DISCLAIMER: ALL CREDITS GO TO J.K ROWLING FOR THE INVENTION OF THIS WONDERFUL WORLD AND CHARACTERS THAT I SPENT MY CHILDHOOD IN LOVE WITH. ALL CHARACTERS ARE THE WORK OF FICTION AND HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH REAL PEOPLE, REAL EVENTS OR REAL PLACES.

"Are you okay?" Kate asked as soon as I stumbled back into the dormitory, my eyes still rimmed red from tears.

It was just past seven when I had returned back to the Gryffindor tower with Sirius, Kate and Mary, back early from dinner, was waiting for my arrival anxiously.

"Truce?" he asked, stopping me from going up the staircase and I had to laugh at the clear discomfit on his face. I shook his hand.

"Truce,"
"I'm fine," I said, shucking off my robes and saw the two exchange worried glances.

Honestly, did they not believe a word I said?

"I'm fine," I repeated, rolling my eyes, "Don't worry,"
"You didn't talk to James," Mary said tentatively, "We saw him at the Dining Hall,"
"Yeah, I was with Sirius," I nodded.

I was, in ways, glad I ran into Sirius before James. Because thinking about it now, I wasn't sure what I would have done if I met him. What, it's not like I could just throw my arms around him and ask if his parents passed away. That would be awkward on a whole new level and we both would have left the conversation feeling absolutely terrible. I was too upset and was running on my feet, head first before I even knew what I was doing .

Hm.

It seemed like a habit of mine these days, to act first without thinking. It was recklessly impulsive and very un-Lily like. I must work on fixing that.

"Oh Merlin, that prat was nasty to you, wasn't he?" Kate asked furiously, standing up, "Well, he can shove his moodiness up his arse because he has no idea what you-,"
"It's okay," I assured her, slightly bemused by the scowl, twisting up her features. Kate was, by nature, a very bright person, and anger did not suit her.

"I talked it out with Sirius,"
"And nobody was hurt?" she asked dubiously, her expression clearing and I grinned.

"Well, at one point I had my wand out," I mused, picking up my pyjamas, "But it ended well. No one was hexed. Hugs were exchanged,"
"Uh oh, Sirius must have done something bad to hug you," Kate sat, flopping down on her bed, "He doesn't hug anyone,"
"Hey, how do you know it wasn't me that was hugging him?" I asked defensively, "Maybe I made him cry,"

"He made you cry?" Mary asked, alarmed and I shook my head.

"No, I… You know what, forget it," I said in exasperation and frowned, "Is that an owl?"

There was a handsome, tawny owl pecking at our window, hooting in annoyance when we just stared at it blankly. We didn't get owls very often in our dormitory.
"Why yes, yes it is," Kate unlatched the window, letting the bird hop in, "Hey, this is James' owl!"
I watched as she untied the letter from his leg, peering at the note.

"It's for you," she handed it out to me.
I took it wordlessly, smoothing out the folded piece of parchment whilst absently handing the owl some snacks. It gave an appreciative hoot, nibbling on the stick.

Lily,

Did you fight with Sirius? He's hiding in his bed with a box of chocolate and the last time he did that was when Peter broke his motorcycle. Also, I noticed you two weren't at dinner tonight. And Mary might have mentioned you were looking for me.

James

Sirius with a box of chocolate?

I rolled my eyes. Merlin, he was such a pansy at times but I had to smile at the imagery of Sirius stuffing his face with chocolate. I grabbed a quill from my bag, fishing out a spare scrap of parchment paper.

James,

Really? Ha. I hope he gets fat. It'll do wonders to his self esteem.

And I'm fine. Really. I'll see you tomorrow for rounds.

Lily

When I came out of the bathroom, freshly showered and clean, I had another letter, except this time, there was a small parcel attached too. I stroked the smooth feathers of his owl and he puffed up happily at the touch. I laughed at him. Much like his owner, he was very easy to please.

L,

I hope your 'fine' isn't the passive aggressive bull girls use when they're not fine at all but pretending to be. Birds are bloody insane.

I know you didn't have dinner so here are some pasties that Peter and Remus took from the kitchens earlier.

Happy Halloween

J

P.S Padfoot doesn't gain weight. He just turns needy

I unwrapped the small, hastily wrapped package and smiled down at the two, slightly squashed pies that he had sent over. James could be so bloody sweet at times, it was hard to believe he was the same James from two years ago. Though I knew now what might have caused him to mellow and the heaviness to my stomach returned at the thought.

James,

Thank you for the pies. I inhaled them.

It's not Halloween yet, you dolt.

Happy Halloween Eve.

