CHAPTER 22..:::::..  Many Meetings

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Wow, that was uneventful.

A/N: Hi all, I'm sorry that everyone wants it to be longer, but it has to stop at some point! Not really sure when, but I'll figure it out. Glad to see so many of you like Captain Jack Sparrow … me too. All those who don't have the foggiest idea what I'm on about, don't worry about it.

Cara Melissa: Thanks again, yeah, sorry, right up to death! Oh the sadness. *Sobs*.

Laura Lou: Wo, enough questions! Lol.  They are only 18, but time does fly when you're a fan fiction author. Literally. Glad to see you love Pirates as well. ("Stop blowing 'oles in my ship!")

Szhismine: Glad you don't care much about cannon and all of that. Aha, another Jack Sparrow fan. Will is Legolas in LOTR, did you know. Yes, hoooot!

Lucy: Hi, thanks for the review. Keep checking, it's hard work doing updates!

Mystikalolo: Calm it, Kermit! Yes, I am afraid they will die soon, unavoidable. Perhaps there will be a sequel of some kind, I'm not that clued up on ideas though! Any suggestions?

Chris Black: Um … yo ho, a pirate's life for me! That's a happy song right? (There's another line about really bad eggs or something but I can't remember.)

Templa Otmena: Hey Lou, glad you liked my irony and the jokes; I couldn't believe my luck when I came up with "stag night". It's great you like my Dumbledore; I love writing him but it's quite hard to get it right! Hmm, you have some interesting idea's about "*^THE TWIST^*" but it's nothing like that. Sorry! Sirius is destined to go bye byes. *Sobs and knows she cannot bring him back*. I shall give you a clue because I'm a charitable person … it's got something to do with a person who has not appeared in the fic at all but is very well known. Muhahaha.

Oh, and Captain Jack Sparrow totally owns my heart. Orlando Bloom is also a contender but as I'm not fussy they, will have to sort that out between themselves.

Drops of winter: Aww, thanks, glad you liked it! Don't worry; all is forgiven. 

Bloodstain: First of all, OMG, thank you so much, you've like reviewed every single chapter. Just so as you know, in the 4th book, it is clear that Snape was Death Eater, but changed sides before Voldie fell, so everyone trusts him, including Dumbledore. I was trying to portray that Snape kinda changed and then went back, so you could see how he battles with his conscience. Glad you think it's deep as well. Lol.

James's: Lol, cool name. As good as JK herself? Wow I am not worthy of such praise. Thanks for reading and I'm glad I can entertain!

Inkling: *Acknowledges applause and thanks everyone profoundly*. Thanks for the review; sorry I kept you up so late!

Babygal: Wow, I didn't know anyone else liked Peal Harbor! I'm completely obsessed with that film, (and Josh of course) but yeah, you're right. I did get the idea of Lily kneeling down from that. Bless Red. He was so sweet. Lol, I guess I should put that in the disclaimer! Mind you, everyone knows that I don't even own the plot as the whole thing spirals from JK. Obviously.

*HITS PLAY*.

          "Well, I shall I say once again, how happy I am for the pair of you," said Dumbledore, beaming down at James and Lily who were sat nervously in his office holding hands.

          "Thanks, Professor," said James.

          Dumbledore waved a hand. "Oh, there is no need for such niceties to be observed, now, James," he said. "I am no longer your Headmaster and you are no longer my pupil. Therefore, you may call me what you wish."

          James didn't really know what to say to that, so he contented himself with a smile.

          "A date has been set then?" asked Dumbledore.

          "Yeah," said James. "It was difficult, you know, Christmas and all that, but I managed it … with a little help."

          Sirius had bribed the vicar is what he actually meant. Dumbledore smiled wryly.

"And if my sources are correct, it appears that another congratulations is in order for you, James. Fudge tells me that your application for the aptitude tests of Auror training has been accepted. Is that so?"

"Yeah," said James, glowing. "They'll like me hopefully," he added, remembering the Ministry of Magic most probably knew him as a troublemaker. "And Sirius too, he wrote in as well."

"Yes, yes," said Dumbledore. "I am sure you would both make excellent Aurors."

Lily cleared her throat, as if wanting to get the subject back to something that she wanted to talk about. "You will come to the wedding, won't you?" prompted Lily.

