Chapter 3

The train had come to a screeching halt and the four Marauders were laughing their heads off at God knows what as they stumbled off the train in the midst of the sea of students. When they passed, all heads followed them and their eyes held admiration and respect.

Some girl flung herself at Sirius and declared her 2 years of love for him. James was practically rolling on the floor, cracking up, at seeing his best friends' bewildered, yet pleased expression. Peter squeaked an unrecognizable jumble of words and Remus smiled charmingly which caused another sea of girls' heads to turn their way.

Prongs, Moony and Wormtail walked ahead leaving Sirius to cope with his 'women troubles'. When most of the students had left, James was suddenly pulled aside by two rather demanding hands. In his confusion and surprise, he hadn't reacted fast enough and was suddenly met by two freezing and coarse lips on his.

Finally realizing what was happening, he spluttered as he pushed the mystery person away. He was face to face with Missy Redding, the Slytherin girl known to be 'an excellent one in bed' according to Sirius. James had to admit, she was beautiful in the dark way, and she was the type Sirius tended to go for: seductive and not innocent.

Missy spoke up in her sultry and very enticing voice, as she pulled James' shirt front towards her.

"You know you want me James…"

Unknown to either of them, Lily Evans had gone back to the train to retrieve the book she'd left behind, telling her friends to go to the feast first. She'd been surprised and disgusted when she saw James and Missy having their little time together. She'd known James was pretty low, but was he so desperate he had to go for Missy? She saw them in a tight lip lock and was revolted, just as she was about to turn her heel and leave them be, she was confused as to why James sounded angry. She knew it was probably wrong to eavesdrop, but curiosity got the better of her.

"I'm sorry Missy, I'm sure you're much desired by many, but I can assure you I'm not the man for you"

"I love you James! Ever since the first day I lay eyes on you I knew you were the one for me!"

Both James and Lily snorted. James didn't know how she could even say she loved him when the number of guys she's slept with exceeded the showers he'd taken!

"Look Redding, my heart's already taken. I'm in love with a girl…even though I'm not sure she feels the same way" James said, both sadly but with hope.

"It's that Evans bitch isn't it?" Missy pushed James back a little, and the rage on her face was indescribable.

Hearing Missy's words certainly surprised Lily, why in the world would she think Potter loved her? She scoffed silently.

James was certainly in a nervous state as he tried to find the right words. In the end, he just remained silent, running his hands through his hair a few more times.

"What's so good about her? You've chased after her for 5 years, only to receive rejection and humiliation. She thinks you're a joke! She doesn't take you seriously at all!"

James sighed, clearly defeated. But Missy's words kind of reflected his actions for the past 5 years. It was true Lily Evans had not even taken the slightest notice of him in a romantic way. He tried to cover it up as a joke, but inside, his heart was probably shattered into a million shreds already.

"There're other people who will appreciate you more James" Missy's anger had suddenly disappeared and was replaced by her sultry voice once again. She slipped her hand up his shirt and brought his lips closer to hers…

Lily didn't want to see anymore, but was astonished to notice her heart was a little sore. She laughed at herself inwardly. She was probably just feeling sorry for Potter; the git actually went for Missy Redding! How anyone could sink that low was beyond her, but Lily had seen enough. She was utterly disappointed, and she didn't even know why! Hell, why she was even standing out in the bitter cold listening in to Potter and Missy's conversation, she didn't know.

As she turned away, with a feeling she couldn't describe, she just noticed her heart was aching…it hurt so badly. Nothing like this had ever happened to her, and she didn't exactly want to know the cause for it. Lily ran as fast as she could, letting her legs carry her all the way to the Great Hall trying to rid her thoughts of why she would let Potter and another girl's time together bother her so. Missy's words kept ringing in her ears. "It's that Evans bitch isn't it".

