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: Thank you for the reviews – You guys are great. Hope you like this chapter – it's a bit longer than normal – Hope this keeps you going till I get back off holiday.
1 END OF SIXTH YEAR
James lay awake in his bed nervous about seeing Lily. He had played the events of last night over and over in his mind and was not sure what reaction he was going to get from Lily this morning and it worried him. Finally he got out of bed and headed for the shower.
Sirius sat up in bed as James came back into the dorm "Prongs you alright?"
Nodding he said "Yeah Padfoot…just not sure about facing Lily"
Heading into the shower he said "Don't worry Prongs…she'll be OK" and he disappeared into the bathroom.
Finally ready James went down to the common room seeing the girls waiting in the usual place he thought Well that's a good sign…at least they have waited for us to go to breakfast. Going over to Lily he said "Good morning" and smiled at her.
"Morning James…sleep well," she said as he sat down next to her.
Casually taking hold of her hand he smiled "Yes thanks…How about you?"
Lily thought Well aren't we being polite today…oh well "Yes thanks".
The stilted conversation was ended with the arrival of Sirius, much to the appreciation of both Lily and James. Now they were all together they made their way down to breakfast.
Going to the great hall that morning was a quiet affair for the band of sixth year Gryffindor's. The tense atmosphere surrounding the friends disappeared as a little first year skipped up along side them singing "Good morning" to them all and smiling brightly.
Her up beat attitude was infectious and they all smiled back at her. Sirius put his arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick squeeze "Hello little angel" he said as he let go of her. "So what have you got planned for today?"
Smiling up at him Tara slipped her hand into his and said "I'm going down to the lake with my friends after breakfast"
Marie came round to the other side of the girl and took hold of her other hand and said "That sounds like fun" and she swung the girls arm as they walked along.
"Your all welcome to come with us" she said excitedly
Smiling at the thought Marie said "What do you think guys?" watching the shrugs and nods of the others Marie looked at Tara and said "We would love to…Thanks" and Tara squealed with delight.
Entering the great hall Tara said "See you after breakfast...bye" and she dashed over to sit with her friends.
Sitting down the Gryffindor's sixth years were soon busy helping them selves to breakfast.
James glanced at Lily and quietly said "Lily are you ok…you know about last night?"
"Yeah I guess" looking at him she said "I know why but it doesn't stop it hurting that you couldn't tell me"
Giving her a small smile he said, "I know…I really am sorry"
At this she just smiled and said, "Let's just leave it Ok" and he nodded.
Both Lily and Aggy were pleased to see the morning owls arrive. Lily and Aggy both received official envelopes from the Ministry. Opening them they found the finalised itinerary for the summer:
1.1 Summer itinerary for Miss Lily Evans
You will be collected from the Hogwarts express and escorted to the Ministry of Magic head quarters. Were you will spend the first week of your holiday.
Week 2 & 3 will be spent in the home of the Minister of Magic Mr H Potter and family.
At the end of this week you will attend the wedding of Mr Philip Tring.
The remainder of week 3 & 4 will be spent at the home of the Auror Mr S Lupin and family.
Week 5 & 6 will be spent at the home of Mr H Black and family.
Finally you will return to the Ministry for the week before returning to school.
Aggy's letter was identical except for the information about Philip's wedding.
The letters gave the friends something to talk about other than the previous night's events. Life for the students of Hogwarts in the last week of term was very relaxed all academic classes had come to an end and the students were finally able to socialise with their friends.
As students started to filter out of the great hall Lily looked around and thought God…I can't believe another year is nearly over…What a year it has been. Stealing a look at James she thought I've gone from hating him to loving him to hating him to loving him and with this she slid her hand into his and smiled.
Sitting next to her James was also lost in thought What am I going to do if she decides to hate me but this was cut short as he realised that Lily was taking hold of his hand. Breathing a sigh of relief James gave her a smile that just said I'm sorry and he brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it.
Hearing the bubbly laughter coming towards them the sixth year Gryffindor's looked up to see Tara being followed by three shy looking girls.
"Hello" she said, "Do you still want to come and play down by the lake?"
This caused a roar of laughter from the sixth years all of them trying to remember that last time they had been asked to come and play. As the laughter subsided they all got up and Sirius scooped her up and said "We can't wait" and he swung her around.
Making their way down to the lake Tara introduced her friends to the others and soon the three girls relaxed. The morning was spent playing hide and seek, chase and then the boys decided to teach Tara and her friends how to duel much to the horror of the older girls.
It was soon lunchtime and they were all heading back inside Lily walked back to the great hall with Aggy. Linking her arm through her friends she said, "How are you doing?"
Leaning towards her friend "I'm Ok…its only one more day and he'll be back" smiling at Lily she said, "This morning was fun…Sirius and James really are just a pair of big kids"
Laughing Lily replied "I know…come on lets get inside" and they hurried into the castle.
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The girls left the great hall telling the boys they would see them back in the tower. Heading down the corridor Lily caught sight of Severus and said to the others "I just need to do something…I'll see you later".
Annie looked up and said "Lily do you want us to wait for you?"
"No I'll be ok" and she turned and dashed off.
