A/N: I'm SOOOOOOOOoo sorrry! I lost my flash drive. However, I have now found it! Here is the next chapter! Also, you love me. Why? Because the link below is for the latest "story" from J.K. about Harry and family at the world cup. :) Remember to remove spaces and copy and paste in the browser if you haven't read it yet!
www .today books/read-j-k-rowlings- new-post-latest-harry-potter-gossip- 1D79887288
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Lily was released two hours later. She was pretty sure the nurse let her go only because she couldn't stand Lily's persistence to not only NOT take the potion for bruising, but on her wanting to leave as well. She had strict instructions to return if she felt even the slightest bit off. Her muscles needed stretched and she hoped it relieved some of the stiffness she felt as well.
While she was glad she was out of the hospital wing, she wasn't looking forward to spending the weekend catching up on homework, classwork and head duties. Plus she was in a sour mood due to the fight she and Potter had a few hours ago. How was it they had managed to trade decent, almost friendly, letters over the last three weeks and yet the first time they were alone, had an argument within five minutes? She shook her head, partly from exasperation. She also knew that Potter was right. She really hadn't given him a fair chance. She was still judging him from two years ago and beyond. Plus, she had to admit, she really didn't want to see him as he was now. Doing that would mean she'd have to-
"LILY!" Mary's voice reached her ears. "Why didn't you tell us you'd gotten out?"
Lily smiled at Mary, Susan, and Marlene. "I just got out. I was on my way to find you guys."
"Good," Marlene put her arm through Lily's, causing her to wince."So, first things first," They started walking the opposite way of where she was going. "Did you hear, James Potter's back!"
"Which means you don't have to do it all alone anymore," Susan pointed out.
"I know. I saw him."
"When?!" Mary demanded.
"He came to see me in the hospital wing." Lily told them. "He's here during the day and going home at night."
Susan frowned. "And Professor Dumbledore allowed it?"
"Obviously, or he wouldn't be doing it." Marlene said.
"Yes he would," Mary, Susan, and Lily all said at the same time. "But," Lily continued, "He did say the headmaster approved. So I guess it's alright."
"What does that mean for you? Less work?"
Lily shrugged. "We kind of…argued."
"Merlin, Lily. He's back for not even six hours and you two are already going at it. Give the guy a break," Mary told her.
"He just wants to jump right into things again. Like he never left. I've been handling it and don't see why I should just hand it all over to him." Lily said.
"Maybe he doesn't want to jump all in. Maybe he just wants to help with some of it. I can't imagine he's got extra time on his hands between going home and here every day. Plus I'm sure he's going to be taking over quidditch practices again too. He's also like a month behind on work. And then whatever it is he's got to do while he's home for the evenings too. So I doubt he wants THAT much work," Marlene pointed out. "Maybe let him file some detentions or point reduction forms. I think maybe he just wants to feel needed."
That caused Lily to think about their disagreement again. Maybe Marlene was right. Maybe she should at least give him some papers to fill out. There were still a few 3rd years that hadn't turned in permission slips to go to Hogsmead. She could have him go over the list once more and double check the names that weren't crossed off and give the list to Filch, the respective head of houses and Dumbledore. She could even let him choose the next Hogsmead date. But, she figured she would have to apologize to him first. She wasn't looking forward to that.
"Where are we going?" Lily finally asked, as they walked down to the second floor.
"Dinner," Mary answered.
"I'm not hungry," Lily said shaking her head.
"Nonsense," Marlene said, joining the group. "You haven't eaten in days. I'm sure you're hungry."
"Actually, I'm not," Lily said. In fact the sound of food made her stomach turn. "My stomach isn't too happy with me at the moment."
"You have to eat something," Susan said.
"I could always get something from the kitchens later," Lily said with a shrug.
Marlene rolled her eyes. "You could. Or you could come keep your friends company for the first time in a week while WE eat something."
Lily made a face. "Alright. Just for a bit. Then I've got to-"
"What do you have to do?" a voice asked
She turned to find James, Sirius, and Remus behind her. "Remus. Sirius. Nice to see you," she eyed James. "Potter."
"Evans," he returned the look.
