DISCLAIMER: The characters and Hogwarts belong to the lovely spinstress of
stories: JK Rowling whom we all know and worship. Rage Against The Ministry
belongs to MMM, I borrowed them with the permission of that author because
I couldn't think of a name for my wizarding band. Zack De La Rocha as Mack
de la Croix is mine, I though it was silly, and I had some fizzy water on
my desk. "I Fought the Law" is a Clash song, all props to Sonny Curtis.
"Hey, Jude", in case there are any doubts, belongs to the Beatles.
The first week back after the Christmas Holliday no one except Lily paid attention in class; and Lily was one of the few from whom the professors would have accepted slacking. The students were all excited about the upcoming ball that weekend, far from being fresh from the holidays, they were anxious to extend them through the week preceding the ball.
Dumbledore had been correct; however, about the school's need for a second pick me up. Many, like Lily, had lost family over the vacation or had been forced to relive sad memories upon going home. The crowed that stepped off of the Hogwarts Express was subdued, but after remembering and planning for the ball, Hogwarts was back to its usual cheerful state. It was a good idea, and although the teachers complained, in their hearts, none objected.
For Lily, who already had her dress robes and was instead running around frantically trying to book the last minute details of the dance (Loki's Crones backed out on Tuesday and she had to bend over backwards to book Rage Against the Ministry as a backup), life was pretty normal. She had far too much to do and far too little time for any of it. She didn't have time to mope around or swoon over her date. Frankly, James wasn't all that swoon over-able at two in the morning the night before the dance when the two of them were working desperately with Professor Flitwick to fix the hex on the swirling snowflakes they were decorating the hall with.
Lily slept until noon the Saturday of the dance, and she was the only person in Hogwarts to make it past ten thirty. She was the only person in Gryffindor Tower to make it past nine forty- five. This was her day, however, and she'd been working hard enough all week. She woke up, put on her uniform, ate a leisurely breakfast at the lunch table, and checked with James to make sure everything was settled. While every other girl who was to attend was running around like a headless mongoose trying to finish their makeup, Lily was calmly helping Professor Flitwick finish arranging the fairy lights.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Lily decided it was time to get into her dress robes. She took a deliciously scalding bath, scrubbing her hair and skin completely clean. She then pinned her hair loosely back with the realistic ebony lily she'd received from Petty for Christmas. Lily liked to use a mix of magical and muggle makeup, generally having fun with her face until she stumble across a color scheme she fancied. Lily hadn't quite given up on the naked, earthy look from the sixties yet, so she only wound up with a little eye shadow and lip stick. Lily silently passed the blush Elizabeth was frantically begging for as she got up to move away from her vanity.
Lily then decided to be kind, and helped Elizabeth pin her hair up in different styles until she found one she liked. This took nearly an hour, but Lily liked toying with her friend's beautiful chestnut locks and she didn't mind at all. Glancing at her watch, and noting that it was already five after six, she decided to get into her dress robes. Deftly shedding her fluffy bathrobe, she looked into the mirror and stated firmly, "This is my night, I will have a beautiful time, and nothing will ruin it." Lily then put on her dress robes.
James looked at his pocket watch. It was six thirty-two. Lily was only two minutes late. If he were taking any other girl, he would have made himself comfortable on a common room couch and accepted the fact that she was "making him wait". As he was taking Lily, he wondered if he should go up to the girls' dorm and make sure she hadn't broken a leg. He stood there uncertainly in his deep purple dress robes, waiting for a girl. And a gasp caught in his throat as he saw her coming down the stairs.
The robes were as white as snow and they seemed to float around her, especially the billowing yet transparent sleeves. When she stepped down, he could see her silver, short heeled sandals that shone softly like the broad silver bracelets on both of her wrists. Around her neck was a tight silver necklace with an ebony pendant of some sort that rested just below her collarbone. The liquid flame was both tamed and untamed, cascading down her back, bouncing as she moved, yet held away from her face by the obsidian lilies James could recall seeing her unwrap Christmas morning. She approached him, smiling self consciously.
"All right there, James," Lily asked, reaching the bottom of the stairs. "Sorry I'm late, I was helping Beth and I sort of lost track of the time," she explained, wondering why he was staring at her like that.
"Are you late then," James asked, realizing that he should probably say something chivalrous. "I was early so I guess I didn't notice. I'm sure Sirius will be grateful for any help you gave his date, but she won't be able to compete with you. You've definitely got 'belle of the ball' nailed in those robes." Lily smiled, blushed and looked at her feet.
"Thank you. You look pretty handsome yourself, Mister Potter," she returned warmly, looking up at him again with laughter in her eyes, although the red remained in her cheeks.
"Well then, Miss Evans, shall we to the ball?" He bowed and offered her an arm, which she took. Together, they walked through the practically empty halls, anticipating the final product of their mutual labors. It was a rewarding conversation.
Together, they pushed open the doors to the Great Hall, and propped them open with a spell, one last detail to attend to before taking in their work. It was perfect. Billowing silver-white snow-like gauze draped gently from the walls, with sparkling fairies fluttering gently around above and behind it. The ceiling mirrored the perfectly clear stars outside, but charmed silver snow fell gently from it, accumulating no more than a millimeter on the floor. Smaller circular tables were positioned around the sides of the room, and the bandstand was set up nicely with white and silver instruments, although Rage Against the Ministry had yet to arrive.
Lily and James sat together at the head table, where the teachers, prefects and their dates would be. This was one of the few tables that had people already there. In fact, most of the seats at the head table were filled. While they admired the decor, and accepted the admiration of the other prefects, more and more students filtered into the Great Hall. Lily completely ignored the half sad all knowing look Amos was shooting her from where he sat with his date. He was dating a very pretty Ravenclaw Prefect, and she refused to feel sorry for him.
When it appeared most of the tables were full, Lily began to peruse her menu, discussing the various options with James. He laughed, knowing full well that they both knew the entire list by heart. Others near them looked at him strangely, but Professor Dumbledore chuckled appreciatively and asked Lily how long she'd known what she would be selecting this evening.
"I've been planning on the Bourbon Chicken since I put it on the menu three weeks ago, Professor, I really recommend it," Lily replied cheerfully, letting everyone else in on the joke.
"I'll take that under advisement, Miss Evans," he returned, his eyes sparkling, "The house elves do make a spectacular roast, though. I have yet to make up my mind."
Through dinner, James was his usual charming self, and the pair got along just as famously as they always did. It was rather difficult for the prefects who'd known them for years to remember that something had changed between the two friends. Laughter and jokes were just as prominent as they had always been, and there was no unusual flirting.
