Hello everyone. I'm sorry that I have taken so long to update but I have
had a lot of family business that has taken priority over everything. I
want to thank everyone who has expressed concerns and sympathy about my
grandmother. I appreciate your words of kindness more than you know. Just a
side note, I know that a lot of you are upset with Petunia's taste in
dresses. I hope that you can learn to forgive her and try not to be too
bitter with her. (I promise she will get hers!)
Padfootlet – Didn't you just love POA? I thought it was really good for a movie even though it did not follow the book. I liked Gary Oldman's portrayal of Sirius, but in my dreams Sirius is way hotter and manlier. Your tigers do not scare me because I have something so scary and terrifying that you will scream in horror......Snuggle Bear!!!
devil-aimee - Aimee I hope that you did not have to work with any goats! I will send extra cookies as therapy for your experience with them if you did. I can't wait for the day when they become our slaves and are forced to act as our coffee tables. Viva la Revolution! But despite that, I hope your work-study was fun and not as smelly as it sounds.
Julia – Hey girl I don't mind if you call me Weffles, my parents do. Thank you for the awesome and inspiring review. I freaking love you! (in a purely platonic way lol) I will take a look at your story and review, I promise. I heard a rumor that JK Rowling is going to give the title of the sixth book on her website. It's supposed to be behind the door. Check out Mugglenet.com because it gives the title to the sixth book, supposedly. Stay cool baby and keep on reviewing.
Amanda – I know I kind of randomly put in the "I love you" Remus/Liz thing. But they have liked each other since the end of last year so it is warranted. Thank you for your sympathy, I really appreciate it. I hope that you like this chapter because it is longer. Ciao girlfriend.
Kittyofwonder – I hope that your grandma is all right and improving. My grandma was not so lucky and I will miss her a great deal. Why are you taking Marvin/Samantha's side? He is evil and deserves the torture hehehehehehe. He will be my slave forever! (Coughs) Anyway, I will check out your story and I bet is really good.
moreHPplease88- Thank you for the hug, I needed it! I am truly sorry to hear about your grandma. My grandma actually died on the 25th (yesterday) so I know exactly how you are feeling. If it makes you feel better I have re-read parts of my story too for a laugh. But that sounds conceited so I will erase that part of your brain. On a side note, I hope that you don't leave that easy. I don't want to get rid of you just yet. But I have plans......oh yes, I have plans.
LJstagflower4e/JCtigerwolf4e- Curse you for the long review, how dare you! Lol j/k. I will take H.A.H.A. off your hands because phase two of Marvin's transformation is commencing. Thank you for the description and I promise that you will make a cameo in an upcoming chapter. Petunia's wedding perhaps?
Hpfreak1984 – I am so glad that you are addicted to my story because that is a good addiction. Not a bad addiction like snorting pixie sticks or repeatedly sticking your finger in the light socket. The worst is the PEZ addiction. The Marlon Brando PEZ Rehabilitation Center is fun place to go but getting off the PEZ is so rough. I'll never forget those dreams, those awful horrifying PEZ dreams. God how they haunt me. No little leprechaun, don't tease me with the Kermit the Frog PEZ dispenser. NOOOO!!!!
Lady Friday – The Elvis Monkey Impersonators perform five times a week at the Exit 45 Motel in Huma, Arizona. They are a group of chimpanzees that dance to Elvis songs and at the end they shower the crowd with their feces. They are great! I highly recommend them for birthdays, bridal showers, bachelor parties, graduations and bar mitzvahs.
Swishy Willow Wand – Believe it or not, Ronald McDonald was actually created in 1963 and played by a man named Willard Scott. He appeared on McDonald commercials in 1963 and then took on the character of Bozo the Clown. True story. Isn't it great to have random useless information?
AnniePADFOOT- I love Pixie Sticks and I'm so glad that you found them in Australia! I was going to send you some because every person should experience the great sugar rush that is provided by a good pixie. Hmm...I don't know what is in store for Remus and Liz. Is that a bad thing?
Flyingwind33- What's up Nestle my friend? I loved your review. Okay to answer your questions. I don't know how Liz is going to react to Remus either lol. (Come on do you think I'm going to tell.) Anyway, one thing is for certain and that is they will find out about Remus, but will the boys confess? Hmm......what is in store for Faith and Sirius? I can't wait for you to find out hehehehe. It is so weird that you mentioned mugglenet.com. It is my homepage lol. Go on today because it states the possible new title for book six. I can't wait.
blueviolinist33- Eilyn, did you think Petunia would be so nice to have Lily wear a lovely dress? HeheheI have never seen What a Girl Wants, but I think I might have to rent it. And thanks for the suggestion, I may use it. You will have to see. Good luck in your competition! (Or I hope you did good, depending on how late my story is updated lol)
charmed girl33- Hey Hope! I'm sorry to have kept you waiting! I feel so bad when I can't update at least once a week, but you know how life goes I'm sure and sometimes our plans get altered. I hope that you like this new chapter and that you are having fun on your summer vacation!
Sammy, Sammy, Sammy Solo!!! – Hi Sammy! Thank you for the wishes about my grandma. Unfortunately she passed away this week and that is why I have not updated. Thanks for the lightsaber. I think I'll use it on Marvin hehehe. I am so relieved that you thought that the movie was disappointing too! I loved the book, it is my favorite one and I think that they left too much out. It felt rushed. But I did see it a second time and I looked at it from the movie perspective, not a book based movie and it was better.
Kerrybear – I did see the movie. I was a little disappointed the first time I saw it, but the second time was better. I felt that they should have explained the Marauder's a little better and I wished they stuck to the book more. But oh well, what do I know eh? I hope that you like this chapter. It is much longer. Talk to you soon!
Luthein – What's up! I love girl talk and guy talk. It's real life and I some of the best conversations come out during those talks. I like to use it as a way for all the characters to touch base with each other. I'm glad that you liked the cookies and I hope that you like this chapter since it is a bit longer.
Val- Sure, rub in your tanness! I now have been forced to resort to L'Oreal Sunless Bronzer as I am paler than Micheal Jackson. (This isn't exactly true as I am Italian and have some natural darkness lol) But send the sun my way!!!! Am I going to have any twists? Come on now, what sort of writer would I be if I didn't lol. I guess you'll have to wait and see. Talk to you laters!
Padfootedmooney – Hey what's up! I feel bad for Remus too, but I bet you have an idea what is going to happen. (Wink, wink) The Elvis Monkey Impersonators are wonderful. Catch them five times a week at the Exit 45 Motel in Huma, Arizona. I hope you like them.
dweem-angel – Thank you for the wonderful review. I sure hope Remus tells Liz before she puts two and two together otherwise it could be disastrous! Petunia's wedding is two chapters away. I can't wait hehehehehe.
cquill13- Your review is so sweet. I really tried to portray the characters as JK did in book five. I can't wait until book six because she said that there is a lot more information about James and Lily. I'm so excited I almost wet myself! Ewwww. I will email you when the new chapters are up. I email anyone who gives me their address. Anyway, keep reviewing and letting me know what you think.
Jack Robinson- Hey girl what's up! I totally agree with you with everything you said in your review. I think that is why I am so interested in the Lily and James story because so little is known about them. I absolutely loved your review. It made me smile and not many reviews I have read have done that. I hope that you continue to read an review.
Courtney- Thank you for the review. I'm really glad that you like my story. I hope that you continue to read and review!
Attackofthemarblesnatchers- Hey Molly! Your penname is awesome! It made me laugh! Please don't sick the Potter Patrol on me! I try to make sure that I don't make a mistake. I am such a freak about getting the facts right that I check interviews and anything HP related to make sure it is right. (A downfall of being a history major I guess). But if I do make a mistake please let me know. I am trusting you with this mission. Now that you have your assignment this message will explode in five, four, three, two, one...........
