Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling and I am not profiting from this in any financial way possible. I, however, am just getting some relaxation and this story is meant for pure pleasure so please don't sue me. Besides, I am a college student and it is really hard financially as it is anyways. Well, this is my lecture, happy reading, or bash me to the ground if you want, don't really care. Actually I kinda do, if you have like it and want me to continue, then say so, I really am wanting to do this until 7th year but we will see.

Girls and Maturity

That night, James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew discussed how their day was. They were in a private area reserved for their group, and most Gryffindor knew well to avoid their area unless they wanted trouble. Their group was known as the infamous Marauders. The name alone linked the four close friends together as they practically did everything together. Even after being promoted to being one of Gryffindor's prefects, Remus was still a loyal Marauder at heart.

"Man, that sucks Wormtail. Rejected again? Gosh we have to find a girl for you. No Marauder can stay as a virgin by now," Sirius said while hitting his chest with his knuckles.

Sirius Blade Black was born to become the successor of the majority of the noble House of Black's wealth. His family was one of the oldest pureblood families around that maintain the notion of the pureblood supremacy which he disagreed openly. The Black family has been around since the start of the Middle Ages. Not only are they incredibly wealthy but they have a well developed prestige and a long family history. Sirius has an aristocratic, haughty appearance with handsome features inherited from the Black lines. He was tall, two inches taller than James and was also much broader and muscular than his friend. His black hair was short, and his grey eyes glowed with mischief twenty-four seven. His is well known to be a womanizer, teamed with James, these two can nearly escape any female with their wits and charms except their mothers and the experienced Professor McGonagall. Sirius is also very gifted student with a nasty creative mind that makes things interesting for Hogwarts.

"Guys I think no girl will go out with me. And I mean the half decent looking ones. Am I that bad looking?" Peter asked gloomily in defeat.

Peter Patrick Pettigrew was a pasty short, and slightly overweight, member of the Marauders. He had diminutive blue eyes with short dull blond hair. His was the least attractive Marauder and also the least skilled which says a lot because the rest of the Marauders were incredibly eye-catching and talented. He was known as the "follower" of the group who relied on the others for assistance. However, the other Marauders enjoy his company nevertheless since the day James helped and befriended the boy during their first year. He looks up to the others especially James because he was his first friend who actually liked him for who he was.

"Nonsense, never doubt yourself Wormtail, You are a Marauder, have some pride, and a Marauder always gets a girl," Sirius said while patting Peter's back. "Besides, you aren't bad looking." You just need to find a look that suits you, that's all. And we may have to change your squeaky voice while we help you lose some pounds. And finally, you need to learn the ways to woe a girl also, yeah that is a must."

"Yeah Wormtail, don't get so depressed, you will find a girl that will like you. Looks aren't everything you know and forget about all that Sirius said. Just be yourself and there is someone who will like you for who you are," Remus said while Sirius gave him a dangerous look.

Remus John Lupin was commonly known as reserved and quiet boy and the conscience of the group early on but soon that definition no longer applied to him. He was slightly shorter than James only by a few inches, with intriguing light brown, graying hair and adorable brown eyes as many girls simply put it. He also has extremely good looks with light features. He is lean and also has an athletic build. Remus is a genius when it comes to academics. He is the only half blood of the Marauder, but because James and Sirius were so accepting, he is admitted to be their best friend which Peter latter joined up. Before meeting up with them, he did not try to befriend anyone and was always alone throughout much of his childhood because of his dark secret. However, the way that James and Sirius kept insisting that he lighten up and join up with them, Remus gave himself a little leeway to enjoy himself. Still, he kept his bleak secret to himself for he did not want to lose them as friends should they find out who he really was. However, when they and Peter found out about his transformation, they accepted that as who he was and did not shun him like the world had. That is one of the reasons why he was so afraid to talk to the opposite sex in the first place because he could never imagine himself to end up living with one that could understand him. However, the Marauders assured him that they aren't the only ones who are accepting of him and that someday he will find a special girl who will accept who he is. But not only that, he is eternally bound to the Marauders for James and Sirius after learning about Remus's metamorphosis decided to keep him company by learning to become animagi and from what they said, they will become animagi before Christmas. After they successfully became animagi, they will help Peter become one also so once a month, the night of the full moon, they can keep him company because werewolves' bites are not dangerous to beast. Remus openly tried to dissuade his friends from breaking sixty-seven national rules along with forty-nine international laws since they started the venture. After they found about his secret during the second year, he truly was indebt to them for being so considerate.

