A/N: Just wanted to say a quick thanks to RobinGryffindor7 for the nice review. It really is encouraging to hear that people are enjoying my story so thanks vey much :)
(Sunday 12 October 1976) None of the Gryffindors made it to breakfast the next day. It was lunchtime when Lily was staring at the food surrounding her with a frown.
"Why did you make me come down Lil?" Came Dorcas' muffled complaint from where her face was buried in her arms in the table.
"Because we need to eat something."
"Coffee." Grunted Marlene as she passed it to Dorcas.
"And for goodness sake we all need to have some water." Chided Alice. Cas and Marlene groaned as Lily filled up their goblets, massaging her temple where a headache persisted.
"I'm definitely gonna throw up." Marlene said faintly. They weren't alone in their suffering the Gryffindor table was definitely emptier than normal and was littered with pale, complaining students as Mcgonagall looked on with disdain and- was that a hint of amusement in her eyes? The marauders sat heavily in the seats next to the girls, well almost the marauders.
"Where's Peter?" Asked Alice.
"He didn't make it." Said Sirius gravely.
"He bravely made it to the fourth floor." Added James, shaking his head sadly.
"Before he was overcome by nausea." Sirius was now rummaging in his robes.
"And he threw up." Said James, filling up three goblets with pumpkin juice.
"Into a vase." Finished Remus, taking a gulp of pumpkin juice. "We put him back to bed."
"And left a flower pot by it in case he needed to throw up again." Said James. The girls laughed, wincing as their headaches throbbed in complaint.
"Dear God Sirius." Said Dorcas, as Sirius poured liquid from a flask into the boys' drinks.
"Please tell me that's not more alcohol."
"No, no." Said Sirius, shaking his head. "This is our post party holy grail, the marauder hangover cure."
"One of the best things we've ever come up with if you ask me." Said James throwing his drink back, chasing it with a gulp of water.
"What's in it?" Asked Lily, interested.
"Well the secret ingredient of course." Said Sirius.
"It's a mix of a bunch of potions." Supplied Remus. ("Moony, you're not meant to tell them." Sirius whined).
"You take it every four hours after your drunken night and it gradually alleviates all the symptoms through the day, until you're completely fine for a Monday of classes." Explained James.
"Prevents those damn delayed hangovers too." Said Sirius, Alice's ears perked up at this.
"So why is Peter still throwing up in your dorm then?" Asked Lily, raising an eyebrow.
"It just doesn't seem to work as well for him." Sirius replied, frowning.
"We think it might be because he's smaller. Or the fact that he always overdoes it when he drinks" Said Remus, downing another drink of water the hint of a smirk on his lips.
"He's a bit of a light weight and drank a lot last night." James added, grabbing a roll and dipping it into his soup. "I'm also thinking he must have some sort of natural resistance."
"Also, if you take it and promptly throw up." Added Remus, "it kind of gets cancelled out."
"So how many tries did that take then?" Asked Lily, genuinely interested.
"Well there were several vomiting nightmares." Started James.
"A handful of accidental extended hangovers." Added Sirius.
"And at least two near death experiences." Finished Remus. "But we survived and always had a beozar on hand when we were trialling it."
"Prongs is quite the potioneer when he puts his mind to it." Said Sirius clapping him on the back. Lily raised her eyebrows, surprised. James shook his head, keeping his eyes on his soup.
"Give over Pads it was a group effort." Sirius rolled his eyes.
"You girls want some?" Sirius asked, raising the flask.
"It's safe. Marauders honour." Reassured Remus, making an M with his hand as he made an upside down sign of the horns gesture- better known to an amused Lily as the gesture John Lennon makes over Paul Mccartney's head on The Beatles Yellow Submarine album artwork- Remus held the the M over his heart earnestly. There were several nods and some affirmative grunting as Sirius topped up their drinks with it.
"We should have some more in the dorm so come find one of us in a few hours for the next one." They chatted idly for a few minutes before some familiar Ravenclaws made their way over.
"Bloody hell Marlene." Said Rhys, looking disdainfully at his girlfriend, "you look like shit, what were you doing last night?" Marlene blushed and ducked her head, muttering something about the party.
"Charming." Uttered Remus with a dark frown.
"You got something to say Lupin?" The older boy challenged.
"Yeah." Remus replied with a benign smile, "you're being an asshole."
"Seconded." Said James, raising his goblet, glaring at Rhys.
