Summer of Fifth Year
James sighed contentedly, watching the sunrise from his large bay window in his room. He yawned, stretching, and blinked blearily at his clock, which was in the shape of a Quaffle. It was six o'clock in the morning, surprisingly, but what was the most surprising was that he was awake, since James usually slept very late in the summertime. But he just felt like waking up early today, since he had to do some thinking about his favorite topic: Lily Evans.
He finally admitted to himself that he was in love with her, but he hadn't told Sirius, Remus, or Peter yet. He chuckled, trying to imagine their reactions. Sirius would jump for joy, Remus would smile knowingly, and Peter—well—Peter would just be Peter.
If only Lily can overlook my bad qualities, thought James sadly. It was then that he had gotten the brilliant plan of changing himself.
He had gotten it all planned. He would stop hexing innocent bystanders for no coherent reason, but Snape would be an exception, since he was, well, Snape, and a Slytherin. Next, he would try to stop calling Lily by her surname, and concentrate on calling her by her given first name. And lastly, he would act more humble about his skills and not show off, though Quidditch would be an exception.
Yes, James had it all planned out…but he spent nights lying awake on his bed, thinking if it would work. Because if it did work, he would be the most ecstatic boy on earth; but if it didn't work, he'd be dead meat, and Lily would hate him even more than she did now, if that was at all possible. However, he was interrupted from his thoughts by Mrs. Potter calling him to breakfast.
James managed to drag himself downstairs, where his parents were already seated. Jacey, one of their house-elves, was dishing out platters of toast, eggs, and an assortment of rolls and muffins.
"Good morning, Master James," she greeted amiably, as he plopped into a seat next to his father.
"'Morning, Jace," mumbled James sleepily, rubbing his eyes. "And do stop calling me 'Master James'; James would be fine."
"If Master—James wishes, sir."
"So what brings you to wake up so early, James?" asked Mr. Potter, as he lowered a copy of the Daily Prophet from his eyes. "Your mother heard you bustling upstairs, so she called you down early."
"Oh, just thinking."
"Care to elaborate?"
James blushed. "It's a bit private, Dad."
"Not about Lily, is it?"
"How did you know?" he asked in amazement.
Mr. Potter chuckled. "I'm your father, James, of course I'd know. Now tell me the problem."
So James ended up telling his parents about the whole story of how he realized that he was in love with Lily, and about his bitter rejection by the redhead. Mr. Potter listened sympathetically, and Mrs. Potter nodded once or twice.
"Lily is right, dear," said the latter thoughtfully, as he finished his tail, "you do need to stop hexing people. It's wrong, and I'm surprised that Professor Dumbledore hasn't noticed, or hasn't done anything about it."
"Er—I think he has, since he made Moon—Remus a prefect, hoping to change Sirius and I."
"No need to say that Remus' attempts have failed," said Mr. Potter wryly.
But before either of them could say another word, their fireplace had wavered, and disheveled-looking boy with a trunk, a broomstick, and an owl clutched in his arms fell out of it.
"Sirius?" said Mr. Potter blankly. "What are you doing here? I think you're a bit early, my boy, since you and the rest of James' friends are coming here next week, I do believe—"
"I know," breathed Sirius, "but I need to ask you all a favor."
The three Potters waited for him to speak again, curious as to what he had to say.
"I got into a fight with my parents again," he said, and James immediately sent his best friend a look of sympathy. "Mum was yelling at me for making the wrong choice of friends, as usual, but she insulted your family. Called you all blood traitors, because you favor Muggles and Muggle-borns, and she hates both. So I couldn't stand it anymore. Packed every single belonging of mine in this enlargement trunk and set off to your house. I was hoping that you—you can give me a place to stay at until I can get a job and get my own place."
"Of course you may stay here, Sirius," agreed Mrs. Potter tearfully. "You're always welcome here. It's a bit lonely in this large house with only the three of us…"
"Thank you," said Sirius, looking relieved. He grinned at James. "Looks like you've got yourself an adopted brother, Prongs."
James laughed, along with his parents. "You're the best kind of brother I can wish for, Padfoot. Welcome to the Potter family. Oh, but I do advise you to keep your surname as Black, however much as you hate it, since Sirius Potter will sound odd to everyone at school. They'll think we hit it off together and plan to get married as gay wizards."
Sirius and Mr. Potter snorted, while Mrs. Potter glared disapprovingly at her son, sighing.
