Disclaimer: I own nothing!

AN: Arg! I wanted to post this up yesterday, but my computer crashed. Thankfully, I have a computer geek next door, and at first he said I needed a new motherboard. I had a bit of a panic attack, as I have no money, and my computer is so old that I might as well get a new one for the money it would cost me. Thankfully, we finally figured out it was actually something much simpler, and we were able to fix it. But it was about one in the morning, and I suddenly realized I had another report due the next day that I had not worked at all on…all this to say here is the fourth chapter!

Thanks a bunch to my new beta! :::grins widely:::


Oh what fools these mortals be.

- If you don't know where that quote is from, then you really should have paid more attention during yourlit class.


09/07

Dear Diary,

I have learned two very important facts today:

1) A Marauder never breaks his word

2) If you are foolish enough to think otherwise, never agree to do anything for them, or strike any kind of bargain.

Unfortunately, I have learned both of these things the hard way.

As you have probably already gathered, Black carried out his threat. It was one of the most bizarre sites I have ever seen – Black coming into my room on a broomstick. Thankfully, all the girls in my dorm were dressed, although Abby (Who is known as being rather promiscuous) suddenly felt the need to undo another button on her blouse (leaving approximately three buttons left), and search for her non-existent missing shoe, which she was positive was located somewhere around Black's feet.

After dismounting, he stepped over to me and quite dramatically pulled out his wand and threatened to hex me if I did not immediately get on the broomstick. Now, I am at the top of my DADD class, but I have on occasion seen Black actually dueling, and the sad truth of the matter is that he would beat me in a one-on-one duel. So unsurprisingly, I went with him.

He led me through a series of passageways that I have no recollection of seeing before, and took me directly through a small antique door. The door was beautiful. Intricately carved, it seemed to tell some sort of story, although what it was I never found out, for Black closed it behind me.

The room, compared to the door, was exceedingly boring. Gray brick walls with a black ceiling gave me the feeling that the room was steadily getting smaller, although I know this to be false. The only objects in the room were a set of chairs and a table. They both appeared to be made out of cherry, and seemed terribly out of place in the barren room. The only light came from a lamp that was hung directly above the table.

Seated at the table, all on the same side were the remaining three Marauders. Black seated himself next to Lupin and gestured that I sit across from them. No one spoke a word for several minutes. Right when I was beginning to wonder how they would react if I suddenly made a "cricket" noise; Lupin broke the silence, "So…you're here."

"Obviously." I am ashamed to admit that already my temper had dramatically shortened.

"Why, precisely, am I here?" I asked.

Lupin sighed, "Look, it's like this. You know that James here has been asking you out for ages, and frankly, he's been constantly whining about all your refusals since this whole thing started,"

"And were sick'n tired of it!" exclaimed Black.

"Yes." Agreed Lupin, "And were also tired of having to come up with ideas to prank you with…"

"There are only so many colors you can change my hair too, after all." I commented dryly.

Black nodded, "And putting frogs in your bed really does get old after a while."

"Even making you sing in front of the Great Hall is only funny after so many times." Put in Pettigrew.

"So you what, have come to beg if I will date Potter?"

"I do not beg anyone!" exclaimed the afore-mentioned boy, who up to this point had not uttered a word.

Honestly, they are so immature.

"Alright, ask then. What do you want?"

"You see babe, we can't make you date Jamsie –"

"What have I told you about terms of endearment?" I interrupted. The gall of the boy! I utterly fail to see what anyone sees in him. Just because he's somewhat attractive, females flock to him.

"-it's against this stupid code of conduct Remus made us sign back in second year," he continued, completely ignoring my interruption, " but we can made you spend time with us. Now honey, we would rather not do that. It would be a real pain in the ass to have to get up to your dorm every morning –"

"You realize that I am going to have to report you coming to the girl's dorms?" I interrupted. Once again, he paid no notice.

"-not that I wouldn't do it, mind you, but it still would be a pain. So we are proposing that you agree to spend two months with us. Eat with us, go to class with us, hang with us, the whole shi-bang. After two months, if you still decide you hate us, we'll, uhh…"

"What exactly will you do, Black?" I asked, finally getting a word in edgewise.

"Well, we'll probably find a way around that stupid code of conduct and make you date James anyway." Black admitted.

"Let me see if I have this correct. You want me to voluntarily spend two months with you, during which time you will undoubtedly attempt to get me to like Potter. And if that does not work, you will make me date him anyway?"

"Yep!" Said Black much too cheerfully. He suddenly narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, "It's an offer you can't refuse." I was again struck by that absurd mental image of Black as a mobster. Especially with the interrogation-styled room I was currently in, it became a bit much.

I burst out laughing, much to the displeasure of my oppressor.

"What are you laughing at?" he demanded, obviously unhappy that his intimidation scheme had no effect. After finally restoring my previous calm, I returned to our conversation.

"What benefits do I gain from this experience?" Black stared stupidly at me for moment, "What's in it for her?" Lupin whispered in his ear. Understanding crosses his features, "Oh! Well…what does she get, Moony?"

Lupin took over, "You will receive fifty galleons for each month, as well as immunity from most attempts of the Slytherins to harm you in any way." He grinned roguishly, "And you will find that there are many other benefits to being a Marauder."

I was beginning to realize there was no point in refusing them. It really was "an offer you can't refuse". They would just sit next to me all the time and follow me around everywhere anyways. At least agreeing would stop them from pranking me, and I had been wanting that dress I saw in Hogsmade for some time now…

"I will not participate in any activity that is contrary to the laws of this school." I stated firmly. They knew they had won, as they collectively smiled like that of a victorious animal.

What have I gotten myself into?

Lily Evans


AN2: Okay guys, we had less reviewing for Chapter three than we did two! You can do better than that! I only got five reviews for this one (not that I don't appreciate you five, because really, I do), but from now on I must have at least seven reviews before I'll post the next chappie, savvy?

Thank You Reviewers!

soccerchic1989: As to thanking you last time...we nobody writers appreciate every reader we get! Lol Childish? Hmmm…that's not really what I was going for...immature yes, but not childish. Thanks for bring that to my attention. Thanks for the review!

m00nmaiden: I agree, killing Sirius would have been most satisfying! But then James wouldn't like Lily...and this story would not exist! Lol Thanks for reviewing!

ChloeM: Yes, Sirius can be evil! Lol Glad you liked the chapter, I wasn't too sure about it. You're freaking out because you missed one chapter? Don't sweat it! Believe me, I know all about evil computers... Thanks a bunch for reviewing!

Blink182Rox: Glad you liked the mobster bit! Thanks for the review!

Gemm'n2590: Thanks so much for being my beta! :::pushes a large pile of cookies toward Gemm::: You think it has personality? Gosh...thanks a bunch!