Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Chapter 16: The new girl

A month later, I was still going out with Ricky. At first it was because of not wanting to prove James and Sirius right, but then my feelings for him had grown stronger.

James had returned to being a player. It disgusted me how quickly his views on girls could change. He and the rest of the Marauders continued to play pranks on everyone and he would still ask me out constantly, even though I was with Ricky. He would tell me to dump Ricky and be his girlfriend. That would make me mad, like always, and we would get into fights again.

It was the end of October when Miranda, Megan, Ricky, and I were walking from Transfiguration to Charms. Well, Ricky was going from History of Magic to Divination, but he was walking us to our class first. Such a sweetie.

"Hey Lil, Meg, Mira," said James, coming up behind us with Sirius and Remus. Peter had to talk to McGonagall. "Rick." I saw Megan and Miranda smile. I scowled and moved closer to Ricky.

"Go to hell, Potter," I said.

"The cat has claws," grinned Sirius.

"Shut up, Black," I mumbled and moved away from him. This caused me to push Ricky slightly, by accident of course. He then slipped and fell, pulling me down with him.

The group stopped to look at us. I was lying on top of Ricky.

"Evans, I never knew you had such a close connection. Preparing to put on a little show?" smirked Sirius. Ricky glared at him.

"Black, could you just shut the hell up and leave us alone?" he growled.

"Ooh, what a temper, Peters," said James. "Why don't you go make out with your girlfriend? You sure do it enough in public," he added with disgust.

"Oh, please, Potter, we all know you'll make out with anything that moves, no matter who's around," I said, getting up.

"That's not true!" said James indignantly. "I wouldn't make out with this ugly shit." He pointed at Ricky. Ricky threw himself at James, causing them both to fall on the ground.

Nobody's POV

Sirius and Remus went to get him off their friend but suddenly Ricky's friends showed up, saw what was going on, and got to Remus and Sirius first.

Tom, Marshall, and Mark started hitting Remus and Sirius as the girls shouted for them to stop. James gave up trying to get Ricky off of him and punched him in the nose. Ricky was taken aback, but then he gave a roar of anger and punched James back.

Sirius managed to break free of Marshall's grip and hit Mark in the stomach. Remus got Marshall on the side of his nose, causing Tom to hit him in the head from behind.

A crowd started gathering as Ricky hit James on the jaw. James stumbled back from the blow. Ricky obviously thought he had won as he turned his attention to his friends and James'. Suddenly, though, James came back at him and started hitting him full on in the face.

"Get off him!" screamed Lily as she tried to pull James off of her boyfriend. James was much stronger, however, and he easily pushed her off. Miranda and Megan were trying to separate the rest of them but they weren't strong enough either and were almost hit themselves.

The crowd was cheering. Some for Ricky and his friends, but most were for James, Remus, and Sirius.

Peter broke his way through the crowd of people to see what was going on. When he was in full view of the fight he saw Tom kicking and hitting Remus from behind, not giving him a chance to turn around. Peter got mad and remembering the things James (who had taken self defense classes when he was younger – bother muggle and magic) had taught him headed in.

"Hey! Look, it's Pettigrew!" laughed Tom, pausing in the fight, but still holding Remus.

"What are you gonna do, Pettigrew?" smirked Marshall. "Glare at us?"

Everyone else stopped as well. James, Sirius, and Remus were getting even madder. Peter was like their little brother, and they hated people picking on him.

"No," said Peter coolly. "I'll do this." He balled up his hands into fists and hit Tom square on the nose. Tom released Remus and shrank back in pain. The crowd cheered (most of it).

"You never make fun of anyone of the Marauders, especially Peter (Peter blushed slightly) and get away with it!" shouted James. He tore at Marshall but Ricky held him back and hit him in the stomach.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" came a piercing voice. The crowd parted to reveal Professor McGonagall. "STOP IMMEDIATELY!" Everyone froze and stood to face her. Marshall, Tom, Mark, Sirius, and Peter mainly had black eyes or cut lips. Remus had cuts around his face and on his neck. James' jaw was badly bruised and Ricky had a black eye, and his nose was broken.

Professor McGonagall looked around everyone.

