Hey guys. Please don't get angry with me, I know I haven't updated in ages but I have given you a treat.

Here is an extra long chapter just for you my lovelies.

Thanks heaps for the followers.

Please read and review❤️


Chapter 5

Sirius' POV

In that moment everything felt right…

Prongs was smiling and staring at Evans dreamily; even after they had just scored another detention together. Evans was glaring furiously at McGonagall- if only looks could kill. Remus was holding in laughter and it just felt right to be hanging with such great, genuine friends.

I know it sounds weird coming from me... a strong, tough, never let a tear fall kinda guy; but hey, I'm not made out of bricks. Siriusly.


Lily's POV

Well, there goes my clean record. Two detentions in one day. Bye-bye, Head Girl.

James and I walk back towards the common room and I notice that he can't wipe the goofy grin off of his face. He looked like a proud father... Was he happy that I had gotten a detention? Of course he was; after all he is king of getting in trouble.

I drift off into my own thoughts, mainly consisted of James. Why? I don't know. Probably because I was angry and my mind couldn't help but to switch to him. Although he sometimes infuriated me, it seemed that as of late he was beginning to act like my rock: Someone who was always around and although he could be annoying, he was always just there. It was weird to finally accept that the boy that I had hated all these years, was finally more mature.

I am brought back to reality when James calls out to me.

"Lily-flower" he calls out in his sing-song, mocking tone.

"Don't call me that." What was I thinking; more mature my ass.

"Fine, fine… I was just wondering why it is that you walked straight past our common room?"

Oh, I must have been really deep in thought then. A slight flush comes to my cheeks and I stutter out; "Uh… uhm... I was just thinking…"

"About me I assume?"

I let out a growl, only Potter. "You know what, Potter, I was actually thinking of you."

"Really?" he says hopefully.

"Yes, I was thinking about how you are an immature, insolent, little prick."

"Really Evans, are we honestly back to last names?" he playfully frowns, over exaggerating a hurt expression.

I sigh. James is meant to be my friend-why can't I ever keep my mouth shut? "Only when I'm angry with you." At least my tone wasn't as icy. I can see James not even trying to hold back a smile. He was gushing.

With that, I turn around and head back to the common room. (This time not going past it). At least I succeeded one graceful exit today.


Marlene's POV

Lily walks into the common room and plops down on the couch next to me. She stares into the fire and I can see confusion in her eyes. I can tell because I am currently sharing that same emotion.

I know I'm one of those girls who typically is not seen as someone who can't be tied down. I'm not exactly the first person you think of when you think about marriage. But hey, maybe I can change? I think I could because for once in my life I actually may have; but don't want to admit that I have feelings for a guy. Not just any guy, but one is also someone who can't be tied down.

Uh, why do I put myself through this?

I need to stop.

I look at Lily and know that we both need a distraction.

"Hey Lily, are you free tonight…?"


Lily's POV

When Marlene suggests an outing I feel immediate gratitude towards her. This is the reason she is my best friend. She can always tell when I need some help and comfort.

I agree straight away and we both end up walking from the common room back out to the grounds. The late summer air has a slight cool breeze that tickles my collar bone. The sun hasn't set yet but it gives off a faint glow against the Great Lake. It's almost as if it is giving me an invitation, a nice warm welcome.

Marley and I walk over to the pier and once we reach the end, I stop and decide that I am going to do something reckless. I'd had a long, stressful day- what helps more than breaking some rules to let go of the stress?. I grab my wand and point it towards Marlene. With a flick of my wand Marlene is no longer wearing her school robes, as they have been replaced with a pair of blue bikini. They have a baby blue bottom, with little bows on the side. Her top is a darker blue with a strap that winds around her neck. She fills out the top nicely and the bathers suit her complexion perfectly.

Marlene jumps in surprise as the breeze makes more of an impact on her skin. She grabs her wand but it is too late. I use her surprise to my advantage, I cast a quick heating spell and push her into the water, laughing at the distressed and disgusted face that she manages to pull, before she is submerged in water.

After a minute or two Marley still hasn't come up for air. This is when the panic kicks in. I am a horrible friend. I have just drowned my best friend… I HAVE JUST DROWNED MY BEST FRIEND!

What if her parents send me a death wish!

What if the Giant Squid has gotten her!

I need help.

