Thank you to the people who have reviewed my story, I really appreciate it!
Anyway, of course all Harry Potter related characters and terms belong to J.K. Rowling so don't sue me, I have no money cause I'm a college student.
Please don't forget to Review!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 3: Carriages, Feasts and Schedules
The Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade an hour later. The Prefects opened the doors. They made sure that everyone was getting into carriages and that the first years were directed to Hagrid, the groundskeeper, who would direct them to the boats. Lily and James had to stay behind and search the train to make sure that everyone was off. Once they were done, they got off the train and made their way towards their friends, who were waiting for them. Unfortunately for Lily, there was only one carriage left and the boys had reached it first.
"Oh I don't believe this!" said Lily utterly disgusted. "It's bad enough I have to share the Head's position with him, but now I have to ride with him too! Unbelievable." She shook her head as the girls made their way towards the carriage.
"It could be worse Lil. At least we aren't stuck with Slytherin's." Liz said as she opened the carriage door. The four boys turned to look out the door at the three girls.
"Good evening ladies!" James Potter greeted with a huge grin. "Won't you please come in and have a seat?" The four boys spread out so that the girls could not sit next to each other. Liz giggled and hoisted herself into the carriage. She blushed as she took a seat on one of the benches, in between a smiling Remus Lupin and a tired looking Peter Pettigrew. James and Sirius sat next to each other right in the middle on the opposite bench, so that Faith and Lily would be forced to sit on either side of them.
"Faith, I have a seat right here for you love," Sirius patted his lap. Faith rolled her eyes at him and took a seat next to James and tossed a strand of hair out of her face. Grateful that her best friend took that seat, Lily took the only available seat next to Sirius. As the carriage started to move towards the castle, James and Sirius gave each other a wicked grin. In one fluid motion, they switched seats. Lily glared at James, while Faith stared at Sirius, the corners of her mouth twitching.
"There, that's better I think." Sirius grinned and threw his arm around Faith's shoulders.
Faith smiled and batted her eyes at Sirius. "Black, you have one moment to remove that arm before I permanently charm it to your forehead."
"Oh come on love, I'm just trying to start a conversation here." Sirius gave her his most charming smile and moved a little closer. Peter snorted, as Liz and Remus began sharing their summer experiences.
"Well, a conversation doesn't involve physical contact Sirius." Faith removed his arm but didn't move away.
"My conversations do, love." Sirius winked and rested his hand on her leg.
"It will take more than a charming smile and some cheap moves to catch me into a conversation with you." Faith smiled sweetly.
"I like a challenge, love. The hunt is half the fun and makes the victory all the more sweet." Sirius stared intensely into her eyes, as Faith gave a confident smirk.
Meanwhile, James was trying to engage Lily in a conversation.
"So Evans how was your summer? Did you miss me terribly?" James gave her a wink. Lily continued to glare at him. "It was lovely Potter," she said shortly, "and I know it's difficult for you to believe, but I didn't think about you once." Lily lied. For a fleeting moment she thought that she saw a hurt look on James's shadowed face, but she disregarded it.
"If you keep denying it Evans, its only going to make it worse," he smirked. "Anyway, what are our duties once we get into the Great Hall."
Lily looked at him skeptically. "What are you playing at Potter?"
"I don't understand what you are talking about Evans?" said James highly amused.
"You better not mess this up Potter. You can't charm your way through this position. You have to be responsible and take it seriously. I won't jeopardize my position and everything that I have worked for, for you." Lily finished with a confident look on her face.
"Well Evans, I do hope that you have a higher expectation of me than that." James smiled. He leaned towards her and stared above his glasses into her green eyes, causing Lily to shift uncomfortably but not taking her eyes off of his. "I think you'll be surprised at how responsible I can be." * * * * * * * * * * * *
Twenty-minutes and a few laughs later, the girls and the Marauder's were seated in the Great Hall waiting for the Sorting to begin. Professor McGonagall entered the Hall with a trail of terrified looking first years behind her.
