Disclaimer: All characters (save the esoteric ones that I probably made up)
belong to Ms. J.K. Rowling and people of that sort. Please don't sue me…I
am not making any profit off of these writings…I only wish!
Author's Note: This is my very first fanfic…after reading so many of them, I have decided to try my own hand at fiction. I sure hope mine measures up to be as wonderful as yours! Enjoy! ^-^ And please, reviews are not necessary, but appreciated. Please read and enjoy!
A MMWP/L fic with some OCs here and there…not too many, I promise. It starts in their 6th year…no L/J yet, but it will come! I'm trying to make it seem as realistic as possible. Thanks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Attention! Hogwarts Express leaving for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 15 minutes!" screeched the intercom, deafening all patrons standing within a 20-foot radius from the speaker.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts," muttered James Potter, brushing his boyish bangs from his eyes while running down the long train platform. "I cannot believe I have been attending this school for five years, yet I still forget to stand further away from the speaker." Noticing his friend Sirius Black outstanding amongst the throngs of Hogwarts students, James quickened his pace and went to greet his best friend.
"Greetings, Padfoot, how was the rest of your summer?" James inquired, placed his large trunk next to Sirius' own luggage. James gracefully avoided knocking over Sirius' owl, Orion, who was sleeping soundly in its cage.
Sirius turned around quickly, hearing the familiar voice of his best friend behind him. Raising his eyebrows, Sirius flashed an amused smile while taking long glances at James.
"Whoa, Prongs! You grew! Dude, you are towering over ME now!" Sirius laughed, turning his eyes upward, to stare James straight in the eyes. They laughed soundly at the latest discovery. Except for James' glasses and unmanageable hair, the two guys were oftentimes mistaken as twins—with their longish, raven-coloured hair, tall build, and fabulous smiles. James and Sirius had become best friends long before Hogwarts, and had gotten to the point where they knew what the other was thinking. The fact that James was now a little taller than Sirius was a shocking, yet humourous, revelation.
James chuckled, nodding his head to his best friend. 'True,' he thought. He had grown over the summer. He had finally grown out of his young, boyish looks and into a handsome and striking man. At a (now) stately 6'1'', 17 year old James Potter had definitely changed for the better. Though his unruly hair and intelligent spectacles remained the same, he had gained a lot of muscle in his arms and torso, having spent all summer at an elite Quidditch camp. (A/N: As "striking and comely" as James may seem, I do not wish to portray him as this insensitive ladies' man as some other authors have done previously. He's just another normal guy…kinda. ^-^)
After engaging in some random chit chat with Sirius about Quidditch and dragons, Sirius' uncle had just returned from an exciting research adventure in Bolivia, James turned and checked to make sure that his trunk and owl, Lia, was still by his side. Sirius stayed home most of the summer, while their other friend and fellow Marauder Remus Lupin visited family friends in Austria. Peter Pettigrew stayed home much of the summer with his parents. James glanced and noticed another familiar face moving toward him in the crowd.
Walking onto the platform, James took in the tall, slim figure and dazzling smile of his other good friend Lily Evans. With her long auburn hair and piercing emerald eyes, Lily was one of the prettiest witches at Hogwarts—but didn't seem aware of it. She was funny and sweet, and an incredibly gifted witch. She received the highest marks in her year, and was the Marauders' closest friend. Originally, Lily was only Remus' friend, while Sirius and James thought of her as a kiss-up and perfectionist. But eventually, they realized how kind-hearted and sweet she was and included her within their tight-knit group of friends. The fact she was amazingly skilled in Charms was another reason why they learned to love Lily, for she oftentimes helped them in their pranks against Snape and other annoying Slytherin.
"Hey Evans! Get over here!" Sirius yelled, waving his arms, ushering Lily over to him and James. Lily wove her way through the groups of excited Hogwarts students and reached her friends. She gave James and Sirius a hug and then proceeded to catch up with them about their summer plans.
"How's life treating you, Sirius? Did you finally get out of the house?" Lily said with a twinkle in her eye. She knew that Sirius was going stir crazy staying home all summer and sent him and owl every now and then to check on him. Sirius laughed and nodded.
"Yeah. Thanks for the letters. I swear, I think I was going mad! But luckily, Remus stopped but about two weeks ago. I mainly hung around with him and Juliet before going back to Diagon Alley. And speaking of the devil—" Sirius turned his head and saw Remus and his girlfriend Juliet enter the train platform. Remus noticed his friends and ran to greet them.
"Remus—my good man! How are you? Did you have a great summer? Do anything…interesting?" James wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Remus and Juliet. Lily threw a sympathetic glance at Juliet, who was blushing furiously.
