Disclaimer: As usual, I don't own Harry Potter.

When people are having mental conversations with themselves (not crazy type, you'll see what I mean) their brain will be bold, their conscience will be bold and italics and they will be italics.

Chapter 5: A trip to Hogsmeade

"You'll never believe it!" squealed Lily a few months later.

"What, what?" the girls crowded around.

"Remember that boy, Jesse Burnshaw?"

"Yeah," said Miranda.

"No," said Tina and Megan.

"He's in fourth year. Blond hair, blue eyes," said Lily.

"Oh. What about him?" said Tina.

"He asked me out!" shouted Lily.

"Really?" her friends screamed.

"Yeah! And I said yes! We're going to Hogsmeade together next weekend!"

"Wow! Congratulations, Lily!"

"Thanks. Oh my God, I can't wait," said Lily.

The following weekend, Lily awoke a bundle of nerves. She climbed out of bed and walked towards her dresser. An hour later, she still hadn't figured out what to wear. Her friends were getting out of bed now.

"Lily?" asked Miranda groggily.

"Yeah?"

"Why are you up so early?"

"I was trying to decide what to wear today but I can't find anything!" said Lily helplessly. She was usually the fashion expert and would pick out everything for her friends, but today she needed help. Miranda sighed.

"You need beautiful but simple and casual," she said. She pushed Lily aside and started rummaging through the piles of clothes. "Here you go." She handed Lily the outfit and went to pick out shoes.

Lily put on the clothes. It was a red turtleneck with three-quarter sleeves, and a black mini-skirt. Lily cast a warming charm on her legs so they wouldn't freeze. She didn't think a mini-skirt was that casual, but she didn't care.

Miranda came back with shoes. They were knee-length black boots and looked great with the outfit. Lily put on some nude lip gloss and mascara and was ready to go.

Miranda picked out a green sweater with jeans and sneakers. She decided to go without make up. Once Tina was up, she put on the same thing as Miranda except with a red sweater. Megan had on a blue Lilu shirt and tight jeans. She put on spiky black boots and white droplet earrings.

The girls walked downstairs once they were all ready, and saw James and Sirius leaning on couches casually. They were waiting for their girlfriends. James was going out with a second year named Caitlyn and Sirius had hooked up with Beth again. Since James and Sirius were officially players now, going out with a girl once, having a make-out session, and then dumping her, this had come as a shock to everyone.

Caitlyn and Beth came down after Lily and her friends. Caitlyn had brown hair with red streaks and was wearing tight cream colored pants with a navy colored sweatshirt. Beth was in a pink sweat suit. They were in the stairway (and so were the third year girls) when James started talking to someone. They looked towards the direction he was speaking in and saw Jesse.

"Hey, Jesse," said James.

"Hey, James. What's up?"

"Nothing really. How about you? Hot date?" They both grinned.

"Yeah," answered Jesse.

"With who?" Jesse looked at the girls. Lily blushed.

"Lily," said Jesse, pointing.

"Evans?" James asked incredulously. Deep down, he still liked her, but he would never admit it. Besides, he liked lots of girls more. Jesse frowned.

"Yeah, Lily," he said. Lily glared at James. Her situation was the same as his. She still liked him, but wouldn't even admit it to herself. She walked over to Jesse and he took her hand. Lily felt herself blushing but she tried to fight it down. They walked out of the common room.

James and Sirius stared after them, but Beth and Caitlyn were down by then. They both took their girlfriends' hands and led them outside.

Peter was in the hospital wing. He had gotten a magical disease and was cured, but he still needed to rest. Remus had gotten the disease from Peter, and since it was right after a full moon, it was much worse on him. He was in the hospital wing too.

The Marauders were working hard on the animagi front. They had gotten lots of useful information. James, Sirius, and Peter tried to get detention with McGonagall as much as they could so that they could get extra information. Remus didn't want to since he was aiming for Prefect in fifth year. James felt like they were really close: there was just one missing piece of information. Unfortunately, he didn't know what it was.

When they got to Hogsmeade, the two couples split up. James took Caitlyn to the Three Broomsticks and they found a table in the corner.

