Author's Note: Thank you for the support.

For people who were expecting an update, all I can say is "Sorry". I have a full-time job, and I was busy with an ongoing project. I will make sure to put in regular updates going forward.

Also, there is a change to chapter 1. A conversation has been added. I have taken off dates from the fanfic as I was finding it difficult to fit everything into a timeline. The story will follow a timeline, sans the dates.

This is my first story, and hence it will take some time to get accustomed to what the readers expect out of me. Having said that, I will stick to a pattern that I like to read and expect others to follow. Apologies for any grammatical errors.

Again, J K Rowling is the proprietary owner of everything related to 'Harry Potter', and i don't get any monetary benefit from this.

Chapter 3

James was sitting at a spot near the lake. This was his favorite location across the entirety of Hogwarts. It provided a picturesque view of the Black Lake with the Forbidden Forest at its periphery. James had seen some of the wildlife stroll down to the banks of the lake on the other side to quench their thirst. This included centaurs, unicorns and hippogriffs to name a few. This particular spot had a backdrop of the castle lined by birch trees. Currently, he was waiting for Sirius, who was dramatically late.

Just as James decided to head back to the castle, he saw Sirius zoom in on his Nimbus 1978 and land next to him. He wore a smug look, as if he had achieved something. Knowing him, James thought it would probably would be another successful visit to a broom closet.

"Sorry Prongs, I was stuck on the fourth floor."

"Who was it this time? I was on my way back. If you had been a bit late, you would have missed me."

"I am truly sorry; you know how it works. I am at that age where birds distract me left, right and centre. Plus, I need to maintain my reputation."

"Whatever. The reason I wanted to talk to you was important as well. I would expect my best friend to make some time from his busy schedule"

"You can tell me now, I am all yours until Quidditch practice starts."

"Fine. It's complicated as it is. Maybe, its none of my business. But I can't hold myself back from not noticing. It's been distracting me from the beginning of the year. And I don't know what to do about it."

"Would you stop beating around the bush, and come to the point. I can guess who you are talking about. But I highly doubt I know why it would trouble you. We have discussed this. You need to stop thinking about her. She is already betrothed and there is nothing but disappointment written for you there. I am a part of the Black family and I know how betrothals work in my family. If grandfather would have his wish, I might have already been betrothed to some girl."

"You got the right person, but the wrong reason."

"What do you mean?"

"She seems different this year. More distant than ever. Lost in thought a lot. It's driving me crazy that I can't speak to her and provide some comfort. It's not like I have ever had a meaningful conversation with her. But it hurts that she seems disheartened by something."

"What are your talking about? Lily feels fine to me. Still beating me at every test. Grandfather makes sure to mention that every time he writes. It's like I got only the looks, she got the looks and the brains."

"If you can't be serious, then I guess I should just return to the castle. And yes, I will murder you, if you pull another 'Sirius' pun right now."

"You need to calm down. I am sure everything is just fine. Maybe, she is just nervous about her OWLs. I will check with her though. You know what I will tell you right?"

"Ya. She is already betrothed and as a muggle-born, I would never stand a chance to get close to her. I should stop wasting my time and get over it. You know that I am working on it. It will take some time though."

"Good. I don't want to give you any false hopes. If there was any chance, I would have stuck by you through hell. But we both know that's probably never going to happen. Come on Prongs, its time for Quidditch practice."

James gave one last look at the Black Lake before mounting his Nimbus and riding towards the Quidditch pitch.

Unbeknownst to both, a disillusioned figure had heard the entire conversation. He would make sure James Potter would never dream of Lily Black ever again. His black eyes were full of malice as he waited for the opportune moment

-Break-

Though he had assured Sirius, he couldn't stop caring about her. He saw how she had developed dark circles. She also seemed to avoid Snape more this year. Or maybe it was the other way around. It wasn't that he didn't try. A pretty fourth year Hufflepuff (Melinda Jones) had asked him out to Hogsmeade. He had accepted. The date itself wasn't bad. But it wasn't spectacular either. It lacked that spark. At the end, he had apologized profusely and walked away. He had other things to do. Studying, perfecting the Animagus form, Quidditch and pranks did take his mind off of her. However, his mind unwaveringly would eventually return to her. OWLs were this year and he had to get good grades. He had decided that he would become an Auror and needed more than satisfactory grades across many disciplines to even be considered for the position.

One such distraction during a prank had caused him to end up in detention with Slughorn. His office was in the dungeons and detention usually meant cleaning potion inventory or sorting through ingredients. It was late by the time he was done. In his moment of stupidity, he had forgotten it was the full moon. He should have been more careful and avoided detention. This time he spent with his friends on the grounds was some of the best time he spent in Hogwarts. It was a respite from the real world where war was brewing steadily.

Pushing that thought away, he turned a corner to come face to face to 7 students. All of them were Slytherins and leading them was his arch-enemy, Severus Snape.

"Well, what do we have here? Looks like Christmas came early this year."

"Even if it did come early, I will not be sending any gifts to you, Snivellus"

"Big words for a mud blood. As if you either had the acumen or the money to buy me a gift befitting my status. Let me rephrase, you are my Christmas present."

"Didnt think you batted for the other team. Not that it affects me, but I don't swing that way. I will make sure to inform the concerned parties about your preference though."

"How dare you? First, you have the audacity to look at my betrothed, and now you mock me? Today is your last day in the magical world, mud blood."

