A/N: Shoutout to the beginning of Emma and James' seventh year. I hope you will enjoy the rest of this story, I'm so excited for what is planned. Thank you so much for keeping up with the story. I truly appreciate it, it means the world to me.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 24: Emma

It's surprising really, how fast the summer went by. After the wedding, the rest of it seemed to be all a blur. She was glad that she was now on speaking terms with James again. In fact she was glad that she'd gotten drunk that night, for if she hadn't they probably would have never made up, nevermind the fact that she took shot after shot because she watched a boy in a grey vest and turquoise tie flirt with those godforsaken French cousins of Victoire's.

It had been a pleasant surprise when Emma received a Head Girl badge in the mail in the previous weeks. She met with Audrey to see that her hair had been cut just above her shoulders and the stray hairs pinned to one side. Aiden was present as well, he'd become a lot more tan over the summer, and when Emma'd caught the two of them snogging in a compartment she took it as her cue to exit. She was extremely excited and she made her way back to the prefect's compartment on the train that day, eager to see who the new Head Boy would be. She suspected Zachary Sloper, but then, perhaps, maybe not. She opened up the door to the compartment and nearly jumped off the train, "Potter?" she asked incredibly surprised.

Sure enough a boy with dark messy hair looked up from fiddling with a gold badge with the letters HB unmistakably present, but that wasn't the part that surprised Emma the most. James had caught her off guard because, well, he'd been running over the summer, he was tan, it complimented his hazel eyes which sparkled mischievously. And it was his hair, his hair had been cut shorter, but just by a little bit, so now it stood up just so, so Emma had no choice but to make contact with his eyes when she talked to him. And the only thing that went through her head at that moment was goddamn he's so bloody fit.

"Well look at that my little sparrow! Fancy seeing you here."

"You knew?" Emma asked.

James opened his mouth and hesitated, "Ah, no. I'm just as surprised to see you."

"You, Head Boy Potter?"

"That hurts, Wood, it really does."

Emma raised her eyebrows, "But I don't-,"

"Oh Merlin you sound like Al and Lily."

"You weren't surprised?"

"Me? Are you joking? I'm a Potter, my dad defeated Voldemort, it's like my birth right!"

"Humble as always."

"You know me," James said with a smirk.

Emma let herself in the cabin and looked around, "It's so empty," she muttered to herself. The last time shed been there was when the Head Boy and Girl had been reciting instructions and passing out schedules, now she was going to be the one to do it.

"What was that?" James asked.

"Nothing," she said to him.

"Okay, so Wood, please do tell how do these meetings work?"

"McGonagall's off her rocker," Emma laughed and shook her head. "We go over rounding schedules, yes and how to direct the first years. We pass out passwords, and what am I forgetting?"

"Quidditch schedules," James confirmed.

Emma nodded, "Although."

"You didn't happen to get your captain's badge did you?"

Emma shook her head, "No, but McGonagall mentioned wanting to see us about quidditch when we got to school."

"You don't reckon-"

"Don't you dare say that, no!" Emma shouted, her mind drifting to the ultimate disappointment. "You ready Potter?" Emma asked.

James grabbed the passwords from a folder and nodded, "I think so."

Emma opened up the compartment to let all the prefects who were conglomerating outside, in. She noticed Albus, a fifth year prefect, Rose, once again, a sixth year, and Scorpius a sixth year prefect as well. Once they'd all settled in Emma began, "Welcome everyone, we hope you've had a nice summer."

She noticed each House had grouped themselves together in separate parts of the compartment, she heard James whisper from behind here, "You know what this means?" he said, thinking on the same line as she was. Emma nodded.

"Okay, well let's see, I think that we should first and foremost let you know that this year, things are going to be run a little differently," said James. Emma noticed the distinct use of his captain voice. "First off we'll finalize rounding schedules."

"Wood," he handed it over to Emma, who had obviously done it before.

"So if we keep the original draft from last year, I'll take it we won't have to adjust much at all," said Emma.

All the prefects poured over the schedule, shuffling what they deemed fit until it had worked out in everyone's favour.

"Keep in mind, this is preliminary, as quidditch has not been accounted for" James announced. He then handed out a copy of the passwords to each of the sets of prefects.

"Next time we will meet is about half a month from now."

The prefects nodded. "Perfect," James said, he opened his mouth to dismiss him when suddenly all the lights in the compartment went off leaving the compartment pitch black. Emma froze, jumped slightly and grabbed onto whatever was next to her. "If you wanted to jump my bones all you had to do was ask," whispered a voice from her side. She could feel James' breath on her neck, she immediately let go, but before she could retort, "Lumos," she heard James mutter from near her.