Lily thought it was ridiculous how Missy believed Potter actually loved her. Why her? Couldn't Missy see that all Potter's chasing after her only had one intention and that was to annoy her. But…then again, Missy had never been the really bright one. Even though all her reasoning was logic, Lily still couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling from her. She had spent 5 years of her life trying to get rid of him and convinced he hadn't been taking this seriously. It made sense to keep at this logic for their last year at Hogwarts. Lily shook her head from all the confusing thoughts. It was better to not think at all.

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Just as their lips were about to touch, James realized what he was doing was so wrong! He wouldn't let Lily's rejection get to him. He wouldn't sink as low as Missy. He told himself to get a grip.

"You're right Missy-I am in love with Lily Evans" he whispered as the roaring wind carried his words off into the distance. As he pushed her away, he ran blindly towards Hogwarts, hearing Missy's furious retorts thrown at him from behind.

"She's just a Mudblood! You don't want to love a whore like her!"

"You'll pay for this James Potter! I've had every single guy I set my eyes on and you're not going to be any different. If I can't have you, I'm not going to let anyone else have you either. I'd rather destroy you!"

"You don't love her James!" Missy's voice was almost growing desperate at this stage, yet said with evilness as she cackled maniacally behind him.

James let her words ring in his ears for a while, not really taking them to heart. He didn't want to think about his unpleasant encounter any longer; all he wanted to do right now was set his eyes on Lily's beautiful figure. That would make everything all better.

Her fiery red hair reminded him of flames of red hot fire, and he had always liked the strong image Lily possessed. Her personality certainly matched the spirit of her hair, yet another reason to why he was very much in love with the girl. The emerald pools of her eyes brought serenity over him, and he was sure he could gaze all day in them and not feel lost. On the contrary, the sparks they gave out when she was angry made him feel ignited and energized. She could revitalize him in a way she probably would've never thought.

Her uniqueness that differed her from other girls was what attracted James, and she possessed all the qualities in a girl that he had looked for. When he was young and unwise, he probably took off on the wrong foot with Lily. He had grabbed nearly every opportunity to impress her by playing a prank or hex an innocent bystander in the hallways when he was sure she was looking.

From the time he got to know her, he had been sure they were perfect for each other and would end up raising a happy family. But now…he wasn't too sure. What was he playing at? If she was the one for him, she should've immediately recognized him to be her man. Yet, after 5 years of aimless chasing, she still felt a strong passion of dislike for him…and it wasn't looking as if it was going to change in their last year.

Missy's words rang in his head again, and they seemed to haunt him. Was it just infatuation? No, he refused to believe that the girl he had loved for 5 years was just a phase in his life! As he stepped into the Great Hall the Sorting had already started, and the Sorting Hat didn't look happy that he had disrupted its song. James searched the Gryffindor Table for Lily, but he was dismayed to see that, while all the other heads of people had turned to face him, only hers remained determinedly facing Dumbledore.

"Ah…glad of you to join us Mr. Potter, please take a seat. I shall be enquiring you of your delay after the Feast"

With that, James dejectedly dragged his feet towards the empty seat next to Sirius. He could see all the worried faces of his friends and other people in the Great Hall. Yet, all his heart felt was the pain from Lily refusing to meet his eyes. He noticed she had chosen a seat with her friends as far from him as she could. He knew she disliked him, but was her feeling strong enough to be hate?

The Sorting Feast went past in a blur, and he mumbled some excuse that he didn't even hear to his friends about why he was late. He barely ate, to the astonishment and worry of some of the people who cared about him. Sirius had been about to open his mouth a few times to question James' sudden mood swing, but decided it was smarter to keep silent when he saw his best friends' defeated expression.

He exchanged worry looks with Remus and Peter, who also looked extremely disturbed about their friend's unusual behaviour. Sirius was curious to know what had happened to cause his friend that usually had an endless source of energy to be this let down!

Even Lily Evans didn't usually get him this depressed…sure, he was upset every time she rejected him, but he got over quickly and was ready to ask her the same question a few hours later.

After the Feast was over, Dumbledore exchanged his words of welcome and the usual beginning of term notices. He put extra emphasis on how he wanted to see less trouble-making this year, staring pointedly at the Marauders when he said this, but still with a mischievous twinkle that always seemed to linger in his eyes.