Something was subtly different, however. There was no longer any pretence needed between the two. For the most part, they spoke only with each other. Lily touched James' hair once, brushing it away from his face, and he held her hand for a little while when she rested it on the table. Their eyes met when they spoke and Lily no longer felt the need to blush and break the contact. She did blush, however, when she noticed Professor McGonagall smiling slightly at the two of them as she spoke in a hushed tone with Professor Flitwick.
When the band arrived at quarter to eight and signaled that they were ready to begin, James immediately rose and bowed formally, asking if Lily was ready to open the dancing. He led her out onto the floor, and the other seventh year prefects did the same with their dates. The song was a slow waltz that she'd never heard before, probably because Rage wasn't known for their slow songs. James led boldly and he managed to make her feel graceful while they danced, something that she rarely achieved. As she never looked away from him, she hardly noticed when the other prefects and eventually the rest of the school joined the dance.
The next song was more in the traditional Rage style, and by the third song everyone was rocking and discoing like there would be no tomorrow. "I need to catch my breath," Lily shouted over the music, and James nodded, taking her hand to lead her off of the dance floor.
"Water?" he suggested. She gave him a quick nod and a smile, so he went to fetch some, but when he returned, he couldn't find her. "Have you seen my date," he asked Sirius who'd apparently decided to take a similar break with Elizabeth.
"No, where did you last see her," Sirius asked laughing.
"I'm sure I left her right here," James said in the same vein.
"Yes, because girls are like car keys," Elizabeth stated, rolling her eyes.
"No, if he was looking for car keys, I could use a Summoning Charm for him," Sirius said simply, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"You know, that's not a bad idea," James said, pretending to consider it. "But she might bump into a couple of people, and I don't think she'd like literally flying into my arms all that much."
"Why would I be literally flying into your arms," Lily asked, snaking her arm around his waist.
"Sirius was going to Accio you for me," James replied, handing her the water.
"Thanks!" Lily drank the icy water thirstily.
"I was going to get you a butterbeer, but I decided against it."
"Thank God you did," Lily gasped, finally setting her glass down. "I was thirsty, and I sure didn't need to be warmed up anymore."
"So where did you run off to," James asked, remembering that he was supposed to pout about her not waiting for him.
"It's a secret!" Lily gave him a flirty smile, suggesting that he'd like the secret very much.
"Tell or I tickle and you'll spill that water all over your nice dress," James threatened menacingly. Or rather, he was trying to be menacing, but he could barely manage to rein his grin into a sly smile.
"I'll never tell," Lily swore while lofting her left hand because her right arm was still wrapped around her would be assailant.
"I think you might be persuaded," James said, smirking at her as he attacked her sides with nimble fingers, causing her to laugh uncontrollably.
His full plan was thwarted because she had finished her entire glass of water, but she was forced to capitulate anyway. "Okay, okay, I give," she choked out between giggles. He stopped tickling her, but she was having a very difficult time stopping her laughter.
"Whenever you're ready," he said with a look of pure amusement. She forced herself to frown, broke out laughing again, then straightened up, looked at him, giggled a second time, and managed to get herself under control.
"Well, I know you were bummed about not getting the Clash because they were muggle, but as it turns out, Mack also derives enjoyment from their music and Rage will occasionally, if pressed, do a cover of someone else." Lily's eyes still sparkled with mirth. "And if you'll notice, the opening chords of this song are faintly reminiscent of a favorite song of yours."
James grinned broadly at her. "Well, since the song about to begin is so very much like my favorite song, something I'm sure you had nothing to do with, would you care to dance with me?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Lily said, returning the grin and putting down her glass as he pulled her back to the dance floor.
Mack began to sing, and James sang along while he danced. His eyes never left Lily's most of the time they were joking with her, cajoling her to forget everything serious, teasing her and smiling at her. He was having fun, and totally at ease with her.
"Breakin' rocks in the hot sun I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won I needed money 'cause I had none I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won
I left my baby and it feels so bad Guess my race is run She's the best girl that I ever had I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the
Robbin' people with a six-gun I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won I lost my girl and I lost my fun I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won
I left my baby and it feels so bad Guess my race is run She's the best girl that I ever had I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the
I fought the law and the law won (7 times) I fought the law and the"
As everyone clapped for the end of the song, James leaned over to Lily. For a brief, crazy moment she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead he spoke softly in her ear. "Thank you," he said, planting a soft kiss onto her cheek.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," she shouted back, a tell-tale red burning her guilt onto her face.
"Sure you don't," James laughed back. As the band began to play another song, he added, "This really hurts my position, you know. I thought it was the guy's right to do the cute, chivalrous things!"
"I have usurped that right with my feminine wiles," she shouted back. "Now dance!"
Dance they did. Song after song they danced, mostly with one another, sometimes with friends and people who would have been offended if they weren't given a dance. There were two more water breaks, but the couple did not really stop dancing until the dance was completely over.
"Alright," Mack de la Croix said softly into the magical microphone. "This is the last song, because it's midnight, and our guitars are going to turn back into pumpkins in a minute. It's a slow one for all of you couples who haven't snuck out for some alone time yet. Professor McGonagall would like you to know that you've made the correct choice, as patrolling teachers have already caught four separate couples. I asked her for their names, but she said we won't publicly embarrass them just now." Everyone laughed. "So here you go: one last song for the couples on the floor."
James took one of Lily's hands in his own, placing his other hand on the small of her back, sending a slight shudder up her spine. She put her hand on his shoulder and allowed her arm to hang down and be supported by his wherever the two touched.
Hey Jude, don't make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.
The hand on the small of her back rubbed it in slow circles, making her want to purr contentedly. His eyes locked with hers, and suddenly there was nothing other than the deep brown world of his thoughts.
Hey Jude, don't be afraid.
You were made to go out and get her.
The minute you let her under your skin,
Then you begin to make it better. And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain,
Don't carry the world upon your shoulders.
He slipped his hand out of hers and slid it along her arm until it was caressing her back just above his other hand. She wrapped both arms around his neck and their bodies were suddenly much closer, but their eyes did not break contact, nor did they pause in the slow pivoting dance they danced.
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder. Hey Jude, don't let me down.
You have found her, now go and get her.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.
The gauzy sleeves slid up her arm until they were below her elbow and snowflakes began to land on her bare forearms. They tingled just barely before they melted and disappeared, the stimulus adding a new level to the feeling that was swelling within her stomach.
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin,
You're waiting for someone to perform with.