Remus Lupin and Juliet Smyth had been dating since the fourth year. Juliet was Lily's lab partner in Potions, and they quickly became close friends. Having met the Marauders earlier, Lily sensed the strong chemistry between Remus and Juliet and set them up. Since then, the pair had become quite inseparable. Except for the times when Remus would leave during the full moons (A/N: Lily and Juliet realize the whole MWPP thing. No need to explain.) Lily, James, and Sirius occasionally dated some people around Hogwarts, but none of them were currently in any serious relationships.
"Oh James, grow up" Lily replied to a still smiling James. "You are just jealous that Remus is getting some and you're not." James shook his head, smirking.
"Of course not, Lily. Why should I be jealous when I have YOU?" James said, bowing grandly while winking at Lily. Lily rolled her eyes and shoved James into the now-boarding train.
"C'mon Jamesie. We're going to miss the train." The friends all piled into compartment 18, and headed toward their final destination of Hogwarts.
~*~
"Thanks for all the lovely letters, Lil," Juliet whispered to Lily, resting her arm against the window. Having a wizard and witch for parents, Juliet understood the reasons why Lily did not visit many of their Hogwarts' friends over the summer. Lily was the only witch in her family of Muggles. Despite the fact that her parents were elated that their daughter was so 'special', Lily was required to stay closer to home when school was over. Lily compensated for that fact by sending numerous owls to Juliet, Sirius, James, and Remus over the summer. It was quite unfortunate, since James and Sirius came from highly respectable 'pureblood' wizarding families, who oftentimes threw get-togethers for many people in the wizarding community. "How's Petunia? I hope she didn't give you a lot trouble this year, I remember the stories." Juliet inquired.
Lily rolled her eyes. "Petunia was dreadful…as usual. I think the animosity she holds towards wizards accumulates more and more each year. It's pathetic. It took extreme amounts of self-control to prevent myself from grabbing my wand and turning her into a cockroach." Lily and Juliet laughed as the guys around them began discussing plans for the latest pranks that they devised over the summer.
"… by the time Snape realizes that one-by-one his robes and clothing are turning invisible, he will be 'naked' in front of the entire Hogwarts, particularly during a flying lesson. And we, gentlemen, will be hidden and innocent with the aid of my invisibility cloak!" James announced triumphantly, revealing his intricate plan to an engrossed Sirius and Remus.
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Oh man, I cannot wait to see the look on Snape's face…" Remus started.
"…when he notices that he's flying buck-naked on a broom!" Sirius said, finishing Remus' sentence. "Damn, parts of Snape even doctors shouldn't be allowed to view!" He grimaced and shuddered, imagining what it would be like to see a naked Snape shouting obscenities to the Marauders.
Lily threw Juliet a bemused glance. "I don't even WANT to know…" The two laughed lightly as the rest of the train ride continued without much trouble—besides the ones being planned out by James, Sirius, and Remus for the upcoming school year.
~*~
Once they reached Hogwarts, all five friends proceeded to go to the Gryffindor Common Room and up to their dorms to drop off their trunks. After unpacking some of their clothes, Lily and Juliet then went down to the Great Hall; a long train ride left them famished for some great Hogwarts food.
"Hmm, I wonder how the new first-years are going to be like. Do you think there will be a lot of them this year?" Juliet asked, dusting off some lint from her robe as they walked down the staircase toward the Great Hall.
Smiling, Lily said, "I sure hope not. Remember last year when there wasn't enough room in the Ravenclaw dorms? It must have been horrible for those who had to sleep in the bathroom!" Juliet laughed. Just as they entered the entrance, Lily slipped her hand in her robe pocket and gingerly pulled out her Prefect badge. She did not want to tell her friends that she became a Prefect—though considering her excellent marks, it seemed quite obvious—but she wanted it to be a surprise when Dumbledore presented the Prefects and Head Boy/Girl for the incoming first-years. She was sure Sirius would laugh out loud, realizing that he now had Lily's 'Prefect privilege' to save his butt from Professor McGonagall or Filch when a prank went wrong.
They walked into the Great Hall and seated themselves with Sirius, Remus, James, and Peter Pettigrew, who had already arrived. Sliding into the seat next to James, Lily turned her head to Peter, who was an acquaintance of the Marauders. Peter was the fourth guy in their infamous group.
"Hello, Peter! Did you have a nice summer holiday?" Lily asked, as Peter was fiddling with the silverware on the table. He had sandy blonde hair and was a little on the hefty side, but she could tell he had grown taller over the summer too.
"How are you, Lily? Summer was pretty great, but I mainly stayed home. Did you go anywhere?"