"I third that motion." Sirius growled.
"So how was the party?" Asked Brendan as he sat next to Lily, slinging an arm over her shoulder, James glared even harder.
"Yeah it was good." Lily said neutrally, not looking at Brendan. He gritted his teeth as his arm fell from her shoulders.
"Listen." He forced out, "I'm sorry about yesterday after the match." He swallowed. "I was being a- a-…" He gritted his teeth again, his eyes bugging. James raised his eyebrows in amusement.
"He looks constipated." Sirius muttered, James and Remus laughed quietly and even the girls had to smother their smiles.
"I was being a dick." He finally ground out.
"Yes you were." Lily said calmly, her face softened as she finally looked at him, "but as long as you don't get pissy about me spending time with my friends we should be good." He sighed in relief as she squeezed his hand and James' heart sank as he pressed a kiss to her cheek.
"I'll see you later?" He asked hopefully, Lily nodded. "Ok, I'll find you after breakfast." Lily nodded again. Rhys smiled spitefully at Marlene as him and Brendan stood up.
"I'd kiss you. But I don't want to." Rhys said bluntly, ruffling Marlene's hair before he stood up. Marlene buried her now red face in her hands.
"What the fuck." Said James angrily, flipping him off as he walked away. "Where does he get off talking to you like that?" The girls and the marauders nodded in agreement.
Marlene nibbled morosely at her toast. "Give him a break, he's just being truthful."
"No he's not!" Exclaimed Dorcas.
"Yeah Mar, even when you look rough as hell, you're still one of the most gorgeous girls here." Lily said, to Alice's emphatic nods. It was true. Marlene with her willowy grace, fine features and easygoing nature had always led to the students of Hogwarts either wanting to be her or kiss her. One of the defence professors had even hit on her one year, although he was later fired for misconduct.
"You can 100% do better Mar." Said James.
"Any guy would be lucky to have you." Remus supplied honestly.
"Yeah, even I'm better than that douchebag." Sirius said, raising a few laughs.
"And that's saying something." Both Remus and James said at the same time, Sirius protested but their mission had been accomplished and Marlene was reluctantly smiling.
"So." Stated Dorcas emphatically, turning to Lily, "how's things with Brendan going?" James clutched his fork a little bit harder.
"Yeah, fine, I think." Replied Lily, "he was acting weird yesterday but I think we're good." Dorcas nodded, "we're going into Hogsmeade next weekend so that'll be nice." Lily added.
"You're not gonna go to Puddifoots are you?" Said James making a stab at humour. Lily laughed slightly.
"God, I hope not." She looked at James who was smiling slightly at her. Good Lord was he actually being mature about this?
"I hope you make him buy you something from Honeydukes." James added and Sirius nodded excitedly.
"Ah yes, if he buys you confectionary on a first date, you know he's an honourable man."
"I mean, chances are low that he will if he's good mates with Rhys. No offence Marlene, but he is kind of a douche." Remus said, looking apologetically at Marlene who shrugged noncommittally. Frank looked alarmed at this revelation whilst the girls were amused.
"I will bear that in mind boys, thank you." Lily said, still bemused at Potter's acceptance of the situation. They chatted idly for a few more minutes before the Marauders excused themselves with a napkin full of food for Peter and left the Great Hall.
It was late afternoon before Lily saw the marauders again. They were in the common room, sprawled in the comfy armchairs with pieces of parchment and text books strewn on the small tables and the floor around them. She shot them an amused look, biting back a laugh at a pale Peter who was chugging from a water bottle.
"Homework session boys?" She received a series of groans from all of them.
"Remus." Sirius asked chewing on a quill, "what's another word for dramatic?"
Remus frowned, "what are you writing about that uses the word 'dramatic'?" He asked. Sirius huffed.
"I'm talking about the dramatic changes brought about by the transfiguration of a ferret to a duster but I've already said dramatic like five times."
"Striking." Peter piped up suddenly from where he was frowning over a set of defense questions. Remus nodded acquiescently.
"Yeah use Pete's." Sirius grunted his thanks and scribbled it down.
"Speaking of transfiguration." James said, rolling over from where he had been doing some potions homework on his stomach on the floor and sitting up to look at Lily. "We should do that report for Minnie, Evans." Lily sighed, nodding. "Does Tuesday work?" She agreed, and they swiftly arranged to meet on Tuesday after dinner in the library. She chatted with the boys a bit longer before bidding them goodbye and heading up to her own dorm to get some work done.
