Book Two: Grow

by I'mActuallyASquib

James and Lily are BACK for another year! Lily's FURIOUS at James, James is being rather thick, and they're both starting to get annoyed at their parents. They aren't BABIES, after all. How can they deal with Hogwarts this year when they enter at odds?

2. Chapter 2: At Odds, Right?

A/N: Ok, I completely forgot flying lessons! They're going to get them in their second year, due to…um… *motions readers to sit while author tries to think of a plausible excuse*…the flying teacher was sick? No, they would've made it up later. The school brooms were infected by an outbreak of magical grubs! Perfect, right? Er, no. But it'll have to do!

You can decided whether Carl's cousin is Molly Weasley or not.

3/20/10: Just a quick note that came up as I was writing the chapter: Between school always starting on the same day, and the kids always having to be eleven before that day, at least half of Hogwarts' population will be older then others in their age group. My birthday is in December, so I would have been nearly 12 when I was in first year…so would Lily and James. And Aliya. I really didn't write anyone's b-day last year (except for Aliya) so I don't really know what to do about it. For future reference: Lily is turning 12 January 30 (I looked it up: HP lexicon). James: March 27. Lizzie: November 7. Aliya: December 18. Alice: June 5. Remus: March 10. Sirius: October 22

Chapter Two: At Odds, Right?

September

Saturday

James

"James! James! If you don't get up right now, so help me I will…tell everyone you're in love with Snape!" The harsh whisper cut into my sleep. I groaned, rolling over in my warn bed.

"Go'way, Mum."

"Mum? Mum? This is Sirius, and I was very serious! Quidditch tryouts are at noon!" Sirius hissed, whacking me with his pillow.

I became instantly awake. "Bloody hell!" I cursed, sweeping my hair out of my face and jamming on my glasses. An angry Sirius came into my sight. He was already dressed, his hair wet and toothpaste on his bottom lip. He was holding his broom too. "What time is it?"

"Nine thirty! We need to have breakfast and go practice!" All summer, Sirius and I had exchanged letters planning our entry into the Gryffindor team. I was going to try out for Chaser—while I was relatively good at Seeker, I loved Chaser—and Sirius was going out for Beater. As he had put it, 'What's more fun then having an excuse to whack a ball at someone you don't like?'

"Ok, ok. I'll go shower and you get my broom, 'kay? Then we'll go down." I threw the covers off and dashed into the bedroom, yelling to him as I went. Impatiently snapping at the shower to turn on already, you stupid thing, I stripped and stood under the blast of warm water. I impatiently rubbed shampoo into my hair and washed it out. Then I ran out of the shower, cursed (I'd forgotten my towel) and shook my head, causing drops of water to splatter the mirrors. Not wanting to go back into the dorm completely starkers and knowing nobody was entering our bathroom, I brushed my teeth quickly as my body dried out, little goosebumps all over my skin. "Oy! Sirius!" I bellowed.

"What?"

"Throw me my clothes, will you?"

I heard a snigger, then he opened the door a crack and handed me my clothes. "Nice going, James."

"Wanker." I replied, pulling the clothes on and running a brush through my hair. I grabbed my glasses and jammed them on my face, before looking in the mirror. I looked…not so good. I spent about five minutes tidying up…hair neatly mussed, face washed, teeth white. Everyone knew that being on the Quidditch team meant looking good. Finally, I exited the room and found Sirius waiting for me, brooms in hand.

"Done primping, Jamie?" He said sarcastically.

I delivered an elbow to his side as I passed, grabbing my broom. "Wanker," I repeated.

"You need to come up with better insults," Sirius said, following me down the stairs. "I mean, 'wanker'…twice? La-ame."

Arguing, we ran through Hogwarts until we reached the Great Hall. Then, exchanging a meaningful look with Sirius, we entered, shaking our hair a little, and sitting down at the Gryffindor table. Our "cool" exit off the Hogwarts Express had been ruined last year, so this year we were determined to be as cool as possible.

Unfortunerly, not too many people were awed by our awesomeness, as the only people up were people interested in trying out for the Quidditch team. Sirius and I rushed through breakfast, stuffing eggs and sausages and toast in our mouths. Once we were done (Sirius had a bit of ketchup on his chin but I didn't tell him) we ran out to the Quidditch pitch. My broom clanked against my legs as I ran, but I ignored the discomfort. Once we finally reached the Quidditch pitch, I was thrilled to realize we were the only ones there! We hadn't had Flying Lessons last year, since some nasty grub-like things had been unleashed on the brooms by some seventh years as a prank. They'd had to wipe out all the grubs (Merlin, those things mated like mad) and order new brooms over the summer. I'd practiced over the summer to make up for it, but I was still nervous as anything. We were getting make-up lessons a couple weeks after tryouts (that's helpful) and I couldn't wait. I'd show the rest of them my skills.

"Ok, so I am going out for Beater, and you're going out for Chaser," Sirius said, well, seriously. So…I knew that, oh-so-brilliant one! "You throw Quaffle at me like I'm the goal, and I'll whack them around, and you can try to catch them."

That actually seemed brilliant. Maybe I'd have to take back that brilliant comment…nah. "Wicked," I told him instead. We unlocked the spare parts locker in the Quidditch changing room, and took out one old, hard Quaffle. Tossing it back and forth, Sirius and I hopped on our brooms and zoomed into the sky. "Ok, ready, set—" Smirking, I throw the Quaffle at him. He reacted nicely enough, though, whacking it into the sky. I leaned forward, zooming after it.

"Hey!" He said, a bit late. Sirius stretched as I caught the Quaffle. "Don't do that—Hey!"

I'd chucked the ball at him while he was talking. With a glare in my direction, he hit the ball to the opposite end of the pitch. I take off after it, crouched low and streamlined on my broom. I managed to reach it, just barely, as it hung in the air and started to fall—I was nearly 30, 40 feet up. Pointing my broom downwards, I snagged the Quaffle with a fingertip and propelled it behind me, where Sirius was hovering on his broom, laughing. The git. My throw nearly knocked him off his broom, and he dropped the Quaffle, letting it spiral to the ground. Serves him right, the wanker.

"What was that?" he demanded, diving to the ground and picking up the ball. "You stupid arse!"

"Awww, is ickle baby Siwius twying to cuwse at me?" I teased, before rolling over on my broom to avoid the Quaffle that had been hit in my direction. "Oi, now it's on!"

****

10:25

Lily

Tryouts, tryouts, tryouts. That was all Aliya is chattering about. Lizzie was surprisingly silent. She was outraged that the lead singer of some magical singing group had gotten married or something and left the group. She'd griped about this to anyone who would listen. Alice had stopped talking about that boy, Sam, but was going on and on about the game, trying to explain it to me and Aliya—or Aliya and I, as she'd corrected.

Aliya, Lizzie and Alice were already up, strangely enough, and I was lounging in bed, reading a book while they chattered. It was a Saturday, and Remus and I had finished all our homework Thursday and Friday. There was no point in getting up early.

Well, unless tryouts is a good enough reason for me…which it's not. I wasn't excited about seeing Sam! Really! I didn't even know who he was!

"Lily, it's 10:30," Alice pointed out. "I'm starving!"

"I'm not dressed," I counter, not wanting to leave my warm, comfortable bed near the window. Sunlight was streaming onto the white sheets and red covers.

"Nobody cares, it's Saturday," Aliya joined in. "C'mon, I am hungry too."

"Ugh, fine, but if I get in trouble I am blaming you," I said, rolling out of bed. I brushed my hair and hold it back with a golden headband. I looked at myself in the mirror propped against the wall: plaid green and red and white pajamas (Christmas present) and a red tank top. I pulled a sweater over the tank top and shrugged. "Let's go."

We headed out. "So, Lily, we were just wondering if we should have a sleepover tonight?" Lizzie said excitedly.

"We kinda live together, Lizzie," I said dubiously.

"No, you know…like, sleepovers and popcorn and candy and music and—"

"We could invite other people," suggested Alice, cutting smoothly into Lizzie.

"Oh, yes, invite the whole girl population, why don't we," Aliya said, a little snarkily. "And we can giggle the whole night away with the Slytherins, and listen to the Ravenclaws talk about the probability of attraction, and the Hufflepuffs moon about true love. Yes, brilliant."

"Oh, stop it, Aliya," Lizzie scolded, though the corners of her mouth twitched. "Don't stereotype. I hate stereotyping."

Aliya seemed to have sensed a good argument in the making. "Why, because people stereotype you as a dumb blond? Hate to break it to you, honey, but you are."

I held my breath, eyes flicking back and forth. Would Lizzie be mad? Was Aliya joking? You'd think I would know this by now, but our dorm didn't exactly argue…if one of us noticed a fight, we'd usually agree to disagree, or whatever that saying went.

I needn't have worried. Lizzie gave Aliya this what-did-you-say? Look and goes, "Did you just call me honey?"

"Oh, shut up," huffed Aliya, the winds blown out of her sails (was that the expression?) and I laughed. I was glad that hadn't turned ugly. "What are you laughing at, redhead? You know, in Fury's case I think the stereotypes do apply."

"Excuse me?" I said, temper flaring. "Like what?"

"Oh, the usual…sharp tongue, you're determined as anything and isn't there something about mischievous?"

Ok, so most of those are true, but still. "Excuse me?" I repeated, even as we walk into the Great Hall. "I'm not…mischievous! That's like, Potter and Black!"

"Oh, and quick to temper. Nah, that one definitely doesn't apply," Aliya drawled. I glared at her and she smiled smugly back. Sticking my tongue out at her we sit down didn't seem to stop her at all, as she only mouthed Fury to me in response.

"Fine. But what about you, hmm? What are those black hair stereotypes?" I asked hotly. "Annoying, grumpy and annoying?"

"Way to repeat yourself," she said airily. "There's no such thing as black hair, stupid. It's just really, really, dark brown."

"Fine, then! What are brown hair stereotypes?" I said, exasperated. Lizzie shifted back but I leaned forward. She wasn't getting out of this.

Smugly, "Oh, you know…dependable, reliable, responsible."

Lizzie chimed in, "That fits Alice to a tee—" Alice blushed a deep red, "—but you? Nah."

Dryly, "Your wit astounds me."

"I try."

We ate in relative silence, coming off the high of having a "nice" argument. As we finished, the clock chimed 11.

"What do you lot said we do?" Lizzie said, finally. Aliya looked like she was thisclose to snapping off a biting remark but she held it in, instead nudging Lizzie with her shoulder.

"I vote sleep," I said, looking down at my pajamas. "And shower."

"I vote not," Aliya said, just to be contrary. I stuck my tongue at her, and she replied in kind.

"I vote we—" Alice began, before she was cut off by a barrage of shouting that was coming from outside. Not wanting to miss it, Lizzie leapt up and headed for the door, without so much as a, 'come along, or 'let's see what's going on.' Positively rude, I tell you.

But, I followed her, fighting a blush as we reach the doors and people look at me funny. Stupid nightclothes. That was soon forgotten as a tall, loud blond boy strode up to the castle, carrying a beaten red ball.

"Who is in charge of the Quidditch Supplies in Gryffindor?" He called, his voice commanding. His eyes were a dark blue and he looked like he was a volcano on the brinks of exploding.

The shouting, which as far as I could tell was about which team got the pitch first for tryouts (The Slytherins were yelling about some "idiot boy" who had gone and 'defouled' equipment, so that house should be demoted), died. A short, dark boy stepped forward.

"I am," he said. "What happened? Yesterday I did carefully arrange everything."

"Some stupid first years broke in!" Blondie said angrily. "They had the brilliant idea to whack a Quaffle around in the air with a Beater's bat."

The dark boy looked outraged. "They damaged a school Quaffle?"

"With no permission, yes," Blondie said scathingly. There was a sudden gasp beside me as Lizzie suddenly realized something. She whispered to Alice and Aliya (um, hello, what about me?) and they both seemed excited.

"Why, I'll kill them!"

"Yes, we are now short a Quaffle for tryouts."

The dark boy shook his head. "No, it's fine. I have an extra. Trust me, those boys will pay for the Quaffle anyway. We could carry on, mate."

Blondie flashed the other boy a short grin. "Should've known you would be prepared, Derrick." He turned to the once arguing crowd. "Tryouts proceed as planned! Gryffindors first! Then Slytherin—you better slither in your little holes after we beat you solid first game—then Ravenclaw, then Hufflepuff!"

Argument forgotten, cheering broke out. How did he do that? Even the Slytherins ignored the insult, seemingly alright with the order. Despite myself, I felt a little awed.

"Game on!" Derrick added, and the cheering intensified.

