A/N - Before reading this chapter, I want to clarify/change something. I was wrong in my attempt to create a Head Boy and Head Girl for each house. It's not canon, so I am doing a slight switch in my own writings. So to clear up confusion that this chapter could possibly create, please know that there is only one Head Boy and that is good ol' Connor Greyson. Parkinson is not the Head Boy of Slytherin; I am making him just a prefect. Sorry for the hassle!

January 4th, 1977

"You shouldn't have shown either one of them the map," hissed Sirius Black as they shaved their wiggentree bark. Professor Sprout had instructed her NEWT students to prepare their materials for their upcoming potions class. It was a collaboration between Professor Sprout and Professor Slughorn, claiming that the NEWT students need to learn how to work in the real world.

"Well, I did, so there's nothing we can do about it," James countered dully.

"Steal a time-turner," Remus quipped as he smashed a particularly large piece of wiggentree.

Sirius thought about that idea for a long moment, but then shook his head quickly. "Ever since the Prewetts used their time-turner for extra munchies two years ago, Dumbledore has them all locked up," he revealed. As his friends stared at him pointedly, he shrugged, "What? I have tried before."

Remus smashed another large piece of wiggentree, causing his two friends to stare at him wide-eyed. He tended to get aggressive, especially the day before the full moon. He had been expecting the last full moon for a few weeks now, and it showed. "How do you expect to pull this off then? Just sneak into Dumbledore's office, all willy-nilly."

"Willy-nilly?" Sirius repeated.

"Muggle expression," Remus replied shortly.

"That sounds like the title to a bad porno."

"Everything is really sex with you, isn't it?"

"Moony, my friend," Sirius said in a charismatic voice, "we are creatures of sex. Might as well honor the act."

"You're a neanderthal."

"Neanderthal?" Sirius asked James.

James finished his breaking apart his last piece of wiggentree and glared at both of his friends. "Shut up you two, so I can explain the purpose of this plan."

"Everyone is so testy today," Sirius mumbled as he flicked an extra piece of wiggentree into his own bin of materials.

James ignored his best friend. "Looks, Evans and Marlene has a point about the Prophet. It must be something big because there is still no Prophet today. Two days in a row is a big deal, and people are beginning to talk."

"You don't think something just happened to our subscriptions?" Remus asked logically.

"Hundreds of owls just not delivering full mail is bloody weird," James said in determined voice.

"Has your dad said anything?" Sirius asked.

James shook his head and leaned in slightly to get closer to his friends. "You both know my dad wouldn't just leave me out on information like this," he said in a hushed voice. "That's why I'm really concerned."

"And because Lily asked you for the favor," Remus pointed out knowingly.

Sirius smirked. "And James can't help but play hero in front of her."

James deadpanned, "No hero. Just a gorgeous, tall, and capable savior, that's all."

"Don't forget to mention humble," Sirius muttered under his breath.

Before he could finish, James pushed Sirius with one hand right off his stool and onto the ground. A few students gasped, and some laughed.

"Bastard!" Sirius shouted aiming his foot for his friend's calf.

"Mr. Black!" hollered Professor Sprout. "Get off the ground! Potter, help him up. This is no time for funny-business or shenanigans. Not in NEWT classes."

"Of course, Professor," James mock-smiled as he leaned down to help a scowling Sirius.

"Back to work, Gentlemen," Professor Sprout approved.

"You're such a twit," Sirius grumbled as he ruffled his hair.

"Yeah, and you're full of it," countered James as he slid his gloves on. "Either way, I intend to recruit Peter into locating the latest Prophet. He can… change into you-know-what and grab it."

Remus paused and looked up at James as if there were the Bloody Baron right behind him. He blinked a few times before James asked, "What?"

Remus took a deep breath. "And what if he gets caught?" He asked cautiously. "What if Dumbledore finds him as a… you-know-what?"

James waved the statement off before squeezing his Boom Berries over a small bowl. "He won't," he said simply. It was the same tone James often used before a Marauders expedition, like everything would somehow be right.

