Fifth Year – Part Three
"I do think that people should've at least known that our O.W.L.s were near," commented Lily, staring as a hysterical Frieda Lawrence was carried off to the Hospital Wing on an invisible stretcher, guided by a sulking Mark Goldstein.
Remus smiled. "Well, you know, Lily, you're the one who's actually been studying for the O.W.L.s."
"And you haven't?"
"Er—well, don't tell Jenny that I have," he pleaded.
"All right, everyone, I guess this is the end of our meeting," said Teresa loudly. "I'm afraid, without our Ravenclaw prefects, that we can't accomplish anything. You are dismissed."
"That was such a waste of time," muttered Lily, as they exited the Prefect's Lounge. "We didn't accomplish a single bloody thing! I mean, what's there to be afraid of for the O.W.L.s? She could've studied! But, oh, they're drawing so near!"
"We have to memorize so many facts and spells and—oh, Merlin, my head's bursting just thinking about those bloody O.W.L.s," said Remus despairingly.
"Did someone mention O.W.L.s?" said Frank, one of the sixth year prefects, leaning curiously at the Gryffindor prefects. "Oh, I remember last year when we had to take it…" He groaned.
"It wasn't that bad, Frankie," argued Alice. "All right, History of Magic was a complete failure, but the rest were all right, I suppose."
"I failed Divination," informed Frank, nodding at Lily and Remus. "I couldn't see a single bloody thing in that stupid crystal ball, so I made stuff up. Trelawney definitely wasn't convinced. I got a 'D' in it when my O.W.L. results came."
"You see, this is why I didn't take Divination. I took Arithmancy instead, and it turned out to be a very good choice, if I do say so myself." Alice drew herself up in dignity.
Lily still didn't look very convinced, and she chewed her nails in worry. Alice saw this immediately and took charge by grabbing Lily's hands away from her mouth.
"Lily Evans, what do you think you are doing?"
"Oh, Alice, I can't help it! I always chew my nails when I'm nervous."
Remus gave an odd bark-like laugh that was very similar to Sirius'. "Lily, you've gotten mostly O's and a few E's on your homework this year, and you're still worried? You'll do fine!"
"The worst of it is, Potter and Sirius never study, and they still do just as well!" she continued, rambling furiously.
"It is aggravating," admitted Alice. "I do know exactly how you feel. You see, Frank here has always gotten exceptional grades, and he doesn't even look at a textbook! How he got to be a prefect when McGonagall could've chosen Sturges Diggle from his dorm is beyond me—"
"Hey! For your information, I'm much smarter than Diggle, and I'm prettier."
Lily and Alice giggled, while Remus and Frank shared looks that clearly said, "We men will never understand women."
"Moony!" exclaimed Sirius, bounding along the corridor tailed closely behind by James and Peter. "I see you're back early."
"Yes, Padfoot," said Remus, rolling his eyes. "You've just stated the obvious."
"How did you know that we were let out one hour earlier?" asked Lily in wonder.
"So, what happened that made Teresa change her mind about the meeting?" continued Sirius, ignoring Lily's question.
"Frieda Lawrence had a nervous breakdown and went into hysterics," explained Remus, chuckling slightly at the memory. "Mark had to take her to the Hospital Wing. Teresa decided it best to cancel the meeting, as our Ravenclaws were indisposed."
"It was a complete waste of time," said Lily angrily. "I could've done my Charms homework in those fifteen minutes!"
James rolled his eyes. "Are you still thinking about those stupid O.W.L.s, Evans? Surely you know that someone like you will obviously do well in them. You'll probably get all the O.W.L.s you need to become an Auror."
"How did you know I wanted to become an Auror?" asked Lily. "You Marauders are full of surprises every day."
"Our little secret," murmured Sirius, winking impetuously.
"Alice and I are going to become Aurors as well," reported Frank, beaming. "They're very elite, of course, but we've already got all the O.W.L.s we need for it. All we have to do is to get the N.E.W.T.s that are required to become one. Oh, and to pass all those tests during Auror training."
"But the bad part," said Peter mournfully, "is that we have to do Potions for our sixth and seventh year, since it's very useful for Aurors."
James groaned. "Don't remind me, Wormtail. Potions with Hurst for an extra two years…what WAS I thinking? But I really do need to become an Auror, so I suppose I just have to face the music."
"I hear that Hurst is only going to accept people with an 'O' on their Potions O.W.L.," remarked Lily, her nerves getting the better of her again.