*****

James

11:30 A.M

About half an hour later or so, we were still whacking the ball around. Admittedly, it was looking a bit worse for wear, but a simple Reparo (ok, so I couldn't do that magic yet, but I was sure an older Gryffindor could) would fix it right up. Duh.

"And…Sirius Black is headed towards the Bludger! This is a tough one, folks," Sirius narrated as he swerved over-exaggeratingly before whacking the ball straight up in the air. "And did you see that? That amazing hit showed that Bludger who's boss! Keep an eye on that one, folks. He's a keeper beater! Laughing at his own wit, he did a wobbly loop before landing, shading his eyes as he looked at the Quaffle. "My, was that a simply amazing hit or what?"

I dove for the Quaffle, fumbling and almost dropping it. "And what an amazing save! James Potter shoots…he scores! One hundred Potter, zero Black!"

"And Black whacks the Bludger through the hoop," cried Sirius, doing what he said. "And he scores! Twenty points—twenty, folks!—to the Blacks! That makes one hundred twenty for Black, ten Potter."

I threw the ball as hard as I could to Siruis, laughing when it connects with his bat. He huffed in surprise, before catching the Quaffle, throwing it up, and hitting it as hard as he could towards the stands…where it flew, landing at the ground.

"La-ame," I crowed, landing smoothly. "And Potter wins—"

"Potter?" a loud voice interrupted our fantasy. We turned, and saw the younger Oren—what was his name? Something with an…P, wasn't it?—approach us.

"Yeah?" I said, brushing sweaty hair off my face. I needed another shower…maybe I'll look even cooler if I was all sweaty?

"Are you responsible for this?" He picked up the Quaffle—too late I realized it has a hole through it—and shook it at me.

"Nah, Sirius is," I said easily. Sirius huffed again in surprise.

"What? Excuse me, James! I am pretty sure you were mostly part of it!"

Oren's blond eyebrows draw together in anger. "You two destroyed school property?"

"Did not! We found it in that locker, you know, the one for old ragged things."

He was steaming, I could tell. Oops. "Locker one-oh-one?"

"Uh, yeah," Sirius said, shrugging.

"THAT WAS THE LOCKER FOR DERRICK!" Oren exploded, shaking the ball at us harder. "Those were the 'Need repair' items!"

"Mate, what's the problem?" I said in surprise. "I mean, you could always repair this one too." Stupid older boy, thinks he's all great.

Oren looks like he wants to hit me. "No, I couldn't. Did you, perhaps, notice that ball is a helluva lot heavier then it was before?"

I shook my head. What does that have to do with anything? Merlin's left eyebrow, all he had to do was go Reparo, or even take it to the Cat Lady! It would be fine in a mo'!

"You two broke the magic around it!" He yelled. "Honestly, I cannot believe you were so irresponsible! I was telling Derrick, and you will pay for this!" He turned on his heel, stalking away. We watched him go, scolded into silence.

"What a berk," muttered Sirius, shaking his head.

I couldn't help but agree.

*****

12:00 P.M

When tryouts finally start, Sirius was looking green. The other four boys—and one girl, surprisingly—who were trying out for Beater were a whole lot bigger and tougher then he is. Yes, even the girl…who was a third or fourth year named Keisha. She was nearly 5'4 and very athletic, with long muscular legs and arms. Sirius eyed her weakly. "A girl," he moaned. "Great." Keisha whipped her head around, her long brownish blond hair swinging. Her blue eyes flashed as she zeroed in on Sirius.

"Excuse me?" She said icily. I sniggered. She could be Evans' older sister, what with that look she was giving Sirius.

Sirius backed away. "Oh, um…I meant…'oh no there's a girl! I couldn't possibly beat her!'" He tried to flash her a grin as I shook my head at his patheticness. Ok, so I couldn't exactly talk to girls very well myself, yet, but I was sure that in no time, they'd love me! Now Sirius, on the other hand…

"That's what I thought you said," Keisha said smugly, turning her back on him as the Quidditch captain jogged up to us.

"Right," he said briskly. "Now, Matt's in the Hospital Wing, so I was running tryouts. I'm Cole. I am co-captain and in charge of practices. I'm fair at strategy, too but Matt does most of it, along with the encouragement and everything else. Get used to it. Don't like, then leave."

Sirius and I shared a look. Cole looked like he meant business. It's no problem, I told myself. Liam told me how to deal with these guys. "Ignore 'em and shove your coolness in their faces when you score extra hard."

"Great," he said, mounting his broom and hovering in front of us. "Separate into groups. Chasers on my left, Beaters on my right. Matt's a Chaser, I'm a Keeper. So all Keeper hopefuls, you lot leave unless you believe you're better then me. Understand?" When a few guys leave shamefully, he resumes. "Keepers there, Seekers right there. Now, everyone take your place."

I grinned at Sirius and moved to Cole's left, sizing up my group. They were a formidable group; I was the youngest, by far. Oh, great, I moaned in my head. Oren's a Chaser. Just wonderful.

"I am starting with Seeker. We'll kill two dragons with one wand by testing the Chasers against remaining Keepers. The Beaters will go last. You lot fly laps around the pitch while I explain to the Seekers what we're doing. Go on." He ordered, and all of us meekly obeyed. Cole looked like he'd be a tough captain. He was a sixth year, I was sure, so that meant we'd probably have two years of him…if I made the team. Which I will.

Lying flat on my broom, the wind streaming through the air, I took off like a bullet. I overtook most of the players with my new broom (thank you, Dad!) and was soon in the front. To my great joy (not) Oren pulled up besides me.

"Nice broom," he said grudgingly. I nodded. Oren surveyed me, taking in my posture. Why, exactly? "You know," he lectured suddenly, "We do not accept troublemakers on my team."

"Your team?" I sneered. "What makes you so sure you'll get on the team?"

"Please," he snorted. "I am the best Chaser we have, besides my brother."

"Matt's your brother?" I groaned, even though I knew that. I had just forgotten until now.

"Right in one."

Snidely, "Maybe you need a new addition to the ranks."

"We don't need some jacked up second year who thinks he's all that," Oren replied hotly.

"Jump to conclusions, much?" I fired back, before I sped up, leaving him behind. I was sure he could catch up to me, but he doesn't. Instead, I watched the Seeker tryouts. Cole had released…five snitches? Merlin, he's insane! And was counting who got the most snitches in the shortest amount of time. There were only two Seeker hopefuls, and one lean boy with carrot hair and longish arms had caught one already. As I watched, he weaved around the other boy and caught another. I shook my head in amazement. He was good.

"Carl wins!" Cole announced loudly to the now-cheering crowd, before waving us down. Wait…crowd? When did a crowd get here? I was nearing some bleachers, and blushed as some Gryffindors cheered when I went past. I liked it. I waved to them, and they cheered louder. Grinning, I went into a steep dive, rolling over and landing besides Cole, red-faced and feeling really, really good.

I clapped Carl on the back, said, "Congrats," and dismounted my broom.

"Nice dive," Cole said considering something. "What are you trying out for?"

"Chaser."

He nodded, looking thoughtful, but doesn't said anything. "Now," he called, "Pair up into groups of three, Chasers. Keepers, one of you go first. Now, we'll see who gets the most points scored on them for Keepers, and who scores the most goals for Chasers. The three Chasers and two Keepers that do the best will go into round two. After that, the Chasers will go against me. If they score more on me then they do for other Keepers, then I will…congratulate the other Keeper. The new team will decide who is a Keeper…oh, yeah, that means trying out the Beaters, doesn't it?" He considered it.

"Do Beaters first, Cole," called out Oren, and I suppress a groan. More waiting.

*****

12:30 PM

"The new Beaters are…" Cole said dramatically. I waited, even though I knew Sirius didn't make it. That girl, Keisha, and one other guy (I think his name is Tom something) were much better then he was. "Keisha and Johnny!"

Sirius looked dejected, his shoulders slumping. Giving me a disgruntled look, he turned away without a word, hopping on his broom and flying to the side. Seeing me looking at him sadly, he gave me two thumbs up and mouths, "Kick their…" and pointed to his, you know, backside. I grinned at him as Cole directed us into groups. I was in the last group, with two stocky fifth years I didn't know. That was fine with me…because as the moment drew closer, my stomach was overturned with nerves. It felt like hippogriffs were flying around in my stomach!

The first two groups were ok. Oren was really good, the tosser, and was basically the only one. The Keepers were terrible, though. Then it was my turn. I mounted my broom, hands suddenly shaking.

Cole throws the ball into the air, and I shot up, tucking it beneath my arm. I could do this. I could do this. Merlin help me, I could do this! C'mon, James, that lame coward there is just like…Snape. He thinks he's so cool, look at that little smirk on his face. What an idiot. Why can't he see that the left hoop is unprotected? Ok, slowly now. You need to act like you're aiming for the middle one, then feint. It's just like Dad showed you. Act overconfident and he will be too. Praying it would work, I headed for the middle, feinted, and shot it cleanly through the left hoop.

Sirius cheered loudly. "GO JAMES!"

"This time, you need to pass," cautioned Cole with a look at me. "Nice goal, uh, James Potter, wasn't it?" At my nod, he looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Good job."

"Thanks, captain," I said breathlessly. He threw the Quaffle in the air and this time one boy, the plumpish one, caught it. He threw it to his friend, who waited, and threw it back, completely ignoring me. I was hovering near the hoops, in the perfect place to put on through. "Pass!" I shouted.

He passed, all right…backwards to his friend. Hello, what about me? The Keeper finally saw me and moved, forcing me to dive. But I was still in a good place to at least do a pass-off. He could pass it to me, then I could chuck it to his friend, who could put it through. But the first guy ignored me, again, and flew forward with it. He aimed, cocked his head, and threw the Quaffle towards the hoop, only for it to be batted away with the Keeper's broom. I dove for it, catching it and zooming back up. "Hey, mate," I called. "Get open."

The boy I'd called to gave me a dour look. "Look at the ickle firstie," he sneered. "Showing off." I'm not a firstie, you overgrown troll!

So that was it? Fine. I climbed sharply, turned and headed straight for the Keeper. His eyes bugged when he saw me coming, but he bravely (and shakily) stood his ground. At the last minute, I rolled over, swerved sharply to avoid the goal post, and chucked the Quaffle in the right hoop, which he had left unguarded in favor of the middle. Cole sharply shouted, "Down!" and I instantly dove into a wobbly, but nearly vertical down. And ok, so I skidded a bit on my landing, and my trainers got a bit muddly, but nobody cared. It looked…cool, I was sure.

"Stockholm, Helty, what the hell was that?" Cole said angrily, pinning them under his hard glare. "When I said pass, I meant pass to Potter here too!"

Stockhom or Helty, the one who sneered at me, looked sullen. "He's only a first year, he can't play."

"I'm a second!" I inserted angrily. "And I can play better then you!"

"Potter!" Cole said warningly. "Hold your temper. Listen here, Stockholm. I will not have a player who does not use every resource available to them. Potter here was in a perfect place…well, a bit to the right would've done it, and you shouldn't have lingered or shouted, but apart from that it was spot on. You instead passed backwards. Now, we have too many Chaser hopefuls to give you a second try." Helty clapped Stockholm on the back and glared at me. "That means you too, Helty."

"What about Potter?"

He considered it. "Well, he's a bit rough, and needs practice…and needs to curb that show-offness—" I do not show off! "—but I think we could train him up."

One of the boys, I wasn't sure which, left abruptly. The second one gave me a parting glare and left as well. Well. That was unexpected. I looked at Cole, a little confused at what just happened. He just smiled at me and clapped me on the back. "Stay around. Oh, and James?" He winked and lowered his voice. "Welcome to the team."

What? Welcome to the—

Merlin! I glowed with pride, and in that moment I was the happiest I'd ever been.

*****

12:00

Lily

I would be the first to admit that I didn't know how Quidditch was played. I hadn't even gone to any matches my first year. Alice was still going on about Seekers and Beaters and balls and Keepers and stats and strategy, and explaining what a Stich was, but I just tuned her out.

Down on the field, I watched in facintated horror as one large guy whacked a small black ball straight at a girl's face! The girl, though, gave a hard glare to the boy and thwacked the ball back into his nose. Ooh, that must've hurt!

"Why are the Beaters trying to hit the other players?" I asked Lizzie, confused by the violence.

"That's the point, Lily. They want to distract the other team," explained Lizzie…this sounds familiar.

"But it will hurt them!"

Lizzie breathed out through her nose heavily. "Yes, Lily."

I shook my head. "Barbaric," I muttered. "So let me get this straight. The Chasers attempt to throw a ball through one of three hoops. The Seeker attempts to catch a teeny gold ball. The Beaters try to kill the other players. What's the point?"

"It's fun!" Alice finally said, looking thoroughly fed up with me.

