I'm quick, huh?
Disclaimer. I don't own HP. JK does.
...
She had dozed off, again. Lily discreetly slapped herself to wake up as professor Binns droned on and on about another Goblin war. How many of those could there be anyway?! Frustrated, she gritted her teeth and tried to concentrate. It was the period before lunch and she was starving. But lack of sleep from last night and this morning's prefect meeting left her with baggy eyes and untamed hair. Needless to say, she was NOT in the mood to know which Goblin fought who in which sodding year...
"This particular war was the cause of the age old enmity between Gibblehoormek I and his great grand uncle, Snorklentien. And as we all know, Gibblehoormek was the founder of..."
She was startled awake by a sharp poke to the side of her stomach. Marlene leaned in to whisper, "Just make something up, pretend you're sick."
But Lily shook her head, absently taking in the other girl's appearance. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her eyes were sparkling. Marlene looked as fresh as a daisy, having woken up only at 8 and dashed off to the lessons. Lily was envious, to say the least. Here her best friend was actually taking notes while she was fighting the battle of her life to keep her eyes open. But she couldn't skive off because no matter how boring it was, she didn't want to disrespect the old ghost. And also because she was too lazy to think of an excuse.
Trying not to fall asleep again, Lily resorted to doodling on her parchment. Her flowers and hearts looked horribly misshapen. Marlene helped with several more sharp pokes to her side and somehow, she survived the period.
"Honestly, Lily." Marlene sighed in exasperation as they walked back down to the great hall for lunch. Lily glanced at her to see a reprimanding gaze directed her way. "Why do you have to do this to yourself?! Did you get any sleep last night?"
"3 hours." Lily yawned," Lost track of time."
"I can't believe transfiguration is that interesting."
Trust me, Lily though wearily, it wasn't the transfiguration. " Its all interesting if you try Marlene. You just never gave the books a chance!"
"That sounds an awful lot like when I say,' You just never gave Potter a chance!' " Marlene elbowed her.
Lily grinned, rubbing the spot," I think you have a poke-Lily's-sides-till-they-bruise fetish."
"Its trending, Lil."
"Riiiiiight. Anyway, I'll have you know I have decided to give Potter a chance."
Marlene raised her eyebrows slightly. But before she could say anything, a suave voice interrupted them, full of hidden mirth.
"Did I just hear my surname being said? Lily! Please tell me it wasn't you."
The girls turned around to see a smug looking James Potter, flanked by Sirius Black, both wearing identical grins. Both also looked as fresh as two other daisies. How in the world did they manage that!? No baggy eyes? No untamed hair... Okay not James, but Sirius's hair was perfect. Lily eyed them wearily," Why not, Potter?"
"But I thought we'd agreed on the first name thing! God, you just can't keep a promise, can you?"
"We never agreed to anything of that sort! Quit making stuff up, you git."
He shrugged at Black. "It was worth a try."
James was smiling broadly at the two of them, Sirius too, but that grin had a secret. As if he knew something they didn't. Lily noticed a few students pause, not so discreetly, to look at them and she was suddenly weary. Of course, never before had Lily Evans and James Potter talked face to face without one of them exploding. She peered into his face and saw no trace of sleepiness. Infact, he looked very happy about something. And Sirius had that glint in his eye.
" Alright." She crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one leg, a picture of strictness now. Marlene blinked at the sudden change but the boys smiled wider, as if happy about her change in attitude. "What did you do this time?"
"Nothing!" They chorused incredulously but the way their lips curled gave them away. She tried not to notice the small crowd gathering around them.
"Really, Lily. " James shook his head in mock disappointment," A little trust please. We'd never—"
"Ever—" injected Sirius.
" Ever" James nodded, "even dream about pulling a prank. "
"And I'd never ever, ever believe you." Lily glared, " I don't want to clean up after you today, boys." She sighed," I have enough on my plate as it is."
"You won't." James was quick to promise. Sirius was nodding enthusiastically, both of them looking as earnest as possible. " Its nothing you have to worry about Lily."