"Don't worry, you'll get into Potions class next year," reassured Alice, smiling. "I mean, Frank and I managed to scrape an 'O' in our O.W.L.s last year, but boy, it definitely wasn't easy—"
"We studied an extra four hours on Potions," said Frank heavily.
"You actually spent precious time doing that?" said James incredulously.
"Hey, Alice made me, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. Jamie, when you're in love, you tend to do anything the love of your life wants you to do."
"That's not fair." James frowned.
"So that means Prongs will jump off the London Bridge, since he's in love with—OUCH! Merlin's beard, what did you do that for, Moony?" Sirius glared at Remus.
"Padfoot, I do believe you need to reconsider finishing that," said James, through gritted teeth.
"What the—oh yeah, whoops, what was I thinking?" Sirius laughed nervously.
"Er—" Frank, Alice, and Lily raised their eyebrows at the foursome, and then shrugging. After all, the Marauders had their strange moments very often.
"So how many hours did you spend studying for your O.W.L.s?" asked Lily, as they proceeded to the Fat Lady's portrait on the seventh floor.
"Oh, I'd say, maybe eight to twelve hours," replied Alice casually. Noticing the five fifth years' stares, she added, "It wasn't too long, some people spent nearly twenty-four hours a day studying."
"Merlin," whispered Sirius hoarsely. "Twelve bloody hours? That's complete hell!"
"We spent a third of the time on Potions, and the other two-thirds on the rest of the subjects. I suggested to study an extra two hours at night, but Frank wouldn't hear of it."
"Surely not!" cried the four Marauders.
"We're not even going to study, period," added James.
Frank and Alice both stared at them without blinking, as if trying to comprehend James' comment.
"Not study?" choked the latter. "You'll fail, then!"
"So let it be," said Sirius nonchalantly. "What difference will it make? Of course, Prefect Moony will study, since he's such a goody-two-shoes…"
"Padfoot," warned Remus, looking irritated.
"Oh, so sorry, Prefect Moony."
"Padfoot, shove it."
"You guys are so immature," said Alice, sighing. "Frank, I do pity you for being neighbors with Potter."
"I send you my condolences, Frank," agreed Lily, wincing at the very thought of having James as a neighbor, let alone classmate.
"Thank you, ladies," said Frank, smiling amusedly, "but, really, once you get to know James, he's a nice guy and a romantic at heart…"
"Frank," mumbled James, turning rather red at the ears. The other three Marauders sniggered.
"Oh, what does he do, Frank?" queried Sirius eagerly. "Write love poems for Lily?"
"Well, I don't know why you're all laughing," said Alice defiantly. "I think it's rather sweet." She smiled at a very scarlet Lily.
"I was just joshing, James." The sixth year grinned and ruffled James' already-untidy hair affectionately.
"Hey!"
"What? You always make your hair messier than it already is, so I may as well help you. Oh yeah, and I don't know what the girls think, but I don't really think that messy hair attracts females."
"It certainly doesn't attract me," put in Alice.
"But you see, Alice," whispered Sirius, so that only she could hear it, "Jamie wants to impress Lily and Lily only—"
Alice's mouth curved upwards into a wide grin as her blue eyes glinted evilly at Lily and James, who were now blushing furiously.
"Padfoot, shut up!" said the very crimson latter.
"Aww…but why, Prongs? Annoying the hell out of you is fun!"
"Padfoot," chided Remus, sighing helplessly. "Some people just never change…"
"Well, why should I?"
"Why do you guys have those funny nicknames anyway?" said Alice curiously.
"Er—" The four Marauders looked at each other, wide-eyed.
"Well, c'mon, you can tell us!" she urged.
"Uh…"
"Well, you see, it's a secret," said James.
"A secret?" repeated Alice blankly.
"Oh, yes, a secret. You see, it all began when Moony was just a wee baby—"
"All right, we get the point, Potter," snapped Lily impatiently. "Don't even try to get answers out of them, Alice. They never give you a direct one, no matter how simple the question is."
Alice giggled. "Thanks for the note there, Lils."
"Lily, where were you?" said Arabella, nearly bouncing on top of Lily, followed shortly by Jennifer and Violet. "Sirius told us that you guys came out early from the meeting…"
"Yeah, Lawrence fainted," said Remus. "Pressure of the O.W.L.s, we all think."