I rolled my eyes as we reached the Quidditch pitch. "I'm telling you, Muggle games are so much better then this."

Lizzie, of course, got all defensive. "Are not! Name one game."

"Football," Aliya chimed in. (A/N: football=soccer)

"Football? Sounds boring," Lizzie said as we climbed up the stairs.

"Is not," Aliya argued. She was in an argumentive mood, I could tell. I decided to stay out of their conflict, sharing an eyeroll with Alice. We got four seats in the front (I didn't understand how they see from so far up) and sat down, peering down at the mass of kids (mostly boys) who were trying out. The captain had a loud, authorities voice that carried to us easily: "You lot fly laps around the pitch while I explain to the Seekers what we're doing. Go on." He ordered them, and all of them besides two boys hopped on their brooms. I couldn't help but marvel at the, well, gracefulness. I felt a little jealous. I'd been thrilled when we hadn't had flying lessons last year (ok, I admit it. I'm afraid of heights) but now I wished I'd at least learned how to fly.

"Is that the captain?" Aliya asked a plump girl sitting next to us. She had bright red hair that, if possible, was brighter then mine! She'd wound it back into a tight bun that minimized the brightness. I memorized it, hoping I could tame my carrot hair like her. Seriously, I looked like a match with my hair.

"That one down there?" replied the girl. "He's sort of the captain. More like a co-captain, actually. His name is Cole Daniels."

"He looks really strict," Aliya commented. He was testing the Seekers; he had let out a ton of those little golden balls called snichies (that was it, right?) and was counting who got the most. The girl let out a squeal as one boy caught a ball.

"GO, CARL!" She cheered loudly. Her face flushed, she told us, "That's my cousin, Carl Prewett. He's a brilliant Seeker."

I agreed, watching the group of people on brooms pull nearer to our set of bleachers. One boy zooms ahead and hovers in front of us, making the girl next to me and a few others cheer. He waves, and they cheer louder. Honestly, he's just a boy. He flushes and goes into a steep dive, showing off for the crowd, but his trainers drag on the ground and he wobbles. I snickered.

"Was that Potter?" Aliya asked.

I rolled my eyes. I was pleased to note I felt nothing when Aliya said his name. "Probably," I agreed. "He does like to show off."

Aliya giggles a little too loudly, before she sighs as someone else passed us. "Look!" She said, pointing to a blond boy. "That's him!"

"And I told you, I don't care." I groaned, knowing exactly who he was. Sam Oren.

"Be like that, then," grouched Aliya. She rolled her eyes and starting whispering with Lizzie. I tried not to feel left out, instead focusing on the tryouts. That boy, Carl, had won. I congratulated the redheaded girl, and watched, wincing, as the Beaters slammed balls at each other.

"Ooh," I said with feeling as one poor boy got knocked off his broom. "Jeez, that must have hurt. Oh! Oh—oh my god!" I turned away from the tryouts, closing my eyes and breathing deeply. This was truly barbaric.

After the Beaters were done killing each other, the Chasers began. I wasn't paying attention; I was fiddling with my hair. I braided it, then twisted it into a bun, then shook it out. This is boring. I wondered when lunch was starting. I mean, I'd just ate but it would give me an excuse to leave…I felt impressed by Sam's tryout. He was good, but still, I bet he was a jerk. Again, I felt jealous of his easy way on a broom. I wished I was that good at something.

Potter's tryout was…good, I suppose. Nothing really to say there. He's obviously gonna make the team, I thought despairingly. Great. Another thing to puff up his overblown head.

Finally, finally, FINALLY, the tryouts were over!!! I jumped up, and threaded my way down to the floor, ignoring my friends. Once on the ground, I came face to face with…guess who? Tweedle Dum and Wonder Boy. I wondered where Tweedle Dee was. I felt bad for him; it must be awful to have your friend get on the team and you failing the tryouts.

"Lily!" Potter's eyes were bright behind his glasses. He had a smudge of dirt on his nose, and I had the strangest urge to wipe it off. "I didn't know you liked Quidditch."

I shrugged. "Before today I didn't know how it was played," I admitted.

Wonder Boy looked scandalized. "Truth?"

I giggled in spite of myself (wait, since when did I giggle in front of guys?) and nodded. "Truth. I mean, we didn't have flying lessons last year."

"Really?" Wonder Boy looked at Potter with some respect. "You got a spot without any training?"

Potter blushed, shuffled his feet. "What can I say? I'm a natural."

I rolled my eyes. Narcissistic, much? "I'm sure," I said dryly. "But, congrats to both of you."

Sam smiled easily at me. "Thanks. Hey, I like your pjs…very festive."

My face was glowing. "Thanks," I mumbled in embarrassment. It wasn't even Christmas, either. I cursed my red and green pajamas in my head.

"Too Slytherin, though," Potter said teasingly. Was this happening? Was Potter teasing me?

"I try."

Wonder Boy laughed. "I'm sure you do. Anyway, uh, Lily, team meeting. Important secrets, and all that. Pot-James and I need to go. No offense, but us important Quidditch players need to practice. See you later." He grinned, and I grudgingly admitted Liz was right. He is…somewhat good-looking. Sam shook his hair a little and walked off.

Potter rolled his eyes. "He's an important prat," he confided. "Caught Sirius and I practicing with a ball we weren't supposed to be using—don't look at me like that, we didn't know!—anyway, he went ballistic. He goes, 'we don't want trouble-makers on my team.' Like the team belongs to him! Now that Cole likes me, he's getting all close to me."

I smiled a little, unsure why Potter was talking to me. "He seems nice."

"That's just because you're a girl," Potter retorted. "Can't see past him. Shouldn't have expected any better."

"Hey!" I protested. "I can see past you, and that's all that matters."

He rolled his eyes again, running a hand through his forever-messy hair. "You keep telling yourself that, Lily." And with that, he turned around and jogged away.

••••••

James

Why did I say that? Actually, scratch that. Why did I even approach her? Ok, so I didn't mean too. I was just walking with Oren to the meeting and practically bumped into her. What was I supposed to do? Ignore her? I should have called her Evans. But it was in the spur of the moment. I mean, I didn't want to seem mean in front of Oren, who already had a bad opinion of me. What was my excuse for chatting with her, then? That voice, that still sounded suspiciously like Remus, scolded me. Great. Now I'm going mad. Just brilliant.

But we only talked for about five minutes…before I spilled my guts about Oren. And what was that last remark? "I can see past you, and that's all that matters." Hostile, much?

Whatever. I jogged to catch up with Oren, who was looking at me, a strange smile on his face. "What?" I said crossly.

He mimicked my voice, "You keep telling yourself that, Lily.' What was that, Potter? Defensive, are we?"

"She hates me!" I defended…oh. So what if I was defensive!

"Didn't seem like it," he said cryptically.

"What?"

"Nothing, Potter, nothing. Now listen up, or I'll have to tell Cole you're not listening to his lecture," he said, the smile widening. Well, then.

*****

After the meeting, about 1:30 PM

"Now you all grab yourself a bite to eat," finished Cole, "And think about these strategies. Matt came up with them, so if you have any questions ask him. Just memorize them best you can, and see you Monday night, straight after dinner, for our first practice!"

We cheered, and he made shooing motions at us. "Now leave. I'm starved."

"For Christine, maybe," Oren yelled from beside me. Cole blushed a deep red as everyone but me (who was Christine?) laughed.

He glared at Oren. "Mind your own business."

Oren held up his hands in a 'Calm down' expression. "Ok, ok, Cole. Don't get all defensive, or anything. Christine doesn't like that in a man." With that, he ducked out of the way of Cole's quill that was chucked at him, and quickly left the locker rooms, leaving behind much laughter. I hurried to catch up with him. I was sweaty and tired, and knew I should've stayed to shower, but I was more hungry and curious than grossed out at my own sweat.

"Who's Christine?" I asked Oren, panting a little. He was fast. Oren slowed down and gave me a sly smile.

"Christine Thompson, Cole's girlfriend. She gets ticked off when he stays too long after Quidditch," Oren explained. His smile was still in place.

"Oh." We were silent for a while, until entering Hogwarts. He gave me a nod, and hurried to catch up with his friends. Not knowing where Sirius was, I waited for the two boys and one girl that made up the rest of the team. That Seeker, Carl, seemed to be about my age. When they caught up, I said, "Hi."

"You're the new Chaser, aren't you?" One boy said, but it was open and friendly.

"Yeah. James Potter," I said a little shyly. I am not shy, I reminded myself crossly.

"I'm Jimmy Fier, that's Carl Prewett, and this is my fellow Beater, Keisha Bernell." The boy said. I smirked at Keisha.

"We've met."

She made a face at me. "I know where you sleep, Potter."

Not one to back down from a challenge—even a playful one—I pretended to shudder. "Now I'm scared. Coming from the only girl on the team, and a Beater at that, I'm practically shivering."

The team laughed as Keisha blushed. "Was that an insult, Potter?"

"Only if you want it to be," I replied, grinning.

She finally smiled back at me, and the four us went to lunch.

"So, Potter—"

"Just James, thanks."

"So, James," began Carl, "You're a second year, aren't you?"

"Guilty," I joked.

"You're really good," he said honestly. I flushed a little but smiled cockily. "I'm a fifth, and Jim's a seventh."

"What're you, big girl?" I teased Keisha, who elbowed me.

"I'm a fourth year," she mumbled, embarrassed.

"So I'm second, Sam's third, Keisha's fourth, you're fifth, Matt and Cole are sixth, Jimmy's seventh?" It all seemed too convenient, like Cole and Matt planned it that way. I wondered why Jimmy wasn't captain, if he was the eldest.

"Nah, Matt's seventh." Jimmy answered, spearing a fish stick and eating it enthusiastically.

The rest of the lunch was the same: with everyone joking around and teasing each other. As far as I could tell, Carl and I were the only newbies on the team. But they all seemed to accept me easily enough.

After lunch, I decided to go find Sirius and the others. Keisha was finished as well, so she volunteered to come with me, "to see exactly where you live, in case of emergency."

"Can we say stalker one more time?" I told her in all seriousness as we left the Hall together. She snorted.

"In your dreams, Potter."

I winked at her. "How do you know you aren't?"

Her face stained red and she hit me, shutting me up instantly. See those skills? So, fine. I'd read that line in some book I stole from my favorite cousin: Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches.

"Oof," I groaned playfully. "You can really pack a punch. Remind me to never offend you."

"Too late," she deadpanned.

"You're hilarious."

"I try."

"I'm sure you do," I replied, all too aware that Evans and Oren had said those same exact words a couple of hours ago.

She wrinkled her nose at me and threatened to hit me…smirking at her, I started to run, my still dirty legs shedding mud. She caught up to me, and I ran even faster…we raced until I collapsed, panting, at the Fat Lady. Keisha hadn't even broken a sweat.

What are girls coming to?

*****

Lily

6:30 PM

"C'mon, Alice, hurry up," I urged. Lizzie had infected me with her sleepover bug, and I wanted to get ready. I remembered sleepovers from grade school (does that make Hogwarts "year school?") and I was ready to go.

"It's six thirty," Aliya said. She raised her eyebrow. "Someone's in a hurry." Well, yeah, I was! I was also nervous. None of my friends had seen my run in with Sam Oren earlier today, and, knowing Lizzie, he was sure to come up. How was I supposed to act? Honestly, even though I was twelve already, I didn't feel ready to…well…I don't know. I didn't want to, you know, think about boys "that way." I mean, Petunia was never exactly subtle in her crushes ("Oh, Lily, he's just adorable!") but she'd always been older, and I'd always thought, 'one day.' But now…Lizzie seemed to want to take the plunge, and Aliya was willing to go along with her. Alice seemed to be very taken with Sam Oren, but otherwise didn't look inclined to become boy-obsessed. Where was I? Boys in general were…items to stay away from. Look at the boys in first year: James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew. None of them are exactly crush material. I wished Alice felt like I did.

A voice startled me out of my reflection with a, "Hey, Lily!"

I turned. It wasn't any of my friends…well, it technically was.

"What does she want?" Aliya whispered to Lizzie. I glared at them.

"Hey," I replied, motioning her over. She smiled at me gratefully and dropped into a seat next to me. She looked exhausted, but happier then she'd been when she'd exploded at me the other day.

"Thanks, Lily," Madelyn sighed, pulling a plate towards her and piling it with food. "Merlin, I'm knackered."

"It's past your bedtime," Aliya said sourly.

Madelyn offered a tentative grin. "I wish it was. Anyway, thanks a ton, Lily for earlier on. I needed that. She seriously made me stay in the Hospital Wing for ages. I missed nearly all of my classes."

"Ouch," I said in sympathy. "That's why you're so tired, then?"