(Tuesday, 14 October 1976) Tuesday evening found James checking his watch in the library. Lily and him had agreed to meet at 7 straight after dinner. At Hogwarts, students were allowed to wear their own clothes after their lessons had finished for the day, a rule many muggleborns were grateful for as it gave them a chance to get out of their flowing robes which were often more of a hindrance. Many others including most of the pure bloods tended to simply change into their own robes or remain in their uniform but without the robes which were worn on top but James and his dorm mates had long ago decided to adopt more muggle clothing 1) Because ever since first year they had been jealous of Remus and often Peter's simpler clothing. 2) Because trousers and sweatshirts were so much more comfortable than robes, especially the latest fashion item of tracksuits which James and Sirius had recently been introduced to and 3) It was hilarious to see how annoyed some of the more haughty pure bloods got when they saw James and Sirius wearing muggle clothes. It was these rebellious muggle clothes James was wearing now and he was grateful for the extra comfort as he stretched his legs out and burrowed into his warm jumper. It was basically the middle of October and the castle was getting colder by the day. He had been waiting a few minutes, he wasn't too worried, he hadn't seen Lily at dinner as she'd been at the Ravenclaw table with Weathers but when they'd had transfiguration this morning he had reminded her. He got his parchment and ink out and set them on the table, looking around the library in boredom. 10 minutes passed and James had been idly drawing the fading view of the castle grounds that he could see out of the window nearest him, five more minutes passed and after looking discretely around for eavesdroppers he pulled out his communication mirror.
"Sirius Black." He spoke softly into it. The mirror went opaque for a second before Sirius' grinning face appeared. James frowned smirking. "What are you so happy about?"
"Oh Prongs I'm sorry you missed it but you know the ragingly fit Linda Dearborn in the year above." James nodded, seeing where this was going. "She's been 'helping' me with my potions and basically she wants me and can't stop herself from flirting." James rolled his eyes at Sirius' trademark smirk.
"Amazing Padfoot." He said deadpan, eyes twinkling, "i'm so happy you've found another girl to ruin." Sirius wiped imaginary tears from his eyes.
"Thanks mate, your support means the world." They laughed for a while before Sirius spoke again. "Did you want something? Have you and Evans had a fight while you were working on transfig? You're probably due one."
James laughed slightly, "well I dunno because she hasn't turned up yet." He shrugged, "I've waited like 20 minutes and I mean she's waited longer for me to turn up before. She's not in the common room is she?" Sirius told James to hang on before the picture in the mirror started going all over the place as Sirius walked down the stairs to the common room. James had a magnificent view of his chin as he looked around. He heard the muffled questioning of Alice by Sirius as he asked where Lily was. A few more dizzying moments passed and James had to avert his eyes and blink hard before Sirius spoke again.
"She isn't down there. Last Alice saw her was at dinner with the Brend-dick but Alice thought she'd be with you." He smirked at the nickname they had come up with for Weathers. James ran a hand through his hair, sighing slightly. "Do you want me to check the map mate?" Asked Sirius with sympathy. James thought for a moment before shaking his head, using the map see where his transfiguration partner was bordered on a bit creepy.
"Don't worry Pads. I'll wait here for a bit longer and if she doesn't turn up I'll just come up."
"Alright then Prongs, see you later."
"Yep catch you in a bit." James waved a hand over the mirror muttering 'over' as the picture disappeared revealing his own reflection instead. He ended up waiting another thirty five minutes before reluctantly packing up. Him and Evans had been doing so well he lamented. They had spent actually a fair bit of time together last week and had loads of great 'friend' moments. He sighed, she must have forgotten. He collected up his now much more detailed sketch of the grounds and the few other bits of work he had begun while he was waiting with the rest of his parchment and sealed his ink, putting his stuff back into his bag and striding out of the library.
(Wednesday 15 October 1976) "Evans!" James called across the entrance hall as he tried to catch up to her as she walked into breakfast with Dorcas. Peter and Remus were with him, Sirius had been down earlier to have breakfast with his new interest Linda Dearborn.
"James." Lily said in greeting, smiling softly at him.
"I was most miffed last night when my transfiguration partner stood me up." His voice had a teasing tone, letting her know he wasn't too upset. Lily swore, covering her mouth.
"Crap, James I'm sorry. I had completely forgotten." James shrugged, waving a hand.
