HellooooOoooo

Thanks so much for the support for my 100th chapter. It was a real milestone for me. This is the longest running fanfic I've ever done. I hate to admit it, but as some of you have probably noticed by looking at my profile, I have two stories from two other fandoms currently on hiatus. I sort of lost the drive for either of them, which sucks. But this story has been going strong mainly because this fandom is still so active despite it having been ages since the series ended. It helps keep my interest in this series fresh and lends itself well to my writing inspiration.

So last chapter our two heroes finally moved forward so more in their relationship (I honestly thought they'd be fucking by now, but ultimately it just didn't feel right to progress that far with them just yet). And Simone and Thea took another step in the whole Horcrux thing. They're attempting to find any and all places that might have held significance to Riddle in his youth in hopes of finding where he hid his remaining horcruxes. Wish them luck!

Without further ado, chapter 101

If Someone Cared Enough

Chapter 101: Hope Springs Eternal

"I'm telling you, it's fool proof Padfoot," James exclaimed for the umpteenth time that day, "This is literally the plan to end all plans."

Sirius scoff, rolling his eyes, "Well it certainly sounds like the end is near if you're talking about befriending Snivellous."

Without even looking up from his book, Remus reached over and flicked Sirius on the head, "I told you not to call him that."

Sirius pouted, his bottom lip sticking out profoundly as he rubbed his forehead, "It was a slip of the tongue."

"Once is a slip of the tongue," Remus chided, peering over the top of his book to look at Sirius, "Eight isn't."

"I'm just saying," Sirius said in exasperation, "We're already giving up on pranking the little cretin—my favorite pastime—and now you're telling me that I have to be his friend."

James sighed, "You don't have to befriend him, Sirius. I do. It's the best bet to get closer to Lily."

"I'm positive Lily's going to see through your plan, James," Remus said lightly, flipping the page in his book, "Both of them are."

James grinned at his friend, "Ah but you see, there is nothing to see through, because I'm actually going to do it. I'll befriend Snape."

"Remind me again why this plan is sooo brilliant oh Great One," Sirius said sarcastically.

James sighed, tired of having to explain himself, "It's simple. Lily and Snape are best friends. She cares about what he thinks. If he starts to realize that I'm a great guy, then Lily is sure to come to her senses and realize what an ideal match we are."

"I hardly think Severus is going to see your 'greatness' after all the times we picked on him," Remus pointed out, "Pretty sure those wounds run deep."

"Which is why I'm going to apologize," James explained, "And I'm going to mean it."

Sirius snorted.

"I am," James insisted vehemently, "Look, I really want Lily to like me and clearly, you can't woo someone by making their friend's life hell. I get that now. I shouldn't have done it. It was stupid of me to think that I could convince her to like me when I was being so mean to Snape. Liking Lily wasn't really a…justifiably reason to harass him."

"For the record," Sirius piped up lazily from the couch, "That was never my reason."

Remus hummed, licking his finger to flip another page over, "No instead, you did it because you're just a prick."

Sirius stretched his leg out so that he could poke Remus's ankle with his foot, "Meanie."

"It was all jealousy," James went on, too busy marveling over the ingenius of his plan to care that his friends were hardly listening, "And it's stupid. I had no reason to be jealous. They're just friends; why would I are consider him a threat."

"Because they're best friends," Remus stated, "They're very close, James."

James shrugged, "So? It's almost seventh year and they're not together. If he was going to make a move, he'd have done that by now. Clearly he's not going to."

"Not that I blame him," James added. He gestured to himself, "Who could compete with all this. Surely he must have known that all Lily would ever see him as is a friend when there's fine specimen like me around."

"I wouldn't be so sure, James," Remus said, "Looks are subjective. You know what they say: beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

He glanced over at Sirius, the latter slumped so far down in the chair his bottom was hanging off the cushion, lip curled as he picked at his teeth.

"If love is blind, then half the girls at school had about as good vision as Stevie Wonder," Remus mused, referencing the muggle musician his mother oftentimes listened to on the radio.

Sirius smacked him with his foot again, "Makes you blind too."

"I'm beginning to thoroughly regret my choices," Remus deadpanned.

"Oh come on Moony, there's some physical attraction in love," James insisted, "Yeah I wouldn't call Lily shallow, but she's got to have standards, right? And tall, pale, and brooding? Lily if she wanted that she would be dating a vampire by now."

Remus bit his lip. He had no intention of telling James that Lily and Severus really were together, at least they'd been heading that way right before the Chamber incident. They were probably a couple by now. Not that he'd tell James that; especially when his newest plan focused on being nice to Severus. Better let James think Lily was single and simply wonder why getting into her good graces doesn't end up earning him a date.

"Now Rowan Gowan was an okay looking bloke," James said definitely, "I can see why Lily would consider him, though he still falls shortly and surely she's seen that by now. But Snape? He may be her friend, but he isn't boyfriend material."

