A/N: I'm so sorry. Really. I honestly thought I'd posted this already *rolls eyes* but I guess I'm more scatterbrained than I thought. So I thought I should tell you how spread out my updates are going to be in the summer, so if I disappear for like a month you won't be worried.

I get out of school next week (yes!) then I have a week before I'm going to the Duke TIP program (aack!). I'll be gone for three weeks, starting June 13. So I won't write much then. After that, I'll have a couple weeks where I promise to update, before I'm flying to Europe for about a month. Again, not much writing. The rest of summer I'll be free, so you should expect updates then. Next year I'll write more—I went somewhere with this year I didn't like, so I completely rewrote it. I planned out year 3 and am excited! Teen girls? Hormones? Hogsmede trips? Whoa!

Oh, yeah. This book should have maybe ten chapters, total? Not sure yet.

Cheers!

Chapter Five: Surprise!

October 19

James

I was free, streaming through the air, all eyes on me, cheering, clapping, hooting, yelling, I was the best, everyone was looking up to me, I scored again and again and again and—

"James Potter! You get down here right now!" The harsh voice of Madam Hooch startled me. I looked down, spotting her dark brown hair whipping in the air.

"Hello, Madam Hooch!" I yelled back, doing a loop-de-loop in the air before going into a steep dive.

She shook her head, grabbing the handle of my broom as I dismounted. "Just because you're on the team doesn't mean—my word, what kind of broom is this? I've never seen one like this!" She pulled away my broom and ran her hands down the shaft, smoothing her calloused hands over the sleek bristles. "James Potter," she read aloud the golden writing where the brand usually sat on the broom. "You have a broom named after you?"

"Dad calls it a Silver Shooting Arrow," I told her proudly. "He took my old Shooting Star, stripped it down, sent it to the Silver Arrow folks and they did something and voila!"

"Merlin," she muttered as the rest of the Slytherin and Gryffindor second years trooped down from the castle. "Oh, my. How fast?"

"Naught to 40 in 2 seconds," I informed her. Her eyes widened.

"Why, that's faster then both the newest Silver Arrow…naught to 35 in 3 seconds, that is. Does it have brakes?"

"Yeah, and Dad put a Cushioning Charm on it."

Madam Hooch shook her head in amazement. "What I would pay to be one of you kids these days…Now!" She clapped her hands together and faced the group. "Fan out and claim a broom. If you have your own, you can use that one—no, Miss Evans, don't pick it up yet. Let it come to you."

I sniggered as Evans flushed red and gingerly placed the broom down. She had good taste, I noticed—she picked a Silver Arrow 707. One of the best brooms out there.

I stood proudly by my new broom as Pete looked nervously at his flaking broom. "You-you sure about this, J-James?"

"Positive…but, Pete, you got a bad broom. Wait here." I picked up his broom and went over to Snothead. "Hey, Snivelly, you got the wrong broom."

He looked up, his nasty, greasy, lank hair swinging over his face. "No I didn't, Potter," he said nasally.

"Yes you did. Slimy Slytherins don't get brooms like that," I sneered at him, switching his broom with Peter's. "If you were nice, maybe you'd get a nice broom."

His eyes narrowed, even as the other Slytherins smirked. Hmm. Looked like the snake was an outcast even among fellow snakes. Serves him right.

"You done chatting?" barked Madam Hooch. "Potter, get back to your spot. Snape, stop causing trouble. Let's go, now!"

Lily

Tell me this…what did Severus ever do to Potter? I gave him an encouraging look and but he didn't smile, only turned away. Well. Seems like he didn't want any encouragement. Fine!

I looked down at my broom, my stomach clenching nervously. I had to get on that…and fly? Seriously? Like, in the air? Oh, Merlin, I couldn't do this!

"Everyone, put your wand hand over your broom," ordered the bird-like teacher…what was her name? Professor Hooch? I did as she said, looking at my smooth broom in anticipation. "Now say 'UP!' loudly and clearly. Go on, now, we don't have much time."

The air filled with 'UP!'s but I didn't say anything. Potter's fancy broom flew into his hand immediately. Alice couldn't get her broom to move, and Aliya and Lizzie somehow managed to get it to fly up without any trouble. Lizzie, hair in ponytails, nudged me. "Go on," she whispered.

"Up," I said halfheartedly. To my surprise, the broom twitched! It did something!

"Miss Evans, you need to mean it!"

"UP," I said a little louder. The broom flew into my hand, and I was so surprised I dropped it. But I did it! "UP!" This time I caught it. Take that, Potter.

"Everyone have a grasp on their broom? Good. Now, hold your broom like so—tips up, bristles down—and swing your close leg over. Good. No, not like that, Miss Nott. Like this."

The stocky Slytherin scowled but followed instructions. I shifted from foot to foot. This was bloody uncomfortable…how did guys do it? How did you fly like this? Gosh.

Aliya groaned beneath her breath. "No way I'm flying," she said.

"I agree. This is so uncomfortable!"

"Hush up, girls. Now, two at a time, I want you to plant your feet firmly on the ground and push off smoothly. Then stay still and hover." I counted the people…Aliya and I were together, and the third pair. Remus and Peter pushed off—a little wobbly, but successfully—then Sirius and Potter (Potter pushed off then turned a somersault, the show off)…then us.

"Ready, set, go!" Aliya whispered, and she pushed off smoothly. I was a little late, but shot up into the air…and immediately felt faint.

It was cold and I was wobbling and I was going to fall I knew I was how did anyone do this this was so scary I can't do it oh my god we're so high and I'm going to bump into Remus how do I do this help me help me help me—

"Breathe, Lily," a voice said gruffly. I breathed in, out. "Come on, stupid, deep breathes. You're having a panic attack."

I didn't look to see who was helping me, but closed my eyes and breathed. In…out…in…out…in…out… I felt a lot better. Whoo. "Thanks," I said unstably. I opened my eyes…and nearly fell backwards off my broom. It was Potter!

He smiled a little, his eyes crinkling up. His glasses were lopsided, and I suddenly noticed his brown eyes had little specks of green in them, just like mine. "It's nothing," he said, embarrassed.

"No, really, thanks," I repeated. "You saved me. I was sure to fall off."

His gaze dropped to my legs. "You're clamping too tightly. Here, look—let your legs swing. It's easier to stay balanced that way." I followed his instructions and found he was right. "Ok, now loosen your grip a little…don't squeeze so tightly."

I tried that too-and my sweaty hands slipped off and I nearly fell—but Potter, James Potter, grabbed me and kept me upright. "I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm still alive. Thanks, Potter."

""s fine, Lily."

I smiled at him, and he grinned back. Then, Aliya jabbed me hard in the stomach and I nearly fell again. "What?" I said, turning a little.

"Point your broom towards me," she muttered. I did so. "Lean forward."

I did that too, and surged forward. "What, Aliya?"

"You're chatting with Potter."

I opened my mouth to deny it, then I realized that was exactly what I was doing. God! I couldn't talk to him! I zoomed more away and bit my lip. What was I doing?

James

I watched as Lily flew unsteadily away. Why was she leaving? She glanced back at me, biting her lip, and when I caught her gaze she looked away. She was fine just a minute ago!

I watched as her friend, Lizzie, fly behind her and wrench her band thing out of her hair, causing it all to fall down. It glinted in the sun…I felt something unfamiliar stir in my stomach as she yelled and tried to fly up to a laughing Lizzie. I mean, I couldn't deny she was pretty, but she was Evans! I couldn't be nice to her! Sirius hated her, and I was loyal to Sirius. Plus she totally dissed me. She called you an arrogant toe-rag.

I pointed my broom in her direction and zoomed barely beneath her, causing her to wobble. "Potter!" she yelled, but I flashed a mocking smirk at her. She was…enchanting me with her girl powers!

Eyes narrowing, I nodded at Sirius. He flew a loop-de-loop around her, but she…laughed? "Sirius," she giggled. "Stop that."

My mouth dropped open. Sirius? I felt another stirring in my stomach, but this one didn't feel good. Why was she calling him Sirius? And laughing? She's not worth it, a mocking voice said in my head. Great. I was hearing voices again. Brilliant. She's just a girl.

True. Girls were gross…and manipulate-y. Plus, who needs them? Boys are superior…better flyers, smarter, more powerful. All girls are good for is cooking and cleaning your house.

While Mum would crucify me for that last comment, it made me chuckle. I snuck a glance at Li—Evans, who was listening intently as Madam Hooch explained how to turn your broom. Look at her, just sucking up to the teacher.

"Hey, James," Sirius whispered. "I have the greatest idea for a prank."

"Hit me," I answered, inching closer.