          Dumbledore chuckled. "Why yes, my dear. I would not miss it for the world."

$$$

          On that very day, however, there were two people who did miss the wedding. Two people who James missed very much, even more so as he was waiting at the alter for Lily. His parents, of course, were not there. Lily's were, of course, minus Petunia and quite frankly, James could not blame her after the letter incident. Lily's father had not, thankfully, murdered James but had given him a formal pat on the back and a stern word in his ear whereas Mrs Evans had grabbed James around the neck and kissed him on the face five times and only stopped when Lily rescued him.

Lily looked beautiful; dressed in a small silk dress of white satin and a single lace tie at the back of the neck. James had never worn a suit in his life and the Marauders had a joyous time taunting him for doing so until he reminded them that they too would be wearing a suit, Sirius included if he wished to remain best man.

Almost everyone James had ever known was there; the three Marauder's, obviously, Wormtail looking ridiculously out of place in a suit but forgetting about it somewhat after a few glasses of Champaign, Sirius had chosen to forget about his appearance by smooth talking almost every single female in sight holding alcohol, and Lupin looked happier than he had in months, all werewolf transformations forgotten. Dumbledore was also there, as promised, and spent most of his time bidding people to try the delicious finger sandwiches that he was rather attached to. Lily and James had also invited many of the Professors from Hogwarts; McGonagall was there along with Flitwick, and so were a great deal of the last seventh year along with almost every single Potter relative. Lily's whole family was there too, her parents looking slightly nervous at first at being the only Muggles in range of such a largely populated wizard gathering, but soon settling in.

          All in all, much to the surprise of everyone, it went without a hitch. They said their chosen vows quite pleasantly and only fought about who would receive the biggest portion of cake, which had strange little moving miniature Lily and James figures on top. Much to the utmost surprise of almost every single guest who knew Sirius, his best man speech was not, in fact, filled to the brim with sexual innuendos as James had painfully imagined, but was instead filled with why he thought that James and Lily would be together forever and how close he was to the pair of them, and for that, James was thankful and slightly impressed (Sirius was on his ninth glass of Champaign.) Sirius blushed as red as the beetroots on the table as Lily gave him a kiss on the cheek and whispered, "thank you" in his ear.

          It would, perhaps, be the last day of the next sixteen or so years that Sirius would truly smile. For it was when the wedding finished, the trouble began.

)()()()()()(

          "It's really weird being back here," Lily said to James, almost nine months after they had left Hogwarts. "Don't you think?"

          "I wish I could focus on how weird it is," James said seriously. "I'm more worried about why he wanted to see us."

          "Yes, I suppose so," agreed Lily. They knocked simultaneously on the office door.

          "Come in," said an old voice from inside. Lily and James entered. "Aha, the newly weds. How is married life treating you?" he asked politely.

          "Fantastic," said James with a smile.

          "Yes, it's really great," said Lily. "Better than I imagined."

          There was then a silence that James did not like at all. "Um, Prof – I mean, Albus, why did you want to see us?" he asked seriously.

          Dumbledore's kind face suddenly turned very grave. It was not a comforting sight to witness. "I am afraid that there is something that we need to discuss."

          Lily and James exchanged looks.

          "I am sure that you have doubtlessly heard that Voldemort has continued his killing sprees and is, as we speak, gathering more and more allies in his quest for total domination. The both of you being the intelligent magical folk must have realised that there are some who resist. Some who do not lie down and simply allow Voldemort to take over. I am one of them. There are more."

          James frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked.

          Dumbledore lowered his gaze. "I have decided, based on your chosen career path, James, and your undeniable intelligence, Lily, that it is time that you too were also a part of this group. But … before I tell you about it, I must ask your advice.

          Lily paused. "On what?" she asked.

          "I am thinking of, shall I say, 'recruiting', more people into this organisation. Your friends, James, for one. I must ask you personally, whether you believe them ready of such a commitment."

          James shifted uncomfortably. "Well, I'm sure that they would be, but it's – it's a bit difficult for me to answer that when I don't really know what kind of organisation we're talking about here."

          Dumbledore nodded. "Fair enough. Then it is time, for me to tell you about the Order of the Phoenix."

          There was another pause until James spoke. "I've heard that name," he said slowly. "My parents used to talk about it sometimes."

          "Yes, that is probable. Although they were never a part of the Order, they were kept informed of some movements."

          Lily paused, looking half excited, half apprehensive. "So, what exactly is the Order?" Lily asked.

