CHAPTER FOUR

For the people inside, unaware of what was happening outside the walls of the castle, everything went on as normal. The days went by slowly as everyone got into their routine at Hogwarts. One warm autumn day, two weeks into the term when the leaves were beginning to turn to gold and fall from the trees, Hagrid could be seen around the grounds raking and tidying the lawns. He was humming to himself when he was distracted by sound of approaching footsteps. He looked up to see James and Lily smiling at him and holding hands. As they got nearer Hagrid smiled and waved.

"'Allo you two!" he called. "What's all this then?" He gestured towards their hands, each comfortably intertwined in the other's. "Summat you want ter tell me?" he grinned. Lily flushed and lowered her eyes to look at the ground. James beamed at Hagrid.

"Do I have to spell it out to you Hagrid?" he said mischievously.

"Nah! Yer don't," Hagrid replied coyly. "Still it's nice ter see the two of you together. Congratulations!" he roared slapping his great hand on James' back, almost knocking him over in his excitement.

"Thanks Hagrid," they said simultaneously. Since the night in the common room James had plucked up enough courage to ask Lily out, and she had agreed. They had been almost inseparable since and all of their closest friends were pleased for them.

** FLASHBACK **

lily was sat reading in the library, when James came to sit with her. She looked up from her book, and smiled awkwardly. He reciprocated the smile and gestured his hand towards the large book open on the table in front of her.

"What's that you're reading?" he asked casually. She shut the book with a thud.

"Oh it's 'Hogwarts, A History'!" she replied, just as casually. She then went on to ask. "Is there something you want James?" James suddenly looked nervous, and didn't look at her.

"Well, yes I suppose there is!" he croaked. She eyed him suspiciously.

"What is it, or do I have to guess?" she smiled.

His eyes widened to the size of saucers. "N-no I will tell you," he said clumsily. "I was wondering?"-

"Yes? She interjected quickly.

"I was wondering, if you would do me the honour of going out with me?" he finished, sighing deeply with relief.

Lily smiled broadly. "I was wondering if you would ever ask me! Yes I'd be delighted!" she exclaimed happily. James grinned, and leaned towards her. Tilting his head slightly, he kissed her tentatively at first. He felt her respond, then he kissed her with more confidence. They were lost in each other, and for a moment, time stood still. James came away from the kiss,

"Thank you!" he said softly. She smiled, and they knew one would always be there for the other.

** END FLASHBACK **

Hagrid looked past James and Lily towards the main doors. He saw Sirius coming down the steps, his face looking like thunder.

"Here comes Sirius, and he don't look too 'appy either!" Hagrid said with a concerned look on his face.

They all turned to watch Sirius coming towards them. His expression didn't lift.

"Sirius, whatever's the matter?" Lily asked looking worried.

Sirius' fists were clenched, and he had a look on his face that indicated that he might well explode at any moment. "I'm going to KILL him!" he raged.

"Who are you going to kill?" she gasped.

"Bloody Snape, that's who!" he fumed. James put a hand on his friend's shoulder, and tried to calm him down.

"What's he done this time?" he said evenly.

Sirius took a deep breath, and started to explain what had happened.

"Well, you know that essay we had to do for Professor Binns, about the Goblin Uprising of 1670?" Lily and James nodded; Hagrid just stared at him blankly. "I had written it up in the library, and it took me ages to do," Sirius whined. The others gazed at him sympathetically. "Anyway," Sirius continued, "I was just finishing it, when Snape sauntered up towards me -"

"What happened then?" James interjected.

"I was coming to that!" Sirius exclaimed. "He's never forgotten the time when I caught him trying to bully Jacob into throwing a Quidditch match last year. He got a severe warning, and a detention from Dumbledore," he grinned recalling the incident. "He's been on my back ever since. Anyway he only went and poured some purple liquid from a vial onto my work and hair started growing all over my essay!" he finished gloomily. Lily looked at Sirius with a perplexed expression on her face.

"Didn't you cast a Repairing spell?" she asked.

"Yes I did! But that's not the point," he retorted. "I'm telling you I've had enough of Slimy Severus, and he's going to get his comeuppance, you mark my words!" he snarled.

The trio looked at Sirius. Hagrid broke the tension by suggesting that they all go to his hut for a nice cup of tea. Minutes later they were all gathered in Hagrid's hut, sitting around the table, waiting for the kettle to boil. Sirius looked round towards the corner of the room where there was a small crate. The crate seemed to have something moving inside it. Hagrid was busy slicing his homemade scones. He was just about to get the butter when he was disturbed by a question from Sirius.

"Hagrid, where's Derek?"

Hagrid looked at him with a tear in his eye. "'E's not 'ere any more. I did as you said and gave 'im to a bloke down the pub," he said glumly. James and Lily looked at them both questioningly, and Sirius told them all about how Hagrid had acquired a Blast-Ended Skrewt to help him around the place. Lily and James chortled at the thought of Hagrid taking it for midnight strolls on a leash.

"So what's in the crate then Hagrid?" Sirius prodded with a slight grin.

