Ooh, you've got a long chapter this time! Some of it was written today and yesterday, so it'll probably be really bad near the end, but I wanted to get this up before my revision and exams and stuff begin, so sorry if it's rubbish quality!
Oh well. I was going to cut this chapter in half but then you wouldn't have the essays in one, so you'll have to make do with a longer chapter (I don't know if that's a good thing or not)!
Thanks to HalfBloodHannah, Young Prewett, emuroo, Mandy and nOtThEuSuAl for reviewing!
When They Wrote Essays
Chapter Five
The Seventh and After
17th October, 1977
"You know, apparently people like us can't have serious relationships," James commented, staring up at the ceiling of the seventh-year boys' dormitories.
It was a Saturday. Peter and Remus had gone down to the kitchens for a late lunch (they'd missed it, as their chess games had become increasingly longer and more difficult). The girls had snuck out to Hogsmeade (using the Invisibility Cloak, of course. They'd have used the Map, but Sirius had gotten it confiscated a few nights before), so Sirius and James were stuck by themselves. Deciding it was too cold and wet for Quidditch, they thought that they should just laze around for an afternoon, something which they hadn't done in ages.
Right now they were in the boys' dormitories, on their four-posters, staring up at the ceiling and talking about anything and everything.
Sirius snorted. "I have Sirius rela—"
"Sirius – that pun stopped being funny before you'd ever even said it."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "'course it was funny when you did," he replied sarcastically. James grinned.
"'Course."
"Who told you we can't have serious relationships?" Sirius asked, grabbing a small ball off his bedside table and throwing it up in the air. James shrugged.
"No one, really," he answered, eyeing an especially bright bit of green gum stuck to the ceiling. Sirius caught the ball and threw it up again. "It's just popular guys never seem to have them, do they? Take celebrities, for example. The longest celebrity marriage I've ever seen was three months."
"You lie," Sirius accused, throwing the ball up. James shook his head.
"'Course, that's the wizard ones. I dunno about the Muggle ones. I'll have to ask Lily…"
He trailed off and they stayed silent for a few minutes, Sirius still throwing the ball.
"Well, I've been with Dee for ages," he said suddenly, and missed the ball as it came back down. It hit the tips of his fingers and fell down to the floor, rolling away. Sirius sighed.
"Yeah, but you haven't actually announced it to the world, have you?" James replied, rolling onto his side and looking at his friend. "I mean, with the ones you did, they only lasted a couple of weeks, a few months at most."
Sirius shrugged. "Maybe that's why I haven't announced it," he said casually. James smiled and rolled back onto his back. Sirius looked at his friend.
"Maybe it's just people who think they can't have long relationships who don't," he said quietly. James looked at him. "I mean, look at you, your longest relationship was—"
"Seven months, three weeks, two days," James interrupted, moving his gaze back to the ceiling. Sirius nodded slowly.
"Okay, so that was your longest…with Angela, right?"
James nodded. "Yeah."
"And the rest…well you hadn't even been four months with the rest, have you?"
James sat up suddenly, frowning. "They were all at least a month," he said defensively. "It's not like I was with them f—"
Sirius sat up as well, holding both his hands up in front of him. "Whoa, whoa, Prongs, I know, calm down," he interrupted quickly. James stopped talking and closed his mouth, lips pressed tightly together. "I wasn't implying anything. I was just saying how you believe that you can't have serious relationships, and you haven't had many because of what you believe."
James gaze dropped to the ground. "I never said I believe that I can't have a serious relationship," he said quietly. Sirius sat up straighter, eyeing his friend.
"You think you can?"
"I know I can," James said firmly, looking up at Sirius, who was grinning excitedly and rolling off his bed.
"Then you have to meet this girl," Sirius announced, standing up. "Her name's Amanda, I met her when I managed to escape from my family for a few hours when we went to America a couple of years ago. Anyway, Amanda, she's had a few flings this year, but she's ready for a serious relationship. Unfortunately for her, and fortunately for you, she doesn't trust the guys in her school – she goes to Hartmand's – you know…the one in California. Well anyway, she asked me and a couple of guys—"
"No thanks," James interrupted loudly, also standing up. He walked over to the door and down the stairs into the common room. Sirius sighed and followed him.