Later sat in the Gryffindor tower Aggy, Annie and Marie all wondered if they had done the right thing letting Lily go off on her own.
"Severus…can I talk to you for a moment" Lily called down the corridor.
Severus Snape stopped and turned around to face her a hardened look on his face that made Lily frown. "I just wanted to see if you were ok" and she tried to smile at him.
A cold tone to his voice he said "Yes I am fine" and he moved to leave but turning back to her a sneer on his face he said "Save your sympathy for someone who cares" and he strode off down the corridor leaving a stunned Lily stood there.
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Lily and James spent the rest of the day together in the Gryffindor common room. She told him about the encounter with Snape but James was not surprised.
"What did you expect…Once a Slytherin always a Slytherin" James told her
But this wasn't enough for Lily "I don't know James…There is definitely something different about Snape…He is not the same as the others" noticing the look on his face she said "But I suppose you are right…Lets talk about something else OK".
After dinner the group gathered in the common room and spent the evening chatting about summer, playing chess and laughing at Sirius.
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In the Slytherin common room Severus Snape stood leaning against the fireplace, even though it was summer the fire in the dungeon common room blazed. Looking around at his fellow students Snape thought Potter does not deserve Lily Evans
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Time passed quickly for the Gryffindor's as they waited for Remus to return he was due back that evening. Back in the common room after dinner Aggy sat watching the portrait, Sirius and James were playing chess. Marie nudge Lily and pointed at the shadow of a small figure edging its way around the side of the sofa, the two girls chuckled. In the next second all hell broke loose in Gryffindor tower as Tara carried out her surprise attack on an unsuspecting Sirius Black, causing Sirius to nearly jump out of his skin.
James howled with laughter at the sight of his friend gasping for breath having been scared half to death by the little first year; Tara sat on the floor with tears rolling down her face. Regaining his composure an evil grin spread over his face as he looked at his little friend, noticing the look Tara squealed and scrambled back to her feet. The next ten minutes were taken up with Sirius chasing Tara all round the common room.
In the chaos no one noticed the tall blonde boy stood by the portrait that is until Tara launched her self at him shouting "Save me…please Remus…don't let him get me".
Remus stooped down as the figure flung her self into his arms and he laughed as his friend approached them.
"Hand over the little traitor Moony" Sirius said with an evil chuckle making Tara squirm and hold onto Remus harder. Remus hugged the small figure and looking up at Sirius he said, "What's the punishment?"
"Death by tickling" and he cackled causing Tara to bury her face into Remus's robes shaking with laughter.
Returning the evil grin Remus said, "I think that is…fair" at this Tara shrieked and quickly tried to escape but Remus helped Sirius and the pair tickled her.
Only stopping as they heard the portrait open and Professor McGonagall shouting, "What is going on in here?"
Standing up and smoothing her robes Tara looked up at the fearsome teacher and said, "It was all my fault Professor…I'm very sorry"
Looking at the stunned faces of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin Professor McGonagall said "I seriously doubt that but I suggest you all keep the noise down or next time I will be giving out detentions" and she swept out of the common room.
Turning to his friend Sirius hugged Remus "Good to see you Moony" and turned to Tara "Come here you" and he pulled her into a hug. Letting her go he said, "I'll see you tomorrow".
Looking at them all she smiled and said "Good night" and received a chorus of "Night Tara see you tomorrow"
Remus sat down next to Aggy on the sofa and the group of friends was altogether once more. The common room slowly emptied as the other Gryffindor's went to bed; soon the only students left were the sixth years.
Looking at his friends Remus said "So what's been going on?"
Lily smiled and said, "Well let's put it this way…The adventures of Padfoot, Prongs, Moony and Wormtail are no longer a secret!"
James took over and explained to Remus how the girls had found out.
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The last four days past in a blur of activity for the Gryffindor's and soon the girls were packing their trunks for summer. Lily flopped onto her bed sighing "I can't believe we have only got one year left"
Marie suddenly froze and said "Don't it is just too scary to think about…we will have to grow up and become adults" and she shuddered.
Annie looked at them "Oh stop it you two…No point worrying about it until it happens…Lets make the most of what we have got"
Lily noticed that Aggy was not joining in and said "Aggy you ok?"
Aggy nodded at them and then said "I think I'm going to go for a walk" looking at her friends she said "I'll finish packing after dinner…See you later".
Watching her friend pick up her cloak Lily said "Aggy…do you want me to come with you?"
Standing near the door she said "No I need to be on my own for a bit…But thanks anyway" and she was gone.
Walking over to her bed Lily realise what the problem was and her own heart lurched as she saw the photo of Aggy's parents smiling and waving at her. Lily showed the other two and said, "I'm just going to go over to the boy's dorm"
Knocking on the door Lily pushed it open and went in "Hi you lot" looking over at Remus she said "Remus…Aggy has just gone for a walk…Please go and find her…She has been looking at photo's of her parents".
Getting up Remus swung his cloak over his shoulders, kissing Lily on the cheek he said "Don't worry I'll find her" James handed him the Marauders map and he left.
James came over to her "Are you ok?" and he put her arms around her.
Lily leaned against him, the photo of Aggy's parents had broken through her defences and memories of her parents were flooding her mind. Burying her face into his chest she let the tears fall at the thought of not being met by her mother off the Hogwarts express.
