Seventh Year – Part Two
Lily blinked at her Transfiguration essay, which kept rambling on and on about absolutely nothing. Why she was so terrible at the subject was beyond her understanding. Sirius was right; she was even more terrible than Violet, who was considerably the worst in their class. Miraculously, she had achieved an "Outstanding" on her Transfiguration O.W.L., but Lily believed it to be pure luck.
James, on the other hand, was relaxing with Sirius near the fire. He was in a very good mood; Gryffindor was in the lead in Quidditch and first place in house points, and he was getting very high grades in every subject, including the dreaded Potions. So he stole a glance at his girlfriend, who, to his surprise, looked highly agitated and confused.
He strolled over to her and her pile of homework and books. "What's wrong, Lils?"
Lily looked at her boyfriend in despair. "Oh, James," she wailed. "I don't understand this section on animal-human transfiguration! It's so difficult!"
"I'll help you," he offered generously.
"Would you? Oh, thank you, James!" She rewarded him with a kiss on his cheek, which resulted in Sirius laughing loudly.
"Now, now, no public display of affection," scolded the latter.
James rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Padfoot. Now, it's really quite simple, Lily. First you…" And then he went on explaining about the transfiguration and how to master it precisely.
"Thanks, James; I do appreciate it," said Lily effusively.
"I'll do your essay, too, if you want."
"No, that's all right." She looked confused. "That would be cheating, wouldn't it?"
He shrugged. "Hey, anything for my girl."
Lily smiled and kissed him gently. "I love you, James."
Even though he was very aware of the fact that Lily loved him, it made James' heart soar to hear those three words escape from her lips in the most unexpected times and places. He had a sudden urge to snog her right then and there, but knew that it would probably result in both of their badges taken away, and corruption of the younger students who were too young to witness such a passionate romantic desire.
"Hey, Prongs, no mushiness!" exclaimed Sirius, breaking their moment. Ah, well. At least James was saved from the possible resignation of his position as Head Boy.
"Shut up, Sirius," snapped Arabella from the other side of the room. "Don't you have any respect at all?"
"Let me think…no."
She let out a frustrated growl, which nearly frightened the younger Gryffindors to their deaths.
"Lighten up, Arabella," said Jennifer sternly, as she crawled out of Remus' arms.
"I know, but I actually want Lily and James' relationship to last." Arabella gave a cursory glance at the couple.
"Don't worry, it will," affirmed James, nodding emphatically. "I love Lily too much to even bicker with her."
"I won't argue with that," agreed Remus, now trying to capture an elusive Jennifer, who kept playing hide-and-seek with him.
"Er—hello, Lily," said a young girl shyly, whom Lily recognized at once as Laura Smith, one of the two Gryffindor prefects.
"Hey, Laura," she greeted cordially. "Can I help you with something?"
"I-I was wondering if you could maybe help me with something in Charms," she began, rather red in the face. "Everyone's told me that you're the best Charms student in the whole school."
Lily blushed. "Well, I wouldn't say that, but I'd be delighted to help you."
"Thank you." Laura beamed.
"James, I'll be right back. I'm going to help Laura with Charms."
"All right, Lils." James kissed her softly once more and went off to talk to Sirius, no doubt planning another prank against Snape.
After about fifteen minutes of Lily explaining the Silencing Charm patiently with Laura, the two girls had immediately found each other as kindred souls, and chatted and laughed like old friends.
"You have such a devoted boyfriend," said Laura wistfully. "I wish I had someone as sweet and clever as he. My sister told me that James Potter used to be the most wanted boy in the school besides Sirius Black."
Lily smiled inwardly; it felt good to be the object of envy for once in her life. "Don't worry, you'll find someone."
"I hope so. I'm a terribly hopeless romantic, so don't mind if I get a bit carried away about boys." She flushed.
"Oh, don't worry about it," assured Lily.
"I've always wanted a boyfriend who was sweet, clever, kind, and loyal," said Laura dreamily. "Someone with integrity, whom you can trust for all your life, and also with bravery, who would stand up for what he believed in no matter what the consequences."
"That's very powerful," said Lily softly.
"Yes. I know it's a lot to expect, but I am rather particular with boys. Many have asked me out the past years, but none fit my descriptions. I know I'm probably being selfish, but maybe one day I'll find my mate, huh?"