"All eleven of you," she said, pointing at the Marauders, Ricky and his friends, and Lily, Miranda, and Megan, "come with me."

Lily, Miranda, and Megan glared at the boys and swept passed them after McGonagall. James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Ricky, Marshall, Tom, and Mark trudged after them.

"I can't believe you! Fighting in the hallways, this has gone far enough!" shouted McGonagall. She sighed and sat down behind her desk. "Tell me what happened." Everyone started speaking at once but she held up her hand. "Peters, you first."

"Well," Ricky began. The Marauders had to stifle a laugh, since his voice sounded so congested. "Lily, Miranda, Megan, and I were walking to their Charms class when Potter and his friends came up behind us and started taunting us. Then he said something and I tried to get him to stop, politely, but it got out of control."

"That's not true!" shouted James. McGonagall sighed tiredly.

"What's your story, Potter?"

"I admit that we were sort of in the wrong about Lily and her friends, but you know how things get between Evans, Peters, and me, Professor," said James. McGonagall nodded.

"Go on," she said.

"Well, Evans said I would make out with anything that moved (Lily turned pink) and I said I wouldn't make out with Peters and he lunged at me."

"You used some pretty colorful language, Potter," said Lily.

"Well, yeah, I guess, but I can't get a detention for that."

"No, you can't, I suppose," agreed McGonagall. "Evans, what's your story?"

"We tried to stop them, but they were too strong," said Lily simply. McGonagall frowned.

"So you basically just stood there?"

"No!" said Lily. "We really tried." She looked at Ricky, but he just shrugged.

"I see," said McGonagall disapprovingly.

"They did, Professor," said James. Lily, Miranda, and Megan looked at him, shocked. McGonagall turned to him.

"Really?" she asked.

"Yeah," confirmed the Marauders.

"In that case, Mr. Peters, you get two days of detention. Potter, Black, and Lupin, so do you. Evans, Mitchell, and Thomas, you are off the hook. Pettigrew, and you three," she pointed at Tom, Marshall, and Mark, "get one day. You may leave now. If you need to, go to the hospital wing then proceed to your next class."

They all got up and left her office. Miranda, Megan, Peter, Tom, Marshall, and Mark hurried off to their classes. Sirius and Remus went to the hospital wing and James supposedly went with them. When he turned the corner, however, he stayed to watch Lily and Ricky.

"What's wrong, Lily?" asked Ricky, sensing that she was unhappy. "You didn't get a detention."

"No thanks to you," said Lily.

"What?"

"You didn't even try to stand up for me! You just sat there, as if I really didn't do anything to help. Potter was the only one who stood up for me."

"What? I stood up for you!"

"No, Ricky, you didn't!"

"Well…sorry," said Ricky.

"You don't get it, do you?"

Ricky just looked at her.

"Oh my – never mind," said Lily. "You should go to the hospital wing."

"Fine," said Ricky crossly and left.

James walked up to Lily.

"Hey," he said softly. "You okay? I saw what happened."

"I'm fine, thanks," said Lily quietly.

"You wanna go for a walk?" James asked.

"Sure, I guess," Lily shrugged. He was acting like his old self again.

They walked out of the school towards the lake. It was a breezy day, but still warm.

The pair stood shoulder to shoulder and walked around the edge of the lake.

"Can I ask you something?" James asked after a while of silence.

"Sure," said Lily. She had let her guard down and was acting friendly towards James.

"Is everything okay with you and Ricky?"

"Yeah, it's fine," said Lily.

"But your fight…"

"Everyone has fights once in a while. I'd rather not talk about it."

"Okay, I understand," said James.

"Can I ask you something, James?" asked Lily.

"Mhmm," said James, taking off his shoes. She stopped to wait for him.

"Why did you become like you were when we hated each other, again?"

"I…I dunno. I just – it was my fall back plan. I figured I lost you, so I might as well," replied James, digging his toes in the sand. They resumed walking.

"Oh. Do you actually…like being like that?" Lily asked.

"I guess. I mean, I don't hate it, but I don't really care."

"Oh," said Lily again.