"I'll keep my name, Prongs, just to make you happy and let you live up to your reputation. I do, however, wish you to not mention my family under my hearing again, if you please."
"We won't," chorused the three Potters.
"Good! Now…what's for breakfast?"
The Potters laughed again, shaking their heads at the hopelessness of Sirius, as Mrs. Potter sent Jacey to retrieve another plate for "Master Sirius".
"You guys have great house-elves," complimented Sirius, as he smiled gratefully at Jacey, who passed him a plateful of food. "Jacey's great, and is much better than Kreacher, who's mad. Tries to take every single belonging of my parents, especially Mum's, so that he can remember them when they're dead. Quite pathetic, really. Wants to be beheaded and hung by his head like his dear old mum."
Mr. Potter grinned. "Sounds like a nice and friendly fellow, doesn't he, James?"
"Oh, very, Dad."
"Oh, you three," said Mrs. Potter, sighing resignedly.
"So I really am part of the family, then?" said Sirius, grinning maniacally. "Yes! Prongs and I are brothers!"
"Shut up, Padfoot," groaned James.
"Don't say 'shut up' to your brother, Prongs. It's mean."
"What do you all want to do today?" asked Mr. Potter absently.
"Let's go over Frank's house and tell him the good news!" crowed Sirius.
"That's boring," complained James. "I've been to his house at least ten thousand times."
"Hey, I've never been to his house! Please, Prongs? Please?"
"Aww…fine, but you owe me, Padfoot."
So the two best friends set off to the Longbottom house. James rapped sharply on their door, and a small house-elf opened it.
"Mr. Potter!" it squeaked joyfully. "How are you?" It bowed.
"Hello, Nina," said James, waving. "Er—is Frank home?"
"Yes, Master Frank is at breakfast with the rest of his family, sir! Come right in, Master Potter. And has Master Potter brought along a friend?"
"Oh, yeah. This is Sirius Black, he's my best friend."
"Black?" the creature stuttered frighteningly.
"Hey, you came to our house once!" exclaimed Sirius, recognizing the elf's short ears and scar on its left cheek.
"Yes, sir. I-I met your house-elf, Kreacher…"
Sirius smiled gently. "Look, don't pay any attention to Kreacher, all right? He's just an old idiot; he's as harmless as a fly. Oh, and don't mind my old Mum either, she's a bit crazy in the head. I'm not like the rest of my family."
"I second to that," agreed James heartily.
"Come right in, Masters James and Sirius!" The house-elf bowed again and let them into a large, well-furnished kitchen, where Frank, his younger brother Al (short for Algie), and his parents were sitting down to a hearty breakfast.
"James!" he exclaimed, grinning, as he saw the two boys standing by the entrance. "Come in! And you've brought Sirius? I thought your friends were coming by next week."
"Sirius is staying with us now," answered James, "until he gets a home of his own after he graduates."
"Family issues," muttered Sirius bitterly. Frank nodded understandingly.
"Come have breakfast with us, boys," said Mr. Longbottom, nodding.
"No, thank you, Mr. Longbottom, we've already had breakfast. Sirius just wanted to come by and—er—"
"Say hi!" finished Sirius, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"You can stay for the whole day," said Algie hopefully. "Uncle Algie is coming over today, and he's so boring…"
"Algie!" reproved Mrs. Longbottom, glaring at her youngest son. "Show some respect for the man you're named after."
"Sorry, Mum." Algie made a face when she turned back to her eggs.
"So how is it with Alice, Frank?" whispered James, as he seated himself next to the soon-to-be-seventh year boy.
"Terrible," mumbled Frank darkly, through a mouthful of toast. "I owled her three times, and she sent Harold back with three responses saying, 'I hate you, and stop bothering me. Sturges is a lot better than you are.' Stubborn girl, she is."
"Well, you can't blame her," said Sirius, his tone changing from ecstasy to seriousness *. "You didn't give her a reason for breaking up with her."
"Yeah, I suppose I do deserve this cold treatment, don't I? But guys, I explained to her why I broke up with her in the letter…"
"Did you tell her that you broke up with Trish?" interrupted James.
"No…"
"And why not?"
"Because I didn't—I didn't break up with Trish."
"And why ever not?"
"Look, James," sighed Frank. "It's not that easy, all right? I love Alice and I really like Trish, but I don't want to break Trish's heart, since it's been old news that she's liked me for nearly three years. I can't just break up with the poor girl just because of Alice."