"You know, Laura, I think you will. You were a lot like me when I was your age, and look at me now! Girlfriend of the famous James Potter, and Head Girl along with him as well."
Laura laughed. "But you know, I like being single. There's no worrying about spending a lot of time with your boyfriend, and I can concentrate more on my studies. After all, my O.W.L.s are this year, and I want to become an Auror when I grow older, since the threat of You-Know-Who is rising."
"All this rubbish about 'You-Know-Who'! It's Voldemort, and there's nothing scary about saying his name."
Everyone in the common room stopped what they were doing and stared at Lily in awe and reverence. Whoever was brave enough to say Voldemort's name nowadays were considered heroes.
"You said his name!" exclaimed Laura in a hushed voice. "But he could be anywhere!"
"Look, if you want to become an Auror, than you have to say his name," said James, edging closer to the girls.
Lily smiled at James. "Exactly."
"I feel so cowardly then," sighed Laura, her eyes downcast. "Me, scared of a name…I'm no Gryffindor."
"Of course you are. You weren't Sorted here for no reason."
"Lily…" whined James, pouting.
She glared at him. "What, James?"
"You aren't paying any attention to me. Hey, Laura, d'you mind if I borrow my girlfriend from you?"
Laura giggled and shook her head. "No, go ahead."
"Laura! You're leaving me with this buffoon!"
"Hey! I may be a buffoon, but I'm your buffoon!"
Lily laughed along with Laura. "Oh, very well, then. Bye, Laura!"
"Bye, Lily."
She turned to James. "Did you have to interrupt like that?"
"Only if I can be with my girl more, yes."
Lily sighed. "You really know how to get a girl, Potter."
"I know. You're the perfect one for me. I do have good taste, after all." James kissed her forehead lightly. "I love you."
"Hem, hem."
They both turned around to see Kenneth Hughes grinning at them like crazy, his light brown curls tumbled wildly around his head, which made his hair looked oddly like James'.
"Hello," said James pleasantly.
"Potter." He nodded curtly. "Evans."
"Can we help you?"
"Yes, actually. Er—you know, it's Emmeline's birthday soon—March eighth—and I need to get her a birthday present. Do you have any ideas?" He looked pleadingly at them.
"Jewelry?" suggested Lily, after a while of thought.
"She has to much of those beady things."
"Cosmetics?" said James, making a face. Obviously, Kenneth didn't agree either, for he made a disgusted face as well.
"I know!" cried Lily triumphantly. "A nice book, preferably a novel. I always love getting those."
The two boys turned to look at her incredulously, their eyebrows raised.
"What?" she said defensively. "I do!"
"Emmeline's more of a girl," explained Kenneth. "You know, like one of those giggly girls that always pass us fellows in the hallways and stare like fish."
James smiled. "How about a locket? I saw some really pretty ones in that little shop next to Madam Puddifoot's."
"That's perfect! Thanks, James." The younger boy shook his hand with ebullience and ran frenetically out of the common room, nearly sending the Fat Lady off her hinges.
"Does he really like her that much?" said Lily discreditably.
"Probably. Our hormones are still in work, you know."
"That's true."
James yawned and lay down on his back. "I'm so bored. There's nothing to do."
"We can study for our Charms quiz," offered Lily.
"No, I know that rubbish already."
"Look over Potions notes?"
"Nah, I already know how to brew the Draught of Living Death."
"Practice transfiguring a desk into a pig?"
"No way, that's too simple. C'mon, Lily, no studying please. Tell me something nice."
"We can go to the kitchens," she said with a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
"Been there too many times."
"JAMES! You're not helping."
"Sorry, Lily, but everything's too boring."
"I'll make it less boring." And with that said, Lily kissed James square on the lips, which made him bolt upright in surprise.
"Whoa, am I interrupting something?" Sirius raised an eyebrow.
"No, Padfoot, just a snog session with my girlfriend," said James, grinning at Lily teasingly.
"A ha! I knew I'd catch you two doing something like that. Oh, and Prongs, just to let you know, I'll be moving out of your house by this summer. My uncle Alphard gave me a bit of gold to at least get a place of my own. Dear old Mum probably blasted him off the tapestry, too. Anyone associated with me gets off the dear family three." He laughed bitterly.
"All right…" James looked rather taken aback at Sirius' sudden announcement.
"Don't worry, Prongs, I'll still visit you."