"I'll be right back," James said. She nodded and looked around. Being a second year, she had never been here before. There were broomsticks on the wall and pictures of famous witches and wizards. James had charmed the paper with all of the third years on it to include Beth and Caitlyn so that they could get in.

In a couple of minutes, James was back with two frothing cups of butterbeer. Caitlyn took hers from him and sipped it. A warm feeling filled her stomach.

"Mmm…I've never had this before. It's so good!" she said. James chuckled.

"It is, isn't it?" he said. As they were drinking their butterbeers they watched the other people in the pub. There was a strange person in a velvet green cloak. He was looking around uneasily as he gulped down his Firewiskey. Madam Rosmerta didn't even blink an eye when he slammed some gold down onto the counter and walked out of the Three Broomsticks. She took the money and began wiping the counter.

"He was strange…" commented Caitlyn.

"Yeah. But if you want to see really strange you should go to the Hog's Head," said James. Caitlyn's eye-lined eyes widened.

"You've been to the Hog's Head?" she asked.

"Yeah. It's not that bad. Just a little unpleasant because it's kind of dark and murky. There are dangerous people there, too, but they won't get away with anything." Caitlyn looked at him doubtfully.

"How did you get in there? I thought only adults were allowed."

"No, anyone is allowed in," said James.

"Oh. I didn't know that. Oh, no," said Caitlyn. James looked to where her gaze was falling.

"What?" he asked.

"Malfoy and Snape," Caitlyn groaned. "Let's go." Before they could, though, Malfoy and Snape had reached their table.

"On another date, Potter? How long is this one going to last? A day?" Malfoy sneered.

"You just can't sit still, can you, Potter? You're such an attention-seeking child you just have to be called a player, so you go after every girl in the school," said Snape.

"At least I get dates," said James coolly. Snape blushed. At the end of last year he had asked out a girl and she had laughed in his face and poured pumpkin juice on his robes. Malfoy didn't pay attention to his friend's embarrassment and turned towards Caitlyn.

"Why are you hanging out with this blood traitor?" he asked. "You're a pureblood. You should be with real purebloods who understand the real meaning of that word."

"The word 'pureblood' was invented by lunatics like you, Malfoy, because you think you're better than everyone else since you're 'pureblood.' You think Muggle borns are too stupid, and unworthy, to be learning magic, but let me tell you something. A lot of the Muggle borns in this school are so much better than you at everything they do. Take Lily Evans, for example. She's the top in almost every class. You're nowhere near her. So stop with this pureblood crap and leave everyone alone about it," Caitlyn spat. James looked at her, amazed. No one had ever been brave enough to talk to Malfoy like that. Only the Marauders.

Malfoy's face was red with rage. He whipped out his wand and was starting to say the first spell that came to his mind but Caitlyn beat him to it.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" she said. Malfoy floated into the air. He looked around wildly.

"Help!" he shouted squeakily. Everyone in the pub started laughing. Caitlyn levitated him (James got Snape) out of the door and dropped him there. He fell on his butt and ran off clutching it and screaming in a high-pitched voice.

James laughed and high-fived Caitlyn. She grinned. James stood up and took her hand.

"Come on," he said. "Let's go to Honeydukes." She nodded and stood up. James took her outside. The snow was beginning to fall in big flakes. It began sticking right away. James grinned. He loved the snow.

"Do you like the snow?" asked Caitlyn, seeing him smile.

"I love it," he answered.

"Me too," said Caitlyn. She spread her arms out and stuck out her tongue. A couple of snowflakes melted on it and she closed her mouth. James watched her, smiling. He was tempted to kiss her, but for some reason didn't want to. Maybe it was because he knew if he did, she would end up like very other girl: gone in a couple of days, and he didn't want that.

"Let's go," he said.

"Ok." As they were walking the snow covered streets Caitlyn asked, "So, does Honeydukes really have the best chocolate?"

"You bet! Remus, you know him right?" She nodded. "Well, Remus, he loves chocolate. He's probably consumed more in a week than a normal human being has in two months." Caitlyn giggled. "Anyway, he even says it is the best chocolate."