"Frank," moaned Sirius, shaking his head. "You don't get it, do you? If you love Alice that much, break up with Trish! You don't love Trish, do you?"
"N-no."
"Then break up with the girl already!" cried James, rather loudly. The Longbottoms stopped their eating and stared at him.
"I was talking to Sirius about his current girlfriend," he said quickly.
"You were talking to Frank," pointed out Algie.
Sirius narrowed his eyes. "No, he was talking to me."
"Then why was he looking at Frank?"
"Because he was too embarrassed to look at me in the eye. You know, kid, there's one thing that you should know about Jamie, and it's that he's a coward when talking about girls. Really."
Algie seemed satisfied at the response and went back to his eggs and toast.
"I never knew you were such a great liar, Sirius," whispered Frank, as the rest of the family continued eating.
"Yeah, I'm a natural, aren't I? But I was telling the truth for half of it. Prongs is a stuttering fool when it comes to girls, especially Lily…"
"Padfoot, look at the time! Reckon we should go now?" said James, glaring at his best friend.
"But we just got here, Prongsies!" whined Sirius, pouting. "Oh, fine. I have to write a letter to Arabella anyway."
"Who's Arabella?" asked Algie curiously.
"My girlfriend," was the brief reply.
"I thought you were going to break up with her."
Sirius gave Frank a "help-me-your-brother's-trying-to-make-me-kill" look. Frank responded at once.
"Now, Al, mind your own business."
"Aww…c'mon, Frank, I want to know your friends' love lives!"
"No, I think that your love life is more interesting," said Sirius hastily. "So what about you, Mr. Starting Fourth Year At Hogwarts? Surely you have a girlfriend! Why, I've had Arabella ever since second year—"
"I'm too young," said Algie, turning crimson. "'Sides, no girl would want me, since they think that I've got a funny name…it's all Mum's fault! She wanted to name me after Dad's brother."
"Algie," reprimanded Mr. Longbottom, glaring at his youngest son threateningly.
"Sorry, Dad. But it's true! If I had a sexy name like Jason, then all the girls would be swarming around me, drooling! After all, I do have good looks."
James, Sirius, and Frank chortled at this.
"That's Wood's name," said James, choking. "Surely you don't want to share the same name with a Quidditch maniac, now, do you?"
"Oh, that reminds me, Prongs," said Sirius, grinning, "you're the new Quidditch captain now."
"You are?" shrieked Algie, his eyes glinting. "Oh, man, I have got to try out for Keeper, then, since Wood's gone. Any other spaces available."
"Yeah, Volga's left, too," said Frank, through a mouthful of pancakes. "He's one of the Chasers like James. Other one's Lee Johnson."
"Seeker's George Brach and Beaters are Sirius and Cassia Soon-To-Be-Wood," finished James.
"Cassia's dating Wood," added Sirius, seeing the puzzled look upon the younger boy's face.
"I used to have a major crush on Cassia in our first year," said Frank. "But then it went away, since Wood seemed to take an interest in her, and since I moved on to Alice." He bit his lip.
"Why aren't you writing to Alice lately, Frank?" asked Mrs. Longbottom sternly. "Surely you two haven't had a fall-out, have you?"
"Er—we had an argument, is all."
"Well, make up with her soon, Frank, since I really like Alice and I'd die if I have a different daughter-in-law."
Frank laughed nervously, looking pleadingly at James and Sirius.
"Look, Frankie, my lad," whispered the James, "write to Alice, or something. Tell her how you're feeling."
"I suppose you're right, James," sighed Frank dismally. "Would she care, though?"
"She would," he replied quietly, his eyes clouding with sadness. "But if only Lily would as well for me."
***
"Can you believe Remus?" said Jennifer angrily.
"What is it?" asked Arabella anxiously.
"He hasn't been in contact with me since Lily and Jam—I mean, since the end of the year." She blushed at her blunder and was carefully avoiding Lily's eyes.
Arabella snorted. "I wouldn't let that bother me too much, Jen. The Marauders are afraid of us. Trust me, I know, since, if you've already forgotten, I'm dating a Marauder as well."
"Afraid of us?" repeated Violet incredulously, as she lounged comfortably in a tête-à-tête in the Figgs' family room. "Why?"
"Well, Lily," she amended. "Sorry, Lils," she added quickly.