Remus raised a brow, "And you are? You dated a girl as a ruse."

"Hey, I treated her like a queen," James said of his time with Jess, "She wanted for nothing. I made her happy."

"Because she thought you actually had feelings for her," Remus pointed out, "Which you didn't. You lied."

James waved it off, "Jess has got suitors coming out the wazoo, Moony. She'll get over this real quick, you'll see. The point is, I was a very attentive boyfriend, even to a girl I didn't like. That's got to count for something and I bet Lily will see that."

James sighed, shaking his head, "Poor Snape, no wonder he hated me all this time. He was jealous of me. I'm the whole package, of course he'd feel threatened by me spending time with Lily. And here I thought he didn't like me because he was a Dark Wizard and I'm one of the good guys."

"I liked it better when we thought he was evil," Sirius griped, "Fighting him was loads more fun than pitying him for his pathetic unrequited crush on Evans."

"Don't be so harsh on him, Pads," James chided, "Guy must be heartbroken. Imagine what it must be like to be him. Forever the friend."

"No matter," James went on, "In time, he'll see what a standup guy I am. And if he truly wants Lily to be happy, he'll have to agree that I'm perfect for her."

Remus closed his book, propping his head up in his hand, "So you think being able to talk to a Slytherin without hexing him silly will somehow make up for the years of crap you put him through?"

"Come on, we were children, Moony," James reasoned, "Just kids. We all make mistakes and do stupid things."

"Case in point, we come up with cockamamie schemes to befriend Snape," Sirius quipped.

James threw a pillow at him.

"James," Remus started tiredly, "I'm all for you being nicer to Severus. He's been through more than enough over the years. But…being his friend just to win over Lily…don't you think that just comes off as a little…deceitful?"

James blinked, "How so? I'm actually going to be his friend. He seems like an all right bloke, just dull. Not like we need to be bosom buddies, but I can see why Lily gets along with him. His humor's a little dry, but he cleans up nice, can hold a decent conversation. Wouldn't be so bad to have someone like him around."

"I beg to differ," Sirius grumbled.

"Look, he's very important to Lily," James said, "So he's probably going to be in her life for a very long time. If I am ever going to make things work with Lily, I need him to like me instead of hate me. Otherwise, he'll just try and drive us a part. What kind of marriage can last if the bride's best friend hates the groom?"

"One where the best friend gets hit by a stampeding hippogriff," Sirius supplied helpfully and somewhat hopefully.

Remus flicked him again, "Be nice."

Sirius crossed his arms, "Hell no, that's James's plan. Let him be buddy-buddy with that slimy jerk. I'll just ignore him."

"I suppose that's better than picking on him," Remus murmured, conceding to the fact that he'd never get Sirius to care for Severus.

"Jamie," Euphemia Potter flounced into the room, wearing high quality silken robes far too fancy for simply sitting around the house sipping tea, "Peter's here."

"Mum," James whined, "I'm nearly seventeen. Don't call me Jamie."

His mother tittered a laugh, reaching out to pinch his cheek, "You'll always be my sweet little baby boy. Mother's little miracle."

She left the room with a giggle, obliviously of her fuming son's petulant face. Soon after she left, Peter slipped into the room, his hair mussed and one side of his collar flipped up.

"Get into a fight with the giant squid?" Remus asked with a wry grin.

Sirius smirked, "More like Marlene got a hold of him. She's got a grip as strong as the squid's after all those years of Quidditch."

Peter smiled dreamily, "She was just…saying goodbye after lunch."

"Your neck has lipstick on it," James pointed out, grinning.

Peter flushed, "That was part of the goodbye."

"See," James said, pointing at Peter, "I want a relationship like that."

"You had a relationship like that," Remus said with a disapproving frown, "And you lost it because it was based on lies."

"Can't you let that go?" James asked in annoyance.

"Not until you apologize to Jessica," Remus replied.

James groaned, "I'm telling you she'll get over it. It's not like she was actually in love with me. Jess is a material girl, all about status. She just wanted to date me because I'm rich and popular, and she can find another rich guy."

"But not another popular guy?" Remus asked, quirking a brow.

"There's only one of me," James said, dead serious.

"Enough about your delusional love life," Sirius declared, sitting up, "Let's ask Petey how his little date went."

He turned to Peter, "How far did you get."

Peter's face went red, "We hardly did anything."

"You have a hickey," Sirius countered, pointing at Peter's neck.

Peter slapped a hand to his neck, scowling, "So we did some necking. That's it. We're trying to take things slow."

Sirius blew out some air, eyes skyward, "That's boring."

"It's her first time in a serious relationship," Peter defended, "Marlene wants what we have to be special. She says she's never cared for anyone like she does for me."

"What sweet lukewarm sentiments," Sirius crooned.

