"Lily hurry up, we will be late," said James.
"For god's sake James, it's 10:35 only," Lily shouted as she ran around the home collecting things.
"She is always like this," commented Richards.
"Instead of standing there can't you help me pack," Lily shouted.
James sighed and ran up the stairs and into her room, her trunk lay open in the middle of the room, few of her things were lying here and there, he started putting everything in the trunk, Felix came running into the room and rushed under the bed.
"Mum, have you seen Felix?" came Lily's voice from down.
"She is here," said James.
They both were finally ready and out of the house by 10:48, Rose was looking at them with teary eyes, she gave them a tight hug and Richard said goodbye to them.
"Do come to visit us during Christmas," said Rose to James.
"Of course, I will come," smiled James.
She then whispered to Lily as she hugged her, "Don't go breaking up with him, he is a really nice boy."
"I am not planning to," replied Lily with watery eyes. "Bye, dad. Bye, Tuney."
"Let's go," said James taking her hand. Both of them waved at the others and after making sure no one was watching they disapparated.
"Hurry James, we need to board the train now," said Lily.
"It was Felix's fault really, she sat on my shoulder and her tail came swinging in front of my eyes," said James moving towards the train.
"We are Heads, we should be punctual," said Lily shaking her head.
"What a hypocrite!" muttered James putting their trunks on the train.
"What?"
"If you would have packed fast then we wouldn't have been late," James pointed out.
The train whistle blew.
"Oh shit! Let's go to the Prefect compartment, we have to conduct the meeting," said Lily.
"I am nervous," James informed her as he followed her. Lily stopped in her path and turned to look at him, he really looked nervous. "I mean I have never been to a prefect meeting before."
Lily placed her hand on side of his face, "James you have got it, and I will be with you, we are together, okay?" James nodded. "It's simple like being a captain of a bigger team and managing more things, just like it said in the letter. You will do great, trust me."
James smiled and kissed her, "Thanks."
They both entered the compartment first and took the head seat, James was fidgeting in his seat so Lily placed her hands over his hand and pressed it, soon the prefect started entering the compartment, and they were all looking at James oddly, soon Remus entered and winked at them, he was followed by a shy looking Mary, who has been made prefect to fill Lily's place, she smiled at them before taking a seat by Remus.
Then came the Slytherins and with them came Severus Snape, who stopped in the path and threw James a disgusting look. "This is no place for you Potter, you may own other things but this can't be earned by money and looks."
"Actually, I think I can buy it with my talent and skills, which you certainly don't have," snapped James.
"You are a Head Boy?" asked Merula, the Slytherin Prefect.
"Yeah, he is the Head Boy, the badge here is to prove that," said Lily.
"Now, that you all know that I, James Potter is the Head Boy and she, Lily Evans is the Head Girl, so we will begin the meeting now," said James.
The meeting went quite well except for the time-to-time interruptions from the Slytherins. Explaining them about their duties, roles and responsibilities, passing the passwords to them and assigning them patrols.
"So how did we do?" asked Lily to Remus and Mary after the meeting.
"Well it went well, you guys did a good job," said Mary.
"Yeah, you both were good," said Remus.
"So, you guys coming?" asked Mary.
"We have to collect the papers and discuss some more stuff, we will catch you later," said Lily.
"So, what do we have to discuss?" asked James once Remus and Mary had left.
"You are so naive, James," said Lily standing on her tiptoes. "I missed doing this."
The pair patrolled the train once before going to the compartment where their friends were sitting. Sirius didn't waste a second in voicing his opinion that he was very disappointed with James not sending photos and that he has become a Head Boy, he continued teasing about it to James until Lily interfered.
"Leave him alone, will you? He is worthy of the position and deserves it, and I am proud of him," said Lily thus receiving a kiss from James.
"So, what were you guys talking about?" asked Lily as James put a hand around her shoulder and she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Thanatos," replied Marlene, and James let out an "Oh." He looked at Peter who was sitting in a corner eating candies trying to ignore the conversation.
"What about him?" asked Lily.