"Oh, come on, Prongs, she's really nice, you'll love her!" he insisted, catching up with his friend. Together they walked out of the common room.
"I don't care," James replied shortly. Sirius rolled his eyes.
"You said you're ready for a serious relationship, and she's ready for a serious relationship, so what's the problem?" he demanded. James kept his gaze straight ahead and his mouth shut tight. Comprehension dawned to Sirius.
"Oh," he said slowly, looking away from his friend, "you're ready for a serious relationship…with Evans, right. Prongs, you're a prat."
James finally looked at his friend. "Excuse me?"
"You're a prat," Sirius repeated. "Seriously. You've been pining after her for years—"
"I have not been pining!"
"Whatever. If she wanted to go out with you, Prongs, she would have done already. Just give up."
James looked at his friend for a few moments. They walked in silence for a while.
"It's great that my best friend has so much confidence in me," James said quietly. Sirius groaned.
"Prongs, mate, I'm not saying that she doesn't like you," Sirius said with mock patience. "I'm just saying that—"
"Oh, shut up," James snapped. Sirius let out a huge sigh.
"Prongs—"
"I said, shut up."
"You started this whole conversation."
"I did not, I was just commenting on how most people think that people like us don't have serious relationships!" James exclaimed.
"Potter, shut up."
"You shut up."
"No, I told you to shut up first."
"I beg to differ."
"I did."
"You did not, I told you to shut up when you were starting to ramble."
"You told me to shut up because you can't face the facts."
"Ah, so you agree that I told you to shut up first!"
"I never said that."
"You were implying it."
"Maybe I was, but I'd never admit it."
"Keep telling yourself that, Padfoot..."
"I will…wait…"
30th November, 1977
Lily's mouth dropped open when she saw him.
"Oh my God, what happened?" she exclaimed, standing up from where she was sitting by the fire. James raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry?"
She gestured at his flat hair, tidy uniform and polished shoes.
"What happened? Have you realised Halloween was a month ago?"
James glanced down at himself. Okay, so he looked different, but he didn't think it was that bad. Okay, maybe doing up his top button was a bit much; no one did that, but still…
"Yes, I know Halloween was a month ago, and nothing happened, I just felt like a change," James lied, shrugging. Lily's eyes narrowed as she regarded him suspiciously.
"Really?" she said in a tone that made it clear that she didn't believe him. James nodded, and Lily walked closer, still looking suspicious. "You felt like a change..."
"Yup."
"Liar."
James gaze snapped up to Lily's and she smirked at him. He opened his mouth to defend himself, but decided he might as well give up – the argument would've probably lasted until June if he hadn't.
"Alright, so I didn't just fancy a change," he sighed, flopping down on the sofa. Lily sat down next to him, smiling triumphantly.
"Go on, then, why the change?" she asked. James put his head on the armrest and mumbled something. "What?"
"Sirius said—"
"Oh, God, say nothing more," Lily groaned, sitting back. James placed his feet on her legs, and she pushed them off. "Gerroff; put them on the table."
"It's too high," James whined. Lily snorted.
"I don't care, I'm not being your personal foot-rest," she retorted. James placed his feet back on her knees. "Get them off me and use soap next time you wash them."
James suddenly sat up, his expression indignant.
"My feet don't smell!" he exclaimed, placing them on the floor. Lily laughed loudly at him.
"I was kidding," she chortled. James gave her a mock glare and she smiled impishly back. "C'mere," she said, gesturing for him to lean closer, and he did so. Lily reached out and ruffled his hair. James eyes widened in surprise, but he made no move to stop her.
"What are you doing?" he asked. Lily ignored him, let go of his hair, and started undoing his tie. "Whoa, Evans, calm down, we've got all the time you want."
"Shut up and stand up," Lily ordered, undoing the top two buttons on his shirt. James did as he was told, and Lily smiled at him as she reached for his shirt and pulled it out of his trousers. James cleared his throat uncomfortably and glanced around the common room to make sure no one was paying attention to them. Luckily for him, he and Lily were the only people in there.
"Why won't your hair stay messy?" Lily's annoyed voice made him look at her. He started laughing.
