"James, don't you think that was a bit harsh, even towards Snape? It was his birthday after all and you know he cares for Evans," chided Remus Lupin, one of James's closest friends and fellow Marauders.

"Mooney," James replied, using one of the nicknames his group considered so clever, "it's Snape. Severus 'Snivellus' Snape, it's not like it was anyone with feelings" said James while kicking back on the large leather couch in the Gryffindor common room. He was thumbing through his copy of Quidditch Through The Ages for what had to be the hundredth time."Besides, Evans is falling for me. I can tell. It'll be a lot easier for Snape if he goes ahead and accepts it now. Really, I was doing him a favor…not to mention her."

Do you ever even hear yourself Prongs?" asked Remus, returning nickname for nickname. "Honestly, he may be a bit of a git, but it's not as if we haven't given him just cause on occasion and it's obvious he has feelings, given his affections for Evans."

"Mooney, are you…are you actually defending that dark arts loving dungeon squatter?" said James. "I mean, I know you might identify with him somewhat, given you could never get a girl through honest means either, but really!"

"It's not…wait, what? Never get a girl through 'honest means' what in the name of bloody Merlin do you mean by that Potter?" Remus asked, he eyes narrowing and his jaw clenching.

"It's nothing personal mate," James said with a flippant wave of his hand, "but you know, with your…er…'problem' what girl in her right mind would want you? Eh, but that's why they invented brothels. Unsavory sorts can get theirs too."

"Unsavory sorts…un…savory…sorts…" said Lupin, his mouth gaping and eyebrows rising. "Listen here James Potter," Lupin said as he rose to face James on the couch, his index finger pointing squarely at the bespeckled face before him, "you think just because you can keep your arse from falling off a broomstick while you chase around some enchanted ball you're God's gift to women. Well, let me inform you of something you…you…bloody prick!" James's eyes shot up, he'd never heard Remus this mad before, let alone using anything close to profanity. "Not only are there PLENTY of women in this school that don't find you the least bit fanciable, there are some, Ms. Lily Evans among them, that find you UTTERLY REPREHENSABLE!" Remus shouted as he stalked out of the common room, crackling with anger.

Sirius Black, another Marauder, and friend to both James and Remus was reclining comfortably by the common room fire in a leather wingback with his feet kicked up on an ottoman. He sat, calmly peeling an apple with his knife, lips pursed and a thoughtful look upon his face. "Bit of bad form there mate," he said lowly as he slid his eyes over to James.

"I don't see what the big deal is!" James said; feeling rather exasperated over the direction the exchange had taken. "I mean, it's true isn't it? He threw Quidditch Through The Ages to the ground with a sideways toss of his arm.

"I don't know," Sirius said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "Who's to say? Some girls might fancy the danger or have a bit of a fetish. Not everyone's into picnics and sunshine Prongs."

"Oh and I suppose you've come to know this through your vast and personal conquests?" James replied while glowering at his friend.

The corner of Black's mouth turned up and he glanced at James. "Look mate, all I'm saying is don't count out Mooney's chances. He might have a fairly substantial obstacle to overcome, but he's quite the clever lad…I wouldn't put it past him to snag a right nice little bird."

James huffed, picked up his book, stuck his nose in it and didn't acknowledge another soul for the next 2 hours.

"How dare he? How DARE he!?" Remus said, fuming as he pounced upon his bed. "As if he has ANY idea what this is like for me. Mr. Quidditch, sitting up there on his golden broom, flocked by women at every dance…all of them simpering for his attention. BLOODY HELL!" He yelled. It was rare for Remus to lose his temper like this. Given his predicament, he usually chose to keep himself subdued. It was a measure of control that gave him some peace. At least there was something he could be in charge of regarding his own life. However, Remus Lupin was still human…well, mostly, he thought with a frown. Remus turned on his side, looking at James's bed beside his own. His belongings were strewn about it, photos, sweets from Honeydukes, various quidditch supplies and a parchment. Suddenly, Remus sat up bolt straight. He had the first formations of an idea in his mind. He quickly slid off his bed and hustled over to his friend's. Looking around to make sure no one was watching he swiped the parchment and tucked it beneath his robe. He also took a bar of Honeydukes Best chocolate, but that was more for his personal enjoyment than anything else.

Lily stared out the window of her dormitory. The glass was frosted over with ice and she could feel the chill radiating from it. She pulled her robe around herself a little more tightly. It had been three days since the incident with Potter and Severus. She looked over at the dressing table she shared with her roommates. Her defense against the dark arts textbook was sitting on the edge. She walked over and picked it up. She turned to page 394, retrieved the envelope she'd hidden, slipped the letter out and read over it yet again. What on earth could make Severus believe she was writing these things about Potter? When had she ever looked at him with anything in her eyes speaking of more than friendship? When had she looked at him with…well, friendship at all? Most of the time it was with a bit of loathing, nearly matching Severus's ever present sneer. She'd tried to talk with him since, but he would always slip away. If I didn't know better, I'd think was apparating! She thought with a huff. Why won't he just listen to me? …Fine, she thought. I'm just going to have to do something drastic.

"Snape, are you still pining for that mudblood girl? Lila, Lena, whatever her name is?"

"It's Lily, and don't call her that word Mulciber."

"Why not? She is Snape; she's a freak, a misfortune of nature. People like her shouldn't exist. At least you're a half blood…can you please try conforming to the better angels of your nature instead of that dirty muggle blood you've got coursing through you?"

"I don't think I contain anything remotely angelic Mulciber, now, would you please excuse me? I'm rather busy with my potions homework."

"Fine Snape, do what you like, it's your life to ruin."

"Too late" Snape said under his breath as Mulciber walked out of the room they shared. He'd been staring at this page for the last hour. He wasn't sure he'd even read it, just…stared at it. He put the text away and walked to his bed, pulling out a smaller book, thumbing immediately to page 34.

A Question

A voice said, Look me in the stars

And tell me truly, men of earth,

If all the soul-and-body scars

Were not too much to pay for birth.

"Far too much." He said quietly and shoved the book back under his pillow.

AN: The poetry contained within this story is by Robert Frost unless otherwise stated.