Chapter Six: Kiss and Tell

He was the first out of bed the next morning, and the only one in a good mood. Sirius was sore from the duels he'd fought last night, both physically and emotionally. He'd been humiliated a few times by some embarrassing hexes. The spell casters paid the price for it.

Remus was sporting the word "Dunghead" on his face, courtesy of the poor-sported Sirius. The hex was a good one, even Remus admitted. It had appeared in the middle of the night and wouldn't come off no matter how hard Remus had tried that morning, standing in front of the mirror for over an hour.

Peter was also in a surly mood, but James couldn't guess why and didn't try. What was nice was that neither Sirius, Remus, nor Peter felt up to guessing why James was in such good spirits for they were too busy wallowing in their own humiliation and self-pity to care.

"Good Morning, Professor," James said, nodding to Professor Flitwick as he ambled out of his classroom.

"Morning, Mr. Potter," he squeaked as he passed.

"Lovely morning, isn't it Sirius?"

Sirius grunted.

"Come now, Padfoot, Moony was only fighting back. He wasn't trying to make you look like a complete idiot in front of the entire house. That was just a bonus."

He grunted again. Remus piped in, pointing to his "Dunghead" face, saying, "That's right. Now would you please take this hex off of me?"

Sirius eyed him. "No."

"Sirius," James said, "be sporting about it. Duel's over, mate."

"Yeah well—" he started but broke off as Lily walked toward them with her friends. "Well if it isn't the house traitor. Have a good time with Snivellus?"

Lily grinned. "Exhilarating," she said, stopping to speak with him. "How was detention with Slughorn? Was it everything you dreamed it would be, Sirius? Please tell me he was decent and made you scrub out the used potion jars grimed with years of mysterious animal slime, with your teeth."

"Just lines," Sirius said as he crossed his arms. "So what did you and Snivelly do?"

"Well Dad, we just walked around, stood in dark corners, smoked, snogged, brushed each other's hair… you know, the usual stuff. Nothing to concern yourself with. What happened to Remus's face?" she asked, noticing all of a sudden.

"Sirius did it to him in payment for humiliating him," James told her. "I don't suppose you know the counter spell?"

Lily pulled out her wand, pointed it at Remus's nervous face, and mumbled something under her breath. "Dunghead" disappeared and Lily put her wand back in her pocket. Her two friends smiled at her then at Sirius, who looked furious.

"Thanks Lily," James said, and Remus echoed.

"How did you know it?" Sirius demanded.

"I used that spell once. Nearly got myself expelled, actually. I did it just last summer as a birthday present to myself. Anyways, it's not very nice to use it on your friends, Sirius."

James watched her carefully. Every so often as she argued with Sirius, she glanced at James. Maybe he was imagining it, but each time her eyes flickered to his for only a second, he swore he also saw her smile, just briefly, so brief you might miss it in a blink.

"And as much as I love proving you wrong and making you look stupid, I really must be going," she said to Sirius. "Bye Peter, Remus. See you James," she said, then walked off toward the library with her two friends beside her, giggling and whispering. Claudia kept looking back at Sirius.

"I hate her," Sirius said as he looked back at her again. "She's too audacious."

Peter allowed himself a wry grin. "I think she's funny."

"She is funny," James agreed. "Funnier than you are, Padfoot."

This pronouncement did not improve Sirius's mood, but Remus and Peter's spirits were raised a bit. They all had a healthy breakfast and joked with James. Sirius continued to feel sorry for himself for being outwitted by a girl—again.

When the post arrived, James received a short scroll. It had been delivered by a school owl, which was a little unusual. He carefully unrolled it and saw why it was delivered that way. Only a few words were hurriedly written on the scrap of parchment: Meet me tonight at seven. Dissendium. James folded it, hid his smile, then continued on his porridge.

"Who's it from?" Sirius asked, looking up from his Sunday paper.

"Mum," James said.

"What's she want?" Sirius asked.

"Just wanted to tell me that she loves me and misses me. Mean's Dad's probably driving her crazy." James took another bite of porridge and filtered through his own paper.

"Why didn't she use Puff Puff?" Sirius asked, referring to her owl.

"He's ill," James said. "Over ate. You know how she stuffs him with treats."

"Yeah," Sirius said, looking unconvinced. "She really spoils things."

"That's right," James said.

