Author's Note:
Sad for me, no new comments. (Hinthint)
Snow now littered the vast grounds of Hogwarts, but the sky still dropped continual snowflakes all day long. Lily's green eyes wandered over to the snow-covered trees of the forbidden forest. 'I wonder if Potter really would take me through there. It would be exciting.' Pulling her gaze away from the window, she returned to staring at the old witch teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. In her peripheral view she saw her ex-friend sitting on the opposite side of the classroom. It had been weeks now since they had last spoke, and Lily no longer missed her. 'She really wasn't the person I thought she was...' Beside Lily, Sirius yawned loudly.
"Miss Fletcher, this is boring. Can't we do something more interesting?"
"This is very important material that will most likely be covered on your NEWT exams. They are only seven months away! I suggest you pay close attention." The grey-haired professor returned to her lecture, despite further protests from a certain loud-mouthed teen.
The class ended with a hefty assignment, so most of Ravenclaw and the other Gryffindor students placed the blame on Sirius. He just laughed it off, and added it to the many other homework piles that needed to be done. Like all seventh years, Lily was packed down with homework as well. However, she was quite grateful for a small room given to the Head year students that served as a private study. She could leave her books and notes lying around undisturbed by any other student. Two long marble desks faced each other. It was strange looking across at James as he wrote quickly, flipping through pages. His focus was always so intense. 'I wish I could be like that.' The red-head secretly wished. Often they would take breaks together, doing their patrolling duty through the halls, or even sneaking down to the kitchens for a coffee.
"Say, Evans." James said suddenly, early that evening. "We need to plan a Hogsmeade trip. I was thinking this weekend, so that there are still two weeks to Christmas break, and people have a chance to buy gifts. Plus, not too many... things in the news lately." He added in a softer tone.
"Oh, thats a splendid idea." Lily responded.
"So, speaking of Christmas," James began, "I'm not really good at picking out gifts. Would you help me find something for Chloe?"
'Right, Chloe.' Lily sighed, "Of course, Potter. I don't really know what she would like though."
"You can just point out things you like when we go into stores. I mean you are female, there must be some common interests."
"You're shopping with me? Where will..." Lily couldn't say the name, "She be?"
"With friends I imagine. She wanted to seperate for when we go to Hogsmeade. Has to buy me something 'pretty'. Her words, not mine."
Lily couldn't help but laugh. It took her a while, but she realized that she no longer despised his company. In fact, she quite enjoyed being around him. 'I guess I am bad at judging people.'
"Well, if you'll excuse me Lily, I have to go do some astronomy homework with Moony and friends." He grinned knowing she would catch his meaning.
"Be careful," Lily whispered as he left.
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Students eagerly piled onto the train that Saturday morning, voices filled with shopping excitement. Lily sat with the marauders minus James, since Melly was at Hogwarts sick with the flu. Although insisting on staying home her sick friend, the Head Girl was quickly shoed away and told only to bring back some sweets. At one time, Lily would have detested her current company, but now felt quite comfortable sitting next to Sirius. Remus and Peter sat across from her, Remus looking a tad pale. He was still recovering from the after affects of a full moon.
"I can't believe Prongs would rather sit with that girl than with us. Git."
"I do believe it was you who encouraged him to date other girls." Remus added thoughtfully.
"Shut it Moons! We all know that she's a miserable girl and completely wrong for him."
"I thought she was nice. Kind of annoying, but still nice." Peter countered.
"Hmph." Was Sirius' only response. "So what are you guys getting me for Christmas?"
"Socks."
"Coal."
"Coal."
Remus and Lily burst out laughing having both said the identical thing simultaneously.
"Very funny." Sirius sneered.
The train rolled on, conversations getting stranger by the minute. Soon enough, however, it rolled to a stop at Hogsmeade station. Kids piled out of the train and quickly dashed to the town center, ready for some intense shopping. James once again stopped Lily on her way out and reminded her that they had to check the train. It was their duty.
"This is deja vu." He remarked.
"A little. Only, I won't leave you alone this time." She smiled, picking up a knut.
James soon lead Lily to some less popular shops, hoping to get away from some of the crowds. Every once in a while Lily would pick something up, that Chloe might enjoy as a present. Soon, the Gryffindor girl stopped caring what Chloe might think, and started showing James items she personally wanted. It was a fun trip, spending time with James alone. It wasn't awkward anymore, James had seemingly gotten over the whole "just friends" thing. 'I'm glad we are such good friends now.'
"That's beautiful!" She said suddenly, pointing to a silver necklace. "You should get her that."
James gently picked it up in his hands. It was simple yet elegant, and shimmered in the light. A shiny silver chain carried a small star pendant lined with crystals around the edge. It was beautiful, and it was something any girl should love.
"You think?" He smiled, and quickly handed it to the cashier, "I'll take this."