"It's all right," said Lily, her green eyes dull. "I suppose they're mad at me because of J—Potter."
"They're not mad, they're just afraid. They're afraid that you're hatred for James will turn the whole future upside-down, since you keep pushing him away whenever he gets closer."
"I do not!"
Jennifer snorted. "Don't give us that, Lily. You know it yourself. James is head-over-heels for you; practically the whole school knows it. Haven't you noticed that James hasn't gone on a single date since fifth year? Because he loves you, Lily! And it hurts him a lot that you're always being cold to him and pushing him away out of love."
"That's very romantic, Jen, but it's definitely not true. Potter…in love with me? Ridiculous!"
"It's not," insisted Violet softly. "I've heard the school gossips, and they all know that James loves you. But I think that you're afraid of him, Lily. You're afraid that if James gets close enough to you, you'll fall in love too."
"So that's it!" exclaimed Arabella, punching her fist into the air. "Lil, Vi's right! You're afraid to love, aren't you? You think that when you're in love, you become vulnerable."
"Well, you do," admitted Lily. "I mean, look at all that stuff that you and Sirius have been through…"
"But that's the beauty of it, Lily! You can't have a relationship without fights, bickers, break-ups, jealousies, and get-back-togethers. It's just, wrong."
"'Tis true," agreed Violet, her dark eyes scrutinizing Lily.
"What about Remus and I?" said Jennifer nervously. "Does that mean we're not normal?"
"Oh, you'll have a fight soon, don't worry," reassured Arabella. "I mean, you're already not speaking to each other. 'Sides, I wouldn't look forward to it too much, since you've seen those fights between Sirius and I and Lily and James."
"Don't worry, we'll never forget them either," added Lily, grinning.
"Oh, stop." Bella turned red.
Just then, there was a sharp tapping noise on the window, and the girls immediately saw that it was an owl. Arabella opened the window and clutched the small twittering owl in her hands, and recognized it as Bludger, Sirius' beloved owl.
Dear Bellsies,
I know you probably hate me right now, but I hope that the – er – incident with Lily and James doesn't spoil our relationship. I mean, those two stubborn prats need to sort out some priorities; don't you think so, my dear?
If you want to send me any more letters, then send them to the Potter Mansion. Yep, I'm living with Prongs now, since I couldn't stand my family any longer.
We're all (including Remus and Peter) hanging out at James' place for a while, and I'd be much obliged if we can meet at your house, as James is having relations over for three weeks. Please, Bella?
All right, I didn't write this letter for nothing…I want to tell you something very important at your house, if we Marauders can come.
'Till we meet again,
Sirius
"Maybe he's going to ask you to marry him," suggested Jennifer, smiling.
Arabella snorted. "I don't know about you, but Sirius proposing is a foreign thought to me."
"Marriage would surely ruin his reputation," agreed Lily.
"So are you going to invite them?" asked Violet.
"'Course I am! Or, at least, if Mum and Dad will allow it…"
"Do your parents even know that you have a boyfriend?"
Arabella smiled sheepishly. "Yeah. I told them a long time ago, and they think that Sirius and I have maintained a steady relationship for three years without interruption."
Lily, Jennifer, and Violet sniggered, while Arabella blushed furiously.
"That's a contradiction," laughed Violet.
"You aren't going to tell them, are you?" Arabella clearly looked horrified.
"Why would I? 'Tis none of my business."
"Well, go on then," encouraged Jennifer, "write a reply to Sirius!"
"I'm not about to write it in front of you all. I'll be in my room if you need me." She left without another word, ignoring the fit of giggles behind her.
"Why wouldn't she write it in front of us?" wondered Violet aloud.
"Oh, Vi, isn't it obvious?" Lily sighed and giggled softly. "Bella's going to write a nice, long, mushy love-letter to her beloved Sirius."
"Why is that funny? I think it's romantic!"
Lily and Jennifer exchanged exasperated looks with each other.
"What?" cried Violet in defense. "It is romantic! But not as romantic as Lily and James."
Jennifer quickly aligned herself to Violet's side, against Lily.
"Yes," she continued, ignoring Lily's protests, "you love James. Don't give me that look! It's true."
"Since when have you been so outgoing, Vi? I remember you in our first three or four years at Hogwarts. You were so quiet and sweet, even though you were still cocky about Potter and I being a couple. But now…"
Violet grinned. "Now I'm actually as well-known and popular as you guys, huh?"
