Chapter 50

A/N: We've reached chapter flipping 50! Who thought we'd get there? I wasn't sure we would but here we all are. It's back to school for our favourite characters! Yay!

Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognise.

Enjoy :)

The journey to Hogwarts was an uneventful one and when the Girls and I entered the Great Hall we simply sat down at the Gryffindor table. Although the bewitched ceiling was quite beautiful, after seeing it for the entirety of our time at Hogwarts, it had rather lost its charm.

'I swear Mulciber gets uglier every time I see him.' Mary muttered in disgust as we took our seats.

'Well, he was always an ugly mug but I guess that's what being a wanker does to you.' Marlene answered. I looked over my shoulder and at the Slytherin table. It was true that he had a surly look about him but over the summer he seemed to have aged considerably. In the candle light, his gaunt cheeks and scar across his cheek made him look more like a skeleton than a 17-year-old boy.

'I hope they hurry up with the food.' Alice grumbled and I chuckled at the sound of her stomach rumbling. Returning my gaze to my friends, I smiled at them but as I opened my mouth to say something Professor Flitwick entered with the Sorting Hat. I quickly closed it again.

'Fuck.' Marlene hissed under her breath. 'Wake me up when the shitty song's done.' She settled her head down on the table and ignored the feeble attempt I made to make her sit up.

The Hat's song focused on the importance of the students uniting and made the first years look like they'd laid one in their pants. James caught my eye and it took all my effort to stop myself sniggering at the new students. I managed to let my mirth out as Gryffindor table began to cheer its first addition. Quickly, I composed myself because as Head girl, I had to set a good example. The Sorting Ceremony dragged by but my composure was tested when Marlene let out a loud snort.

'She's actually gone to sleep.' Mary hissed and she and Alice broke into a silent fit of the giggles. Perhaps she had but then again, her snort had coincided with the name, Eric Pickles, being called out. I managed to keep a straight face.

Eventually the last person was sorted and the Headmaster stood up. Mary shook Marlene's shoulders and she sat up looking slightly confused. I jerked my head in the direction of the staff table and she nodded in understanding.

'Good Evening, everyone. My speech will take place after our delicious feast so for now all I shall say is: Tuck in!' No one needed telling twice and for a moment no one spoke as everyone loaded up their plates. Alice ate with gusto and I laughed at her as I slowly devoured my soup.

'In a rush, Miss Prewitt?' I asked and she shook her head. 'Not hoping to meet a certain man in a broom cupboard later, are we?' Alice's cheeks turned pink as Marlene and Mary snorted into their plates. 'If you are, a word of warning. James and I are patrolling from 7 till 9 so keep an eye on the time.'

'Thanks, Lily!' Marlene said brightly. 'I'll tell Kieran that in a sec.'

'What are you telling me?' Kieran asked from further up the table.

'Nothing, nothing.' Marlene answered with a smirk and he threw some of his peas at her. Whether Kieran had intentionally caused the event that followed I had no idea but it started with Marlene's retaliation. She threw some of her carrots back and although most hit their target, a few ricochet off Kieran's face and knocked into Peter. He let out what sounded like a battle cry and both Peter and Kieran began to pelt mashed parsnip in Marlene's direction. The fluffy substance rained down on Marlene and Mary so both girls began grabbing the food nearest them and hurling them at the two boys. Aim was soon forgotten and more and more Gryffindors joined in as food hit them by accident. When the Marauders took up throwing mashed potato I knew there was no hope. I glanced at the teacher's table, where the Professors looked unsure of whether to laugh or shout, and then made an attempt to calm everyone down. Unfortunately, my instructions were met with a face full of mash, thrown by the Head boy/my boyfriend, so I gave up. The Gryffindor first years looked slightly terrified by the food fight but soon forgot their fears and joined in. Other Houses began to join the fun and after ten minutes every student was throwing food. I wasn't sure if I could join in because I was Head girl and had to set an example but then I saw Professor McGonagall bewitch a load of boiled potatoes to fly at the Headmaster.