The Continuing Story of Samantha the Gender Confused Puma
MARVIN: (Prancing into the study in a tutu) Mistress Stephanie here is your power tea. STEPHANIE: Thank you Samantha. When you are done will you please go downstairs and clean up after the dog. I think he killed a chipmunk and some of the remains are scattered around the floor. MARVIN: Of course Mistress Stephanie. (goes to walk out of the room) STEPHANIE: Oh Samantha, (Marvin turns around) Feel free to keep whatever you find down there for dinner. MARVIN: Thank you Mistress! (Marvin exits the room singing "She Bangs") STEPHANIE: Good, my plan is working. Marvin has completely forgotten who he is and has adopted Samantha. I think the night where I stayed up braiding his hair did it. Or maybe it was all of the Cher CD's we listened too? Or it could have been that time when we went to the male strip club and I made him dress up like a woman? Or it could have been the night when he woke up to me painting his toenails? Well anyway. My plan is almost complete. In a few days, Marvin will be no more. Muwwahhahahahahaa!!! (Evil laugh)
Chapter 22: Corridors and Couches
Wednesday came and Remus had left to go and visit his ailing mother just like he had said. That afternoon after their last class Lily ushered everyone away so that Liz could say goodbye to Remus in semi-privacy. When Liz entered the Great Hall afterwards for dinner she was understandably in a depressed state. Lily tried to keep her friends' spirits up through out dinner and afterwards in the common room, but her task was to be interrupted as patrolling duty beckoned her away, leaving it up to Faith, Sirius and Peter.
"James, can I ask you a question?" asked Lily as they patrolled the dark corridors.
"Lily my darling you can ask me anything your heart desires," grinned James. Lily took a deep breath. She knew what she was about to ask was a potentially touchy subject and she needed to make sure that she phrased it the right way.
"Um, what is the matter with Remus's mother?" asked Lily cautiously. She turned her head to look at James, who was staring straight ahead.
"She is sick," said James after a moment and still staring straight ahead.
"What is wrong with her?" asked Lily carefully as she studied James's face for a reaction.
"I don't know much. Remus doesn't really talk about it and we have never felt it our place to push the subject," said James smoothly. "Why are you all the sudden so interested?"
"No particular reason," shrugged Lily, still watching his reaction. "I've just noticed that he has to visit her a lot and I just wondered what was wrong with her. Is that a problem?"
"It is no problem at all," said James feeling a little relieved.
He hated lying to Lily but he knew that it was not his place to reveal his friends secret. Plus he knew that if he told Lily about Remus he would have to tell her about his, Sirius and Peter's secrets as well and he was not about to betray his friends trust.
"Has he told Liz anything?" asked James suddenly nervous that his story didn't match up with the one Remus told Liz.
"From what I understand all he has said was that his mother is very ill and that sometimes he has to go and visit her for a few days, but it is nothing contagious and for her not to worry too much," said Lily sounding as if she had memorized the entire speech by heart.
"Well that's exactly what he has told us," said James; a feeling of relief swept over him. "But I don't want to talk about illness anymore. I'd rather take advantage of our situation," ginned James pulling Lily close to him.
"James," laughed Lily, "we are suppose to be patrolling the halls for potentially dangerous situations." Lily gently and half-heartedly tried to push James away.
"Well then it is just your luck because I think you've found a potentially dangerous situation," smirked James wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his lips upon hers. "What do you say we go and sneak off somewhere?"
"James you know we can't do that," said Lily giving him a you-know-better look. "We have to patrol and make sure things are alright. It's our duty as Heads."
"Oh nonsense. I haven't seen you or been alone with you in almost two weeks," pleaded James nuzzling her cheek with his nose. "I swear the next time we'll see each other is over holiday and I don't want to wait two weeks before I can kiss you properly." He gave Lily a playful kiss. "Come on, what do you say?"
"James we can't go sneaking off into some unknown corner," said Lily, looking around the hallway. "We'll get caught."
"Not if you know where to go," grinned James pulling her down the hall and around the corner.
"Where are we going," laughed Lily trying to keep James from pulling her arm out of her socket.
"Just down here and around the corner," whispered James as he sped up a little faster. After another minute they stopped in front of a stone gargoyle. James said the password and the gargoyle jumped aside to reveal a cozy little furnished room.
"My Lady," said James bowing and out stretching his hand towards Lily.
"James I don't think we should," laughed Lily reluctantly.
"Oh come on Lily. There is nothing to worry about. I highly doubt something will happen in the next few minutes anyway," urged James. "We owe it to the school." Lily eyed him skeptically for a moment as if having a debate with herself.
"Well.........if it's purely for the good of the school.........then I guess it would be our duty huh?" James grinned the familiar mischievous smirk that Lily had become so fond off. Lily took James's hand and started to follow him inside the hidden room.
"Well, well, well. What have we here?" came a soft, cold voice from the other side of the stone gargoyle. Lily and James both spun around only to come face to face with a very pleased looking Severus Snape and Amanda Orion.
"Are our beloved and responsible Heads of Hogwarts shirking their responsibilities?" whispered Snape smoothly.
"That's exactly what it looks like to me," grinned Orion pleasantly.
"Are you lost looking for the bath Snivellus? You happen to look more greasy than normal," said James pleasantly, still holding Lily's hand. "Or maybe it's just the way the moonlight is reflecting off the oil on your face." Snape's lip curled as James smiled triumphantly at him.
"What are you two doing out of your common rooms anyway?" asked Lily, trying to cut in and prevent a duel in the hallway.
"We were looking for our responsible Heads to dismiss us," sneered Snape. "And since Potter has little mentality for remembering rules we figured that it would be prudent to go and find you."
"Your shift ended a half hour ago and since when do we have to start dismissing prefects on patrol duty?" asked James, eyeing Snape.
"Since the Headmaster requested it of you at our last meeting," grinned Snape maliciously. "But I guess you were too busy waiting for the meeting to end to go and snog your mudblood girlfriend instead of paying attention," sneered Snape.
"Shut your mouth Snivellus before I shut it for you!" roared James, squaring up to Snape with his wand hanging threateningly at his side. Snape causally slipped his hand into his pocket and Lily knew that he had it around his wand. Snape, although close in height to James, was not as lean and his round shoulders and slumped posture gave him the impression that he was much smaller.
"Careful Potter," whispered Snape dangerously. "It would be harder to strut around the place if you lost your position for attacking a fellow Prefect unprovoked in front of witnesses."
"That would be absolutely dreadful," laughed Orion next to Snape. Lily threw her the dirtiest look she could muster. She felt the heat rising to her cheeks.
"I think the Headmaster would thank me for saving the wizarding world by taking out a future death eater before he had his chance to seriously hurt someone," spat James harshly.
"Well you and the Headmaster are very close aren't you? That is how you obtained the position in the first place isn't it?" said Snape in a dangerously reserved tone.
"That's a lie and you know it," said Lily, starting to get angry.
"Oh isn't that cute," cooed Orion at Lily in a mock tone of sincerity.
"Well Dumbledore likes to choose his role models based on the fact that they aren't up to their eyebrows in the Dark Arts," sneered James at Snape.
"The Headmaster must be slipping for him to have picked a show off and glory seeker like you, Potter," hissed Snape.
"Maybe Dumbledore didn't want the whole student body covered in grease, Snivelly," spat James, now gripping his wand very tightly. Snape's eyes narrowed and his face has gone white.
