Left With YOU

Chapter Two

By Mrs. Prongs

Author's Note: I have to say, this chapter was enjoyable to write. It's nice to get back to the roots of our author-ness. That isn't a word, is it? It is now.

Hope you enjoy.

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James grinned. "So we're together again."

"I suppose we are," Lily said, trying to achieve a sound of detest but failing miserably.

This time James smiled even wider and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "This is going to be fun. Just like last time," he said, giving her a friendly squeeze.

Horror struck Lily for the second time that day. Sardines wasn't FUN. She couldn't remember a part that was even remotely enjoyable. Not a damn one.

A loud, "Hey Lily!," distured her thoughts.

It was James.

As usual.

Not that she minded or anything.

Wait, no, she totally minded.

The loud ass bastard.

"They're handing out the lists."

At that moment Sirius walked up and handed them a sheet of parchment. "I got to copy the lists for everyone yesterday in detention!," he exclaimed, with a twisted grin on his face that only he could achieve.

"Oh?," Lily asked. "Let's see here." She began to look over the list. "A leaf from the Forbidden Forest?," she stated, looking at Sirius like he was a moron. "How in the world would you know if it was from the Forest or not?"

"Oh, you'll know," Sirius answered.

James agreed. "You'll see the look of fright in their eyes."

"Hey, remember the time we told Peter that if he spent the night in the Forest, he'd grow a foot taller?"

James snorted. "Yea, and the next morning he swore he'd never go outside again." At this they both broke out into a fit of laughter.

Lily rolled her eyes.

The Great Hall was suddenly quiet. Lily looked up and saw that Dumbledore was about to speak.

"Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Hogwarts' first scavenger hunt."

Everyone clapped.

"I trust you've got your lists. Now, you have exactly 10 hours to gather your items and meet in here at 11:00PM. Now go! Oh, and remember, ten galleons to the winners!"

At that, James snatched Lily's arm and pulled her out of the Hall.

"This is horribly familiar," Lily groaned.

"What is, Lily dear?"

"THIS!," she said, waving her captive arm in his face.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Anyway," he began. "First item on the list-"

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"Sirius, you're so amazing," Alexandra swooned, hanging off Sirius's every word. Stephanie scoffed.

"I know," he replied, smiling.

"ANYWAYS," Stephanie interjected, "Why don't we actually, you know, maybe, I was just thinking, HUNT FOR THE STUFF ON THE LIST."

Alex glared. "You know, you don't have to be so bitter."

"Well, I didn't have to let Sirius in the group. I mean, what good will he do?"

"HEY!," Sirius exclaimed, "I'm good for stuff."

"Sure."

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"A detention slip," James stated. "This will be simple. I've got tons of them upstairs."

"I'm sure you do."

"I DO!"

"I never said you didn't! I know you do."

"Fine."

"FINE."

James put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a pink piece of parchment. "There," he said, shoving it into Lily's hands.

Lily looked at it. "James, this detention isn't supposed to be served until 8 this evening."

"I know. I just won't go," he said, waving is hand dismissively.

"Right," she said. "Next item?"

"A strand of red hair."

"WHAT?," Lily screamed.

James plucked out a strand of hair.

"OW! That hurt," she said, rubbing the place of victimization.

"Sorry," James said, then a grin crossed his face. "Hey, Lily."

"Yes?"

"You DO know how many people in the school have red hair?"

Lily gasped. "Four," she replied meekly.

James frowned. "Don't worry. I'll protect you." He swallowed her into a giant hug, which was easy considering he was at least a foot taller than she.

"Geroff!," Lily said, struggling to free herself from James's grasp.

"But Lily," he whined, "your hair smells like apples."

"SO?"

"I like apples."

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TBC.