Title:Everlong
Author's Note: Welcome to chapter two! Not the best chapter I've ever written - I feel like I rushed some key plot points… But I hope the arguments flowed nicely; they were particularly fun to write… Which worries me. Because when I enjoy writing something, that usually mean I left about half of it in my head and only got the bare minimum out on the paper (if that makes any sense…) Anyway; I hope you like. Read&review!
Disclaimer: Anyone you recognize belongs to J.K. Rowling. Madison is mine.

Chapter Two – "Canary in a Coalmine" by The Police
"First to fall over when the atmosphere is less than perfect,
Your sensibilities are shaken by the slightest defect
You live your life like a canary in a coalmine
You get so dizzy even walking in a straight line."

"Oh, don't sound so pleased to see me Lily, people might actually think you like me." James drawled sarcastically, crossing his arms in front of his chest and surveying the red head with amusement.

"Potter." Lily said his name again, her tone absolutely dripping with disgust. "What do you think you're doing here? In my room? Why - on today of all days - do you have to show up!" She snapped, tone growing frazzled.

"I suppose Tom didn't tell Miss Evans that she would have to share her room. Hmmm, I'll have to speak to him about--"

"You mean that you're one of the blokes he said I was sharing a room with?" Lily's jaw dropped and her heart began beating very quickly. This couldn't be happening. She hated James Potter. She had hated ever since their first year. He was arrogant, loud, cocky, and always on her case about something or other. In the early days, James had simply enjoyed bothering her by stealing her books and homework– but since their fifth year, he had been constantly dogging Lily to go out with him. Something she would, of course, never do as long as she was still sane... Or well, as long as he stuck to persecuting the Slytherins. In Lily's opinion, James' behavior towards the rivaling house was positively revolting. As a muggle-born witch, she didn't fully understand the rivalry between the Gryffindor and Slytherin houses... Not that it mattered, torturing someone for simply 'existing' was wrong no matter which way you looked at it. "There has got to be some sort of mistake – you see, I can't be staying with you..."

"And why is that?"

"Because I hate you."

"Ah, that would be a problem... You know, we could change that... How about we got on a date – we can get to know each other and then after, get to know each other a little bettttterrrr..."

Lily glared at James; he shut up. "I can't do this – there is no possible way that I can spend the even a single night sharing a room with you... Wait – no... Bloody hell; don't tell me... Sirius is here too."

James smiled, his hazel eyes lighting up as he took the toothbrush from his mouth. "How'd you know? Was it the mess? The bottle of rum under the desk? The general cloud of cologne that's floating around the room...?"

"Wherever James Potter goes, Sirius Black is sure to follow." Lily recited coldly, pulling her denim jacket closer to her body. She really didn't feel like putting up with James at the moment. She was tired, grumpy, and emotionally drained. This was no way to spend her first afternoon away from home.

"Now, I resent that statement – you know, Sirius is not my 'sheep'... We do have--"

"I couldn't care less, Potter." She cut him off sharply, throwing herself down onto a nearby chair and opening her cat carrier to reveal a still-sleeping cat. "Do you know where Madison is?" Lily asked, dimly aware that her tone was less-than-hostile.

James snorted. "Probably off shagging someone. Sirius, most likely." He shook his head, sitting down on the bed and throwing his shoes off. "You know, Lily, perhaps you should take a page from your friend's book – she knows how to have a good time..."

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean – and... wait... Sirius... and Madi?" Lily sat up quite suddenly, her back stiff as a board and expression both shocked and annoyed. Madison, as he said, was 'probably off shagging someone.' Lily's heart dropped. That sounded like Madison alright... She was always off with some boy having her 'fun' and 'sewing her wild oats.' She, unlike Lily, didn't care much for commitment and preferred to make out with boys instead of cuddling with them. In their fifth year, she had graduated from kissing to sex and ever since seemed to be obsessed with finding new conquests and breaking as many hearts as possible. Madison was a strange girl; sometimes Lily wondered how they got on so well... But whatever reason it was, Lily trusted Madison more than anyone she had ever met. They were best friends through thick and thin – and always would be until the day one of them died.

