James was beyond happy about spending time with his friends at his home. Their days would start early. Filling up their stomachs with breakfast cooked by Mrs Potter, they'd play outside till noon. After a quick lunch, they'd laze around in James's room with ice creams. In the evening, they'd go out for a stroll and spend time with Mrs and Mr Potter. Dinners were like a family affair. And their nights ended with sitting together and talking.

"You can see the moon and the stars from here," said Peter in an awe. He was hanging half outside of James's bedroom window. The cool breeze was welcoming in the hot room.

"Aren't you named after a star Sirius?" asked James, glancing over at the black-haired boy lying on the bed.

Sirius let out a groan and said, "The Dog star."

"I wish someone named me after something nice," mumbled Peter, as he continued gazing the stars.

"It's like a family tradition for Sirius," started James, turning towards Peter. "Naming children afters stars and constellations."

"A bloody good tradition," huffed Peter, as he turned towards his friends.

"So, would you rather have a name according to a family tradition?" asked Sirius as he raised his brows.

"Why not?" replied Peter with a shrug. "Stars are nice, so are other things."

"Like?" questioned Sirius as he propped himself on his elbows.

"Flowers," James blurted out without thinking. Sirius's head whipped towards him. Peter and Remus too looked at James in surprise. James could feel his cheeks getting hotter by the second.

"Flowers?" asked Sirius, creasing his brows. "Tell me one flower name that you know."

'Lily,' thought James but he kept mum. "R – Rose?" he stammered, pushing his glasses back.

"That's a common name," remarked Sirius as he pushed himself back on the bed.

"Lily," said Remus. James noticed how Remus glanced at him from the corner of his eyes.

"That's common too, but at least we know a Lily," said Sirius as he scoffed. James shifted his gaze towards his hands in his lap. He wondered if he should tell his friends about Evans's sudden change.

'Tell them what?' James thought, letting out a sigh.

"Merlin Sirius! What is that?" cried Peter, pointing towards Sirius's torso. James's eyes followed Peter's finger. He noticed Sirius pulling down his shirt, that had ridden up slightly. But before Sirius could cover himself, James saw a long, thick pink line on his stomach.

"I fell – while playing with Regulus," mumbled Sirius, wrapping his arms around himself.

James narrowed his eyes and asked, "When?"

"At home," said Sirius, his lips set in a pout.

"Did you fall on a knife while playing? That's a deep cut!" muttered Remus, moving closer towards Sirius.

"Honestly Sirius," huffed James, running his fingers though his hair. "Do you and Regulus plan on murdering each other? Every time we meet after you go back home, you come back with a new scar."

"That happens when you play with siblings," mumbled Sirius, averting his gaze.

"At this rate, you'd have more scars than Remus," said Peter, creasing his brows together.

"Don't worry about it," said Sirius with a loud sigh. But studying the look on Sirius's face, James understood it was worrisome.

The way Remus's parents rushed to find him on Platform 9 ¾ showed their concern for their son. They didn't expect to find their son, laughing as he doubled over with his friends. The couple shared an astonished look with each other. Before they apprehensively approached their son and his friends.

"Mrs and Mr Lupin," James greeted the couple with a smile. The three boys turned towards the couple as James shook hands with them.

Remus's grin turned to a heart-warming smile as he watched his friends greet his parents. "We reckoned we should see him off," said Hope Lupin, Remus's mother.

"Where are your parents?" asked Lyall Lupin.

"They were talking to Peter's parents," replied James, pointing behind them. The couple turned around to see the Potters and the Pettigrews engaged in a conversation.

"Did you have a good time?" asked Mrs Lupin as she straightened out her son's tie.

"Yes," said Remus with a smile. James noticed Mrs Lupin's eyes filled with tears as she smiled at her son.

Mrs Lupin blinked away the tears and breathed, "That's good."

Having noticed the Lupins, James and Peter's parents made their way over to them. The parents greeted each other, talking about their children. Sirius shifted from one foot to another, his eyes on the ground.

James elbowed Sirius in the rib to turn his attention towards himself. James creased his brows, and jerked his head upwards as if to ask what's wrong? Sirius shook his head, forcing a smile onto his face.

"Oi Sirius," whispered Peter. James and the other three boys looked at Peter. "Your parents and brother are here too."

