Summary: James and Lily Potter are shadows of Harry's past. Mere echoes. Everyone's favorite characters that aren't really there. But once, they were so full of life and love that it's hard to believe they're gone. James and Lily have their own story to tell. Discover the true roots of Harry Potter. Go back…to The Beginning.

Disclaimer: I do not own or have any exclusive rights to the Harry Potter world, its characters or its charm. I do however, have a deep love for them…and have chosen to express that love in this story. Hope you enjoy.

The Beginning

By Rebecca

Duties and Expectations

James sat with his head hung, ignoring the huffs and sighs from the red-head sitting next to him. How could they name him Head Boy?! He'd done nothing even remotely admirable in this school for at least 4 years now. Head Boy? He wasn't even a prefect! What in the hell for? Lily sighed once more as she glanced around the headmaster's chambers, looking at anything but the boy sitting next to her. Torn between glee and disgust, she ran over and over in her head what Dumbledore had said and remembered that nowhere in his speech about head boy and girl did he mention the requirement that the students demonstrate a respect for the rules! She'd finally got what she wanted. She was Head Girl…with James Potter at her side? Ugh! The door creaked open behind them and they both turned, careful not to even look at each other as the door creaked shut just as quickly. There was no one behind them, but when they turned back around, each nearly jumped out of his chair, as Dumbledore had appeared quite casually behind the desk. He lowered himself into his chair, petting the beautiful red phoenix perched next to him on the way down and sighed, "Well, I would like to congratulate you both on this fine distinction. I understand the votes were unanimous among the teachers." Lily crinkled her brow as James shook his head, "Er…um, professor?" he asked. "Yes yes," Dumbledore put his hand up, "The prank," his eyes narrowed at James and James sank back into his seat, "I'm sure as the new head students you will be able to discover the culprit who slobbered poor Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Snape and deal the proper discipline." The glimmer in his eyes seemed to wink at him as he finished, "Being such a cunning young man yourself James, I believe you must have some idea." Lily stifled a grin as she looked out the corner of her eye at a very nervous James. She'd never seen him at a loss for words before and in the present circumstances, suddenly found that quite amusing. He was trapped in the absence of his precious Marauders. "Don't worry professor," she chimed, "you can count on it!" Maybe this would be fun after all. James snapped his head over in her direction and glared. Prat! he thought, reminded of the constant comments, criticisms and glares he'd received from her throughout the years. They'd always been civil, but he could tell Lily Evans just didn't like him…frustrating of course to James because all the girls liked him. He got an idea and his devilish mouth turned into a grin. "Definitely Professor," he said, "In fact, we just talked it over before you arrived and decided that since Lily is such a fine student, the culprit responsible would be forced to spend at least two hours a day studying with her in the common room so that he or she might learn from such an excellent example as herself. Perhaps he'll turn over a new leaf!" With that he turned at a very red faced witch and grinned, satisfied with the damage done. "An excellent idea!" Dumbledore exclaimed, "I can see you two will make a good team this year." Lily was ready to drop James off the astronomy tower. "Now," Dumbledore continued, aware of the tension brewing between his wards and blissfully ignoring it, "As you know, you will be in charge of the prefects and organizing the three trips to Hogsmeade this year. You will also keep close count of the house points, make sure treats are delivered to the house elves for the Halloween feast, make sure the halls are kept clear of all underclassmen after hours and help the teachers plan the annual holiday ball." At the sound of the word 'ball' both head boy and girl ceased the glaring and snapped back to attention, "Head boy and girl don't plan the ball," Lily spoke without thinking. Dumbledore nodded, "I realize it's a little different than it has been done in the past, but last year, there were some complaints that the ball was…well let's say…too traditional? We decided that student input would help us improve on some of our antiquated customs. And of course you two will open the dance." "With each other?" James asked, horrified. Dumbledore leaned back and grinned, "Well, only if you decide to go together. I meant…with your escorts." James breathed a sigh of relief as did Lily. They missed the knowing chuckle coming from their headmaster as they were dismissed to their house for the night, "Congratulations Miss Evans, Mr. Potter. Have a good year." Lily marched down the corridors, as if she could get away from the boy behind her, heading for the same common room. "I don't believe this," Lily muttered. "What was that Miss Evans?" James laughed, catching up. "You know, I think I have a good idea who the prankster was. When do you want to begin the tutoring sessions?" Lily stopped short as if about to slap him. "You and I both know who it was and you and I both know that he went to great lengths to make sure there's no proof of it. Looks to me like whoever it is, is stuck doing his own homework." She kept walking.

James smirked, "What if I get you a signed confession? Dumbledore will want an update," he finished in a sing-songy voice.

"Look, if you want to make a joke out of this, go ahead. Don't expect me to play along." "Hey come on, it was funny," he said, still trailing after her.

Lily scoffed and continued on her trek. He's an absolute prat!

"Look," he said, sobering up, "I'm sorry, honest. Dumbledore knows I was just kidding around." She shrugged as they waited for the right staircase to shift into place. He continued, "Let's just forget about it ok? I'll agree to lie and say we discovered him and that he was disciplined and all that, if you agree to stop stalking away from me!" Lily sighed and shook her head as the correct stairway came to a stop and they headed up to the dorms. She was too tired to argue, "Fine," she mumbled. Finally named Head Girl, and she wanted nothing more than to have the title withdrawn. "Lily!" they heard as they both looked above them. Amos Diggory was on his way down from the Ravenclaw dorm. "Oh great," James muttered, "loverboy is here." Lily finished waving him down as she turned to James and stared, "Look James, if we're gonna be forced to work together, let's agree on a couple ground rules huh?" James watched as Diggory struggled to climb down to them. "Ok?" he looked back at the red-head before him. "First of all, no cracks at the fiancée this year ok?" "Fiancée?" he asked. She ignored him, "Secondly, if you must continue your pranks, leave Amos and the Ravenclaw team out of it?" James put his hand up in surrender. This girl was no fun. "Fine," he said as Amos finally found the right staircase and came tumbling down. "Lily!" Amos cried again, scooping her up into a big hug, "I didn't get a chance to congratulate you." "Thank you Amos," she laughed as Diggory finally set her back down on the stone. James cleared his throat. "Nice stunt today Potter," Amos said coldly.

James drew back, splaying his hand across his chest in mortification, "Whatever are you talking about?" "Don't know how you made Head Boy," he scoffed, obviously offended at having not been chosen himself. "Why thank you Amos, how very kind of you," he slapped him on the back and turned towards the dorm. "Catch you on the pitch," he tipped an imaginary hat and looked back at Lily, who stood now arms crossed with Amos clinging to her side, "and I'll see you later Lily darling." She rolled her eyes as the Marauder finally took off, pleased with himself at another job well done…and he'd walked away with practically no consequences! All he had to do was plan a couple measly events with Lily, the bookworm, Evans. That couldn't be too hard, could it?