"It's supposed to mean that you, Lily Evans, are a stiff." James said simply. "And I think I could change that if you gave me a chance." He stated arrogantly, crossing his arms and leaning back. "See, the probably with you Lily, is that you've probably never even been drunk in your life--"

"Oh, and that's a problem?"

"Yes! It's a huge problem! Because when you don't get drunk, boys can't take advantage of you! And that's just no fun." James grinned, a dirty expression on his face. "Oh and yeah... Sirius and your friend, Waite, have been inseparable ever since last night. Snogging all the time... I swear it's disgusting – I heard them going at it and Merlin that girl is l--"

"I really don't need to know the details Potter." Lily blushed deeply, getting to her feet as her cat awoke. "Now, I'm going downstairs to speak with Tom about switching rooms seeing as there is no way that this could even possibly work."

"Oh come on Lily! Don't be such a spoil sport – I was only joking about getting drunk..."

"You think that's what this is about, Potter? Your stupid comment? Merlin and Morgaine, you're even thicker than I thought you were..."

"It's just two days until we go to Hogwarts. Two days! Take one for the team!" James threw himself in front of the door just before Lily was going to open it, looking at her in desperation. "Come on Evans..."

"And why are you so intent to keep me in this room with you?" Lily inquired cynically, crossing her arms and glowering in his direction.

"I'll have a better chance of getting in your pants."

"Alright, that's it – Potter! Out of the way!" James' smirk was just too much for Lily to stand. He seemed so damned confident that he would get her to 'let her guard down' and admit that she 'wanted him.' There was no way that she was going to play along with his sick fantasies... Lily would sleep in an alley if she had to – anything to get away from James. "Now."

"Evans! I was only kidding. Can't you take a joke, Lily?"

"Apparently not."

James sighed, grimacing at the fierce red-head that stood before him. Lily was overreacting, as usual. But could you really blame her? After all, it had been a long and trying day for her... "Just one kiss before you go?"

"Don't make me hex you, Potter!"

Finally, shaking his head in defeat, James Potter stepped aside, being sure to mess up his hair as he did so. He walked towards Lily's cat, who was now (finally) fully awake and glancing around in curiosity. He picked the little critter up and watched Lily triumphantly make a move to open the door – but right as her hand met the cold metal of the knob, the door swung open, hitting Lily squarely in the chin.

----------

"Lily! Oh Merlin – Lily... Sirius, quick, I think she's waking up. Get some ice for her, would you!"

Lily's eyes slowly fluttered open as a dull ache began to formulate across her jaw. She was vaguely aware of the fact that three seventeen year olds were hovering above her and that she was lying on flat on her back, against a hardwood floor. Why exactly she was lying there, Lily wasn't sure. The only thing she knew was that there were lingering feelings of anger in her mind and a terrible sharp pain leaking into her chin...

"Siriussss – ice?" Madison's impatient voice drifted to Lily's ears once more – usually, it would have been a welcoming sound, but at the moment it seemed to hammer itself into her scull like a nail. "Come on!" Lily groaned and she felt her friend's warm hand brush her cheek. "Baby, are you alright? I am so – sososososo – so sorry. I didn't know you were there I--"

"Shut up Madison." Lily cried out in a strained tone, trying to prop herself up on her elbows to get a better look at her current surroundings – but the instant she moved forward, her head began to spin and she found herself quickly falling back towards the floor... However, right before her head would have hit the floor; Lily felt a pair of strong hands slip behind her neck. "Thanks." She muttered.

"No problem." That was James – Lily had half the mind to protest his presence but found herself in much too much pain to say anything,

Instead, she cleared her throat, blearily gazing up and trying to make heads or tails of what it was she saw before her – James was kneeling behind her, resting his hands behind her head and massaging ever so gently. Madison was beside her, and would have been in tears if it weren't for the fact that Sirius was around but... Wait – where was Sirius? Lily squinted her eyes, trying to make out a third figure – but it was no where to be seen. He was probably getting ice, she told herself – or that was what she hoped. Lily couldn't help but feel a little nervous; Sirius could have been out setting up some sort of ridiculous trap for her to walk in to... He was like that. Always goofing off. What a joke, that boy was...