"What are you talking about?" demanded Jennifer. "You've always been popular."
"Yeah, right. Remember what Amos Diggory said to me back in our fourth year?"
"Er—not exactly."
"Yeah, well, he said that you three were the most popular girls at Hogwarts, and I was just an ugly loser."
Lily snorted. "Why listen to that jerk? You're pretty, Vi, and if you haven't noticed already, lots of boys at Hogwarts have crushes on you."
"Yet I've never been informed of this."
"I thought you knew."
"You thought wrong, then."
"Violet," said Jennifer impatiently, "you're popular, smart, and about the nicest girl there is. Why complain? Besides, with Voldemort gaining power, hell is about to break loose any day now."
"Jen!" exclaimed Lily in horror.
"What? Oh, I know you're worried about old Voldemort, Lils, but—"
"No, it's not that! It's just that—you're last sentence—"
Jennifer looked confused and racked her brain for a few seconds, before finally realizing what Lily had said. "Oh, that! Gee, c'mon, Lils, like I said, life is too short to be keeping watch of your language."
Lily sniffed indignantly but didn't answer. Violet burst out laughing, and Jennifer joined in after a while as well.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Arabella had just come in, a roll of parchment clutched in her hands, as she greeted the girls.
"Oh, absolutely nothing," snapped Lily.
She raised an eyebrow. "Gosh, no need to snap my head off, Lily. And why are you guys laughing?" She indicated the question to Violet and Jennifer.
"Lily's too worried about watching our language," said Jennifer, grinning.
"Oh, Lils," sighed Arabella.
"What? I don't like having friends with foul mouths, thank you."
"Yeah, yeah. Hey, where's Merlin?" She was referring to her beloved great-horned owl, which was the pride and joy of her life…at least, as far as animals and pets went, anyway.
"I think he's out delivering a message," answered Violet, yawning.
"WHAT? How could he be? Merlin's my owl."
"I—er—kind of sent Remus a Howler along with him," confessed Jennifer, blushing.
"And why the hell did you do that, Jen? Why not use Ginny, your own owl? Or Hannah and Godric, Lily and Violet's owls?"
"Well," began Jennifer, "you see, I sent Ginny out earlier that day to send sweets to Remus. Hannah was still out hunting, and Vi would never let me use Godric. So Merlin was the only one available."
"Perhaps you should've realized that I wouldn't let you use Merlin as well?" said Arabella sarcastically.
"Why wouldn't you? You said yourself that he's welcome to all of us."
"I—did? Well, I must've been really happy that day. Anyway, why would you sent your boyfriend sweets, and then send him a Howler? Jennifer Dean, you've gone plumb crazy!"
"I have not!" cried Jennifer passionately.
Just then, Merlin had started to tap the window impatiently with his beak, and Arabella swept him up into her arms.
"He's got a message for you, Jen."
Jennifer took the message, scanned it quickly with her eyes, and burst into tears. The other three girls looked at each other in alarm. They picked up the forgotten letter and read it together silently.
Dear Jennifer,
Why the hell did you send me a Howler? Look, I'm really sorry if I've been ignoring you lately, but if I do remember clearly, it's you who's been ignoring me. You guys wouldn't speak to us after the lake incident involving Lily and James! But if you have to yell at me this way even though it's your fault, then I think that our relationship is over. And be lucky I haven't sent you a Howler myself.
—Remus
"Oh, Jen," whispered Arabella, her eyes filling with tears. The three girls hugged their heartbroken friend, shedding tears of sadness, anger, and heartbreak along with her.
"There goes my perfect relationship," whispered Jennifer.
***
"Moony, you are the biggest bloody prat in the whole world. Congratulations," said Sirius sarcastically, as they all hung around in James' room. Frank was there as well.
"Why did you do that, though?" asked Frank, mystified. "I mean, she was your girlfriend!"
"Oh, I don't know," said Remus carelessly. "Must've been that time of the month, I guess. Besides, she sent me a Howler! And before that, she sent me a box of Chocolate Frogs and Ice Mice! I don't like an unpredictable girl, thank you."
James rolled his eyes at Frank, Sirius, and Peter. "Do you still love her?"
"Well…" he hesitated. "I don't know."
"I personally thought it was stupid," said Peter. "I mean, you guys were so good together? Why did you just throw it all away because of a Howler?"
