Author's Note: So. I just want to say that I'm soooo thankful for all of you who reviewed. I really really really appreciate it! You know when something really great happens to you and you get the warm tinglies in your stomach??? That's how I've been feeling when I've read the reviews! It's just… really nice to know that people appreciate your work. I know that not everyone appreciates it, and honestly, I'm totally and completely alright with that. It's just reassuring to know that someone, even if it's only one, appreciates what I write and want more. So again, thanks.

I'm so excited about your reviews that I've decided to individually respond! You guys are great!

Rose: I'm so GLAD that you see how people can flirt for ages without actually being together. In high school, I feel like that's common place! Everyone flirts for ages! It feels nice that an English major thinks my writing is good. I guess I have at least a LITTLE talent…

Marina: Thank you for being honest with me. I know that my story isn't the best, but I look at writing fanfiction as practice for the future. I have aspirations of writing fiction in my lifetime… at some point… and I know I'm not the best. But this was my first shot. And it's not too bad. You know, I've never thought about the story being too American. I can see where you might get annoyed with the whole Chicago part and everything. I honestly couldn't help myself. Chi-town has been my home for my entire life… I've got such pride!! I know that in Vietnam the media from various countries was there, and that's how I got Lily's mom going there. Tried to connect the 'muggle' world to the 'wizard' world. Eh, just a thought. This story is kind of strange in that the first 5 or 6 chapters take place in the summer… where there's so much that a writer can do without the structure of Hogwarts. I have a timeline that I'm working with and now looking back, I probably should have started it earlier at Hogwarts, not the last night. So that there would be more introduction. But, again. Oops! Again, I appreciate the way you addressed things about my writing. It was constructive and classy. I hope you continue to read and hopefully see me grow as a writer!

Kelsey Tuttell: Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you like the story… I'm hoping it can only get better!

Nina145: Oh, *tear*. Thanks for your review! I'm so sorry that someone bashed your work like they bashed mine. When I look back on it now, I may have been over-exaggerating, and gotten a little too upset about it. But I'm glad I wrote the author's note. And I'm soooooo glad you responded to it. Thank you for believing in my writing. I'm going to keep going with it. I hope that it can only get better!

Live4books: Thank you for loving my story! Yes, the teaching world really stinks right now. I can teach grades 6 through 12 in social studies. I'm also looking for a coaching job because I was on poms in high school. And ballet. And gymnastics. Lol. But again, thanks for reading and liking my story!

Nanidanana: I'm so GLAD you like George! He just… reminds me of my little sister. There are eight years between me and her, and she's SO much like George. Sweet, caring, SARCASTIC, and she loves to pull stunts. Haha. I absolutely LOVE your idea about George playing a prank on the Marauders! I may just have to put that in… And Lily and James… *sigh* I just… I really hope they aren't moving too fast. I went back and read the story, and I didn't THINK they were going too fast. It's just… when something dramatic happens to someone (Lily) and then someone else comes to the rescue (James) and makes them feel better, they AUTOMATICALLY cling to that person… I sort of know this from experience. I think that might be why I was so upset by the review. Don't want to get into details, but they way Lily clings to James, is the way I clung to my now finance. So, I'm glad you like it. *warm tingles*.

Molly: Thanks for being honest. I know I'm not one of those AMAZING authors yet… it's what I'm aiming for. Every author has to start somewhere, and they weren't great when they first did! I know there are a lot of relationships that need to be explained and considered. And death is a major part of the story. Sometimes it's hard to write about those situations and make it feel REAL you know? But I am trying. Thanks for the advice!

Purple-Pebbles: Thanks for reading! I'm glad you like where the story is heading. Please continue reading!

Coolbluesmile: I'm glad you love George! He's one of my favorites I think. I'm trying to get a thicker skin when it comes to bad reviews. But I really appreciate the positive review! Thanks for sticking with the story!