"Bring it on. There is a reason I am a lion. That would mean nothing to you though, you seem to be hunting in packs. There isn't a house for hyenas in Hogwarts though. Maybe, you should try some of the African schools."

"Keep ranting, Potter. These will be your last words."

Snape already had his wand in his hand. He used it to conjure ropes to tie the Gryffindor up.

James dodged the ropes and sent in reductors of his own towards his opponents. The others heartly joined the fray. They sent in curses which were lethal in nature. As a quidditch player, James was nimble enough to evade many of them. He was successful in hitting each one of his opponents at least once. But the Slytherins had the numbers. He was soon overwhelmed and lost his wand soon after. He had broken bones and was bleeding in various places. However, he wouldn't give up so easily. He had a trump card, which he could use to escape. He hated to reveal it. But desperate time needed desperate measures. He just needed some respite from the barrage to use it.

And then she came. To him, she was like an angel descending from heaven, a god-send. And she was no slouch with words either. The way she chastised her housemates, made him want to kiss her. But this was it, he needed some time and he had got it. He tried to get up. The words had escalated to spells and she was on the receiving end this time and was holding her own. He couldn't waste any more time. He took out a mirror from his pocket and called his best friend.

"Sirius! It's an emergency. Need your help near the Potions corridor. Snape and his death eater buddies are attacking me and Lily. Hurry!"

He didn't wait for a response. He had just heard Lily scream under a red spell. She had been hit with a Cruciatus. He transformed into Prongs and rammed the person closest to him. He ended up hitting the wall and fell unconscious. He could see Snape casting the spell. He galloped towards him. At the last moment, Snape turned around towards the noise and felt the full brunt of Prongs' antlers. He dropped down. Prongs looked around to see nobody else standing. He galloped around the corridor to make sure. As he turned around, he saw Sirius at Lily's side. He transformed back and promptly fainted.

-Break-

Lord Arcturus Black was livid. His grand-daughter had been injured and was currently in the hospital wing. He had just arrived at the gates of the school and was walking towards the infirmary. He found his heir standing guard over his grand-daughter. He walked up to him

"Sirius, What the hell happened?"

"Lord Black! Didn't expect to see you here at this time. Lily was attacked. She was given pain relievers and should be discharged tomorrow."

"Who dared attack a daughter of Black?"

"Snape, Yaxley, Mulciber and Travers. They were attacking a Gryffindor, when Lily tried to stop them. They turned on her instead. Snape used the torture curse on her."

"Severus used what? And I was going to marry Lily off to him. That's the last thing he will ever do. Damn with the betrothal. I want Lily brought to the Black manor once she gains consciousness. It's time we had a long overdue family meeting. There will be repercussions."

-Break-

James was sitting at the Gryffindor table. Sirius had gone back home with Lily for a family meeting. He hadnt gotten an opportunity to talk to her this morning, as she had left by the time her had woken up. Lupin was recovering from the full moon transformation. Pettigrew was also missing, though James wasn't sure where he would be. He had just finished eating his lunch, when Mcgonagall walked up to him.

"Mr. Potter, the headmaster would like to speak to you."

James got up and followed her to the headmaster's chamber. She gave the password ("Magic Pops") to the gargoyle and climbed the stairs. James followed suit. In his entire time, he had never visited the headmaster's office. In fact, he didn't remember one instance of the headmaster conversing with him. He realized this was going to be a very serious talk. He knocked on the door.

"Come in Mr Potter. Minerva, you can stay if you wish. This concerns one of your lions after all."

"Thank you Albus. I prefer to stay."

James saw that the Slytherin contingent was already present (minus Lily) along with their head of house. James glared at the Slytherins who glared back equally.

"Mr. Potter, we are all assembled here to discuss yesterday's events. 6 Slytherins and yourself were injured and admitted to the infirmary because of it. Could you tell us what happened?"

James explained about the detention with Slughorn, and the attack in the alley in detail. However, he didn't say anything about his Animagus. It was a standard rule for the marauders, never reveal they were Animagi. Firstly, because they were illegal animagi, and secondly, it was good to have a secret up your sleeve.

"So you were attacked by these students and fell unconscious, correct?"

"Yes, Headmaster."

"Severus. What is your version?"

"That's Mr. Snape or Heir Snape, Headmaster. It would not be good if the Chief Warlock forgot customs."

"Apologies, Mr. Snape. Care to explain your version.?"

"Potter here has eyes on my betrothed. As her betrothed, I am within my rights to stop any untoward advances made towards her."

"So you attacked him?"

"I just showed him his position. And he too attacked us. My scar is witness to that."

"But you were the aggressor. That will be a deduction of 150 points from Slytherin and detention for all of you every day for the next two months. As for you Mr. Potter, you will also have detention for use of magic in the corridor and a deduction of 50 points. You are all dismissed."

James and Snape glared at each other as they walked out. This battle was from over. James needed to be prepared next time.

-Break-

Sirius returned the next day. He was appalled at the headmaster's decision. James tried to ask about the family meeting. Sirius, though was tight-lipped about it. The only good thing to come out of it was the return of happiness in Lily's eyes. They seemed so full of life. He was dying to know the reason behind it. Sirius assured him, he would get to know soon.

-End of Chapter-

AN: I will try and publish one chapter per week. Next chapter will deal with Lily, and how she ended up with James, and James's reaction once the status quo changes. See you soon!