"That's quite a whim you're going out on," Remus argued. "Dumbledore not noticing a rat running away with his banned newspaper? Unlikely."

"I'll have the map, Remus. We'll go when no one is there. Evans is even going to get the password from Dumbledore's office from Greyson. It'll be quick and simple: in and out."

Remus ground his teeth together and tried not to wring James' neck just for suggesting a stupid idea like that. "You're going to get caught," he said tensely.

"It's not such a bad idea," Sirius said, trying for diplomacy. "We'll both make sure that you don't fuck it up, James."

"Speak for yourself," Remus grumbled as he stood up abruptly. He wiped his hands of the wiggentree and carried his materials to the front of them room to show to Professor Sprout. As his two friends exchanged confused glances, Remus received permission to excuse himself since he was already done with his work. Without looking at either James or Sirius, Remus left the classroom.

"Bloody hell, what's gotten into him?" asked Sirius.

"Probably the full moon," James noted softly as he watched Remus stalk out of the Green House. He nearly punched a column on his way out.

James was wrong though. It wasn't the full moon that got Remus so wound up. Yes, it did increase his agitation immensely, but it was really James' careless planning that got the prefect upset. While he was out trying to sort-of, kind-of court Lily, James would never take the time to realize that Dumbledore would most definitely rip the Marauders away from Remus during their full moon excursions as Stag, Dog, Rat, and Werewolf. And that would drive Remus into his most rabid state yet.

Lily Evans felt like she was going to go loose her mind. She should've never agreed to Marlene's stupid idea of getting the password from Connor. She was nowhere near stealthy or subtle enough for this.

She sat on the couch in the Head's Common Room with her legs tucked into her chest. She twirled a piece of her hair as she watched the flames from the fireplace kiss. The walls were decorated with red, gold, blue, and bronze banners to represent the Head Boy's and Head Girl's respective houses. She had spent a good deal in here since she had begun dating Connor. It was rather cozy with an entire wall of bookshelves, twin desks within individual nooks, and separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Not that she had ever been in the former. She had made it a point not to go in there yet with Connor, which was rather simple since Head Girl Bijal Gupta was barely ever in. Lily had the excuse to steer clear of being alone with Connor… on a bed. She wasn't ready to go past the touching and kissing phase, and thankfully Connor understand that.

I'm just lucky to be with you, Connor had said to her in the east sixth floor broom cupboard with his hand in her knickers.

As Mary had mentioned millions of time, Connor was perfect. Absolutely, positively, 100% perfect. He was head of the Charms Club in addition to acting as Head Boy. Not to mention the bloke was terribly good-looking with that bright smile. He was well-read and enjoyed talking nice long walks with her.

Lily just felt… stationary with him.

And it sucked that she was now sitting on his bloody couch waiting to ask him for the password to Dumbledore's office. The passwords were obviously important, but she couldn't help but rather feel sneaky going about it.

"Here you go," said Connor as he placed a cup of tea on the desk in front of her. See? Perfect.

Connor plopped on the couch beside Lily and wrapped an arm around her. He kissed her cheek gently and asked, "Shouldn't you be off to Transfiguration?" He had previously memorized her schedule.

"Right…" Lily murmured as she picked up her knapsack. She took a deep breath but hesitated right before the words came out. Words were so hard sometimes.

"Oy," he laughed breathily, "you good in there, Lils?"

"Yeah, yeah," Lily nodded nervously. "I'm peachy." She could've kicked herself because of how idiotic she sounded. Subtlety was not working, so Lily decided to move forward with honesty and omission. "Connor, have you gotten your edition of the Prophet? I'm looking for an article."

Connor visibly froze. His shoulders and face tensed at the name of the media outlet. He reached down for his cup of tea shakily and began to drink. It was clear as the Black Lake that the Head Boy knew something.

"Connor?" Lily asked again.