"That's the first time I've ever heard anyone say that...least of all you!" he chuckled. Lily rolled her eyes and grabbed her wand. As she flicked it once, James hair mussed itself up. Another flick and his shoes were no longer shiny, but had mud stains all over them.
Lily stepped back and eyed him. She nodded, apparently satisfied.
"Much better," she commented. James looked down at himself, bemused.
"Lily, did you just make me messy?" he asked, in shock. Lily nodded.
"Yeah, the smart look doesn't suit you," she told him nonchalantly, walking back over to the sofa and lying down on it. James stood, gaping at her. How could she be so nonchalant about this?!
"I'd have thought it would be you who liked it best!"
Lily looked up at him. She shrugged.
"In third year, maybe," she agreed, "but now I find the smart look a bit…boring."
James stared at her, lost for words. Lily smiled back at him.
"Don't look so shocked, I have changed in the last few years, you know," she sighed, placing her head on the armrest. James shook his head.
"Of all the people…" he trailed off. Lily rolled her eyes.
"Come here," she said, motioning for him to sit down, "I need a foot-rest."
15th January 1978
"Hey, Iss," Lily said, flopping down on the couch next to her friend. The girl looked up from her book, smiled at the redhead and then continued to study. Lily sat there, looking around awkwardly for a few moments before looking back at her friend.
"Iss, d'you ever feel like…" she trailed off. Carissa looked up at her friend inquisitively. Lily shook her head. "Never mind."
Carissa shrugged and returned to her book. Lily suddenly got the urge to speak again.
"D'you ever feel like we're not really…well…friends, anymore?" she blurted out, and immediately regretted it. She hated talking about her feelings – which is probably why she liked having to write the end-of-year essays for McGonagall, because not only was she writing down her feelings, but McGonagall never mentioned them after they were handed in, so Lily knew she could trust her Professor never to say anything to anyone else. She just hoped she would never talk about it to her!
Carissa stared at Lily. "What d'you mean?" she asked, closing her book. Lily's gaze fell to the ground and she shrugged.
"I mean…well…we never really…talk any more, do we?" she said quietly, and Carissa leaned forward to hear her. "We never really talk like friends."
"Well we don't talk like enemies," Carissa said, nonplussed. Lily shook her head and her hair fell annoyingly into her face. She pushed it back impatiently.
"No, I mean…" she trailed off, wondering how to put it. "…well…okay, take how I talk to Arcadia. We are constantly teasing each other, whispering about other people, bickering for fun…"
"Are you talking about you and Arcadia or you and Potter?" Carissa asked amusedly, raising an eyebrow. Lily flushed.
"Me and Arcadia!" she said quickly. Carissa gave her a knowing smirk. Lily suddenly let out a loud laugh.
"What?"
"I meant talking like this!" Lily exclaimed, raising her arms in the air. "Talking like we're actually friends and not colleagues! We haven't done that since…second year or something like that!" She paused. "I've missed you, Iss."
Carissa cleared her throat uncomfortably. "Erm…I…I don't like being called 'Iss' anymore…just – just Issa or Issy or something. Not Iss."
Lily's smile faded. "Since when?" she asked. Carissa scratched her neck awkwardly.
"Since fifth year, when I broke up with Drew," she replied quietly. Lily's mouth dropped open.
"You broke up with Drew?" she exclaimed, standing up. A few fourth years turned to look at her, sniggering, "in fifth year? Carissa!"
Carissa also stood up, shaking her head. "Merlin, maybe you're right!" she sighed. "Maybe we really haven't talked much. I mean, considering how basically everyone in the school knew, but not my best friend…"
Lily clapped a hand to her forehead. "My God, Carissa, I knew it was bad, but this bad?" she groaned, and took her hand away. They stood in silence for a few minutes, until Carissa spoke up.
"Maybe…maybe we're just…not best friends anymore…?" she trailed off, looking upset at the thought. Lily couldn't blame her, she probably looked the same.
"That'd be really weird," Lily commented, sniffling slightly as she sat back down on the sofa. Carissa followed suit, forcing a laugh.
"It would, wouldn't it?" she asked, her tone too nonchalant. Lily smiled sadly. Maybe they really weren't friends any more…Lily sighed, Carissa grabbed her book back and they both just sat there in awkward silence.