"It's fine, just please don't make it a habit." Lily looked mortified, remembering the time a few weeks back when she'd been 40 minutes late.
"What about this afternoon after class?"She asked him, James grimaced.
"Can't. We have Quidditch practice. Thursday lunchtime?"
"Argh, I've got charms club. Erm, ok. What about… Thursday in the hour before dinner?"
"I've got- no wait." James thought for a minute before smiling, "no, that works actually. So tomorrow before dinner?" Lily nodded and they walked in, Lily and Dorcas drifting over to Weathers, much to Dorcas' annoyance. "Don't be late this time partner." James called lightly as she walked away. She gave him a mock salute in return before he sat down with Remus and Peter.
Wednesday passed quickly and soon enough James found himself shouting himself hoarse at his team as they practiced in a freezing gale complete with horizontal rain. There were many complaints but James refused to back down. They may have won their first game but they couldn't afford to get complacent now! He drilled them relentlessly, he was well known for being a pretty ruthless captain with a large competitive streak but even James found himself looking longingly at the inviting lights blinking from the windows of Hogwarts and it was with a traitorous sense of relief that he eventually brought the practice to an end, making mental notes of things to practice and what areas his team needed to work on before heading back up to the castle. He was freezing and soaked to the bone and figured he'd be better off having a shower back in Gryffindor tower rather than having one in the changing room and getting soaked and cold again as he walked back in. It was with this in mind that he ended up racing Sirius back up from the pitch through the grounds on their brooms even racing through the entrance hall and up the staircases and almost being taken out by a flight as it moved, much to the dismayed squawks of passing professors and prefects but they were flying too fast to get caught and didn't stick around. James and Sirius had been badly told off for doing exactly this relentlessly in third year, they had learned their lesson.
They did it much less often now.
It was with an exhilarated grin that James narrowly beat Sirus and a grumbling beater reluctantly let him in the shower first.
Thursday's lessons passed and before he knew it James sadly found himself once again in the library. And once again, much to his dismay, waiting for Lily.
"C'mon now Evans." He muttered to himself the first feeling of real annoyance beginning to show. He left the desk he had saved and wandered through the stacks of books to see if she had sat somewhere else. His search didn't bear any fruit and he sat back down with a huff. He started jotting down Quidditch plays before bringing out some other pieces of homework, he finished those fairly quickly in the tranquility of the library before sighing and checking his watch again he'd waited for thirty minutes now. He frowned, running his hands through his hair, it was going to be dinner soon and he couldn't be bothered to walk all the way back to Gryffindor tower just to walk back down for dinner. He made a start on their report on his own. As the clock tower chimed for dinner he shoved his things back into his bag angrily.
"Lily." He said curtly as he stood behind where she was sat in the Great Hall with Brend-dick. She turned around frowning slightly at his tone. He had his arms crossed as he looked down at her. His hair messy as always with his top two buttons undone and his shirt untucked beneath his school jumper. A stark contrast to Brendan sat next to her with his pressed uniform he was yet to change out of, Brendan had narrowed his eyes at the new arrival.
"James what-" She cut herself off as realisation dawned on her face.
"Yeah. You stood me up again Evans." James said coolly.
"You two had a date?" Asked Brendan acidly. James scowled at him.
"We're transfiguration partners." Lily said distractedly, glancing at him before turning back to James. "I'm so sorry. Brendan and I were in the Prefect's offices and I just lost track of time."
James rolled his eyes. "Yeah again. Spare me the details." He turned to walk down to his friends- Peter had saved him a seat.
"No- Listen, wait." Lily scrambled up from her seat and James paused. "What about after dinner?" She chewed her lower lip anxiously.
"Can't." James replied shortly. "We're visiting Hagrid for tea." He said, gesturing to the marauders who were watching their exchange curiously. He went to walk away again and she grabbed his arm, turning him around. A small jolt of glee went through him as he saw Weathers' scowl darken at the contact.
"Saturday? After Hogsmeade?"
Brendan stood up. "Are you forgetting that we have a date on Saturday Lily?" Lily turned to him slightly exasperated.
"I obviously mean afterwards Brendan." She turned back. "At like 5 in the library? Most everyone will be back by then." Brendan scoffed, James paid him no mind.
"You'll definitely be back from your 'date' by then?" James said, almost spitting the word.
"Yeah we will. We'll have gone into Hogsmeade at like 11 so we'll have plenty of time." Brendan shook his head and James sighed relenting to her earnest green eyes.