"Don't tease," scolded Jennifer. "The O.W.L.s are pressuring."
"But you see," said Lily logically, "if you guys studied beforehand, you wouldn't be so nervous."
"Like you?" asked James acrimoniously.
"Like me."
"And you thought I was an patronizing git."
"You are."
"Ha! Well, what about you? You just said that you aren't nervous, and now you're bragging to your own friends that you studied beforehand. At least I don't brag to Sirius, Remus, or Peter."
"You do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do n—"
"Oh, will you please put a cork on it?" yelled Frank, narrowing his eyes.
"I'll help you, Frank," said a demure voice from the portrait hole, and sure enough, Trish Vance preceded and put a Silencing Charm on Lily and James, causing them to argue, though with no effect whatsoever.
"Hello Trish," greeted Frank, smiling. "How are you today?"
Lily was mouthing furiously, and Arabella said the counter-curse, allowing Lily and James to speak again.
"Why did you do that for?" the former exclaimed. "You could've told us to stop, and we would have!"
"Well, I do love to do it more professionally, you know," replied Trish, batting her eyelashes at Frank.
Alice narrowed her eyes and whispered to Lily, "That's Trish Vance. She's in Gryffindor, and in the same year as Frank and I. She's in my dorm as well, and what an idiot she is. It's been old news that Trish has been trying to get Frank since fourth year. But unfortunately, it's obvious that she hasn't."
Lily grinned and stifled a laugh. "Frank doesn't seem to mind flirting with her."
"Well, Frank has always been intimidated by her, though he constantly tells me that he loves me and he'd never dump me for a girl like her. But what do guys know? They only go for the good-looking girls with a brain the size of a Knut."
"Oh, Lise, Frank does love you! That Trish would never get him."
"I hope so," said Alice, sighing, watching helplessly as Trish grabbed Frank's hand and pressed it firmly with her own, "I hope so."
***
"Well, it's the first time you've ever been wrong, Lily," said Alice furiously, as she collapsed into an armchair. It was the Easter holidays now, and the weather was warming up considerably. Most of the Gryffindors had gone home for the holidays, but the Marauders, the girls, and a few older students decided to stay at Hogwarts, as usual.
"What happened, Al?" asked Arabella, concerned.
"Frank dumped me for that bi—idiot," spat Alice, burying her head into her arms. "My life is now officially over. Frank specifically told me that he'd always be with me and he'd never dump me for another girl, because there's no one else he'd rather be with than me. And what does he do? He dumps me right then and there! Of course, I'm not going to cry, since that's so stupid. Why cry over Frank anyway? He wasn't much good. 'Sides, I got a new boyfriend."
"Already?" said Lily, surprised.
"Yeah. Apparently, Sturges Diggle has had a crush on me since third year, and he asked me out straight away after the news spread that Frank Longbottom and Alice Hart have officially broke up."
"Well, that's good, isn't it? Diggle's a sweet and nice guy, and he would never dump you, would he? Since he's carried a torch for you for three years."
"Yeah, Sturges is awesome. But"—Alice sighed—"he's not Frank."
"Look," said Arabella excitedly, beaming at the older girl, "I have a plan that'll put Frank in shame that he ever dumped you."
Alice looked up, her eyebrows raised. "Oh?"
"Yep. Now, all you have to do is be all fluffy and—you know, to Sturges, and then Frank will get jealous and then he'll apologize, and you'll be back together in no time! Oh, and there's dumping Sturges, but he'll understand, I'm sure…"
"So you want me to use poor Sturges? Oh, no, not that. I really do like Sturges, and I don't want to hurt the poor boy. Who knows? Maybe Alice Diggle sounds better than Alice Longbottom."
"Actually, I really don't think it does," said James casually, appearing out of nowhere. "I heard about you and Frank."
"And?"
"You guys make the perfect couple, and you should get back together again."
"No WAY, James Potter. Frank is now a distant acquaintance to me. Who knew he'd break a promise so sacred and full of love? Now I've realized that he's a complete prat, and that Sturges is much better than he is. I don't know what I was thinking when I started to date him in fourth year."
"'Cause you love him, Al," said Sirius quietly, standing next to James.
"I do not! He's an insufferable git!"
"Alice?" whispered Frank, coming down from the sixth year boys' dormitory. "Alice, I think we need to talk."
