~ Author's Note ~

Welcome to 'Your Emerald Eyes'

Chapter Ten - Party Terrors

I hope you enjoy!

(Disclaimer - Rowling owns it all, Merlin praise her.)

A/N - *typical forgive me for not updating sooner*

**sorry, Ashers**

'Sirius?'

'Shut it!' Sirius whispered angrily. 'What did I tell you about being quiet? I said voice down, eyes alert, and keep your wand handy. Did I tell you to say my name? No. Did I tell you to say anything? Definitely not. Did I tell you -'

It was Friday night and they were walking down the secret corridor on the third floor, leading down to the first. It was the night of Led Zeppelin, one that Sirius had been droning on about for over two weeks. James and Remus had finally agreed to go and Peter had been all for it since day one. To their surprise, Lily and Marlene were on board with the idea as well. Alice and Mary were going to have a girls night in.

'- and I do believe I even told you to bring a sock. You know, so you could shove it into your oversized, obnoxious -'

'Sirius!' James cut him off. 'I don't think Marlene joined us so you could berate her.'

Sirius stopped moving, bringing the others to a halt behind him. He frowned, his famous quizzical eyebrows raising. 'What did we bring her for, then?'

Lily snorted, Peter joining her. Marlene, in her scantily clad outfit, swore at him.

'Sirius, we're going to be late,' Remus pointed out. 'You know McGonagall returns to her office at about seven.'

'Speaking of,' Marlene added, 'what I was about to say was why couldn't we just take the stairs? We are seventh year students, we have the head boy and girl with us, and it's not even seven o'clock!'

Sirius stared at the eyes in front of him, all awaiting an answer. 'Listen up, chumps,' he snarled, 'we're going to a concert to listen to music I chose on an outing I prepared. If I want to take the secret corridor I bloody well will.'

'Say bloody well will five times fast,' James challenged Peter.

Sirius growled, turning his back and walking once more. Lily smiled. It felt like family. They bickered, they fought - quite literally, James breaking and repairing Sirius' front teeth earlier -, and they loved. They hugged, they had pet names, they knew every thought in each other's minds. They were bonded far beyond Lily and the girls, yet just being with them felt as though you were part of it.

She sighed.

'What are you sighing for?' Marlene whispered, Sirius whistling in front of them, Peter struggling with his tongue twister.

Lily shrugged, meeting Marlene's stunning eyes. 'It's nice,' she murmured. She looked at Marlene's outfit again. 'You are a bit underdressed.'

Marlene looked down. 'Here we go again. Which underdressed do you mean? Not dressed to a standard for the concert or not enough fabric on my body?'

Lily thought. 'Both.'

Marlene looked down, her black dress cutting a v deep into her chest. One bad move and it would all fall out. She winked. 'I'm aiming high tonight, Lils.'

'Like, private booth high or backstage high?'

Marlene giggled, 'We'll see what I can do.'

Lily laughed, the boys turning to see what the commotion was.

'Maybe if you dressed a little more seductively someone with glasses and black hair would notice you,' Marlene suggested.

Lily blushed. Three weeks into term and she was already struggling with her secret crush. Six years of rejecting anyone in her path, only to succumb to James Potter.

'Sirius isn't wearing glasses tonight, Marls,' Lily joked.

Marlene smiled, pushing Lily against the wall. The corridor was surprisingly roomy. 'Seriously though, a sweatshirt and jeans? Even Peter put a shirt on!'

Peter turned, his ears prickling. 'What?'

'Nothing, Peter,' Marlene gushed. 'Carry on. Try she sells sea shells.'

'I wanted comfort tonight,' Lily said to Marlene.

Marlene clicked her fingers. 'One of those nights, is it? Sorry I asked.'

'No!' Lily blushed. 'I just like dancing with a loose top. If I were to bounce in a dress like yours I couldn't relax.'

Marlene rolled her eyes. 'Not if you buy proper dresses, Lils. We'll go shopping next weekend. Alice and Mary can join us.'

Lily nodded. 'Deal. You're buying lunch.'

'Deal - wait!'

They both laughed, Sirius bringing them to a halt, raising his wand and backing against the wall like a secret agent. Lily snorted.