"Ok, so you know how girls ob-sess about their hair?" Sirius said, obviously thinking of his cousin (her blond hair was burning our eyes…she was studying or something by the lake, nearly below us). I thought of how Madelyn spent ages combing her hair in the summer and nodded. "So I was looking through this book I sneakily got from my – the Alley this summer, and found this wicked potion."

"Does it involve baldness?" He giggled. I did not. "Did you just giggle?"

He looked disgruntled. "Did not. Anyways, it turns their hair green!"

"Not original."

"Fine then! You think of something."

I pondered it while Madam Hooch had us fly some extremely simple exercises: from this end of the pitch to that, a relay that involved passing off a Quaffle, turning. It was rather fun, actually. When I waited in line next to Sirius, we continued our conversation. "So," I said, "I was thinking, and we should prank the girls, but instead of their hair we should do their faces."

Sirius' eyes lit up at that. "Ooh, so like…colors? OH! We should make them look like each other!"

I was about to say no when I considered it. Actually, that would be pretty funny. I pictured the loud Lizzie trying to act like the shy Alice, Aliya attempting to act like that Hufflepuff girl Sirius likes. Or, better yet, them acting like themselves in other bodies. A grin spread across my face and I high-fived Sirius. "Do you know how?"

"Nah," he said, not looking concerned. "But we can figure it out."

Lily

"How was flying?" said a voice at the lunch table. I looked down, seeing a red-haired boy grinning at me.

"Awful." I was going to ask him—politely—who he was, when Aliya rudely beat me to it.

"Not to be rude, but who are you?"

The boy laughed. "I'm Carl, and on the Quidditch team. Actually, I was wondering—are we related?"

"Doubt it," I said shyly. "I'm, uh…"

"A Muggleborn?" He inserted. I smiled at him gratefully.

"Yeah." I looked away, but he told me his family doesn't care about those things.

"So, I was wondering, if you aren't family, where'd you get that red hair from? The only families I know with that bright hair are the Weasley's and the Prewetts. I'm a Prewett, by the way."

I considered it. "Um…I actually don't know." I giggled at the thought, and he cracked a smile. "My mum has brown hair…so does my dad and sister…My grandparents were brunettes too, now that I think of it. You know, before they turned grey. And my other grandparents were…I have no idea…I think Gram was blond and Gramps was…in the middle?"

He looked amused. "Interesting. But you must have gotten those eyes and that hair from someone."

I blushed. "My eyes? They're nothing special…I must have gotten them from grandparents."

He considered this. "I still think you could be an honorary Prewett."

Aliya snorted. Lizzie and Alice were off somewhere else—I didn't question it—and lunch was dwindling down. "Lily Prewett. Has a nice ring to it."

"Is Lily your name, then?" Carl, who was surely a fifth year at least, asked kindly. I wondered why he cared at all.

"Yeah."

"Well, I'm interested in Herbology. Did you know there is a type of lily, called a fire lily, that is nearly the exact same shade as your hair?"

I fingered a lock of hair. "Not as frizzy, I hope."

He rolled his eyes. "Your hair isn't frizzy. Anyway, is there any chance your parents could have known about this plant?"

"Does it grow in the Muggle world?"

"It's rather rare, and takes on a slightly different shade when Muggles look at it, but yes."

I scrunched up my mouth as I thought about it. "Well, our family has a history of flower names. Maybe."

He nodded thoughtfully as well. "Hmm. Anyway, I have Potions next. Goodbye, Lily Prewett." He gave a small smile and got up, loping away.

I watched him go, lost in thought about my name, until Aliya elbowed me sharply in the ribs. "Ow! What the hell?"

Aliya was smirking, I just knew it. I looked at her…I was right! She was way to predictable. She could be related to Severus, what with all the smirking she does. I wasn't even sure how you 'smirked.' It was such an odd word…smirk. Smirked. Smiiiiirrrrkk.

"Uh, Lily?" Aliya interrupted my internal smirking. "You were smirking there for a minute." I smirked? Ha! Smirked. I loved that word. S-m-i-r-k-e-d. Hehe. Smirk. "Ok, Lily, enough with the smirking."

It seemed like even thinking of smirking caused you to smirk. I smirked some more. I wish I was a Slytherin…I would have the perfect excuse to sit back in class and smirk. Feel the strange syllables roll around on my tongue.

"Lily!"

"Smirk!" I said back, before blushing. "Er, I mean, what?"

Aliya looked like she was trying not to laugh. "Um, nothing. So, what was up with you and the orangutan?"

I giggled at that. With his long, hairy legs and arms, he did look like an orangutan. "I don't know. I've never seen him before."

Aliya shrugged. "Sure, Lily. Anyway, come on. We have Transfiguration next."

"Again?" We'd just had it that morning! Were we supposed to have finished that essay she assigned? I hadn't started! I hadn't even thought about what I was going to write about! I didn't know anything about why animate objects were harder to transfigure than inanimate—I was knew to this stuff! I turned to Aliya with wide eyes, but she didn't notice.

"Yeah, I know, right? Flitwick's sick so McGongall kindly said she'd take his place…and teach us her subject."

"That's rather suspicious, don't you think?" I stood, swinging my bag over one shoulder. I took a swig of pumpkin juice—gagged—and washed it down with some nice, normal orange juice. Gods. Pumpkin juice was flat out nasty. What was I going to do with the essay? I could always claim I didn't have enough time to do it. Honestly. I had one free period the entire day.

We exited the Great Hall. "She just wants to cram our heads with that Italian guy. You know, I think she fancies him."

I laughed. "No, no, no, she likes Slughorn."

Aliya stopped in her tracks. "Sluggy?" Her brown eyes were wide and I swear she was blushing.

I pulled her along. "You sound jealous. I didn't know your relationship had evolved so much."

Aliya pretended to throw up. "Eeww! Anyway, everyone knows he fancies you."

"But I'm not the one with the nicknames, am i?" I said smartly, skipping away as she tried to smack me. "Hey, violence is not the answer. Anyway, I'm right aren't I? You're Miss Palil, and he's Sluggy."

Aliya shook her head. "That's only because the fool can't pronounce my name right."

"Who can't pronounce your name right?" I started; Lizzie had appeared out of nowhere.

"Aliya's lover," I answered nonchalantly, ducking into a nearby passage to avoid the crowds.

Lizzie squealed, pulling Aliya along with us. "Ooh! Spill! Who is it?"

Aliya stomped on my foot ("Ow!") and glared obstinately at me. "Nobody, isn't that right, Lils?"

I didn't take the hint. "It's Slughorn," I told an appalled Lizzie. When Aliya stomped on my foot again, face flaming, I continued: "She's sensitive about the subject," I confided. "She has competition with her Sluggy!"

Lizzie, being Lizzie, didn't falter. "Aw, that's so sad! Who is it?"

"McGongall. Aliya's practically devastated—"

"Practically being the key word there—"

"—about it." I finished triumphantly. Poor Aliya was looking anywhere but us, and her face was rather red. Goodness knows she didn't fancy Slughorn, but I liked seeing her squirm.

We'd reached the classroom by then, and McGongall was ushering in students. "Hello there, Misses Donnels, Patil, Evans. Why, Miss Patil, you are looking rather red. Whatever is the matter?"

Aliya looked at us, daring us to speak. "Nothing."

I let it go, but Lizzie didn't. She rarely did. "Aliya's lovestruck," she piped up. Aliya looked at Lizzie with betrayal and stomped away.

Lizzie winked at McGongall and followed her in. I gave a hopeless shrug at the teacher, who was struggling not to laugh.

Still Lily

"Oi! Lily!" Sirius hissed from, you guessed it, right besides me.

I primly ignored him. After that stunt in Flying Class, I had resolved not to speak to him for another…oh, ten minutes. Then he would doubtless do something wrong and I would have to correct him.

"C'mon, Lily, I need to tell you something!"

McGongall pierced Sirius with a glare, and he quieted down. But then I felt a piece of paper dig into my arm, which was lying on the desk. I stifled a sigh. He never would shut up, would he?

It only said: C'mon, Lily. –S

I rolled my eyes and dipped my quill in some ink, glancing around to make sure McGongall wasn't watching me…which she wasn't. What? –LL

Why 2 Ls? –S

Just tell me what you want to tell me, Sirius. –LL

Aw, are you made at me? :( -S

Nice smiley face. –L

I try. C'mon, anser the question. –S

Nice spelling. – LL

Hey, we all can't be perfect. Now just ansWER the question. –S

You first. –LL

No. –S

Ugh, fine. NO, I'm not mad, just kinda upset. –LL

Aw. I'm sorry. –S

Good. –LL

Now, I wanted to tell you that James is planning to prank all the girls in second and third year Gryffindor. –S

I narrowed my eyes. He was? Could someone be that insensitive to mention that bloody prat at every opportunity? Really? Why are you telling me this? –LL

Because you should prank him back. He's going to switch your bodies, so you'll wake up as someone else. –S

THE JERK! –LL

Jerk? –S

Muggle thing. Now, how would I prank him back? –LL

You could either pretend like it didn't work…he's planning to switch you with Lizzie. You could act like Lizzie for the entire day. –S

Or? –LL

Or, you think of something. –S

Um, no. I have better things to do. –LL

We had to stop our conversation after that, since it was time to start working on the spell, but I daydreamed about ruining his pranks.

