Chapter 7

James' POV

Sunday

"- And James Potter, the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain who's totally fit- oh sorry Professor- passes to Dearborn, who isn't hit by a bludger thanks to Sirius. Oh, don't you wink at me Black! Potter aims, swerves to left- only to score on the right! 10 points to Gryffindor! 40-30 in favour of Gryffindor." I heard the announcer say.

"Alright Prongs? You look a bit peaky." Sirius says. I was scared shit-less to be honest, especially considering how close Slytherin's score was to ours and- come on. It's Slytherin.

Instead I just said "Yeah Pads, now get your head in the game!" I say with a smirk.

He salutes and says "Ai-ai Captain." And shoots away on his Cleensweep. Okay, let's do this.

After 2 scores from me, and one each for the other Gryffindor Chasers, we were in the lead at 80-50; but the Snitch was nowhere to be seen.

"Slytherin in possession, with 6th year and previous Slytherin Captain Emma Vanity shooting towards the goal. Black hits a bludger, and- she dodges! She passes to Captain Lucinda Talkalot who aims- passes to Vanity near the other goal and- Wait! Black- I mean, Regulus Black has spotted the Snitch! Go Hestia Go! Hestia Jones, Gryffindor Seeker is catching up to Black and Talkalot misses after being distracted by the Snitch." The announcer says.

Come on Hestia.

Hestia is right alongside Regulus; thank Merlin the distance between Regulus and the Snitch when he saw it. Regulus edges ahead and I cringe when the ends of his fingers slip around the Snitch when the announcer booms:

"Regulus is so close to getting the Snitch! Come on Hestia! No, I think he's got it- wait! The other Black- Sirius- has hit a bludger at his rival brother and… it hits! He was so focused on the Snitch, he didn't even notice! Hestia moves in for the kill, and- she's got the Snitch! She's got it! Go Hestia, 120 points to Gryffindor!"

I sigh contently at those words as I wait for the following words I love:

"GRYFFINDOR WINS!"

Thank Merlin.

After the Quidditch Match, naturally there was celebration from the Gryffs. As I walk back to the Gryffindor tower, I hear the occasionally cheer and get the regular high-five. As I get to the Fat Lady, even she says: "Well done, James! You've done Gryffindor proud!"

I mutter my thanks and the password and enter.

Cheers and screams and chanting surround me, and I can't help the flutter of pride that fills me.

"Oh, shut it! He's ego doesn't need further inflating." I can practically hear the laughter in her voice as I search the room for Lily, then seeing a flash of red.

Alas, leaning on the bottom of the stairs is Evans.

It's been six days and into the seventh since Halloween, and everything's going perfect. Though we haven't kissed since, I really think she, well… likes me.

And that is a very scary thing.

I catch her staring at me time to time, just as I stare at her, and even blows mocking kisses at me knowing I'll overthink it. She talks with us and is very quickly becoming a Honourary Marauder.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Lily's POV

Everything after Halloween has been a blur.

Marlene and Hestia just about died from happiness. They wouldn't stop jumping and squealing, screaming 'I told you so's and demanding details.

I started hanging out with the Marauders, and I used to think they were alright, but they're bloody brilliant. Sirius is completely crazy, and completely lovable. He knows what to say in just about any situation, and his dry humour is as sharp as a knife. I also know that he is completely loyal to his friends, especially James, and would do anything for them, the daring idiot. And also, it sometimes shows that his past life at home was not a load of daises.

So he's a pretty great guy.

Then Remus is more complex than I realised. I always thought him to be the living-in-books type of guy, but is actually so funny and cheeky sometimes.

He's so sassy.

He is loyal to the Marauders as well, and his intentions always prove his heart of gold.

Peter is… Peter. He's a nice enough guy, but something's a bit off about him at times. He's just another guy.

And then there's James.

Merlin, that boy will be the death of me.

I think I get now why I always caught him staring at me in class, because you do it so easily without even noticing. I don't mean to, but how is it my fault he's so detailed? His bloody hazel eyes sitting on the end of his nose- almost always crooked- eyebrows crinkled in concentration in classes that interested him, laughing and grinning in those he didn't. It was strangely fascinating.

I can't wait until Hogsmeade next Saturday!