James nodded to Sirius who grabbed Peter closing the door behind them as they left the dorm.
Standing there in the middle of the room James let Lily cry. As the sobs started to slow down James manoeuvred her towards his bed and persuaded her to lie down, holding onto his hand Lily pulled him down next to her. Holding onto James lily rested her head on his shoulder James pulled the duvet up and covered them both. This is how they remained for the rest of the afternoon, James holding Lily and stroking her hair and neither of them speaking.
Checking the Marauders map Remus found the dot that said Aggy Court was near the Astronomy tower. This is were he found her a couple of minutes later as he walked through the door he felt his heart being wrenched at the sight of his distressed girlfriend. Going over to her Remus wiped her tear stained face with his handkerchief and smiled at her. Standing still for a second Aggy searched his face and then put her arms around him and pulled him close to her. Remus followed her lead hugging her tight to him placing his face against her hair and kissing her.
As dinner approached Remus said "Come on lets go back to the dorm its nearly dinner time" Aggy didn't move "Aggy come on…as much as I would like to stay here…we need to go back". Still no movement so Remus decided to tickle her and this worked.
Giggling she said "Ok" touching his face softly she reached up placing her lips against his and she said, "I love you Moony". Before he could say anything Aggy pulled him into a kiss that left the two teenagers gasping for breath and Remus blushing.
In the Gryffindor common room Marie said "Sirius go up and tell them it is dinner time" Sirius just looked at her "Go on Sirius" and she pushed him off the sofa.
"OK I'll go" going up the stairs Sirius reached the door and knocked not getting any response he knocked again and then pushed it open. Inside he found Lily and James asleep in each other's arms walking over to James he shook him lightly "Prongs…Prongs". James slowly opened his eyes and looked down at Lily and then up at Sirius "What's the matter Padfoot?"
Sirius smiled "Its nearly dinner time…You need to get up…We'll wait for you in the common room" and he left.
James looked down at the sleeping form of his girlfriend and smiled leaning forward he kissed her lightly on the nose. Getting no response he placed butterfly kisses all over her face and chuckled as he saw a smile appear and her eyes flutter open.
Sleepily she said "I could get use to being woken up like that" smiling she said, "I love you".
James cuddled her to him placing a small kiss on her forehead saying "I love you more than anything" and then a trail of kisses until he reached his destination as the heat of the kiss rose so did the usual feeling. Both groaned in frustration, it didn't stop them kissing but it was a real distraction.
Pulling away from her he tapped the chastity belt and said, "What would you say if I told you I could get rid of this?"
Lily searched James's face for a second and then said, "Really…you've found a spell to get rid of it?" James responded by simply nodding. Lily thought about this for a moment and then smiling said, "May come in handy over the summer…but then again it may not" and she laughed as James rolled his eyes at her.
Smiling at her he thought Well at least she didn't say no…maybe is good and he said "Come on the others are waiting for us to go down to dinner" and getting up he pulled her out of bed. Looking at her crumpled robes he said, "Might want to put on a clean robe though…It looks like you slept in that one" and he laughed as she punched him.
Looking at James she said "Well the pot calling the kettle black…Might want to change your robes as well." Lily dashed back to the girl's dorm and then met James on the landing a couple of minutes later and they went down to the common room together. As Lily and James entered the common room Aggy and Remus came through the portrait and Sirius gave a sigh of relief. Sirius's stomach waits for no one and he was ravenous.
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The Gryffindor sixth years made they're way down to the waiting carriages for the short journey back to the station in Hogsmeades. Having said goodbye to the seventh years who traditionally stayed around Hogsmeade for a few days to celebrate finishing school. The girls got into one carriage and the boys into the next waving and shouting see you at the station.
Leaving Hogwarts this year was a much more relaxed and calm affair than the previous year. The sixth year prefects were pleased to hand the job of organising the first years over to the newly appointed fifth year prefects. The Gryffindor first years gave a sigh of relief when they realised the prefect giving out orders was not Aggy Court.
Arriving at the station the boys helped the girls get their luggage out and then they all move off towards the luggage car. They all laughed at Sirius who pick Marie up instead of his luggage and started to walk off with her and then the pending struggle as Marie punched him for being stupid. Still chuckling to her self Lily realised she had dropped her rucksack, putting her luggage down she walked back along the path.
Scanning the area for her rucksack she noticed two figures standing in the shadows and she moved closer to try and hear what they were talking about. Crouching down behind a shrub Lily kept still hoping neither would notice her.
"Heed my warning…Or I will inform your father and our Master of your indiscretions"
"I am no fool…do not confuse me with the other idiots"
"Be warned I am watching" and he moved closer to the other "Our Master will no doubt be displeased to learn of your interest in mudbloods"
Standing into the challenge "I am no ones puppet…It may be you who should be wary…I advise you do not get in my way". Turning quickly he nodded to the other.
Lily had lost her balance and stumbled forwards on to her knees, trying to right herself she did not notice one of the boys coming around to the side of her.
Grabbing hold of the girl's arm "Spying…tut tut…I think you need to be taught a lesson" he said as he yanked her to her feet. Still in the shadow the other boy recognised the girl but his training instilled in him by his father allowed him to present a face of stone to his companion.