"Ok fine. Make sure you are." She nodded returning to her seat.
"Two dates in one day." Brendan said under his breath. "Busy, busy." James overheard the complaint as he walked away and he suppressed a smile at her response.
"For Godric's sake Brendan we're transfiguration partners. Get your knickers out of a twist."
It was Saturday morning and Lily was frowning at the pile of potential outfits she had lying on her bed, she didn't know what to wear. She had decided she'd wear normal clothes. She had considered going for robes seeing as she'd probably be hanging out with Brendan's friends who were likely to wear robes. She had then decided she couldn't be bothered with the hassle of robes. I mean, it wasn't like she had to dress fancy it was just a Hogsmeade weekend but she thought it'd be nice to put some effort in.
"Ok, how about these." She asked to her dorm, Marlene was standing behind Alice fiddling with her hair whilst Alice sat on a stool in front of the vanity doing some light make up. Dorcas was lying on her bed reading a Quidditch magazine. They turned as she spoke, holding up her favourite pair of flared jeans.
"Yes!" Marlene said enthusiastically. "With those boots you have?" Lily nodded, smiling slightly in relief, ok, so she now had half an outfit.
"Honestly, Red." Dorcas said matter of factly, "you'll look great no matter what you wear." Dorcas put aside her magazine. "You too Al." A cheeky grin split Dorcas' face. "I know today's the big date with Frank, but you look great." Alice blushed.
"Oh yeah!" Lily said, "I'd almost forgotten. What's the deal with you two?" Alice blushed further as she was put on the spot.
"Yeah." Mar said, bumping her friend with her hip. "Are you official or what?"
Alice studied her reflection, not meeting her friends eyes as she analysed her appearance.
"I mean, I don't think we're official yet but I hope we are soon." Lily grinned.
"You really like him?" Alice turned around and slumped against the vanity nodding helplessly amidst the excited noises of her friends.
"And what's happening with you and Brendan?" Asked Marlene smirking at Lily who was now rooting for an appropriate top to go with her jeans. Lily shrugged.
"I guess we're still kind of seeing each other, but I don't think I'd say no if he properly asked me out." She shrugged again, "I guess we'll just see how today goes." She looked at Marlene, "are you and Rhys going to be going around with Brendan and I? Has Rhys said anything?"
Dorcas flopped back down on to her bed, sighing.
"Merlin's balls I'm so single." She muttered.
Marlene scowled, turning back to the mirror. "To be honest I don't even know. Rhys is being particularly annoying lately."
"Annoying enough to dump?" Lily asked hopefully making her dorm mates laugh and causing Marlene to shoot her an exasperated smile.
"We usually just meet outside the three broomsticks so I just assumed I'd meet Rhys there, will you and Brendan be going down in a carriage together?" Lily nodded an affirmative, they were going to meet in the courtyard and get a carriage down together. They chatted for a bit longer and Lily eventually settled on a comfortable T shirt and a soft green fleece she thought made her eyes stand out, she wasn't too fussed as most of her outfit was going to be covered by her coat anyway, it was October after all.
Lily made her way down to the entrance hall towards the courtyard where Brendan said he would meet her, she was walking with her dorm mates and on the way down had actually picked up a few Ravenclaw girls they were friends with. Diana Rivers turned to Lily, she was a gorgeous girl with dark blue eyes and a splash of freckles across her nose, her black hair tumbled gracefully down her shoulders underneath her hat.
"So you're seeing Brendan Weathers?" She asked casually. Lily nodded. Diana smiled teasingly at her.
"So? How's it going?"
Lily laughed swatting her. "I mean yeah, I think it's fine." Lily shrugged tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "We'll see how this date goes and then I'll get back to you." Diana groaned, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance.
"Fine. Keep me waiting then." They chatted idly for a few minutes, there was a queue to get out of the hall whilst Filch and Mcgonagall checked permission slips from the third years. They finally made it out of the hall and into the courtyard and Lily craned her neck trying to see Brendan. Diana spotted him first and pointed Lily in the right direction before going off to find some other friends with a last wink at Lily.
Lily got Brendan's attention and he gestured at her. "Lily!" He said happily, throwing an arm around her shoulders and directing her towards the friends he had been standing with- some older Slytherins, Claws and a few Lions. He introduced her to them but their names were a blur as no sooner had he finished speaking than he pulled her into a hard kiss. A few moments later and taken throughly by surprise a blushing Lily introduced herself. They made their way down to the carriages, his arm wrapped low around her waist and she frowned at him as she lifted his hand from where it had drifted a bit too low. He let go of her for the journey and she sat slightly awkwardly as he joked with his friends.
