Lauren had never been anything particularly amazing, not that she knew of. She had therefore quickly become one of those odd people that seemed to observe life as opposed to actually involving herself in it. She liked to think about people…why they did the things they did. It was one of the reasons she had chosen these two particular females as her friends.

Alice, despite all girlish appearances, was ridiculously stubborn, to the point of being forceful. Having met her mother she could guess where such traits may have arisen from. Following the events of this year, Lauren had watched closely her friend's reaction and had found new respect for her. She was resilient. Lauren was forced to conclude that just because a person was cheerful, did not mean they were a fool.

Lily was another matter altogether. She was excellent at smiling and joking in the face of all upset, and yet it had become clear to Lauren that what was going on under the surface was something quite different. Lily was actually a very serious person she decided; she was too passionate, too fierce in her beliefs to simply be the charming, smiling person Lauren spoke to throughout the day. There was something much deeper about Lily.

Walking through the school on her own, Lauren was thinking about all this when suddenly she heard voices. Voices she recognised. Quickly she edged to a near corner and listened. As an observer of life, she had never missed an opportunity to listen.

"…and I can't take it any more! I mean, seriously, that night was great – we were getting along so well!" It was Potter; a very angry and frustrated Potter. This confused Lauren slightly, he always – always – was rather arrogant, very flirtatious, and slightly smug. Never like this.

"Prongs!! Are you blind?!" Sirius voice came clear and strong. "Alice started fucking flirting with you again this week. It's like Moony said: Lily won't go for you as long as her friend is interested."

To say Lauren was interested was an understatement. Blatantly, James still liked Lily. (He'd been awfully good at hiding that!) On top of that, judging by these references that Lily had backed off…could Lily like…? No. Impossible.

"I just…I just…I…" he mumbled something inaudible to Lauren. Apparently it was also inaudible to Sirius.

"What are you blathering? Speak up!"

James responded as though the words were dragged from him, "I don't just want her...I think…I mean I know…I l-love her?"

Sirius didn't say anything for a long while.

"Wow," he said finally, his voice quiet. Lauren agreed with him…wow indeed. "You…you really do…"

James snorted by way of reply. Then, suddenly furious, "Sirius I swear!! You tell a fucking soul -"

"Hey!! Come on it's me! I'm not telling anyone."

There was another silence.

"Well," Sirius said tentatively, "I guess you better tell her one of these days yeah?"

James laughed bitterly, "funny."

Sirius sighed.

"Come on Prongs, you can't stay on the floor all day."

She heard James get to his feet and they started to walk away.

"Prongs what are you up too at the moment?" Sirius said it so suddenly, James stopped walking.

Lauren, who had been about to walk away stayed right where she was.

"What do you mean?"

"You're exhausted every morning. You have been for ages. But the other day I went to your room, it was fairly late and I just felt like pissing about….but you weren't there and you didn't have duties. I went again last night, you weren't there either."

"Are you spying on me now?!" James demanded, but Sirius cut across him,

"I wouldn't be but what the fuck are you up too that you can't tell me about!!" There was a moment's silence. Abruptly James footsteps were marching right towards where Lauren stood. She darted up another corridor just in time to see James stalking down the one she had just been standing in. Sirius footsteps faded into the distance as well.

What had that been about?!

The second part whilst intriguing wasn't really what Lauren was concentrating on that. James loved Lily?? It seemed quite irrational to her. But, there he was saying to Sirius (of all people) that he did. He must…

Suddenly she grinned…this could be a lot of fun… Lauren walked away slowly, the beginnings of several vastly interesting plans forming in her head.

Alice sat as close as she dared to James. He really was one of the most good-looking people she had ever seen. With warm hazel eyes and that rebellious hair she could, she believed, look at him all day. And he was just so nice! Alice could not believe they had spent so much of their time at Hogwarts turning their noses up at such an agreeable person. Of late though, it was becoming ever so hard to sit next to him. As lovely as he was, she wasn't stupid…she was aware it was all too possible James Potter didn't really like her that way at all…but she was determined to try. She really did like him! Right now he was smiling that smile, (he was so genuine!) and talking pleasantly with her. But, those warm eyes of him kept darting around, as though he might be embarrassed to be seen talking to her. The thought hurt…but she couldn't understand why he would. She wasn't a bad person to be seen with. With very bright blonde hair gracefully falling around a pale face with very blue eyes, Alice was in fact rather appealing. But her grace and efforts were being lost on James.

