A/N: This is my newest story Surviving the Journey of Love! It is a James and Lily story, and hopefully it should be a long story. There will be some fluff, but there are going to be some rather nasty breakups and fights. Please R&R! Thank You! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All I own is anything not in the books and the plot. Everything else belongs to the fabulous mind of JKR and her sponsors.

Chapter One: Return to Hogwarts

"Lily, are you ready? We should be leaving in a few minutes!" Lily Evans tore her emerald green eyes away from the mirror.

"Yes Mum! I'll be down in a minute!" She stood up and smoothed her chocolate brown pleated skirt and looked back into the glass. The bottom of the skirt swished around her knees. Her soft green turtle neck matched her eyes perfectly, and her graceful red hair bounced at her shoulders. She placed her bag around her shoulders and flicked off the light. She saw her trunk being loaded into the car. Her parents had bought it for her birthday last year, and she was quite fond of it. It was pretty much the same as her old trunk, but there were white lilies swirling around the edges and her name was on a little brass plate on the latch. Lily had spent a good deal of time carefully placing her clothes and books into the trunk. With the beginning of her sixth year she had to buy more than ever, including a fair amount of breakable items. Lily stepped out into the brisk September air. It was unusually cold, the sky rumbling with gray clouds. She turned to her mother, who was talking to her sister.

"Now Petunia are you sure you don't want to come and see your sister off?" Petunia looked at the ground, arms folded across her chest.

"No Mum. I think I'll be ok here by myself," she said in a soft sarcastic tone. Lily couldn't tell whether or not her mother heard it. Lily and Petunia had never really gotten along. Her mother kissed Petunia on the cheek and sighed.

"Alright dear. We'll be back shortly."

"Come on Gwyn! We'll miss the train," Lily's father called as he slammed the trunk shut. Lily bounded down the steps and sat in the car. Her mother sat in the front seat and the engine rumbled. Soon they were speeding across the roads, the gray clouds turning into a deeper shade of black. She closed her eyes and smiled. Lily loved to think about Hogwarts. She couldn't wait to be back at the castle. The classes, the Quidditch, the balls, the everything. Her thoughts abruptly came to a halt as a face appeared in her mind. She sighed in disgust.

"Potter..." She was sure he would be just as horrible as he had been last year. He would still play pranks, get detentions, and try to bully her into going out with him. Lily smiled again. She was probably the only girl who had ever met James Potter who didn't instantly fall in love with him.

"Honey, were here." Lily shook her head. It wasn't the time to think of Potter at a time like this. She wanted to be happy on her first day back. They rolled her trunks and other items on one of the silver carts. They didn't even stop when the reached Platforms 9 and 10. All three of them casually walked right onto Platform 9¾. Lily smiled even more when she saw the scarlet engine.

"LILY!" She turned around to see her best friend Phoebe Matthews run up to her. She hugged her tightly.

"I missed you! It was so lonely in India without you!" Phoebe was very tan, her deep brown eyes shining. Her long silvery blonde hair was pulled in a ponytail. "Hello Mr. Evans, Mrs. Evans," she added courteously to Lily's parents.

"Phoebe, we missed you this summer. Lily talked constantly about your trip to India."

"It was wonderful! Very beautiful and exotic! I got so much jewelry and stuff for my hair." She turned around to reveal the gold painted wood holding her ponytail in place. "And don't worry Lily. I got you and the others plenty! But I'm glad to be home. It might take awhile to get used to the weather again." Mr. Evans nodded and looked up to the now rumbling sky.

"The rain is certainly starting early this year." Suddenly the Hogwarts Express bellowed its whistle. Lily embraced her mother and father, kissed them hard on the cheek and ran with Phoebe up to the train and they quickly ran up the small steps.

"There better be some compartments left. We go on pretty late," Lily said, pulling Phoebe to the back of the train. She sighed with relief, as the last one was open. They pulled the glass door open and pushed their trunks to the top of racks above the seats. The windows immediately became spattered as huge raindrops began to fall from the sky. Phoebe pulled out a bag and pulled the contents out. There were beautiful solid perfumes in tiny jars, necklaces, bracelets, and arrays of other items. The laughed and chatted about theirs summer. Phoebe laughed especially hard as Lily told her about Petunia accidentally dying her hair blue.

"And her boyfriend Vernon wouldn't go near her for weeks till it grew out..." They were interrupted at the sounds of feet rushing towards their compartment. Four teenage boys came bustling in. Two of them sat down, and talked as if nothing had happened. Phoebe frowned.

"Excuse me? Nobody gave you permission to sit down." One of the two stepped forward and turned.

"She's right James, Sirius." He smiled sweetly at Lily and Phoebe. "We're sorry, but everywhere else is full." He pointed to the two sitting down. "And I promise to try to keep these two in check." Sirius Black looked up.

"Yeah, Evans we'll be good." James Potter put something back into his pocket.