"Says the guy who Prongs and I practically taught the freaking laws to attract a girl," Sirius said with a snort while turning his face away from Remus. "Listen, if this old wolf can get a girl, so can you. Oh, by the way. Back in the day, Moony, you were almost as bad as Wormtail when it came to talking to girls. H..h..hi?" Sirius stuttered to emphasize his point. Then he focused back to his friend in distress. "Remember Moony wasn't always so cool with girls like he is now. Oh no, it took James and I almost half a month so he would just stop his stuttering in front of a girl." Remus went a bit red. Sirius continued a little pleased, "Seriously, we turned this petrified-in-front-of-a-girl git into a pro. Our technique has yet to fail."

"I am the only one you guys ever taught, you prick," Remus intervened with a voice of impatience.

"Nope, wrong again, hehe. We actually taught Alfred the ways of Black and Potter guide to hot juicy…" Sirius said before he was interrupted.

"What, Mathen? When?" Remus questioned intrigued.

"It was during the first year, I think, that was when we were getting along great. But ever since ummm, our differences, we kinda stop being friends. We were in Prongs's home for Christmas break, man his mom almost threw us out for what we have done, wait, Prongs and I already told you what happened. Right?" Sirius asked which the two friends nodded to. "Yeah well, Wormtail, you will learn the Grade A trick to win a girl and of course Moony will help, right?" Sirius asked which Remus nodded to.

"Thanks guys, I am glad you are all here. I don't know what I would do without you guys," Peter said feeling a lot better now that his friends were on his case.

"Hey, its mutual you know buddy, just hang in there, right Prongs?" Sirius said now focusing on James who was abnormally silent.

"Prongs?" Remus inquired while flashing his hand at James's direction.

"Huh, huh?" James said coming out of his zone.

"Prongs you ok there?" Sirius said while putting his hand on his forehead before James threw his hand away from his face.

"Yeah I think I am, sorry about that guys," James said while turning away from Sirius and looking at the other Marauders.

"Well good, but do you have anything on your mind?" Peter said, sensing a problem with one of his best friends.

"Evans"

"Oh boy, not again, what happened this time," Remus asked. "I hope you didn't do anything to her to make her upset again Prongs?"

"Well, not much since the last time, all I did was immobilize her and tied her up so I can force an answer out of her,"

"Dammit Prongs, you know she won't like that and now she must hate you even more for that." Remus said hopelessly.

"I think she does, she first cursed me and then gave me the silent treatment. Then she just looked away probably out of anger. I finally realized that it was fruitless to keep her tied up and untied her and returned her wand," James said with a sigh.

"Prongs, why do you insist going after her? Ever since third year, you have been chasing her. Just go with another girl. Like Celena, or Erika. Any one of them is better than Evans and they give you far more pleasantries on one day than Evans ever had since year one. Seriously, give up that childish crush and move on. You are acting like a baby now," Sirius stated sternly while getting up from the couch.

"Could you be anymore insensitive Padfoot? Seriously, James really likes Lily and he is pursuing her which shows that he really isn't interested in any other girls. Don't listen to that heartless bastard Prongs, you will one day get Lily. You just need patience and for your sake, be nicer to her. Come on, what girl would like to be tied up so you can force an answer out of her. And two nights ago when you managed to break into her dormitory while she was sleeping so you can ask her out wasn't such a good idea either and never mind how you reached there when the founders of Hogwarts enchanted the stairs so if any boy tries to go up to the girls dorm rooms, he would be sliding back out to the common room. Wow, when I saw you in the morning, you were undistinguishable after what she and her roommates did to you. Only your impenetrable hair was what helped me know that it was you. Though I do agree with Padfoot on one thing Prongs, you do need to grow up. Doing childish things will not win her over. Just be mature when she is around, and maybe you will get a chance," Remus said while taking a spot on the couch next to James.

"Hmph, says the guy who is relatively new at girls," Sirius snickered.

"No, I think Sirius is right, Moony. I think I have to get over her. It's been already two years since she has been rejecting me. I have to admit, some of the ways I asked her was childish and foolish, but there were other times I would sincerely ask her. No, I think this is best," James said as he got up leaving Remus on the couch alone.

"Well, do what you have to then Prongs," Remus said with a sigh.

"Well, good night guys, I will see you guys later," Peter said as he walked up the stairs to the dormitories yawning.

"Man, Wormtail has the right idea, night guys and Moony have fun with your patrol," Sirius said as he followed his friend while trying to hide his chuckle.