"So there is something. "
Sirius wacked him over the head and James winced. Then he smiled at Lily slyly. "Stop fretting, Lily bean. You'll get awful wrinkles."
"Nah." James grinned "I doubt it. She knows enough charms to fix that, I bet she does them even now, with all the frowning she does at us! Right, Lily?"
"Potter."
"Hmm?"
"I'm going to kill you."
He laughed.
Lily watched as Sirius rolled his eyes at James, and she suddenly went back to last night when they'd been at each others throats. No, that wasn't right...they were disappointed in each other...it had been a little scary and she couldn't help the question that popped out of her mouth," So you two are alright then?"
"Of course." James smiled roguishly, making her stomach flutter. She bit back a frustrated cry as he continued, oblivious to her inner turmoil," He clambered into my bed last night and begged me to forgive him. Even gave me a foot massage and half of his chocolate frogs. How could we not be alright?" James crossed his arms smugly.
"Quit making stuff up, you git." Sirius parroted Lily, rolling his eyes at her, eliciting a grin from the red head. "Really, Prongs. It's getting tiring. We all know you're the one who clambered onto my bed."
"Okay!" Marlene interrupted, shaking her head, " I have no idea what's going on but do you know how loud you're being? The whole school will soon be talking about you two sleeping together."
Lily laughed at the disturbed look on James's face, while Sirius looked unperturbed as usual. The Chaser was now running a hand through his hair, messing it up as he mumbled," I didn't think of that. Oh bother, now people will think I'm— I'm—"
"Gay?" offered Sirius with a charming smile.
James narrowed his eyes at the other boy, grumbling under his breath. Something about stupid black dogs who didn't know when to shut it. Lily's stomach rumbled and she blushed lightly as the boys looked at her, dangerously close to making a jibe."I'm hungry, yes. Shall we go in now? We're wasting precious time." She glared, a silent dare to just try and make a joke. The boys retreated, but had the same infuriatingly good looking grins on their faces.
They proceeded to walk back into the great hall, ignoring the stunned looks of the other kids. "Food." nodded Sirius and he led the way, all four of them inhaling deeply at the smell that wafted over from the Great Hall. "Mashed potatoes and Stuffed chicken."
"And That special Mayo salad thingie. Oh God." James closed his eyes and breathed in.
"Aaaand Treacle tart, Prongs."
The boys sighed together, dreamily." Mmmmh...heaven."
" You know all that from just the smell?"
Sirius turned to wink at Marlene, "It's a talent we boys possess, McKinnon."
"Yes, its awfully useful." The brunette rolled her eyes and dragged Lily off by the arm," See you boys later. Come along Lily."
Lily managed to wave at the two of them before being dragged off by Marlene to join their friend Mary. James and Sirius drifted over to the other side of the table, slipping down gracefully next to their friends. Again, ignoring the bemused looks she was receiving from the others, she plopped down heavily. And that was when Lily realized she'd forgotten to ask after Lupin.
"Shoot." She muttered in disdain. She had really wanted to know how Remus was doing, but she would have to wait now, until she stumbled upon him, or got another chance to ask the other boys.
"You three were quite friendly, Lily. " Marlene was piling salad onto both their plates, but paused long enough to give Lily a meaningful glance. Mary looked up from the letter she was holding and nodded in agreement," Yes, you just walked in with James Potter of all people. What's going on?"
"Fallen for his charm, now have we Lils?" Marlene winked as Lily opened her mouth to retort, frown intact," I knew it would happen sooner or later."
"You're both crazy. " Lily shook her head wearily," I'm not falling for anybody. Especially not him. I'm just trying to do a little good, you know, be friends. I don't have time to be fighting Potter for the rest of the year."
"Keep telling yourself that Lily," Marlene snickered," Keep telling yourself that and maybe it will help. Maybe."
Lily scowled at her, shoving a bit of the salad into her mouth. She didn't realize how hungry she had been and stifled a sigh as the stuffed chicken entertained her taste buds. Marlene was still poking at her newfound friendship with James, but any further arguments were arrested by the arrival of another person into the hall.