"No, I haven't got it," he said in a hurried voice, setting down his tea on the Gryffindor coaster. "Strange, no?"

Lily noticed the tenseness in his posture and narrowed her eyes at him. "Connor, why aren't we getting the Prophet?" She asked. So much for subtlety and stealth.

Her boyfriend let out a quick breath and said, "I… er… I'm not sure. Maybe something is wrong with the Owlery?"

Lily rolled her eyes and insisted, "Everyone has all their mail except Prophet subscribers. The question is why."

"Why would I know?" Connor asked dramatically. "I mean sheesh, Lily. I'm Head Boy, not the Headmaster, I don't know everything in this castle."

"No, but there are specific things that Dumbledore would tell you," she disputed in a short tone. "Like why students aren't getting their newspaper."

"Why would he have to tell me?"

"Because chances are much more likely than not that Dumbledore would tell you something so simple as to why no one was getting their Prophet!"

"And why is that?"

Lily felt like ripping her hair out. He was being so evasive, and speaking of lack subtlety, he was not doing a good job at hiding whatever he is hiding. "Because if it wasn't important, then why would he keep a secret from you! You and Gupta in charge of the students."

"Fine!" Connor shouted at her, first time he's ever raised his voice at her, "If I'm in charge of the students inside this castle, then Lily, I'm demanding you not go any further with this bullshit!"

Lily blinked a few times at him, but kept her face calm. That was new.

Connor must have realized his octave level and immediately relaxed. He let out a soft breath and placed his hand over Lily's gently. "I didn't mean to raise my voice at you," he said earnestly.

Lily shook her head, because she knew she deserved it. She didn't mind being challenged or argued with which was a nice surprise from people-pleaser Connor. "I just want to know why this is happening," Lily explained in a gentler voice, "Dumbledore is keeping something from us, and I want to know why."

Connor gulped but said nothing.

"You won't tell me?" Lily tried again.

He shook his head. "Please don't make me pick between you and my job," he said flatly. "Dumbledore picked me to be the Head Boy, which means he trusts me. This position is the position that could get me that defense job in the States."

Lily felt her chest tighten. She hadn't considered that, or how her interrogation would possibly put Connor in harm's way of his aspirations. She nodded and murmured, "Okay. I'm sorry for bringing this up."

"Don't be sorry, Love," he said tenderly as he kissed her temple gingerly. "I'm sorry I can't tell you more."

"When you can, will you?" She tried as she collected her books into her knapsack for Transfiguration.

"If I can," Connor corrected her.

Lily shrugged and gave a light chuckle. Once she was packed, Lily leaned down to kiss Connor delicately on the lips. She pulled back and stared in his warm brown eyes and smiled. "Do I have to be worried? About my friends and I?"

"No, Lils," Connor asked reassuringly, like a father would to his child almost. He pushed back a piece of her hair behind her ear. "Dumbledore would never let anything happen to you or any student for that matter."

Lily knew that was true, but she also knew that war was savage and cruel. She stood up straight and said, "Both you and Dumbledore can't control war. It's inevitable. All you can do is be prepared."

The redhead turned on her heel and stalked out of the Head's Common Room.

Peter bit his nails as James and Sirius walked into the dorm. He was almost down to the cuticle at this point. All he could think about was how he was probably going to screw this whole operation up. What if Dumbledore saw him as a rat and killed him just for looking like a disgusting critter? Or what if Dumbledore knew that Peter was in fact an animagi? What if he'd always known and just needed an excuse to expel the lot? No, not James because he's the perfect, rich, clever Quidditch Captain. And not Sirius either - way too charming and too much of a sob story to send back to the Blacks.

Peter was the expendable one. Dumbledore could theoretically throw Peter out with just a flick of his wand if that's what he wanted. He should've backed out with Remus.

"Oy, Peter," snapped Sirius. "You with us? We need you to be focused."

Peter peeked up at Sirius and removed his nails from his mouth. "Sorry," he mumbled. "Can't help it sometimes."

