Disclaimer: Anything you recognise does not belong to me it belongs to JK
Rowling. I'm not making anything from this, so please don't sue me.
A/N: Please review and tell me what you think. Hope you like it. (Hopefully spelling error's fixed - sorry if I have missed any! – All chapters will be edited & reloaded.
Thanks to all those that have reviewed so far - I really appreciate it - Very glad you are enjoying the story
Shooting Star: Thanks for pointing out the error - My only excuse is that I typed up most of this fic while also marking mock exams (note to all those who are still studying - Do work! - It helps to stop your teachers from going even more mad than they already are).
Also I would like to give a special thanks to Crystal Lily, Enimty and Princess Hermione for reading and reviewing both this story and The Marauders & the Valdeene legacy.
CHRISTMAS PRESANTS
By the time that Lily, Aggy, Marie and Annie woke up the carriages had left to take those going home to the Hogwart's Express. Sitting up in their beds they decided that a trip to the kitchens was in order as they had missed breakfast. Drawing straws Aggy and Annie lost out, looking at each other they laughed and slipped robes over their pyjamas and ran out of the room. Marie and Lily took the opportunity to grab a little more sleep. Half an hour later the two girls returned armed with goodies and they dumped it all on Aggy's bed.
"I can't believe those two have gone back to sleep…Come on Annie lets wake them up" Aggy and Annie picked up their wands and in seconds there was sun streaming through the windows. Aggy shouted "Foods here". Which was enough to rouse the sleepers.
Getting up to go over to Aggy's bed they all sat eating and giggling about the ball the previous evening. The others were gob smacked when Lily told them that Snape had been a gentleman and was a really good dancer.
Finishing off the last remains of the food they tidied up the dorm and each showered and got changed.
Once ready they went down to the common room, seeing the Marauders sat playing exploding chess, Lily turned to the others and said "I think I'll go for a walk down to the lake"
Annie went with Lily but Marie and Aggy went over to the boys and sat with their boyfriends. James looked up just as Lily reached the portrait and shouted "Lily flower…going to meet lover boy"
"That's for me to know isn't it" and she gave him a sarcastic smile
After she had gone James ran his hands through his hair and let out a groan.
Aggy looked at him in disgust "James are you trying to make her hate you…Because you are going about it the right way"
Slumping back in the chair he uttered "I can't seem to help myself…the words are out before I can stop them" looking at the two girls he said "She's not going to meet Snape is she?"
Aggy laughed at the expression on James face "No James…he's gone home…but if you don't get your act sorted out she will find some one else!"
At this James just groaned "I need help!"
"James just apologies to her" Aggy told him and she was joined by Remus who said "Prong's my friend she's right if you want Lily back you will have to make the first move and apologies"
Hating to agree with them, he knew they were right but the question now was when to do it.
With only two more days till Christmas most of the remaining Hogwart's students could be found in Hogsmeade buying last minute gift's and stocking up on supplies to last them over the rest of the Christmas break.
The Marauders had gone into Hogsmeade early and were heading for the Three Broomsticks by the time the girls made it into the village. After two hours wandering around the shops picking up a few things the girls headed over to the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer.
Walking through the door Lily groaned as she saw the marauders sat at a table near the fire, turning to head out Aggy grabbed her and pulled her to the bar.
While waiting for their order Aggy said "This has got to stop…Just because you and James are not speaking doesn't mean you have to ignore the rest of them"
Lily grunted at her friend "I only ignore them when Potter is with them"
Looking at Lily sternly Aggy said "You two are acting like kindergarteners…It is driving me mad" and taking her drink Aggy gave Lily no option but to follow her to the marauders table.
Lily quickly chose a seat that meant that she would not have to look at James. The atmosphere at the table was tense for a few minutes but Sirius being Sirius soon had them all laughing at one of his stupid jokes.
As lunchtime approached the band of Gryffindor's made their way back up to the castle. Dropping their parcels off in their dorms they made the way down to the Great hall. James and Lily simply ignored the existence of each other, which made the lives of the others a little easier. The rest of the day followed this pattern a little strained but manageable. The last day before Christmas passed in a flurry of present wrapping, giggling (for the girls) and general silliness.