"Oh! Don't they look so cute? Merlin, I remember when I was in their shoes. I was terrified. It seems like yesterday," Liz looked wistfully at the passing by students.
"Oh get a grip Liz. Personally, I'd rather be a seventh year. At least you know enough hexes to get yourself out of trouble," Faith smiled as she shook her head. Lily smiled and thought to herself. "Faith, always the Auror and Liz always the healer."
Professor McGonagall began the sorting and one by one the first years were sorted into their houses. Six first years joined the Gryffindor table. They chatted nervously to one another and a few of the second and third years sitting near them. The feast was up to its fabulous standard and when it was almost over, the Headmaster rose to his feet to speak. The Hall immediately fell silent.
"Welcome new students and returning students to another year at Hogwarts. For you new students, I will go over the basic rules. At this time I am asking that you older students feel free to refresh your memories as well," his eyes lingered on four boys at the Gryffindor table.
"The forest on the Hogwarts grounds are forbidden and out of bounds to all students. Due to the events of last year, our caretaker Mr. Pringle has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be done in between classes. Also Mr. Pringle has updated his list of illegal items; feel free to check that out in his office at your leisure," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and the corners of his mouth twitched.
"Third years and higher will be allow to visit Hogsmeade on the scheduled dates that will be posted in your common rooms. I must also express that inter-house pranking and hazing is highly discouraged and reprimanded. Also, anyone caught outside their common rooms outside of the designated school hours will be penalized accordingly," his eyes flicked for a moment towards the Gryffindor table again.
"Quidditch house try-outs will be this weekend, check your common rooms for the times. As always the house with the most points will win the house cup at the end of the year. Now, will the Prefects kindly escort their houses to their common rooms. Also, will our Head Boy and Girl kindly remain here so I may speak to them." The students began to file out of the Great Hall. Prefects could be heard calling for the first years to follow them. Liz and Faith turned to Lily before getting up.
"Do you want us to wait for you Lil?" Faith questioned as her eyes darted towards Potter.
"No that's alright I'll only be a minute." Lily got up from her seat.
"Alright, we'll see you later." Faith and Liz waved as they got up and joined the others leaving the Great Hall. Lily noticed that James Potter was still seated as his friends got up to join the rest of the Gryffindors.
"Are you ready Potter?" Lily asked, motioning towards the head table, where Dumbledore was standing talking to Professor McGonagall.
"Can't wait to be alone with me again, huh Evans?" James smiled as he got up and joined her. Together they walked up to the Head table and waited for Dumbledore to address them. After a moment he turned towards the two students.
"Ah, Mr. Potter and Miss Evans, won't you please sit down?" Dumbledore ushered them to the end of the Gryffindor table. The Headmaster, though quite old, hopped down the steps like a young man and took a seat across from them.
"Congratulations on achieving your positions. Both of you were chosen due to your extreme talent and abilities as capable role models." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as Lily tried hard not to laugh at the thought of James Potter as a capable role model.
"Now, as the Heads I am quite sure that you understand what is expected of you. However, due to the recent dark times that have befallen us, I am afraid I am going to request more responsibility from the both of you.
"Professor, you can expect us to do anything you ask," Lily answered. The Headmaster smiled at her.
"Thank you Miss Evans. As both of you are aware, Lord Voldemort's power and influence is expanding. I am afraid that his influence maybe residing in some of your fellow students here at Hogwarts. I am asking that both of you keep an eye out for any unusual activity. Also, I am afraid that the patrolling duties of yourselves and the Prefects are going to have to be doubled. I have asked Professor McGonagall to create a patrolling sheet for you to hand out to the Prefects tomorrow at the meeting." Dumbledore lowered his head and look at the two students over his half moon spectacles. His blue eyes pierced into Lily and James. "I cannot impress the seriousness of the current state at Hogwarts. I trust both of you and have extreme confidence that you can handle this responsibility. However, if either of you need to talk to me, please feel free to come and see me at anytime."