"He has caused terror among the death eaters, hasn't he? He has captured so many death eaters and people say even Dumbledore himself believes he is the Thanatos," said Sirius.
"And that they saw him separate his head from his body, and then fight, that sent chills down my spine," said Marls. Peter let out a snort but no one except James noticed it, he gave him a glare, only they both and Lily knew that James has used the cloak and Peter has attacked the death eaters from behind.
"That must be really dark magic or he really is Thanatos," said Remus.
"He is looking awesome in here," said Mary as she looked at the Daily Prophet.
"I saw him, he has his whole body covered except for his eyes, he was looking scary," informed Remus.
"How did you see him?" asked Lily.
"I was at Diagon Alley yesterday and then the Death Eaters attacked, it was then that the red mongoose appeared in the sky, the death eaters got distracted and then he came, standing on the roof, and the next moment he was fighting along the Aurors, few death eaters ran away immediately and the rest fought, but they too were either caught or escaped when they felt that they will lose as more Aurors appeared there," said Remus.
"You were there? But we didn't saw you," said James not wanting Lily to find out.
"Yeah, I was there buying books, it was crowded so we must have missed each other, so you both saw him too?" asked Remus.
"We left immediately. So, how was your vacation?" asked James.
"It was good, we . .. " Remus begin but Lily cut him.
"Are you sure Thanatos was there?" asked Lily sitting straight.
"It is in the Prophet, here look at it," said Mary giving the newspaper to Lily.
Lily shot a look at James who sunk into his seat biting his lips, Lily began reading the article below the picture of Thanatos.
"Yesterday, about sixteen death eaters attacked the wizarding shopping centre, Diagon Alley. The Alley was crowded since the school term begins tomorrow and people with their children were present there to buy school accessories. The attack took place at 4 in the evening, the Ministry Auorors were present there already to provide security but the death eaters nevertheless were able to cause havoc. Three people are reported dead while several are injured and admitted to St. Mungo's Hospital.
It is to be noted that during the middle of the attack the famous symbol of Thanatos, the mongoose appeared in the sky, this caused panic among the death eaters and many of them flew from the spot while others remained to fight, then Thanatos himself appeared there and started helping the Aurors. A death eater was killed by the Aurors while two of the death eaters were caught and immediately sent to Azkaban, the other death eaters escaped when sensing loss.
Thanatos too disappeared from the scene the moment after the death eaters were captured, and thus the Daily Prophet reporter wasn't able to talk to him but is hoping to interview him soon." finished Lily.
The others began talking about Thanatos and other stuff while Lily and James sat in silence, the former looking angry, she sat there with clenched fists.
Finally, after twenty minutes she stood up, "James, we need to talk," she said and walked out of the compartment. James immediately followed her, looking troubled, the others looked at them with shock.
"In here," said Lily moving into an empty compartment and James entered too. She then closed the blinding and placed a silencing charm on the compartment.
"Look Lily, I am sorry, I . . ." James started speaking but Lily held up her hand.
"I thought we both were to share everything in our relationship, but now you have hidden things twice from me, and you lied," she said angrily. "Lied about going to meet your parents, while you were in Diagon Alley."
James didn't spoke he just looked down.
"You could have told me, James. When will you learn to trust me and share these things with me?"
"I am really sorry, you would have asked and forced to come with me, and it would have diverted my focus."
"You could have at least told me after that,"
"I was worried that you will get angry," said James hesitantly as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Take off your shirt," she ordered.
"What?"
"Take off your shirt," she said in a tone that James immediately followed her orders.
She examined his body, looking for any signs of recent cuts as there were several old cuts signs.
"I didn't get hurt Lily, just a few minor bruises and injuries," James said putting back his shirt.
"Okay," she said nodding her head.
James leaned in to kiss her but she stopped him. "I am still angry with you, you lied to me." And she stormed out of the compartment, James just behind her trying to reason with her but she ignored him.
Their friends watch them with confusion as the two entered the compartment taking their seats, James was trying to talk to her in a quiet voice but she was giving him cold shoulder and just looking out of the window.
