"I don't want to patrol at 11 in the night," protested Snape, when James made a few changes to the Patrol schedule as the 5th years asked to do patrols early in the night.

James gritted his teeth, "You are the seventh year and all the seniors are to do the last patrol."

"I don't understand why they made an arrogant like you a Head Boy, who doesn't know how to schedule a patrol," muttered Snape.

"If you have any problem with it then go and talk to Dumbledore," snapped James.

"This is the final schedule, and we hope that you will follow it accordingly," Lily told the prefects. "Any suggestions regarding the management will be appreciated."

Remus and Mary approached them, "Hey! you both wanna hang with us? We are going to play a few games and Pete said he would get drinks."

"Sorry guys, but we have some work to do," shrugged James.

"Enjoy then," winked Remus as he and Mary walked out.

"Will you please write which house has booked the quidditch pitch, while I copy all the previous week's detentions to the main detention book?" Lily pleaded.

"Sure Lils," said James.

After twenty minutes of working James really got irritated by it, "It feels like we are serving detention."

"Yeah," sighed Lily. "If it helps then, Sirius has already got seven detentions, and he was caught snogging Keeva in a broom cupboard."

James snorted, "I want to be on that list."

"You want on the list which involves snogging Keeva?" asked Lily in an angrier tone though she was trying not to smile.

"NO, I didn't mean that. . . I said I wanted to be rather on that side of detention. I don't want to do anything with Keeva, really," said James defensively. Lily let out a small laugh seeing the look on his face. James looked up and smiled at her. "Thanks for cheering me up."

"No problem."

Both of them walked back to the common room, James' hand resting around Lily's shoulder.

"Have you done your Potions homework?" asked James.

"Yeah, I did it before the meeting. You?"

"Completed," said James as they made their way to the marauders.

"I miss spending time together," said Lily sadly as she sat on the couch with James.

"What are you guys talking about?" scoffed Sirius. "You both practically spend whole the time together."

Lily looked at James who just shook his head, "It's not worth it."

"What's not worth it?" asked Sirius.

"Nothing," said Lily irritatedly and then rested her head on James' shoulder. "We still have to do that club thing."

James groaned, "The classes are already tiring enough, why she has to give it to us?"

"Because we are heads," sighed Lily. "But I don't want to do it, it's very boring."

"We will do it tomorrow together, and we will do it on the grounds, so it will be refreshing," offered James.

"I like it, deal. So, I will see you tomorrow," said Lily walking up to the girls' dorm.

"Hey, Prongs! Wanna join in a game of exploding snap?" asked Peter.

"Sorry Wormytail, but I am tired, so I will just go and sleep," said James standing and walking up to the dorm.

Sirius scowled and Remus and Peter exchanged looks.

"He doesn't spend time with us any longer," complained Sirius. "He was with Lily over the summer and didn't come to visit my house, then he didn't involved us in the prank, and he hasn't talked to us properly since the beginning of term."

"You are right, he even dumped us that night when we planned to sneak into Hogsmeade," said Peter. "Don't give me that look Moony, he has ignored us and you agree too."

"The head work is time-consuming, but I agree he has not spent any time with us," said Remus.

"It's because of Lily, since he has gotten together with her, he has become boring, I thought he values our friendship but he is not doing very well on that part," Sirius said disappointingly.

"Let's leave him for now, what 's going on between you and Keeva?" asked Peter.

"I . . . I . . . she is nice, we are seeing where it goes," said Sirius.

"What about Marlene?" asked Remus.

"What about her? She is ignoring me, and I tried but she didn't forgive me, so, I have moved on," said Sirius trying to look confident but failing.

"Get your act together and think what you are doing," said Peter.

"What does that mean?"

"Are you really happy with Keeva?" asked Remus.

"Yeah, that's why I am with her, ain't I?"

"You don't sound confident," said Peter.

"Will you both please leave it? I don't want to talk about it," growled Sirius and stormed off.

"We are growing up and our little clan is falling apart," said Peter sadly.

Remus put his hand on Peter's shoulder assuringly, "We are marauders, we never fell apart, we only grow and we grow together."