Live4dance: I'm glad you like the story! When I went back and read the story, I thought maybe there were a few clichés. But I think you're right… how can there not be at least SOME? Besides, I feel like if there are any, they aren't super important to the plot. When it comes to Harry Potter fanfiction, there's only SO many ways you can spin things without being somewhat cliché. But again, thanks for the encouragement!

xMissWeasley11x: Thank you for reading! I'm glad you enjoy the plot. I didn't see many fanfics like this, so I thought it was ok to write about. You're soooo right about the amazing reviews I received. They really made me feel a lot better about everything. Yours did too! Thanks!

Lyla Sheckler: Thanks for reviewing! Keep reading! Haha!

Oups!: I understand a bit of French… and I know you don't like the story. Thanks for reviewing, but if you don't enjoy it, then stop reading!

Ben: Your review made me giggle! Thanks for defending my author's note… to be honest, I was a little worried that it was too angsty, you know? But I did answer a lot of questions in it. I'm not sure yet if Sirius and Rylee will get together… we'll see! Again, thank you for reading! I appreciate it soooo much!

Lee: Well. You know, I'm almost glad you reviewed again. Your first one… it was really rude. And don't say 'sorry' because you're not. You don't like what I write? Fine. Don't like it. Don't read it! But stop coming on here and giving me these rude reviews. If you have something that you want to say (like this) then write me an email on here. And, if you're going to keep reviewing, at least READ the author's note. Because honestly, I answered several of your complains in it. Lily and James didn't really hang out much before she broke up with Remus. Lily was soooo concerned with her relationship with Remus that she wasn't all that close with his guy friends. Haven't you ever been in a relationship with someone and had to talk with their friends? I don't know about you, but I always kept my distance a bit with my fiance's friends at first. You don't want your significant other getting the wrong ideas (like that you're flirting with them) and that is why they didn't talk much. James uses sweet words. So? How many other stories have you read where James uses sweet words? I think in almost EVERY fanfic he uses them at some point. So don't call their relationship comical and ridiculous, because it's not. Seriously, Sirius and Rylee AREN'T together yet! Hello!!! How many times do I have to say it??? Don't say you didn't mean to bash my story. That's a downright lie. You said it was a piece of shit. That generally means you meant to bash it. Lily's parents had to die. Sorry. It's all a part of my story. In the actual series, Lily's parents HAD to have died. Otherwise, Harry would have went to live with them. So yes, they had to die. To be quite honest… I didn't want to go TOO into the rape scene. I didn't want it to be sooooo bad that it had to be taken off of the site. So even if it could have been better (which it could have, even I admit to that) I didn't want it to be so bad that it had to be taken off. Lily was 'crushed' for a majority of the summer. I didn't feel I had to write about every day of her summer… wallowing, sobbing… it would just be too depressing. By the way… she never returned to him. She hasn't even seen him yet! She couldn't see him! She was too upset! Hello??? The last thing I have to say to you is this: even if you hate this story, more than any other story you have ever read in your entire life, there is absolutely NO reason to bash the other reviews that I receive. Just because you don't appreciate my writing, and feel the need to put me down for it, doesn't mean that everyone else should hate it too. To say that every other review I have received is a lie and that they're wrong, is sooooo beyond rude. I honestly can't believe you could be so… discourteous. Sorry (not really), but I'm not thankful for your review. Because you obviously didn't do your research, you didn't read my author's note, and don't think that I can't accept criticism. I can. Just not downright bashing. By the way, pre-read your bashings. I don't need you to correct the wrong words you write… trust me. I get what you're attempting to say.

Itz Gideon: Thank you for the encouragement! I'm glad you like the story. Writing a story is hard work, but I enjoy it. Thank you for reading! Please continue!

KaitlynM17: Thanks for liking my story! You're right about people being jerks… obviously. Haha!

Camille: Were you correcting my English? Sorry if in my editing, I missed some things. Oops! But thanks for reviewing. I think the plot is somewhat different from others, and I think a lot of people like a certain type of plot. But don't worry; things will be going in a different direction now that the kids are going back to Hogwarts. But thanks for thinking I write well.

BerryBlaze: Oh my gosh… your review made me giggle A LOT! Chicago pizza is the best in the world (sorry New Yorkers…) But it's also the most fattening… oops! Haha.