Hagrid sniffed loudly, and his little black beetle-like eyes twinkled brightly.

"It's a Jarvey," he said pointedly.

The others gazed at him blankly. Hagrid looked disappointed.

"Don't yer know what a Jarvey is?" They shook their heads. Hagrid rolled his eyes upwards and exclaimed loudly. "Don't they teach yer anything at that school?" He placed the scones and the steaming pot of tea on the table, then sat down and began to talk, pouring the tea as he did so.

"A Jarvey is a sort of rodent," he said knowledgeably. "It is like an overgrown ferret, and is very good at getting rid of Gnomes." He shuffled in his seat, and said, as if it were an after thought, "Oh yeh, it can talk too!" He was smiling dreamily at the thought of his pet talking. "But he's only a baby, so he can't talk yet. He jus' gurgles." Sirius, James and Lily sat, staring at him in amazement. James was the first to find his voice.

"Is it dangerous Hagrid?" he asked tentatively.

"Of course not!" he replied looking crestfallen. "Their vocabulary could do with some work though. All they do is hurl abuse and rude phrases at yer!" he added sulkily. Sirius tried desperately to suppress a snigger, but the others picked up on it, and they sat there giggling. They continued with their afternoon tea, avoiding the scones, as they nearly broke their teeth if they tried to take a bite. James took a scone and placed it in his pocket for his owl, Nikki. The others followed suit, so as not to offend Hagrid. After an afternoon of chatting about Quidditch and Hagrid's new pet Jarvey, which they later found out was called Hubert, the gang had to leave to go to their next lesson.

"We had better get going now Hagrid," James said, rising from his chair. He helped Lily on with her cloak, giving her a peck on the cheek as he did so.

"Come on you love birds, leave that until you're alone!" Sirius grinned.

*

Later that day, the Marauders were sitting in the common room huddled together. They were making plans in preparation for the coming full moon in hushed voices.

"We will have to get to the safety of the Shrieking Shack before sunset tomorrow," Remus said darkly.

Sirius thought for a moment before saying, "Well luckily enough, most of the school will be in Hogsmeade tomorrow, so that should be easy enough to do!"

Grunts of agreement followed.

"So that's the plan then?" Sirius looked at the group. "We leave after tea, and head for the Shrieking Shack," he confirmed.

Just then Jacob Creyton, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain wandered over to where they were sitting.

"James, Sirius!" he announced loftily. The boys looked up. "The first Quidditch match is next Saturday, against Slytherin," he said seriously. He didn't wait for a response. "Practice every morning this week!" he called from over his shoulder, as he strode towards the boys' dormitory.

"Nice chatting with you too, Jakie-poo," Sirius retorted sarcastically. Jacob shot at fierce look at Sirius, his cheeks scarlet with rage.

"Don't call me Jakie-poo!" he snarled, and he stomped up the staircase. The Marauders sniggered.

"You're so mean Sirius," Remus spluttered. "You really shouldn't keep taking the Mickey out of him you know!" Sirius stood up to leave the group.

"I know," he smiled broadly. "But I can't help myself!" And with that he excused himself, and turned to leave.

"Where are you off to?" Peter enquired.

"I've got to see someone," he replied secretively.

The meeting appeared to be over now, so the others dispersed as well.

James took Lily's hand. "Do you fancy a walk down by the lake?" he enquired.

Lily smiled, "That would be lovely, we haven't had much time by ourselves today."

"My thoughts exactly!" he grinned. So the pair of them set off through the portrait hole, and down the corridor towards the marble staircase, laughing and chatting as they went. They eventually came to the great oak doors that led to the castle grounds. Strolling down the stone steps, hands held, they talked of their plans for the following evening.

"You will be careful won't you James," Lily said soberly. She gazed into his eyes with a look of concern on her face. "I would hate for anything to happen to you. Now." she trailed off. James stopped walking, and drew Lily closer to him so she was only inches away from his face.

"I will be careful, I always am Lily. But it's nice to have someone who worries about me." He spoke barely above a whisper. He leaned in and kissed her tenderly on the lips. They were still in the embrace when a voice from nowhere surprised them.

"Oh for God's sake! Get a room Potter!" it snarled. They jumped in shock to see Severus Snape standing next to them, glaring. "I'm surprised at you Lily! I thought you had taste!" he sneered smirking at them.

James's anger rose, colour flushing in his face. "Get Lost Snape!" he snapped. "Don't you have a personality to buy?" Snape glared at him.

"I just thought that you could do better than him Lily," Snape continued, "when you know I'm available." He smiled at them, determined to be on top of the argument.

"Right that's it!" said James lunging for Snape. "You've asked for it!"

But before he could do anything, Lily pulled him back.

"Let it go James, leave him alone! You don't want to get a detention do you?" she cried.

"Yes Potter, do as she says, we can't have you being naughty now, can we," Snape drawled. James struggled free of Lily's grasp and fell headlong into Snape, sending him to the ground with the wind knocked out of him. James got to his feet, straightened his glasses and grinned down at the bewildered Smape.