"That's all for now and I wish everyone a wonderful year at school. Would the prefects please escort the first-years to the Common Rooms. Oh, one last thing before everybody gets up, I would like to congratulate James Potter and Lily Evans on acquiring the positions of Head Boy and Girl for this year. I'm sure were all looking forward to seeing their performances and leadership this year."

It was only until James heart Lily's name did he wake up out of the trance he was in. After taking in Dumbledore's words, his mood darkened, if that was even possible. He still had to confront Lily for the rest of the year and spend much more time with her. He knew he should've been extremely pleased and smug about this, but if she hated him, what was the point? He wondered why this had never occurred to him before.

After a round of applause for the Head Boy and Girl, Dumbledore requested they see him in his office after the Feast.

James was still lost in his own thoughts as he trudged towards the headmaster's office. After giving a half-hearted smile to his friends and assuring them he was fine, he reluctantly bid them goodbye and was left to wonder what Dumbledore would tell them. James knew he'd had his heart on winning over Lily for their final year, but after hearing what Missy said, he was having second thoughts and doubts. Maybe what he was doing was wrong.

Should he just leave her be? It was obvious she found his presence annoying and unwanted. If he loved her, would he have to accept the fact that she hated him and wish her well for the future? He truly wanted to see her happy…and if his misery could be exchanged for her happiness, he was willing to sacrifice everything he had.

James suddenly realized the thoughts that went through his mind were very unlike him. Usually, he'd jump at any chance to annoy Lily by asking her out…it had indeed all started out as a joke when he realised how easy it was to get her upset, how did he fall in love with her so unknowingly? But he was now certain his love was unrequited…and she was better without him. He would just have to get used to the idea that Lily Evans didn't love him back, and never would.

"Strawberry Bullfrogs" he whispered to the statue as it slowly moved and he climbed the ascending stairs. As he entered Dumbledore's office, he saw Lily sitting there already, her shoulders hunched over and her expression unreadable. She refused to meet his eyes when he walked in. His heart ached as he saw her unhappiness. He would rather take all the pain for himself than see her like this.

"Please take a seat Mr. Potter" Dumbledore gestured at the purple armchair opposite to wear he was sitting and next to Lily. James slumped and sagged into the comfortable squishiness of his chair. He waved and gave the only smile he could muster to Fawkes who happily chirped in recognition. James had lost count of how many times he'd stepped foot in the headmaster's office.

"Now, Mr Potter, I would like to know why you were late to the Sorting Feast…I really wouldn't like to put you in detention on the first day of your last year, especially since you're Head Boy."

Lily, who was sitting beside him, snorted and continued to stare at an invisible spot on the office's walls. James found her reaction somewhat strange…Lily looked upset and he concluded that something was bothering her.

Dumbledore gave the slightest cough and clasped his hands together on his office desk as he gave James a questioning look.

"I'm asking you a question Mr Potter" James could hear in his voice that the headmaster's patience was growing thin.

James took a closer view of Albus Dumbledore. He'd grown a little older and more tired during the summer. A few wrinkles had even managed to find their way onto his face, especially around the edges of his eyes. James concluded that it was from all the havoc that Voldemort had caused.

"I was held up" James said simply, not preparing to expand his explanation.

Dumbledore, seeing his unwillingness to reveal what he had been up to; decided not to press matters any further, instead he smiled at Lily.

"Miss Evans, I see that you are a little confused and astonished as to my decision to appoint Mr. Potter as Head Boy." Lily had looked up at the Headmaster, intent on what he was saying. She had been about to speak up, but Dumbledore gave her no opportunity. James' head also perked up as he also wanted to know the reasoning behind Dumbledore's appointment.

"Yes, yes. I admit that even I find my decision a little unusual…but I can assure you it isn't without reason. All I'm asking is for you two to co-operate for once in your lives. I know it is indeed a lot to ask, but please do it for the sake that you've received Head Boy and Girl"

Seeing their expressions, Dumbledore clarified no more, and decided it was better for the two to work out their differences between themselves.

