A/N: I'm sure you have all given up on me I can't believe it's been nearly 2 months! Sorry for the delay, I lost custody of laptop at some point and still don't have it back, which made writing this a bit of a pain. I was going to upload this friday morning, but it seems that is having none of that, sorry about that. To make up for the little hiatus this chapter is a bit longer, and a bit better edited than usual (just a bit though). And in case you missed it I wrote a one-shot if you want a quicker, and more satisfying dose of James/Lily. Anywho, enjoy, you've earned it for being to patient, I super love the 38 awesome people who have favorite-ed this story, and the 65 who are waiting for updates.


Chapter 12

Interest


Mrs. Evans stared in horror at the carnage that was her kitchen and her guilty looking daughter standing amid the chaos.

"I thought we could make some gingerbread," Lily laughed sheepishly.

"Don't blame her, Mrs. Evan," Sirius stepped forward, "this mess was caused by the carelessness of these ruffians, who have not developed the proper skills to bake without wreaking havoc."

Remus snorted, which he attempted to cover up with a cough, "I apologize Mrs. Evans, we've never made gingerbread before, or baked anything really, it was a bit of a learning experience."

"Don't worry," Peter smiled, wiping some icing from his cheek, "We'll clean it up."

"Alright," Mrs. Evans fought to keep a level tone, "here is what I am going to do, Bernard and I are going to bed, I am leaving these left over desserts on this counter, and when I wake up in the morning I am going to come down to my usually spotless kitchen and pretend that whatever this is, was a bad dream." She slowly backed out of the door.

They listened to her ascend the stair case and close the bedroom door before the boys broke out into a fresh bought of laughter. Lily joined in, in spite of herself.

There was icing smeared across the counter, gum drops littered the floor, and everyone had some powdered sugar in their hair.

"I don't see why wizards don't do this, it's a rather enjoyable tradition," Sirius dusted the sugar off of his sleeves.

"And we don't have to worry about the clean up as much," Peter grinned and aimed a scourgify at the counter.

"Don't forget the benefit of eating what you don't use," Remus grinned and took a bite of the chocolate bar that was left over from the roof of his house.

Each of the teens had made their own, Lily had given in on her no magic stance when they decided to magically multiply one batch, to save on baking time, and the results that each had produced were interesting to say the least.

Lily had gone the traditional route, building a small cottage, with icing-snow on the roof and gum drops lining the walk.

Peter made a simple house, rather similar to Lily's though he had more or less simply thrown as much decoration on to it as possible and it looked to be collapsing at the joints. This did not bother him so much as he was hoping to ensure that his would be eaten first, preferably immediately.

James had somehow managed to make a fairly accurate scale model of Hogwarts, and while Lily wondered how much spell work was involved in this recreation, she was more in awe that he somehow figured out to melt some gummy candy together to produce a sort of stained glass for the great hall.

Remus had made a sort of shack; it reminded Lily of the shrieking shack in Hogsmeade, complete with an eerie chocolate covered tree in the front yard, and again she wondered how much magic was responsible for its creation.

Sirius had decided that houses were overrated and instead made a motorcycle, complete with a snowman in the seat, made from marshmallows, and realistic-looking, sweet-smelling smoke emitting from the tailpipe.

"Well, get to cleaning then," She nodded at the boys, who quickly raised their wands. The kitchen was sparkling again shortly, and Lily lined up their creations on the counter next to the leftovers her mother had deposited. "That looks better," she observed, "and I think it's safe to say that Peter won"

"What?" James and Sirius cried out simultaneously in indignation.

"Shhh! I only mean that he met his goal of having the least attractive one with the most stuff," she pulled a chocolate that had been haphazardly thrown on the roof and ate it, "therefore his will be the first to be eaten."

"Sounds like a win to me," Peter beamed and broke off the gingerbread door, "this stuff is delicious."

"Who's next then?" Sirius reached forward to help devour the house.