And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do,
The movement you need is on your shoulder. Hey Jude, don't make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her under your skin,
Then you'll begin to make it
Better better better better better better, oh. Da da da da da da, da da da, hey Jude...
Slowly, somewhere among the "Da dadadadas", James Potter and Lily Evans shared a small but lovely kiss that convinced both of them that their lives would forever after be changed. No one suggested that it was any less appropriate than a work of art in the Louver. Even Amos Diggory, who watched from the corner of his eye through the entire night, bitterly admitted in his heart that it would be a sin of the worst kind to keep the two of them apart.
"Good night everybody, it's been a fun evening," Mack called as the band exited the Great Hall and couples followed, walking arm and arm back to their respective common rooms.
Lily and James were among the very slowest to exit; neither wanted to depart the dream world they'd created. They stood together, arms linked closely, and then he approached them.
"Have you come to a decision, Evans," the man asked. She could see his face, but he seemed to have no discernable features, and after a glance away, she was not positive that he was the same person who spoke to her. Nevertheless, there was a foulness permeating from him that one did not need Divination to sense.
"I will not concede to evil," she replied, her voice strong and loud, catching the attention of the few teachers who remained in the hall. Dumbledore especially watched her with calculating eyes that seemed to belie his balmy old codger act.
"You refuse to enter the service of the true Lord?" The man repeated the question, his face unreadable and without expression.
"I do," she returned evenly.
"If you do not die quickly, you may be given a second chance to accept the offer, but when you come to Him, He will not be as generous as He might have at first." The messenger smiled without conveying any more emotion than his blank face had. "You will be given a second incentive tomorrow." The man then vanished, as though he could apparate within Hogwarts.
"Who are you talking to, Lily," James asked.
"You didn't see him," she returned, looking puzzled.
"I didn't see anyone," James bit his lip pensively.
"What did your messenger say," Dumbledore asked, making no pretense about approaching them.
"He asked for my decision, twice, and then he told me if I live the offer might be made again. He also said I'd get a second incentive tomorrow. I think he might attack Petty! How is it that he could apparate on the grounds, Headmaster?"
"He couldn't, he was a projection into your mind. You should feel honored; it is a very complicated spell." Lily snorted, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled appreciatively. "Yes, well, dubious honor that it is, you are obviously more desired than Voldemort wants to admit. I will contact the ministry immediately to pass on your warning."
"I just hope she's safe, Professor." Lily looked down and blinked away a tear.
"She will be," Dumbledore stated strongly. "Do not worry too much about her. You do not yet know for certain that she is the target. I like to believe all of my students are safe at Hogwarts, but James, you might want to take precautions tomorrow. I will not force you to cancel Quidditch practice, but I will insist that you have a professor observing. I also suggest that the two of you, and all of your friends, carry their wands at all times."
"Yes, sir," James replied smartly, squeezing Lily's hand in a reassuring manner.
They then took their leave of the room, and although not a single snowflake had changed, it was somehow less enchanting. Arm in arm and hand in hand they returned to their common room silently. The pair stood just inside the portrait hole, neither wanting to go any closer to the point where they must part.
"James, I... I had a really lovely time tonight," Lily said, her soft eyes meeting his hesitantly.
A "me too" rumbled from deep within his soul and sought its way to her ear, making her smile shyly.
"I should tell you," she stuttered nervously. There were too many things that needed to be said aloud by both of them. James ignored them all and cut her off with a gentle kiss. He only grazed her lips with his own before gazing into her eyes again.
Lily suddenly understood the impulse that had gripped Elizabeth after her first kiss with Sirius. That was all she got? A hand was placed on the boy's cheek, and her lips sought once more for his. Arms enveloped bodies, tongues danced and the space between the separate bodies at any point became entirely negligible.
"I love you," James gasped against her lips, overwhelmed by the heat her slight form was radiating through him.
"I love you too," she whispered before leaning in to capture his tongue once again.
James felt a hand that was strangely not Lily's tapping his shoulder. Loathingly, he removed one of his arms from Lily's side and swatted at the pest. The irritant did not bugger off. He swatted again, but it was no more effective than the first attempt. Finally, he broke his lips away from Lily's and turned his head furiously to face Sirius. "What?" he snapped.
"You're still in the common room, and you're still the head boy and girl," they were informed by the helpful Marauder.
"Oh," Lily said, blushing as she noticed a few younger children who had yet to go up to bed. James did not release her from his arms, but he didn't move to kiss her again.
"Thank you for the reminder, Padfoot," he said, not looking as thankful as he might.
"Of course, old boy," Sirius said, skipping back to the girls' stairwell where he was bidding adieu to Elizabeth. By the time that couple had finally parted, Lily and James had made the long journey to that position.
"Sirius," Lily called, just as the boy was leaving to give them a little privacy.
"Yes, Madam Lillian?"
"Will you do me a favor?"
"Anything for you my dear," he stated, bowing admirably.
"Keep both eyes on James' back tomorrow. He probably doesn't like me telling, but odds are, someone close to me will be killed tomorrow." Sirius looked astonished. He'd been expecting a drink order or a homework request. James squeezed Lily's side to comfort her a little.
"I always have Prongs' back," Sirius stated firmly, "but I'll be on double guard tomorrow. Thanks for letting me know something is up."
"Thank you, Sirius," Lily said, and Sirius turned once more to give them privacy. They kissed once more, softly, both fighting desperately not to get lost in one another.
"Goodnight," James said, managing to pry all of his body, except one hand that refused to untangle from her fingers, away from her. "May sleep give you all of its rest."
Lily smiled and returned the quote, "With half that wish the wisher's eyes be pressed." Unfortunately, Shakespeare demanded a second kiss and their bodies drew together a second time, although not quite as closely.
"Sweet dreams," Lily said, managing to break away from him fully. She then smiled broadly and turned, sprinting up to her dorm before she was forced to fly into his arms again.
"To you as well," James whispered, knowing she couldn't hear him.
Lily cuddled deeper into her comforter, the Sunday morning sunshine dancing playfully on her eyelids. James loved her. She relived their first kiss on the dance floor with all of its perfection. Moving to the second kiss, Lily could feel all of that same fire she felt when she forgot they were in public and longed to pull him closer than he could possibly get.
Lily looked at the clock. He would be at Quidditch practice by now, so there was no chance of really repeating even the third kiss of the night before, brief and swift though it was. Lily sat up smiling and glanced around the room to where Elizabeth was still sleeping with a dopey grin on her face. Lily hopped out of bed and went to take a bath. She was the only one in the tub, so she filled it with all of her favorite bubbles and scents.