Severus Snape.
His impassionate black eyes landed on her immediately and Lily felt it again, that horrible stinging inside her head. Severus was terrible. He was supposed to be her best friend. But really, she had given him the chance to make a choice between her and his death eater friends...and he'd clearly chosen them without even a blink. She couldn't put it into words how much that had hurt.
Had hurt.
Because now, Lily was just bitter towards him. Snape and his little comrades could go stick it where the sun doesn't shine. She glared at him openly and stiffly resumed eating. Marlene was narrowing her eyes at Snape as well, but reluctantly returned to her food before she lost it, Lily having given her a warning nudge. Her red headed best friend would be upset if she made a scene. But oh how she wanted to punch Snivellus's hooked nose.
Lily accidentally glanced at James and Sirius and caught them looking at her with guarded expressions. Sirius's eyes drifted to Snape once or twice, but James trained his on her. She looked away quickly when her stupid stomach rolled again.
Marlene nudged her, and she saw, oh for the love of god! Snape was making his way over to their table. Lily tensed, the entire Gryffindor table tensed, and she held her breath as he approached. Snape stood in behind her, a few feet away. Foreboding graced the air unceremoniously. She turned to look at him, not wanting to delay the inevitable, and fixed her eyes on the face that had once comforted her, made her realize she wasn't alone.
And now that same face had abandoned her.
Rage boiled in her again as she glared at him. She had seen, on the other side, James pull down a ticked off Sirius, who was beginning to rise with his wand out. And if the tautness in his arms were an indication, James was just as annoyed as his best friend. He looked extremely sulky, but he stayed where he was, eyes never leaving the scene. This surprised her a little, pleasantly. And Lily was suddenly very calm.
She faced Severus coldly, and he gazed back, a touch of apology in his eyes. "Lily..."
"Severus."
"Can we talk?"
"I don't think I have anything to say to you, Sev." Wincing internally at the slip up, she shouldn't have called him that, it would ruin her air.
Snape sighed, his eyes flickering to the other Gryffindors with barely contained distaste. This made Lily bristle again. He looked back at her," Please, Lily. I don't want to fight."
She didn't want to fight either. But she felt the eyes of the entire table on her, and she knew what she must do. She had made excuses for him all her life, hoping against hope that things would be better, but what for? Lily was faced with a multitude of emotions; bitterness, anger, rage, but there was also sorrow, mourning the loss of a friend. But she needed to step up and put a stop to it. Severus had chosen his side, and she had sure as hell chosen hers.
" I already told you, there's nothing to talk about." Lily spat out and got up, a sudden loss in appetite, and grabbed her bag, "You've made it quite clear you've chosen to not be friends , if that's what we were, and I don't want you to change your mind. I'm actually having a wonderful time." She glared at him one last time, intense dislike in her eyes. "Leave me alone, Snape."
"Lily" he signed and reached for her, but she recoiled, a flash of anger bursting from inside, a trait that came with her flaming hair.
"Don't you dare." Her hand went for her wand automatically. She shot daggers at her once best friend, "Trust me, Severus. I won't hesitate to hex you next time. I don't associate with tyrants. "
And then she left in a flash of red hair and searing eyes.
James suppressed a laugh at Snape's sour expression. The other Gryffindors returned to their meals with grins on their faces as the greasy haired Slytherin made his way back to his house, bitterness on his face. He paused only to send a vehement glare in James and Sirius's direction, and they grinned back, Sirius wiggling his fingers at him in a wave. With another curse, Snape left briskly, his cloak billowing behind him. By the looks on his fellow Slytherins faces, he was about to get it.
" Now Prongs, you know what they say about nutters who smile at their food," Sirius tutted. James had been grinning at his plate, still very happy about the whole thing. Sirius snorted," But I have to admit, I loved the part where she called him Snape. Priceless, that was."
"Would've been better if she'd called him Snivellus but oh well," James bit into a carrot, eyes sparkling as he fixed them on his best friend, seeing the mirth reflected in his eyes too, " You can't have everything."