"We will Professor." Lily looked at the Headmaster, determination etched on her face. "Don't worry Professor, Evans and I can handle anything that is thrown at us." James held his head high in the air. The Headmaster nodded and leaned back, obviously satisfied.
"Well that is all. Thank you both." Dumbledore smiled and stood up quickly. Realizing that their meeting had concluded, Lily and James got up from their seats and exited the Great Hall, heading for Gryffindor tower. Lily noticed out of the corner of her eye that James kept glancing at her and ruffling up his hair as if he was hesitant about saying something. Lily was just about to ask him to spit it out when a girl with long dark hair caught their attention. Lily and James looked at each other and headed towards the girl, who was walking towards the astronomy tower.
"Excuse me," James called to the girl. "Are you aware that you are out after designated hours?"
The girl stopped and paused. Slowly she turned around. Lily recognized the familiar cat-like grin and the heavy lidded eyes of Bellatrix Black.
"Well if it isn't Dumbledore's new pets." Bellatrix's face twisted with pleasure.
"I suggest you get back to your common room Black," Lily suggested.
"Or what mudblood, you'll report me and write me up?" Bellatrix let out a shriek of laughter, her eyes twinkling insanely.
"Shut your mouth Black or I'll make sure you can never open it again," said James as he pulled out his wand. Bellatrix looked at him, obviously highly amused.
"What a knight. Trying to protect his flower. Honestly, I am touched. Don't waste your time Potter, I know more magic and have more power than you have in your little finger." Bellatrix yawned loudly.
"I suggest you get to your common room," James stated firmly, "before something.. bad. happens to you." Bellatrix's smile fell from her face and she glared at James threw her heavy lidded eyes.
"Be care who you threaten Potter, it could get you into trouble one of these days," Bellatrix breathed. She held his gaze for a moment and then turned on her heel and strode away down the hall. James and Lily stood there watching her until she rounded the corner.
"What a demented witch," Lily frowned as she looked at James.
"That's putting it lightly, Evans," James turned towards her and smiled as he looked into her eyes. "Well, shall this knight escort his flower back to the common room?"
"I am not your flower, Potter and I am certainly not a damsel in need of rescuing," said Lily as she looked away and started walking towards the common room.
"Ah Evans, do you know that you are very attractive when you look at me like that?" James followed and glanced over, still smiling. For a second he saw Lily Evans smile slightly. His stomach gave a pleasant flop. They reached the Gryffindor common room entrance. Lily gave the password and they both walked in to find the room practically empty, except for a few third and sixth years sitting near the fireplace.
"Well, goodnight Evans. Try not to dream about me too much," James grinned as he dashed up to his dorm, taking the steps two at a time. Lily shook her head in disgust and headed up to her dorm.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily Evans woke up to the music of the Weird Sisters blaring in her room.
"Faith! Bloody Hell! It's seven o'clock!" Liz complained as she threw her pillow over her head.
"It's time to get up kids!" Faith walked over to Lily and threw herself on her bed. "Come on Head Girl, it's your turn for the shower."
Lily rolled over and hit Faith with her pillow. "Thanks for the wake-up call, but I don't remember asking for one."
Faith smiled, "Compliments of the Hogwarts Hospitality for Heads Program. Now get in the shower before those annoying fifth years hog it again." She rolled off her bed and headed towards the vanity, but not before Faith hit Liz on the butt and told her to get up. Lily, realizing it was hopeless to sleep for an extra fifteen minutes, got out of bed and grudgingly headed for the shower. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Geeze Padfoot! Your snoring could attract a horny dragon!" James groggily threw his pillow at the lump sleeping in the bed next to him. Sirius snorted and rolled over, his mouth wide open. James laughed to himself as he got up and stretched. He noticed that Peter was still asleep, but Remus was missing. James grabbed his bathrobe and headed for the shower.
Twenty minutes later, James re-entered his bedroom much cleaner and fully awake.
