A week later James was discharged from the hospital wing, though he continued to feel weak, the saddest thing was, he missed the quidditch match against Hufflepuff, though Gryffindor won the match. But the more pressing matter was Lily's birthday which was tomorrow.

He had not been able to buy her a gift, but that doesn't mean he hasn't asked for help from his parents.

They had planned to conduct the party in their dorm, the girls will join them, so it will be just 7 of them. He has given the idea to Marls who had told the boys so they didn't get suspicious as to why James was so enthusiastic about it.

Sirius and James had after great effort, expanded the floor, Peter had taken charge of food, and Remus of cleaning the room, and Mary and Marls had assisted them while distracting Lily.

At 11:57, Mary and Marls had forced Lily to change into something proper and dragged her to the boys' dorm, at exactly midnight the door opened and Lily and the girls were pulled inside, Peter closed the door immediately while Remus put the silencing charm on the room.

"HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY!" they all shouted, soon the cake was brought in the middle, and Lily cut it. Her happiness couldn't be controlled.

"Happy birthday Lils," said James hugging her.

"Thanks, it was your idea, I suppose?" she asked and he winked at her.

"Come on how about some drinks?" shouted Sirius, handing them each a butterbeer, "I have a bottle of Firewhisky, but I promised Rosemarta that only I and Lily will drink, that's only why she agreed. But we will cheat a bit, you have an option for both drinks."

Lily was hesitant but when Mary forced her, she drank it.

"Now time for dance," shouted Marls

"I have just got the song for the moment," jumped James happily, and he played the song, took her hand of Lily and pulled her in the middle. "Lose yourself, live in the moment, enjoy," he whispered.

You can dance
You can jive
Ooh, see that girl
Watch that scene
Digging the dancing queen

"You look beautiful," he said dancing with her.

"This is the new ABBA song?"Lily asked

"Yes, did you like my choice?"

"I love it, James," she replied, they both were dancing their friends cheering but she only saw him and he saw only her.

You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet
Only seventeen
Dancing queen
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl
Watch that scene
Digging the dancing queen

They both were looking at each other.

"Next song," whispered Mary, and Peter played the next song. 'I SAW HER STANDING THERE':

Well, she was just seventeen
You know what I mean
So how could I dance with another
Ooh, when I saw her standing there?

"This is my best birthday," she said.

She wouldn't dance with another
Ooh, when I saw her standing there

"Where were you all these years?" she asked

"I was preparing myself to be worthy of the angel," he replied.

"It should be me, who should prepare to be worthy for you, she replied.

"Well let's settle for that we weren't ready for each other,"

"That's more correct,"

Oh, since I saw her standing there
Yeah, well since I saw her standing there

"Thanks," she said burying her head in his chest, his hands wrapping her and her hand him.

"Well, the firewhisky is really hitting her head," shouted Sirius, receiving angry glares from others and a smack from Remus."WHAT?"

But the moment was destroyed as James and Lily jumped back, realizing for the first time that others were there in the room. The next song started 'TWIST AND SHOUT'.

This time all of them joined the floor, dancing together.

After an hour all of them sat in a circle and Lily rested her head on James' lap, she was tired from all the dancing and knew all of them had sipped Firewhisky illegally but didn't mind, she was glad they will not question her head on James' lap, and she didn't care. She noticed, Marls being all cuddly in Sirius and talking with him happily.

"When did this happen?" James asked the question in her mind, pointing at Siriu and Marls.

"The night you were attacked," replied Sirius.

"So, you both are together, now?" asked Lily as she felt James playing with her hair.

"We are taking it slow, first we will see if it works then we will proceed further," replied Marls.

"What do steps mean actually? Because I ran into you both just yesterday, it was difficult to tell who was who," smiled Peter and others laughed.

"We are of a different type, we believe in action first," replied Sirius turning red.

Lily looked up at James as other friends started filling James in about how they had made life hell for those five Slytherins, which included filling their shampoo bottles with stinking potions, charming their quills so that they explode every 5 minutes, leaving two dozen of Pixies in Slytherin common room and other things.

James looked down at Lily and gave her a smile as he began stroking her head and she fell asleep. The others fell asleep on their spot soon.

The next morning they were just lucky to get up in time to make it to the classes in time. Lily's rest of the day was spent enjoying herself with her friends and finally, after dinner she found herself sitting on Balcony with James, both were breathing heavily, having just snogged.