Before Lily was able to organise her thoughts she felt herself being dragged towards the station house. It wasn't long before they disappeared from view as her attacker pushed her through the door.
Running from the shadow the mysterious figure emerged onto the platform scanning the faces of students thinking Bloody idiots why was she alone…where are the bloody others? Not able to locate the right faces he spotted a small girl being herded on to the train.
Grabbing her arm and pulling her from the line he said "Find Potter…NOW…Station house…Lily is in trouble" and with that he was gone.
Tara stood terrified as the tall Slytherin let go of her arm and walked away from her. In a flash Tara turned on her heals and headed for the last carriage, pulling the door open she ran along the corridor to the last compartment. Bursting through the door she flung her self at Sirius Black and she screamed through the tears that were running down her face "Lily in trouble…station house".
The fear on the small girl's face was enough to sent James into a state of total panic; James was out of the compartment before anyone could speak. Sirius hugged and passed her over to Marie who held onto the crying child "Take care of her and stay in here" and with that the three boys left in the compartment ran after James.
Leaping from the carriage James ran towards the station house fear mounting not sure what he was going to find. As he neared the building, he heard a scream that made him panic-stricken slamming through the door James was not prepared for the sight that confronted him. In the middle of the room Lily was half kneeling next to the body of a male student. James couldn't make out who it was as the he was lying on his stomach.
As James reached Lily the rest of the Marauders came through the door. Still in defensive mode Lily lashed out when James touched her.
"Lily its me" and he move to touch her again "Please Lily" at this she turned towards him and held out her hand. The figure on the floor started to move.
Pulling her to her feet James gasped at the blood running down her face and his anger boiled over. In a flash he had let go of her and grabbed the stunned figure hauling him to his feet. Before his stunned friends could reach him James spat the boys name "Malfoy".
Lip curled Malfoy sneered "How cute?…Come to rescue the mudblood…" but before he could utter another word James punched him. James managed to hit him a couple more times before Remus pulled him off.
"Get off…Remus…Let me finish this"
"No James…He isn't worth it" Remus cast a glance at Lily "Lily needs you James"
James looked over to where Sirius was stood holding Lily and nodded to Remus, who let him go. James walked over and Sirius stepped to one side and James took her in his arms and carried her out of the station house.
Left in the station house Malfoy eyed the remaining Gryffindor's but was taken by surprise when Remus Lupin grabbed him. Now stood face to face a Remus's face held an expression very rarely seen and he said "Be warned Malfoy…Next time I won't stop him" shaking with rage Remus dropped the Slytherin. Taking one last look at Malfoy Remus walked out of the building.
Peter hurried after him but Sirius stopped next to the dazed Slytherin and said, "You are one lucky git…because I would have let him do it here and now".
As Sirius moved to leave Malfoy said "Next time they will both be dead".
At this Sirius could contain his own anger no longer and in one fluid movement he turned grabbed the front of the other boys robes and swung his fist. Malfoy found himself on the station house floor for the third time that day.
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While this was all going on the girls tried to calm the terrified first year. Tara finally calmed down enough to describe the student who had told her that Lily was in trouble. The three sixth years all recognised the description of the tall Slytherin. Tara was still sat on Marie's knee being hugged when James came into the compartment carrying Lily.
It wasn't long before the rest of the Marauders arrived and Sirius went straight over to Marie and relieved her of the terrified first year. Sitting down Sirius cuddled the little figure and he realised this was as much for his benefit as it was for hers. After a while Sirius said, "Do your friends know where you are?" Tara shook her head and he said "How about you and me go and find them?" And she nodded, getting up he said to the others "I'll not be long" and he led her out into the corridor.
Lily had not moved her face buried into James robes the sobbing had stopped but she sat holding on to him. As the train started to move Lily raised her head and looked at the worried faces of her friends. A bruise had started to form above her left eye near a small cut, there was also some blood dried around her nose.
James brushed a stay stand of hair from her face and Aggy said "Come on lets go to the bathroom and clean up that cut so that we can put a healing spell on it". Lily nodded and squeezing James she followed Aggy out of the compartment. As the door shut James dropped his head into his hands to hide the tears that he could no longer hold in. After a second he composed himself and sat up again leaning back against the seat.
Waiting for Lily and Aggy to come back they bought plenty chocolate from the trolley as it came past knowing they all could do with some. Sirius returned from taking Tara back to her friends and Lily and Aggy came back from the bathroom.
They tried to work out exactly what had happened. Lily went first telling them about the conversation she had over heard and then being dragged into the station house by Malfoy. At this point Lily smirked and said "I don't think Malfoy expected me to be able to fight back…I'm glad you guys turned up" and she smiled at them. "I don't think I could have held him off a second time".
Looking at them she said "Thank you" and she hugged each of them even Peter.
Finally Marie told them exactly what Tara had told them and Lily leant back against James and closed her eyes vocalising what they all new the identity of the other boy "Severus Snape".
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A/N: Thanks for reading – Don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think – Just a reminder that this is the last chapter for at least a week – I'm going on holiday (no laptop allowed).