"W-what happened?" She asked finally, once her head had stopped pounding a bit.

"Ah, Lily – really... I am so sorry – Sirius and I were coming back into the Room and you were going out of the room and..."

"And you went flying across the room wicked fast – I mean flying! Boom! Jaw and door. Man, Evans; it was spectacular! A classic!" Sirius had returned from fetching ice and had obviously been amused by Lily's 'performance.'

"Thanks." The red-headed girl snapped derisively, grabbing the ice from Sirius' hand and pressing it gently against her face. She flinched. The pain mixed with the intense cold was not at all soothing. Lily sighed, closing her eyes for a moment as one of the three Gryffindors gently brushed her hair away from her face.

"You know, Lily, I think there's something to be learned from all this." James piped up, an all-knowing smirk drifting across his face. "A real moral."

"Really now Potter, and what would it be?" Lily was hardly even listening to him.

"Now, I don't want to place any blame on you but really, now... If you hadn't been so difficult and insistent on leaving – and if you had just kissed me, we really could have avoided this situation in the first place..."

Lily's eyes snapped open and she found herself looking directly into James' big hazel eyes. "Oh! Is that the way you think of it? That I should have been a 'good little girl' and kissed you? Did you ever think that if you had just gotten out of the way, none of this would have happened?"

"Oh but that would've been no fun – you know you like fighting with me, Evans." James grinned, quite satisfied with her helplessness.

"Like? I li--"

"Enough!" Madison had gotten to her feet and was apparently annoyed at the pair's fighting. She crossed her arms over her chest and kicked Sirius in the foot. "Take him somewhere to cool down – I'm going to stay here with Lily." She glared at James, giving Sirius a quick peck on the head (and quickly being pulled back for a full on snog to which she giggled and kissed him back.) "Enough! Leave – the both of you. Come back later. At six. Or something – I don't know. Out!" Madison shooed them from the room before returning to Lily and looking at her apologetically.

"Madison, have I ever told you how much I hate that boy?" Lily pursed her lips together and tried to sit up again – this time she was more successful and scooted over a bit to lean against the frame of the bed. "He is arrogant, stuck-up, narcissistic..."

"Immature, and annoying. I know Lily. I'm sorry – I should have known something like this would have happened... I was going to talk to Tom about switching your room with someone else but... You see, I was busy."

"Busy shagging Sirius." Lily grunted in response.

"So James told you." Madi muttered flatly. "Well, if it means anything to you, he's a good lay... Possibly the best I've ever had – aside from that muggle man this summer... He was feisty!" She smiled kindly, ruffling Lily's red hair before she got a chance to respond. "I know. You don't really approve. I'm going to give you all the details later anyway, you know… But just listen; I would have talked to Tom if I hadn't gotten so... caught up."

"Well, that makes me feel so much better, Madison. Thanks oh-so-much." Lily's tone was blatantly sarcastic but her friend ignored it and grabbed a pillow from the bed to lean on.

"So what have you done this summer, my Lily? Have any fun? Kill Petunia yet?"

Lily wasn't quite ready to forgive Madison for A) slamming a door into her jaw and B) getting her stuck in a room with James Potter but... It was much too hard to ignore her welcoming tone and remorseful expression. "I slept a lot. Errr... Got a job at a muggle library. I was working with that boy – the muggle boy I used to go out with." She frowned. "I was almost tempted to try to date him again but... Well, he didn't remember anything from the last fiasco because of the memory charm the Ministry had to place on him so I decided to play it safe." Madison clicked her tongue disapprovingly, but Lily ignored her and continued talking. "Didn't kill Petunia yet – was tempted to this morning... I really wish she would have the sense to act civil towards me... I mean, really, we are sisters..." She sighed, rubbing her chin with the now half-melted ice. "How about you?"