"I saw," mumbled Sirius, shifting his gaze to the ground again.

"Go meet them," whispered James, patting Sirius on the back.

"I'll meet Regulus on train," said Sirius with a shrug.

"I meant your parents, you prat," said James as he rolled his eyes.

"No, it's okay," mumbled Sirius, shaking his head. James furrowed his brows, scrutinizing Sirius's face. He had gotten quiet as soon as he noticed his family. Trying to hide behind his friends, he kept his gaze on the ground.

James linked his arm to Sirius's, making his eyes widen in shock. As he pulled Sirius with himself, Sirius asked, "What are you doing?"

"Let's go meet your parents," said James, beaming at Sirius.

"What?" cried Sirius, trying with all his might to come to a halt as James dragged him. "No!"

"Why not? I've never met your parents," huffed James, he was hardly able to keep a grasp on Sirius. Sirius was wiggling his way out of James's grip.

"They're not that special," assured Sirius, trying to pull James away before his parents saw them. "Why are you behaving like a girlfriend trying to meet her boyfriend's parents?"

"Are you ashamed of me?" asked James, blinking his eyes, as he pretended to be innocent.

"For Merlin's sake James!" breathed Sirius, he almost sat on the ground to stop James from pulling him. In an instant, Sirius came to a halt. He stood up straight and stared straight ahead.

James turned around and smiled when he saw Sirius's family looking at them. He walked towards Sirius's parents, ignoring their scrutinizing glares. He hadn't even noticed Sirius frozen in his spot!

"Hello Mrs and Mr Black," said James, "I'm James Potter, Sirius's friend." He extended his hand towards the tall man, who looked brooding and handsome. It was undeniable that good looks ran in the family. His mother looked graceful and beautiful with her high cheekbones. Regulus too looked handsome. And James didn't even want to start talking about Sirius's handsome features.

The man considered James's hand for a moment before taking it in his own. James noticed a big, golden ring on his middle finger. "Potter, eh?" asked the man, dropping his hand to his side.

"Yes Sir," James gave a sharp nod. He smiled at Regulus and watched Regulus watch James in astonishment.

"Fleamont's son?" asked Mr Black, as James shook hands with Sirius's mother. James felt a shiver down his spine when Mrs Black set her piercing gaze on him.

"Y – ye – yes sir," stammered James. He cleared his throat and spoke again. "Thank you for letting Sirius stay over for summer vacations."

"Didn't have much say in the matter," Mrs Black's voice was calm but not comforting at all. James let out an awkward chuckle, glancing over his shoulder towards Sirius.

"What is your father doing these days boy?" asked Mr Black after a long pause.

"Oh," breathed James, pushing his glasses back. "He's retired sir," said James.

"Planning on joining the war, is he?" inquired Mr Black, narrowing his eyes.

"The – war?" asked James, holding his breath.

"Mother! Father!" exclaimed Sirius, a little too loud for the people standing close by. James felt as if a weight had lifted off him when Sirius's parents turned their eyes towards their son.

"Sirius," said Mrs Black, clasping her hands in front of her torso.

"Did you have a – nice summer?" asked Sirius, trying to uphold his smile. James could see his lower lip trembling.

"It was quiet," remarked Mrs Black, her face was unusually still. James couldn't help but draw comparison between her and Mrs Lupin's reaction on seeing their sons.

Sirius let out a forced chuckle as he spoke, "Probably because I wasn't around."

"Certainly," agreed Mr Black, glaring at Sirius. James averted his gaze to the ground. He could feel the tension in the air. Putting his brain in an overdrive, he tried to come up with an excuse to get out of the situation.

The whistle signalling the students to board Hogwarts Express made the boys jump. James let out a sigh of relief and looked up with a smile. "It was nice meeting you," said James.

"Let's go," Sirius whispered, tugging at James's sleeve. James was happy to comply as they made their way back to their friends. James watched as Mrs Lupin embraced Remus in a hug, kissing his cheek. He was already a head taller than her. Peter too hugged his parents goodbye.

"Don't get into trouble," Mrs Potter instructed, wrapping her arms around James's shoulders.

"I'll try," said James cheekily, kissing his mother on the cheek. James turned towards his father. James embraced him in a hug as he closed his eyes. "See you during Christmas dad," said James.

"I love you," said Mrs Potter, patting James on the cheek.