Sirius knocked the wall behind him, a door slowly opening. He peered into the first floor corridor, then pointed his wand. 'Onwards, men!'

'And women,' Remus added.

'I never knew this corridor existed,' Lily admitted to Remus. 'It's so bloody convenient.'

Remus laughed, his short hair slicked back. He'd fully recovered from last weekend, only a bruise on his cheek remaining. 'Hang around with us outside of school hours and you'll be surprised as to how convenient life can be.'

Lily nodded, pushing her red hair behind her ears. She'd curled it, something that took a long time to do and was always accompanied with sweat and tears. However, the finished product was breathtaking. 'I can only imagine,' she agreed.

The corridor was unusually empty. Lily couldn't believe their luck. She expected at least some trouble to occur. She wouldn't have agreed if she thought it would be this easy. In fact, she didn't really know why she'd agreed. Sure, she had a crush, and sure, she could taunt her father for seeing his favourite band. He'd been the one to tell her she had to do more in her time at Hogwarts. This, however, was quite the leap. Sneaking out of school using the floo network to go to a concert half a country away? Definitely not her brightest move. Unfortunately, Marlene had been very persuasive and James had been very present.

The door to McGonagall's office was always locked. Tonight wasn't an exception to that rule. Sirius tried lifting the latch, failing to push it open.

'What did you expect, mate?' James asked him.

Sirius shoved his friend, pointing his wand towards the lock. 'You know what I find weird? One of the first spells they teach you in this place is Alohomora. No teacher has any other precautions on their locks so it all seems a bit pointless locking it in the first place, don't you think?'

'Logic is overrated,' Marlene told him, as he began to whisper the spell. 'Besides, when you're in the bathroom do you lock the door?'

Sirius stopped what he was doing, the six of them standing noticeably outside of McGonagall's office, Remus tapping his foot politely. 'Of course I do?'

'There you go, then,' Marlene concluded.

Sirius scratched his ear, 'What's that got to do with anything?'

Remus gently pushed Sirius aside, pulling his own wand from his pocket.

Marlene laughed, 'You lock it because you don't expect a delinquent child to sneak in. You lock it because you expect it to keep people out.'

Lily nodded, 'She's got a point. I don't think anyone - myself included - would have the stomach to face McGonagall should something go wrong.'

The door clicked. 'Come on,' Remus instructed. 'Time to get out of the corridor.'

He led the way, the rest of them following quickly. Remus shut the door behind him and locked it while James headed to the fire. Conveniently, a pouch of floo powder hung beside it.

James picked it up and chuckled, throwing it to Sirius. 'Do you think McGonagall uses this?'

'Secret lover?' Sirius responded.

'Nah,' Remus chirped in. 'She's still got her eyes on you, buddy.'

Sirius pouted, 'One day.'

Marlene slapped him around the head. 'One day. She's going to kill you one day.'

They all laughed, and Lily smiled once more, looking around the room. It felt dark and cold, quite unlike the times she'd visited before. Most of her talks with McGonagallconsisted of praise, prefect duties, or praise. Now, visiting while she wasn't there, she could only imagine the disappointment on her face.

'Lily Evans,' she'd say 'I cannot bring myself to understand your involvement with this group of miscreants!'

Lily shuddered. 'We should go.'

James nodded. 'After you.'

The room was cold. It consisted of a simple desk, chair, and dozens upon dozens of books in very tall bookshelves. The door behind them led to the corridor and the one behind her desk was shut tight. Sirius threw a handful of floo powder onto the fire, green smoke rising from the ashes.

'Right, Evans,' he smiled. holding the pouch open. 'We're heading to The Leaky Cauldron. I've asked the bartender and he said we're all good to floo in. It's easy enough to get a taxi to the venue.'

Lily nodded, Sirius holding out the floo powder for her. She reached into the bag, pinching the fine powder in her hands. 'This stuff always smells funky.'

'Funky?' Marlene's nose scrunched up. 'Who are you and what have you done with Lily Evans? Funky? Funky!'

'Alright, Marls,' James laughed. 'Ready, Evans?'

Lily's heart jumped. 'Ready.'

