A/N This is going to be a three-parter, I'll update part two tomorrow

Resolutions, Pt. 1

The common room was cozily warm and the cheery firelight created a homey, safe atmosphere as they watched the blizzard outside raging. It was the last hour of the year 1971, and the Marauders were savoring the moment.

More precisely, James, Sirius and Peter were savoring the moment. Remus Lupin was probably, at this moment in time, well, not Remus Lupin, rather a rather large, vicious wolf intent on finding and devouring any bit of human flesh it could; including itself.

And on New Year's Eve, of all days! A full moon on New Year's Eve once every- what, twenty years? And it just happened to fall when Remus was at Hogwarts for his third year? Now, that's proof the fates are out to get him…

Now, it just so happened that the Marauders had the common room practically to themselves, as no one had returned from the holidays; all to themselves, except for two first years, two second years, a couple older students that could be fifth or sixth years, and one lone seventh year. Oh, and Lily Evans. Should be an interesting New Year's Eve, huh?

No, not many at Hogwarts over the holidays this year. Most were at home, with their families, safe and sound; and what with the growing anxiety, the fear, and the whisper everywhere-the whisper of a certain name-Well, home simply seemed like the best place to be.

But those still in the castle were there for a variety of reasons; for some, because home really wasn't-that is, the best place to be. Like Sirius Black, for example. And Peter Pettigrew. And of course, Remus Lupin, though for different reasons than the rest. James was there for the simple if noble reason that his friends were; and there was no way he was going to be left out of any new-years pranks that may or may not mysteriously occur.

And then there was Lily Evans, there because her sister wrote her a letter, begging her not to come home for Christmas. And Lily loved her sister, and did as she asked.

So there they were.

As everyone snuck glances at the clock, the talk died down to a hush, until at about fifteen minutes to midnight, Lily Evans lay aside her book, and decided to go out on a limb.

"So" she said loudly "Anyone got any resolutions?"

And of course, that sparked a conversation. Excited chattering broke out amongst the first and second years about the presidency of the Gobstone Club and Merlin knows what else, one of the fifth/sixth years started loudly proclaiming how many boys they hoped to shag, and all of their names, and the seventh year started muttering under his breath "NEWTS, NEWTS, they're all in cahoots-that was poetic- conspiracy, yes, that's it, got to be. All out to get me, always watching-escape!" With a final paranoid glare, he made a sign to ward off evil, spat thrice and spun around, then turned and hightailed it up the stairs.

There was a moment of rather awkward silence at that, but one of the first years giggled reluctantly, and put her hand over her mouth. Soon everyone was laughing, and talk of resolutions resumed. Lily looked rather pleased with herself for starting a discussion, and turned to the marauders, saying "And you guys?"

Sirius, his brow furrowed, admitted "I'm still not quite sure what it is we're supposed to be doing."

Lily sighed. "Well, it's just kind of a goal you're setting, to improve yourself. You know, something you want to accomplish before the end of next year. You could say anything from laying off the chocolate frogs, to being best in the class to just being more patient and considerate" she said pointedly

Sirius' expression cleared "Oh, in that case, I know exactly what my resolution is! I, Sirius Orion Black, shall stay exactly the same!"

His friends stared at him, perplexed. "You know, because it doesn't get any better than this…" he said, wiggling his eyebrows and pointing at himself. That fifth or sixth year was still going, and one name broke through "Sirius Black oh, and-" Sirius stood with dignity, turned, cleared his throat, and raised his eyebrows at the girl, who immediately turned bright red and hid behind her cackling posse. Peter was looking scandalized, James was laughing his head off, and surprisingly, so was Lily.

Laughing, she said "Well, that's not exactly the kind of resolution I had in mind, but sure, Black. You just keep thinking that…" She patted his arm patronizingly.

"Oi, what's that supposed to mean?!" said Sirius indignantly

As they bickered, James watched them thoughtfully, a small smile on his face. He knew what his resolution was, in fact, he'd known since Christmas, and he was planning on sharing it with Sirius and Peter tonight. But it's not like he could say it in front of her, as he didn't think Moony would appreciate that very much. But now… Now he had another one to add to the list

Become Animagi.

