October 31, 1971: Halloween

Lily

Halloween was always a joyous occasion back home. Petunia and I would spend hours giggling, eating candy and getting into elaborate costumes: Petunia would always dress up as a fairy or a princess (or a fairy princess), while I would be a witch. Oh, the irony…We would then eat a delicious dinner and relax in front of the fireplace, playing games from Charades to Clue, and telling stories and laughing.

It was perfect.

When Alice informed me that we would not, in fact, be dressing up, I felt crushed, especially when I reread a letter on my bedside. It was from Petunia, who had summoned the courage to send it by owl.

Dear Lily, she wrote in a drawling script. I shook my head fondly. Pet was always changing her handwriting from "movie star cursive" to "rebellious teenager" to "teacher's pet".

I miss you today. Mary and I made costumes again. I was a witch, just for you, Lily. We ate chocolates and licorice, and I lost at Charades. I hope you have a wonderful Halloween at Hogwarts, and please send me a picture of James Potter. He sounds hot, cute, adorable, and horrible!

Love, Petunia

I wondered what had brought on this letter. Petunia had barely spoken a word to me after my birthday, and so reading her say flowery phrases like, 'I was a witch, just for you, Lily.' and 'I hope you have a wonderful Halloween at Hogwarts' seemed unreal. She'd refused to ever say "Hogwarts", instead referring to it as "that school" or "the freak academy". You can see why I was apprehensive. In fact, if not for that last sentence about Potter, I'd never have believed it was her. But, I wanted to believe it, and it was Halloween (how her letter reached here so fast is beyond me) so I let it go.

"Lily! C'mon! Let's go!" Lizzie ran into the room, grabbed my arm, and pulled me down the stairs and out the door, all the while gabbing about how wonderful and exciting this would be.

"Calm down, Liz," I said, giving her an amused look. "It's not going to be that exciting."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Evans," Potter brushed past me, giving a smirk to Black and—

"Remus!" I exclaimed, going over to the boy and giving him a hug. "Is your mum alright? Did she like my gift?"

When I heard Remus' mum was ill (which was about four days before he left), I'd asked Professor McGonagall to transfigure a broken gold and silver chain into a dainty picture frame, and I'd gotten a picture taken of Remus, Aliya, Lizzie, Alice, Potter, Black, Pettigrew and I, where we're all pretending to like each other ("we" meaning Potter, Black, Aliya and I). We're all talking and laughing and waving in front of the Black Lake. I'd gotten everyone to sign it on the back. It was beautiful, if I may say so myself.

"I—She loved it," Remus said, blushing. I cocked my eyebrow at him, but shrugged it off. Maybe he liked it too, I dunno.

"This Halloween will be one to shiver over years from now," Sirius taunted me.

"I'm sure you're the expert on fear, Black, seeing as it was you that fainted the other day in Transfiguration," I said right back, and my friends sniggered. I gave a dismissive snort to my friends, before I breezed past them, giving one last smile at Remus.

Boys.

••••••••••

James

"This is it," I whispered dramatically. Sirius, Peter and I were huddled in the lav, staring proudly at our masterpiece. A cauldron lay bubbling over a broken toilet. Sirius had attempted to cast 'Aguamenti' to fill it with water, but had caused so much water to flow out of it that our bathroom was flooded and the basin cracked. So, we'd lit a fire underneath and used it to brew various potions. It was completely illegal, but very useful.

"Our first big prank," Peter agreed.

"Our most public achievement," Sirius crossed his eyes at me.

"We need a name."

"What, like The Pranksters?" Peter's eyes were round and excited.

"Way to be original," I said, rolling my eyes at Sirius. Peter looked crushed.

"What about the, what was it, Dastardly Devillishly Dashingly Handsome Pranksters, Adventurers, and Mischief Makers?" A dry voice said from the door.

"Remus!" I said happily before registering what he said. "What—you remembered?" I recalled the day we'd met, when Sirius and I had introduced ourselves.

"I'm Remus Lupin."

"Sirius Black, dashingly handsome adventurer and mischief maker," preened Sirius as he led us up the path.