"Good Morning Prongs," Remus greeted as he pulled on a shirt. "Ready to start your first day of your last year?"
"Well I don't know about you, Moony, but I am ecstatic," said James walking over to his trunk.
Sirius emerged from the shower in a pair of shorts and entered the room. "I am one sexy beast!" he joked as he flexed his muscles. James, Remus and Peter groaned and threw various articles of clothing at him.
"Just get dressed will you Padfoot? We're starving," said James as he pulled on his shoes. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily, Faith and Liz bounded down the girls dormitory stairs and into the common room. They paused at the news boards and read that the first Hogsmeade weekend was in two weeks.
"I wish Hogsmeade was this weekend instead," said Faith as the girls climbed out of the portrait hole.
"I know. The first weekend back is always so boring," Lily agreed, walking down the stairs.
"Well that's because you two are forgetting the Quidditch try-outs this Saturday," said Liz excitedly as the girls entered the Great Hall.
"Why on God's green earth should I care about Quidditch try-outs?" said Faith as the girls sat down next to the Marauders, who were busy shoveling food in their mouths.
"Maybe you should try-out Faith. We need a new chaser, keeper and beater since Frank Longbottom, Fabian Prewett and Erin Sterling graduated last year," Liz offered as she began to butter her bagel.
"Yeah Faith, it would be a good way to let out all of your pent up frustrations," Lily smiled politely and took a sip of her juice.
"Hey Ravenwood! Are you thinking of trying to become my beater counterpart?" Sirius called over to Faith in between mouthfuls
Faith sighed and turned her head towards Sirius. "Black, why would I voluntarily try to become your counterpart in anything?"
"Because you can't stand to be away from me, love." Sirius gave a dashing smile before shoving in another big mouthful of food.
"Yuck! Black here's a piece of valuable advice. Take smaller bites. It makes you look less like a pig at feeding time." Faith wrinkled her nose in disgust. Everyone, including a couple of second years that were listening in on the conversation laughed. Everyone, that is except Sirius, who just finished chewing with a big smile on his face.
"Why don't you come over here and feed me smaller bites," said Sirius after he had swallowed his mouthful of food. Faith rolled her eyes and muttered something that sounded like "pig" and turned her attention back to her friends.
"Maybe giving you a club, a heavy ball and a few targets to aim at isn't a good idea Faith," said Liz laughing.
"You might try to knock off your own teammate," Lily smiled as she absentmindedly glanced over at James Potter, who winked at her before carrying on in a conversation with Remus. Lily quickly looked away and focused her attention on Professor McGonagall, who was handing out the Gryffindor schedules.
"Remember there is a Prefects meeting this evening at seven o'clock Miss Evans and Mr. Potter," said McGonagall when she reached them. Lily nodded as she took her schedule.
"What is this?" Sirius exclaimed and pointed to his schedule. James, Remus and Peter did not need to look because they were all staring at the same thing. In bold black letters, the Gryffindor seventh years were scheduled to attend double Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Slytherins, in about fifteen minutes.
"Isn't that an oxymoron?" Remus questioned. The four boys shook their heads in unison. James glanced over at Lily, who was frowning, looking at her schedule.
"Well at least we only have it on Tuesday and Thursday mornings," Liz said as she scanned her paper. "I mean at least we are sharing the majority of the other classes with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff."
"Yeah but Defense Against the Dark Arts is where we are suppose to learn how to fight the Dark Arts. Not have the Dark Arts practicing on us," said James as he stuffed his paper in his bag and got to his feet. "Anyway, we better shove off or we'll be late." Peter stuffed another donut into his mouth as he, Remus and Sirius stood up and began walking out of the Great Hall.
"I hate to say this, but he's right," said Lily as she folded her schedule and stuffed it in her bag.
"Well just think Lily, at least we can hex them and say that we were just practicing for the real world." Faith grinned evilly as she got to her feet. Liz and Lily laughed as they headed out of the Great Hall.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Don't forget to review!