They made their way to the three broomsticks first in an effort to get a butterbeer to warm themselves from the chilly October air.
"Ah right, I think I see a table over there." Brendan said as they walked in, pointing to a free booth in the corner. "You get the drinks Lil?" He kissed her on the mouth and smiled before walking off with two of his friends who seemingly didn't have girls to meet or things to do like the rest of his friends. Lily, slightly put out began to try and force her way to the bar through the throng of students.
"Oi, Evans!" Said a familiar voice as the grinning face of Sirius Black appeared, "come this way, come this way." He elbowed some fourth years out of her way as Remus took her hand to drag her to the bar where they were already standing.
"Got that chocolate yet?" Asked James with a slight grin, his smile less bright than usual. She laughed slightly.
"Not yet."
"Unforgivable." Said Peter shaking his head dramatically, making Lily and the other three laugh.
"Alright, you troublemakers next." Said the young and stunning Madame Rosmerta from behind the bar.
"Oh Rosmerta, darling." Smirked Sirius, swishing his hair out of his face. "Have you missed me? You're all I've thought about, honest." Remus punched Sirius in the arm, rolling his eyes.
"Ignore him Rosmerta." Remus said.
"Yeah you're too good for him anyway." Peter added.
"Oi." Sirius said indignantly. Rosmerta flashed them an attractive smile.
"You and Remus were always my favourite, Peter." James laughed whilst Peter and Remus looked at each other delightedly, Sirius looking on, gobsmacked.
"I apologise for my so called mates, Rosie." James said, his eyes twinkling. "You go ahead and order Lily, whilst this lot sort themselves out." He swatted Sirius and Peter on the back of the head before swatting Remus for good measure
"Oh thanks." Lily said, sending him a tentative smile, he was still a bit off with her after their transfig row that morning. She craned her neck to look at Brendan's table. "Four butter beers I guess. Please." James frowned, as Lily pulled out her coin purse, the other marauders were bickering amongst themselves over who was Rosmerta's favourite and ignoring them for the time being.
"Hold on. Are you buying the drinks for your whole table?" He asked. Lily shrugged helplessly.
"I'm sure Brendan will get the next round." She said, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. James shook his head. When Rosmerta returned with Lily's drinks he gestured to her, and leaning over the bar said something to her in a low voice, she shot her a look before turning back to James and saying something else she couldn't catch before turning away from Lily and serving someone else. Lily held out her galleons.
"Excuse me. Excuse me I didn't pay."
"Just leave it Lily." James said, "you should get back to your table." Remus watched them with a knowing look. Lily frowned at James.
"Did you just buy the drinks for me and my date?" She asked, askance. James shrugged.
"And all his mates." Sirius scoffed.
"Honestly Lily, we've got a tab with Rosmerta." Lily didn't look away from James who ran a hand through his hair.
"it's fine, it's easier this way." James said.
"James-"
"It's cool, you can buy me a drink another time."
Lily frowned again, before giving in. "I will. I'm holding you to that." She reluctantly took the drinks and returned to her table.
Lily stared into the dregs of frothy butter beer left at the bottom of her glass. Brendan had hardly said a word to her as he chatted with his friends, although his hand never strayed far from her thigh. She muffled a sigh, resting her head on the knuckles of her hand as she looked around the crowded pub. She spotted Marlene, Dorcas, Diana and a few other girls she was friendly with enter and she brightened. She nudged Brendan who reluctantly turned away from his conversation to listen to her.
"I'm just going to go say hi to a few of my friends." Brendan shrugged.
"Sure." He said, before turning away from her again. She stood quickly, eager to greet her friends. "Oh wait, Lily." Brendan said as she moved out of the booth. He rummaged in his pockets, pulling out a few coins. "You wouldn't get me another drink, would you? Just the same." Lily itched to say no, but instead took the coins quickly and moved away. "Thanks babe." Brendan called after her and Lily cringed at the nickname. Calling to her friends.
"Lily!" Dorcas said with a grin. "How's it going?"
Lily clutched onto Dorcas, who frowned questioningly at her. Lily groaned.
"He's said about two words to me this whole time." Dorcas made a sympathetic face, "he just puts his arm around me or whatever and then just talks to his friends."