"I'm Potter; James Potter," I ruffled my hair and grinned at Remus. "Pleased to meet you. I, the devilishly handsome prankster and mischief maker here, at your service."

Sirius laughed as well, but Peter just looked confused and out of it, as usual. We wasted no time in filling in Remus, and five minutes later saw the four of us innocently walking towards the "Great Hall". Or, at least that's what everyone else thought. We'd almost made it out the Common Room when I overheard Lizzie and Evans.

"Calm down, Liz. It's not going to be that exciting," Evans tried to look nonchalant, but I could tell she was pretty excited herself.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Evans," I said as I brushed past her, giving a smirk to Remus and Sirius. Of course, that prompted Evans to go all fan-girl over Remus, fawning over him and asking him whether his mum liked her present. If it had been a teacher she had given it too, I would call her a suck-up or a teacher's pet, but in Remus' case it was obvious she liked him. Why did that make my stomach go all tight? But, I didn't know at the time why she'd made us all pretend to be all friendly in a picture, but I got it now. The only question was: How did she know about Remus' mum before I did? She was a sneaky little snoop.

"This Halloween will be one to shiver over years from now," Sirius taunted her, and I grinned. My grin disappeared, however, when she replied smartly,

"I'm sure you're the expert on fear, Black, seeing as it was you that fainted the other day in Transfiguration."

It was true.

McGonagall had transfigured a rope into a long, scaly cobra, and it had escaped. Sirius had been, ironically, terrified, something that Snape had lost no time in rubbing in.

Evans brushed right past us, and we followed behind. Sirius looked mutinous, and I agreed. We'd have to pay her back for that, oh yes we would…

*******

"I summon a Hogwarts House Elf!" I stood in the middle of an empty classroom and said this very loudly. My dad had taught me how to summon House Elf's so in case I ever got hurt I would be ok. (Yeah, right: as if I would use that information for that). A small pop rang out before a small creature appeared in front of us.

"I am called Phipps, master! How may Phipps help you?" the creature squeaked. I knelt down so my face was at his level.

"My name is James Potter, Phipps."

"How may Phipps help Master Potter?" Phipps asked eagerly.

"Please, Phipps, call me James," I said. I hated how the Wizarding World looked down on house-elves. The may love to serve us, and punish themselves when they do wrong, and call people master, but they are not below us. "We have a potion here."

I gave Potion B to Phipps.

"Could you please mix this into the pumpkin juice? It will not harm anyone," Too much.

"Yes, Master James! Phipps will do so!" Phipps grabbed the potion and popped out of the room.

"That was too easy," Sirius said, grinning. "Now, come on!" Together, the four us ran furiously towards the Great Hall, arriving just barely before the Head Girl and Boy, who always came last.

"Where were you?" demanded Evans. We ignored her, naturally, and began to eat. We could not wait.

••••••••

Lily

Black and Potter were right behind us, but they sidled in the Great Hall moments before the feast began. "Where were you?" I asked irately. First years were supposed to arrive first, in a group, then the second years, then the third years began to trickle in and so on. It was in Hogwarts, a History. I couldn't believe how rude they were being!

The ignored me, of course.

"Potter!" I began, but just then Dumbledore stood up.

"Today is a special day in the Wizarding World," He said grandly. "The day when even Muggles honor us by dressing up to look like us."

A chuckle swept through the room, especially by those with Muggle parentage.

"More of that later," Dumbledore turned slightly, and his eyes swept over to Potter, Black, and Remus. "Today, enjoy the feast and scream at least once, just to humor an old man. Tuck in!" Dumbledore sat as food appeared on the plates. Potter and his crew shared guilty looks, before Potter and Black shoveled food onto their plates.

"Ewww, Black," Aliya said, turning away and pretending to gag. "I know it's hard, but control those animal urges!"

Black leered at her. "Only for you, Pretty-Patil..."

Aliya rolled her eyes at the nickname but I could see the slight blush underneath.

"Heard from Petty lately?" Lizzie asked, grinning. They'd heard how I called her 'Pet' and 'Tuney' and how she'd acted right before I left for Hogwarts, resulting in the childish name. Potter looked up, some gravy stuck to his chin. I winced at the sight.