"You know, the usual for me – got kicked out of the house for about a week before getting an owl that was ordering me to come back. Met some people, spent a lot of time in Diagon Alley. Eh. I don't really remember much. Spent most of it under a constant haze of alcohol." Madison grinned playfully, her dark eyes twinkling gleefully.

"What's the big deal about getting drunk?" Lily asked abruptly, remembering what James had said. "I mean... So, you act a little strange. What's fun in that?" She snapped impatiently, not quite believing that she was worrying about what that stupid Potter boy had told her.

"There's no real big deal it's just..." Madison shrugged her shoulders. "It's just that you feel a little bit free-er. You have no inhibitions. I like that feeling. Why? Oh – Lily... You don't want to have a go at the bottle, do you?" A wide smile flashed across the taller girl's face as she sat up a little straighter. "Because we can arrange for that, you know – it would be just fine..."

Lily looked at her friend for a moment, considering the offer. To say that she was a little curious about what it was like to be drunk would not be a lie. She had, of course, wondered about it... Sometimes Lily even wished she could be more like Madison – less worrying and more care-free. Madison's life was always full of drama and risk and fun and games... She was such an exciting person; always rash and emotion-driven… Sure, she wasn't perfect, but she sure was interesting! Whenever she was feeling particularly depressed, Lily would try to picture herself as a wild child – but it never worked. When it all came down to it, she was happy the way she was. After all, Lily was smart, beautiful, self-sufficient, confident, and had a full future ahead of her – what was there not to like about that? But still... she wondered... "Maybe; we'll have to talk about it – and if I said yes... IF... You'd have to watch me like a cat on a mouse. I swear... If you were to let anything happen to me..."

"FINALLY!" Madison clapped her hands cheerily, laughing madly. "I'm going to get my little Lilykins drunk! Awww this is so great – she's getting so grown up... Oh and she looks so cute!"

Lily cut her off. "I said if, Madi. Don't get your hopes up." She said sharply – but still, the redhead smiled... She was happy to be with Madison again; the girl was an adventure all her own. Ever since their second year, they had been close friends – even closer in the latest years. Lily really loved Madison. She admired the girl for her freedom and chance-taking-tactics... She gave Lily an insight into a completely different world. "So, tell me what's going on with Sirius Black and yourself – is it... Sirius-ly serious?" She smiled, giggling at the bad pun.

"Oh very funny Lily, really witty – I'm sure that no one has thought of that joke before." Madison rolled her eyes but smirked before plopping back down on her pillow. "You know, serious is the last thing I think we are. I suppose that when we go to Hogwarts, I'll be able to call on him for some favors but I can't see us going much farther then that... It's a pity, really. He's so cute. I could probably fall head-over-heels for him too, if I let myself. But you know his reputation – he doesn't settle down for long. But then again, neither do I..." For a fleeting moment, Lily thought she could see regret lingering in her best friend's eyes – but she couldn't be sure for it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "Ah well, you never know what's going to happen – maybe I'll go after a Slytherin this year..." Madison grinned wickedly, crossing her arms over her chest, a rebellious expression set on her face. "You wouldn't be bothered by that, would you?"

"Not at all Madi – though I'm sure that even if I was, it wouldn't make much of a difference." Lily sighed, shaking her head.

"Smart girl! How's your chin doing – it looks better... You'll have a bit of a bruise though... We can go into Diagon Alley though, tomorrow, and find some salve to make it go away faster."

"It's feeling much better – hurting less... I think the ice helped." Lily explained, feeling a little calmer than before. It was nice to just sit down and talk with someone – especially someone you hadn't seen for nearly two months. "I missed you Madi... I was worried about you – my little Madison Waite was out in the world without her Lily to look after her! Who knows what kind of trouble you could have gotten yourself into?"