Anyway, of course all Harry Potter related characters and terms belong to J.K. Rowling so don't sue me, I have no money cause I'm a college student.
Please don't forget to Review!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 3: Carriages, Feasts and Schedules
The Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade an hour later. The Prefects opened the doors. They made sure that everyone was getting into carriages and that the first years were directed to Hagrid, the groundskeeper, who would direct them to the boats. Lily and James had to stay behind and search the train to make sure that everyone was off. Once they were done, they got off the train and made their way towards their friends, who were waiting for them. Unfortunately for Lily, there was only one carriage left and the boys had reached it first.
"Oh I don't believe this!" said Lily utterly disgusted. "It's bad enough I have to share the Head's position with him, but now I have to ride with him too! Unbelievable." She shook her head as the girls made their way towards the carriage.
"It could be worse Lil. At least we aren't stuck with Slytherin's." Liz said as she opened the carriage door. The four boys turned to look out the door at the three girls.
"Good evening ladies!" James Potter greeted with a huge grin. "Won't you please come in and have a seat?" The four boys spread out so that the girls could not sit next to each other. Liz giggled and hoisted herself into the carriage. She blushed as she took a seat on one of the benches, in between a smiling Remus Lupin and a tired looking Peter Pettigrew. James and Sirius sat next to each other right in the middle on the opposite bench, so that Faith and Lily would be forced to sit on either side of them.
"Faith, I have a seat right here for you love," Sirius patted his lap. Faith rolled her eyes at him and took a seat next to James and tossed a strand of hair out of her face. Grateful that her best friend took that seat, Lily took the only available seat next to Sirius. As the carriage started to move towards the castle, James and Sirius gave each other a wicked grin. In one fluid motion, they switched seats. Lily glared at James, while Faith stared at Sirius, the corners of her mouth twitching.
"There, that's better I think." Sirius grinned and threw his arm around Faith's shoulders.
Faith smiled and batted her eyes at Sirius. "Black, you have one moment to remove that arm before I permanently charm it to your forehead."
"Oh come on love, I'm just trying to start a conversation here." Sirius gave her his most charming smile and moved a little closer. Peter snorted, as Liz and Remus began sharing their summer experiences.
"Well, a conversation doesn't involve physical contact Sirius." Faith removed his arm but didn't move away.
"My conversations do, love." Sirius winked and rested his hand on her leg.
"It will take more than a charming smile and some cheap moves to catch me into a conversation with you." Faith smiled sweetly.
"I like a challenge, love. The hunt is half the fun and makes the victory all the more sweet." Sirius stared intensely into her eyes, as Faith gave a confident smirk.
Meanwhile, James was trying to engage Lily in a conversation.
"So Evans how was your summer? Did you miss me terribly?" James gave her a wink. Lily continued to glare at him. "It was lovely Potter," she said shortly, "and I know it's difficult for you to believe, but I didn't think about you once." Lily lied. For a fleeting moment she thought that she saw a hurt look on James's shadowed face, but she disregarded it.
"If you keep denying it Evans, its only going to make it worse," he smirked. "Anyway, what are our duties once we get into the Great Hall."
Lily looked at him skeptically. "What are you playing at Potter?"
"I don't understand what you are talking about Evans?" said James highly amused.
"You better not mess this up Potter. You can't charm your way through this position. You have to be responsible and take it seriously. I won't jeopardize my position and everything that I have worked for, for you." Lily finished with a confident look on her face.
"Well Evans, I do hope that you have a higher expectation of me than that." James smiled. He leaned towards her and stared above his glasses into her green eyes, causing Lily to shift uncomfortably but not taking her eyes off of his. "I think you'll be surprised at how responsible I can be." * * * * * * * * * * * *
Twenty-minutes and a few laughs later, the girls and the Marauder's were seated in the Great Hall waiting for the Sorting to begin. Professor McGonagall entered the Hall with a trail of terrified looking first years behind her.
