Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

~Lily~ Fighting, Stupidity, and Bad News

Lily had no idea where her boyfriend was. She looked everywhere she could after her friends returned to the Gryffindor Common Room. Lily knew that James had gone to apologise to Sirius, but he should be back by now. It had been hours since James had left. Now James and Lily were supposed to patrol together around the castle. She had been looking forward to it, because she had hardly seen him all day. But he promised to meet her outside their dormitory for patrols, but it was half past the hour and Lily needed to start patrolling, with or without him. He had done it without her the other night, so she figured it would only be fair to do it alone now. She was simply worried that Sirius and him had fought and left James injured, but he wasn't in the Hospital Wing either. So Lily continued to patrol the halls.

Lily considered summoning James by pressing down on the necklace he gifted her, but she ultimately decided against it. The night was unusually quiet. No one was roaming the halls. The Astronomy Tower was empty, devoid of steamy couples enjoying each other's company beneath the stars. Somehow the thought made her heart pang for James, his absence even just for a few hours made her sad. She pushed thoughts of him from her mind. It was hardly a time for thinking of him.

She rounded the corner, heading towards the Charms Classroom, when she saw the first person up after hours. Regulus Black. Lily hid behind the corner. He hadn't seen Lily nor had he noticed anything was out of the ordinary. He strolled down the corridor, humming a tune to which Lily didn't know the name. He seemed almost carefree. Like any child should, but Lily knew better. She knew that he was obsessed with Voldemort according to Sirius. But for all she knew, the boy might've already had the Dark Mark branded on his forearm. Or perhaps it would come in the near future. After all, Regulus was but a boy.

Lily put her hand on her wand, drawing it silently from her robes, as Regulus drew closer. She could hear him humming louder and a small ghost of a smile present on his face. Lily was cautious, but she couldn't help but feel at ease watching him look so carefree. She knew he'd see her any moment now as he walked closer and closer.

"Evening Regulus," Lily said cheerfully when he came around the corner. She watched his feature turn upwards in surprise. He grabbed his wand, pointing it at Lily.

"Mudblood," he muttered, but his sneer seemed forced and not at all intimidating. At that moment Lily realized how much Regulus looked like Sirius. Although Regulus' face seemed a bit more stiff now that he stopped humming. They were about the same height and had the same attractive black hair and cool grey eyes and sharp cheekbones.

"That word isn't becoming of you Regulus," Lily said, trying to stay as cheerful as she could. She knew that somewhere within Sirius' little brother, there was doubt. Doubt that what Voldemort preached wasn't true. Doubt that Muggleborns weren't as bad as people made them out to seem. Doubt that being a Blood-Traitor was such a bad thing.

"How dare you speak to me," Regulus hissed, his face twisting and his wand hand shaking.

"You wouldn't hurt me, would you?" Lily asked him.

"You have no idea what I can do! The amount of curses I know. The number of people I've watched die!" Regulus said, his voice shaking.

"You don't really believe in all that blood supremacy stuff, do you?" Lily asked.

"Why wouldn't I? And so does your old boyfriend. Snape!" Regulus taunted, his grip on his wand steadying. Lily shuddered. Severus couldn't be a- No he would never. Would he?

"Struck a nerve, have I?" Regulus said louder. Lily didn't say anything for a moment.

"I think you're a great Seeker, y'know. Probably the best one in the school," Lily said. She wasn't sure what she was doing. It just felt right and it made Regulus lower his wand for a moment in shock.

"What're you on about?" he demanded.

"I think you'd do really well in the Professional Quidditch League. Who's your favourite team?" Lily asked, lowering her wand in hopes that he'd do the same. "I like Puddlemere United, but they haven't done so well this year." Lily truly didn't follow professional Quidditch, but she remembered Peter mentioning it to her once...

"I like the Appleby Arrows best," Regulus said automatically. Lily smiled, but he sneered, upset for talking to her about such mundane things on accident.

"The Arrows huh. Forgive me but how are they doing this season? I haven't been able to catch up," Lily said.

"Shut up," he said with a scowl. He seemed much more menacing now that he had accidentally let his guard down. Lily looked past him down the hall. She heard noises. People were coming. Regulus turned back to her, seemingly frightened.

"Get out of here. They'll hurt you," he said urgently. His jaw clenched as he watched over his shoulder, "Don't be thick. Get out of here Evans!" Lily obeyed somewhat. She wanted to know what he was up to and who would've 'hurt' her. She cast a Disillusionment Charm upon herself, hoping that it'd be strong enough for no one to see her.

"Black!" a cold voice called out. She knew that voice. Evan Rosier. She hated that voice.

"Rosier, Wilkes, Avery," Regulus said, greeting the boys. Lily desperately wished that she had James' Invisibility Cloak. That way she'd be faultlessly invisible and it would make spying much easier.

"Glad you could make it," Evan said. Lily could hear the smirk in his voice. The pride.

"Not that he had much'a ways in choices," Wilkes growled. Wilkes was a burly person. Strong as well as tall, but utterly incompetent with any type of magic at all. Although Lily suspected that he dabbled well enough in the Dark Arts. He was what you may call a brute.

"I'm here because I am choosing to serve. Nothing else," Regulus replied peevishly.

"'Course you are Black," Evan said. "No one would doubt someone with a surname like yours." Lily knew this to be a direct jibe towards Wilkes. People like the Blacks, the Rosiers, and the Averys belong to a special group called the Sacred 28. Those were the trees that were completely and truly pure. The top of the blood hierarchy. Even higher than the regular pureblood, although no one cares as long as you are pureblood.

"My blood's as pure as it gets. And I've proved myself, yeah?" Wilkes growled again, this time the lightness was lost from his voice. Lily knew that those who valued blood supremacy, detested when their own blood purity was questioned.

"This is hardly the place we ought to be speaking of such things. We shouldn't leave the others waiting," Avery piped in. Lily swallowed. There was obviously some sort of meet up between the Slytherins and Regulus was about to be initiated. The boys began to walk towards her and Lily knew this was when her magical skills would come to the test. She could only pray to God that her Disillusionment Charm was good enough. She held her breath so she wouldn't give herself away. But they kept walking, not giving her any mind. Perhaps it was her mind playing tricks on her, but she could've sworn that Regulus looked directly at her for a moment, before looking away. It was probably just her paranoia.

"Where are the others?" Regulus asked loudly. Lily began to walk slowly behind them, putting enough distance between herself and them so that they couldn't hear her footsteps.

"Quiet," Evan said with a scowl, "You'll see in a bit." The boys abruptly turned, stopping in the corridor, just past the storeroom. Lily had a sinking feeling in her chest. They were at the one-eyed witch statue.

"Dissendium," Evan said. The statue revealed a short slide in which the four boys slid down. Lily knew from the Marauder's many adventures that this led into Hogsmeade. Honeyduke's more specifically. Lily once more longed for James' company, his vast knowledge of the castle, even just his hand to hold as she slid down behind the boys, hoping that she wouldn't be noticed. But her descent wasn't as flawlessly executed as she could've hoped. After several loud bumps and scrapes, Lily made it to her feet. She recast the Disillusionent Charm just to be safe.

"What was that noise?" Evan Rosier demanded. She thought she was for sure going to be discovered. Evan would try and find the source of the noise and no amount of Charms would prevent him from finding her. She knew she could easily hold her own in a fight. She could probably best any of the four boys alone. Two at a time would be doable. Three with some luck. But four seemed impossible, especially in this tight cramped tunnel in the dim light. Lily was prepared to fight as she tightened her grip on her wand.

"It was me, Rosier. Tripped over something. Blasted tunnel," Regulus said. Evan let out a snort of amusement.

"Much more graceful on a broom, are you Black?" Evan said grinning. Even with the tunnel's lack of light, Lily could still see the maniacal grin that was rooted on Evan's face.

"I suppose so," Regulus said. For a moment Regulus glanced back, scowling at Lily. She knew he couldn't see her, but he knew she was there. She had saved her from the others noticing her twice tonight. She didn't know what was going on in Regulus' head. She knew that he didn't like her at all. He definitely was for blood purity. But why would he go out of his way to protect her? Perhaps he knew that Lily and Sirius were friends? But it didn't seem to her that Regulus and Sirius got along too well.

"Alright come on now. We've got a ways to go," Evan said pressing forward.

They trekked for nearly an hour when Evan, who led the group, pushed the boards from above their heads. He pulled himself up into the Honeyduke's cellar careful not to make a noise. Avery followed just as silently, while Wilkes caused the boards to creak and moan beneath his weight. Regulus, on the other hand, pulled himself up with the strength and ease of a Quidditch player. Lily waited a few moments for the to make their way to the stairs before lifting herself up. She wordlessly cast a Silencing Charm onto herself, something she cursed herself for not doing earlier.

