, Sirius would get another pouty look on his face- and the joking would continue. And for a long time, they would forget about the incident entirely, and things would be quiet fighting-wise for awhile.


The next chapter will be entirely letters: so stay tuned!

Also, major kudos to wicked. witchy .princess for coming up with the idea for the past few chapters! I'm not sure what I would have done without her!

Lastly, I must have uploaded this chapter a million different times. The first few being to fix errors, and add things I forgot. And now I'm uploading it again, because it's not showing that it has an eighth chapter- more than 24 hours after I first posted it. So, please review as a reward for my efforts...