"Now, as you know, as Head Boy and Girl, you have the power to award and deduct points as well as detentions. You are to work together with the other prefects and always remember, your job is to ensure the standards of the school are high and no students step out of line."

Lily tried hard to not roll her eyes. Fat lot of help Potter would be…he was one of the students who broke the most rules of the school and Dumbledore was here asking him to stop others from messing up? Maybe Dumbledore was really getting old and forgetting some things…

"Your other jobs include organizing Hogsmeade trips, any special events you see are necessary, patrolling in sessions with other prefects after curfew to catch any suspicious actions and finally, ensure that there is no violence or unjust occurring within the school's walls. I'm sure you won't let me down, Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans"

James blinked and kept his mouth shut, while Lily was growing more furious by the minute. Expect Potter to stop fights and encourage school spirit? Dumbledore might as well have asked him to commit suicide. How was she going to cope as it was clear she was going to be the one doing all the work?

"As you probably understand, both of you will have the luxury of sharing a Common Room in the Head Tower that is well looked after by The Distressed Damsel. Mr. Potter, you will show Ms. Evans as I am aware you stumbled into it a while back" Dumbledore's eyes revealed no anger, only amusement.

"Now, if you'll both excuse me, I have some urgent matters to attend to. Please make yourselves comfortable and I am expecting to see some pleasing results from you both this year"

After being ushered out, Lily dragged behind and reluctantly followed James. An awkward silence and a heavy tension came between the two. It was a completely different mood to what the two were used to. There was no joking, no sarcastic remarks, everything seemed uncomfortable…and James didn't like any of it. He'd rather they laughed their way all through their last year…he'd rather he give up on her and see her smile.

"So…Evans…" James tried to strike up conversation.

All of a sudden, all of Lily's confusion vanished, all she saw was red. How dare he speak to her…this was the first time she had gotten so worked up over James, and all because he had been making out with Missy Redding! What was wrong with her? After hearing Dumbledore's words again in her head, she was determined to at least clear some things up with him…to have one civilized conversation without her bursting into rage.

"Look Potter" Lily said, quickening her pace to meet James "As you probably know, I'm a girl of short temper, and I hate it when people think they're better than everyone else" She stared pointedly at him. "I really don't care what you get up to in your leisure time, but I suppose I'll have to get used to idea of co-operating with you, whether I like it or not. Just make sure I never see Missy Redding anywhere near me…I can't make promises of what she'll end up being if you do"

With that, Lily sighed and released the words she had kept locked up in her all out. It made her feel refreshed and energized just letting the Head Boy know about what her thoughts were. An unexpected happiness washed over her and she smiled to the confusion of James.

"I don't understand…Mis-Oh! You saw our encounter before the Feast?"

Lily expected some sort of rude remark, witty response or smart come-back to match the inflated head of his. However, Potter's reaction took her completely by surprise.

A wide grin suddenly replaced his confused expression, and his hazel eyes lit up. Then, James Potter burst out in laughter.

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Author's Note: Hi everyone! I'm back! So, this chapter might be a bit confusing, it's just that Lily feels unsure about herself after hearing Missy say that James loved her, and she also feels angry that James would go for Missy as she is somewhat, slutty. These feelings take Lily by surprise as she doesn't expect to feel these emotions because they relate to James, who she believes she loathes.

On the other hand, James, after hearing Missy's words, considers what he's done to Lily, and wonders if it's better to leave her alone. Because James truly loves her, he'd rather suffer himself than put Lily through misery as she hates him. Awww…how sweet

Okay, to sum it all up, I'd like to thank everybody's reviews and support! I really love James, Lily and the Marauders' little story before Harry Potter and I've enjoyed everyone's stories on them…that is why I was inspired to start writing one! Please feel free to comment on anything in the story that you see is fit. Thanx again!

Purebliss90

P.S. the next chapter will probably be up in the next few days!