Alice stood up abruptly. "Oh, do you? Well, let me tell you something, Longbottom. You are nothing but a prat and a promise-breaker. You're nothing more to me now. I'm with Sturges, and you can have your beloved Trish after wanting her for so many years. I know Sturges can make me happy; much happier than you can make me!" She marched into her dorm and slammed the door behind her.
Frank sighed and ran a hand through his light brown curls distractedly.
"You know you deserve it, Frank," said Sirius seriously (no pun intended).
"What? I know. But—oh, it's so confusing! What was I thinking, dumping my beautiful and wonderful Alice for that idiot Trish? Now Lisa will never forgive me. I may as well start preparing for her wedding with Diggle."
Surprisingly, James smiled. "You know that's not true. Alice still loves you, Frank. I know how you feel, being rejected when all you want to do is give love instead of taking it away."
Everyone fell silent. They had never heard James talk so emotionally, and Lily was especially surprised. Though she wasn't aware of it, her hatred for James began its process of thawing.
Frank smiled back. "You know, James, it wouldn't kill to get a girlfriend yourself. Unless if you're still pining for—er—her."
James nodded sadly, and the Marauders and Frank grinned, while the girls exchanged looks of perplexity. The high and mighty James Potter, pining for a girl that's playing hard-to-get? It was very unbelievable indeed.
"Who's 'her'?" they asked simultaneously.
Sirius grinned. "I'm afraid we cannot tell you four lovely ladies."
"Why not?" demanded Arabella.
"Bella, I don't trust you to keep my mate's secret."
"Why not?"
"'Cause…"
"It's between us guys," supplemented Frank.
"Besides, you'd tell the girl if you knew," said James softly, looking to Arabella's eyes, and she instantly understood.
"Oh, James, you finally realize it, do you?" she said, smiling widely.
James turned red. "Don't mock," he ordered.
"What are you all talking about?" said Lily impatiently. "What girl?"
Arabella rolled her eyes at Jennifer and Violet, and all three of them giggled. The Marauders (excluding Peter) and Frank shook their heads, muttering, "Girls."
"Lily, I do think it's obvious, don't you?" said Remus, smiling very slightly.
"Oh, Remus, I thought you'd have the common sense of the group? What are you guys talking about?"
"Don't tell her," ordered James.
"I wasn't going to, Prongs. I was merely going to—let's say—give her a hint, shall we? We do want to make your life easier, you know."
Lily still stared at them with confusion. What kind of girl is Potter pining for? Is it Violet? She's single. Ugh, stupid Potter! Why, I'm so much better than Vi. Wait a minute, what am I thinking? This has to be from lack of sleep.
"Hello? Evans?"
"W-What?"
James raised his eyebrows. "I was wondering if you can help me with a Silencing Charm."
"Potter, we've learned that at the beginning of the year!"
"Yeah, well, it's not my fault I stink at Charms. Besides, you're so good, and I know you can help me get it right!"
Lily smiled, unable to restrain it back any longer. Everyone else looked at her in surprise. They had expected her to start yelling at James again. The three Marauders and girls exchanged joyful looks with each other.
"Oh, fine, Ja—Potter. Let's go then."
James beamed and followed her to a table, feeling as though his birthday, Christmas, and summer vacation had come early.
"Now," began Lily, "the Silencing Charm is a sharp jab, so don't do a light swish or anything. And try not to cause an accident; Bella nearly took an eye out from the frog she was practicing on once."
He chuckled and stared at Lily, muttering, "Silencio!" To his disappointment, Lily continued to talk incessantly.
"What did I do wrong?" he whined.
"Potter, I told you to do a sharp jab. Think of it like you're about to poke me in the eye or something, but don't—er—actually do it."
"Silencio!" cried James, and nearly stabbed Lily with the end of his wand. However, he did accomplish the charm, for Lily was mouthing silently, without uttering a word out loud. "I did it!"
Lily was still mouthing furiously, and she frowned and started to mouth silently, pointing to her mouth.
"What is it, Evans? Oh, right! The counter-curse—erm—"
"Talkitus," said Frank, pointing his wand at Lily. She smiled in relief.
"Thanks, Frank."
"No problem."
"I did try," insisted James, feeling a strong possessiveness to the redhead. "Please, Evans, don't hurt me."
"What gave you an idea that I was going to hurt you?" inquired Lily, surprised.
"Well…weren't you?" James cocked his head sideways questioningly.
"Not particularly thinking of it, though I will be only too happy to do it if you want me to."