As Christmas morning broke seven of the remaining Gryffindor's slept peacefully until A piecing shout bounced around the Gryffindor tower, which caused the sleepers to rust from their beds. Coming out of the dorms onto the landing they saw the origin of the noise Sirius Black.
"Padfoot…what the hell are you doing?…you have just nearly given everyone a heart attack." James shot his friend a murderous glance.
But the only response they got was "MERRY CHRISTMAS" followed by a very wicked smile.
Remus rolled his eyes "No wonder your family was happy for you to stay here for Christmas" but seeing a dejected look flash across Sirius's face he added "But we wouldn't have it any other way…you bloody Pratt"
As they were now awake they decide to take their presents down to the common room and open them all together. After a few minutes they had all congregated down stairs. Opening presents from home first an assortment of gifts was received. Next they started to hand gifts out to each other. Looking through her pile Lily realised she had left Remus's gift up stairs.
"Oh I'll not be a minute…I can't find Remus's gift…I must have dropped it" and she dashed off.
As she disappeared James said to the others "It's now or never…Wish me luck" and he jumped up quickly to follow Lily. Holding a small box in his hand he heard the murmurs of good luck as he ran up the stairs to the girls dorm.
Getting to the top he thought Don't blow this James…stay calm…breath and he edged the door open. Lily was knelt down next to her bed retrieving the dropped gift.
Moving into the room James sighed God she was beautiful...oh well here goes nothing "Lily can I talk to you for a moment"
Standing up she looked at him "What do you want James?"
Biting his lip "I…I just wanted to say that I'm sorry" focussing for a moment on breathing "And I wanted to give you this" and he held out the small box to her
Thinking God why does he have to be so god dam cute Lily looked down at the beautifully wrapped gift "James why are you doing this?"
Taking his life in his hands he said, "Because I hate fighting with you…I hate not being able to sit next to you…I hate seeing you and not being able to touch you". Pausing he tried to gauge her reaction and then said "Most of all because I love you!"
At this Lily took the gift from him, opening it she found a beautiful silver bracelet and a tear escaped as she noticed the links were made of intertwined L's and J's. James pulled her to him and held her as if his life depended on it. He wiped the tear from her cheek "I really am sorry Lily for being such a pompous git"
At this she let out a chuckle "James I'm sorry as well…Please forgive me…I love you James Potter" and she reached up and kissed him but before it could be returned Lily and James found themselves at the bottom of a pile of their closest friends.
Struggling free from each other James glared at them "Is their no privacy in this bloody place?" but the look on Lily's face melted the glare and they all sat laughing as Sirius said "It's about time you two made up…you're a right pair of idiots".
The friends spent the rest of the day together. Dinner was more lavish than usual and Dumbledore had arranged it so that everyone sat at the same table. On the way back to Gryffindor tower they were excitedly looking at the prizes they had got from the crackers the Professor had given each of them.
Back in the tower everyone went straight up to bed exhausted from the day's event and having been woken up so early by Sirius. At the top of the stairs Lily held onto James hand and said "I'll meet you in the common room in 5 minutes…I've not given you your present yet"
As Lily came down the stairs to find James waiting she went to sit next to him on the sofa and handed him the parcel, which had been forgotten in the excitement of the morning.
Opening the wrapping paper James found a set of England Quidditch robes seeing his eyes widen she said, "I thought these might do until you got a set of your own"
Looking at them James was amazed "These are the real thing…not the stuff you buy"
Lily just smiled "Well I do know an England player you know"
Putting his arms around her his lips just above hers "I love them and I love you" and they finished the kiss they had started this morning. As the kiss deepened James slid his hands down Lily's back to pull her closer to him. It was at this moment the to broke apart.
"What is happening?" Lily said as she felt something tighten around her stomach.
James was just as confused as her and just then a note appeared on Lily's lap. Picking it up they read it together.