"Naah, I was subjected to Petunia's horrible remarks at home. I wished I was somewhere else, though!" Lily laughed, as she turned towards James. He had a thoughtful look on his face, and was looking around, as if he forget something. Just as Lily was about ask him what was wrong, Dumbledore rose from his seat and cleared his throat.
"May I please have your attention? I would like to cordially welcome everyone back to Hogwarts!" Many people clapped and cheered as Dumbledore waved his arm. At that moment, the doors opened again as the first years entered the Great Hall. After everyone was seated, Dumbledore continued with his traditional 'welcome back' speech. "As I mentioned early, I would like to welcome all you bright students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am certain this year will be a memorable one with new experiences and lessons as you continue, or begin, your journey toward being full-fledged witches and wizards!" Everyone clapped as Professor McGonagall brought over the Sorting Hat and began the sorting the new students. After every first year was placed in his/her proper house, Dumbledore began announcing the Prefects to the all the students.
This was the moment Lily was waiting for. After introducing this year's Head Boy and Girl, Christopher Downing and Lindsay Jang from Gryffindor, Dumbledore began naming the Prefects. The Prefects from each house went to the front of the hall and stood next to the Dumbledore and the Head Boy and Girl. When Dumbledore was about to announce Gryffindor's Prefects, Lily started to stand up and she noticed something glimmering off James' robe. Lily leaned closer and noticed that it was a Prefect Badge! Lily giggled inwardly. 'James Potter? A Prefect? I think that's a funnier surprise than mine is!'
"…And for Gryffindor, Lily Evans and James Potter!"
Lily stood up as James, who had turned around and flashed a smile to Lily, began to walk with her to the front of the hall. She couldn't help but smile when she saw Sirius, Remus, and Juliet staring at them open-mouthed.
James leaned down and whispered to Lily, "Hey! I figured your were a Prefect, but you didn't say anything!" Lily smiled and whispered back to him.
"Yeah, I found out this summer. I wanted it to be a surprise, but I didn't know YOU were one either! I think we've officially freaked out our friends." James laughed as he and Lily turned towards the still gaping faces of Sirius and Remus. Juliet mouthed 'Congratulations! Nice job!' to Lily, who waved lightly to Juliet.
After the announcements, everyone returned to their seats and proceeded to demolish the scrumptious meal that magically appeared on all the tables. It wasn't after until everyone had stuffed their faces and Lily and James gave their tours did the six friends meet again in the Common Room to speak.
~*~
"Can I touch it?"
"Sirius!"
"Geez, geez. No need to get touchy. I just wanted to see it. Does it have chocolate inside? You know, like those foil-wrapped Muggle candies?"
"SIRIUS!"
"Take that as a 'no'."
James rolled his eyes and sighed as he sat on a Common Room couch, talking with Sirius after dinner. Sirius insisted on seeing James' Prefect badge to check its legitimacy. Like James himself, Sirius could not believe his best friend, prankster extraordinaire, was made a Prefect. Imagine all that power! Remus and Juliet were there too, as well as Lily and her friend Arabella Figg. Everyone began speaking at once, asking questions about Lily and James' new positions as Prefects.
Juliet, who was sitting with Remus on the other side of the couch, turned to Lily and asked, "So what other responsibilities do you have now as a Prefect? Is there a lot more work?"
Lily thought for a moment and replied, "I don't believe there is too much extra work. I mean, I enforce the rules more, and help Dumbledore by tutoring some younger-year students, but that's basically about it. Considering my impossible class schedule, I don't think it can get much harder!" Lily laughed. "But the privileges are definitely worth the extra chores, though. I get to use the private Prefects' bathroom now and I have access to most parts of the castle. It's really awesome."
Remus looked at the clock and said "Alright guys, it's nearly midnight, and I want to get some sleep before I have to immerse myself in schoolwork tomorrow." Classes were to begin bright and early tomorrow morning. They received their schedules after dinner, and everyone checked to see which classes they had together.
Remus yawned and kissed Juliet good night. He dragged Sirius and the two dragged their tired bodies towards the Guys' Dorm as Juliet began to stretch.
"Yeah, I think I'm going to call it a night too. Take a hot shower, and dream that I won't have classes tomorrow." Juliet laughed a light laugh and started walking slowly toward her dorm room that she shared with Lily. They also roomed with another girl, Courtney Bloom, but she moved to France last year and now attended Beauxbatons. Dumbledore never replaced her, and let Juliet and Lily share a spacious three-occupant room.
"Good night, Jules, I'm gonna go shower too, and I'll be up in the dorm later." Lily followed James, who had already left, to the Prefects bathroom. After a hot shower, she brushed her teeth and combed her hair. She looked in the mirror, brushing some of her long red tresses out of her eyes. She spotted James brushing his teeth on the opposite side of the mirror, clad in his boxers and Quidditch camp t-shirt.