"Awww, I missed you too, Lilykins – whenever I thought of you, stuck in that muggle house of yours, I would cry." She explained very solemnly. "Or, well, I would at least heave a good, long sigh." Madison smiled, slumping down next to her fellow Gryffindor. "So what do you say – these next few days, we room with these two boys and rough it out? I'll show you a good time, I promise. And I'll try to make sure that James doesn't get on your nerves too much. Really. I will." The dark-haired girl stuck out her lower lip in an attempt to look like a sad puppy... Instead, she ended up looking crazy. Lily laughed.

"Fine. I'll stay just... Wait – wasn't there a Hufflepuff girl sharing the room with you as well? Tom mentioned her..."

Suddenly, Madison's back went stiff and her eyes drifted to the ceiling, her face taking on an impeccably innocent look. "Oh... Her? She... uhh, left. Yeah. Two nights ago. Couldn't take the constant party. Or something." Lily shot her a sharp glare as if to tell Madison to stop lying. "Or, well, I think she was scared of us. I can't imagine why, though. We were only having a bit of fun... She was the quiet sort – anyway, she left the other day and it was so funny. She literally stormed out of the place, screaming at us that we were all completely raving mad. I think I might have kissed her. Come to think of it, Sirius might have kissed her too… Good times, Lily, good times – so she left. It's just the four of us unless Peter comes – Sirius mentioned the possibility but I wasn't really listening."

Lily scoffed at her. "The Hufflepuff left because she was scared of you... That's real reassuring." She grimaced and shook her head, secretly looking forward to find out what it was that had 'scared' the Hufflepuff so badly. Despite her bad temper and still-aching chin, Lily was growing steadily more interested in what it was to 'have a good time.' Maybe it was her hormones finally kicking in – or perhaps it was the fact that she was entering her final year at Hogwarts and her last chance to be an irresponsible kid was quickly diminishing. Whatever it was, there was a nagging feeling at the back of Lily's mind that suggested she take a chance tonight.

----------

"What the hell happened here!" Sirius stared at their room in disbelief when he returned, James standing directly behind him. "Where... Where did all my clothes go – and the books and the... The..." His jaw dropped open as he ran towards the bathroom. "And my toothpaste!"

"Don't worry, Black – it's all there... Just neat," Lily's crabby voice came from one of the closets. "I cleaned up for you lot – bloody slobs, I'm telling you... You really do not want to know half of the things I found lying around... This place was disgusting." The red-head emerged from the room, a bunch of James' t-shirts folded over her arm. She dropped them the instant she spotted the owner, scoffing irritably. "Boys – all of your clothing is in this closet." She motioned towards the smaller of the two doors. "And Madison – Madison..." Lily prodded her friend, who was asleep in a chair. "Our clothes are in this closet."

"Hey Si! Check this out – I found my wallet! Thanks Lil--"

"It's Lily."

"Yeah, whatever Lil. Thanks though, this is great!" James beamed, sorting through his money-bag and examining how many galleons he still had left.

Lily sighed; well, at least the room looked clean now. Since she had agreed to stay with Madison and the two boys, she would at least have a habitable place to stay – even if it was likely to get messy all over again.

"So," Madison yawned, stretching. "What's on the agenda tonight?" She grinned tiredly, though clearly wasn't about to let her exhaustion ruin the night-after-night fiesta she had been participating in up until now. "I have some reliable sources that tell me Miss Lily Evans, here, would like to try her hand at a good party at some point." Upon hearing this statement, Lily blushed but instead of protesting, simply busied herself with a stack of books.

"Well then..." James grinned wildly, looking at Lily. "It just so happens that Sirius and I picked up some fancy liquor – and what better a way to start than with a little buzz?" He mused, flouncing over to his red-headed roommate and standing directly behind her. "Does that sound like a good idea?" He inquired, taking a bottle of scotch out of a brown paper bag and swinging it in front of her face. Lily grabbed the bottle.

"Whatever." She snapped, whipping around and finding herself pressed up against her worst enemy. "Get away from me, would you?" Lily pushed him hard in the shoulder and James jerked back, shooting her a slightly sullen look.