{You have just activated a chastity charm. This charm is time locked until the wearer turn's 18 years of age. Its purpose is to protect the wearer from sexual advances and will only be activated under these circumstances}
For the second time that day a piecing shout bounced off the walls of Gryffindor tower and brought six teenagers running into the common room to find Lily Evans screaming "ROWAN EVANS YOU ARE A DEAD MAN"
Remus looked at James "What did you do Prong's?" but James simply handed him the note and then catching the look on Remus's face shouted "No…we were just kissing…that's all"
Aggy went over to Lily who was sitting with her head in her hands muttering obscenities "Lily it will be OK?"
With an astounded look on her face Lily said "That's easy for you to say your not the one who is going to be clad in iron every time her boyfriend comes near her are you?" and at the absurdity of the statement Lily laughed.
Going into the common room James found Lily sat at one of the tables busily working.
Sliding into the chair next to her he said, "What are you working on?"
Moving her arm so that he could see the paper she was using, James grinned and Lily said "My brother and his friends are going to pay" and she handed James the bright red paper.
While James was reading the howler, Lily was leafing through the book next to her and smiling to her self.
As he finished reading James handed the letter back to her "What are you doing now?" and he pointed to the book.
But before answering him she placed the letter on the table and duplicated it three times. Slipping the letters into identical red envelopes she raised her wand and glancing back at the book she swished and flicked her wand as she uttered the spell.
James watched the envelopes change colour to a soft shade of green. Picking up the book James was stunned he had been looking for this book for years but it was supposed to be out of print "Where did you get this Lily?"
Smiling at him "Phil…he always sends me books…some of my best ideas have originated from this book" watching James she said, "It's a handy little resource"
James couldn't take his eyes of the copy of 'Magical mischief makers by Ivor Gotchu' "Lily can I borrow this?" he asked
"Sure…as long as you don't lose it" and kissing him quickly she got up "See you in a bit I need to go to the owlery and send these" waving the now disguised howlers.
A few hours later Remus, Sirius and Peter came into the dorm to find James reading on his bed.
"What you got there Prong's?" Sirius asked coming towards James's bed, noticing the smile of mischief on James's face "So what are you planning?"
James motioned for them to sit down and he turned the book round so they could see the cover and laughed at the expressions of disbelief on their faces.
"Where the hell did you get that?" Remus asked reaching out for the book but James moved it before he could take it.
"Little Lily flower had it" pausing to let this sink in "It has given me an idea" reopening the book to the chapter he had been reading he held it up for them to see. "This should make navigating the school easier"
The chapter was entitled MAP MAKING FOR MAGICAL MISCHIEF-MAKERS.
"Cool!" was the only response James got from the other three.
"All right guys…get your notes out…lets make a map" and at this the four boys scrambled around the dorm finding all the notes they had made over the years about the layout of Hogwart's.
Over the next two days the boys worked on nothing but the completion of the Marauders map.
Sat at breakfast with only two days left to the Christmas break Lily got the reply's she had been waiting for. Looking at the envelopes she recognised Rowan's writing and opened this first.
Dear Lily flower
Thank you for the howler, which I opened in the office by the way not realising what it was.
Don't blame the other's it was all my idea.
Please don't be mad I was just trying to protect you (I was a 17-year-old boy myself once you know). With mum and dad gone I didn't know what else to do. I just don't want anything to happen to you until you are ready.
I am really sorry but I only did it because I love you and I hope you will understand this eventually (when you have calmed down).
Please forgive me
Love you
Rowan
Putting the letter back in the envelope Lily smiled at the thought of her brother opening the Howler at his office and decided that punishment had been served.
Opening the other three letters Lily found the same apologies and statements that they loved her and please forgive them. Lily had always known she would forgive but she had wanted them to suffer a little first.
Looking up she heard "Lily…Earth to Lily" and realised it was Aggy talking to her.
"Apologies from the chastity protectors" Lily said and laughed at the look on all their faces. "It's not that shocking…what the…" Lily was cut short as another set of owl's flew over to her and dropped four parcels on the table in front of her.
Laughing she examined them "Guilt does bring out the best in people". Opening them she found an eagle feather quill, a broom care kit, a big box of candies and a new book.
Sirius looked at her "A book…who sent that?"
But Lily smiled at the look of horror on Sirius's face "Phil…He may be a Quidditch jock but he has excellent taste in literature" and chuckling to her self she turned it so they could see the title.