"We've got the entire shop to ourselves. Look at that, they've a new flavor'a lollies," Wilkes said happily. He reached into the bins, stuffing his pockets with the sweets. Lily was disgusted. They were taking advantage of a poor shopkeeper who had wanted nothing more than to make the world a bit sweeter. In her anger, Lily cast a Stinging Jinx at Wilkes. He dropped the handful of sweets that he was holding and rubbed his hand, seemingly hoping for some sympathy.

"Looks like a Stinging Jinx. Seems like the old hag finally got some security spells on her shop. That's why we don't deal in petty crimes, Wilkes. C'mon now," Evan said. Wilkes still was rubbing his hand, although he dutifully followed the boy out the door. Lily realized that she needed to hurry through the door, because they were going to lock the doors with a spell. She slid through the gap as Avery shut the door. She accidentally brushed against his robes, but he didn't seem to notice. She walked past them to give herself room to breathe freely.

"We almost there?" Wilkes asked, his face still pouting. Somehow his expression and love for lollies made him seem less viciously strong and more like a child who stubbed their toe and would milk the injury for all it's worth. The visual brought a smile to her face.

"I honestly don't know why we even keep you around," Evan said with a huff. Then any pretense that had portrayed Wilkes as a childlike person, disappeared. He rounded on Evan, roughly grabbing his shoulder to make Evan face him.

"You want to know why they keep me 'round?" Wilkes demanded, "'Cause I'm the one who time after time proved himself to the Dark Lord's followers. Maybe I haven't a Dad in his ranks, like you Rosier, but I've done more for the cause." The two boys were standing so close together, but Wilkes towered over Evan. Lily thought that Wilkes was about to spit in Evan's face, but instead he gave the other boy a rough shove.

"Now answer my question, Rosier, 'cause you aren't in charge'a me!" Wilkes went on. Lily hadn't expected the sudden outburst and she felt herself taking a few steps back to distance herself from Wilkes. Physically, he was a scary being.

"Yeah we are almost there," Evan said with a steely calmness. He gestured to an abandoned building up in the distance. The Shrieking Shack. Thankfully the moon wasn't full, Lily thought. Otherwise that would've ended quite badly.

"The Shrieking Shack?" Avery asked, his voice teetering a bit. Since Lily's first year at Hogwarts, the year the Whomping Willow was planted, there were terrible rumors of an old family who was murdered there. The rumors went on to say that the family's ghosts came back to haunt the abandoned house. People in Hogsmeade still claim to hear the shrieks and howls on some dreary nights. Thanks to the Marauders, Lily knew the true reason: Remus. He'd go there to endure his condition so he was safe and no threat to anyone.

"I didn't choose it," Evan replied with a mask of indifference. Regardless of any misgivings anyone had, they all walked up the hill towards the house. Lily was slightly upset that they hadn't taken the tunnel near the Whomping Willow. It would've made the journey ten times quicker, but she knew that tunnel was a secret. And these Death Eater wannabees were the last people she'd want to know about Remus' tunnel.

"I dunno 'bout no ghosts, but there's somethin' off in this place," Wilkes said, surveying the room. He seemed to have lost his anger for Evan quite quickly.

"There is," a cold voice said. Lily just about jumped out of her skin. It was Severus. He was here. That's who they were meeting. He continued, "There's a lot of things the staff of Hogwarts like to keep mum about."

"Like what?" Wilkes asked. Severus made his way over to an overturned couch. With a flick of his wand, he made it sit upright and fixed every rip in it's seams. He sat down, undisturbed by the creepy aura the room was giving.

"You ought not go asking things that do not pertain to you," Severus said eyeing the four boys. Lily watched her former best friend act so superior to his friends. But his superiority shut Wilkes up very fast.

"Where's Mulciber? Wasn't he coming with you?" Evan asked. He still seemed a bit put off by Wilkes outburst only a few minutes earlier.

"Unfortunately he was given a detention with that awful Defence teacher," Severus said with distaste, "What was Dumbledore thinking giving the position to such an airhead like Fawley?"

"Least his blood is pure," Avery said indifferently. He picked at his nails, not paying the conversation much attention.

"Well unlike some people, I actually got the grades to get into the class. And I'd like a competent teacher who isn't only riding on his pretty boy persona." Severus said with a scowl. Lily disagreed. She thought Professor Fawley was the best teacher they had ever got in her 7 years as a student in Hogwarts. Avery, seemingly, didn't like the obvious retort. He popped his head up, scowling as much as Severus was.

"I don't find much use for a class that's going against everything we're trying to do," Avery spat, "And to me it sounds like you are just talking about Potter again." Severus stood up, clearly agitated.

"If you don't know the other side's defense then you will be incredibly unprepared in how to defend yourself-" Severus began.

"I'd like to see someone try and defend the Killing Curse," Avery said with a smirk. But Severus pretended to ignore the comment.

"And speaking of Potter," Severus said, his disgust only growing, "He seems awfully close with Fawley. I wouldn't be surprised to see if he's bribing his friend for his marks."

"That's it isn't it, Snape. Bribing. Of course, because he bribed McGonagoll for Quidditch Captain. He bribed Mudblood Evans to go out with him. Now he's bribing Fawley for an Outstanding," Avery went on with a scoff.

"Well if you like that Blood Traitor so much..." Severus said.

"You're just upset that the Mudblood likes him better than you. How d'you expect to serve the Dark Lord well if you're dreaming of getting such filth in your bed!" Avery shouted. Lily saw Severus flinch. Avery's words hit home for Severus. And suddenly Lily felt like she needed to leave. To get fresh air. But the doors were closed and she was invisible. She was trapped.

"I'm not trying- Don't- You-" Severus stuttered, "The whole conversation is fruitless. And you needn't question my loyalties again Avery. And she should be here soon regardless." Avery opened his mouth to speak, but decided against it. His lips returned to a thin scowl and the boys sat in silence. Lily still felt severely out of place. She was scared and unsure of what is going to occur. Most of all their words unsettled her. It felt unnatural hearing Severus speak so horribly about James when now Lily was so enamored with him.

A loud crack interrupted her thoughts. The door to the Shack was swung open and loud footsteps made their way down the hall. The door to the room opened with just as much vigor as the front door and in came a very scary sight.

"Bella!" Regulus shouted with a smile. When he smiled his whole face transformed into a much younger version of himself. The same version Lily witnessed humming earlier.

"Reg, how've you been?" Bellatrix asked. Her black hair was pulled back tightly and her robes matched her hair in color. Her skin, on the other hand, seemed extremely pale in comparison. Lily saw the witch's wand up her sleeve and a twisted blade in her belt, ready at any moment for an attack.

"Just lovely. I didn't know you were coming tonight," Regulus said, regaining some composure.

"As if I'd miss this! Not when you're the only Black left!" Bellatrix said with excitement. The air hung thick after her words. Lily knew what everyone was thinking: Sirius. But none of them would dare to utter his name or any mention that Regulus wasn't an only child.

"What's going on, by the way? No one would give me the entire truth," Regulus said, with a pointed glance towards the other boys.

"The Dark Lord has sent me to recruit students straight from school," Bellatrix said. A malicious grin formed on her face and a look of elation rose on the five boys too. "That isn't to say that any of you are in. You'll be tested, of course."

"Tested how?" Evan Rosier asked. He couldn't bear to hold his silence any longer.

"Oh just a declaration of loyalty to our cause, but that will not be tonight. Who are you anyway? You look familiar?" Bellatrix asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Rosier. Evan Rosier, that is. You probably know my father," Evan said. Lily noticed how he lifted his chin up a bit higher when he mentioned his father. And his surname seemed to satisfy Bellatrix as well.

"Rosier, Rosier. Yes I know of your father. And this get together is your doing, I suppose?" Bellatrix questioned. Evan nodded, pride most definitely showing on his face.

"Very well. What're the rest of your names? Purebloods I presume?" Bellatrix said. Lily had a sinking feeling that if they were anything but a pureblood than they'd be in for a rough time. And catching Severus out of the corner of her eye, she felt her heart sink even further. Severus was a halfblood!

"John Wilkes," Wilkes answered. Bellatrix gave a brief nod before turning to the next boy.

"Micah Avery," he said. Again, Bellatrix nodded appreciatively. Everyone turned to Severus.

"Severus Snape," Severus said.