Lily was usually a business-like bather, but today she frolicked and sang love songs. She was happy with James. There are few feelings that can compare to falling in love with ones soul mate, and Lily was riding the euphoria as far as it would take her. She sprang out of the tub on an impulse and danced through the bathroom as she dried her hair and got into her uniform. She slipped and almost fell at one point, but it in no way made her dance less or act more cautiously.
Elizabeth was awake and clothed when Lily returned to the dormitory, and there appeared to be an unspoken agreement between them to go together to the pitch and watch the team practice. As chipper as she was, however, Lily still broke the first rule of shameless admiration by bringing her transfiguration text book.
They boys practiced beautifully, and James, as always, flew like a falcon. In between paragraphs, Lily looked up in awe as he practiced difficult moves with his fellow chasers. Watching the Gryffindor team practice was almost like watching a real game. Three beaters (there was one reserve) slammed the bludgers around the field at one another trying to keep them away from the other players. Peter and the reserve seeker took turns throwing and chasing after walnuts while the chasers and the keeper practiced difficult ploys.
Around noon, people started complaining to James, so he let the team stop for lunch and told them there would be practices every day that week in preparation for the Saturday match against Ravenclaw. Sirius groaned jokingly, and Peter pretended to fall off of his broom in shock. "Lily, don't let him do it to us," Charity Wood, the keeper, pleaded mockingly.
"I don't care what you do the rest of the week," Lily called back, "Just give me my boyfriend now so we can go to lunch!" The team laughed and everyone but Sirius and James broke for the locker rooms.
"As ordered," James said, hopping onto his broom and flying into the stands where Lily sat. She pulled him off of the broomstick and kissed him, rather surprising the poor boy who stumbled before throwing his arms around her.
"Yuck," she whispered happily against his lips. "You're all sweaty."
He smiled and kissed her again. "Do you mind?"
"Yes," she said suddenly before she sank too deeply in him to forget herself. "I'm hungry, go change so we can eat."
He laughed at her and broke away. "As ordered," he said, smiling while he grabbed Sirius away from Elizabeth and the two went to change out of their Quidditch robes.
At dinner, Lily received an owl from the Ministry of Magic informing her that Petunia was still perfectly safe and there had been no suspicious happenings that could imply an attack later in the evening. They promised to stay completely on guard, but thus far she had no reasons to worry. She was relieved by the news, but Lily still worried about her friends. There was no doubt in her mind that an 'incentive' would come today, and by ten pm she was so frazzled with waiting that she decided to go out and see Prongs even if it wasn't late enough for her to sneak out easily.
"Do you want to borrow my Invisibility Cloak," James offered, looking concerned.
"I'm taking the window, and Prongs won't come unless he can see me," Lily said, grateful that he was offering. Not long ago, Lily could remember having to beg and bribe to use the cloak for her own purposes.
"Can't you just stay here and talk to me," James asked. "I'm worried about you going out on the grounds alone, especially today."
"I'll be fine," Lily said, kissing him softly and getting a hoot from the Marauders who were playing Gobstones on the floor next to the couple. "And," she added, standing up, "I don't need to worry about what Prongs thinks when I talk to him."
"Since when do you care what I think," James muttered, pouting as she went up to the girls' dormitory.
"You don't have time to sit there whining," Remus said, an amused expression on his face, "You have to run if you're planning to be out there before she goes into the Forbidden Forest."
James was going to make a snappy reply, but instead he just sprinted up to the boys' dorm for the cloak and his map.
"Hey Prongs," Lily said, reaching a hand out to stroke his neck. As her fingertips met the soft, coarse fur of her friend, something happened that had never before occurred. Lily Evans had a premonition. The premonition was not merely a feeling like many wizards occasionally get, but a vision. Lily knew. She jerked her hand away as though it had been burned. She did burn.
"James Potter, if you don't transform right now I will never speak to you again so help me God," she spat lividly. James weighed his options, none of which would lead to very good outcomes, and morphed slowly back to his human form.
"Hi Lily," he said, not meeting her eyes.
"Explain," she demanded, not quite as angry as he feared her to be.
"Well, you know about Remus. When Padfoot and I found out, we did some research, and werewolves aren't a danger to animals, so we studied a lot, and fifth year the Marauders managed to become animagi. It helps him keep his sanity to be with his friends," James rambled quickly.
"James, I don't give a fig that you're an illegal animagus. Explain," she repeated irritably.
"Well, I couldn't tell at first without Remus' secret being known," he said nervously, noting the way her eyes narrowed. "Then," he swallowed, "I didn't want to tell. You were telling me the sort of things I'd given up all hope of hearing. I didn't want to jeopardize that by telling you I was a spy, and I wanted to keep on knowing your secrets."
"Damn you," Lily said shortly, turning her back to him but not walking away. "I really want to be mad at you about this. You never had to have a moment of uncertainty, did you? I was confessing all of my fears to you, and you always knew what my response would be when you asked a question. You had an unfair advantage. I really want to be mad at you," she repeated.
James didn't know what to do. "Are you," he asked somewhere between hopefully and fearfully.
She spun around to glare at him. "What do you think? Am I mad? You had no right to keep meeting with me like that, you didn't have to tell me anything, you just had to stop coming!" She advanced on him, and it took every ounce of his Gryffindor courage not to back away. He knew he deserved the slap that was coming.
Lily shocked both of them by touching his cheek gently, then kissing him passionately. "And," she said softly, breaking the kiss, "I would have done exactly the same thing in your position." He wrapped his arms around her waist, hardly believing his luck, and kissed her back.
"Where's James," Lily asked, bouncing up to the game of Gobstones in the boys' dormitory.
"Um," all three Marauders stuttered and looked around nervously. "I don't know," Peter said. "Do you know, Sirius?"
It was like a bad Three Stooges skit. "I don't know," Sirius said. "Do you know, Remus?"
"He got the Invisibility cloak and left," Remus said, meeting Lily's gaze head on. He never lied to her, but he wouldn't give away his friend. "He might have gone to the kitchen for a snack. You know James, the bottomless pit."
James slipped off the Invisibility cloak behind Lily. "See, Remus would have ratted me out eventually," he said, taking her hand. The Marauders stared at them dumbfounded.
Lily picked up a scroll from the floor and hit Sirius over the head with it. "You let me think I saw a Grim, you jerk! I was mortified that my good friend Sirius was going to die and he knew it was a lie!" He grinned sheepishly and she returned the smile. "I'm going to go to bed now. We have class tomorrow, and I've had far too much excitement for one night."