"You'll be fine," James said with an encouraging smile. "Now transform. We're supposed to meet Marlene and Evans right now."

"It'd be best if they didn't see you turn into Wormy," shrugged Sirius. "You'll be safe in my pocket." He patted dangerously close to his groin, but indicated to the slit of his pocket.

Peter grimaced but said nothing. He looked up at his friends with watery and worried eyes. "If I get caught," He said hesitantly, "I'll-"

"You're not getting caught, Peter," Sirius groaned. "Merlin, you and Moony today! Maybe you two are smoking too much pot, ay? The paranoia is getting to you."

Peter glared but before he could come up with an irritated response, James entered as diplomat. A rare role. "Look, it's like the Whomping Willow, but even easier," James said brightly. "You don't have to deal with a homicidal tree."

"No, just an abnormally calm hundred year old wizard," Peter grumbled. "You know he defeated Grindelwald once! That's what you want me to go up against!"

"That's just rumor," James waved off impatiently. "Now, come on, Pete. We don't have time for this."

Peter let out a long sigh and closed his eyes, like he was meditating. He took a deep breath before his stout body began to shrink at a rapid rate. In just a matter of moments, Peter Pettigrew turned grey, furry, and considerably smaller.

"Good to see you, Wormy," Sirius smirked as he bent down to open up his pocket to make space for the chubby rat.

The tiny rat skittered off the bed and into Sirius' pant's pocket. Once he snuggled into the pocket and was secured, he poked his little nose out and sniffed. A sign that Peter was ready.

Camilla Henley sat prettily in her usual nook within the Gryffindor Common room, rubbing her quill against her chin. The brunette should have been concentrating on Wilhelm's Potion Methodology towards precise brewing, but she could only stare at the back of Lily Evan's perfect head. She ground her teeth and tried not to think about everything that Lily Evans was perfect at.

Camilla tried not to think about the prefect's perfect grades, endless friends, and strong connections with the professors. Also, she was very pretty with her long red hair, bright green eyes, and flawless skin. Of course, James Potter would be obsessed with her.

But Camilla thought herself equally as pretty. Maybe not as unique as Lily, but still pretty. Maybe she should try a new glamour charm for tomorrow.

"You're going to burn a hole right through her head if you keep staring at her like that," said a teasing voice.

Camilla peeked up and saw her fellow Gryffindor 5th year standing beside her. Dirk Cresswell was an average looking chap, but still had an adorable boyishness about him. He had shaggy brown hair, pale skin with spotted freckles, and dark blue eyes. He still had a fifteen year old lankiness to him, but was working out with James Potter more and more this year for Quidditch. Dirk wanted to do his best for Captain Potter as Gryffindor's Keeper.

"No one asked you," Camilla stated hotly as she looked back at her homework.

"She's not all that bad, you know?" Dirk said as he sat beside Camilla. "She's actually kind of…"

"Fake? Goody-two-shoes? A prat?" Camilla offered, keeping her face composed.

"I was going to say cool," Dirk countered.

She narrowed her big eyes at her friend of four years. Dirk normally took her side; she could always count on that. Even when Hestia would disagree, Dirk would always be the comforting one on Camilla's side.

"What? You got a thing for her too now?"

Dirk choked on air, or so he thought. He banged on his chest fiercely and let out a loud hack. "No!" he declared after a moment, "no, no, no. I'm not interested in Lily Evans. I'm just saying she's not as bad as you think she is."

Camilla stayed silent and focused back on her work. She had to admit that ever since her second year, Camilla did not always appreciate the sight of Lily Evans. Everyone saw her as some goddess - professors, student, and even some of the ghosts. She had everything, including James Potter, yet she continuously disregarded all of it.

Speaking of the Devil.

James Potter and Sirius Black came trotting down the stairs from the dorms, and Camilla immediately straightened up. She pushed out her chest a little more too and flipped her hair over her shoulders. She thought he caught his attention when James gave her that charming smile and a wave, but he kept going.

