Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Harry Potter. That privilege belongs solely to JK Rowling.

A/N: So sorry it took me foreverto update, but for holiday treat, Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

The girls reached the relative safety of Lily's dorm, finding it wonderfully empty. Hermione sat on the corner of the bed, while Lily flopped down on her stomach, propping her chin on her hands.

"Can you believe those idiots?" said Lily. "They're never going to grow up. What they do to poor Severus…. If they could go a day without tormenting the poor boy, I'd probably die of shock."

Hermione could only grimace in agreement. She couldn't stand Severus either, but at least her dislike was justified. James simply had to do better than this if he was ever going to win Lily's affections. She was certain that Sirius had played a rather large role, as he usually seemed pressure James into action. It was a decidedly unattractive quality in Sirius, one she was grateful that he would grow out of.

"Listen; let's not worry about the boys, ok? There is something I really need to talk to you about."

At this Lily immediately sat up, giving Hermione her full attention. "Of course, Hermione. What is it?" Lily could sense that Hermione was going to tell her something important.

"I lied earlier," said Hermione, twisting around to sit facing Lily on the bed. "I wasn't in the library all afternoon like I said I was."

Lily searched her eyes, bewildered. "Ok, so where were you then?"

"I was with Dumbledore. We've decided to change it."

Lily was confused. "Change what exactly?"

"The future."

"Damn. I really wanted that pudding!"

"Shut it, Sirius," groused James.

"Don't tell me to shut it, Prongsie-boy," Sirius said in a warning tone.

"Well somebody has to, don't they!?" James irritation was evident.

"Look guys, let's not quarrel. Won't get your pudding back," this directed at Sirius, "or you girl," said Remus, looking at James.

"Whatever."

"It's not whatever," said Remus shortly. "You want to sit here and bellyache about her every time you screw up and yet you do nothing to prevent a future reoccurrence."

"What exactly do you expect me to do Remus? Walk on water?"

"How about using your brain? I know you still have at least a little left that quidditch didn't knock out." This earned him chuckle of laughter from around the table.

"Seriously James, you just need to ask yourself one question," said Remus pragmatically.

"Which is?"

"Is what I'm about to do going to feel better than being with Lily?"

"What? That's it? I don't get it," said James, slightly confused.

"Think about it. Next time you and serious here," Remus clapped Sirius on the back, unintentionally causing him to choke on his pumpkin juice, "get together and decide to pick on Snape, ask yourself, 'Is what I'm about to do going to feel better than being with Lily?' And the answer would be?"

"No," said James, smiling, having seen the light.

"Then what am I going to do all day why James gives into his Lily-conscience?" asked an outraged Sirius.

"You could always strive to be a better person, maybe even study a little," said Peter, looking at Sirius.

The two stared at each other for a moment before erupting into laughter. "Good one, Petey," said Sirius, before digging into the other desserts that were still on the table, leaving James and Sirius to roll their eyes, exasperated.

Lily was stunned. Speechless even, to say the least. She looked at Hermione as if she had accidentally found herself deaf.

Hermione looked at Lily nervously. "Well? C'mon Lily! You have to say something!" Hermione begged impatiently.

"I'm sorry; I think I just stepped into another dimension. I could have sworn you've just said that you are planning to change the future."

"Lily!" she said in exasperation. "I'm serious! I need your help."

"How can I help you, Hermione? I'm not from the future so I don't really know anything that will help you there. What I do know is that this is highly illegal, Hermione! You have to know this. You're way too smart not to know the kind of risks you are undertaking!" Lily's motherly tone left nothing to be desired.

"Of course I know, Lily. I didn't tell you this so that I could be lectured," said Hermione angrily.

"Then why did you tell me?" shouted Lily.

"Because you're my best friend!" Hermione shouted right back, looking flushed.

"Oh," said Lily, quietly. "I'm sorry I shouted Hermione. I'm just worried about you."

"I know. Me too."

"I really think you should consider this more before you do it. We can talk about it for a few days. Get things into a little better perspective."

"I can't do that Lily."

"Why not?"

"Because we've already started."

Lily looked at her incredulously. "Well whose idea did you think it was anyway?" said Hermione defensively. They looked at each other awkwardly for a moment.

Hermione cleared her throat. "Remember that I said I need your help."

"Yes?"

"Well, Dumbledore and I are going to be spending a lot of time together while we figure this out, and plan our next step. I need you to cover for me. The boys can't know."

"Why? They already know you're from the future."

"Because not everyone in that little foursome is trustworthy. Not like you think."

"What? What is that supposed to mean?" demanded Lily. "Surely you don't mean James! Sure, he's a bit of a bully and a tosser, but you have to know he is one of the most loyal people I have ever met!" Lily could have smacked herself at what happened next.

Hermione looked Lily directly in the eye and said, "Not James, Lily. It's certainly nice to know where your thoughts really lie, though."

"Yeah yeah," mumbled an embarrassed Lily. "Then who is it Hermione? Fess up!"

Hermione took a deep breath and knew there would be no going back this time.

"Peter."

I'm so sorry it's been so long since the last update! I know this one's a little short, but I'm just happy to have put something out again for you guys. Hopefully I will keep the updates coming a little more regularly again. Don't forget to review and let me know what you thought of this.