Pull yourself together Lily…

I quickly transfigure my robes into a set of emerald green bathers and jump in. I am immediately hit with the icy water when I realise that I didn't put a heating charm on myself; oh well, I think my friend was slightly more important than catching my death. I start to splash around, desperately looking for Marlene. If someone was watching me they would have thought that I was insane.

I feel something move past my leg and I panic. I duck under the water to see a leg kicking past me.

Marlene!

I grab hold of it and bring it up to the surface. It is a struggle but my friend's well being is the only thing on my mind. Once I had swam to the edge of the lake I turned to look at Marlene only to see her laughing at me. Her head is covered by a clear bubble and she seems to be fine.

Her wand.

I had just remembered she had her wand on her, when I pushed her in. That little devil had used it to trick me into having a heart attack and jumping in to save her.

"You stupid bitch Marlene. You had me so worried." I growl out, shaking uncontrollably.

"You're worried about me, me Lily? How about you? I brought you out here to cheer you up because you look so confused and what do I get… a swim in the lake. Which also contains a Giant Squid!" She shouts out to me.

Okay maybe I was being unreasonable; she was right.

I start to giggle at how stupid we both were. Fighting over such a silly thing. She tries to maintain an angry glare, but Marley has never been the best at hiding her emotions. I can see a smile starting to crack on her lips. Eventually she starts to laugh and then we both can't stop.

It takes us a few moments to regain composure, however I am still shaking from the cold. It seems to be getting worse and as I go to cast a heating spell, I'm shaking to the point I can barely mutter the spell. Marlene notices and grabs her wand and transfigures our bathers back into our school robes.

The sun has truly set now and it is getting colder by the minute so we both decide to head inside. My shaking is become a little bit less noticeable and I have finally regained feeling in my feet. Marley charms a heating spell over my body once we get to our dorm and tucks me into bed. She whispers a goodnight, closing my curtains. What a good friend she is.

My body has now completely stop shaking but my teeth are still chattering and my fingers are still numb. I fall asleep almost instantly.

Many times I wake up during the night shivering slightly and each time Marlene is there to produce a warming charm and tuck me back in. She really is the best.


Marlene's POV

Lily is still shivering when she wakes up. I decide that it has been going on too long. After we both get dressed I guide her down to the hospital wing where Madam Pomfrey does a quick check over her. Lily is then handed a small blue vial. With that we leave the hospital wing.

"What is that?" I ask her

"I'm not to sure, Madam Pomfrey said that I have the starting a of a flu. She said that I should take this with my meals today and tomorrow and that it should cure it. I guess it's like the muggle medicine, Penicillin." She replies.

"What is Penicillin?" I ask curiously

"It is a muggle medicine that helps with viruses although it takes a lot longer than this magic one."

Before I could reply the doors of the great hall were before us and the smell of breakfast had reached our noses. Lily and I walk in silence, mouths watering as trays of crispy bacon, scrambled eggs and glasses of orange juice reach our view.

We both take seats at the Gryffindor table alongside Hestia and Alice who are whispering about something quietly.

"What are you two gossiping about?" asks Lily slowly.

"You haven't heard?" whispers Alice excitedly, "The Marauders are throwing a party for Sirius Black tomorrow night in our common room.

This was good news, Hogwarts needed something to help loosen up everybody. My stress was building up more and more each day. It must be the whole crush thing. Stupid hormones…

Which also brought me back to the party issue… Yes I was excited to go and have a great time with my friends but I had another issue that came with this whole birthday bash. The birthday boy was my crush.

What do I get him? Do I get him anything? Who even knows….

My thoughts are becoming fickle and incoherent, I pull myself out of them and bring myself back to the present conversation. Hestia is talking about her mum and the others are comforting her. They seem to have it under control so I grab my book bag, wave goodbye and promise to meet with them later. I head off to class.

My thoughts now have no distractions and are swirling around in my head, I just can't get rid of them. I should have stayed with the girls where I would have at least had a reason to stay with reality.

Just as my thoughts are starting to sort themselves out, none other than Sirius Black jumps out of the corridor that I am passing, wrapping his arm around my neck in one smooth motion.

"Hello there Miss Marlene McKinnon" his deep, sexy voice making me shudder inside… get a grip Marlene…

"Good day Mr. Black, how may I be of assistance?" I reply tauntingly. "Well Marls now that you ask…" He winks suggestively and motions to a broom closet. That's when I realise, if I give in to Sirius, I'll just be another person that he has concurred and that is not how Marlene McKinnon rolls.