She stepped into the fireplace. It wasn't her first time going into the floo network, though she couldn't help shuddering. The last time hadn't been particularly pleasant, and thistime she wasn't holding out much hope for a magnificent journey. She looked at the five faces in front of her, the office drowning them in darkness.

'Right,' she smiled. 'The Leaky Cauldron!'

Lily's intestines twisted. Her breathing halted and her mind scrambled among the stars, desperate to find sense. Within seconds, The Leaky Cauldron's fireplace appeared in front of her, her feet carrying her out as fast as they could.

She was greeted with a cold air. It hit her like a brick wall, dark and powerful. It was dead silent. She gripped the wand in her pocket, eyes darting through the pub. The bar was empty. The tables were empty. There was no music, no talking, not even a sniff in the corner. However, glasses of beer were stuck to the tables, the smell of stale alcohol filling the room.

Through the windows, a bright white light shone through, illuminating the dust in the air.

Looking around, she shivered. The fire burst into flame behind her, her body jumping in fright, Peter walking out. He was laughing. Lily turned to face him.

'What in Merlin's name?' he frowned, his small body moving in front of Lily's. 'Get your wand out, Lily.'

Lily hesitantly followed orders, watching Peter raising his wand.

'It's meant to be filled,' Peter whispered. 'James said it was karaoke night.'

'What happened?' Lily asked, skin tight with the chill in the air. Her sweater was more than appreciated.

The fire lit up again, this time James walking out. Instantly, his eyes caught Peter's and Lily's wands, his in his hand within seconds. Lily could've sworn he'd summoned it without words.

'Get behind me,' he ordered.

'Fuck you, Potter,' Lily snarled, 'I can look after myself.'

Outside, a flash of white erupted. The exit to Diagon Alley was alight with multiple different colours. Red, then green, then white again.

'Shit,' Peter shouted, getting to his knees. 'Do you think -'

'Yes,' James hushed. 'Against the wall, quick!'

James grabbed Peter's shoulder and pulled him up, then gripped Lily's hand and pulled them to the window, the three of them ducking beneath. Lily could've shouted at him, swore at him to get off of her. Instead, body hot with panic, she ducked alongisde him.

The fire lit up again, this time Sirius pouncing out. 'Where's the party at?' he shouted. Then, he saw the lights outside. Almost as quickly as James, he dived towards the window.

' - vada K -' Lily heard from outside the window.

She slapped her mouth, gasping, and James nodded to Sirius, who quickly knelt up, looking outside the window. He fell back down, shaking his head. 'Shit shit shit,' he murmured, flicking his hair backwards. He looked at Lily, 'Flower,' he said, holding her arms and smiling, 'go get help.'

'Piss off,' she spat, 'I'm not leaving!'

He rolled his eyes, shaking her a little. 'Lily, this isn't the place to show how brilliant you are!'

James was peeking through the window. 'He's right.'

'Both of you shut up,' Lily growled. 'Send Peter.'

Sirius and herself looked to Peter, his eyes wide with fear.

An almighty crash sounded outside, a scream following. Lily covered her ears and a flash of red lit up the room.

The green of the fire followed, Marlene walking out. 'Guys, McGonagall opened the door as I was floo-' She fell to the floor, crawling over to them. 'Who the fuck was that! Who just walked past the window? Where is everyone?'

'Shut it!' Lily growled. 'Take Peter, go back. Get McGonagall here as soon as possible!'

Marlene, looking at her friend, shook her head. 'I can't,' she said. 'I can't leave you!'

Peter started crawling. 'You guys can be stubborn, I'm getting help.'

James slapped his friends back. 'Be quick, mate.'

Peter nodded, moving towards the fire on his hands and knees. The floor creaked, each movement sending vibrations through the room. Lily watched his pale face in the moonlight. The echoes of outside were growing, the lights subsiding for a moment. Peter grabbed at the ashes, reaching for the tall goblet beside the fire and pulling a handful of powder from it.

'M-McGonagall's Office!' he announced, erupting into green and disappearing.

The echoes outside went silent.

Lily watched James look to Sirius. They shared a look that she couldn't decipher. Marlene held onto her hand.

James pushed his glasses up his nose, solemnly looking at his friends. 'They saw that,' he shared. 'They'll be coming into the pub in seconds. Try to protect, don't attack,' he instructed, 'McGonagall will be here and she's more than enough to take them down.'