'CURSES AND COUNTER-CURSES BY PROFESSOR VINDICTUS VIRIDIAN'
A/N: Please review and tell me what you think. Hope you like it. (Hopefully spelling error's fixed - sorry if I have missed any! – All chapters will be edited & reloaded.
Thanks to all those that have reviewed so far - I really appreciate it - Very glad you are enjoying the story
Shooting Star: Thanks for pointing out the error - My only excuse is that I typed up most of this fic while also marking mock exams (note to all those who are still studying - Do work! - It helps to stop your teachers from going even more mad than they already are).
Also I would like to give a special thanks to Crystal Lily, Enimty and Princess Hermione for reading and reviewing both this story and The Marauders & the Valdeene legacy.
CHRISTMAS PRESANTS
By the time that Lily, Aggy, Marie and Annie woke up the carriages had left to take those going home to the Hogwart's Express. Sitting up in their beds they decided that a trip to the kitchens was in order as they had missed breakfast. Drawing straws Aggy and Annie lost out, looking at each other they laughed and slipped robes over their pyjamas and ran out of the room. Marie and Lily took the opportunity to grab a little more sleep. Half an hour later the two girls returned armed with goodies and they dumped it all on Aggy's bed.
"I can't believe those two have gone back to sleep…Come on Annie lets wake them up" Aggy and Annie picked up their wands and in seconds there was sun streaming through the windows. Aggy shouted "Foods here". Which was enough to rouse the sleepers.
Getting up to go over to Aggy's bed they all sat eating and giggling about the ball the previous evening. The others were gob smacked when Lily told them that Snape had been a gentleman and was a really good dancer.
Finishing off the last remains of the food they tidied up the dorm and each showered and got changed.
Once ready they went down to the common room, seeing the Marauders sat playing exploding chess, Lily turned to the others and said "I think I'll go for a walk down to the lake"
Annie went with Lily but Marie and Aggy went over to the boys and sat with their boyfriends. James looked up just as Lily reached the portrait and shouted "Lily flower…going to meet lover boy"
"That's for me to know isn't it" and she gave him a sarcastic smile
After she had gone James ran his hands through his hair and let out a groan.
Aggy looked at him in disgust "James are you trying to make her hate you…Because you are going about it the right way"
Slumping back in the chair he uttered "I can't seem to help myself…the words are out before I can stop them" looking at the two girls he said "She's not going to meet Snape is she?"
Aggy laughed at the expression on James face "No James…he's gone home…but if you don't get your act sorted out she will find some one else!"
At this James just groaned "I need help!"
"James just apologies to her" Aggy told him and she was joined by Remus who said "Prong's my friend she's right if you want Lily back you will have to make the first move and apologies"
Hating to agree with them, he knew they were right but the question now was when to do it.
With only two more days till Christmas most of the remaining Hogwart's students could be found in Hogsmeade buying last minute gift's and stocking up on supplies to last them over the rest of the Christmas break.
The Marauders had gone into Hogsmeade early and were heading for the Three Broomsticks by the time the girls made it into the village. After two hours wandering around the shops picking up a few things the girls headed over to the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer.
Walking through the door Lily groaned as she saw the marauders sat at a table near the fire, turning to head out Aggy grabbed her and pulled her to the bar.
While waiting for their order Aggy said "This has got to stop…Just because you and James are not speaking doesn't mean you have to ignore the rest of them"
Lily grunted at her friend "I only ignore them when Potter is with them"
Looking at Lily sternly Aggy said "You two are acting like kindergarteners…It is driving me mad" and taking her drink Aggy gave Lily no option but to follow her to the marauders table.
Lily quickly chose a seat that meant that she would not have to look at James. The atmosphere at the table was tense for a few minutes but Sirius being Sirius soon had them all laughing at one of his stupid jokes.
As lunchtime approached the band of Gryffindor's made their way back up to the castle. Dropping their parcels off in their dorms they made the way down to the Great hall. James and Lily simply ignored the existence of each other, which made the lives of the others a little easier. The rest of the day followed this pattern a little strained but manageable. The last day before Christmas passed in a flurry of present wrapping, giggling (for the girls) and general silliness.