"But Sirius"—Sirius immediately tensed, as whenever the Marauders used their first names, it was meant to be serious (no pun intended)—"shouldn't you visit your family before you get your own place? You know, just to let them know how you're doing."
"Nothing would make me do that, Prongs. My family doesn't give a damn about me, since they think I'm a blood traitor because I'm mingling with other blood traitors like the Potters."
"We're a very respectable family," said James, his voice sounding stiff and superior all of a sudden.
"Yeah, don't worry about that; Mum's just jealous."
"Sirius," said Lily, "is it true that your brother's a Death Eater?"
His face darkened. "I've heard such, but I don't know if it's true. Mum and Dad are always saying that Voldemort's got the right idea about getting rid of Muggles and Muggle-borns, but I'm sure that they're not aware of how he's getting rid of them. They don't read the Daily Prophet."
"Anyone up for some Quidditch?" said James, trying to lighten up the mood.
"James, we just had practice yesterday," said Sirius, exasperated.
"So? This is our last year at Hogwarts, Padfoot. I want to win that Cup!"
"Prongs, we've won it ever since we joined the team in our second year. After all, who could beat a team with Potter and Black in it?"
Lily laughed, as did James. Sirius was always one to cheer up everyone and brighten gloomy moods.
"Hey, Moony," said Sirius, his voice lower, "when's the full moon?"
"It was last week, Sirius," said Remus, looking at his friend critically.
"Oh, I was afraid you'd say that. I'm so bored."
"Well, don't go hexing Snape, now, or Lily would have a fit like last time."
"Who cares? I want to hex Snivelly, Prongs. You coming?"
"No, Padfoot, I think I'll stay here."
"Aww…c'mon, Prongs, be a sport! You said you were bored, too."
"I know, but that's no reason to hex Snivellus just because we're bored."
"That's right," encouraged Lily, nodding her head, "listen to James, Sirius. Or rather, Padfoot." She grinned wickedly.
"Actually, I don't think it's a good idea," said Sirius hastily, noticing Lily's look. "Up for a game of chess, Bellsies?"
"Wow, you are evil, Lils," said James, impressed. "I've never seen Sirius so frightened in his life."
"Yes, I am, aren't I?" Lily smiled and leaned against James.
"You know, you've really loosened up throughout these past years."
"Really?" She straightened herself up. "Explain, please."
"I mean, you used to be such a bossy, know-it-all in our first year." He grinned and ducked a swat that was aimed at him. "You were just like that Hermione."
"For your information, Hermione is a very nice girl and very sensible, unlike that son of yours…"
"He's yours, too."
"Unfortunately. I can see that he has his father's knack of getting into trouble too often."
"Damn straight!"
"James Potter, how many times have I told you to refrain from using such crude language? Swearing does not benefit you in any way."
"Lily, you shouldn't be worrying about crude language, when Voldemort is taking over. We have to put aside those paltry things that we used to worry about and focus on the more important things."
"Yes." Lily looked away, feeling ashamed of herself. "Yes, you're right, of course."
James sighed and looked out of the window, where the grounds were still covered with a thin layer of snow. He was extremely worried about Voldemort's reign of power. He was slowly gathering more followers each day, and he knew that nearly half of them were Sirius' relatives, who've always supported Voldemort's ideas about purebloods taking over. And his parents, who were one of the most elite Aurors in the Ministry, were nearly working overtime each day. They've written very few letters to him recently, and James didn't blame them one bit, for he knew that they were too busy investigating Voldemort's victims and where he would strike next.
Lily looked over at her boyfriend, worried. She knew that James' parents were one of the targets of Voldemort, because they had a high position in the Ministry as one of the top Aurors. If something ever happened to Mr. and Mrs. Potter, James would be heartbroken for sure. And yet, her family was in danger as well. She was well acquainted with Voldemort, meeting him on three various occasions, and narrowly escaping him along with James. Because of that, and also because of the fact that she was Muggle-born, she and her family were targets as well.
They both knew that they were in grave danger, but felt safer in each other's arms just then.
***
Lily was sweating all over, but she beamed as her desk transfigured into an otter easily. She had passed the test with an "O", and Professor McGonagall had even given her one of her rare smiles.
"Ten points to Gryffindor, Ms. Evans," she said, with a tight-lipped smile.
James, of course, had easily done the transfiguration, since his wand was very powerful and especially adept at the subject.