After the feast, James, Remus and I began shepherding the first years to Gryffindor tower. As we left the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall called my fellow Head and I back so we had to abandon Remus. We followed her silently through corridor after corridor until we reached a portrait of a line of young males and females wearing black robes. I blinked.

'Are those…'

'Former Head boys and girls? Yes.' Professor McGonagall answered with an amused smile. 'I believe you'll recognise a few, Miss Evans.'

'A few?' I burst out incredulously. 'That's Amelia Shacklebolt! The most popular Head girl Hogwarts has ever had!' A girl, in the painting, with dark curls beamed at me as a boy ruffled her hair affectionately. 'He's Lorenzo Blaise! He led a campaign responsible for the abolition of Muggleborn segregation at Hogwarts! And that's… Sorry…' I flushed and looked at the ground after James shot me a strange look.

'Should you wish to know the history of the Head girls and boys, Mr Potter, I'm sure Miss Evans will be happy to oblige.' I turned a brighter scarlet as James laughed. 'You two may choose a password because this is the entrance to the Heads' common room which is for your use as Head boy and girl.'

'What do you think?' James asked turning to me. I shrugged.

'What would you remember easily?'

'Abstinence.' He answered loudly with an irritatingly handsome smirk. Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow but nodded nonetheless.

'I hate you.' I muttered and shoved James lightly as we walked behind Professor McGonagall into the Heads' common room. The room was a large with a roaring fireplace one side. Some squashy sofas and armchairs faced it and I could easily envisage myself spending many evenings reading a book cosied up in one of the armchairs. On the other side of the room was a large table with chairs around it which would be useful for discussing Head matters. At the back of the room was what looked like a post box and two doors. On the right door, it said Lily Evans and on the left door James Potter.

'Every morning and evening any post for you two will be delivered here. You each have your own office which can have separate passwords on them also should you wish it. I recommend creating a password for security reasons.' She paused. 'I shall leave you two to settle in.'

Once Professor McGonagall left, I pushed open the door to my office and peered inside. My heart leapt with excitement – all the walls were covered with books. The window gave a view of the grounds and I sighed with content as I looked at the beautiful mahogany desk in the centre of the room. The chair behind it was a highbacked purple leather chair and upon testing it, I discovered it was extremely comfortable. There was a large cupboard in the corner of the room which opened to reveal a spare set of school uniform, a pillow and duvet, a cauldron and best of all, chocolate. The school knew me too well…

James popped his head round the door.

'You ready to go on rounds? It's 2 minutes to 7.'

The school day had begun so the Girls and I made our way towards the dungeons for Potions. The start of term tiredness hung like a dusty cloak, though Marlene's fatigue was for an altogether different reason.

'I swear I'm going to fucking collapse in Sluggy's lesson. If he catches me just say I died or something.'

'Why should we cover for your slaggy behaviour?' Mary asked disgruntled.

'Are you calling me a fucking slag?' Marlene snarled and I hastily stepped in between the two whilst Alice chuckled at them.

'Not a fucking slag. Just a slag.' She replied innocently but Marlene growled slightly. Instinctively, I held out an arm to stop Marlene launching herself at Mary.

'Though I suppose she is fucking.' Alice added. It took all my effort to hold Marlene back.

'Really? Was that entirely necessary?' I snapped at the other two as Marlene fought against my grasp.

'She was the one shagging Kieran till 3 in the morning.' Mary responded. I glowered at them and Marlene wrestled harder against my hold. Eventually, she pushed past me and a split second later the three of them were on the floor. Kicking and scratching did not even begin to describe their cat-fight.