The rest of the train journey was spent in the same way, with Lily not talking to James.
"Umm... James, we have to stay behind and make sure everyone is gone before we take the last carriage," Lily informed James when he has proceeded to put the trunks on the carriage.
"Oh! sorry, it slipped from my mind," James said standing beside her. "Still angry?"
Lily nodded.
"I am really really sorry Lily," he said putting both of his hands on her shoulders.
"Why did you lie to me, James? You know that you can trust me with anything, right?" she asked and he nodded. "Then why did you lied?"
"I was worried that you would come along with me and put yourself in danger. Lily, I know that stuff and I know that you are great at it too, but my way of dealing with it is different and I can't put you in danger because of my silly actions"
"James, I understand that but this is not the right thing to do, we have to be honest in here, I want you to tell me everything okay? If you can't tell at a particular moment then just say that you will at least tell it to me later, but before it's too late. You can promise me this."
James bit his lips but nodded, "I promise, I will tell you everything but I will make your safety as my priority."
Lily consider it for a moment then she nodded, "But you will tell me everything."
James kissed her forehead, "I will."
"You know that I should be angrier with you," muttered Lily.
James grinned at her as he hugged her, this time kissing the top of her head, "I don't want you to be angry with me."
"Then don't do things that make me angry," said Lily.
"I will not," said James. "Now, let's go and check around if someone is left behind then we can go."
Most of the students had left except for a few who were still lurking behind, it took them ten minutes to send all of them back, and then after checking and rechecking the train and the area they decided to head back. Lily suggested that they walk back to the castle as this will be the last year of them together.
"Won't we miss the sorting?" asked James.
"Not a fan of it, but if you want then we can take the carriage," Lily offered.
"No, I am not a fan of it either, we can walk, we will make it by the end of the sorting," said James taking Lily's hand.
"You are the best," grinned Lily.
The pair made their way to the castle, and by the time they reached the great hall sorting ceremony was still going on, it seemed as if it started late this year, something to do with Peeves stealing the hat.
James sat between Lily and Mary, Lily complained about tired feet to which James has no answer.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" said Dumbledore. Everyone cla[[ed and cheered as Dumbledore beamed at them from his seat. "Thank you!"
"That was very enlightening," grinned Mary as the food appeared in front of them.
James enjoyed the food it was just as good as the food made by Rose, though he missed the food made by his mother. Sirius and Marlene were still giving each other the cold shoulder making things difficult for James. Though for the moment he has much more important thing on mind which he has to discuss with Lily, so he was doing that.
"You guys were together for the last ten days and still you two are privately chatting together, aren't you both tired or bored?" asked Sirius.
Lily frowned at him and kissed James with a wide smile, "I am never getting enough of him."
"You were fighting with him on the train," argued Sirius.
"So?" asked Lily.
Sirius looked as though he has a lot to say but decided better, "You know what? Leave it."
"Good dog," snorted James.
Dumbledore stood from the staff table and the food disappeared, James groaned as he was going for the treacle tart. Lily who had already picked one gave it to him.
"Now, before we all go to bed, I would like to make a few announcements," said Dumbledore, smiling broadly, his hands' sleeves were pulled back and his right hand was blackened and dead-looking, it was not like this when James met him last time. Whispers swept the room; Dumbledore interpreting them correctly, merely smiled and shook his purple and gold sleeve over his injury. "Nothing to worry about."
"First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to the students . . . and a few of our older students ought to know it by now too." The Marauders exchanged smirks while the Valkyries bit back a smile.
"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the one hundred and nine-time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door.
"We have two changes in staff this year. We are pleased to welcome Professor Garter White, our new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher." Professor White, a tall man in his 40s stood up and waved at them. "And Professor Dorothy Blakemore, the new divination teacher."
Everyone clapped for the two new teachers.
"Now, the situation beyond the castle wall is getting worse day by day, the dark wizard named Voldemort has been the cause of all this as you all know very well by now, these are the times when we need to stand together to fight because together we are stronger. I want you all to show unity within the castle walls and spread it beyond these walls.
