A/N: Wait I'm kinda freaking out because this story is seen?! I was not expecting that at all, I honestly thought I'd be whispering into the abyss with this. So for all 2 of you that favorited this, THANK YOU. I'm so happy to share these words and my version of their story with you!

Without further ado, I bring you, chapter two…

September 1976

The promise of sixth year hung heavy around Lily Evans.

Over the summer, she had found herself mostly isolated in her room. A few times she heard what she presumed was Severus throwing pebbles at her window in the dark, but she'd decidedly pressed her face against her pillow and ignored whatever noise she heard in the night. It didn't matter, not anymore.

Here and there she had received owls inviting her to Alice and Marlene's house. Even Dorcas had sent her an invitation to a party at her house. But each time she dodged the invitations, insisting her mum was keeping her busy with plans around Petunia's engagement to that vile man Vernon Dursley.

Truth be told, she spent the better half of the summer trying to mend whatever semblance of relationship she had left with Petunia with no success and the other half of the summer trying to dodge the feelings that the severance of her friendship with Snape stirred up.

And somewhere between it all lay thoughts of James Potter that she couldn't quite sort through. A part of her was furious for his role in what conspired, albeit because he was still proving himself to be an immature wanker. But another part of her couldn't stop mulling over how downright mature he'd been when he'd come across her under the tree in the aftermath.

For the days that remained of fifth year, he kept his distance from Lily, not daring to step another toe out of line with her. While throughout the years he'd always been persistent, it was a relief for her to know that even he understood when to back down and when he'd gone too far.

Halfway through the summer she'd been surprised to see as small tawny owl outside her window carrying a letter, an owl that bore no resemblance to that of her friends which frequented her windowsill often during the summer months.

Lily,

Can't believe this is the first owl I'm sending you. I've always dabbled with the idea of sending you owls but I've always been afraid that you'll take your adorable anger out on my bird.

But don't fret my love, I'm not owling you to ask you out on a date. Although if the answer is yes, then please take this as an invitation.

I just wanted to let you know again that I really am sorry for what happened at the end of last term. I know I can be a git sometimes and take things too far, but I hope you know I'd never purposefully hurt you. Not like that.

I hope we can start the new term on better footing. I promise to try to grow up this summer so that maybe you can see that I'm not all that bad.

Hope you're having a great summer,

James

She'd read it over not once, not twice, but admittedly an embarrassing number of times, unsure why the letter had struck a cord with her. As much as she hated the way he incessantly asked her out, he did have his moments of clarity where he could be alright.

And for once, she was looking forward to seeing him at the beginning of the term, hoping that he would stay true to his word of growing up.

James Potter could not stop thinking about Lily Evans all summer.

His mind kept twisting over every word she'd yelled at him that wretched day at the end of fifth year. When he closed his eyes, he could see the look of disgust in her eyes as he desperately tried to ask her out after the show he put on at Snape's expense.

It wasn't necessarily that he felt guilty for what he did to Snape. If anything, that git deserved it considering the way he spoke to Lily that day and he wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It was more that he was tired of seeing the disappointment in her eyes laced with disgust. He saw the way that Lily looked at Snape over the years, the way she showed him grace and loyalty through thick and thin. Lily had a good heart. And if Lily could go through those years being friends with Snape, James was determined that if she saw the good in him then he could secure a place in her heart as well.

James Potter had a plan for this year. This was the year he was going to get Lily Evans to fall in love with him.

The Great Hall was bustling with excited chatter as kids of all ages caught up with one another about their summers and the term to come. The four tables spread across the room were decorated with plates of food, goblets of pumpkin juice, and hungry eyes as everyone indulged in the evening feast.

At the end of one table sat Severus Snape with Mulciber, Avery, and Bellatrix Black surrounding him.

"What a fool," Bellatrix muttered as she turned her eyes away from her cousin, Sirius Black, and back at the boys in front of her. "Finally got himself kicked out of the family tree this summer, that blood traitor. Serves him right."