Marlene started shaking. 'What if it-it-it's him?'

James turned to face the door. 'Make for the fire as quick as you can.'

Lily sat silently. Of everything she'd imagined going wrong, this wasn't on the list. Her heartbeat rose, pounding blood to her ears.

Sirius snarled. 'They're outside of the door.'

The four of them raised their wands, Sirius and James beginning to stand.

The door exploded.

A flash of red erupted in the room, Lily covering her eyes. When she removed her hand, two men stood in front of them. James and Sirius were standing tall, wands pointing at the strangers, black hoods shading their faces from the light.

'Schoolkids?' one of the men laughed. 'You picked the wrong night to -

'Expelliarmus!' James roared, not letting the man finish his sentence.

'Stupify!' Sirius followed.

The men flicked their wands and deflected their attacks, both laughing. Then, one of them pointed his wand, a furious red firing at James. Lily held up her wand and a white ball surrounded him, the spell dissolving into nothingness. Sirius retaliated and Marlene, now standing alongside him, both let loose everything they knew. Lily's mind was blank, refusing to allow any emotion to sink into her skin. Then, the two men, hoods fallen from their faces, shouted.

'Avada Kedavra!'

Two shots of green instantly exploded, Lily watching in horror as they flew either side of James' head. He paused.

Silence ensued. James lifted a hand to his face, touching it as he shook with terror. 'You fucks!'

He shoved Sirius back, knocking Marlene with him, and let his wand go crazy. Lily followed, her wand covering his body with a soft white, occasionally allowing herself an attack, hitting one of the men's chest. James was a fury, throwing spells with a force Lily wasn't aware he had. Each slap of his wand bought down a lightning strike, The Leaky Cauldron collapsing into pieces. The men held their own, both snarling and shouting spells Lily had never heard of. Sirius was back to firing, unaware of the danger he was in, laughing at each spell.

Then, amidst the colours, green flashed behind them, and the two cloaked me glanced towards the fire.

Lily saw white.

Everyone in the bar halted. Then, rising from the flames, McGonagall towered over the children. She held her wand tightly in front of her, lips as thin as paper.

'Behind me,' she ordered, Marlene and Lily moving quickly, Sirius spitting onto the floor with his wand high.

'Minerva,' one of the men smiled, sweat pouring from his face. 'You've taught these kids beautifully.'

'Potter!' McGonagall shouted.

Lily watched James, unbending, as he held his wand high, the second man locked in a fierce gaze with him.

Sirius slowly hobbled towards his professor, grabbing Marlene by the arm and holding her tight, Lily watching his terrific eyes dancing with glee.

The second man shouted, James shouting as well, the two locking themselves in a fight only idiots would partake in.

McGonagall moved like a cat. She pranced to his side and knocked him to the floor, saying a single spell and letting it hit both men, knocking them to the floor. She waved her wand again, furies of rope rushing out of the end and powering towards the men. She held her wand high and a white shot forced through the ceiling and into the sky.

'Fireplace, now,' she ordered.

Sirius dragged Marlene to the fire, pushing her inside. 'Quick,' he told her.

Marlene, shaking, reached for some powder. 'M-M-M-McG-'

'Quick!' Sirius repeated.

The man who'd spoken to McGonagall broke free of the rope, McGonagall firing another spell at him, only to be redirected to the wall.

'McGonagall's Office!' Marlene shouted, the flames igniting her.

Sirius looked to Lily, 'You next, Flower.'

Lily watched the second man as he made eye contact with her. He raised his wand and she leapt to the floor, kicking Sirius away on her way down. Between the two of them, the fireplace burst into pieces.

Lily span around and automatically held her wand out, white light protecting her. McGonagall tore through spells as though she'd created all of them. James, beside her, sank back towards the wall, letting her take charge. Lily crawled towards him, her sweater half torn to pieces. James caught her eye and pulled her into his arms. Within a millisecond, a figure in white appeared beside McGonagall. As the light faded, Lily almost cried. All of her emotions appeared at once, filling her with joy and fear and panic and relief.