"Oh! Don't they look so cute? Merlin, I remember when I was in their shoes. I was terrified. It seems like yesterday," Liz looked wistfully at the passing by students.
"Oh get a grip Liz. Personally, I'd rather be a seventh year. At least you know enough hexes to get yourself out of trouble," Faith smiled as she shook her head. Lily smiled and thought to herself. "Faith, always the Auror and Liz always the healer."
Professor McGonagall began the sorting and one by one the first years were sorted into their houses. Six first years joined the Gryffindor table. They chatted nervously to one another and a few of the second and third years sitting near them. The feast was up to its fabulous standard and when it was almost over, the Headmaster rose to his feet to speak. The Hall immediately fell silent.
"Welcome new students and returning students to another year at Hogwarts. For you new students, I will go over the basic rules. At this time I am asking that you older students feel free to refresh your memories as well," his eyes lingered on four boys at the Gryffindor table.
"The forest on the Hogwarts grounds are forbidden and out of bounds to all students. Due to the events of last year, our caretaker Mr. Pringle has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be done in between classes. Also Mr. Pringle has updated his list of illegal items; feel free to check that out in his office at your leisure," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and the corners of his mouth twitched.
"Third years and higher will be allow to visit Hogsmeade on the scheduled dates that will be posted in your common rooms. I must also express that inter-house pranking and hazing is highly discouraged and reprimanded. Also, anyone caught outside their common rooms outside of the designated school hours will be penalized accordingly," his eyes flicked for a moment towards the Gryffindor table again.
"Quidditch house try-outs will be this weekend, check your common rooms for the times. As always the house with the most points will win the house cup at the end of the year. Now, will the Prefects kindly escort their houses to their common rooms. Also, will our Head Boy and Girl kindly remain here so I may speak to them." The students began to file out of the Great Hall. Prefects could be heard calling for the first years to follow them. Liz and Faith turned to Lily before getting up.
"Do you want us to wait for you Lil?" Faith questioned as her eyes darted towards Potter.
"No that's alright I'll only be a minute." Lily got up from her seat.
"Alright, we'll see you later." Faith and Liz waved as they got up and joined the others leaving the Great Hall. Lily noticed that James Potter was still seated as his friends got up to join the rest of the Gryffindors.
"Are you ready Potter?" Lily asked, motioning towards the head table, where Dumbledore was standing talking to Professor McGonagall.
"Can't wait to be alone with me again, huh Evans?" James smiled as he got up and joined her. Together they walked up to the Head table and waited for Dumbledore to address them. After a moment he turned towards the two students.
"Ah, Mr. Potter and Miss Evans, won't you please sit down?" Dumbledore ushered them to the end of the Gryffindor table. The Headmaster, though quite old, hopped down the steps like a young man and took a seat across from them.
"Congratulations on achieving your positions. Both of you were chosen due to your extreme talent and abilities as capable role models." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as Lily tried hard not to laugh at the thought of James Potter as a capable role model.
"Now, as the Heads I am quite sure that you understand what is expected of you. However, due to the recent dark times that have befallen us, I am afraid I am going to request more responsibility from the both of you.
"Professor, you can expect us to do anything you ask," Lily answered. The Headmaster smiled at her.
"Thank you Miss Evans. As both of you are aware, Lord Voldemort's power and influence is expanding. I am afraid that his influence maybe residing in some of your fellow students here at Hogwarts. I am asking that both of you keep an eye out for any unusual activity. Also, I am afraid that the patrolling duties of yourselves and the Prefects are going to have to be doubled. I have asked Professor McGonagall to create a patrolling sheet for you to hand out to the Prefects tomorrow at the meeting." Dumbledore lowered his head and look at the two students over his half moon spectacles. His blue eyes pierced into Lily and James. "I cannot impress the seriousness of the current state at Hogwarts. I trust both of you and have extreme confidence that you can handle this responsibility. However, if either of you need to talk to me, please feel free to come and see me at anytime."