"Goodnight, Lils," the three chorused while James walked her out of the room to give her a sweet-dreams kiss.
"You lucked out with that girl," Peter stated firmly when James joined the game. No one contradicted him.
The first week back after the Christmas Holliday no one except Lily paid attention in class; and Lily was one of the few from whom the professors would have accepted slacking. The students were all excited about the upcoming ball that weekend, far from being fresh from the holidays, they were anxious to extend them through the week preceding the ball.
Dumbledore had been correct; however, about the school's need for a second pick me up. Many, like Lily, had lost family over the vacation or had been forced to relive sad memories upon going home. The crowed that stepped off of the Hogwarts Express was subdued, but after remembering and planning for the ball, Hogwarts was back to its usual cheerful state. It was a good idea, and although the teachers complained, in their hearts, none objected.
For Lily, who already had her dress robes and was instead running around frantically trying to book the last minute details of the dance (Loki's Crones backed out on Tuesday and she had to bend over backwards to book Rage Against the Ministry as a backup), life was pretty normal. She had far too much to do and far too little time for any of it. She didn't have time to mope around or swoon over her date. Frankly, James wasn't all that swoon over-able at two in the morning the night before the dance when the two of them were working desperately with Professor Flitwick to fix the hex on the swirling snowflakes they were decorating the hall with.
Lily slept until noon the Saturday of the dance, and she was the only person in Hogwarts to make it past ten thirty. She was the only person in Gryffindor Tower to make it past nine forty- five. This was her day, however, and she'd been working hard enough all week. She woke up, put on her uniform, ate a leisurely breakfast at the lunch table, and checked with James to make sure everything was settled. While every other girl who was to attend was running around like a headless mongoose trying to finish their makeup, Lily was calmly helping Professor Flitwick finish arranging the fairy lights.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Lily decided it was time to get into her dress robes. She took a deliciously scalding bath, scrubbing her hair and skin completely clean. She then pinned her hair loosely back with the realistic ebony lily she'd received from Petty for Christmas. Lily liked to use a mix of magical and muggle makeup, generally having fun with her face until she stumble across a color scheme she fancied. Lily hadn't quite given up on the naked, earthy look from the sixties yet, so she only wound up with a little eye shadow and lip stick. Lily silently passed the blush Elizabeth was frantically begging for as she got up to move away from her vanity.
Lily then decided to be kind, and helped Elizabeth pin her hair up in different styles until she found one she liked. This took nearly an hour, but Lily liked toying with her friend's beautiful chestnut locks and she didn't mind at all. Glancing at her watch, and noting that it was already five after six, she decided to get into her dress robes. Deftly shedding her fluffy bathrobe, she looked into the mirror and stated firmly, "This is my night, I will have a beautiful time, and nothing will ruin it." Lily then put on her dress robes.
James looked at his pocket watch. It was six thirty-two. Lily was only two minutes late. If he were taking any other girl, he would have made himself comfortable on a common room couch and accepted the fact that she was "making him wait". As he was taking Lily, he wondered if he should go up to the girls' dorm and make sure she hadn't broken a leg. He stood there uncertainly in his deep purple dress robes, waiting for a girl. And a gasp caught in his throat as he saw her coming down the stairs.
The robes were as white as snow and they seemed to float around her, especially the billowing yet transparent sleeves. When she stepped down, he could see her silver, short heeled sandals that shone softly like the broad silver bracelets on both of her wrists. Around her neck was a tight silver necklace with an ebony pendant of some sort that rested just below her collarbone. The liquid flame was both tamed and untamed, cascading down her back, bouncing as she moved, yet held away from her face by the obsidian lilies James could recall seeing her unwrap Christmas morning. She approached him, smiling self consciously.
"All right there, James," Lily asked, reaching the bottom of the stairs. "Sorry I'm late, I was helping Beth and I sort of lost track of the time," she explained, wondering why he was staring at her like that.
"Are you late then," James asked, realizing that he should probably say something chivalrous. "I was early so I guess I didn't notice. I'm sure Sirius will be grateful for any help you gave his date, but she won't be able to compete with you. You've definitely got 'belle of the ball' nailed in those robes." Lily smiled, blushed and looked at her feet.
"Thank you. You look pretty handsome yourself, Mister Potter," she returned warmly, looking up at him again with laughter in her eyes, although the red remained in her cheeks.
"Well then, Miss Evans, shall we to the ball?" He bowed and offered her an arm, which she took. Together, they walked through the practically empty halls, anticipating the final product of their mutual labors. It was a rewarding conversation.
Together, they pushed open the doors to the Great Hall, and propped them open with a spell, one last detail to attend to before taking in their work. It was perfect. Billowing silver-white snow-like gauze draped gently from the walls, with sparkling fairies fluttering gently around above and behind it. The ceiling mirrored the perfectly clear stars outside, but charmed silver snow fell gently from it, accumulating no more than a millimeter on the floor. Smaller circular tables were positioned around the sides of the room, and the bandstand was set up nicely with white and silver instruments, although Rage Against the Ministry had yet to arrive.
Lily and James sat together at the head table, where the teachers, prefects and their dates would be. This was one of the few tables that had people already there. In fact, most of the seats at the head table were filled. While they admired the decor, and accepted the admiration of the other prefects, more and more students filtered into the Great Hall. Lily completely ignored the half sad all knowing look Amos was shooting her from where he sat with his date. He was dating a very pretty Ravenclaw Prefect, and she refused to feel sorry for him.
When it appeared most of the tables were full, Lily began to peruse her menu, discussing the various options with James. He laughed, knowing full well that they both knew the entire list by heart. Others near them looked at him strangely, but Professor Dumbledore chuckled appreciatively and asked Lily how long she'd known what she would be selecting this evening.
"I've been planning on the Bourbon Chicken since I put it on the menu three weeks ago, Professor, I really recommend it," Lily replied cheerfully, letting everyone else in on the joke.
"I'll take that under advisement, Miss Evans," he returned, his eyes sparkling, "The house elves do make a spectacular roast, though. I have yet to make up my mind."
Through dinner, James was his usual charming self, and the pair got along just as famously as they always did. It was rather difficult for the prefects who'd known them for years to remember that something had changed between the two friends. Laughter and jokes were just as prominent as they had always been, and there was no unusual flirting.
Something was subtly different, however. There was no longer any pretence needed between the two. For the most part, they spoke only with each other. Lily touched James' hair once, brushing it away from his face, and he held her hand for a little while when she rested it on the table. Their eyes met when they spoke and Lily no longer felt the need to blush and break the contact. She did blush, however, when she noticed Professor McGonagall smiling slightly at the two of them as she spoke in a hushed tone with Professor Flitwick.