James sighed and sat down at the base of a large oak tree. Lily sat next to him and pulled off her shoes. The sun was fading and Lily and James watched it set, not uttering a sound.

"It's so beautiful," whispered Lily.

"Yeah," said James. "I watch it almost every day."

The sun was soon gone completely, so Lily and James pulled out their wands and lit them.

Lily stood up and stretched. Then she walked to where the water met the beach. It was cold against her toes and she shivered as it hit her. She heard James walk up behind her and looked back at him.

"Come here," she said. He obliged and she took his hand, pulling him closer. He was surprised but didn't pull away. Lily smiled as she turned him so his back was toward the water. She leaned close to him and he thought she was about to kiss him, but instead…

"LILY!" James yelled as he hit the water. Lily laughed.

"I'm sorry James," she said, sticking out her lower lip. He sighed.

"What am I going to do with you?" he said as he walked out of the lake.

Lily smiled innocently.

James smirked.

Lily's smile faded.

"No…James…no, come on…NOOOOO!" shouted Lily as she too fell in the water. James laughed and cast a warming spell on both of them. He then jumped into the water after Lily.

"I'll save you Lils! A little further, a little further!" he said dramatically, reaching out his hand for hers. She laughed and grabbed it. He dragged her back to the shore.

They got out of the water and sat on the bank, in peals of laughter.

Finally, when they calmed down, James stood up. He took off his wet shirt. Lily blushed and looked away, when she realized she had been staring at his body.

"It's okay to enjoy the view, Lil," said James, smirking. Lily blushed more and turned around.

When she heard a splash, she looked towards the lake. James was swimming around in it.

"Come on in!" he called.

"No!" Lily said.

"Why not?"

"Because, I don't want to!"

"Oh well," said James. He swam towards the beach. When he got out of the water Lily realized he was only in his boxers. She turned pink again.

"Oh, come on, it's like I'm in swimming trunks," said James. "Just shorter."

"I guess…" said Lily.

"You sure you don't want to come in?"

"Yes."

"Ok, suit yourself."

James ran back into the water and started swimming again. Lily chuckled.

"Ok, Mr. Potter. I'll go swimming," she said.

"Great!" said James. Lily stood up and pulled off her shirt. James stopped treading water for a second and went under water. When he resurfaced Lily had already taken off her skirt and was running into the water.

"It's like I'm in a bikini," she said at his shocked expression. He slowly nodded. Lily laughed and splashed him.

"Hey!" James splashed her back. Soon they were in an all out war.

About an hour later, James and Lily got out of the water. They dried themselves and put on their clothes. Then they lay down on the sand and watched the stars.

"I love night time," said Lily.

"Me too," agreed James. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah," said Lily quietly. She put her head on his chest and his arms went around her protectively.

They lay there for some time, before James looked at his watch.

"Oh my God, it's already midnight!"

"Oh no! We'll be locked out!"

"Don't worry, I know a way in," said James. "Come on." He grabbed her hand and they ran to the side of the castle. He inspected the stones for a bit. Finally, he pressed one. A door appeared. Lily gasped.

James led her through it. They ended up outside of the Charms classroom.

"Wow," said Lily. "Do you know all of the secret passageways?"

"I'd like to think so," grinned James. "But there's probably a lot we still haven't discovered."

"We?"

"The Marauders and I."

"Oh, of course."

"We better go," said James. "Don't want to be caught by Dintrum."

"Yeah."

They silently walked to the Gryffindor common room, hand in hand. They said the password to the yawning Fat Lady. After being reprimanded by her for being out so late, they entered the common room.

At the foot of the girls' staircase, Lily stopped and looked at James.

"You're such a mystery, James Potter."

"How so?" he whispered, caressing her hand.

"One minute you're arrogant and self centered, but the next, you're sweet and kind."

"Well, I could say the same about you. One minute you hate me, the next, you're kissing me."

Lily looked at him.

"I didn't kiss you."

James smiled and leaned forward. His hands trailed down to her waist as hers went around his neck. He caught her in a kiss and she kissed him back.

"Yes you did," said James when he broke away. He winked at her and went up to bed.

"Where were you two yesterday at dinner?" asked Sirius when he saw Lily and James.