James

What were they talking about, anyway? Miss Hufflepuff wasn't there, so what could they be writing about that had Evans so interested? Could she—I gagged—fancy Sirius?

Remus whispered, "Why do you look sick?"

I smiled wryly. Clearly, Evans couldn't fancy Sirius if the thought made me look unwell. I shook my head, ignoring the look of his dark head bent so closely next to her red one. Hmm. It seemed like black went with her bright hair…

Not that your black hair has anything to do with it, a nasty voice said somewhere inside. It sounded like a mix between Sirius, Cassius and Remus. Not a good combination.

I turned away, just in time to receive my animal that I was to turn into a goblet: a mouse. This shouldn't be hard, I thought confidently. I was one of the first to get that snail spell, so this should be a piece of cake. Now, only if I could remember the incantation…

Remus, reading my thoughts for the millionth time, pointed his wand at his crow and said clearly something that sounded like "Fair-uh-VAIR-toh!"

His crow turned silver, but nothing else happened. I tried it: "Fair-uh-vare-tuh!" I said confidently…my mouse squeaked and its legs fused into one. Damn it!

"Sirius!" I heard a laughing voice scold. I turned slightly in my seat: It was Evans. Sirius was looking hopelessly at his furry goblet with a long tail. How did he do better than me? I thought angrily. I was the best. I always got it first, and Sirius second! "You're saying it wrong."

Sirius gave a little bow. "Please enlighten me, m'lady."

Evans giggled again. The sound was so annoying! I ground my teeth together and looked away. I couldn't concentrate with her making stupid noises. "Repeat after me: fair."

"Fair."

"Uh."

"Um…"

"Uh, Sirius." She waggled her finger teasingly. I clenched my wand beneath my desk, but it shot off reddish sparks. McGonagall looked curiously at me, and I pointedly turned my head away, looking at the other side of the room.

"Ok, ok. Merlin. Fair-uh."

"VAIR."

"Vare."

"No, it's not vare, it's VAIR. It rhymes."

Sirius sighed long-sufferingly, but I didn't turn. "Fair-uh-VAIR-uh."

"No, no, no." She said bossily, and I winced, still avoiding the sight of her. How did Sirius stand it? I would rip her hair out within the first minute. She was so annoying; always harping on about something nobody cared about! Someone should just shut her up…I recalled something my favorite cousin, Liam, said: Silence is Golden but Silencing Charms are Silver. I fingered my wand, debating it…nah. I didn't even know Silencing Charms yet—I mean, I knew the incantation, Merlin knows it had been used on me enough times, but I didn't know how to perform it. Dang gone it, or whatever that Muggle expression is.

"You said it rhymed!" Sirius whined. I smirked, turning around, as Lily smacked him. He was riling her up…good man.

"Yes, well, the end doesn't. It's Fair-uh-VAIR-toh."

"Fair-ugh—just kidding, Fair-uh-VAIR-toe."

"Not toe like your toe, but toh. Put the 'h' on it." She ordered.

"Yes, m'lady…Fair-uh-VAIR-toh!" Sirius said triumphantly. I shook my head as I watched Evans run a hand through her straight, shining hair and smile brilliantly—forget I said that. I meant, I watched her attempt to untangle the awful frizzy mass she calls hair and attempt to twist her ugly face into some semblance of a smile. Damn, seems like from even across the classroom she manages to…to…mess me up!

"Go Sirius!" She cheered—her voice cracked awfully in the middle (What do you mean, Remus, girl voices don't crack? Shut up.)

"James," Remus said quietly. When I didn't respond, he jabbed me in the ribs. Hard. "James…you're staring at Lily."

For the oddest reason, I felt my cheeks warm. I didn't blush…it just wasn't done. "What are you talking about?" I said hastily. "I was looking at Sirius, since he knows what he is doing." Remus raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. "What?" I said harshly. I glared at the back of Evans' head. Why did she always get me in trouble?

Lily

"That was an interesting Trans," Remus said quietly as he brushed past me on the way out of McGonagall's class. I turned and looked at him in confusion, but he was already threading his way through the throngs of Hogwarts students. What? What was that supposed to mean?

"What did Remus say?" Lizzie asked curiously. I shrugged and let a soft 'nothing' slide from my lips. She looked perturbed, but I didn't notice at the time. We walked in silence. I was caught up in my thoughts; why was Transfiguration interesting? He didn't mean the lesson, surely.

Aliya appeared at my elbow suddenly, causing me to jump. She held up one finger, then panted, "Hey, uh, my stomach's kind of hurting a bit. Can you tell Slughorn that I went to get some med from Madam Pomfrey? Got a note from—" pant, pant, "McGongall. Kay? Thanks." She deposited her books in my arms and sped off. Lizzie and I exchanged looks…which was when I realized someone was missing.

"Where's Alice?"

Lizzie looked confused. "I dunno."

"Tell me!"

"I honestly don't know!" She snapped back, cheeks flaming.

I narrowed my eyes. Was she hiding something from me?

Saturday, 7:25 AM

October 22

James

Why on earth did I have the strangest idea that today was important? I bolted awake at seven bloody AM with the weirdest sense of urgency. Let's see…today…nope, I couldn't think of anything.

I heard rustling to my left and frowned thoughtfully from the darkness of my hangers. "Sirius?" called a soft voice. "Peter? James?"

I didn't respond as Remus waited for a few seconds before he probably put his wand to the lights. They turned on abruptly, and I saw a dim outline through my red hangings. What on earth was Remus doing? I listened carefully as he muttered "What do I need? Madam Pomfrey said she'd let me stay in the Wing if I got hurt…hmmm…" Remus had always been big on talking to himself…he talked in his sleep, too.

Where was Remus going where he could get hurt? I knew I should've spoken up but I'd learned that you learned more when keeping quiet.

I lay back down, listening intently. I stretched my legs out and accidently knocked my Charms homework to the ground…damn it! I knew doing my homework early was a bad idea.

Remus was silent, before muttering, "Probably Sirius. Too bad I won't be there for his birthday."

Wait.

Sirius' birthday is today?

Oh shit!

8:15 AM

Lily

I scanned the Gryffindor table. I was alone, still in my PJs and unbrushed hair. There was practically nobody there, however; on weekends, breakfast started at eight and ended at ten, lunch was from two to four and dinner was from seven to nine. But nobody really showed up to meals on time, except for maybe dinner.

Remus was sitting alone, and the orangutan—what was him name? Kenny?—was sitting with the redheaded girl we'd seen at tryouts. A few firsties were scattered here and there, and there was practically nobody from years four to seven.

"Remus!" I called quietly. He looked up and waved me over.

"Why are you up so early?" I questioned as I sat. He shrugged, not meeting my eyes.

"I like waking up early," he said quietly. I nodded and we sat in silence, each eating our buttered toast and scrambled eggs. Then, he looked at me. "Tell Sirius I'm sorry, okay?"

I narrowed my eyes. "For what? And why can't you tell him?"

"I have to go for a few days," he said.

"Why?"

"Family matter."

My eyes now widened. "Oh, sorry." I didn't want to seem insensitive.

"'S fine."

"Why are you apologizing?"

"To Sirius?" Remus crunched the last of his toast and stood, swinging an overnight bag over one shoulder. "Why, today's his birthday, isn't it? See you around, Lily." Remus walked away, but I didn't notice.

Today was Sirius' birthday?

What was I supposed to do? Did I wish him a good one? No, then he'll ask you how you know and I don't want to be a stalker. But do I get him a present? But I have no money and no way to make him a present. Wait a minute… "That's it!" I could make him a card, I'm fairly decent at art…but the rest of the dorm aren't getting him something, so should I? What if he thinks I…I fancy him or something? Which I don't. I mean, he's kind of funny and I like being partners with him in Trans, but we never hang out and I don't know anything about him. Calm down, Lily. Just make him a nice card and tell him happy birthday. Perfectly normal. Friends do it all the time.

…breathe in…breathe out…breathe in…breathe out…calm…calm…calm…

James

Riddle me this: why was Lily Evans sitting, alone, at the Gryffindor table, staring blankly at scrambled eggs? Had she finally gone around the bend?