When the band arrived at quarter to eight and signaled that they were ready to begin, James immediately rose and bowed formally, asking if Lily was ready to open the dancing. He led her out onto the floor, and the other seventh year prefects did the same with their dates. The song was a slow waltz that she'd never heard before, probably because Rage wasn't known for their slow songs. James led boldly and he managed to make her feel graceful while they danced, something that she rarely achieved. As she never looked away from him, she hardly noticed when the other prefects and eventually the rest of the school joined the dance.
The next song was more in the traditional Rage style, and by the third song everyone was rocking and discoing like there would be no tomorrow. "I need to catch my breath," Lily shouted over the music, and James nodded, taking her hand to lead her off of the dance floor.
"Water?" he suggested. She gave him a quick nod and a smile, so he went to fetch some, but when he returned, he couldn't find her. "Have you seen my date," he asked Sirius who'd apparently decided to take a similar break with Elizabeth.
"No, where did you last see her," Sirius asked laughing.
"I'm sure I left her right here," James said in the same vein.
"Yes, because girls are like car keys," Elizabeth stated, rolling her eyes.
"No, if he was looking for car keys, I could use a Summoning Charm for him," Sirius said simply, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"You know, that's not a bad idea," James said, pretending to consider it. "But she might bump into a couple of people, and I don't think she'd like literally flying into my arms all that much."
"Why would I be literally flying into your arms," Lily asked, snaking her arm around his waist.
"Sirius was going to Accio you for me," James replied, handing her the water.
"Thanks!" Lily drank the icy water thirstily.
"I was going to get you a butterbeer, but I decided against it."
"Thank God you did," Lily gasped, finally setting her glass down. "I was thirsty, and I sure didn't need to be warmed up anymore."
"So where did you run off to," James asked, remembering that he was supposed to pout about her not waiting for him.
"It's a secret!" Lily gave him a flirty smile, suggesting that he'd like the secret very much.
"Tell or I tickle and you'll spill that water all over your nice dress," James threatened menacingly. Or rather, he was trying to be menacing, but he could barely manage to rein his grin into a sly smile.
"I'll never tell," Lily swore while lofting her left hand because her right arm was still wrapped around her would be assailant.
"I think you might be persuaded," James said, smirking at her as he attacked her sides with nimble fingers, causing her to laugh uncontrollably.
His full plan was thwarted because she had finished her entire glass of water, but she was forced to capitulate anyway. "Okay, okay, I give," she choked out between giggles. He stopped tickling her, but she was having a very difficult time stopping her laughter.
"Whenever you're ready," he said with a look of pure amusement. She forced herself to frown, broke out laughing again, then straightened up, looked at him, giggled a second time, and managed to get herself under control.
"Well, I know you were bummed about not getting the Clash because they were muggle, but as it turns out, Mack also derives enjoyment from their music and Rage will occasionally, if pressed, do a cover of someone else." Lily's eyes still sparkled with mirth. "And if you'll notice, the opening chords of this song are faintly reminiscent of a favorite song of yours."
James grinned broadly at her. "Well, since the song about to begin is so very much like my favorite song, something I'm sure you had nothing to do with, would you care to dance with me?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Lily said, returning the grin and putting down her glass as he pulled her back to the dance floor.
Mack began to sing, and James sang along while he danced. His eyes never left Lily's most of the time they were joking with her, cajoling her to forget everything serious, teasing her and smiling at her. He was having fun, and totally at ease with her.
"Breakin' rocks in the hot sun I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won I needed money 'cause I had none I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won
I left my baby and it feels so bad Guess my race is run She's the best girl that I ever had I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the
Robbin' people with a six-gun I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won I lost my girl and I lost my fun I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the law won
I left my baby and it feels so bad Guess my race is run She's the best girl that I ever had I fought the law and the law won I fought the law and the
I fought the law and the law won (7 times) I fought the law and the"
As everyone clapped for the end of the song, James leaned over to Lily. For a brief, crazy moment she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead he spoke softly in her ear. "Thank you," he said, planting a soft kiss onto her cheek.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," she shouted back, a tell-tale red burning her guilt onto her face.
"Sure you don't," James laughed back. As the band began to play another song, he added, "This really hurts my position, you know. I thought it was the guy's right to do the cute, chivalrous things!"
"I have usurped that right with my feminine wiles," she shouted back. "Now dance!"
Dance they did. Song after song they danced, mostly with one another, sometimes with friends and people who would have been offended if they weren't given a dance. There were two more water breaks, but the couple did not really stop dancing until the dance was completely over.
"Alright," Mack de la Croix said softly into the magical microphone. "This is the last song, because it's midnight, and our guitars are going to turn back into pumpkins in a minute. It's a slow one for all of you couples who haven't snuck out for some alone time yet. Professor McGonagall would like you to know that you've made the correct choice, as patrolling teachers have already caught four separate couples. I asked her for their names, but she said we won't publicly embarrass them just now." Everyone laughed. "So here you go: one last song for the couples on the floor."
James took one of Lily's hands in his own, placing his other hand on the small of her back, sending a slight shudder up her spine. She put her hand on his shoulder and allowed her arm to hang down and be supported by his wherever the two touched.
Hey Jude, don't make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.
The hand on the small of her back rubbed it in slow circles, making her want to purr contentedly. His eyes locked with hers, and suddenly there was nothing other than the deep brown world of his thoughts.
Hey Jude, don't be afraid.
You were made to go out and get her.
The minute you let her under your skin,
Then you begin to make it better. And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain,
Don't carry the world upon your shoulders.
He slipped his hand out of hers and slid it along her arm until it was caressing her back just above his other hand. She wrapped both arms around his neck and their bodies were suddenly much closer, but their eyes did not break contact, nor did they pause in the slow pivoting dance they danced.
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder. Hey Jude, don't let me down.
You have found her, now go and get her.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.
The gauzy sleeves slid up her arm until they were below her elbow and snowflakes began to land on her bare forearms. They tingled just barely before they melted and disappeared, the stimulus adding a new level to the feeling that was swelling within her stomach.
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin,
You're waiting for someone to perform with.
And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do,
The movement you need is on your shoulder. Hey Jude, don't make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her under your skin,
Then you'll begin to make it
Better better better better better better, oh. Da da da da da da, da da da, hey Jude...