"G'night, James. Sleep well", Lily said, packing up her comb and toiletries.
James looked up and with his mouth full of toothpaste, gargled "Night Lily. Sleep well too." He finished brushing his teeth and collected his school clothes discarded during his shower.
"Oh damn." Lily exclaimed, looking at her belongings.
James turned. "What's wrong?"
"I left my book down in the Great Hall but I don't want to go down there in my pajamas. It's freezing. Oh well." Lily picked up her wand, and sighed.
James tossed her his school robe. "Here, you can borrow my robe. I have another one. Just give it back to me tomorrow." He unclipped his Prefect Badge and, with great aim, tossed it at Lily from across the bathroom. She caught it with one swoop of her arm.
"Thanks, James. I owe you one." Lily slipped on the robe. It was too large for her frame, but it worked. She turned around. "So, do I look like James Potter? I should muss my hair a bit, for the full effect, but it would ruining my careful combing."
James laughed at Lily in his robe. "Har har har. Not funny. Good night." Lily smiled and headed toward the Great Hall.
She found her book by Sophie Welles, a sixth year Ravenclaw, near the back of the Great Hall. She was a rather outspoken girl with a popular personality, not to mention a popular reputation. She was renowned to have crushed on various Quidditch players, a new one every week. From the gossip that was heard during dinner, James Potter was her new crush. Sirius nearly choked on his pumpkin juice when Juliet told everyone what Sophie had said about James. James groaned and ducked his head as Lily and Remus laughed at Sirius' jokes about James being the new "flavor of the week".
~*~
[At dinner]
"Ooooh, Jamesie! You stud-muffin! Object of Sophie's affection!" Sirius screamed at James.
"Hey, watch it. It could be you too, you know. You are the reserve Chaser for the team…that doesn't mean your aren't safe from her tentacles." James grumbled at Sirius, who was shaking his head.
"Hell no. Why settle for a reserve chaser when she could have Gryffindor's Star Seeker? Or any Gryffindor, really…she's exhausted the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff teams!" Sirius said as Juliet chortled. Sirius nudged James.
James shook his head. "I hate you, Sirius."
Sirius smiled. "I love you too, Jamesie."
~*~
Lily was apprehensive to grab her book at first, since Sophie wasn't exactly the nicest person to her. She oftentimes made fun of Lily for her Muggle upbringing and strong dedication to schoolwork. Though kindness and hard work were main traits of Ravenclaws, Lily had absolutely NO idea why Sophie was included within that group. 'Definitely a fluke of the Sorting Hat', Lily presumed.
"Pardon me", Lily said, as she reached behind Sophie and grabbed her book.
Sophie raised her perfectly shaped eyebrow at Lily. "Well. What are you doing her so late at night?" She crossed her arms.
Lily returned the glare with her own. "What are YOU doing here so late?"
Sophie didn't respond but glanced at Lily with another weird look. "Is that James Potter's robe? Why…no, HOW did you get it?" Lily looked surprised at her inquiry. Sophie looked at the robe with such a strong desire, Lily was afraid she might actually eat it.
"I…uh…well…" Lily started, confused as how Sophie would know this was James' robe. It was black, just like hers.
Sensing Lily's confusion, Sophie stated, "His name is showing from the label in the robe." Lily nodded and said that she needed the book and received his robe on loan.
Sophie shrugged. "Oh. I didn't know guys like James hung out with the likes of you." She stressed 'you' as if she was speaking of some vile specimen that could be found lying around a Potions' classroom.
Lily said nothing and thought 'What the…?' Lily sighed and grabbed her book. She refused to dignify that statement with a response, and began to head back to her room. Juliet was probably wondering where she had gone. 'Didn't Sophie know that James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter were her friends since third year? Probably just jealous that I have friends and she doesn't. '
As Lily was heading out the door, she heard Sophie say, "He's going to be mine, you know. So just keep your little Prefect butt and friends away."
Lily threw her a bemused glance as she left the Great Hall. 'What the hell is that girl's problem? It was as if she was challenging me about James. I mean, I'm not concerned with who my friends date, especially James. It doesn't affect me at all…unless it's a Slytherin or an axe murderer or both. Right?'
Lily sighed as she walked through the Portrait Hole toward her dorm room. She slipped off the robe and crawled into her bed. Juliet was breathing softly in her four-poster next to her. Lily turned onto her back and pondered something before she fell asleep.
'If this is just a taste of what being a sixth year Prefect is all about…it's going to be a LONG year.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Okay, how that's for a start? Feedback not necessary, but definitely appreciated. Is this a good beginning? Hmm…I wonder where this might turn? Definitely trying to stay away from the usual cliches!
