Lily-

Lily had just apparated to King's Cross with my trunk in hand, when she was engulfed in a hug.

"Lily Bear! So good to see you again, love."

She smiled at Sirius, eyes narrowed playfully. "And it's lovely to see you again, Siri," he visibly cringed at the name. Suddenly she felt more arms around her, and she looked around to see the rest of the Marauders. She hugged them back with as much vigor as they had.

"Lily, I see you've become Head Girl. Congratulations!" Remus said with admiration and pride. "So who would be the lucky fellow to spend all of his time with you?" At this James's eyes widened a fraction in panic.

"You mean he hasn't told you?" Lily eyed James who looked back at her with pleading in his eyes. "Well, I guess you'll find out soon enough." James's eyes showed his thanks, while hers told him they'd talk later.

"Lils! This summer has been right horrible without seeing you. I believe I've gotten a bit accustomed with your presence."

'Always so damn proper,' she thought.

"Well, James, be careful what you wish for. You'll see a great deal of me this year," she replied with a mischievous smile.

The Hogwarts Express was still nearly empty when they climbed aboard. While Sirius, Remus, and Peter stowed their trunks, she pulled James into another empty compartment.

"Why aren't you telling them?"

"I don't know. I'm a Marauder, Lily. What will they say when they find out? They'll all think Dumbledore has gone completely nutters," he replied, fear showing in those deep hazel eyes.

"James… you can't really believe that they'll think you're the wrong man for the job. Just look at how much you've changed in the past year. You've matured James. Everyone can see it, including the other Marauders. Obviously, Dumbledore can. Why else would he have given you the responsibility? You're Head Boy for a reason." James beamed down at her, making her smile in return. Looking at him now, she knew she never really hated him.

No, never could she have hated James Potter. He's pestered her since the moment they met, aggravated the hell out of her ever since. She thinks she's always loved him. There wasn't anything not to love about him. There are those beautiful hazel eyes that told you exactly what he was thinking and feeling. Those eyes that, when one looked closely enough, you could see held so many different colors. Always, though, there were the golden flecks present. There was that lopsided smile that made her knees weak. She even learned his habit of running his hands through his hair was quite endearing. She found that it was a nervous habit of his. He was fiercely protective of his friends and family. Of course she always loved him. She was just never ready to admit it to herself.

Now, that she finally had, she's not sure if she can admit it to anyone else. It's already been over a year since he last asked her out. She thinks he must be satisfied with just being friends. Perhaps he's just given up. Moved on.

James-

Lily always did know how to motivate him. 'She's wonderful, that girl is.' This girl could change the world, a true leader if there ever was one. Beautiful too. 'Oh, shut it, James. She's your best mate.' Lily had made it quite clear over the years that she's just not interested. The only problem was James Potter just could not give her up. She's addictive. This may be their last year together, so he resolved to make the best of it. He's going to be the best partner she could ask for, starting by just sucking it up and telling the Marauders.

So as they joined the others in their compartment, he beckoned Lily to take a seat. "Marauders, I have some big news. Now, this will definitely come as a shock," James nervously ran a hand through his already untamable hair. "I'd like to introduce you to the new Head Boy," he downcast his eyes, unable to face their reactions. He pulled out his badge and pinned it to the muggle shirt he was currently sporting.

He forced himself to look back up to see the beaming faces of his mates. "Congratulations, James! You'll do an amazing job, I'm sure," was Peter's earnest response.

"Oy! Looks like Moony's rubbed off on you, mate," said Sirius as he clapped James on the back. "Our little Prongsie's growing up." Sirius wiped away an imaginary tear as James rolled his eyes.

Remus looked up at him with a proud smile. "I couldn't think of a better candidate myself." He smiled in relief. 'They approve? This is great! This will truly be the best year.'

The five decided to play exploding snap until James stood to announce that he, Remus, and Lily, should be heading to the prefects' compartment.

"That badge must be charmed. James is already starting to act responsible," Sirius retorted.

James glared playfully at Sirius before sliding open the door. He, Remus, and Lily walked towards the front of the train where the prefects' compartment awaited them. A few of the prefects were already waiting outside the compartment for the Heads.

James opened the door and ushered the prefects in. He and Lily waited five minutes for the rest of the prefects to arrive before starting the meeting. There were six prefects from each house, excluding Gryffindor. Since James was pronounced Head Boy without ever being prefect, there were seven prefects form said house counting the Head Boy and Girl.

James felt uncomfortable. He had never attended a prefects' meeting before, and although he'd received all information regarding his position, he had no idea how to start the meeting.

Lily, probably sensing his discomfort stood up at that moment. "Good morning all," she said pleasantly. "Welcome to your new year as Hogwarts prefects. I'm Lily Evans, this year's Head Girl. For the new prefects here, I'm going to explain briefly your responsibilities. Prefects help professors ensure order and conduct in the school. Each night, two prefects will do rounds and report any student out after curfew. A prefect can dock house points from other students. Only a Head or a professor may assign a detention for a student. There will be a low power abuse tolerance."

James let Lily explain all the duties. He only jumped in to adjourn the meeting. "I'm James Potter, Head Boy. It looks as though Lily covered most everything. This meeting is mainly just a briefing for the fifth years and a reminder of duties for sixth and seventh years. There will be weekly prefect meetings on Wednesdays. We will post the rosters for nightly rounds on the common room boards. That would conclude our term's first meeting. Have a nice ride to Hogwarts."