He did very well in the Quidditch match, I think as get rid of the extra layers of clothing; my jacket, and my scarf. I hear cheers and laughter spark suddenly downstairs.

That'll be James then. I think as I trod down the stairs. I reach the bottom and lean against the wall, watching as he laughs as people congratulate him, and high-five. He runs his hand through his hair instinctively, almost nervously.

"Oh, shut it! He's ego doesn't need further inflating." I exclaim with a joking tone to my voice, playing at our game of acting as our past selves.

I lean against the bottom of the stairs and admire him before he notices me. He's obviously in his Quidditch uniform, but is wearing a smile. His hair is messy- messier than usual- but before can soak up any more detail his eyes land on, and his smiles widens.

"Mornin' Flower!" Sirius half-shouts from the couch, and everyone continues on partying.

"Morning Sirius!" I say chirpily, plopping down beside him. Then I see the big empty bottle- make those bottles- of fire whisky in front of him.

As James sits across from Sirius and I, I ask him about it.

"Just how many bottles have you had, young man?" I ask in a McGonagall way, causing James to snort and Sirius to grin drunkenly.

He holds up three fingers.

"Four!"

"You're holding up three fingers Sirius." I say, rolling my eyes.

"Am not!"

"Yes you old dog, you were."

That sentence seems to sober Sirius, whose head snaps up worriedly. He proceeds to give James a questioning look.

James glanced at me, and subtly shakes his head. Sirius sighs in relief.

That was odd. "Ugh… anyway," I say making it clear I didn't miss all that "Where's Remus?"

James chokes on his drink and recovers quickly.

"His mum's sick." He says hoarsely, and is obviously lying. I know something's going on with Remus, he's constantly away. James keeps making excuses; I understood when we weren't friends why he wouldn't tell me, but now? After everything? My temper gets the better of me.

"That's a bloody lie and you know it Potter." I sneer, with a practical reflex. I absolutely hate being lied to, there's no use for it!

James looks a bit horrified with himself, and Sirius mutters "Well, shit."

I grumpily march to my dorm and lie on my bed and grumble to myself for a few when I hear a knock on the door.

"Lily? C'mon, let me in." He says apologetically. I get up and lean against it.

"Are you going to stop lying? What is Remus hurt or something?" I say back to the door and I hear a sigh.

He doesn't respond.

"Oh go on James, I'll talk to you later." He sighs again and leaves.

As I crawl back onto my bed, my consciousness slowly fades.

"WHAT YEAR IS IT?" I exclaim dramatically when I awake, but no one is there to hear. I look towards the clock.

Ah, that explains it. They're at dinner.

Hmm. I'm not that hungry.

I think I'll go find Remus.

I peeped into the Great Hall, but Remus wasn't there.

I spent an hour searching the castle high and low, from the most obvious places like the Library and with Madam Pomfrey. Hell, I even shouted into the boys toilets around the school to no reply.

Frustrated, I head back to the tower to kill time. Maybe he really has left the school?

I decided to write a quick letter to mum.

Dearest Mother (nah, I'm just kidding. Hi, Mum!),

I've missed you! Oh honestly, this year! D'you remember those boys I used to always complain about? Well, let's just say a lot has changed this year (wiggles eyebrows).

Nah, I'm just kidding. The worst (yet best) that has happened was a kiss or two.

I'll explain in detail later- well, maybe not too much detail...

Love you,

Lily

I might as well send it now; I've got nothing better to do. So I walk through the corridors on the way to the Owlery, when I see three figures acting rather suspiciously as they walk outside. I slip the letter into my pocket and hide behind a pedestal before following and listening in.

"Look Prongs, I'm telling you! She's on to us; she'll figure it out soon." Sirius!

"I know she'll figure out Remus soon, but not us. I hope. Damn her, she's too smart for her own good. I don't want her involved in this; it's dangerous." James? I knew he was lying! However, how is lying dangerous? I watch as he leans his broomstick against a pedestal near him, tucked in and hidden from sight

"Wonder how Moony's holding up." Peter says sadly. Moony? What is with these nicknames?!

We move out into the open now, so I have to put more distance between us, so I can't hear them but I can see them. I observe when Peter slowly melted away into nothingness; It was an understatement to say I was pretty shocked before I saw movement.

Then Sirius did to, but he didn't disappear, just… changed. Morphed. Into a dog.