Take care, ff.net readers!
~ Stellar
Author's Note: This is my very first fanfic…after reading so many of them, I have decided to try my own hand at fiction. I sure hope mine measures up to be as wonderful as yours! Enjoy! ^-^ And please, reviews are not necessary, but appreciated. Please read and enjoy!
A MMWP/L fic with some OCs here and there…not too many, I promise. It starts in their 6th year…no L/J yet, but it will come! I'm trying to make it seem as realistic as possible. Thanks.
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"Attention! Hogwarts Express leaving for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 15 minutes!" screeched the intercom, deafening all patrons standing within a 20-foot radius from the speaker.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts," muttered James Potter, brushing his boyish bangs from his eyes while running down the long train platform. "I cannot believe I have been attending this school for five years, yet I still forget to stand further away from the speaker." Noticing his friend Sirius Black outstanding amongst the throngs of Hogwarts students, James quickened his pace and went to greet his best friend.
"Greetings, Padfoot, how was the rest of your summer?" James inquired, placed his large trunk next to Sirius' own luggage. James gracefully avoided knocking over Sirius' owl, Orion, who was sleeping soundly in its cage.
Sirius turned around quickly, hearing the familiar voice of his best friend behind him. Raising his eyebrows, Sirius flashed an amused smile while taking long glances at James.
"Whoa, Prongs! You grew! Dude, you are towering over ME now!" Sirius laughed, turning his eyes upward, to stare James straight in the eyes. They laughed soundly at the latest discovery. Except for James' glasses and unmanageable hair, the two guys were oftentimes mistaken as twins—with their longish, raven-coloured hair, tall build, and fabulous smiles. James and Sirius had become best friends long before Hogwarts, and had gotten to the point where they knew what the other was thinking. The fact that James was now a little taller than Sirius was a shocking, yet humourous, revelation.
James chuckled, nodding his head to his best friend. 'True,' he thought. He had grown over the summer. He had finally grown out of his young, boyish looks and into a handsome and striking man. At a (now) stately 6'1'', 17 year old James Potter had definitely changed for the better. Though his unruly hair and intelligent spectacles remained the same, he had gained a lot of muscle in his arms and torso, having spent all summer at an elite Quidditch camp. (A/N: As "striking and comely" as James may seem, I do not wish to portray him as this insensitive ladies' man as some other authors have done previously. He's just another normal guy…kinda. ^-^)
After engaging in some random chit chat with Sirius about Quidditch and dragons, Sirius' uncle had just returned from an exciting research adventure in Bolivia, James turned and checked to make sure that his trunk and owl, Lia, was still by his side. Sirius stayed home most of the summer, while their other friend and fellow Marauder Remus Lupin visited family friends in Austria. Peter Pettigrew stayed home much of the summer with his parents. James glanced and noticed another familiar face moving toward him in the crowd.
Walking onto the platform, James took in the tall, slim figure and dazzling smile of his other good friend Lily Evans. With her long auburn hair and piercing emerald eyes, Lily was one of the prettiest witches at Hogwarts—but didn't seem aware of it. She was funny and sweet, and an incredibly gifted witch. She received the highest marks in her year, and was the Marauders' closest friend. Originally, Lily was only Remus' friend, while Sirius and James thought of her as a kiss-up and perfectionist. But eventually, they realized how kind-hearted and sweet she was and included her within their tight-knit group of friends. The fact she was amazingly skilled in Charms was another reason why they learned to love Lily, for she oftentimes helped them in their pranks against Snape and other annoying Slytherin.
"Hey Evans! Get over here!" Sirius yelled, waving his arms, ushering Lily over to him and James. Lily wove her way through the groups of excited Hogwarts students and reached her friends. She gave James and Sirius a hug and then proceeded to catch up with them about their summer plans.
"How's life treating you, Sirius? Did you finally get out of the house?" Lily said with a twinkle in her eye. She knew that Sirius was going stir crazy staying home all summer and sent him and owl every now and then to check on him. Sirius laughed and nodded.
"Yeah. Thanks for the letters. I swear, I think I was going mad! But luckily, Remus stopped but about two weeks ago. I mainly hung around with him and Juliet before going back to Diagon Alley. And speaking of the devil—" Sirius turned his head and saw Remus and his girlfriend Juliet enter the train platform. Remus noticed his friends and ran to greet them.
"Remus—my good man! How are you? Did you have a great summer? Do anything…interesting?" James wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Remus and Juliet. Lily threw a sympathetic glance at Juliet, who was blushing furiously.
