a/n: I'm just apologising in advance for the atrocity that is Hagrid's speech in this. I cringe when I read it so it's acceptable for you to do the same. I don't even really like Hagrid that much but he always seems to tell Harry nice things about James and Lily.

forty seven – vicious

Lily's on her way to Care of Magical Creatures when she hears his heavy, plodding footsteps behind her. She turns around and greets him with a smile.

"Arigh' Lily?" Hagrid asks.

"Been better," she replies, because it's true – she's fresh-faced and newly sixteen but she slapped Mulciber in the Great Hall yesterday and has been talked about since then.

He frowns down at her, concern etched in his features. "Whassa matter with yeh?"

She thinks for a moment as they descend the grassy banks of to the Black Lake where Anna is waiting for her – today they're studying Grindylows and have to collaborate with their Defence Against the Dark Arts partners.

"I just get so tired of it sometimes, you know? Being an outsider. I feel like I have to prove myself all the time and it's not fair."

Hagrid nods. "I know the feelin'," he booms, and stops to put a hand on her shoulder. She nearly buckles under the weight but tries not to wince. "I wish I could tell yeh it gets easieh, but it don't. Stick wi' it tho', Lily. Yeh'll get thru."

She gives him a grateful smile and waves as he heads off to his hut, greeting Anna when she reaches her.

Professors Kettleburn and Gamp (the stern, hard-set brunette has scared them – all of them – into paying attention this year) are waiting for the class to settle. Shivering and bemoaning the fact that it's January, for Merlin's sake, the students generally protest for far longer than is necessary and only the threat of punishment shuts everybody up.

"Right," Kettleburn announces, taking charge. "Today we'll be looking at the Grindylow -"

"But Professor, we already did them -"

"We studied Grindylows in Third Year -"

"Professor -"

He claps his hands together. "I know you have already covered Grindylows, but the Headmaster feels it may not have been done – ah – sufficiently." With a surreptitious glance at Gamp, who inclines her head, Kettleburn clears his throat, reddening slightly. "Not with you of course," he adds hastily, "and I'm sure the revision you'll have done with Professor Gamp will be perfectly adequate, but it is O.W.L year and we want you to do the best you can do."

James, who's been down at the Black Lake for a while now and is getting bored, hiss-whispers, "Evans!"

"But Sir, it's freezing!"

"We have chosen to look at them at this time of year, Talcott, because the iciness of the water will suitably subdue them. They are known to be quite vicious creatures," – he seemed to perk up at this prospect – "as I am sure you are aware."

"Evans!"

"I understand Professor Gamp has already put you into groups so if you could find your partner please and come to the edge of the water…yes, that's it…"

"Oi, Evans -"

"What?" she asks, annoyed.

Satisfied he's got her attention, he leans back on his hands. "How was detention?"

"I said the edge of the water, Stebbins, not in the water…"

Lily rolls her eyes and stands, brushing her hands.

"Evans -"

"What?"

"You've got grass on your bum, d'ya want me to get it off for you?"

She glares at him. Crossly: "No."

"Sure?" asks James, reaching his hand up.

She slaps it away. "Yes."

"Alright, I was only asking."

Lily tugs Anna's hand and pulls her to the edge of the lake, fuming. The girl nearly trips and falls into the water but Lily grabs her friend's robes and the two double over in giggles.

James watches the scene with thoughtful amusement and glances at Sirius, grinning. "Wanna know what I'm thinking, Padfoot?"

Peter looks at him, eager. "What is it?"

The boy stands up and rumples his hair, running a hand through it. "I think the girls might enjoy a swim at this time of year, don't you?"

There's a pause, and then: "You're an idiot, Prongs."

"Shush, Moony." Sirius turns to James, a mischievous grin on his face. "Mate, I say go for it. It's the only time you'll get her wet."

"Oi!" James admonishes, and Remus rolls his eyes.

"Potter! Black!" Gamp calls. "Hurry up, boys!"

"C'mon," says James, leading them down to the lake.

Peter laughs gleefully as Prongs walks over to Lily. They hang back by the rocks, Remus attempting to lure Sirius into doing some work, all eyes fixed on the two Gryffindors. The boys watch as he approaches her – there's the sound of an Alright, Evans? and her irritated reply. James points to something on the ground and with much expansive gesturing he gets Lily to bend down and look at it and then his hands are around her waist and she straightens and Potter! Put me down! and As you wish, Evans -

There's a splash and she sinks under the water, but she's grabbed onto his tie and yanks him under too.

Sirius lets out a bark of laughter.

Lily emerges coughing, spluttering, and "Bloody – wanking – arse – POTTER!"

James surfaces, shaking out his dark hair, and grins like a madman. Lily stumbles out of the lake, goose-bumps littering her arms, and Anna casts a Drying Charm on her friend, the rest of the class laughing.

The boy chuckles as he leaves the water and he looks at Lily, water droplets streaming down her face, shirt plastered to her body, and wants to savour the image forever. He turns back to his friends, expecting to see the three of them laughing, but he's met with the rather more imposing figure of Professor Gamp.

Shit.