"Tell me Potter, how are you enjoying the full moon this evening? I expect it must be wereing on you and your friends." A small smile spread across Snape's thin mouth, as James's eyes grew wide with anger. Lily looked from James to Snape, not understanding what he was saying.
"Shut your mouth, Snivellus!" barked James looking murderous and raising his wand. Snape whipped his wand out of his pocket and raised it to match James's.
"Oh, I think you've touched a nerve!" exclaimed Orion gleefully.
"I've had enough of you, Snivellus," said James dangerously close to Snape. Snape's eyes were darting from the tip of James's wand to the distance between them.
"I was thinking the same thing," hissed Snape venomously as he moved closer to James. Lily's face grew hot as Orion giggled joyfully from behind Snape. As the situation began to unfold in front of her she tried to think of a way to stop it. James and Snape both raised their wands, preparing to cast their spells.
"Stop!" shouted Lily, moving in between them.
"Lily get out of the way!" snapped James trying to edge around her.
"Both of you need to stop this right now!" yelled Lily angrily.
"It will stop once Potter's head is deflated for once and for all," sneered Snape, casting malicious glares of hatred at James over Lily's head.
"Well it's going to be hard to utter an incantation without a mouth!" barked James, waving his wand above Lily's head threateningly. Orion let out a pleased laugh as she sat back and observed the site before her.
"Knock it off both you!" roared Lily. She spun around and glared at Snape and Orion. "I recommend that both of you leave and go back to your common room now before I write you up or threatening the Heads and being out past your curfew!"
The smile slipped off of Orion's long face and she glared at Lily through small narrowed eyes.
"We do not take orders from know-it-all filthy little mudbloods like yourself!" spat Orion venomously at Lily. Lily had had enough. In one fluid motion she had reached for her wand, pulled it out of her robes and had it pointing dangerously at both Snape and Orion. Both of them eyed her wand wearily.
"Then maybe you'll take orders from this," said Lily furiously. "I have had enough of your insults and unless you two get the hell out of here I'm going to start throwing curses. Do we have an understanding?"
Snape and Orion threw each other sideway glances and Snape put his wand back into his robes. Orion, who had her hand halfway shoved into her robes, let her arm fall limply at her side.
"This isn't over," whispered Orion wickedly. With a swish of a cloak, both Orion and Snape had vanished down the hall. Lily stared after them until they had rounded the corner and the castle swallowed their hurried, retreating footsteps. Lily put her wand back into her robes pocket and turned to face James.
"Wow Evans! That was pretty hot!" grinned James with a twinkle in his eye. Lily blushed and looked at the floor; all traces of anger leaving her body.
"Well someone had to stop you two from destroying each other and besides......" Lily inched closer to James and threw her arms around his waist and looked up into his gleaming hazel eyes, "I figured it would be the fastest way to get rid of them so we could, um, get back to searching for the dangerous situation." She smiled slyly at him and glanced at the still open hidden room behind them.
"That is why I am so attracted to you Evans," smirked James, throwing his arms around Lily. "You are very quick on your feet and you never loose focus on the overall goal." Lily laughed as she followed James into the room and the wall slid closed behind them.
"Well it's about damn time!" barked Sirius from his bed as James entered their room forty minutes later with a goofy grin. "What happened to trying to ditch patrolling early?"
"Sorry, I, um, got caught up in something and I just couldn't leave," smirked James as he crossed to his dresser and removed his badge. "Snape started causing some trouble and I had to deal with it first."
"That's funny. I didn't see Snape anywhere in the room behind the gargoyle," stated Sirius. James turned around to see Sirius happily dangling the Marauder's Map, as he lay on his side smirking at James. "So, how was the snogging session?"
"You two were in there for a long time," giggled Peter from his bed. "We thought something terrible might have happened."
"Don't you two have anything better to do than watch me on that map?" asked James, grinning despite himself.
"Nah," shrugged Sirius. "Homework is a waste of my time and the woman and I needed a break from each other tonight, so naturally I felt my time would be better spent making sure you didn't get into trouble."
"But it looks like Lily had everything covered," grinned Peter happily.
"Gits!" smirked James as he turned to his trunk to retrieve his Invisibility cloak. "Well are you ready?" He shook out the cloak and walked over to the door.
"Let's go," barked Sirius happily as he bounced off his bed and practically ran over to the door.
Thursday morning came entirely too quickly for the boys liking. It seemed like they had just wearily climbed into their comfortable beds when the blaring buzzing of James's alarm clock beckoned them to get up. Even as they sat in the Great Hall a half an hour later absentmindedly drinking coffee and trying to force down undesirable food all three of them were not at all regretful about the night they spent running around the grounds. Last night, like the others before them, was another fun filled night. The four boys had decided to explore the Great Forest a little more in depth. Last night they had gone farther than they ever had before into the darkness. Although they did not run into any dark creatures, it was still exciting to be exploring new territory.
As James and Sirius sat in Potions later that day they both agreed that they were thankful for N.E.W.T.'s because it gave them an excuse as to their exhausted appearance to the skeptical eyes of Lily and Faith. They had told the girls that they had stayed up half of the night working on homework and that is why they were so tired. James glanced out the window and made a mental note to actually stay up and finish the homework that he told Lily he had completed. The weather outside was turning grayer by the day as December slowly crept upon them.
"One more week and December will be here," thought James as he stirred his cauldron. "Then only two more weeks of classes and finally a break. I could sure use a break."
The golden pitch rings of the quidditch field caught a dim ray of sunlight and glistened a little as a sudden though occurred to James. He had quidditch practice this evening and a game in only two days. How could he have forgotten? He needed to make up plans and plays by tonight's practice so they would be ready for their game against Hufflepuff. James mentally kicked himself for being so absentminded. He was so tired and he knew that there was no way he was going to get through the rest of the day let alone a grueling quidditch practice without some help. His eyes fell upon the long blonde hair on the back of Liz's head. She had some Pepper-Up potion and he knew that she would give him and Sirius some before practice.
Sure enough, after class, Liz happily agreed to bring the potion bottle to the field before practice and did not bother to ask questions as to why it was needed. James speculated that she probably had no interest in knowing what they were doing half the night and was too busy missing Remus to actually care. During lunch, James felt horrible that he could not spend it with Lily, but she understood that he had work that needed to be done. She, in fact, was also too busy to sit down to a decent lunch with James and was off to the library with Faith and Liz after quickly running in to the Great Hall to grab a quick sandwich to eat on the way there.
"I can't find it!" cursed Liz as she closed the seventh book in her quest to find the answer on what three advanced charms would protect you from an unwanted attack. "I can find the first two but not the third." She threw the gray book aside and slumped down in her chair.
"Well Professor Flitwick would not assign us the question if there wasn't a third answer," sighed Lily searching for the answer in a large black book.
"Knowing Flitwick, it is something so simple that we can't find it," yawned Faith as she flipped pages of a rather large brown book. She closed the book with a sigh and pushed it away from her on the table. "Lily, let's face it. There is no answer. We should just write down some random fact and turn it in for a grade."
"Faith, maybe you don't want a good grade on your N.E.W.T.'s but I do. And I am not going to make up something," stated Lily, determinately reading the pages. "We just have to look a little harder that's all."
"Well I am done searching for the answer," said Faith as she leaned back in her chair. "These charms are silly anyway. Give me a good curse or jinx any day."
"Faith one thing you need to learn is that not everything can be solved with a curse," said Lily as she searched through the book in front of her. Faith snorted and rolled her eyes as she turned her attention towards several nearby students. Lily continued to flip through the book; scanning the pages one by one.