"I love you too Mum," replied James with a grin.

Mrs Potter turned towards Sirius. Sirius gasped when Mrs Potter wrapped her arm around his shoulder, pulling him closer. "Take care Sirius," she said, patting him with affection.

James noticed as Sirius sunk into the warmth of his mother's embrace. "Yes, Mrs Potter," his voice wobbled.

Holding Sirius at an arm's length, Mrs Potter smiled. Mr Potter patted Sirius on the back. "Off you go son," said Mr Potter.

James and his friends boarded Hogwarts Express. They hung out of the windows as they waved their parents goodbye. Mrs Lupin had her hand on her mouth, smiling and crying at the same time as she waved at her son. Mr Lupin looked relaxed and happy. Mrs and Mr Pettigrew looked happy as they waved their son goodbye. James's parents waved at both James and Sirius.

It was in the Great Hall that James noticed Lily again. He wondered if she'd always been that tall. She looked almost as tall as Peter! Putting his head in his hands, he glanced towards her again. She smiled, looking off in the distance and shook her head. James followed her gaze and noticed Snivellus smiling, as he looked down on the table.

James felt the irritation radiating off him as he clenched his teeth. He pushed his plate away.

"What's gotten your trousers in a knot?" asked Sirius, raising one of his brows.

"Snivellus," replied James through his gritted teeth.

Sirius looked at the one in question. "Because he's smiling?" asked Sirius.

"That greasy slimeball irritates me to no bound," said James, shaking his head.

"Let me help you mate," assured Sirius, patting James's fist resting on the table. He pulled out his wand and mumbled something under his breath. James watched as the bowl in front of Snivellus emptied itself onto him.

The students around him shrieked, as Snivellus flailed his arms. He tried to pat down the hot soup spurted across his face and chest. James smirked, letting out a scoff. "Nice one," he complimented Sirius. Sirius grinned back in response, putting away his wand.

James glanced over at Lily. Instead of laughing like most of the students, she looked concerned. Her lips pressed in a straight line, and a crease between her eyes.

The night ended with a warning to the student body from Professor Dumbledore. He said to not use spells to bully each other. If anyone got caught using such spells, they'd face detention.

Of course, James and Sirius didn't pay any heed to such a warning.

It wasn't even a week before they jinxed Snivellus. It was a tripping jinx in the middle of the Care of Magical Creatures lessons. He tripped in the mud, covering his face with it.

Professor Kettleburn was one of the more tolerant teachers. He gave Sirius and James a detention of writing lines.

James and Sirius didn't mind the detention one bit. Watching Snivellus's mud covered face made it worth it. Snivellus on the other hand wasn't tolerant about getting bullied.

He retaliated with a Pus squirting hex. He made sure that Sirius and James were late to Professor Slughorn's class. Not only did they suffer for a whole 15 minutes, but also earned a second detention! Albeit, they got detention when they cursed at Snivellus in front of the whole class and Slughorn.

During said detention James overheard Evans talking to Professor Slughorn. It was about something he never dreamt of.

When James noticed Evans enter the classroom; he hid behind the cauldron he was cleaning. He wondered what Evans was doing there after classes were over.

"You wanted to see me Professor?" asked Evans in a low voice.

James stayed hidden, though he didn't understand the need for it. Why was he avoiding Evans? What did it matter if she saw him cleaning cauldrons?

"Oh yes, Ms Evans," said Slughorn in a delightful manner. "I had to ask you something."

"Me?" asked Evans. James was as curious as her, peeping around the cauldron.

"I was wondering –" started Slughorn in a whisper. The pause confused James. "Mr Potter?" said Slughorn. James tumbled on his feet, almost tripping as he got up.

"Dropped my – cloth – sir," he lied, holding up the cloth he was cleaning the cauldrons with.

"Continue," he instructed James. James gave Slughorn a nod. Slughorn placed his hand on Evans's shoulder blade, ushering her away from James.

"As I was saying," Slughorn continued to whisper, leading Evans up to his office. "Are you free for dinner?" that was all James heard before Slughorn shut the door of his office.

James's jaw hit the floor, and he dropped the cloth in the cauldron. Was Slughorn asking Evans for a dinner? Slughorn had to be insane! Evans was thirteen!

When Evans came out of Slughorn's office, she looked elated. Slughorn too looked pleased with himself. So much so, that he let James go before he was even done cleaning all the cauldrons.