"Do you know what you're going to do next year then? James?...James?"

"Huh? Oh, next year…um…not really I don't think. Just see what happens."

Alice nodded attentively, but the boy had already looked away!

"With…with the war it'll be hard won't it…getting a job or choosing one."

James nodded. Still, his eyes darted. Was she that bad?

"Yeah," he replied eventually, "Yeah. Sirius says we should all just grab are wands blow up the ministry, blow up Voldemort and then all become quidditch players."

Alice laughed, but then it became too obvious. James actually moved a little away from her, rubbed his nose as an excuse to look down until, to anyone else, it would appear she was talking to the air, whilst he just happened to be sat there. His eyes were looking furtively at someone across the courtyard. Alice glanced briefly and felt her heart sink. It was Lily.

Alice really would have to be stupid not have seen that coming. She had ignored it really, she was annoyed with herself for it. But there was just no getting round the fact that James Potter would always have a thing for Lily Evans. It just went that way. His eyes lit up when they fell on her. She wasn't jealous, but it did frustrate her. Lily didn't like him at all! And here was Alice, pining for his attention. She was desperate. She turned to him and whispered fast,

"I'm joining an order that's fighting against Voldemort."

That got his attention.

He stared at her,

"What d'you mean?"

When Alice had gone up to Frank the other day and demanded that she be somehow included she was slightly taken aback by how quickly, even eagerly, he gave in and let her. But he had begged her that she tell no-one. And there she was…talking for a full ten minutes with James about everything. Every single detail. But he was hooked, he hung on every word. And it was so nice for a change!

When she'd finished he gazed into the distance a while.

"Frank you say?"
"Yes, but please don't tell him I said anything! He'll know its me and I said I wouldn't."

James nodded slowly, and then suddenly, much to Alice's disappointment, stood up,

"I have to go somewhere."

He didn't even say goodbye. Glumly she crossed her legs on the wall where she sat, preparing herself to sulk for a few moments, when Frank placed himself in front of her. He didn't look angry, but he was looking directly at her. It suddenly struck her how young she felt.

Minutes went by. He didn't say anything. She didn't say anything. They just looked.

Then Frank sighed, looking away, "It's ok. I knew his parents. If they weren't on the right side then no-one is. And he has reason to want to be in it I guess." Frank looked disappointed. In her?

"I'm so sorry Frank…I don't know why I said it I just…" she floundered for an answer, feeling herself go a little pink. He shrugged,

"Hey you…you obviously like him right? Well, he's a good catch." Frank was smiling gently at her, but something in his eyes made her feel a little sad.

"Um…I guess…I, don't think he likes me though," she laughed nervously.

Frank's eyes widened, "You? No he will. Trust me."

Alice shook her head, "If you heard any of that conversation you'll know he really doesn't. I don't know why I'm bothering to be honest."
Frank frowned, which made Alice almost smile. He had one of those faces that even when frowning he still looked kind. "Don't waste time on him then. There are tonnes of men who would have you." He sounded so sincere Alice giggled, "What makes you so sure?"

Frank shrugged, his dark eyes crinkling as he smiled warmly, "I just know when I meet a lovely girl." Alice was so taken aback she giggled, somewhat nervously, again, "You're... making fun of me?"

He shook his head, looking entirely serious, "No. I mean it." He held her gaze and then, blushing slightly, he stood up and waved at her before walking away. Alice stared after him feeling slightly dazed.

"James Potter. Well, this is a surprise. I've been rather impressed with how, even as Head boy, you've managed to avoid me all year."

Dumbledore sat quite calmly, observing him over his half-moon spectacles, despite the fact James had slammed the door open by way of an entry. James planted himself firmly before his headmasters desk. He felt hot anger bubbling in his stomach, but he refused to let it show. Now he needed to be cold. Very cold.

"I asked. At the beginning of the year I asked you if there was anything that would help me, help me avenge them. You said no. You lied." There was a few moments silence whilst Dumbledore simply sat looking at him. James worked hard at controlling himself.