"Snape you say?" Bellatrix took a step towards him, tightening her grip on her wand, "I don't recognize the surname." Her simple words had threatening undertones.

"Perhaps you'd know of my mother's name. Eileen Prince," Severus said, seeming to almost challenge her to dispute him.

"Actually the name Snape is coming back to me. Muggle, wasn't he? Your mother went and got herself disowned, cut off from her pureblood family for a muggle and her ghastly half-blood son!" Bellatrix said with a cruel scowl. "If you ask me a half-blood's blood is just as dirty as a Mudblood's."

"Bella," Regulus' voice low with warning. Bellatrix moved in closer towards Severus who pulled his own wand out.

"What is it, Reg? You want to associate with tainted blood like your brother?" Bellatrix turned on Regulus, whose face flushed.

"Of course not, but Snape isn't like him. He's fully devoted and smart too," Regulus said. Bellatrix's head looked between her cousin and Severus, her eyes suspicious.

"I do not like those of tainted blood, no matter if they are half pure, but I will let you attempt to prove yourself. The Dark Lord is always in need of people with certain skills, perhaps you'll be of use." Bellatrix stared down Severus one more time, who stood stiffly in the corner. Bellatrix smirked then turned and left the Shack, slamming the door behind her. Lily could hear everyone's breath of relief as she left them.

"So what was that?" Wilkes asked, "I thought we'd actually be doin' somethin' instead'a just givin' her our names!" Lily had to agree. The whole meeting seemed a bit anticlimatic. Nothing transpired and they weren't inducted into the Death Eaters nor given a date for the next meeting.

"You can't just expect to get in right away. She's probably going to check out our names and backgrounds. Our family tree perhaps too," Evan said with a side glance towards Severus, "And when she needs us again one of us will be contacted."

"D'you think it's true? The whole snake tattoo on their wrists?" Avery asked. Lily had heard the same rumor. People speculated that the important Death Eaters are branded with a tattoo that matched the Dark Mark they put in the sky. The symbol that represented the terror Death Eaters evoke. I most certainly means someone died.

"It is," Evan said, "My father has one." He seemed quite proud of his father's closeness to Voldemort and it disgusted Lily.

"Does it hurt?" Wilkes asked.

"I don't know. Now let's get back to the castle. I'm not looking forward to the hour walk," Evan said annoyed.

"You all go on without me, I am going to stay out here for awhile," Severus said. They all gave him an odd look, but continued nonetheless. The boys all huffed as the reentered the chilly night air. The walked around all the shops, staying in the shadows, hoping not to be seen by the patrolling Aurors. Lily watched Regulus' eyes search for her, his scowl reappearing.

"What do we do if the Heads are on patrol?" Wilkes asked as they made their way through the tunnel.

"They won't bother us," Regulus answered gruffly.

"Why because your brother's in with them?" Avery asked.

"No, because they wouldn't be foolish enough to try and take on all four of us," he said again. Lily felt her face flush. Regulus was trying to make sure she stayed hidden, that she didn't try and approach them.

"Well the Mudblood doesn't exactly know what's good for her. 'Member when we jumped her last year?"

"Yeah and if I remember correctly she stunned you within the first minute," Regulus said with a sneer. Lily realized that this whole group all disliked each other very much.

"Shove off Black. You don't know what you're talking about," Avery replied, embarrassed. Regulus didn't respond. No one else spoke until they reached the end of the tunnel. Evan slid the statue out of the way and returned into the corridor.

"C'mon we don't want Filch to see us out after bed," Regulus replied. Evan Rosier scoffed.

"You know he's a bloody Squib, yeah?" Evan said. Regulus narrowed his eyes. "We could mess around with him and erase his memory easily. Father taught me how."

"Memory Charms can be broken," Regulus simply answered.

"Who's going to care about a dirty Squib? A filthy disgrace like that? Madam Pince maybe," Evan laughed.

"Try Dumbledore," Regulus replied. He then turned around, hearing a noise from behind him. Lily looked back too, hearing footsteps. They belonged to a little girl. A first year Hufflepuff with her blond hair in pigtails. Lily didn't know her name, but she knew she was a Muggleborn like herself.

"I reckon this'll be more fun than any Squib," Evan said with his maniacal grin. He took out his wand, the girl looking frightened. She took a hasty step backwards. Lily took out her wand too. She watched Evan go to cast a spell and Lily, not thinking for her own well-being, shouted, "Protego!"

The spell was so powerful, Evan was thrown backwards towards his friends. All of their wands out pointing at Lily, whose Disillusionment Charm came undone. The Hufflepuff was shaking in fear, scrambling to pick up her things.

"Lookie here, boys, Mudblood Evans decided to come out and play," Evan cooed, "Where's your Blood Traitor boyfriend? Did he realize what filth you are and chuck you?" Lily scowled at the Slytherin. Lily allowed herself to glance at where the girl had been, relief sweeping over her when she saw that the girl had escaped.

"He's getting Dumbledore," Lily lied. She decided the best plan of action was to stall and deceive them. She knew she could probably take out one or two, but four on one were impossible odds.

"Lies," Evan hissed, "I haven't forgot our last encounter y'know, but now the tables have turned and you are at my mercy," Evan growled, looking delighted. He took a step towards her, sizing her up like a piece of meat.

"You wanted a duel, didn't you? So duel me," Lily said. She was way more confident in just taking down Rosier rather than all four. Although she figured Regulus would once more hesitate in trying to fight her.

"I don't deign to duelling Mudbloods," Evan said with derisive laughter.

"It's a pity we'll never know who is more skilled? You wouldn't want me to best you once more, would you?" she quipped. She knew her taunt was childish, but it hit the mark. Evan's face contorted.

"Fine! You want to duel, then I'll duel you," Evan spat, "Avery you're my second." Lily grinned at her opponent.

"I don't reckon I'll be needing a second," Lily said, trying to sound haughty, but in truth she didn't want to have to drag any of her friends into this. She'd prefer to keep it one on one. Besides Avery wasn't much cause for concern.

"Alright then, I trust you are familiar with wizarding culture to know the rules of duelling?" Evan said, his face resembling something between a smirk and a sneer.

"I am actually," Lily said, taking a bow. Evan did the same. Both parties flourished their wands and got into their respective combative positions. On the silent countdown to three, they both began to attack. Lily went for nonverbal spells, to increase her speed. Evan used a mix of both. He'd shout then go silent.

"Stupefy!" he yelled. Lily blocked the spell, casting the jet of red light aside. She threw a Full Body-Bind Curse at him, which he only narrowly missed. Fortunately, however, the spell hit Wilkes.

"Cruc-" Evan began, but Lily cast an Impedimenta Jinx that caused him to fall over. He then cast a Blasting Curse, causing the corridor to explode around them. Lily shielded herself from the rubble with a Shield Charm, but a chunk of the ceiling broke through landing on her foot. She cried out in pain. She watched Evan also trying to shield himself using the same method. Lily saw this as an opportunity. She threw curse upon curse at his shield, just like she had with Mulciber monthes earlier. She watched his shield begin to crack. As his shield failed, a purple blast of fire emerged from his wand hitting her chest, causing a burning pain to erupt.

"Stupefy!" she yelled as loudly as she could, trying to put as much power into the curse as she could. And it worked. Evan Rosier fell to the floor, rendered unconscious. As Lily collapsed to the floor from Evan's curse she sent a Stunner at Avery, preventing the duel from continuing.

She awoke with Regulus hovering over her face. He pulled her up from the ground, her chest aching painfully and her insides felt like they were boiled from the curse.

"That was foolish of you," Regulus said, "You shouldn't've followed us."

"It is my job to ensure the safety of the students and the lot of you were definitely a threat," Lily said defiantly. The pain in her chest throbbed as if it were on fire.

"It was still foolish."

"Who would've protected that little girl if I didn't!" Lily asked, but he ignored her. They both knew that Regulus wouldn't have.

"You would've got yourself killed had I not helped you," Regulus told her.

"Why did you then?" Lily asked him. The question had been on her mind all night.

"What?"

"Why did you help me? Why didn't you expose me to your Death Eater friends? Because you've made it quite clear that you don't like me," Lily said, taking a step closer to Sirius' younger brother.

"I don't know," he responded after awhile. He wouldn't look her in the eyes.

"Thank you," Lily said, giving him a genuine smile. The smile part was hard, because of the pain the clouded her mind, but she did it nonetheless. Regulus only nodded in response. Lily turned to leave. It was now way past her time to patrol.

"Don't tell Dumbledore," Regulus called after her. Rule 14 echoed in her mind. Yet here she heard a hint of desperation in Regulus' voice.