Lily had sped off to the library. Blood still roared in her ears, but the sight of the familiar quiet room, and all those books lined against the wall helped her calm down. She breathed deeply at the slightly musty smell and made her way to her usual table, replaying the scenario in her mind. She must've made quite a scene, her neck felt hot, but she couldn't stand there any longer. Severus's face had been making her feel so betrayed and angry, she needed to run out immediately.
But then her stomach growled again and she regretted it.
Sighing, she plopped down into her usual chair and took out her charms essay. It wasn't due till next week but why waste time? She sure as heck wasn't eating so she might as well do something useful. Lily laboured hard for the next fifteen minutes, pouring herself into her work to ignore her sobbing stomach. She was only just beginning to conclude her essay when four chairs scraped and four people sat down at her table without invitation.
Lily looked up slowly, she was going to kill them for the interruption.
Marlene, Mary, James and Sirius all smiled at her, both the boys and Marlene sporting proud glints in their eyes. She sat back and blinked. Marlene pushed a small packet towards her, something wrapped in a foil. The smell of sandwiches snapped her out of her trance and she lunged at it.
"Youre a sweetheart. " she murmured to her best friend," An absolute sweetheart. You're going to love long, Mar, with a wonderful husband and dozens of kids to look after and dozens and dozens of grandkids running around your little seaside cottage."
Marlene snickered," It was Potter's idea. You can have the wonderful husband, James."
She paused mid bite and then chewed slowly, unsurely looking at James. "Its poisoned isn't it?"
"Nailed it in one guess. I'm proud of you Lily bean."
She puffed out her cheeks and glanced up at Sirius's smirking face. James sighed.
"Its not rigged, Evans. Just eat it and be thankful."
Sirius nodded seriously," Its like a 'we're proud of you' gesture." He smiled as Lily continued to eat, "That was bloody daring, back there with Sni-Snape. It brought tears to my eyes." He wiped away fake tears and sniffed," My little Lilly bean's standing up for herself." He sniffed again an rested his head on James's shoulder, hand on his heart and gazing up at the bewildered Chaser through his eyelashes, "Oh, James, they grow up so fast, don't they?"
Marlene and Mary had erupted into a fit of giggles ad Lily snorted into her sandwich. James shoved him away, looking at Sirius as if he'd gone mad, " Get off, you git. What's gotten into you today? Swallowed one of our old pills have you?"
Lily recalled those pills from a few years ago, ones that had spread around the common room one night, like chicken pox. It made the eater do extremely silly stuff, and Lily had had the sense not to eat random pills. But she remembered being a little impressed by the Marauder's magic.
"Is that any way to speak to your 'wonderful husband' Prongs? I'm disappointed in you." He shook his head. James kicked him from under the table, " Quit it Padfoot. Its creepy."
Sirius merely smiled slyly and backed off, but Lily knew James hadn't seen the last of it. She sighed as the last bit of the wonderful morsel slid own her throat. That was the best sandwich she'd had, starvation made everything seem tastier.
"Anyway, Thanks for that, James." She patted her stomach contently," You just saved my life."
"Maybe you'll think twice before making dramatic exits next time," he grinned at her, unknowingly setting her heart rate to 80 beats per minute, and got up dragging Sirius as well," but it was a nice touch."
Lily wilted as the earlier incident creeped into her thoughts again. She smiled back faintly as they began to leave. She couldn't be ungrateful after he'd brought her food but she was still slightly upset about Severus. Sirius exchanged a look with James at her sudden damper in mood and they both sighed. The boys were so in sync, it surprised her.
"He's not worth it, Lily." James shouldered his bag, " That's not the Severus you knew." And then he shuddered. Sirius made a face.
"Never again."
"Never again. " James agreed. "Snivellus is loads better. Rolls off my tongue easily."
Lily watched, biting her lip. Yes, she was incredibly mad at Sev and she'd barely been friends with these two for, what, a few months? Was she already going to let them talk like that? Were they that close already?
If we weren't, she thought, I'd be yelling at them by now. But I don't feel anything.