Thanks again
Madame Padfoot
A/N: Thank you for the reviews – You guys are great. Hope you like this chapter – it's a bit longer than normal – Hope this keeps you going till I get back off holiday.
1 END OF SIXTH YEAR
James lay awake in his bed nervous about seeing Lily. He had played the events of last night over and over in his mind and was not sure what reaction he was going to get from Lily this morning and it worried him. Finally he got out of bed and headed for the shower.
Sirius sat up in bed as James came back into the dorm "Prongs you alright?"
Nodding he said "Yeah Padfoot…just not sure about facing Lily"
Heading into the shower he said "Don't worry Prongs…she'll be OK" and he disappeared into the bathroom.
Finally ready James went down to the common room seeing the girls waiting in the usual place he thought Well that's a good sign…at least they have waited for us to go to breakfast. Going over to Lily he said "Good morning" and smiled at her.
"Morning James…sleep well," she said as he sat down next to her.
Casually taking hold of her hand he smiled "Yes thanks…How about you?"
Lily thought Well aren't we being polite today…oh well "Yes thanks".
The stilted conversation was ended with the arrival of Sirius, much to the appreciation of both Lily and James. Now they were all together they made their way down to breakfast.
Going to the great hall that morning was a quiet affair for the band of sixth year Gryffindor's. The tense atmosphere surrounding the friends disappeared as a little first year skipped up along side them singing "Good morning" to them all and smiling brightly.
Her up beat attitude was infectious and they all smiled back at her. Sirius put his arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick squeeze "Hello little angel" he said as he let go of her. "So what have you got planned for today?"
Smiling up at him Tara slipped her hand into his and said "I'm going down to the lake with my friends after breakfast"
Marie came round to the other side of the girl and took hold of her other hand and said "That sounds like fun" and she swung the girls arm as they walked along.
"Your all welcome to come with us" she said excitedly
Smiling at the thought Marie said "What do you think guys?" watching the shrugs and nods of the others Marie looked at Tara and said "We would love to…Thanks" and Tara squealed with delight.
Entering the great hall Tara said "See you after breakfast...bye" and she dashed over to sit with her friends.
Sitting down the Gryffindor's sixth years were soon busy helping them selves to breakfast.
James glanced at Lily and quietly said "Lily are you ok…you know about last night?"
"Yeah I guess" looking at him she said "I know why but it doesn't stop it hurting that you couldn't tell me"
Giving her a small smile he said, "I know…I really am sorry"
At this she just smiled and said, "Let's just leave it Ok" and he nodded.
Both Lily and Aggy were pleased to see the morning owls arrive. Lily and Aggy both received official envelopes from the Ministry. Opening them they found the finalised itinerary for the summer:
1.1 Summer itinerary for Miss Lily Evans
You will be collected from the Hogwarts express and escorted to the Ministry of Magic head quarters. Were you will spend the first week of your holiday.
Week 2 & 3 will be spent in the home of the Minister of Magic Mr H Potter and family.
At the end of this week you will attend the wedding of Mr Philip Tring.
The remainder of week 3 & 4 will be spent at the home of the Auror Mr S Lupin and family.
Week 5 & 6 will be spent at the home of Mr H Black and family.
Finally you will return to the Ministry for the week before returning to school.
Aggy's letter was identical except for the information about Philip's wedding.
The letters gave the friends something to talk about other than the previous night's events. Life for the students of Hogwarts in the last week of term was very relaxed all academic classes had come to an end and the students were finally able to socialise with their friends.
As students started to filter out of the great hall Lily looked around and thought God…I can't believe another year is nearly over…What a year it has been. Stealing a look at James she thought I've gone from hating him to loving him to hating him to loving him and with this she slid her hand into his and smiled.
Sitting next to her James was also lost in thought What am I going to do if she decides to hate me but this was cut short as he realised that Lily was taking hold of his hand. Breathing a sigh of relief James gave her a smile that just said I'm sorry and he brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it.
Hearing the bubbly laughter coming towards them the sixth year Gryffindor's looked up to see Tara being followed by three shy looking girls.
"Hello" she said, "Do you still want to come and play down by the lake?"
This caused a roar of laughter from the sixth years all of them trying to remember that last time they had been asked to come and play. As the laughter subsided they all got up and Sirius scooped her up and said "We can't wait" and he swung her around.
Making their way down to the lake Tara introduced her friends to the others and soon the three girls relaxed. The morning was spent playing hide and seek, chase and then the boys decided to teach Tara and her friends how to duel much to the horror of the older girls.
It was soon lunchtime and they were all heading back inside Lily walked back to the great hall with Aggy. Linking her arm through her friends she said, "How are you doing?"
Leaning towards her friend "I'm Ok…its only one more day and he'll be back" smiling at Lily she said, "This morning was fun…Sirius and James really are just a pair of big kids"
Laughing Lily replied "I know…come on lets get inside" and they hurried into the castle.
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The girls left the great hall telling the boys they would see them back in the tower. Heading down the corridor Lily caught sight of Severus and said to the others "I just need to do something…I'll see you later".
Annie looked up and said "Lily do you want us to wait for you?"
"No I'll be ok" and she turned and dashed off.
Later sat in the Gryffindor tower Aggy, Annie and Marie all wondered if they had done the right thing letting Lily go off on her own.