"I can't just ignore the blown up corridor and three knocked out students," Lily said, "And the fact a known Death Eater was in Hogsmeade is something Dumbledore needs to know."

"That isn't what I meant. You can't tell him or anyone that I helped you. Especially my brother," Regulus pleaded.

"You don't want anyone to know that you are a good person?" Lily asked and he nodded, "I don't understand why you even helped me."

"Just promise me," he said. Lily wondered briefly if he was going to spy on the Death Eaters, but she quickly got rid of the thought. He truly seemed to want to be on that side.

"I promise," Lily said.

"Now Stun me," he told her, dropping his wand to the floor.

"What?"

"The story wouldn't play out unless you Stun me too."

"Are you sure? I feel bad when you've just helped me so many times," Lily told him. He shook his head.

"Please Evans, I can't have this messed up. I need to do this," Regulus pleaded. Lily nodded and sent the curse at him. He fell to the floor unconsious, once more looking youthful.

Lily turned her back on the scene, hobbling around the corner. She was exhausted and her chest was incredibly sore and her internal organ felt like they were on fire. She kept her wand drawn and at the ready in case she had any other unpleasant encounters.

"Miss Evans," a voice called out. Down the hall she saw Dumbledore, Professor Sprout, and the first year Hufflepuff rushing towards her. All three looked incredibly concerned and the Hufflepuff had tears streaking down her face.

"Are you alright, dear?" Professor Sprout asked gently.

"Yeah," Lily breathed out. The pain that had been somewhat relieved when Regulus revived her had disappeared.

"Pomona can you please return Miss Rowfinn to her dormitory," Dumbledore said, a sternness appearing in his voice.

"Of course. C'mon Shelley we'll go have some hot chocolate," Professor Sprout softly said to Shelley. Shelley still had a look of shock and fear on her face and she realized how much that encounter must've scared the little girl. Lily could only try and give her a reassured smile, but she didn't think it was too convincing.

"Where are the Slytherins, Miss Evans?" Dumbledore asked her. Lily pointed to around the corner.

"3 Stunned. 1 in a Body-Bind. Severus is in the Shack," Lily said.

"And where's Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked. A rush of shame swept through her. She never should've patrolled without her partner. It was irresponsible and foolish.

"I don't know, sir," Lily admitted, "He never showed up for patrols and I couldn't find him anywhere." The pain throbbed and Lily involuntarily let out a groan from it.

"Madam Pomfrey awaits you, Miss Evans. I'll visit you as soon as I can. And do not speak about this with anyone until you speak to me," Dumbledore said. Lily nodded and turned to go to the Hospital Wing. She still didn't know where James was. And she was scared about how Sirius would react to the news about Regulus or if she should even tell anyone what he did. Then again Sirius wasn't speaking to her anymore so perhaps it wouldn't be an issue.

"What happened dear," Madam Pomfrey asked.

"A curse hit my chest. I dunno what it was. And a chunk of the ceiling fell on my foot," LIly said gasping as Madam Pomfrey touched her foot.

"It's broken for sure. Not to worry. That I can fix," the Healer reassured. And within a few minutes her foot felt as good as new. But Lily could hardly tell because her mind was completely focused on her pain. Lily explained in further detail about the curse and she looked worried. She rushed off saying how she needed to speak to Slughorn. Lily dozed off as she waited for Madam Pomfrey's return.

"Your going to have to take 10 potions or so every day to alleviate the pain and get rid of the curse," Madam Pomfrey told her. She gathered the said potions and brought them to Lily's bedside. "I'll expect you to come to the Hospital Wing every day after breakfast for the potions."

"Of course, Madam Pomfrey."

"I wanted you to be treated over at St. Mungos, but Dumbledore insisted that you stay here. Of course, if Professor Slughorn hadn't kept such an impressive store of potions, you'd have no choice but to go. When you were alseep that young Snape lad brought the potions up to me. Said that he volunteered to help Slughorn brew and restock the potions," Madam Pomfrey went on. The knots in her stomach untangled at the thought of Severus helping her. He was looking out for her even after they stopped being friends. She felt suddenly guilty for dismissing him so harshly.

"Thank you," Lily said after she downed each potion. She didn't even bother to question anything about the curse nor which potions she was taking, because the pain was so overwhelming and she trusted Severus' hand so well. Yet only minutes after swallowing each potion the pain was numbed to a mere soreness in her chest. And suddenly her exhaustion returned. Her eyelids felt heavy and she found that she could hardly keep them open.


"What d'you mean!" a familiar loud voice shouted. Lily heard the shouts that interrupted her dreams. "I need to see her!"

"I assure you, Potter, that she is in good hands and is currently peacefully sleeping which is vital to her recovery. Your incessant shouting isn't helping anyone," a quieter voice told the other.

"Sorry, but I've got to see her. I've got to," the familiar voice broke.

"Very well, but you aren't to disturb Miss Evans," the quiet voice said. Lily was barely processing what she heard. She was somewhere between awake and asleep. Her brief consciousness was ended very quickly as she succumbed to sleep.


"Is she dead or something?" a new voice said. That was the first thing Lily heard when she woke up. Her eyes snapped open at the noise and the first thing she saw was Sirius Black's face hovering above hers, just like Regulus had the night before. He jumped backwards at her sudden consciousness.

"Merlin Tigerlily, you scared me," Sirius said. Lily cracked a smile. She looked around at the empty Hospital Wing besides Sirius and Remus. She could've sworn that she heard James' voice in her dream. She thought he'd be here. The light in the skies were dimming.

"Sorry," Lily said. She looked around once more, trying to get her bearings.

"Looking for James?" Remus asked. Lily unashamedly nodded.

"He's been sitting by your bedside all day. He skived off his classes and refused to leave. Bit of an awful Head Boy if you ask me," Sirius said with a shrug, "Took us forever to convince him to leave to get something to eat." Lily nodded.

"Why're you here?" Lily asked Sirius. He looked to his feet like he was hoping she wouldn't ask that. He came up to her bedside and kneeling down, taking her hands in his.

"Dearest Tigerlily I've been a right foul git and deserve nothing but your wrath. Yet I kneel before you, begging for your mercy and forgiveness. I am truly sorry, Lily, I am." Lily laughed. He was so ridiculous that she couldn't be mad.

"Consider yourself forgiven Padfoot," Lily told her friend. He grinned back at her, pulling her into a hug. Lily made a bit of an 'Oof' sound when he made contact. The soreness was still present.

"You alright, love?" he asked looking concerned.

"Fine," she said giving him a half-smile to obscure any sign of her pain.

"Want me to get Pomfrey?"

"No I'm alright," Lily said.

"So what happened? No one would tell us," Sirius asked her. Lily knew the question was coming, but she truly wasn't looking forward to answering it. Dumbledore specifically

"I'm not really supposed to say just yet."

"C'mon Tigerlily, it's us," Sirius pleaded.

"Dumbledore said he wants to speak to me first," Lily said.

"James is going to be so mad that he missed you waking up," Sirius told her.

"Should I go get him?" Remus asked.

"Could you?" Lily asked. Remus nodded and was out the door quickly.

"Where are the girls?" Lily asked. She'd've figured that they would be here with her.

"Oh that's a whole other story," Sirius said with a nervous chuckle.

"What d'you mean?"

"I'll let Prongs explain it all to you. I wouldn't want to interfere with it," Sirius said. Lily gave him an odd look, but let it go regardless. She hated being out of the loop like this. And just then James burst through the doors to the Hospital Wing, but stopped abruptly when he saw Lily. He face was ridden with guilt and it appeared that merely looking at her was painful. Remus walked in calmly a few moments later.

"Do I really look that bad?" Lily said with a laugh, trying and failing to diffuse the tension. James took a few tentative steps closer. Sirius took this as a cue to leave, taking Remus with him.

"I'm sorry Lily. I-" his voice broke and he struggled to keep his tears at bay. Lily gave him an odd smile.

"This isn't your fault. Now come over here and kiss the invalid." Lily puckered up ridiculously and opened her arms to him. He cracked a smile, but the guilt didn't disappear. He came closer and hugged her so tightly that she could hardly breathe.

"Can't breathe," she choked out. He loosened his grip and Lily pulled him into a kiss. His lips moved against hers, and Lily took in all of his warmth and love.

"I love you," he said, resting his head against hers. "And I'm so sorry that you got hurt. It was all my fault." He looked so sad yet so happy and relieved all at the same time.

"It's fine. I'm fine. Just got in a bit of a scuffle," Lily reassured, "A scuffle that had nothing to do with you. I held my own."