The men opposite McGonagall panted, staring at the new figure. The second roared in anger, pointing his wand and firing the killing curse at him. Dumbledore, in his pale robes, held up a hand, his knotted wand firing a spell that redirected the curse. Silently, he flicked it again, as though conducting a band. The second man was hit with yellow, falling to the floor easily. The first man panicked, twisting himself and exploding in black, vanishing in the air.

Lily listened. The room was silent. Dumbledore breathed in, filling the room with a warmth Lily was more than ready for.

'Minerva,' he spoke quietly, 'repair the fireplace. Get these children home.'

McGonagall nodded, pointing her wand at the fire and letting the room fix itself. Sirius was holding his left arm, blood flowing easily. She noticed him, rushing over with a panicked exclamation.

'It's fine,' Sirius grinned.

She held his arm, creating a bandage that fixed itself around the wound. Lily watched his face pinch together, wincing in pain.

McGonagall supported his body and helped him towards the fireplace.

Lily found herself being held by James. Somehow, among the devastation, she'd forgotten that his arms were around her.

Dumbledore approached them. The twinkle was not in his eyes. 'The aurors have been alerted. I shall speak to you both when I'm back. I have no doubt your head of house shall require some words as well.'

Lily nodded, feeling James' head bouncing beside her.

Dumbledore allow himself a smile, his wrinkled cheeks lifting briefly. 'I'm glad you're both safe.' With a quick turn, he moved towards the unconscious man.

McGonagall, now free of Sirius, looked to the two of them. 'Quick,' she ordered.

James stood, helping Lily up. 'You okay?' he whispered.

She nodded again, unable to bring words to her lips. She met McGonagall's eyes as they passed her, tears forming.

'You first,' James said.

Lily grabbed a handful of powder, muttering the words as silently as she could. She felt no discomfort, only warmth. McGonagall's office appeared in front of her, Remus pacing the room uneasily. He saw her face and leapt forwards, hugging her tightly.

'Thank Merlin,' he shouted, 'I was so worried, Lily. McGonagall walked in and I couldn't go anywhere and then Peter came back utterly terrified. I wanted to come but she wouldn't let me and -'

'Quiet, Remus,' Lily half-sobbed, returning the hug. 'It's okay.'

The room was different than any other time she'd visited. There was a comfort in seeing McGonagall's desk that she'd never experienced before. Marlene was standing behind it, her mascara running down her face, droplets forming at her chin. Lily let go of Remus and moved towards her, gripping her as if her life depended on it. Both started crying. Sirius was beside the bookcase, laying on the floor, arm over his face. Peter was holding his injured arm up.

The fireplace was green once again, James stumbling out. Remus pounced on him with even more force, the two hugging, James allowing a breath of relief.

'Thank Merlin,' Remus sighed. 'Marlene came back and you guys took forever. I thought you'd all been -' he cut himself off.

James smiled, gripping Remus' shirt. 'The fireplace got destroyed. McGonagall fixed it once Dumbledore arrived.'

He caught sight of Sirius, quickly moving towards him. 'How'd they get you, Padfoot?'

Sirius groaned. 'Badly.'

James chuckled breathily, holding in his tears for his mate. 'It looks fine, honestly.'

'That bad?' Sirius asked.

'About as bad as the time you fell off your broom in second year.'

Sirius laughed, 'Don't make me laugh. It hurts.'

James put a hand on Sirius' shoulder, slumping down beside him.

Marlene held Lily in her arms. Lily watched the three boys huddling around Sirius. James stared at her, their eyes saying a hundred words to each other. She smiled at him and he smiled back. The fire crackled. Lily let another tear fall, awaiting their retribution.

McGonagall stepped out. She looked at the children on her floor. 'My word,' she exclaimed. 'Oh Merlin.' Her eyes fell on each student, conveying relief and love and so much more. She moved towards Sirius.

'Right,' she said to herself. 'Who's the fittest?'

Sirius groaned, raising an arm.

'Mr Lupin,' McGonagall ignored him, 'go and collect Madame Pomfrey from her room. If you run into another student, send them instead and come straight back.'

Remus nodded, walking to the door.

McGonagall let out a breath of relief. 'And, for us, I think a hot chocolate will suffice.'