Suddenly Remus appeared and sat on the couch opposite them.
"What are you looking so glum about?" he asked the girls cheerfully. Lily looked at him, downcast. Remus raised his eyebrows. Lily sighed, shaking her head.
"Lily and I don't feel like friends any more," said Carissa. Lily turned to look at her, surprised. Carissa looked back, her expression challenging Lily to admit she thought that Carissa wouldn't say it. Lily shook her head slowly and turned back to Remus. Remus was looking at them, his face blank. Lily cocked her head to one side.
"What?" she asked.
Remus didn't answer, just frowned a little.
"What?" Lily repeated slightly irritably. Remus shook his head, stood up and walked up to the boys' dormitories. Lily scowled at his retreating back.
"Fine, don't answer me." she muttered, folding her arms sulkily. "See if I care."
Carissa, who had nose back in her book, snorted.
-S-
"Moony said you're not friends with Carissa anymore," James commented. It was the middle of the night, and James and Lily were the only people in the common room. Lily was sitting on a couch by the fire, reading a book called 'When the Going Gets Gone, and the Ugly Gets Uglier', and James was on the sofa next to her, his legs slung over the back of it, his body upside down.
When he spoke, Lily dropped her book in surprise.
"What?" she exclaimed, looking down at him. "He said that? How? I mean, why? Of course we're friends, we've always been friends, why would he say that? Why? Does he not like me any more, is he trying to get my friends mad at me? Because really, we are friends, I swear. He's lying to you, you should be careful…"
James raised an eyebrow at her, and she trailed off, looking awkward.
"Well…I suppose he's right," Lily sighed, leaning to the side and placing her head on the armrest. James slid off the sofa and sat back on it the right way up. Lily looked at him. He stared right back.
"Go on, then," James said motioning with his hand for her to continued talking. Lily shrugged.
"What else is there to say?" she muttered. "I don't know anything about her. I only found out today that she broke up with Drew – in fifth year! It's been two years and I didn't even know!"
James bit back a laugh.
"Well…I'd say that's a record, considering you live in the same dorm, and you're best friends," he said slowly. Lily raised her head off the armrest and eyed him incredulously.
"That's what I'm saying," she snapped. "We aren't best friends. We don't know anything about each other! Do you tell your best friends everything?"
James suddenly looked awkward and his gaze dropped to his feet. He scratched his neck uncomfortably.
"Well…er…" he cleared his throat, still avoiding her gaze. "I don't…well there are some things you don't tell your friends!" he said hotly, as if Lily was accusing him. "I mean, girls talk about everything, but boys…"
"Oh, please," Lily snorted. "You Marauders tell each other everything."
"Not everything," James muttered, scowling slightly. Lily rolled her eyes and, sighing, slouched down on the couch, closing her eyes.
"Night," she mumbled.
"You're sleeping here?" she heard James' amused voice ask. She shrugged.
"It's comfy…"
"I'm sure your bed is so much more," James said, and Lily heard him getting up. "Come on, Lils, up to bed with you."
"Yes, Mother," Lily sighed.
1st April 1978
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" was the first thing that Lily heard that morning. She jumped about a foot in the air and fell off her bed, crying out in surprise, and ended up banging her head on the bedside table.
"Ow!" she reached up and rubbed her head. Quickly, she stood up and walked over to the stairs, Tia at her heels. Carissa and Arcadia were suspiciously absent. Just before they reached the girls' staircase, Lily stopped abruptly, Tia almost walking into her. She looked at the redhead inquisitively.
"What day is it?" Lily asked. Tia frowned.
"Er…Saturday, why?"
"No, I mean, the date," Lily said, waving a hand impatiently.
"Oh!" Tia blinked. "Well…Thursday was the twenty-ninth – I remember because that's my nan's birthday. So that means today's the…first."
She watched as comprehension dawned onto Lily.
"April Fool's Day," the two girls chorused, sighing.
"Right," said Lily. "Let's go see what poor sod they pranked this time."
They braced themselves, opened the door to the staircase and climbed down.
"Oh my…" Lily gasped, gaping at the sight in front of her.
"What is it?" Tia whispered.
"Whatever you do," Lily muttered back. "Don't take another step forward or I'll fall in."