"Aha!" exclaimed Lily triumphantly. "I knew I would find it." Liz and Faith leaned over the book as Lily read the inscription. "The Fidelius Charm. A highly complex spell that magically conceals a secret inside a single living soul. The secret maybe anything the person wishes to conceal; from a piece of information to the location of a person in hiding. The person chosen to hide the information is referred to as the Secret Keeper. Once the spell is conducted and the information concealed in the Secret Keeper, that person or information will be impossible to obtain until the Secret Keeper chooses to divulge it."
"Wow, talk about putting all your trust in one person," stated Liz as she quickly re-read the passage again.
"I know," said Lily with a furrowed brow. "It does sound risky doesn't it? But then again, I suppose if you trust the person then it would be alright."
"Hey Lils! I bet that would work for your sisters wedding," smirked Faith, sitting back down and picking up her quill. "I can perform the charm on you and you can stay with Liz. No one will be able to find you until after the wedding when I come to stay with you and tell them where you are. It's the perfect plan!"
"Faith that is horrible," laughed Lily. "Why didn't I think of that before!" Lily sat there for a moment and imagined what her family would do if she all of the sudden could not be found. Her mom and dad would probably worry, but she bet on her life that Petunia would be thrilled.
"I'll do it if you really want me too," offered Faith seriously. "It's my duty as best friend to spare you from horrible situations."
"Thanks anyway Faith, but I think that if I didn't show up my sister would be way to pleased," smirked Lily. "I'd hate to give her joy on her wedding day."
"True," laughed Faith. "Well let's write this down and get out of her shall we?"
Saturday morning rapidly fell upon James. Friday had flown by in a wink of an eye and today was the day that Remus was due to come back from his little vacation away from school. Today was also the much-anticipated Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff Quidditch match. Thursday's practice had gone quite well once the Pepper-Up potion had worked it's magic and this left James confident that Gryffindor had a good chance of wining. Before James knew it, Lily was kissing him good luck Saturday morning and he was on his way down to the pitch with Sirius, Liz and Faith to get ready for the game.
The game was the quickest he had ever played. Liz had scored a goal right from the start; having grabbed the quaffle off the whistle start and flying straight at the hoops. Tennyson scored several goals after Sirius knocked the Hufflepuff chaser, Anderson, off his broomstick and Faith 'accidentally' took out the Hufflepuff keeper, Mortenson. James caught the snitch five minutes into the game; having spotted it ten feet above the center of the field below. He made a spectacular dive and caught the snitch with ease and grace. The Gryffindor students flooded the field and cheered as the whole team landed. James immediately grabbed Lily and kissed her as the crowd chanted, "POTTER! POTTER!"
"I think that game is what this House needed," shouted Remus as the after game party raged on in the Gryffindor Tower that evening. Music blared throughout the entire room and the banquet food from the Great Hall was brought up to the Tower; courtesy of several four-year boys.
"Most definitely," agreed James as he opened a butter beer. "However, it wasn't really much of a challenge though. Hufflepuff is always a pretty easy win." He took a swig of his drink.
"Prongs my old friend, you have to learn that a win is a win even if it is an easy win," stated Sirius with some satisfaction as he leaned against the wall casually; butter beer in hand.
"True," smirked James, "but you know that I love a challenge and this seemed like stealing candy from a baby."
"Look at them," smiled Faith as she danced in the area that had been cleared out to act as the dance floor. She nodded at the four boys standing in the corner. "I bet you ten galleons that they are standing there patting themselves on the back for their wonderful display of talent today." Lily and Liz turned to look at them.
"No doubt," said Lily as she danced to an upbeat song. "Men and their sports. I suppose it's hopeless to try and understand their obsession." Sirius had just clasped James on the shoulder and the four boys took a swig of their drinks. The girls burst out into laughter and shook their heads as the song ended. A slow song poured out of the radio.
"Excuse me," said Liz as she happily left the dance floor. She walked over to Remus and immediately he put down his drink and escorted her to the dance floor. He put his arms around her waist as she flung her arms around his neck.
"They look really happy," smiled Lily as watched Liz bury her head in his shoulder. Faith nodded.
"Excuse me lovely lady, but may I have this dance?" asked James as he walked over to Lily with his hand out."
"Of course," smiled Lily as she immediately grabbed his hand and then threw her arms around his neck. He grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him, gently humming the song in her ear as he waltzed her around the floor slowly.
Lily couldn't believe that only after a little more than a month, she felt so comfortable with him. How could she have ever thought him to be annoying and immature? "Well, it wasn't that hard," laughed Lily to herself as she remembered the time when she exited the girl's bathroom covered in dung bomb residue. A loud giggle caused Lily to look over James's shoulder. Sirius was dramatically twirling Faith and dipping her as he sang the wrong lyrics to the song that filled the room.
The evening went by rather slowly and soon the three couples had split up and gone to their separate sections of the common room. Lily and James cuddled on the couch by the fire as they caught up on everything that had been going on in the past few weeks.
"It feels like we never see each other," said James as he stroked Lily's beautiful red hair.
"I know, but it is only for another couple of weeks and then we are on holiday," said Lily, playing with his free hand.
"Then I can see you whenever and as much as I want," said James playfully. Lily laughed, but a nervous lump rested in the pit of her stomach. She was sure that he wasn't serious, but one thing she had learned with James is that he is never fully serious.
"Well then, I guess my house is going to be crowded then," said Lily.
"What do you mean?" asked James curiously, abandoning her hair and throwing his arm across the front of her shoulders.
"Well, I have half of my relatives staying in our house for my sisters wedding. Then a few of them are staying for Christmas and when they leave Faith comes and is staying with me until the return of school," said Lily as she hugged James's arm.
"Sounds like you are going to have a busy holiday," said James a little disheartened. A lump of doubt rested in the pit of his stomach. "I am going to see you though?"
"Of course," reassured Lily turning to look at him. "Do you honestly think that I am going to spend every living moment at my house with my retched sister prancing around like she is the Queen of England?" James's smiled down at her.
"Good. For a moment there I thought that I was going to have to sneak into your house to see you at night," grinned James leaning down to give her a kiss.
"Well what about you? Don't you have anything going on over holiday?" asked Lily when they broke away.
"Nah, just Sirius that's it," said James shrugging. Lily gave him a questioning look. "It's a long story but basically Sirius doesn't spend holidays with his family so he stays with me."
"Doesn't that bother your parents?" asked Lily curiously. She didn't know too much about Sirius, but if his family was anything remotely close to Bellatrix she couldn't blame him for not wanting to see them.
"Not at all," said James. "They think of him as the son they never had." Lily laughed and shook her head.
"Does your parents care that Faith stays with you?" asked James suddenly intrigued at the similarity between him and Lily.
"No, they like Faith believe it or not," laughed Lily. "Faith doesn't really like to spend too much time with her family in the states. She isn't that close to them."
"Seems like we are the keepers of our best friends," smirked James intertwining his fingers with Lily's.
"I'm afraid so," yawned Lily drowsily. "Maybe they will end up together and they can be each others keepers."
"Wouldn't that be nice," said James. Suddenly he felt tired. Almost as if someone had pulled a shade down over his eyes. He looked around the common around at the grandfather clock in the corner. "I can't believe that is two- thirty in the morning already."
"I know," nodded Lily. She made herself more comfortable by turning on her side and burying her head on James's chest. "We should probably go to bed."
"Yeah," said James lazily as he made himself more comfortable and stroked Lily's hair out of her face. "But I don't want to get up just yet."
"Me either," said Lily sleepily as she draped her arm across James's chest. James threw his other arm around Lily. James laid there holding Lily and listened to her slow deep breathing. Unconsciously his breathing soon mirrored Lily's. He gazed into the fire and watched as the flames slowly grew blurrier and darker. Lily's embrace slackened with each breath she took. James smoothed her hair once more out of her face. He looked down at her and saw that she was peacefully asleep.