"Oh god." Diana said whilst Dorcas cringed. "Not going so great then."
"Join the club Lil." A morose Marlene said, taking a gulp of butterbeer. "I have no idea where my boyfriend is and he hasn't said anything to me about where he might be."
"Screw them." Dorcas said brightly, nabbing a table that had just freed up.
"Hell yeah." Diana said with a grin. "Take refuge with us for a minute Lily." Lily shot her a grateful smile, sinking into a seat. They chatted lightly and Lily and Marlene were grateful for a distraction.
"Oi, Diana." Came a familiar voice, quickly followed by the dark head of Sirius Black as he sauntered up to them. "I think I'm really starting to get your brother to like me, you know."
"I'm not so sure about that." Said Remus as he appeared with the rest of the marauders.
"He might like you a bit more if you weren't asking him to put in a good word for you to me everyday." Diana shot, eyebrow raised. David and Diana were twins and infamous for both being unfairly attractive and also smart and seemingly good at most anything they tried. There were also incredibly close and David had been tempted to hex Sirius for his outrageous flirtation with his sister multiple times.
"He probably likes you more than Owen McCartney though." James chimed in with a teasing smile. McCartney had infamously tried to kiss Diana at the end of last year and she had kneed him in the balls before David got him with a bat-bogey hex. He hadn't tried since. They laughed together.
"Are you Ravenclaws ready to get thrashed in the next match, Rivers?" Peter asked with a cheeky grin.
"In your dreams Pettigrew." Diana said dismissively with a toss of her hair. Lily found herself quite enjoying the good natured banter as they dissolved into a friendly discussion. She chanced a glance at Brendan who was laughing with his friends, he hadn't even noticed she wasn't back, a sigh escaped her as she turned back to her own friends.
It was a disappointing date for Lily and if she was honest with herself the best part of the day had been the half an hour or so she had spent chatting with her friends and, surprisingly, the marauders in the three broomsticks. It was about 4.30 and a bored Lily was stood next to Brendan, examining the wares in the window of one of the shops whilst Brendan and his friends debated on where they wanted to go.
"Hey." Lily said, not caring about interrupting whatever he was chatting about. "I'm pretty tired, so I think I'll head back."
"What?" Brendan said, shocked.
Lily suppressed a deep sigh. "Yeah, I'm just pretty cold, but don't mind me you guys carry on." She couldn't quite keep the bite out of her voice. She turned to go. Brendan hesitated before following her, he checked his watch.
"Wait, wait, wait." He said grabbing her arm, Lily turned to him impatiently. "Lets ditch these guys." He nodded towards his friends. "How about an early dinner? I know a great place." He checked his watch. Lily hesitated, she was pretty hungry, "it's on me?" Brendan suggested hopefully.
"Please." He pleaded, "I'll make it up to you." He insisted, squeezing her hand and widening his eyes. Lily sighed, the hint of a forgiving smile arriving on her lips, she couldn't be bothered to start an argument right now.
"Ok fine." She relented, "but I'm getting dessert." He smiled widely at her, turning to shrug suggestively at his friends as they walked away.
"Unbelievable." James muttered. He was sat in the Library looking at his watch, it was 5.15. "Un-fucking-believable." Evans had failed to turn up. Again. James had no idea how that girl had done so well in her OWL's if this was her work ethic. Screw it. He thought to himself, if she wasn't going to turn up he would just do it himself, he was great at transfiguration. He turned over the parchment he had been drawing on and began to make notes, he'd finish their bloody essay for the week himself.
Lily glanced up at the clock tower as the second to last carriage brought her, Brendan and a few other stragglers back to Hogwarts. They had gone for actually, a pretty nice dinner and Brendan had apologised for being a crap date and asked her to meet him later so he could take her on a 'proper' date. She had agreed, giving him the chance to redeem himself. It was now 6.30 and she had arrived back. Crap. It was 6.30. She groaned out loud, jumping down from the slowing carriage to rush inside.
"I've got to go Brendan." She said hastily, "I'll see you later." Brendan nodded as she practically ran into the castle. He smirked, he knew exactly what she was running for.
"Madam Pince." She gasped as she entered the library.
"Shush." The librarian hissed.
"Madam have you seen-"
"Shush."
Lily huffed, lowering her voice. "Have you seen James Potter?"
Madam Pince sniffed, "he left about half an hour ago." She informed him. Lily ran out of the door.