The tip of his wand lit up and suddenly, the whole compartment seemed to be filled with small beacons of light. "Okay, I want seventh years to check on first years, fifth years, check second third and fourth, sixth years, fifth sixth and seventh, are we clear?"

"Yes captain," James heard Albus say. James reached over and ruffled his hair, "Don't patronize me."

"You deserve it."

He brought the light over so it illuminated both of their faces. Emma could now see how close in proximity they were. "Potter?" Emma asked.

"Yes love?"

"You're an arse." She said simply.

"Go out with me Wood."

"Not on your bloody life."

James was about to say something when the lights flickered back on and there was a faint knocking on the compartment door. Emma jumped away from James Potter and cleared her throat as she opened the door for a prefect, seventh year from Slytherin entered. "First year got a little too excited and shorted out the lights on the train."

"Thank you,"Emma said. She excused the prefect and then turned to James, "get up Potter, we'll head back to Audrey and Aiden."

James stood up next to her and it was the first time Emma noticed how tall he was compared to her. Not that she was short or anything like that, but he still towered over her.

"After you Wood," James held open the door, he let it go a little too soon however and it slammed Emma's back.

She shot him a look "and they say chivalry is dead."

"I know, blasphemy," James said with a wink.

"Shut up, just get going" Emma. The two of them walked to the compartment which Aiden and Audrey were holding for them. "What do you suppose we'll come across?" Emma asked.

"I think it's best you knock first," James suggested.

Emma did so, not hearing a reply, so she opened the door a crack just to see what was happening before frowning and opening the whole thing. Aiden and Audrey were sitting opposite each other, arms folded and not speaking. "Last time I checked you two were practically shagging in public."

"We are," Aiden carefully searched for the best words to describe the situation, "at odds."

"In other words Aiden has something stuck up his arse."

Emma thought she saw James glance at her briefly before saying, "I know the feeling."

"But don't let our squabble ruin your train ride," said Aiden, fixing his glasses. "Excited to be back?"

"If NEWTs don't kill us first," muttered Emma.

"That's the spirit Em!" exclaimed Audrey.

And so the four friends were able to catch up on their summers. Not before long Emma excused herself and James to get to the first years. She drew her lips into a fine line. "You don't think they'll call it off do you?"

James took a moment to think before responding, "Aiden's too taken with her, they'll make sense of it eventually."

"If it doesn't blow over, what will that mean for us?" Emma caught herself, "I mean the of us."

James would have answered provided the chance, but the train came to a screeching halt.

"It's time," said Emma, her stomach churning with nerves, with the best authoritative voice she could muster she shouted "First years! Once we get to the platform you will board the boats."

"You will follow the fit as anything Wood over here, she's single blokes," James said with a wink in her direction. "And myself."

If looks could kill James Potter would be dead. But for now Emma had to admire the way the students listened to him. He had a certain way about leading that didn't make it seem as though he wanted anything out of it. He was a natural leader, Emma had noticed it time and time again on and off the pitch.

"If you happen to get lost please approach anyone with a gold badge or a professor but stick together."

Once they'd unboarded the train, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of all the bustling students.

Many of them were quite taken with the sight of the castle just as Emma remembered she had been.

Emma led the first years to the boat where she and James lined them up and sent them off in groups of four. James even managed to comfort some of the squeamish students and sent them on their way.

Soon there was a particular lack of students and one boat left. James had already made his way inside, he held his hand out for Emma and helped her into the boat. "I hate boats," she groaned.

The boat rocked and Emma, for the second time that day, found herself clutched to James Potter. "I've got you," he said softly.

She clammered off of him, "I'm sorry," she muttered.

"Not a problem love."

The boat followed the rest of the first years and every so often she would find herself glancing at the water. "Anxious yeah?"

"Flying I can do, boats, no."

James laughed his buoyant laugh, "Of course, you're a Wood."

"Oh sod off."

Emma and James didn't say anything the next few minutes, they sat in their boat listening to thr first years' jarbled conversations around them until Emma said, "feels surreal doesn't it."

James nodded, "this time next year we'll be doing things with our lives."

"Lovely thought isn't it."

James snorted, "fantastic."

They made it into the castle safely, thank goodness for Emma and were greeted by Professor McGonagall who stopped them briefly on their way to the feast "I'd like to see you both for a few moments following the Welcome Feast. In my office please, Mr. Potter, Miss Wood."

"Yes Professor," James said.

"Of course Professor," replied Emma at the same time.

Emma and James both took their respective seats at their House tables. And the sorting had started, Emma paid attention to the small first years who were sorted into Ravenclaw and clapped especially loud for them.