"Petty?" he asked.

"Her sweet, kindly sister," Alice rarely said mean things about anyone, but when I'd told her about how she told everyone I was going to a boarding school for "troubled children" (some boys were asking why I was going to a fancy boarding school when she wasn't) she'd flipped. It was strange.

"Alice," I pleaded.

"Lemme guess," Black said around a mouthful of chicken. "She's jealous of you."

"Black!" I said uncomfortably. How he'd nailed her right on the head was slightly scary.

"How'd you know that?" Aliya effectively confirmed it. I squeezed my eyes shut in embarrassment. Black darkly stabbed at his chicken.

"Let's just say I have experience."

I wasn't sure what he meant, but I let it be.

"She sent me a letter today. By owl." I told my friends. I sighed. "It didn't sound like her at all. She was like: 'I miss you today. Mary and I made costumes again. I was a witch, just for you, Lily,' and: 'I hope you have a wonderful Halloween at Hogwarts.' It was very un-Petunia-ish." Aliya laughed.

"I suspect some Motherly Intervention here, Lils." I stuck my tongue out at her childishly before taking big swig of water. Gods, my stomach felt queasy. I didn't feel like eating anything or even drinking pumpkin juice (who would ever think of drinking pumpkins?) while every one else in the Great Hall was pigging out.

"Anytime now," Pettigrew was whispering to Potter and Black. My eyes narrowed. What were they talking about?

"We have to do it too…right? Or, do we want to lose points and gain recognition?" Potter whispered thoughtfully. Black grinned.

"We want them to honor our smarts and brilliance, mate. Let's NOT take it. Face it; the worst thing they can do is take ten points off each." Black said, looking up at the clock. "Three…two…one!"

The clock gonged once. I took a tentative sip of pumpkin juice; it slithered down my throat.

Gong... A bubble of fear formed in my stomach and I looked around warily.

"My stomach..." moaned Aliya.

Gong…Liz gasped loudly. "Look!" she exclaimed pointing at the staff table.

Gong... "Lizzie, I don't see a thing." I pointed out.

Gong… You know that feeling? The one you get before tests, or when you're about to do something important and you just know your going to mess it up, and there's that feeling of anxiety and apprehension in your stomach? That's what I was feeling. Scared.

Gong… Potter and Black were snickering to themselves as they looked around the room. Odd.

Gong… A flash across the room caught my eye. Was it...James? What was he doing there, when he was next to me?

"Potter?" I asked, confused. Potter looked at me oddly.

"Yeah?"

"No—look!" I grabbed his arm and pointed towards his double.

Gong… The clock's final gong rang out and Potter Two reached me.

"I only see one James," Black lounged casually, dipping a finger in chocolate sauce and swirling it into his mouth. I recoiled.

I looked up at Potter and he grinned cockily. "Lils—I'm honored."

"What?" I asked, confused. What was he going on about?

"Hello, Lily." A female voice rang out. My brow furrowed when I spotted—

"Lizzie?"

"What?" Lizzie One, sitting opposite from me, looked in my direction and her mouth dropped open.

"See?" I cried.

"It's a—it's a—SPIDER!" Lizzie One shrieked.

I glanced wildly around, but saw no spider.

"You're so cute, Jamsie," Lizzie Two cooed, wrapping herself around Potter.

I blanched.

"Liz?" I said, horrified. What was she doing?

"Aw, Wiz-Wiz. You're so beautiful," Potter Two cooed back, and before my appalled eyes they entwined their hands and Potter Two kissed her on the cheek!

"WHAT?" I nearly screamed. Potter One looked pale. He smiled weakly at me, before wrenching his arm out of my grip just in time. Lizzie Two giggled and kissed Potter back—on his lips!

My stomach turned, my head lurched and my heart pounded loudly. I stood up abruptly, knocking over my pumpkin juice, and ran from the room.