Lily

P.S. Send me a wedding invitation. You and Sirius would look adorable in matching suits

L,

You're welcome

And stop raining on my parade

Happy Halloween

J

P.S Fuck off

"Yeah, we wore our robes and grabbed our brooms and went trick-o-treating," James was saying as we walked down the main street of Hogsmeade, "The Muggles thought our magic tricks were awfully clever,"
"Oh Merlin,"

We were sharing stories about our Halloween. I told him about the time when I was six, I dressed as a princess but Tommy Hicks from my kindergarten, laughed at me and told me that no princess had ugly red hair like mine. I was furious and ripped off my tiara in tears, and to the shock of everyone around us, all his pretty, golden curls disappeared, leaving him bald. James burst out into laughter at that, before confessing a story about when a nosy stranger asked him about his perpetually messy hair, he had caused her to swell and float away. His parents had to chase her, casting memory spells at every Muggle in the vicinity as they tried to get her back down.

And now he was recounting Halloween from two years ago where the Marauders snuck out of Hogwarts and rode their brooms over to the nearest Muggle village to partake in the Muggle tradition of trick or treat.

I couldn't help but laugh at the pure absurdity of it all. I sometimes forgot that James lived in the wizarding world and had little to no contact with the human world. And it amused me to no end how the most mundane of things fascinated James.

God, when he heard about television, he wouldn't shut up for almost an entire hour, amazed by the creativity of the non-magic folk.

"Muggle sweets don't move," James shook his head, "Weird,"
"Neither do our photographs," I informed him and he nodded feverishly and I broke out into another smile at his enthusiasm.

"I knew that," he said proudly, "Remus showed me! Sirius set one on fire, trying to get them to move,"

Typical Sirius Black. He had a destructive streak that ran miles deep.
"Remus should have dressed as a werewolf," I giggled a little and James joined my laughter.

"That would have been fun," he shook his head and squinted his eyes as he spotted something in the distance.

His jaw dropped open when he recognised the three figures, running in our direction, "Is that… Is that the lads?"
I gaped at explosion of colour that was torpedoing out from Zonkos towards us, a wild smile breaking through each of their faces. They were dressed as….

"Crayons?" I asked faintly.
"Yes," Sirius tugged at the bright, red pointed hat on his head, "Crayons,"
"Shove off, you're embarrassing me," James pushed him away but instead, they held onto him tighter.

I laughed, taking a careful step away from them, "And you say girls are insane,"
"I think Lily is jealous because we're only giving James attention," Remus said, glancing over at Sirius over James' hair.

James had stopped struggling now and was standing there helplessly as he gazed at me over the three nutcases heads.

"Me thinks so," Sirius said gravely, "What do you think, Wormy?"
"I think Lily deserves our love too," Peter nodded and before I could flee from their idiocy, they launched themselves at me, draping their limbs across my body.

"Get off," I spat out a mouthful of Peter's hair, "Get off,"
"Never," Sirius was clutching me around my stomach and doubled over when I elbowed his head.

"We'll be your date till Gilderoy comes," Peter assured me and I rolled my eyes.

Frankly, after all that happened yesterday, I was barely interested in the date, but it was rude to cancel on the day before, so I decided to just go through with it. Plus, on a drizzly, dreary day like today, I could do with a pretty face.

"Remus," I whined, looking over at him. He had his arms tight around my neck and he just smirked, not making a move to help me get away from the idiots. Wait, he was a part of the idiots this time.

"Nope," he shook his head.
"You traitor," I hissed and looked over their heads at James who was watching us in bemusement, "James?"
"Sorry," he said, holding out his hands helplessly, "I can't fight them all at once,"

"I'm supposed to be on duty!" I whined and he grinned.

"Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye out," he assured me, tapping the side of his nose.
"Which eye?" I struggled against them but their grips simultaneously tightened around me, "You're looking right at me!"
"You worry too much," he reached over to ruffle my hair, much to my annoyance, "Live a little, Evans,"
"I live plenty!" I said and yelped when I felt a sharp sting on my arm and I looked down at Sirius who was grinning wolfishly, "Did you just bite me, Sirius?"
"Maybe,"

Oh for the love of Merlin.
"You are so bloody annoying," I spluttered but I couldn't help but burst into uncontrollable laughter at the ridiculousness of this situation.

What the hell was going on? How did I end up in the middle of Hogsmeade with three quarters of the Marauders draped onto me? I blushed when I noticed the strange stares we were receiving by the other students and I tried in vain to shake them off.