"We will Professor." Lily looked at the Headmaster, determination etched on her face. "Don't worry Professor, Evans and I can handle anything that is thrown at us." James held his head high in the air. The Headmaster nodded and leaned back, obviously satisfied.
"Well that is all. Thank you both." Dumbledore smiled and stood up quickly. Realizing that their meeting had concluded, Lily and James got up from their seats and exited the Great Hall, heading for Gryffindor tower. Lily noticed out of the corner of her eye that James kept glancing at her and ruffling up his hair as if he was hesitant about saying something. Lily was just about to ask him to spit it out when a girl with long dark hair caught their attention. Lily and James looked at each other and headed towards the girl, who was walking towards the astronomy tower.
"Excuse me," James called to the girl. "Are you aware that you are out after designated hours?"
The girl stopped and paused. Slowly she turned around. Lily recognized the familiar cat-like grin and the heavy lidded eyes of Bellatrix Black.
"Well if it isn't Dumbledore's new pets." Bellatrix's face twisted with pleasure.
"I suggest you get back to your common room Black," Lily suggested.
"Or what mudblood, you'll report me and write me up?" Bellatrix let out a shriek of laughter, her eyes twinkling insanely.
"Shut your mouth Black or I'll make sure you can never open it again," said James as he pulled out his wand. Bellatrix looked at him, obviously highly amused.
"What a knight. Trying to protect his flower. Honestly, I am touched. Don't waste your time Potter, I know more magic and have more power than you have in your little finger." Bellatrix yawned loudly.
"I suggest you get to your common room," James stated firmly, "before something.. bad. happens to you." Bellatrix's smile fell from her face and she glared at James threw her heavy lidded eyes.
"Be care who you threaten Potter, it could get you into trouble one of these days," Bellatrix breathed. She held his gaze for a moment and then turned on her heel and strode away down the hall. James and Lily stood there watching her until she rounded the corner.
"What a demented witch," Lily frowned as she looked at James.
"That's putting it lightly, Evans," James turned towards her and smiled as he looked into her eyes. "Well, shall this knight escort his flower back to the common room?"
"I am not your flower, Potter and I am certainly not a damsel in need of rescuing," said Lily as she looked away and started walking towards the common room.
"Ah Evans, do you know that you are very attractive when you look at me like that?" James followed and glanced over, still smiling. For a second he saw Lily Evans smile slightly. His stomach gave a pleasant flop. They reached the Gryffindor common room entrance. Lily gave the password and they both walked in to find the room practically empty, except for a few third and sixth years sitting near the fireplace.
"Well, goodnight Evans. Try not to dream about me too much," James grinned as he dashed up to his dorm, taking the steps two at a time. Lily shook her head in disgust and headed up to her dorm.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily Evans woke up to the music of the Weird Sisters blaring in her room.
"Faith! Bloody Hell! It's seven o'clock!" Liz complained as she threw her pillow over her head.
"It's time to get up kids!" Faith walked over to Lily and threw herself on her bed. "Come on Head Girl, it's your turn for the shower."
Lily rolled over and hit Faith with her pillow. "Thanks for the wake-up call, but I don't remember asking for one."
Faith smiled, "Compliments of the Hogwarts Hospitality for Heads Program. Now get in the shower before those annoying fifth years hog it again." She rolled off her bed and headed towards the vanity, but not before Faith hit Liz on the butt and told her to get up. Lily, realizing it was hopeless to sleep for an extra fifteen minutes, got out of bed and grudgingly headed for the shower. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Geeze Padfoot! Your snoring could attract a horny dragon!" James groggily threw his pillow at the lump sleeping in the bed next to him. Sirius snorted and rolled over, his mouth wide open. James laughed to himself as he got up and stretched. He noticed that Peter was still asleep, but Remus was missing. James grabbed his bathrobe and headed for the shower.
Twenty minutes later, James re-entered his bedroom much cleaner and fully awake.