Remus gave Peter an apologetic look, "I've got this one." He smacked Sirius with his book.

"Ow!" Sirius complained.

"I'm glad you are taking things slow, Peter," Remus told his friend, "Marlene must respect that this is all new to you. Shows how much she cares for you if she's willing to wait so it can have more meaning."

Peter nodded, "I've never really had a girlfriend before. Marlene got loads more experience than I do, but she's willing to go at my pace until I figure it all out. I mean, before the two of us got together, I'd never kissed a girl!"

"Technically you had," James reminded him, "You kissed her before you were ever dating. At the Christmas party."

"Which you hardly remembered after so much firewhiskey," Sirius added.

Remus laughed, "The marvels of liquid courage."

Peter looked bashfully down at his feet, "I'd forgotten about that. I didn't mean to throw myself at her. Now I feel bad."

"Don't," Remus assured, "I think on a subconscious level, Marlene knew about the kiss. That must be why she began to gravitate around you."

"Not to mention, she threw herself at you," Sirius corrected, "She called you her hero for beating me in that Vienna sausage eating contest."

Remus pulled a face, "That was the most disgusting highlight of the night. Just a bunch of guys gagging and belching."

"And I won for loudest burp," Sirius stated proudly.

Remus raised his hands in the air in defeat.

"Is this just a weird guy thing I never became a part of?" he asked, looking around at James and Peter, "Men being proud of all their smells and gasses?"

James shrugged, "My mum always told me it was wasn't gentlemanly. She'd box my ears if I did it."

Sirius grinned, all teeth, "James's mum would probably give him a medal. She fawns over everything he does."

James scowled, "She does not."

"Uh, yeah James," Remus conjectured, "She does. She frames your exam results, and you do dismally at History of Magic and Ancient Runes every year."

"Well of course she doesn't care about those grades," James stated, letting out an exasperated sigh as if he was explaining things to children, "Neither of those classes are necessary for becoming and Auror. I get good grades in subjects that count."

"Except for potions," Remus said, "Which I have to carry you three through every year."

"Good thing Sluggie isn't a harsh grader," Sirius quipped with a chuckle.

James clapped his hands, "Guys, we're getting off track. As I was saying before, this year will be the year Lily finally sees I'm perfect for her."

Peter took a seat across from Remus and Sirius, "We're still on this, I see."

Sirius nodded glumly, "He's gone off the deep end this time, Wormy. Hatched a plan to cozy up to Snive—I mean, Snape," he added, casting a wary glance at Remus and the heavy book he held in his lap.

Peter tilted his head, "Is that really so bad?"

Sirius groaned, clapping a hand to his forehead, "Not you too!"

"I'm just saying," Peter defended, "He did save my life."

"We saved your life," Sirius insisted.

"Technically it was a group effort," Remus compromised.

Peter nodded, "Yes, but Snape was one of the first and the one person who should have felt the least obligated to given our past. Still he came for me. And from what I heard him and Lily arguing about in the hospital wing; he gave me the last of his Felix Felicis while I was unconscious, instead of saving it for himself."

Remus eyebrows shot up in understanding, "So that's what they were arguing about. I thought I heard him mention the potion."

"So he gave up a rare potion," Sirius said flippantly, "Big whoop. James and I took on the basilisk head on. If anything, Snape should be thanking us."

"As if you did anything for Snape's sake," Remus interjected, "I doubt saving him was the last thing on your mind."

"Well yeah," Sirius confessed bluntly, "I was more worried about you and Peter."

Remus tried not to smile at that, "My point is Severus hardly owes you any thanks when nothing you did was for him. And Peter, it's very mature of you to recognize what Severus did for you."

Peter beamed from the praise.

"Guys, focus," James demanded, "I need to know how I can reach out to Snape. Remus, what's his favorite Quidditch team?"

"You're off to a bad start if you plan to win him over with sports," Remus said, unimpressed, "He doesn't like Quidditch."

James gaped, "Doesn't like Quidditch? That's insane."

"Told you the guy was bad news," Sirius grumbled.

"Fine, favorite novel then," James suggested, grasping at straws.

Remus raised a brow, "I spent the past several months working with him on destroying a horcrux. We didn't exactly waste time sitting around talking pleasantries."

"Perhaps talk potions with him," Peter threw out there, "Or maybe dueling. He's got a knack for both."

James snapped his fingers, "Brilliant!"

"With all due respect, James," Remus said hesitantly, "Is it really fair to keep pursuing Lily when she'd already turned you down so many times."

"Two-hundred and Fifty-Eight," Sirius added, "Give or take a number."

Remus, glared at him, "Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that...James, has it ever occurred to you that rather than Lily having not seen how nice you can be, you simply just aren't her type?"

James frowned, opening his mouth to retort but stopping suddenly. His mouth worked wordlessly for a moment, a befuddled expression crossing his face.

