Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling. All characters, places, descriptions, etc (unless original and created by me) belong to her.
Summary: It was a small pack, of course, just the five of them, but together they were something wild. Hermione finds herself in the Marauders' Era with four new best friends.
A/N: A break from the angst that seems to cling to those Black boys... Enjoy.
Also! We're getting close to the new stuff for all you old readers. Chapter 44 is where I left off last time.
Chapter 38: Veni. Vidi. Amavi.*
February 1978
As her relationship with Regulus stabilized once more, Hermione's relationship with the Marauders shifted as well.
Hermione tended to gravitate most toward James for a multitude of reasons—he resembled her best friend, he didn't have as keen a sense of smell as the others, the list went on. Thankfully, Lily wasn't the sort to turn into the green-eyed monster over sharing James' time with Hermione. And given the looks she often gave Hermione, it seemed as though Lily knew more than the others about Hermione's situation.
Remus and Hermione began the month in limbo. Their conversation in the hospital wing had been rough on their friendship, and the confrontation about Regulus' scent had only made things worse. Neither wanted to rehash the argument, but it hung in the air like fog every time the two were around each other. Hermione wasn't sure if she would be able to repeat her outright lie to Remus if he asked her about Regulus again, but it seemed Remus was afraid of the very same thing as he never did. Instead, the two spoke mainly of school and trivial things.
For his part, Sirius tried to talk with Hermione, but it seemed the two could never get a moment alone. Against his very nature, Sirius allowed Hermione her space and tried to be the sort of man she deserved. He stepped away from constantly joking around and harassing Slytherins, instead looking ahead to the upcoming exam season.
Much to her inner disgust and confusion, Hermione actually found herself spending and—though she would never admit it—enjoying time with Peter, constantly roping him into joining her around the castle. At first she used him as a human shield against Remus and Sirius, never allowing herself to be left alone with just one of them, but lately her conversations in front of the fire with Peter became nothing less than a good way to spend her time.
11 February 1978
Hogsmeade Village
Hermione crossed her arms in front of herself, trying to hold in her body heat. Lily had managed to drag her down to Hogsmeade along with the rest of their classmates.
"Remind me again why I'm suffering in the cold instead of reading in front of a giant fire? Why couldn't you have come with James?"
"I've already told you," Lily huffed, her breath puffing out like smoke from a cartoon pipe. "I'm tired of going to Hogsmeade with just James. I miss going with you. And…" The rest of her sentence got lost as she mumbled into her scarf.
"And… what was that?" Hermione, unamused, raised her eyebrow.
"And I have to find him something for Valentine's Day." Lily blushed. Hermione smiled, victorious.
"Well, now that you've finally admitted it. Come on, let's find the perfect gift for Mr. Potter."
"What about this?" Hermione held up a plastic owl filled with various candies for Lily to look at. Lily shook her head.
"I don't think so." Lily sighed. The two exited Honeyduke's for the second time that day.
"Lily, are you sure? I think we've looked through every store by now. Why don't we go back to Zonko's and get that little prank box we saw?"
"It's not right. It's not what I want to get him."
"Do you know what you want to get him?"
"No, but I'll know. I'll know when I see it." Lily stopped in her tracks, grabbing Hermione's sleeve. "Come on, let's try in here. We haven't looked in here yet."
Lily shuffled into the store leaving Hermione behind. Hermione looked up at the sign: Whisp's Antiques Shoppe.
"Lily, are you sure?" Hermione looked away from the sign, but her friend had already disappeared inside.
Hermione quickly entered the shop. A tiny gold bird in a cage by the window chirped as the door shut behind her. The shop was warm and Hermione thanked Merlin as she slipped off her mittens. She craned her neck to look for Lily, but it was impossible to see throughout the entire shop. The very shelves were piled high with old clocks and birdcages and hourglasses and tiny figurines. Hermione made her way through the maze of shelves looking for Lily. The piles of antiques seemed to shrink as she ventured further and further into the shop.
And then she saw her. The redhead was leaning over a glass case talking with a short man who appeared even older than Dumbledore. The nametag on his lapel read Hermes Whisp. Aptly named, the man was frail and thin with a dusting of white hair across his head. His small square glasses sat on the edge of his nose and Hermione wondered how they hadn't slipped yet.
"It's perfect," Lily whispered as Hermione joined her side. The old man behind the counter unlocked the case and pulled out Lily's object.