"Redid all my classes. Missed tryouts…shame, that. I would've tried out. Ah, there's always next year, right?"

"You play Quidditch?"

"Seeker. I could've beat that shrimp Carl Prewett," she said fiercely. "And Keisha needed some backup."

"Keisha?" I tried to ignore the way Alice, Lizzie and Aliya were pointedly ignoring us, talking amongst themselves.

"Keisha Bernell. She's a Beater and as tough as anything. Look, there she is—next to my idiot cousin. He got the team, didn't he? Showoff." Madelyn pointed out a strong looking girl, sitting next to Potter. It honestly didn't look like she had any hair, as it was completely covered by a hat with ear flaps (in September? Honestly?) "That's the whole team there. Huh. I don't see Potter's leeches. Wonder how they feel."

"Leaches?" Alice's quiet voice entered the conversation for the first time. I smiled gratefully at her, hoping she was giving some peace offering…but she shrugged at me. I didn't think any olive branches were growing here.

"Yes, his hanger-ons. Black, Lupin and that shrimpy one…what's his name? Something-shrew. Suits him, I reckon." Madelyn said easily, and I felt a rush of relief as she didn't make a big deal out Alice speaking to her.

Alice's face held the ghost of a smile. "Pettigrew," she corrected. Madelyn blushed, looking a little more alert then she was at the beginning of the meal. She took a large chicken wing and took a huge bite out of it, washing it down with pumpkin juice (which I, by the way, loathed and never drank. Nasty stuff).

"I still think Shrew fits him somehow," she said thoughtfully. "Ah, whatever. So, Lily, I'm off to study some potions before my make-up class. Thanks again. My friends practically deserted me because I was being so bitchy to them." I blushed, and she grinned at me patronizingly. "Aw, did I make Lily blush? So innocent."

"I'd like to stay that way," I shot back. "Enough of your corrupting ways, now."

Madelyn stood up and ruffled my hair, messing up the semi-neat ponytail it was slung into. "Yes, Lil' Lily."

"So creative," I said sardonically. She saluted me and swung her bag over her shoulder, tying her long hair into a cute bun instantly. How did she do that? I was jealous! She saw me watching her, smirked, and walked away.

"She gets on my nerves, Lily!" Lizzie said as soon as she left. She shook her head. "How do you stand being around her?"

"Li-iz," I moaned. "Let it go or I won't have a sleepover!"

"Oh, so you'll just sleep while we have a sleepover?" Lizzie said sarcastically. "Go right ahead."

I figured I was done eating, and stood up quickly. "Not if I get there first." With that, I winked at her and ran from the hall, strands of hair escaping me. I passed Madelyn, who yelled after me, "Where's the fire? Oh, wait, on top of your head!"

I didn't hear anyone who was chasing me, which was fine with me. I jogged, getting out of breath, up to the Lion's Den. "L-Lion's D-den," I gasped out to the Fat Lady.

"What's the update on Slytherin?" she asked in reply. "I haven't had time to go visit Violet lately."

"The Twins have left it at," I began, pausing to catch my breath, "either Slytherin's Evil Lair, Slytherin's Slimehole, or The Hellhole. Oh, or The Home of The Slimy Snakes."

She chuckled. "I rather like that last one." The portrait swung open, and I dashed into the Common Room. Nobody was here, save a few seventh years, so I went up to my dorm and swung the door shut. Not knowing a locking charm, I Levitated all our trunks and piled them up to close the door. Surveying my handiwork, I went into the bathroom and combed my hair out. I looked critically at it; it was much to bright, as usual, and horribly messy. It was so boring, too. All straight…it wasn't even shiny. Shrugging, I braided it into two side twists, then washed my face and changed into different pajamas (white tank top and blue pants) before going back out. Looking around at my room, I figured I had nearly twenty minutes before Aliya was finished eating. I stretched out on my bed with a notebook and pen. I desperately needed to write some letters.

***

2:37 PM

James

Jeez. I've been searching for exactly 29 minutes, and I hadn't found Sirius yet! We had a rule; unless the matter was exceptionally important, once you've honestly looked for thirty minutes, you could stop looking. Shaking my head at the empty dorm, I walked back to the common room where Keisha was lounging by the fire. Keisha seemed cool, in the older sister kind of way. Unlike Madelyn, who took every opportunity to make fun of me (as I did to her…we're cousins!), Keisha didn't really do that. I guess I've only known her for a couple hours, so it's too early to judge. I checked my watch, and when I'd officially been searching for thirty minutes and ten seconds, I jogged over to the girl.

"No luck?" Keisha said yawningly. Which is so a word.

"No," I sighed, dropping into the chair besides her. Her blondish hair was spread all over the chair she was sitting, and I took the opportunity to "feel" it, spreading some powder through her. Time to see how she responded to pranks. It was a great ice breaker, really.

"What now?" Keisha said, moving her hair out of my grip. She gave me a "Perv" look and I stuck my tongue out at her.

"I don't know," I said, keeping an eye on her hair. I grinned as it slowly faded, getting thinner and thinner, until all her hair disappeared altogether. Thank you, Zonko's. The brilliant part of this was she couldn't feel or see a difference until someone pointed it out to her.

"What are doing, beaming like a fool?" Keisha questioned.

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

She rolled her eyes and her mouth curved a little. "I suppose you're right."

"Ha!"

"You're grinning like an idiot."

"Ouch," I said, shaking my head. I spied something in the corner. "Fancy a game of Exploding Snap?"

"You're on."

*

About five minutes later

"Dammit!" I shouted, jumping up. Keisha was doubled over in laughter. I gingerly felt my eyebrow—or where my eyebrow used to be—and swore again. "I can't believe you blew my eyebrow off!"

"Did it hurt?" she giggled.

It didn't, actually, but it felt really weird! "It stings," I moaned. "Take me to the Hospital Wing!"

She looked torn between worried and amused. "C'mon, big boy, let's go grow that back on."

We took our time getting to Madam Pomfrey, but I kept moaning pathetically. The result was by the time we reached the Hospital Wing, Keisha was worried out her mind. That, combined with her hairless head, made me want to burst out laughing. I started coughing, trying to hide my chortles as she looked on, completely scared.

"Madam Pomfrey!" She gasped out. "James is hurt!"

Madam Pomfrey came bustling out of her office. She took one look at us, and clucked literally like a hen. "How?"

Keisha looked sheepish. "I kind of tricked him into leaning forward over Exploding Snap?"

She rolled her eyes. "One every year." She motioned me forward to a bed, and began waving her wand over my face in complicated patterns. Presently, she said, "Well, Mr. Potter, the easiest thing to do would be regrow the eyebrow. Unfortunately, I do not have a potion or spell that will regrow only one eyebrow. All your hair will grow slightly…it shouldn't matter much."

I shrugged. I'd been thinking about getting a haircut anyway…I'd just grow it then ask her to cut it. Simple. "Sure."

Madam Pomfrey looked at Keisha next. "Would you like some as well?"

Keisha gingerly felt her eyebrows. "I don't need any."

The nurse gave her a look. "I don't understand your haircuts these days…"

"What do you mean?" Keisha asked nervously. I completely wiped all guilty traces from my face as I motioned to the nurse to stop talking—instead, she turned to Keisha.

"Why, your hair is gone, dear," Madam Pomfrey informed her.

The Hospital Wing was filled with a shriek as Keisha found out what I had done.

********

Dinner

"I hate you." Keisha muttered angrily for the millionth time. I couldn't stop a smirk from spreading over my face as she nervously adjusted her ugly hat.

"You look ridiculous," I smugly told her. I looked up as Carl (the seeker) walked into the hall, spotted Keisha, and made a beeline towards her. He gratefully sat besides her. "Hey, Carl."

"Hi, James. Hello, Keisha. I like your hat," he said…is he being honest? I wondered. He grinned at her, blushing slightly. "You should try your hair up sometime…it looks pretty."

"Thanks, Carl," returned Keisha, reddening as well. "Potter here vanished my hair."

"An uncontrollable bout of accidental magic," I maintained my excuse with a completely straight face. Madam Pomfrey hadn't believed me, and I wasn't counting on Keisha—or anyone, really—believing me.

"Really?" Carl sarcastically asked, before nudging Keisha. "You look great. Nobody could tell."

Now Keisha matched Carl's hair, and I decided it was time to get out of there. "I'm leaving you love birds behind," I sad, smirking as Carl glared daggers at me. "See you later, Carl. You too, Keisha."

I got up and began scanning the hall. Sirius was sure to be here…I hadn't seen him at lunch, and he must be starved. Aha! I spotted Peter's blondish brown and Sirius' long black hair. Jogging towards them, I sat next to Sirius. He stiffened immediately. "Where's Remus?" I asked in greeting.

"In the library," Peter answered. "I heard you made the team! That's…that's… brilliant!"

"Thanks, Pete," I grinned at him. "You want to fly later?"

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"I'd love to!" Peter said excitedly. I grabbed a plate and filled it up with a few chicken wings and some mashed potatoes.

"Guess what, Sirius?" I decided that Sirius was acting all too serious and offended about tryouts, so I resolved to talk to Cole about it. Next year Jimmy was leaving, so there'd be room for another Beater. Sirius grunted noncommittally, but I forged on: "I talked to one of the captains, and he practically put you as a reserve!" Ok, so it was a teeny tiny lie…but I was sure I could get Cole to agree.

Sirius immediately perked up, but he was still sullen. "Really?"

"Yes, Sirius," I huffed. "A Beater is leaving next year, and Cole did say you were pretty good. But Keisha and Jimmy were on the team last year."

Sirius punched me on the shoulder lightly. "Thanks, mate."

"No prob," I replied, eating a huge spoonful of mashed potatoes.

After dinner, I told Peter and Sirius to meet me at the Pitch in half an hour. I wanted to go see if I could drag Remus with us…he'd been ignoring me for days! He was acting like a girl!

I walked, quietly, into the library. He was sitting in the back, surrounded by piles of books, scratching quietly with his quill. I went over to him. "Remus?" I asked softly.

He looked up, saw me, and looked back down. "Hi."

"You want to come down to the Pitch with us?"

"I'm fine, thanks."

"C'mon, Remus," I urged. Then I sighed. It looked like I was going to have to apologize. "Look, Remus, I'm sorry, 'kay?"

Remus' face was unreadable. "Okay."

I rocked back and forth slightly. "So will you come?" He didn't look excited, because he hates Quidditch, but he said yes anyway. "Great!"

*****

7:19

Lily

"Lily, open this door right now…" threatened a voice—Alice—from the other side. I'd finished writing letters to Dad, Mum, and a really short one to Petunia, and was working on one to an old friend of mine, who'd moved to Spain. Apparently she'd sent my house a letter, which Dad had sent back to me. He claims that owl post is way too hard if there's only one owl in the house, but "there's no way your mother will let me get another owl."

"Hmm?" I yawned lazily.

"I'm serious, Lily," Lizzie joined in. "Please, please, please open it!!"

Rolling my eyes, I got up and magicked all the trunks aside. "It's open," I called.

Aliya barged into the room and immediately climbed on my bed. "Nice going, Lily," she said sarcastically. "Way to lock us out."

"So-ree, your Highness," I shot back, pushing her off my bed.

"Girls, stop it," ordered Lizzie, sounding so much like my mother that I didn't stay annoyed at Aliya (who, by the way, sat right back down on my bed). "It's seven twenty—"

"Twenty one," corrected Alice.

"It's seven twenty one, and I for one don't want to go to sleep yet."

"Yes, who would want to sleep at a sleepover?" I couldn't resist adding.

"Exactly!"

This, of course, sparked yet another conversation about what to do. Why do we always have these discussions?

This is more or less how it went:

Alice: Why don't we get ready?

Lizzie: But that only takes a couple minutes.

Aliya: (superiorly) Now if this were the Muggle world, we wouldn't run out of things to do. 'Is she still on about the football thing?'

Me: Hear, hear.

Lizzie: Like what, exactly?

Aliya: We could watch a movie, or prank call someone, or order in pizza, or…I know, Lily! We could do… (looks at me with raised eyebrows)

Me: (keeping a straight face) Oh! That would be so fun! Too bad this is the WIzarding World…

Aliya: (completely failing to keep a straight face) Such a tragedy.

Alice: (seemingly annoyed) What is it?

Lizzie: Yeah, don't hold out on me.

Aliya: (airily) I can't possibly reveal the secret.

Me: It would practically betray the Code of the Sleepover that every kid has to learn.

Alice: (wonderingly) Really?

Aliya: (almost cracking up) Yup.

Lizzie: (annoyed) That's not helping, Aliya.

Me: Hey, now.

Lizzie: Fine! I have an idea. Let's find the kitchens!

Alice: Ooh, yes, my cousin told me about them.

