Lily

Lily woke up in the Hospital Wing, disoriented and exhausted. She blinked as her surroundings slowly came into focus. The room was nearly empty, save for a few beds here and there, and for a moment, she wondered what had happened. Then it clicked. She had started feeling unwell during dinner and decided to head back to her dorm to rest, but the memory of what happened after that was hazy. However, something about James Potter's arms stood out in her mind—how strong they felt when he caught her. His crooked grin—it was sort of endearing in a way.

Lily raised an eyebrow, alarmed. Why on earth was she thinking about James Potter like this? Admiring him, of all people? She must be delirious. That had to be why she was in the Hospital Wing.

"Oh, hello dear," Madam Pomfrey's voice broke into her thoughts as she approached Lily's bedside.

"What happened to me?"

"You seem to have been slipped a Fainting Draught, or rather, multiple of them. One of Zonko's products, I believe," the nurse explained. Lily nodded slowly. Who would want to make her faint? It seemed harmless enough, but she couldn't help wondering why anyone would target her. Looking out the window, she realized it must be the next morning by the light shining through the window slits.

"Would it be okay if I left now?" Lily asked.

"Yes, but if you feel dizzy, come straight back. You were given a very strong dosage. Enough to keep you out for two days," Madam Pomfrey said. Two whole days? Lily thought. That was a lot of time to catch up on.

"Er, I've got to get to classes!" Lily said as she scrambled to gather her things. "Do you know what period it is?"

"Third, I believe. But you'll want to head back to your dormitory first," Madam Pomfrey suggested. Lily looked down at her wrinkled, two-days-old clothes and realized just how disheveled she must look.

"Right, thanks." And with that, Lily rushed out, barely waiting for a response.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Professor. I just got back from Madam Pomfrey's," Lily said as she burst into Professor McGonagall's class. She had quickly changed clothes, brushed through her hair, and used a bit of magic to clean herself as best as she could. She could only hope she didn't look as dirty as she felt.

"It's all right, Miss Evans. We were about to practice Vanishing. Would you care to demonstrate?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Evanesco," Lily said, and with a flick of her wand, she successfully vanished the teacup on her desk.

"Well done," the teacher praised. Lily sat down next to Marlene, who couldn't help but squeal with excitement. A wave of fatigue washed over her, but she squeezed Marlene back anyway.

"Can someone tell me where Vanished Objects go?" Professor McGonagall asked the class. The students exchanged looks, none of them eager to answer. Slowly, a hand went up from the back of the room.

"Mr. Potter."

"Into nonbeing. Nothingness, if you will," James said confidently.

"Well put. Vanished Objects do indeed go into nonbeing. They cease to exist. They are irretrievable, so take caution in what you vanish. Five points each to Mr. Potter and Miss Evans," Professor McGonagall said.

When class ended, Marlene began filling Lily in on everything that had happened.

"Thanks so much for taking notes for me, Marlene. But tell me, who slipped me the Fainting Draught?" Lily asked.

"Nobody knows, but everyone has their suspicions. Personally, I think it was someone in the Slytherin crowd, but others think it was the Marauders or even Edgar," Marlene explained. "I just don't think it makes sense, though. Potter was the one who caught you in his arms and rushed you to the Infirmary. It was pretty heroic, actually. And can you even imagine Edgar breaking a rule like that?"

"Potter did all that?" Lily said, feeling a bit surprised. She began to recall the feeling of his arms around her, how perfectly she fit in them. Oh no. What did I say to him?

"Surprised, are you?" James said as he appeared beside them, making Lily scowl.

"You didn't seem to mind me then," he said, his voice lowering so only Lily could hear.

Her face burned red. What had she said to him?

"Not sure what you mean, Potter. Now, do leave me alone," Lily said quickly, trying to escape the conversation. She started walking away from him, eager to get out of the bustling hall where people might overhear.

"Arresto Momentum," James said, freezing her in place. "Wait a minute, Evans. I'm not finished yet." Lily's stomach dropped, and her heart raced—not in a good way. "Really wait, I just wanted to see how you–"

"Let me go, Potter, or I'll hex you," she warned.

"Would you really hex a face as nice as mine," James grinned. "Seriously though–"

Lily scowled and, without missing a beat, pointed her wand at him.