"You didn't compliment us on our costumes yet," Remus reminded me, "We spent a lot of time on it,"
"Oh please, I recognise a colour change charm when I see one," I rolled my eyes, "Really creative. Outstandings all around,"
"It's a bit hypocritical if you're poking fun at our creativity, don't you think?" Sirius raised his eyebrows at me.

"I am creative," I said, indignant.

These boys clearly have never been on the receiving end of my shrinking charm. Let's see if they'd still be bloody laughing when they're reduced to the size of peas.

And I stepped on them.

"Lily, you named your bloody owl Owl," James snorted, "I think that says something about your creativity,"

I was eleven when I had gotten her, so I clearly did not know any better. I didn't even know you could have owls as pets! I thought I was being awfully clever back then, but in hindsight, I think my parents were too indulging for my own good.

"I hate you all," I moaned.

"No, you adore us," Remus said.

"Can't live without us," Sirius added.

"Which is why we're here," Peter squeezed tightly.

"Lily?"
All our heads turned around at the same time to see the very confused face of Gilderoy Lockheart.

"Gilderoy," I tried to shake the three off desperately but they wouldn't budge, instead, they all stared at him with obvious hostility in their eyes.

"Lily," he said, smiling brightly though his eyes kept darting between the faces that were clamped tightly onto my person and I found myself blushing.

These gits.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, "It's past three,"
"Oh is it?" I struggled to lift my hand and then gave up when Sirius refused to budge, "I'm so sorry, these three are being prats and I couldn't move,"
"No, its fine, its fine, a bit of a joke with your mates, is it?" Gilderoy ran a hand through his marvellously blonde hair, "All right, Potter?"
James nodded curtly, "Lockheart,"
"Erm, so, why don't you let Lily go now, Black?" Gilderoy asked, "It's time for our date,"
"Make me,"
Oh for goodness sake.

I elbowed his stomach, "Get off, Sirius. You too, Remus and Peter,"
"Is it your turn now, Gilderoy?" Remus asked innocently.

What the hell was he doing?

"My turn?" Gilderoy looked baffled, "For what?"
"To go on a date with Lily," and then he, to my complete utter shock, planted a fat kiss on my cheek, "This little tease. She had me at twelve,"
"And me at one," Sirius, deciding he cannot be outdone by Remus, also kissed my forehead, "And she gave Peter a pity date at two,"
Peter, to my horror, kissed my other cheek and in that moment, I felt like dying, I really did. But after I murdered these ponces.

Gilderoy's mouth parted in shock and he spluttered, "What?"
"They're joking," I said quickly and managed to fish out my wand that was stashed within my robes, "Get off me or I am going to hex you all,"
"Really, Head Girl?" Sirius asked disapprovingly, "I see Prongs has thoroughly corrupted you,"
"Get off her," James said quietly and the three shot him a sour glare before they reluctantly let go of me, freeing me of their weight.

Those arses were listening to Potter immediately when they completely ignored my pleas for the last ten minutes.

I straightened my robes, "Shall we go then? I'm starved,"
"Erm, okay," Gilderoy blinked, in what I noticed meanly, was a rather stupid manner, "Sure thing. Off we go,"
"Gilboy, I think you might have casted a few too many beauty spells," Sirius said nastily, "Clearly its addling with your brain,"

"It's Gilderoy," I snapped, knowing full well that he already knew.

"That's what I said," he sneered back.
I glared at Sirius but he just ignored me, smirking at the confused expression on Gilderoy's face.

"What-," he began but I grabbed his forearm firmly, dragging him away from the idiots.

"Sorry, they're just messing with you," I told him uncomfortably, "I don't know why they're like that,"
"Because they're the Marauders!" Gilderoy laughed gaily, clearly over his confusion, "You said you were hungry?"
"Yes," I nodded quickly, "Let's go to the Three Broomsticks. I can do with a butterbeer,"

I've been patrolling since nine in the morning, and besides sharing a bar of chocolate with James, I had not eating anything since breakfast.

"Funny lot, aren't they?" he asked when we slipped into a booth in the packed pub.

"Yeah, they're fairly odd," I managed, cupping the warm mug of butterbeer in my hands.
That was an understatement. I always thought that James and Sirius were the loony ones in the group, but today just proved that insanity must rub off, because Pete and Remus were clearly just as insane.

"Oh, Lily," Gilderoy pulled someone from the crowd, dragging him into our table, "This is Adam Harley, you know him, right?"
I stared at the seventh year Ravenclaw with a smile, "Hey, Adam,"
"Hello, Lily," his brown eyes were widened with surprise, "You on a date with Gilderoy?"
"Yeah, we're having lunch," Gilderoy smiled widely, gesturing at me, "Isn't she pretty?"
"Well, everyone knows Evans is gorgeous," Adam rolled his eyes and I reddened at that, uncomfortable, "I thought you were with Potter,"
"What?" I asked blankly, "James?"
"No, I got her first," Gilderoy winked, "Won over Potter, didn't I?"
My mouth dropped open at that, staring at him in confusion.