Me: We just ate, smart one. Is that even allowed?

Aliya: Who cares? Hey, we can get ice cream!

Alice: Oh, yes! We'll just blame Aliya if anything goes wrong, Lil.

Me: That's alright with me.

Aliya: (late, as usual) Hey!

Lizzie: Are you done being immature?

After a whole lot of nothing, it was decided. We were going on a Quest: The Gryffindor Girl's Quest to Find the Kitchens and Stock Up on Ice Cream and Other Yummy Treats that will Make for a Totally Awesome and Brilliant Sleepover ("G-G-Q-F-K, uh, S-I-C…um…O-Y-T, let's see…T-A-B-S for short," Aliya added). GGQFKSUICOYTMTABS, actually.

It was now seven forty three, so we had two hours and seventeen minutes until curfew. Plenty of time to wander around Hogwarts until we found the Kitchens.

*

Two hours later

Aliya stopped abruptly and sat down, legs crossed, in the middle of the hallway.

"Um, hello? What are you doing?" Lizzie asked Aliya with a You-Are-Crazy Look, not that I could blame her.

"I'm tired," she announced obstinately. "And we have twenty minutes till curfew, and I'm tied."

"We have seventeen minutes," corrected Alice, for the millionth time. I have no idea what happened to her. She wasn't this precise last year.

"We have no idea where the Kitchens are, and no idea where we are! Let's go before we get detention. We can go start our sleepover now." Aliya continued like she hadn't heard.

"She has a point."

Lizzie's shoulders slumped and she glared at me for agreeing. "But…our Quest failed!"

"We can try again tomorrow, now come on." I yawned. My legs hurt like anything, and I was exhausted.

Lizzie groaned melodramatically and huffily agreed. "Fine."

"Good. Now where are we?"

We looked around helplessly.

Shoot.

*

9:05

You would not believe my shock. Guess who found us and brought us back? Sirius Black. How did Sirius Black know where everything is? And where was Potter, Remus and Pettigrew?

Black—Sirius—just abandoned us here in the Common Room, but I called after him, "SIRIUS!"

He turned. "Yeah, Lilykins?"

I ignored the nickname. "Thank you so much," I said with feeling. "I owe you."

He smirked and brushed hair out of his big, dark eyes. "Don't you forget it, Lilykins. You're welcome." He lingered, gave me another smirk (is he a Slytherin? Honestly.) before he continued up to his dorm.

You know, for a prat, Sirius isn't that bad looking. I mean, he has nice eyes… they're so big and dark and full of expression. And his hair, unlike some people, is longish and curls at the ends, and actually looks combed. And he is tall…and a lot funnier then his friend. At least he has manners.

"Lily? Earth to Lily!" A small hand waved in front of my face, and I blinked.

"What? Sorry, Aliya. Zoned out there."

"You were staring at Black," ribbed Aliya. To my horror, red filled my cheeks.

"Shut up!"

"Did I hit a nerve?"

"Stop it, Lizzie."

"Awww, Lily's blushing!"

"Alice! You guys are so weird." Shaking my head and turning around to hide the red, I fled up the steps to our dorm. Why was I blushing? I didn't…fancy Sirius or anything. As if! I barely knew him! So alright, he's somewhat good looking, and rather charming. But he was one of Them, so he couldn't be all that good. I didn't like him. Far from it.

*****

9:07

James

Sirius, who had lingered behind after we came in from the Pitch since he wanted to talk to "the only nice cousin in my family," just came in. His cheeks were red, and he had a distracted look in his eyes. I figured his cousin did that to him. Merlin knows Madelyn could really get under my skin, but I loved her (not that she knows that, and its not like would I ever tell her) anyway.

"Hi," he said quietly, before flopping on his bed. I shared a look with Peter and Remus.

"What's up with you?"

"Nothin'." He said. Which obviously meant it was something.

"C'mon, Sirius…" Peter wheedled.

He grinned a little. "No really, its nothing."

I switched tactics. "How was your cousin?"

"Andy? She was…good, I guess. She's seeing some Muggleborn—like that would go over well—and has to sneak out to see him. So we didn't talk much."

"You were gone for nearly forty minutes?" Remus pitched in the effort to get him to spill.

"I talked with her for about twenty, then walked up to the Owlery to send a letter." Sirius explained. But I still felt something was missing.

"And?" I prodded, annoyed he was holding out on us.

He didn't meet my eyes. "I, um, helped some people find their way back to the Den."

"Who?"

"Li—it doesn't matter," he amended hastily.

My eyes narrowed. "Li? Like…Lizzie?"

The look of relief on his face told me very clearly it was not Lizzie. "Yeah. Lizzie. Anyway, I'm really tired—" he yawned, but it didn't look real— "and I ought to go to bed. Night." He pulled his hangings around his bed and was silent. I shared another look with the other people in our dorm. He was definitely hiding something.

••••••••••

October

Thursday, October 4th

12:30 AM

Lily

It's midnight, and I can't go to sleep. We have classes tomorrow, but I've been lying awake in my bed for hours.

I glanced over at Aliya's bed (next to mine). Her hangings were open, and she was sprawled across the bed, snoring slightly. Lizzie's hangings were shut, but I was fairly sure she was asleep, and I knew Alice was asleep, since I'd come back from dinner to find her fast asleep already.

Yawning, I rolled out of bed and padded downstairs. Maybe the fire was still going, and I could fall asleep on the squishy couch next to it. It was certainly better then my suddenly rock hard bed upstairs. However, to my surprise, there was already someone down there.

I turned to go back upstairs, but stepped on the creaky steps really hard. The figure turned. "Lily?" he said in surprise.

"Who is that?" I asked. The fire was going strong, but my eyes were still adjusting from the pitch black darkness upstairs.

"P-peter Pettigrew," he said shyly.

"Mind if I join you?" I asked, suddenly mindful of what I was wearing. Not to mention my hair was a frizzball. He blushed, I think. Peter nodded, and scooted over to one end of the couch. I tried to smile reassuringly at him, but it turned into a yawn in the middle…I probably looked like I was baring my teeth at him. No wonder his face was pale in the firelight when I joined him on the wonderfully comfy, saggy couch. "Couldn't sleep?"

He shook his head dejectedly. "I had to do my Transfiguration homework," he explained.

"I didn't understand that at all," I told him truthfully, hoping to make him more comfortable. He brightened.

"Oh, thank Merlin!" he said in relief. "I won't be the only one!"

So late at night, when most people (like me) would be cranky and shy, Peter was more outgoing then I'd ever seen him. I gave him a shy smile. We sat in cozy silence for quite a while, my eyes closing every few seconds. Coming down here was definitely the right thing to do, I decided. It was warmer then upstairs, the plump couch was much softer and relaxing then my bed, and there were no other noises from Aliya, Lizzie, or Alice. Just Peter's deep breaths. When I was almost asleep, he suddenly, quietly, shyly, faintly said, "Why do you hate us?"

To tell you the truth, I thought I was dreaming. "I don't h-h-hate you boys," I said, a yawn interrupting in the middle of 'hate.' "I just don't—" big yawn, "—like Potter."

"Oh."

"See you tomorrow," I murmured, before my eyes slipped shut.

*****

Friday, October 5th, 7:23 AM

James

"Holy Merlin!" I said, sitting straight up in bed. "We have classes today!"

"We had classes yesterday, stupid." Sirius was, strangely, already awake. He was sitting on the edge of his bed, tying his trainer laces.

"I didn't do my homework!"

Sirius sniggered. "Way to go. Just fake it at breakfast."

"I could copy Remus'…oi! Remus!" I called, reluctantly leaving my bed and walking over to Remus' neat side of the room. His hangings were closed shut around his bed, and when I wrenched them aside I met a strange sight…nothing. At all. His bed was very neatly made, with a note on it: Dear James, Sirius and Peter, I am afraid my grandmother has taken for the worst. I have been excused from classes for a couple of days, while I attend the operation. Peter, please turn in my assignments. I completed all for this week in the library the past couple days. James, please do not copy them. If you do, mark it on some parchment. We are still keeping score, after all. –Remus Lupin.

Sirius voiced what I was thinking: "Didn't his grandmum have an operation last month?"

"I dunno…I thought so. Or…it was his mum, I think?" I shrugged at Sirius. I looked over for Peter's idea, but he wasn't in his bed. What was with everyone disappearing lately? "Do you think Pete's already at breakfast?"

Sirius shrugged, not looking overly concerned. "Dunno. I reckon so. Let's go join him, if we must."

I grab Remus' assignments on the way out, scratching a PS on Remus' note.

"My, my, my," Sirius said loudly as we walked into the Common Room. His eyes were drawn to two figures sprawled on a couch…Peter and—Evans? "Look what we have here. Naughty, naughty Pete."

Peter sprang off the couch like a frightened cat. "James! Merlin! Hi!"

I tried to calm down the excitable boy. "What happened?"

"Nothing! I s-swear! Lily was helping me with Transfiguration," Peter said rapidly. "And we just fell asleep."

It sounded real enough. Evans was always doing some good deed or another. "Should we wake her up or just leave her?" I asked, my mind filling with wondrous ways to wake up a snotty pre-teen girl.

Sirius's thoughts were in tune with mine. "Can we pour water on her? Please?"

I laughed evilly, ignoring Peter's protests. "Oooh, yes!"

*****

Lily

I cannot believe the nerve of James Bloody Potter! And Sirius, too! They had the nerve to pour water on me to wake me up! Why couldn't they just leave me alone for one golden minute?!

I was going to get back at them, oh yes. They could just wait!

***

Transfiguration, fourth period

When Aliya tugged me to the back of the room, where Pothead and his stupid friends usually sat, I should've known something was up. She had my notebook in front of us. I was in the middle, Aliya and Lizzie were next to me, and Alice was…where was Alice? "Hey, Lizzie," I whispered. "Where's Alice?"

"Hospital," was the awful answer. When Lizzie saw my horrified expression, she made shushing motions and nodded towards my notebook. Aliya was currently doodling on it, so I decided to ask her.

WHAT HAPPENED??? –L

First, where were you this morning? –A

In the common room. Long story. NOW TELL ME! –L

Calm down, Lily. It's nothing that bad. She just said she didn't feel too good and wanted to make sure she wasn't sick. Just 5 minutes ago. –A

But can't magic fix it? –L

I don't know, probably. –L…wait a minute. What am I?

Z? –L

That's stupid. –L

I'm L! –L

Fine. You be LL. –L

That makes no sense, Liz. –A

Does too. Lil' Lily. LL. –L

Who's stupid now? –L

Hey, hey, hey. You don't have any ideas! And no, I'm not being LD.

I actually like that. -L

Me too. –A

No. You be LL.

Alice can be AW. I'm not being AP. –A

Alice should be Al. –LD

That's settled. Now hush. McG's looking at us. –LL

"Miss Evans!" McGonagall zeroed in on me.

"Yes, Professor?" I said meekly.

"Who is the Italian wizard I wanted you to remember?" She inquires crisply.

"Um..." I search my brain wildly. "That was the lesson we turned stuff into snails, wasn't it?"

"Yes."

"Wasn't it something like gigantic…Giogantic? Er…Gio something…I don't know, Professor," I admitted, my face burning.

"Class, listen up. It is Nuncio Giordano. Remember that. Today, we are continuing our snail lesson, as none of you seemed to understand even the basic concept. Do not feel disheartened…it is a very difficult spell. Repeat after me: turno in lumaca. Again. Turno in lumaca…"

We dutifully recite the spell…well, almost all of us. Lizzie, Potter, and a few Hufflepuffs aren't paying attention. Lizzie is scratching on my notebook, Potter's staring off into space, and the Hufflepuffs are being Hufflepuffs and talking. I tried to see what Liz was writing, but she caught be looking, mouthed 'another time' and tore the sheet out of the book.

*****

Monday, October 8

Now that was a relaxing weekend. We'd spent a while in the Hospital Wing in support of Alice, playing Exploding Snap and just talking. Remus, poor thing, had caught it too (Madam P claims McGonagall is causing it, haha). They were both still out, so we were once again only three when we were forced to go back to classes. This time, McGonagall announced cheerily, we would be pairing up into groups, since "You all seem to having so much trouble with the spell, two minds must be just a bit better with one." I was going to pair with Aliya or Lizzie, but those two traitors paired without me! Fine. I looked around for Remus, but realized, belatedly, he was sick.

Darn it! Who could I pair with…I didn't know any of the Hufflepuffs, except What's Her Name, Juliet Something de Something. So I moved towards her and gave her a shy smile. "Can I?" I asked, motioning between us. She blushed, her shiny blond hair shaking as she nodded.

"I'm Juliet," she began. "But all my friends call me Julie."