"Well, I guess I should trust Remus then. But I still want to see for myself."

"Of course. Well, here we are," James said and opened the door. It was covered in green and there were candy mistletoes hanging from the ceiling inside. Christmas trees were in every corner. There were also decorations for the other holidays.

"It's beautiful!" Caitlyn gasped.

"Yeah," said James, looking around. He had never been there during the holidays. "Come on." They made their way to the wall where all of the new products were sold.

"Cheaters' Chocolate," Caitlyn read off of a candy wrapper.

"Where?" asked James. Caitlyn pointed and he rushed over.

"Puts new cheating thoughts into your head…guaranteed to help you ace a test or your money back." James grinned and took four. Then he walked over to Caitlyn. "Lovers' Licorice," he read. She blushed.

"What does it do?" she asked. He picked up the candy bar and looked at the wrapper.

"Give this to somebody and, when they eat it, they will kiss the person they have a crush on. Interesting," said James, looking at Caitlyn cheekily. She grew bold and grinned. Taking the licorice from him, she unwrapped and it stuffed it into his open mouth. He looked surprised for a minute but started chewing. Suddenly, James felt an electrical surge run through him. All he could see was Caitlyn. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. She kissed him back, happy that he liked her. When he pulled away, he finished reading the wrapper. "If the person has more than one crush, the one they like the most will be the one they kiss on the lips." Caitlyn's smile grew.

He likes me the most out of all his crushes! Or maybe I'm his only crush! Wow!

"Well, that was interesting," said James. "But I don't want our first kiss to be forced by candy. So that one doesn't count," he whispered. Then he leaned in and kissed her again. She put her arms around his neck and he put his around her waist. They stood there kissing until someone bumped into them.

"Managed to sneak a second year in, huh?" Lily asked. James broke away from Caitlyn to look at her.

"It would seem so," he answered. She scowled.

"That's against the rules!" she said.

"And…"

Lily sighed impatiently.

"Never mind," she said. "I wouldn't expect you to care about the rules."

"Here, have a licorice." James said and handed her the Lovers' Licorice. She looked at it suspiciously.

"Did you do something to it?" she asked.

"No, he didn't," said Caitlyn. "Don't worry."

"Where's Jesse?" asked James as she took a bite.

"Bathroom," she said. At that moment the bells jingled and another couple entered. Sirius and Beth spotted James, Caitlyn, and Lily and walked over. But suddenly Lily's eyes widened and she ran towards the bathrooms. Jesse was just walking out. She grabbed him and planted her lips on his. When she broke away Jesse looked astounded.

"Lily? What are you doing?" he yelled, embarrassed. The whole shop was watching them. James and Sirius were rolling on the floor laughing (James told Sirius about the licorice) and Beth and Caitlyn were laughing silently. Lily turned her furious eyes to James. She stalked over and grabbed his arm, dragging him out of the shop on his back. She let him stand up before she started screaming. No one could really hear what they were saying though.

"POTTER! What's your problem? You just HAD to embarrass me in front of EVERYBODY didn't you? Don't even try to defend yourself! Just stay away from me!" Lily raised her hand and slapped James on the cheek. Suddenly she felt electrical. She leaned in and kissed James on the cheek. He did the same after she kissed him. They stood, shocked and confused, just like everyone in the shop. All they had seen was Lily slap James and then kiss him on the cheek and him kiss her on the cheek. Jesse and Caitlyn were surprised and a little mad. They walked out of the shop.

"James!"

"Lily!" They yelled at the same time. "What are you doing?"

"I…don't know," answered James. "I just suddenly…had to kiss her."

"Me too. I don't know why I did it," said Lily. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too, Caitlyn," said James.

"It's ok," said Caitlyn.

"Yeah, it's all right," said Jesse. He put his arm around Lily's waist. "Let's go get a butterbeer." She nodded and they walked off. Lily looked at James confusedly but then turned away.

"Let's go get some normal chocolate," offered James.