"Here, your birthday present," he said giving her a rectangle gift. She took it and opened it with excitement, James flicked his wand and three fireballs appeared lightning the area.

When Lily opened the gift and looked at it, her eyes widened and she gasped. A signed poster of The Beatles.

"James how did you got this?" she asked.

"My father has a few good connections, in the muggle world and it was for a sale in a store, so here it is," said James.

"It is wonderful," she said. "I had always wanted a signed poster of either one of them, but here I am having of all four." She jumped onto him and kissed him, "Thank You, Thank You, very much."

The next week flew fast, Dumbledore still hadn't appeared, so no new lessons and no discussion. He decided he can't wait for any more. So, each evening he was found in the library reading each and every book to find the name, 'TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE'.

He was walking back to the Gryffindor tower, lost in his thought when someone grabbed his shoulder and stopped him, he turned to look at Lily and Remus, looking at him concernedly.

"What are you doing out after curfew and why didn't you respond when we called your name?" asked Lily.

"I was in the library," replied James."What are you two doing here?"

"We are prefects, you stupid," grinned Remus.

"James what's wrong?" asked Lily seeing James' lost face.

"Nothing, I will better go, unless you want to give me detention," said James with a grin.

"You can go, mate," replied Remus. James nodded and left.
But soon someone pulled him into a room. He looked around to see Lily panting.

"Did you ran up here to catch up with me?" asked James.

"Yeah, you were worried, so I thought I will help you to ease your worries," she said and he grinned as he approached to kiss her but instead received a smack on his head.

"What was that for?" asked James.

"I really mean to help you, now tell me why were you so worried?" asked Lily, but James wasn't listening to her, he was looking at the room it was a bathroom, the same bathroom, the same sink.

"James, what happened?" Lily asked

"What is this place?" asked James.

"It's a bathroom, you idiot, it's a girl's bathroom, but we don't come here, only in emergencies."

"Why?"

"Because of Moaning Myrtle, she will be somewhere here, I suppose," said Lily looking around for the ghost.

"It was her, she died in here, yes, I was stupid," muttered James.

"James, what are you saying?"

"MYRTLE!" called James and the giggling girl appeared from one of the toilets.

"Did someone called me? How lucky I am, no one calls me anymore, no one talks to me," she said before starting to cry.

"How did you died, Myrtle?" asked James at once.

Myrtle's whole aspect changed at once. She looked as though she had never been asked such a flattering question.

"Ooooh, it was dreadful," she said with relish. "It happened right in here. I died in this very stall. I remember it so well. It's hidden because Olive Hornby was teasing me about my glasses. The door was locked, and I was crying, and then I heard somebody come in. They said something funny. A different language, I think it must have been. Anyway, what really got me was a boy speaking. So I unlocked the door, to tell him to go and use his own toilet, and then-"

"You died, seeing the eyes of the snake," added James slowly.

"Yes, it has big, yellow eyes," said Myrtle.

"In which year did you died?" asked James

"1943," replied Myrtle.

"Do you know about 'Tom Marvolo Riddle'?" asked James

"Yes, he was in Hogwarts, when I was here, he was very handsome, top in studies, a Slytherin prefect and Head Boy. And he was the one who caught Hagrid after my death for opening the 'chamber of secrets', I have heard he received an award for it too 'Special Award for Services to The School'. If only he would have been fast, I would have been alive," said Myrtle.

"Did Tom Riddle had black hair, dark eyes and was tall?" asked James.

"Yes, he was very handsome, we girls used to have a crush on him."

"Where is he now?" asked James.

"No idea, I don't go gossiping about people," said Myrtle.

"Come Lils we have to go to the trophy room," said James grabbing her hand.

"James what's going on?" asked Lily.

"I will tell you, but first trophy room," said James.

Remus found the two and caught up with them.

"Woah, Prongs, wait, what's gotten into you today?" he asked.

"No time, mate," replied James opening the door of the trophy room, after searching for 10 minutes he found the trophy with the name 'Tom Marvolo Riddle'.

"Aha! here it is," said James looking at the trophy. "He was a Slytherin, an heir of Slytherin."

"Well his middle name does tell that," said Remus and James turned to him looking questioningly. "If you would have read extra books in History Class, then you would have known that Marvolo was one of the last known descendants of Slytherin, his name was Marvolo Gaunt."

"Yes, the Gaunts, but they disappeared, didn't they?" asked James.