Anyways, about the next chapter. This one takes place on the train going to Hogwarts. It's a bit of a filler, but not really. A lot of things happen in it… Lily and Remus' first encounter takes place… George meets some kids his age, and we see the Marauders at work! Please review and let me know what you think of this chapter… Obviously I've decided to keep writing despite the bad reviews. I've decided to let those people be angry. It's not like they're going to be able to find me and beat me up. Oh well! Anyways, enjoy!!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Sad, but true…

Chapter 9

"Did you hear about what happened last Friday?"

"Do you mean at Diagon Ally?"

"Where else would she mean???"

"Yea. I heard that the Death Eaters almost got Lily Evans and James Potter."

"Isn't it sad! But the paper did say that the Death Eaters killed a muggle…"

"It was Evan's father."

"Oh my, that's awful!"

"I think she shouldn't have been bringing him around. What kind of mudblood brings her muggle father into the wizarding world NOW? She was asking for it."

"Lucius! You can't mean that!"

Lucius Malfoy sneered and looked at the younger Ravenclaw he had walked up behind. "I can say whatever I please, McCaw. And you know I'm right. What kind of idiot brings her defenseless father into a place where she KNEW Death Eaters could be?"

Calista McCaw's eyebrows rose in surprise and she inadvertently fell against a wall as the Hogwarts Express swayed as it chugged over a river. The students had all arrived an hour previous at Kings' Cross Station for the Hogwarts Express. This included James, Sirius, Lily, and George. Lily and George had been persistently subdued after their father's funeral. The only people they would speak to were each other. Apparently, they had gotten into quite the argument with Petunia at the ceremony, which had resulted in her unceremoniously throwing a drink in her sister's face, and attempting to take George home with her at the reception. Lily held her ground and kept the young boy with her. Petunia spat at her siblings, screeched something about them ruining her life and left in a wild rage, Vernon tailing close behind her. Lily had tried writing to apologize, but none of the letters were answered. It seemed as though Petunia had taken herself out of Lily and George's life, and Lily couldn't say that she blamed her. She felt incredibly guilty about taking away Petunia's entire family. Lily truly believed that if she had given the situation more thought, she would have realized that it was dangerous to bring her father into Diagon Ally. But she and George were so excited to show him their world, that she inadvertently by passed the 'danger' of Diagon Ally.

Calista McCaw rolled her eyes at Lucius. "That may be true. But that's no reason to say he should have died."

"Of course it is! The world becomes a much better place every time one of those stupid muggles dies-"

Suddenly a burst of light came tumbling down the hallway, hitting Lucius in the arm. He turned around in anger, holding his now squiggly and jelly hexed arm and faced his attacker. Instead, he faced a wand pointed at his face.

"Take it back, Malfoy."

"Try to make me, Black. What, is the mudblood your girlfriend now? She moves fast, doesn't she? First Lupin, then Potter… and now you. It's even worse because she's sloppy seconds, no thirds! Your taste truly astonishes me."

Sirius sneered at the blonde boy. "First off, Lily and I aren't together. And neither are she and James. Some people can be friends with the opposite sex without screwing them. Think about it. Plus, I wouldn't be saying anything about my tastes, Malfoy. I've seen the girls your mummy and daddy deem worthy of you. Matilda Mugshote? Good Lord, her nose does somewhat resemble a pig's… Olga Petiwater? Tell her to take a BATH already! And then there's my darling cousin… Narcissa Black. Would you please tell her to stop acting as if there is dung under her nose, eh?"

Lucius, forgetting about his wand, lunged at Sirius. Sirius managed to move out of the way, but not completely as Lucius grabbed his black curly hair. And pulled. Hard.

"UGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! LET GO OF MY HAIR, YOU DAMN PRISSY GIT!!!"

Sirius managed to remove his hair from Lucius' grip as he punched him in his squiggly arm, thereby making Lucius lose control of it. It went wobbling all through the air, dragging Lucius with it. Sirius, his black eyes crinkled with mirth and laughter, snickered at the sight and went to grab his wand again when it was pulled away from him.

"Sirius, old chap. What ever did he do to you?"

