A/N – I apologise profoundly for how long this chapter has taken. I won't go into detail about why I couldn't update, because that would be boring. So here is the next chapter!

Disclaimer – I do not own ANYTHING here except the OCs and the storyline.

"Sirius?" I stepped through the portrait hole into the Gryffindor common room. He was sitting next to the window, glaring at the wall with his fists clenched. He didn't look at me as I came in. I went over to him and sat opposite.

"Thanks." I whispered, looking at him.

"What?" He looked at me, as if he'd only just noticed I was there.

"For saying that. It was getting sickening…seeing them snogging when you're trying to eat, I mean." He smiled at that.

"Yeah, it was. I don't know why James is even with Alexis, it's obvious he likes you." He said carelessly.

"What?" I was shocked. He did like me? Then why was he with Alexis? Was Sirius lying? The questions raced around my mind. But I concentrated on recognising the feeling that had suddenly sprung up inside me. Was that…relief?

"You haven't noticed? Merlin, where have you been? Under a rock or something?" He chucked, then turned back and looked at the wall. He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again. At that moment, the rest of the Marauders, excluding James, and my friends tumbled into the common room, falling onto the floor as they tried to get through the portrait hole all at once.

"What on earth are you doing?" I grumbled, irritated that I hadn't been able to ask Sirius about what he'd said.

"Well, I was trying to get through the portrait hole sensibly, and then the next thing I know-" Remus started, getting up from the top of the pile and dusting himself off.

"THEY ALL PUSHED ME!" Marlene interrupted, glaring at the rest of them and pointing her finger accusingly.

"Of course we did, Mars. Sorry. " Alice smiled, getting up. Alice was always the one to try and make peace. Emmeline, however, turned to glare at her. Alice smiled and shook her head whilst Marlene was busy moaning at poor Remus and Peter.

"I KNOW! LET'S PLAY POWER HOUR!" Sirius suddenly shouted, his mood suddenly improving. Remus and Peter groaned, whilst me, Alice, Marlene and Emmeline looked at each, confused.

"What's Power Hour?" Marlene asked, cautious. Sirius was known for his love of drinking games. He looked at her like she was an idiot.

"What's Power Hour! What's Power Hour? Only the most amazing drinking game ever!"

"What makes it so amazing?" Alice asked, beginning to feel uneasy. Sirius grinned.

"You have very slim chances of being sober at the end. Now, wait here, whilst I go and get my most prized possessions!" He darted up the stairs.

"Most prized posessions?" I asked incredulously "Please don't tell me he means –"

"Here they are!" He called, appearing at the top of the stairs, countless firewhiskey bottles in his arms. "Now, I reallllllyyyyy don't think we should be playing this game when the first-years start coming back, so off we go to the heads dorm!" And with that, he skipped down the stairs and out the portrait hole.

"We really should follow him, you know, last time he ended up with glass everywhere when he tripped up on a step."

2 hours later…

I gazed around me from my position on the floor, giggling. Remus was dancing wildly with Sirius on James's desk, truly believing they were amazing at Hip-Hop Dancing. They really weren't. Marlene was already snoring loudly on the floor near the drinks table, her glass where she had left it when she had gone to pour another before passing out. Peter had slipped away a while before we'd all started going downhill, much to Sirius's dismay. Alice was in the toilet, throwing up, presumably. Emmeline…wait, where was Emmeline? She must have left. I staggered to my feet and wandered over to the window. The grounds were empty, the Giant Squid was just visible, quietly poking out from the murky depths of the lake. Suddenly, the portrait hole swung open and James stepped through, helping Emily to walk.

"You know, I reaaaalllllyyyyyy think dat you and Lilykins w-w-would make a gweat couple!"

"OK, Emmeline, sure." He laid her down on a free sofa, then dragged Marlene onto another.

"Where's Alice?" He asked me. I pointed to the toilet. He went over to the door.

"Wait! I'm scared to be alone!" I yelled.

"What? Sirius and Remus are here." He said, exasperated. I pouted and gave him my best puppy-dog eyes. He sighed.

"Fine. Now go and sit on the sofa." I bounced onto the sofa, still grinning.

"How many bottles have you had?"

"Only…fwour!" He raised an eyebrow.

"Four?"

"Or five…six, maybe…"

"Oh, Lily, come on! Why on earth did you have six bottles?"

"Hey, d-don't cwiticise! Your da one whos dating...A-A-Alexis!"

"There's nothing wrong with Alexis!" he snapped defensively.

"Bimbo…"I muttered under my breath. He must have heard, because his face grew darker.

"And since when did you take any interest in who I date, may I ask?"

"Since Sirius said you liked me!" I shouted "And since I liked you…" I whispered. I looked at him, and I think he heard that, too, because I didn't need to be even remotely sober to see the emotions that spread over his handsome features. James Potter really did like me, Lily Evans.

A/N – I know, this chapter sucks, especially considering it's taken me so long to get round to doing it and it's sooo short. I couldn't find a good way to write it, but this way should open up some interesting options later…Anyway, tell me what you think by reviewing and remember, constructive criticism is always welcome. I swear the next chapter will be longer, more interesting and sooner. :D