"I was in the library," said Lily. "I don't know where Potter was."

"Just walking around," said James.

"All night…?" said Sirius.

"Yeah."

"Ok, then." James rolled his eyes at his friend's gullibility. Lily stifled a laugh and began eating.

After breakfast, James pulled Lily aside.

"Can I walk you to class?"

"Sure," said Lily.

As they walked, James decided to take a chance and ask Lily something that had been bugging him.

"Why are you still with Ricky?"

"What?" asked Lily sharply.

"You don't seem happy with him."

"It's my business," said Lily.

"I'm just looking out for you, Lil."

"I can look after myself!" said Lily, starting to get angry.

"He's no good for you!" said James, his voice rising.

"You know what? You're not the one to decide that!" Lily shouted.

James realized what was happening. He calmed down and tried to fix it.

"I'm sorry, I was just -"

"No, don't. This isn't going to work. Every time we start to get along, you go ahead and ruin it."

"Lily, please, I know it's not my place to decide who you should go out with. I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

"No. Just stay away from me Potter. I don't want to talk to you, or go out with you; I don't even want to see you! Stay out of my life, stay away from my friends, and stay away from Ricky!" She stormed off, leaving James standing in the middle of the empty hallway.

"Maybe I should really give up," said James sadly to himself. He looked down, then turned around, and left.

Another month passed and a new girl had come to Hogwarts. Her name was Gina Millon. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, and a beautiful face and body. Her skin was tan, she had long legs, and curves in the right places. The guys wanted her, and the girls wanted to be her.

The day she arrived was a total surprise. No one was told they were getting a new student. Dumbledore had announced it at breakfast.

"And last, but not least, we have a new student! Her name is Gina Millon, and she's in her fifth year, in Ravenclaw!" Everyone turned to look. As soon as they saw her, the boys' mouths dropped open. The girls looked at them in disgust, and gave their boyfriends a push so they would stop.

Gina went to sit at the Ravenclaw table. The boys made space for her at once.

Breakfast went by as usual after that, but the guys kept stealing looks at Gina. She, however, continued to eat, as if nothing was going on.

When everyone was about to leave, Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat.

"The Head students have come up with a wonderful idea. Every Friday night, starting next month, there will be a sort of karaoke. Students may come up to sing things they have written, or songs written by others."

Chatter went through the Hall.

"It will be held at 7:00 every Friday evening. You have three weeks to prepare for the first show. Good luck!"

As everyone piled out of the Great Hall, they were talking excitedly about performing.

"Lily, you should do it!" said Miranda.

"Yeah, you've got a great voice," said Megan.

"Maybe," said Lily. "I'll think about it."

"Are you going to perform, Lil?" asked Ricky coming over.

"Maybe," she said coolly. He sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry about not standing up for you. I should have, and I was wrong. Accept my apology?"

Lily gave a small sigh. This wasn't the apology she had been hoping for.

"I guess," she said reluctantly. Ricky didn't pick up on that.

"Great! I'll see you at lunch," he said and kissed her on the cheek.

Lily was standing outside of the Great Hall, waiting for Megan and Miranda. She checked her watch impatiently as James Potter approached.

"Hey, gorgeous," he said. Lily rolled her eyes, ready to tell him off, when she noticed he was looking behind her. Confused, she turned around and saw Gina.

The blonde smiled at James and came past Lily to take his arm. He gave her a kiss and led her into the Great Hall.

Lily felt a strange pang in her heart.

'Is he over me? Has he really moved on? It seems like it…well then, that's a good thing! I'm glad he won't be pestering me anymore,' thought Lily.

But, of course, she didn't mean it.

It was around midnight when Lily gave up trying to sleep. She went to the window to look at the stars. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy night and she couldn't see anything. She was just about to find a book to read when she saw two pinpricks of light by the lake. She squinted to see what was there. She could make out a blonde head and a black haired head. They were seemingly stuck together by the lips.

'Probably Gina and James,' Lily thought. She felt another pang, remembering her own late night escapade with James.

She shook her head.

'I'm not going to let that bother me,' she thought and headed downstairs.