Sirius' eyes gained even more laughter. "He's alive, isn't he?"

"I suppose that's true. But what did he really do?"

A little laughter left his eyes as Sirius spoke. "He was… talking about Lily. And her father."

The clear blue eyes darkened a bit, both at the mention of Lily's father's passing as well as Lucius making fun of it.

"Remus," Sirius started, seeing the anger bottle up within his friend. "Leave it. I think I've given him enough of a punishment for now. Want to come visit the boys with me?"

Remus looked from Lucius to Sirius, happiness coming into his face again. "Sure! Where are they?"

"In a compartment at the back of the train. Come on, I'll take you there."

The two left the blundering Slytherin to his own devices, secretly giving each other a slap on the back as they left.

"So, how was your summer, Moony?" Sirius asked, taking in Remus' blonde, blonde hair, tanned complexion, and cheery features.

"You know, it was OK. After a while… well. I started out just laying on the beach, wallowing…. It was... really difficult to be happy. I just felt… so awful. About everything. Everything with Lily… having to leave you guys for the summer… the side-effect of my lycanthropy. But at least I found out about it. I just couldn't believe that it happened to Lily. I wasn't prepared… I should have done more research… I… well, I loved her. I still do. I know she won't take me back. I can't ask that of her. So I moved on. There were… a few girls. And they made me… sort of happy. But by the end of the summer, I was having a good enough time. I think I would love to live on a beach someday. It's… calming, you know?"

Sirius smiled, glad that Remus seemed to come out of his funk. No matter how many letters the two of them shared over the summer, Sirius did not really KNOW how Remus was truly doing. In his letters, he sounded cheery enough. But now Sirius knew that Remus was recovering from his break up with Lily at least somewhat, and that perhaps he would move on without problems. Perhaps, anyways.

"How was life at the Potters?" Remus asked as the pair passed some giggling 4th years. Sirius winked at the shorter of the two, watching her blush at the attention and trip over her comrade's shoe.

"Life at the Potters was as splendid as always. Mummy P really adores me, you know? And Jenny and I had a secret affair, but don't tell James –"

Remus scoffed. "There's no way you and Jenny had a secret affair. First off, James would NOT allow it. Second off, Nora would NOT allow it. Third off, Jenny would NOT allow-"

"Yes, yes, I know. Well, in my mind we had an affair. And it was wonderful. Actually this summer was a bit dodgy when it came to my sex life. Very few women. Eh, but that's what Hogwarts is for, right?"

Remus laughed. "I suppose. So how's James… after everything?"

"I'm fine," a voice came up behind him. Remus and Sirius turned, watching a distraught James stride closer to them.

"Meeting not go well?" Sirius asked, his voice higher pitched than usual.

"No, needless to say it didn't."

"Why not?" Remus asked. "I assume you and the Head Girl will get along. By the way, who is it? I know we have our Prefect meeting in a bit, but I'd like to know who she is. They didn't say in the Hogwarts letter."

Sirius snuck a quick peek to James, before cocking his ear to one side and exclaimed, "Peter? Is that you? Hold on you little maggot, I'm on my way!" And he scampered off down the corridor. James rolled his eyes and looked to Remus.

"It's Lily."

Remus's expression softened and he cleared his throat. "Oh."

"We… well, we ran into Snape during the meeting. Said he couldn't help but see who the head students were. Said he had an obligation to know. An obligation, my ass. He came in to shove a Daily Prophet article on Lily's father in her face before saying the poor muggle was better off dead. His words, not mine. She burst into tears and ran down the corridor. I'm guessing she's with the girls now. But it seriously took all I had to not go chasing after the wanker, after what he said to her."

Remus nodded, still quiet. James grasped his friend's shoulder. "You alright, mate?"

Remus nodded. "Yea, sorry. Just thinking."

"About Lily?"

Remus' gaze shifted from the door, where he saw Sirius tossing Bertie's Every Flavor Beans at Peter, who was trying to catch them in his mouth, to James.

"How is she?"

