A/N: the cheesy letters were written by Janess.

Chapter 5: The Prank: Stage 1

Over the last few nights, the Marauders had been planning a new prank. Ron didn't know all of the details, but he knew that the prank involved Lily. 'I can't understand why James would prank his own girlfriend. I would never do that to her, if I was her boyfriend' thought Ron as he listened to the Marauders plan the prank. Over the last week, he noticed how smart and vivacious Lily was, and he had taken a liking to her.

"We have to be really careful," James whispered to his three associates one night "Lily cannot know that I'm involved."

Sirius laughed, "Of course you're involved! Who else would think up such and prank?"

They continued to talk into the night, although Ron only heard snippets of their conversation.

"Snape will never know what hit him" he heard James mutter at one point.

This made Ron smile to himself, although he still felt an underlying anxiety regarding the plan.

The next day stage one of the plan was carried out in the Great Hall. It was breakfast time and the post had just arrived. Snape was deluged by owls, each jostling for position. He opened one of the letters and stared at the contents.

My Dearest Severus,

I'd been admiring you from afar for several months now and I feel it is time to confess my feelings to you. Your eyes ensnare my soul, and my heart cannot live a second longer without letting me share this love I have for you.

Severus, I love you, I feel as if I always have.

Love always, Lily Evans

Severus stared at the letter in amazement for seconds after he had finished reading, but then as some fellow Slytherins attempted to read over his shoulder he carefully folded up the letter and out it in his robe pocket. He took another letter from the next owl and began to read.

Severus,

I feel as if I cannot live without you, I have to see you. I cannot live another day without feeling the touch of your hand in mine.

I want to see you tonight. You must meet me at the top of the astronomy tower at midnight tonight. I will be waiting for you.

Yours always, Lily

Over at the Gryffindor table, James and Sirius were sneaking looks at Snape, sniggering heartily. Lily glanced at them "What's up with you two?" she asked.

"Nothing, Lily dear" replied James. Lily turned around and followed the boys' gazes. She caught sight of Snape surrounded by piles of letters. He raised his head and caught her eye. His mouth turned up in a small smile. Lily stared at him, confused, but smiled back to be polite, before turning back to the Gryffindor table. As they left the hall, James leant over and whispered "meet me in the common room tonight, I want to take you somewhere special."

Lily smiled. "Of course" she whispered back.