I snickered at the thought. I was pleased to note that I was finally over her little girl thing…all I felt when I stared at her was mild irritation and an urge to prank. Speaking of which, my brilliant body-switching prank was yet to be launched. There was no potion that would do that, and I wasn't sure how to get the girls to drink it. I would have to resort to a spray…that would work…

"That's it!" Evans said randomly, switching her gaze to her sausages. I approached her, as there was nobody else to sit with. I didn't want to look like a wuss, sitting alone.

"Uh, Evans? Talking to sausages now?" I said as a greeting.

She jumped a foot in the air and fixed me with a crackling glare when she saw who interrupted her. "Merlin, Potter," she grumbled. "Thank you for that."

Even though it was sarcastic, I treated her to a blast of the 'Potter Smile' as Liam calls it. She didn't look dazed like he promised…didn't even look affected! Dammit! I didn't want her to respond or anything, but a little glazing of the eyes would be appreciated! Liam got a girlfriend when he was in third year, and if I didn't start practicing now how was I supposed to live up to the Potter name? It's because Evans has a big stick up her arse, I consoled myself. "You're welcome," I said. "So, dissing your Muggle background now?"

"Pardon me?"

"You're pardoned. I'm sure Merlin will be pleased," I said nonchalantly, sipping some pumpkin juice.

She mouthed 'Merlin?' confusedly, before her green eyes lit up in understanding. "Oh! What—God, Potter, you're mature."

"Oh I know it." So she was insulting me now?

"Very funny."

"Thanks." I decided to ask Evans about Remus' mysterious disappearance early in the morning. Chances were, as sickeningly cuddly as they were, she would know. "You seen Remus?"

"Yes I have seen Remus," she said snottily. Like I cared about grammar. "He has some family issues at home and left, and told me to tell Sirius that he was sorry he couldn't come for his birthday."

"Yes, speaking of which, what do you say in helping me find a present or something?" I stupidly, randomly asked her.

Her cheeks pinkened and she looked down. "What? Are you crazy, Potter? Why are you asking ME to help YOU?"

I felt a flare of anger. "Gosh, don't be thankful or anything. I THOUGHT that you could help, since I thought you were friends with Sirius, but I guess not!" I threw my fork down and stood, intending to storm away, when her soft voice stopped me.

"Wait," she said. "I'm sorry. I guess I could…help."

I felt the surprise slide over my face. Huh. So Prissy Princess Evans was apologizing? Someone better Floo the Devil and ask if it was snowing in hell.

Lily

I was staring into space as I worried over what to do for Sirius' birthday when a sarcastic voice interrupted me: "Uh, Evans? Talking to sausages now?"

I jumped about a foot in the air, turning to glare at the familiar pest. "Merlin, Potter," I said snidely. "Thanks for that." What was he doing talking to me? I should leave right now. We were not supposed to talk to each other! Every time I looked at him I saw Petunia's face, full of disgust, hurt and shock. Why was I talking to him?

Potter flashed me a smile, which I stared at dispassionately. So he was trying to charm me now? Well, the Great Squid would kiss me before I would allow myself to be charmed by the likes of him, I vowed. "You're welcome," He said smoothly. I barely managed to keep myself from sneering at him: that was Sev's department. "So, dissing your Muggle background now?" He said randomly.

"Pardon me?" I said automatically, wondering how I could leave without being rude.

"You're pardoned. I'm sure Merlin will be pleased," he said, picking up some nasty liquid and sipping it. Eurgh. How does he drink that pumpkiny stuff?

But what did he mean by Merlin? Why would Merlin have anything to do with it—Merlin, Potter, thank you for that. "Oh! What—" I trailed off. That was the third time I could remember using that term! I had to stop! But I couldn't let the Pot knowing I was upset. "God, Potter, you're mature." I said scathingly.

"Oh I know it," he said, barely concealing a smile. So he thought I was funny? Huh? What gave him the right to think anything about me? Screw polite, I needed to leave! But first, I had to say something. I settled on a lame "Very funny" which was the worst comeback ever!

"Thanks," he said arrogantly. I clenched a fork in my hand tightly, picturing stabbing him with it…calm down, Lily. Curb the murderer tendencies. There are witnesses around. He continued: "You seen Remus?"

Would it kill him to use proper grammer? "Yes I have seen Remus. He has some family issues at home and left, and told me to tell Sirius that he was sorry he couldn't come for his birthday."

I expected Potter to leave immediately, but he randomly said, "Yes, speaking of which, what do you say in helping me find a present or something?"

Why was Potter asking ME? Was he insane? I blushed a little, looking down. The present was obviously for Sirius…should I help? It would be nice…but it's Potter…I realized I'd been quiet for a few seconds longer then usual and shot a curt, "What? Are you crazy, Potter? Why are you asking ME to help YOU?" at him.

He scowled, his eyes darkening. "Gosh, don't be thankful or anything." He hissed. "I THOUGHT that you and your dorm could help, since I thought you were friends with Sirius, but I guess not!" He threw a fork on the table—how had he gotten one?—and looked like he was going to strut away before I thought of Sirius' birthday again. Nobody had celebrated a thing last year…it was so sad!

"Wait," I said. Think of Sirius. Think of Sirius. "I'm sorry." I struggled over the words. "We'll be happy to help."

The look of shock on his face was worth it.

Now, I had to tell the dorm…

"Aliya! Aliya, wake up!" I said urgently, shaking her. I suspected that Aliya sorta-kinda-had a (insert stomach flopping here) crush on Siruis. I still thought Liz and them were being too, well, eager to be a teenager, what with her squealing and boy talks. I would be a teenager soon—in the middle of January! Yeah, I was nearly twelve when I entered Hogwarts. Surprisingly, most of Hogwarts' population was older then the requirement…Aliya was turning thirteen in December. And Sirius, I wasn't sure about…he was either turning twelve now or thirteen. I thought that since he was a pureblood his parents probably got him in a little earlier…

Aliya grunted, and I snapped out of my thoughts. "Come on, Aliya!" I said loudly. When she didn't awaken, I snapped on the lights and dug through my trunk…I knew it was there somewhere…aha! I pulled out a canister with a cone on the end. Petunia had given it to me a couple of years ago…I stood at the door and pointed it at the sleeping beds, pressing the button defiantly and giggling as a hugely loud noise came blaring out.

Success.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?" A very angry Elizabeth Donnels screeched.

"I don't know, El," I said casually. "Maybe its because it is nine o'clock and none of you are awake?"

Lizzie glared. "El?" She said, not reacting to the second part of my speech.

"Elizabeth, no?"

"Stalker," she retorted. This made me blush, as I was still thinking of Sirius. "What do you want?"

"My best friend when I was little was named Elizabeth," Aliya said. I gaped at her for a second. Did she not realize what was going on?

"Can you please stick to the point?" I started. "James Potter approached me at breakfast and told me we I—we—had to help him find a present and I don't know, have a party or something for Sirius Black!" OK, so I added on the party. But if I told them (and Sirius) that it was Potter's idea, I wouldn't seem weird.

"Ooh, fun," Liz said while I stared at her.

"Are you serious?"

"I think it sounds fun," Alice said in her quiet voice.

I looked towards Aliya, who was blushing. I was right. "I suppose I'll help," she tried to sound casual but she couldn't fool me.

"Fine. El, you go get James and Co." I ordered.

"El?" Lizzie questioned, again.

"Yes, El!" I snapped. "We already have two 'A' names, we don't need two 'L' names. I like El. Now can you please go?"

Lizzie laughed, thankfully not offended, and replied, "I rather like El too. But why do I have to go?"

"Because Pothe—Potter likes you best," I said, embarrassed at my slip-up. They'd laugh at me if they knew about my nicknames for Potter. They aren't nicknames, I consoled myself. They're, uh…bad nicknames. Irritation laced my voice as I said, "Go, El."

Lizzie held up her hands defensively and backed out of the room. I turned to face two pairs of eyes—one pair dark chocolate, one pair sky blue—looking at me nervously. "What?" I said, butterflies starting in my stomach.

"Nothing."

James

"Hey, Pot—James," a soft female voice said. I'd snuck back up to the dorm and got back into bed, listening to the snores of the other two. I sat up, my breathing getting faster. Was Evans in my room? "Which one is his bed?" the girly voice said, frustrated. Does Evans want to know where I sleep?

"Evans?" I called out softly, feeling foolish. What if it isn't her?

"No, El—izzie."

I wondered what the El meant, but I really didn't care. I pushed aside my hangings, blinking as the sun blinded me. Merlin, when did it get so bright? "What, do you want to know where I sleep, Donnels?"

She looked hurt. "Don't flatter yourself, James. I should be smiting you where you sit for what you did to Lils, though."

"Smiting?" I tried to distract her.

