Disclaimer: I do not own anything! Surprise! Surprise!

Note from the Author: This has been a very inspirational weekend, very much due to my boredom and the fact that I just saw Tuck Everlasting. Oh, and while I am at it let me recommend that movie!! Anyways, keep reviewing!!

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Chapter 6: Setting Free the Soul

James…

A special Astronomy project was scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday to view a meteor shower. Dumbledore felt that this was one of life's enchanting miracles that should be given to all those desiring. It was the one night students would be able to be on the grounds in the evening hours. To keep from disrupting order Professor Artemis was set to chaperone the students.

Artemis scared off most students. The Marauders felt any night like this should be embraced. A short list of students that were attending was placed outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom…

James Potter

Peter Pettigrew

Tabitha O'Hansen

Sirius Black

Lily Evans

Riley Zabetha

Remus Lupin

Patrick Feldman

Meet me at the castle's main entrance at 10:00 sharp. Be ready to sleep outside.

"How did you con me into doing this? Artemis will have us silent the whole night. It will be a living nightmare!" Sirius groaned.

"I think you'll be surprised," James said with confidence.

"So you are saying he will tie us up too. That's very likely you are right," Sirius joked.

"I'm saying that once he's not being pestered by people who aren't insufferable gits, he's actually quite nice," James complimented.

"I'm sure he's a saint," Sirius noted sarcastically.

The group met at the exact prescribed time. These were all students who were inclined to learn. The project had been only available to those with exceptional grades. Professor Artemis was extremely pleased.

"Thank you, now when we go outside I want you to set up in the eastern fields. I trust everyone had a good nap ahead of time," he said with a pleasant smile. The walk was silently aside from James's comments to the Professor. When they reached the spot they were to settle, Professor Artemis was a little surprised at the apprehensive nature of his group.

"What's wrong with you guys? Now I thought you said you'd slept, but it seems I have taken control over a patch of zombies," he laughed. James laughed as well. It was definitely noticeable how scared some people were. Soon everyone was settled. Lily was in a discussion with Riley, Remus and Professor Artemis about constellations. Tabitha had only come because she had an immense crush on Sirius, although he was not interested. Patrick was discussing Quidditch with James and Peter. Professor Artemis had set up a special tent and several tiki torches.

Riley was the type of girl that didn't care much for boys. She had some passions such as Quidditch and Astronomy. Lily and Riley were very good friends because of their free lifestyle. On the contrary Tabitha was one of those girls who assume without a boyfriend life is some how worse. She had recently become infatuated with Sirius's looks and his rebellious attitude.

Tabitha pulled out her Muggle radio and turned the volume up while eyeing Professor Artemis.

He gave her a big smile and added, "Music what a great idea!"

"I love this song!" Lily yelled as she jumped to her feet. Blondie was blaring "Heart of Glass." She began to dance around the group. She had no care for the weird look Tabitha was giving her. Professor Artemis simply smiled and continued his conversation with Remus and Riley.

Sirius saw an opportunity to enjoy himself and shouted, "alright Lily here I come." Sirius treated Lily like a best friend. Instead of doing any of the common wizard dances they let the music fill their souls and let loose. Lily added a few steps that her American Indian friend, Sarah, back in the United States had taught her. It was one of those instances when you are completely filled with happiness. Nothing crosses you're mind; you are in an atmosphere of pure joy. Lily made these moments for herself instead of waiting for them to happen.

James watched the lights on Lily's face dance making her all the more beautiful. He didn't understand how some one could be that free and happy. It was almost as if she reflected a smile on to everyone she knew. As her ripples of hair flew like crazy she looked over at James for an instant and smiled.

 The look on Tabitha's face was priceless. She seemed to think Lily was seducing Sirius. James was shocked at Lily and Sirius. He thought of how embarrassed they must have been feeling, but it was greatly the contrary. When the song fell into silence Lily and Sirius were in a fit of laughs.

"You're crazy Lily Evans," he laughed.

"Yea, and I'm also infectious apparently," Lily joked.

As the music returned filled their souls with the will to burst out in song, Lily whispered something to Sirius. Just then she ran over and grabbed James and Peter, and Sirius grabbed Riley and Remus. Lily and Sirius started it, and one soul infected another. Pretty soon Remus had gotten into it, then Peter. Riley was stubborn, but couldn't protest her own desire to go crazy. James was standing in awe of his friends.

"What are you doing?" James asked Lily.

"Going crazy," she laughed.

"You're insane you know that!" James yelled over the radiating music.

"Of course I am. It's the only way to have fun!" she laughed again.

"She has a point Prongs!" Remus laughed. Pretty soon the whole group including Professor Artemis was up dancing. It was surprising to see Professor Artemis acting his age. He was a very young Professor, but hardly let that victimize him into a loss of respect. The atmosphere echoed happiness. Tabitha was dancing, but in a way that she was sure would attract Sirius. He never noticed though. Lily radiated that night. She was amazing, like no one else James knew.

Later they were all enveloped in blankets, sitting among the soft blades of grass.

"I see Perseus!" Lily called out.

"Percy who?" Peter asked.

"Perseus Peter, it is a constellation of stars," Professor Artemis explained.

"Oh," he mouthed; Peter hated to sound stupid. Patrick was huddled in a blanket next to Peter. Peter sat next to Sirius who was being almost attacked by Tabitha. Next sat James who couldn't endure a girl like Tabitha throwing herself at a guy, so he mostly sat in silence. Lily sat next to him and Riley. She was in a conversation with Professor Artemis who in her opinion was "such a hottie." Lily was content in silence. She sat in awe of the beautiful display of miraculous nature one could experience.

"It's starting," Lily whispered. Suddenly things began to shoot across the sky, which oddly looked like ribbons flowing through the sky. After 15 minutes Riley looked at her watch.

"I know it's not over, but I need some sleep. I think I'm going to go to bed," she said with a yawn.

"Oh good idea!" Patrick and Peter chimed.

"I better get to bed as well, I have a big lesson planned for tomorrow," Professor Artemis noted, "Can I trust you? If you betray my trust I will never be able to respect you again."

"Of course," Lily said with a smile.

"Alright," he said. Remus then followed them in. Sirius waited a few minutes, but realized he was incredibly tired after Tabitha leaned in to kiss him.

She walked into the girls's tent in a huff.

"Lily we should probably go in," James suggested.

"Go ahead, I'll be alright," Lily assured.

"All the same I'd rather make sure you are okay," he comforted. "We are still right next to the Dark Forest."

"I'll be up for a while though," Lily warned.

"I'm not tired," he assured her. They fell asleep watching meteors paint the sky in ribbons. Everyone awoke the next morning to find Lily and James in a mass of blankets and body parts, which was quite a humorous sight.

"Ugh," Lily groaned. "What time is it?"

"We were on our way to breakfast," said Remus not wanting to upset them with the actual time. Meanwhile, James was whispering something into Sirius's ear.

"Okay, well I'll see if I can make it to breakfast. Otherwise see you in class," Lily surprisingly said. She was much more calm than most other people would have been had they been put in her situation.

The house elves were already busily packing their campsite into boxes. Lily got up, brushed herself off and began to walk off to the castle. James hurried to escort her. He looked up at the sky for the first time in months, and added a faint yet pure smile.

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Note from the Author: Wow! 3 chapter/1weekend I am on a roll!!! Anyway, this has been really fun to write, and thanks sooooooooooooooooo (breath) ooooooooooooooo…much for reviewing!