"I love you, Lily," whispered James and finally closed his eyes to give into sleep.
Don't forget to review! Now After Hours Banana Theater Presents: An Inside Look on Chimp Nudist Colonies.
Padfootlet – Didn't you just love POA? I thought it was really good for a movie even though it did not follow the book. I liked Gary Oldman's portrayal of Sirius, but in my dreams Sirius is way hotter and manlier. Your tigers do not scare me because I have something so scary and terrifying that you will scream in horror......Snuggle Bear!!!
devil-aimee - Aimee I hope that you did not have to work with any goats! I will send extra cookies as therapy for your experience with them if you did. I can't wait for the day when they become our slaves and are forced to act as our coffee tables. Viva la Revolution! But despite that, I hope your work-study was fun and not as smelly as it sounds.
Julia – Hey girl I don't mind if you call me Weffles, my parents do. Thank you for the awesome and inspiring review. I freaking love you! (in a purely platonic way lol) I will take a look at your story and review, I promise. I heard a rumor that JK Rowling is going to give the title of the sixth book on her website. It's supposed to be behind the door. Check out Mugglenet.com because it gives the title to the sixth book, supposedly. Stay cool baby and keep on reviewing.
Amanda – I know I kind of randomly put in the "I love you" Remus/Liz thing. But they have liked each other since the end of last year so it is warranted. Thank you for your sympathy, I really appreciate it. I hope that you like this chapter because it is longer. Ciao girlfriend.
Kittyofwonder – I hope that your grandma is all right and improving. My grandma was not so lucky and I will miss her a great deal. Why are you taking Marvin/Samantha's side? He is evil and deserves the torture hehehehehehe. He will be my slave forever! (Coughs) Anyway, I will check out your story and I bet is really good.
moreHPplease88- Thank you for the hug, I needed it! I am truly sorry to hear about your grandma. My grandma actually died on the 25th (yesterday) so I know exactly how you are feeling. If it makes you feel better I have re-read parts of my story too for a laugh. But that sounds conceited so I will erase that part of your brain. On a side note, I hope that you don't leave that easy. I don't want to get rid of you just yet. But I have plans......oh yes, I have plans.
LJstagflower4e/JCtigerwolf4e- Curse you for the long review, how dare you! Lol j/k. I will take H.A.H.A. off your hands because phase two of Marvin's transformation is commencing. Thank you for the description and I promise that you will make a cameo in an upcoming chapter. Petunia's wedding perhaps?
Hpfreak1984 – I am so glad that you are addicted to my story because that is a good addiction. Not a bad addiction like snorting pixie sticks or repeatedly sticking your finger in the light socket. The worst is the PEZ addiction. The Marlon Brando PEZ Rehabilitation Center is fun place to go but getting off the PEZ is so rough. I'll never forget those dreams, those awful horrifying PEZ dreams. God how they haunt me. No little leprechaun, don't tease me with the Kermit the Frog PEZ dispenser. NOOOO!!!!
Lady Friday – The Elvis Monkey Impersonators perform five times a week at the Exit 45 Motel in Huma, Arizona. They are a group of chimpanzees that dance to Elvis songs and at the end they shower the crowd with their feces. They are great! I highly recommend them for birthdays, bridal showers, bachelor parties, graduations and bar mitzvahs.
Swishy Willow Wand – Believe it or not, Ronald McDonald was actually created in 1963 and played by a man named Willard Scott. He appeared on McDonald commercials in 1963 and then took on the character of Bozo the Clown. True story. Isn't it great to have random useless information?
AnniePADFOOT- I love Pixie Sticks and I'm so glad that you found them in Australia! I was going to send you some because every person should experience the great sugar rush that is provided by a good pixie. Hmm...I don't know what is in store for Remus and Liz. Is that a bad thing?
Flyingwind33- What's up Nestle my friend? I loved your review. Okay to answer your questions. I don't know how Liz is going to react to Remus either lol. (Come on do you think I'm going to tell.) Anyway, one thing is for certain and that is they will find out about Remus, but will the boys confess? Hmm......what is in store for Faith and Sirius? I can't wait for you to find out hehehehe. It is so weird that you mentioned mugglenet.com. It is my homepage lol. Go on today because it states the possible new title for book six. I can't wait.
blueviolinist33- Eilyn, did you think Petunia would be so nice to have Lily wear a lovely dress? HeheheI have never seen What a Girl Wants, but I think I might have to rent it. And thanks for the suggestion, I may use it. You will have to see. Good luck in your competition! (Or I hope you did good, depending on how late my story is updated lol)
charmed girl33- Hey Hope! I'm sorry to have kept you waiting! I feel so bad when I can't update at least once a week, but you know how life goes I'm sure and sometimes our plans get altered. I hope that you like this new chapter and that you are having fun on your summer vacation!
Sammy, Sammy, Sammy Solo!!! – Hi Sammy! Thank you for the wishes about my grandma. Unfortunately she passed away this week and that is why I have not updated. Thanks for the lightsaber. I think I'll use it on Marvin hehehe. I am so relieved that you thought that the movie was disappointing too! I loved the book, it is my favorite one and I think that they left too much out. It felt rushed. But I did see it a second time and I looked at it from the movie perspective, not a book based movie and it was better.
Kerrybear – I did see the movie. I was a little disappointed the first time I saw it, but the second time was better. I felt that they should have explained the Marauder's a little better and I wished they stuck to the book more. But oh well, what do I know eh? I hope that you like this chapter. It is much longer. Talk to you soon!
Luthein – What's up! I love girl talk and guy talk. It's real life and I some of the best conversations come out during those talks. I like to use it as a way for all the characters to touch base with each other. I'm glad that you liked the cookies and I hope that you like this chapter since it is a bit longer.
Val- Sure, rub in your tanness! I now have been forced to resort to L'Oreal Sunless Bronzer as I am paler than Micheal Jackson. (This isn't exactly true as I am Italian and have some natural darkness lol) But send the sun my way!!!! Am I going to have any twists? Come on now, what sort of writer would I be if I didn't lol. I guess you'll have to wait and see. Talk to you laters!
Padfootedmooney – Hey what's up! I feel bad for Remus too, but I bet you have an idea what is going to happen. (Wink, wink) The Elvis Monkey Impersonators are wonderful. Catch them five times a week at the Exit 45 Motel in Huma, Arizona. I hope you like them.
dweem-angel – Thank you for the wonderful review. I sure hope Remus tells Liz before she puts two and two together otherwise it could be disastrous! Petunia's wedding is two chapters away. I can't wait hehehehehe.
cquill13- Your review is so sweet. I really tried to portray the characters as JK did in book five. I can't wait until book six because she said that there is a lot more information about James and Lily. I'm so excited I almost wet myself! Ewwww. I will email you when the new chapters are up. I email anyone who gives me their address. Anyway, keep reviewing and letting me know what you think.
Jack Robinson- Hey girl what's up! I totally agree with you with everything you said in your review. I think that is why I am so interested in the Lily and James story because so little is known about them. I absolutely loved your review. It made me smile and not many reviews I have read have done that. I hope that you continue to read an review.
Courtney- Thank you for the review. I'm really glad that you like my story. I hope that you continue to read and review!
Attackofthemarblesnatchers- Hey Molly! Your penname is awesome! It made me laugh! Please don't sick the Potter Patrol on me! I try to make sure that I don't make a mistake. I am such a freak about getting the facts right that I check interviews and anything HP related to make sure it is right. (A downfall of being a history major I guess). But if I do make a mistake please let me know. I am trusting you with this mission. Now that you have your assignment this message will explode in five, four, three, two, one...........