They left with a wave and she rested her eyes on her friends. Marlene's brown orbs were sparkling with mirth. " Awfully thoughtful, that James."
"Shut up."
And then she realized she'd forgotten to ask them about Remus. Again.
"Damn it!"
Evening rolled by suspiciously slowly, as if the clocks had been bewitched to go slower than normal. Or maybe the anticipation of the meeting that evening was beginning to get to her. Marlene had been asked to join as well, along with Alice. As soon as the clock struck 6:00, the girls left, all but dashing out of the common room, Alice having promised to meet them in the room. Excitement bubbled in her stomach, and Lily was a bundle of energy. Marlene looked just as perky, if not more, and both of them rushed into the designated classroom. Passers-by gave them confused glances as they flew past, cloaks flying behind them. They skidded into a stop in front of the room, slightly out of breath, only to find it was already beginning to be filled with people. Lily cast her eyes around the place, recognising several Howartians and also others...villagers maybe? She exchanged a look with Marlene.
"We're in the right place, alright. Look, there's Amos Diggory."
"And Frank Longbottom, but they're seniors, Mar. Are we the only ones in our year?!"
"Please. You know as well as I do that where there's Frank..." she trailed off.
"There's always Alice close by." Lily finished with a small smile, her eyes searching for a mop of brown hair that was Alice's but her mind reeling. The sheer number of people who had turned up, who wanted to fight, it was very baffling. But she was still sceptical. How many would still be there after the initial excitement wore off? Her eyes skipped from face to face, head to head, not finding the faces she wanted to see. She didn't exactly know who she was looking for but each time her eyes landed on someone, a sting of disappointment touched her heart. Her mind absently took in the enormity of the room, the suits of armour at each corner, the dusty chandelier and the huge black board. Was this an old classroom? Her eyes skimmed over Madam Rosmerta's face amongst the many others, a flicker of recognition in her chest. She didn't really know there was such a huge room inside the castle. And then she gathered her bearings enough to realize...
I'm searching for those troublemakers, aren't I? Lily facepalmed internally at herself. This newfound friendship was a bit too much.
"Lily," Marlene grabbed her arm suddenly," Look, there's Black."
And she snapped her head in the direction Marlene was nodding at and caught sight of the long, ebony locks of Sirius Black. She also noticed the jet black, untidy hair next to Sirius. And the Sandy mop of brown hair, a tad shorter and tamer. Remus.
She and Marlene made their way through the crowd to them, relieved to find familiar faces, and saw, sure enough, Alice standing with the boys, her dark eyes flickering towards her right (Frank) furtively. Lily almost rolled her eyes.
Alice nudged Sirius and indicated towards the two girls, smiling. Three fourth of the Marauders turned around and Lily was greeted by a grinning Sirius, a smiling Remus and a pair of bright Hazel eyes. She fixed her gaze on the werewolf and took in his appearance: Scars on his face, tiredness lining his eyes. A bit battered but still himself, Remus waved. There was something he was silently trying to tell her.
She smiled back, relief pouring into her unexpectedly. She had read about transformations...and how many victims lost their minds thereafter.
"Evans, McKinnon." James greeted, excitement shining in his eyes," I knew you'd be here."
"Frankly, we're not surprised to see you here either, Potter." Marlene nodded. Lily supressed a laugh as Alice jumped at the word 'Frankly'. Sneaky Marlene did that on purpose, she realized as she received a wink from the brunette. She loved her best friend.
"Where's Dumbledore?"
"Who knows?" Sirius twirled his wand in his hand, eyes shifting across the room, " He might still be in the bath for all we know," his laughing black orbs rested on them again, " Surrounded by pink soap bubbles, singing the School song. "
The group tittered, except Lily who merely smiled wearily, having caught a glimpse of familiar half moon spectacles. And then she pointed her wand behind Sirius indicatively.
"Well, you're almost right Master Black." Said a clam voice from behind them and all the five other teens whirled around to meet with the twinkling eyes of Albus Dumbledore. " Although my soap bubbles are yellow, not pink. I've always preferred lemon to strawberry."