"Don't change the subject," she scolded. "I cannot believe you were so inconsiderate! Ok, prank me, prank Aliya, prank Alice, prank Lily. But I am fairly confident you knew about Lily's relationship with her sister! What made you stick the knife in deeper!"

"I didn't stick it in deeper," I defended myself pathetically.

"You twisted it hard," Lizzie said angrily. "And for what? Lily didn't even know you did it until the summer, so what did you get out of her pain?"

I opened and snapped my mouth shut. "She—she hexed me!"

"After the letter was sent. And you deserved that and you know as well as I do that human to animal—"

"Transfiguration is dangerous, yes I know, Donnels." I responded.

"You're avoiding the question!" Lizzie shook her finger at me, and I suddenly got an image of her as a mum. I bet her kids wouldn't get away with anything. "I expect an answer!"

"Dammit, Donnels!" I let my voice rise by accident before cringing with a glance to Sirius' bed. "I don't know! It wasn't even my idea!"

"Now we're getting somewhere," she muttered to herself. "Whose was it, then?"

"Well Dr. Donnels, it was Sirius's!" I spilled his secret and felt awful. I had broken the number one rule: don't rat on your peers. "I mean—no it wasn't—"

But Lizzie wasn't listening. Her hand flew to her mouth and she shook her head slowly. "Oh, Merlin. Oh, Merlin. Please say you're lying."

"Why? Do you know something I don't?"

She turned and snapped, "It's none of your business! If you want to ever be friends with Lily ever again, you better apologize! Now come downstairs! We have a party to plan!" she bit her thumbnail and ran from the room.

What just happened? Why was she so upset that Sirius planned that prank? I mean, they weren't even friends…but Evans and Sirius are…

I flopped back on my bed as I realized with a sinking heart I'd just twisted the knife in deeper.

10:00 PM

Lily

Liz sure was acting strange. I didn't know what was going on! Potter hadn't shown up after she'd gone to fetch him, and still he wasn't at breakfast. But Liz was driving me crazy, giving me and Aliya scared looks. Had she found out I'd lied to her about the Slug party? But she would've confronted me. Lizzie never holds grudges…she lets it out on the first opportunity.

"What is it, Lizzie?" I finally snapped, tired of her looks and the silent lunch.

She paled, twirling some blond hair around her finger. "N-nothing. Just wondering where Potter was."

"Lizzie, you know I love you, but you can't lie for shit," Aliya took the words right out of my mouth.

"Don't swear, Aliya," she responded. Avoiding the question was her specialty.

"I'll swear if I want to! Why are you looking at LL and me?"

"Enough with the nickname!" I burst out. "I hate nicknames!"

Completely forgetting the matter at hand, Aliya looked at me. "Really?"

"Well, no," I admitted, cheeks flaming. I just wanted to yell. But now they were looking at me like I was insane! "I mean, some of them I dislike."

"Like what?" Lizzie inputted all too eagerly.

"Oh, I don't know!" I said sarcastically. "Maybe the ridiculous ones like Lil' Red and Lil' Lily and Redhead and—and—" Aliya and Lizzie's amused looks distracted me and I saw red. "STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!"

They looked scared and I was going to continue when a low voice said, "I rather think Fury is a good name myself."

I turned and said, with way too little enthusiasm—I couldn't seem like I was happy, could I? That would be weird!—as he yawned, "Sirius! Happy Birthday."

Sirius, ran a hand through his hair. How is it that when Potter does that I want to slap him but on Sirius its…bearable? I don't fancy him, but if I HAD to like someone in Gryffindor it would be either him or Remus. Cheeks flaming, I motioned for him to sit down. "Thanks, Fury."

My anger returned. "Shut up."

"I apologize, m'lady," he said lazily. The stupid nickname, which usually I ignored, made me blush. More.

"You are so annoying."

"Don't I know it. Hey, Aliya, Lizzie, Alice. What was Fury over here—ow, dammit, I'm sorry!—uh, yelling about?"

I smirked smugly as he finished the sentence hurriedly. Aliya, to my surprise, didn't blush. I was sure she liked him…hypocrite, a tiny voice inside of me said. I rolled my eyes, causing them to look at me weirdly. I was a hypocrite, I suppose—I didn't want to like anyone, or have anyone mention boys to me, but I thought about other people's crushes.

Lizzie didn't say a word but Alice spoke up. "Hello, Sirius" was all she said.

"Uh, hi Alice." Sirius said. "Right. Now, will you give me a birthday wish? Please?" he looked at me with puppy eyes and I caved.

"What is it?"

He looked shifty. "Let yourself be pranked by James?"

James

I really, really didn't want to go down there. I needed a second or million to think about what Lizzie had yelled at me. What did she mean, what did I get out of it. It was a prank! I get fun out of pranks! Duh. And why would it matter if Sirius thought of it? Why do those girls always make my life hard? Can't they just leave me alone for one bloody second?

"Mate," said a sleepy voice. Sirius. "Why was there a girl in here?"

I laughed but it sounded fake. "A girl? What girl? What kind of dreams were you having?"

Sirius blushed and rolled over so he was facing me. Our beds were next to each other. "Good dreams."

"About?"

"None of your business," he replied, yawining.

I concealed a smile and pretended to be upset. "I thought we were friends, Sirius," I sighed dramatically. "I guess I was wrong."

Sirius snorted. "I think you should've been a Hufflepuff, mate. What with all the emotion and all."

I threw a pillow at him. "A Hufflepuff? A spineless, do-goody, yellow, fluffy badger?"

"That fits you rather well." Sirius examined his nails. He was such a girl sometimes.

"Excuse me? I'm a Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!" I lifted an imaginary sword and brought it down on his head. He let out a strangled cry and flopped on his bed, making gurgling noises.

"And with his last breaths," he said weakly, "The real Gryffindor leaps up and tackles the fake!" He jumped me, bringing the pair of us off my bed and onto the cool wooden floor.

"But he is delusional," I commented, flipping Sirius over. I was stronger then him and we both knew it—he was pale and rather skinny. I held his arms over his head and began counting, "One…two…"

"Hey! Birthday boys can't be beaten!" He protested. "And I know you didn't get me a present."

"Whose fault is that?"

"Uh, yours?"

I rolled off him and dusted myself off. "You didn't tell anyone today was your birthday! Remus didn't even know! He was pretty down when he had to leave."

"Remus is gone? Again?" Sirius asked suspiciously. "Like gone gone or just gone?"

"Gone gone."

"Hmm." Sirius considered this. "At least we can throw an awesome party tonight."

"About that…"

"What?"

"Well, I was going to surprise you…Evans' dorm said they would help." That was techinically a lie, but oh well. Evans promised to help me find a present, and I could just say that my present was a party. "Pretend to be surprised, will you?"

He blushed. "Li—their dorm said they'd help?"

"Li? You have nicknames for each other?" I said, pretending to gag. Li was such a lame nickname for Aliya. "You're going soft, mate."

He ignored me. "Come on. Let's go eat."

"I'm not hungry," I lied. I didn't want to go say hi to Lizzie and her crew. "Ate already." In truth, I was picturing the stack of chocolate frogs in my trunk.

He glanced my way. "Really? Has the world ended, then?"

"Very amusing."

"Glad to see someone agrees. Later!" Sirius gave me a half wave and bounded off his bed, throwing himself through the doors ("I'm a bird!") and tripping down the stairs ("Ow, goddammit!").

"Way to go!" I called after him.

It was faint, but I caught the "Tosser!" he threw back at me.

James

1:00 PM

A flustered Peter Pettigrew, trainers untied and robes fluttering, burst into the common room where I was planning a party with Sirius. "There you are!" he gasped. "James, M-McGonagall is looking for you. She's furious."

"What?" I said confusedly. "Why?"

Pete pushed thin, blond hair off his sweaty forehead. "I don't know, James. But get this!" He didn't wait for me to answer. "I was listening to Lily and all, and they were talking about a prank you're going to do!"

"What?" I said again, shocked. Why—how—could those girls know anything about my prank, my precious idea? "What did they say?"

"Something about how you were going to mix a powder into the food and they would wake up as someone else!"

Sirius gasped. "James, that's a brilliant idea! Why didn't you tell me?" What was he talking about? I swear I told him. Figuring he was telling the truth (why would he lie?) I continued.

"I didn't think of it!" I didn't know what to do. On one hand, my idea was brilliant and I didn't want to let it go. On the other, I couldn't prank them now that someone had told them! And who would?

"I know who must've told them!" Sirius excitedly told me. He was sweating. Clearly, he was mad. "Snape!"

I saw red. That made sense. The slimy snake hated me. "That git! He's eavesdropping on us!"

Peter chimed in, "Yeah, remember that day when we were walking to Trans and talking about it and someone bumped into us?" He positively shivered with excitement. "I think I had grease on my robes!"