"Ten points to Gryffindor, Mr. Potter," said McGonagall, but she did not offer him a smile, for she was too used to him getting everything correct.
"Thank you, Professor," said James, nodding.
Professor McGonagall blinked. "Excuse me, Mr. Potter? I believe I did not hear you correctly. Did you just thank me?"
"Well, yes," said James, nonplussed. "After all, you did award Gryffindor ten points."
"Is this some kind of prank, Potter?"
"No, Professor." James frowned.
"All right, then. Well, you're welcome, then, Potter." However, McGonagall still looked apprehensive and stared at her classroom, as if waiting for something to happen. But nothing did.
Then the bell rang, and everyone exited the room, while Professor McGonagall still looked extremely surprised at the thought of James Potter thanking her.
"Why did you thank Professor McGonagall?" asked Lily curiously. "You never thank anyone."
"Is it a crime to start being polite?" said James, annoyed.
"Well, no," admitted Sirius, "what she meant was that you surprised everyone."
James shrugged. "It's not too much. After all, with Voldemort gathering so many followers, everything we used to think was big is now inconsequential."
"True," concurred Remus. "You know, you're quite right, Prongs. I'm glad you've finally grown up."
"Oh, that's rich," he returned sarcastically. "You mean I've been immature all my life?"
"Yes," they all chorused.
"James, will you go out with me?" asked a Ravenclaw seventh-year, smiling at him shyly.
"Sorry, I already have a steady girlfriend," said James. "Surely you knew that."
"Oh, right." Her face fell. "Lily Evans. Sorry I asked." The Ravenclaw went away without another word.
"Well, you're quite popular with the ladies still, Prongs," said Sirius, nodding approvingly. "Even though you're now attached, they still want you."
"Which is not something to be proud of," added Lily, her green eyes flashing with jealousy.
"Don't worry, I won't leave you," reassured James.
"There goes Snivellus," said Sirius, his eyes following Snape and his gang's every move. "Can we just hex him once, Prongs?"
James' eyes traveled to the black-haired boy, who was now staring at them, waiting for him to hex him. "No, Sirius," he said in a final tone.
"Prongs, you're no fun anymore." His face fell.
"Grow up, Sirius," said Arabella angrily. "Haven't you realized it already? Life is not about hexing Snape until he becomes stripped of all his clothing. With Voldemort on the rise, I thought that you'd have some sense like James."
"It's 'James this' and 'James that'!" exclaimed Sirius furiously. "Why does everything revolve around Potter? It's always 'James is the best' or 'James is so cute', but never 'Sirius always does the right thing'. Well, excuse me for not playing the hero like he does! He saved Snivellus that night of the full moon from Remus, and now he's setting an example for everyone. What about me, James…our friendship? What has it become?"
Everyone grew silent after Sirius' outburst, and even the Slytherins stopped to listen. James felt extremely guilty. It was true that everyone looked up at him, but did Sirius have to be so selfish? However, he knew that he had lost this time, for something in his and Sirius' friendship was lost, and would never be recovered again. He had been neglecting his best friend, and spending more time with Lily or the prefects. He was so busy that he had forgotten all about Sirius, who was always there for him.
"I'm sorry," he finally said. "You're right, Sirius; I have been ignoring you lately. I'm sorry, Lils"—he turned to his girlfriend—"but I need to spend more time with my best friend now."
Lily nodded. "Of course, James."
James walked to Gryffindor Tower with Sirius at his heels. He said the password, and went straight up to his dormitory without another word. When he flopped on his bed and pulled something out, Sirius began to speak.
"Look, I'm really sorry about what happened out there—"
"No." James cut him off. "You're right. I have been ignoring you, and that's a terrible sin. We've been best friends since forever, and I want to spend some time with you. Really."
Sirius broke into a grin. "Thanks, Prongs."
"Anytime, Padfoot. Hey, look what I got out!"
"Our Marauder album!" exclaimed Sirius in delight. "We haven't added to it in ages. You know, Moony and Wormtail should be here, too."
"I know, but I just want to spend time with you, only. Moony and Wormtail are my friends too, but you're my best friend."
James got out the album, and he and Sirius were flipping through it, laughing, crying, or plain smiling. It consisted of pictures, notes, and any other random item that related to their adventures at Hogwarts. Their favorite one was the one taken by the lake in their first year. A small James was seated on a rock, and Remus and Peter were next to him. Little Sirius had his arms around the three of them, and they were all laughing at his antics. Yes, those were the times…but the happy days were now long gone forever.