Feeling avenged, James took Lily by the arm, and led her towards the lake. "Come on love, I don't like the view from here," he said airily as he left the smouldering Snape, struggling to his feet.

As they got further away from his yells of, "I'll get you for this Potter!" James was still seething. There was a dark look upon his face now. All thoughts of romance seemed to have dissipated from his mind. Lily walked quietly beside him until they reached the banks of the lake. Lily settled herself down on the grass, while James stood throwing stones into the lake, brooding. Lily could hold her tongue no longer.

"Why do you do it!" she sighed questioningly.

"Do what!" he retorted, turning to look at her.

Lily rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Let him get to you like that!"

She stood and went to his side, placing her hand on his shoulder turning him to face her.

"He's not worth the effort James," she said earnestly. "What if you got a detention, or expelled because of him!" She pointed a finger in the direction they had just left Snape. "What good would that do Remus?" she added. James's expression softened and he hugged her.

"I know, you're right. He just has a way of knowing how to get to me," he sighed.

"Well don't let him," came Lily's muffled response. She was still nuzzled into his chest, enjoying the embrace. "Anyway, I know how to handle the likes of Snape, so don't you worry!" she said with a determined edge to her voice. Lily surprised herself at the change in her since she had been with James. And, she thought. It was a change for the better! James had somehow given her some of his strength, because he believed in her, and that made a difference. She now felt she could take on anything, knowing that he was beside her.

*

Meanwhile back in the Entrance Hall of the castle, Snape was cursing to himself when he bumped into Sirius. Still angered by the confrontation with James, Snape thought that he would take it out on Sirius. But before he could bait the unsuspecting Gryffindor, Sirius held out his hand.

"Severus, I'm glad I bumped into you!" he said cheerily.

Snape was taken aback and he just stared at the outstretched hand in front of him as if it were a nasty creature about to bite him. He flinched and looked up into the fixed smile of Sirius.

"Are you ill?" he snorted.

Sirius gave him a look of abstract dejection. "Severus, don't you think it's time we buried the hatchet?" he said sullenly.

Snape's jaw dropped, he put his index finger into his ear, and wiggled it around before withdrawing it. "Did I hear you right? You want to be friends?'

Sirius nodded smiling stupidly.

"ARE YOU MAD?" Snape exclaimed, not believing what was happening.

"Look," said Sirius earnestly, "this feud between us has to stop. It happened ages ago, and I can't believe you still hold a grudge." He looked at the suspicious look on Snape's face. "You have to believe me, I'm serious about this."

He looked sheepishly at Snape. Snape couldn't help thinking that this was a trick, but the look on Sirius' face seemed sincere. Against his better judgement, Snape agreed.

"Great!" Sirius beamed. "Do you want to do something?"

Snape looked puzzled. "Like what?" he replied, with a weird look on his face.

Sirius looked thoughtful for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "I could help you with some homework or something?" he said brightly.

Snape looked serious for a minute. "Well I could do with some help with Transfiguration," he said tentatively.

"That settles it then," Sirius enthused. "Come on, we'll get your work and go to the library." He grabbed Snape's arm, and dragged him toward the corridor that led down to the Slytherin Common room.

Sirius was smiling to himself as he pulled on Snape's arm. He's fallen for it! I didn't know he could be so gullible! This is going to be EASY! he thought to himself. Unbeknown to anyone, Sirius had formulated a plan to teach Severus a lesson he would never forget.

*

Later that evening, Snape was lying on top of his four-poster in the Slytherin dormitory. He was so lost in thought about the day's events; he didn't hear the gentle tapping at the window immediately. The tapping grew louder. Snape lifted himself up onto his elbows, and looked to where the noise was coming from. An eagle owl was perched on the window ledge with a letter tied to its leg. Snape scrambled off the bed, and went to open the window. The owl flew to the food tray, and gave Snape a disgruntled hoot. Snape took the parchment envelope and scanned it. He could see from the elegant handwriting who it was from. He turned the envelope over to see the green wax seal with the single letter 'M' and a snake slithering through the stems of the letter. Malfoy! he thought. Carefully lifting the seal, Snape pulled the parchment out of the envelope, unfolded it, then read the letter.

Severus, Meet me in The Hog's Head Pub tomorrow at noon. Someone would like to make your acquaintance. Lucius.

A cold shiver went down Snape's spine. It's time, he thought. He carefully placed the letter back into the envelope, and put it in his pocket. There was nobody around as Snape entered the dark, foreboding Slytherin common room. He strode towards the huge fireplace that was the only source of light, and took the letter from his pocket. Placing it in the flames, he stood and watched it burn, before turning and going back up to the dorm. Back to his thoughts, back to his fears, Snape had a troubled sleep that night.

*

Remus awoke late the following morning. Scrambling out of bed, he pulled aside the heavy, burgundy curtains and peered out. Sitting on the edge of the bed, bleary with sleep, he gradually focused on the bed opposite. Sirius is up early! he thought, as the bed was empty and had been made. Rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms, he felt around the floor with his feet for his slippers. Careful not to disturb James and Peter, he grabbed his towel and toiletry bag and headed off to the Gryffindor boys' bathroom.