Chapter 9

After long hours in the library and the Heads Common Room, the Head Boy and Girl had finally finished their Love Potion. Both were quite confident that the doses of ingredients were applied correctly. It was a deep violet colour, and the contents inside the vial kept on fizzing and bubbling every few minutes. The potion had been one of the hardest Lily had ever made, and she was glad it was over.

Lily was actually surprised that there were few outbursts made during their time together. It must've been a miracle…she really couldn't believe that they'd actually done something civilly with each other. It made her think what James was playing at. Was he really maturing…or was this another plan to embarrass her? She couldn't figure him out at all! She didn't allow her heart to trust him. If she let him in too close, she knew it would turn out catastrophic. She was bound to get hurt.

They'd also completed the essay that was due in. They just had the hard part to do…actually drinking the potion. Slughorn had said it would be due first lesson back after the Christmas Holidays, and so that was relief as there was a still a period of time. In the book, it had said for the potion to take effect, you had to drink it 24 hours before. Slughorn had said that he only needed to see the potions' effect in class. So Lily was relieved to know she didn't have to 'love' James for a while to come.

James had taken it lightly, but Lily wasn't sure where she stood. Just thinking about it made her brain hurt…so she chose to take things as they came. The one thing that provided a spark of hope was the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend that the Head Boy and Girl had decided on and announced. It was a perfect opportunity for people to de-stress and spend some time socializing…something that was quite lacking these days.

James was contemplating whether to ask Lily or not…and he was having a difficult time coming to a decision. It was no use asking either Sirius or Remus because they were having love troubles themselves. Asking Peter would just be pointless and stupid.

Sirius had been moping around, very unlike his usual self after noticing Brittany and Neil McPherson had been having a lovely time together. James had no idea what happened between them, but he, along with the rest of the school, have noticed that there were no more outbursts or brawls between the two. In fact, they never spoke at all to each other. He decided something serious must have happened.

Remus was also, for the first time in his life, having problems with love. He'd liked Eva Milton from the first time he'd set eyes on her. She was the type of girl for him-quiet, thoughtful, intelligent, yet with a strong personality. She was a supportive friend, loyal and a great listener. Yet, Remus didn't know how to approach her. He being a werewolf didn't help matters.

He knew that if he led her on, gave her hope, she'd only end up with disappointment. He didn't want to destroy her. In fact, it was probably better he just left her alone. But if only it was that simple…

Every time he saw her, his heart would beat faster and he felt the temperature in the room warm up. His logic told him not to get too close, but his heart told him otherwise. He was now regretting everything as he ran his hand tensely through his sandy blonde hair. It had been that morning at breakfast when, after meeting her soft brown eyes, he made a rash decision and asked her to Hogsmeade.

She was delighted, but he knew she was also surprised. A look of worry had crossed her face, but it had been brief. Remus knew he hadn't been the kindest to her…but he couldn't! She was beautiful…he didn't deserve her. It was a mistake. Remus vowed that he would take her out to Hogsmeade and have a wonderful time this weekend. Then it would be over.

He would leave her and provide no explanation. It was for her own good. If she was with him, he'd only harm her.

After reaching the heart-breaking decision, Remus settled down with a textbook and tried to study, but his brain was absorbing nothing. Finally, deciding to give up, he was relieved when Peter and Sirius stepped into the room, Sirius looking as glum as ever, and Peter well…was just his usual self, currently absorbed in devouring the scrumptious piece of chocolate cake in his meaty hand.

Then, following closely behind was James, his mood clearly not better than the rest of the Marauders. What was happening? They were the Marauders, carefree, never worried, and the pranksters of the school! Here they were, sitting on the floor of their dorm, sulking. Maybe things were really changing.

"Oh, what's wrong with you three?" Peter said, finally realizing that something wasn't right with his friends. "It's not about NEWT's is it? Don't worry, you 3 are all so smart" he said between mouthfuls of chocolate icing.

"Girls" The three replied at the same time.

"Alright, we haven't had Marauders time for ages! What's going on with all of you?" James said, sitting up straighter as he looked up at his friends. He had a feeling that there was going to be a lot of confessions tonight. It was true they hadn't talked about their troubles with each other for a long time. He felt as if they were all drifting apart.

"I saw her in a very heated session with Neil." Sirius' eyes narrowed as he said the name with a great distaste. "What does Davies see in him? His hands were all over her! It was revolting" Sirius resumed sulking.