As Christmas morning broke seven of the remaining Gryffindor's slept peacefully until A piecing shout bounced around the Gryffindor tower, which caused the sleepers to rust from their beds. Coming out of the dorms onto the landing they saw the origin of the noise Sirius Black.
"Padfoot…what the hell are you doing?…you have just nearly given everyone a heart attack." James shot his friend a murderous glance.
But the only response they got was "MERRY CHRISTMAS" followed by a very wicked smile.
Remus rolled his eyes "No wonder your family was happy for you to stay here for Christmas" but seeing a dejected look flash across Sirius's face he added "But we wouldn't have it any other way…you bloody Pratt"
As they were now awake they decide to take their presents down to the common room and open them all together. After a few minutes they had all congregated down stairs. Opening presents from home first an assortment of gifts was received. Next they started to hand gifts out to each other. Looking through her pile Lily realised she had left Remus's gift up stairs.
"Oh I'll not be a minute…I can't find Remus's gift…I must have dropped it" and she dashed off.
As she disappeared James said to the others "It's now or never…Wish me luck" and he jumped up quickly to follow Lily. Holding a small box in his hand he heard the murmurs of good luck as he ran up the stairs to the girls dorm.
Getting to the top he thought Don't blow this James…stay calm…breath and he edged the door open. Lily was knelt down next to her bed retrieving the dropped gift.
Moving into the room James sighed God she was beautiful...oh well here goes nothing "Lily can I talk to you for a moment"
Standing up she looked at him "What do you want James?"
Biting his lip "I…I just wanted to say that I'm sorry" focussing for a moment on breathing "And I wanted to give you this" and he held out the small box to her
Thinking God why does he have to be so god dam cute Lily looked down at the beautifully wrapped gift "James why are you doing this?"
Taking his life in his hands he said, "Because I hate fighting with you…I hate not being able to sit next to you…I hate seeing you and not being able to touch you". Pausing he tried to gauge her reaction and then said "Most of all because I love you!"
At this Lily took the gift from him, opening it she found a beautiful silver bracelet and a tear escaped as she noticed the links were made of intertwined L's and J's. James pulled her to him and held her as if his life depended on it. He wiped the tear from her cheek "I really am sorry Lily for being such a pompous git"
At this she let out a chuckle "James I'm sorry as well…Please forgive me…I love you James Potter" and she reached up and kissed him but before it could be returned Lily and James found themselves at the bottom of a pile of their closest friends.
Struggling free from each other James glared at them "Is their no privacy in this bloody place?" but the look on Lily's face melted the glare and they all sat laughing as Sirius said "It's about time you two made up…you're a right pair of idiots".
The friends spent the rest of the day together. Dinner was more lavish than usual and Dumbledore had arranged it so that everyone sat at the same table. On the way back to Gryffindor tower they were excitedly looking at the prizes they had got from the crackers the Professor had given each of them.
Back in the tower everyone went straight up to bed exhausted from the day's event and having been woken up so early by Sirius. At the top of the stairs Lily held onto James hand and said "I'll meet you in the common room in 5 minutes…I've not given you your present yet"
As Lily came down the stairs to find James waiting she went to sit next to him on the sofa and handed him the parcel, which had been forgotten in the excitement of the morning.
Opening the wrapping paper James found a set of England Quidditch robes seeing his eyes widen she said, "I thought these might do until you got a set of your own"
Looking at them James was amazed "These are the real thing…not the stuff you buy"
Lily just smiled "Well I do know an England player you know"
Putting his arms around her his lips just above hers "I love them and I love you" and they finished the kiss they had started this morning. As the kiss deepened James slid his hands down Lily's back to pull her closer to him. It was at this moment the to broke apart.
"What is happening?" Lily said as she felt something tighten around her stomach.
James was just as confused as her and just then a note appeared on Lily's lap. Picking it up they read it together.
{You have just activated a chastity charm. This charm is time locked until the wearer turn's 18 years of age. Its purpose is to protect the wearer from sexual advances and will only be activated under these circumstances}
For the second time that day a piecing shout bounced off the walls of Gryffindor tower and brought six teenagers running into the common room to find Lily Evans screaming "ROWAN EVANS YOU ARE A DEAD MAN"
Remus looked at James "What did you do Prong's?" but James simply handed him the note and then catching the look on Remus's face shouted "No…we were just kissing…that's all"
Aggy went over to Lily who was sitting with her head in her hands muttering obscenities "Lily it will be OK?"
