Happy Sunday, my dear readers! Here I bring the fourth chapter of our adventure, hoping you get to enjoy it too.
Don't forget, you can find me easily on tumblr (maraudersinparadise) and bluesky (psc-07). I'd love to chat with you!
Lily hadn't slept very well on Sunday. She had insomnia whenever a complex case presented itself; she kept imagining all the possible scenarios until she succumbed to an exhausted sleep that lasted four hours.
Therefore, she wasn't even a tiny bit surprised to see the bags under her eyes when she got ready to meet Marlene, so they could go to James's house together, from where they would all go to France.
Marlene, however, found the situation unacceptable.
"For Merlin, Lily! You're on the VIP list of England's biggest star. You'll meet the best and hottest Quidditch players in the world. At least try a bit!"
Lily bit her tongue in order to not let it slip that 'England's biggest star' was about to be locked up on Azkaban. Instead, she sighed deeply and headed to the bathroom to try and hide the dark circles with make up.
"I didn't get much sleep tonight…" Lily justified as she left the room, no more dark bags showing.
"Of course you didn't, you've got a case," Marlene said, rolling her eyes, "but nobody needs to know that."
Lily sighed again and eyed the luggage Marlene had helped her pack – filled with too fancy clothes (or simply 'adequate', according to the brunette). Not that Lily wasn't fond of dressing well or some embellishment; she just didn't like this amount of pressure over an event that wouldn't be so pleasurable to her.
"Whatever, Marlene. May we head over Potter's now? The sooner we get in France, the better."
Marlene laughed and held Lily's hand for a Side-Along Apparition. Lily knew the address through Moody, but she preferred to withhold the information – the less Marlene was aware of Potter's involvement in the case, the better.
Lily tried not to be impressed by Potter's house, but it was not easy considering the enormous manor that stood before her. They rang the doorbell, and a grinning Sirius Black opened the door.
"Well, well. I knew those four years had been kind to Evans, but they were even kinder to you, McKinnon…" the Marauder said, raising an eyebrow.
"Like we hadn't seen each other since we graduated. But where did you see Lily?" she asked. Sirius raised his eyebrows in bewilderment.
"I visited Remus yesterday morning," Lily said calmly. Even if Sirius had not known that it was partially true, he would have believed. Marlene nodded.
"Something happened?" the brunette asked.
"No, no," Lily replied, "it's just I went to visit Benjy the day before and when I woke up yesterday I thought Remus might need some help. He didn't, because the boys were already there." She turned to Sirius. "May we come in or…?
Sirius grinned and allowed the girls inside.
The interior left Lily slightly uncomfortable, as if she had entered the wrong place. The decoration was simply stunning: an amazing mixture of classic and modern that screamed sophistication.
"James didn't cheap it out…" Marlene said.
"Well, his mother decorated. And picked the house, actually. If it were up to him, it'd be a whole lot smaller, with enough space just for the four of us," Sirius explained. "The others are in James's room."
This time, Lily felt like she was in the right place. It was an ample room, with a huge bed in which James sat playing chess with Peter. There was a door to the right, and a chair where Remus spread out with a thick book.
What really said James Potter lived there were the walls: filled with emblems from Gryffindor and Puddlemore United, some newspaper magazines, famous players' posters, photos of his friends and his parents…
"The girls are here," Sirius announced. James turned and smiled when he saw Marlene. They had been mates back at Hogwarts, mostly when he asked for her help to win Lily over. He stood and hugged the brunette.
"It's been at least a year since I last saw you, McKinnon," he accused her. She rolled her eyes.
"As far as I'm aware, Potter, you are the super-famous star who's got no time for simple ex-colleagues…"
James smiled guiltily.
"It's James. And Touché. But now you're going to the World Cup and you'll meet all of the players and I'm sure one of them will catch your eyes…"
Marlene laughed and raised an eyebrow at Lily.
"See? Hot players. Chin up, Red."
Lily simply rolled her eyes. James looked at her and nodded in greeting.
"Hey, Potter, Peter, Rem…" she said, heading in Lupin's direction. Sirius engaged Marlene in a talk about Quidditch, while James and Peter returned to their game of chess. "Feeling better? Potter said you've had a bad night…"
"I am, thanks," he replied with a smile. "So Marlene's trying to convince you to snog every bloke you meet in France?"
Lily rolled her eyes and they both turned to the brunette.
"How's it possible that you don't have a mirror in your room?" Marlene was asking James.
