A/N: I faithfully promise that this will be the longest chapter yet of the story. I know that doesn't really say much, but deal with it. Joking. Ang



Lily took a deep breath, and stepped onto the Hogwarts Express, waving goodbye to her family. Remus was supposedly somewhere on board, saving a seat for her. A tall blonde haired boy walked by, pushing her out of his way. He looked at her and smirked.

"Watch where you're going. Don't you know who I am?" He sneered. Lily met him look for look.

"No, should I? Oh, wait, was your name in the Guinness Book of World Records for biggest jerk?" Lily looked at the boy innocently. He glared at her.

"Watch it, mudblood. You need to learn your rank around here. Below me." He sneered again. Lily had had enough of him.

"If you're finished, kindly get out of my way." She said, keeping her voice sweet. Lily tried to step past him, but he grabbed her arm roughly.

"No one talks to Lucius Malfoy like that!" Lucius growled. Lily was slightly afraid, but she kept her presence.

"Malfoy? I've heard the name. Now, please move." Lily glared at him. Suddenly, a black haired boy seized Malfoy's wrist. Malfoy looked at him in surprise, releasing Lily.

"Lucius, leave the girl alone. Go find your little friends and disappear. No one wants you around." He told Lucius boldly. Lucius glared at him, and left. The boy smiled at Lily. "I'm sorry about him. Lucius is sort of dumb like that. Are you hurt?"

"I'm not hurt, and I was fine on my own, thank you very much. I didn't need you to interfere!" Lily glared at him. The boy seemed shocked.

"I did you a favor! That's not how I expected to be treated." He replied. "You know, a thank you would be nice!"

"Oh fine then. Thank you. Thank you for interfering where you had no business doing so, and thank you for making me seem completely weak and helpless. I owe you my life." Lily's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"You're quite welcome." He replied, full of his own confidence. Lily scowled at him, and was about to respond when she heard Remus laughing. Remus was leaning against a door, tears rolling down his face, he was laughing so hard.

"Remus Lupin, what do you find so funny?!" Lily demanded, wheeling on her old friend. Remus shook his head, unable to reply. Lily tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for an answer.

"Lily darling, I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine. James Potter. James, this is Lily Evans, the girl I was telling you about." Remus gasped between laughs. Lily paled instantly. James raised an eyebrow.

"So this is the girl you sent us to find, Remus? Are you crazy? She's, well, umm, nevermind. James Potter." He extended his hand to Lily, who shook it reluctantly.

"Lils, I sent him and Sirius to help me find you. Glad we did." Remus told her. Lily merely nodded.

"She was discussing matters with Lucius when I found her, Remus." James informed his friend. Remus looked at Lily, concerned.

"Are you ok, Lily? Did he hurt you?" Remus's normally teasing voice was filled with worry. James looked on in curiousity. Lily shook her head, rubbing her wrist unconsciously.

"No, he's just a jerk. Told him so, too." She smiled faintly. James and Remus laughed.

"Yeah, she did. Said something about having seen his name in the World Records book for biggest jerk." James laughed. Remus laughed harder.

"Lils, it's a good thing that you're friends with us. Lucius Malfoy is quite powerful, and will do everything in his power to make school hell for you. But you've got me on your side. James, you too?" He questioned. James grinned.

"You've got me there for you too. And Sirius, wherever that boy is." He glanced around, and grinned. He waved to a dark haired boy, who came over immedietly.

"Remus, Jamsie. Hogwarts at last." Sirius grinned. He saw Lily suddenly, and smiled charmingly at her. Lily couldn't help thinking how incredibly handsome all three of these boys were, although Remus would never be more than a best friend.

"Hey Sirius. This is Lily Evans, as you may have guessed. She managed to find a wonderful enemy already. Lucius Malfoy." Remus scowled at the name. Sirius looked at Lily in appreciation.

"That takes some skill, Lily. I'm Sirius Black. I trust that these two scoundrels have already volunteered their services as your knights in shining armor, but a lady can never have to many, so allow me to be the third." Sirius swept into a bow, grinning. Lily laughed.

"They didn't phrase it quite like that, but yes, they have." Lily smiled.

"We're the scoundrels?! You're the one who... Oh nevermind." James scowled at Sirius. Sirius grinned, and winked to Lily. The four of them found an empty compartment, and passed the time by playing Exploding Snap and planning pranks.