          Dumbledore looked closely at them. "Before we discuss this, I must impress that it is an incredibly secret organisation and that Voldemort is not completely wise to our missions. I know I do not have to tell you two, but do not mention it to anybody until I have further decided whether or not they will have a part in it."

          "Of course," said James. "You have our word."

          Dumbledore smiled. "The Order of the Phoenix is a secret society, founded by me. People who work for the Order are well-trained people who will fight against Voldemort. We have spies of our own, finding out details and information of Voldemort's movements and his future plans. A great deal of our spies are stationed in the Ministry of Magic, as you can bet your lives that Voldemort will have his own there. It is very difficult to know who to trust; who is under the Imperious Curse and who is acting of their own free will? Many of us are, or were, Aurors. Others are strong and intelligent people who will not stand down and simply let Voldemort take over. We have a number of Headquarters abroad, some in France for the French members and in Germany. There is talk of it spreading to America."

          "People that far out have joined?" said Lily. "Even though Voldemort doesn't directly affect them?"

          "Yes, but what they are beginning to realise is that sooner or later, Voldemort will affect them. He will affect the whole world if given the chance."

          James cleared his throat. "So, who's in this Order then?"

          Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "There are far too many to name, but the important ones that you will need to know about here in England are these: Alistor Moody, sometimes known as Mad Eye Moody for his unfortunate glass eye –" 

          "Mad Eye Moody?" James interrupted. "That famous Auror?"

          Dumbledore smiled. "The very one. He is currently working in Scotland so you will not be meeting him for some time –"

          "What's he doing in Scotland?" asked Lily.

          "Spying," answered Dumbledore. "Searching for known Death Eaters in that area said to be trying to gain more followers for Voldemort. Also, there is Deladus Diggle, an Auror in training, Marlene McKinnon who is also trying to recruit her family, Sturgis Podmore, Frank and Alice Longbottom –"

          "The Longbottoms?" said James quickly. "Are those the children of –"

          "Yes, indeed, Frank is the direct descendent of the unfortunate Longbottom seniors, murdered as you know, by Voldemort. Emmeline Vance joined very recently, only a few months ago, against my better judgement of course, Benjy Fenwick, a friend of your parents, James. Also amongst those you may know, Edgar Bones –"

          " – Oh, yes, I know his sister, Amelia," said Lily.

          "Let me see, who else … ah yes. Cardoc Dearborn, nephew of Mad Eye, Elphias Dodge, Arthur and Molly Weasley, who I'm sure you have met … and you should know that the late Prewett brothers were in the Order."

          "D – do you mean the ones who were killed?"

          "Yes. Oh of course, also my brother, Aberforth, who I rarely see, of course. He prefers to work with the Welsh unit in Abergavenny. Also there is Dorcas Meadows and … oh yes. How could I forget? Hagrid."

          "Hagrid?" Lily and James said simultaneously in an incredulous fashion.

          "Yes, I thought that might surprise you. He has to work very hard, you know, at keeping quiet, what with all the curious student interaction …"

James smiled. "I can remember giving him a hard time about not telling me what he was up to."

"And of course, there are we Professors. Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, who prefers not to fight but keeps watch over many of the Headquarters, and myself, of course."

          There was a silence as Lily and James got over the magnitude of the Order.

          "Make no mistake," said Dumbledore seriously. "The Order of the Phoenix is an incredibly dangerous organisation. Voldemort knows it exists, but that is about it. Signing on to join means committing yourselves to almost certain danger. The work we are involved in can be described no less than perilous as the Death Eaters we fight show no mercy to enemies of their master. You must want to join with all your hearts."

          Lily and James looked at each other, their minds already made up. "Of course we'll join."

*((*))*((*))*((*))*

          After learning more about the Order, James had assured Dumbledore that his friends, Peter, Lupin and most definitely Sirius should join. Dumbledore had his misgivings about Pettigrew joining, worried that perhaps he may not be skilled enough, but James had overridden him.

          "He's perfectly capable," he had said as Dumbledore brought this up a few weeks afterwards. "I know he's not exactly … sharp, but he's honest enough. We can't have all three of us joining and not him. He's our best friend!"

          Dumbledore had relented of course at this, but was dubious all the same.

          "I can't believe it!" Wormtail had said three days after Dumbledore had informed he and Remus of the Order. He had told Sirius straight away after James and Lily. "I mean, me! In a big … thing!"