Frank chortled, clapping James on the back. "I'll be finding Alice now, Potter. Good luck with your girl." He disappeared into his dormitory.
"Your girl?" said Lily, frowning.
"It's a secret," he said hastily, silently cursing Frank for saying it out loud.
"Oh? And I'm not going to be let in on it?"
"'Fraid not, Evans. Besides, you wouldn't understand."
"Oh, really?" Lily placed her hands on her hips. "And why wouldn't I?"
"Because—" He sighed dismally, and looked away. "Because you don't care enough."
***
"Lily, I love you," whispered an older James Potter, as he cradled Lily into his chest. "No matter what happens, I'll always love you. You know that."
"I know, James, it's just that – I'm scared," whispered Lily, hugging his neck.
"Lily look at me," he ordered. "Whatever happens, nothing will stop us from loving each other. Voldemort's not going to tear us apart if I can help it."
"Oh, James! I love you, too. And – gosh, why are you so irresistible?"
He chuckled and kissed Lily deeply and passionately. They broke off nearly a minute later, both breathless and with fluttering hearts.
"You're my flower, Lily, and I'm never letting you go."
Lily smiled at the engagement ring on her left hand, and kissed James lightly on his cheek. "You're so sweet, James. It seems impossible how only yesterday I told you to back off Snape. And now you're telling me all these wonderful things. I have no idea how you went through that change."
"It was because I finally realized that I was being a prat, and an egotistical one at that. I knew that a change was needed, especially since the Wizarding world needs Aurors like me to protect everyone from Voldemort. He's gaining so much power now."
"James, you're not an Auror yet," corrected Lily smiling at her fiancé's determination.
"I know. But I also know that I'm going to be an Auror no matter what it takes."
"Now I know why I agreed to marry you. Two years ago, I would've hexed you into oblivion if you asked me for my hand in marriage. And now I'm the happiest woman on earth because I'm going to get married to the man I love and live as much of life as I can."
"Aww…Lils, you're too sweet." A single tear trickled down James' cheek, and a stunned Lily wiped it off, hugging him closely.
"Aren't I though? But I do think I owe you an apology."
"For what?"
"For being such a stubborn prat these years. I've always loved you, ever since fifth year, and yet I've been trying to trick myself out of my love for you. I'm so sorry, James."
"Now, now, sweetie, there's no reason to be sorry. I'm definitely not. I'm getting married to the most wonderful woman in the world soon. I can't be happier."
Lily smiled and the two lovers held each other, oblivious to their surroundings. For their love was unconquerable, and they'd always have each other, no matter what.
Lily woke up, sweat pouring down her face, as she breathed quickly and harshly. She had just woken up from another one of her visions, and it affected her more than any of the others.
"Lily? You there?" Arabella sat up groggily, wiping her eyes and blinking at the blurry redhead.
"What's wrong?" asked Violet, concerned. "Did you have another vision again?"
"Yes."
"What was it about?" said Jennifer curiously.
"Oh, you won't believe it. Potter and I were sitting next to each other, and we were saying words of love. It was so sick, I swore I was going to throw up or do something drastic. Surprisingly, Potter was actually—I don't know—pleasant in the dream, and he was a romantic, just like Frank had said. What does it all mean?"
Arabella rolled her eyes. "Well, what do you think it means? James is going to change, obviously! He's going to grow out of hexing innocent people and strutting around the school like he's a king or something. Well, that's a good thought, at least."
Lily snorted. "Impossible! Potter…changing? That's as unlikely as Gryffindors and Slytherins becoming chummy with each other."
"Don't think like that," warned Violet, shaking her head. "James is a nice guy, and you should give him a chance, Lily. You never did let him change."
"Well, I hope he's not going to change for me! I just want him to change because he realizes that hexing people, especially Snape, doesn't do good, and it makes you stoop low to the same level as Slytherins."
Jennifer sighed, exchanging exasperated looks with Arabella and Violet. Suddenly, she gave a dazzling grin, showing off all her teeth, and it reminded Lily strongly of Gilderoy Lockhart.
"What're you grinning at?" she demanded.
"You love Potter, that's what. Merlin's beard, you really do love him! Oh, this is brilliant!" Jennifer was nearly in hysterics.
"Well, of course she does, Jen," said Arabella matter-of-factly. "Where have you been?"