The Continuing Story of Samantha the Gender Confused Puma
MARVIN: (Prancing into the study in a tutu) Mistress Stephanie here is your power tea. STEPHANIE: Thank you Samantha. When you are done will you please go downstairs and clean up after the dog. I think he killed a chipmunk and some of the remains are scattered around the floor. MARVIN: Of course Mistress Stephanie. (goes to walk out of the room) STEPHANIE: Oh Samantha, (Marvin turns around) Feel free to keep whatever you find down there for dinner. MARVIN: Thank you Mistress! (Marvin exits the room singing "She Bangs") STEPHANIE: Good, my plan is working. Marvin has completely forgotten who he is and has adopted Samantha. I think the night where I stayed up braiding his hair did it. Or maybe it was all of the Cher CD's we listened too? Or it could have been that time when we went to the male strip club and I made him dress up like a woman? Or it could have been the night when he woke up to me painting his toenails? Well anyway. My plan is almost complete. In a few days, Marvin will be no more. Muwwahhahahahahaa!!! (Evil laugh)
Chapter 22: Corridors and Couches
Wednesday came and Remus had left to go and visit his ailing mother just like he had said. That afternoon after their last class Lily ushered everyone away so that Liz could say goodbye to Remus in semi-privacy. When Liz entered the Great Hall afterwards for dinner she was understandably in a depressed state. Lily tried to keep her friends' spirits up through out dinner and afterwards in the common room, but her task was to be interrupted as patrolling duty beckoned her away, leaving it up to Faith, Sirius and Peter.
"James, can I ask you a question?" asked Lily as they patrolled the dark corridors.
"Lily my darling you can ask me anything your heart desires," grinned James. Lily took a deep breath. She knew what she was about to ask was a potentially touchy subject and she needed to make sure that she phrased it the right way.
"Um, what is the matter with Remus's mother?" asked Lily cautiously. She turned her head to look at James, who was staring straight ahead.
"She is sick," said James after a moment and still staring straight ahead.
"What is wrong with her?" asked Lily carefully as she studied James's face for a reaction.
"I don't know much. Remus doesn't really talk about it and we have never felt it our place to push the subject," said James smoothly. "Why are you all the sudden so interested?"
"No particular reason," shrugged Lily, still watching his reaction. "I've just noticed that he has to visit her a lot and I just wondered what was wrong with her. Is that a problem?"
"It is no problem at all," said James feeling a little relieved.
He hated lying to Lily but he knew that it was not his place to reveal his friends secret. Plus he knew that if he told Lily about Remus he would have to tell her about his, Sirius and Peter's secrets as well and he was not about to betray his friends trust.
"Has he told Liz anything?" asked James suddenly nervous that his story didn't match up with the one Remus told Liz.
"From what I understand all he has said was that his mother is very ill and that sometimes he has to go and visit her for a few days, but it is nothing contagious and for her not to worry too much," said Lily sounding as if she had memorized the entire speech by heart.
"Well that's exactly what he has told us," said James; a feeling of relief swept over him. "But I don't want to talk about illness anymore. I'd rather take advantage of our situation," ginned James pulling Lily close to him.
"James," laughed Lily, "we are suppose to be patrolling the halls for potentially dangerous situations." Lily gently and half-heartedly tried to push James away.
"Well then it is just your luck because I think you've found a potentially dangerous situation," smirked James wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his lips upon hers. "What do you say we go and sneak off somewhere?"
"James you know we can't do that," said Lily giving him a you-know-better look. "We have to patrol and make sure things are alright. It's our duty as Heads."
"Oh nonsense. I haven't seen you or been alone with you in almost two weeks," pleaded James nuzzling her cheek with his nose. "I swear the next time we'll see each other is over holiday and I don't want to wait two weeks before I can kiss you properly." He gave Lily a playful kiss. "Come on, what do you say?"
"James we can't go sneaking off into some unknown corner," said Lily, looking around the hallway. "We'll get caught."
"Not if you know where to go," grinned James pulling her down the hall and around the corner.
"Where are we going," laughed Lily trying to keep James from pulling her arm out of her socket.
"Just down here and around the corner," whispered James as he sped up a little faster. After another minute they stopped in front of a stone gargoyle. James said the password and the gargoyle jumped aside to reveal a cozy little furnished room.
"My Lady," said James bowing and out stretching his hand towards Lily.
"James I don't think we should," laughed Lily reluctantly.
"Oh come on Lily. There is nothing to worry about. I highly doubt something will happen in the next few minutes anyway," urged James. "We owe it to the school." Lily eyed him skeptically for a moment as if having a debate with herself.
"Well.........if it's purely for the good of the school.........then I guess it would be our duty huh?" James grinned the familiar mischievous smirk that Lily had become so fond off. Lily took James's hand and started to follow him inside the hidden room.
"Well, well, well. What have we here?" came a soft, cold voice from the other side of the stone gargoyle. Lily and James both spun around only to come face to face with a very pleased looking Severus Snape and Amanda Orion.
"Are our beloved and responsible Heads of Hogwarts shirking their responsibilities?" whispered Snape smoothly.
"That's exactly what it looks like to me," grinned Orion pleasantly.
"Are you lost looking for the bath Snivellus? You happen to look more greasy than normal," said James pleasantly, still holding Lily's hand. "Or maybe it's just the way the moonlight is reflecting off the oil on your face." Snape's lip curled as James smiled triumphantly at him.
"What are you two doing out of your common rooms anyway?" asked Lily, trying to cut in and prevent a duel in the hallway.
"We were looking for our responsible Heads to dismiss us," sneered Snape. "And since Potter has little mentality for remembering rules we figured that it would be prudent to go and find you."
"Your shift ended a half hour ago and since when do we have to start dismissing prefects on patrol duty?" asked James, eyeing Snape.
"Since the Headmaster requested it of you at our last meeting," grinned Snape maliciously. "But I guess you were too busy waiting for the meeting to end to go and snog your mudblood girlfriend instead of paying attention," sneered Snape.
"Shut your mouth Snivellus before I shut it for you!" roared James, squaring up to Snape with his wand hanging threateningly at his side. Snape causally slipped his hand into his pocket and Lily knew that he had it around his wand. Snape, although close in height to James, was not as lean and his round shoulders and slumped posture gave him the impression that he was much smaller.
"Careful Potter," whispered Snape dangerously. "It would be harder to strut around the place if you lost your position for attacking a fellow Prefect unprovoked in front of witnesses."
"That would be absolutely dreadful," laughed Orion next to Snape. Lily threw her the dirtiest look she could muster. She felt the heat rising to her cheeks.
"I think the Headmaster would thank me for saving the wizarding world by taking out a future death eater before he had his chance to seriously hurt someone," spat James harshly.
"Well you and the Headmaster are very close aren't you? That is how you obtained the position in the first place isn't it?" said Snape in a dangerously reserved tone.
"That's a lie and you know it," said Lily, starting to get angry.
"Oh isn't that cute," cooed Orion at Lily in a mock tone of sincerity.
"Well Dumbledore likes to choose his role models based on the fact that they aren't up to their eyebrows in the Dark Arts," sneered James at Snape.
"The Headmaster must be slipping for him to have picked a show off and glory seeker like you, Potter," hissed Snape.
"Maybe Dumbledore didn't want the whole student body covered in grease, Snivelly," spat James, now gripping his wand very tightly. Snape's eyes narrowed and his face has gone white.
"Tell me Potter, how are you enjoying the full moon this evening? I expect it must be wereing on you and your friends." A small smile spread across Snape's thin mouth, as James's eyes grew wide with anger. Lily looked from James to Snape, not understanding what he was saying.
