DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters. I just wanted to know what Lily and James were like, so I made it up! Please don't sue me! It all belongs to J.K. ROWLING! Except the plot...

Ch. 4- Underwhelmed

The imaginary sky ceiling of the great hall was deep blue, occasionally shattered by claws of lighting, reflecting the weather outside Hogwarts. Lily and the Marauders jumped as a particularly loud boom of thunder shook the castle and its inhabitants.

It's a good thing we don't have anywhere to go tonight, huh? Lily asked, attempting to lighten the mood.

But we do- Peter's comment was quickly stopped by his own hand appearing in his mouth, courtesy of James.

Yeah, I'd hate to be out in weather like this. Remus said conversationally. The wind must have quite a bite.

Lily looked confused as the marauders snorted with suppressed laughs. Yes, I imagine so, at this speed. It would be horrible to be caught unawares in this-

Peter interrupted her with a gaffaw, quickly followed by, UnaWARE! He he! You have no idea how funny you are! while the others tried to shut him up. The other marauders couldn't hide that something was very amusing, and Lily was completely unaware'!

Indeed. Perhaps you would like to explain it to me? Or is it that whole superstition that the full moon makes people act crazy? She was beginning to feel a bit miffed. The marauders' reactions didn't help at all. James bent up double, holding onto his stomach while Sirius slapped a hand over his mouth, and banged the table with the other. Peter completely fell off his bench and convulsed on the floor. Remus' mouth was twitching as he smacked his friends to remind them of Lily's presence.

Actually, that is no superstition, Lily. Sirius wheezed. We always become a bit unhinged when there's a full moon. You just have to doggedly, Remus finally gave in and a huge PAH' escaped, stick with us! Yes, like a dog with a bone! He gave up trying to be serious, his face turning red, and snorted loudly.

Well, as much as I like you borderline sane, I must admit that in your insanity you seem to be content making fools of yourselves, and that gives the rest of us a break from your pranks! Lily wanted to know what was going on, but she couldn't challenge the friendships she had with them, just to satisfy her own curiosity. So she let them have their secret, since they had been so understanding about being in ignorance of hers. Dumbledore had suggested that she not share it with the marauders until she could be completely sure of their trustworthiness. After knowing them only for a couple of months, she was almost sure she could trust them, except Peter. He was horrible at keeping secrets. James, Sirius, and Remus were always stopping him from revealing their next great prank, or whatever it was that he always almost said. She guessed it was just forgetfulness, but nonetheless, it was discouraging.

The meal wound down after that, and Lily and the Marauders went to charms together. Professor Flitwick had been giving Lily significant looks ever since the Slytherin debacle, so Lily welcomed the opportunity to enter his class surrounded by a wall of vertically gifted friends. In the past few weeks she had been meeting with Flitwick to work on her control. Thus far, they had established that she had none whatsoever. She was practicing on a boggart that changed into the red-eyed demon from her dreams who taunted her with all of her oddities and inadequacies. She was supposed to concentrate on ignoring him and thinking before she attacked. There were several burn marks on the floor that had to be cleaned up in the charms classroom from her instinctive attacks.

Her new friends knew nothing about her unusual attribute. Sirius had begun to look at her with more respect, and James glared at any Slytherins that came within three meters of her. The Marauders had taken to accompanying her wherever she went, all of them thoroughly intrigued by the mystery she presented. Lily also noticed that their own mystery seemed to pop up once a month or so. James had apologized for not being able to tell her, but she had quickly shaken his apology off and assured him that she harbored no hard feelings. They now left the charms classroom, with another two foot parchment due the next class. The Marauders took Lily down one of their shortcuts to the dungeon. However, they were halted.

Why if it isn't the Marplots and the mudblood! We need to talk to you, Miss Evans. And Lily was whisked by an arm around her waist into a near classroom, her bag holding her wand dropping to the ground. The Marauders were faced with a closed door, blocked by three or four Slytherins. Lucious Malfoy sneered into Lily's face, Well, that was quite a trick you pulled the other night. But I think you'll be much less trouble without your prankster pals. So you're not leaving this room until you learn your place, mudblood! He shouted some words at the door and it glowed green.