"Er...Right.", Sirius had the decency to redden and look slightly abashed. "Sorry professor..." and promptly his old self came forth, " I'll keep that in mind next time!"
Dumbledore chuckled at them all. His blue eyes rested on Lily for a second longer and she had the feeling she was being peeked into again.
She grimaced internally thinking of all the things Dumbledore would find in there.
And then he raised his head and spoke in a loud voice, over the chattering in the room. Everybody stilled. The teens arranged themselves to huddle closer.
"If I may have your attention please," he began and the room fell silent. Lily prepared herself to hang onto his every word, but the woodsy, spicy scent from next to her was a little distracting. Damn James.
"You all have a general idea about why you were asked to assemble here. " Dumbledore swept away from them and moved to the centre of the room at a leisurely pace." And I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and profound admiration to all you brave souls."
Every single pair of eyes was trained on Dumbledore. Lily saw Professors McGonagall and Flitwick move over to join Dumbledore on either side. The silence in the room was not very surprising, she decided, because almost everybody respected him. The old headmaster continued, "Keeping it right to the point, I know that you are all here because you have been stirred by the darkness outside these walls. Lord Voldemort and his army, his Death Eaters, have been wreaking havoc on the muggles. Mass murders have commenced, innocent lives are being slaughtered for his satisfaction and twisted belief that only the powerful can remain. Muggle born magical blood spilt for no reason but his contentment."
"And to think that we are doing nothing to stop it is a shame. The ministry is running a little short on Aurors due to the Death Eaters' lack of respect for another man's life. And even though this is not Auror training, we hope to tap into you unbounded talents and share them with the world. Voldemort," Dumbledore ignored the collective wince in the room, " needs to learn how to value life."
Lily saw his sparkling blue eyes shine with something greater today, something grave. She also felt how stiff James was beside her. Lily tilted her head slightly and green eyes stole a look at her friends. Sirius looked like he was all cool but the clenching in his jaw gave him away. Remus did not hide his disgust or fury. Marlene and Alice were frowning in concentration. She had a personal reason to fight, but they were all safe in their bloodlines and yet, her own fire mirrored in them. Suddenly Lily felt a warmth towards the lot of them.
"What we are about to do is NOT march off into the sunset and bring the dark lord to his knees simply with our protests and our emotions." Dumbledore spoke again and Lily's attention snapped back to him. " We are going to strategize. Plan. Train. Work until our bones creak for that is the only way we shall be able to make a dent in his armour."
"It is risky." He continued on a softer tone. Dumbledore's voice floated around the room easily in the quietness, full of earnestly, and a silent power. " It can be overwhelming. Which is why out of all of you present here, only 30 shall be highest members of this Order. The main aim of this entire team we put together is, of course, to protect the school. Incase of an attack, we need to be prepared."
A disturbed murmur rose.
Dumbledore spoke above it. "You will undergo training at first, gradually being eliminated, and, I am sorry to use this term, the slower ones shall find themselves taking a step back. You shall meet here, every alternate day at this same time. We shall train you, to asses your strengths, deduce your weaknesses and give you a chance to make a difference. And to those who find themselves incapable of joining the top ranks, please understand that it is only in the interest of your safety. You may, of course, quit whenever you wish to but be warned if you decide to, what do they say these days, ah...blabber about this little endeavour." He looked at them all, each and every face, studying, scrutinizing, scanning.
" Now that I am understood," he nodded to McGonagall and she produced a scroll, a large one at that, and a table appeared out of nowhere, a pot of ink and a dainty quill inside it. Lily understood perfectly. The scroll was enchanted. And any person who dared to tell on them after signing their name would have to face the consequences. She saw James and Sirius share a look with Remus.
And then she realized what it was that they were so happy about in the afternoon. The boys had actually come up with that idea, probably even charmed it themselves. Lily caught James's sly look, and he winked. She couldn't help the smile, or the skip in her heartbeat.