Sirius nodded to himself and said, as he examined his paper more closely, "I was thinking about going out to Hogsmeade tonight and saying hello to Rosmerta. Fancy a journey?"

James frowned pensively. Did he know? How would he know? Could he know? Did James talk in his sleep?

"Maybe," James replied. "It might be nice to get out."

Sirius eyed him then snorted. "Who's the letter really from?" he asked. "You have that happy-goofy face, like you're hiding something."

"It's from Mum, okay?" he said.

Sirius whipped out his wand, pointed it at James's pocket, and the small slip of parchment flew into Sirius's hands. James tried to snatch it away from him, but Sirius had already unfolded it and stared. Peter looked over Sirius's shoulder to read as well.

"Dear James," Sirius read, "hope everything is well at school. Please avoid all the detentions. I love you. Mum." He tossed the letter back at James then continued with his breakfast.

So impressed was James by Lily's charming abilities that it took him a few moments to realize what Sirius had done. When it did dawn on him, he crumpled up the parchment and scowled. "So you're just my personal mail inspector now? I think you owe me an apology!"

"Sorry," Sirius said. "I thought it was a secret love letter from Lily. I saw you talking to her last night."

"You're wrong. Stop snooping through my mail, okay?"

"Fine," Sirius said.

James sighed then set his mind into overdrive. He had to think of a convincing lie that would get him out of the common room without any followers. A lie that Sirius would believe. Sirius was already onto him, and Remus would be just as hard to convince. After all, James rarely went anywhere without Sirius. What could he possibly come up with to keep Sirius away?

o-o-o-o-o-o

And so the answer presented itself at ten past five that evening. James and Sirius, followed by Remus, who was nose deep in a novel, and scurrying Peter, strolled around the lake trying to look innocent.

"Damn it!" James said suddenly, stopping and stomping his left foot on the ground.

"What?" the three asked.

"I knew I forgot! Ah bloody hell."

"What?" Sirius asked.

"Flitwick's essay. I didn't do it."

"What?" Sirius said. "It's due tomorrow."

"Damn it," James said. "I knew I'd forgotten something. Why do these blasted teachers have the same due date? You ever notice that?"

"It's a conspiracy," Sirius said. "You want to look at mine?"

"No," James said as he started for the castle. "It'll just take me a while. Look, I'm going to go."

"It's supposed to be five feet long," Remus said, eyeing him. "It'll take you all night."

"Yeah, I figure it will. I'll see you tomorrow morning for class," he said, then jogged up to the castle, smiling to himself. He was so glad he'd already done the essay alone. He needed to get it from his trunk so he could bring it back from his date with Lily, so they would think he'd been working on it.

He got up to his dorm, short of breath, pulled out a change of clothes, stuffed it in his bag along with his Charms essay and book. Then he covered himself with his Invisibility Cloak and walked back across the grounds to the Whomping Willow. Using a charm, he got the branches to freeze then followed the tunnel to the Shack. There he hid his essay and changed his clothes.

At five minutes to seven, James covered himself with his school robes then the cloak and walked to the Hump-backed witch where he was to meet Lily.

She wasn't there yet. But it was still permissible to walk around at this hour, so many other students were lingering. He waited until they weren't paying attention, slipped past them unseen, and tapped the statue muttering the right spell. It opened and he slid down into the tunnel and pulled off his cloak.

"Right on time," Lily said, igniting her wand.

James spun around and clutched his chest, glad he didn't yelp. "You're here."

"Duh," Lily said, smiling. "You think I'd stand you up? We better get going," she said, and started the opposite direction.

"Where're we going?" he asked.

"You'll see," she said. He walked beside her, wondering if he should take her hand or not. He decided he'd let her take the first step.

"What was your lie?" he asked her.

"Oh, I didn't lie. I said I had to go out and everyone believed me. What did you have to tell tweedle dum?" she asked.

James squinted. "Tweedle dum?"

"Haven't you ever read Alice in Wonderland?" she asked.

"No," he replied.

"You should. What did you tell Sirius?" She walked on with her wand aloft, glancing at him now and again.

"That I hadn't done Flitwick's essay. Luckily I did it without company, other wise I'm not sure what I would've said. So you're not telling me where we're going?"

Lily grinned. "Nope."

"Why not?" he asked.

