A/N: Chapter 9: Fireplace. One more chapter to go!

As soon as Lily had changed, her and Mary headed down to the common room. The Marauders were sitting in front of the fireplace. Peter was in one of the arm chairs, Sirius and Remus were lounging on either end of the couch, while James sat on the floor, his back up against one arm of the couch.

The four boys looked up when they entered the room.

"Hey!" Sirius greeted them with a wink. "Can't get enough of us, eh?" Lily rolled her eyes while Remus kicked his leg.

"Yeah, why are you back?" James asked, not quite able to believe that Lily Evans had willingly spent an entire day with him.

"Well," Mary said, sitting down on the loveseat that was free. "Lily here realized that-" she was silenced by a thump on the head and a glare from Lily.

"I realized that maybe I've been a little harsh on you guys. Today was fun and well," she blushed. "I would have yelled at you guys for some of the things we've done today."

"I have deserved most of your yelling, Lily." James admitted, his hand moving to his hair subconsciously before he stopped it. "I'll try not to be so much of an arrogant toerag."

"Would you guys just get a room already," Sirius groaned. "You're disgustingly sappy."

Lily's blush darkened and one glance at her was enough for James to be trying hard not to smile.

"I think it's great that they are finally resolving their issues." Remus replied.

"Ugh, you even managed to turn Remus into as much of a mushy puddle as he can go."

"Well would you rather they were talking like civilized people or shouting at each other across the common room?"

Sirius thought about it for a minute, "You're right, it will be nice on the ear drums. False alarm, Moony's still a rational, emotionless, robot."

"Hey!" Remus' thump on Sirius leg soon turned into a full out wrestling match. James had to scramble off the floor, and any leg that was left hanging off the couches was liable to be rammed into.

"Okay, okay, stop it!" James finally sighed after a close call with the fireplace.

They picked themselves up off the floor, grinning, and returned to the couch, James settling himself firmly between them. Lily couldn't help but be impressed. James had finally grown up.

A/N: Hope you liked it, and please review!