A/N: Before you try to hit me for not updating so long, read this chapter and then judge for yourself whether that's a wise decision or not.
Blackmail and Confession
Once again, Lily made her way down from the steps of the dormitory- this time to the library. She checked that the coast is clear and listened for any sounds. She had reached the library successfully without being caught. The next step was to locate the book that she needed. She silently headed for the restricted section, praying that she would succeed.
She began searching; she wasn't sure what the book looked like but she knew that it would be there. Her eyes traveled over all the dusty books on the bookshelf, hoping to come across the word Animagus.
Suddenly, as if by fate, she picked up a dirty red potion book that contained some very gruesome transfigurations. Feeling satisfied she got up forgetting that the book was from the Restricted Section.
A sudden image of a furious Madame Pince brought her back to reality. Lily shuddered; it is not a pleasant thought. She tried thinking all the possibilities of taking away the book without anyone knowing. Impossible. There's bound to be some kind of charm that protects these books from getting stolen. I could perform a copying spell, but that's not taught until seventh year...
It's time to get back, she remembered. To the dreaded bed, which I can't even fall asleep on. She tread as quietly as she could, leaving the book behind bitterly. Leaving her only hope for another day.
Except Remus.
He was the only exclusion of the case. No that Lily minded or anything. In fact, they would sometimes sit in the Common Room and not say anything at all. They were friends, but in an unusual way because they didn't need to talk at all and would still understand how the other is feeling. It was as if they both needed each other's presence and peace of mind.
Remus, Lily thought the only person in Hogwarts who ever cared about her. Professor Dumbledore, as wise and kind as he may be, didn't care so much of the individual, even though he often gave her counseling. She was beginning to get lost in her thoughts when unexpected figures was exposed through the windows.
Lily hoped to see a student or one of the teachers, but was merely disappointed by the presence of stray animals. A stag, a dog with a rat on it's back. She blinked and knitted her eyebrows. Why in the world would a stag, a dog and a rat be standing in the same spot together?
Then her curiosity was fulfilled. One by one, the animals transformed. A blinding light came upon each of them. And whom should she see but James Potter.
And Sirius Black.
And Peter Pettigrew.
Lily almost gasped in surprise, and that's saying a lot for a person as composed as her. She blinked, knowing full well that her eyes are never mistaken. The Marauders are Animagus. The Marauders are Animagus. She repeated over and over again, frowning in a dazed manner.
But how could they be? And where was Remus? How could they have been Animagus? Why can't it be me? They are illegal...?!
Lily sat up straight; she had a plan forming in her mind... "How's Remus?" James whispered in between his bites.
"He's recovering, Jamesie. I made pretty sure of that." Sirius answered, not caring the least that he's showing the whole world his breakfast contents.
"James, Sirius, those girls are talking behind their back at you. Should I tell them to back off?" Peter Pettigrew made a feeble attempt at trying to act cool.
"Yeah, yeah, let them talk. Those girls are always giggling for no reason." James waved it aside non-chalantly.
"I rather like the look of that brunette over there. I'm gonna ask her out after I finish." Sirius winked at his friends and made a hasty effort to finish his breakfast.
James sighed. "It's going to another nightmare listening to your soon-to-be ex-girlfriend whining and sucking up to me instead."
"Sorry, mate. Can't help looking the way I am. It's natural for girls to be attracted to me and have a good sob after I'm done with them." This time Sirius stuffed the whole pancake in his mouth and trotted off.
James rolled his eyes in distaste. He began thinking about the redhead that he had encountered with three times already. And he still didn't know her name. A Gryffindor, he surveyed the room. Anyone that matches? Nope, none at all.
A sudden tap on the back brought him out of his daydreams. Thinking it was Sirius he remarked, "Back already?"
"Are you looking for me?" The stranger inquired.
James turned around. He came face to face with the mysterious redhead. Lily Evans, whose name at that time he didn't know.
"Oh, it's you!"
Lily did not reply for a while.
"Let's go somewhere in private."
"Of course, if you're sure." James responded cockily.
"Just shut up and follow me."
"Now can you tell me what this is all about?" James snapped as they reached an empty classroom.
"Just one question, where were you on the night of April 3rd?" Lily interrogated, secretly wondering what his reply would be.
"Is this a detective game? Well, no harm in telling you, I was in the boys dormitory, like everyone else, sleeping!" James scorned, unsure of why he was so angry.
"I happen to see you and your friends walking from the Whomping Willow back to the Tower. I saw you transform from Animagus to your human form." Lily stated matter-of-factly.
"You what-what? Well, where's the proof?" James spluttered, unable to believe his ears. He was panicking- if word got around to Dumbledore that we were Animagus, our lives will be destroyed.
"Proof? This case is black and white. Professor Dumbledore will believe me, I have a very good story prepared for him" Lily smirked. As much as she hated blackmailing people, there are some things in life that has to be achieved that way.
"Dumbledore wouldn't believe you. No one would. We don't learn it in Transfiguration until NEWTS. As smart as I may be, I don't have that capability. And what would I want to be an Animagus for?"
"Don't fool with me, Potter. I know everything that you're up to. You and Sirius Black together are capable of turning into Animagus. You, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew are not registered, so therefore you are going against the law. You sneak out of the school to wherever you're going, and I don't know what you're up to but it's nothing good." Lily raised her voice slightly louder, throwing him the dirtiest look.
"Listen, you haven't got the faintest idea what you're talking about. If you did, you would be so ashamed of what you just said. I don't care less whether you're going to tell the whole school or not, but do you seriously think that anyone's going to believe you?" James hollered.
Lily did not reply for some time. "You're right, everyone hates me because I'm a bitch," she muttered.
James turned around. He didn't know what came over him, but he no longer felt angry. He sat down opposite Lily, which at that moment looked helpless and pathetic.
"What's wrong?" He asked softly. How strange, normally I would've had already planned out the biggest prank fest.
"I'm just thinking about Remus, you know, your friend. Well, he's my friend as well. In fact, he's my only friend. I wasn't completely telling you the truth right then, because I knew long ago, that he-he's a werewolf." She paused there, thinking of what to say next.
"You and Remus? You knew?!" James stood up so suddenly that he knocked his chair over.
"Yeah, you look shocked. I feel so bad because I can understand the real reason why you had to become Animagus. For his sake." She looked down in indignity.
"Oh." James answered flatly. "Then why did you scare the daylights out of me?"
"Because," Lily looked at him unwaveringly, "I want to be an Animagus as well."
"You what? That's crazy!" James hissed.
"If you were in my position, then you wouldn't think it's crazy." Lily sighed.
"Well it's true I know nothing about you. But a girl like you- Animagus?" he replied in disbelief.
Lily blinked. She saw James Potter frowning at her. Oh my gosh? Why did I say all those things? I want to take it back!
She stood up abruptly. "I'm sorry to have wasted your and my time." She replied icily.
James looked confused. Before he could say anything, she had disappeared again. And I still don't know her name...
Sorry to end it there! I didn't want to either! Promise that the next few chapters will get better and better!