"No, no, not that. It's just that Lily loves James. It's not just a simple crush; it's true love that's unbreakable in any way. It's a simple, pure, beautiful love."
"Yes," agreed Violet dreamily, her eyes shining. "It's so romantic."
"Vi!" Jennifer scoffed.
"What?"
"Don't be a goose. You're always in for romantic things."
"So are you! Ever since you started dating Remus, that is, in our second year. It's been three years and you two still haven't had a fight yet. Quite a miracle, in my opinion. Sirius and Bella have gotten into three fights and a million bickers."
"Don't jinx it, then. As I was saying before Vi rudely interrupted—"
"Lily and James are madly in love," supplied Arabella.
"Oh, yes, right! Lily, you and James are in love with each other. It's that simple. Don't look at me like that! There's nothing to argue over; it's so obvious."
"Why do you keep insisting that I love Potter? Do you love to torture me so?"
"Yes," replied the other three girls simultaneously. Lily rolled her eyes and threw her pillow straight across the room, hitting Violet square on the face.
Soon there was a jumble of pillows flying about the room, while the four fifth year girls squealed and shouted, waking up nearly everyone in Gryffindor Tower. Girls from other dormitories dragged their sleeping belongings to their dorm, flustered and angry, and yelling for them to stop disturbing their "beauty sleep".
Finally, McGonagall had come into their dormitory with her usual stiff black hair in curlers and wearing a tartan nightdress. She squinted at them through her spectacles and her eyes widened when she realized that Lily was one of the occupants.
"Ms. Evans!" she exclaimed in horror. "You are a prefect! You know better than to wake up Gryffindor Tower at one o'clock in the morning. I do expect better of you."
Lily flushed. "Oh, please, Professor, I really didn't mean it. You won't deduct points from Gryffindor, will you?"
McGonagall sighed. "I suppose not, at least not today. But I do hope this won't happen again."
"No, Professor," the four girls chorused, amid snickers and finger-pointing.
"Well," began Jennifer, as everyone left, "that was interesting."
"Very."
-
The dreaded O.W.L.s were finally over with as the fifth years headed outside for a well-deserved break after their last exam. The Marauders and the girls went to different directions: the former to the shade under a tree and the latter next to the lake. The main reason for their ignorance with each other was because of Lily and James, whom were both furious with the other.
Nearly two days ago, James had hexed Snape openly after an O.W.L. exam, and Lily had intervened, having not able to stand the tyranny of the latter any longer. The result was not wonderful; Lily had not "deflated" James' head, and James got even more rejection from the girl he loved. Life was not going well for the both of them.
The Marauders had taken refuge under the very same tree where a famous trio would be under twenty years later. They were planning their summer, and decided to not have anything to do with the girls, for the two groups were not getting along well at all. Arabella and Jennifer were still Sirius and Remus' girlfriends, respectively, of course, but they weren't as close as they were before the lake incident. They did, however, agree that they should be over at James' house for one week that summer just to plan more havoc.
The girls had also agreed to a reunion during the summer, and it was decided that it would be at Arabella's house, since Jennifer's parents were going to France for their wedding anniversary. They readily decided not to invite the Marauders over, for there was still a stiff, unsettling tension between them now, and the chummy feelings were gone.
Now Lily and James have come to an unsettled agreement and hadn't talked to each other ever since the "incident" with Snape. After Lily had stalked off when James refused to listen to her and was planning to take off Snape's pants, they had started an argument in the common room that night. It had ended when Lily finally shouted at James that Snape would hate Harry when he grew up because of the poor treatment James had given the former in their old school days. So now the two used-to-be-friendly groups were on in their own worlds, discussing topics unrelated to each other.
"Snivellus was lucky that Evans was there, or I would've done something even more drastic," said James, yawning, as he played with his Snitch carelessly, while Peter gasped and applauded once more.
"Definitely," agreed Sirius, sighing. "But I wish that the girls would speak to us; I mean, it's all over now, isn't it? Arabella won't even look at me when we pass in the corridors or something."
"Then that's her problem, isn't it? I don't know why they won't speak to us, Padfoot, since this is only between Evans and me. You guys should just go back to being good friends with each other."
"But they don't want to," put in Remus, looking rather wild at not having talked to Jennifer for more than he could stand.
"Well, like I said, it's their problem."
"Prongs, why don't you and Lily become friends?" asked Peter, exasperated.
"Exactly my point," agreed Sirius. Remus nodded emphatically as well.