"I had one in my bathroom, but my Mother wanted to change the decoration and momentarily removed the mirror, as I'll spend this month in France," James explained. "If you need one, the bathroom down the hall's got a mirror."
Marlene nodded and walked where James indicated with her purse. Lily sighed.
"Marlene knows nothing about the investigation, so keep it down, alright?" the red-headed asked. "Potter, Moody's informed me that you can only leave for non-Quidditch related activities with my presence, are we clear?"
"You're bloody kidding?!" Sirius cried with a laugh. "So this means that if some bird wants to shag Prongs you're gonna have to be there?"
Lily rolled her eyes and flushed slightly.
"Obviously not, Sirius. But the shagging must happen on his bed, or somewhere I'm near."
"Are you going to be present when I'm showering too, Evans?" James sneered. Lily sighed.
"Believe me, Potter, I like this whole thing much less than you. I don't need to follow Quidditch to know the sort of… activities that happen at parties and training centres. It'll be twice more unpleasant for me.
"Then why…?"
"Because Moody told me so," she replied simply. "I'm in charge of this investigation, and I'm doing everything Moody orders me. Since we've reached this point, how's the accommodation working?"
James was still in shock with this arrangement, so Sirius took it to himself to explain.
"The players' accommodations are more isolated. The people on their lists are to be in nearby accommodations, but not exactly the same. Captains have got a separate bedroom, if they so wish, and may take up to three people with him."
"Your parents?" Lily asked. James seemed to have awoken from the trance.
"There're some villages around the Training Centre that are ready to host people. I managed to rent a house for them, because of their age and all."
Lily nodded while she pressed her eyes in a tired manner.
"How far away is this accommodation that Potter's staying from the one we are?" she asked and Sirius hesitated.
"Well, the plan's that you and Marlene stay in the guests' accommodation, while the three of us stay with Prongs."
Lily opened her eyes and stared at Sirius.
"How far away?"
"A kilometre, maybe less," Sirius replied, shrugging.
"I'll have to talk to Moody about it. I think he was under the impression all of us would be in the same accommodation…"
"Evans…" James started, being interrupted by Marlene entering the room.
"Merlin, James, this house is huge! Now I'm even sadder I don't have what it takes to be a pro," Marlene said, "ok, I'm ready to go. Are your parents coming with us?"
"They're there already. Took the train."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
Lily and Marlene's expressions were the only thing really capable of distracting James when they arrived in the quarters. At first, the luxury of the room was shocking. James' had a kitchen, a balcony, and a living room with a huge couch, with a connecting door to the two suites.
"I think this will impress the ladies, James," Marlene said, bringing James's mind back to what Lily had said earlier.
Had someone made Lily need to be near James (even when they went to bed!) five years previous, it would have been a dream come true to him. Nowadays, he wasn't as happy about having a babysitter in his moment of glory.
He wasn't sure whether Sirius was joking or not, but it was a possibility. What if something were to happen with some bird at a party? Would Lily Evans be there with him? Would he have to get rid of the red-head?
Or worse: what if she got involved with a bloke?
James's grin was a bit late, but Sirius's guffaw was not. He noticed Marlene confused with the exaggerated laughter, but he didn't explain.
When they were leaving the room, Clearwater, the head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, appeared with a smile on his face.
"James Potter, our captain!" Clearwater exclaimed. James grinned; he couldn't forget that it was because of this man that he wasn't at Azkaban at the moment.
"Mr. Clearwater, nice seeing you again. I was just showing my guests where I'll be staying and wondering when I'll show them their accommodations," James replied. He noticed Clearwater waving discreetly to Lily before returning to him.
"Well, lad, there's been the smallest of changes. One of the rooms on the guests' accommodations has been severely damaged, so we had to, hm, rearrange a bit. Since these two ladies were in a room for six, and are here as guests of a captain, we decided to bring them here. Before sunset there'll be enough beds for everyone. Is that alright for you?"
James had to compose his face to hide any sort of reaction. Just how quick had Lily Evans been? Less than an hour and the trouble was solved.
He noticed Marlene eyeing Lily apprehensively. The redhead sighed and shrugged.
"There will be no problem, Mr. Clearwater," Lily answered, "I'm sure that this was the best option for this adversity. Thank you for having us here as James Potter's guests."
The man smiled and left the room hurriedly.
"Well…" Sirius whispered to James, "we definitely won't manage to bring girls up here, credential or not."
James sighed.