"Fall in…?" Tia trailed off. "Merlin's great-aunt…"
The common room was a lake. Not only was it a lake, it was a deep lake. And there were fish. And—
"Lily flower, these were for you!" Sirius called to her from a canoe, pointing at a couple of lilies. Lily turned to look at him and laughed loudly. He was dressed in the most ridiculous stripy shirt she had ever seen – and a beret. A light blue beret.
"Thanks, Sirius," she called back to him. "Who—"
"Ladies," another voice said. The two girls turned to look at the speaker. It was a very serious-looking James, also dressed in a stripy shirt and a beret (light green). He, unlike Sirius, didn't have a canoe, but what looked like a blow-up boat for the seaside. The inside of the boat, however, looked completely solid.
James stood up carefully and bowed at the two girls.
"Care to join?" he asked, politely holding his hand out to Lily, who curtsied, took his hand and jumped into the boat, followed by Tia. Lily was right – the inside of the boat had been Charmed solid. She walked over to the side, and peered down at the water curiously.
"Thank you, sir," Tia said to James, her face completely straight. James smiled back.
"Where are Arcadia and Carissa?" Lily asked the messy-haired boy, turning around and sitting down properly.
James tapped the boat with his wand, making it slowly drift towards the portrait hole.
"Wait, Lily and I are in our pyjamas!" Tia exclaimed, blushing.
James waved his wand, and the two girls were dressed in their school uniform.
"Now you're not," he said simply, stuffing his wand in his pocket. "And Carissa and Arcadia are somewhere in the school. We decided to give them a boat as well when they woke up and Arcadia fell in. That's who screamed. But don't worry, if someone falls in and they stay with their head underwater for more than five seconds, they float to the top and stay there. Then they swim or get rescued. The teachers all have boats as well; we put them in their offices during the night. I bet they'll be surprised when THEY wake up."
He laughed.
"How the hell did you do this?" Lily asked, looking around as they exited the common room. The whole corridor ahead was filled with water, and Lily could assume that so was the whole school. James grinned and tapped his nose.
"A good magician never reveals his secrets," he said.
"But you're not a magician, you're a wizard," Lily pointed out, and James shrugged.
"A good wizard, then."
They sat in silence for a few moments, until they reached another corridor.
"This Charm-work is amazing." Lily said suddenly, causing James to grin.
"All mine," he said proudly, and then grinned widely. "Oh, watch out, we're reaching the stairs, put your seatbelts on."
And a seatbelt appeared next to each person. Lily grabbed hers and clipped it to a hook on her left. She looked behind her at the rapids caused by the stairs.
"Going down!" James shouted, and they all whooped with joy as they reached the stairs.
16th April 1978
"James, you have one term left. That's it. One term, and then you'll probably never see her again."
"Don't be stupid," James snapped. "You're going out with her best friend. We'll probably spend most of our time together. It'll be hard not to see her again. Now will you shut up? I'm revising."
Sirius stared at him in shock. They were in the common room, sitting (where else?) on the sofas by the fireplace. James had a pile of Potions notes in front of him – apparently he was revising them all for NEWTs.
"Prongs, we have two months 'til NEWTs," Sirius said, but James ignored him, muttering the ingredients of a potion under his breath. Sighing exasperatedly, Sirius got up and walked over to Tia and Carissa, who were discussing…well, something girly, probably.
"Hey, Sirius," said Tia, smiling brightly as he sat down. "All ready for the Quidditch final?"
"Well, Prongs seems to think so, as he hasn't scheduled a practice for the next week," Sirius replied, rubbing his eyes wearily. "He's too busy revising, apparently."
"He's too busy doing what?" Lily's voice snapped, and they all turned to look at the girl. She was holding her broomstick in one hand, and three books in another. She dropped them all on the floor and placed her hands on her hips, looking at Sirius.
"He's, er—"
"He's too busy to schedule a practice because he's busy revising?" Lily hissed so that James wouldn't hear her. "Is he mad? Did we swap bodies last year or something?"
"Apparently," Sirius said, rolling his eyes. "Go talk to him, will you?"
"You bet I will," Lily snarled. "I need all the practice I can get!"
And with that she whirled around and stomped over to the unsuspected James.