"I know, but I should've been there. I forgot about patrols. I left you by yourself and that was so stupid. I'm sorry," he said again.

"Stop apologising, James. It isn't a big deal."

"It is though! I left you to patrol alone at night."

"You patrolled alone the other day," she pointed out.

"You're Muggleborn though!" James said loudly. Lily crossed her arms and pulled away from him.

"So that means I can't handle myself? I'm not as good as any Pureblood?" Lily asked angrily.

"'Course not-"

"I know, because I'm the one who fought all thr- four of them without your help," Lily said.

"Lily-"

"Forget it James. What happened with you and the girls?" Lily demanded. She wasn't going to put up with him thinking she couldn't handle herself any longer.

"Marlene's mad at me because I wasn't there for you last night," James relayed.

"Well the two of you can go make up now, because I didn't need your help," Lily said with a clenched jaw.

"You know I don't care that you are Muggleborn. You know that, right?"

"You always say that you don't care, but you obviously do! You may not think that I'm the scum of the Earth, but you still think that I ought to be treated like a child! If you truly didn't care about my blood status then you'd treat me like anyone else," Lily spat out. She hated when he treated her like a child.

"Everyone knows that your the best, but even the best can be overpowered. So maybe you can take down 4 people by yourself, but what if it was ten people? What if real Death Eaters were there. Ones who wouldn't hesitate in using the Killing Curse? Because not even you can block that!" James shouted back. The in a quieter voice he added, "No one can." Lily scowled at him. If she were allowed to get up then she'd've stalked out of the room and slammed the door behind her. She vowed to herself, right then, that she'd figure out a way to stop the Killing Curse. She'd figure out a way.

"Then so be it, James. People die every single day. I don't need to be sheltered and I don't need people to put themselves in harms way for me," Lily told him.

"I wouldn't have been putting myself in harms way for you. I was supposed to be there with you! Together!" James reminded her.

"But you weren't," she said, "And I, frankly, could not change that in the slightest. You didn't show up and I did. I had a job to do." Lily knew the words would make him feel guiltier, but she didn't care that he didn't show up.

"I know, which is why I'm saying sorry."

"And I already said you didn't need too," Lily shot back.

"But I-"

"But nothing James. I am perfectly capable of holding my own and it isn't like I had a choice to fight or not. I didn't seek out a fight, I protected someone else who might as well have been defenseless. I don't need your pity," Lily said glaring at him still. He didn't speak for awhile.

"What's all this shouting about?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she came into the Hospital Wing. She sighed when she saw an angry Lily and a defeated looking James. "I thought I told you to let her rest."

"She woke up on her own," James said weakly.

"And your first thought was to start arguing with her? Get out Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey ordered. James stood up from his chair and turned to leave. He looked back at Lily to say goodbye, but she had rolled over so she wouldn't face him.

Lily laid in her bed for a long time, trying not to think of James. She wished for Marlene and Mary to be with her. She'd even settle for for the other Marauders. Especially Remus. He'd understand. He always did understand things sorts of things. So Lily got very excited when she heard someone entering the Hospital Wing. She turned around expecting to see one of her friends faces only to see her Headmaster. Her face fell at the sight of him and he chuckled.

"Miss Evans," he said.

"Hello Professor," Lily replied.

"How are you feeling?"

"A bit sore, but that's all really. I don't think I still ought to be here," Lily told him. In truth she only wanted to leave, because she was getting frustrated sitting around doing nothing when she could be doing her work.

"I'll speak to Madam Pomfrey about that, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to get here any sooner," Dumbledore apologised.

"It truly fine, sir. How are the- the boys?" Lily asked. She wasn't sure what to call the Slytherin boys who attacked her.

"Up to their necks in detention, I assure you. And they are physically fine. But I want to hear about what happened from you," Dumbledore narrowed his eyes, pressing her to speak like an invisible force.

"I was on patrols alone. I hid behind the corner when I heard the boys voices. Regulus came separately from the 7th years and Severus was already in the Shrieking Shack. I cast a Disillusionment Charm on me so I could follow them, because it sounded they were meeting up with some other people. Wilkes said how he had already proved himself. And Regulus said that he was there because he was choosing to serve. So I deduced they were speaking about Death Eater business. So I followed them out of the school and they were constantly fighting about blood purity and who's in charge of the group. Finally they reached the Shrieking Shack where Severus was. He said Mulciber was serving detention and couldn't make it. Then Bellatrix Black showed up and grilled them for their surnames and blood statuses," Lily told him. Dumbledore stared at her long and hard.

"And Mr. Snape isn't a pureblood," Dumbledore filled in. Lily nodded.

"She said she didn't care for someone who had anything but complete pure blood. But Regulus convinced her that he'd be of use to them. And then she left. Evan and Avery's fathers are Death Eaters, by the way, but you probably knew that. Anyways, Severus stayed back in the Shack while the others left. When they got back Evan wanted to mess around with Filch, but Regulus told him it was a stupid idea. Then Shelley came around the corner and Evan decided to mess around with her instead. That's when I came out of my charm. I couldn't just stand by. So I fought them to allow Shelley to run and get someone. And well, she got you and you know the rest."

"Thank you, Miss Evans. I'll let you rest," Dumbledore said, rising from his chair.

"But sir, truly I'm fine. I'll come and take my potions every morning, but there's no reason for me to stay here," Lily reminded him. His eyes crinkled and he smiled at her.

"Then go on, dear. I'll tell Madam Pomfrey that you have left. I believe dinner is being served soon enough," Dumbledore told her.

"Thank you, sir."

"Thank you, Miss Evans. You've done a great service to our school. And also I've arranged for Professor Flitwick and Sprout to take over your patrolling shift tonight," Dumbledore replied. Lily beamed at him. Usually Lily didn't like compliments, but getting one from Dumbledore meant the world to her. And she was so excited that she didn't have to patrol tonight. She was exhausted. He nodded to her and turned to go find the Healer. Lily smiled to herself and left.

The Great Hall fell silent as she entered. All eyes turned to her. She walked as quickly as she could to the Gryffindor table, trying to ignore the whispers that erupted as she passed by people. She heard snippets of conversations. The hall was buzzing with the news what happened to her, but no one really knew. Lily felt burning glares from the Slytherin table and looks of awe from the Gryffindor. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were more looks of gratitude and wonder. Lily hated the attention. She slid into the empty space next to Marlene and Remus.

"Lily!" Marlene said, hugging her. "Are you alright?" More hugs and questions were asked from loads of people at their table and it was a bit overwhelming for Lily.

"I'm alright, really," Lily reassured them all. Out of the corner of her eye she saw James staring at her, looking worried. Lily turned her head immediately.

"What happened?" Mary asked. Lily opened her mouth to respond, but she noticed all the heads leaning in to listen. All the eyes looking at her again and the silence that fell once more nearby.

"I'll- I'll tell you all later," Lily said to her friend's disappointed faces. "I'm a bit peckish though, aren't you?"

"Yeah, food. How could I forget?" Sirius said with a wolfish grin. He picked up his utensils and began diving in to his food with no hesitation. Everyone chuckled at his eagerness. And while Lily knew that Sirius could eat like no other, she knew he was trying to take some of the attention off of her. And for that, she was grateful.

"So did I miss anything important in classes today?" James asked the group. Lily felt a pink blush creep onto her face. She was the reason he missed his classes. And they only ended up fighting when she woke up.

"No all the professors were very lax yesterday," Sirius told them. But he didn't need to say why. They already knew. Or Lily at least knew the full story.

"That's good," James replied awkwardly. Lily watched Marlene glare at him. She forgot that the two of them were mad at one another. Lily put down her fork, abandoning her steak and kidney pie.

"You know I'm not that hungry anymore. Marlene? Care to go for a walk?" Lily asked. Marlene eyes shot straight up.

"Of course, Lils," she responded. Both Gryffindors rose and exited the Hall. Lily averted her eyes towards 5 steps in front of her so she could at least pretend to ignore the peering eyes. Once they were alone, Marlene gave her another crashing hug and Lily buried her face in Marlene's shoulder.

"Are you really alright?" she asked once more.

"It hardly hurts anymore. It was really a rookie mistake, but I had no other choice," Lily rambled.

"Tell me everything," Marlene said. And Lily did. She omitted nothing, save Regulus' actions to help her. She hated lying, but she owed him to speak of him how he wished.

"James is such an arse!" Marlene shouted, her voice echoing in the corridor. Lily shot her a look, but didn't disagree.