••••••••

James

Sirius bounced in his chair excitedly, his leg shaking slightly. I grinned at his exuberance. Sirius was full of energy. He radiated it everywhere he went. Dumbledore began talking—something about Muggles, honoring us, blah blah blah…Then,

"Today, enjoy the feast and scream at least once, just to humor an old man. Tuck in!"

Dumbledore eyed us benignly, and Sirius, Remus and I shared guilty looks. Peter just squeaked. I felt better about our prank now. Dumbledore obviously approved. Sirius began shoveling food into his mouth greedily while Remus and I listened in on the girls' conversation.

"Ewww, Black," Patil said, turning away and pretending to gag. "I know it's hard, but control those animal urges!"

Sirius leered at her flirtatiously.

"Only for you, Pretty-Patil…"

Patil looked angry at the nickname and I shuddered.

"Heard from Petty lately?" Lizzie asked, smirking. I grinned at the name. Petty, hmm? I looked up and Lil—Evans immediately winced at the sight of me. I mean, really! Talk about stereotypes.

"Petty?"

"Her sweet, kindly sister," the always-happy Alice Winters nearly hissed out the name. I looked at her dubiously. Who could be so bad that even Winters disliked her?

"Alice!" Evans said pleadingly. Their eyes locked and Winters backed off.

"Lemme guess," Sirius said, chewing some chicken loudly. "She's jealous of you..."

"Black!" Evans said uncomfortably. What was her problem? If "Petty" was as bad as her nickname suggested, she should have no problem bad-mouthing her. But then again, it was Evans, and it was her sister.

"How'd you know that?" Patil asked, unaware that Evans squeezed her eyes shut in embarrassment.

"Let's just say," Sirius stabbed his chicken, scowling slightly, "That I have experience."

Evans eyed him thoughtfully but let it slide. I was glad of that; Sirius barely spoke a word about his family. All I knew was that he had "the worst prat of a brother as I could imagine", "the most horrid mum anyone would be cursed with having", and a "sweet, affectionate dad". The last was said with a shudder and eyes full of pain.

Evans told her friends about some owl she'd received, and I'd bet Sirius was right. It was sad, really. I always felt bad for Squibs in an all magical family—not because they were "inferior" or anything, but because they were the outsiders. I knew that Petty probably felt inferior to her sister, and lonely, and not nearly good enough.

It was a harsh thought.

I fingered my goblet of the spiked juice thoughtfully. Should I take it, and suffer seeing my worst fear, or should I not take it, gain acknowledgment, and suffer the consequences?

Anytime now," Peter whispered rather loudly.

"We have to do it too…right? Or, do we want to lose points and gain recognition?" I voiced my earlier thought. Remus looked thoughtful, Peter worried, and Sirius—well, Sirius was grinning mischieviously.

"We want them to honor our smarts and brilliance, mate. Let's NOT take it. Face it; the worst thing they can do is take ten points off each."Sirius said, looking up at the clock. "Three…two…one!"

Bingo. As soon as Sirius mouthed, 'Action!', the clock began to gong slowly and mournfully. Our "B" potion was utter brilliance.

We mixed together a couple of potions—Fear Inducing Drought, Personal Daydream Potion, Nightmare Inducing Potion—and simmered it for a month, and voila! You get our brilliant "Boggart" potion! Everyone saw their own Boggart in front of them. If you touched someone, however, the other person could see your Boggart (provided they didn't have their own Boggart). It was sheer genius.

The girls reacted differently; Lizzie saw something at the Head Table, Patil moaned about her stomach, and Evans—didn't react. Odd. That is, until the second-to-last gong.

"Potter?" Evans asked, seemingly confused. I looked at her, eyebrow cocked. Evans barely ever talked to me anymore.

"Yeah?"

"No—look!" Evans grabbed my arm and a tingle went up my body. I shivered slightly. It's just the reaction to the Boggart Potion, I told myself firmly.

To mask my strange reaction, I looked to where she was pointing and grinned cockily. I was her greatest fear? Ha!

"Lils—I'm honored." I said, smiling widely. The things I could do to her now, using this knowledge!

"I only see one James," Sirius said casually, dipping a finger in chocolate sauce and swirling it into his mouth. Evans looked disgusted.