"But now, your beds await, as warm and comfortable as you could possibly wish, and I know your top priority is to be well-rested for your lessons tomorrow. Let us therefore say good night. Pip pip!"
The students all stood up and started walking up to their dorms and so did James but Lily stopped him.
"James, we are the heads, remember? We will have to make sure all the students are back to their dorms and then we have to patrol the castle," Lily informed a tired-looking James who groaned at this but nevertheless did his duty.
"So, ready for tomorrow's plan?" asked Lily with a mischievous look, and James' tired face brightened up.
"Of course, we have been working on it for days," said James as they returned to an empty common room.
"So," said Lily, "I will see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, goodnight Lils," James said kissing her as he went up to the boys' dorm.
The next day, all the seventh years made their way to their first class which was Transfiguration, the first person in there were James and Lily both of whom had skipped breakfast but were sitting in the class with a smug look on their faces.
"Where were you both during the breakfast," asked Marls as the group entered the class.
"We were both discussing head duties," replied Lily and Marls rolled her eyes as she took the seat next to her.
Once everyone was in the class and settled, McGonagall asked them to take out their books, but when the students opened their bags everything inside was put under a jelly-like stinking substance, and several students let out a sound of disgust.
"What the hell is this?" said Sirius from his seat as he pulled out a sticky and stinking transfiguration book. The others were having the same expression.
Lily has to try hard to suppress her laugh at the looks of her classmates, she was waiting for James to open his own bag because she has not left him out, she looked at him and saw him trying to suppress his own laughter, she then opened her bag and...
Shocked."OH! Come on Potter! Damn it!" she growled as she noticed her own things covered inside the stinking jelly.
James couldn't control his laugh any longer and laughed loudly as he saw Lily pulling out her own stinking book and then while laughing he opened his bag and gave the same reaction as Lily.
"I had my suspicions," he said pulling out his own book, and grinned as he saw the laughing face of Lily.
Minerva examined the situation but couldn't find the culprit as the usual mischief makers were pranked too. After thirty minutes the students were able to get rid of the jelly.
"Tit for tat," whispered Lily in James' ear when they left the class to go to Herbology.
After a comfortable first two days, the seventh year's first two weeks back were very busy, and if you were head, it was worst, and if you were a head in a relationship with another head it was torture, the same was for James and Lily.
James and Lily were given the charge to schedule the patrols, they spent four making sure that they make the proper pairs to patrol together, then they called the Prefect meeting and handed out the schedules to them.
Then they both had to hand in the schedule to McGonagall and get to know what their further duties were.
"You both will have to collect the name of the members of each club, and also gave them slots to hold their meetings. Also, the drama club and the choir group need new leaders this year, as the previous leaders have now graduated, so you both have to appoint them," McGonagall informed them.
"For the record, how many clubs are there?" asked James.
"Total of twenty clubs are there, like the art club, potions club, Diagon Alley Arts Club, Duelling Club · Quidditch Team · Charms Club · Gobstones Club etc."
"Okay, cool, cool, cool," said James.
"Is there any problem Mr Potter?"
"No, Professor," said James.
"Good, because now I want to talk about Quidditch, I know we have won the last two years but we were close to losing it, so I want you to start training early as this year Quidditch matches will be held earlier. And I have gotten used to seeing that trophy in my office and I hope you all will not disappoint me."
"I will start the practice sessions soon," said James.
Lily gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Now, you both are to meet Dumbledore tomorrow after dinner, okay?" informed McGonagall, they both nodded. "You are excused."
The moment James left the Office he swore and groaned, "Kill me."
"Wanna hang around or go to the kitchens?" offered Lily to ease the pressure he was feeling.
"Sorry, I still have the Herbology essay due," sighed James. "Will see you later, Lils," and he ran up to the boys' dorm.
Lily sighed and turned to see her friends sitting together and enjoying, she too wanted to join them but was tired and decided to call it a day. She missed the summer, being with James and her family, with no worries, no tensions, just relaxing and chilling.