"You are such a perv. What is your issue? Does everything that comes out of your mouth have to be so sexually insinuated you prat. I am not going to be one of your bimbos that you dispose of after you have satisfied yourself. When are you going to get it through your thick head?" I storm of, I'm sure if I had have looked behind me he would have had his mouth hanging open. I'm pretty sure my period was coming early. Seriously, what came over me.

I'm not sure who to go to. Lily is a great friend but she would judge me. Remus was a friend but could I really talk to him about this? James he has been my best friend since before I can even remember. Our parents are best friends and we practically grew up side by side. I remember the sleepovers we used to have and the trouble that we would get into. However, since coming to Hogwarts James has sought out Sirius to fill his trouble making side. I miss spending time with him. We are still friends but I wish we were closer. Going to him seems like the only option. I know that he is Sirius best friend but he can keep a secret. So off to James I go.


I find James lying across the the benches of the Quidditch pitch as always. When he sees me coming towards him he gets up and greets me with a hug.

"Marley, it's been awhile since you have sought me out. What can I do for you?"

"James I really need to talk to someone and I could only think of you. I know that we haven't been as close as we used to but I'm hoping to fix it…."

"Marls" he cuts me off. "We both know that it is my fault. Ever since I met the boys, especially Sirius I haven't really put time into anything but Quidditch, pranks, Lily and classes and even then I don't really put that much time into it. You are right however in saying that we need to become close again. I miss having you to tell all my secrets to. So what did you want to talk about?"

After James speech I am relieved that he felt the same way and it has definitely helped that he took most of the blame.

"I know that Sirius is your best friend but I need you to keep this to yourself" I slowly speak, unsure of how to put it. "IhaveamassivecrushonsiriusblackandIcantdoanythingaboutit" considering I was just speaking slowly that came out faster than a broom flying off the ground.

The expression that James displays on his face is just too good that I have to laugh. His shock and absolute misunderstanding of what I have just said is present on his face.

"Could you possibly repeat that?" James ask, and I can't blame him. I take a deep breath and this time slowly spill out what I wanted to say. "I have a massive crush on Sirius Black and I can't do anything about it"

Ohh, it's like the weight has been lifted off my shoulders. James just stares and gives a slight nod of his head.

The question that I am dreading spills from James lips, "What are you going to do?"

I don't know. How am I meant to know.

"I guess I am just going to ignore it" James raises an eyebrow, he knows I'm not one to ignore something.

"Don't look at me like that" I exclaim. "What do you want me to say? Sirius Black I think I like you… I can't do that"

"And why not?" James asks.

"Because I'll be rejected. You know Sirius, it's a new girl every week. I don't want to be one of those girls."

"I understand Marlene, and your secret is safe with me."

"Thanks James, how about a quick fly around before we head back into the castle"

He shrugs "If you can keep up sure!" and I smirk, just like my old James.


The dormitories are a blur. Everyone is running around getting ready for Sirius party. I'm ready of course but I have now been put on makeup duty. Lily has smoky eye makeup and peach lips, the look compliments her emerald green eyes and her sparkly black dress that is tight and show off her curves. Her sleeves are long and her heels are high. The dress makes her look so hot, courtesy of me, she looks slightly uncomfortable with the length of the dress but I insisted that she should wear it.

Hestia has her hair half up with a slight curl. Her lilac dress dips slightly at the front and has a cross at the back, it hugs all the right areas. The length is long and has a split on her right leg, showing off her tan. Remus is going to die when he sees her. Her makeup, I decide, is to be natural, her highlight is on point if you ask me.

Alice is in a hot pink mini skirt and a black, tight top. Her hair is in a messy low bun, I'm not sure how she completed the look with her now short hair but it looks amazing. Her lips are bright red, she looks like she is ready to slay. Frank better watch out tonight. Her eyes are thick with eyeliner and she has contoured her face so that her jaw line is on point.

My outfit is one that my Aunty brought me for my birthday last year. I have a a pair of patterned shorts that look as if they are a skirt and a navy blue crossover crop top. My heels are black and give me the extra height that I need. My makeup is dark and I have bright red lips. I look fierce, just the way that I like. I suits my personality.

Now that everyone's makeup is done I have been put to use once again by wrapping Sirius present that we all brought together. A jumbo pack of chocolate frogs, Quidditch jersey and beater gloves are what we brought him. I contemplating getting him my own present but it was easier to get one with the girls, and since the corridor incident that Sirius brushed aside, I have been avoiding him.