"Wormtail, you do know that I really like Lily—maybe even love her. But she hates me. I may as well give up. I mean, how can she not hate me?"
Remus smiled. "That, Prongs, is called the process of deflating and becoming a gentleman."
"Excuse me?"
"No offense, Prongs, but your ego is a bit—er—"
"Bigger than it should be," finished Sirius.
"And that's the main reason why Lily doesn't like you—or so she says. She's seeing the façade that you put on to hide your real self. You're seriously trying to belie yourself, Prongs. Show Lily the real you…the James that was determined to help my transformations get better by going against the law and endangering yourselves. And the James that is caring and thoughtful and always helping whenever he can. That's the James you have to show Lily in order for her to care for you."
"That was beautiful, Moony," croaked Sirius, his voice cracking.
"You're right, Moony," said James, smiling, afraid that tears were about to pour out of his eyes at any minute. "But how do I do all that?"
"We'll begin this September, when sixth year starts," said Remus, secretly happy that James was finally going to let go of that ego he possessed in great amounts.
"Thanks guys." James gave them all a brotherly hug. "I owe you for life."
"Nah, consider it a freebie favor," said Sirius, winking. They all chuckled at his antics.
Meanwhile, the girls were by the lake, dipping their feet into the cool water and feeling the tentacles of the giant squid touch their soles lightly.
"Finally, the evil O.W.L.s are over," said Arabella gratefully.
"Finally," echoed Jennifer and Violet.
"It wasn't that bad," said Lily optimistically, "though the Divination one was a disaster, I tell you. Professor Marshbanks was looking at me like I was mad when I told her that she was suffer from heart pains for the rest of her life."
"I told Tofty that he'd lose all his money and that his lifeline was as short as his hair," said Arabella, shrugging. "He wasn't so happy about it, to tell you the truth."
"That's because you should've told him that he'd grown as old as Dumbledore and become rich," said Jennifer promptly. "That's what I told Tofty, and he started beaming at me like I was his granddaughter or something. It works with nearly everyone except for Trelawney."
"That's 'cause she's a miserable bat," said Violet gloomily. "I failed Potions too…I couldn't get the last ingredient for the Remedial Potion."
"It was leeches," said Lily.
"Oh, was it? I said it was bat ears."
"Bats don't have ears, Vi," corrected Arabella, giggling.
"They do! How else are they supposed to fly so well?"
"With their eyes…"
"Bats are blind!"
"Now, now girls," chided Lily. "We're almost at the end of our fifth year; you should at least be kind to each other."
"Yes, Mum."
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Evans, Figg, Dean, and Walker." Trish Vance sneered at them, while clutching Frank's arm painfully.
"Hello, Trish, Frank," greeted Lily through gritted teeth. "I see you've been enjoying yourselves."
Frank sighed immediately, rolling his eyes, while Trish pretended not to notice and said, "Oh, we're having the time of our lives! Ever since Frank dumped that Hart girl, he's been happier than ever."
"Are you sure about that?" said Jennifer sharply.
"Of course I'm sure, Dean. Who wouldn't be happy with me?" She gave Jennifer a smug smile.
"I wouldn't," the latter muttered under her breath.
"Frankie? Why so quiet?"
"Don't call me that," he ordered.
"Why not? I think it's utterly cute!"
"It's—it's what Alice used to call me."
Trish narrowed her eyes. "You mean Hart? Well, at least she has fine taste in nicknames, I have to say—"
"Alice is better than you," interrupted Lily, her green eyes blazing. "She's kind, considerate, smart, and she's a prefect. And you're just a low-life brat who's jealous of her! Yes, that's right! Jealous!"
"My dear Evans, I do believe you're raving," said Trish smoothly, though her delicate cheeks looked rather flustered. "Perhaps a bit of pumpkin juice will do the trick…"
"Leave her alone, Trish," said Frank quietly.
"Why should I?" she demanded angrily.
"Because she's right," said Arabella coolly. "Alice is so much better than you. You are just jealous—jealous that Alice has Frank and everything that you've ever wanted."
Trish snorted. "Hart doesn't have Frankie anymore. He dumped her, remember?"
The four girls looked at Frank expectantly, as if wanting him to say that he still loved Alice. But he remained silent, looking at his reflection on the lake. Trish huffed and stomped off back to the castle again.
"Why don't you get Alice back?" hissed Lily.
"She hates me," was his only coherent reply.