Lily shook her hair braids from her shoulders. And how do you propose to do that? All you have proven to me is that you are dumb enough to think it takes someone bigger with lots of reinforcements to put me in what you think of as my place! She fought the rising warmth with cool logic. He was even a bit scared of her; little tiny Lily. And if he was scared, then there must be something she could do to frighten him more, enough to get him to leave her alone. Maybe you should have considered disarming me with something other than your native charm. Petrificus Totalus! she yelled, sticking her finger through her robes, to give the illusion of a hidden wand. His eyes opened wide before his body seized up, and he fell to the floor with a whump.

She ran over to him and softly closed his staring eyes, so he couldn't see her charming her way out of the room without her wand. As she was kneeling there the door flew open to reveal four figures, wands at the ready.

Lily? How did you...? James stared at her as she got up and dusted off her hands, while Malfoy looked a little worse for the wear.

This is insane! Sirius looked delighted.

Thanks so much for being so quick! I wasn't sure if I could do it all by myself. I should have- suddenly she swayed and fell to the ground, in a faint.

James rushed over to her and shook her lightly. Lily? Lily? Can you hear me? She obviously couldn't, so he gathered her into his arms. I'm taking her to the hospital wing. Get her stuff, and bring Malfoy. He dashed past his friends.

Remus walked out of the room while Sirius and Peter performed the Mobilicorpus spell on the totally petrified Malfoy. He picked up her bag and her wand fell out. Weird. How did she do that without her wand? Maybe she used Malfoy's? He continued to ponder this as he trailed his friends and their floating enemy.

******************************************************************************

Stand aside, you silly girl!

Not Harry! I'll do anything!

Wow! When was the last time a girl said that to you James? Lily was confused. That wasn't the voice of the cruel man. That sounded like a boy's voice. It was probably a trick. And he was trying to taunt her with James' death! Well, nobody was going to take Harry from her that easily!

Just leave Harry alone! Kill me instead! She cried, then felt a hand on her mouth.

I'm just going to keep my hands here Miss Evans, until you realize that you're disturbing the whole hospital wing. A strong cool voice spoke comfortingly, but Lily yanked his hand away.

NO! Dumbledore can't be working for Voldemort! It's a trick! Well, you're not getting Harry! I will die before I let my son into your hands, you filthy turncoat! She screamed, and heard several gasps.

Perhaps you will reconsider, Mr. Potter, and go somewhere else with your friends for now. I am sure Miss Evans will be herself in no time. The cool voice spoke again.

JAMES? JAMES! You're all right! He didn't kill you! Oh, I had the most horrible dream! And Voldemort! He wanted Harry, James! We have to save Harry! Lily's eyes were closed, and she thrashed around on the bed until she felt a slightly smaller, less hairy hand in hers, the thumb stroking her palm.

Don't worry, Lils. We'll never let them get Harry. Just rest now, ok? You need your strength. Dumbledore will take care of you. James' voice calmed her down and she relaxed into her bed.

I love you, James. Harry's so lucky to have you! She sighed contentedly and slept.

Meanwhile...

Mr. Potter, perhaps you would like to explain who Harry is? Dumbledore looked inquisitively at James, sitting next to Lily, who was clutching James' hand tightly. He motioned for the other concerned and baffled Marauders and a miffed Madam Pomfrey to leave. James waited until Dumbledore spelled the room before speaking.

Sir, I think Harry's my son. In the future, I mean, he added, seeing Dumbledore's look of astonishment. I keep having this dream that this dark man comes to my house, and I tell Lily to take Harry away, then green light comes in our doorway, and I die. He spoke matter-of-factly, looking at the floor intently.

Interesting. It would appear that you and Miss Evans are linked somehow, so that you are having a similar nightmare. It is odd, though, that Miss Evans in particular should be having these dreams. I must think it over. Do you think you can stay and assist Miss Evans, should the nightmares return? I must consider the matter in my office. You were very wise to answer as you did. I am sure much more could have been said by Miss Evans that would be exceedingly embarrassing if heard by your resourceful friends. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, and he unspelled the door and exited the hospital wing. James turned to Lily.

Harry's lucky to have you too. And I will never let that man anywhere near you. I promise, Lils, and he leaned over and kissed her on her forehead. I promise.

OK- thanks to my great THREE reviewers! That's really kinda pathetic guys! I couldn't think of this chapter b/c I was so disillusioned by the lack of enthusiasm! I suppose I'm sorta resigned now to writing for my own amusement, but any imput or ideas for the plot would be appreciated! Thanks so much to heraclas, patagoniantoothfish, and old-soul for their reviews! You guys are the best!

how will we live until june?