"I didn't need his help, so you don't have to mad at him for that," Lily said. "I just hate it when he tries to treat me like a child, because I'm muggleborn."

"Are you going to break up with him?" Marlene asked, her scowl disappearing and turning into curiosity.

"God no!" Lily said. She couldn't imagine breaking up with him. She just couldn't. "No it's just a fight. And it'll all go back to normal when he apologizes."

"How is he going to apologize when he thinks you don't want him to talk to you?" Marlene asked.

"I never said that I didn't want to speak with him."

"It was implied with the whole ignoring him at dinner thing." Marlene cracked a smile. She had a point, Lily thought.

"You're right. And I think I overreacted a bit too. I'll talk to him tomorrow," Lily amended. She'd've done it that night, but exhaustion was once more setting in.

"Good," she replied briefly.

"What are the rumors going around?" Lily finally asked. She'd been refraining from asking, because she knew the rumors would not be good. Not when there was little to no information for the rumors to be based upon.

And with a wince Marlene confirmed her suspicions, "I don't know if you want to know."

"I've got to be ready for them, Marls."

"One of them was that James tried to fight a guy you were allegedly having an affair with and you got in the way and got hurt," Marlene said with a laugh.

"That's absurd. I'd never," Lily said.

"Only the purists are talking about that one. They think you're only with James, because he's pureblood," she told Lily, "But anyways, one of them said that you were cornered by Death Eaters, which is pretty on target, I suppose. Others were saying how you were attacked by a hippogriff in the Forbidden Forest or that your magic backfired on you, because you aren't a 'true' witch. Those ones are bollocks." Lily only nodded. Did people really believe that she wasn't a true witch? She knew that Death Eaters shared that mentality, but all those people have seen Muggleborns perform magic.

"Are there more?"

"Nothing signifigant," Marlene shrugged. Lily nodded again.

"I think I'm going to go back to my dormitory," Lily told her. Marlene pulled her into another hug, much more gentle this time. Lily felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude for her friend. Her beautiful pureblood friend that didn't need to hang around a Muggleborn like her, but did anyway. Not only hung around her, but loved her unconditionally. And Lily loved her back. So she told her so.

"I love you."

"I love you too," Marlene whispered back, before releasing her. "And I'm glad you're alive." Lily snorted.

"I'm glad I'm alive too, Marls," Lily said in a more serious tone.

"See you tomorrow."

"G'night."

~James~ The American

James felt horribly guilty. Not only for failing Lily, but also for clearly touching a nerve about her blood status when she had finally awoken. He was so mad at himself. He didn't know what was going on with them now. If they'd still be together or if they'd ever be the same.

So when he woke up, he was not looking forward to his probably Lilyless day. He knew she'd ignore him and rightfully so. He messed things up and was a prat once more. James was, for lack of a better word, furious with his own stupidity. He hadn't meant for Lily to think he was babying her. He just wanted to keep her safe.

James opened his door to enter the sitting room. He spotted Lily sitting on the couch, nervously playing with her hair. James turned to return to his room. He didn't want to impede on her alone time. He didn't want to mess anything up. Not anymore than it already was. But as he pulled his door back closed, she turned around, catching his eye.

"James wait!" If James hadn't watched her lips move, than he wouldn't have believed that she spoke. He opened the door again, but didn't move.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. He blinked at her.

"What?" he asked, his voice more like a croak from his sleepiness.

"Can we talk?" Lily asked. She patted the seat next to her. The very spot where she had forgiven him the last time. James could only hope for the same luck, which it seemed he could never run out of when it came to her. Somehow she always forgave him.

"Yeah," he said sitting next to her.

"I overreacted yesterday and I'm sorry," Lily said.

"You don't need to be sorry. I screwed up again after all. And I told you I wouldn't, but I did. So I'm sorry," James said ashamed.

"Stop apologising. And don't act like it was all your fault. I overreacted. I was mad and looking for a fight," she said. "And you can't promise that you won't ever mess up again. It's impossible."

"I hate letting you down," he said. He revealed the source of everything that was bothering him. He hated that he wasn't there for her. He hated that she thought he looked at her differently because of her blood.

"You haven't," she reassured him, "Just- just promise me that you'll stop acting like I can't handle myself, because I'm muggleborn."

"I won't, but I didn't mean it like that. I just want to keep you safe, because I love you, not because you're muggleborn," James told her.

"It's alright," Lily said, pulling him into a hug. "We're alright." James breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you really okay?" he asked.

"I'm in perfect health." He gave her a look. "Alright, besides having to take ten potions a day, I'm in perfect health."

"What spell did he use on you?" James wondered. Dumbledore had since filled him in on everything that went down that night, but no one could tell him what spell had been used.

"Not sure. It was like a purplish flame that hit my chest. He used it nonverbally so I don't know the incantation," Lily replied.

"Padfoot might know it. Rosier thought he'd know the last curse too however, so maybe not. He's been going through loads of books on Dark Curses in the Restricted Section lately. He says he should know these things. He felt like he failed Mary," James relayed to Lily. Sirius never actually said the last part. Sirius was too prideful of a person to admit to having such feelings. But James knew that was what he was thinking. Sirius' eyes would wander towards Mary and he'd look away with a scowl and red cheeks.

"I wish he'd open up more. I worry about him a lot," Lily admitted. James felt a pang of envy. He knew it was stupid, but he couldn't help it. Lily continued, "He's got so much going on. So much history that I don't know about. So many feelings that he hides away and pain that he takes comfort in. I wish he'd let me in."

"Padfoot has never been one to talk about his feelings much. He likes to keep that part to himself and we don't bother him about it," James said with a shrug. There wasn't much they could do to change Sirius' ways. Sirius was not a fan of change.

"That's why I thought Marlene would be so good for him. He'd always have someone to talk to, but that obviously will never work out," Lily said with a slight shake of her head.

"Never? They'll work eventually, I'm sure of it. They love each other," James said. Lily gave him a questioning look. James added, brushing her cheek, "You never thought we'd work out."

"We are very different from them. They love each other, sure, but they aren't built for the same sort of relationship as us. Besides, it'd be a miracle if all of us even make it out of this war alive," Lily said somberly. James froze.

"Don't say that," he said, "We can't afford to think like that. We are going to make it. All of us." His gaze was so intense as he stared into Lily's eyes, he saw her quiver.

"We can't afford to think like that either," she said, "But wherever we are, we'll be there together. Remember?"

"Yeah." He smiled at her brightly. They sat in silence for awhile. Lily's hand found it's way into James'.

"We should get to class," Lily said.

"What about breakfast?"

"I do believe that we missed it," she told him.

"Blast. I was looking forward to my breakfast. My stomach is growling," James said.

"You're stomach is always growling," Lily teased.

"That's Sirius you're thinking of."

"Oh you're right. Always get the pair of you mixed up," Lily joked once more. James scrunched his nose.

"Mixed up, how?" he asked. He knew she was joking, but he'd play along just for her.

"Well both of you are sooo tall and handsome and strong," Lily went on.

"I am a much better looking guy than Padfoot. Taller too," James said. He puffed out his chest ridiculously for the effect.

"Hmmm, I dunno James. I'd have to see you both next to each other." She raised her eyebrows as if to taunt him further. He caught her lips with his own. His heart fluttering, filling him with warmth, but never satisfying enough, both felt a magnetic pull and a need for more. At long last (it could've been mere seconds or minutes, neither knew nor cared) they broke apart, gasping slightly for breath. James with a lazy grin on his face and Lily with her mouth still parted and a untamable smile.

"I don't think I'll be mixed up with him anymore, will I?" James asked with a knowing smirk.

"Never," she replied smiling.

"I love you, you know," he told her. He tilted her chin up at him. He really truly did. And he didn't expect her to say it back, he simply hoped that one day she would return the same feeling.

"I l- I know," she replied, her cheeks burning bright. He raised an eyebrow at her, but said nothing. He didn't want her to say anything if she didn't mean it. He pecked her on the cheek and grabbed her hand.

"Ready, darling," he drawled out, sounding excessively gushy. Lily giggled, all traces of embarrassment gone.

"Of course, my dear," she replied in the same tone. He grinned at her and led her out the door.

