Hey everyone - so thanks to bookwurm1612 and Jolokas for the reviews.

Chapter 62:

The rest of March flew by. Lily focused most of her attention on her homework, the marauders worked on learning non-verbal spells and the rest of the Gryffindors spent time in the Gryffindor common room. James had only sneaked out to his secret garden twice in the last month.

Before they knew it, it was almost James' birthday. Alice and Frank planned a surprise birthday party for him. They had taken over one of the empty classrooms down the hall and decorated it with banners and streamers. They had invited people from each house – except Slytherin. Sirius had been to get firewhiskey and butterbeer from Hogsmeade.

James woke up on his birthday to a large pile of presents on the end of his bed. He leant forward and grabbed the closest present. It was from Sirius – frog spawn soap, James laughed happily, sniffing it gently. Peter's was next – dungbombs. Remus gave him a box of hiccough sweets. Alice had given him a pack of sugar quill and Frank got him some nose-biting teacups – they were going to be very handy presents. Kate had given him a big box of skeletal sweets and Mary had given him a big bag of pumpkin pasties. Lily's present was the one that surprised him most, she had bought him a book – big shock there – the shocking part was the book's title; Quidditch Through the Ages. Mr and Mrs Potter gave James a big box of salt water taffy, peppermint humbugs and apple tart; three of James' favourite things.

James' birthday seemed just like any other day other than the fact he had received presents. He'd received a large amount of homework and he'd read the paper. There had been several deaths in the last couple of days; Charis Black had died in her sleep, Hesper Starky had died of unknown causes although they were treating it as suspicious and Janus Thickey who was eaten by a lethifold. Araminta Meliflua's new law on muggle-hunting had been refused.

After dinner the marauders dragged James towards the empty classroom. "Guys where are we going?" James asked. Holly laughed at the slight sound of fear in his voice.

"Nowhere," Sirius replied.

When they walked into the dark classroom, everyone jumped out, "Surprise!"

There was music coming from a magical wireless in the corner. Someone had cast a silencing charm on the classroom so that they wouldn't be caught by a teacher.

The room looked amazing. The tables had vanished. There was a corner of comfy beanbags, a dance floor and a long table of snacks and drinks. James smiled at all the people around the room. They were mostly Gryffindors but there were some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. There was even one Slytherin – Andromeda Black. James made his way over to the head girl, "Alright Andi?"

"Not bad," Andromeda smiled. "This is my boyfriend Ted." She said gesturing to the guy stood next to her.

"Nice to meet you – I've heard loads about you," James shook his hand.

Lily watched as James spoke to the Slytherin head girl, I don't get it… he hates Slytherins!

Sirius was trying his best to get Felicity's attention. "So… how are you Felicity?"

"I'm fine thanks," she replied.

"Good, having fun?" He asked.

"Look Sirius, I'm really grateful to you and your friends but it doesn't change anything," she said, "You're still a Black."

"I'm nothing like the rest of my family," Sirius complained, "I'm in Gryffindor, I have muggle-born friends…"

"I just don't believe you," she replied.

"I'm a good guy Felicity," Sirius said gently.

"We'll see," she smiled.

Adrianna ran up to James when she saw him, "hey sweetie," she began, "I have something for you."

James smiled at his girlfriend, "what is it?" he asked as she handed him a present. He opened it and found a quaffle.

"I wrote you a message on it," she whispered into his ear.

James turned the ball over in his hand until he saw her writing;

Dear James,

Happy Birthday!

Love Adrianna xxx

P.S. You better win the house cup!

"I love it Ad," James kissed her, "Thank you."

Alice and Frank left the party before any of their friends. They returned to the empty common room to make out. The others carried on drinking and dancing for what felt like forever. Holly waited outside the classroom underneath James' invisibility cloak with the marauders' map in her hand. It was really helping her with her job. She couldn't help but be slightly proud of those boys for their ingenuity. She chose not to comment on the fact that they were drinking – although it was most certainly illegal – she didn't want to ruin their fun. She watched the map as the students gradually made their way back to their common rooms for a good night's sleep. Some point after 1am she saw something that worried her; Felicity Gordon had left the party moments ago and on her way to the Ravenclaw common room she ran into a group of Slytherins. Holly popped her head into the classroom, looking for one of the marauders. She had to stay with James but she really needed to help Felicity. She soon found the four marauders, "Come on we've got to go."

"Why?" they asked.

"Someone's got themselves in trouble with some Slytherins," she replied. "I'm supposed to look after you James so I need to get you to the common room so that I can go help Felicity."

"We'll come with you," James replied, "we can help."

"James," Kilmont began. "You are my first responsibility."

"And? I want to help Gordon." James smiled.

"Ahh – your dad's going to sack me," Holly frowned.

Holly and the four marauders ran through the corridors until they reached Felicity. She was surrounded by several Slytherin first years that James didn't know. Remus quickly put a protective spell around Felicity. The marauders opened their mouths to cast hexes on the Slytherins when they heard a voice from behind them. "Always the hero, Potter," Malfoy stepped into the light.

Malfoy was not alone. Narcissa and several other sixth years were with him. "Malfoy – fancy seeing you here."

"Well we all love a bit of muggle-born tormenting," Malfoy replied.

"Indeed," James replied angrily.

"Oh look it's the old defence teacher," Malfoy laughed, "You're going to regret only getting me an acceptable in my O.W.L."

"There was nothing I could do," Holly spat, "Some people are just too stupid to learn."

"You bitch," Malfoy replied.

"Oh jolly – are we done exchanging pleasantries – I was thinking we could duell," Sirius laughed without humour, "You're beginning to dull me."

"Shut it cousin," Narcissa spat.

"Or what Cissi?" Sirius raised his eyebrow.

Thought I'd leave you on a bit of a cliff hanger... but don't worry I'm going to get straight to work on the next chapter...

Next Chapter...

Well that would be telling wouldn't it...