[Edited 07/25/16]

We were in the middle of a... Spirited discussion, we'll call it. I argued against the early start to their school because, well, it's ridiculous!

"September first is too early! It's still summer for Circe's sake!"

"And we get so much more work done for it!" Remus shot back.

"'N we cover just as much information, except we start when we're ten years old, not eleven, and we get longer breaks. Just because y'all ain't mature 'nough to sta—"

It was then that the door whipped open, revealing a beautiful redhead. James, who had been busy playing exploding snap with Sirius, threw down his cards and stood up. His gentlemanly gesture resulted in the explosion that resulted in singeing both Peter's eyebrows and his own blue jeans. Poor Peter, innocently keeping score, and now he was one layer lacking in the eyebrow department.

"Evans! I...!Er, I mean, Lily!"

Meanwhile, the redhead in question tried to wave away the cloud of smoke that plumed up from the cards, coughing until she could take in clean air. Even Remus and I, at the other end of the compartment, had contaminated air drifting our way.

"Bloody hell, Potter, what did you have to do that for?" Blinking a few times for good measure, she opened her eyes. They were just as green as I remembered. "Where's Remus? I heard he was the other prefect this year."

"In here, Lily," he called, waving a hand. I, unluckily, had leaned forward in our 'discussion' and got a hard knock in the nose.

"Ah!"

It only actually stung for five seconds, followed by a more lasting, soft throb, though Remus apologized over and over. I couldn't calm him down, despite my numerous attempts. He really was too sweet for his own good.

"I'm tellin' ya, it was nothin'! I've had worse, really! Ya shoulda seen Black Friday shoppin' in '73, mess o' the century!"

"Who's this?" I heard Lily ask. Turning towards the sound, I was met with curious eyes. Again, I found myself breathless. How long had I been subconsciously waiting to hear that question? I'd watched her over the years, and she had grown into such an incredibly loyal friend. What I wouldn't give to show her just a smidge of the same kindness!

"That's Elizabeth, she's new from—"

"I didn't ask you, Potter," she interrupted coldly. Glancing over briefly, I saw the Gryffindor shrink into his seat. His pride had been wounded, a little deflation to his ego.

"Elizabeth Hartly," I answered as nicely as I could. All confidence seemed to flee, my hands on the verge of trembling. For the most part, I was terrified she'd hate me at first sight, just as she hated James and Sirius now. But Lily liked facts, and manners, and I would give her my all!

Standing much more gracefully than James had (was his pocket still smoking?), I made way over to shake her hand. "I'm transferrin' ta Hogwarts this year from the Southwest Academy of America."

"Lily Evans, Gryffindor's other sixth year prefect," she introduced, a little smile stretching her lips. Her preliminary appraisal seemed off to a decent start, though the polite smile probably wasn't enough to tell what she was really thinking.

"I'm sure I'll be needin' your help then! I was jus' talkin' with the boys—"

Bad move, she doesn't like most of them! Come on Elizabeth, backtrack now!

"—but I'll bet they're jus' messin'. You know 'em better than I do!"

A lie, but a nice save.

"They always are, the twits," she told me, sending a short glance of derision at James beside me. He had sat back down by now, his dejected expression turning into a cool smirk only when she looked at him. "I'd love to take you somewhere else, where people have some sense and respectability, but Remus and I have a meeting for the prefects."

"Hang on now," I told her, a little more hesitantly than I would have liked. "I don't think you're gettin' the right idea of 'em. They jus' like ta have some fun, and Remus does a decent job reinin' them in, doesn't he?

"And you've known them how long?" She questioned, narrowing her eyes.

Longer than you have! I wanted to shout.

"Don't judge so quickly, I'd hate to see you sucked in like all the rest. Remember that I do, in fact, know them better. It'd be a shame, you seem nice."

Without another word, Lily Evans turned and walked out.

My shock at her appearance was nothing compared to the disappointment I felt with her abrupt disappearance. It was likely obvious to everyone too. I have a bad tendency of wearing my heart on my sleeve.

"Elizabeth, hey, don't worry about any of that," I heard Sirius say to my right.

"Yeah, she takes time to warm up to you!" Peter chipped in almost immediately after Sirius. "It's been a full five years and she still doesn't like any of us except Remus!"

James pouted, of course, since he'd been pining for her for a good two years, but Remus had me sit back down. I couldn't fight his superior strength, nor the urge to look at him. He seemed so kind in everything he did, from guiding first years in the halls to the way he teased his friends with that soft smile of his.

I needed some kind intentions.

"She's really a sweet girl, honestly. She didn't mean anything by it. Let me talk to her, alright?"

I could only nod in response

"Take a deep breath." I followed his instructions. "Good. Alright, I'll be back soon. Why don't you go change into uniform and read your book?"

"Thanks, Rem," I whispered, the nickname spilling from my mouth. It fit him, like a big brother. I'd always wondered what it was like having one, and he seemed like he would be the best kind of brother.

Even his eyes smiled before he left. I'd take it as an acceptance of the position. Pinning his badge on his shirt, he was out the door.