"Oh dear," Tia muttered. "He's in big trouble."
"She's right, though," Carissa replied. "This is the last final we'll ever see or take part in at Hogwarts. If they don't practice and we lose to Ravenclaw, no one will ever forgive James, including himself."
"Very wise words, Bentley," Sirius said, after a moment's silence. Carissa smiled back at him.
"—wrong with you?"
"—shut the hell up—"
"—beat Ravenclaw—"
"—got our NEWTs!"
"In two months! The final's in—"
"—off back to your friends, Evans."
Over by James, Lily stood up straight, eyes blazing.
"QUIDDITCH TEAM!" she bellowed. Everyone in the common room suddenly turned silent and looked at her. "We are going to have a practice! Right now! Potter, our very own Captain, won't be there, but we can do well without him! So get your ARSES down to the PITCH and let's actually get ready to play Ravenclaw!"
Some people cheered, going up to their dormitories to get their Quidditch robes. Lily smiled triumphantly at James, who stood up, glaring.
"You can't do that!" he exclaimed.
"Watch me," Lily snarled, poking his chest before shoving him back onto the sofa. She walked over to where she had dropped her broomstick, picked it up, and flounced out of the common room, everyone gaping at her retreating back.
"Ooh, feisty," Sirius said loudly. Many people laughed, but James ignored him, stood up and walked up to his own dormitory. He returned a few minutes later carrying his broomstick and wearing his Quidditch robes, looking disgruntled.
"—practice without captain…I'll show them," he was muttering, scowling. Sirius grinned at the two girls and stood up.
"Well, better get my stuff then," he said jovially.
They won the match, of course. McGonagall cried.
23rd June 1978
"I can't believe we never have to do another exam at Hogwarts," Sirius muttered, lying down, staring up at the clear blue sky through the leaves of 'their' beech tree.
The Marauders were by the very same tree that they sat next to in their fifth year. Sirius and James were lying down, arms casually behind their heads. Remus was leaning against the tree trunk and reading a book. Peter was writing a letter to his mum.
"However glad that thought makes me, it's also kind of sad," James mumbled, closing his eyes. "We'll never have McGonagall yelling at us for not doing homework…"
"Never get another detention for our pranks…" Sirius sighed.
Peter sat up straight, a confused expression on his face.
"Never win another Quidditch final…"
"Never sneak out to Hogsmeade using our secret passageways…"
"Oh, shut up," Remus snorted.
"Never sit by this tree and be told by Moony to shut up…" Sirius continued dreamily, and Remus whacked him on the head with his book.
"How mature," James commented lazily.
"Remember how mature you were the last time we were out here after important exams?" Sirius asked pointedly.
James ignored him and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of the sun's rays softly stroking his face. So when they were blocked, he opened his eyes, rather annoyed. His expression softened when he saw that it was Lily.
"Hey, Lily," he mumbled, "would you mind moving to the left a bit? You're in the way of the sun."
He couldn't see her very well, but he could tell she was raising her eyebrows.
"Sorry, James, but I'm gonna have to get you to stand up," Lily replied, rolling her eyes at Sirius, who had Transfigured a nearby stone into a feather, and was tickling Remus' nose with it. "I need to talk to you."
James groaned and reluctantly sat up. Lily tapped her foot impatiently.
"Take your time, no worries," she said sarcastically. "We have all week, after all."
James grinned and stretched, pretending to yawn. He slowly put his arms down and got onto his knees.
"Oh, the pain!" he cried dramatically, sitting back down properly. Lily rolled her eyes and grabbed his ear.
"OW!" he yelled, and Lily grinned as he got to his feet carefully.
"Good boy," Lily smirked and let him go. James' hand flew to his ear, and he mock glared at Lily, who smiled back, motioning for him to follow her.
"Where are we going?" he asked her as they walked. Lily shrugged.
"I dunno, I just wanted to talk," she said, looking over at her friends, who were sitting with a few Hufflepuffs by the lake.
"About what?"
Lily was quiet for a moment.
"D'you…d'you remember the last time you asked me out?" she asked quietly, and James looked at her, surprised and puzzled. Lily's face was hidden by her hair but he could tell that she was blushing.
"Yeah…" he said slowly. "Why?"
