Hey guys, two days in a row, how's that for updating! :) So I might try and update tomorrow night... but no promises. Make sure you keep reviewing - you're all about the reviews when I don't update but it's only fair if you review when I do as well...

Chapter 11:

The First Set Of Broomsticks

On the morning of the Hogsmeade trip the Gryffindors ate excitably. Each of the couples were talking animatedly about what they were going to do in Hogsmeade, leaving James, Lily and Peter to sit in quiet awkwardness. Things between James and Lily hadn't be the same since Lily had been asked out by Lorinc Rikard. Alice and Frank were the first to leave. "See you guys at the Three Broomsticks at midday," Alice said before pushing Frank out of the Hall.

Remus and Kate quickly followed after them, "see you guys in a bit."

"Yeah," James grinned, "have fun…"

"Will do," Remus smiled as he took Kate's hand.

"We're going to head off too," Sirius said as he took his eyes off Marlene for the first time all morning.

"Alright, see you in a bit," James nodded. "Who are you going with Wormtail?"

"I'm not going," Peter replied.

"Huh?" James frowned, "how come?"

At that moment James felt a tap on his shoulder, "are you ready James?"

"Yeah, sure thing Becca," James nodded, forgetting all about his question, "see you guys later."

James and Rebecca made idle conversation as they walked down the path and through the school gates. They could hear the excited chatter of the other students around them, "where do you want to go?" James asked.

"Er… I don't mind," Rebecca began, "Do you like Herbology? I really like Herbology. We could go to Dogweed and Deathcap… you know if you want?"

"Sure," James laughed, "if you want."

"And of course we must go to Honeydukes!" she exclaimed.

"Of course," Harry noticed his father's eyebrows raise slightly, he was clearly very entertained.

"What are we doing for lunch? We could go to Madam Puddifoot's."

"Er… we can't… my friends are expecting us at the Three Broomsticks at midday."

"Oh ok… And I guess you will want to go to Zonko's?"

"Er… sure," James was seriously beginning to regret inviting Rebecca. Harry watched as the odd couple walked into Hogsmeade; Rebecca talked constantly without a need for a response, leaving James to think about Lily. They made Dogweed and Deathcap their first stop, running into Alice and Frank in the doorway.

"Hey Ali, Frank," James smiled excitedly when he saw his friends, "what are you guys up to?"

Alice grinned, "just letting Frank peruse… you know how he gets about herbology…"

"He doesn't even take Herbology," James laughed.

"Doesn't mean I don't like it," Frank commented, "just bought a new plant – incredibly useful…"

James looked down at the plant, "gr… great."

"I was thinking I might ask Professor Sprout if I can take it back up again," Frank continued, "I really miss it."

"You do?" Alice asked, surprised. "You haven't said."

"Yeah, I miss it," Frank frowned, "plus it would help us become aurors."

"Us?" Alice frowned.

"Well that's the plan right?" Frank looked up.

"Right guys," James broke off the conversation, "see you at lunch!" James and Rebecca continued into the shop, leaving Frank and Alice to their discussion.

"Love, that's not what I meant," Alice said calmly, "of course we're going to train to become aurors… I just didn't realise you automatically presumed I'd take it with you."

"Well you will, won't you?" Frank looked confused.

"You shouldn't just presume things Frank," Alice replied. "It's up to me what subjects I take. You should have told me you wanted to take it up and then asked me to join you not presume I would."

"I was going to mention it," Frank answered, "I just haven't gotten around to it."

Alice sighed, "Ok, just don't do that to me again. Don't put me on the spot like that – not with our friends."

"Ok," Frank nodded, "Sorry Ali."

Frank and Alice started walking down the highstreet until they ran into Sirius and Marlene, "hey Si, Mars," Alice called from across the street.

"Hey guys," Marlene replied.

"What are you up to?" Alice asked.

"Just heading into Zonko's," Sirius told them excitably.

"He's just like a little kid," Marlene patted him on the head.

"Have you seen anyone else?" Alice asked.

"Just Lily," Marlene replied.

"Evans doesn't seem to like her date," Sirius told them jokingly.

"Are you serious?" Alice frowned.

"That's my name," Sirius replied. "She said he just doesn't stop talking."

"When did she say that?" Frank asked.

"We went to Dominic Maestro's, you know the music store?" Marlene explained. "I got Sirius to distract Lorinc for a few moments whilst I talked to Lily."

"She really doesn't like him?" Alice giggled. "I would have thought he'd be just her type."

"Anyway… we better get going if we want to leave Zonko's in time for lunch," Marlene joked.

