The marauders groggily entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning. They half-consciously made their way to Gryffindor table, pouring themselves some orange juice.

"Good morning, boys. James," Lily nodded, sitting directly across from James (for the first time ever).

"Er…morning, Lily," said James, flustered. Above Lily, Emma was making a thumbs-up sign.

Sirius grinned at James, and Remus winked. It looked like things were going as planned.

"And how are you lot this morning?" asked Lily casually, as if this was a normal thing for her to do.

"We're…er…nice…and you, Lily?" James asked.

"Same as ever," she responded. Sirius snorted, and James kicked him under the table.

Suddenly, owls flew through the room, dropping parcels left and right on top of their owner's meal. A black owl stopped abruptly in front of Sirius, causing him to spit out his pumpkin juice in surprise.

"I've got a letter?" he asked, astonished.

He ripped it open eagerly, his eyes narrowing as he read the letter.

"HMMMPH!" He shoved the letter into James' hands. James read the letter:

Sirius,

If your brother Regulus has not told you already (we doubt he has, since you ARE in Gryffindor, an inappropriate house for Black heirs), he will now be attending Durmstrang School, which specializes in Dark Arts. We are very proud of our ickle Reggykins, and you should be as well. He passed the Dark Arts exam, which is known to be quite difficult. If you would like to attend Durmstrang as well, we will be happy to make an appointment for you to perform the exam. Don't worry, though. We aren't expecting much of you, as you are the greatest disappointment in our family as of yet. Keep in touch.

Mum and Dad

James returned the letter to Sirius.

"Do you understand now why I ran away from home?" Sirius grumbled.

"What's happened?" asked Lily. "Are you alright, Sirius?"

Sirius threw the letter at Lily, making her quite alarmed. She quickly scanned the letter.

"Oh, Sirius! I am so sorry! They're so rude to you! Is there anything I can do to help you?" Lily asked.

Sirius looked shocked at Lily's sign of concern. "Er…that's alright, Evans. I'll handle it. Thanks, though." Lily nodded.

"So what are you going to do mate?" asked Lupin, staring suspiciously at James and Lily, who hadn't taken their eyes off each other in at least five minutes, both grinning at the other sheepishly.

"I am not going to that bloody school of dark arts, that's what!" said Sirius in a determined tone. "I've heard that they lecture on-on-the unforgivable curses there"

"That's the spirit, mate," said James, still staring at Lily awkwardly. "You tell your parents that you are not, in any circumstances, going to Durmstrang."

"Right. Well, we've got to go to Defense Against the Dark Arts now, you know," reminded Emma, staring at James and Lily (who were still staring at each other, giggling uncomfortably).

The marauders, Emma, and Lily got up from the table and made their way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, James and Lily walking beside each other, each giggling uncontrollably.

…

"Can anyone tell me what inferi are?" asked the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

Lily absentmindedly raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Evans?"

"Inferi are the departed of an imprint soul," she said, gazing at James (who was staring back at her).

The classroom burst into laughter, causing Lily to snap out of her trance.

"I-I meant inferi are the imprint of a departed soul," she said, turning bright red.

"Correct, Lily," said the professor, laughing. "But next time, perhaps you should pay a bit more attention to the lesson rather than staring at Mr. Potter?"

"Right," she said, looking down at her desk, hunched over. "Sorry."

Oi. This is sickening. James and Lily are practically drooling over each other.

At least Lily is giving him a chance now.

You reckon she likes him yet?

No, I don't believe so. I think, that right now, she just appreciates him as a friend.

Sure, Moony. That's why she just completely tripped all over herself. "Yes professor! It's a departed of an imprint soul!"

Yes, that was a bit funny. Seriously, though. Give Lily time. She's not there yet, but she will.

She better hurry up, because sooner or later, our dear friend Prongs will not be able to wait for her any longer, and one day, he'll just pounce and start snogging her.

What're you two doing?

Well, look who just woke up! Good morning, sunshine! Would you like some eggs for breakfast?

What the hell are you talking about?

You and Evans. You haven't broken eye contact with her all class, until now!

You love her, eh?

Shut up. 'Course I do. You reckon she's breaking down yet?

Not yet. Give her time, Prongs.

Yeah. Don't just start randomly snogging her, alright?

Shove off, Padfoot.

What is with you and James, Lily?

Hmmm? What? What're you talking about?

You two have been staring at each other since breakfast this morning! Do you fancy him?

Of course not! You know how I hate him! I was merely staring at him because…

Yes?

Because…he had spinach in his teeth, and…and…he was smirking at me, that conceited git!

Okay then.

Honestly. You think I like him, do you?

No, no! Of course not! Why would you like POTTER, for crying out loud! Amos Diggory is so much more handsome, right?

Shove off, Emma.