"Shut your mouth, Snivellus!" barked James looking murderous and raising his wand. Snape whipped his wand out of his pocket and raised it to match James's.
"Oh, I think you've touched a nerve!" exclaimed Orion gleefully.
"I've had enough of you, Snivellus," said James dangerously close to Snape. Snape's eyes were darting from the tip of James's wand to the distance between them.
"I was thinking the same thing," hissed Snape venomously as he moved closer to James. Lily's face grew hot as Orion giggled joyfully from behind Snape. As the situation began to unfold in front of her she tried to think of a way to stop it. James and Snape both raised their wands, preparing to cast their spells.
"Stop!" shouted Lily, moving in between them.
"Lily get out of the way!" snapped James trying to edge around her.
"Both of you need to stop this right now!" yelled Lily angrily.
"It will stop once Potter's head is deflated for once and for all," sneered Snape, casting malicious glares of hatred at James over Lily's head.
"Well it's going to be hard to utter an incantation without a mouth!" barked James, waving his wand above Lily's head threateningly. Orion let out a pleased laugh as she sat back and observed the site before her.
"Knock it off both you!" roared Lily. She spun around and glared at Snape and Orion. "I recommend that both of you leave and go back to your common room now before I write you up or threatening the Heads and being out past your curfew!"
The smile slipped off of Orion's long face and she glared at Lily through small narrowed eyes.
"We do not take orders from know-it-all filthy little mudbloods like yourself!" spat Orion venomously at Lily. Lily had had enough. In one fluid motion she had reached for her wand, pulled it out of her robes and had it pointing dangerously at both Snape and Orion. Both of them eyed her wand wearily.
"Then maybe you'll take orders from this," said Lily furiously. "I have had enough of your insults and unless you two get the hell out of here I'm going to start throwing curses. Do we have an understanding?"
Snape and Orion threw each other sideway glances and Snape put his wand back into his robes. Orion, who had her hand halfway shoved into her robes, let her arm fall limply at her side.
"This isn't over," whispered Orion wickedly. With a swish of a cloak, both Orion and Snape had vanished down the hall. Lily stared after them until they had rounded the corner and the castle swallowed their hurried, retreating footsteps. Lily put her wand back into her robes pocket and turned to face James.
"Wow Evans! That was pretty hot!" grinned James with a twinkle in his eye. Lily blushed and looked at the floor; all traces of anger leaving her body.
"Well someone had to stop you two from destroying each other and besides......" Lily inched closer to James and threw her arms around his waist and looked up into his gleaming hazel eyes, "I figured it would be the fastest way to get rid of them so we could, um, get back to searching for the dangerous situation." She smiled slyly at him and glanced at the still open hidden room behind them.
"That is why I am so attracted to you Evans," smirked James, throwing his arms around Lily. "You are very quick on your feet and you never loose focus on the overall goal." Lily laughed as she followed James into the room and the wall slid closed behind them.
"Well it's about damn time!" barked Sirius from his bed as James entered their room forty minutes later with a goofy grin. "What happened to trying to ditch patrolling early?"
"Sorry, I, um, got caught up in something and I just couldn't leave," smirked James as he crossed to his dresser and removed his badge. "Snape started causing some trouble and I had to deal with it first."
"That's funny. I didn't see Snape anywhere in the room behind the gargoyle," stated Sirius. James turned around to see Sirius happily dangling the Marauder's Map, as he lay on his side smirking at James. "So, how was the snogging session?"
"You two were in there for a long time," giggled Peter from his bed. "We thought something terrible might have happened."
"Don't you two have anything better to do than watch me on that map?" asked James, grinning despite himself.
"Nah," shrugged Sirius. "Homework is a waste of my time and the woman and I needed a break from each other tonight, so naturally I felt my time would be better spent making sure you didn't get into trouble."
"But it looks like Lily had everything covered," grinned Peter happily.
"Gits!" smirked James as he turned to his trunk to retrieve his Invisibility cloak. "Well are you ready?" He shook out the cloak and walked over to the door.
"Let's go," barked Sirius happily as he bounced off his bed and practically ran over to the door.
Thursday morning came entirely too quickly for the boys liking. It seemed like they had just wearily climbed into their comfortable beds when the blaring buzzing of James's alarm clock beckoned them to get up. Even as they sat in the Great Hall a half an hour later absentmindedly drinking coffee and trying to force down undesirable food all three of them were not at all regretful about the night they spent running around the grounds. Last night, like the others before them, was another fun filled night. The four boys had decided to explore the Great Forest a little more in depth. Last night they had gone farther than they ever had before into the darkness. Although they did not run into any dark creatures, it was still exciting to be exploring new territory.
As James and Sirius sat in Potions later that day they both agreed that they were thankful for N.E.W.T.'s because it gave them an excuse as to their exhausted appearance to the skeptical eyes of Lily and Faith. They had told the girls that they had stayed up half of the night working on homework and that is why they were so tired. James glanced out the window and made a mental note to actually stay up and finish the homework that he told Lily he had completed. The weather outside was turning grayer by the day as December slowly crept upon them.
"One more week and December will be here," thought James as he stirred his cauldron. "Then only two more weeks of classes and finally a break. I could sure use a break."
The golden pitch rings of the quidditch field caught a dim ray of sunlight and glistened a little as a sudden though occurred to James. He had quidditch practice this evening and a game in only two days. How could he have forgotten? He needed to make up plans and plays by tonight's practice so they would be ready for their game against Hufflepuff. James mentally kicked himself for being so absentminded. He was so tired and he knew that there was no way he was going to get through the rest of the day let alone a grueling quidditch practice without some help. His eyes fell upon the long blonde hair on the back of Liz's head. She had some Pepper-Up potion and he knew that she would give him and Sirius some before practice.
Sure enough, after class, Liz happily agreed to bring the potion bottle to the field before practice and did not bother to ask questions as to why it was needed. James speculated that she probably had no interest in knowing what they were doing half the night and was too busy missing Remus to actually care. During lunch, James felt horrible that he could not spend it with Lily, but she understood that he had work that needed to be done. She, in fact, was also too busy to sit down to a decent lunch with James and was off to the library with Faith and Liz after quickly running in to the Great Hall to grab a quick sandwich to eat on the way there.
"I can't find it!" cursed Liz as she closed the seventh book in her quest to find the answer on what three advanced charms would protect you from an unwanted attack. "I can find the first two but not the third." She threw the gray book aside and slumped down in her chair.
"Well Professor Flitwick would not assign us the question if there wasn't a third answer," sighed Lily searching for the answer in a large black book.
"Knowing Flitwick, it is something so simple that we can't find it," yawned Faith as she flipped pages of a rather large brown book. She closed the book with a sigh and pushed it away from her on the table. "Lily, let's face it. There is no answer. We should just write down some random fact and turn it in for a grade."
"Faith, maybe you don't want a good grade on your N.E.W.T.'s but I do. And I am not going to make up something," stated Lily, determinately reading the pages. "We just have to look a little harder that's all."
"Well I am done searching for the answer," said Faith as she leaned back in her chair. "These charms are silly anyway. Give me a good curse or jinx any day."
"Faith one thing you need to learn is that not everything can be solved with a curse," said Lily as she searched through the book in front of her. Faith snorted and rolled her eyes as she turned her attention towards several nearby students. Lily continued to flip through the book; scanning the pages one by one.
"Aha!" exclaimed Lily triumphantly. "I knew I would find it." Liz and Faith leaned over the book as Lily read the inscription. "The Fidelius Charm. A highly complex spell that magically conceals a secret inside a single living soul. The secret maybe anything the person wishes to conceal; from a piece of information to the location of a person in hiding. The person chosen to hide the information is referred to as the Secret Keeper. Once the spell is conducted and the information concealed in the Secret Keeper, that person or information will be impossible to obtain until the Secret Keeper chooses to divulge it."