          "It's called an Order," said Lily.

          "Yeah," said Sirius slowly, taking a sip from his goblet. They were in the Three Broomsticks. "Me too," he added quietly.

          Peter heard and turned sharply to Sirius. "What's that supposed to mean?" he said snappily. Lupin and James exchanged glances.

          "Well, nothing," said Sirius uncertainly, "But it's just … this is a big thing, Wormtail. It's not for the faint hearted."

          Peter looked indignantly around. "I am not faint hearted!"

          Sirius said nothing. Peter looked around to Remus, James and Lily.

          "You don't think I am, do you?" he asked.

          James stammered, not wanting to hurt his feelings. "W – well, no … it's just … it's very dangerous."

          "And you do always say how frightened of Voldemort you are," Lily pointed out, taking a bite from her bread roll.

          "That's my role!" said James quickly, forgetting the subject.

          "I was hungry," said Lily coolly. "Married couples are supposed to share."

          James looked put out, but relented all the same. Peter turned to Remus. "Moony, you don't think I'm incapable, do you?"

          Lupin frowned and sipped his Butterbeer. "I think that Dumbledore wouldn't have asked you to join if he thought that you were."

          Peter beamed, not realising that Remus had cleverly avoided giving his own opinion on the matter.

          "However," Lupin said slowly. "The others are right. This is a big thing, Peter. If you ever feel like you can't cope –"

          "I CAN COPE!" Peter said loudly. The whole pub turned to watch. Lupin lowered his goblet and spoke into it.

          "I was only saying."

*((*))*((*))*((*))*

          But three years into the Order, James and Lily had to admit to each other that it was not all it was cut out to be, and if they were having trouble coping, Peter must nearly be a wreck. Only two weeks into their induction there was an attack on both of them when they were on their first mission; spying on four Death Eaters in a cave, supposedly talking about Voldemort's plans. It was a narrow escape; James had to fire three Stunning spells into the Death Eaters, but it was Lily's anti Dissaparation jinx that allowed them to get away. They careered back down to Head Quarters, saying that they had cornered the three Death Eaters, but once they had gotten back there, they were gone.

          "Voldemort must have come," said James slowly.

          There was another lucky escape such as this only six months later. A group consisting of Lily, James, Pettigrew, and Emmeline Vance were asked to search the house that Voldemort had once inhabited. It was said to be safe now, as all of Dumbledore's sources told him that Voldemort had vacated this house months before. This was a mistake, however, that nearly got them all killed. As Peter moved from room to room, he disturbed a group of Death Eaters, all crouched, retrieving something. After shouting for help, the others came to his aid, but not before seven other Death Eaters, along with Voldemort had Apparated next to them. All were momentarily frozen as none had ever come face to face with the Dark Lord himself. It was James who recovered first, placing a hugely magnified Shield Charm around the group which should have kept them safe long enough for an escape. Peter panicked and began to whimper. After Lily and Emmeline sent a few well-placed spells at the Death Eaters and James had more than once shoved Peter out of harms way, they had all Disaparated seconds before Voldemort shattered the Shield with the killing curse. Dumbledore was terribly fractious with himself afterwards, thinking he should have known that it was a trap to vanquish powerful Order members, but as they were all right, no damage was done, except James having a few words with Dumbledore about Peter.  

          The third time they came across Voldemort was when they were completely alone. Lily and James were not on any mission, not doing anything specific for the Order, when on a two-day holiday break in Scotland, Voldemort and his Death Eaters Apparated around them in a wood. Voldemort had thought that they were onto his movements in Scotland, which later proved to be horrifying news as unknown to them, he was planning more murders, and so had Apparated there himself to stop them from getting far. They were, of course, doing nothing of the sort. Far from being a relaxing break, the trip was the most trying moment of Lily and James's life.

          "Ah, the young Potter," Voldemort had said. "Now a member of Dumbledore's foolish resistance. I thought it would be so."

          "You won't think it's foolish when you're in the ground," James had retorted, hoping that Lily was doing some very quick thinking.

          Voldemort had narrowed his eyes. "Careful, boy, that attitude might get you in the same position as your parents."

          Words that Lily had said to him years ago, when James had become angry in his training, echoed in his head. Never attack in anger. If he did that, he would be acting on his rage and not rational thought, therefore making them both easy targets. The taunt about his parents fell dead on the ground, and James ignored it.