Lily took in a breath. "D'you…remember what I said?" she mumbled, sounding embarrassed. James raised his eyebrows.
"That you'd rather go out with the giant squid…or something to that effect…?" he replied, still extremely confused. Lily nodded and cleared her throat awkwardly.
"Well…" she trailed off, inspecting her nails
"Well…" James motioned for her to continue. Lily swallowed.
"Well…I changed my mind," she said quickly, and James could practically feel her face turn even redder.
He stopped walking.
"You…what?" he exclaimed before catching up with the redhead. A few people stared at them as they walked past.
"You heard," Lily muttered shortly. James shook his head disbelievingly.
"You changed your mind?" he exclaimed. "That makes no sense! Why?"
"Because," Lily snapped, and then paused. "I've changed. I told you. I'm not fifth-year Lily any more."
"Well, you haven't been her for two years," James said cheekily, and Lily looked at him exasperatedly. He grinned back.
"So, since I've changed my mind…" Lily said slowly, avoiding his gaze, "how about we go to Hogsmeade some time before the end of the year?"
James gaped at her
"Are you asking me out?" he exclaimed. Lily rolled her eyes.
"Well, would you look at that," she drawled. "I am. How strange. So are you in?"
James grinned from ear to ear. "Definitely."
It's less than a week until the end of the year. It's sad to know that I'll never be sitting in the common room, writing my end of year essay, ever again. It's been a fun journey, but I guess everything comes to an end, eventually, doesn't it? I suppose it's time to get out of the car and go home. Problem is, I've always thought of Hogwarts as my home.
This year wasn't very different to other years. I managed to become Keeper for the Quidditch team, and we won the final, of course. Now all we have to do is win the House Cup, and this year would be GREAT for Gryffindors!
Then there were NEWTs. I think it went alright for me, but I'm not really sure. I can't wait 'til I get my results! I hope I did well. I was predicted O's in Potions, Defence, and Charms, and E's in Ancient Runes and Herbology, but Petunia was predicted A in Herbology and she got an O and became a trainee Healer, so you never know…
Once I have my results I can apply for a job. I'm thinking of working in the Law area, or possibly in the Ministry's Charms area. It sounds quite good, but I'm probably going to try a work experience or something similar.
Oh, how stupid of me, this is my last ever end of year essay, and here I am writing about work experience!
I can't believe I've been at Hogwarts for seven years! I swear it feels just like yesterday (as cliché as it sounds) that I was getting off the Hogwarts Express and getting in a boat with Arcadia, Remus, and (to my luck) James. And he pushed me in as well! I don't think I'll ever quite forgive him for that.
I was slightly surprised when I found out he was Head Boy, because Remus was Prefect, but I can understand why Dumbledore chose him. James' very dedicated.
Well, I'm going to go now, Professor. I hope you had a good year, and I know you aren't actually pleased that the Marauders are leaving; you enjoy the attention they give you – I can see it.
Bye, Professor!
Lily Evans, 1978, Seventh Year
Enzo Ferrari was best known for inventing the fastest broomstick in the world: the Ferrari. He only made one. Then he went and crashed it, the idiot. He forgot what he used to make it so fast, so there never was another one. Ferrari then decided that it was the broomstick's fault, and then decided it was the whole wizarding world's fault. So he 'quit' the Wizarding World and made a new Muggle invention, the Ferrari cars. These were much more popular, and Muggles are still buying them today, for stupid, expensive prices.
The Silver Arrow is now the best broomstick in the wizarding world. Well, for the moment. Sources say that Henry Firebolt is working on one (the fastest ever), saying it will probably come out in thirty or so odd years. I'll be getting my children one each, and if I can't because I'm in a coma, or dead, or very, very poor (which I doubt I will be), Sirius will get it. He lost a bet, and instead of giving me money, he'll be buying my kids a really good broom. Haha.
Okay, off the subject of broomsticks…I LOVE SEVENTH YEAR! Not the NEWTs, I hated those, but everything else was GREAT! I was Head Boy which meant later curfew, Head Boy and Girl bathroom, and patrolling for hours with Lily Evans – can't get any better than that. And after years of 'pining' (as Sirius said), we're finally going out! RESULT!