With this said, Sirius burst out laughing. The other four boys stared at him, all wondering about his sanity.
"What's wrong with you, Padfoot?" sighed James, shaking his head. "Should I have Dad call St. Mungo's?"
Frank and Remus sniggered, while James and Peter still stared, perplexed, at the maniacal boy who was laughing.
"Sorry," apologized Sirius, coughing. "It's just that, what Wormtail said, it's funny, isn't it? I mean, throwing this relationship to the drain because of a Howler? A scarlet envelope?"
James' mouth slowly curved into a smile. "Doesn't sound like something our sane Moony would do, I'm sure."
"Agreed," piped up Peter.
"You know," said Frank suddenly, "I've decided that girls are way too complicated. Most of our problems nowadays aren't about Voldemort, but about girls. First James is suffering from love that's unrequited. Then I dump Alice for no reason, try to talk to her, and find out that it's completely futile. Now Remus' girlfriend sends him sweets, then a Howler, and now they've ruined their relationship. Women!"
"Amen to that," chorused the Marauders with passion.
"Well, no offense or anything," interrupted Peter, rather red, "but didn't you all have something to do with those occurrences? Lily hates Prongs, because she thinks he's egotistical and obnoxious. Alice hates you, Frank, because you dumped her without much thought. And now, Moony, you're mad at Jennifer because of a Howler. We're pretty complicated ourselves, you know."
"Wormtail's got a point," admitted Remus. "I'm such a derk, dumping Jennifer because of a Howler. I broke her heart."
"Tell her you're sorry," suggested James, as if it was the most obvious answer.
"Are you kidding me?" he said incredulously. "I'm not sorry! She's the one who should be sorry!"
The other four boys groaned loudly, putting their hands in their faces.
"We still have to go to Arabella's house, remember?" reminded James. "Got to go, Frank…duty calls. We're invited to Sirius' girlfriend's house, since he's got to tell her something important." He smirked.
"Oh? What?" Frank peered curiously at a blushing Sirius.
"That I love her," the latter muttered.
The soon-to-be-seventh-year smiled. "That's sweet, Sirius. I remember when I told Alice that I loved her."
"Really? What happened?" asked Sirius eagerly, hoping that it was positive.
"I'll tell you another time," said Frank wistfully. "Right now, I'm guessing that you guys have to go to Arabella's house. See you around, fellows." He Disapparated from James' room.
"I hate that kid," grumbled James. "I wish I got my Apparating license, so I can ditch Floo Powder."
"Oh, well," said Remus cheerfully, "only one year to go."
"I hate it when you're so optimistic, Moony," said Sirius, scowling. "Well, let's go to Bella's, and get my nasty job over with."
"We're still staying there for three weeks," reminded James. "Our house is going to be filled with all the Potters in this world, and that's a lot. So Mum and Dad will barely have space for me. Thank Merlin, too, I don't want to see a lot of my relatives." He shuddered.
The Marauders went to the fireplace, and one by one, released the Floo Powder and cried, "Figg Residence!"
"Sirius!" cried Arabella, as they stumbled out of the fireplace, coughing. She hugged him tightly, and Mrs. Figg's eyes began to water.
"Potter," said Lily curtly.
"Evans," replied James lazily.
Jennifer and Remus avoided each other's eyes, while Violet and Peter exchanged friendly hellos. Sirius had had enough of this.
"Why, hello, Jennifer," he said sweetly. "How are you tonight?"
"I think that you should show the guys where they're staying, Jen," said Arabella hurriedly, catching onto Sirius' little game.
"Me?" She narrowed her eyes. "This is your house, Bella."
Remus almost laughed out loud, but caught himself just in time. Jennifer's biting wit and sharp tongue was one of the things that he loved most about her.
"Yes, but you see…"
"She has to talk to Sirius, remember?" said Lily quickly, catching on also.
Jennifer sighed dismally and led the Marauders upstairs, and into a large, spacious room. "There you go. Enjoy."
"You don't sound like that normal Jennifer that we're friends with," accused Sirius.
"Tough luck, then, Sirius." She left without another word.
"You see, Moony?" said James quietly.
"Yeah," sighed Remus, shaking his head sadly, as he watched his (he cringed at the word) ex-girlfriend leave.
-
"Oh Merlin, you guys will never guess what happened!" squealed Arabella, as she plopped on her bed gleefully.