          "You know, a considerate mega – evil wizard would let two people be alone on a break for a couple of days before returning to wanting them dead."

          Voldemort chuckled. "Ah, yes, Bellatrix told me you had an interesting manner. Alone with the young lady, eh? Another Pureblood family to be contaminated with filth."

          They both ignored this and simultaneously bellowed, "EXPELLIARMUS!"

          The Death Eaters wands soared through the air and landed with a thud meters away from them, but Voldemort had kept a hold of his. They had expected this, however, and before he could utter a spell, a combined effort of a huge hex kept him at bay long enough for them to Dissaparate. It had been a very close call, and Lily and James would not forget it in a hurry.

He and Sirius were now, three years on, very close to becoming Aurors. They had taken all the tests and were waiting for the answers from the Ministry. It was therefore vital that they performed well in the Order, as the Ministry probably knew everything that went on there also. Remus had tried to apply but of course, he was shunned because of the werewolf situation. He acted like it was no huge deal, but inside it hurt like nothing else. 

*((*))*((*))*

          Peter had another blunder not weeks after the Ministry had rejected Remus. After being sent on some simple collective research for the Order, he had accidentally taken the wrong path, and had stumbled across a few Death Eaters in their hiding places. They cornered him, no doubt wanting to torture him into telling them Order secrets, when he sent a jet of red sparks into the air. Fortunately, more Order members were close by, and Sturgis Podmore and Dorcas Meadows saved him. Dumbledore was growing more and more worried at Peter's involvement, and called a meeting for which everyone should attend one cold winter's evening.

          The closest meeting Headquarters were held in Lily and James's new house. Unbeknown to James, his parents had kept a large fortune that they had sat on and kept very secret so that no other family members knew about it. James was to inherit it when he turned twenty and it was a very unexpected birthday present, which came at a fantastic time. Though Lily had since left home, the place they were staying in was not ideal; it was a small flat in Hogsmead for which they could only afford the rent every other month. This meant that they stayed at Sirius's house sometimes. He did not mind in the least; on the contrary, Sirius was very happy when they came to stay, as he was glad of the company. Although he would never have wanted to go back home to the family he left behind, it was a very strange sensation, growing up. Sirius often wished that he shouldn't have to ever grow up and wanted to stay young and childish forever.

          Due to this newfound money, Lily and James bought a nicely sized house in Godric's Hollow, which could be reached from a track leading off the west of Hogsmead. The Marauders were all very impressed by Lily and James having their very own house, and Sirius called them, old and maturing. It was true; they were finally beginning to settle down, something that neither would have believed they ever would. James had a much more strained look about him than he had done when he was a teenager; he looked as though he had had to mature very quickly in a short space of time. Things were different for Remus also; his brother had since left home long ago, and Remus had the house to himself. It was very small, however, and therefore not suitable for Order meetings. Peter still lived with his mother, which did not surprise the others in the least.

          Nearly every local Order member was sat around the Potter's dining room table, save Hagrid, Moody, the Weasleys and Dumbledore's brother, all of whom were on official Order business. Everyone had a wine glass in front of them and a snack, (Lily had protested at cooking meals for everyone) and there was a peaceful atmosphere in the air. The topics they were discussing although were important, were not very interesting, so everyone was relaxed.

          "So what are we going to do about the house then?" asked Sirius as he drained his goblet, reaching for the bottle.

          He spoke to James, who seemed to have emerged as a leader. Despite the fact that they were still the best of friends, Sirius still looked to James for answers. "Well, we'll have to storm it at some point. I don't think that Voldemort himself will be there at the moment; he'll still be in Scotland."

          Lily leaned over. "I have to say, I don't like the sound of the word, storm, James."

          James smiled. "It's a verb, Lils. The worst thing that can happen is that there's a few stray Death Eaters on watch there. If there's not, then we can search it."

          Dumbledore nodded. "Good plan. But we should send at lease five of you."

          "Why not more?" asked Lupin, nibbling on a carrot stick.

          Dumbledore's face darkened. "In case of … accidents, there is no need for unneeded losses."

          There was a silence that followed this. Dumbledore straightened up and looked around as though there was something he wanted to say, but didn't really want to do it here. He turned to Peter, who was stuffing his face with a bread roll.

          "Peter, when ever you have the time, I should like a word, if you please."