Hermione's breath caught in her throat.
It was Harry's photo album. The one Hagrid had given him at the end of first year. Hermione didn't know how it was possible, but here it was right in front of her.
"It's perfect," Lily repeated. "I'll take it."
13 February 1978
Seventh Year Girls Dormitory
Hermione and the rest of the seventh year girls had retired early from the common room to prepare for the next day. Preparing of course consisted of Dorcas and Lily wrapping gifts for their boyfriends and Hermione, Marlene, and Mary sitting beside them chatting.
Dorcas, who had been dating her Hufflepuff boyfriend since fourth year, had gotten him a nice leather watch. Mary was helping her choose ribbon while Marlene was eyeing Lily's gift.
"So are you two officially dating now?" Marlene nudged Lily playfully. Lily looked up from her wrapping.
"Oh, um, no, I wouldn't say we're dating. We've never really specified that we're boyfriend and girlfriend."
The rest of the girls fell silent and looked at Lily.
"Wait, what?" Marlene asked. "Then why are you getting him a gift? And why one so nice? Honestly Lil, how much did this cost?"
Lily blushed and looked down at the gift in her hands.
"It's hard to explain, I think," she began. "It's like, we don't need to define our relationship. I know how he feels about me. And he does too. We're together. It's quite simple really."
Hermione's heart swelled. She reached over and put her hand over Lily's.
"I think it's wonderful, Lily. Honestly I think you two are perfect for each other."
Lily looked up at Hermione and smiled softly. The rest of the girls voiced their agreement and the topic was quickly changed. As the other girls fell into a new conversation, Lily turned her hand to hold Hermione's and squeezed lightly before pulling away.
Later that night, Hermione and Lily were alone together in the bathroom. Hermione was brushing her teeth while Lily combed through her hair.
"Are you expecting any valentines tomorrow, Hermione?" Lily smirked.
Hermione coughed and spit into the sink. She hid her crimson cheeks as she rinsed her mouth.
"You have to be kidding, Lily. Who would I get a valentine from?"
"Regulus?"
Hermione froze.
"What?"
"You all used to spend a lot of time together, didn't you? And you don't anymore. Seems like something's changed? Perhaps a crush?"
Hermione coughed again and turned to look at Lily.
"It's not like that. We just studied together. I don't like him like that." Hermione shook her head. "And anyway, even if I did, I wouldn't do that to Sirius."
Lily's smirk grew.
"So Sirius then?"
"What?! No! Why would—please—why would Sirius Black give me a valentine?"
"You did kiss him that night you all celebrated your birthday."
"Ugh, don't remind me," Hermione laughed. "You do remember I threw up on his shoes, right?"
Lily laughed. "Okay, but what about over the holidays?"
"What do you mean?"
"James told me Sirius didn't sleep in his own room on Christmas Eve."
Hermione opened her mouth, but no words came out. Lily smirked again.
"So…?" Lily prompted.
"I-Lily…" Hermione stopped and gathered her thoughts. "Okay fine! He slept in my room—don't give me that look! We didn't do anything! We're friends. Just friends. Friends."
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Lily giggled while Hermione rolled her eyes, though at the same time thinking back to the more recent kiss she shared with Sirius.
"Honestly, Lily, I haven't even thought of the possibility of having a Valentine. It seems there's always something going on, what with the full moons and James' mum and NEWTs coming up…" Hermione trailed off as she remembered her earlier conversation with Dumbledore.
"Alright, alright, I believe you," Lily said as the two started to walk out of the bathroom. "But you can't hide behind this stuff forever. We have the rest of our lives ahead of us. You can't go through life forgetting to live it."
And with that Lily flicked her wand and the lights went out.
11 February 1978
Seventh Year Boys Dormitory
"Wake up! Wake up! Everybody up! Let's go!"
Remus Lupin lifted his head to see what kind of person would even consider waking him up at this ungodly hour. Sirius Black. Of course. Remus let his head fall back into his pillow and groaned. For a moment he thought he was in the clear, but seconds later his sheets were pulled back, leaving him with nothing to fight the cold morning air.
"Padfoot!"
"Come on, Moony," Sirius shouted, his excitement leaking into his voice. Remus could practically see Sirius bouncing on his toes. "You're the last one up. Don't be a git. Get up."