"Yes, they disappeared," replied Remus. "Marvolo was the last true descendant and he had a son Morfin and a daughter to Merope, but Morfin died in Azkaban a few years ago, and probably Merope died too, so no other true descendant left, although there are rumours about a new descendant."

"Who?" asked James and Lily together.

"Voldemort, really guys you are thick," said Remus rolling his eyes. "But, I haven't heard of Tom Marvolo Riddle, I haven't heard of any Riddle in the wizarding world."

"Neither have I. I was searching for Tom Riddle in purebloods to find him, then he must be half-blood, a muggle father and . . then it means mother will be Merope, and. . .. . " trailed off James.

"Why do you think Tom was the heir of Slytherin, though?" asked Remus.

"Because he opened the Chamber of Secrets," replied James

"But didn't Myrtle said that he caught one and closed it?" asked Lily.

"He lied and somehow put the blame on Hagrid, I know for sure it was Tom Riddle, also I think Tom Marvolo Riddle might be Voldemort or his some relative," said James in a quieter voice.

"How? Prongs your words don't make sense," said Remus.

"It does make sense, but how do you know it was Tom who opened the chamber?" asked Lily

"I. . . I saw it, the first time, it wasn't a dream, it was a memory I entered, due to that diary I suppose, it had some magic and I was sent into the memory where Myrtle died," said James.

"But how could you have gone into a memory and then these dreams, it's strange," said Lily.

"I guess we will have to wait for Dumbledore, he can only answer these questions, but where the fuck has he disappeared, Minnie says he will return soon," said James frustratedly.

"Well, I saw him arrive just now, he was talking with Nearly Headless Nick, and was going to his office," said Remus.

"I have to go and see him, immediately," said James running his hand through his hair.

"I am coming with you too," said Lily.

"Lily, it's . . " James said.

"No, James I am coming, I already know nearly everything as much as you," protested Lily and James nodded.

"Remus you return to the tower, we will catch up with you later," said James and he and Lily left for Dumbledore's office.

After guessing 13 different passwords the office finally opened and then James knocked on the door, and the door flew open.

Dumbledore was sitting on his chair, looking at the two newcomers curiously.

"I was expecting to meet you, James,. . . and I see Lily is with you too," smiled Dumbledore.

"I have a few things to tell you and a few to ask you too," said James as he and Lily took the seat Dumbledore indicated.

"First of all I am sorry that you were attacked, James, but I am happy to see you fit and fine as always. And thanks to Lily you too, I heard Poppy telling me your healing prevented James from deep injuries and pain," smiled Dumbledore. "Now, what do you want to say and ask James?"

"Who is Tom Marvolo Riddle?"

"Voldemort's real name,"

"So, he is the heir of Slytherin," said James.

"I am afraid he is," sighed Dumbledore.

"So, he opened the chamber of Secrets?" asked Lily.

"I think he did," said Dumbledore.

"Well after seeing that memory and talking to Myrtle, I am sure he did," said James.

"So, I see that you have already done your research," said Dumbledore.

"Sir, the sink, there's this big pipe beneath it, that's where I saw that snake, a basilisk, going inside. Do you think it is still there?"

"I don't know James, they say only an heir will be able to open it, you saw it opening because Riddle was the heir," said Dumbledore.

"Sir, why did I see that memory and then those dreams about Tom Riddle?" asked James.

"Um. . . I have a question, in that memory, were you seeing the scenes through Tom Riddle's eyes or just you present in that memory as yourself?" asked Dumbledore.

"I was present there myself, just like in a Pensieve," said James.

Dumbledore let out a sigh of relief.

"Diaries are to collect our memories, and Riddle's diary had memories too, memories of his life, that night while stealing the diary, due to my mistake, you came in contact with a dark curse, and the diary being near you had its memories shared with you too, and I am glad it was just memories because that diary in itself is a very dark substance," said Dumbledore.

"Why Voldemort wanted to protect a diary so much?" asked Lily. This was the first time she had used that name because today was the first day she realized that he too is a human, or was a human.

Dumbledore's face sank, and he looked at the two students sitting in front of them, he tried to persuade Slughorn about the memory after he was convinced that the diary was a Horcrux but Slughorn hasn't helped him, maybe they both could.

"Who is the favourite student of Prof. Slughorn?" he asked.

James and Lily both looked confused and then James answered, "Lily, she is his favourite."

Dumbledore nodded, he went silent, thinking deeply.

"Why did you ask that sir?" asked Lily.

