Summary : Everyone believed that Lily and James Potter were the perfect couple. Or at least that's what everyone told Harry Potter. Everyone except for Snape, that is. Does he know something Harry doesn't?
Legal disclaimer: Check the prologue.
A/N= Alritey, we're going to skip forward a few months. If anything confuses you, I'm really sorry.
Chapter Two: Memini amarus vetustas
Several months had past since the episode between Lily and James. NEWTs were over, and graduation was soon to come. In an atmosphere like this, no one could possibly be upset about anything. Not even James. Seventh year students spent their final days wandering the grounds, visiting teachers and reminiscing over their years at Hogwarts. Couples were spotted strolling besides the lake or relaxing with friends at outdoor picnics. A few were even glimpsed scampering off into the Forbidden Forest.
The Marauders all ran the halls, pulling pranks and suppressing laughter. James and Lily waltzed hand-in-hand behind the others, making sweet faces and doing other sickeningly sweet couple things. Lily was surprised; James hadn't hit her in about a month and was being sweeter than he ever had before. He was in a constant good mood and treated Lily like a princess.
"If you two are quite finished..." Sirius began, receiving a slap from James general direction.
Lily glared at him mockingly. Barely able to control her giggles, she started on one of her infamous Head Girl lectures. "Well, Mister Padfoot, if you would prefer me to bring you to McGonagall for your mischief..."
Sirius responded with his own look, one of mock horror. "No...You wouldn't...NOT McGONAGALL!"
The group bust into fits of laughter as they trooped down the hall, enjoying their final moments. It was memories like this that would last forever. For Lily, however, the happy memories of this week would have to last for a while. After graduation, the happy memories would be scarce and spread apart.
The big day was here at last. Clad in their best dress robes, the Class of '77 looked around the Great Hall, which had been decorated for the occasion. Bittersweet tears were shed as pairs of eyes took what could be their final glances at the Hall they seemingly grew up in. Even the Marauders could be seen with their eyes a little more shiny than usual. As pointed hats were thrown in the air, teachers were seen comforting each other as they witnessed another batch of students who had hopefully learned something useful during their years here.
After the ceremony, everyone was escorted outside for the reception. Tents were set up with huge tables underneath. Food was piled as far as the eye could see. Every food imaginable to suit every taste was available to the guests. Mini tables were set up around the grounds to seat about fifteen. The Marauders, along with Lily and all of their parents (except Lily's) sat together, exchanging jokes and stories.
Snape approached the table, receiving hateful glares from Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and especially Prongs. "As especially lovely as it is to see all of you too," Snape drawled, "I would like to speak to Lily. In private."
If looks could kill, Snape would have received the most gruesome and tortuous death imaginably. Nevertheless, he brought Lily to the side for a much needed congratulations. She had received Outstanding on all of her NEWTs, a feat that wouldn't be repeated for decades to come. As for Snape, he was awarded Most Talented in Potions, and was therefore extremely happy.
Watching Snape and Lily converse quietly together wasn't exactly the happy memory James wanted on his graduation day, but he would deal for now. He would get his moment later, once he had Lily all to himself.
"You guys, I'm going to go for a walk. I'll be back soon." As James strolled of in seemingly no particular direction, the remaining students around the table exchanged knowing looks. Assuming he was just upset about Lily, they blew it off and resumed eating and laughing.
After assuring himself that no one's attention was directed on him, James strode purposefully into the Forbidden Forest. After using the Four Pointed spell a few times, he found himself in the heart of the forest, in front of a stone glowing a strange shade of green.
After muttering an incantation, the stone vibrated and shone every color imaginable before settling to a dark blood red. As the stone stopped changing colors, it expanded into what seemed like a portal. At that moment, a tall figure emerged. Brushing off his shoulders, he stared uncaringly at his surroundings before staring at the man in front of him. A cold sneer graced his lips for a fleeting second. His piercing red eyes nearly burned a hole through the latter.
"Surprising to see you here, James. I almost believed you wouldn't show."
"Why would you doubt me, my Lord?"
A/N: Did you guys like this one? I'm sorry I took so long; I was in Mississippi for a while and didn't have access to a computer. I think it's kind of unbelievable, but this is what hit me. If it's $h!t, I'll just rewrite it.
Just another Harry Draco fan: I would love for you to be my beta! I just don't exactly know what to do... either way, just leave me your e-mail, and I'll start e-mailing you my chapters! Hope you enjoyed this one.