"Sorry about disturbing you." Lily was about to snap at him, but the look on his face was so sincere it shocked her.

"F-fine," she said shakily. Phoebe moved her stuff and the boys sat down. They sat and whispered, paying no attention to the two girls. After minutes of silence between the two of them, they began to giggle and laugh again. But every time Lily looked up she could see James staring at her and their eyes met, sending warmth all over her body. She tried to shake off the feeling. How could she be feeling like this? What was it about James Potter at this moment that reached her so much? The hours passed by slowly, the room getting even more crowded as they bought packages of candy as the trolley rolled passed them. Lily grew suspicious as James smiled softly and kept showing the other three something from inside his pocket. Finally the darkness set in and the girls left to change. When they came back, the boys were still sitting in their muggle clothes.

"You guys better get dressed! We'll be there any minute!" Sirius shrugged and turned back to their game of Exploding Snap, but James looked into Lily's eyes. Something twisted her insides as his deep hazel eyes pierced hers.

"She's right. We better get ready." The others watched with wide eyes as he got up and walked out. They grumbled and followed him. Lily stood where she was for a moment. He was different... something had changed. But could that really possible?

"Lily, you ok?"

"Yeah Pheebs. Just thinking."

"About what." There was a smirk on her face.

"Nothing. Nothing important."

"You were thinking about James." It wasn't a question. Lily opened her mouth in protest.

"I was not!"

"Was too."

"Was not!"

"Was too Lily. You did notice how he was staring at you the entire trip." Lily bit her lip.

"Was not..."she said softly.

"Was not what?" James and the other walked back in fully robed. Lily shook her head softly.

"Absolutely nothing!" Lily groaned and sat down.

"Don't bother sitting. We're here," Peter Pettigrew said as he peered out the dark window. The rain had stopped and Lily could see clusters of stars peeking out from behind the clouds. She stepped out into the night air. Surprisingly it didn't feel as brisk; it was warm with a trace of the cold in the gentle wind.

"Firs' years, this way," Hagrid called. Lily saw the waves of the lake lapping softly against the shore. He chuckled as James walked passed him.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"James, I think this is the first year since you came to Hogwarts without one of the Professors getting a note about you doing something on the train." James smiled and Lily saw that old flash of mischief cross his face.

"You know Hagrid, I think your right."

"I'll see you at the feast!" Lily and Phoebe ran up to one of the last horseless carriages and left the boys in the other direction. Soon the carriage began to rumble up to the castle. Lily let the darkness spill over her face as she stared up into the night sky. It was so peaceful, so serene. Phoebe just sat there with a knowing smile on her face. She knew Lily was thinking about James. She just knew it.

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"Well, James I'm impressed," Remus said softly as his friend showed him the necklace.

"Gosh Prongs, you've gone soft," Sirius added. Peter nodded.

"Yeah, I think she'll love it."

"If I can even get near her." James looked up and smiled. She was so beautiful. A glow seemed to emit from her. She giggled softly and suddenly raised her head, red locks swishing around her shoulders. For a moment their eyes met. The green of hers stuck him to his seat. They both quickly looked back at their friends.

"I've got to get her this year, I don't think I can stand it any longer. I'll do anything." He slowly turned his eyes back to her. He sighed. She was so perfect. Now, more than ever, James Potter was sure he loved Lily. And he would do anything to get her.

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The steps leading to the front doors were slightly wet. Soft candlelight engulfed Lily as she walked into Hogwarts. It felt like she had never left, the suits of armor still seemed to gleam brightly, and she knew she was home. They all walked into the Great Hall, the house flags waving merrily behind the teacher's table, the coat of arms high in the middle. Phoebe pulled her down to the seat as they saw the first years walk into the room. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on the stool and it began to sing...

From the days since Hogwarts began The founders formed a clever plan To sort you all to your home Where your qualities would be shown...

Lily turned her head as she heard a snicker. Sirius was holding his hand over his mouth, trying to hold back fits of laughter. She sighed. Some things would never change. She prepared herself for some horrible prank, flying food or something. They never failed to pull something off. Lily could tell the teachers thought so too. Professor Marchand was eyeing them with his sharp black eyes. Applause broke out, and Professor McGonagall called the first name.