They had finished Patronus Charms already. A few had mastered the charm (Lily: doe, Snape: doe, James: stag, Sirius: grim, Marlene: cat, Remus: wolf, Benjy: red fox) and most had at least got some form of wisp which would suffice in the case of a Dementor attack. Remus had never truly tried in class after James and Lily warned him that his Patronus would take the form of a wolf. Arnold Harlock had written a small paragragh on 'Dark Creatures' Patronus forms. So a Vampire would have a bat Patronus and a Werewolf would have a wolf and so on. So Remus strictly practiced in private as to not spill his secret. Nevertheless he mastered it, although the same couldn't be said for Peter. Peter had, however, managed to form a dense enough shield which would defend him against any attack. Benjy's girlfriend, who was in another class, was very upset that their Patronus' didn't match. Especially after the whole school found out that Lily and James' Patronus' matched. It made each couple try harder for their Patronus' so they could see if they were 'meant to be' or not. It sounded like a load of Hippogriff droppings to James. Lily and him were natural together. It was hard to explain or descibe other then perfect to him. He wouldn't change it for the world.

Later in Potions Slughorn announced a new project. Something he had been hinting at all year, but especially so in the past few days. He was practically bouncing from excitement and James saw Lily taking on some of Slughorn's excitement. She rolled her eyes at him when he asked what the big deal was. And despite his seeming indifference towards the upcoming project, James was somewhat excited, although he'd never admit it. Maybe he was spending too much time with Lily. Nah, he thought, he could never spend enough time with her. Each moment they spent not in each other's company made his heart ache for her, like he needed her to breathe properly. Anyways, back to Slughorn.

"So I know you all have been anxious in wait, but today marks the day we begin our big project!" Slughorn announced excited. Everyone had their eyes glued on him, waiting to find out if their project would be as good as he made it seem. But Slughorn, despite his eagerness, seemed to be holding out on them all, trying to build suspense.

"Sir, with all due respect, what is the project?" James shouted from his seat. Lily, who was sitting next to Marlene across the room, turned to him with wide eyes. But Slughorn only chuckled.

"Oho James! My apologies. I didn't mean to keep you in suspense," Slughorn told him, but the twinkle in his eyes told James that was exactly what he wanted. "Now with no further ado, allow me to explain."

"For the next few months, up until Christmas holidays, I expect you to brew a new potion!" Slughorn called out excitedly. James saw the jaws drop of multiple people. He saw the corners of Lily's mouth turn up in joy. He saw Sirius shrug with indifference, as if it wouldn't be difficult for him. He saw Remus look a bit stressed and Marlene looked outraged. Finally he saw a creepy little grin on Snape's face. And James scoffed in disgust. He didn't know how to feel about it. It would be difficult for sure, but James would put every ounce of his effort into this project, simply because he had to beat Snape. At least in this. Snape had beaten him in Patronuses and he knew Snape loved Lily as much as he did. He needed to cut away this bond that they shared. Their brilliance at Potions had been a bonding point for them and James had no doubt that he could be just as good.

"Our own potion!?" Marlene asked in disbelief.

"Yes, Ms. McKinnon. From scratch! Worry not, you'll be working with partners," Slughorn said. James sighed. This'll be a lot easier with Lily or Sirius working with him. "Of my choosing, however." And James' brief relief disappeared, but his confidence did not. It'll be easy-peasy. Hopefully he gets a good partner. Anyone but a Slytherin.

"Worried about Tigerlily?" Sirius whispered to him. James nodded.

"I just hope she isn't paired up with a Slytherin," James said.

"I doubt even Slughorn is oblivious enough to do something like that. And if she is, I'll switch partners if you'd like?" Sirius offered. James grinned at his best friend.

"You're the best, Padfoot."

"Yeah, I know."

"Who are the partners, sir?" Reginald Cattermole asked politely. He had his arm around Mary with a lovesick grin on his face, like he couldn't believe his luck. James felt the same grin come across his own face whenever Lily so much as looked at him. It was an intoxicating feeling.

"Clagg and Woodluck; Mulciber and Dearborn; Fenwick and MacDonald; Potter and Cattermole," Slughorn announced. So far the match-ups were just fine. He was perfectly content with Reginald as his partner. He hoped the Hufflepuff was competent at Potions, but either way he was much better than a Slytherin. And Mary was safe with Benjy. Benjy was a good guy, even though James had been jealous of his non-relationship with Lily for awhile.

"Rosier and Stebbins; Black and McKinnon," Slughorn called out again. Oh no. Sirius with Marlene would be... interesting to say the least. Seeing as they still were not friends nor speaking more than obligatory greetings to one another. Hopefully they would be alright. But James' heart sank, because Lily wasn't called yet and nor had Snape. There couldn't've been more than four more people left.

"Snape and Lupin," Slughorn said. James frowned. Remus got a bad deal, but that left Lily alone it seemed. Lily looked over to James worriedly. He sent her an assuring glance and waited for Slughorn to keep speaking. "That leaves lovely Ms. Evans and Mr. Blake." Blake? James didn't recognise the name and from the look on Lily's face, she didn't either. James leant over to Sirius.

"Who's this Blake bloke?" James asked. Sirius merely nodded to the bloke sitting nest to Evan Rosier. And as far as James knew, Evan always sat alone, because there were an uneven number of students in the class. James instantly didn't like the bloke. One, he was sitting with a person he despised almost as much as Snape. Two, he was paired up with Lily. Three, James had no idea who this guy was and people don't appear out of no where.

"He's a transfer," Sirius whispered, "From America." Ah. That made more sense. He was a transfer. Which is why James didn't recognise him. But James still didn't have a good feeling about him. Transfers were really rare. He had only ever heard of it happening one time in his school career and that had been practically revolutionary.

"You may begin your brainstorming phase. Be sure to come to me with any questions you may have and no poisons are allowed to be made!" Slughorn clarified. James saw people rolling their eyes, but he didn't doubt that some of the Slytherins wouldn't go about making poisons.

"Hey, love," James said to Lily. "You excited for the project?"

"Yeah I have so many ideas!" Lily burst out.

"Oh yeah? Sirius said that your partner transferred from Ilvermorny," James relayed.

"Then this Sirius guy was right," a voice called out from behind them. His voice was silky and deep, like a violin being played soft and melodically. "You must be lovely Miss Evans." Blake said in Slughorn's accent perfectly when he said Lily's name. James almost laughed.

"That's me, although my loveliness is up for debate. And you can just call me Lily," Lily told him. The American laughed.

"Lily," Blake echoed with a smile on his lips, "I'm Jonathan Blake."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Lily said. James observed Jonathan. He had sweeping golden hair, sunkissed skin, and eyes as green as Lily's.

"You too," Jonathan replied.

"This is James. He's Head Boy," Lily introduced. Jonathan spun to face James, extending his hand, which James reciprocated. His hands were soft, but his handshake was firm.

"James Potter," he said.

"Nice to meet you, dude," Jonathan said. James couldn't make Heads or Tails of it. Jonathan turned back to Lily and said, "Let's get started, shall we?"

"Of course. See you after class, James," Lily said giving him a warm smile. James smiled back before turning to find Reginald standing right behind him. Reginald looked like Remus, with their sandy blond hair and deep blue eyes. Even with Remus' distinct absence of freckles, thinner and longer face, and height difference, they could still pass for brothers.

"We should probably start," James said as Reginald placed his cauldron next to James'.

"Look I just wanna apologise 'bout how I acted back on the first day. I was out of line," Reginald said. James stared at him blankly, trying to remember what he was talking about. "I just thought I should clear the air now that we're going to be working together and all." Then it came back to him.

"Oh, you don't need to be sorry. I would've acted the same way if it had been Lily," James said, finding Lily with his eyes across the room. She was laughing at something Jonathan Blake said, and James realized something odd. He wasn't jealous. He was weary of Jonathan Blake simply because he didn't know him, but there was no envy. He felt completely secure with Lily and he knew Lily wouldn't leave him.

"Oh really! Well that's good I s'pose. I just thought- well it doesn't matter. Let's get started," Reginald said in a considerably happier tone. James flipped open his potions book, looking for inspiration.

"What do you reckon we could make?" James asked.

"I dunno. What 'bout a potion that makes you smarter?" Reginald asked.

"That's already a thing. Wit-Sharpener Potion," James replied.

"You're right."

"What about a potion that makes you older then you are?" James asked. He remembered how much he wished he could've been of age before he turned 17. It was torturous.

"Aging potion," Reginald grumbled in frustration. "What 'bout- no never mind. This is too hard to think of something." James silently agreed. He, under other circumstances, would've asked Lily for help, but James needed to prove himself competent. So the two of them sat there in silence and James' mind drifted to Quidditch, which it hadn't done in a long time. He was replaying in his head a moment during practice where Russell Khan, their Keeper, had nearly fell off his broom after a particularly good shot from James. Russell had been hanging onto his broom by one hand when Higgins came over and saved him. It had been a close call and Russell could've been seriously injured. James wished Russell would let him buy him a new broom. The ratty old school issued broom would do him no favours, but Russell was much too prideful. Now it was becoming a issue of his safety and James just wished his Keeper had a broom that could properly fly. Fly! That was it.