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Peter swung his purchases about happily. His friends were not too hard to shop for; a quick stop to the Quidditch Supply Shop and he was just about set. He figured Remus would want something a little better, so the boy was making his way to the bookstore. A hand grasped his wrist and pulled him into a hidden corner, slamming him against the wall. Peter groaned in pain and dropped his packages onto the snowy ground.
"Just remember that we are always watching you Peter Pettigrew." The voice whispered harshly.
"W-what do you want?"
The person had already left. Picking up his bags with trembling hands, Peter returned to the busy crowd, looking for someone he might be able to protect himself with. The shops were busy, but he didn't see any faces he recognized. A familiar shaped blonde, however, was leaving a shop. 'No, I can't hang out with Kat.' Oddly, she was holding hands with someone who looked like Sirius. 'Sirius and Kat? No, that's not likely.' A few hundred meters away, the real Sirius was staring blankly into a store window.
"Oi Sirius!" He yelled, dashing towards his friend.
"Heya, Peter. Got anything for Remus, yet?"
Peter was quickly relieved as Sirius led him away on a gift-finding adventure. Who ever that was, Peter's fear was once more ignited. 'How do I get myself into these situations?' He wondered sadly as Sirius questioned him about magic carpets. 'I am afraid, but their side is growing stronger. What is better? Going for what I think is right in the world, or doing what I can to survive?' He picked up a paperback about venom which was quickly dismissed by Padfoot. 'I want to live. Even if it means betraying everyone I know.'
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At the end of the long day, students happily collapsed onto the cushiony seats of the train. Packages lined the floor of the compartment where all the Marauders and Lily sat, happily chatting about the upcoming holidays.
"I'll go visit my mum, dad and sister." Lily smiled, "I still will have to buy my sister a more muggle suitable gift, though."
"Hey Prongs." Remus questioned suddenly, "Your family having a Christmas get-together again?"
"We've had one every year, I see no reason not to..." James was sad for a minute, remembering the loss of his dad, but quickly cheered up. "Hey Evans, interested in joining in on the festivities?"
"It's fun." Peter added.
"Um...sure, I guess."
"Great!" Sirius cheered, "It will be the five of us this year!"
"Er, six." James paused, "Chloe's coming too."
"Right. Six of us then." Sirius seemed a little less cheerful about this idea, "Can't wait."
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Melody sniffled and held a kleenex to her nose. 'Stupid flu! Too bad Madame Pomfrey had nothing to help.' She lay back on her bed. It wasn't long before the door opened and an excited redhead poked her head through. Kat no longer shared a room with them, having switched to living with some sixth-years. It was nice just the two of them. Lily dropped a small bag of sweets on the end of the bed.
"I brought spicy candies, in hopes it would help clear your sinuses." She remarked as she sat down. "Feeling any better?"
Melody shook her head and listened to Lily's Hogsmeade adventures. When she finished, Melody knew for certain that her friend had fallen for the Head Boy, but decided not to push the matter.
"Come on, let's go down into the common room and join the boys." Lily smiled, grabbing Melody by the hand.
"Alright," she sniffled, "fine."
Remus was stretched out on the long couch, hands supporting his head, while Peter and James occupied two chairs. Sirius chose to sit on the floor by the fireplace. They nodded in acknowledgement to the two seventh-year girls who quickly took place on a maroon loveseat. Two owls suddenly appeared in the Gryffindor common room window and tapped on it lightly with their beaks. Lily jumped up quickly two let the birds out of the snowy weather.
"Ah, Rudy, I hope this mail is more cheerful than the last time you delivered at an odd hour." Melody sad softly removing two rolled pieces of parchment tied to the owl's foot.
"Theo, " James held out his arm as the grand eagle owl perched on his arm, "what have you brought me?" The bird's large orange eyes flickered around the room as James untied the letters. "Nothing for me it seems. Strange considering this is my bird. Here: Remus, Sirius, and Peter. Hmph, why am I left out?"
"One for Melly, the other for Lily." Melody handed her red-headed friend a letter and laughed slightly. "Mail call! Sorry, James." The boy scowled.
"Our exclusive club just doesn't want you. Must be because you're such a git." Sirius joked.
"Hey, don't talk to the Head Boy that way, you idiot. I might take points off for that."
"Like you'd take points off your own house dimwit. Lily might, I know, but you? Never."
"Whattabout Reemy?" James added, "He is a prefect. Geeze Sirius, you should watch out for yourself. All these people to take points away from you."
"Or add!"
"Since when have you earned any house points?" Remus laughed.
"I have!"
Remus shook his head and returned to the task at hand; the sudden abundance of letters. James watched as everyone of his friends read their own. Lily and Remus didn't bat an eyelash, Peter looked petrified, and Melody and Sirius shared a similar expression, confused.
"Seems Dumbledore wants to have a private meeting with me." Sirius said finally, folding the parchment.
The other confirmed that their letter said similar and James just grinned. "Ah, I think I know what this might be, too bad I can't say."
"Mine's on Monday." Peter offered.
"Me too." Said everyone else.