"Easy Evans... I was just giving you the bottle." He blasted back, "Not like I was trying anything – or that I would want to with that awful bruise on your chin. It's most unbecoming."

Lily blushed for the second time, ignoring his comment about her bruise and turning towards the scotch again. She stared at it; eyes falling nervously on the amber-colored liquor. James was such a jerk. Lily could tell by the way that he looked at her that he thought she was going to chicken out – that she was going to be 'boring old Lily' and just sit in the corner and read... Ugh; it was moments like these that Lily felt a great amount of disdain towards her reputation. But she would show him – Lily would show all three of the Gryffindor students that she could walk on the wild side when she chose to... Glaring rebelliously at James, she picked up the container, unscrewed the top and tilted it quickly back into her mouth – almost instantly Lily felt a strong burning sensation fill her throat. It made her feel as if her throat was erupting in flames and her mouth boiling over. She swallowed as quickly as she could, coughed and slammed the bottle back down on the table. "What the hell is that!"

"That, my sweet Lily," Madison began hesitantly. "Was scotch. Good, isn't it?" She smiled picking up the bottle, herself, and taking a swig. She grinned when she swallowed it, letting out a gasp of relief. "That is some strong stuff, boys! What are you trying to do," She exclaimed, examining the proof, "Get us drunk in ten seconds flat? Naughty, naughty." Madi smirked and glided in the direction of Sirius, kissing him playfully on the cheek and sliding her hand around his waist.

"Well, that is more or less the point of drinking, isn't it?" He grinned, kissing her back and taking a second bottle from his own bag and taking a short sip. "We should go to that disco later – it's not too far a walk... Of course, it seems a lot farther when you can't walk straight... But it's totally worth it." He grinned, passing the bottle to James who took a large gulp of it before smirking at Lily.

"So, Evans, this is your first time drinking, is it?"

Lily didn't answer him. Instead, she grabbed the bottle again and took two consecutive gulps, completely and totally ignoring the intense suggestion of pain that was now resonating in her throat. Ugh. The stuff tasted terrible – like liquid fire! Lily flinched, but refrained from spitting it back out, taking a third and a fourth sip before her stomach had the opportunity to object.

James smirked, matching her ambitious gulps with a couple of his own. "What do you say we play a little drinking game?" He suggested, mischievously. "It's called 'The Question Game' – real creative title, eh? Anyway, it's quite easy. We sit in a circle on the floor and ask each other questions... Preferably personal questions to make it more interesting. But, of course, if you don't want to answer a particular question, you can down a shot of scotch and get a pass. You ask whoever the hell you want and whoever is asked gets to go next. Sound good?" He grinned, glancing at his three companions.

"I'm in." Madison piped up; Sirius nodded in agreement. They all looked at Lily who was staring pensively at the floor. She had a terrible feeling that James was doing this to get to know her better... or something crafty like that. After all, she was sure that he knew Sirius just as well as he knew himself – and as far as Lily could tell, he didn't care to know anything about Madison further than the fact that she was screwing his best friend. And what better a way to get under Lily's skin than to learn what made her tick? Well, Lily would play his stupid drinking game – but she would refuse to give him the pleasure of knowing anything about Lily past her first and last name!

"Fine." Lily muttered, frowning a little and leaning forward as to allow a curtain of dark-red hair to fall into her face.

"Excellent!" James pumped his fist triumphantly, "Lemme just get the glasses and we can begin." The scruffy Gryffindor boy almost skipped away, leaving behind the cuddling couple and scowling green-eyed girl.

"You know Lily," Madison began, prying herself away from Sirius' gaze. "If you begin to feel uncomfortable or anything just tell me – we'll stop. I mean, this is your first time drinking and all--"

Lily scoffed, cutting her friend off. "Don't be silly – I wouldn't want to spoil your fun." She muttered scathingly, allowing her still sensitized emotions to get the best of her words.

"Touchy, touchy." Madison responded blandly – but the comment didn't seem to affect her ego. She was used to Lily's ever-flaring temper.