"Severus…can I talk to you for a moment" Lily called down the corridor.
Severus Snape stopped and turned around to face her a hardened look on his face that made Lily frown. "I just wanted to see if you were ok" and she tried to smile at him.
A cold tone to his voice he said "Yes I am fine" and he moved to leave but turning back to her a sneer on his face he said "Save your sympathy for someone who cares" and he strode off down the corridor leaving a stunned Lily stood there.
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Lily and James spent the rest of the day together in the Gryffindor common room. She told him about the encounter with Snape but James was not surprised.
"What did you expect…Once a Slytherin always a Slytherin" James told her
But this wasn't enough for Lily "I don't know James…There is definitely something different about Snape…He is not the same as the others" noticing the look on his face she said "But I suppose you are right…Lets talk about something else OK".
After dinner the group gathered in the common room and spent the evening chatting about summer, playing chess and laughing at Sirius.
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In the Slytherin common room Severus Snape stood leaning against the fireplace, even though it was summer the fire in the dungeon common room blazed. Looking around at his fellow students Snape thought Potter does not deserve Lily Evans
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Time passed quickly for the Gryffindor's as they waited for Remus to return he was due back that evening. Back in the common room after dinner Aggy sat watching the portrait, Sirius and James were playing chess. Marie nudge Lily and pointed at the shadow of a small figure edging its way around the side of the sofa, the two girls chuckled. In the next second all hell broke loose in Gryffindor tower as Tara carried out her surprise attack on an unsuspecting Sirius Black, causing Sirius to nearly jump out of his skin.
James howled with laughter at the sight of his friend gasping for breath having been scared half to death by the little first year; Tara sat on the floor with tears rolling down her face. Regaining his composure an evil grin spread over his face as he looked at his little friend, noticing the look Tara squealed and scrambled back to her feet. The next ten minutes were taken up with Sirius chasing Tara all round the common room.
In the chaos no one noticed the tall blonde boy stood by the portrait that is until Tara launched her self at him shouting "Save me…please Remus…don't let him get me".
Remus stooped down as the figure flung her self into his arms and he laughed as his friend approached them.
"Hand over the little traitor Moony" Sirius said with an evil chuckle making Tara squirm and hold onto Remus harder. Remus hugged the small figure and looking up at Sirius he said, "What's the punishment?"
"Death by tickling" and he cackled causing Tara to bury her face into Remus's robes shaking with laughter.
Returning the evil grin Remus said, "I think that is…fair" at this Tara shrieked and quickly tried to escape but Remus helped Sirius and the pair tickled her.
Only stopping as they heard the portrait open and Professor McGonagall shouting, "What is going on in here?"
Standing up and smoothing her robes Tara looked up at the fearsome teacher and said, "It was all my fault Professor…I'm very sorry"
Looking at the stunned faces of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin Professor McGonagall said "I seriously doubt that but I suggest you all keep the noise down or next time I will be giving out detentions" and she swept out of the common room.
Turning to his friend Sirius hugged Remus "Good to see you Moony" and turned to Tara "Come here you" and he pulled her into a hug. Letting her go he said, "I'll see you tomorrow".
Looking at them all she smiled and said "Good night" and received a chorus of "Night Tara see you tomorrow"
Remus sat down next to Aggy on the sofa and the group of friends was altogether once more. The common room slowly emptied as the other Gryffindor's went to bed; soon the only students left were the sixth years.
Looking at his friends Remus said "So what's been going on?"
Lily smiled and said, "Well let's put it this way…The adventures of Padfoot, Prongs, Moony and Wormtail are no longer a secret!"
James took over and explained to Remus how the girls had found out.
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The last four days past in a blur of activity for the Gryffindor's and soon the girls were packing their trunks for summer. Lily flopped onto her bed sighing "I can't believe we have only got one year left"
Marie suddenly froze and said "Don't it is just too scary to think about…we will have to grow up and become adults" and she shuddered.
Annie looked at them "Oh stop it you two…No point worrying about it until it happens…Lets make the most of what we have got"
Lily noticed that Aggy was not joining in and said "Aggy you ok?"
Aggy nodded at them and then said "I think I'm going to go for a walk" looking at her friends she said "I'll finish packing after dinner…See you later".
Watching her friend pick up her cloak Lily said "Aggy…do you want me to come with you?"
Standing near the door she said "No I need to be on my own for a bit…But thanks anyway" and she was gone.
Walking over to her bed Lily realise what the problem was and her own heart lurched as she saw the photo of Aggy's parents smiling and waving at her. Lily showed the other two and said, "I'm just going to go over to the boy's dorm"
Knocking on the door Lily pushed it open and went in "Hi you lot" looking over at Remus she said "Remus…Aggy has just gone for a walk…Please go and find her…She has been looking at photo's of her parents".
Getting up Remus swung his cloak over his shoulders, kissing Lily on the cheek he said "Don't worry I'll find her" James handed him the Marauders map and he left.
James came over to her "Are you ok?" and he put her arms around her.
Lily leaned against him, the photo of Aggy's parents had broken through her defences and memories of her parents were flooding her mind. Burying her face into his chest she let the tears fall at the thought of not being met by her mother off the Hogwarts express.