James smiled a grim smile. "She's… alright. She was getting back to her old self again before the incident with her father. Now she's not so great. But, I know she could use as many friends as she can right now. So just… be nice."

Remus scoffed, flicking his golden locks out of his eyes. "I was going to be nice! With everything that's happened I doubt she would even let me be her friend anyways."

"You just need to explain to her what you did to me in that letter. About it being part of your 'furry little problem'. I mean, it still happened. You can never take it back. But, I think that she'd understand. Maybe."

Remus looked to James, a renewed hope in his blue eyes. "You think?"

James gave Remus a reassuring pat on the back. "You never know."

"So I told him to back off and put his hands on some other girls' ass."

"Evelyn!" Emma giggled. "Surely he wasn't THAT piggish?"

"Oh trust me, he was," Eve sighed, her platinum blonde hair tied back in a long braid. The girls had been in their own compartment on the train, just chatting about their summers and about life in general.

"So what did you do about it?" Rylee asked as she moved from her cross legged position to the floor, stretching out.

Eve smiled. "I waited for him to find some other tart, and when he was dancing with her, I poured an entire pitcher of beer on the two of them!"

Emma laughed. "Why wasn't I there for that?"

Eve grinned a sly grin. "Because you were in the loo, making out with that German fellow. Emma blushed, but smiled.

"Ah, Sven. You know, I never thought I'd be attracted to Sven because with the blonde hair and blue eyes, he kind of resembled you, Eve."

"Ugh! What?" Eve screeched as she hit her twin with a pillow. The pair began laughing. Until a deep weighted sigh broke through it.

Lily Evans was leaning up against the window, her body curled around a pillow, her face looking out at the pretty landscapes flying by. Her red ringlets were pulled away from her face in a haphazard pony tail, and her eyes had the remnants of tears.

"Lil? You alright?"

Lily pulled her eyes away from the window to glance at the three girls. She gave a little sigh again before she spoke. "Yes, I'm fine I suppose."

"You're not letting what that wretch Snape said bother you, are you?"

"No, I knew the Slytherins would all be awful when school came around. It's nothing new."

"Then what are you worried about?" Emma asked, her raven black hair swinging into her eyes as she turned to face Lily. With an indignant huff, she pulled it away from her face, earning a grin from Lily.

"I'm just… worried. About Remus…"

Understanding lit the three girls' faces as the all unintentionally moved closer to her. Rylee sat up and leaned her head on Lily's knees.

"You know we will be there for you, right?"

Lily waved her hand in impatience. "Of course, of course I do. I don't know if I should be worried about keeping him away from me, or forgiving him."

"FORGIVING HIM?" Rylee asked, jumping in anger. Lily, surprised at her outburst, allowed her mouth to drop open.

"I haven't done it yet!" she said indignantly.

"YOU CAN'T FORGIVE HIM!" Rylee cried, gripping Lily's arms. "After what he did to you? It wasn't even that long ago! You CAN'T!"

"Ry, please settle down. Let me explain what I meant."

"No, you shouldn't even be thinking about it."

"RYLEE!"

Rylee paused as Lily stared her down. Her face had turned red, and there was a fire in her emerald eyes unseen by Rylee in a long time.

"Sit down."

The three girls complied. Lily stood and paced the floor, once, twice, three times, and then glanced at the girls.

"I never said I WAS going to forgive him. Just that I was thinking about it. We are going to have to be near each other all year. I mean… I'm Head Girl. He's a prefect… Do you know how awkward it's going to be for me if I'm in a room alone with him? I just… there's been so much drama. I could use some normalcy. It's not like I want to jump back into a relationship with him. I don't even really want to be friends with him any more either. I just don't want to fight any more. But I don't want him to keep coming up to me, bringing it up and trying to apologize. Because you know he's the kind of guy to do that. I can't take hearing about how sorry he is over, and over, and over again. I just want to forget it ever happened. That's all I meant," Lily finished, her gaze shifting to Rylee, who was sheepishly picking off her nail polish.

Eve reached for Lily's arm. "We understand what you're saying. We're all in the same house. We go to the same classes. We eat at the same table. We're herded EVERYWHERE together. So, if you want to forgive him, then do it. Just be careful."