"I miss those days," said Sirius softly. "Where we were all carefree and happy. But heck, I'd rather have you and Lily together than fighting like children."
James smiled. "Yeah. I do miss those days, too. There was no Voldemort, no chaos in the Ministry…"
"It was almost like an utopia."
"Yeah, but it doesn't matter. We've got each other, and that's all that matters."
Sirius grinned. "You sound so cliché, Prongs."
"So what if I do? The girls love a man who says these overly-romantic things."
"Glad to have the old Prongs back, too."
James grabbed his best friend and gave him a fierce embrace.
"Whoa, now we're doing the hugging thing?"
He laughed. "Nah. I'm just happy that you're my friend, Padfoot."
Sirius hugged him back. "I'm glad too, Prongs. And even though we love our women"—James snorted loudly—"we'll always be best friends and never even let girls or Voldemort get into our way. Right?"
James was too surprised to speak. "I do believe that's the most intelligent thing you've ever said in our life, Padfoot."
"Aww…shut up!"
They both laughed, sealing their friendship tighter than ever.
***
"I'd like to thank you two for planning my birthday party," said Emmeline, beaming with happiness.
"Well, it was all Kenneth's idea," said Lily modestly.
Emmeline gasped, and hugged her boyfriend tightly, while everyone, even Regulus, cheered loudly.
Lily smiled as James put his arm around her. "Settle down, now. Let's get started on business, shall we?"
"About what?" interjected Regulus rather rudely.
James closed his eyes and stiffened visibly, trying to assuage the urge to slap the younger Black. "Five points from Slytherin, Mr. Black."
"What?" cried the young Black angrily. "You can't do that!"
"Oh, I have just as much power as the teachers to, Black. You're not one to talk about unfairness; Hurst docks off points from Gryffindor even when we breathe."
"As he should." Regulus sneered. "You Gryffindors pollute the air by breathing. You always take away oxygen that we should have."
"Stuff it," muttered James viciously. "Anyway, back to business. Now, for those staying here in the Easter holidays, you will be enjoying a feast for the first time at Hogwarts in many years."
"Why?" asked Brett Fawcett, the other Ravenclaw prefect.
"Well—er—Dumbledore didn't explain any details, but I think he wanted us to enjoy life here before Voldemort takes over."
There were audible gasps all around the room, and James rolled his eyes at Lily.
"Surely you're not afraid of speaking his name, are you?"
"You said the Dark Lord's name," stammered Regulus, too stunned to make a comeback.
James shrugged. "So I did. What's the big deal? It's just a name."
"But he might hear you any time," said Emmeline in the same hushed voice as Laura had used.
"Ha! He's not that powerful."
"My father," said Irwin Macmillan in a bombast tone, "said that he knew Legilimency."
"I hear he does, too," conceded James, "but that doesn't mean he can hear everything. 'Sides, there are ways to block a Legilimens, such as Occlumency."
"Do you know it then?"
"Unfortunately, no, but I'm sure I can learn it."
"Your parents were in the Prophet last week," said Joanne Lawrence, a Hufflepuff. "They praised them very well."
"Yeah, I was thinking of becoming an Auror, too," said James casually.
"That's dangerous!" gasped Emmeline, her eyes widening.
"Yes, it is, but I still want to do it," said James obdurately. "Now, as I was saying—"
"You might get killed," said Lurietta Marcelo, a Slytherin, though she hardly sounded disappointed.
"I know. Now, back to the Easter—"
"You wouldn't care," shot back Laura, who looked completely livid. "Dad's told me that your family are all supporters of the Dark Arts and You-Know-Who!"
"Ha! What would you know, you filthy half-Mudblood?"
"How dare you!"
"Oh, yeah? Well, I ought to—"
"Oh, shut UP!" roared James, and with a flick of his wand, Lurietta had promptly stopped talking, though her mouth was still moving furiously.
"Very nice, James," lauded Lily, fighting back the urge to laugh. "But we are at a prefect meeting, and you should be taking it off, as admirable as it is."
"Right." James turned pink and took the charm off.
"You'll pay for that, Potter!" exclaimed Lurietta furiously.