What did he just say?

"What was that?" I asked flatly once Adam left, "Got to me first?"

"Well, you're here, aren't you?" he asked, shrugging, "Not with Potter. But I suppose it's hard to resist my smile. I was voted the best smile in Hogwarts, did you know that?"
I could remember the stupidly shallow poll the idiot Hufflepuff seventh years conducted last year that I tried so hard to ban but my scolding were overridden by the protests of the female population of Hogwarts.

"I thought Sirius won," I said, raising an eyebrow.

He had gloated about it for days, covering every inch of the common room wall with posters of him winking cheekily at the other students, and blowing kisses at the girls. I couldn't remove it, much to my annoyance, because Sirius may be pretty, but he was also ridiculously talented at sticking charms. He only took them off when I threatened to tell McGonagall.

The top of Gilderoy's cheekbones turned pink, "Oh, that was for Ravenclaw then! I must have gotten confused because I win so many contests,"
I just nodded, taking a bite from my burger to prevent me from having to talk.

"Watch did you think of the Quidditch match? Went pretty long, didn't it? If only Quidditch didn't mess up my hair so much, I would have played for the team though I guess it might not be much fun if the game lasted five minutes! I'm an excellent Seeker. And a Chaser. A pretty decent Keeper too," he chattered, pausing only to admire his reflection in the spoon he held. I watched in fascination as he flashed himself a wink.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes.
"Really now,"
He nodded enthusiastically and his eyes brightened when he noticed something behind me. He waved a hand, "Oi!"
A group of Hufflepuff seventh years had entered the pub, bringing in a blast of cold air with them. They looked over at his call, shivering in the cold. The last day of October was bitingly cold, a contrast to the warmth of yesterday.

"I'm on a date with Evans," Gilderoy said before they could even speak, "Won her from Potter. Poor fellow, always lagging behind me,"
Oh my god.

Not this again.

"You were dating Potter?" Caitlin gaped at me and I could see her eyes flare up in excitement at the potential of new gossip, "Since when?"
"I am not dating Potter and I never have," I said through gritted teeth and I could see the obvious disappointment in her eyes when I said that.
After a few minutes of chatter, they drifted away and I sighed into my mug, unhappy about the fact that I had no buffer to block out Gilderoy now.

"So, what do you want to do now?" Gilderoy asked brightly as we exited the pub. I tightened the scarf around my neck.

"I don't know," I said, shrugging, "I'm really tired, I think I want to go back to the Castle,"

"No, wait," Gilderoy cried, "We should meet more people before we go back up,"
"So you can tell them you won over Potter again?" I asked flatly and glared up at him in annoyance, "What is up with that, by the way? Do you… Do you have some complex over James or something?"
"No-," he looked startled but his entire face was flushed.

"And I'm not dating Potter, alright?" I added, "So you didn't win me from anyone and I'm not… Not some bloody trophy!"
With that, I turned around and stormed up to the castle, leaving Gilderoy and his stupid, golden head, to stare after at me with wide, confused eyes.

Prat.

"Do not say a word," I held up my hand as I threw myself onto the armchair in front of the fire in the common room that James was currently occupying, squeezing myself into the seat.

He raised his eyebrows, "Excuse me, but I am sitting here, Evans,"
"Move then," I scowled, kicking off my boots and snuggled deeper into the cushion of the armchair. I loved this armchair, it was my favourite spot to rest in the common room.

James rolled his eyes in exasperation but he shifted slightly, making more room for me and his arm draped around the back of the armchair. And then he continued to read from the Transfiguration textbook that was on his lap.

"Not going to ask?" I asked suspiciously.

I had expected James to rub into my face with a torrent of I told you so as soon as I entered the common room. I must have been more self absorbed than I thought because James hadn't said a word so far.

"I don't need to," James said calmly, turning over to the next page, "I can see it all over your face,"
"He's a prat," I fumed, glaring into the crackling fire, "A complete, idiotic prat. A dishy one, but Merlin, James,"
"That bad?" the corner of his lips turned up slightly and I smacked him.

"Don't laugh, Potter," I warned.

"I told you he was a ponce," he said cheerfully, completely disregarding my threats as usual.
"Three minutes, James," I checked my watch, "How badly did you want to say that?"
"Like you wouldn't believe," he grinned up at me, tossing the textbook aside and sighed happily, "I love being right,"
"Oh, shut up," I groaned, pressing my face into the armchair, "It was horrible, James. He just kept talking about himself and how bloody brilliant he is at everything. And do you know what the worst part was?"