Lily shook her head as she sat down next to Eve. "I don't know if I am. Or if I even can. It was just an idea. I guess I didn't mean FORGIVE. Maybe just a truce? I don't know…"

Emma nodded. "It's not going to be easy. But you've got time. You don't have to make a decision about Remus now. You don't have to forgive him NOW. You can wait until next week, next month, next year, or never. You don't ever have to forgive him. Just do what you feel is right."

Lily smiled. "Thanks girls. So please don't worry. I'm fine. There's just a lot on my plate right now. But I'll get through it."

Rylee nodded and squeezed Lily. "I'm just worried about you. That's all. I'm sorry."

"Hey, it's ok. I'd be worried about me too. But on that note, I need to leave you girls. The prefects meeting is starting in 10 minutes and I kind of need to be there. If George comes by, tell him where I'll be. I'm hoping he'll stay with some of the other first years… we'll see."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, Lil. Don't worry."

"I'm not. He's a strong kid. He needs this time to make friends. He'll be fine."

With that she opened the door and walked out, leaving the three girls behind her.

George gripped the seat as the train swayed while gliding through a valley. He was in a compartment with three boys who apparently knew each other, but not him. As awkward as he felt, he knew that he at least had to try to make friends. He couldn't follow Lily around like a little puppy forever. He was a big boy. It was time he started acting like it. Yes, his father was dead. And yes, it just happened. But maybe making friends and starting school would help him feel better. He had to try.

"So what did you say your name was, again?"

"George."

The brown haired, brown skinned boy stuck out his hand for George to shake.

"I'm Alex Smith. Pleasure to meet you. This here is Bert Grimson." He gestured to a red headed, freckled boy who waved at the mention. "And this is Gray Thomas." A black haired boy smiled at George."

"Do you all know each other already?" George asked, feeling a little shy.

Bert shook his head. "I didn't know these two. Met them on the platform. But they said that they already knew each other."

Gray smiled and punched Alex in the shoulder. "We've been neighbors for our entire lives. Best mates. Hopefully we'll get to be in the same house."

"Yea, hopefully we don't get into Slytherin!"

"So are you muggle born?" Alex asked George as he reached for a Pumpkin Pastry.

George nodded, a little hesitant. "Yes, is that a problem?"

Grey looked up, surprised. "Oh, no. My family has always been pro-muggle born. My mum is a muggle born."

Bert glanced at George and smiled. "Don't worry. I'm muggle-born too. I hope we'll be safe at Hogwarts."

George smiled. "Yes, I think we will be. My sister is the Head Girl."

Alex gasped. "So you're an EVANS?"

George narrowed his eyes. "Yes."

Alex's expression went from astonishment to sorrow. "I'm sorry about what happened last week."

George's eyes dropped to his hands, his shyness overtaking him. He wanted to make friends. But he didn't want people to be friends simply because they felt sorry for him. Luckily for him, eleven year old boys don't linger on sad subjects for long. Especially when they were on their way to Hogwarts for the first time.

"So, you're George Evans. Going to be in Gryffindor, hmm? I hope I am too. It really is the best house, but I wouldn't mind Ravenclaw or even Hufflepuff," Grey stated. "Hopefully we'll all be in Gryffindor together."

George, thankful for the change of subject, nodded in Grey's direction. "Yea, that would be wicked. And we could play pranks on all of the other houses. Wait until I show you what James taught me this summer…"

"Alright. So, the schedules are going around for patrols. Try to choose someone you like, eh? I don't want to deal with switching every two weeks." James stated, his gaze passing over the other students. A few stood out to him. Remus was sitting in a corner of the compartment, attempting to hide behind his friend Marlene McKinnon. He wouldn't look at Lily, worried that she'd get flustered and burst into tears. He kept glancing at James, though. As well as the little distance that was between him and Lily.

"And try to remember that you've been chosen as prefects for Hogwarts," Lily started, conscious to Remus' avoiding her. She pointedly refused to look at him. "That means that if you're caught abusing your power," her eyes lingered on Lucius, "you'll face the consequences. I'm not playing games. With the way the world is right now, the last thing Hogwarts needs is power hungry prefects who take points away because they feel like it."