"Twenty points from Slytherin, Marcelo," snapped James, "for such abominable name-calling, like Mr. Black, and for insulting the Head Boy and one of your fellow prefects."
"You're abusing your position as Head Boy!" cried Regulus in a rage. "It isn't fair."
"Oh, it is, Mr. Black," said Lily coolly. "Insulting the heads and a fellow prefect does not have light consequences. I think that Mr. Potter is doing his part quite sufficiently."
"You'd think," spat Regulus, "'cause you're his girlfriend."
"I am perfect impartial and objective toward the prefects, Mr. Black, so I kindly refrain you from saying further."
The rest of the meeting went smoothly, and to no one's surprise, Regulus and Lurietta remained quiet and sullen the whole time.
"Well, that was interesting," commented Lily, as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower.
"These Slytherins are getting worse and worse," groaned James. "Couldn't Dumbledore just not put any of them as prefects? They're evil, all of them!"
"Not necessarily. There can be some good person who is in Slytherin because they are very ambitious. Being in Slytherin does not make you evil, James."
"Yeah, but if you were evil, you'd be a Slytherin. Quite simple."
Lily sighed, shaking her head. "Sometimes I wonder about you, James Potter."
"You know you love me, Lily, so there's no need," said James smugly.
"Whatever."
"Hey, Lily, James!"
They both turned around to see Joanne Lawrence running toward them, her face rather pink and her hair out of her usual ponytail.
"Er—hello," said James, surprised.
"I just wanted to tell you two that you're one of the bravest people I know," she said breathlessly.
"Thank you," said Lily, rather taken aback. "I'm quite surprised."
"As I am, as well," added James.
Joanne blushed. "Well, you see, I've always been cowardly and insignificant…the Sorting Hat said so…and I've always admired Gryffindors for their courage and sacrifice. I mean, look at you two! Destined to become great Aurors and fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Names! While, I, Joanne Lawrence, can't even say You-Know-Who's name."
"Being a Gryffindor doesn't mean you're brave," corrected James. "I mean, look at me. I don't think I qualify as a 'brave' person; I'm just reckless and do things without much apparent thought. It's just like being a Ravenclaw doesn't make you all brainy, or being a Hufflepuff makes you stupid and an outcast. I mean, even if you were a Slytherin, you wouldn't be necessarily evil! It all comes down to who you really are inside."
Lily, who had been extremely surprised at Joanne's comment before, nearly fell down in shock at James'. Never had he talked so philosophically and wisely as he did at that very moment and it shocked Lily tremendously. James Potter, philosophy, and wise were three words that never mixed together into one sentence. When one thought of "wise", they thought of Albus Dumbledore, and when one thought of "philosophy", they thought of Nicholas Flamel (or so the people who knew him did). But when one thought of "reckless" and "egotistical", that was when they thought of James Potter (or Sirius Black, for the matter). However, Lily thought wrong, for James could be equally clever and wise when he wanted or needed to be, and she was frankly astonished that he even used one of her own philosophies into his own when she had thought he never listened to her.
"Thank you, James!" exclaimed Joanne, flustered and pleased. "I feel much better now."
"I'll escort you back to your common room, Joanne," he offered kindly.
"Oh, no, I wouldn't want you to spend less time with Lily," she said, a hint of a grin playing on her lips. "Good-bye, then!" And with that said, she raced off to another direction of the castle, back to her common room, no doubt.
"You never cease to amaze me, Potter," said Lily, shaking her head, but smiling.
"I know; that's why you love me, right?"
Lily thought for a moment. Why did she love James? Well, for one thing, he was now extremely modest and humble. He was also funny, kind, and very clever. It was then that she realized that James was everything she'd ever wanted in a boy, and that she finally found her dream man. The small smile that was tugging at her lips became a full-fledged one, as she sighed contentedly, and crushed her boyfriend in a warm and welcoming hug.
James was rather surprised at the sudden hug that came out of the blue, but he dismissed it probably as one of Lily's hodgepodge thoughts again. But then, that was why he loved her, wasn't it? She was unique, one of a kind.
So when their faithful friends, who had been waiting patiently for them to come back to Gryffindor Tower, went off to search for them, that was where they found them: hugging, seeking the comfort of each other.
"How terribly romantic," commented Violet, her dark eyes acquiring a dreamy look.
"Oh, brother," moaned Jennifer. "Stop it already, Vi! I'll squash the romance out of you if it's the last thing I do."