"We should let Mrs. Evans choose, as everyone here is biased," Remus helped himself to chocolate.

"So we have to wait till tomorrow to find out that she wants to magically preserve mine and use it for decoration every year," James grinned as he snapped the gingerbread chimney off.

"How can you manage to be so overly confident about everything?" Lily rolled her eyes at him.

"It's one of my many talents," he winked, "It's a gift and a curse really"

"It's taking all of my self restraint right now not to curse you," she shot back before glancing at the clock above the stove, "I didn't realize how late it was, no wonder I feel so tired."

"Best be getting the little lady to bed" Sirius nudged James and waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Do that again and I'm decapitating your snow man, Black," she glared

"My apologies," he gave her a low bow, "come on boys, off to bed"

"Race you," Peter challenged, taking off for the stairs, Sirius close on his tail.

Remus sighed and followed slowly, "Night James, Lily"

Lily took one last look around the kitchen to be certain that everything was in its place before heading to her room with James. Upon reaching her bed she simply fell into it, James looked on amusedly.

"You really are tired" He remained standing as he pulled off his shoes.

"Yeah, it's been a long day."

"Let's get you properly into bed then," he chuckled, pulling her shoes off as well, before aiming his wand towards the emerald dress she was still in from the party.

She could feel the fabric changing, becoming less substantial, and a bit shorter, it felt like silk. "I don't normally wear night gowns" she pushed herself into a sitting position as he transfigured his outfit into a t-shirt and pajama pants.

"Yes, well I thought you could try something different," he reached his hands forward, "care to visit the loo before bed?"

"If we must" she sighed and allowed him to pull her back up to a standing position.

"I don't know about you, but I must" he wrinkled his nose.

A quick teeth brushing and a couple of muffliato spells and they returned, this time Lily sat down on the bed, scooting over to the far side and building up the pillow wall as James settled himself beneath the blankets.

"How is it that not only do you boys wake up at the ungodly hour of 8 am, but you a stay awake all night" Lily yawned and stretched.

"It's hardly been all night."

"James, it's three in the morning"

"Sleep is for the weak" He shrugged, "but I'll tell you what. You and I are having a lie in, no getting out of bed until at least ten o'clock." He picked up his wand from the bed side table and aimed it at the door; she heard the lock click shut.

"Only ten?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Whenever you awake my dear," he replaced his wand on the table and set his glasses down next to it.

She closed her eyes as a smile spread across her face, "sounds lovely," she yawned

"Night, Lily," he flipped the lamp off.

"Night, James."


Lily was aware that she was awake, now that the sun had positioned itself so perfectly that the rays reached through the windows and directly to her closed eyes she could no longer fight the day. She let out a low moan and stretched, extending her legs, curling her toes, reaching her arms above her head and spreading her fingers.

"Morning Sunshine," came a chuckle to her right.

"Is it still morning? I was aiming for noon," she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"It's only twenty past ten I'm afraid," he smiled and shifted to face her, "I think your body is too used to waking up."

Her eyes focused on James, a few pillows he had stolen from her barricade propped him up, his hair was a messy as ever and a herbology book lay open in his lap. "You're doing homework," she said in a slightly disbelieving tone, "I thought we were having a lie in!"

"No you were having a lie in, I believe my words were 'sleep is for the weak'," he smiled and marked the page he was on before closing the book.

"How long have you been up?"

"Since nine or so, been doing some research for that herbology essay we were assigned," he gestured to the book, "besides, someone had to convince Sirius not to come barging in here and carrying you down to breakfast"

"But you locked the door!"

"Little things like locks aren't about to stop Sirius," he shrugged.

"How did you stop him then?" her eyebrow quirked.

"Just threatened humiliation and bribed him with homework help," James smiled, "the usual."

"I see," Lily took in a deep breath, "so, what is the plan for today then?"