"Did he now?" Avery inquired, digging into the plate of food in front of him.

Bellatrix nodded. "My aunt and uncle sent him packing after a nasty row between them. He was sticking up for the Potters, a pack of blood traitors worse than any."

Severus stiffened at the mention of Potter.

Bellatrix's eyes narrowed at him, a smirk dancing across her lips. "Maybe you can do the honors of wiping them clean from this earth, Snape."

"It would be my honor," Severus responded curtly.

"Now that you and that Mudblood are done being friends nothing should get in the way," Avery pushed.

"It appears that way," Severus said, his tone neutral despite his stomach turning at the mention of Lily. "Although I have no plans to distract myself with any more of her or Potter's doings this year. My focus is continuing to grow my knowledge of the dark arts."

Mulciber raised his glass of pumpkin juice to Severus's. "Cheers to that mate."

Across the hall, Sirius was sitting next to James, Remus, and Peter, although his full attention was drawn to Nymphadora Tonks talking animatedly with his younger brother, Regulus Black.

"Why is it that Regulus has no quarrels with talking to Tonks yet he ignored every owl I sent his way this summer?" Sirius asked bitterly.

James looked over at Regulus and Tonks. Today, Tonks had bright red hair and a flicker of freckles spread across her nose beneath her bright blue eyes. He felt Remus's interest pique next to him at the mention of Tonk's name.

"Dunno mate," James responded. "Maybe because his head's not being stuffed with lies from your mum and dad about her."

"Hey now, she's a blood traitor too!" Sirius retorted, then quickly added after the look James gave him, "Y'know what I mean mate, not like that. In my parents eyes she's a blood traitor too."

"I bet you your folks hid your owls from him," Remus chimed in. "They've lost one son already, they don't want to lose another."

"Your mum is nasty like that," Peter agreed.

Sirius frowned, looking down at his food. "Yeah, you lot are probably right. Bunch of tossers, my folks."

"Maybe you can try to talk to Regulus now that he's away from your folks?" James suggested which seemed to brighten Sirius up.

"Yeah," he nodded. "I could do that. Maybe I'll try to catch him between classes one day. Don't need precious Bella hexing my tail off for approaching their table."

Down the table, Lily had wedged herself comfortably between Marlene, Alice, and Dorcas. The girls chatted indulgently about their summers, their flings, and their anticipation for the new year. All except Lily, who couldn't help but steal glances from both Severus and James any moment she could.

"Lily," Alice said, her voice low enough to only capture Lily's attention. "Stop staring at them."

Lily dropped her fork, surprised that someone had noticed. "At who?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "Don't play daft with me, Evans."

Lily gave her a pointed look. "I just haven't seen them all summer, I can't help it. It still feels fresh."

"That was months ago Lily, you have to move on,"Alice responded, catching the rest of the girls attention.

"Lily are you still thinking about Severus?" Marlene asked, concern cloaking her eyes.

Lily shook her head, pushing her plate away. "I am not thinking about Severus. And even if I was, so what? He was my friend and he hurt me. If one of you had done the same I'd still be thinking of you too."

"We would never do something as despicable as that," Dorcas shot back.

"Yeah don't compare us to that bastard," Alice said. "Look at him sitting there with Bellatrix, Avery, and Mulciber. Now that's a downright vile group of people if I've ever seen."

"Rumor has it that Bella's already got space saved on her arm for you know what," Marlene said with a suggestive look. A shudder ran across the group of girls at the thought of the dark mark.

"That's insane, Mar," Lily responded. "She's only a sixth year for Merlin's sake."

Alice shook her head. "That doesn't mean anything, Lil. He's recruiting. I overheard mum and dad talking about it over the summer. He doesn't care about the age, he's looking for anyone willing to devote themselves."

"I heard that there are people even in the Ministry who's allegiance are being questioned," Dorcas said, leaning in closer so that those around them wouldn't overhear.