Pushing that thought aside I call out to the girls; "Let's go chickadees! Enjoy tonight!"

Hestia and Alice run off ahead and I am still waiting for Lily. What could be taking her so long? I step into the bathroom to see her looking in the mirror as if she is lost.

"What's wrong Lils?" I ask softly.

"I just don't feel like me. I mean when have I ever dressed up like this?" Her eyes stare back at her in disbelief.

"Lils you look so hot, don't worry you are going to have so much fun. I'm sure James will appreciate your outfit" I smirk raising my eyebrow.

"Haha Marls, you know we are just friends and even that is a mystery to me. You're right, let's go and get this party started."

With that we link our arms together and stride off down the stairs.

The Marauders have done a fantastic job at the decorating. There are streamers that have Sirius name on them and Banners with his face. There are mini fireworks which seemed to go off behind someone's head giving everyone a little bit of an unwanted surprise. The dance floor is already becoming packed and in the middle you can find none other than James, Remus and Sirius themselves. James and Remus are laughing and Sirius is talking to some unknown girl… of course.

I point out to Lily, Peter, who is dressed in a bright pink t-shirt and is near the food table. She laughs so loudly that everyone in close vicinity looks up at her. She blushes and pulls me down the stairs out of the unwanted attention.

We go to the drinks table and pour ourselves some punch; which as soon as I taste it, I can tell that it has been spiked. I don't tell Lily because I can see that she needs to lighten up a little and what better way to do it with a little liquor in her system.

Alice is across the room with Frank who can't stop staring at her. She waves and beckons us over. Lily declines for us and points to the dance floor. She pulls me with her and starts moving to the music.

"Lily…" I wave my hands up in her face. "I'm going to go and get us some more drinks. Will you be ok?"

"Fine Marls, don't worry about me" and with that she is off further onto the dance floor.

"Lily?" she opens her eyes to see who has called her. She sees me and walks over immediately.

Words do no justices. Her dress shimmers under the lights. Her hair is down and carefree and her face looks for beautiful than ever.

"Hey James, love the party. Want to go and dance?" She asks shyly.

"Sure Lils!" I grab her hand and we make our way over to the centre.

We are jumping up and down and I don't know how she is doing it with her heels but there is no way that I am stopping her. This Lily is unfamiliar to me. I have only seen this side of her from a distance and it is always so rare.

I feel as if I know Lily better than anyone. I know when she is angry, sad and disappointed but I have never experienced the overjoyed Lily. She is having so much fun and I with her, for the first time to experience it.


It's so warm in here. I feel dizzy and my emotions are high. I need air.

James is still dancing with me and I'm having so much fun. It's good to let everything go, having no stress feels so good. I know that the punch was spiked but for once I just didn't care.

"James can we go outside? I need air" I stop him from dancing.

"Sure Lils, you alright?" He asks grabbing my hand and leading me off the dance floor.

"Fine James, just need some air" we walk out if the common room and make our way out to the courtyard. I lie on the bench and James stands over me staring in a way that confuses me,

"What?"

"Nothing, I have just never seen you so laid back. It's just weird"

"Well you can thank the alcohol for that or more like whoever spiked the punch."

"You can thank Sirius for that" we laugh, of course Sirius would spike the drinks at his own party.

A silence falls over us, not uncomfortable or awkward, more like peaceful and safe.

"So James what has been happening in your life at the moment?" I ask breaking the silence.

"Well Lily dear, Quidditch trials are coming up in a couple of weeks and that's pretty much taking over my thoughts. What about you? Got anything planned?"

"No not much, was thinking of trying out for the quidditch team" I reply waiting for a reaction.

"What? Did I just hear you right? You Miss Lily Evans, try out for the quidditch team? Can you even fly?" The questions seem to be never ending but all I can do is laugh.

When the laughing subsides I have to ask "What? Does it really seem that impossible?" I mock him. I wave my finger at him and go on. "I'll let you know that I happened to be very skilled in Quidditch…" and he laughs again.

"Really Lily, can't you remember first year flying lessons because I happen to remember as if they were yesterday" at that I look down, not my finest moment. I have improved but James doesn't need to know that.