"You know, Evans, you could be a little nicer to your friend here." Sirius murmured distastefully, affectionately rubbing his nose across the top of Madison's head – but despite his movements, he still held a scornful gaze in Lily's direction. It was no secret that Sirius was a little less-than-fond of Lily. But it was understandable – they were two incredibly different people with very diverse ideas on what constituted as right and wrong.

"Shut up Sirius." Both Gryffindor girls snapped at the same time – he was butting his nose into someplace it didn't belong. Sirius opened his mouth to respond, an irritated and confused expression on his face, but was quickly cut off when James walked back into the room.

"Everyone ready? Good. I vote I go first. Any disagreements? No. Good." James spoke in a loud and booming voice as he announced his presence. He slid himself onto the ground, dropping four shot glasses onto the floor and laughing merrily as the others joined. "This will be fun, don't you think?"

"If you think getting bitten by a dragon is fun, then I suppose so." Lily muttered sourly as she sat down and brought her knees to her chest. James ignored her comment.

"So, all ready?" James filled each glass carefully to the top and leaned back against the floor. "Well, in that case, I choose Lily as my first victim." He grinned, glancing decisively in her direction. She gave him a cynical look. "Go out with me?"

Ah, suddenly it was clear to her why James wanted to play the stupid game. There was no way she was going to answer any of his questions - she would rather get completely and totally wasted than have to play his silly game. Lily pursed her lips, and picked up the glass, tilting it rebelliously into her mouth. She smirked at him, brushing hair away from her face and pouting a little before speaking. "Potter: why do you insist on making a fool of yourself by asking me out?"

"Because someday you're going to say yes." James retorted confidently, filling her glass again. "Evans: why won't you go out with me?"

Lily drank again. "Potter: why are you such an arrogant git?"

"Because you're a know-it-all stiff. Why don't you at least kiss me – get a little taste of what you're missing?" He puckered his lips suggestively, leaning forward as Sirius sniggered.

"Ugh!" Lily gagged vehemently, grabbing the bottle and downing another mouthful. "Why don't you go kiss a flobberworm?" She snapped, jerking backwards – Lily found herself beginning to get dizzy... The alcohol was kicking in a little. She coughed.

"Now, that wouldn't be very fun – besides, I'd rather kiss you." James shifted his position, leaning in closer to Lily who paused, glaring at him angrily and leaning away – she couldn't believe what he was doing. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? Lily grimaced, placing a hand absent mindedly over her stomach where slight signs of nausea were gathering. "So why don't you grant a poor boy his wish? You kiss me and I'll leave you alone for the next month."

Lily set a hateful glance in his direction and picked up the bottle for the second time, swallowing three full mouthfuls before dropping it and spitting at the ground near his feet. James quickly recoiled. "You are a self-centered, conceited, bigheaded, egotistical jerk." The red-head hissed strongly, clambering shakily to her feet. "A-and you never know when to shut up or stop or lay off... And... And you don't give anything for other people's feeling and you, James Potter, are a bad person. I would never even touch you if I didn't have to." At this point, Lily had forgotten entirely about the game and was concerned only about one thing: her honor.

James' face flushed a bit in embarrassment. His lips curled quickly from their usual smirk into a painful frown. He lurched forward, trying to ignore the strong taste of humiliation that still resided in his mind. "And you, Lily Evans – you are such a wonderful, perfect person too, you know!" He snapped at her, tone ripe with sarcasm. "You've never even bothered to give me so much as a chance – you judge people before they even get the opportunity to prove themselves good, bad, or otherwise. And you never have any fun! You spend your time reading and hiding behind your books and-"

"I protect myself from getting hurt by heartless prats like you! Is that a crime?" Lily cried, holding a hand over her heart as she spoke. "And I'll have you know that my-"

"That's ENOUGH." Madison, who had been hoping the stupid argument would solve itself, finally got to her feet, wondering not for the first time why she always had to be the mediator. "For Merlin's sake. I've had enough of this nonsense. Either of you are going to shut the hell up right now or I'm going to hex you. Both." She panted, standing up and glaring in exasperation at the two as if they were mere children. "You're both talking codswallop. Lily; you're a wonderful person – I can testify to that. James – you're a wonderful person too – Sirius can testify to that, right?" She glared at Sirius who had made no attempt to stop the argument. He had been much too amused.