"At least you can go to them, mate," James replied on the same volume, "I'm England's bloody captain, and I'll spend the Cup in celibacy."
Sirius laughed.
"Not to mention your other problem, huh?"
"Oh, yes," James retorted sarcastically, "this'll be the best Cup ever."
Lily sighed heavily. She had had to use a random fireplace for five minutes to warn Moody regarding the accommodation arrangements and ask for rectifications. She had done it while Potter dispatched the luggage and confirmed who he was.
"You're fast, Evans," Black said while Remus and Marlene checked the view from the balcony.
"It's on the job description, Black," Lily replied with a smirk. He smiled back.
"Anxious for a Marauder sleepover?" He asked, raising an eyebrow provocatively. Lily rolled her eyes.
"What's today's schedule?" Lily asked. Sirius's smile grew.
"We've got the opening party. Only athletes, organization crew and guests. Pretty exclusive, you see?"
"Did you say 'party'?" Marlene voiced, nearing Lily and Sirius. James, Remus and Peter sat on one of the sofas.
"Your chance to get yourself a Quidditch player, Marls," Sirius confirmed with a wink to Marlene. She smiled and pointed at Lily.
"Our chance."
"Marls…" Lily warned.
"Oh, shush! How many world class Quidditch players will you have the opportunity to meet, Lily Evans?" Marlene questioned, raising her eyebrows. "Lily, forget your romantic side for a bit, how long has it been since you've had-"
"Okay, enough," Lily cut Marlene, trying to ignore the four attentive pairs of eyes on her, "I am going to the party, Marls," Marlene smiled, "and you know it hasn't been that long."
"Relapses don't count, Lily."
"Relapses?" Remus asked. Lily blushed slightly under his eyes. "Forgotten to tell me something, Lily?"
"It was nothing, Rem," Lily explained, "just slipped my mind last time we met. What time is the party anyway?" She questioned on a clear change of topic.
"In three hours," Sirius replied with a speculative glance.
"Good thing we've got two bathrooms, then. Marlene takes forever to get ready," Lily said, pulling Marlene along.
As foreseen by Lily, Marlene delayed their leaving. Firstly, she chose one outfit out of three suitcases she had brought ('have you got any idea how hot these players are, dearest friend?'), gave up, and picked another. She then showered for at least thirty minutes, followed by an intense deliberation regarding accessories, hairstyling and makeup.
Lily understood her friend. Marls liked the process of getting ready and beautiful, and she really liked Quidditch. Lily did not have this fetish, and she did not enjoy Quidditch. Besides, her head was filled with this case's possibilities, so she didn't really mind Marlene choosing her outfit and helping with the makeup. She would not be able to actually meet a guy there, and she didn't have the mind to do the whole process alone that night.
They already were half an hour late when a quiet knock on the bedroom's door caught Lily's attention.
"Hm, are you ready?" Remus asked. Lily smiled and finished applying her lipstick. She could perfectly picture Remus half-leaning on the door, having been designated by his friends with the sorry task of hurrying the two women. Marlene grinned at her and they both grabbed their stilettos.
"Perfection takes time, Lupin," Marlene said with a wink as she passed by Remus, who smiled slightly, "and Lily made it harder for me. After so many years, she still doesn't fancy the players. Oh, James, looking good!" She exclaimed as she saw the other boys. James grinned.
Remus helped Lily finish with her heels and offered her an arm.
"Relapses, eh?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Lily rolled her eyes, ignoring James and Sirius, both circling Marlene.
"Relapse. Singular. Only once. We bumped into each other at a party."
All of Lily's clothes, whether formal or casual, had to allow her to break into a run, if needed. She adapted everything – her dresses had specific points to be shortened, her pants were more flexible than they looked, and the heels were removable. All of the clothes also had a hidden pocket for her wand so it would always be within her reach. She could be ready to duel in about three seconds.
A carriage waited to take them to the party. Lily evaluated the whole structure closely, looking for possible security breaks that would allow access to the complex without the credentials. For that she only partially heard what was going on in the cabin.
"What's the deal with this party?" She heard Peter asking as he adjusted his formal robes.
"Well, a representative from the French Ministry will make a brief speech, all of the Ministers and captains will pose for the Cup opening picture, then a band will play and the party shall begin," James explained, fixing his glasses, "it's easier to have this sort of event because all of the delegations are staying here, only leaving for matches and trainings."
"Can we attend the trainings?" Marlene questioned. "It's always my favourite part!"