"Thanks." She called.
"Shush!" The librarian's screech followed her into the hall.
She ran up the stairs, through a few tapestries and into a hidden door stumbling out near the portrait of the Fat Lady. Lily clutched a stitch in her side as she said the password, taking a minute to catch her breath. James was going to kill her. She scanned the Common Room spotting his familiar head of unruly hair. He'd been sat with Remus and Peter who got up as Lily approached, Peter scarpered to the fire whilst Remus set his shoulders and intercepted Lily.
"Listen, Lil, he's really-"
"Pissed?" She interrupted, chewing her lip. "I know, I would be too."
"He's gonna blow up at you." Remus warned.
"I know." Lily said, looking at the back of his head. "I know, but I need to apologise." Remus shook his head helplessly, shrugging as he stepped aside.
"James." Lily began uncertainly as she walked towards him.
"Oh so you do remember who I am then?" He asked angrily.
"I'm so sorry." She started, "I just-"
"Let me guess?" Said James standing up, turning on her. "You just forgot?" His voice had risen and a few glances were thrown their way.
"I was with Brendan and-"
"Oh you were with Brendan." James cut in mockingly, "the guy who you were standing next to when we arranged this?" He threw his hands in the air. "He forgot too, did he?" Lily held up her hands placatingly.
"I'll do all the assignments we get next week." She said apologetically.
"I don't care about the work, Evans." James shouted. Somewhere inside Lily cringed from the use of her last name again.
"Three bloody times you said you'd come! And you never did!"
"I'm sor-"
"Don't apologise." He cut her off again, taking a step towards her. "It's not like you mean it." Lily stared up at him, it had been so long since they'd had a proper fight, she'd almost forgotten what they were like. She never remembered seeing the expression of hurt in his eyes though. James shook his head, her lack of response somehow making him angrier.
"It's a wonder you did so well in your OWL's of this is what you work like." He said acidly, turning away. The first real flame of anger curled through Lily's chest, she had worked damn hard for those OWL's. She clenched her fists, somewhere off to the side she heard a muttered 'oh no' from Remus.
Lily laughed disbelievingly. "James Potter is giving me study advice?" James spun back around to her, their familiar fighting more comfortable to him than the sense of hurt he had been feeling.
"Oh here we go again with the 'Potter's a slacker, Potter's a cheat' routine." They were both shouting now with the Common Room awkwardly looking on. "Think of something new Evans."
"I was actually going more for 'Potter's a hypocrite' this time." Lily challenged, stalking up to him. "How many classes did you miss when you were out bullying students, huh?"
"At least I stick to my word Evans." James said, lowering his voice as they were practically standing toe to toe. "At least I'm a good friend."
"Friends?" Lily spat. James stopped, he looked down at her, that damn hurt expression on his face again.
"Or so I thought." He said quietly, he turned away. Regret flooded Lily, she did consider him a friend, she shouldn't have said that. She opened her mouth to apologise again. She never got the chance.
"I did the fucking essay." James said, slapping the papers into her chest, not waiting for her to grab them. "This week and next week." He walked up the stairs to his dorm. Lily picked up the sheets that had fallen at her feet. She sighed, she'd never felt bad after a fight with James before tonight. The thought made another wave of anger flood through her, she crumpled the sheets as she grabbed them, heading to her dorm. Pointedly ignoring the stares of the house mates and few people who were passing money around. Great. It was nice to know her fights with James were a source of entertainment. She sighed again, his surprisingly hurt expression filling her mind. Stupid prat making her feel bad about their fights.
It was a while later when Lily had calmed down that she read over the crumpled work. It was a really good essay, with detailed notes and developed answers to the questions. Now she felt even worse, she sighed as she got ready for her date and was just about to leave when she noticed a random scrap of parchment among the notes. On the parchment was a beautiful ink drawing of a black stag, a stag she remembered seeing that strange night. Had James drawn that? James Potter? She filed away the information for a later date, said goodbye to her roommates who had been trying to leave her alone after her and Potter had blown up at each other and tried to get herself in a good mood for her second date of the day with Brendan. Swearing to herself this was the older Ravenclaw's last chance.
A/N: *sigh* James and Lily had been doing so well. As always, I hope you enjoyed. Please favourite to keep up with the story. I'm getting dangerously close to catching up to where I've pre-written but I'm doing my best to write everyday so hopefully updates won't slow too much. Thanks :)