Lucius sneered at the comment. James' eyes narrowed and he subconsciously inched closer to Lily. "Lily's right. Abuse of your power is unacceptable. If I find anyone abusing their position you'll go straight to Dumbledore. No questions asked."

The group of prefects shifted their feet and eyed each other warily.

"On a positive note, however, we're really looking forward to working with all of you this year. James and I are completely open to suggestions, so if you think of anything that might make Hogwarts a better place, let us know. We didn't mean to be cruel, but harsh times call for harsh measures. We just want the students to be safe this year. It's important. Now, do any of you have any questions?"

A blonde 5th year raised her hand tentatively. Lily inclined her head to her. "When we fill out the incident report sheets, do we actually make the detentions for the parties involved?"

Lily shook her head. "No. You don't make the detentions. The Heads of Houses do that. So just give us the sheets and we'll see that they get to your Heads. Anyone else?"

A pudgy Hufflepuff 6th year raised her hand as well. James pointed to her. "Yea, I was wondering if we have to go on rounds with people from other houses. Because I rather like the prefects from Hufflepuff."

James, attempting to look patient, gave the girl a smile. "Then simply choose a partner from your own house. There is no requirement that says you have to do rounds with students from other houses. Any last questions?"

Lucius stood up. "Yes, I have one. Head Girl, did you bring your father into Diagon Ally hoping that he would be killed? Because it was a rather stupid thing to do. And in all honestly, I think he rather deserv---"

"That is enough!" James shouted, jumping out of his seat and clenching his fists. Remus and several other prefects friendly to the Gryffindors stood as well. "Malfoy, that is enough. How dare you say such hurtful things to our Head Girl?"

Lily quietly stood and walked in front of Lucius. She held her hand out to stop James and the others from saying anything else. Her posture was poker straight, her head held high. She narrowed her fiery emerald eyes at the blonde boy sitting in front of her, smirking at her, challenging her. She pulled a red ringlet behind her ear, and gave Lucius a sarcastic smile.

"You can take 50 points from Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy. As for your question, no. I did not bring my father in Diagon Ally hoping he would be killed. I brought him there because he was my father, and I loved him. And I find it rather interesting that you would make a comment to me at all, Mr. Malfoy, considering your uncle Bilius was arrested for being one of the Death Eaters who attacked us. I heard that your father was so angry, he threatened the minister. The MINISTER! I guess it's a good thing you've got money, eh? That donation was quite substantial, I heard. Must be hard, knowing that your uncle is rotting in Azkaban right now while my father is up in Heaven. I have to say, I feel a little bit better about it. Now get out."

Lucius, shock written on his face, stood shakily and walked past the other boys who had stood in Lily's defense. He quietly opened the door, walked through it, then slammed it, huffing off in the other direction.

All eyes turned to Lily as she shakily straightened the Head Badge on her robes and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She opened her eyes, and smiled; the picture of strength.

"Alright. That was… right. That's over. Ok."

James moved closer to Lily, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and giving her a reassuring squeeze. She took another deep breath and smiled again. "So, good meeting everyone. All of you should be proud of yourselves for making prefect. You all deserve it. So please, if there's anything you need to say or suggest don't be afraid to! And good luck this year everyone!"

Lily looked to James to see if he had a closing remark, but he just smiled and nodded. "We'll see you all at Hogwarts! Remember, we help guide the first years to the boats, as well as the other students to the carriages. Just make sure there aren't any fights, please. Thanks!"

The group of prefects smiled at the two leaders and slowly shuffled out the door. Remus gave James a confused look as he stepped out of the door with another Gryffindor prefect Marlene. He glanced quickly at Lily, who would not meet his gaze. Crestfallen, but not really surprised, he dropped his head and continued walking down the corridor. Lily took a seat as the last of them left. James closed the door and sat across from her.

"Well, that went pretty well didn't it?"