"Hey Prongs, let's go sneak to the Hogsmeade," suggested Sirius.

"Sorry, Sirius but James is spending the day with me," said Lily cheerfully, taking James' hand.

"Making a list of all the clubs," snorted James.

"I am really looking forward to spending time with you," said Lily hitting him playfully.

"For god's sake, you both are together the whole time and still you act like you are meeting each other after a long time," said Sirius irritatedly.

James' smile disappeared and he looked at Sirius with narrowed eyes.

"We are together but we didn't get to spend personal time with each other, it's just like you spend a lot of time with Slytherins as you share all classes with them," argued James. "We are in the same room but we don't get to talk and today also we are mostly going to do boring stuff," said James, 'whereas you will be off into Hogsmeade or snogging some cheek,' he added into his thoughts.

"Then enjoy doing work 'together.'" said Sirius marching off.

"That was odd," commented Lily.

"He is just being Sirius, the drama queen," sighed James, sadly looking at his three friends going out to enjoy themselves, he wanted very much to join them but it was not the right thing to do.

"I will do the work myself, you can go spend time with them," offered Lily.

James turned and smiled at her, "Nah! they will understand, besides it's my duty as well, come, let's get over with it," said James taking her hand and pulling her towards the ground.

"Let's sit there, it's a nice spot," said Lily pointing at the tree in the middle of the ground.

James sat his back resting against the treen and Lily sat with her back resting against James' chest, she took out the file from her bag.

"Let's begin with the dragon club, you tell me the name and I match if they have submitted the letters for the club or not, we will decide about leaders later," said Lily.

"Okay," said James. "Andy McCarthy."

Lily checked the letters, "Here, got it. Next."

After an hour, they both were done and were only left to choose the leaders for the Choir club and Drama club.

"Who do you suggest?" asked James.

"I have a funny suggestion," said Lily grinning, " How about Sirius for the drama club?"

James laughed, "That will be funny, and you know what? Let's go with it, put Padfoot's name."

"Are you serious?"

"I am not, but he is, and write his name, let's make him the leader," said James. "And make Wormtail the leader of the choir club."

"That's a perfect idea, James," said Lily writing down the names. "I will go and give it to McGonagall."

Lily tried to stand up but James grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into him. "Really! You want to go away so early?"

"It's been more than an hour James," said Lily laughing.

"Felt like centuries if you consider the work but felt like a second if I consider spending time with you," said James. "Finally all the main work is done so we can relax and spend time together now and talk."

"Hmm. So, what you wanna talk about?" asked Lily.

"I don't wanna talk, I want to do this," said James in a husky voice and started kissing her, Lily reacted with the same enthusiasm.

"I missed doing this," she said breathless.

"I missed it more," said James playing with her hair.

"We can have more of it tonight," said Lily turning red.

"Sorry, but tonight might not be a good idea,"

Lily turned to look at him, he was looking worried, "Why?"

"It's full moon tonight," replied James.

"OH! Sorry, I forgot, be careful," she said, the concern and guil in her voice was clear.

"I am always careful," smiled James.

"I am still not used to it," confessed Lily sadly.

"Neither me," James informed her and rested his head on her shoulder, they together looked at the bird walking and pinching things on the ground in in front of them. It had a red scar on it's body which was visible from this distance.

She recognised the bird, this was the bird that Severus has hurt, this was the bird that she has saved that day, the day when their friendship has broken, the day when she has lost her first friend in the wizarding world. Lily had a soft heart when it comes to these things.

"Don't cry," said James in a soft voice, and it was now that she realised that tears were falling from her eyes.

"I am sorry," she said wiping her tears.

"Don't be," James hugged her tightly, she rested her head against his. "Is it Snape?"

"Yeah," she replied. "You remember that day when you found me in hospital wing and then took me to your campsite?" James nodded. "It was this bird that got hurt, just because he wanted to show me how powerful his spells are."

James didn't spoke anything he just rubbed her side, comforting her.

"He healed it when I asked him to and then started asking for forgiveness, I smacked him hard on the face," she chuckled.