I grinned in approval, even though we hadn't been talking about this particular idea. But I wouldn't put it past Snape to listen in on all of our conversations. But, Peter was turning to the dark side—my side. "We've got to get back at him…and get those nasty girls with the stuff!"

Sirius and Peter cheered. "We need a name," Sirius said insistently. He'd been mentioning that lately.

"It has to be something really cool," Peter said shyly.

"Definitely," I agreed.

Sirius opened his mouth, before he paled and let out a loud curse. "James! We skipped detention last night!"

McGonagall looked sternly at us, her lips thinning. "If she keeps that up, she won't have any mouth left," I whispered to Sirius, who snorted in reply.

"Do you have something to say, Mr. Potter?" McG asked crisply.

"Oh," I said, smiling. I was really trying to think up something, but she didn't need to know that. "I was just asking Sirius how many boxes of chocolate we'd have to give you before you forgive us."

I swear McGonagall smiled, but it was gone before I could be sure. "Not likely, Mr. Potter. You'd be giving until you graduated."

"We honestly didn't mean to, Professor." That was Sirius, looking up beseechingly at McGonagall. "We were," he looked shifty. I watched him carefully, not sure if he was faking or not. "Don't tell anyone, but we were doing our homework."

"Why do I not believe you?"

Sirius was lying, as we hadn't done any homework yesterday. I kept looking, wondering what he was doing. "You can't tell anyone, Professor. It would ruin our reputation. You can blame Fl—Professor Flitwick if you like. He's turning us into responsible, mature people!"

"I don't know how it happened," I chimed in. That was clever of Sirius; the professor was trying desperately not to laugh, I could tell, and if we were doing homework instead of detention, well…they're practically the same thing, no? I use my detentions for homework. "One day we were pranksters, and now? We haven't pranked for months!"

The stern look dissolved into one of amused sterness. "Needless of why you missed, you still skived off a detention. You will be making it up tonight until nine and tomorrow, seven o'clock till nine as well."

I opened my mouth, but was shoved by Sirius. I glared at him. Why was he shoving me? I was the leader here! Not officially, but come on. Who could be the leader of our little group…Remus? Too shy. Peter? As if! Sirius? Well, yeah, but he'd be nothing without me.

"You are to clear the classroom of any animal traces," she informed us. "You are not allowed to use any magic. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. You will report here as soon as you are done eating, and remain until nine. Heed the fact that the longer you take to eat, the less amount of time you have to clean."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. You may go." We turned, eager to leave, when her warm voice—warm voice?—stopped us. "And Mr. Black? Happy Birthday."

Lily

After Sirius had dropped his news, he'd scrambled. The answer was NO. I didn't no what he was going on about, but there was no way I was going to WILLINGLY let myself be pranked!

As I stewed over his nerve, the others discussed presents.

"What do I get him?" Aliya fretted, nose wrinkled. "I mean, I don't want to be pushy or anything. We aren't even friends!"

Genius, I thought. I don't know why, but I felt annoyed that she was just repeating my thoughts, my worries. But I swallowed that irritation. "I know what you mean," I agreed. "I'm giving him Coca-Cola."

Aliya stopped rummaging through her trunk worriedly long enough to flash me a smile. Lizzie and Alice, not nearly as worried as Aliya and I, looked confused. "Coca-Cola?" Alice repeated in her soft voice. "What is that, Lily?"

"A Muggle drink," I said dismissively. "Nevermind."

Lizzie, strangely enough, let it go. But Alice—shy Alice—frowned. "Why do you tell me to not mind?" she asked, fixing her blue eyes on me. "I always explain things to you. Why won't you explain to me?"

What? What does she mean, I always explain things to you. "No you don't," I said scathingly. Aliya stopped searching, looking up at me.

"What?"

"Yes," I continued. I didn't know why I was mad—ok, fine, I did. I was friends with Alice. I said was because this year I'd barely seen her. I didn't know where she disappeared to, and I didn't exactly care, but I wasn't going to let her get away with saying she explained things to me. "Where have you been disappearing to this year?"

Lizzie gasped and dropped her ponytail from her teeth while Aliya started. Those two didn't seem guilty at all, but Alice looked immediately defensive, another thing I hadn't noticed. When had she become defensive? When had she become bold enough to glare at me? When had she decided we were friendly enough—or enough like enemies—to adopt that look that screamed 'fight'? "I haven't been disappearing," she said angrily.

"Want to bet?"

"I wasn't aware I was required to spend all my time with you, Lily. I didn't know only you had that privilege."

"What do you mean?" I grew angrier with every word…why was she still talking to me with so much…fury?

"Well, only you seem to be allowed to spend time with that third year and your little Slytherin friend."

I didn't see where this fight was coming from. I hadn't run into Alice at all these last few weeks, and here she is, apparently resentful of me? Had she been stewing all these days? "I never said—"

Alice's lower lip began to wobble, and the sight of it annoyed me to no end. If she was going to attack me, she should at least have the guts to finish it! "Yes you did, Lily Evans. When I choose to hang out with other people then your highness, sick of your 'Muggle things' and inside jokes, you get upset!"

"What Muggle things and inside jokes?" I asked. I was honestly confused.

"You know! And you always wake us up, like since you're up early you we should too!"

Aliya intervened, "Alice, you like to wake up early, too."

It didn't work. "SO? I never woke you up!"

"Alice!" I said loudly, shocking her into silence. "Where is this coming for, for Pete's sake? I don't get it! And why today?"

"So you care now?"

"Yes!"

"What about that day when I was in the Hospital Wing, crying? You didn't want to come then, did you?"

"Wha—when were you crying?"

Alice blushed a deep red and looked uncomfortable. "Because…never mind!"

"So now you can say never mind?"

Alice stood up, stomping her foot angrily. "I was crying because I got my period, Lily Evans! And if you were a real friend, you would know that!"

The timid, shy brunette stormed from the room.

James

I'd ditched Sirius, telling him it was about his birthday…which it would be, except that the girls are being late as usual. Liam told me to always tell a girl to arrive fifteen minutes before they were supposed to, so they'd be right on time. It was starting to make sense. I should've listened to him.

Suddenly, a crying Alice stormed out of the room and down the stairs, not even sparing me a look. Instead, she crossed the floor and banged out the Portrait Hole. I winced, hearing the Fat Lady's "Do you mind?"

"OI!" I bellowed. "EVANS!"

No answer.

"I'M SERIOUS, EVANS! COME DOWN HERE! IT'S ALREADY ONE THIRTY!"

Aliya shouted back, "ONE SEC!"

I slumped in my chair. What could they be doing that was so much more important than, I don't know, my best friend's birthday? I yelled for them to hurry up, but they ignored me.

Three minutes later, the trio descended the stairs. Evans seemed pale, her freckles standing out. Lizzie was nervously sneaking glances at the redhead, and Aliya was just looking fairly disgusted. What was up with them?

"Long time no see," I greeted them. "Look, I got rid of Sirius for now, but I dunno how long that'll last. We need to do this quick."

Evans shook her head. "Potter, do what?"

"Plan a party, of course," I said slowly. "Duh."

"I never agreed to that!"

"Well, Evans, I'm adding. Don't you read the fine print?" I said sarcastically. Lizzie giggled at my joke, but Evans—stuck up, much?—scowled.

"Very funny."

I pouted. "Come on, Evans…he didn't get a birthday last year!"

She tossed her head. "Neither did I."

I rolled my eyes. Self absorbed…stuck up…suck up…what good qualities does this girl have? "Go cry in a corner."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me—tell you what. If you promise to cry for at least a day, I'll play the world's smallest violin for you." I rubbed my fingers together, grinning widely as she scowled at the cliché.

Her friend, Aliya, broke in finally. "This is all very nice, but I need to leave in fifteen minutes so can we hurry up?"

She's probably lying, I thought, but I did want to move along so I nodded. "Yes. So this is how it's going to go…"

Lily

I can say one thing honestly: I did not expect that from Alice. But how, exactly, did she expect me to know if she didn't tell me? I can't read minds. Her admission lessened my anger somewhat, but not a lot. The rest of the, um, stuff—the disappearing, for one—had nothing to do with the fact that Alice, you know…got her…thing!

That was another thing. What was I supposed to do now? I couldn't relate at all…Mum had never exactly spoken to me about such things. All my information came from Petunia, who wasn't even speaking to me anymore. I know Mum had been planning to sit me down and have a 'nice little chat' (her words, not mine) with me, but I had managed to avoid that bullet this summer. I wasn't sure about next summer, however.

But Alice seemed to expect me to do something. Maybe even help her out. How could I, when I didn't even know what to do if I started…it? I was too embarrassed to even think about those things, those adult things that were out of my reach.

