"Do you think we'll still be friends in ten years?" Peter asked timidly.

"'Course, don't ask dumb questions," James responded.

James, Remus, Sirius, Peter, Lily, and Marlene were sprawled out on the grass behind the Evans' vacation home.

"We'll be the same, just as aurors or some equally flashy job," said Sirius.

"And, as usual, Remus and I will be the only two doing the job!" retorted Peter.

"Now, Wormtail, do you really want to compare grades?" James asked with a sly smile.

"Oh, can I get in on that game too, Potter?"

"Evans, you'll skew the results."

"Pfft, I'm sure. No one who has auror aspirations can goof off as much as you four unless they had good marks. You'd have to be studying. I think your grades are just as good as mine."

"Did she just compliment us?" Sirius asked, dumbfounded. "Didn't know you were capable."

"Sirius Black, the things you don't know about me could fill a book."

The stars twinkled overhead as they shared a laugh. The sky reminded James of Hogwarts, and he made a mental not that they should sneak down to the Great Hall one night to just watch the ceiling in silence. This visit had been just what James wanted. Who knew Scotland was so peaceful, if not a bit cold.

"Maybe in ten years I'll write that book, since Padfoot will be incapable."

"And that is in no way creepy, James Potter," Marlene said.

"It wouldn't just be about Lily, I think our adventures together are interesting. Could fill a book. Might have to cut out Sirius though, he's not overly entertaining."

"I thought what we had was special!" Sirius wailed, flinging his arms in James' direction.

James was often fascinated by how comfortable he felt around certain people, but these kinds of nights reminded him why it was comfortable. Well, Sirius was excluded because there was no surprise about why the two were immediately inseparable. But that was a story for another day.

"While we're on the subject, I hope in ten years there's a cure for my, as you so lovingly put it, furry little – "

Remus was cut off by incredibly loud shouts of "SHHH" and "HAVE YOU GONE OFF?" by the other boys.

"Do you three think we're stupid?" Marlene interjected.

"Yes, how could we ever figure out what was going on when James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter make themselves scarce monthly for hours at a time," Lily added with deep notes of sarcasm sure to be lost on three out of four Marauders.

"Does anyone else know, speaking of which?" Remus asked, the worry now creeping into his voice.

"Doubtful," snorted Marlene. "I only know because Lily brought up that you guys would wander off just as dusk was setting in."

"But if you noticed – "

"Relax, Peter," Lily cut him off. "I don't think anyone else pays enough attention to you to notice."

"Did you hear that, boys, she pays attention," Sirius cooed.

"To me, apparently," Remus added.

Lily insisted she was just worried but it did not seem to make a difference.

"I'm writing a song about this," James exclaimed.

"Please don't."

"Lily, I must."

"No, you mustn't!"

"Lily! Pays attention to me!" he sang.

"You sound like a child."

"When I sneak off in the night she knows something's not right!" James continued, ignoring her pleas for him to stop.

"I hate you," she said, but the words were forced through a laugh.

"Lyrics could use some work," said Remus.

"And it is for your musical genius that I keep you around, Moony. I'll tell you what, Evans, I'll put that, frankly brilliant, song back in the vault if you tell me where you think you'll be in ten years."

"Ten years. I'll definitely be in a career that I love. I don't know what that is, but I'll love it. Something that fights for the greater good. Maybe I'll be in love. Realistically, I'll probably be keeping you out of trouble."

"Au contraire, Miss Evans, I would lay down my life to keep you out of trouble."