"I asked her out to Hogsmeade! It's a mistake…werewolves aren't capable of love! They shouldn't be able to…It'll hurt us both. I can't bear to see Eva hurt. I'd rather suffer myself"

"Oh Remus…don't be silly! You're a wonderful guy. You thought we wouldn't be your friends…and look at us now? We're closer than brothers. If Eva can't accept you for who you are, she doesn't deserve you Rem" James patted Remus' hunched back.

"He's right Moony. You're in love with her; it's no good to be in denial. Look where it got me."

"So, Padfoot…finally admitting you love Davies, eh?" Remus' smile appeared on his face. It felt good to smile…he hadn't been around his friends for so long! He missed the jokes and good times they had.

"Oh shutup Moony" Sirius sniffed. "I've blown my chance with her…she'll never understand that I'm not the person she thinks"

The 3 all sighed. Peter was now wiping crumbs off his chin as a rare thoughtful look crossed his face. He didn't really understand what was bothering his friends. Girls? They were surrounded by them everyday. Even he found them annoying. They were like flies on a garbage can!

"Well, our Quidditch match with Hufflepuff will take place 2 weeks after the holidays. At least we have that to look forward to." Sirius began inspecting his shoulder-length hair.

"Yeah, I can't wait to kick some Diggory ass. I saw him giving Lily soppy glances in Transfiguration yesterday! And what was worst was that Lily was actually responding." James clenched his fists until they went a pale white.

"Give it a rest Prongs…you and Evans will end up married and have 7 children…I can see it now." Remus scowled as he returned to his problem at hand.

"Well, good luck with your problems…whatever they are. I'm going to have an early night. I'm tired…I reckon I've been using too much brains lately." Peter shook his head as he made his way up to the dormitories.

"I think there's something really wrong with Wormtail" Sirius claimed, gaping at his retreating figure.

The other 2 Marauders nodded in sad silence.

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"Mr. Potter! That is outrageous behaviour! You will see me straight after class" McGonagall's stern voice shook the entire Transfiguration classroom as she made her way over to James.

"Damn" James cursed as he climbed onto his seat from beneath the desk. Double Transfiguration had become extremely boring, especially since it began the day for him. He was only trying to provide some amusement by planting a dungbomb in the bag that was sitting in front of him. Unfortunately, McGonagall's cat-like eyes had caught him in the deed.

He knew he was in for it now and received a pitying glance from Remus and a wink from Sirius. Beads of sweat were still making their way down Peter's head as he was concentrating on transfiguring his quill into a peacock. James mustered up the most innocent and sorry look he could manage and smiled up at McGonagall's face, that was now turning beetroot red from anger.

"Mr. Potter! You are facing your NEWT's very soon, I know you are talented at Transfiguration, but that does not give you a reason to take it lightly! I will not tolerate slack in my classes! You are to serve detention in my office tonight and write 400 lines of I will behave myself at all times and not distract others.

Although James was sure everyone would be glad for a distraction from their studies, he made no comment, but nodded and saluted McGonagall with "Yes ma'am!" A couple of snickers went around the room, and a couple of people smiled at James' humour.

However, there was one person in the classroom that was scowling furiously as she continued working on the essay laid in front of her. Lily knew that James would somehow end up as the centre of attention yet again. She really wondered what kind of a person he actuallywas. Sometimes, he seemed so sincere, so real. Yet, other times, he was just a joker, a brainless fool…a prick.

She scratched her head with her quill and began writing furiously on her parchment, not wanting to know what was happening around her. A few odd glances were cast her direction, but they soon left her and, like the rest of the class, had their eyes solely fixed on Professor McGonagall and Potter.

Lily found this quite annoying. He always found new and fascinating ways to get himself in to trouble. Everyone thought it was heroic and cool…but most of the time, she was just irritated and really wanted to smack the knowing smirk off his face.

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"Mr. Potter…I will not deny you are gifted in many areas. However, if you do not use this talent to more…appropriate uses, I will have no choice but to take matters further. You are capable of great things, Potter, and I do not want to see you waste your life like this. You have potential! I will be looking forward to seeing top marks from you in my class. You are dismissed.

Nodding meekly, James slowly shuffled his way out of McGonagall's office. He'd spent a good 2 hours in there writing lines, as well as receiving lecture after lecture. McGonagall's lectures had woken him up a bit though. James knew he had the brains to excel in his subjects, but he had just been lazy for the past years. Maybe it was time to stop playing jokes on everyone and start thinking about his future. McGonagall was right…did he really want to waste his life like this? He wanted to make a contribution to the wizarding world…especially with Lord Voldemort's wrath growing more intense by the day.