James walked all the way over towards where Lily and Marlene sat, gossiping to themselves. Camilla thought she saw red and before she could knock her studying items over out of pure rage, Scarlett Brown appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Camilla, come quick! I have to show you something!" Scarlett called out excitedly, beckoning her friend to join her.

Dirk noticed his friend's displeasure by the why she was clenching her teeth together. But Camilla always remained composed; it was her speciality. She took a long breath before standing up and collecting her things.

"Cool, calm, and collected," Dirk commented in a quiet voice before he pulled out his own book on Goblin dialects.

"Aren't I always?" Camilla said briskly as she walked past him and towards the stairs. She was too focused on James Potter and Lily Evans sitting together (by choice) to notice that Dirk watched her go the whole way up the stairs.

On the other side of the Common Room, Lily and Marlene waited for James and Sirius to sit beside them. The two girls were a combination of nervous and excited; they had been thinking about tonight's excursion.

"It must be something good then, right?" Marlene asked logically. "I mean, if Greyson knows and isn't telling you then that means shit has really hit the fan… or is it called fanny? The spinning thing that creates wind."

Lily ignored the linguistic wizard difference and nodded in agreement, "I guess so. He said it didn't affect the students though."

The blond rolled her eyes and said, "That's probably what Dumbledore told him to tell you when you ask."

"What?" Lily asked confusedly.

Marlene sighed, "Dumbledore knows all too well that you and Greyson are dating. So, he probably gave Greyson a specific response to give you, because Dumbledore is also too well aware of how nosy you can be."

Lily hadn't thought about that entirely, but she knew it was true. Connor had seemed exceptionally shaky when she had brought it up. And even though he gave her the partial truth, she had a feeling that Connor also utilized his fair share of omission.

"I don't blame either of them though," Lily explained. "They both have very clear cut jobs, and giving me this information would definitely be bad for them."

"And that's why you're sitting with me here, isn't it?" Marlene sneered.

Lily stuck her tongue out at her friend like a child would.

"Oh, acting like the proper sixth years I see," a curt voice noted. The girls automatically knew who it belonged to.

The two Gryffindor Girls looked up to see James and Sirius standing above them, grinning widely.

"Ready, Ladies?" James added with a wink.

Marlene made a gagging noise while Lily mumbled something crude under her breath.

"Where's Pettigrew?" Lily asked curiously, trying to peer past the taller boys. "I thought you said he'd be joining us."

"Peter has a tendency to play his part in more… unexpected ways," Sirius explained coyishly. He finished in a final sort of tone so that the girls would not ask anymore questions.

Marlene knew that Lily was about to question Sirius' ambiguity. She jabbed her in the arm and directed her friend to wait until they got outside.

Lily was about to ask why, but then she noticed a few curious eyes lurking around. "Fair enough," she noted. She put her hand out and gave the boys an overly polite smile. "After you, Gentlemen."

"Oh, how kind, Evans," James smirked as he took her hand. He lead himself out into the small hallway before Lily ripped her hand away from his.

"Gross," Lily mumbled.

Once they were out of the way from prying eyes, a different side of James appeared. He stood a little taller, straightened his shoulders, and intensified his gaze a little more underneath those slightly fogged specks. Lily imagined that this was the James that appeared before Quidditch games and organized pranks. Confidence dripped through his pores.

"So, Sirius, Marlene, and I are going to use my cloak," James explained seriously. "We'll make our way to Dumbledore's office and wait until he's done with his meeting to infiltrate."

Instead of chuckling at the word infiltrate like she wanted to, Lily gave James an appraising look. "What about me? And why would we 'infiltrate' when Dumbledore still is in there? We can't wait-"

"So many questions, Evans," moaned Sirius, plopping against the wall.

"Do you not ask questions, Black?" Lily asked, almost outraged at the thought. "How have you not been expelled yet? How do you go along with these obscure plans-"

"Because I am a great leader, Evans," James said proudly.