'Guys… Please stop…' I said lamely and attempted to separate them but to no avail. 'Stop it! You're 17 not-' Marlene punched Mary directly in the eye. I inhaled deeply and attempted to prise the three of them apart. 'STOP IT!' I bellowed. The three of them stopped in shock at my yelling. 'All three of you are in detention for a week! I'm docking 20 points each and-'

'We're your mates!' Mary argued. 'You can't just-'

'I am Head girl!' I retorted. 'And I have every right to give detention to three fighting 7th years!'

With that I stormed off and almost crashed into a first year when I turned the corner. Hastily, I stepped back and fixed my face into a smile so as not to frighten the tiny Slytherin girl, who was clutching her much too large school bag. She eyed me nervously.

'Are you alright?' I asked softly. Kneeling down, so I looked like I was getting something from my bag but in reality I just didn't want to be at an intimidating height for her, I smiled at her.

'I'm not lost.' She said determinately. 'I'm just exploring.'

'And where are you planning on exploring to?'

'I'm not sure.'

'How about to a lesson?'

'I'm not sure which lesson I have.'

'What does your timetable say?'

'I forgot to get one at breakfast.' She mumbled and looked at the floor. I heard her sniff loudly.

'You're in Slytherin, right?'

'Yes.' The girl looked at me with tea.

'Well, I was just on my way to Potions class and my teacher just happens to be the Head of your House. Maybe you could come with me and we could get you a timetable… If it's convenient that is.' I told her nonchalantly.

'Okay.' She replied and gathered herself up. I pulled a tissue out of my bag before standing up and handing it to her. 'I'm not crying.' The girl insisted as we began to move in the direction of the dungeons. Despite her denial, she accepted the tissue and blew her nose loudly. We reached Slughorn's classroom and I saw some of my class already waiting outside. Severus and his friends were among them as were Sirius and James (Remus and Peter didn't take potions).

'Madeline!' Mulciber snapped at the girl. 'What are you doing with that Mudblood?' Madeline turned to face me with wide eyes.

'You take that back!' James roared as he and Sirius moved over to where Mulciber and Severus stood with their wands out.

'Everyone just calm down.' I cried desperately and well aware that this scene was seconds away from a fight.

'She'll take your magic, that little Mudblood!'

'Don't worry, Mulciber.' I answered with a bored voice. 'I nicked my magic long before I got here. If I'd waited it would've all been mediocre – especially with you around.' Madeline had stepped back from me slightly and although that saddened me, I was Head girl and I'd said I'd help her. I entered the classroom and saw Slughorn was hovering over some potions at the front of the room. However, he turned around as I came in.

'Lily, my dear! It's still two minutes until lessons begin.' He said beaming at me. 'Eager to start potion making?'

'Of course, Sir.' I smiled at him. 'But this is about Head girl duties. One of your first years forgot to take a timetable at breakfast. I was wondering if you had a spare…' Slughorn rifled around his desk and pulled out a small piece of paper.

'Here it is, my dear.' He handed it to her. 'I remember when I was young… That was a long time ago, of course.' Slughorn closed his eyes as though lost in his memories and I took it as my chance to leave. I heard the bell ring through the corridors. There was a fight raging on outside the classroom and Madeline cowered by the wall. Everyone was beating everyone else and in my frustration, I flicked my wand and they all were levitated into the air and bound in ropes.

'You can explain yourselves when Professor Slughorn lets you down.' I glanced at James, who had a bloody lip. 'Mudblood is just a word.' I said and gestured for Madeline to follow me. She did so reluctantly and kept a wary distance from me. 'So, you know Mulciber?'

'He's my brother.' She responded with a disdainful glance in my direction.

'Ah… I can see the likeness. You both have the same eyes.'

'Don't say that.' Madeline whispered as we walked. Her timetable said she had Transfiguration first so I was taking her there.

'Brown is a perfectly nice colour. I should know… my b-'

'Don't say blood.'

'I was going to say my boyfriend has hazel eyes.' I told her and she looked at the floor. Then she stopped. It took me a moment to realise she was crying. 'Hey, hey. It's okay..'