James flexed his arm and lolled his neck from side to side. Boy, McGonagall really knew how to give punishments. He knew her patience had already been very thin with him, and especially since NEWT's were coming up, her attitude had been extremely negative. If even McGonagall thought he had potential, he must indeed have something special. He knew it was time to show everyone he was worthy. He would change…he needed to! For both his sake…and Lily's, he needed to change.

He also needed to find a suitable opportunity to let her know how he truly felt about her. Things had been looking good between them. They had survived 5 library sessions without fighting even once! Although there were a few minor arguments about the potion, there was nothing serious that had erupted.

As he rounded a corner to the Head Common Room, he saw Lily standing in the corridors, waiting expectantly for someone, and looking giddy with excitement. James' heart churned pleasantly as it usually did when he saw Lily. Was she waiting for him? He stared at her for a few more moments, before deciding to talk to her. Before barely moving a step, however, a shadow made its way across to Lily.

It was clearly a man, and after seeing Lily's look of adoration and charm for him, James decided instantly this wasn't going to be good. Fate had it that he had to witness this…then fate must've wanted him to do something about it. When the guy turned his head to face him, his body burst into fits of fury. Angry explosions erupted in his brain, and he gritted his teeth so hard he felt as if he was going to break his jaw.

It was Amos Diggory.

"Lily! Sorry I was late…I was held up because some third year asked for help in his work" Lily smiled at Amos. This was the type of guy she went for…a caring person who could find time to actually consider others, and help them. And this type of guy didn't come anywhere close to James Potter. Lily scowled when she thought of him. Somehow, she was thinking more of him, and getting quite mad when she did.

"Is everything okay? You seem a bit spaced out" Amos' concerned look was directed to Lily's eyes, and immediately, her expression softened. Her heart sped up at his gaze, and she blushed slightly.

"Oh, I-I'm fine. What did you meet me to say so late, Amos?" Personally, Lily was pretty nervous at what Amos was going to say to her. It was yesterday after Astronomy that Amos had suddenly approached her, and quickly left her a message about wanting to meet her just after dinner in the corridor in front of Professor McGonagall's office today.

She had been jittery all day, wondering what he would say to her. She had to admit, she wasn't used to attractive guys wanting to meet her at night in a deserted corridor. She felt more attracted to him as he gazed down at her. His eyes were kind, soft and gentle.

"I've been trying to find a suitable opportunity to tell you this-but somehow, it has been very difficult." He suddenly looked down to the floor, very abashed.

James flashed his eyes dangerously, still hiding around the corner, in the shadows. He didn't know what to do. If he burst out now, he was sure Lily would never forgive him as long as she lived. Yet, how could he just stand there and watch helplessly as Amos expressed his love for her!

"I've liked y-you for a long time, Lily. You're beautiful, intelligent and thoughtful. There're few girls in the school who could match with you." Amos whispered softly, still refusing to meet Lily's eyes.

"I---" Lily wasn't sure how to respond to this unexpected confession. She had always respected Amos, but never thought he would actually have feelings for her!

Amos cut her off, and finally met her eyes, determination in his eyes.

"Can I have the opportunity to accompany you to Hogsmeade this weekend?"

Lily could feel her face as well as her heart burn with a mixture of emotions. She really wasn't sure what she felt for Amos. She'd never felt real passion or desire to be with him…but she supposed she could really get used to the idea of dating Amos Diggory.

For some particularly queer reason, Lily could see flashes of James Potter in her brain, and she was annoyed, to say the least. Amos would be the perfect boyfriend for her.

Mumbling something at first, Lily finally worked up the courage to accept his invitation.

"It would be my pleasure" She grinned, joy finding its way into her heart.

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A/N: ELOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO…I'm back Well, this chapter was pretty much boring as usual…other than Lily and Amos going to Hogsmeade, and James' outrage

As I said, James and Lily won't get together for a while yet Anyways, next chapter will probably be a bit on Hogsmeade, and the beginning of the Christmas Holidays.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

Thank you to all my reviewers! The support and encouragement you've given me is indescribable. Plz plz plz plz plz review everyone! (gives out lollies)

Once again, eager for reviews,

Purebliss90