"You are right James…" and I am cut off …. "Miss Evans, did you just admit that I was right?" I roll my eyes and James starts laughing again. "As I was saying Mr Potter, you should never judge people if you do not know your facts" and with that I turned on my heel and started the journey back to Gryffindor Tower, James chasing after me.

"Is that so Miss Lily" I smirk and slow my pace so that he can catch up. "Yes it is Mr Potter, and do you have a problem with this?" And of course James rises to the bait.

"Well I do indeed, if you are so good at quidditch all of a sudden I have a proposition for you, a challenge, or should we call it a bet… I challenge you to a quidditch match, one on one"

"Of course Mr Potter this seems like a good challenge, I may be able to put you in your place…" and with a sly smile I add "What are the stakes?"

James is of course surprised by the suggestion starts to nod slowly, thinking to himself. "Of course Lily, what is a bet without stakes… ok how does this sound for you, if you win, I'll give you a spot on the quidditch team, whichever position you want and if I win you will be my slave for a day"

Now they are higher stakes than I anticipated, I didn't have time to be on the team if I one and neither did I want to be a slave if I lost, who knows what James would make me do. "Are you to chicken Lily? Can't keep up with the challenge?" James whispers in my ears sending chills down my back. I know that he is trying to give me a bait to rise to and of course I do, when my pride is on the line I will do anything to protect it.

"Calm down Mr Potter, you have a deal. I was just figuring out the date of our little match… how does Thursday sound in two weeks?"

"Fine Miss Evans, I guess I will see you on the field in a couple of weeks, the Friday after I will be choosing my team. Good luck!"

We shake hands and walk the rest of the way in silence.


When we head back into the common room we seem to have missed out on quite a bit. All of the younger students had gone to bed and sitting around in the middle of the circle was the 6th and 7th years. Gideon and Fabian Prewett, who are Alice's cousins are waving their arms about explaining the rules of a game. It looks like it is truth or dare. They must be setting some boundaries because these games are known to get out of hand. James and I join the circle and listen intently. It was a simple no dares that could get you killed and if you choose truth you have to get a truth spell put on you first. First up was Alice, she chose truth. The spell was cast and the question asked.

"What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?" Frank asks that I believe, is a question that is going to get him into big trouble because I know, that he already knows that answer. So do most people but I guess it won't hurt to for a recount.

"Frank you idiot, how could you. You already know the answer to that" everyone laughs and Frank gives a sly smile towards his girlfriend "But sweetheart I can't remember all the details, you're going to have to remind me or you are out of the game". And she knows that she has no choice.

"Damn spell, fine Frank, well here it goes, my most embarrassing moment was in fifth year when I asked Frank out because he didn't have the guts to ask me out." With that Alice smirks and Frank begins to frown. "Yes my dear, I was sitting at the Gryffindor table at dinner and I just got the feeling that I had to ask you out. I was sick and tired of the flirting so I went for it. A moment later I was on my feet walking towards Frank. I wasn't sure quite what I was doing but I kept going. As soon as I got to him I blurted out "would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me?" He said yes and then all was fine until my stupid cousins decided it was time for a food fight. I was just about to kiss Frank when mash potato and gravy smashed into my face knocking me over. I was so embarrassed that I fled the great hall and that was that. Everyone was laughing and Frank here just joined in the food fight. Thanks dear!"

Everyone clapped when Alice started to blush and we all laughed. Gideon and Fabian looked down in shame. I happen to know that they got an earful that night in the common room.

Alice then chose James, of course he said dare and we had to all go outside and watch him fly up to McGonagall's bedroom and cast a song about his love for transfiguration. He was yelled at quite a bit and we all watched from the bushes trying not to laugh.

When we returned inside the game continued. James asked Sirius and he chose dare surprisingly… I think not. Sirius dare was one that benefited us all as he had to break into the kitchens and steal food. We had quite the feast of chocolate cakes and cookies. Next Sirius chose Remus and he replied with truth, he got asked what his lowest mark was because Sirius couldn't think of anything else. I guess these boys know each other pretty well. Next up was Marlene and she went truth. The spell was cast again and Remus asked her the only question that shouldn't have been asked. "who do you like Marlene?" and all eyes turned to face her. I knew that this wasn't good. James was shaking his head and I knew why. She may not have told me but I am not her best friend for no reason.

She takes a massive swig of the alcohol bottle and says in a simple tone "Sirius" with that she is up and out of the room before anyone can respond and I am the one to go after her.


Hope that you liked xx