Nicknames seemed to be all the rage at Hogwarts, I mused. "I'm Lily, and my friends call me something different every day."

She laughed, a tinkling laugh that I was instantly jealous of. "What would you like me to call you?"

I shrugged, throwing a dirty glance to Aliya and Lizzie, who were watching me amusedly. "You can call me Lily, Lils, Lil…"

"Don't forget Lil' Red," called Lizzie, gigging as I shot her a Glare.

"Ignore them," I told Juliet. Er, Julie. "They're immature."

She giggled. "Ok…Lil' Red."

"Not you too!" I groaned, making the three—Liz, Aliya and Julie—laugh together. What was her name? It was something Schmancy de Fancy…French, I was sure.

"Quiet down!" McGonagall snapped. "Now, you will be working with your partners for however long it takes the entire—yes, entire class, Mr. Pettigrew—to learn the spell. Today, we will be doing something easier. As you have failed to grasp the proper way to turn something inanimate into something living, we are turning something not alive into another inanimate object. Remind me at the end of class to make a note: inanimate to animate objects are too difficult for second years."

We muttered assent, and I shared an eyeroll with Julie. Way to make us feel better.

"Now. I need a volunteer—how about you, Mr. Black?"

"But I didn't volunteer!" protested Sirius, the surprise on his face comical.

"Yes you did. Now hush. I want you to take this box with the same buttons we've used before, and pass them out." She ordered. Sirius sullenly took the box, before brightening. He began Levitating buttons out of the box, zooming them around the room, whacking people on the head and scraping desks. "That is quite enough, Mr. Black! Now, pass them out calmly, before I deduct five points."

Sirius, properly told off, meekly handed the first row buttons. We were sitting in the back, and when he reached me he smirked and skipped me completely.

"Hey!" I snapped. "Sirius!"

"Yes, m'lady?" he said, his face a picture of innocence.

"Give us a button." I ordered.

"Yes, m'lady," he bowed, and gave us…a broken half of a button.

"Sirius Black, I am very serious!"

"So am I! What a coincidence!" He joked, before passing around the rest of the buttons. Juliet and I were left buttonless.

"Professor!" I finally said, raising my hand.

"Yes, Miss Evans?"

I was going to tell on him, but decided not to. "Our button is broken."

"Give them another, Mr. Black."

"We're all out," he sighed melodramatically.

"Are you working by yourself?" McGonagall asked suspiciously.

"No, with dear ol' Remy," he grinned. "But he's sick."

"Join Miss Evans' group!"

"No!" "What?" "Professor!" Sirius, Julie and I said at the same time.

McGonagall was oddly unsympathetic. "Live with it!"

"But Professor!"

"Miss Evans…"

"Are you serious?" I muttered to Julie as the Devil came over.

"No, m'lady, I am," Sirius teased, a huge smile on his face.

This was not a good beginning.

*******

8:00 PM

After dinner, I ditched homework in favor of finding Severus, who I hadn't seen in ages. I found him in the library, and I motioned for him to follow me. We found an empty, abandoned classroom, and he sat down in where the teacher would normally sit. I sat on the desk. We chatted about whatever for a while, until the subject of Summers (definitely capitalized) came up.

"Do you think they'd let me stay at Hogwarts over the summer?" Sev said presently.

"Your parents giving you trouble?" I said sympathetically. Severus hadn't exactly shared much about his life, but I knew he hated his home.

He snorted. "You can say that again."

"C'mon, Sev," I urged. "Just tell me what's going on. We can fix it."

He laughed bitterly. "You can't." I saw a dark shadow pass over his face. We stayed silent for a while, before he sighed. "I don't know, Lily. It's just that…I told you Mum's a witch."

It wasn't a question, but I answered anyway, reaching out to take his cold, pale hand. "She must be so proud of you, Sev. Top in all your classes, aren't you?"

He shrugged shyly. "In Slytherin…not that there's much competition. Bloody pack of fools. But, when my father found out I was a wizard…" he trailed off, and winced. He unconsciously rubbed his left arm with his hand. I reached out with my other hand, grabbing his cold hand and pulling it away. Underneath the sleeve, there was an ugly scar.

"Oh my gosh!" I sat up, squeezing both of Severus' hands. "What happened?"

He pulled one hand away, but I hung on to the other. "Grabbed my arm."

"Severus Snape, you know that wouldn't have left a scar. Tell me," I ordered.

He looked down, a curtain of black hair hiding his pale face. "He threw my mum's wand at me. She shouted something, and it went off…hit me instead."

"Oh, Sev," I said quietly, wanting to grab his other hand again but unsure how he'd respond. Something about his story didn't add up, but I didn't read too far into it. He'd tell me when he was ready.

"It's okay. He broke her wand. It won't happen again." Severus said this so matter-of-factly it tore at my heart. There was nothing I could say to make it better.

I tried, though. "Sev," I said forcefully. He looked up. "You will always be welcome at my house."

The corner of his lips quirked up. "Thanks, Lily."

Boldly, I reached out and took his other arm. "Tell me about Slytherin."

"There's nothing really to tell," he insisted.

"Tell me about the nothing, then."

He shrugged in the completely Severus way: his left shoulder in a jerky up and down moment. "The common room is below the lake, and completely silver and green. Its dark, but I like it. The entire place is mostly quiet. In my dorm, there is Avery, Mulciber and Crabbe."

"Are those their first names?" I rather liked Crabbe. Not the person, but the name. It was a cool name, unlike Evans.

"Nobody calls anyone by their first names. It isn't proper." He said, before dropping silent. I squeezed his hands, and he began speaking again. "That is what Slytherin is about. Being proper. On the outside, we have impeccable manners. Our table is quiet and orderly. We do our homework and try not to disrupt class. But on the inside…it's a complex game, and Lily, I don't know the rules yet." He looked up at me with his big, dark eyes, and my heart broke a little. Severus had just said more about what he was feeling then I'd ever heard.

"I can help you," I offered, and he smirked a little.

"It wouldn't help," he said airily, shedding the layer of sadness about him.

"And why not?"

"Because you're rubbish at games."

"I'm better then you!" I returned, grinning madly.

"Are you sure about that, Miss Evans?" he said snottily.

"Positive."

He sighed. "I never could beat you. Now, tell me about Gryffindor."

"Oh, it's wonderful! Our common room is all red and gold, and always warm. There's always something going on, and its very loud. Everyone knows everyone else's business, and everyone gossips all the time. In my dorm there's Aliya, Liz and Alice…remember them? They're real nice, but sometimes get on my nerves. Gryffindor is kind of about being as obnoxious as possible…" I said, smiling as he scowled sweetly. (Well, he wasn't trying to be sweet at all, but Severus couldn't help it sometimes).

"That sounds awful, Lily!"

"I like it."

"Mental, I tell you."

*******

Thursday, October 11

Breakfast (8:32 AM)

James

"Is it just me, or is this week dragging on and on?" I asked Sirius, before shoving some toast in my mouth.

He looked up from his eggs, shrugged, and washed them down with nearly his entire glass of pumpkin juice. "Dunno," he said, spreading butter on his toast. "It always seems like that. Say, you know what we haven't done in a while?"

Peter, from next to me, looked up. It was pretty annoying when he tailed us to every class, and always hung out with us, but I guess he didn't have any other friends. "What?"

"Prank, of course!" Sirius said gleefully. "Andy gave me nearly all her pranking stuff…she's hiding it from Cissa, who wants to prank her idiot fiancé."

"Cissa?" Remus questioned. He still looked a bit peaky, but was back in class and ready to go.

"Narcissa Black. She's a cousin. Really snobby most of the time, but Andy and I sometimes get her to loosen up. Of course, Bella doesn't help that at all, the suck-up." Sirius said casually, folding his toast in half and eating it all.

"Are Narcissa, um, Andy, and, uh, Bella all related?" Remus said, stumbling over the nicknames. See, we definitely need to give him a nickname.

"Yeah. Bella left a couple of years ago, but there's Cissa—right there, the blond next to a brunette?" Since there were at least seven people fitting that description, I complained to Sirius that I didn't see any 'Cissa.' He rolled his eyes. "Right there…tell you what. OI! CISSA!" He bellowed across the hall, waving frantically at a girl, who gave him a death glare back. She was stunningly pretty, even to my untrained eye: long, silky blond hair, light, clear eyes, a really nice, um, figure…but another blond was sitting next to her, and put his arm possessively around her when he caught sight of us. I nearly missed the shudder she gave.

A small, paper snake slithered across the floor, hissing at everyone who tried to touch it. It reached Sirius, who groaned and gingerly picked it up, unfolding it like it held news of a plague. In neat, curly, girly script I could barely read, it said: Please try to contain your unusual tendencies, dear cousin, or I might be so inclined to pass the news of your odd, embarrassing behavior to my dear aunt and uncle. I'm sure they would be so delighted to teach you the proper way to behave. I am simply looking out for your best interests, cousin. ~NBM

"Do you see that?" he asked, disgusted. "She's even taking his last name. Not that she wants to. The Malfoys…" He muttered to himself, before a steely glint entered his eyes. "I have an idea…"

*

"Brilliant! Tomrrow, then?"

"Definitely."

*****

First Period: Potions

Potions. I have a new term resolution: stay away from the creepy Slughorn. Seriously. He scares me! I needed to get good grades, without catching his attention. So, I paired up with Aliya. Goodness knows she can't make even hot chocolate without blowing something up.

"Thanks for this, Lily," she said gratefully as we sat in the back.

"You owe me." I joked.

"One box of chocolates?" She offered slyly, and my eyes lit up. She was becoming quite the Slytherin!

"Done."

I forced her to listen for once to Slughorn's dramatic beginning. Blah blah blah…brewing a simple…blah blah blah…antidote, using vials we brewed last lesson…nobody cares…"Let's get started!"

Yes! I looked at the recipe I'd copied down while he was talking, and quicky divided it up. I collected astherwing flies (close relative to lacewing flies), asphodel, butteringer eggs, bowtruckle "bark" (what, exactly, is a bowtruckle?) and beetle juice.

"Ok. So we need to crush the flies into a powder…that's disgusting, you can do it…and mix it with the beetle juice until the paste turns orange. Then, we stir the paste into the mixture and stir the potion counter clockwise until the potion turns lavender." I began, as Aliya took great pleasure in crushing dead flies. I caught Sev's eye across the room and grinned, before he mouthed something I didn't catch. "What?" I said out loud, but shook my head when Aliya looked at me with a questioning look.

He started mouthing again, before rolling his eyes. He scribbled something on a piece of paper and, with a glance at Slughorn, folded it into a paper airplane and shot it across the room. It read, "Step 4: Stir clockwise 7 times, then counter clockwise 4 times. Do this twice. –SS."

I shook my head and him and he insistently made over-exaggerated stirring motions with his hand, then looked at his wrist where a clock would be pointedly. How do you know? I mouthed at him. He shrugged, gave me a purely Slytherin smirk, and mouthed back very clearly, I'm a genius. Seems like even he can be a prat sometimes.

*****

"Aliya," I whined.

"Lily," she whined back in the same tone. "I feel icky."

"I failed my goal!" I complained to her. We only had ten more minutes…ten blessed minutes…before Potions was over. I should have been able to escape Slughorn for ten minutes, right? But nooo. Thanks to Severus' oh-so-genius tricks, I caught Slug's attention when the wonderful potion exploded all over Aliya and I. Just great.

"Girls, girls, girls, it's perfectly all right. I forgive you," Sluggy said graciously. I resisted sticking my tongue out at him by thismuch. "Now, I have a little club in the older years I call the Slug Club…my little joke. I've been thinking of starting one for all you promising students in the younger years…I'm calling it the Junior Slug Club." So creative. "I would be delighted if you, Miss Evans, would grace us with your presence."

Wait a minute. I was a promising student? Mum would be so proud! I knew that ol' Slughorn liked me, but I assumed he just liked my skills. He thinks I show promise?

Slughorn cleared his throat, and I realized I'd been sitting there, blushing and grinning like a fool, for a couple minutes. "Sure!" I blurted out. "I'd love to!"

Aliya sniggered behind her hand, elbowing me hard. Slughorn, however, beamed. "Wonderful. I'm having a little get together on Saturday night. Six thirty. There will be food. Now, clean up this mess and—" he dropped his voice to a whisper and looked around fervently, "—I am willing to, shall we say, forget about this incident as you have agreed to come. Full marks!" He swept away. The moment he was out of hearing, Aliya burst into giggles.

Gasping, "What—what about your goal?"

I suddenly blushed, realizing I'd promised to stay away from him. I grabbed Aliya's sleeve urgently. "You cannot—I repeat, cannot, tell Lizzie. Or Alice. Promise me!"