"Like who?" Marlene asked.

Dorcas looked around, making sure the coast was clear. "Rumor has it Barty Crouch Jr. has been more fidgety than usual lately."

Lily, Emmaline, and Marlene's mouths flew open.

"But that's the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement's son!" Marlene exclaimed.

"Exactly," Dorcas said point blank. "No one would dare outright accuse him without proof, given his dad and all. But the whispers are there. It's getting harder to tell who to trust in the Ministry these days. Dark times."

Lily took a deep breath in.

Miles away her parents sat in their home with no idea of what went on in the Wizarding world. She didn't dare to tell them, she didn't want them to worry. But month after month it felt like the air was growing darker and gloomier and whispers of what was to come could not be unheard. She worried about them often, the threat of her existence as a witch of muggles imposed on them. Some days, she wished she was a muggle herself, if only to shield her family from ever being targeted by the darkness.

"Dumbledore's not here yet," Marlene pointed out as all the girls drew their attention to the where the headmaster's chair lay empty.

"He might just be running late," Lily responded.

Alice gave her a pointed look. "Since when does Dumbledore ever run late?"

Lily shrugged. "Alright, I've had enough of this rather cheerful chat we're having on our first night back. Mar, tell us all the juicy details about you and Sirius this summer."

Marlene blushed a faint pink across her cheeks but they could all tell she was dying to share about the in's and out's of her turbulent relationship with Sirius.

"We shagged."

Lily spat out her pumpkin juice, Alice smacked her squarely on the back as she coughed, and Dorcas grinned widely.

"Shut your bloody mouth Mar, you did not," Dorcas exclaimed.

"How dare you let us go on and on about bleeding Ministry rumors when you have the juiciest piece of news that you've held on to all summer from us!" Alice yelled.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Lily asked after finally recovering from her near death experience with the pumpkin juice.

"I wanted to tell you all in person and see your faces! Oh don't look at me like that, I was dying to tell you all summer but I just had to do it in person." Marlene defended herself.

"Tell us all the details now!" Alice insisted.

"Well it didn't even happen until the end of the summer, about two weeks ago at James's little get together," Marlene started.

Lily's stomach did a little flip. James had invited people over to his house, including her friends, for an end of summer celebration and hadn't thought to invite her? The thought stung her a bit more than she liked to admit. Perhaps he felt snubbed after she didn't respond to his owl.

"We'd had a few butterbeers," Marlene continued, unaware of the inner emotional turmoil her words had caused. "And one thing led to another and we found ourselves in the little garden shack behind the Potter house just really going at it."

"The garden shack, Marlene?" Alice repeated. "The garden shack?! Have you no decency?"

"It was a bloody marvelous garden shack," a voice interrupted from behind them.

Marlene turned a deep red as the girls looked up to find none other than Sirius Black standing above them.

"Real solid bench in there, nice piece of wood. So nice we found ourselves there a few more times before the summer ended. Still some splinters in my bum that I haven't been able to get out. Maybe you can help me get them out later, Mar?" Sirius asked, giving Marlene a quick wink.

Marlene rolled her eyes. "Will you get out of here Sirius, I'm trying to privately discuss the size of your shaft with my girls and you are ruining the moment for us."

Sirius raised her eyebrows at him, ignoring Lily, Dorcas, and Alice's sniggers. "You better be kind to my gems, Mar, or else no more corridor snogging for you."

"How in Merlin's beard could I ever survive without it?" Marlene asked sarcastically, though they all knew that Marlene's heart had been wrapped around Sirius Black's for a long time and she quite possibly could not survive without him.

"A conversation for another time," Sirius responded. "I came to tell you lovely birds in total and complete secrecy that there may or may not be an after hours party planned in the Room of Requirements to celebrate the term."

Lily frowned at him. "Black, I'm a Prefect."

