MARLENE's POV

I can see right through her, I mused to myself as I observed Mary trying to joke her way out of the question. But I know Mary well enough and how stubborn she can be, so I just wish that whatever she's hiding it's something really worth keeping from her very own bestfriend. We already had our ups and downs in the past but we always got through and hopefully this thing that she's keeping a secret won't be something that will stand between our friendship.

"I'll see you at lunch?" I asked as we headed for other classes, me to Apparition and her to Muggle Studies. Why she continues to get that certain class, I can't still understand. Mary says it entertains her to know the wizarding world's take on the practices and everyday things she lived with most of her life and who am I to argue with that? She also received an O for that class so maybe she's aspiring to be a professor on the subject in the future or something.

I headed over the Great Hall where the class is held everyday with just a couple of other students since the class requires an extra 12 galleons from students as a special instructor from the Ministry is summoned to teach the class. I saw a few familiar faces but only James Potter and Sirius Black are the other two from sixth year among the other snobby purebloods are in the room. It's something of a norm as the muggle born are too afraid of the risk that comes along with the class.

The two marauders smiled at me as their eyes meet mine and I felt the familiar fast thump in my chest during times like this. If only it will just fade away, then looking at him without any emotions would be easier. They made her way to me and I was left with no choice but to act as cool and collected as I try to portray myself all the time. "Ready to lose a part of your scalp, McKinnon?" James asked with a teasing smile on his face as he drew near. "Ah, but the princess can't leave without all of her golden locks intact!" Sirius joined in and playfully took a hold of a few tendrils of my curly hair and twirled it in his finger. "Och, shut your mouths, how you two were able to pass and get admitted to this subject I still can't understand." I told them with a glare and hastily swatting Sirius' hand away from me. "She's a feisty little thing, isn't she?" Sirius tells James with an amused smile on his face. James just chuckled and replied. "She always had been, you know that, I think she's been that way even when we were back in diapers."

Great, he reminded once again this pointless attraction towards him had been going on for far too long. Sixteen years I had been with James Potter, growing up together and living next door to each other had done me no good. What is it with this lad that I just can't shake away?

I plopped down next to Emmeline as we sit on the big tables in the Great Hall for dinner. The rest of the day went on in a blur after that Apparition class I had to endure with half of the Marauders next to me. I hated the fact that he still had the same effect on me when it had been years that he made it evident that there's only one girl he'd want to be with. Sure, he had been dense about it for a few years but the whole school now knows why James made Lily's and Severus' life miserable in the early days of their stay in the school. "I don't think I have an appetite to eat tonight." I said glumly.

Emmeline eyed me as she slices a steak and fed it to herself. "Don't you have to patrol tonight? It's your schedule yeah?" I groaned remembering she was right as I felt for the badge on my robe. It was there reminding me of the responsibility I had been carrying since last year. Grudgingly, I took a serving of mashed potatoes and put a hefty amount of gravy on top of it. I need sustenance to be able to do the prefect duties although to be honest, I think among the houses, ours have the most diligent and obedient students that we barely deduct points from sneaking out of dorm rooms and such.

I watched Mary, Lily and our other friends in the Gryffindor table and saw all of them in a delightful conversation with one another. How many times have I wished to belong in the same house with them? Not that I don't enjoy being in Ravenclaw but the thought of being able to spend more time with my friends seems much more fun that way. I don't have to sneak off to their tower and all that but then again, it will also be harder for me to avoid him and these long overdue feelings I have. Mary caught my eyes as she also looked over to our table and smiled at me and I smiled back at her.