"Ok," said Caitlyn. They walked inside the store, where everyone had stopped paying attention already. She seemed a little put out. Why did he do that? Does he like her too? James sensed her being a little uncomfortable so he bought her a little heart-shaped box with chocolates inside. There was a little card with Puss in Boots from Shrek 2 (A/n: Yeah, I know, I know the seventies and they're wizards but pretend they know about it) standing holding his hat and doing his kitty eyes thing. It said: Forgive me, please? James put it in his pocket and went to join Caitlyn again.

"This looks good," he said looking at the fudge brownies. Caitlyn licked her lips.

"I love brownies," she said. James grinned.

"Want me to get them?"

"No, that's ok, I'll do it. You don't have to."

"No, I want to."

"Well, then I guess you can." Caitlyn smiled. No boy had ever offered to buy her something before unless you count her brother. James bought a couple of brownies and paid for the Cheaters' Chocolate. Then the two of them walked outside where the snow was still falling. They walked up the hill to the Shrieking Shack and sat down on a blanket James transfigured. He was very advanced in Transfiguration. They began eating the brownies and talking. Caitlyn still seemed strange and not as excited, though.

James wiped his hands and got the heart box out of his pocket and turned towards Caitlyn.

"Caitlyn, I'm really sorry for what happened with Lily. I really don't know what happened. I think it was the chocolate, because, before our group broke up I had a crush on her. Maybe I have some feelings for her still, but there's so little that I don't even know they are there," he said and gave her the chocolate. She took it hesitantly but then smiled.

"It's ok, James. Really, it was just a peck on the cheek; I don't know why I was so upset. I really overreacted. But that made me feel loads better," she said. She looked at the card and laughed. "Aww, it's so cute! Thanks, James." She gave him a little kiss on the lips. He smiled as she put the box in her bag to save for later.

"Listen, Caitlyn, I wanted to ask you something."

"Yeah?"

"Will you go out with me? I mean, I know I asked you out to Hogsmeade, but I want to make sure that we're actually going out and not just on one date."

"I don't know. I mean, don't get me wrong or anything, but you have a reputation of a player. You just dump every one of your girlfriends after a week or something. I'd want to, but sorry, no," she said. She looked calm but inside her head there was a bloody war being fought. Why are you doing that? Screamed her brain. This is James Potter! Yeah, exactly. Think of his reputation. But-! And I don't want to seem like those desperate girls in the JPFC. The James Potter Fan Club girls are obsessed, yes, but you won't by just agreeing! Focus! He's saying something!

"Thank you!" James shouted and enveloped her in a bear hug. "You're the only girl who has ever turned me down!"

"So…why are you thanking me?"

"I don't know, it's just a biiiig change from those girls who follow me around begging for dates."

Told you! Said Caitlyn to her brain. Whoa…this is weird…I'm arguing with myself. Am I mental…? No.

"Would it make you think that if I changed my mind now?" asked Caitlyn. "Only if you promised to not play me."

"Ok. No, I wouldn't think that if you changed your mind."

"Well, then, I will go out with you."

"Great!" James kissed her and then picked her up. He ran down the hill, with her screaming and laughing all the way.

James and Caitlyn were running out of things to do (they had been to a lot of places) so they went to the little park. They were walking in silence with the snow crunching under their feet when James spotted something in the distance. He put a finger to his lips and motioned for Caitlyn to follow him. She did and in a minute they came to a large rock. About 100 feet away was a tree, in front of which were Sirius and Beth, making out. Caitlyn laughed quietly.

James grinned and moved away a little. He pointed his wand at himself and whispered a spell. Immediately, his hair changed to white and grew down to his waist. He grew a white beard too. It came down a little past his face. He changed his jeans and sweater into long purple robes with stars and moons on them. He cast a little wrinkling charm on his face and suddenly, Caitlyn was looking at Dumbledore!

"How did you do that?" she whispered. James changed his voice.

"My parents used to always have to do these kinds of things without the Polyjuice Potion to spy on Death Eaters and stuff. I guess I just learned how. It's simple, really, but I can't change my eyes because that takes a half an hour," James explained.