"Because if I tell you, you'll say you don't want to go, but I know you'll have fun." They reached the cellar and Lily pushed out of it first, and James second.

"Another museum?" he said, hoping he sounded cheerful rather than resentful.

"Hell no," she said. "I wouldn't take you to a museum on our first date," she said. She walked up the stairs and emerged into Honeydukes, which was closed for the day. "I checked over the past few days to make sure we could get out of this door without unlocking it from the outside. We'll have to get back onto the grounds through the Shack, of course." She walked out of Honeydukes and into the brisk October night.

"All right. Where to?"

"London," she said. She grabbed his hand and looked into his eyes. "We're Apparating there, but since you don't know where to go, I'll have to guide you."

"Sounds fun," James said. He held onto her then shut his eyes as he twist into nothingness. Lily was in essence the one steering, and in not more than two seconds they appeared in a deserted street in London.

"There," she said, releasing him. "Now, hopefully you've got a change of clothes with you. They'll kill you if you wear that," she mumbled, looking him up and down. James pulled his robes up over his head, rumpled his hair, then stuffed it in a corner.

"How's this?" he asked her. He'd tried his best to look the part of interested-boyfriend-who's-not-too-eager, but wasn't sure if he'd been subtle enough. He wore a black jumper and jeans and a tie.

Lily shrugged then pulled the tie over his head and threw it in a garbage bin. "There, that's better," she said. She unbuttoned his collar then tried to flatten his hair. "It won't will it?"

"No," he said.

"Didn't think so." Then she pulled her robes over her head and stuffed them where James had stuffed his. Lily wore a short skirt, a little white top, and a leather jacket. "Ready?" she asked.

James was staring at her with his mouth open, making her laugh. "You'll understand in a minute," she said, grabbed his hand, then pulled him down the street.

"It's not that I don't trust you, or anything," James said breathlessly as they ran down another dark street, "but where exactly are we going?"

"Now James," Lily said, coming to a stop at a large black door, "you're not afraid, are you?" Lily smiled slyly then knocked on the black door.

"That reverse psychology won't work on me," James replied. "It's just that we're in a dark, deserted Muggle street and you're dressed like…" he pointed at her bare stomach, "well, like that. I'm not really into all that weird…that weird…you know…" he said.

Lily shook her head.

"Don't make me say it," James said, looking down at his feet.

"James," Lily said, grabbing his shoulder. "I'm not having sex with you."

James blushed. "Huh? No—of course not. That's not what I meant."

"It isn't?" she asked.

The door Lily had knocked upon opened and a loud music filled James's ears and vibrated inside his chest while a blast of hot and humid air struck him like a walloping branch of the Whomping Willow. He looked at Lily, who's face was suddenly illuminated with translucent colors of purple and pink. "Surprise!" she yelled.

She pulled him inside, threw off her jacket, and started dancing with the music.

"What the hell is this?" James yelled.

Lily laughed. "Don't tell me you wizards don't have night clubs!" she hollered. "Come on, Jamie, you've got to dance!"

James looked around the cavernous room. Couples everywhere were dancing all kinds of ways he'd never seen. He'd only seen people waltz around, never gyrate like they were. And a few of them were doing this strange move—bring their hands into their stomach then pointing out to the sky. There was a silver rotating ball on the ceiling which reflected the purple, pink, and other strange colored lights. The music itself was so loud James could actually feel it shaking his insides.

Lily giggled at him then pulled him off to the side. "I'll get you a drink. Apparently you wizards can't have a good time."

James swallowed. "I'll get used to it," he said loudly. She grinned again and disappeared into the crowd toward the bar. James enjoyed watching her move back across the dance floor.

He watched everyone dance but he was sure he didn't have the coordination for it. Dancing was never really his thing. Quidditch, that was his thing. Catch and throw a ball. Yes, he could do that. Hold a girl and spin her around and try to have fun…maybe not.

Lily returned with two bottles of beer and handed him one. "Technically the legal drinking age is 18, but I smoothed it over."

"How?" James asked, popping the top and eager to guzzle to ease his nerves.

"Sexual favors," she replied dryly.

"You're making another joke," James said, eyeing her.

"Yes. Drink up, James," she clinked his bottle with hers then took a few large swallows and sighed. "Better. Feeling more courageous yet?"

He finished his bottle then set it down. "I think I'll give it a minute or two," James said, sitting down.