Unfortunately, the end of seventh-year means leaving Hogwarts and getting a job. I'm going to be an Auror, of course, but I'll try and be home more than my dad was. I don't want my kids to end up disliking me as much as I dislike my dad.
Yeah…
Anyway, I'd better go now, we're planning something for the Feast, so watch out for the…well, that would be telling, wouldn't it? Don't worry, it's not bad. Honestly.
Bye Professor, you've been great, even if you did take about ten thousand points off us Marauders all together!
James Potter, 1978, Seventh Year
30th June 1978
The plates were clear. The goblets were empty. And now it was time to start the last Leaving Feast the seventh-years of 1978 would ever eat as pupils.
Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling, smiling at the faces all staring up at him.
"Another year has gone by," he said merrily, "another year gone so quickly. And before we begin eating this fantastic food, there are a few things I would like to say to you…"
"Oh, hurry up," Sirius muttered, rolling his eyes. James kicked him.
"Patience is the key, my friend," he said mysteriously. Sirius snorted.
"He's just waffling on about—"
"Ssh! He is gonna say the winner of the House Cup!" James hissed at his friend, who immediately closed his mouth and looked at the Headmaster, eyes gleaming.
"—in fourth place, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifteen points," Dumbledore announced, and everyone in the Hall clapped politely. "In third place, Slytherin—" Sirius cheered and several people laughed "—with three hundred and ninety seven points. In second place…"
Every Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tensed, glaring at the opposing House table.
"…Gryffindor—" he was cut off by loud groans and protests from the Gryffindor table. Eyes twinkling, he waited for noise to subside before continuing.
"—Gryffindor, with four hundred and seventeen points. So that means that this year's House Cup winner is Ravenclaw, with five hundred and thirteen points."
The Ravenclaw table went mad, cheering and screaming and jumping up and down…
"We beat them in Quidditch!" Sirius protested, but he clapped along with the rest of the Gryffindors.
"Yeah, but the younger troublemakers got loads of points taken off," James replied, shrugging. "Good for them, I say."
"And don't forget our April Fools prank," Peter, who was sitting across from James, reminded him. James grinned.
"And that," he added.
"And now," Dumbledore said over the noise, "let the Feast…begin!"
-S-
The plates were clear. The goblets were empty. The Feast had finished – well, almost. Dumbledore was just finishing his finishing speech – the 'you've all been great, now bugger off to bed' speech. James fidgeted impatiently.
"Merlin, he rambles on," Sirius muttered under his breath. James nodded in agreement.
"He doesn't know when to shut up most of the time," he replied quietly, "but this is the last time we'll hear His words – and His words are holy."
Sirius snorted.
"—now, off to bed!" Dumbledore was saying cheerfully. "You all have an early start tomorrow—"
"Now, go now!" James hissed at Remus, who muttered something under his breath. There was a whoosh and an explosion. Someone screamed.
"What is it?"
"What's going on?"
"Are we under attack?"
"Look up!"
Dumbledore curiously moved his gaze up to he invisible ceiling. Every face in the Hall copied him.
"Wow!" several people breathed. The Marauders all looked at each other and grinned.
"They're amazing!" Tia and Carissa chorused.
Suddenly, the fireworks stopped and what looked like gold glitter started arranging itself into words:
'Mr Moony would like to congratulate the seventh-years for staying at Hogwarts for seven years.'
The words disappeared, and, one after the other, more appeared:
'Mr Prongs agrees with Mr Moony, and would also like to congratulate the Slytherin Quidditch team for losing to Gryffindor 390 – 10.'
'Mr Padfoot agrees with both Mr Moony and Mr Prongs, and, furthermore, would like to congratulate the Professors for dealing with the Marauders for seven whole years.'
'Mr Wormtail wishes a good summer, apart from those gits that ruined our prank at Christmas four years ago.'
And finally:
'Have a good life people. Hopefully we won't ever see you again. The Marauders.'
NO, IT'S NOT OVER YET!
There's two or three more chapters to go - it depends how mad I get when typing. I do have some of the next chapter written down in a notebook somewhere…but it probably won't be up for a while, as I'm loaded with coursework and I've got exams in a week, so…I'll try and get it up as soon as possible, but I'm not promising anything. Sorry!
Reviews make my day!