"Then you Evans are not invited," Sirius responded swiftly. "Although, don't tell Prongs I said that. If he asks, I delivered you a handwritten and compelling invitation to tonight's shenanigans."

Lily couldn't help but let the corners of her mouth turn up at the mention of James. "Oh, how lovely. I'll definitely need to make an appearance now. How could I say no to a handwritten invitation from the Marauders?"

Sirius winked at her before turning around and walking back to where the rest of the Marauders were sitting. A few feet away, he stopped and turned around, looking Marlene dead in the eyes before saying just loud enough for the rest of the table to hear, "Don't forget about those splinters Mar, you're the one that insisted on the garden shack."

"SIRIUS BLACK-"

The party was in full swing by the time Lily, Alice, Marlene, and Dorcas showed up. True to their word, the party was reserved for 6th year and 7th year Gryffindors only. Bottles of butter beer and fire whiskey sloshed around in the hands of the excited teenagers.

From a distance, Lily could see James sitting on a couch with Sirius on one side and Emmaline Vance on the other, the three of them clutching large goblins of what she presumed was fire whiskey.

"Let's grab a drink," Alice said, leading them all to the table that adorn the variety of bottles.

"Please," Lily said, pouring herself a big goblet of fire whiskey . "This is exactly what I need after a long summer of Petunia's nasty temperament and ignoring Severus throwing rocks at my window."

She took a big gulp, then another, then reached down to pour more.

Marlene eyed her curiously. "Going a bit strong there, Lil, be careful with that."

Lily shrugged. "We're only 16 once Mar," she responded. "And by the looks of it, this might be the only time in our young lives we'll be this carefree."

The girls all nodded their head in mutual understanding. It was a war out there, whether it was acknowledged or not, and these would be the years of their lives they would hold on to as they entered the darkness that lay ahead after graduation.

"Easy there, Evans," James said, appearing out of nowhere. He grabbed the ladle from her hand and poured himself another drink then gave her a look over and poured a ladle into her goblet as well. "On second thought, I don't think I've ever seen you enjoy yourself at one of these parties so why not indulge for once."

Lily shot a look at Dorcas, Marlene, and Alice. "See, Potter gets it."

What could have been hours, maybe even minutes, passed and Lily found herself with a heavy head sitting on that very couch, sandwiched between James and Peter as Sirius animatedly shared a story.

The room felt stuffier than when she first entered and the ruby red couch she was pressed into felt like a cloud she could just keep sinking further and further into. The room had died down considerably, small crowds of people here and there still chatting. In the distant corner there was a couple snogging so aggressively Lily worried that they might pass out from lack of oxygen.

"So at this point Mrs. Potter has no idea that we have barrels worth of fire whiskey hiding behind the door," Sirius continued, his hands flying around as he talked. "And Prongs goes, 'best be getting to bed then, Mum, we've got a long day tomorrow'. And Mrs. Potter just nodded along as though her precious son is some sort of angel meanwhile Wormy over there as helping Lupin and Mar crawl out the window!"

"Sometimes I think she knows," James chimed in. "But bless her heart she's too old to make a fuss about what I get into anymore."

Sirius nodded along, half laughing, before taking another swig from his goblet. He dropped down into the armchair closest to the couch with Marlene perched on the armrest next to him.

"Sirius," she said, her voice drowsy with fire whiskey. "I'm hungry, can we go to the kitchens?"

"Only if we pop by the classroom on the fifth floor on the way there," Sirius responded, shagging his eyebrows at her.

Marlene smacked him across the arm but didn't argue with him. "Deal."

Sirius grinned then turned to the boys and blew them a kiss. "It's time for me to go please m'lady," he said, then grabbed Marlene by the hand and led her out the party.

Lily rolled her head over to rest on Peter's shoulder. With her eyes closed and her heady foggy she said, "What time is it anyway?"

"Quarter to 2," James said from beside her.

Lily's eyes shot open, staring at James's face. "A quarter to 2? We have to go Potter, we have lessons in the morning!"