'I-I-I'm sorry.' She sobbed as I knelt in front of her and produced another tissue which she took gratefully. 'You've been so nice to me a-and…' Madeline cried for another 10 minutes and I attempted to comfort her. Finally, she calmed down and we continued on our way to her classroom.

'You know, I cried on my first day.'

'Really?'

'Yes. A boy in my class spilt pickled rats' brains all over me.' I said reminiscently. 'I spent the whole of dinner crying in the toilets.'

'That's horrible! Who was he?'

'James Potter.' I shook my head. 'He was an idiot then. Not so much now but he has his moments.'

'My brother doesn't like him. He says he's big-headed.' She paused. 'He's called him other things but he says I'm too young to hear them.'

'You don't have to believe everything your brother says.' I told her as we reached her classroom. I knocked on the door and handed Madeline her timetable. 'If you need help finding a classroom just look on the back.' I tapped the back of the timetable with my wand and a small map appeared. 'It'll change depending on what lesson you have.'

The classroom door opened and Professor McGonagall frowned at me.

'Miss Evans?'

'Sorry to disturb you, Professor. Madeline was just helping me with some Head girl business. It was my fault completely… I hope she didn't miss anything.'

'Of course not, Miss Evans. Miss Mulciber, I believe your seat is in the middle row.' I smiled at Madeline encouragingly as she nervously entered the classroom.

'I'd best be going.' I thanked Professor McGonagall and hurried back to my Potions class. When I entered the dungeon, Slughorn greeted me.

'Lily, my dear, you'll be working with Mr Potter.' I nodded and took a seat at the back next to James. His lip still bore a deep cut and although I was tempted to heal it, Slughorn began lecturing.


It was strange how lonely it could be when you were angry at your best friends. I spent my days in the Founder's Library or in my office. As Head girl and a 7th year there was always something to do and I used my workload as an excuse to avoid everyone. Supervising detentions, although dull, didn't encourage any extra visitors so I was safe to make sure the third years, who fancied themselves the next generation of Marauders, didn't talk and only wrote out their lines or cleaned or completed homework. Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow every time I asked her if there was something she wanted me to do but complied anyway. Slughorn was delighted when I asked him if he wanted help organising his Slug club and I was delighted that we were at school for 39 weeks of the year because it meant there were plenty of monthly prefect patrol routers to make.

Currently, it was midnight and I sat in the Head girl's office and poured over my Transfiguration essay. I had a book on animagi propped open next to me but I found myself wishing I could ask James or at least Sirius, Remus or Peter. I missed the Girls too but they were waring with each other and I knew my intervention would do nothing. Alice and Mary had sided together and Marlene was on her own. I had attempted to reconcile them but that had gone as well as the time I'd given them detentions.

I sighed and walked over to the window. The grounds were dark and still but still quite beautiful. A light breeze tickled the Forbidden Forest and I watched as a Thestral flew up out of the trees. There was a knock on door.

'Lils?' James' voice asked softly from the other side of the door. 'Can I come in?' I walked reluctantly over to the door and opened it. James stood in the doorway with a bunch of roses. I would have said no but his lopsided smile made me melt slightly.

'Fine.' I gave in and stepped aside. James walked slowly in and held out the roses.

'These are for you.' I accepted them with a smile and hastily put them in a vase. As I did so, James put his arms around my waist from behind and nuzzled his head into my neck. 'I miss you… We miss you. Everyone misses you.'

'I'm still here.'

'You've been avoiding us.' James accused and I didn't deny it.

'I got everyone detentions. That's not exactly a popular move.'

'Well… We deserved it. I'm Head boy. I shouldn't have risen to Mulciber's comment.' James kissed my neck. 'I'm sorry.'

'I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have tied you up.'

'Admittedly, that was the first time I've been tied up by a woman for completely pure reasons.' I elbowed him in the stomach and the two of us laughed.

Thanks for reading!

I hope you liked this chapter! I was struggling a bit writing this but I managed it in the end.

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