Lily bit her lip before scoffing, "James, how many times did we take a wrong turn on Marlene's land?"

Sirius cocked an eyebrow at James. There was an intense silence as he looked his friend up and down. After taking his time to do so, he let out a quiet "hm…"

"It was only twice, thank you," James said quickly, not wanting to start this conversation with Sirius. He re-focused attention back onto the plan. "Also, there isn't enough space for you, Evans. If all four of us hide under here, someone is bound to trip, and then we'd be seen for sure. You, on the other hand, have prefect status, so it's okay for you to be wandering around different corridors at night."

Lily gave him a skeptical look.

"He has a point," Marlene remarked coolly as she crossed her arms of her chest. "The longer we take wondering if this plan may work out will ensure that we get caught. And I don't need another Howler from my mother about my detention rates."

Lily sighed and conceded, "Fine. Let's do this."

James gave a victorious nod. He looked to his cousin and brother and instructed, "Marlene, stay behind me. Sirius behind Marlene."

Sirius and Marlene exchanged awkward glances as Lily opened the portrait door and James opened up the invisibility cloak. Marlene gave him a tense look.

"Don't do anything obscene," she threatened in a hushed voice.

"Darling, my middle name is obscene," Sirius smiled widely as he stepped aside for her to stand behind James. "Or close enough to it."

Marlene rolled her eyes and stepped behind her tall cousin. She ducked a little when James threw the cloak over all three of them.

"You two have to be quiet, which is going to be painfully hard for you, I know, but try," James insisted.

"Then stop talking, James," Lily hissed as she looked over her shoulder. Even though she could not see her three fellow housemates, she could still identify his commanding voice. She then wordlessly got the tip of her wand to light, guiding the quartet out of Gryffindor Tower.

James was about to retort, but forced his lips together. He decided it would be best for the mission if he didn't bicker with Evans too much this evening. No matter how seamless it was for the two of them.

The halls were quiet except for the faint snoring from several of the portraits. Lily walked cautiously and slowly so that she would not leave her three invisible friends in the dust. It felt weird knowing that they were with her, but couldn't see them. She nearly screamed when she heard Marlene's voice suddenly.

"Ouch, my foot!" Marlene's voice squeaked in the darkness.

"Pardon, Love," Sirius said smoothly. "Hopefully I won't bump into anything else inappropriate."

Marlene made a disgusted noise.

"Will you two stop flirting for five seconds," James pleaded.

"Rich, Potter," Sirius laughed loudly, "considering we are only doing this because you can't seem to stop flirting and obsessing-"

"Quiet," Lily said in a stern voice. It seemed like she was looking for something in the distance.

"Someone's coming," James murmured. "Fuck, it's Jones."

The invisible trio immediately shut up when the light footsteps of petite prefect Hestia Jones became audible. Lily walked slowly before Hestia appeared around the corner of the stairs.

"Oh hi, Evans," Hestia smiled brightly. "What're you doing out? I thought your patrols were for tomorrow night."

"Uh… well," the upperclassmen hesitated. "I… er…"

James found it slightly amusing to watch Lily Evans attempt to lie. She was turning redder in the face and biting her lip.

"I forgot my transfiguration notebook in the classroom!" Lily shouted as if she discovered the cure to the common cold. ,

"I thought you didn't have Transfiguration on Tuesdays," the brunette said casually.

Sirius did his best not to let out a snort of disgust. He whispered in Marlene's ear, which she would never admit made her insides shake, "Is Jones in love with Evans?"

Marlene took a moment to compose herself and not think too much about the sensation of Sirius' breath on her neck. "Hestia idolizes Lily," Marlene explained.

"Oh, I don't," Lily agreed after a moment. She bit her lip again. "McGonagall and I had a meeting earlier today during a free period."

"Ohhhh," Hestia nodded knowingly. She clapped her hands together. "She probably wants to nominate you for Head Girl! That would be amazing!"