"He uses more products in his hair than you?" he suggested.
"No," I paused, and frowned, "Though that is true,"
James laughed, "What could possibly be worse? He kept checking his reflection on every surface available?"
"He did that too," I scowled, glaring at the small hole at the toe of his socks, "The worst part was that he kept… Kept showing me off. Called every bloody person he knew over to our table, and it might have been flattering if he didn't keep saying that he won me from you!"
"What?" James asked after a moment of silence.

"He kept saying that," I raged, "I won her from Potter. What.. What am I, some possession?"
James had an odd look in his eyes, "Won you from me?"
"Yes," I kicked at the footstool in annoyance, watching as it toppled over, "He has some serious complex about you, James,"

"Don't they all?"
"I'm serious,"
"Me too, I'm completely brilliant,"
"I would hit you but I'm too tired to," I said, sagging into the seat, "That had got to be the most insulting date I've been on so far,"
He hummed in satisfaction, picking up his textbook again, "I told you so,"
"Shut up," I mumbled, and sighed, resting my head against his shoulder, "Why can't there be any decent blokes at Hogwarts?"
James snorted, "Maybe you just have ridiculous standards,"
"Better than having no standards like you," I shot back.
"Don't insult yourself, Lil, I mean, you're annoying but you're not that bad," he said and grinned when I looked at him, not comprehending his words, "I fancied you didn't I?"

Oh, this git.
"That was your one redeeming moment," I said, sniffing, "The others were rubbish,"
"Jealousy stains, Evans,"
"Jealousy," I rolled my eyes, "Bah,"
"Someone is in a nasty mood," James noted.
"Try going on a date with Lockheart and you'll feel my pain," I grumbled and he chuckled, ruffling my hair, "Your friends are such ponces too. What was up with them today?"
"Nothing, I think they just like you,"

"Of course, I'm absolutely charming," I said, preening a little and laughed at his disgusted expression.
"And modest too," he rolled his eyes and I rested my chin onto his shoulder, reading the page the book was open to.

"Do you find this fun?" I asked uncertainly after two lines. It sounded horribly complex and I was just done with Transfiguration.
"Very informative," he nodded before adding absently, "You can pick up a few pointers or two from it, Lily. Maybe next time your chair won't have a feather on it,"
"That was your fault," I said, blushing furiously.

If James had noticed it, there was no way in hell that McGonagall and her laser beam eyes would have missed it.
"Yes, always blame James for your misdeeds," James rolled his eyes, "Your obsession with me is slightly unhealthy, Lily,"

Obsession.

This idiot thought he was so funny, didn't he?
"If you and Sirius weren't changing your chicken bright pink then maybe I could have paid attention!"
"Stop looking at me all the time then, it's getting a bit embarrassing, Evans,"
"I was looking at Sirius actually," I said, smirking, "Don't flatter yourself,"

"Lies,"

"No, I like my men slightly barmy," I giggled and James laughed too and I flicked his nose, "I'm serious though. Stop changing your chickens,"
"Lily, there will come a time in life where you'll have to use Transfiguration in less than perfect conditions," he said, a patronizing smile on his face and I fought the urge to punch him, "And you won't always have me to blame,"

"I highly doubt Voldemort will be changing his chickens bright pink, James," I said drily. I had expected to get a laugh from that but he quietened immediately, the humour fading from his eyes.
James' expression was sombre when he spoke again, "Hopefully, you don't ever have to deal directly with him,"
"You never know," I shrugged, playing with the end of my scarf and smiled a little, trying to lighten the suddenly heavy mood, "And he might really like chickens,"
James sighed, running a hand through his hair, "You're are, by far, the best witch I have ever met. Probably the best witch in our generation,"
"James," I fidgeted uncomfortably, my cheeks burning in embarrassment, "That's really not true,"

"You are," he said forcefully, "But remember Lily, this is Voldemort we're talking about. Neither of us stands a chance against him. He's not Lestrange or Mulciber, okay?"
"I know that, James," I frowned, taken aback by the intensity in his eyes, "And this is all a bit unnecessary, isn't it? Like you said, I probably will never have to face him,"
He sighed, rubbing at his eyes tiredly and I reached up to straighten his eschew glasses.

James looked tired, the bone, deep sort of weariness that did not suit his youth and I realised, with a start, that we were growing up far too quickly.