It's stupid! I don't want to grow up if I have to bleed everywhere. That was disgusting. What do you do? How do you know what to expect? I don't want to be old enough to be like Petunia—obsessing over makeup and guys. I don't care about those things. But it seems like as soon as you hit thirteen, you're expected to like those activities or you are considered immature and weird.

2:41

James

Where were they? Taking a shower? Doing their hair? Gossiping? I told them to be back at 2:40. They were late!

Lily

I couldn't stop to think about depressing things like that. I didn't want to. Aliya, who always hated mulling things over, had been the first to drag us along somewhere to get decorations. It turned about to be McGongall's office. After a ten minute explanation of what she wanted, McGongall—grudgingly, holding back a smile—agreed to Aliya's favours.

Now, the two of us, the Muggleborns, were trying to explain to Lizzie what a piñata was.

"I don't get it!"

I groaned, finally allowing a smile to pass on my face. I'd never been good at getting past things, and Alice's shock had kept me from being happy for the last half-hour. "Ok, Lizzie," I said patiently, trying to sound normal. "The candy goes in the piñata."

"Why?" Lizzie brushed her straight blond hair out of her face and looked desperate. Aliya had given up and was stuffing candy in the lion we had gotten the Professor to make. The piñata wasn't the only thing McGonagall had given us. With a positively wicked smile, she'd handed over a bag of confiscated candy to fill it with. I couldn't believe our prim and proper teacher would do that! It was so…crazy.

"Because the kid—today that's Sirius—will take this Beater's bat and whack the piñata."

"Then shouldn't we make it in the form of a snake?" Lizzie asked. "Because then Sirius would enjoy hitting it."

I snorted. "No, Liz, you put the thing in a form that they like. It doesn't matter what they think."

"No, I think we should do a snake. I mean, Sirius won't hit a lion."

It was Aliya's turn to look annoyed. "Fine. Go ahead."

It was obvious that Aliya meant for Lizzie to try and fail, but it was also clear that Lizzie knew something Al didn't. So I sat back, content to wait. "Snake," Lizzie pointed at the piñata confidently, a smug smile—one much like Potter's—already starting on her face. Aliya already started to say "I told you so," but was shocked into silence when the lion writhed and morphed into a silver and green snake.

"Fine," she grumbled, stuffing candy in the snake viciously. "Don't say anything, Lily."

"I wasn't planning on it," I said innocently, even though I was.

James

"James!" Peter scuttled down the stairs, out of breath. "I locked Sirius in the dorm!"

I snorted. Peter had no idea Sirius knew of the plan, and was really taking after my own heart by doing the job I'd assigned him—keeping Sirius unaware. It was hilarious what he'd come up with—so far, Peter had bribed some girl to distract Sirius, somehow lured Snape over here so Sirius would prank him, gotten Slughorn to go on and on about the next Slug Club meeting, asked the Fat Lady to keep him out, and now locked him in the door. I had no idea where all these ideas had come from, but I wasn't complaining.

"Open the door, Lizzie." Evan's voice—strained, for some reason—came though the portrait hole.

"You open the door!"

"I don't know if you realize this, but Aliya over there decided it was her duty to use up all of the candy! This thing weighs a ton!"

"You could use your wand, you know."

"And if I drop it, then what?"

"Merlin, I'll just open the door!"

I rolled my eyes as Lizzie pushed open the door, followed by Aliya and a…giant green snake? What? "What on earth are you doing with a snake?"

"It's not real," said the snake…who had red hair coming down the sides. "It's a piñata."

"A what?"

The snake (also known as Evans) gave a loud groan. "Not again!"

"Speaking of which," Lizzie said while I tried to figure out what was going on, "You never explained it to me."

Girls are so weird, I thought. It was true. Yesterday Madelyn decided to bring her friends over and sit next to me, and they were going on about Owls and Spies and Dragons and the like. After dinner, when I'd asked Madelyn what was going on, she'd replied that they were all code names for people according to the "Private Manly Speeches" (When she said that, her friends started laughing hysterically) and I shouldn't concern myself with such issues like P.M.S (Private Manly Speeches? What?) until I was older. I didn't understand a word of what they were saying, but I knew I wasn't going to concern myself with those things ever.

While I was thinking about the many odd things about girls, the females in question had taken it upon themselves to start hanging things around the room. I examined the snake, which they had hung from the ceiling. It had lots of little thin parchment frilly things coming off it, like it was shedding scales. A Beater's bat lay next to it…where had they gotten that, and what were they planning to use it for? A vision of the girls taking turns hitting a tied up and gagged Sirius flashed into my head. Merlin, I needed to hide it!

"Where did you get that, Potter?" A smooth male voice asked from behind me. I flexed my fingers, trying hard to calm down. Sam Oren. Even though we were fellow Chasers, and could put aside our…feelings…on the Quidditch Pitch, the blond still made it clear he thought I was a trouble maker and he wanted me off the team. It was so strange, too. He had been nice to me last summer. Now he didn't like me. Maybe it's because he wanted me to be Seeker, I thought. Now that I considered it, it was likely. Oren wasn't exactly nice to Carl.

"This?" I replied, holding up the bat.

"No, the snake," he said sarcastically. Honestly, I didn't see what girls (ahem, Madelyn) saw in him.

"Those girls over there got it, I dunno," I said innocently, putting it down. "Yell at them, Oren."

"Maybe I will," he picked it up and headed towards Evans. She turned, eyes widened immediately, and she elbowed Aliya in the stomach. Oh, Merlin. Don't tell me she fancies him as well! Isn't Sirius enough?

I casually headed towards them, pretending to stack my small present—chocolate and an invite to my house this Christmas—on the pile of presents.

Oren was talking to Evans, swinging the bat around. "…gave you this?"

"It was laying outside in the mud," she answered. "I thought it would be fine if I took it."

"What are you planning to use it for?"

"Well, it is Sirius Black's birthday today," Evans said, smiling slightly. "And we got him a piñata."

I could tell Oren had no idea what a pin-ya-ta was, but he smiled as well and told her, "I love those."

"You know what they are?"

"Who doesn't?" he smirked. I rolled my eyes. Liar liar pants on fire. He's such a wanker, really.

Evans giggled. "You'd be surprised."

Oren ran a hand though his blond hair. "Well, I hereby allow you to use it. Make sure you return it though, yes?"

"I will."

Oren gave a small chuckle. "I'm sure."

And, leaving Evans watching him—never thought the suck-up had it in her—he walked away.

Lily

4:00 PM

Sirius had no idea, I knew it. I wasn't sure where he was, but little Peter Pettigrew had assured me he was clueless. He had been gone all day, thankfully. However, we were now done. The presents were stacked and ready. Potter had gotten a cake from goodness-knows-where. The decorations, courtesy of Lizzie and I, were in place. Aliya's birthday banner was hanging. We'd gathered all the first years and a few third years. It was perfect…but the birthday boy was nowhere to be found.

Potter burst in the door, out of breath. "I found him," he panted. "But I had to hex him to slow him down."

"That's horrible!" I cried, but felt the corners of my mouth twitch. It was actually rather funny.

Potter chortled. "It was hilarious! Got him with the tap dancing curse, right in the middle of the corridor. He's furious, though. 'S okay, this'll make up for it."

I nodded, not sure I could say anything without giggling. Instead, I turned to Aliya and Liz. "Speaking of finding people, where's Alice?" I said awkwardly. I wasn't sure if I wanted to bring it up, but come on. She'd been missing all day. If she was going to drop a bombshell like that on us, she'd better stick around to see the result.

Aliya shrugged. "Dunno. Probably off with her secret friends."

"Don't say that," Lizzie scolded but she looked umcomfortable.

"Aha! So you do know where she is!"

"Do not."

"Do too! Don't lie, Elizabeth."

At the mention of her real name,, my friend blushed. "Don't pull out that card, Aliya."

Aliya pouted. "I'm sure you know where she is, Lizzie. She shouldn't miss this…"

I chimed in, "You know she wouldn't want to miss this."

"But…"

"Lizzie, we all know you know where she is. And I'm fine with that!" I saw her eyebrows go up. "Ok, fine, I'm not really. But it's ok. I have no hold over her…we aren't even that close friends."

"You're not?"

"I mean, she hangs out with us sometimes. But that's just because we live together," I said truthfully.

Lizzie considered this. "I don't think that's right, but I seriously don't know where she is. I could look for her, but she doesn't tell me anything either." I don't think that's right? What's 'that'?

"We could look for her," suggested Aliya. She crinkled her nose. "Maybe the library?"

I shrugged. "I guess…go ahead. I'll set up the presents. I saw Potter sneaking towards them earlier."

The two nodded and took off, Lizzie calling, "We'll bring her back before you cut the cake" as they left.

