/
Everything was dark.
Lily couldn't see a thing.
She could barely even see her own hand in front of her face.
"Hello?" She called desperately, her hair whipping around as she spun on the spot, trying frantically to find the slightest clue as to where she was.
"Is anyone there? Hello?!" She yelled again, her voice wavering slightly.
And then...
Voices.
"Oh thank Merlin!" Lily cried, attempting to locate exactly where the sound was coming from. She listened for a moment, before realisation dawned on her.
The voices weren't from the present.
They were from the past.
"Hi, I'm James!"
"Hi, I'm Lily!"
Lily's eyes widened as she heard her 11 year old self speak.
She remembered this!
This was when she and James first met!
She glanced around, looking for any image at all to accompany the obvious memory, but nothing but the eerie darkness surrounded her.
"James! You just knocked all my books over!"
Lily cringed as her younger, whiny voice filled the room.
"Sorry Lily. I have places to be, people to prank. You shouldn't carry so many books around anyway!" James' voice replied breezily, with the same air of arrogance that he always carried around with him.
Oh god. That was the Potter she knew and hated. Not this new one.
"Potter! Stop it! Put him down! Now!"
Lily swallowed nervously as those few detached words alone made her palms feel sweaty. This was that day by the lake, in fifth year.
"Only if you go out with me, Evans!"
"Not a chance, Potter."
Lily bit her lip as the scene continued to play out.
"Go on, Evans. Go out with me."
Lily's breath hitched as James' booming voice echoed through the darkness.
"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid!"
She winced at the harsh tone of her voice; her detestation was so blindingly obvious in every syllable she spat at him. Lily remembered the whole ordeal as though it had happened just yesterday.
There was a pause in the dialogue, and all Lily could hear was heavy breathing, before a soft thud rang out.
"You're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus!" James yelled.
A different voice now, one that Lily knew only too well.
"I don't need help from that filthy little Mudblood!" Severus' sharp voice pierced the unnerving temporary silence, and Lily felt the bitter sting of those words as they pierced her chest too.
"You take that back! Apologise to Evans!" James cried out.
Lily put her head in her hands. Where the hell was she? When were these voices going to stop?
Now, the voices were all running into one another, at such a pace that Lily couldn't fully distinguish them.
"Go out with me!"
"You know you want to!"
"I don't want to argue anymore."
"You don't want to date me."
Now, a new voice.
One she hadn't heard before. She could tell it was James, but she couldn't place the time she had heard it.
"Lily! Go! Now!"
The voice was panicked, and desperate confusing Lily further.
"Lily! Go!"
"Lily!"
"Lily!"
"Lily!" Lily gasped as her eyes snapped open, her head jerking up rapidly.
"Sssh! Binns will notice!" Alice scolded her.
Lily gazed around blearily at the classroom full of students, each of their faces displayed identical vacant stares ensuring her confidence that none of them were paying the slightest bit of attention to anything Professor Binns, their ghost teacher, was saying.
So much for learning about the History of Magic.
The red head turned back to look at Alice, who was currently fixing her with a look of concern, her blue eyes focused on Lily. "I've been calling you for like five minutes, Lils."
"What happened?" Lily asked, drowsily.
"You fell asleep! Did you get any sleep at all last night?" Alice probed.
Lily sighed and rubbed at her temples with both hands.
"It was too hot in the room." Lily lied, opting to looking down at her desk rather than at Alice's sceptical stare.
Truth be told, Lily had been up all night fretting about James. It seemed no matter how much she wished he would, he wouldn't just bugger off out of her thoughts.
At all.
Not even during the bloody day! Although, she hadn't had any dreams like the one she'd just had last night. All of last night's dreams had come with images.
Alice shook her head, looking amused.
"You're a witch. Use a cooling charm tonight, maybe?" Alice suggested with a half-smile.
Lily let out a nervous laugh.
"Ha, oh yeah...didn't think of that." She mumbled.
Alice chuckled.
"Where you having a dream or something? You looked pretty restless in your sleep." The blonde asked.
Lily paused, wondering whether or not to tell Alice about her crazy, James Potter related dream. She decided against it. There was a whole lot more going on there, and she didn't think she could tell Alice about her dreams without anything of major importance spilling out.
"Um, yeah I think I was. But I can't remember any of it now!" She said, attempting to sound as casual as was possible.
"Really." Alice said, raising her eyebrows incredulously at Lily.
Lily nodded, daring herself to look Alice in the eyes. And it seemed her daring paid off as, eventually, Alice shrugged and looked back down at her textbook.
"All right then. As long as you're okay." She said simply.
Lily breathed a sigh of relief.
"We better actually listen now. I want to at least pass this exam at the end of the year." Alice muttered.
Lily tried to smile, but she still couldn't shake the horrible, empty feeling that the dream had left her with.