"Wow, talk about putting all your trust in one person," stated Liz as she quickly re-read the passage again.
"I know," said Lily with a furrowed brow. "It does sound risky doesn't it? But then again, I suppose if you trust the person then it would be alright."
"Hey Lils! I bet that would work for your sisters wedding," smirked Faith, sitting back down and picking up her quill. "I can perform the charm on you and you can stay with Liz. No one will be able to find you until after the wedding when I come to stay with you and tell them where you are. It's the perfect plan!"
"Faith that is horrible," laughed Lily. "Why didn't I think of that before!" Lily sat there for a moment and imagined what her family would do if she all of the sudden could not be found. Her mom and dad would probably worry, but she bet on her life that Petunia would be thrilled.
"I'll do it if you really want me too," offered Faith seriously. "It's my duty as best friend to spare you from horrible situations."
"Thanks anyway Faith, but I think that if I didn't show up my sister would be way to pleased," smirked Lily. "I'd hate to give her joy on her wedding day."
"True," laughed Faith. "Well let's write this down and get out of her shall we?"
Saturday morning rapidly fell upon James. Friday had flown by in a wink of an eye and today was the day that Remus was due to come back from his little vacation away from school. Today was also the much-anticipated Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff Quidditch match. Thursday's practice had gone quite well once the Pepper-Up potion had worked it's magic and this left James confident that Gryffindor had a good chance of wining. Before James knew it, Lily was kissing him good luck Saturday morning and he was on his way down to the pitch with Sirius, Liz and Faith to get ready for the game.
The game was the quickest he had ever played. Liz had scored a goal right from the start; having grabbed the quaffle off the whistle start and flying straight at the hoops. Tennyson scored several goals after Sirius knocked the Hufflepuff chaser, Anderson, off his broomstick and Faith 'accidentally' took out the Hufflepuff keeper, Mortenson. James caught the snitch five minutes into the game; having spotted it ten feet above the center of the field below. He made a spectacular dive and caught the snitch with ease and grace. The Gryffindor students flooded the field and cheered as the whole team landed. James immediately grabbed Lily and kissed her as the crowd chanted, "POTTER! POTTER!"
"I think that game is what this House needed," shouted Remus as the after game party raged on in the Gryffindor Tower that evening. Music blared throughout the entire room and the banquet food from the Great Hall was brought up to the Tower; courtesy of several four-year boys.
"Most definitely," agreed James as he opened a butter beer. "However, it wasn't really much of a challenge though. Hufflepuff is always a pretty easy win." He took a swig of his drink.
"Prongs my old friend, you have to learn that a win is a win even if it is an easy win," stated Sirius with some satisfaction as he leaned against the wall casually; butter beer in hand.
"True," smirked James, "but you know that I love a challenge and this seemed like stealing candy from a baby."
"Look at them," smiled Faith as she danced in the area that had been cleared out to act as the dance floor. She nodded at the four boys standing in the corner. "I bet you ten galleons that they are standing there patting themselves on the back for their wonderful display of talent today." Lily and Liz turned to look at them.
"No doubt," said Lily as she danced to an upbeat song. "Men and their sports. I suppose it's hopeless to try and understand their obsession." Sirius had just clasped James on the shoulder and the four boys took a swig of their drinks. The girls burst out into laughter and shook their heads as the song ended. A slow song poured out of the radio.
"Excuse me," said Liz as she happily left the dance floor. She walked over to Remus and immediately he put down his drink and escorted her to the dance floor. He put his arms around her waist as she flung her arms around his neck.
"They look really happy," smiled Lily as watched Liz bury her head in his shoulder. Faith nodded.
"Excuse me lovely lady, but may I have this dance?" asked James as he walked over to Lily with his hand out."
"Of course," smiled Lily as she immediately grabbed his hand and then threw her arms around his neck. He grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him, gently humming the song in her ear as he waltzed her around the floor slowly.
Lily couldn't believe that only after a little more than a month, she felt so comfortable with him. How could she have ever thought him to be annoying and immature? "Well, it wasn't that hard," laughed Lily to herself as she remembered the time when she exited the girl's bathroom covered in dung bomb residue. A loud giggle caused Lily to look over James's shoulder. Sirius was dramatically twirling Faith and dipping her as he sang the wrong lyrics to the song that filled the room.
The evening went by rather slowly and soon the three couples had split up and gone to their separate sections of the common room. Lily and James cuddled on the couch by the fire as they caught up on everything that had been going on in the past few weeks.
"It feels like we never see each other," said James as he stroked Lily's beautiful red hair.
"I know, but it is only for another couple of weeks and then we are on holiday," said Lily, playing with his free hand.
"Then I can see you whenever and as much as I want," said James playfully. Lily laughed, but a nervous lump rested in the pit of her stomach. She was sure that he wasn't serious, but one thing she had learned with James is that he is never fully serious.
"Well then, I guess my house is going to be crowded then," said Lily.
"What do you mean?" asked James curiously, abandoning her hair and throwing his arm across the front of her shoulders.
"Well, I have half of my relatives staying in our house for my sisters wedding. Then a few of them are staying for Christmas and when they leave Faith comes and is staying with me until the return of school," said Lily as she hugged James's arm.
"Sounds like you are going to have a busy holiday," said James a little disheartened. A lump of doubt rested in the pit of his stomach. "I am going to see you though?"
"Of course," reassured Lily turning to look at him. "Do you honestly think that I am going to spend every living moment at my house with my retched sister prancing around like she is the Queen of England?" James's smiled down at her.
"Good. For a moment there I thought that I was going to have to sneak into your house to see you at night," grinned James leaning down to give her a kiss.
"Well what about you? Don't you have anything going on over holiday?" asked Lily when they broke away.
"Nah, just Sirius that's it," said James shrugging. Lily gave him a questioning look. "It's a long story but basically Sirius doesn't spend holidays with his family so he stays with me."
"Doesn't that bother your parents?" asked Lily curiously. She didn't know too much about Sirius, but if his family was anything remotely close to Bellatrix she couldn't blame him for not wanting to see them.
"Not at all," said James. "They think of him as the son they never had." Lily laughed and shook her head.
"Does your parents care that Faith stays with you?" asked James suddenly intrigued at the similarity between him and Lily.
"No, they like Faith believe it or not," laughed Lily. "Faith doesn't really like to spend too much time with her family in the states. She isn't that close to them."
"Seems like we are the keepers of our best friends," smirked James intertwining his fingers with Lily's.
"I'm afraid so," yawned Lily drowsily. "Maybe they will end up together and they can be each others keepers."
"Wouldn't that be nice," said James. Suddenly he felt tired. Almost as if someone had pulled a shade down over his eyes. He looked around the common around at the grandfather clock in the corner. "I can't believe that is two- thirty in the morning already."
"I know," nodded Lily. She made herself more comfortable by turning on her side and burying her head on James's chest. "We should probably go to bed."
"Yeah," said James lazily as he made himself more comfortable and stroked Lily's hair out of her face. "But I don't want to get up just yet."
"Me either," said Lily sleepily as she draped her arm across James's chest. James threw his other arm around Lily. James laid there holding Lily and listened to her slow deep breathing. Unconsciously his breathing soon mirrored Lily's. He gazed into the fire and watched as the flames slowly grew blurrier and darker. Lily's embrace slackened with each breath she took. James smoothed her hair once more out of her face. He looked down at her and saw that she was peacefully asleep.
"I love you, Lily," whispered James and finally closed his eyes to give into sleep.
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