"That's my girl," smiled James.

They sat in silent watching the bird as it ate a worm and then flew off.

"I don't understand the world," she confessed. "I don't understand the meaning of life, I don't know what will happen tomorrow or what I am supposed to do so that I do the right thing and don't waste my life, but it is all so messed up.

I mean when I was nine and didn't know about the magical world, I remember the TV shows and stories, and used to dream that I would become a singer, get married to prince Charming like Tuney said," she scoffed. "I thought life would be a straight and simple path, but now look at it, I am a witch, the world is at war, people are dying and my old friend is a death eater now. I don't think I want to know what I want for future."

"If it would be straight and simple, it would be meaningless, life is supposed to be messed up, we just go with it, and do our best, we enjoy it," said James. "And I don't know how to help you with Snape's situation, because luckily all my friends are by my side and my best best friend is my sitting by my side and is my girlfriend.

If it helps then just know that it's better to have a friend and then lose him rather than having no friend like Tom Riddle. He was never able to fill the void inside him, the void that was left by Aisha's death, their relationship was not perfect one but he at least loved her. But after her death he made a few allies but then degraded them and turned them into his followers, all his death eaters are nothing but his servants.

Yesterday, I saw, he killed his supposed to be best friend in hunger of power, and that too brutally, his name I guess was Dolohov, who shared the dorm with Tom. Dolohov used to think that Tom was his best friend, he just like Tom was talented, they after graduation did many things, many evil things, but one day Dolohov found about the you-know-the-thing and confronted Tom about it, and the next moment Tom tortured him, Dolohov begged, sworn on their friendship but Tom ignored him and then killed him.

There was a girl, Felicity Flint, she had a major crush on Tom Riddle, he used her feelings for his advantage, he fulfilled his desires but also manipulated her to get hold on the purebloods family before disregarding her completely, she cried for him to get back together but he just laughed at her and kicked her away, and recently he killed her personally due to the prophecy."

"What do you mean by you saw it yesterday?" asked Lily narrowing her eyes at him. "You said the condition was better now."

James sighed, "It was getting better, many nights I would sleep without the memories and several nights it was a normal memory of his few normal moments, and then some nights the memories were bad, some nights it was horrible, some night it was way worse then horrible, like last night."

"Oh! James, why didn't you tell me earlier?" asked Lily.

"It was not that hard, I can deal with it and am used to them," he replied.

"You don't have to take the burden alone,"

"It's okay Lils, my point was just that go with the flow and do what you feel is right, listen to your heart while keeping your mind in your mind," said James, Lily laughed at his words. "Just listen to your heart Lils, everything's gonna be alright."

"You are right," said Lily.

"It's going to rain Lils," pointed out James at the approaching black clouds.

"Perfect! Let it rain," she shouted happily.

"Shouldn't we run inside?"

"Can we please stay, I want to enjoy it," she asked turning to see him.

"Anything for Lily," said James.

"Umm . . . it's taking time to come," pouted Lily.

"It will be here soon," said James.

And then the clouds arrived and it started running, the few students in the grounds ran back to the castle but Lily and James stayed. Lily stood up and pulled James with her.

"We are looking like idiots, I hope we don't catch cold," said James.

"Don't be a killjoy, Prongs," said Lily.

James laughed at her as she took his hands and danced, "I thought you didn't like dancing in open."

"But here I am with you only, so no shyness," said Lily snaking her hands around his neck.

"So, Ms. Evans is not shy in front of me at all?" asked James grinning widely as he rested his on her waist and pulled her closer.

"Nope, not at all," said Lily. "Because you are way worst than me."

"And why it is so?" asked James narrowing his eyes.

"You are a very emotional person but hide it, you get very very nervous but you never show it to others, you are a horrible singer, you dance in the shower while singing, you drool in sleep, you are dressed in a skirt when you were eight, you can't wink properly," said Lily. "So, now, why should I be shy in front of this guy?"

"No, you should not be," said James kissing her.

"Remember I just said that I don't know what I want for the future?" James nodded. "Now, I know of one thing that I am hundred percent sure about."

"And what is that?"