I missed my dad at this moment, I ached for him so much that it physically hurt. I missed his warm smiles, his hugs and how I felt so safe in his arms, blind to the dangers of Voldemort and the wizarding world. I blinked back the tears that had suddenly formed in my eyes, clouding my vision..

I was not going to cry in front of James again.

"I said I hope you don't have to," he shook his head before his eyes met mine again, helpless "But Lily, you're bound to catch the attention of them. It's just a matter of time,"

"Me?" I asked in surprise, "But I'm just a Muggleborn,"
"Exactly," he sounded unhappy, exhausted as he continued, "A Muggleborn who is Head Girl and managed to disarm the son of a known Death Eater in less than a second,"
"That was luck," I mumbled, shifting in my seat, "And you were there,"
"Luck or not, word gets around, Lily," he said quietly, "So be careful,"
"I'm at Hogwarts," I said, squeezing his hand and offered him a tentative smile, "When Dumbledore is here, what can possibly go wrong? We all know he wouldn't dare touch Hogwarts with Dumbledore here,"

"There are ways to get to you outside Hogwarts, Lily,"
"James, I think you're a little paranoid," I said, forcing lightness to my tone but he was scaring me with his seriousness, and the hopelessness in his eyes made me feel as if it was true.

But surely not.

Surely Voldemort wouldn't notice a daft witch like me.

"Fine, I am quite brilliant but I really don't think he's going to care about me. He has countries to control, giants to recruit... You know, Dumbledore to worry about,"

"Just be careful, Lily, always," he said and sighed, "I know you tend to run into situations without really thinking,"

I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that he knew me so well.

"But slow down, alright?" he pushed himself off the armchair and I suddenly felt cold without the warmth of his body, pressing into my side. He looked down at me for a long moment, his eyes almost painfully soft.

I swallowed.

"Because I can't lose you too," James said so quietly I almost missed it.

And then he was gone, leaving me alone in the Common Room, suddenly feeling the urge to burst into tears.

"Lily Evans, my dear girl,"
I looked up from the beaker I was drying, smiling up at Professor Slughorn. He beamed back, waving his wand.

"Your Draught of Peace potion is absolutely wonderful," he said, holding up the small vial, filled with the lilac coloured potion, "I am just coming back from handing it to the Hospital Wing,"

That's it. I loved Potions. It stroked my ego liked nothing else.

Well, except Charms. But to be fair, I had been married to Charms ever since I had entered Hogwarts, we were in a very serious relationship. So I guess I could take Potions as a lover. I had plenty of love to go around.
"Thanks sir, I have an excellent teacher," I smiled and heard Elizabeth snort very quietly behind me. I turned around to glare at her but she was studiously packing up the cauldron, her lips twitching.

Professor Slughorn's face looked like it was going to split in half as he chuckled approvingly.

"Will you come to this week's Slug Club meeting?" he asked hopefully and I had to control my expression as I shook my head.
"No, sorry Sir," I said, mustering as much remorse in my voice as possible, "I have a Prefect meeting,"
"Ah, well, that's too bad," he clucked his tongue unhappily, "You and Mr. Potter rarely come to the dinners anymore. I have quite a few people who would love to meet you both,"

James' words from a few nights back flashed through my head.

"They're bound to notice you,"

I smiled weakly, "Head duties and all,"

I didn't want to draw extra attention to myself from people outsides Hogwarts. I knew Slughorn's game, he picked out the students he saw with potential, or with powerful connections, and blatantly favoured them. He was much like an overgrown, balding spider, creating a powerful web around himself. And I knew amongst the many people he had connections to, there was bound to be someone on Voldemort's side. I had to be careful. We all did.

"Yes, speaking of," he hesitated, glancing around the mostly empty classroom before he spoke again, his voice lowered, "I handled Mulciber and Lestrange. Thank you for reporting them, Lily,"

Slughorn was famous for having a heart as soft as his stomach when it came to punishing his own House.
I raised my eyebrows dubiously, "A light slap on the wrist perhaps, Professor?"
He was far too fond of me to be offended by my words, instead, he smiled, "I handed them over to Professor McGonagall. Minerva has more talent in doling out punishment than I do,"
I couldn't help myself from gloating, "You did an excellent job, Professor. A hundred percent approval from me,"
"They're not bad boys," he said anxiously, "But it is illegal to carry Doxy blood… And I heard he called you…,"
He trailed off uncertainly.

"Mudblood," I prompted and he winced at that word.

