School was going smoothly for the four friends, the classes' difficulties had only increased a small amount, so the homework was still light. The teachers however finally wrapped their heads around Lily's voodoo, making her more careful so that they can't trace anything back to her.
Lily, however, had a sinking feeling their peaceful life would change soon. She often saw Lucius sneering and glaring in her direction. While this wasn't odd the number of times he's disappeared to empty classrooms, where Lily would have guessed that he was making out with somebody, but his girlfriend Narcissus didn't seem like the type. He was plotting something and from the shifting eyes her other housemates gave her it was something big. But, as of now, she had a more preeminent problem.
Potter.
It seemed that over the summer his attitude had gotten worse. He, along with Black and Pettigrew, were constantly pulling pranks on the Slytherins, especially Severus and Lily. It had gotten to the point where Severus hides in the second-floor girls' bathroom, one good thing out of that is that Severus made friends with Moaning Myrtle, and Lily always wore warding charms to keep them away. So she was extremely surprised when Remus told her that James wanted to talk with her.
Remus was already at their usual spot when Lily came out, Potter was there as well. Lily turned her nose away from him and sat next to Remus, not even glancing his way.
"Er, Lily," Remus said while thumbing his shirt, "James here has something to say to you." with a nudge from the boy, James cleared his throat and gestured to a transfiguration book.
"Even though I'm amazing in pretty much everything, quidditch, magic, good-looks," He trailed off coughing awkwardly at Lily's look, "I've stumbled across something a bit complex, not that I don't understand it or anything" he rushes on because heaven forbid James Potter doesn't know something "I just want a second opinion, a different perspective, a-"
"If this is your way of asking for help then count me out," Lily said, cutting him off, "you've been a complete prat to me this year and it's only because of Remus that I'm here at all." Remus snorted into his hand. Potter glared at him but his looks softened as he turned back to Lily.
"Please, this is important." That shocked her, Potter saying please, and to her? She looked him over, he didn't look charmed but desperate, nervous, and a little bit excited. With a sigh, she held out her hand.
"Fine, give me the book," He whooped a little and handed her the book. She flipped through a couple of pages and closed it.
"Why are you guys trying to become animagus?" They both paled. Remus was glancing at Potter trying to convey something, while Potter's eyes darted everywhere looking for an answer.
"For a prank?" Potter's voice broke. Lily pinched her nose.
"If you guys are trying to do something illegal then don't leave your notes in the margins," she held out the book with the words 'I can't wait to find out my animal form' and 'bet you'll be an ass.' Remus punched Potter in the arm.
"What? That was Sirius." Lily rolled her eyes, no wonder they got caught all the time, they're idiots.
"Whatever, I'll still help you," They perked up, "but on two conditions," they nodded eagerly, "one, stop pranking the Slytherins so incessantly, and two, I want to become an animagus as well." The two boys shared a look but conceded. Lily smirked, this'll be fun.
"Hah nerds!" Poe cawed, ruining the mood.
Rushing to the second-floor bathroom Lily slammed the door open, excited to tell Severus the news. She stopped mid yell and smiled at the scene before her.
Severus was snapping at Frank over a potions cauldron, a bunch of first years and some second years had their cauldrons out looking at the two with mixed faces.
"Frank, you dunderhead! If you put the porcupine quills in without cutting off the fire the whole thing will explode!" Severus looked at his pseudo-class, "here is a prime example of what not to do, so follow my example and you won't screw up like Longbottom here." His "students" laughed quietly before vanishing their fires and putting in the quills. Lily coughed causing the group to spin around in panic, no doubt worried a teacher had caught them.
"Lily! Finally, mind being my assistant? Frank is awful," Severus said, brightening up as he saw his friend. Frank elbowed him in annoyance but smiled as well.
"Gladly Professor Snape." She said teasingly, walking past the other students she plops next to Severus and helps teach his "class."
The potion session passed quickly and no cauldrons exploded, as Lily and Severus picked up and hid the equipment in a stall Lily told Severus what happened between her and Potter.
"So you're telling me, that not only did you get them to stop messing with us but you're going to learn to be an animagus as well?" He let out a low whistle, "dang Lily I'm impressed." Lily laughed.
"I should say the same about you, you managed to befriend one of the mopiest ghost I've ever met," they both ignored Myrtle's indigent rant, "but now you're teaching potions, and doing a fine job at it."
"I really didn't mean for it to happen, Frank asked for help and some of the first years heard. Then, somehow, I've got almost all the first years plus some second years clamoring for lessons." he shook his head in wonder, "I guess if Slughorn doesn't deem you worthy enough he doesn't teach you well."
Lily frowned at that, Slughorn was pompous and vain but she didn't think he would hinder students' education because of a bais. Yet the facts held up, if he was doing his job Severus wouldn't have had to help so many students. Shaking herself from these thoughts she smirked at Severus.
"Guess Professor Slughorn will be out of a job soon." They both laughed at that, still ignoring Myrtle's pouting.
AN:
UnnaVox: So things are happening~~ We've got the basic theme of this year laid out. Namely, Lucius and his plot against Lily, and Animagus. Both of which will be fun, especially the animagus forms. I would love to hear your guesses over what form Lily will have so please comment!
DuoAnimi: Hopefully everything makes sense but if you guys have any questions on the story or just want to let us know what you think leave a review. Thank you for following and liking everyone!