Dumbledore looked up at them with an intense gaze. James and Lily felt as if they were x-rayed.

"Slughorn has this memory, in which he told a young Tom Riddle about Horcruxes, I asked him for that memory but he didn't cooperate, the memory wasn't correct, and I want that memory if we had to defeat Voldemort," said Dumbledore.

"A Horcrux?" asked James.

"Yes, Voldemort asked Slughorn about it, and I want that memory."

"But Professor you could have used the truth potion or any other means," suggested James.

"Slughorn is an accomplished wizard, I can't get the memory out of him, so that's why I need you Lily and James you too, to persuade Slughorn and get the memory, it would be of great help."

"But sir if you aren't able to then how can we?" asked Lily.

"Slughorn can be persuaded in other ways, and you both have that power, he likes you both."

"I can understand about Lily, but me? I am not on that good terms with him, if it was Minnie then it would have been easy," said James, chuckling.

"You have a special edge James, you have something that can be the weakness of Slughorn," said Dumbledore.

"What is that sir?" asked James.

"You remember the day when May and Ben's wedding was planned?" asked Dumbledore.

James moved uncomfortably in his seat, "Yes, sir."

"Well, it so happens that Slughorn was present there too with me, he saw that incident as well, and you know what?" said Dumbledore.

"What sir?"

"May Parker was one of the favourites and elite students of Slughorn, he had a soft spot for her," said Dumbledore.

"And you want me to use that on Slughorn?" asked James with raised eyebrows.

"It is important James, to move further we have to get that memory, that's why I am asking you to do this," said Dumbledore.

James looked at him for a few moments before nodding.

"So, do I presume you will get the memory?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes, sir we will," replied Lily.

"I believe that this information will not be shared with anyone else, except you 7?" asked Dumbledore.

"We will keep it between us, sir," said James.

"I am putting trust in you James because if any other people get to know then defeating Voldemort will become impossible," said Dumbledore.

"I will make sure sir that no one else knows," said James.

"Vey well, then" smiled Dumbledore.

"What about our lessons sir?" asked Lily.

"As I have returned now, your lessons will continue as usual, three times a week," said Dumbledore.

"Can you believe him? Using emotions as weakness, that's more like why death eaters run from those things," said James angrily, sitting next to Lily. They had just returned to the common room, it was empty.

"I guess he has his reasons," said Lily softly.

"Yeah," muttered James sadly.

"James, you don't have to do this, if you don't want to talk about her, it's okay," said Lily. James rested his head on her shoulders, suddenly he was feeling very tired.

"I have to," said James, his eyes feeling heavy. He stood up and kissed her cheeks, "I am tired and am going to bed."

"Good night,"

"Good night."

Lily and James haven't told their friends yet about talking to Dumbledore and other stuff and were glad that Remus has kept that thing to himself.

"So, what happened that day, did you talk to Dumbledore?" asked Remus as James led him to the hospital wing it was a full moon tonight.

"Yeah, we did, I will tell you all about it soon, when I have sorted a few things," said James.

"And what's going on with you and Lily? You both are spending a lot of time together without her being angry at you?"

"One step at a time mate," winked James. "I think we are coming along great together and maybe soon we would get together."

"She has changed you," pointed out Remus."You have surely taken her words sincerely."

"Of course I have, she has a positive influence on me and showed me my way was wrong. And I would do anything for her, because I know she is almost every time right, not always because she too is a human."

"Your 4th-year self would find you boring and weak if he founds out you hadn't hexed some people," snorted Remus and James laughed.

"She has a way of seeing the beauty in others, even, and perhaps most especially, when that person couldn't see it in themselves," said James smiling. "She told me that I had it in me and that I am a good person, she really saw the good in me before I saw it truly."

"That is true, she really is different from others."

"Just gets a little confused in making personal decisions, and is sometimes stubborn too, and tries to hide her emotions," said James."And I dunno why but these faults make me like her more."

"It's good that you saw the faults too because seeing only good can be really bad in a relationship, it's unhealthy," said Remus.

"I think I now understand why she was friends with Snape," said James slowly.

"Who are you two talking about?" asked Peter.

"Let me guess, Evans?" said Sirius as both of them joined them in the Hospital wing.

"Yes," grinned James.

"And you now understand why she was friends with Snape?" asked Peter.

"Yeah," said James.

"Why?" asked all three of them.

"She saw the goodness in him, when we didn't, she saw the good side," said James. "And she cares, a lot for her friends and family."