"What?" shouted Lily and Violet excitedly.
"Sirius told me that he loved me." She sighed dreamily and waited for the responses.
"That's so sweet!" cried Violet, her eyes glazing over.
"Yes, it is," agreed Lily. "I'm so happy for you, Bella."
"Thanks girls. Hey, where's Jennifer?"
"Er—" The two girls looked at each other.
"Well?"
"We don't know where she is," admitted Violet, after a while of silence.
"WHAT?"
"She—she disappeared. The boys are out searching for her now, as well as your parents. They told us to stay with you, since you'd be alarmed if we all disappeared without a trace."
"Hey, girls," greeted Sirius, hurrying into the room. "Have you seen the guys? They're not here…"
"They're out to search for Jen," replied Arabella shakily, "who's disappeared."
"SHE'S GONE?"
"She's a bit upset over the whole break-up," said Lily softly.
"Well, duh! Remus is upset too. Except he won't apologize until Jen does. Merlin, those two stubborn mules—"
"Let's go follow the others," interrupted Arabella, glaring at her boyfriend.
The four of them went outside, where the sky was pitch-dark, therefore making their eyesight poor.
"Ouch! Watch it, Evans!"
"Shut up, Black!"
"Vi, you're stepping on my foot!"
"Sirius, you're grabbing my neck, and I would appreciate it if you would let go."
"Gee, so sorry."
"Will you all shut up?" hissed Violet, who peered through the dark backyard, squinting. "Honestly, Bella, you could've brought a flashlight."
"A what?"
"One of those Muggle devices that emit light, so that you can see in the dark," replied Lily promptly.
"We don't need those," said Arabella, snorting. "We have wands, remember?"
"Except we can't use them during the holidays."
"Oh yeah."
There were footsteps that echoed through the night, and the human voices mingled with them.
"Arabella? Sirius? Lily? Vi?" James peered at them through luminous light. "We found Jen!"
Jennifer stepped forward, looking pale. "I'm so sorry!" she squeaked. "I didn't mean to run away! I just went outside to think something over, and then Voldemort grabbed me."
"Voldemort?" repeated Lily faintly.
"Yeah. He told me to hand over James, and when I refused to, he—he—"
"Tortured her with the Cruciatus Curse," whispered Remus, standing next to James and Jennifer.
"Oh, Jenny!" The three girls threw their arms around Jennifer, and hugged her tightly.
"He only wanted you?" asked Lily, regaining posture once more and looking over at James. "He didn't want to kill me, too?"
"Well, he didn't mention it. I don't even know why you'd care, as I've never heard anyone wanting to get killed."
Remus elbowed James sharply on the ribs, releasing an "Ouch!" from the latter.
"Why does Voldemort want you again, James?" said Sirius, as they got back inside the house.
It was Mr. Figg who answered. "I do believe that Voldemort wants you because of a child."
"But then why not want Lily?"
"Well, you see, James is more powerful than Lily, and Voldemort thinks that James would stop him from killing this child, because he's strong enough."
"I am too as strong as Potter!" exclaimed Lily indignantly.
"Of course you are, dear," said Mrs. Figg absently.
Lily sniffed, but didn't answer. After all, why complain? Her friend was safe and out of the clutches of Voldemort…for now.
***
"I HATE YOU, POTTER!" screamed Lily, as she stared at the mirror. Instead of seeing her pale cheeks and green eyes, she was staring at the reflection of a cat.
"Why, Lily, I didn't know you had such great taste in fashion." James sniggered along with Sirius and Peter.
"Prongs," warned Remus.
James' eyes widened and he shrunk back and hid behind Remus. Which wasn't too hard, adding to the fact that James was very small in size.
"Now look what you've done, Prongs," he hissed. "Lily hates you more than ever!"
"Oh, you're so optimistic, Moony. She loves me, remember?"
Remus snorted loudly, but said no more. Instead, he dragged the three other Marauders to their room, and shut the door.
"Prongs, you will now begin deflating," he announced.
James blinked. "Excuse me?"
Sirius spoke up. "Prongsies, Lily hates you, so what Moony is trying to say—"
"—is that you have to act like a gentleman for Lily to like you," finished Peter.
"Did you guys plan this all out?" inquired James in disbelief.
Sirius shrugged. "It was all Moony's idea!" He pointed an accusatory finger at Remus, who rolled his eyes in response.
