Chapter 4: A Forever Kind of Love

James didn't bother Lily again for the next couple of weeks. This was because he was absorbed completely in training for Gryffindor's next Quidditch match, against Slytherin. He often practiced late into the night, and early the next day. Lily had to admit that she marveled at his intense dedication.

One morning, Lily came down to the common room at two to see James fast asleep there, his head resting on a roll of parchment and his robes caked with mud. Very carefully, so as not to wake him, Lily edged the parchment from under his head and read it over.

It was an unfinished Charms essay. Lily was very impressed—even half-asleep, James had been able to infuse his work with much knowledge. Picking up his quill, she drew the parchment closer and finished the essay for him.

xxxxxxxxxx

James cracked one eye open later that morning. He gasped when he saw the time. "Oh no!"

It was nearly breakfast time and his Charms homework was yet to be completed! James panicked for five seconds, pacing the common room briskly. Finally, he picked up his essay.

"Wait a minute," he murmured. His essay was...done. He scanned the parchment. All the information, accurate and complete.

"Who would've...?" James stared hard at the handwriting, hoping to be able to decipher. But whoever had done this had disguised his penmanship very well, charming it to resemble James's.

"Prongs?" It was Sirius. Remus was with him, and the two Marauders strolled downstairs to meet their friend.

Remus raised an eyebrow at all the school supplies scattered on the common-room floor. "You slept in here again?"

James waved off the question. "Did any of you do my Charms for me?"

Sirius laughed. "Me?"

Remus chuckled. "I know I'm a nice guy, but this is way beyond me. Having to do Padfoot's essay last time was bad enough."

"Then who did my homework?" James waved the parchment in the air.

Lily and her friends came down just then. James lowered the essay, embarrassed.

"What's with all the yelling?" Lily asked.

"Oh, nothing."

"James just goes a little mental when he hasn't had enough sleep," Sirius explained.

"I do not!"

Lily rolled her eyes.

xxxxxxxxxx

James was wondering about the mystery ghostwriter as he buttered his toast at breakfast. True, this meant that he wouldn't have to mar his perfect record in Charms with an Acceptable (which his unfinished essay would've merited), but who would be so kind as to do this for him?

"Still thinking about your essay?" Remus mumbled around a mouthful of sausage.

"Yeah. I just can't imagine who'd possibly be so...kind."

"I can think of someone," Remus replied promptly. "Lily Evans."

"Huh?"

"Well, what we're looking for is a Gryffindor seventh-year who's skilled in Charms. I'd say Lily fits the bill perfectly."

"I think I can scratch her from the list. You do remember that she hates me for that thing with the ants."

"Not that much anymore. She's had time to cool down a bit. Besides, she's nice enough to do that. She defends Snape, doesn't she?"

"It just can't be her. Anyone else?"

Remus thought about it for moment. "Other than her and me and Padfoot? Can't think of anyone."

"Thanks anyway, Moony. You've helped a great deal." Glumly, James bit into his toast.

xxxxxxxxxx

James was heading to Charms when Lily breezed past him. At the classroom door, she turned around and smiled at him. "Bring home a win for Gryffindor, Potter."

Something in her smile made James realize that she was the one who had done his essay for him.

James returned her smile, his hazel eyes filled with gratitude. "I definitely will, Evans. And thanks."

AN: To my beloved reviewers:

Dans-girl-4ever- Does kinds sound like that...haha. :))

Iloveff!- Thanks! And yes, that is the embodiment of Jamesie... :)

Annmarie Aspasia- Thanks! :) And yes, being 16 is pretty great so far—my parents actually got me a present for the first time in like ten years. 13 is okay, but I kinda have bad memories connected with that year, as it was my first year of high school...aaahhh!

Alcapacien- Really? Wow...

Shortie522- Thanks! Well, he'll have to keep trying as long as my list of ideas holds out... :) And sure, I'd love to check out that story.

FoolishlyBraveDarkStar- Thanks! And yes, poor Lily...

LupinLover99- Thank you so much! I really feel so touched! :)

CherryChick914- Thanks! :)

SnoopyViz- Thanks! :)