I, meanwhile, was examining my double. James Two looked the same as I did…but…it was strange, but he seemed unhappy yet ecstatic at the same time.

I recognized the look. It was the one I used when I was pretending to everyone else that I was happy (for instance, when Grandmum Gwendolyn gave me that hideous sweater and I pretended to love it) but I was actually upset. I wondered why I was upset.

"Hello, Lily." A familiar girl's voice rang out. I grinned, seeing it was Lizzie. Hmmm…

"Lizzie?" Lily seemed shocked and I couldn't blame her. I mean, I could understand if I was her worst fear, but Lizzie?

"What?" Lizzie One, sitting opposite from Evans, looked in my direction and her mouth dropped open.

"See?" Evans said snottily.

"It's a—it's a—SPIDER!" Lizzie One shrieked.

I grinned. So she couldn't see herself. That was good, right?

"You're so cute, Jamsie," Lizzie Two cooed to my double. My brow furrowed even more. This was like my best daydream! Why was it Evans' worst fear? Was she afraid of Lizzie and I together?

"Liz?" Lily said. She sounded strangled. I closed my eyes briefly. I couldn't handle this. If Evans was afraid of Lizzie and I together, did that mean she…fancied me? Or, was she afraid of—or for—Lizzie? It didn't make any sense at all, really.

"Aw, Wiz-Wiz. You're so beautiful," my double cooed back. I blanched at the nickname. Lil—Evans can't be scared of us getting together. There's a reasonable explanation for all of this.

I watched, slightly nauseous as I kissed Lizzie Two on the cheek. Nevermind what was wrong with Lily, what was wrong with me? I should be drinking this in like a daydream! I should be celebrating! I should be amazed, not repulsed! I yanked my arm out of Lily's grip and watched as James Two and Lizzie Two faded before my eyes.

I watched as Evans shouted, "WHAT?" as I let go. I winced slightly. I hoped I hadn't kissed her on the lips. I shuddered slightly while I gazed at Lily.

I wonder what it would be like to kiss her…her lips are red…they look so soft…yum…

Oh, damn! Nonononono! I did not just think, "yum" while thinking about Evans! I watched, dazed, as Lily jumped up and ran from the hall, sniffling to herself.

"What did she see, James?" Sirius smirked. "I wonder what got the fire-breathers knickers in a twist. Probably failing all her tests or something."

"Shut up, Sirius!" I suddenly exploded. "Just shut up! You don't know anything, alright?!" I jumped up, glared at my best friend, and ran from the room. As I ran I wondered what was wrong with me. Sirius hadn't done anything wrong. In fact, I probably would've said the same thing…except that Lily saw Lizzie and I.

I suddenly realized something with a pang in my lower stomach. I didn't like Lizzie. I fancied— "Lily?" I said softly, hearing sobs in the room next door.

"Go away, Potter," Lily fired back, though her heart wasn't in it. I opened the door and walked in, and when I did my heart dropped to the floor. Lily was curled up on the ground, her red hair cascading down her back. Her eyes were red and puffy and she shook silently.

"Look, Lily—it was a prank," I began softly. I wasn't sure how I was going to explain this one—or why I was even trying—but I thought Lily deserved to know.

"A p-prank?" Lily sniffled.

"Have you ever heard of a Boggart?" I asked her, slowly moving forwards.

"A Boggart is a magical creature found in all parts of the world. It is a Class B animal, because it has no substantial body. Instead, it changes accordingly when it comes into contact with humans. It changes to reflect what you—" Lily rattled off. She said the last sentence with a look of dawning horror and understanding.

"Fear the most." I completed, before I held my breath, waiting to see his reaction.

"You mean—Lizzie and you—together—fear?" Lily rambled. I nodded slowly. "Great! Just great! Thank you, God!" Lily shrieked hysterically. I winced and sat down next to her, laying a hand on her arm.

"Lily—" I began, but was stopped by a small hand over my mouth. I shivered, not sure if it was from nerves of the feel of that warm, soft hand over my lips.

"James," began Lily hesitantly, "Tell me something. Do you, err, doyoufancyLizzie?"

