Author's Note: Believe it or not, I don't own the Marauders or any of the other cool stuff. Guess who does?
Sorry this chapter took FOREVER. I've had it written for awhile, but I had to write it on the road because basketball is taking me everywhere but home-and a computer. Most of the time I was totally exhausted and in pain, so I hope you like it.
Sirius and Remus skipped into the Great Hall, waving and smiling cheerfully. Just before reaching the Gryffindor table, Sirius swung his partner into a very ballerina-like twirl. Remus, catching on quickly, nabbed a cob of corn and deftly placed it between his partner's canines (the teeth, I mean). His partner's arms were around him, as Remus found his head inches from the floor as Sirius dipped him. Feeling that he ought to do the thing properly, Remus lifted his right foot into the air theatrically. Several girls cheered.
Caught up in the frenzied dance, Remus suddenly realized just how close his partner's face was-and the space was dwindling. With a wink, Padfoot closed the gap completely. Remus opened his eyes and found the corn in his own mouth. He didn't have much time to be disappointed because he was, once again, being flung around by Sirius. Upon regaining his balance, Remus turned simultaneously with his friend toward the rest of the school. Grinning broadly-Remus looking slightly sick- the dancing duo bowed.
Their audience erupted into wild applause. Well, all except for the Slytherins. Who really cares what they think anyway?
Lily was in Sirius' seat and Remus was missing his goblet, so they squeezed in on her opposite side. The two were now strangely quiet. Their happy-go-lucky façade had waned. They were immersed in a confusing jumble of thoughts.
James' and Lily's eyes were still locked. James realized with a start that both he and Lily had swallowed the love potion. James didn't need a potion to love Lily, but apparently she needed one to feel the same toward him. He picked at his food, feeling ill.
"Are you all right? Is there anything I can do?" He heard Lily's voice, but faintly. How could he do this to her? Was this the only way that she could ever love him?
"I-I'm fine, Lily. Thanks." He said. "I need to-er-finish that vampire essay."
"I'll help!" she chirped. "Anything for you." Apparently, James had screwed up the potion a bit. Probably too much powdered cockroach…yeah, that was it. Lily would never be this clingy.
"Thanks, Lily, but I have to do it in-" Where couldn't she follow? "the men's room" he finished, wincing at the pathetic excuse of a lie and hoping that the potion was slowing her thinking.
"Oh, okay." She answered quietly, looking put out.
"See you later then." James looked even more depressed than Lily. He took off and didn't look back. Checking the time from a Ravenclaw fifth year, he calculated that the potion would wear off at 5:00 sharp. It was only 1:43 now.
Oh well. He sprinted in the direction of the Gryffindor dormitories to write a letter of apology to Lily. He was going to need the time.
Another Note: Sorry this chapter took so long. It seems to be sort of a letdown.