"Now, now, I don't think I'd do that if I were you, Jenny," whispered Remus, pulling his girlfriend closer to him. "If there wasn't any love or romance in this world, how could we survive?"
"I suppose you're right," sighed Jennifer.
"Sh!" hissed Arabella, her gray eyes turning toward the hugging couple again. "You'll ruin the moment. Here—Sirius, get me your camera!"
"Accio camera," whispered Sirius, and his camera flew into his hands in an instant.
Arabella grabbed it eagerly, and took quick snapshots of the still hugging couple. "These will develop once when put them in the potion," she said, looking pleased.
Indeed, there was a reason for her to be pleased. For the picture expressed many different type of emotions: love, pain, misunderstandings, and blindness. It expressed all the obstacles that Lily and James went through, until they finally found love and comfort in each other.
***
"Arabella, how could you?" cried Lily, anguished, as she stared at the photo of her and James hugging in a corridor.
"I thought you'd be pleased," argued Arabella, rather puzzled. "I mean, it'd be a great memoir when you look back at it when you're a fifty-year-old woman."
"If I even live that long," she retorted.
"Oh…right. Well, then, give it to Harry when he's old enough."
"ARABELLA!"
"All right, then! But seriously, though, it was rather romantic when we saw it the other day. I mean, it expressed so much."
"That may be so, but you had no right to take a picture of a private moment! We could've been snogging, for all you'd know!"
"Or de-clothing each other," added Arabella, grinning wickedly at the thought.
Lily was aghast. "Oh, you have such a dirty mind."
"Don't you know it. I think Sirius influenced me, however."
"Yeah. I'll be surprised if you guys haven't even de-clothed yourselves already."
"You know I'd never!" exclaimed Arabella, her eyes widening. "Why, Sirius has more integrity than that. And you call me with a dirty mind."
"Oy! Bellsies, I've got the—oh, hello, Lily." Sirius stopped in mid-sentence as he spotted his girlfriend's best friend. "Have you talked it over with her yet?" he whispered to Arabella.
"Yes, but she doesn't agree," she whispered back.
Sirius groaned softly, but immediately regained composure as he thought of a plan. "Hey, Lily, you love Jamsies, is that right?"
"Yes…" Lily stared at him suspiciously.
"So you wouldn't mind if we took a picture of you guys…by accident, of course," he added hastily.
"Oh, Merlin! Just forget about all this, and you guys can distribute the picture; I could care less anymore. C'mon, let's see it."
Sirius handed the picture to Lily meekly. Lily took one look at the picture and flushed brightly. Even though her best friends still didn't have permission to interfere with such privacy, she had to admit that it was very romantic all the same, if it was taken by illegal means.
"It's decent," she said, nodding.
"Excellent!" Sirius beamed, and Arabella grinned.
"Don't show it to James just yet, though. He'll throw a bigger fit than I did."
"We won't," reassured Arabella, still smiling.
They, of course, did show it to James, courtesy of Sirius. After all, when had they actually listened to Lily? Of course, they should have, as Lily was right again.
"SIRIUS BLACK, HOW COULD YOU? THAT WAS MEANT TO BE A PRIVATE MOMENT!" roared James, staring at the photo.
"It was Arabella's idea," his best friend said in a small voice.
"But it was your camera," accused James angrily.
"We're sorry, Prongs," said Remus with equanimity. "We didn't realize you could be so disagreeable about it."
"What? I am not." However, James knew that he easily lost the argument, for he could never have Remus' cool sense of logic.
"Of course you are. It's just a stupid photo. It's not like we interrupted a snog or a, shall we say, an extremely private moment. You may dispose of it if you wish."
James opened his mouth, about to say that he wanted to get rid of it at once, no doubt, but clamped it shut almost at once. "You may keep it, if you want."
"Thanks, Prongs! I knew you'd come by sooner or later." Sirius grinned and pocketed the picture carefully, not knowing that that one picture would change the life of a boy living twenty years later into the future.
"Does Lily know about this?"
"Oh, yes, of course. Bella told her first, and she told us not to tell you just yet, since Lily was afraid you might blow a casket—which you did, by the way. So, my point is—"
"Shut up, Padfoot," said Remus wearily. "You don't have a point. Stop rambling."
"I love you too, Moony."
"WHAT?"