Lily laughed awkwardly. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves now, Jones. She doesn't have to think about that until the end of the year."

"You're one of the best prefects," insisted Hestia. "Especially in your year. I mean, Avery is batshit and abusive; Wu only cares about her grades and filling up quotas; and McDonald is maybe too nice-"

Hestia kept rambling, and it seemed like they would never make it to Dumbledore's office. James made the executive decision to start ahead of Lily, or else they may miss their window. He looked back and waved to Sirius and Marlene to be quiet and walk slowly.

Of course, his plan was foiled by natural circumstances. Sirius' step was a little too loud, and Marlene's shoe squeaked. James Potter couldn't control everything.

"What was that?" Hestia asked urgently as she pulled her wand out.

Lily ground her teeth and did her best not to roll her eyes. Instead she took a quick breath to steady herself. "What're you talking about?" She asked, feigning innocence beautifully.

"I thought I heard something…" Hestia said curiously.

Lily kept up her end of the plan and continued to distract Hestia from further investigation. "The castle is quite old - it could've been anything," she said coolly.

Before she could blame the noise on the wind or Peeves, Lily's heart nearly dropped in her chest when she saw the back of Black's ankle peeking out from under the Invisibility Cloak. It was even more pronounced as the three Gryffindors tried to walk down the last flight of stairs together. "Well, Hestia," Lily managed to get out without her voice shaking, "I won't keep you any longer. I know your prefect duties are important to you."

Hestia beamed a bright smile.

"I'll be on my way and grab my notebook," Lily finished, smiling her hardest.

Hestia nodded, "And then go back to the Tower, alright? Just because you're a prefect too doesn't mean that I can just let you sneaking around the castle."

"Absolutely not," agreed Lily. "I wouldn't want to set a precedent." She felt sick to her stomach with lying. First, Connor. And now, sweet Hestia.

The fifth year agreed. She made her way up the stairs and waved to Lily, who was skittering down. "Bye, Lily!"

"Goodnight, Hestia," Lily called back absently as she rushed down the stairs. Using her lit wand, she examined the ground for any signs of floating body flesh or cloth material. As she reached closer and closer to Dumbledore's office, she could not detect where her friends were.

"Bloody hell," she murmured agitatedly. She looked around the courtyard to ensure that no prefect was there. Not all prefects were as considerate or kind as Hestia. Once she felt sure, Lily shouted, "Oy! Guys!"

Before she knew it, something strong grabbed Lily's arm. She almost shouted in protest, but her mouth was covered by another hand. She was pulled behind a large tapestry within seconds. Her eyes were wide with shock and outrage when she saw James holding her tightly.

James just smirked at her, that stupid smirk he used on every single girl when he was trying to drop their knickers. "Avery is coming," He whispered softly. He then released Lily and helped her toward the center so that her feet would be hidden by the longer portion of the tapestry.

The faint footsteps became louder as they heard Avery whistle to herself. Marlene made a hushed comment about her pitch, but was immediately shut up by a smack in the arm by Lily. It got the loudest as the Slytherin prefect walked straight past them, but stopped only a few moments after.

"Boring, boring, boring," Mariah Avery chanted dully. She then let out a loud yawn and continued to walk away. Her footsteps got fainter as did Avery's whispering. Once the footsteps disappeared, the four Gryffindors let out a collective sigh.

"Of all of the prefects in this bloody school," groaned Sirius, "it had to be the suck-up and the sadist."

"Hestia is not a suck up," Lily said defensively.

"Of course you'd say that," Sirius countered, "because you're the one she sucks up to."

"Stop bickering," James demanded.

Lily was surprised to actually have nothing to say now. She was impressed with James' level-headedness in the moment and his commitment to executing their plan. So, she listened and, only this time ever would she stay quiet

James unfolded the blank piece of parchment. He looked up at Lily cautiously and said, "You know, it's taking a lot out of me to show you this, Evans. I'd appreciate immensely if you didn't run your mouth off to your boyfriend about this."