Lily was taking another swig when a tall man with wavy blonde hair came up to her and tapped her shoulder. "Care to dance?" he asked.

James shot out of his chair, took Lily's hand, and pulled her out onto the floor. He looked back and scowled at the blonde guy, then grabbed Lily's waist.

"We aren't a little bit jealous, eh?" Lily asked.

"I've worked too hard to just let you go," he said.

"Yes you have," she said. She blushed then rest her arm around his shoulders. The song being played was slower than what had been playing when they first entered. "And you were wrong."

James's lips twitched. "Wrong?"

"You've asked me out 134 times, not 133." She took his hand but let him lead.

"Oh," he said, smirking. "Glad to see you're keeping a record."

Lily nodded. "And just to let you know," she said, leaning closer to whisper in his ear, "when the music picks up, you better keep up. I'm not one to sit things out." Her cheek brushed up against his as she pulled back to look into his eyes.

"I understand," he replied and pulled her closer.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Sirius and Remus were playing a game of chess in front of the fire, neither speaking a single word or even looking at each other. Sirius stared ceaselessly at his queen, hoping that if he stared long enough, a solution would present itself. As it stood, Remus was but one move away from victory. Peter loomed in the distance, sitting on the edge of his seat, his tongue between his teeth. Sirius had told him only ten minutes ago that if he made a sound, Peter wouldn't be able to "sit on his arse for the rest of his painful life."

Sirius leaned forward a bit as Remus sighed.

"Shut up," Sirius mumbled.

"You're boring holes into the board," Remus said.

"Shut up," he said again.

"You've lost, Padfoot my dear friend. Just move already so I can win."

"You're not winning," Sirius muttered.

Remus sighed again and leaned his chin on the table. "You're such a sore loser."

"Bugger off."

Peter scooted his chair closer. "You've definitely lost, Sirius," he said.

"Thank you, Mr. Grand Master."

"When do you think James will come back?" Peter asked, thinking that now it was safe to speak.

Sirius smirked for the first time in two hours. "When he wants to, I expect," he said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Peter asked. "He said he was working on his essay."

Sirius pulled his eyes away from the board and looked up at Peter. "Yeah, that's what he said. Come on, Wormtail. Don't be dense. James is anal about getting his work done on time. Has he ever missed or forgotten about an assignment?"

Peter picked at his chin. "No he hasn't."

"Exactly. And who else is 'mysteriously' missing from the common room?"

Peter looked around. Most of the house was still awake either working on homework or goofing off. "Lily's not here."

"Bingo," Sirius said, resuming his staring match with the stone pieces. "He's out with Lily."

Remus frowned. "Maybe she's out doing her Head Girl duties," he suggested.

"And maybe pigs crawl out of my butt during the full moon," Sirius said, causing Peter to giggle. "Or maybe James is doing his paper in absolute secrecy and needed his Invisibility Cloak. Lily's probably off scolding kissing third years. Come on. Don't be blind, Remus. They're gone." He moved his queen and Remus made a violent checkmate.

"Doing what, exactly?" Remus asked.

Sirius shrugged as he poured the pieces back into his purple velvet pouch. "I dunno. Clearly he's supposed to keep his mouth shut about the whole thing, so it's best we don't mention that we know. Let's let him think we're clueless, thick, dense, unimaginative, brainless fools for a while. It might be fun."

"Why wouldn't he tell us?" Peter asked.

"Lily would want to keep it private," Remus answered. "She's liked him for a while now."

Sirius smiled sadly at Remus. "Yeah? She's told you?"

Remus shrugged. "Not in so many words." He fiddled with his sleeve and licked his lips. "They'll be happy together."

Sirius folded his hands on his lap and stared at Remus. "It's what he's wanted for a long time. He deserves it."

Remus swallowed and held his breath. "Yes," he said, glancing at Sirius through the tops of his eyes. "Sure he does. He does deserve her. He's got the talent, the perfect grades with little effort, popularity, skill on the Quidditch team, and nice looks. Yes, he needs her to complete his image as lucky-man all around." Remus pushed away from the table and walked up to his dormitory.

Peter moved to Remus's old seat. "How long has he liked her?" he asked, nodding toward Remus's path.

Sirius ran his hands through his hair. "A few years probably."

"She's pretty cool," Peter said. "Don't you think? She'll probably hang out with us now, right? To be with James? I think I'd like that."

