DISCLAIMER: I only own the way things happen! The way things end up belongs to J.K. Rowling(characters, quidditch, etc.)!

Ch. 2- Understated

James Potter kept his eye on Lily Evans, waiting for her to disappear. It was really interesting how whenever she blushed or looked away, he had to concentrate harder just to keep her in view. And then there was that other phenomenon when she looked at him -he felt the need to look away. That was probably just his embarrassment at never noticing her before. How was that possible? She wasn't exactly dull-looking, with her wild red hair and vibrant green eyes, so how did she get people to ignore her? He didn't really blame himself because there was obviously something magical about her, but he wouldn't let her vanish again. She quite obviously hated being ignored, so he would just have to work especially hard to pay attention to her. That way he could see her smile. If she looked that beautiful when she was angry, imagine what she must look like when she laughs! He sighed as the train shrieked to announce their arrival at Hogsmeade station.

The Marauders-James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter- kept close watch out for Lily as they walked with her towards a horseless carriage. She, for the most part, had remained silent while the Marauders discussed their summers and what new ideas they'd had for pranks. She had giggled appreciatively at their many ideas for generally causing havoc around Hogwarts, and had even made a couple of valid suggestions. Whenever she returned to her reading, though, she started vanishing. The guys naturally had to experiment with this ability, so they'd told her to read her book, and watched as she faded away, until James threw himself across the room and grabbed the book. She had come sharply into focus and had gazed at James in surprise while the others predicted how she did it. They couldn't come up with anything that wasn't laughable, so they had simply dissolved into laughter, figuratively.

One bumpy carriage ride later, they stepped into the Great Hall of Hogwarts. As usual the shadows from the floating candles flickered and danced on the walls as the hordes of students marched in. The four tables were decked out in house colors, and the teachers sat at the raised table facing them. Once everybody was seated, a bedraggled bunch of first years were led in and subjected to the Sorting Hat's song. James and his friends made an effort to look at each student's face, and commit their names to memory. Seven new Gryffindors later, the feast began. The Marauders and Lily salivated at the food for several seconds before digging in.

Mwffm! Weeemf! Mawffm! Peter suddenly mimed panic with food still in his mouth.

A voice came from behind James, So, Potter! Back with the old gang -eh? Looking a bit ragged Lupin, you might want to get a job so you can buy some new secondhand robes! And Black; perhaps we'll all be lucky and Snape will finish you off this year- if you're not expelled first! And Peter, practically a Squib, you need all the powerful friends you can get! Lucius Malfoy smirked malevolently at the Marauders as James, Remus, and Sirius glared back. Peter was looking at his shoes while Lily tried to comfort him, patting him on the back.

Stop your hissing and go back to your table before you make me lose my appetite Malfoy! James spoke quietly and firmly, as he turned around to face his archenemy.

You weaklings! Look! You've got a mudblood this year too! Lily tensed as she felt him pierce through her armor. Awww! How cute! I bet it's a Squib too!

James and his friends didn't know who he was talking about until Lily rose in all her glory to face him. You better leave us alone, Mister Malfoy, or I will have to tell Dumbledore that you weren't being a gentleman! I am a prefect this year, so I suggest you follow Potter's advice! Her red hair flickering like flame, she spitted him with her emerald glance before disdainfully slapping her napkin in her lap and resuming her meal. James could have kissed her! Malfoy was caught between fury and surprise that such an easy target had had the moxie to fight back.

Malfoy walked away in high dudgeon, looking back to yell, This is not over, Potter! before slouching into his seat next to Severus Snape.

James whispered to his companions, I'm glad it's not! Now we can prank him! The Marauders laughed, but Lily just tried to disappear.

Minerva McGonagall, a severe young witch who taught Transfiguration and was head of Gryffindor house, approached the Marauders. Potter, Black! Stop making so much noise! She frowned at them until their laughter subsided. Now, Potter, your fellow prefect is Lily Evans, but I don't see her here, so could you tell her-

Peter broke in, But professor! She's right here! He gestured at Lily, sitting next to him.

McGonagall's eyes widened as Lily showed herself. Child, you need to report to Professor Dumbledore's office after you've showed the first years up to the common room. She swallowed before saying to herself, And now I see why.

Lily felt herself shrinking back into her chair. What if this was about the Color Charm? Was she in trouble? All her fears of Malfoy's wrath evaporated in the fear that she had done something wrong. But enough of her brain was above fear that she felt insulted at McGonagall's calling her ! She lapsed back into the conversation of her fellow Gryffindors.

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Lily rushed along the corridors and up the stairs, following the directions to Dumbledore's office that James had given her. It was erie that he knew his way around so well. She never got lost anymore, but she'd never gone down a couple of these halls. It was quite a shortcut! She heard voices further down the dim hallway, but when she heard Malfoy's voice, steadily coming closer, she couldn't contain a gasp of surprise.

He locked onto the sound like it was his next meal. Who's there? As he and his cronies came into the light, she tried to make herself invisible. She could feel that it wasn't working. Well, well, well! If it isn't the bold little mudblood! You'd think somebody that small would know how unimportant she is! Well, those youngsters need to be taught a lesson now and then!

She had been feeling trapped, but suddenly she realized why she didn't want to hide. Lily was sick and tired of these idiotic egomaniacs tormenting people. She'd never been a target for them before, but she'd seen others being put down all the time by these jerks. But now that she was the target, she couldn't bear to be the butt of their dumb jokes, and she knew that she wasn't weak. I'm not a youngster, Malfoy. Since when could first years be prefects? I would have thought that someone like you wouldn't judge by appearance, since some of your friends are twelve-year-olds in disguise? Not to mention Crabbe and Goyle, whose IQs started dropping as soon as they saw themselves in the mirror! I'm a sixth year, and I'm going to be late meeting Dumbledore if you don't let me pass. Her stature seemed more impressive with her shoulders back, eyes blazing, and hair creating a flaming aureole around her face.

Malfoy wasn't easily cowed, however. Crabbe and Goyle flexed their muscles threateningly when Malfoy motioned them back. Quite the brave little Gryffindor, aren't we? You need to be taught a lesson. Goyle? Goyle quickly twisted Lily's hands behind her back. She tried to kick him, but her legs were too short to do any damage with him standing out of reach.

Lily felt her head heating up again, just like it had when Petunia had teased her. This is your last chance, Malfoy. It was only fair to warn him, when she didn't know what happened when she was this angry. I will not be held responsible for the consequences if you go any further! The warmth was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

Malfoy and his crew was laughing, My last- Oh that is too good, Evans! Like you could do anything to me! He stopped as a thought reached him. Crabbe- grab her wand! She's tops in class, so without her wand, He looked evilly at Lily, You won't be able to do a thing about it!

Crabbe got out his wand and muttered, Lily would've been knocked over if she hadn't been held up by Goyle. Her wand floated, or so it seemed to Lily, into Crabbe's outstretched hand. She had been holding on to her wand for dear life, but she didn't know what she'd planned to do with it. The loss of her wand, the brutal attack, the cruel words, and the sight of Crabbe reaching for her wand, enraged her. Flames clouded over her vision. Magical fire bloomed around Lily, and the Slytherins fell to the floor as Lily's wand landed at the feet of a shocked Professor Flitwick.

Please review! I hope you like it, even if it's a bit of a cliffhanger! Happy New Year!