"Yes, yes," he dabbed at his forehead with a hankerchief, looking very uncomfortable, "That sort of action is intolerable,"
"Thank you, Professor," I said softly, "That means a lot to me. You were very brave,"
He flushed at that but nevertheless, seemed pleased as he puffed up proudly, "I also nominated you for the Founder's grant,"
I blinked up at him in shock, "Sir?"
"Lily, my girl, you are by far one of the most talented witches I have ever had the pleasure to encounter," he patted my back fondly, "You deserve it and more,"
"Thank you, Sir," I couldn't help but smile at him, "That's an honour, especially coming from you,"
"Me?" he asked, puzzled, "Whatever do you mean?"
"Because you know so many talented students," I reminded him and grinned, "Does that mean I'm special?"
"Miss Evans, of course you are!" he cried, thumping my back and I lurched against the table, "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go to a staff meeting now,"
He waddled out of the classroom with one last wave and I hummed to myself happily, stashing my book back into my bag.

"He adores you,"
"They all do," I said cheerfully and winked at Elizabeth, "You adore me too,"

She smiled reluctantly, shaking her head at me.
Founder's Grant. That was worth four hundred Galleons. It was a scholarship they gave to one student in the graduating year and to be nominated for that… Wow.

It wasn't as if my father's death left us in debt or anything, no, he was a scrupulous man, but a lot of money went into my mother's hospital bills, and thank Merlin Vernon was more than willing to pay for my mum's nursery home. Despite his misgivings, Vernon did seem to genuinely love Petunia, and there was nothing more that I could ask for. But there was not much money around for me save the small sum my grandparents had left me which I used to pay for my final year in Hogwarts. And I had no idea how I was going to pay for Auror training after I graduated, so it was a constant concern that played in the back of my mind.

If I received the Founder's Grant, that would change everything.

"You're in a good mood,"
I looked up from my novel to see James leaning against the door frame, a small smile on his face. I beamed up at him and he blinked, surprise, "Whoa. you look like you were hit by a rather potent Cheering Charm,"
"I am in a good mood," I threw down my book and propped up my chin with my hands as I narrowed my eyes playfully at him, "How did you know I was here?"
I was sitting alone in an empty Charms classroom because Hestia and Kate were engaged in a rather nasty row over shoes back in our dorm room. I had been here since dinner had ended, wanting some peace and quiet to read Wuthering Heights, one of my favourite books, away from the din of the common room.

"Magic," he smiled lazily, closing the door behind him and ducked when I tossed the book at him.

"I don't care anymore," I said defiantly, "I don't want to know,"
"You're such a liar, Lily," James picked up the book, handing it back to me, "And if that hit me, that would have hurt,"
"And you'd be a pathetic Quidditch Captain," I told him cheerfully, "Because I have horrid aim,"
"Now I have to know," he pulled a chair back, straddling it backwards as he watched me curiously, "What happened?"
"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You looked… Very happy. It's almost blinding," he gestured at me and I smiled again while he just stared at me blankly.

"Because I am happy," I sighed in satisfaction, closing my book dreamily, "Very,"
"Why? Did Slughorn give you an O in your homework?" he sniggered.
"Hardy har," I rolled my eyes, "Because Lily's entire life revolves around grades,"
"Doesn't it?"

That git actually sounded surprised.
"No, just mostly," I corrected before I said, the words escaping me in a rush, "Slughorn nominated me for the Founder's grant,"
James raised his eyebrows, "Congratulations. But that's just Slughorn being in love with you, what's new about that?"
I hit his arm indignantly, "He's not in love with me. And Founder's Grant, James. That changes everything,"

He was silent for a moment, his forehead burrowed before realisation dawned onto his features.

James grimaced, looking apologetic as he ran a hand through his hair, "Sorry, Lily, I was being insensitive, wasn't I?"
"It's nothing," I said, waving my hand dismissively and then sat up straighter, leaning closer towards him, "I want you to help me with something though,"

"What?" he asked warily.
I explained my idea to him and he snorted when I finished.

"Really, Lily?" he asked, shaking his dark head in disbelief, "Is that necessary?"
"He's my saviour," I said, then added, "And he handed Mulciber and Lestrange to McGonagall!"

"I see Slughorn isn't alone on this love business," he shook his head, withdrawing his wand, "And you should be able to do this yourself, Lily,"
"You're better at Transfiguration than me," I said anxiously, watching as he transformed the rock I had prepared to a fish bowl, "I don't want to muck it up,"
"I think I might be jealous that you like Slughorn more than me," he rolled his eyes, taking the flower I had needled out of Professor Sprout. It was a perfect, white lily and I could smell its soft, sweet fragrance, wafting the air between us.
"Oh, shut it, you," I said impatiently and tapped the bowl, filling it with a few inches of water and glanced at James expectantly. But he was frowning slightly as he stared down at the flower, his fingers stroking at the silky petals.