Remus Lupin and Juliet Smyth had been dating since the fourth year. Juliet was Lily's lab partner in Potions, and they quickly became close friends. Having met the Marauders earlier, Lily sensed the strong chemistry between Remus and Juliet and set them up. Since then, the pair had become quite inseparable. Except for the times when Remus would leave during the full moons (A/N: Lily and Juliet realize the whole MWPP thing. No need to explain.) Lily, James, and Sirius occasionally dated some people around Hogwarts, but none of them were currently in any serious relationships.
"Oh James, grow up" Lily replied to a still smiling James. "You are just jealous that Remus is getting some and you're not." James shook his head, smirking.
"Of course not, Lily. Why should I be jealous when I have YOU?" James said, bowing grandly while winking at Lily. Lily rolled her eyes and shoved James into the now-boarding train.
"C'mon Jamesie. We're going to miss the train." The friends all piled into compartment 18, and headed toward their final destination of Hogwarts.
~*~
"Thanks for all the lovely letters, Lil," Juliet whispered to Lily, resting her arm against the window. Having a wizard and witch for parents, Juliet understood the reasons why Lily did not visit many of their Hogwarts' friends over the summer. Lily was the only witch in her family of Muggles. Despite the fact that her parents were elated that their daughter was so 'special', Lily was required to stay closer to home when school was over. Lily compensated for that fact by sending numerous owls to Juliet, Sirius, James, and Remus over the summer. It was quite unfortunate, since James and Sirius came from highly respectable 'pureblood' wizarding families, who oftentimes threw get-togethers for many people in the wizarding community. "How's Petunia? I hope she didn't give you a lot trouble this year, I remember the stories." Juliet inquired.
Lily rolled her eyes. "Petunia was dreadful…as usual. I think the animosity she holds towards wizards accumulates more and more each year. It's pathetic. It took extreme amounts of self-control to prevent myself from grabbing my wand and turning her into a cockroach." Lily and Juliet laughed as the guys around them began discussing plans for the latest pranks that they devised over the summer.
"… by the time Snape realizes that one-by-one his robes and clothing are turning invisible, he will be 'naked' in front of the entire Hogwarts, particularly during a flying lesson. And we, gentlemen, will be hidden and innocent with the aid of my invisibility cloak!" James announced triumphantly, revealing his intricate plan to an engrossed Sirius and Remus.
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Oh man, I cannot wait to see the look on Snape's face…" Remus started.
"…when he notices that he's flying buck-naked on a broom!" Sirius said, finishing Remus' sentence. "Damn, parts of Snape even doctors shouldn't be allowed to view!" He grimaced and shuddered, imagining what it would be like to see a naked Snape shouting obscenities to the Marauders.
Lily threw Juliet a bemused glance. "I don't even WANT to know…" The two laughed lightly as the rest of the train ride continued without much trouble—besides the ones being planned out by James, Sirius, and Remus for the upcoming school year.
~*~
Once they reached Hogwarts, all five friends proceeded to go to the Gryffindor Common Room and up to their dorms to drop off their trunks. After unpacking some of their clothes, Lily and Juliet then went down to the Great Hall; a long train ride left them famished for some great Hogwarts food.
"Hmm, I wonder how the new first-years are going to be like. Do you think there will be a lot of them this year?" Juliet asked, dusting off some lint from her robe as they walked down the staircase toward the Great Hall.
Smiling, Lily said, "I sure hope not. Remember last year when there wasn't enough room in the Ravenclaw dorms? It must have been horrible for those who had to sleep in the bathroom!" Juliet laughed. Just as they entered the entrance, Lily slipped her hand in her robe pocket and gingerly pulled out her Prefect badge. She did not want to tell her friends that she became a Prefect—though considering her excellent marks, it seemed quite obvious—but she wanted it to be a surprise when Dumbledore presented the Prefects and Head Boy/Girl for the incoming first-years. She was sure Sirius would laugh out loud, realizing that he now had Lily's 'Prefect privilege' to save his butt from Professor McGonagall or Filch when a prank went wrong.
They walked into the Great Hall and seated themselves with Sirius, Remus, James, and Peter Pettigrew, who had already arrived. Sliding into the seat next to James, Lily turned her head to Peter, who was an acquaintance of the Marauders. Peter was the fourth guy in their infamous group.
"Hello, Peter! Did you have a nice summer holiday?" Lily asked, as Peter was fiddling with the silverware on the table. He had sandy blonde hair and was a little on the hefty side, but she could tell he had grown taller over the summer too.
"How are you, Lily? Summer was pretty great, but I mainly stayed home. Did you go anywhere?"
"Naah, I was subjected to Petunia's horrible remarks at home. I wished I was somewhere else, though!" Lily laughed, as she turned towards James. He had a thoughtful look on his face, and was looking around, as if he forget something. Just as Lily was about ask him what was wrong, Dumbledore rose from his seat and cleared his throat.
