9k0

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It was two weeks before Harry was able to attain himself another appointment with McGonagall.

At least that was how she had chosen to label the occasion after he had casually strolled up to her door just after two in the morning, knocked loudly and politely inquired as to if she could give him some more TRIPLE ACTION FRESH MINT toothpaste. To give answer to her astonished expression, he informed her amiably that his own supply had been running low for weeks.

Needless to say Harry did not receive the item he had gone to the trouble of trying to find. Instead his true motive had been satisfied: Detention, along with the opportunity to re conduct his quest to acquire more fragments of his parents past.

In truth, this had been only the most recent attempt to obtain a chance to sort through the relics hidden in McGonagall's office.

Firstly, there had been the simple things; broken furniture, speaking out of turn, starting fights and failing to complete every piece of work he was given.

Next, he had resorted to slightly more drastic measures, which had ended with Lavender Brown in the Hospital Wing for three weeks. Harry considered it fortunate she had wanted a nose job for months before the ...incident. He considered it less fortunate however, Ron had taken the blame and being the mate he was, Ron had thought it a favour to save Harry from that incarceration. Harry did not wish to crush this sudden noble streak.

Lastly, his attempts had become nothing less than completely absurd, hence the night time toothpaste expedition.

It was half past seven when Harry knocked on McGonagall's office door. He was early, especially considering the detention started at eight o'clock.

"Come in," McGonagall looked up in surprise. "Potter, you're eager to begin...don't think I'll take anytime off the end of your detention.

"Err...no Professor. Can I start now, then?"

McGonagall narrowed her eyes at him, before waving a careless hand at the cabinets. "You know what to do, Potter."

Harry tried to conceal his smile, which caused McGonagall to ask in concern, "Are you...in pain, Potter?"

Harry answered with a strangled "mmmnoommm."

She fixed one more slightly suspicious, but mostly worried look on him before leaving.

Harry waited for a few moments before diving for the cabinet handle.

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Lily Evans was seated in one of the fireside armchairs, completing her potions homework and enjoying the absence of the loudmouth, who would generally be interrupting her concentration at this point.

James Potter.

He was at the present in the hospital wing, probably enjoying the tender, loving ministrations that Madam Pomfrey was undoubtedly lavishing on him.

It was several hours after a Gryffindor/ Slytherin Quidditch match during which, Potter, idiot that he was, had stopped to wave at her before being struck by both of the Bludgers. The collision resulted in a fifty foot fall, so spectacular, Lily almost felt guilty for not returning the gesture. Almost.

The Portrait Hole swung open, admitting none other than Sirius Black, other resident loudmouth.

Taking his time, he strolled towards her, winking at every female specimen in the room. Disgustedly, Lily watched as the majority blushed and giggled amongst them selves.

Upon reaching her, he visibly restrained himself from doing the same. Apparently she was classified James' territory. She wasn't sure if she should be happy about that or not.

He looked at her expectantly. If he wanted a greeting, he was not going to get one. She waited for him to speak.

"Evans." He smiled at her in what he obviously considered a devastating way.

"Lily, my rose." They both stopped to think how this comment did not work.

"Uh, never mind. Lily, my flower," he paused to make sure this one actually made sense.

"For starters, Black, I'm not your anything."

"Of course, of course, I agree entirely. How are you?"

"I was spectacular."

"Good, Good. That's excellent. Anyway, I have something for you."

"I'm not sure I'll like this."

"Oh, you will."

"Why, does it include you leaving me alone?" She asked sweetly.

He laughed in good humour, obviously assuming she wasn't serious.

With a flourish, he whipped a letter out of his pocket. Behind them, Lily heard several girlish shrieks.

"This is for you," he said, handing it over.

"Oh, three guesses as to whom it's from." Lily said dryly.

"Well, I'll give you a hint," He paused for dramatic effect, giving her a sly look. "It's not from me," He patted her on the arm, before strolling away, adding over his shoulder, "I hope you're not too disappointed."

Lily ignored the murderous looks she was getting from most of the Gryffindor female population, and cautiously opened the letter.

"Dear Lily,

I hope this hasn't taken too long to reach you, what with Sirius stopping to flirt with anything with a skirt, in fact, wait, what did he say to you? Ignore it, he doesn't deserve you.

I just noticed this afternoon you weren't one of the people visiting me; I thought you must have been too busy. Well, I'm fine.

Maybe, if it's not too much to ask, you could come and visit me? You know, if you had some free time? If you need an excuse, (so your friends don't think you're going soft,) you could say that you were bringing me some homework as Remus will be...busy tonight.

Just a thought.

James"

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Harry looked up from the letter, annoyed there wasn't a response. He wanted to know if his mother had actually gone to visit, as the letter was the closest to what Harry would call appealing.

He put the letter down and started to sift through the rest of the box.

Nut2: Well, hope you enjoyed it! Thanks to everyone who reviewed the first chapter...Please do so again. Um...That's all for now, I'm sureNut1 really wants to talk to you all. Bye :D

Nut1: um, I just want to echo Nut 2's sentiments, so yeah, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed and please review...yeah, think that's it.