"Good Morning Prongs," Remus greeted as he pulled on a shirt. "Ready to start your first day of your last year?"
"Well I don't know about you, Moony, but I am ecstatic," said James walking over to his trunk.
Sirius emerged from the shower in a pair of shorts and entered the room. "I am one sexy beast!" he joked as he flexed his muscles. James, Remus and Peter groaned and threw various articles of clothing at him.
"Just get dressed will you Padfoot? We're starving," said James as he pulled on his shoes. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily, Faith and Liz bounded down the girls dormitory stairs and into the common room. They paused at the news boards and read that the first Hogsmeade weekend was in two weeks.
"I wish Hogsmeade was this weekend instead," said Faith as the girls climbed out of the portrait hole.
"I know. The first weekend back is always so boring," Lily agreed, walking down the stairs.
"Well that's because you two are forgetting the Quidditch try-outs this Saturday," said Liz excitedly as the girls entered the Great Hall.
"Why on God's green earth should I care about Quidditch try-outs?" said Faith as the girls sat down next to the Marauders, who were busy shoveling food in their mouths.
"Maybe you should try-out Faith. We need a new chaser, keeper and beater since Frank Longbottom, Fabian Prewett and Erin Sterling graduated last year," Liz offered as she began to butter her bagel.
"Yeah Faith, it would be a good way to let out all of your pent up frustrations," Lily smiled politely and took a sip of her juice.
"Hey Ravenwood! Are you thinking of trying to become my beater counterpart?" Sirius called over to Faith in between mouthfuls
Faith sighed and turned her head towards Sirius. "Black, why would I voluntarily try to become your counterpart in anything?"
"Because you can't stand to be away from me, love." Sirius gave a dashing smile before shoving in another big mouthful of food.
"Yuck! Black here's a piece of valuable advice. Take smaller bites. It makes you look less like a pig at feeding time." Faith wrinkled her nose in disgust. Everyone, including a couple of second years that were listening in on the conversation laughed. Everyone, that is except Sirius, who just finished chewing with a big smile on his face.
"Why don't you come over here and feed me smaller bites," said Sirius after he had swallowed his mouthful of food. Faith rolled her eyes and muttered something that sounded like "pig" and turned her attention back to her friends.
"Maybe giving you a club, a heavy ball and a few targets to aim at isn't a good idea Faith," said Liz laughing.
"You might try to knock off your own teammate," Lily smiled as she absentmindedly glanced over at James Potter, who winked at her before carrying on in a conversation with Remus. Lily quickly looked away and focused her attention on Professor McGonagall, who was handing out the Gryffindor schedules.
"Remember there is a Prefects meeting this evening at seven o'clock Miss Evans and Mr. Potter," said McGonagall when she reached them. Lily nodded as she took her schedule.
"What is this?" Sirius exclaimed and pointed to his schedule. James, Remus and Peter did not need to look because they were all staring at the same thing. In bold black letters, the Gryffindor seventh years were scheduled to attend double Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Slytherins, in about fifteen minutes.
"Isn't that an oxymoron?" Remus questioned. The four boys shook their heads in unison. James glanced over at Lily, who was frowning, looking at her schedule.
"Well at least we only have it on Tuesday and Thursday mornings," Liz said as she scanned her paper. "I mean at least we are sharing the majority of the other classes with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff."
"Yeah but Defense Against the Dark Arts is where we are suppose to learn how to fight the Dark Arts. Not have the Dark Arts practicing on us," said James as he stuffed his paper in his bag and got to his feet. "Anyway, we better shove off or we'll be late." Peter stuffed another donut into his mouth as he, Remus and Sirius stood up and began walking out of the Great Hall.
"I hate to say this, but he's right," said Lily as she folded her schedule and stuffed it in her bag.
"Well just think Lily, at least we can hex them and say that we were just practicing for the real world." Faith grinned evilly as she got to her feet. Liz and Lily laughed as they headed out of the Great Hall.
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