The feast was brilliant as usual. Emma got back in touch with friends she hadn't seen in the summer and caught up with them all.

"I would like to welcome all the students back to school," said McGonagall, "before we leave I have a few special announcements. First years keep in mind that the Forbidden Forest is off limits. Bear in mind, the Great Hall is no place for fireworks," McGonagall's eyes twinkled as she glanced over a Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Emma nudged Aiden who smirked. "And lastly, this year is a very special year. Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament," a series of gasps filled the hall, Emma felt tingles. "In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts."

The hall was filled with murmurs of excitement as all the students spoke excitedly of the upcoming event. Emma wasn't quite sure what to expect though she felt a surge of anticipation. McGonagall waited for it to quiet down once again before dismissing everyone by House.

Emma excused herself from the table and waited outside the Great Hall before Professor Longbottom began dismissing.

"Waiting for me?" asked a voice from behind her. She spun around to meet James.

"Yeah," said Emma, "let's go." And so together the two of them walked to the head mistresses' office. Stopping at the gargoyle in front."Er Potter?" Emma started.

"Yes love?"

"How do we plan on getting in when we don't know the-"

"Cockroach clusters," James suggested.

Emma stopped to look at him, "What-"

"Fizzing Whizbees," he tried again. Nothing happened, "Pumpkin Pasty. Sugar Quill. Chocolate Wand. Strawberry lace."

The gargoyle creaked before jumping aside. Emma gasped. She'd never visited the headmistrsses in her office before. "How did you-"

"I have a certain knack for McGonagall's passwords I guess you could say," he smirked.

They knocked on a set of large wooden doors, "Come in," they heard a muffled voice.

"Good evening professor,"the two heads greeted.

"Have a seat," she motioned from across her large

They sat down in two comfy looking chairs that Emma found out were less comfortable than they looked.

"Six guesses Mr. Potter, you seem to be losing your touch," said Professor McGonagall.

"I'll be back down to two in no time," said James.

"Please excuse me for just a moment," said McGonagall, leaving the two students seated in front of a large empty desk.

"Strange," muttered James.

"What is it?"

"First time I've been invited up here," he said with a lopsided grin.

Emma laughed, "Oh shut up."

McGonagall came back and took her a seat, "Firstly, congratulations on being selected as Head Boy and Girl."

"Thank you," Emma said.

"Now you might be wondering what this position entails, you organize Hogsmeade visits, you ensure rounding schedules as you already know. You have the power to discipline students so do not abuse that power or so help me-"

"Sorry Professor, but what about quidditch?" Emma interrupted nervously.

"Ah Miss Wood, I regret to inform you that due to the ongoing Triwizard Tournament, quidditch has been canceled for the upcoming year."

Emma's eyes widened as she jumped out of her seat "WHAT?" She heard a voice accompany hers.

"Are you mad? You can't cancel quidditch!" Emma said before realizing what had come out of her mouth.

James cocked an eyebrow. McGonagall looked somewhat impressed.

"I'm so sorry professor," she sat back down staring at her feet.

"Yeah, Wood doesn't know what she's talking about."

"You remind me of another quidditch fanatic,"McGonagall said simply, "Didn't seem to care if Harry Potter died trying to catch the snitch. You're quite like your father Miss Wood," her eyes twinkled. "Speak to me like that again and 15 points from Ravenclaw."

"Sorry Professor," Emma mumbled miserably, "I can assure it won't happen again."

"Now that that's settled, I am yes, well aware of your recruitments, Mr. Potter, Miss Wood, and Miss Flint. I'm willing to let you book sessions on the pitch to practice. Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you Professor," said Emma.

"I hadn't told anyone," muttered James, "how did you know professor?"

"Who do you think provided your recommendation?" McGonagall smiled faintly.

James beamed at her gratefully.

"You are of course wondering why the two of you together became Heads, yes? All I can say is that after much consideration the positions seemed to suit you well."

The two students nodded.

"Off you go. You have quite the busy year ahead of you and if either of you choose to put your name in the goblet it will not change the duties that you are firstly in charge of. I'm looking forward to seeing you both in my class tomorrow. Good luck!"

Emma and James stood up and thanked Professor McGonagall once more.

"See I knew that Woods were always nutters," said James once that they had begun walking through the corridors.

"I am not a nutter. Neither is my father."

"Remember how it didn't matter if my dad died as long as he got the snitch."

"Sod off," Emma laughed as she shoved him playfully. Before they parted ways she turned to him, "See you in the quad tomorrow morning?"

"It's a date," he winked before turning away from her.

"You right arse."

"I'll see you in the morning, love."