"I'll see what I can do, McKinnon," James answered with a wink. Lily wondered if he really could do something about it if she was not obligated to be at the trainings.
"I'm loving all of this. Remus, I owe you a hell of a Christmas present. Me and Lily," Marlene said when the chariot halted, and they all saw the party.
"Absolutely, Rem," Lily agreed, smiling lightly.
"I can barely believe Moody's giving you all this time away," Marlene confessed as they got out of the vehicle. Lily chuckled.
"Well, I haven't had vacations in a long time, and I made sure I'd still do some of my work here," Lily justified with a shrug.
"You know, I'm starting to agree with Benjy when he says Moody favours you," Marlene told her while they walked to the reception, surrounded by hundreds of photographers, who went frantic when Potter appeared.
"Benjy's prone to exaggeration, Marls, you know that…" Lily disagreed as they reached the entryway. Remus, Sirius and Peter were with them, but Potter had stopped a bit behind to allow some shots of him. Lily had to admit that he was very charismatic.
"So that's how you speak of me while I'm away, partner?" A voice asked beside her.
"Benjy!" Lily cried out, grinning widely. She could not stop herself and hugged her co-worker, who chuckled and hugged her back. Marlene saw Benjy and hugged him too, followed by a handshake from Remus.
"I've got some complaints to Moody," Benjy told Remus, "while I'm working my arse off, only two days after being released from St. Mungo's, Ms. Evans here is in an extremely exclusive gala party…" he finished, shaking his head. Lily rolled her eyes.
"Well, you'd be enjoying it far more than I am…" Lily replied, fixing a lock of her hair. Benjy grinned.
Just then James joined the group again. Lily noticed Benjy's reaction to the star, and tried not to laugh. Benjy eyed her meaningfully, and she chuckled.
"Erm, Potter, let me introduce you to Benjy Fenwick," Lily said trying to hold back her laugh, "Benjy works with me in the Ministry, and he's a great admirer of your… hm, work? Can I call it work or you'll only have 'art'?"
Sirius laughed while James narrowed his eyes to the grinning redhead.
"I sincerely apologize for my partner, Potter," Benjy spoke, shaking the hand Potter offered, "she can't appreciate the most wonderful sport…"
James forced his smile. Did that Fenwick dude call Lily 'partner'?
"I'm familiar with this sad fact," James replied, "it was very rare to see her on Hogwarts stands…"
"It was very nice to meet you, and I wish you all the best on this championship!" Benjy exclaimed, then turned back to Lily, "I'll meet later so we can talk about that special case. I've got some news."
Lily nodded, but her reply was cut off by Marlene.
"Benjy! Lily's on vacation! Let the poor girl enjoy it!" Marlene exclaimed, crossing her arms, "D'you know how long I've been trying to get her to take some time out to travel with me?"
"It won't take long, Marls, I swear," Benjy promised. Then he winked at Lily, "you know how lost I get without my partner, my guide, my-"
"That's enough, Fenwick," Lily cut the blonde, making him laugh. James also noticed that she was blushing, "we'll talk later, when someone can take over for you."
James watched Lily and Marlene following Sirius and Peter inside, but his eyes fell on Lily's colleague who was clearly excited to meet James.
"Who's this guy?" James asked Remus, who looked at him raising his eyebrows.
"Benjy Fenwick. He's an auror and works with Lily on most of her cases. One of her greatest friends in the Ministry," Remus replied scratching his chin.
James simply grunted. Remus grinned.
"Rumour has it he's a big fan of yours," Remus said, "any particular reason for asking?"
"Nope. Just curious. Evans looked pretty happy seeing him."
"They're good mates. It's impossible to work together for so long, and trust each other so much, and not get close."
"And he always works directly with Evans?" James inquired, frowning. Remus sighed.
"Yeah, now that you mentioned… he's probably here to help with your investigation."
"Uh, yeah. Probably."
James nodded as they went inside, like that was just what he had been imagining.
To be honest, he was wondering exactly how long aurors had to spend together, and just how close Evans and Fenwick were.
When he wondered whether Lily Evans's relapses involved her colleague, James shook his head censoring himself.
"Focus, James," he thought, "you've got a Cup to win. Lily Evans is investigating you. This sort of thinking belongs to Hogwarts four years ago."
With this in mind, he took a deep breath and made his way to greet the other captains.
He no longer was the boy James Potter, captain of Gryffindor.
He was James Potter, captain of England.