Lily glared. So much of listening and shutting up. "I'm the one who came to you and your map for help, right? Why would I rat you out?

James shrugged, "Morality?"

Lily let out a scoff before James tapped his wand to the parchment and said in calm voice, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Dark inked lines formed along the parchment quickly, and the paper unfolded itself. Lily's jaw dropped, and her eyes widened into saucers. How did four sixteen year olds come up with such advanced magic.

"Wild, isn't it?" Marlene smiled proudly as she patted James' shoulder. "I saw it for the first time at the end of last year."

"The whole entire castle?" Lily asked dreamily as she admired the parchment finishing up the last nook and cranny of the Kitchen.

Sirius put his finger up. "And all the grounds."

Lily laughed. Not in a teasing way or in a disbelieving way, but the way a child would laugh after discovering something… magical. "This is fantastic!" She cried. "How did you-"

"No time for specifics," James simpered. "Now, where are we… ah, here we go. Can always manage to find Sirius easily."

"Sod off," Sirius demanded.

Lily followed James' finger, which landed against the wall outside of the Transfiguration classroom. Outside of the classroom, James', Sirius', Marlene's, and her full name floated gently on the parchment. She also saw that Professor McGonagall was still in her office instead of her quarters. Also, she saw Emmeline's name and Robert's name close to the Great Hall entrance.

"They must be fighting again," Marlene murmured to Lily. "Em says that Vance and her can't see eye to eye recently."

Lily sighed, "They've been together a long time."

"It seems like we came at the perfect time," said James, pointing to Dumbledore's name circling in his office. "It looks like he's about to end his meeting and take his nightly stroll."

"How'd you know when Dumbledore takes his nightly stroll?" Marlene asked curiously.

"You need to do much reconnaissance before becoming a proper Marauder," James described in a proud tone. "You have much to learn, Young One."

Marlene scoffed, "I'm the one that taught you how to use the fucking silencing charm, if you recall?"

"Yes, thank you for that, Marls," James said bluntly.

There was a loud screech that startled the four. Sirius, who was closest to Dumbledore's office gargoyle entrance, peeked his head out and saw the Gargoyle swiveling at a tedious rate.

"Who's coming out with Dumbledore, because if it's a new potential new Divination Professor, we may be in a bad spot," Sirius grumbled cautiously.

James focused back on the map and said, "It's… it's… well, shit, it's Meadowes."

And just as he said it, a tired-looking Dorcas Meadowes came strolling down the stairs. She was in a navy silk nightgown with a dark kimono covering her. Her dark hair was tousled, and her striking blue eyes were contrasted by prominent red veins. It looked like she hadn't slept in weeks.

"Goodnight, Professor, and thank you," Dorcas said in a polite tone. She even bent over a little to bid him farewell.

"Pleasant dreams to you, Miss Meadowes," Dumbledore said in a soothing tone. He wrapped his robes around himself a little tighter before walking in the opposite direction of his student.

The Gargoyle was turning closer, and it seemed to move much faster than when it had opened. And to make matters worse, Dorcas Meadowes did not move like their professor. She leaned against one of the walls weakly and slid down to sit beside the closing entrance.

"What the fuck is she doing, just sitting there?" Marlene hissed irritably.

James thought and thought. His mind worked faster than it did when flying or when solving a Transfiguration equation. But nothing popped up. He hadn't planned for Dorcas Meadowes. He hadn't planned for anyone. James Potter didn't want his first time for self-doubt to now.

"Fucking hell," he grumbled.

A/N - SO OVERDUE AND I APOLOGIZE! I've been job-hunting and studying more, so I have not been able to write that much in the past two weeks. I will try to get another one up asap, but I'm not going to make promises when and let you nice people down! But soon! I swear.

Thank you for the comments, the follows, and favorites, it does mean so much to me! I sprinkle the love over my own spliffs.

Lots of love,

Rose