I was alone, but not for long. "Lila, I haven't seen you in forever." An arm draped over my shoulder and I smelled the lavender shampoo and lotion set I'd given her for Christmas.

"Likewise," I replied

"You look exhausted," she observed.

"Long day."

Madelyn cocked her head and tossed her brown hair out of her forehead. "Nothing a party can't cure! C'mon, come meet the third years."

"Uh, Madelyn…" I pulled away. I didn't want to meet her other friends…I'd seem so immature to them, I was sure of that.

"Come on, Lily. They'll love you."

Not entirely convinced, I allowed her to drag me over to her friends—four other pretty, glamorous girls. None of them are redheads, was the first thing that ran though my head. The second was: Well, I feel young.

"Who's this, Maddie?" A short girl with short blond hair that hung straight barely past her ears asked.

"This is Lily Evans. She's a second year, but she's cool." Madelyn thought I was cool? I glowed and stood up straighter. "Lila, this is Jessica. Jess, meet Lily."

"Charmed," Jessica said sweetly.

"Likewise," I repeated. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to act!

"Ok, then. Let's see. This is Katie, the blond over there is Bella, and she's Charlotte. Girls, meet Lily." Katie was the only one to smile honestly at me—the others just looked at me and murmured hellos. "Fabulous," Madelyn fluttered her fingers at me. "Like?"

Today they were each painted a different color, rainbowed. "Nice," I said lamely.

"I agree. Oh, Lila, you've got to let me paint your nails!"

"You sure about that?"

"Certain. Come on, Lils…I'm just dying to give you a makeover." Madelyn elbowed Katie. "Back me up! Wouldn't she be just gorgeous if we got through with her?"

I blushed. This was awkward…I didn't want a makeover! "Madelyn…"

"Please, Lily," begged Madelyn. Note to self: whenever Madelyn's around her friends she whines.

"Um…"

Katie joined in, now. "Um, Lily? It would be pretty, you know? Madelyn's really good at makeovers?"

Great, an uptalker. I hated people who did that. Mum always rolled her eyes and muttered to herself 'Yet another girl who thinks life is a series of questions.' I wouldn't go that far, but I had to admit it got dang irritating to have someone always asking you. I wondered how Madelyn stood it.

"I don't think so," I excused myself. Madelyn looked so disappointed I caved. "But the next time I want a haircut I'll go to you." She looked pleased so I turned to go. I saw Lizzie push her way through the portrait hole, dragging Alice behind her. "I have to go, Mad. See you later?"

"Laters!" Madelyn called after me. "Tell your friends hi from me, okay?"

"Uh, yeah," I muttered, heading to Lizzie. I definitely wasn't going to open that wound, especially today. Lizzie opened her mouth to ask me something, probably about Madelyn, but at that moment Sirius walked in and James' "Happy Birthday!" silenced her.

4:30 PM

James

"I can't believe you got Lily Evans to help you!" Sirius said for the millionth time. He smirked at me. "What'd you do? Mention my killer good looks? The Black charm?"

"Yes, actually," I said sarcastically. As if the Black charm could rival the Potter charm…

"Knew it!" enthused my friend. "Let's go say hi, then open presents. And James, I'm just itching for a prank. Did I tell you I ran into Snivs?" He chortled at my appalled face. "I thought it was a good nickname. Anyway, I was going to hex him but he ran away. Coward. So, I was thinking, remember my idea for the girls?"

I steered Sirius around Madelyn—she had her crazy friends with her again—and wrinkled my nose. "Something about hair?"

"Yes! Except, I was thinking, instead of turning it a color, we should wash it!"

Wash it? What? I pictured it…Snivelly coming into the Great Hall, heads turning, a hush spreading as he blushed angrily, his face hot under soft, wavy locks…I burst out laughing, and Sirius snickered with me. "Yes!" I gasped. "Priceless!"

We high-fived, still laughing as Evans and Co. reached us. "Hello," Aliya greeted us. "Happy Birthday, Sirius."

"Thanks," he said, still smiling. "I'm thirteen!"

"Don't you mean twelve?" I asked, confused.

"Nah. I was twelve last year. Get it straight."

"Why were you a year older?" I persisted. He must be lying…

"Well, you flat out aren't allowed to come if you aren't eleven, right? I got the owl on my eleventh birthday, all right…but it was for next year." He looked at me. "Come on, James! You didn't think everyone had a birthday in the summer, did you?"

I shut my mouth, a blush starting. Evans spoke up, "I'm already twelve, too."

"So am I!" Aliya said excitedly.

"You aren't serious?" I asked. I thought, if anything, you'd come younger…I wondered how many people in Hogwarts were a year older then their classmates.

"Nah, I am," Sirius laughed. The awful joke made me smile, and the mention of ages was put behind us. "Thanks for the party, guys."

"And girls."

"Yup, Lizzie." Sirius looked like nothing could put him in a bad mood. "Presents time, then cake!"

Evans laughed. "Come on, birthday boy. Your presents are over here." She led him by the hand to his presents, but I glared at their hands and she—could she sense it?—dropped his. Good. She couldn't put a spell over him as well. It was for his protection.

He opened mine first—"Ha! Chocolate! Guessed it! I accept, Jamsie boy"—then Remus' (where had they gotten that?). "THANKS REMUS!" He yelled. I winced—Remus was sure to hear that. Merlin, he's loud.

The present opening passed quickly…Aliya and Lizzie gave him handmade certificates (or 'coupons' as Aliya called them) for something I couldn't read. Alice didn't give him anything, explaining she would get him something by owl soon. Evans got him something that caused him to break out into laughter and clutch it to his chest. "Ha!" he said happily. "I knew it! Yes! I love this! How'd you get it?"

Evans gave a positively Slytherin smirk. "Owled my mother."

"I love your mother," enthused Sirius. Feeling left out, I grabbed the thing...it was a red bundle with Coca-Cola written in it in flowery letters. There was a handwritten note attached that read, "Here you go, Sirius. Now you don't have to steal mine. This is all for you! Enjoy your birthday and my present! –Lily."

Steal hers? When had Sirius been stealing her…Coca-Cola's, whatever that was. I wasn't sure I wanted to know. (I actually did want to know, badly). "What is it?"

Sirius dismissed me with a smile and shake of his head. "I'll tell you later."

Way to blow me off, I thought sullenly.

9:00 PM

Lily

"That was great!" I said, licking my lips. We were all sitting on my bed and Lizzie's pushed together—all meaning Alice as well—eating candy and laughing. We were all ignoring Alice's earlier exclamation, and I was actually having a rather good time. "Did you see Sirius' face when he got what a piñata was?"

Aliya giggled. "Then he said, 'So I get to bash up a snake on my birthday? Wicked!' and dove right in!"

"I like piñatas," announced Lizzie. "I want one for my birthday."

"Duly noted."

We continued eating and I flopped back on the pillow. "Hey, Al?"

"Yes?" Aliya said as Alice opened her mouth. Then she closed it.

"Mind turning off that light?"

"Sure." She flicked it off and we all laid down in the darkness, pushing the candy off the bed.

I was nearly asleep when I heard Lizzie begin to talk. "Aliya," she said. "Let's play the 'If game."

"No dares," I groaned sleepily. "Nobody wants to get up and do them."

"Fine….Aliya, If you had to kiss either of them, would you kiss Slughorn or Sirius?" Lizze fired off so fast I was sure she had been waiting to use it.

"Neither?"

I rolled my eyes (boys again) but didn't want to ruin the mood. Alice was here. So I said, "You need to chose, Aliya."

"See! Even Lily is having fun this time! No offense, Lily, but I don't see the problem with these games."

I was a little offended but no so much to say something. "Hey," I protested but not really. Fine, if they think I'm insane, I'll just keep quiet. Maybe it'll be fun. "You're letting Aliya avoid the question."

"Sirius, then," Aliya said awkwardly and I was sure she was blushing horrendously.

"Ha!" Lizzie giggled. "Your turn to ask."

"Fine. Alice…if you could skip a year of your life, which year would you skip?"

"Thirteen?"

"Why, that's totally the best year!"

I giggled in agreement—with whom, I wasn't entirely sure—and closed my eyes, letting their voices wash over me.

"Is not, Aliya! I mean, there's all these expectations."

"Those are cool!"

"Whatever. To each to her own. Um, anyway…Lily? If you could go out with Potter or Black, which one would you chose?"

"Sirius," I answered right away. "Potter's aw-ful." Three agreeing voices laughed. Bolstered, I asked a totally random question. "Liz…if you were a book, what section would you be?"

"What kind of question is that?" Lizzie said, kicking me gently. "I wanted an interesting one! Fine…a handbook…"

I smiled, but I doubt anyone saw me. Maybe everything would work out after all…