Lily was stood in the corner of McGonagall's office, unable to sit still. Sirius was bandaged, now in sitting position, the hot chocolate in his hands bringing some red back to his face. McGonagall was talking to Madame Pomfrey by the fireplace.

'If anyone was going to get hurt,' James said, arm around his friend, 'it was going to be you mate. It always is.'

Sirius nodded. 'Even though your arse was the one taking on two at once.'

'Not alone,' he said. 'I didn't even know what I was doing.'

Marlene was silent, Remus now with his arm around her.

'Did you recognise anyone?' James whispered to Sirius.

Sirius looked to McGonagall. 'No,' he said quietly. 'Maybe. I don't know.'

Lily frowned. 'Why would he?'

James shook his head, silently asking her to go no further.

Lily glared at him, unable to hide her frustration.

There was a knock at the door. Before McGonagall could respond, it opened with a loud creak, Dumbledore walking through. He was accompanied by a tall man, wearing a green cloak and black shoes. He wore glasses and had silver streaked hair. His eyes were solemn.

'Children,' Dumbledore acknowledged. 'Poppy.'

'Professor,' Madame Pomfrey smiled.

'Children,' Dumbledore continued, 'this is Arnold. He works as a junior auror.'

'Junior?' Sirius questioned.

'The rest are dealing with the turmoil at Diagon Alley,' Arnold reported. 'So I was ordered here with Albus.'

Sirius nodded, sipping his hot chocolate.

Dumbledore smiled. 'First and foremost, no one can know you were at Diagon Alley. So, for now, we will be overlooking why you were leaving Hogwarts tonight.'

A flood of relief floored Lily.

'For now,' McGonagall repeated.

Lily's relief wavered.

'Until then,' Dumbledore continued, 'I must allow Arnold to ask you some questions.'

The children were silent. Lily inspected the emotions on each of their faces. James was unreadable. Slightly angry, perhaps? Sirius was tired, the bags beneath his eyes black. Remus and Marlene were solemn, Peter beside them with a similar expression.

'Who did you see?' Arnold asked.

'Two men,' James answered simply. 'I'm sure Professor McGonagall can inform you further.'

'Or the man Dumbledore captured,' Sirius added.

Arnold nodded. 'We could, I just need to make sure there was no one else.'

'There might have been,' Peter added. 'There were far too many lights in Diagon Alley for there to be just two of them.'

'Was he there?' Arnold questioned further.

Lily shook her head, but Sirius answered for her. 'Do you think we'd be here if he was?' Sirius barked.

'Manners, Mr Black,' Dumbledore reminded him.

Sirius rolled his eyes.

Arnold rubbed his eyes, 'Honestly, Albus, I don't need much more than that. Your testimony was enough. Knowing he wasn't sighted makes this all a bit easier. Will -'

'Did anyone get hurt?' Lily asked.

They all looked to her, Dumbledore and Arnold sharing a look.

'Albus,' McGonagall pushed. 'Were there?'

Dumbledore sighed. 'Three in critical condition. Two in hospital. It seemed to be a direct attack.'

'The Leaky Cauldron was completely empty,' James said. 'Where did they go?'

Arnold shrugged. 'It seemed all but two fled into muggle London - or disapparated. Two helped the three targets fight.'

James nodded. 'Can we go to bed?'

'McGonagall, can you show our students to their dormitories?' Albus asked. 'All bar Mr Black. He should spend the night in the hospital wing.'

Sirius groaned. 'I'm fine.'

'Your arms still bleeding, mate,' Remus pointed out. 'I'll come with you.'

Madame Pomfrey nodded. 'Come along, then.'

Remus helped Sirius up, grabbing his waist to support him. The three of them left the room quietly.

'Right,' McGonagall said. 'Let's get you back to your dorms.'

Lily made to move forwards. Then, she fell to the floor.

~ Author's Note ~

Apologies for the delay. Months and months in between updates is incredibly frustrating, I know. However, I'm not going to give up on the story. I write when I have the emotional capacity to write. For now, leave a little review and let me know what you'd like to see. I have a vague idea but I can put in as many filler chapters as you'd like. We're ten chapters in and not even three weeks into term so there's plenty of time!

Thank you to brongsandbrofoot, Melli, and 'Guest' for your kind words.