"I've to ask you a question," announced James as he shut the door of their room behind himself.

"About?" asked Remus, putting his quill down.

"Let's say, there is a thirteen-year-old," started James, his brows furrowed together. "And an old man, going out on a dinner. Is that normal?"

"What kind of a sick pair are you talking about?" cried Sirius, his nose scrunched up in disgust.

"No!" cried Remus, shaking his head.

"How old is the old man?" asked Peter after a long pause.

"I don't know," mumbled James. He ran his fingers through his hair trying to figure out how old must Slughorn be. "A hundred?"

"Yuck!" exasperated Sirius, sticking his tongue out. A creased formed between his brows.

"Who are you talking about?" asked Remus. He looked traumatised at the thought of it.

"I was serving detention with Slughorn," started James.

"Slughorn?!" cried Sirius, his mouth hanging open.

"Close your mouth Sirius," instructed Remus. "And let James finish."

"You wouldn't believe the thirteen-year-old!" said James.

"A boy or a girl?" interrupted Sirius again.

James scoffed, "Girl."

"Slytherin?" whispered Sirius, inching closer towards James.

James shook his head and whispered back, "Evans!"

For a moment the room was silent and then the three boys spoke at the same time. "JAMES –" "NO!" "THAT'S DISGUSTING!"

"I swear!" cried James, throwing his hands in the air. "I was cleaning the cauldrons and she came in. She didn't see me, and asked him why he wanted to see her.

"I was hiding behind one of the cauldrons. When Slughorn addressed my presence, he escorted her to his office. Before he shut the door, I heard him asking if she was free for dinner."

"James are you barking mad?" exclaimed Remus. "Slughorn's a professor!"

"Then what is the dinner about?" asked James.

"What was Evans's reaction?" Sirius inquired, ignoring Remus's groan.

"She looked happy when she came out of his office. He was happy too, that's why he let me go early," replied James as he shook his head.

"I didn't know Evans's type was the ugly ones," snickered Sirius.

"Her type?" asked James, pressing his lips together.

"Yes," replied Sirius with a nod. "Snivellus, Slughorn."

"For Merlin's sake!" hissed Remus, "Slughorn and Lily aren't dating!" He shuddered at his own words.

"Yeah?" said Sirius, turning towards Remus. "What is the dinner about then?"

"It's a club!" replied Remus, rolling his eyes.

"A club?" asked the three boys in unison.

"Slughorn has an unofficial club with students who have a gift in potions and such. They have a dinner, and meet each other. I reckon Lily got invited to that," Remus told the boys.

"Why aren't we a part of it?" mumbled Sirius.

"Because he doesn't think we're worthy enough," replied Remus in a matter-of-fact voice.

"Well, we don't need any club," huffed James, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Especially not with his precious students sneering at us."

"You're a git for thinking he was asking Lily out," Remus remarked, narrowing his eyes at James.

"Well, it sounded suspicious to me," James defended himself as he shrugged. "How do you know about this club anyway?"

"Because I have acquaintances," replied Remus in a nonchalant manner.

"You're rather well informed," remarked Sirius.

"No," said Remus, shaking his head. "I'm smarter than you both combined." James and Sirius gasped, making Remus grin.

Even after knowing the truth behind the situation; James couldn't look at Evans the same way. He watched as she struggled to keep her eyes open in Professor Binns class.

Out of the blue, Sirius's words rang in his ear, "Evans's type… Snivellus…"

James tapped his quill on his parchment, thinking about Evans and Snivellus. Did they like each other? He began recollecting instances where he'd seen them together. Like the library or in the classroom. But then his mind took another turn. Why was he thinking of this to begin with?

He dropped his quill and shoved his hand in his pocket. He pulled out the golden snitch he bought with himself from home. Tipping his chair, he looked over his shoulder at Peter. "Watch this," he whispered, holding the snitch between his index finger and thumb.

Peter's mouth formed an O and he watched James in amusement. James let go of the snitch, it hovered in the air for a moment. Before it could go away from James's reach, he'd catch it.

Looking over his shoulder again, he grinned as Peter watched with admiration.


A/N: Hey Readers,

Thank you 'schak' for your review. Leave a review and let me know your opinions! Be safe and stay healthy.

-JT