"Why?" Aliya asked curiously.

"I don't know…they'd make fun of me," I said, looking at her with pleading eyes.

She looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Lils…if Liz finds out…"

"Promise!"

She considers it, then nods slowly. "Fine."

I took a deep breath and smiled at her. Hiding it from my friends should be easy.

"So, where are you going?" Lizzie asked inquistenly as I wore my nicest skirt and twirled in front of the mirror. I spun around, glaring at a sheepish Aliya. She wasn't supposed to let anyone in here!

"Studying," I said nonchalantly.

"With who, dressed like that?" Alice piped up. She had a glint in her I that I knew I didn't like.

"Um…Remus," I offered, hoping that Remus was indeed studying.

"Um, Lily? Remus is downstairs playing cards with Sirius. He's not studying." Lizzie pointed out. Darn it! of all the days he could slack off studying, he had to pick today… "Why are you studying anyway? It's a Friday night. I know you want to stay ahead and all, but you have the entire weekend…"

I looked to Aliya for help. She mouthed snake at me and pretended to stir a cauldron. Snake? Oh, Snape! "Alright," I blurted out. "I'm going to see Severus."

"Ooh la la!" Lizzie squealed. Aliya stuffed her face with my pillow, thank you very much, to contain her laughter. I blushed a light red and smiled awkwardly. "Like a date?"

"NO!" I cried. "It's, uh…his half birthday today?"

Aliya held up a finger, gasped a little, and staggered into the bathroom, where her laughter bounced off the tiled walls. Traitor. Alice started to giggle too, and my face flamed even deeper. I felt like you could fry an egg on it! "Wait," Aliya, the little backstabber, said as she walked composedly out of the bathroom. I wasn't fooled; her entire face sparkled with mischief. "Why are you celebrating his half birthday without a present?"

"You didn't get him a present for his half birthday?" Alice gasped. I got the strangest feeling I was being mocked…nah. They weren't making fun of me…right?

"I have the perfect thing!" Lizzie said excitedly, digging through her messy trunk. "My cousin Isabel gave me this as a joke last Christmas. You should so totally give it to Snape!" With a sound of triumph, she held up a small, silver, gleaming badge. She tossed it to me, and I (with my totally awesome catching skills) missed it completely and let it clatter to the floor. "Nice catch, Lily."

My face had finally become normal again, but that blunder made it light up like Rudolph's nose. I bent and picked up the badge, dropping it like it was made of hot coals when I read the flowery inscription: World's Best Boyfriend. "LIZZIE!" I yelled.

"Oh, did I give you the wrong thing?" she said innocently. "I'm sorry. My other cousin, Isabella, gave me something else…" she searched her trunk as I tried to take very deep breaths, picking up a brush and running it through my hair. You look fine, I convinced myself. My hair wasn't frizzy and I looked halfway decent in my white shirt (ok, I hate that shirt) and gold skirt. Aliya saw me primping and tossed me a reddish sweater, which I pulled on over the shirt. There.

By this time, Lizzie had unearthed a small potion stirring spoon. It had dragons carved on it, and glittered in silver. My mouth dropped open; in a completely boyish way, it was beautiful. "Wow, Lizzie," I said impressed…but jealous all the same. Why did she always have to have the perfect thing? "I didn't expect it from you. I might forgive you for that badge of yours."

She smiled, not picking up on the sarcasm in my voice. But Alice did, and she pierced. "Actually," she confided, "Bell gave it to me to give to Slughorn. But now that I've seen what he's like when he likes someone, I think I'll pass."

This made Aliya give an awful snort that sounded like it could've come from Potter. She gave Lizzie a sly smile and said, "I'm going to meet Julie, that Hufflepuff that Lily's partnered up with. She's also a Muggleborn, and knows my parents. She wants to get to know me." This was a complete and utter lie…I thought so, anyway. I knew Julie was a Muggleborn, so there was a small chance that she knew Aliya's parents, but I wondered why she chose to lie to Lizzie. Scratch that. Why was I lying to Lizzie?

Because you know she would make fun of you. Because she would be jealous. Because she would want to know why you are going. Because she pretends to not like Slughorn, but secretly does. Because she would mother you and stifle you the entire time. Because whenever you go somewhere with her, she has to talk about all the guys. Because you know Slughorn likes her nearly as much as he likes you. Because Slughorn didn't invite her. Because Slughorn invited YOU!

"C'mon, Lils. I'll walk you down. See you later, Lizzie. Alice."

"They're deserting us!" Lizzie cried melodramatically. I rolled my eyes. Couldn't she take anything seriously?

My irritation made my answer sharper then I'd meant it to be: "Get over it."

She looked a little hurt, but I took Aliya firmly by the arm and pulled her out of my dorm.

*******

Roughly the same time…

James

"You going to that Slughorn thing tonight?" I remarked casually, watching Sirius out of the corner of my eye. I'd come to a solid conclusion: he was dating that Hufflepuff girl he worked with in Transfiguration. He a lot happier then he usually was, but seemed mysterious too. He looked forward to Transfiguration, and spends the entire period talking and laughing with what's-her-face and Evans.

He looked up eagerly. "There's a 'thing' tonight?"

"Yeah, a mini party for his 'select students.' You going?"

"Slughorn hates me, but…I think I might," he said thoughtfully. "For his favorites, you say?"

"Yes. Not me, in any case. Remy here got an invite, but he declined, saying he had a make up session with McG. Smart, that," I elbowed Remus, whose faint blush spread over his pale cheeks.

"I dislike Slughorn," he defended himself. Seems to me like Remy is always defending himself.

"Well…" Sirius looked shifty. His eyes darted back and forth, and the faintest blush—lighter then Remus', even—covered his face. "I might check it out…usually good food, isn't it?"

Ha! I was right! "Say, Sirius," I began in a completely innocent tone. "Who's that girl you work with in Transfiguration?"

"Julie? Or Li-Evans?"

Julie. That was it. "Lucky! Evans is pretty good at that. Is Julie smart?"

Sirius shrugged. "Pretty smart, I guess."

That answered that question. "Think she'll be there?"

He raised one shoulder, thought about it, and nodded…He looks happy! He's definitely hiding something, I thought, watching his movements carefully. He caught me looking at him and that faint blush that was still present deepened slightly. "What?"

"Nothing."

*****

Lily

Oh. My. God. I'm. Freaking. Out. So, you remember how I wanted to go to the party? Ignore everything I said.

"Lily," Aliya reprimanded under her breath. We were outside in the corridor, debating whether or not to actually go into the party. Soft music was playing, and I heard chattering and laughter for inside. "Stop fidgeting!"

"I look awful!" I hissed, adjusting my skirt. The sweater clashed terribly, I was sure. Oh, God, why was I wearing a skirt again? I loved jeans. Jeans were my friend. Even robes were better then skirts! My legs were all blotchy and pale…and stick-ly! And my feet!

"You look fine." Aliya said crossly. Easy for her to say; she looked fabulous, as usual. She was wearing a denim skirt and a red shirt, with a soft white sweater that went perfectly. Her hair was held back by a white headband, and the black, thick, glossy curls tumbled down her back. I was jealous as hell.

"My hair's frizzing again!"

"Lily Something-Or-The-Other Evans, you get in here right now—oh, hi, Julie!" Aliya switched tracks from threatening to completely social like it was nothing for her. I looked up from my contemplation of my god-awful shoes and smiled brightly (read: fakely) at my Transfiguration partner.

"Hi, Aliya! Hi, Lily! I didn't see you!" Julie said, red-cheeked and out of breath. "Am I late? Oh, Lily, you look amazing. I love the sweater."

I nearly missed it, but I caught Aliya's muttered "ha"

"So, you wanna go in?"

"Not really," I admitted. She giggled and nodded in agreement. Aliya rolled her eyes at our scaredy-ness, but she didn't go in either.

"What was that I hear?" A cheerful voice says from behind me. Despite myself, I smiled slightly. "Lily Evans, admitting weakness?"

"Oh, shut up Sirus." I turned to face him, eyebrows going up when I saw Sirius; he looked, well, neat. And…really, kinda nice. Not that I noticed, or anything like that.

"Anytime, milady." Sirius bowed mockingly, a smile starting at the corner of his mouth in that way it does. During the days we were together, I'd noticed that his smiles always start on the left side of his mouth, and his eyes twinkle before they begin. Well, as much as eyes could twinkle, anyway.

Aliya stifled a laugh. "Come on, Lily. We need to go in." She bravely opened the door and disappeared in. Julie, sending me a nervous smile, followed. I worked up the courage to go inside, when a slightly sweaty hand grasped my slightly sweaty arm.

It was Sirius. He looked amused at our fear. "Sit next to me?" He said casually. "No one I know will be there."

"Sure," I heard myself agreeing. The other side of his mouth lifts and I'm treated to a smile.

"Race you," he said, and while I gape at him unattractively, he wrenches the door in and runs inside.

Did he just…I shake my head slowly. He was something else.

****

James

Damn. It's so boring without Sirius! What am I supposed to do? We were going to prank Cissa tomorrow, but I dunno if Sirius is going to be up to it. He looked awful pale when her note came.

****

Lily

I laughed for what seemed like the millionth time. Slughorn's parties weren't all that bad. After we entered, he cooed over us (as in, Julie and I. Sirius and Aliya were ignored) for nearly ten minutes, before he allowed us to escape.

"Welcome, welcome, welcome!" Slughorn boomed, his arms held out like he was flying.

The rest of were completely silent.

"Come on now, none of that. We are privileged tonight. Tonight, m'dears, every one of you are in the company of (paused) talented youths."

So that's what we are? Talented youths? Honestly.

"To begin with, let's introduce ourselves! Your name, something about you, and the house you're in, please." He said jovially. I groaned. Go ahead, put me on the spot…great. Scanning the room, I noted that there was 10 girls and 9 guys…this was going to take forever.

Some nerdy kid with these huge glasses blushed and raised his arm.
Well," he said, snorting a little as he breathed in and adjusting his glasses, "I'm Hernance Horasby. I'm in Ravenclaw. I, um, like…apples."

Apples? Really?

"Ah, yes, son of the famous Hernando Horasby who invented the self-inking pen! Pleasure."

To the left of Hernance Horasby, a blond girl sat up primly, her back straight as a ruler. "My name is Annie Lovegood from Ravenclaw house. I believe in my father's personal motto: anything and everything has a basis in fact. Everything, every object, every animal is real until proven otherwise." She smiled around at us and twirled a pigtail around one finger.

"What is up with this girl?" Sirius whispered to me. "She's begging for a good pranking." I snickered in agreement.

Slughorn looked taken aback. "Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you, Annie! Xavier Lovegood founded the Quibbler, did he not?"

Annie nodded fervently. "Oh, yes. Daddy says it lets out his inner creativity."

Slughorn's head bobbled for an entire minute, before he turned hopefully to…Sam Oren.

"Sam Oren," he says huskily, shaking his hair. "I'm in Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart. I love Quidditch.

Bored out of my mind, I conceded defeat to Aliya. "Fine," I told her, annoyed. "I'll admit it. Sam's…good-looking."

"Ha!" She grinned. "Success!"

Oh, shut up.

About six girls swooned as Slughorn said something about Orens and broomsticks, and Aliya and I whispered through the rest of the introduction.

On Aliya's turn, she said something along the lines of, "I'm Aliya…Patil…my mum's, um, one of the most famous Muggles there is!" (Complete and utter lies). Next, Julie stammered through her introduction, and Sirius—of course—was been utterly disdainful and smooth.

Me? Well, I'd prefer not to ever talk about my intro…let's just leave it at it involved a lot of blushing, stammering and dropping my fork into my water goblet.

Slughorn had called for dinner to start, and a billion little wrinkly…creatures with lisps and squeaky voices had popped in and served us food. Now that's service.

"So then I was like, 'at least I didn't embarrase myself in front of my girlfriend,' and he goes, 'at least I have a girlfriend,' and I go, 'oh, so you're not gay?'" Sirius finished telling his story with a comical imitation of the guy's face, and we all burst out laughing.

"What if he was?" Aliya said consideringly. I rolled my eyes at her, turning back to Sirius' story telling.

"Too bad for him since I'm not available!" cracked Sirius, causing me to giggle.

"You have a girlfriend?" Julie, who I was convinced had a crush on Sirius, jumped in nervously.

Sirius blushed harder then I did when introducing myself ("Hi…my name is Lily…um, Evans…I'm in, uh Giffindor—I mean, Gryffindor!") "No I don't!"

"Ooh, hit a nerve?" I teased gently. He glared at me.

"Sound like James, why don't you," he grumbled under his breath.

I was very pleased to note that Potter's name didn't have much of an effect on me. I giggled and made a face, crinkling up my nose and pushing my eyebrows together. "Me, like Potter? As if!"