"What if we made a potion that could make people fly?" James asked excitedly. Reginald flipped through the pages of his book and searched for a potion similar to the one James had proposed, but came up empty-handed.

"Yeah. I don't see anything similar. What would go in it though?" Reginald asked.

"Well don't Billywig Stings make you float?" James asked. But he wasn't really asking. One time in third year, Peter had accidentally ingested all of the Dried Billywig Stings in his Potions kit and after insane giddiness he began to float.

"Yeah, but they make you go insane with laughter. Kinda like Laughing Gas," Reginald said.

"Laughing Gas? Is that a type of Potion?"

"No it's a muggle thing they give you at the dentist so you don't feel the pain." James still didn't understand how Muggles could do things like that without magic, but he let it drop.

"Alright, so we need something to counteract the giddiness. Maybe Castor Oil?"

"No let's use Lavender instead," Reginald suggested.

"Okay." I scribbled down what we have so far and sat there thinking of what else.

"I think the potion'll be too thick," Reginald said, "We need something to thin it out."

"Er- what about lacewing flies or knotgrass?"

"Neither of those'll help. We could try Honeywater. We won't know if any of this will even work until we start experimenting," Reginald pointed out. James sighed. This was going to be a long project and a hard one too. James was thankful that they had finally figured out an idea. Only a few groups seemed to have accomplished that much. Lily and Jonathan were furiously scribbling their ideas onto parchment. Snape and Remus were unhappily writing things down. Sirius and Marlene were having a shouting match, so James didn't think they'd get much done today. And the other groups still appeared to be brainstorming.

"Yeah. We've got a lot of work to do," James said.

"I think I'll head to the library and research the effects of these ingredients together and if there have any been any attempts on a Potion of Flight," Reginald said thoughtfully.

"I'd offer to help you out, but I've got Double Patrols tonight and Quidditch Practice straight after dinner. We had to shorten the practice so we'll have time for homework. But even then I've only got an hour for homework and I need to write a foot about the Whomping Willow's feelings. Why would a plant have feelings! Professor Sprout has gone up and gone mad, I'm telling you," James rambled. Reginald laughed.

"It's alright, James. I know you've got a lot. This is extra anyways. Just to make sure we won't accidentally brew a poison, not that I'd mind slipping some to the Slytherins if it was," Reginald said. James laughed in response. He wasn't a bad bloke, James thought.

"Class dismissed!" Slughorn shouted.

"Yeah, I'll see you around," James said to Reginald.

"Bye." James packed his parchment and quills away before turning to find Lily. He caught a glimpse of her beaming smile and the tail-end of her conversation.

"You wanna hang out before next class?" Jonathan asked in his American accent.

"Yeah. My door's open and I'd love to hear more about you," Lily said.

"Same. You're different from the girls back home."

"In a good way I hope?" Lily teased. The American chuckled.

"In the best way," he replied suavely.

"You should come join us for dinner tonight," Lily proposed. Jonathan's face lit up, but James' didn't. But, James realized, this could be a good time to learn who this bloke was. Maybe he was a really good chap.

"Can't wait," Jonathan said with a playful wink. Lily only rolled her eyes at him before turning to James. To his joy, her face erupted into a lovesick grin.

"Wasn't that just the most wonderful class!?" Lily asked him. She linked her arm in his and James' worries melted away. They headed out of the classroom arm in arm.

"It was definitely entertaining," James agreed. He enjoyed it.

"I've just invited Jonathan to eat dinner with us," Lily said, "I think he'll get along real well with you and the boys. He had a lot of interesting things to say about Potions too!"

"What are you two thinking of making your potion anyway?" James wondered. A sly grin crossed her face.

"I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, now would I?" Lily asked, with a teasing brow raised. James smiled at her.

"No I suppose not. You can only hope that it'll outshine my own brilliance."

"I have no qualms, James. But kidding aside, can we finish reading Harlock's book tonight?" Lily asked.

"I wish we could, but I don't think we'll have any time today. We've got Transfiguration next. Then Lunch. Then I've got a free, but I promised I'd help Peter with his Transfiguration, and Rule 20 says a Marauder keeps his promises so I have to. After that I've got Arithmancy. Then I've got practice right after dinner and then we're patrolling..."

"Ugh," she sighed. "I feel like we hardly get to see each other anymore."

"I mean we're in almost every class together and we're both Heads," James said.

"No I mean we're always together, but it's always business and school. We can never just relax like last year. And I feel like we're always fighting," she said sadly. James put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. "I'm starting to get why losing Hogsmeade weekends bothered you so much."

"Hogsmeade?" he said, "Who needs Hogsmeade weekends?"

"James, we've never been on a proper date before."

"We went to your sister's wedding together," James insisted.

"As friends and it ended with my sister kicking us out."

"Technically she kicked you out, but it's whatever." He smirked at her.

"It's a moot point. You were my plus-one," Lily reminded him, rolling her eyes. "Anyways, we still haven't been on a date."

"And I plan on changing that, my love, fret not. And I meant, who needs permission to go to Hogsmeade?" James said with a sly smile of his own. Lily chuckled at him.

"I should scold you about that," she told him.

"But you aren't going to?"

"No, but I'm not particularly fond of breaking this rule. Dumbledore was right about it being dangerous," Lily said. James didn't respond. His inner Marauder was going into overdrive. Ideas swimming in his brain.

"We'll figure something out, darling," James told her.

"Yeah we will." James could still hear the sadness in her voice and he wanted to change it.

"After Lunch meet me behind the mirror on the fourth floor," James whispered in her ear as they got near the Transfiguration room. He felt Lily perk up from the touch of his warm breath on her neck.

"What about helping Peter?" she asked. His lips brushed her neck lightly.

"I suppose he'll be fine if I'm a few minutes late."

"But surely you won't hold that same principle for my class, Mr. Potter?" Professor McGonagoll asked sternly. Lily's face flushed red, but James only grinned.

"I'd never miss a second of your class, Professor, not if I could help it," James proclaimed as he walked in the door. McGonagoll pursed her lips and walked to the board. James sat down beside Lily and Sirius and turned his eyes towards his professor. He always did love this class more than he let on.

"You- I-" Lily said with a flushed face. He leant his forehead on hers, their breaths mingling.

"Speechless, are you?" James murmured. Lily smiled and nodded.

"You seem to have that effect on me," she said. His hands intertwined with hers.

"You've had that effect on me for years."

"You really ought to get to Peter. We wouldn't want them to track us on the Map and walk in," Lily said. James smirked. He pressed his lips to hers, and each time he did it he could've sworn he was floating. And only when he opens his eyes does he feel his feet touch the ground.

"I'd much rather stay here," he pouted, placing his head in the crook of her shoulder.

"I know, but I'll walk you back to the library and we'll have a nice time patrolling tonight," Lily promised, as an adult would promise to an uncooperative small child.

"Alright, but sometimes I swear that tutoring Peter does the exact opposite effect it's supposed to have!" James exclaimed as they exited frm the mirror passage. Lily let out a small giggle.

"I'm sure you're a great tutor, James."

"Oh it isn't my tutoring skills that are the issue, I assure you," James said confidently.

"Don't be mean." She brushed her fingers through his untidy hair. "He tries his best."

"Sorry love, I suppose I should go then," he said.

"I suppose. I'll see you at dinner."

"I'll meet you outside History of Magic after Arithmancy," he offered. Her words from before weren't lost on him. He wanted to spend time with her too and they didn't have much time.

"No need. Jonathan is in my class and he said he's going to walk with me to dinner," Lily said with a cheerful grin.

"So he's in Gryffindor then?" James asked.

"Er well today was his first day. He wasn't sorted yet. He's meeting with Dumbledore later."

"Why'd he move?"

"Why don't you ask him at dinner. I'm sure he'll be plenty happy to answer," Lily said.

"'Kay," James replied, "Walk with me?"

"Of course." Lily squeezed his hand and they exited the secret passage.

AN: I love Lily's POV for this chapter. A bit more exciting than the romance story line, I thought at least. And I'm sorry for all the drama in this chapter and all that is going to come in advance. I try my best to make it realistic and in character as much as it can be.

This chapter is nearly 15,000 words if you can believe it. I didn't mean for it to be so long, but oh well. I've nearly updated all of the story. I mean I'm still writing the story, but I'm almost at where I've written up to. Hope you liked it and hope you'll review regardless.