With an astounded look on her face Lily said "That's easy for you to say your not the one who is going to be clad in iron every time her boyfriend comes near her are you?" and at the absurdity of the statement Lily laughed.
Going into the common room James found Lily sat at one of the tables busily working.
Sliding into the chair next to her he said, "What are you working on?"
Moving her arm so that he could see the paper she was using, James grinned and Lily said "My brother and his friends are going to pay" and she handed James the bright red paper.
While James was reading the howler, Lily was leafing through the book next to her and smiling to her self.
As he finished reading James handed the letter back to her "What are you doing now?" and he pointed to the book.
But before answering him she placed the letter on the table and duplicated it three times. Slipping the letters into identical red envelopes she raised her wand and glancing back at the book she swished and flicked her wand as she uttered the spell.
James watched the envelopes change colour to a soft shade of green. Picking up the book James was stunned he had been looking for this book for years but it was supposed to be out of print "Where did you get this Lily?"
Smiling at him "Phil…he always sends me books…some of my best ideas have originated from this book" watching James she said, "It's a handy little resource"
James couldn't take his eyes of the copy of 'Magical mischief makers by Ivor Gotchu' "Lily can I borrow this?" he asked
"Sure…as long as you don't lose it" and kissing him quickly she got up "See you in a bit I need to go to the owlery and send these" waving the now disguised howlers.
A few hours later Remus, Sirius and Peter came into the dorm to find James reading on his bed.
"What you got there Prong's?" Sirius asked coming towards James's bed, noticing the smile of mischief on James's face "So what are you planning?"
James motioned for them to sit down and he turned the book round so they could see the cover and laughed at the expressions of disbelief on their faces.
"Where the hell did you get that?" Remus asked reaching out for the book but James moved it before he could take it.
"Little Lily flower had it" pausing to let this sink in "It has given me an idea" reopening the book to the chapter he had been reading he held it up for them to see. "This should make navigating the school easier"
The chapter was entitled MAP MAKING FOR MAGICAL MISCHIEF-MAKERS.
"Cool!" was the only response James got from the other three.
"All right guys…get your notes out…lets make a map" and at this the four boys scrambled around the dorm finding all the notes they had made over the years about the layout of Hogwart's.
Over the next two days the boys worked on nothing but the completion of the Marauders map.
Sat at breakfast with only two days left to the Christmas break Lily got the reply's she had been waiting for. Looking at the envelopes she recognised Rowan's writing and opened this first.
Dear Lily flower
Thank you for the howler, which I opened in the office by the way not realising what it was.
Don't blame the other's it was all my idea.
Please don't be mad I was just trying to protect you (I was a 17-year-old boy myself once you know). With mum and dad gone I didn't know what else to do. I just don't want anything to happen to you until you are ready.
I am really sorry but I only did it because I love you and I hope you will understand this eventually (when you have calmed down).
Please forgive me
Love you
Rowan
Putting the letter back in the envelope Lily smiled at the thought of her brother opening the Howler at his office and decided that punishment had been served.
Opening the other three letters Lily found the same apologies and statements that they loved her and please forgive them. Lily had always known she would forgive but she had wanted them to suffer a little first.
Looking up she heard "Lily…Earth to Lily" and realised it was Aggy talking to her.
"Apologies from the chastity protectors" Lily said and laughed at the look on all their faces. "It's not that shocking…what the…" Lily was cut short as another set of owl's flew over to her and dropped four parcels on the table in front of her.
Laughing she examined them "Guilt does bring out the best in people". Opening them she found an eagle feather quill, a broom care kit, a big box of candies and a new book.
Sirius looked at her "A book…who sent that?"
But Lily smiled at the look of horror on Sirius's face "Phil…He may be a Quidditch jock but he has excellent taste in literature" and chuckling to her self she turned it so they could see the title.
'CURSES AND COUNTER-CURSES BY PROFESSOR VINDICTUS VIRIDIAN'