"Wow!" said Caitlyn. James changed his glasses into half-moon glasses.

"You only actually learn how to do this in fourth or fifth year. Maybe even more for the vocals," said James. "But my parents wanted me to be ready so they did it in front of me a lot and I learned. Now," he grinned, "Time for the fun." He made a snowball and threw it at the back of Sirius' head. He broke away from Beth and looked around.

"Who's there?" Nobody answered him so he shrugged and turned back towards his girlfriend. Caitlyn followed James' example and threw a snowball at Sirius. He looked around again. Nobody was there. He turned back again and this time, both Caitlyn and James threw snowballs at him. He didn't break away from Beth, just stuck out his middle finger in the direction of the snowballs. Caitlyn was almost in hysterics when James stepped out from behind the rock.

"Mr. Black," he said. "I never thought you would do that." Sirius turned towards James in horror.

"Sorry, Sir," he said. "I-I didn't know it was you."

"Well, still, now that I've seen what kind of behavior you have towards strangers-"

"Please, Sir, it's not towards all strangers. Just the ones who throw snowballs at me," said Sirius lamely.

"In any case," James went on. He was struggling not to burst out laughing then and there. "I shall have to move you to Slytherin."

"WHAT? Professor, please, I-" Sirius looked into James' eyes. "What the-?" Suddenly he jumped up and tackled James.

"Sirius! What are you doing! That's Professor Dumbledore!" screeched Beth. Caitlyn was rolling on the ground with laughter behind the rock.

"That's not Dumbledore! His eyes are supposed to be blue, not hazel!" shouted Sirius. "Finite Incantatem!" James' hair turned back to short, messy, and black and his beard disappeared. His clothes and voice changed. His glasses changed back to normal.

"James?" screamed Beth. Caitlyn crawled out from behind the rock and collapsed, laughing. "Caitlyn?"

"You…should…have…seen…your…faces!" gasped Caitlyn.

"That wasn't funny," said Sirius, letting James up.

"Oh, yes it was," said James.

"Well, maybe a little," said Beth, starting to laugh. Sirius glared at her before cracking up.

"Ok, it was hilarious. You know, if it wasn't on me," said Sirius.

"Well, then, come with me," said James. He lead them to another couple. He recognized the red hair immediately. Lily and Jesse were sitting on a blanket, making out. James and Sirius grinned. James changed both of them into Dumbledores and the girls into McGonagalls. Sirius was the first one to act as Dumbledore and Beth was the first McGonagall. Everyone threw snowballs at the couple and Jesse had the same reaction as Sirius.

"Mr. Burnshaw!" reprimanded Beth. "What on earth did you do that for? Do you have any idea who we are?"

"Of-of course I do," stammered Jesse. "It's just I didn't see anyone and thought it was just some trouble makers. Really, I wouldn't have if I had known it was you."

"In any case," Sirius said. "I'm afraid you'll have to be moved to Hufflepuff-no you're not loyal enough-Ravenclaw, then, but you're too stupid. Slytherin is the only other option, but I'm afraid you're not cunning at all. I guess we'll just have to kick you out." Then he ran away, giggling like a little girl. Beth gave Jesse the finger and stuck her tongue out and ran after Sirius.

Then James and Caitlyn stepped out.

"Wait-you just ran away," said Jesse.

"And…you giggled," said Lily.

"Oh dear, they've gone mental," said James. "We don't want crazy lunatics running around our school. So here you go," he gave them each some candy, "and get out." James walked away, humming. Caitlyn giggled and ran after him.

"Oh, Albuuuuuuus!" she said in a sing-song voice. Once they disappeared, Lily and Jesse looked at the candy.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God," Lily was almost hyperventilating.

"Calm down, Lily," said Jesse, even though he was freaking out too. While panicking, they unwrapped the candies and saw the words "just kidding" carved into the chocolate. They sighed happily.

"Thank God," said Lily. "I don't know what I'd do if I was really expelled."

"I know. Today has been really weird," said Jesse. Lily nodded in agreement, and they walked towards the carriages that would bring them back to Hogwarts.