"You, I want to be with you all the time," she said kissing him. "I want to spend each day of my life with you."

"Me too," said James lifting her off the floor and swirling around. Lily expanded her hands and laughed as she enjoyed the rain. Her legs wrapped around James, and she leaned and kissed him.

Severus Snape stood in the castle, and watched the two people in the rain through the window, he was jealous of Potter, Snape has got a girlfriend but she was not like Lily at all, he wanted her, not Sally Birchgrove. He didn't like Sally now, he has approached her and she has agreed to date him but now seeing Lily enjoying in the rain kissing Potter, he didn't want Sally, he wanted to be in the place of Potter now, he wanted to have Lily and not Sally.

He has come up with an idea, but he needed courage for it, he only sees one ray of hope now, he has to confess his feelings to Lily, she will not deny him, she has to leave Potter, he can't see her with Potter, he wants her to himself only.

Lily sneezed once they entered the castle, and then she sneezed again making James laugh.

"What?" she asked.

"I said we will catch a cold but you didn't listen to me, and now look at you," he replied.

She sneezed again, "It's just a normal thing," she sneezed, "It will be fine."

James shook his head, "No, let's get you a potion from Poppy, it will help instantly."

"But then I want hot chocolate," she demanded.

"Sure," he said leading the way to the hospital wing, where Pomfrey scolded them for being out of the castle in the rain but nevertheless gave the potion to them, James protested but he too was force-fed the potion.

"To the kitchens then," said Lily. "Carry me to there."

"What?" James let out a short laugh.

"A piggyback ride," pleased Lily.

"What has gotten into you today?" James asked.

"Our work is done, and I am really happy," said Lily. "Now, give me a ride."

"As you command, m'lady," said James turning his back to Lily so she could hop on his back.

"Do you think Dumbledore will continue our lessons?" asked Lily sipping the chocolate, they were sitting in the kitchen.

"I don't know, he didn't talk about it when we met him last time, did he?" shrugged James.

"I like those dueling sessions, I missed dueling," she said sadly.

"Come, we can duel now," said James leading her to one of the secret passageway, "This will do."

"Geat ready to get your arse kicked, Potter," said Lily taking out her wand. "Or should I say, Thanatos," she whispered.

"I love that look but you can't weaken me, bring it on, Evans," said James taking out his wand and then they started dueling.

Snape was roaming around the castle, he was angry and didn't wanted to go and stand his dormmates or Sally, so he walked thinking about Lily, not knowing where he was going and then he saw the two again but this time they were fighting, Potter was sending jinxes at Lily who had a few cuts and bruises on her face and hands, but was blocking James' jinxes effectively, then one of the jinx hit her leg and she swore loudly as a cut appeared there.

It was now that Snape saw the appearance of an even worse looking Potter, who has lowered his wand, and has walked to Lily, James put his hand on her shoulder but she shook it off, "Go back." But James didn't obeyed her, instead he whispered something to her, to which she rolled her eyes and pushed him away but he returned again and started running his hands on the cuts on her face.

Severus can't stand this Potter has hurt Lily, he took out his wand and sent a curse at Potter, who was focused on Lily, the curse hit him and he groaned loudly in pain and dropped to his knees.

Lily acted faast and produced a shield around her and James, "Are you okay?" she asked to James, who got to his feet raising his wand at Snape's direction.

"Yeah, caught off guard," he said. "What do you think you are doing?"

"It was you who attacked her, Potter, I am going to hex you into oblivion," snarled Snape.

"Take a chill pill, Snape, I wasn't attacking her," said James.

"Then why is she hurt?"

"We were dueling," informed Lily.

"And Snivellous, in these conditions, you're to use a stunning charm, and not a curse," James told him. "You should pay more focus in Prefect meetings."

"Now, if you will excuse us, we have to duel," said Lily.

Snape looked at her, "He is using you to fulfill his wishes, only some stupid git duels with a girl."

"She is a champion, Snape and I am not using her, we like dueling, so you should leave," said James.

Snape looked at them with raised eyebrows and left.

"I will heal your wounds," Snape heard Lily.