"What? Oh, yeah. James is a wonderful chap. Excellent..." He nodded distractedly, eyeing Lily with enjoyment. She had fallen over a chair and was currently sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, a bottle of scotch in her lap.

"Now Lily," Madison snapped, picking her friend up on her feet. "I'm sorry this had to happen – it was a big mistake from the very beginning."

"You've got that right."

"I thought I told you to shut up."

"Why don't you shut up and go shag your boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"Whatever."

"Shut up Lily." Madison hissed once again, hitting her harshly on the forehead. "I'm putting you to bed before you get any more annoying." She told Lily, hoisting her up and dragging her toward the bed. "I never want to see you drunk again. "

"Well you know what? I never want to be drunk again... So there." Lily flopped down on the bed, bringing her knees to her chest as she had before, setting an icy gaze in James' direction. James hadn't moved since Lily's fit – he was still standing, completely and totally still, looking very much as if he had been frozen. In truth, James was doing his very best to get his temper under control. He understood that this was Lily's first time getting drunk – she was obviously very small and didn't have a very high tolerance alcohol – he was deciding to do the bigger thing and not argue with the drunkard.

"Sirius, mate, I think I'm going to retire as well." James muttered frustratedly, turning his back on the scene and glancing at his friend. "I don't think I can take much more excitement today." He explained flatly, patting Sirius on the back. "I really wish Lily wasn't such a spoilsport." He whispered so only his friend could hear.

"I've been telling you for years, Prongs, the girl is hopeless. I don't understand why you like her so much..."

"Neither do I." He responded blandly as he made his was over to a cot and lay down, staring tiredly at the ceiling.

"Now Lily, Sirius and I are going out I want you to go to sleep - and leave James alone." Madison said firmly. "Merlin, listen to me, I sound like your mother. I swear, we've switched roles. What a disaster." She shook her head, pulling a blanket over Lily's still fully clothed-body. "I'll speak with you in the morning."

Lily pouted, pulling the blanket childishly over her head. She felt so angry – and couldn't even place why. The past few minutes had gone by in what seemed to be a flash. First she was drinking scotch while watching Sirius and Madison cuddle with each other and then she was arguing with Potter about... Something... Lily grimaced, hugging her head between her hands and biting her lip. She felt incredibly foolish. And stupid. She felt her face turn red and pulled her knees to her chest, quite thankful for the fact that no one – particularly James – could see her.

"See you later." Sirius' voice chimed as the door closed with a firm click.

Suddenly it was dark. The room was filled with silence and a heavy sense of tension. Lily heard James clear his throat and turn over in his bed. She flinched; wishing that she would could just disappear and go home. She wanted to see her parents again. She sniffled feebly, her fingers wrapping themselves around the locket that they had given her. The cold metal danced against her fingertips and Lily felt a little comforted... It was as if her grandmother had just joined her in bed to snuggle. Lily smiled, feeling a little calmer than before. It seemed that alcohol enjoyed messing with her – one moment, she would be in a panic, the next full of rage, and then... Well? Calm. Lily grimaced, beginning to regret allowing herself to drink. It had been a stupid decision – and a mistake... But then again, you were supposed to learn from your mistakes so perhaps this could be a good experience? Lily doubted it.

Turning over onto her back, the red-head stared at the ceiling, suddenly feeling another wave of emotion wash over her... She didn't recognize it – apprehension? Nervousness? It seemed to be settling in her stomach and...

Oh Merlin.

Suddenly Lily realize what it was and ran to the bathroom as fast as she could manage. It wasn't a wave of emotion – it was a wave of nausea