James, Sirius, Remus and Peter were assembled alone in the common room. At this time, it was usual that the boys would be in History of Magic, but it was also common that they would skip class and just go and relax in the common room, talking about their favourite topic, girls. James was lying sideways in a large armchair, Remus was lying with his feet on Peter, and Sirius was lying flat on his back on the floor, bewitching objects to fly around the room.

"Do you reckon she likes me?" Sirius asked, rolling over.

"Who?" James asked, snapping out of the daydream he was having about him saving Lily heroically and her kissing him passionately in thanks…

"Her, Bella. You know. The new girl."

"Oh, right."

"You were thinking about Evans, again, weren't you?" Sirius raised one eyebrow and looked at his best friend in sympathy.

"Yeah, I was. Any ideas how I could get her on her own?"

"Wait up, Prongs. Answer my question, do you think she likes me?"

"Padfoot!" Remus interrupted, "She's only been here for a week!"

"Yeah I know that," Sirius said impatiently, "plenty of time to develop a healthy crush…" All four of the boys laughed.

"Well." James said logically, "There's the Quiddich game tonight, and then the after party…"

"James! That's it!" Sirius said triumphantly. "Perfect opportunity to get Bella on her own, slightly drunk, of course, Firewhisky, we'll need heaps. And you can have your chance with Evans, and Remus can have his with Emilee. We might even be able to find someone for you, Wormtail!" he added, pointing at Peter, a sudden triumphant look in his eyes.

"Padfoot, you're a genius." Said the other three boys at once. Sirius pushed his chest out proudly.

"Right, it's all settled then," said James, "Firewhisky, I'll ask Gavin Waterford to get us some. This'll be a night to remember."

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Bella, Em and Lily dressed excitedly for the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quiddich game. Emilee had conjured up three matching red dresses for them to wear. Bella suspected that the boob-tube style had something to do with Em's crush on Remus Lupin. She suspected that Lily also knew this, but Lily had made an enormous effort to be cordial to the Marauders, and Bella herself was feeling quite excited about watching Sirius play for Gryffindor as Keeper. Emilee was putting makeup in the mirror, Lily was checking her reflection in the window, Jane was plaiting Saskia's long brown hair, while Bella put the finishing touches on her "GO GRYFFINDOR" banner.

"It should say, GO SIRIUS really, shouldn't it, Bella?" Jane said with a wink.

"I don't have any idea what you mean, Jane." Bella said cheekily, grinning over in the direction of Jane.

"Come on, Bella," Saskia giggled, "give us the dirt on him. You two are like…together aren't you?"

"No!" Bella blushed, "Nothing like that, I don't even know him that well." She secretly wished that she did know him better…

"What about you and Potter, Lily?" Jane asked, "He seems pretty keen." To Bella's surprise, Lily blushed and gave a giggle. Emilee looked shocked, but pleased.

"And Jane, I heard Frank Longbottom saying something about Lupin liking Emilee."

"Lupin?" Jane asked, "Remus Lupin? Ooooooh!"

The five friends walked together down the stairs talking and laughing. As they were making their way across the common room, Bella noticed Peter Pettigrew sitting in the corner, alone. She suddenly remembered that he was the only Marauder not in the Quiddich team.

"Hey, Pettigrew," she called before Lily could stop her, "want to come to the game with us?"

The look on Peter's face was priceless. Bella felt a wave of satisfaction as she saw how much her words had meant to him. The other girls exchanged glances of confusion, but Bella brought Peter into her arms and hugged him. It was nice that she was able to do something nice for someone else. And together the six students made their way to the Quiddich pitch, to watch their friends play.