"May I please have your attention? I would like to cordially welcome everyone back to Hogwarts!" Many people clapped and cheered as Dumbledore waved his arm. At that moment, the doors opened again as the first years entered the Great Hall. After everyone was seated, Dumbledore continued with his traditional 'welcome back' speech. "As I mentioned early, I would like to welcome all you bright students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am certain this year will be a memorable one with new experiences and lessons as you continue, or begin, your journey toward being full-fledged witches and wizards!" Everyone clapped as Professor McGonagall brought over the Sorting Hat and began the sorting the new students. After every first year was placed in his/her proper house, Dumbledore began announcing the Prefects to the all the students.
This was the moment Lily was waiting for. After introducing this year's Head Boy and Girl, Christopher Downing and Lindsay Jang from Gryffindor, Dumbledore began naming the Prefects. The Prefects from each house went to the front of the hall and stood next to the Dumbledore and the Head Boy and Girl. When Dumbledore was about to announce Gryffindor's Prefects, Lily started to stand up and she noticed something glimmering off James' robe. Lily leaned closer and noticed that it was a Prefect Badge! Lily giggled inwardly. 'James Potter? A Prefect? I think that's a funnier surprise than mine is!'
"…And for Gryffindor, Lily Evans and James Potter!"
Lily stood up as James, who had turned around and flashed a smile to Lily, began to walk with her to the front of the hall. She couldn't help but smile when she saw Sirius, Remus, and Juliet staring at them open-mouthed.
James leaned down and whispered to Lily, "Hey! I figured your were a Prefect, but you didn't say anything!" Lily smiled and whispered back to him.
"Yeah, I found out this summer. I wanted it to be a surprise, but I didn't know YOU were one either! I think we've officially freaked out our friends." James laughed as he and Lily turned towards the still gaping faces of Sirius and Remus. Juliet mouthed 'Congratulations! Nice job!' to Lily, who waved lightly to Juliet.
After the announcements, everyone returned to their seats and proceeded to demolish the scrumptious meal that magically appeared on all the tables. It wasn't after until everyone had stuffed their faces and Lily and James gave their tours did the six friends meet again in the Common Room to speak.
~*~
"Can I touch it?"
"Sirius!"
"Geez, geez. No need to get touchy. I just wanted to see it. Does it have chocolate inside? You know, like those foil-wrapped Muggle candies?"
"SIRIUS!"
"Take that as a 'no'."
James rolled his eyes and sighed as he sat on a Common Room couch, talking with Sirius after dinner. Sirius insisted on seeing James' Prefect badge to check its legitimacy. Like James himself, Sirius could not believe his best friend, prankster extraordinaire, was made a Prefect. Imagine all that power! Remus and Juliet were there too, as well as Lily and her friend Arabella Figg. Everyone began speaking at once, asking questions about Lily and James' new positions as Prefects.
Juliet, who was sitting with Remus on the other side of the couch, turned to Lily and asked, "So what other responsibilities do you have now as a Prefect? Is there a lot more work?"
Lily thought for a moment and replied, "I don't believe there is too much extra work. I mean, I enforce the rules more, and help Dumbledore by tutoring some younger-year students, but that's basically about it. Considering my impossible class schedule, I don't think it can get much harder!" Lily laughed. "But the privileges are definitely worth the extra chores, though. I get to use the private Prefects' bathroom now and I have access to most parts of the castle. It's really awesome."
Remus looked at the clock and said "Alright guys, it's nearly midnight, and I want to get some sleep before I have to immerse myself in schoolwork tomorrow." Classes were to begin bright and early tomorrow morning. They received their schedules after dinner, and everyone checked to see which classes they had together.
Remus yawned and kissed Juliet good night. He dragged Sirius and the two dragged their tired bodies towards the Guys' Dorm as Juliet began to stretch.
"Yeah, I think I'm going to call it a night too. Take a hot shower, and dream that I won't have classes tomorrow." Juliet laughed a light laugh and started walking slowly toward her dorm room that she shared with Lily. They also roomed with another girl, Courtney Bloom, but she moved to France last year and now attended Beauxbatons. Dumbledore never replaced her, and let Juliet and Lily share a spacious three-occupant room.
"Good night, Jules, I'm gonna go shower too, and I'll be up in the dorm later." Lily followed James, who had already left, to the Prefects bathroom. After a hot shower, she brushed her teeth and combed her hair. She looked in the mirror, brushing some of her long red tresses out of her eyes. She spotted James brushing his teeth on the opposite side of the mirror, clad in his boxers and Quidditch camp t-shirt.