Just because she knew she had to apologize didn't mean she had to do it right then, or even be in a good mood, did it? She hoped not, because she wasn't ready to play nice or apologize.
"I see you didn't take that bruise clearing potion," Sirius told her, shaking his head.
"Did you expect me to?"
Sirius shrugged. "Not really. Might make you a little more comfortable though. You're also stiff as a board walking,"
"Checking me out, Black?" Lily teased.
"Always," Sirius winked and responded with a grin.
Lily suppressed a smile and rolled her eyes. "Remus, are we still on for patrols later?"
"Er…well, I hope you don't mind, Lily. But since you were scheduled all week with someone, we sorta…Rearranged the schedule,"
"What?! Remus," she shrieked. Mary put a hand on her shoulder. Lily deflated and held up a hand as Remus took a step back. "Alright. I can see the logic of it. I was out of it. There was no way I could make up for it….ok. So…I don't mind. I guess. But I want the names of the ones that did extra patrols so I can give them a bit of a break."
"That would be me, Cattermole, and Jacoby," Remus told her.
Lily made a mental note of the names. "Well, you're free next week anyway." She smiled and then gave Remus a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks. You're awesome."
"Right, well, I've got to get going so…" James' voice interrupted her and Remus' conversation.
Sirius turned James and pushed him towards the doors. "See ya," he called while Remus followed and James knocked Sirius' grip on him loose
James watched Lily walk into the Great Hall with her friends while trying to bat Sirius' hands off of him. "Merlin's pants, Padfoot. You can stop pushing me."
Sirius let go. "Then keep walking."
With a sigh, he did so and in seconds they were walking across the dimly lit grounds. "So, what was all that about?"
"All what?" Remus asked.
"You know, the stuff with Lily."
"Why, Padfoot, I think Prongs over here is jealous," Remus said with a grin.
"I do believe you are right, Moony!"
"So he DOES still have feelings for her."
"Was that ever in question?"
"Course it was. They've barely talked all year," Remus said as if it was obvious.
"True. And he would rather play tricks on her than talk to her."
"Like a second year."
"Oy!" James finally said. "I'm right here! "
"We know," Remus and Sirius said together.
James rolled his eyes. "So?"
Sirius exchanged a look with Remus and grinned. "So?"
"Don't mess. Answer my question."
"What question?" Remus asked innocently.
"He asked a question?" Sirius asked Remus.
"He seems to think he did."
"Maybe he did."
"I don't remember one,"
James sighed. "Remind me why I put up with you two again?"
"Because we have knowledge that can land you in prison?" Sirius asked innocently.
Remus snorted.
"Guys, come on. We're almost at the gate. I want to know why you're so friendly with her all the sudden."
Remus sighed. "Just because you left doesn't mean time stopped."
"She's actually not as uptight as you painted her to be either. A little bit of a control freak, but not that bad. She let us off the hook a couple times. Course that was after I explained I couldn't get into trouble till at least Christmas or face expulsion. That was a nasty argument that ended with us agreeing to no pranks till after the Christmas holidays. I'm still not sure how that happened either. By the way, when you aren't there, your common room is freaking CLEAN. It's rather scary."
James snorted. "Wait….you were in our common room?"
Remus shrugged. "We've been a few times with Lily and a few times with her friends too."
Well, he obviously had missed a lot. "Why?"
"Why what? Why are we nice to her? Why are we friends with her? Why does she like us better?"
"Not helping, Padfoot," Remus said.
"Wasn't trying to," Sirius said.
James sighed. "Nevermind," James muttered. His friends were giving him a good ribbing, and sure, he deserved it, but he wasn't in the mood for it.
Remus and Sirius exchanged a look, then grabbed him, turning so they faced him. "Look, " Sirius began. "You weren't here. We understand you're helping out your mum and dad. That you have other things to deal with right now too. But bloody hell, stop acting like us being friends with Evans is going to be the end of the world. Because it's not,"
Remus shoved Sirius. "What he means, " Remus said, "Is that you haven't been replaced. We missed you like hell and we're glad you're coming back, even if it is only just for classes."
"Right," James said, needing to escape and process everything. "I'll see you guys monday, yea?"
"We'll be waiting," Sirius told him with a salute.