Slowly, somewhere among the "Da dadadadas", James Potter and Lily Evans shared a small but lovely kiss that convinced both of them that their lives would forever after be changed. No one suggested that it was any less appropriate than a work of art in the Louver. Even Amos Diggory, who watched from the corner of his eye through the entire night, bitterly admitted in his heart that it would be a sin of the worst kind to keep the two of them apart.
"Good night everybody, it's been a fun evening," Mack called as the band exited the Great Hall and couples followed, walking arm and arm back to their respective common rooms.
Lily and James were among the very slowest to exit; neither wanted to depart the dream world they'd created. They stood together, arms linked closely, and then he approached them.
"Have you come to a decision, Evans," the man asked. She could see his face, but he seemed to have no discernable features, and after a glance away, she was not positive that he was the same person who spoke to her. Nevertheless, there was a foulness permeating from him that one did not need Divination to sense.
"I will not concede to evil," she replied, her voice strong and loud, catching the attention of the few teachers who remained in the hall. Dumbledore especially watched her with calculating eyes that seemed to belie his balmy old codger act.
"You refuse to enter the service of the true Lord?" The man repeated the question, his face unreadable and without expression.
"I do," she returned evenly.
"If you do not die quickly, you may be given a second chance to accept the offer, but when you come to Him, He will not be as generous as He might have at first." The messenger smiled without conveying any more emotion than his blank face had. "You will be given a second incentive tomorrow." The man then vanished, as though he could apparate within Hogwarts.
"Who are you talking to, Lily," James asked.
"You didn't see him," she returned, looking puzzled.
"I didn't see anyone," James bit his lip pensively.
"What did your messenger say," Dumbledore asked, making no pretense about approaching them.
"He asked for my decision, twice, and then he told me if I live the offer might be made again. He also said I'd get a second incentive tomorrow. I think he might attack Petty! How is it that he could apparate on the grounds, Headmaster?"
"He couldn't, he was a projection into your mind. You should feel honored; it is a very complicated spell." Lily snorted, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled appreciatively. "Yes, well, dubious honor that it is, you are obviously more desired than Voldemort wants to admit. I will contact the ministry immediately to pass on your warning."
"I just hope she's safe, Professor." Lily looked down and blinked away a tear.
"She will be," Dumbledore stated strongly. "Do not worry too much about her. You do not yet know for certain that she is the target. I like to believe all of my students are safe at Hogwarts, but James, you might want to take precautions tomorrow. I will not force you to cancel Quidditch practice, but I will insist that you have a professor observing. I also suggest that the two of you, and all of your friends, carry their wands at all times."
"Yes, sir," James replied smartly, squeezing Lily's hand in a reassuring manner.
They then took their leave of the room, and although not a single snowflake had changed, it was somehow less enchanting. Arm in arm and hand in hand they returned to their common room silently. The pair stood just inside the portrait hole, neither wanting to go any closer to the point where they must part.
"James, I... I had a really lovely time tonight," Lily said, her soft eyes meeting his hesitantly.
A "me too" rumbled from deep within his soul and sought its way to her ear, making her smile shyly.
"I should tell you," she stuttered nervously. There were too many things that needed to be said aloud by both of them. James ignored them all and cut her off with a gentle kiss. He only grazed her lips with his own before gazing into her eyes again.
Lily suddenly understood the impulse that had gripped Elizabeth after her first kiss with Sirius. That was all she got? A hand was placed on the boy's cheek, and her lips sought once more for his. Arms enveloped bodies, tongues danced and the space between the separate bodies at any point became entirely negligible.
"I love you," James gasped against her lips, overwhelmed by the heat her slight form was radiating through him.
"I love you too," she whispered before leaning in to capture his tongue once again.
James felt a hand that was strangely not Lily's tapping his shoulder. Loathingly, he removed one of his arms from Lily's side and swatted at the pest. The irritant did not bugger off. He swatted again, but it was no more effective than the first attempt. Finally, he broke his lips away from Lily's and turned his head furiously to face Sirius. "What?" he snapped.
"You're still in the common room, and you're still the head boy and girl," they were informed by the helpful Marauder.
"Oh," Lily said, blushing as she noticed a few younger children who had yet to go up to bed. James did not release her from his arms, but he didn't move to kiss her again.
"Thank you for the reminder, Padfoot," he said, not looking as thankful as he might.
"Of course, old boy," Sirius said, skipping back to the girls' stairwell where he was bidding adieu to Elizabeth. By the time that couple had finally parted, Lily and James had made the long journey to that position.
"Sirius," Lily called, just as the boy was leaving to give them a little privacy.
"Yes, Madam Lillian?"
"Will you do me a favor?"
"Anything for you my dear," he stated, bowing admirably.
"Keep both eyes on James' back tomorrow. He probably doesn't like me telling, but odds are, someone close to me will be killed tomorrow." Sirius looked astonished. He'd been expecting a drink order or a homework request. James squeezed Lily's side to comfort her a little.
"I always have Prongs' back," Sirius stated firmly, "but I'll be on double guard tomorrow. Thanks for letting me know something is up."
"Thank you, Sirius," Lily said, and Sirius turned once more to give them privacy. They kissed once more, softly, both fighting desperately not to get lost in one another.
"Goodnight," James said, managing to pry all of his body, except one hand that refused to untangle from her fingers, away from her. "May sleep give you all of its rest."
Lily smiled and returned the quote, "With half that wish the wisher's eyes be pressed." Unfortunately, Shakespeare demanded a second kiss and their bodies drew together a second time, although not quite as closely.
"Sweet dreams," Lily said, managing to break away from him fully. She then smiled broadly and turned, sprinting up to her dorm before she was forced to fly into his arms again.
"To you as well," James whispered, knowing she couldn't hear him.
Lily cuddled deeper into her comforter, the Sunday morning sunshine dancing playfully on her eyelids. James loved her. She relived their first kiss on the dance floor with all of its perfection. Moving to the second kiss, Lily could feel all of that same fire she felt when she forgot they were in public and longed to pull him closer than he could possibly get.
Lily looked at the clock. He would be at Quidditch practice by now, so there was no chance of really repeating even the third kiss of the night before, brief and swift though it was. Lily sat up smiling and glanced around the room to where Elizabeth was still sleeping with a dopey grin on her face. Lily hopped out of bed and went to take a bath. She was the only one in the tub, so she filled it with all of her favorite bubbles and scents.
