Remus stumbled out of the Hogwarts express into the pouring rain, Sirius close on his heels. They stood back from the masses of students pouring out of the vehicle, the smarter of whom had cast water-repellent spells on themselves, trying to catch a glimpse of James. However, their search was to no avail, and they were forced to get on a horseless coach a mere three, after meeting up with Peter.

'Where's James?' asked Peter, once they were all safe and dry, on their way to the enormous school.

Sirius snorted. 'With Lily.' he said. 'They sat in a compartment together. Alone.' he said, wiggling his eyebrows. Remus sighed, but Peter looked shocked.

'What? But she hates him!' he said.

Sirius nodded. 'I know, but-'

'Oh, cut the crap, Sirius. James got made Head Boy.' said Remus to Peter. Peter was more shocked than before.

'WHAT?'

'I know, aye? Slightly surprising...' said Sirius. Peter's face had broken into a grin.

'That's brilliant!' he said. Remus cocked his head.

'For James?' Peter shook his head.

'Well, I guess, I mean, yeah, go James, but now we won't have some snotty, annoying Head Boy on our tails, trailing us round, putting us on detentions whenever he gets a chance, cos the Head Boy will be one of us! He can even overrule prefects!'

A look of dawning comprehension came upon Sirius' face, and his mischievous grin shone with a different light, like all of his dreams had come true.

'You know, I think that's the smartest thing you've ever said, Peter.' said Sirius, distantly. 'This year is going to be the best ever!'

Sirius sat down hastily, eyeing the huge array of food hungrily, later that evening. Though he had practically stuffed himself earlier on the train, he was always in the mood for another meal. Or three. Same difference.

Remus eyed Sirius with distaste, as he piled on as much food as would fit on his plate.

'You disgust me.' Remus said quietly, a slightly confused look on his face.

'Fanks,' said Sirius, his mouth full of food, 'Buh oo uv i', o, huh?' he said, grinning, saliva covered pieces of food dribbling out his mouth. Remus turned to Peter, and Sirius continued chortling.

'Wonder where James is?' mused Remus, scanning the hall. Peter muttered something, which couldn't be heard under the sea of food. 'Finish what you're eating and say that again.'

'I said,' said Peter, after an enormous swallow, 'He's just there.' he pointed to the entrance of the hall. Remus looked over, and saw James talking to Lily.

'Oh my God, he's talking to Lily. Oh my God, she's talking back!' exclaimed Sirius.

'Yeah. Pass the rolls.' said Peter, but Remus continued to stare. He watched as they talked quietly to each other. James gave a sniff; must have a cold or something, thought Remus. However, Lily's eyes softened and she put he hand on James' cheek and stroked it.

'Did you see that?' Remus practically whispered. Sirius was engrossed, watching them like a soap opera. James took Lily's hand away, gave it a squeeze, said something to her, turned around and starting walking towards them. He stopped about two paces away from them.

'What is this, a freak show? Why are you all staring at me?' he asked.

Remus gaped. 'You were talking to Lily.'

James smiled. 'I know.'

Sirius laughed. 'Just talking?'

Peter choked. 'Sorry.' he muttered. The others ignored him.

'Yeah.' said James, 'We had a pretty good chat on the train.'

'Why was she stroking your cheek?' asked Remus.

'What is this, an interrogation?' asked James, though good-naturedly. Remus could see a little smile on his face and the red tinge to his cheeks. He peered closer, and he also noticed James' eyes were rather puffy.

'Have you been crying, James?' he asked.

'Of course not, Remus.' said James, not quite meeting Remus' eyes.

'Why would he have been crying?' asked Sirius, still smiling. 'Upset that Lily was stroking his cheek?' Remus shook his head.

'No.' he said. James sighed.

'Well, I better get going.'

'What?' chorused his friends.

'I've got to introduce myself to all the prefects, tell them their duties and stuff like that. I'm also on patrol tonight.' Remus snorted.

'How are you supposed to tell the prefects their duties, if you don't know what they are?'

James gave Remus a rather cold stare. 'I think I'll manage.' he said.

'I was joking, James.' Remus muttered quietly. James looked at him indifferently.

'I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then.' he said.

'Where are you planning on going tonight?' asked Sirius, confused. James sighed.

'I don't sleep in your dormitory anymore.' he said. Sirius gasped.

'You've been moved? What did you do?'

'He was made Head Boy, you idiot.' said Remus. 'They've got their own dormitory and common room now.'

'Who's "they"?'

'Him and Lily, you prat.' said Remus. Sirius looked up at James.

'You guys got your own dormitory?' he asked, amazed. James nodded.

'Yeah.' he said. 'It'll be hard organising, you know, for full moon.' Sirius shook his head.

'Who cares?' he said. Remus stared at him. 'No offence, Remy, but James is definitely going to be getting some action this year!' James rolled his eyes.

'I'll see you in class tomorrow.' he said, and walked off. Remus turned to Sirius.

'Who cares?' he asked quietly, privately furious. Sirius' face softened.

'I was just trying to cheer him up, Remy. You know nothing else is more important to me than being with you at full moon.' Remus snorted.

'Nothing?' he questioned. Sirius nodded.

'Nothing.' he said, softly. Against his will, Remus felt his face burning, and he turned back to his dinner, and began trying to set an example of what was an appropriate way to eat one's food.