"I was joking!"
"Well, you'd better be!"
"Oh, shut it, the both of you," grumbled James. "Now, where's my copy?"
"Of what?"
"Of the photo, Padfoot! Surely you don't think I can pass the opportunity, can you?"
Sirius glanced at his best mate in surprise. "Er—sure."
James went down to the common room, and sank into a chair, and closed his eyes.
"James?"
He opened his eyes and blinked. "Hey, Lils."
"What are you doing here?"
"Just thinking."
"About…?"
"About how lucky I am to have a girl like you."
Lily smiled inwardly, though she tried her best to frown. "You know you can't sweet-talk me forever, Potter."
"I know. But I also know that I can try."
"You're sweet." Lily cuddled next to James, and buried her face in his chest.
He chuckled lightly. "Again, I try to make everything possible for you, Lily."
Feels like I'm standing in a timeless dream
Of light mists of pale amber rose
Feels like I'm lost in a deep cloud of heavenly scent
Touching, discovering you
Those days of warm rains come rushing back to me
Miles of windless summer night air
Secret moments shared in the heat of the afternoon
Out of the stillness soft-spoken words
Say, say it again
I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
You've got the most unbelievable blue eyes I've ever seen
You've got me almost melting away
As we lay there under a blue sky with pure white stars
Exotic sweetness a magical time
Say, say it again
I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
Say you'll love, love me forever
Never stop never whatever
Near and far and always and everywhere and every
Say you'll love, love me forever
Never stop never whatever
Near and far and always and everywhere and every
Say you'll love, love me forever
Never stop never whatever
Near and far and always and everywhere and every
Say you'll love, love me forever
Never stop never whatever
Near and far and always and everywhere and everything
I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
I love you always forever
Near and far closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
James loved Lily, and Lily loved James. It was like a match made right down in heaven, with a dark-haired boy and a bright redhead girl making love right below the sky. Whenever they touched each other, it was like magic. All emotions sparked between them, almost tangible enough for people to actually see. It was like everyone said: they were always meant to be.
- - - - -
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns the characters, I own the plot (which will never be as good as hers), and Donna Lewis owns the lyrics to her song, "I Love You Always Forever".
A/N: OMG, I took forever on this chapter! And it may be the last chapter up before school starts *tear* Oh, and this really sucked, too. Their seventh year won't have anything really exciting (I mean, come on, they've gotten together already!), just some major fluff. So if you don't like fluff (which I hope you do), then don't kill me for writing a lot of it. Turn away if you have to! And please don't ask why I even chose to add Donna Lewis' lyrics into my song (I know "Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden would've been more fitting, but hey, no one's perfect). I think I was just being weird.
Thank you to my reviewers:
Kady Rilla Wholi – Whoa, so many questions! *smile* Now, let's see…yes, it is the same Emmeline Vance from the Order, no, I cannot kill Regulus, though I really want to, yes, I will go up to graduation as well as their deaths, and I have no idea when they'll get married or have Harry. I think that's all of it :P Thanks for reviewing!
James-Padfoot – Hehe, yeah, I absolutely love L/J fics! It's my number one ship :D
Phedre no Delauney de Montreve – Of course I will email you when the next chapter is ready. And for anyone else who'd like that as well, please tell me!
SilentMidnight – Well, what can I say? I love fluff! Yes, hopefully, I can update soon.
Kat44 – You know, I actually think that J.K. Rowling gets a lot of her names from constellations and stars…you know, with Sirius, Andromeda, etc. And yes, I like Kelly Clarkson, too!
Erynwen – Glad you can endure my fluff! ;)
alya – I'm glad they're going out as well :)
Brook – Yeah…hopefully I can make it all happy before everything starts to fall apart for poor Lily and James.
X-Girl X-File – Yeah, I always think that everyone else's L/J stories are just WRONG. I mean, they make Lily so OOC, and James too cocky and mean. Oh well :P Thanx for reviewing!
Catherine – Thanks!
Agloechen – Thank you! I'll update ASAP :)
Fabiana – Thank you for reviewing!
littocherryblossom – Well, I loved the fifth HP book, but the ending was so sad anyway! Thanks for reviewing!
Hermione101888 – Yeah, I was getting a little annoyed at James' behavior, LOL. Gracias for your kind comments :D
howdyfolks23 – I will! Thanks!
Aurora – Thank you :)