Sirius shook his head. "I'm not sure what'll happen now." He pushed away from the table and took the path toward the dormitory.

"Sirius?" Peter asked, following. "Don't you like her?"

Sirius turned to Peter and chuffed. "If you're asking me, Peter, I'd say she's a bit over-rated."

o-o-o-o-o

He couldn't remember the last time he'd had so much fun. Sure, being an illegal Animagus and roaming around the school and the castle grounds at the full moon, had it's moments, but this beat it out. James would never have described himself as a dancer, or anyone who would go to a club in downtown London—which proves that he really didn't know himself well.

He and Lily had been at the club for three hours now. He couldn't stop grinning and noticed she was finding it challenging to keep her lips from perking up. When the clock told them it was one in the morning, Lily insisted they start on their way back.

They Apparated into Hogsmeade, giggling, and walked back toward Hogwarts. James slipped his hand into Lily's, and she intertwined her fingers in his.

"That was amazing," he said. "How'd you find that place?"

Lily smirked then winked at him. "Bribery."

James laughed. "You're brilliant," he said. "You know that?"

"It's been suggested once or twice." She beamed at him and swung their hands in giant arcs. "Next time you'll have to think of something to do."

"How will I top that one? Secret club in London, with you dancing like a goddess."

"A goddess?" she laughed. "Now you're making fun," she said.

"Well, yes," he conceded. "But it was a good compliment, right?"

"Mm, very much."

"That's what I was shooting for."

James released her hand and put his arm around her shoulders instead. He hoped he wasn't being too bold, hoped he wasn't pushing it a bit, but she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"We'll have to use the Shack again," he said.

"Okay," she said softly. They walked in comfortable silence toward the Shack and James opened the door for her. Though it was only the beginning of the school year, it was chilly outside and they could see each other's breath. Getting inside the building warmed them a little.

"So, because you planned this, I'm assuming you've thought of a covert way to get us back into the common room without arousing suspicions"

Lily laughed aloud. "You think too much of me. My friends will be waiting up for me, as will yours. I've got my own ridiculous story. What's yours?"

"Forgot an essay," James said, and before he forgot he retrieved the completed one from its hiding space.

"Peeves locked me in a broom cabinet while patrolling," Lily said, raising her right hand.

"Completely transparent, isn't it?" James asked. He made his way for the tunnel and dropped down into it then made to help Lily but she jumped down with grace.

"We'll see. It's all in the telling, isn't it?" she said.

James took her hand again and led her through the tunnel with his wand aloft.

"I s'pose," he said. "Uh, once we're on the grounds, it might look a little suspicious to be out this late at night. Filch thinks breaking curfew warrants a beheading."

"No, that would be too quick. First he'd flay you, then he'd string you up by the ceiling and pour salt in your open wounds for a few days. Then, when you didn't whimper or scream anymore, he'd behead you." She paused. "That's a tad frightening, isn't it?"

"Only that you've put that much thought into it. My point was going to be that we hide ourselves as we enter the castle."

"Right, right," she said, nodding. "I know the disillusionment charm."

"But of course you do," James said. "Would you be so kind?"

Lily pulled out her wand and rapped James on the head then repeated the action for herself. Both blended in with the background. Without another word, they jogged back into the castle, avoided Peeves and Mrs. Norris as they entered their corridor leading to the tower.

"Password?" The Fat Lady asked without opening her eyes.

"Pencil Shavings," Lily whispered. "Who thinks these damn things up?" she asked James as they walked into the very empty common room.

James wasn't paying much attention to what she said. Right now his stomach was rattling around in his body and all his pores wanted to ooze sweat. The end of the date had come. This was the crowning moment. The climax of the event. He would know how well he'd done based on what she did. Should he even try it? Should he try and kiss her now, this soon, after just one date?

Two. Oh yes, two. But the first was a lunch date, and those are just evaluations anyway.

They reached the stairs. Lily tapped their heads and both reappeared.

She made rather a deal about putting her wand away, then looked up into his eyes. "I had a great time."

"Yeah, same here," he said. He took both her hands in his. "I hope we can do it again some time."

"Absolutely."

Okay. Here it goes. The crowning, pivotal moment. James went halfway then stopped. Maybe he should ask her permission. No. That's stupid. He kept going toward her but it felt like it was taking a decade to reach her lips. Maybe he should open his eyes so he could see where he was going. No, that's awkward.