/
"What's this I hear about the head girl falling asleep during class? And History of Magic as well? Oh the scandal!" Marlene cackled later on that day, placing her hand on her heart as she feigned shock.
Lily narrowed her eyes and gave her dark haired friend a playful shove.
"Shut it, Mar." She grumbled, folding her arms over her chest.
It was lunchtime, and the girls had decided to ditch the Great Hall in favour for enjoying the summer sun. All three of them were sitting on a brick wall, their legs swinging over the edge.
"No but seriously Lil. You never fall asleep in class. Ever. What's gotten into you? You and Potter have a mad party last night?" Marlene smirked.
Lily shook her head, and tried to rearrange her features into a convincing smile.
"Nope. I just couldn't sleep is all." She replied quietly, crunching on a crisp.
Marlene looked at Alice, who seemed to be observing the conversation unfold with great interest, before studying Lily carefully. After a few seconds, Marlene's eyes widened, and her eyebrows shot up. She let out a gasp, and Lily swallowed nervously. Did Marlene know about her weird, Potter themed dreams?
Marlene pointed at Lily, her eyes still wide.
"I know what it is! You're missing your old dorm mates!" She exclaimed, a triumphant grin appearing on her face. Lily let out a sigh of relief, before smiling over at her two friends.
"Of course I am! That's probably it…well, that and the heat." Lily added at the end, for Alice's sake.
Alice giggled, and threw an arm over Lily.
"Aw, Lilykins. I didn't know you cared." She batted her eyelashes at Lily, who proceeded to roll her eyes at her friend.
"Right. Ok then." She chuckled, shrugging Alice off her. Alice grinned, before hopping down off the wall.
"Well ladies. I'm afraid this is where I bid you farewell." Alice bent down into a low bow as Lily and Marlene looked on, slightly amused.
"I must go and meet my knight in shining armour." She feigned swooning, flicking her long blonde hair dramatically over her shoulder.
Marlene pulled a face.
"Who?" She said, confused.
Alice gave her a light whack on the arm.
"Frank, you dolt." Alice said, rolling her eyes at Marlene.
"Oh." Marlene replied, before shrugging, and taking another handful of crisps.
Alice sighed, before gathering up her bag. She blew the two girls a kiss, before dashing across the grounds towards the castle.
Marlene sighed, and leaned her head against Lily's shoulder.
"She's so lucky." She muttered, sadly.
Lily turned her head, to look at her best friend.
"Who?" Lily asked, slightly worried at the speed in which Marlene's mood had changed.
"Al." She sighed, fiddling absentmindedly with a lock of Lily's red hair. "You know, with having Frank and all."
Lily gave her a wistful smile.
"Yeah. She is." Lily agreed, as she lifted her head to look out over the Hogwarts grounds.
"Although, I didn't really think that was your style, Marlene. You've never really been the relationship type when it comes to guys." Lily admitted. Marlene gave a small laugh against Lily's shoulder.
"Yeah. That's right. And I'm not saying I've seen the light, or any of that mushy crap." She assured her, pulling a disgusted face. Lily laughed, shaking her head slightly. "I'm just saying, someday…I'd like a relationship like that. Maybe not right now…but someday."
Lily was quiet for a moment.
"You know what? I'd like that too." She finally said.
Marlene laughed. "We can have a joint wedding!" She squealed. Lily giggled, leaning her head on top of her friends.
"You got anyone in mind then? You know, to be your future husband?" Lily teased. Marlene raised an eyebrow, and gave Lily a mischievous smile.
"Possibly. But you know me, I'll go after what I want, so chances are you'll notice eventually." She smirked and Lily opened her mouth to respond, but Marlene shook her head. "What about you then, Evans?"
Lily shook her head, but she could feel her face starting to heat up under Marlene's suspicious stare. Marlene looked like she was about to say something, when they were interrupted by a booming voice, addressing them from across the way.
"Hello Evans! McKinnon!" Sirius yelled at them from a few meters away.
The girls sat up as the marauders came bounding over to them.
"Spiffing day, isn't it ladies?" Sirius said cheerfully, hopping up onto the wall next to Marlene.
Marlene smirked, looking him up and down.
"Just got a whole lot better, if you ask me." She replied cheekily. Sirius gave her a sly smile, flipping his hair out of his eyes.
Lily's eyes were about the size of saucers at this point as she looked on at the pair.
What is Marlene doing?
Lily was too absorbed in the exchange that was going on between Marlene and Sirius to notice the rest of the marauders hopping onto the wall as well. She only acknowledged their presence when someone leant rather close to her, and whispered in her ear.
"Hello, Evans."
Lily jumped and let out a squeal as her head snapped to her left, only to be met with those god damn hazel eyes that had so rudely invaded her dreams last night.
"Potter, you have got to stop doing that!" Lily groaned. James inclined his head slightly, a bemused smile on his face.