A dog.

I close my eyes.

OhmydearsweetMerlinSiriusandPeterareanimunguseshowisthisevenpossible-

-James!

I open my eyes, and no longer see James, but a Stag; a tall, brown Stag with thick long antlers which I just know has Hazel eyes. They continue on, and the Whomping Willow comes into sight, and just as I'm about to warn them- it stills.

They head towards it and disappear.

I run to where they stood, but keeping my eyes on the tree- and see a hole just big enough to fit a person into and decide.

I take a deep breath.

This is the Marauders I'm talking about, they won't hurt me, so what am I worried about?

And I jump in.

James' POV

I walk- on four legs, which might I tell you took a long time to get used to- into the Shrieking Shack. The old house wheezes and groans as we make our way upstairs to the room Remus is usually in. I nudge the door to see Remus, not Moony.

Merlin, Remus looks bad.

I change back to my human form and walk over to him as Sirius and Pete change too.

Remus lies on the old ragged bed, sweating and panting heavily with his eyes closed. Grief spreads over me; I wish we could do more.

"Oh, Remus." I sigh.

His eyes peep open.

His mouth twitches slightly when he sees us. "Hi James." He practically whispers.

"How close?" Sirius says quietly.

"A minute at most, not long. I- OH MY MERLIN!" He shouts, eyes widening and straightening up.

Naturally Sirius and I wheel around wands drawn, expecting the worst.

But I didn't expect this.

And there standing at the door is the probably the only thing better than a dead Lily.

Lily in the flesh.

Lily stands with her hand over her mouth for a second and gasps. She quickly recovers and looks straight at us, looking absolutely furious.

"What. Is. Wrong. With. Him?!" She practically growls, but we're in so much shock trying to access the situation.

Sirius and I look at each over, jaws wide open.

How did she find us?

How much does she know?

How long has she known?

Does she know we're animunguses?

What exactly do we do-

Wait- did he say less than a minute?

It's been at least a good thirty seconds.

Remus groans in pain. "Get her out! Get her out of here!" He shouts.

Lily looks a little upset. "Okay Remus, I mean… if you want me to go... but I'm sure I can help-"

I suddenly snap into action. "Lily, come with me now. I swear you'll understand later, but we have to go!" Her mouth opens, and I hold up a hand as I walk up to her and grab her hand "No arguments, just run!" I exclaim and jog with her down the stairs.

We're almost at the hole when a bloodcurling scream rips out- Oh, Remus- and I know it's time.

I push her up first, telling her to touch the rope, and go after her. She stands waiting at the top.

I give her a 'why-the-hell-aren't-you-running-for-your-life' look.

"Still running?"

"Yep." I say and she starts to run, but not fast enough. We keep running for a half a minute.

"Run!"

"What's wrong with him!" She says, coming to a stop.

"Not now Lily, later!" I say growl back, grabbing at her again. She pulls away.

"No. No more running until you explain!"

I look towards the Whomping Willow, and we're a good twenty metres away. But Remus is fast, and I won't be okay until she's in the castle- and I won't be happy until she's in the tower.

And then I see a large figure appear from the hole, with a dog biting at its foot.

It then occurred to me that Sirius should have taken her back up, because I'm the biggest.

Animal.

Biggest Animal.

Damn it James, this is not the time! Focus!

Lily sees what I'm staring at, and her mouth drops.

She holds up a finger, then lowers it slightly and says: "Is that-?"

"Yup. Run now?"

"'Pleasure." She starts to sprint, but he's closing in 're not going to make it in time... or at least I'm not.

"Keep running, and whatever happens do not stop, do you hear me?" I say fiercely.

"No."

Damn her stubbornness.

"Lily!"

She looks at me straight in the eyes and her lips twitch. "Don't you dare get yourself killed before our date."

She must know about Prongs or she would never let me go. Only Lily Evans would say something like that in a life-or-death situation.

Maybe me, too, because I grin and say "Wouldn't dream of it."

And with that I turn to face Remus as Lily sprints away from us.

Author note: Merlin I am sooooooo sorry it's been so long! Okay, I know this chapter was pretty bad, but I needed to get back into the story and it made me think about the next chapter... and she needed to find out sometime.

And the next chapter!

The date! Will it happen or won't it?

-Seeker