"You do it," he handed the flower to me and I stared at him in surprise.

"Are you angry?" I asked warily, confused by the sudden change in demeanour, "Will you feel better if I told you that I like you more than Slughorn?"
The corners of his lips twitched into the tiniest of smiles as he shook his head, gently pressing the flower into my hand.

"I can't do it," he said simply.

"What do you mean you can't?" I asked, incredulous, "You're the best at Transfiguration!"
"You said you wanted it to represent you," he said calmly, "I'm not you,"
"What?" I asked in confusion but he just settled into his seat, unruffled.
"It needs you to do it, your magic," he elaborated, "Or it'll just be a boring fish,"

I blew at my hair, fiddling with the end of my hair nervously, "I'm not sure if I can,"

"You can, Lily," he said with absolute certainty.

I swallowed, carefully plucking a petal off the lily and held it on my palm. The petal was so delicate, a fragile whisper resting against my skin. I picked up my wand, my eyes flickering up to James who just smiled.

He was right, I could do this.

I took a breath, relaxing my shoulders and I thought of how happy I was when Slughorn informed me of my nomination and held onto the feeling, squeezing my eyes tight. I exhaled and cast the spell, watching as the petal glowed white, drifting off my hand and landed gently onto the water.

"Do you think it worked?" I whispered, leaning closer to observe the petal floating on the water, sending ripples through the surface.

"Yes," he said without an ounce of hesitation and he lifted his wand, tapping the edge of the glass bowl carefully.

"What was that?"
"Unshatterable charm," he tucked his wand back into his trousers.

"Thank you,"

We both stared down at the bowl in silence, watching the lily his hair brushing against mine.

"Congratulations, Lily," James said quietly, holding my gaze and I suddenly felt as if the classroom was too hot.

"It's just a nomination," I squirmed in my seat, flustered by his stare, "I probably won't-,"
"You will," he cut me off before giving me a conspiring smile, "I know for a fact that McGonagall recommended you too,"
I stared at him, my mouth slightly parting in surprise, "How did you know that?"
"You might have Slughorn wrapped around your pinkie, but I'm McGonagall's favourite," he said smugly and then paused before adding, "And Padfoot,"
I smiled, fidgeting with the remnants of the flower, "It'll be nice if I can get it,"
"You have Flitwick eating out of your palm," he rolled his eyes, "You'll be fine,"
"Teachers love me," I conceded.

Why wouldn't they? I did their homework and actually (kind of) paid attention in class.
"Everybody loves you," he said casually, plucking the flower from my hand and I blushed at his words.

I watched as he levitated the flower, letting it spin lazily in the air between us.

"What's the book about?" James asked, nodding to the novel I had thrown at him earlier.
"A bunch of idiots ruining themselves because of love," I said, picking up the battered paperback, "Fun stuff,"
"Sounds awful. Why do you read it?" he asked, holding out his hand and I passed him the book, watching as he flipped through the pages with his brows creased.

"I don't know," I said honestly, "There's just something very compelling reading about the extent people will go for love,"
James raised his eyebrows slightly as he whistled low under his breath, "Still sounds awful,"
"It's strange," I said absently, my eyes fixed on the flower as it began to unfurl then furl its remaining petals, "No matter how destructive it gets, being able to love is the only redeeming quality of humans,"

James was silent as he processed my words, his hazel eyes distant.

"Maybe Voldemort just needs a lot of love," James said darkly, "Maybe we need to smother him with love,"
I laughed at that and he smiled at the sound as he flicked his wand.

I started when the flower erupted from above our head, showering the table with tiny lilies, some catching onto my hair. James reached out to pick them out carefully, his hand grazing against the skin of my cheek.

"I think you may be onto something there," I said thoughtfully.
"About him being affection deprived?" James asked dubiously and I smiled.

"Yes," I nodded, carefully gathering the lilies into a small mound, "Voldemort probably never experienced love. It's something he doesn't understand and that's why he works so hard to destroy it,"
James was silent, his eyes never leaving my face as I spoke. I picked up my wand from the table, gripping it tightly in my fingers.

"So maybe that's his weakness," I shrugged, meeting his gaze steadily and it surprised me, how genuinely fond I was of him now, "It's going to take more than just sheer talent and luck to defeat him, James. It's going to take dedication, patience, trust and love. All the things he doesn't have,"
I pointed to the scattered lilies, for once, completely confident as I whispered the spell.
The miniature flowers soared up at once and there was a bright flash of light that flared before it disappeared. James blinked dazedly before he looked down at his hands where there lay the lily, perfectly whole again.