"Adams, Cayle" Lily next heard the hat call out SLYTHERIN! For some reason she couldn't help herself from staring down at James. She still felt something run throughout her body. She placed her head in one of her hands. The feeling was still there, her heart beat quicker. The blood in her veins rushed quicker. She spent the rest of the Sorting looking down at the golden plates. Phoebe didn't notice, she was busy chatting with the others. They were all good friends, meeting on the Hogwarts Express in their first year. There was Brooke Rozek, Gabrielle Norman, Miranda Smith, and Rebecca Williams. All Gryffindors, they immediately shared a bond. They all seemed to fit into a category. Brooke was flirtatious, Gabrielle was shy, Miranda was sporty and active in tons of clubs, and Rebecca was extremely smart. Phoebe was the graceful sophisticated one. Lily seemed to be the leader, excelling in studies as well as being "absolutely gorgeous" as her friends put it. Usually she was the center of activity, but thankfully, none of them were paying much attention to the quiet Lily. The only time she took her eyes off the plates was when she heard Dumbledore begin his speech.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. To all first years the Forbidden Forest is strictly off bounds. Many of our older students should remember this as well." Eyes flickered down to James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter. Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Mr.Pringle would also like to state that he has added 25 new forbidden items to his list. They may be viewed in his office. Now, let the feast begin!" The dishes filled with trays of creamy mashed potatoes and boats of gravy. Lily suddenly felt very hungry and the feeling went away. She stocked her plate and listened to her friends continue about their summers. Brooke kept flipping her chocolate brown curls in Sirius's direction. She bent in closer to Lily.

"I still like Sirius! I can't believe it. He's just so...him. But he is just so cute. Don't you agree? The cutest of the Marauders."

"The what?"

"Marauders. That's the nickname for their little prank playing group." She glanced back down towards Sirius and flipped her hair again. "So, isn't he the cutest?" Lily took the chance to look at James. Once again, his hazel eyes met hers. She blushed, heat rising in her cheeks. Brooke looked back to them and then at Lily for a few times.

"Lily?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you like James?" Lily wasn't expecting that. She choked on the warm cider in her mouth.

"What?"

"You heard me?"

"No way! You know how I feel about James." She tried to hide the heat filling her cheeks.

"But...he seems to have changed." Brooke smiled, as she said this. Lily grinned sheepishly. She looked at her plate, which was empty of food. Her eyes began to droop.

"I think I'll go to bed. I'm completely exhausted," Phoebe nodded.

"Yeah, me too. I'll catch up with you in a minute." Lily smiled and walked up and left the room. She was just about to head up the stairs when a silky voice.

"Where do you think you're going mudblood?" She turned to see Lucius Malfoy lurking in the corner.

"That's none of you business," she said coolly. She headed up a few stairs.

"I wasn't finished talking to you."

"Well I was finished talking to you." She continued going up, till she heard a voice from the doors.

"Lily, DUCK!" She knelt down, but the jet of purple light sliced her hand. Blood immediately broke from her soft skin. James ran up to her, followed closely by Phoebe, Brooke, and her other friends. Gabrielle cried and hugged Lily.

"Oh, Lils!"

"You ok Evans?" James said softly.

"Yeah, I'll be alright. Thanks."

"You're cut." He pulled out a handkerchief and took he hand in his. Lily slightly shuddered as the warmth of his hand touched hers. He wrapped the cut carefully and smiled at her.

"That'll hold you over for awhile." The other Marauders appeared at his side.

"Yeesh, that freak can't even wait till to tomorrow," Sirius said rubbing his hair.

"We'll see you girls later," Remus said politely and they all ran up the stairs.

"What happened to Malfoy?" Lily asked. Miranda frowned in disgust.

"Git took off when James pulled out his wand." Gabrielle giggled.

"He's cute isn't he?" Rebecca nodded happily. Lily gasped.

"Malfoy? Are you crazy?"

"No silly! James!" Rebecca said laughing.

"Sure is! And..." Gabrielle smiled slyly, "I think he likes you!" Lily sighed. She was too tired to deal with the merciless teasing of he friends.

"Well, at least they all haven't pulled a prank yet. I think the teachers were surprised."

"Yeah, I just know they're going to pull something off during classes tomorrow. I swear I saw Sirius looking at something James gave him and they were all laughing and smiling."

"Uggh, lets get off the topic. I want to go to bed!" Lily cried. And they all made their way up the stairs, and Lily chuckled.

"Maybe, he's changed..." But she doubted it. James Potter would always be James Potter.

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"Don't worry James, we'll get him back!" Peter said seriously.

"Yeah, we'll destroy him!" Sirius laughed mischievously. James rubbed his eyes.

"I know. At least we were there to help Lily." He thought of her warm hand, how soft it was. That was the only time he ever really touched her, the only time she had let him.

"So, guys what pranks are we going to pull off on our first day back?" Peter asked. James chuckled.

"Guys! I'm trying to show Lily I've deflated my head! How can I do that if I run around pranking people?"

"James!" Sirius said. "You are going to prank whether you like it or not. Plus, Lily might be suspicious if you don't act a little like your old self."

"Yeah, she might think you're planning something." Remus looked at him thoughtfully.

"James, don't rush into it. I doubt she hated everything you did. Give it some time. You don't want to change too much." He grinned. "Plus, you're off to a good start. I know she was looking at you during the feast." James sighed.

"Fine, fine." A smile crept onto his face. "But I was worrying how much fun I'd be able to have!"

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A/N: So, that's the end of the first chapter. Sorry if it got a little sloppy at the end. Just so you all know, James and the others didn't make that big of a change. It's going to take some time. I hope you R&R!