James nodded to Sirius who grabbed Peter closing the door behind them as they left the dorm.
Standing there in the middle of the room James let Lily cry. As the sobs started to slow down James manoeuvred her towards his bed and persuaded her to lie down, holding onto his hand Lily pulled him down next to her. Holding onto James lily rested her head on his shoulder James pulled the duvet up and covered them both. This is how they remained for the rest of the afternoon, James holding Lily and stroking her hair and neither of them speaking.
Checking the Marauders map Remus found the dot that said Aggy Court was near the Astronomy tower. This is were he found her a couple of minutes later as he walked through the door he felt his heart being wrenched at the sight of his distressed girlfriend. Going over to her Remus wiped her tear stained face with his handkerchief and smiled at her. Standing still for a second Aggy searched his face and then put her arms around him and pulled him close to her. Remus followed her lead hugging her tight to him placing his face against her hair and kissing her.
As dinner approached Remus said "Come on lets go back to the dorm its nearly dinner time" Aggy didn't move "Aggy come on…as much as I would like to stay here…we need to go back". Still no movement so Remus decided to tickle her and this worked.
Giggling she said "Ok" touching his face softly she reached up placing her lips against his and she said, "I love you Moony". Before he could say anything Aggy pulled him into a kiss that left the two teenagers gasping for breath and Remus blushing.
In the Gryffindor common room Marie said "Sirius go up and tell them it is dinner time" Sirius just looked at her "Go on Sirius" and she pushed him off the sofa.
"OK I'll go" going up the stairs Sirius reached the door and knocked not getting any response he knocked again and then pushed it open. Inside he found Lily and James asleep in each other's arms walking over to James he shook him lightly "Prongs…Prongs". James slowly opened his eyes and looked down at Lily and then up at Sirius "What's the matter Padfoot?"
Sirius smiled "Its nearly dinner time…You need to get up…We'll wait for you in the common room" and he left.
James looked down at the sleeping form of his girlfriend and smiled leaning forward he kissed her lightly on the nose. Getting no response he placed butterfly kisses all over her face and chuckled as he saw a smile appear and her eyes flutter open.
Sleepily she said "I could get use to being woken up like that" smiling she said, "I love you".
James cuddled her to him placing a small kiss on her forehead saying "I love you more than anything" and then a trail of kisses until he reached his destination as the heat of the kiss rose so did the usual feeling. Both groaned in frustration, it didn't stop them kissing but it was a real distraction.
Pulling away from her he tapped the chastity belt and said, "What would you say if I told you I could get rid of this?"
Lily searched James's face for a second and then said, "Really…you've found a spell to get rid of it?" James responded by simply nodding. Lily thought about this for a moment and then smiling said, "May come in handy over the summer…but then again it may not" and she laughed as James rolled his eyes at her.
Smiling at her he thought Well at least she didn't say no…maybe is good and he said "Come on the others are waiting for us to go down to dinner" and getting up he pulled her out of bed. Looking at her crumpled robes he said, "Might want to put on a clean robe though…It looks like you slept in that one" and he laughed as she punched him.
Looking at James she said "Well the pot calling the kettle black…Might want to change your robes as well." Lily dashed back to the girl's dorm and then met James on the landing a couple of minutes later and they went down to the common room together. As Lily and James entered the common room Aggy and Remus came through the portrait and Sirius gave a sigh of relief. Sirius's stomach waits for no one and he was ravenous.
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The Gryffindor sixth years made they're way down to the waiting carriages for the short journey back to the station in Hogsmeades. Having said goodbye to the seventh years who traditionally stayed around Hogsmeade for a few days to celebrate finishing school. The girls got into one carriage and the boys into the next waving and shouting see you at the station.
Leaving Hogwarts this year was a much more relaxed and calm affair than the previous year. The sixth year prefects were pleased to hand the job of organising the first years over to the newly appointed fifth year prefects. The Gryffindor first years gave a sigh of relief when they realised the prefect giving out orders was not Aggy Court.
Arriving at the station the boys helped the girls get their luggage out and then they all move off towards the luggage car. They all laughed at Sirius who pick Marie up instead of his luggage and started to walk off with her and then the pending struggle as Marie punched him for being stupid. Still chuckling to her self Lily realised she had dropped her rucksack, putting her luggage down she walked back along the path.
Scanning the area for her rucksack she noticed two figures standing in the shadows and she moved closer to try and hear what they were talking about. Crouching down behind a shrub Lily kept still hoping neither would notice her.
"Heed my warning…Or I will inform your father and our Master of your indiscretions"
"I am no fool…do not confuse me with the other idiots"
"Be warned I am watching" and he moved closer to the other "Our Master will no doubt be displeased to learn of your interest in mudbloods"
Standing into the challenge "I am no ones puppet…It may be you who should be wary…I advise you do not get in my way". Turning quickly he nodded to the other.
Lily had lost her balance and stumbled forwards on to her knees, trying to right herself she did not notice one of the boys coming around to the side of her.
Grabbing hold of the girl's arm "Spying…tut tut…I think you need to be taught a lesson" he said as he yanked her to her feet. Still in the shadow the other boy recognised the girl but his training instilled in him by his father allowed him to present a face of stone to his companion.