"Wait Padfoot, where is the Marauder's Map?" Remus asked seriously.

"Come on Moony, is prefect duties too gruesome for you?" Sirius teased while poking Remus with his elbow.

"I just want to have it with me, Padfoot, that's all you git,"

"Whatever," Sirius raised his hands in defeat, "Go ask Wormtail for it, I think he used it last,"

"Later Prongs, don't be so hard on yourself now," Remus said as he followed Sirius to the dorms get ready for his night shift.

"Night"

James fell back onto the couch. He looked around; few first years were scurrying around. He looked around and found a few sixth year girls finishing up their homework. Then he found Lily, sitting as far away from him doing homework as well. She was just too beautiful to describe, her face just perfect….

Scribbling some potion notes down, Lily put her quill down. She gathered her belongings together and was about to get up. But then she felt someone's gaze upon her. She looked around; there were a bunch of girls in middle probably gossiping about the latest hook ups. She saw several students around doing their homework and then she fixed her gaze upon James who seemed to be in deep thought. As soon as she noticed him, she felt a surge of anger boiling beneath her skin; however, that anger passed away as soon as it surfaced. He had his hands over his face, rubbing them across his face. When she was able to see his face, he put his glasses back on and got up and walked off toward the exit. By this time, Lily's gaze was fixed upon her charms book but she was still monitoring James's movement toward the portrait. He opened it and left. She looked at the time which read that it was almost ten.

Damn Potter, going out for another prank. Lily assumed but if he was doing a prank, why would he go alone, and by the look of his expression, he wasn't really in the best of moods. He was downtrodden about something but then again; she has been fooled by James way too much to expect anything but the unexpected.

"Hey Lil," Erika said with a wave of her hand as she sat next to Lily on the work table, "Ready for your shift with Remus?"

Erika was a pretty brunette who had hair down to her shoulders and had an irresistible smile. She was petite as she was only 5'1". But her size did not mean anything for she was a tough duelist and hardcore chaser for Gryffindor. She had blue crisp eyes which can turn light grey depending on the light. She was very social and bright for the amount she studies, and was one of the most outgoing Gryffindor girls.

"Oh, yeah, I have to go soon,"

"You know, I saw you looking at Potter for a while, what's was up with that by the way?"

"Was not!" Lily stated while getting up, "Why the hell would I look at him, and if I was looking at him, it would be to throw daggers at him then,"

"Really, haha, that is funny because you were not looking at him with rage. At least not for a good portion of the time. Maybe in the beginning I saw you clench you fist a bit, but you kind of relaxed it after a while and actually looked at him,"

"Give me a break, well I will see you later, I have my duties now," Lily said, finishing her packing. She shoved her books to Erika a bit harder than she intended to, which Erika knew Lily was a bit angry.

"Have fun, don't bust up Potter too much though," Erika teased as Lily was walking toward the portrait.

"Well I hope you have a good night," Lily said sarcastically to her friend as she exited out of the Gryffindor common room.

"Hey Evans,"

"Huh, POTTER!" Lily jumped nearly two yards backwards.

"Calm down," James said as he came out into a better lit area.

"Gosh, Potter, you are one big…"

"A big what?" James interrupted in a serious tone.

"You know exactly, because you must hear it from me a thousand times a week,"

"A jerk, whelp, loser, brat, spawn of devil, son of a siren, should I go on?"

"No thanks, I think you get the picture even though you may choose not to heed my words. What do you want now? Actually, I know what you want, and my answer is still and forever no," Lily stated sternly while crossing her arms over her chest and looking at the another direction.

"Really Miss. Perfect? You think you know why I am here, well, then I hope you accept it. I…I… I am really sorry for today, I don't know why I did it," James said in defeated as he walked away down the stairs when he stopped "I thought you may want to hear it again incase you thought I was sarcastic earlier today," he said, continuing down the stairs into the darkness

Strange, now that he mentions it, I do remember him saying sorry to me but why did I not pick it out before? And was I hearing it right when did Potter just apologized formally without any sarcasm? Again? What was the world coming to? Jame… Potter I mean actually having some decency and sentiment? Maybe I am dreaming. Yes, it must be it, I must be dreaming and Erika or maybe Rachael will wake me up to go patrol with Remus. Wait, this isn't a dream, I can feel my senses. Shoot, wait why did I think that? Isn't it a good thing Potter apologized? Maybe he is finally maturing and I have to say it's about time too.

Lily sighed deeply and when she sorted her thoughts out, she lighted her wand and began her two hour patrol.