"What?" I bit my lip nervously. Did I fancy Lizzie?

No, my brain told me smugly.

Yes!

No you don't. My head throbbed.

"James," Lily said, and the use of my first name caused me to look up, "Look at me, James." I looked into her brilliant green eyes, framed with long, soft red lashes, and I shook my head.

"No, Lily. I don't."

And that was that.

*****

One month later: November 30, 1971

Lily

I was sitting in my room, Sugar Quill between my teeth, chewing on it thoughtfully as I worked on a particularly nasty Potions essay when an owl flew through the open window.

With the owl came a slight breeze, which lifted my unruly hair slightly. I sighed peacefully. It was an exceptionally warm November day, and I was sitting at my desk wearing a green jumper and Muggle jeans. My hair was loose and tumbling down my shoulders, and I was wearing silver earrings.

I had gone up to my room when Black had remarked distastefully that if I was so "hell-bent on looking like a bloody Slytherin" I should go snuggle up with my snaky friends. I didn't care, really. I knew that some wizards and witches in Slytherin were bad, but Sev wasn't and red really wasn't my color. It clashed horribly with my hair.

The owl hooted softly, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Hey, girl," I cooed to the pretty owl. "Who are you from?"

'Lily' was the only thing it said on the front, and in familiar handwriting—no, not familiar like I-know-this-person familiar, but the oh-it's-a-dictation-quill familiar. You see, I had gone to McGonagall the first month when I had burned my hand rather badly. Madam Pomfrey hadn't been able to patch it up all the way, which was odd, and I couldn't take notes. McGongall had allowed me to use a dictation quill. They were forbidden in Hogwarts for schoolwork unless a teacher told you otherwise. So, I was quite familiar with dictation quills.I eagerly opened the letter.

Lily, the letter read,

Tomorrow night, at eight, meet me at the empty classroom we marked with your tears on the day you saw two James' and two Lizzie's. I have something to show you.

James (Potter)

I laughed, instantly knowing what classroom he was talking about. After that awkward day we had reached an understanding, of sorts.

I occasionally called him "James" and he usually called me "Lily". We neither spoke about my greatest fear nor what he had told me—but I could tentatively call us friends. Very tentatively, however. So, I was rather excited. I changed into a soft golden shirt and ruby earrings before I ran downstairs, eager to see Pot—James.

••••••••••••

James

I nervously sealed the letter, my hands shaking. Would she accept? I'd like to say we were friends—but I wasn't sure. I hoped we were; she was nice and all.

More then nice…that evil part of my brain taunted me, but I shoved the thought aside. I'd been doing a lot of that lately.

I knew Remus and Peter liked her too (Remus more then Peter)—but Sirius held a personal grudge against her. I didn't know what his problem was, anyway. There was nothing wrong with Lily!

Gah

I was sounding like a love-struck fool! Grumbling to myself I gave the letter to the school owl and hurried back to the common room, wanting to see her reaction.

But back to Sirius. Today morning she'd looked great in the green jumper. It matched her eyes perfectly, but Sirius had made her go upstairs and probably change. It infuriated me.

"James!" A laughing Lily nearly bowled me over as I climbed through the portrait hole. "Yes!"

Aliya regarded us thoughtfully, but I gave her a cheeky smile, before awkwardly letting Lily smile radiantly at me. Damn! I. Did. Not. Fancy. Lily. Evans.

And that was final. Still, I could barely wait for tomorrow!

"Hello, mate." Sirius said mockingly. He inclined his head towards our dorm. "I need to tell you something. Something important."

By the look on his face I knew he was furious…I could only gulp in anticipation. This wasn't good.

A/N: I know I promised you more in this chapter, but it kinda took a life of it's own! I hope you like anyway…I know the scene with James and Lily was unexpected but don't worry! Their happily-ever-after is not coming anytime soon! They need to go through some torture! It's only first year after all.

Thanks to my beta, siriuslydangerous, for the idea about Lily's Boggart!

I'm thinking I'll do this in installments of one year and the summers that's why I was taking so long with first year—please review and tell me what you think! Review!

-Zanna