"Hey! I take offence to that statement," Sirius whined.

Sirius and Marlene walked into Zonko's hand in hand, "what are you thinking about getting?"

"No idea…" Sirius smiled, "that's half the fun…"

Inside the store they ran into Kate and Remus, "what are you doing here?" Sirius asked. "You know you might be the most serious out of all of us marauders Moony… and definitely the least likely to be in a joke store."

"No Sirius, you are the most serious," Remus replied sarcastically. "If you must know we are buying Kate's brother Will a birthday present."

"Ah, that makes sense," Sirius nodded, "How is Will? I feel like I haven't seen that kid in ages."

Kate laughed, "he's ok… now that he's not getting relationship advice from you!"

"Hey!" Sirius moaned.

A few moments later Remus and Kate left Zonko's with a massive bag full of gifts for Will. Remus put his arm around Kate's waist and looked at his watch, "I think we've got time for one more stop. Where to next Kate?"

"How about that bookshop you are always talking about," Kate suggested.

"Tomes and Scrolls?" Remus asked. "If you like?"

"Sure…" Kate grinned. They spent the next half hour perusing the different books. Remus showed Kate some of his favourite books with such an excitement that Kate couldn't help but giggle. They were just paying for their books when Lily and Lorinc walked in. "Tomes and Scrolls? Really? How dull! I can't stand reading… I don't know why you bother with it. I certainly wouldn't read for fun," Lorinc was complaining.

"These books are ridiculously old," Lorinc continued. Lily merely sighed and continued ignoring him.

James had noticed them walk into the bookstore and so suggested to Rebecca that they take a quick look before going to lunch. "A bookstore? Are you serious?"

"No but I can introduce him to you if you like," James joked.

He was only slightly put out when she didn't laugh at his joke. Most of his attention was focused on finding Lily in the bookshop. He found her towards the back having her ear bent off by Lorinc. "Rikard, Evans…" James nodded.

"JAMES!" Lily gushed, throwing herself into his arms, "save me," she whispered.

"Are you both ready to head to the Three Broomsticks?" James asked Lorinc and Rebecca. They both nodded, completely confused by Lily's reaction.

James walked closely at Lily's side, "I take it your date is going as badly as mine then."

Lily nodded. Lorinc had started up a conversation with Rebecca about his aversion to books. "He hates reading," Lily explained.

"Ah… well… my problem is slightly smaller… she won't shut up!"

Lily laughed, "I have that problem too."

"Maybe we can ditch them and run away together," James winked.

"Tempting…" Lily smiled.

When they entered the Three Broomsticks, they noticed their friends were already waiting for them. James made sure to sit next to Lily at one end of the table. The only two seats left were at the other end; Lorinc looked put out but obliged Rebecca by helping her into one of the empty seats before sitting beside her. He then began to speak loudly to as many people at the table as would listen. Alice and Frank, who were sat closest to him, nodded occasionally but mainly talked amongst themselves. Lily grinned at James, "You shouldn't have done that…"

"Done what?" James asked innocently.

"Stolen me away," Lily whispered.

"I couldn't resist," James winked at her.

Lily couldn't resist hitting him across the back of the head. "What was that for?" he complained as he rubbed his head.

"You know what for," She giggled.

"And here was me thinking you were a damsel in distress… you know usually when you ask a man to save you, you mean it," James teased.

"I did mean it," Lily laughed. They chatted away throughout lunch. Their knees would touch occasionally and Lily would lose her breath for a second.

"What are we going to do?" James asked.

"How do you mean?" Lily asked in confusion, as she finished off her desert.

"He's going to try and steal you back and I don't have any way to stop him taking you… because you don't want me to save you."

Lily laughed, "follow my lead…" With that she stood up, grabbing James' hand and pulling him up too. "Everyone, I'm sorry but I think I've eaten too much… I'm feeling quite sick so I'm going to head back to the castle…" Lorinc began to rise from his seat. "Don't worry though, James has offered to escort me back, so you can all enjoy the rest of the day."

"But I can do it," Lorinc pressed.

"There's no need," James answered. "I need to return to the castle anyway to prepare for Quidditch practice tonight anyway. If you wouldn't mind escorting Rebecca around Hogsmeade and back to the castle I would be much appreciative."

"I… er… of course," Lorinc knew he had lost.

James and Lily paid Madam Rosmerta and left the pub. Once on the road again they let out the breath they had been holding in and started laughing somewhat hysterically. "Th-thank-you James," Lily giggled, "I owe you one…"

"I'm sure you'll think of a way to repay me," James flirted.

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