"First I want to do something with this warrior, Valkyrie, Lily," he heard James' voice and turned to look at them, they were kissing. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"Let's get healed now," said Lily grinning as they made their way to the Room of requirements. "I forgot about this place, we should duel here from now on."

"Yeah, but I was not done, we are continuing it after that," winked James and he did what he said.

"James, you will be late," said Lily instantly, as she remembered it was a full moon tonight.

"Shit," said James. "I will see you in class tomorrow, bye,"

"Be safe," Lily called after him as she too followed him but she didn't run like him.

Sirius and Peter sat in their dorm waiting anxiously for James to come so that they all can go to the shack together.

"It's getting late," said Sirius pacing the room.

They should be already there ten minutes ago yet they were still in the dorm, waiting for the main person but he was not here.

"He has the map with him, we have the cloak only and I can't handle Moony alone," said Sirius running his hands through his hair.

"It's times like these that I want to be another animal and not just a rat," shrugged James.

The dorm room burst open and a panting James appeared on the door, "Sorry guys, let's go."

"Were you with Lily?" asked Sirius.

"Yeah," panted James, "So, let's go."

"We should run," suggested Peter.

Lily sat on James' bed, she had brought lots of food with her for the boys, usually, Marlene was with her but since her breakup with Sirius and him dating Keeva, Marls has stopped concerning about Sirius. So, Lily was all alone tonight.

She was half asleep when she heard Sirius' loud voice, he was angry and shouting, she woke up and heard the three boys coming up the stairs.

"It was because of you that we were late, if you would not have been snogging your girlfriend all day then you would have sense to come on time," she heard Sirius shouting. Why was Sirius shouting so much, she thought.

"Never before you have been late, but now that you have got Li . . . " the door opened and the three boys entered, Sirius stopped abruptly when he saw Lily there. He looked at Lily with anger and went straight to his bed.

"I got food for you guys, since you missed dinner," Lily said biting her lower lip, she didn't liked the look that Sirius gave her. Sirius ignored her and closed the hangings around his bed, this action hurt her more, she was able to decipher the that he was talking about James being late due to her.

"Thanks, Lily," said Peter taking a toast from the plate, he was looking tired but was not hurt, he too went to his bed.

She looked at James who was looking at Sirius' bed with a hurt look, he has a cut on his neck, and a few bruises on his face. He turned to Lily and gave her a smile, he was looking tired.

"Hey!" Lily said reaching to him.

"Hey!" James said as Lily took out her wand and healed the cuts.

"Hungry?" she asked once she has healed the wounds.

"Yeah, and tired too," James replied.

"Werewolf attack in a muggle village, two dead and six bitten," read James, "Blimey! Mooney isn't going to like this."

"As you care," muttered Sirius eating his pies, no one but Lily heard it, she didn't understand what has gotten into Sirius lately, she has asked James about being late yesterday night and he has told her that they were only ten to fifteen minutes late.

"That's sick," James said thrusting the paper on the table angrily making Lily jump. "They are attacking small children too, innocent children. How low they can get."

"Bloody hell! Three kids below the age of seven killed by the death eaters to revenge their parents are Aurors," Marlene read out picking up the paper. "And two Goblins were killed too."

"It has gotten worse since that attack in Leaky Cauldron," commented Mary.

"Yeah, Voldemort is looking for the person mentioned in the Prophecy and also is trying to take control of the Ministry, so that's why he is attacking at every available p[[prtunity," explained James.

"Hey, James! looks there's Sage," pointed Peter at the blue owl, James' heart started thumping hard against his chest.

The blue owl landed in front of James and raised his leg to allow him to take the letter. James removed the letter from the owl and gave it food, the owl hooted and flew away.

He opened the letter and read it, a grin appeared on his face, "Yes!"

"What is it?" asked Lily.

"Mum, dad, they are out of St. Mungo's, I can go and visit them today," beamed James. "I can finally meet them."

"That's great news," said Marls happily.

James stood up from his seat, "I will go and take permission from Dumbledore, will meet you all later."

The others watched as James ran toward the Headmaster's office.