"Stop doing what?" He asked sweetly.
Lily rolled her eyes.
"Sneaking up on me." She said pointedly, her eyes narrowing as she did so. James chuckled, and sat up a little straighter.
"Sorry. My bad." He said, running his hand through his hair.
"Hello, Lily. Marlene." A soft, smooth voice greeted them. Marlene was too wrapped up in Sirius to notice, but Lily heard.
Lily looked forward to see Remus was not sitting on the wall, but standing in front of her.
"Remus!" She exclaimed happily, before jumping off the wall and launching herself into Remus's arm. He made a surprised noise, but returned Lily's hug with the same amount of affection.
"It's been ages!" Lily smiled as they broke apart.
Remus nodded. "Indeed it has. I mean look at you. Head girl!" He teased. Lily shrugged, a small smile on her face.
"You got prefect though! So we'll still have our daily catch ups during rounds." Lily said hopefully, her eyes fleeting up to meet Remus's.
Remus grinned and put his arm around her. "Of course we will! Wouldn't miss them for anything." Lily laughed, and Remus removed his arm. Lily went back to sit on the wall, but she didn't miss the look on James' face before she did so. He looked…
Angry?
Fed up?
Sad?
I don't pretend to have the slightest idea what goes on in that boys head…but it can't be good.
Whatever it was, she couldn't help but feel bad for him. She didn't know why. She'd hated Potter merely a few days ago.
"Hi, Lily. Marlene." A slightly squeaker voice greeted the girls and another boy appeared from beside Remus. Again, Marlene didn't hear.
What is that girl playing at?
"Hello, Peter." She smiled kindly, nodding at the blonde boy.
Potter still didn't move an inch, and he still had that look on his face. That look was making Lily feel really bad…there was only one thing for it. Lily gave him a gentle nudge. He looked up, his face still set with ' the look'. She took a deep breath.
"James." She started off, although she couldn't help noticing how weird it felt to say his first name, or even acknowledge he had one. He already looked remotely better at hearing his name, so it was going well.
"Are you free tonight? We should probably start scheduling all of the prefect's patrols and all the meetings and things." She said quietly, her eyes searching his for a reaction. James' eyes flickered with something, she wasn't sure what, before a huge grin appeared on his face.
"Of course, Lily! I can do that!" He replied happily, and Lily had to fight back a giggle. He paused for a moment, realising how giddy he sounded. "Yeah, that sounds cool. I could clear my schedule." He added in a much lower voice. Lily smirked.
"Good. Our common room? Say…7 O'clock?" She suggested.
James nodded vigorously.
"I'll be there." He grinned. "Probably." He added in that low voice, taming his smile into a far meeker one.
Lily smiled back, before turning to find out exactly how enthralling the conversation between Marlene and Sirius was for it to absorb the two so completely in it.
"It's really hot today, isn't it?" Marlene said, leaning back and fanning herself. Sirius' eyes widened.
"Why, yes you are." He said, flirtatiously.
Marlene giggled, throwing her hair over her shoulder.
"Oh, stop it you." She smiled, giving him a playful punch.
Sirius waggled his eyebrows, uncannily similarly to how Marlene had done so on the platform a couple days ago.
"Feisty. I like it." He added in a low voice. Marlene rolled her eyes, but it was obvious she was enjoying herself.
"Right boys! We better go, if you want help on that Transfiguration essay." Remus called out, as he hopped off the wall, Peter and James following.
"I'll see you Evans. I hope you can manage without my dazzling presence until seven!" He grinned. Lily rolled her eyes at him.
I have got to stop doing that!
"I think I'll cope, Potter." She replied breezily. He gave her a wink, and Lily gave him a rather rude hand gesture in return. He pretended to be hurt, but he was still laughing.
"Aw, come on Moony! I'd much rather stay here and talk to Marlene." Sirius whined. Remus rolled his eyes.
"Fine, go ahead. If you want detention from McGonagall, that is." He said simply.
Sirius paused for a moment, before sighing and jumping off the wall.
"And now, my dearest Marlene, I must leave you. I pray our paths will cross once more." He announced theatrically, placing a kiss on her hand, before rushing after the Marauders.
Marlene didn't have time for a response so settled for gazing dreamily at the spot Sirius had been only moments ago.
"Hey Marlene?" Lily asked, breaking the silence that had developed between them.
"Yes, Lily?" Marlene replied, turning to face her best friend.
"What the hell was that?" Lily demanded, her eyes wide and eyebrows arranged into an inquisitive frown.
Marlene simply laughed, and leant over to lean her head on Lily's shoulder.
"That, my dear, was going after what I want."
A/N: Thank you for reading! Review please! I welcome feedback! A big shout out to my beta, faithless98! In your reviews, tell me this: What do you think of Marlene and Sirius as a pairing? Oh, and I hope you all have a very happy Easter!