"We should go down stairs and scrounge up some food, maybe see who won the gingerbread-off?" he pulled the blanked off, "first, however, I think we could both use a tooth brush, your breath is horrendous."

"Yours doesn't exactly smell of daisies," she threw the blanket off.

They went about what was becoming their morning routine, a quick trip to the bathroom, where neither would speak followed by Lily casting general cleaning spells and James transfiguring new clothes for the pair of them. Within ten minutes Lily was standing in front of the open pantry scanning their breakfast options.

The kitchen door swung open and in strolled a smug looking Sirius, "well it's about time the two of you got up!" he crossed his arms, "I was just going to head upstairs and extract you myself"

"That's what you said two hours ago" James rolled his eyes.

"How about cereal?" Lily asked James, ignoring Sirius.

"It hurts that you're refusing to acknowledge me Lily, I suppose I'll just come it to snap off a bit of your gingerbread house and go back to watching Christmas movies with your parents"

"My house?" she shifted her attention from the pantry, "what happened to Peter's?"

"Peter happened," Sirius grinned in triumph, "And then Peter happened to Remus' as well, it looked too spooky for a Christmas decoration. She liked James' the best, however, then mine and yours, my Lily-flower, came in dead middle," he plucked a gumdrop and popped it into his mouth.

"It's just because mine isn't charmed to smoke, or glow, or snow," the bitterness resonated in her voice, "At least I can take comfort in the fact that you didn't win either."

"Nope, the best man won this round," James grinned throwing an arm around Sirius, "as usual."

"Keep telling yourself that, Jimbo, when I want to win something, I will" Sirius growled and shoved James' arm off, "And what are you two up to today?"

Lily was looking in a slightly apprehensive manner between the two.

"Don't worry about it Lily, I hear sometimes siblings fight," James glanced at her and patted her shoulder.

Sirius shrugged, "yeah, probably because big brother's are prats," he landed a punch on James' shoulder.

"If you say so," she bit at her bottom lip before adressing Sirius, "I was thinking of shopping today, as I have some presents that I need to buy."

"I know you'll be tempted to get me something grand to declare your love for me, but try to resist, it will only put James in a right mood," Sirius winked, "our love can wait till we are returned to the safety of the castle, and you are out of this heathen's grap."

Lily rolled her eyes as Sirius strode from the room, "I don't know how any room but the great hall can fit two egos like yours and Sirius' in it."

"It's a tight squeeze, but we can usually manage," James said thoughtfully, "though there was that time that we exploded a room at Peters, that was probably a well placed reducto, and not our egos though. His mum was livid."

"Any way, let's get on with it, while I know that Mum has an eye on your mates."

They ate quickly and after a quick word with Mr. and Mrs. Evans, who were sitting with the boys in the living room watching Scrooge on TV, Lily and James headed for the shopping center.

Mr. Evans had offered the car, but Lily, not fully trusting James to drive, insisted on walking. The air outside was cold, and clouds above threatened rain. Lily pulled the hood of her jacket up before James snatched up her hand and tucked it into his pocket.

"So where are we off to?" he asked her, ignoring the way her eyes had narrowed at his touch.

"Well I have to get the boys presents, and I was thinking I should visit some shops" she clenched her right hand, but did not remove it, silently enjoying the warmth.

"Anything for me?" He flashed a charming smile.

"I've already got you something" she said nonchalantly, looking straight ahead as she walked.

"I'm shocked and honored."

"We exchange gifts every year, I don't know why you're surprised," she shrugged as his smile faltered, his thoughts falling towards Christmas past.

"I suppose that's a fair point," he mumbled, "but, now I'm just concerned."

"Let's see, first year I didn't come home because Petunia was still cross with me, and you got me acid pops that weren't labeled, resulting in a trip to the hospital wing."

"Ah, our first Christmas at Hogwarts. To pay me back you filled a box with swelling solution that exploded when I opened it," James reminisced, "Remus and Sirius had to levitate me to the hospital wing because my head got so large, thank Merlin that Slughorn stockpiles simple solutions as if the world is ending."