Sirius sniggered a little, and took a great swig of some drink. Slughorn had enchanted our goblets to give us whatever drink we wanted…Aliya and I, a little homesick, had ordered Coca-Cola. I took a sip, and the familiar sweet soda bubbled in my mouth. "What is that?" Sirius peeked in my goblet and stuck his tongue out. "It's brown!"

"It's delicious!"

"Give it here…" Sirius made as if to grab Aliya's goblet, then snatched mine instead. The Coke slopped against the sides, but he didn't notice. "Dear God, if I die today, please let it know that this foreign Muggle brown drink killed me. Just kill Bella too while you're at it. Amen." Over our slightly shocked laugh, Sirius closed his eyes and dramatically took a tiny sip. His eyes flew open, and a smile spread over his face. "What is this? Merlin." He took a bigger gulp, and his eyes practically popped. "It bubbled!"

Aliya looked faintly amused. "Really, now."

"What is this called?" Sirius breathed reverently, before practically pouring the entire thing into his mouth. Predictably, the liquid shot up his nose and he gagged, coughing and sneezing in the way only Coke can make you do.

I just about died of laughter. Reaching out to take my goblet back, Sirius snapped at my fingers and guarded my drink jealously. "Dog, much?" I giggled. "Give me back my Coke!"

"Mine! My precious…mine," he hissed.

"Oh my gosh! I loved that movie!" Aliya said excitedly.

Sirius cocked his head. "What's a mooovie?"

While Aliya painstakingly explained to him, with much interruptions ("Why are they pretending to be someone else?"), I stole back my Coca-Cola.

It was mine.

******

James

What was a bloke to do around here? Remus, who I was convinced was sick, had gone up to bed, and Peter was struggling with his Potions essay for Monday. The common room was in full swing, but I didn't see anybody I knew. This wouldn't do; I'd vowed to Madelyn that I would become well-known by my third year…but nobody aside from second years knew my name.

When it doubt, prank them out! Liam's voice rang in my head. Liam was my favorite cousin ever.

What kind of prank could I do? It had to be noticeable, and super cool…something to get attention, and cause talk. Something that everyone would like…my eyes were caught by the fire snapping and sparking. Fireworks!

I had the best set ever upstairs; Liam had, with a sly grin, shoved them into my hands a couple weeks ago, explaining they had been confiscated and he wanted them to be "put to good use."

"Be right back," I said, the words tumbling over themselves as I jumped up, upsetting the chair I was sitting on, and raced upstairs. I took the stairs two at a time, and skidded into my room in record time. "Fireworks…fireworks…" Rummaging through my stuff, I burrowed to the bottom of all my stuff, where a small harmless-looking box lay.

Gibster's Fireworks: For Every Occasion! If this wasn't the perfect occasion, I didn't know what was.

******

Lily

"Only 15 more minutes," I yawned, looking at my watch. It was 8:30 now, and the 'party' was finally, finally winding down.

Sirius grinned. "Guess what's tomorrow?"

"What?" I said nervously. I didn't like the look in his eyes—perfectly guarded, but at the same time mischievous—or the way his face seemed completely blank.

"Flying…" oh, no, he's not serious… "Lessons!" He finished happily. I turned white. Flying lessons? As in, in the air? I wanted to be a good flyer, but…I wasn't athletic. At all. In primary school, I was always picked last for P.E…in dodgeball, football (aka soccer), kickball, and all the other games that included athletic skill! Sure, I hoped I would be good at flying, but by now I knew better.

Plus, how do you even fit on a broom? I shuddered as I remembered tryouts; Quidditch was a violent game. There was no way, no way, I could do this. I shuddered as I pictured all the awful scenarios…me, falling off my broom in front of a laughing Potter…me, not managing to get on my broom, let alone up in the air…me, the only one who couldn't fly…me, cracking my head open…me, breaking an arm…me—

"Lily? Are you alright? You look sort of pale." Aliya's concerned voice broke into my dangerous thoughts.

"M'kay," I mumbled, before laying my head down on the table. "Flying lessons…kill me now…"

Sirius sniggered. Julie looked sympathetic. Aliya didn't know whether to agree with Sirius or Julie, and compromised by taking an extra-large gulp of Coke, then choking on it. Fat lot of good that did.

"It's okay," she said encouragingly after, eyes watering, she'd recovered. "We'll fail together."

I looked at Sirius, who seemed determined not to say anything. His eyes shifted around, before he cracked. "Fine. I won't make fun of you…" he said unwillingly.

"Good…" I started to say something, but was cut off by Slughorn. He rose to his feet, tapped a spoon against his goblet, cleared his throat, and launched into a well-rehearsed speech.

"Now that we have gathered here today to meet and intermingle with each other, it is truly my greatest regret to inform everyone here that this magnificent evening has, tragically, come to an much-dreaded end. I hope and know that every single talented youth here had a magnificent time, but I must caution you; on Monday, I shall try not to hand out to any of you preferential treatment. I treat every one of my students the same in class…" he went on and on, and I tuned him out. "…with that, I bid you all good night!"

We all filed out with individual "good night Professor"'s and "thank you"'s. Then, Julie left for the Hufflepuff Common Room, and Aliya, Sirius and I hurriedly made our way up to the Den. We didn't talk much; there was nothing to say. When we reached the Fat Lady ("Tangerine" was the password), Sirius gave the smallest of smiles. "Ready?"

My stomach clenched nervously. Liz was probably asleep…so I didn't have to worry about entering at the exact same time with Sirius and Aliya. "Ready." The Fat Lady swung open…

…and we were treated to the spectacular sounds of popping, cracking, and whoosing. And cheering. Sirius pushed past me and his jaw literally dropped open.

*****

James

Success! The thrill I hadn't felt in months, the excitement that had been hiding, the attention that had been turned on other people, the happiness that I always felt returned ten fold. This felt amazing. I had let out the big fireworks outside of the Tower, so they were visible from the windows. I'd saved some tiny ones, and then cut the lights in the common room. It was easy, really…I'd put Liam's old wand to the small power box in the corner labeled "Lights" and they'd gone out. Then, among all the shouting, I'd let out the small fireworks…and hell had exploded. People were laughing and cheering, and I'd then dimmed the lights so you could still see them cartwheel around the room, but see each other too.

Of course, some titchy first year had yelled, "Who did this?"

I'd climbed up on a table, holding a red and gold sparkler, and announced, "That would be me."

Madelyn had thought it was hilarious. She'd grabbed the sparkler out of my hand and started a chant ("Ja-ames! Ja-ames! Ja-ames!") that had been taken up by other people, until I'd felt so happy I could burst.

They knew my name. They knew who I am. They were cheering me on. I bowed, and people started clapping and whistling.

Then, the portrait door opened again, and Sirius finally, finally came through. He was flushed, but when he took in the spectacle I caused, his mouth dropped open. "What the…" he muttered, before turning around and saying something I couldn't make out. Lily Evans pushed past him, took a look around her, and her look turned into flat-out worry. Despite myself, I was interested.

Jumping down from the table where I stood, I made my way over to them. The fireworks were still going strong, and it was as loud as ever. Someone, probably a seventh year, had interpreted the fireworks to mean Party Time! and brought down a boom box, blasting music.

"James!" Sirius said, clapping me on the back. "Your doing?"

"Of course!"

"I love it!" Sirius' dropped jaw turned into a full fledged smile. Taking a running jump and nearly running into a firework, he got onto a table. "Activus!" he yelled, and the fireworks began whizzing around the room harder, flashing colors. I joined him, pleased to see him cause more cheering.

"I think this was a success…" I trailed off, noticing Lily Evans hide behind some random 7th year instead of meeting Lizzie. I frowned. What was up with that?

*******

Lily

Shoot. Liz almost saw me! Wait…why was I worried? Just say you gave Sev the present, he liked it, and on the way back to the Den you ran into Aliya and walked back together. Simple!

"Lily!" There she was!

"I gave Sev the present," I reeled off, "He liked it. On the way back to the Den I ran into Aliya and we walked back together." Did I just say that? Why is she looking at me weirdly?

Oh, she was! She gave me a 'okaaaaay' look. "Yeah, Aliya just said. Crazy fireworks, huh? James set them off about half and hour ago."

"Why?"

She shrugged, not looking all that interesting. "I don't (yawn) know. He's him."

"So true."

****

Wednesday

James

Wednesday. I hated Wednesdays. It was bloody hard to spell and it was the worst day of the week. I mean, take a look at this schedule: First Period: Transfiguration with Professor M. McGongall. Second and Third Period: History of Magic with Professor L. Binns. Fourth and Fifth Period: Potions with Professor H. Slughorn. Sixth and Seventh Period: Flying Class with Professor R. Hooch.

Wait…Flying Class? Seriously? Yes!

"Mate! Take a look at this!" I shoved my schedule under Sirus' nose. He blinked and read it over. "Transfiguration…double HOM—damn—double Potions—double damn—double…Flying Lessons? Whoot!"

"Give me one!" We slapped hands.

"And, since we're second years, we can use our own brooms!" plotted Sirius, eyes flashing excitedly. "Oh! James! We have got to push you-know-who off his broom."

"Ooh, yes," I agreed. "And Evans." Sirius looked keen on that idea…too keen. "Hey, mate? What's going on between you and Evans?"

"Nothing." Sirius said abruptly, not meeting my eyes. Strange. "Did you just say ooh?"

"Shut up." I ignored his attempt to change the subject. "You fighting?" I asked hopefully. Wouldn't that just make my day? The stupid little girl was ignoring me. Me! Nobody, nobody, ignores James Potter.

Sirius blushed. "Um…sure. Er, yes we are."

I smirked. "Ha! Brilliant."

And it was. Lily Stupid-Head Evans thought she could live with ignoring me! Last night, she didn't say a word to me! Well, she was wrong. She called me a toe-rag. A toerag? As if? If anything, she's the toe-rag. I'm innocent in all of this…she was just a mean and vindictive girl.

*****

Lily

"FLYING LESSONS?" I screeched. "I thought Sirius was kidding!"

Aliya giggled, but Lizzie looked confused. "When were you talking to Sirius?"

"Um, yesterday in Trans," I made up quickly. Aliya raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. Alice giggled, though.

"How is that, by the way?" She asked. "Working with Sirius Black."

"Not that bad, actually." I said truthfully. McGongall had deemed the groups a success—we'd all learned the spell—and we were now working on a spell to turn a goblet into a mouse. It was failing miserably, but she had high hopes for us. I wasn't sure how smart that was, but… "You're ignoring the problem here! I don't want to fly!"

"Why not?" Lizzie said reasonably. I stuck my tongue out at her…can we say mum one more time?

"Because we're on brooms. In the air. Without seatbelts." I said in a 'duh' voice. I wanted to learn how to fly so I could fly, but I didn't want to physically learn how to fly. Couldn't we just read a book?

All Lizzie had to say to my comment was, "What are seatbelts?"

"Belts that keep you from dying!"

"Oh." She pondered this. "Sounds painful."

"No, dying sounds painful! Seatbelts are the best invention," I said fervently. It was so annoying, sometimes, to be around people who had no clue about basic things. If Aliya wasn't here, I would've died. How did these people survive without telephones and seatbelts and T.V? The Wizarding World was wicked, but so backwards. No pens, honestly! I turned to Aliya, hoping she would back me up, but she only shrugged.

"I'm staying out of this…can you pass the toast?" She nonchalantly asked Aliya.

"Fine. But when I fail you can't laugh, right?" I asked worriedly. Gods, that would be so embarrassing! I could just picture it: me, broom, fall, dirt, laughter. I cringed at the thought.

"Yeah, yeah," she muttered. Alice nodded agreement but Lizzie didn't.

When I glared at her, she shrugged. "What? I'll laugh no matter what!"

Thanks, Liz.

********

A/N #2: Hey, peoples! I hope I got Lily's mindset properly. And James, well, he's starting to become that arrogant hottie we all know and love. Not much happened this time, but the flying and afterwards went on forever so I cut it from this chapter. I'm gonna edit it and cut out all the unnecessary parts. But, you guys, PLEASE READ THIS:

I NEED A BETA. Seriously. I hate editing, so I always put it off in favor of writing another chapter. I'm on like, Chapter 6 but they're all ugly and unedited. I didn't do much to this chapter, but I'd LOVE a beta who could really add something to this story and give me a quick turnaround on it. I've been reading the previous chapters and I realize how many mistakes I've made—after this book, which I'm almost done writing (not editing, ew) I think I'm going to take a break and edit them all. Unless, of course, someone is willing to do that for me…*winks* No pressure, or anything! :)

Till next time!! Please review, I'll love you forever!