"Well, I don't blame her. If you don't get her back, then…see you at her wedding."
"Wedding?" Frank spluttered.
"Yeah. Sturges is planning to ask her to marry him next year. So if you don't hurry up, she'll be Alice Diggle instead of Alice Longbottom."
With that said, Lily led her friends back to the castle, leaving a stunned Frank Longbottom behind.
***
"Potter," said Lily venomously. "You have to let us share this compartment! There's no where else to sit. The only one with space in it is occupied by Snape and his gang. C'mon, please?"
"I thought you rather favored Snape, since you so willingly stood up for him a few days ago," replied James coolly. "Go off with you now; we're not going to allow you the pleasure."
"James…"
Did Evans just call me James? James shook his head. Maybe I should give her a chance. After all, Moony told me that I had to start the process of deflation soon.
"Oh, fine, Evans, you can take this compartment. If it makes you any happier, I'll go and sit with the Slytherins so you can have my seat, since there aren't enough in this compartment."
Lily looked surprised. "No, you don't have to, Potter, I'll just sit on the floor if I have to—"
"Oh, no, I do insist." With that said, James swept out of the compartment, not giving a single last glance.
"That was sweet of him," commented Jennifer, smiling. "I never knew James had it in him."
Remus grinned mischievously and exchanged delighted looks with Sirius and Peter, who understood James' whole plan of changing everything he was known for.
"All right, Remus Lupin, tell me what James is really planning," whispered Jennifer, frowning.
"He's started," said the werewolf briefly.
"Started what?"
"The process."
"The process of what? Remus!"
"Oh, just kidding, Jenny. Prongs—James—is starting the process of deflation. You know, deflating his ego, stuff like that. It's working, too."
"That's wonderful!"
"What's wonderful?" said Lily suspiciously.
"Nothing," the couple replied automatically.
"Whatever."
Meanwhile, James was having bad luck in the Slytherins' compartment.
"You owe me, Potter," said Snape viciously. "You owe me your whole life."
"Sure, Snivellus," said James cheerfully. "Whatever you say! How are you today?"
"Absolutely spiffing," replied the greasy-haired boy sarcastically.
"Potter, tell us what you're doing here with us Slytherins when you should be conversing with your slimy Gryffindor friends," said Rosier, frowning.
"My dear Evan, don't be so sour! I want to be friends with you; don't you understand?"
Bellatrix and Narcissa snorted with disbelief, and Lestrange raised his eyebrows.
After the uneventful train ride, the eight of them met their parents. James grinned as he spotted his parents waving next to a Ministry car.
"You didn't come out of the same compartment as your friends," said Mr. Potter immediately.
"Yeah, the girls came to sit with us, and there wasn't enough room for Lily, so I decided to—er—go to another compartment."
"That's so sweet, James," said Mrs. Potter tearfully. "I didn't know my son was such a gentleman!"
"You didn't sit with Hufflepuffs, did you?" Mr. Potter was thunderstruck.
"Er—no, actually, I sat with the Slytherins." James closed his eyes, waiting for the blow to come.
"WHAT?"
"It was the only compartment with space in it!"
Just then, Lily left her parents and stood in front of James, her cheeks red.
"Yes?" said James curtly.
"C-Can I speak to you privately?"
As they reached a part of King's Cross that was inhabited, Lily blurted, "Look, thanks."
"For what?"
"For giving me your seat in the train and having to sit with those awful Slytherins." Lily made a face.
James laughed. "It's no problem, Evans—Lily."
Lily smiled and hugged James. "See you this September…James."
James looked dazed, watching Lily go back with her parents again. She had called him by his first name, instead of "Potter"! He felt as though he could jump for joy, but fought the urge, as he went back to his parents again, beaming.
There's hope after all, he thought joyously, as he got into the car.
- - - - -
Disclaimer: I own nothing and J.K. Rowling owns all the characters that you recognize from Harry Potter.
A/N: I'm so sorry that I kept you waiting for this chapter, but it's done, and I'm rather pleased with it…not. It's terrible again, I know, but I'm getting major Writer's Block! However, I do have stuff planned for Lily and James' summers…especially for James. This summer is where he gets a new companion moving in with his family—three guesses to whom, for those that have read Phoenix. I can't wait until this story is over, because they I can start writing "I'd Never Hate You", which is another L/J fic and will be much better than this one! For details, see my bio under my pen name.