"Yes," Lily responded, giving an exasperated snort. "All but Malfoy. I suppose I should have expected it, really. But still… that did sting a little. Do you really think people are going to think that about me? That I would take my father into Diagon Ally hoping for him to be killed?"

James shook his head and inched closer. "No. Any wanker who actually believes that load of crap isn't worth your time. Malfoy was just trying to get a rise out of you. And I have to say, darling, that you completely got the best of him. I think I'm a bit proud."

She smiled a crinkled smile. "Thanks, James. I just… I'm glad you're such a great friend."

James grinned back at her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. "We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

"Yes, I think we do. I think it's going to be a good year. So long as Mr. Malfoy keeps at least 20 meters between us at all times."

James snickered and squeezed her tighter. "I'll make sure of it."

Lily sighed in exhaustion. "I'm not used to these train rides being exhausting."

"You're also not used to dodging several different people, fighting with others, and leading the prefects in a meeting. We've still got a few hours before we get to Hogwarts."

Lily leaned her head on James's shoulder, taking in his scent, and relishing in the comfort it gave her. "Yes, I think I might go find the girls."

James nodded, looking only slightly disappointed. "Good. The boys and I have some planning to do."

Lily allowed herself a small smile. "Pranks? Of course. Just promise-"

"That we won't do anything too horrible. I know, I know."

Lily smiled and nudged James playfully. "Good. I'm glad you know."

The pair sat in comfortable silence for a minute before it was interrupted by a knock on the door. Lily quickly pulled away from James and turned towards the door. She pulled it open and was surprised to see Remus standing there.

"Lily, um… hi…"

Lily simply stared at him. In silence.

"Look, Lily. Can we talk for a second?" he asked, brushing his blonde hair out of his clear blue eyes. He looked extremely nervous. Lily could sense the unease, and stepped away from him, not necessarily in fear, but in her own nervousness. James stood up and turned around.

Remus, surprised at James's presence, jumped. "Oh, James. You're here. Um… right."

James looked to Lily, gauging her mood. She made the slightest of head shakes, and he nodded in response. He moved to cover the space in between Remus and Lily, slightly blocking her from view. She had retreated to her bag, hastily shuffling papers into it.

James smiled at Remus. "Yea, sorry. Lily and I were just finishing up Head business. So you want to go to the back of the train with me? I'm sure Sirius is going mad with just Peter around. Besides, we've got to plan our prank for the beginning of the year!"

Not responding right away, Remus looked past James and towards Lily. Seeing her completely ignore him in silence, Remus' gaze shifted back to James. Frowning in defeat, he nodded to James.

"Yes, let's go. Lily… I'll… see you later."

Silence.

Remus shook his head in disappointment once more, and turned to leave. James chanced one more glance at Lily before walking towards the door. Still silent, Lily gave him a small smile, mouthed 'thank you' and turned back to her papers.

As the door closed, Lily let out the breath she was holding. Seeing Remus… brought everything back. Her old feelings for him… her new feelings for him… love and hatred all in one. She didn't know how to feel before, just thinking about him. Now, she was even MORE confused, seeing him in the flesh. She felt sorry for the awkwardness that he felt. She felt sorry for the awkwardness SHE felt. The sight of him made her skin crawl… memories of 'that night' came flooding back, and she closed her eyes, keeping the tears within them. While she said she was contemplating forgiving him earlier, she now knew that she was no where NEAR where she needed to be emotionally to even consider it. In one moment, he made her want to cry, as well as punch him in the face. She would simply have to avoid him. For as long as it took. She just didn't know how easy (or difficult) that would be.

Second Author's Note: So... there it is. The first chapter since my somewhat hiatus. Next chapter is obviously the beginning of Hogwarts! Please please please review and let me know what you think!

Also, I was wondering if anyone had some ideas of the Marauders' first prank. I'm having some trouble coming up with something, and I was hoping that maybe my readers could help!?!

What kind of prank would you like? A really funny one? A kind of mean one? One that targets someone specificially, or one that affects the entire student body? Let me know if you have any ideas... I could use the help!

Thank you AGAIN to my readers! I appreciate the support. I hope I can live up to your expectations and keep you interested... let me know what you think!