Finally he sighed, "James, before we can go any further, I'm afraid I need to know who told you this. It is of utmost urgency that I know."

The rage that festered inside him had to be forced down even further, "Frank."

Dumbledore nodded in relief. "Yes, he had permission to do so. I find it odd he chose you though I must -"

"Why didn't you tell me?" James interrupted sharply, "I begged you to help me. I actually begged."

Dumbledore looked at him patiently, "I've hardly needed to help you James. I've got my own friends at the ministry you know, as well as you. They inform me that they couldn't say no where I did. They've been sending you information since the start of the year and judging by how late you stay awake, I'd say you've been studying them for some time now. Judging by the information you've requested recently it seems you've also been interpreting the information with some skill. They're quite impressed you know."

"Keeping an eye on me?" James said quietly, very quietly.

Again he sighed, "James however you smile to other people, something else you do skilfully I might add, you lost your parents this year, and it hurt you greatly. They had ever right to say I should 'keep an eye on you' should anything happen."

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!" James voice bellowed across the room, but he didn't care. Losing all pretence at being patient, Dumbledore sat up straight and looked James straight in the eye.

"You were too young, not to mention too much in shock to be a candidate for such work. Being in the order is dangerous to a level you do not yet understand. I understand you're need to be in it. I even applaud such enthusiasm. But it has high demands for little reward and I will not put any of my students, not even you James, in that kind of position."

James breathing heavily glared at Dumbledore a few moments more, and then left without another word.

James stared at her. His eyes were such a curious mix, with soft greens around the edges, and warm browns closer to the middle. She couldn't look away from them. Instead, she ran her fingers through his hair. Strangely soft to touch, she smiled as it swept back...like he'd just been flying... He smiled warmly back at her. No, not just warmly... there was something almost hungry in that look. Placing his hands delicately at her waist he pulled her gently yet firmly against him, and wrapped his arms around her.

"Be mine, please?" Locking her fingers in his hair she whispered fiercely, "I've only ever belonged to you." She couldn't wait any more. She pulled his head down...and their lips met. Sensations shot from her mouth right through her body, jolting her, making her move deliberately against him, tighter, nearer...he kissed her with a ferocity she'd only dreamed about. His hands slid up the back of her shirt sending shivers right through her spine. They smoothly moved round until his fingers had hooked on to the front of her skirt. One of his hands started to slide with tantalising slowness gently down... his fingers causing a throb, almost an ache, of anticipation somewhere deep in -

"Lily!"

Lily gave sudden start and looked quickly round, blushing furiously.

"What?"

"We said you're name like three times!" Alice laughed. Lauren nodded, grinning, "Seriously Lily, this year you're day dreaming is becoming worse than ever."

Lily nodded sheepishly, thankful they had not caught on. It had seemed so real she had worried for a moment that it would have been visible to them as well. Inwardly she groaned. For the past few days these dreams, (no, nightmares, they were definitely nightmares – she didn't enjoy them!) had been attacking her non-stop. She was furious with herself. Potter was disgusting, revolting! This could not be happening to her! Sure, the other night had been fun, but that was no reason for this to begin!! Without even so much as her permission, her mind had been creating a shocking, (shocking!) amount of such images, going into deeper and deeper detail, causing her to feel in places that had never so much as stirred. And it was just Potter, she had tried to insert other people in these...scenarios...but they had fallen flat. Without certain qualities, that this annoying Potter boy seemed to posess, they just did not function. And the worst part was, at times she found herself deliberately creating them, delving curiously into this new and fascinating world. Alice was looking at her expectantly. Lily wondered why Alice liked him – he was such a complex sort of boy...Alice would find that distressing she was sure. Guiltily, Lily wondered why she had started trying to find reasons lately for Alice and James not to be together. Somewhere deep in her mind, a little voice tried desperately to reply with an answer she could not yet face. She firmly pushed thoughts of Potter, (and his roaming hands), out of her mind.

"What is it?"

Alice looked...excited... She whispered something that even put James out of Lily's mind for a while.

"The schools alive with gossip. Somebodies parents have found out, and now all these parents are worried something furious! They want him out – somebody, (in our year!) is actually a werewolf, and they're getting expelled today!"