Get Lily Evans to like me.

Yep, should be an interesting year…

James was shaken out of his reverie, by Lily asking "What about you, Peter?"

Peter flushed, and said nervously "Well, um, I'm hoping to make better marks in transfiguration, and um, not fall asleep during history of magic."

Everyone chuckled, and Lily said kindly "Those are great goals, though it's tough not to fall asleep."

The marauders stared at her shocked "Oh, what?" she said, annoyed "It's not like I've never found lessons boring, I just think they're important!"

James put up his hands in a gesture of surrender "Whatever you say, Evans."

She let out a sigh "And you, Potter?"

He feigned a hurt look, and she relented "James."

He thought for a moment then said sincerely "Well, I think I want to… I'm not going to stop pranking, but… I dunno, sometimes I feel like I cross this line, that really shouldn't be crossed, and I can't see it at the time, but in hindsight it's obvious it's there. And I want to have fun, and give people a hard time that deserve it, and you know, maraud- but I don't want for our pranks to hurt others, like, not just turn their hair purple and make a cloud of pixies follow them around, but really hurt them... And sometimes they do… I do. And I'm sorry for that." He gave her a sideways look of apology, and saw that she was thinking of the same thing as him, and a small, sad smile was on her lips, her eyes faraway.

She looked at him, and said "I think that's the best resolution yet."

Sirius elbowed James in the ribs, and muttered "kiss-up". Luckily for both of them, Lily didn't hear.

She seemed to bring herself back to earth, and said "So that's all of us, except for… Remus. Wait, where's Remus?"

James and Sirius shared a panicked glance. "Umm, he went home for the holidays." said Sirius uncertainly, at which James kicked him under the table.

"No." said Lily, thoroughly confused. "No, he was here all through Christmas, he was here just this morning"

Sirius laughed nervously "Just testing you, Lils. He's… upstairs. He didn't much feel like celebrations, he's probably asleep by now."

"Oh, but he can't miss midnight! It's New Year's Eve for crying out loud! Let's go wake him!" said Lily decisively

Now even Peter was starting to twitch nervously, as James said desperately "We'll wake him a bit before midnight, how's that?"

Lily smiled and agreed, but she sensed something off about the whole thing. Then Peter changed the subject "So, why're we all still here? For the holidays I mean. I know I'm here because my parents are away-"

"And I'm here because of my family-from-hell" interjected Sirius

"And I'm here because they're here, but why are you, here, Miss Evans?" said James jokingly.

Noticing her expression crumble, he said quietly "Lily?"

She looked up, taking a deep breath "Oh, it's nothing. Just… Well, my sister…" She seemed close to tears, and the Marauders felt quite awkward. She took a crumpled letter from her pocket and wordlessly thrust it at them. James took it, and read aloud

"Dear Lily,

I know I said I wouldn't write, and I shan't write again. Writing to freaks is a waste of paper, and the owls are filthy. However, I must- ask a favor.

Lily, don't come home for Christmas. If you can, stay at that school for good. Mum and Dad finally pay attention to me, and my life is going well for a change. I don't need you screwing it up, and I know you will. Besides, if you come home that Snape boy will follow you around like a lost puppy, and he's even more rotten than you.

Mum and Dad won't say it, but I will. You're a freak, Lily. You don't belong here.

Don't come home,

Petunia Evans, Only Child" James finished, his voice breaking. Lily really was crying now, and the Marauders were silent. Sirius and James looked murderous, and Peter just looked sad.

Lily lifted her head, wiped her tears and said "But it doesn't matter. I'm here, and here is where I belong."

James and Sirius looked at each other, grinning and shouted "You go, girl!"

Then Sirius said more seriously "Hogwarts is where you belong, Lily. Don't let anyone tell you differently"

Lily grinned "Thanks, guys." She said, then started "Oh, wait! We almost forgot about Remus. We'd better wake him now, it's five minutes to midnight!" Lily got up, and stated towards the boy's dormitory.

"Dammit, so close!" muttered Sirius.

A/N Thanks for reading! Lately I've been obsessed with the Marauders, Remus in particular. Any feedback would be very much appreciated.

Love, Leviosa