Remus groaned again but he could hear James and Peter already grumbling and rummaging around the room. He knew his friends wouldn't leave without him, but he managed to roll out of bed anyway. Blinking at the bright morning light streaming in from the window that happened to be placed in the worst possible spot in the room, Remus staggered over to the bathroom before he stopped and looked back at his friends.
"Wait, James, aren't you going with Lily today?"
James looked up from his shoes, which were somehow giving him some trouble this morning. He opened his mouth to speak but Sirius, obviously, beat him to it.
"James has finally decided to ditch the skirt, my dear Moony!" He reached over and punched James playfully on the arm. "Gang's back together! One night only! It's been a long time coming, but the band's back together! Reunion tour here we come!"
James rolled his eyes.
"You know we all live together, right? You see me every day. We eat every meal together." He looked at the other Marauders. Remus was trying not to laugh and Peter just shrugged. "Come on, guys, just because I spend a little time with Lily, doesn't mean I'm not spending time with you!"
This time Sirius rolled his eyes.
"So why aren't you with Evans today? Huh?"
James blushed, but tried to hide it with a smirk.
"S'not like she owns me. I told her I was going to spend the day with my boys."
"She ditched you for Hermione, didn't she?" Sirius barked out a laugh. James nodded and laughed along. Lily Evans had him wrapped around her pretty little finger, and he loved it.
Three Broomsticks
Sirius slammed his empty mug on the table. He shoved a hand out toward Peter, smiling wickedly as his friend begrudgingly placed a few coins in his palm. Peter had bet Sirius he couldn't drink all their butterbeer in less than thirty seconds. And of course, Sirius took and won the bet.
Sirius leaned back in his chair, burped, and wiped the last bit of foam from his upper lip. Beside him, Remus' eyes were alive with mirth at the sight of his friend's tomfoolery. Peter, despite having to hand over the money he had planned on spending at Honeydukes, was smiling as well. If someone had taken a picture of the Marauders at that exact moment, it would have perfectly captured their comfort and happiness they all found in their brotherhood… that is until you looked at James.
James was staring out the window with glazed eyes. He was unmoving until he blinked a few times when something seemed to catch his eye. Lily and Hermione were walking down the main road smiling and laughing at some unheard joke. James didn't even feel his mouth slip into a smile at the sight of Lily's happiness. But his friends did.
"Have you gotten Lily a present yet?" Peter nudged James, bringing him out of his daydream.
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"Yeah, mate, don't you need to find Lily a present for Valentine's Day?" Remus raised an eyebrow. "You didn't forget, did you?"
"Course he didn't forget, Moony," Sirius smirked at James. "He's had February 14 circled on his calendar since we got back."
The other Marauders laughed at their friend's good fortune. Remus leaned over the table.
"If you want, I can show you were the bookshop is. She might like something from there."
"That's okay, Moony." James smiled confidently. "I've already taken care of it."
This time Sirius leaned over the table. He grabbed James' bags and ruffled through them.
"There's nothing in here but what you got from Zonko's!"
"Prongs, you can't give her something from Zonko's!" "Even I know that!" Remus and Peter chimed in.
James snatched his bags from Sirius' hands and put them away.
"It's not in my bags, you gits. I already have it back at the castle."
The other three Marauders looked at each other for a moment before Sirius spoke up.
"Merlin, you didn't make her something, did you?" He spoke the word as if it were poison. "Prongs, you're doomed." The other two Marauders joined in Sirius' laughter.
"No, I didn't make her something," James protested strongly, but as he continued to speak his voice petered out. "I just already have it back at the castle 'cause I got it a while ago."
Despite James' protests, his three friends continued to laugh and make fun of him. His smile faltered for just a moment before Remus choked on his butterbeer and sputtered all over the table.
The laughter from the Marauders carried throughout the room. Several small groups of students glanced over, contagious smiles replacing their looks of mild annoyance. The collective mood of the Three Broomsticks rose to such a point that if someone had taken a photograph of the room at that moment, it could have served as the official postcard of Hogsmeade.
14 February 1978
The Great Hall
Much to Hermione's annoyance, the Great Hall did look quite spectacular in all of its St. Valentine's glory. Bubbles in the shape of hearts bobbed along the ceiling as tiny red arrows soared just over the heads of the students. Hermione put a hand to the top of her head to try to tame her mess of hair in fear of getting struck. She rolled her eyes as the younger Gryffindor girls looked adoringly toward the front doors as the Marauders sauntered in.