"Just like you care for your friends and family," said Lily as she, Marls and Mary joined them. "By the way who is 'she'?"

"Of course 'You', who else would James talk about," said Marls rolling her eyes. Both James and Lily turned red.

"NO MORE THAN SIX VISITORS!" said Poppy approaching them and giving Remus a calming potion.

"We are six Poppy," said Sirius.

"Very well," said Poppy as she left.

Mary took the potion from Remus and helped him to drink it.

"I can drink it by myself," said Remus.

"Yeah, he can, otherwise I am already there for him, it was I who used to give him chocolates," said Sirius sitting next to Remus.

"Don't get jealous Padfoot now, you aren't replaced," snorted Peter and others laughed.

"Why I would get jealous? I had Moony longer than Mary and I share a room with him and sometimes bed too," winked Sirius at Mary, and then received a hit on his head from Remus.

"You better control yourself Black and if I heard you getting with anyone else, I will find you and kill you," warned Marls, hiding a smile.

"You hurt me Marls," said Sirius placing his hand on his heart feinting hurt. "I thought we had freedom in our life. Now, what will happen to my perfect weak?"

"You are such a drama queen," laughed Lily.

"And you are a Dancing Queen," said Sirius.

"That she is," said James.

"So, next Hogsmeade, what is everyone's plan?" asked Mary. "I have to get new quills and . .. some other stuff."

"I have to find a date for Hogsmeade, I forgot," said Sirius seriously.

"Don't make me regret dating you," said Marls.

"Oops a daisy," said Sirius.

"I have to meet with Sarah, she is acting odd lately, O. I suppose," said Peter.

"I may be going stag," said James with a chuckle and the boys and Marls laughed.

"What's so funny?" asked Mary.

"Inside joke, which you will not get because you are new," said Sirius sticking out his tongue at her.

"Well I may go doe, then," said Lily without thinking.

"What?" asked Remus.

"I mean I am going alone too, so I and James will go together," said Lily, going red in ears.

Sirius and Peter looked confused and ignored it but others noticed it.

The next day Lily found James and Co. looking sleepy. All three of them were quiet throughout the lessons and Peter even dozed off twice in Transfiguration, receiving a scolding from Minnie.

In the last class, the potions class too, James was yawning wildly as he sat next to Lily.

"Didn't get much sleep last night?" asked Lily stirring the cauldron as James cut the beetroots.

James shook his head.

"Due to Remus, I suppose," said Lily, and James nodded.

"We look out that nobody goes in that direction," said James.

"You know, I know Slughorn very well, he will not tell us something simple, if he hadn't told Dumbledore," said Lily.

"But he practically loves you, he might tell you if you ask sweetly, use your charming face," said James. Lily hit him.

"Please focus on your potion, Ms Evans," said Slughorn chuckling. Lily turned red.

"What was that for?" asked James.

"To open up your brain, Slughorn just doesn't give in so easily, we have to build up to him, I had to do so much to get the ingredients for that potion," said Lily.

"What potion?"

"The one which resulted in the marauders not able to speak properly the whole day,"

"Ohh, yes."

"Yes, it took a lot of talking and pursuing to get it, so we need to do the same," said Lily.

"So, what do we do then?" asked James.

"Use Dumbledore's advice," said Lily slowly, trying not to look at James knowing he doesn't like that idea.

"You have to be there, with me then," said James.

Lily thought for a moment and then nodded.

"But how are we going to get lucky enough to get alone time with Slughorn, it would take us quite a time to build up to him, and then if someone interferes the plan goes pufffff.." said Lily.

"I think I need to use the Felix Felicis again," said James.

"Again?"

"I used it for Heist," said James.

"Do you still have yours left?" asked Lily.

"Yeah, but only a mouthful," said James.

"I have nearly full bottle left, except a mouthful," said Lily turning red.

"What did you use it for?" asked James.

"Well Petunia invited her boyfriend Vernon over Christmas, he was very boring and saying things about how great his work is and blah blah. . ., so I decided to use it to put up with him for the rest of the day," said Lily.

"And?"

"And, then he got a really bad stomach and left three hours before, then it turned out that my dad brought a new car, my favourite cousin visited us, I got new dresses and a small house for Felix, then our nosy and noisy neighbour got transferred to Leeds, they were really annoying sometimes, so my wish got completed," grinned Lily.

"Okay, that sounds like quite an extraordinary day. So, in the next potions class we will try to persuade Slughorn," said James.

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