"But why do I have to 'deflate' or whatever you call it?"
Remus groaned. "No offense, Prongs, but you're an arrogant and bullying egotistical prat."
"Then why are you friends with me?" he said sarcastically.
"Because you're probably one of the only people who accept me as a werewolf." Seeing the look upon James' face was priceless. "Nah, I'm just kidding with you. But that is what Lily thinks."
"I don't care!"
Peter raised an eyebrow. "I thought you loved her."
"I—all right, what do you I have to do?"
Remus grinned at Sirius and Peter, and told James all about Operation Matchmaker, and how he was going to try to get Lily to fall for him.
Nearly half an hour later, the four boys were drenched in sweat as the heat of August drifted into the house. But all four of them were smiling widely.
"This has got to be our best plan yet, Moony," said Sirius, sighing happily.
"I know, it must be. A job well done, fellow Marauders. Now, Prongs, have you memorized everything we've told you?"
"Sure. But what about you and Jennifer? When are you two going to make up?"
Remus' good-natured face hardened. "I think that she should apologize first before we even begin rebuilding any of our relationship again."
"And you call Arabella and I stubborn!" hooted Sirius.
"I am not stubborn, thank you."
James remained silent the whole time. He was thinking of "Operation Matchmaker" as Remus and Sirius called it. Would it really work? They had told him to stop hexing people in the corridors (Snape was an exception, of course), stop call Lily "Evans", and to not show off (except in Quidditch), which meant that he had to give in his beloved Golden Snitch that he had "snitched" from Madam Hooch last year.
He sighed dismally, but his hazel eyes brightened at the thought of Lily. He loved everything about her: her long, dark red hair flowing down her back; her brilliant green eyes; and her personality…everything. But what hurt him the most was that she would never love anything about him.
Meanwhile, back in the girls' room, Lily was pondering on her own thoughts while her friends were giggling over a Love Potion. Ever since the Marauders came to Arabella's house, she had a strange fluttery feeling in her stomach whenever James passed her.
Bloody hell, Lily thought miserably. I'm not falling in love with the git, am I?
Of course you are.
Who the hell are you?
Remember me? Your conscience?
Oh no, not you again.
Of course it's me. And you are falling in love with James Henry Potter, so there's no use denying it. Besides, he loves you; why break his heart?
Because he's an arrogant derk!
Surely you don't think so? Haven't you noticed that whenever you say that, you never say it directly to his face like before?
What?
I mean, you never say those things about James in front of his face. You just say them in denial to your friends. You've fallen for James, Lily, and there's no way to get out of it.
"I have NOT fallen in love with James Potter!" she declared.
Arabella looked at her in surprise. "Er—Lily? Are you all right?"
"NO!" Lily sniffed dejectedly and plopped herself down on her bed. "Why does everyone keep insisting that I love James Potter?"
"Because you do," said Jennifer, with a small smile. "And James loves you as well. How many times do we have to tell you?"
You're going to have to tell me for the rest of my life, thought Lily, as she stared at the pile of holiday homework that was untouched for the past weeks. Because if I've fallen for James, I know he hasn't fallen for me.
- - - - -
Disclaimer: I own nothing and J.K. Rowling owns all the good stuff. It's not fair, but hey, at least she won't sue me :P
A/N: All right, I am SO, SO sorry that I took forever on the summer, and that it's so sucky as well! (I know it's not a word, but hey, it makes sense…sort of) But I do promise you that the next chapter will be better. PROMISE. Actually, scratch that. This story is falling apart and I know it.
Thank you to all my reviewers of Chapter 20:
Agloechen
Hermione101888
Ms. X. Lefty9 – Oh, and I think that I have decided to write this chapter until Lily and James' deaths. Or something along that line.
Erynwen – Well, Lily and James are going to get together soon…in seventh year *evil grin* But there will be fluff in their sixth year!
Fabiana (fabigrisanti@yahoo.com) – Yep, James will definitely be spending his sixth year "deflating", so to speak.
spunkygabi
Laura (SnpCracklenpop87@aol.com) – I'm so glad that you love my story out of a lot of other L/J ones! Oh, and don't say that all the fics are bad; some of the L/J fics are awesome in fanfiction.net!
FiLLii – Sorry that I had to make the death of ****** so painful for you again! I know, it was SO, SO sad! *sniff*
Kady Rilla Wholi
NiNaPoP
Wicked Witch of Slytherin