It was dinner time now and Professor McGonagall was practically blue in the face as she looked on at the couples flaunting what was in her opinion a grossly inappropriate display of affection. Dumbledore, on the other hand, had a familiar twinkle in his eye as he hummed into his pudding.
As the Marauders approached their usual spots next to Hermione, James slowed his usually confident strut and glanced nervously at Lily. Although James didn't, and frankly in his state couldn't, notice anything less than perfection in her features, Lily's cheeks were quickly approaching the shade of her hair.
The couple in question hadn't seen each other since a quick overlap at breakfast. Tuesdays were Lily's busiest days and she hadn't found a moment free to seek out James, much to her disappointment. Hermione quickly shifted in her seat next to Lily to make an obvious space available for James. With a quick smile of thanks before turning back to Lily, James took his spot.
"Hi."
"Hi."
On anyone else, Hermione would have found the shy romantic awkwardness beyond annoying, but on Lily and James…
"How are you?" James asked, his eyes alight.
"Good, good. Better now," Lily's smile grew as she spoke. "And you?"
"Never better." The two sat in silence just staring at each other for a moment before the spell was broken.
"Oi, can you two get on with it? I've still got two feet of parchment to write before tomorrow and I can't start 'til you're done with the show."
James turned to glare at Sirius, but Lily just laughed beside him. She leaned behind her to pick up her bag and pulled out the present she had wrapped the night before. James raised an eyebrow at the pristinely wrapped package and pulled a small box from his pocket. Hermione's eyes widened as she took it in.
Its light blue wrapping and white bow seemed almost too clean for it to have been done by a teenage boy. Hermione's heart caught in her throat. The small box could easily fit in the palm of her hand, the perfect size for a certain small piece of jewelry. Hermione looked at James with a look caught somewhere between fear and awe.
That is, until James pulled out his wand and the box on the table grew.
Hermione let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and almost burst into laughter when she realized Lily had done the same thing. James, oblivious to all, thrust the box toward Lily in a manner more Peter-like than the calm confidence Hermione had come to associate with James.
A blush flowered on James' cheeks before he looked back up at Lily. Lily, whose eyes were a fierce green, totally alive with life. Lily, whose sweet smile said everything James was thinking but couldn't put into words. Lily, his Lily.
The two tore into their presents as the others cheered them on. Hermione could feel the eyes of other students, but she didn't care. She was happy. Ribbon flew left and wrapping paper flew right. It was a whir of color before her eyes. James and Lily looked at their boxes and then at each other, eyes wide and laughter dancing on their lips.
"You–"
"How did–"
"I didn't."
"Me either."
And then they were kissing, right there at the dinner table. Presents forgotten in their laps, fingers embedded in hair, oblivious to the catcalls from down the table.
Remus cleared his throat. The reluctant couple parted.
"Mind sharing with everyone?"
"Oi, Moony, I've told you a million times," James chuckled. "Get your own girl."
"Oh shut it, Prongs. Just tell us what you got already."
With big beaming smiles James and Lily held up their respective gifts.
James held up the photo album that would one day belong to his son. And Lily—Lily held up a Polaroid camera. Their presents complemented each other oh so completely. Hermione's heart swelled as she realized just how perfect these two were for each other.
James puffed out his chest and explained how he had purchased the muggle camera and had it taken in for magical charms. The Polaroid camera could now print moving pictures. The camera looked quite simple when you glanced at it, but if you focused long enough, you could see the faint shimmer of magic around it.
The dinner continued; dessert came and went, but the group stayed. They laughed and chatted and talked until they were one of the last groups still in the Great Hall. And when they finally retired to Gryffindor Tower, there smiles were still as bright. Remus, Sirius, and Peter sauntered ahead up their stairs, and Hermione and the other girls likewise retired.
James and Lily lingered for a moment, holding hands. Lily leaned forward on the tips of her toes and kissed James softly on the cheek. As his eyes closed and he leaned into her, Lily pulled back just as quickly as she had leaned in. When James opened his eyes, Lily was holding her new camera up to her face. James smiled softly, whispered good night, and headed up the stairs.
There had been a moment between the two that passed unnoticed, the simplest of moments as they stood in the Gryffindor common room. It was almost a moment like any other, almost. But if later, you had asked Lily, she would say that she had truly fallen in love with James at that moment.
A/N: *I came. I saw. I loved.