"I thought that a larger head would fit your ego better," Lily winked before moving on, "second year you got me a potion to turn my hair black with a note that said black hair would match my personality better."

"And you got me a howler that ranted for ten minute about how I was the scum of the earth and my hair a like a birds nest and so forth, Mum got a kick out of that one."

"I was home that year and I believe that was my first warning for underage magic," she smiled wistfully, "Third year was Zonko's, you got me a biting teacup, that got Petunia on the nose. She refused to speak to me for a week."

"You got me a box of dung bombs, or at least the smoke left behind my one"

She grinned, "I was rather proud of the charm I used to seal the box until you opened it."

"Yeah, well Remus's mum was not amused" James mumbled, "that smell lingers for a while. You would think that after first year I would have learned to only open gifts from you in an open area away from anything."

"Oops," Lily shrugged a bit guiltily searching her memories before a sad sort of smile crossed Lily's face, "Fourth year you got me Gerald"

"Gerald?" James blinked, "You named the puffskein Gerald?"

"Yes, he looked like a Gerald to me," She sighed, "he passed away this last summer, my first pet, and the first nice present you got me," she gave him a nudge.

"Yes, well, that was the year I realized that I didn't want you to hate me, though you still haven't gotten me a nice one, you gave me a box of flobber worms that year."

"You were the one who wrote a sonnet about them for Care of Magical Creatures! Besides, it's not as if that was a mean gift."

"No, just a rather boring one," he nudged her back, "here I spent all this time realizing that I actually fancied you and trying to pick out a good gift."

"And there I was wanting to make sure not to encourage you to keep asking me out like you obnoxiously did once every few days that year," she retorted.

"Fair enough, I was a bit over anxious back then"

"Back then?" her eyebrow quirked.

"I'm getting better! I mean last year, after much thought and hours of shopping I got you that cloak for Christmas. Doesn't that count for anything?"

"You gave me that cloak because you ripped my old cloak the a month before Christmas with a hex"

"A fair point, but last year, you gave me a fanged frisbee that you jinxed to rip my clothes to shreds!"

"I just wanted to be sure we were even"

"I got you a new cloak!"

"But I didn't know that till after Christmas"

"Excuses," his eyes were sparkling, there was absolutely nothing he loved more that a good morning banter with Lily.

She rolled her eyes at him and fought the overwhelming urge to cross her arms, "moving on, this year, I need to get the rest of your cohorts gifts as well."

They had stopped, reaching the row of shop fronts, Lily scanned trying to determine where she would find a magical yet muggle gift for each of the boys.

"So Remus is the easiest, I was planning on giving him some chocolate from the candy shop over there," She pointed towards a crowded shop, "I guess we can save that for last, hoping that the queue dies down."

James nodded in agreement and scanned the other shops, "I'm sure we could find Peter something in that toyshop," he pointed, "maybe even something for Sirius."

She nodded in agreement and the two set off for the shop. Inside was a frenzy of activity as people crowded displays and reached for the seasons most in demand toys.


Hours later a victorious Lily and James set off for home, free arms laden with bags, both giggling about some joke, stomachs full from a lunch in a small restaurant Lily had tried once the previous summer, and their conjoined hands still tucked away into James' pocket.

"Lily dear!" Mrs. Wilson called out.

"Hello Mrs. Wilson," Lily and James chorused.

"Your hair is so easy to pick out," the older woman smiled, "I was hoping to catch you," she paused and looked back and forth between James and Lily, "But where are your friends?"

"Couldn't bring them along and spoil the surprise," James smiled warmly holding up the bags in his right hand, "Besides, with them around so often I feel like I'm sharing my girl here," He gave Lily and nudge and a pink tinge over took her cheeks.