"Congrats, Moony," Sirius said, "You broke him."

"Not her type?" James blurted out, "What type could she possible want if not," he gestured up and down his body, "All this?"

"I'm smart," James went on, ignoring the snicker of disbelief from Sirius, "I'm fun; great at parties. I'm social and outgoing, I know all the best places to hang out, and I've got a bright career as an Auror waiting for me. I'm charming too!"

"And oh so humble," Remus mumbled, dragging a giggle out of Peter.

"The alternative to me is boring," James said with finality, "Dull, stuffy, no sense of humor, probably an introvert. Who would want someone like that?"

'Lily,' though Remus, 'Which is why she's with Severus.'

"There's more to personality than just being funny and popular, James," Remus explained, "Sometimes compassion and sensitivity go a long way."

"Sensitive?" James questioned, head cocked in confusion, "Like some poof?"

Remus face palmed.

"Look, it doesn't matter," James decided, brushing Remus's concerns aside, "I can't just give up. Lily is the only girl for me."

"What about Mary?" Remus asked suddenly.

James paused, looking at his friend in surprise, "What?"

"Mary," Remus said slowly, "Lily's friend? She's just as nice as Lily."

"And the cause of the misunderstanding that Jess dropped you like a sack of crap over," Sirius tacked on with a smirk.

James frowned, "Mary's nice, but she's no Lily."

"She's pretty," Remus said, "She's smart."

"Popular," Peter threw in, "She likes Quidditch."

Sirius delivered the killing blow, "And unlike Evans, she used to fancy you."

"No, she fancied you," James pointed out.

Sirius shrugged, "She liked both of us, Mate. She just got tired of waiting around for me to make a commitment or you to get over Lily. Regardless, she actually liked you for all the things Evans has never been interested in. The only difference is clearly Mary has better taste than Evans."

"Didn't Mary have a crush on Severus this year," Peter whispered questioningly at Remus.

Remus held a finger to his lips, "Let's not give Sirius a conniption."

Besides, James and Sirius still didn't know that it was Snape that Mary and Lily fought over this past semester and not Rowan Gowan. Nor did James and Sirius need to know.

"There's also Meldonna," Sirius pointed out, "She's like Jess but less superficial."

Remus waved his hand side to side like he was weighing something, "Not by much."

"There's other girls in Gryffindor," Peter suggested, "You have a fan club full of girls to pick from, Prongs."

James shook his head, "None of them are as great as Lily."

"You mean none of them have ever said no," Remus deadpanned, "Seriously James, what do you even know about Lily other than that she's pretty and smart."

"Loads of things," James blurted out, "She's passionate, she's clever. Her eyes do this cute little crinkle thing when she laughs. She stands up for what she believes in."

"So do plenty of other girls," Remus pointed out, "It's the 70's; strong women are everywhere. But what do you actually know about Lily. Her interests, her hobbies, what makes her tick?"

James blinked, "Well…um…there's…oh! She's big on potions and charms."

"An observation anyone could gather from her high marks in those courses," Remus stated.

James tapped his chin in thought, "She…likes muggle books?"

"Because she's muggleborn," Remus said in monotone, "What brilliant deduction skills."

"So I don't really know her yet," James snapped, "I will soon. We have our whole lives to get to know each other. Dates are about getting to know who you're in love with, right?"

Remus frowned, "Yes, but what's the point of dating someone if you don't even know what you like about them to start with?"

"I'm telling you guys, this plan is going to work flawlessly," James declared, refusing to entertain his friend's suggestions to change targets.

"Look out Snape, you're going to think the world of me soon enough. I guarantee it."

Is it weird that the more I write Peter in a world where he found his own self worth, the more I like him? Seriously, the guy is growing on me. Everyone loves an underdog. And there's something really fun about the idea of a pretty, sporty popular girl falling for the bashful charms of a pudgy timid guy because he lacks all the arrogant narcissism of other guys his age. He's not a 'nice guy', he's a genuinely nice person and frankly someone who is just glad to have a friend who just happens to be female; he still pinches himself to make sure it's not a dream and that someone like her honestly chose someone meek and mild like him.

So here we have James's plan laid out in full. He's hoping to essentially win over Snape with the intent of getting Snape to convince Lily how great James is, since Lily would trust Snape's word on the matter. Of course we all know that plan isn't going to work, especially since Lily and Severus are not only in love, but also aware of that this might be the route James takes.

Remus is of course still a little salty that for months his friends were hiding the truth from him about why James dated Jess. Not only was it underhand and an abuse of Jess's feelings, but they also lied for months to Remus to cover it up so that he wouldn't find out and warn Jess out of concern for her feelings. He's probably going to be salty about that for quite sometime, but he's still their friend because well, they did fight a basilisk for him.

Review please :)