"Leave it to Evans to remind us of class," Peter said then quickly sunk back in his seat when he saw James shoot him a look.

"I can walk you to the Gryffindor tower, Evans," James offered, moving to get up from the couch. Lily nodded sleepily as he grabbed her hands and pulled her up. With the fire whiskey coursing through her veins and limbs, Lily clumsily collapsed into his chest.

"Easy there," James said as he helped her regain her balance. "Two fire whiskies in and we got ourselves a drunk Lily Evans."

Lily narrowed her eyes at him. "I've had more than just two, thank you very much."

James raised his eyebrows at her. "Should I be impressed?"

Lily paused, then shook her head. "No, s'pose not. Just get me home, Potta," she said, slurring the end of his name.

James shook his head with a smile and led her out. From the corner of his eye he could see Emmaline eying him curiously but he let it slide. Over the summer they'd hung out here and there a few times, even shared a kiss one night. But he'd made it clear to her he wasn't in a place where he was looking for a girl to go steady with. Just someone to share some moments with as they came up.

He didn't necessarily feel guilty, but he didn't feel great either as she watched him walk out with Lily in tow. Besides, it wasn't as though he and Lily were anything at all. At least not on that particular night, he thought to himself.

"Thanks for walking with me," Lily said, resting her head on his arm as she walked. Her legs were wobbly and he suspected she needed him to stay steady. He'd had quite a few drinks himself that night and was feeling more loose than usual but certainly not to her extent.

"Of course," James responded. "Can't let a beautiful bird like yourself walk these corridors alone at night."

"Aha!" Lily yelled out, so loud that James clamped his hand over her mouth to keep her quite. She pushed against his hand, prying them away from her face. "There it is! I knew you couldn't go this long without coming on to me."

"First of all, lower your tone before McGonagall catches us and gives us detention for the rest of the year," James warned. "And second of all, I'm not coming on to you, I'm just stating the obvious."

"Which is?" Lily pressed on as they turned the corner. James sighed in relief as he saw the portrait of the Fat Lady in the distance.

"That you're a good looking bird," James said point blank. "No use in denying that."

Lily smirked, her eyes closed. "James Potter fancies me."

James rolled his eyes. "Cut it out, Evans, it's not like you haven't spent the last two years unaware of my advances."

"It's just funny s'all," she responded, pressing her had back against his arm for stability as she wrapped hers around his forearms. "It never ceases to amaze me of how stubborn you are in your determination to get the only girl in school who says no to you to say yes."

"Is that all you think of me? Of us?" James asked softly as they reached the Great Lady.

Lily looked up at him, her eyes bouncing back and forth across his face. Dizzy. Intoxicated. She'd never noticed the flecks of gold in his eyes and the way his lips always seemed to curve up. "What else is there to think about?"

James studied her face. If he was any drunker, he might not have been able to hide the thoughts in his head but luck was on his side and this didn't seem like it'd be the night he'd embarrass himself in front of Lily Evans. Although, she was absolutely smashed and would most likely not remember anything he would say anyway.

And with that thought, he felt safe enough to say, "That one day you and I are going to be together and it's going to be so absolutely brilliant that you won't have the energy to think about anything else but us."

Lily swallowed. "James,"

"Oh for Merlin's sake," the Great Lady whined behind them. "It's 2 in the morning, give me the bloody password and let me sleep in peace."

"Acid pops," James muttered as the portrait swung open.

He stood there for a moment in the common room with her, eyeing her up and down. Lily crossed her arms across her chest, suddenly feeling very vulnerable.

"Goodnight, Evans," he said then turned around to climb up the stairs to the boy's dormitory.

"Thank you," she said, making him pause in steps. "For the letter. Thank you, it was kind of you. I appreciate how sensitive you've been towards what happened that day."

James stood there for a moment, debating whether or not to turn around, then after a deep breath kept walking up the stairs, forcing his feet to move and not run back towards Lily.