"James?" she asked.

James opened his eyes and found that he had great placement. She was just inches away from his face.

"Uh huh?" he asked.

"Do you mind if I say something?" she whispered.

"Now?"

"Yeah."

"Okay."

But Lily didn't say anything. She just looked into his eyes.

"What were you going to say?" he asked.

"Uh…" she rest her hands on his neck and closed her eyes. "I can't remember."

James's shoulders dropped and he sighed exasperatedly and leaned his forehead on hers while grinning. "You drive me crazy sometimes," he whispered.

He couldn't see her lips from his distance, just her eyes. They crinkled. "Sorry." She shut her eyes and found his lips.

It wasn't a long kiss. She pulled back from him then smiled. "Goodnight."

"Wait," James said, grabbing her waist. "Just wait."
Lily chuckled and covered his hands with her own. "What?"

"I want to do this properly," he whispered. He tried to kiss her again, but she laughed and took a step back.

"Maybe later, Casanova," she said grinning. She turned on her heal and ran up the steps and into the girls dormitories.

James stood frozen to the spot. So they'd kissed and he should feel happy about it. But he would've liked to have made a better impression on her. It was a small, weak kind of kiss without much feeling to it. Yet she'd run away.

He frowned as he walked slowly up to his dormitory. Was she making it her mission in life to drive him completely crazy? He pushed open the door and walked inside. All but Sirius were asleep.

"Hey," he said. He set down his book and looked up at James. He folded his hands behind his head and smiled. "How did the essay turn out?"

James looked at him. "Oh, the essay," he muttered. He pulled it out of his pocket. "I finished it."

"Great," Sirius said. "Took you a while."

"Mmm," James replied.

There was a soft snickering coming from Peter's bed, but James couldn't see him.

"You okay?" Sirius asked. "You seem a little off."

James walked over to his book bag and put the essay inside it. "I'm tired," he said. "You understand."

"Of course. It takes a lot of stamina to stay out in the wee hours at night writing an essay."

More snickering came from Peter's bed. James stood and walked over to the hangings and pulled them back to see Peter biting his lip. But then he burst with laughter and smothered his face into his pillow.

"What's funny?" James asked.

Sirius cleared his throat. "'I have to finish an essay'? James, please. In all the years we've been at school, you've never once slacked off on your homework. It was also interesting to note that a certain young lady was also absent this evening."

"I don't know what you're talking about," James replied.

"No, of course you don't. You weren't out with Lily tonight."

"No, I wasn't," James said.

"I'm so sure," Sirius replied. He got underneath his blankets and blew out his candle. "Well, nighty night, Jamesypoo." With a wave of his wand, the curtains were drawn.

o-o-o-o-o-o

James did not sleep as well as he thought he should have slept, considering that he had finally taken Lily out and kissed her. He stumbled out of bed and locked the bathroom door when he got inside. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, rubbing his stubbly face with his hands. He shook his head but couldn't shake his feeling of—paranoia?

There was a slamming sound outside.

"Open the damn door, James," said Sirius.

James opened the door.

Sirius was grinning on the other side then sauntered in. "You look stressed," he said as he splashed his face with water.

"Do I?"

"Yeah," He replied. He locked the bathroom door and folded his arms. "Did you kiss her?"

James hesitated. "Maybe."

"Uh oh, you were bad weren't you?"

"No!"

"So why are you so…preoccupied?"

James shrugged and looked away. "I dunno," he mumbled. "I've gotta get ready for class." He walked into a shower and closed the curtains.

"Sure you don't want to talk about it?" he asked.

"I'm positive," said James.

Sirius unlocked the door then got in his own shower stall. "I'm pretty sure she's into you."

"Why do you say that?"

"Moony said something last night about Lily liking your for ages but not knowing it. So that's good, eh? All that time we thought she despised you and couldn't bare to look at you out of fear of sudden death, weren't really true."

James lathered his face and started to shave. "Guess not."

"So maybe your life long dream of marrying her and living someplace boring while you both get fat and old, just might come true after all."

James smirked despite himself. "She's not going to get fat, and neither am I."

"Maybe not," Sirius said. "But you might go bald. I can see that happening."

"You'll lose your hair long before I do, Padfoot my friend."

Sirius laughed.