Before Lily was able to organise her thoughts she felt herself being dragged towards the station house. It wasn't long before they disappeared from view as her attacker pushed her through the door.
Running from the shadow the mysterious figure emerged onto the platform scanning the faces of students thinking Bloody idiots why was she alone…where are the bloody others? Not able to locate the right faces he spotted a small girl being herded on to the train.
Grabbing her arm and pulling her from the line he said "Find Potter…NOW…Station house…Lily is in trouble" and with that he was gone.
Tara stood terrified as the tall Slytherin let go of her arm and walked away from her. In a flash Tara turned on her heals and headed for the last carriage, pulling the door open she ran along the corridor to the last compartment. Bursting through the door she flung her self at Sirius Black and she screamed through the tears that were running down her face "Lily in trouble…station house".
The fear on the small girl's face was enough to sent James into a state of total panic; James was out of the compartment before anyone could speak. Sirius hugged and passed her over to Marie who held onto the crying child "Take care of her and stay in here" and with that the three boys left in the compartment ran after James.
Leaping from the carriage James ran towards the station house fear mounting not sure what he was going to find. As he neared the building, he heard a scream that made him panic-stricken slamming through the door James was not prepared for the sight that confronted him. In the middle of the room Lily was half kneeling next to the body of a male student. James couldn't make out who it was as the he was lying on his stomach.
As James reached Lily the rest of the Marauders came through the door. Still in defensive mode Lily lashed out when James touched her.
"Lily its me" and he move to touch her again "Please Lily" at this she turned towards him and held out her hand. The figure on the floor started to move.
Pulling her to her feet James gasped at the blood running down her face and his anger boiled over. In a flash he had let go of her and grabbed the stunned figure hauling him to his feet. Before his stunned friends could reach him James spat the boys name "Malfoy".
Lip curled Malfoy sneered "How cute?…Come to rescue the mudblood…" but before he could utter another word James punched him. James managed to hit him a couple more times before Remus pulled him off.
"Get off…Remus…Let me finish this"
"No James…He isn't worth it" Remus cast a glance at Lily "Lily needs you James"
James looked over to where Sirius was stood holding Lily and nodded to Remus, who let him go. James walked over and Sirius stepped to one side and James took her in his arms and carried her out of the station house.
Left in the station house Malfoy eyed the remaining Gryffindor's but was taken by surprise when Remus Lupin grabbed him. Now stood face to face a Remus's face held an expression very rarely seen and he said "Be warned Malfoy…Next time I won't stop him" shaking with rage Remus dropped the Slytherin. Taking one last look at Malfoy Remus walked out of the building.
Peter hurried after him but Sirius stopped next to the dazed Slytherin and said, "You are one lucky git…because I would have let him do it here and now".
As Sirius moved to leave Malfoy said "Next time they will both be dead".
At this Sirius could contain his own anger no longer and in one fluid movement he turned grabbed the front of the other boys robes and swung his fist. Malfoy found himself on the station house floor for the third time that day.
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While this was all going on the girls tried to calm the terrified first year. Tara finally calmed down enough to describe the student who had told her that Lily was in trouble. The three sixth years all recognised the description of the tall Slytherin. Tara was still sat on Marie's knee being hugged when James came into the compartment carrying Lily.
It wasn't long before the rest of the Marauders arrived and Sirius went straight over to Marie and relieved her of the terrified first year. Sitting down Sirius cuddled the little figure and he realised this was as much for his benefit as it was for hers. After a while Sirius said, "Do your friends know where you are?" Tara shook her head and he said "How about you and me go and find them?" And she nodded, getting up he said to the others "I'll not be long" and he led her out into the corridor.
Lily had not moved her face buried into James robes the sobbing had stopped but she sat holding on to him. As the train started to move Lily raised her head and looked at the worried faces of her friends. A bruise had started to form above her left eye near a small cut, there was also some blood dried around her nose.
James brushed a stay stand of hair from her face and Aggy said "Come on lets go to the bathroom and clean up that cut so that we can put a healing spell on it". Lily nodded and squeezing James she followed Aggy out of the compartment. As the door shut James dropped his head into his hands to hide the tears that he could no longer hold in. After a second he composed himself and sat up again leaning back against the seat.
Waiting for Lily and Aggy to come back they bought plenty chocolate from the trolley as it came past knowing they all could do with some. Sirius returned from taking Tara back to her friends and Lily and Aggy came back from the bathroom.
They tried to work out exactly what had happened. Lily went first telling them about the conversation she had over heard and then being dragged into the station house by Malfoy. At this point Lily smirked and said "I don't think Malfoy expected me to be able to fight back…I'm glad you guys turned up" and she smiled at them. "I don't think I could have held him off a second time".
Looking at them she said "Thank you" and she hugged each of them even Peter.
Finally Marie told them exactly what Tara had told them and Lily leant back against James and closed her eyes vocalising what they all new the identity of the other boy "Severus Snape".
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A/N: Thanks for reading – Don't forget to click the button and let me know what you think – Just a reminder that this is the last chapter for at least a week – I'm going on holiday (no laptop allowed).
Thanks again
Madame Padfoot