"G'night, James. Sleep well", Lily said, packing up her comb and toiletries.
James looked up and with his mouth full of toothpaste, gargled "Night Lily. Sleep well too." He finished brushing his teeth and collected his school clothes discarded during his shower.
"Oh damn." Lily exclaimed, looking at her belongings.
James turned. "What's wrong?"
"I left my book down in the Great Hall but I don't want to go down there in my pajamas. It's freezing. Oh well." Lily picked up her wand, and sighed.
James tossed her his school robe. "Here, you can borrow my robe. I have another one. Just give it back to me tomorrow." He unclipped his Prefect Badge and, with great aim, tossed it at Lily from across the bathroom. She caught it with one swoop of her arm.
"Thanks, James. I owe you one." Lily slipped on the robe. It was too large for her frame, but it worked. She turned around. "So, do I look like James Potter? I should muss my hair a bit, for the full effect, but it would ruining my careful combing."
James laughed at Lily in his robe. "Har har har. Not funny. Good night." Lily smiled and headed toward the Great Hall.
She found her book by Sophie Welles, a sixth year Ravenclaw, near the back of the Great Hall. She was a rather outspoken girl with a popular personality, not to mention a popular reputation. She was renowned to have crushed on various Quidditch players, a new one every week. From the gossip that was heard during dinner, James Potter was her new crush. Sirius nearly choked on his pumpkin juice when Juliet told everyone what Sophie had said about James. James groaned and ducked his head as Lily and Remus laughed at Sirius' jokes about James being the new "flavor of the week".
~*~
[At dinner]
"Ooooh, Jamesie! You stud-muffin! Object of Sophie's affection!" Sirius screamed at James.
"Hey, watch it. It could be you too, you know. You are the reserve Chaser for the team…that doesn't mean your aren't safe from her tentacles." James grumbled at Sirius, who was shaking his head.
"Hell no. Why settle for a reserve chaser when she could have Gryffindor's Star Seeker? Or any Gryffindor, really…she's exhausted the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff teams!" Sirius said as Juliet chortled. Sirius nudged James.
James shook his head. "I hate you, Sirius."
Sirius smiled. "I love you too, Jamesie."
~*~
Lily was apprehensive to grab her book at first, since Sophie wasn't exactly the nicest person to her. She oftentimes made fun of Lily for her Muggle upbringing and strong dedication to schoolwork. Though kindness and hard work were main traits of Ravenclaws, Lily had absolutely NO idea why Sophie was included within that group. 'Definitely a fluke of the Sorting Hat', Lily presumed.
"Pardon me", Lily said, as she reached behind Sophie and grabbed her book.
Sophie raised her perfectly shaped eyebrow at Lily. "Well. What are you doing her so late at night?" She crossed her arms.
Lily returned the glare with her own. "What are YOU doing here so late?"
Sophie didn't respond but glanced at Lily with another weird look. "Is that James Potter's robe? Why…no, HOW did you get it?" Lily looked surprised at her inquiry. Sophie looked at the robe with such a strong desire, Lily was afraid she might actually eat it.
"I…uh…well…" Lily started, confused as how Sophie would know this was James' robe. It was black, just like hers.
Sensing Lily's confusion, Sophie stated, "His name is showing from the label in the robe." Lily nodded and said that she needed the book and received his robe on loan.
Sophie shrugged. "Oh. I didn't know guys like James hung out with the likes of you." She stressed 'you' as if she was speaking of some vile specimen that could be found lying around a Potions' classroom.
Lily said nothing and thought 'What the…?' Lily sighed and grabbed her book. She refused to dignify that statement with a response, and began to head back to her room. Juliet was probably wondering where she had gone. 'Didn't Sophie know that James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter were her friends since third year? Probably just jealous that I have friends and she doesn't. '
As Lily was heading out the door, she heard Sophie say, "He's going to be mine, you know. So just keep your little Prefect butt and friends away."
Lily threw her a bemused glance as she left the Great Hall. 'What the hell is that girl's problem? It was as if she was challenging me about James. I mean, I'm not concerned with who my friends date, especially James. It doesn't affect me at all…unless it's a Slytherin or an axe murderer or both. Right?'
Lily sighed as she walked through the Portrait Hole toward her dorm room. She slipped off the robe and crawled into her bed. Juliet was breathing softly in her four-poster next to her. Lily turned onto her back and pondered something before she fell asleep.
'If this is just a taste of what being a sixth year Prefect is all about…it's going to be a LONG year.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Okay, how that's for a start? Feedback not necessary, but definitely appreciated. Is this a good beginning? Hmm…I wonder where this might turn? Definitely trying to stay away from the usual cliches!
Take care, ff.net readers!
~ Stellar