"Now, one by one, please come over and sign your name here." Professor McGonagall called out in her voice, that one she used on the first years, " And please be warned that by signing, you are hereby pledging to the anonymity and secrecy of this gathering. " she glared at them all, as if daring someone to defy her," Decide carefully."
The group if teens exchanged a glance with each other. Marlene looked determined, a fire in her warm brown orbs. Sirius was wearing his smirk again, hands stuffed in his pockets but a dangerous gleam in his eyes. Remus smiled gauntly. Alice looked more than ready and James...James looked awfully mature. A common vehemence threaded this unruly bunch of young adults together, an assurance that Voldemort would not win easily, not without a fight. Lily unwittingly flickered her eyes to James and their eyes locked a second longer than it was acceptable but Lily couldn't look away. She wanted to understand this new person, so unlike the arrogant big headed prick he was before. She knew that this was just who he really was, the real James Potter who just took some time to crack his shell and come out.
And boy, was he magnificent.
Lily kicked herself for thinking that way. No this wasn't fair. This wasn't the time. She had a scroll to sign.
All together, they moved as one, the first ones to step up. The professors beamed at them, and they were soon joined by Frank And Amos, and then others. Lily watched as all six of their names imprinted itself on the parchment, glowing faintly before fading away. Not all people in the room signed; she saw a few villagers take leave of Dumbledore and exit. Lily felt a weary smile on her face, she was right wasn't she? More people were going to drop out sooner or later. And what if these quitters decided to blabber already? What happens to them then? She made a mental note to talk to Dumbledore about this as soon as she could.
"Well," Dumbledore beamed at them all, 75 heads in total. " Now that that's done, I request you wonderful personalities to return to your dwellings and get a good rest. We shall meet again next Monday. Thank you."
The abrupt end startled them all and it took them a while to realize they were being dismissed. Slowly, now beginning to chatter again, the crowd trickled out of the door. The Senior Hogwartians left for dinner after exchanging a few words with the younger students. Alice earned herself quite a few bewildered looks from the Marauders as she stammered and blushed as Frank approached. Lily and Marlene were trying not to erupt into giggles. As soon as they left, they let out their laughter, much to the brunette's chagrin.
"Oh, stop already." She moaned. "I hate you two."
Marlene was still trying to catch herself and Lily was in time to answer," You were so obvious Alice! Honestly! To think that someone as firm as you would be reduced to this."
Alice went beet red again but said nothing because she knew Lily was right. Marlene ushered the still pink, aspiring Auror out of the room, muttering half hearted words of comfort, entrusting her red headed friend to the boys.
"So," Sirius said suddenly, looking at Lily for confirmation, " If a really strong headed girl begins to blush and stammer when she talks to a guy, its because she likes that bloke?"
"Most of the time." Lily nodded.
"Interesting..." Sirius exchanged furtive a glance with James. The chaser in turn, awarded Lily with a strong gaze and a slight tilt of his head. She found herself unable to look away again. Her neck was beginning to feel hot.
Bloody hell!
Trapped, Lily quickly turned to her escape route, Remus Lupin.
"And how are you now Remus?" she forced her voice to be steady, taking controlled breaths to calm herself.
"I'm good." He replied, smiling at her gratefully. " And I heard about what you did for these two. I can't tell you how thankful I am, Lily—"
"It's fine." She interrupted. "Its the least I can do, Remus. You just try and...you know...come back to us every month."
She was met with warm gazes from all three young men. Lily returned it easily. Something clicked between the four of them then, though she wasn't sure what it was.
"Shall we leave now? I'm starving." James patted his stomach. " I'm all out of energy."
"Yes, it was tedious, signing a piece of parchment." Sirius rolled his eyes and Lily grinned at him. "Let's go you big baby. Come along, Moony, Lily bean. Let's get out before Dumbledore comes over and tells me about his soap bubbles. Come on."
Still grinning, Lily followed the three boys, bemusedly wondering how they managed to make her feel so light, and free. How she felt so attached to them within such a shirt span.
This was good. Very good, she decided. Because after all, what's life without a few Marauders spicing things up?