          Peter stopped chewing and looked at Dumbledore. "About what?" he asked through the bread.

          Dumbledore hesitated. "It … concerns your work … in the Order."

          Peter looked unfazed. "Why can't you just tell me now?" he asked.

          James shifted restlessly in his chair and exchanged glances with Lupin and Sirius. He knew what Dumbledore was going to say.

          "Because, Peter," Dumbledore said calmly, willing himself to keep his voice level. "I do not wish to announce it in front of the entire Order."

          Peter suddenly looked wary. "What is it?" he repeated. "Something's wrong, isn't it? Just tell me now!" he said more urgently.

          "Peter," said Remus warningly. "Not now."

          "Why not? Why shouldn't we talk about it now? This is a perfect time, isn't it? A meeting?"

          Dumbledore looked at Peter. "Peter, I do not want to talk about it now because I do not wish to embarrass you."

          Peter scoffed, mouthing and looking indignant. "Embarrass me … couldn't possibly – Dumbledore, just say it now! For Merlin's sake."

          Dumbledore took a deep breath and put his hands together. "Very well, Peter. It has become apparent to me, of late that … that things have not been going so smoothly for you in the Order."

          Peter blinked. "Smoothly? What do you mean?"

          "Last week, on Kingman's Hill, where you ran into those Death Eaters?"

          Peter chuckled. "Oh, yeah, that was just a navigation problem."

          "A navigation problem? You were nearly captured!" said Lily suddenly. "If you had been caught, they would have forced everything out of you and then we'd all be –"

          " – That is enough, Lily," said Dumbledore sharply.

Lily fell silent.

"Peter, I mean to say, that … what with everything that has happened, and will happen, I am not sure if it is such a good idea for you to be – involved in this."

There was a very loud silence. The bread was still in Peter's mouth but it seemed that he had forgotten to chew. "Why would you think that? It was only the one time –"

"I am afraid that it was not only the one time. James has told me of –"

"Oh, has he now?" Peter spat viciously, looking at James who had lowered his head and went slightly red.

"This isn't James's fault, Peter," said Sirius.

"No, it never is, is it!" Peter said furiously. "It's never the golden boy's fault! He is always doing the right thing, but little stupid Peter –"

"Peter, please forgive me," said Dumbledore slowly. "I am considering your position based not on one of your performances or one tale from somebody. I have been surveying you myself, and it is not James's fault. In fact, he was most reluctant in telling me of how you lost your nerve in the face of Voldemort."

Peter began muttering incoherently. "Lost my nerve … reluctant?"

"I believe it is for your own safety. You may remain in the Order, of course, but I must ask that you are not present on any missions as of yet."

Peter stood up abruptly and strode out of the room. Sirius cleared his throat.

"Well, that didn't go too well, did it?"

*((*))*((*))*

          After everybody had left the house, James felt a tight knot in his stomach. He was unhappy that Peter had left so abruptly and upset. If he hasn't said anything to Dumbledore, then perhaps it wouldn't have happened. But then he'd still be in danger, he told himself. Lily sensed that he was unhappy and wandered over to him, still sat at the dining room table.

          "It's not your fault, you know," she said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

          "It is," James said. "But I suppose it's for the best."

          Lily squeezed his shoulder. "I know he's one of your best friends, but even Dumbledore wasn't sure about him being a part of it at the very start, do you remember?"

          "Yes."

          "It's all happening now," said James. "We're fighting amongst ourselves."

          "Stop talking so … maturely," Lily said.

          James grinned. "Not used to that, are you?"

          Lily smiled. "I'm used to you hexing people because you can, ruffling up your hair because you think it made you look cool and sweet talking every girl in sight."

          James grimaced in a painful smile. "Good times."

          Lily's grin widened. "Prat," she said.

          James raised his eyebrows. "Ha! Know-it-all."

          "Hey! I'm not the one who got four 'O's in my NEWT's."

          James inclined his head. "This is true. OK, dumbo."

          Lily looked faintly scandalized and went to the stairs. "I'm tired. All this talk's making my head hurt."

          James nodded. "Me too," he said yawning. "Come on," and he followed her up.

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A/N: AAAAAAAAAAAnd guess what happens next? … *Grins slyly that she has managed to get out of writing an embarrassing scene*. It's all getting closer now … *sob* so please … review! Goddamit! While you still can! Ahem.