"Of course, and I must say you two look rather lovely together," Mrs. Wilson patted James' shoulder, "It is so rare to see a young couple who look at each other the way you two do, warms my old heart."

Lily coughed, "I'm sorry Mrs. Wilson, was there something you needed? Snuffles didn't get out again did he?"

"No, he's safe at home, though he has taken a liking to you friend, Sirius. But to the point, I was hoping that you could ask your mother to send the recipe she uses for her French onion soup, my sister in law is coming over tomorrow and after the soup she served last year I'd really like to show her up."

Lily smiled graciously, "I will ask her the second we get home, perhaps Sirius could be persuaded to deliver it this evening, I'm sure Snuffles would enjoy a visit."

Mrs. Wilson beamed, "That would be delightful, and I look forward to it. Now off with the pair of you," she glanced to the sky, "I don't think the rain is going to hold off much longer and I don't want any of your things ruined."

"Alright, bye Mrs. Wilson!" Lily headed off, James as her side.

"She sure likes you," James observed, falling back into step with Lily.

"I think the neighborhood it rather dull, you know, ordinary, and me arriving with four boys in tow has lead to some interest. All though the summer, after the initial welcome to the neighborhood pudding, all I got for her were friendly waves whenever we came across one another. Now she goes out of her way to start conversations."

"We marauders are known for stirring up interest."

"If by interest you mean drama," Lily shot back.

"I thought women loved drama, and don't act like you are not enjoying yourself. You would be bored out of your mind if we weren't here," James countered.

"I suppose that would be true, though if you were not here I might be able to get some of my homework done."

"We have plenty of time before you should start worrying about that."

"Oi! It took you long enough, we were beginning to think you had done a bunk," Sirius stood in the open front door of the house, grinning ear to ear, "The boys and I were just about to form a search party."

"No need, you found us fast enough without them," James smiled back.

"Yes, well I've always been faster than them," Sirius pointed back into the house, "I think Pete lost his shoe."

"He lost it or you misplaced it?" Lily looked at him suspiciously.

"Lily-flower, I can't believe that Jamesie would make you carry all those packages all the way home, it seems chivalry is dead. Let me help you take those upstairs," Sirius swooped down and grabbed the bags from her.

"Aren't you glad you listened to me and had them gift wrapped in store," James murmured, following Sirius to Lily's room.


Lily collapsed onto the couch next to her mother, James settling in on her other side.

"Just in time for The Nutcracker," Mrs. Evans looked up, "Did you finishing cleaning up after dinner?"

"Yes, all the dished washed and dried," Lily said.

"Dinner was fantastic, Mrs. E," James added.

"It's a shame you missed lunch, it was amazing," Remus looked up from a book he was reading from an armchair.

"Absolutely brilliant!" Peter agreed from the floor where he and Sirius were playing chess.

"How can muggles stand to play this game, having to move all of the pieces by hand, it's so tedious," Sirius glared at the pieces.

"How does wizard chess work?" Mr. Evans looked over from the other arm chair.

"Lily never told you?" Sirius looked up in surprise, "you order the pieces around, like troops into battle, the way the game was meant to be played," he plucked up his rook and moved it a few squares, "Check"

Peter frowned, "I usually see that coming, and didn't I have a few more pawns a second ago?"

"What exactly are you insinuating Pete?" Sirius said in mock aggravation.

"That you are taking advantage of the silent and unmoving pieces to slip a few off the board."

"You think I'm cheating?"

"I can see them behind your back, Sirius, and do shut it, I'm trying to watch the ballet," James threw a spare throw pillow at the offender as both chess players let out a cry of indignation.

"I suppose I deserve that," Sirius admitted, begrudgingly placing the missing pieces on the board, which Peter quickly arranged for a fresh start.

Lily smiled, and snuggled into her mother, perfectly content after her day to sit quietly and watch the interest unfold.


A/N: I'll love you even more if you review, plus it will motivate me to update!