Lily was usually a business-like bather, but today she frolicked and sang love songs. She was happy with James. There are few feelings that can compare to falling in love with ones soul mate, and Lily was riding the euphoria as far as it would take her. She sprang out of the tub on an impulse and danced through the bathroom as she dried her hair and got into her uniform. She slipped and almost fell at one point, but it in no way made her dance less or act more cautiously.
Elizabeth was awake and clothed when Lily returned to the dormitory, and there appeared to be an unspoken agreement between them to go together to the pitch and watch the team practice. As chipper as she was, however, Lily still broke the first rule of shameless admiration by bringing her transfiguration text book.
They boys practiced beautifully, and James, as always, flew like a falcon. In between paragraphs, Lily looked up in awe as he practiced difficult moves with his fellow chasers. Watching the Gryffindor team practice was almost like watching a real game. Three beaters (there was one reserve) slammed the bludgers around the field at one another trying to keep them away from the other players. Peter and the reserve seeker took turns throwing and chasing after walnuts while the chasers and the keeper practiced difficult ploys.
Around noon, people started complaining to James, so he let the team stop for lunch and told them there would be practices every day that week in preparation for the Saturday match against Ravenclaw. Sirius groaned jokingly, and Peter pretended to fall off of his broom in shock. "Lily, don't let him do it to us," Charity Wood, the keeper, pleaded mockingly.
"I don't care what you do the rest of the week," Lily called back, "Just give me my boyfriend now so we can go to lunch!" The team laughed and everyone but Sirius and James broke for the locker rooms.
"As ordered," James said, hopping onto his broom and flying into the stands where Lily sat. She pulled him off of the broomstick and kissed him, rather surprising the poor boy who stumbled before throwing his arms around her.
"Yuck," she whispered happily against his lips. "You're all sweaty."
He smiled and kissed her again. "Do you mind?"
"Yes," she said suddenly before she sank too deeply in him to forget herself. "I'm hungry, go change so we can eat."
He laughed at her and broke away. "As ordered," he said, smiling while he grabbed Sirius away from Elizabeth and the two went to change out of their Quidditch robes.
At dinner, Lily received an owl from the Ministry of Magic informing her that Petunia was still perfectly safe and there had been no suspicious happenings that could imply an attack later in the evening. They promised to stay completely on guard, but thus far she had no reasons to worry. She was relieved by the news, but Lily still worried about her friends. There was no doubt in her mind that an 'incentive' would come today, and by ten pm she was so frazzled with waiting that she decided to go out and see Prongs even if it wasn't late enough for her to sneak out easily.
"Do you want to borrow my Invisibility Cloak," James offered, looking concerned.
"I'm taking the window, and Prongs won't come unless he can see me," Lily said, grateful that he was offering. Not long ago, Lily could remember having to beg and bribe to use the cloak for her own purposes.
"Can't you just stay here and talk to me," James asked. "I'm worried about you going out on the grounds alone, especially today."
"I'll be fine," Lily said, kissing him softly and getting a hoot from the Marauders who were playing Gobstones on the floor next to the couple. "And," she added, standing up, "I don't need to worry about what Prongs thinks when I talk to him."
"Since when do you care what I think," James muttered, pouting as she went up to the girls' dormitory.
"You don't have time to sit there whining," Remus said, an amused expression on his face, "You have to run if you're planning to be out there before she goes into the Forbidden Forest."
James was going to make a snappy reply, but instead he just sprinted up to the boys' dorm for the cloak and his map.
"Hey Prongs," Lily said, reaching a hand out to stroke his neck. As her fingertips met the soft, coarse fur of her friend, something happened that had never before occurred. Lily Evans had a premonition. The premonition was not merely a feeling like many wizards occasionally get, but a vision. Lily knew. She jerked her hand away as though it had been burned. She did burn.
"James Potter, if you don't transform right now I will never speak to you again so help me God," she spat lividly. James weighed his options, none of which would lead to very good outcomes, and morphed slowly back to his human form.
"Hi Lily," he said, not meeting her eyes.
"Explain," she demanded, not quite as angry as he feared her to be.
"Well, you know about Remus. When Padfoot and I found out, we did some research, and werewolves aren't a danger to animals, so we studied a lot, and fifth year the Marauders managed to become animagi. It helps him keep his sanity to be with his friends," James rambled quickly.
"James, I don't give a fig that you're an illegal animagus. Explain," she repeated irritably.
"Well, I couldn't tell at first without Remus' secret being known," he said nervously, noting the way her eyes narrowed. "Then," he swallowed, "I didn't want to tell. You were telling me the sort of things I'd given up all hope of hearing. I didn't want to jeopardize that by telling you I was a spy, and I wanted to keep on knowing your secrets."
"Damn you," Lily said shortly, turning her back to him but not walking away. "I really want to be mad at you about this. You never had to have a moment of uncertainty, did you? I was confessing all of my fears to you, and you always knew what my response would be when you asked a question. You had an unfair advantage. I really want to be mad at you," she repeated.
James didn't know what to do. "Are you," he asked somewhere between hopefully and fearfully.
She spun around to glare at him. "What do you think? Am I mad? You had no right to keep meeting with me like that, you didn't have to tell me anything, you just had to stop coming!" She advanced on him, and it took every ounce of his Gryffindor courage not to back away. He knew he deserved the slap that was coming.
Lily shocked both of them by touching his cheek gently, then kissing him passionately. "And," she said softly, breaking the kiss, "I would have done exactly the same thing in your position." He wrapped his arms around her waist, hardly believing his luck, and kissed her back.
"Where's James," Lily asked, bouncing up to the game of Gobstones in the boys' dormitory.
"Um," all three Marauders stuttered and looked around nervously. "I don't know," Peter said. "Do you know, Sirius?"
It was like a bad Three Stooges skit. "I don't know," Sirius said. "Do you know, Remus?"
"He got the Invisibility cloak and left," Remus said, meeting Lily's gaze head on. He never lied to her, but he wouldn't give away his friend. "He might have gone to the kitchen for a snack. You know James, the bottomless pit."
James slipped off the Invisibility cloak behind Lily. "See, Remus would have ratted me out eventually," he said, taking her hand. The Marauders stared at them dumbfounded.
Lily picked up a scroll from the floor and hit Sirius over the head with it. "You let me think I saw a Grim, you jerk! I was mortified that my good friend Sirius was going to die and he knew it was a lie!" He grinned sheepishly and she returned the smile. "I'm going to go to bed now. We have class tomorrow, and I've had far too much excitement for one night."
"Goodnight, Lils," the three chorused while James walked her out of the room to give her a sweet-dreams kiss.
"You lucked out with that girl," Peter stated firmly when James joined the game. No one contradicted him.