"Engorgio Skullus!" she shouted, and watched with satisfaction as James's head ballooned to four times its normal size.

"I think that accurately portrays your ego, don't you?" she said, innocently.

James let out a high-pitched shriek as his head grew even larger. The crowd that had gathered roared with laughter as James released Lily from the spell. She didn't stick around to see the aftermath, though, quickly making her way to her next class, ignoring the laughter that echoed behind her. She smiled to herself. It was a small victory, but it was sweet.

Later that day, back in the Common Room, James stormed in, looking absolutely furious. One side of his face was still slightly inflated, and his left ear had swelled up like a balloon. Lily smiled at him from where she sat on the couch, trying to stifle her amusement.

"Evans," he growled, glaring at her. It was an intimidating sight, but Lily was more than capable of handling him. "I have a Quidditch match to get to against Ravenclaw. I hope you're happy."

"I'm extremely content, if I'm being honest," Lily said, her nose buried in her book.

"How am I supposed to play with my damn head blown up!?" James demanded.

"Well, a player of your supposed expertise should be able to find a solution," Lily quipped.

"'Supposed'?" James scoffed. "Who do you think you're kidding? You know exactly how good I am and how important it is for me to play well in the match!"

"I was simply trying to express that it wouldn't kill you to humble yourself, which clearly hasn't worked," Lily replied.

"You—" James started to say, but she cut him off.

"And one would think that someone with their head tripled in size would understand the importance of shutting up," she said sweetly.

James's eyes flashed with anger, and the entire Common Room grew silent, bracing for the explosion they all knew was coming.

"You think you're so much better than everyone, don't you?" James sneered, his lip curling in disdain. The usual playful, flirty tone was completely gone, replaced by something colder.

"The thing is, Potter, I don't. Quite the opposite, actually. And you've told me how horrible I am too many times for me to forget," Lily said, frustration breaking through her calm demeanor.

James looked at her, his eyes wide with shock, maybe even regret, but before he could say anything more, the door to the Common Room burst open. Professor McGonagall stormed in, her hair flying wild behind her, looking disheveled.

"The Quidditch match is canceled!" she announced, her voice loud and commanding. The room erupted in boos and groans, no one more upset than James, who completely forgot about the confrontation with Lily in the wake of the announcement.

"What!? You can't do that! It's Quidditch!" James shouted, his frustration palpable. But then he realized McGonagall was eyeing his swollen face, the evidence of his recent humiliation, and the stand-off between him and Lily.

"It's not my decision. But you'd better come with me, Potter."

James

Professor McGonagall led him through the halls, and James attempted to pepper her with questions, but she remained tight-lipped. They approached the two gargoyles standing outside the Headmaster's office. James had only been inside once before, and that was because he, Sirius, and Peter had uncovered Remus' secret. At least then, he knew why he was there. This time, though, was far more ominous.

"Black Liquorice," McGonagall said. The door spun open as the gargoyles shifted aside, and the two of them entered.

"Ah, Fawkes," Dumbledore murmured quietly to his phoenix. "The two of them are too innocent to meet such a twisted end, but if it's for the greater good, I suppose it must be done." His voice sounded troubled, and the bird croaked in response, almost sympathetically.

"You're right, dear bird, but nothing is fair in war. And this is the only way. Prophecies can't be interfered with," Dumbledore continued, regret heavy in his tone.

"Headmaster?" McGonagall interjected. Dumbledore turned, his silver hair glinting in the dim light.

"Thank you for coming, James. I apologize about your Quidditch match. I know how much it means to you," Dumbledore said distractedly, avoiding James' gaze.

"I appreciate that, Headmaster, but is something else wrong?" James asked cautiously.

"I'm afraid so," Dumbledore replied, meeting James' eyes with an uncharacteristic tension. "Voldemort has been gaining traction. I'm sure you've heard plenty from your parents. His followers are being sent to kill Muggles, Muggleborns, Squibs, or anyone associated with them. He's not a very forgiving man anymore, if you can even call him a man."

James waited for the real bad news. Dumbledore seemed almost anxious, something James had never seen before.

"Who died?" James asked bluntly, unable to stand the suspense.

"No one you know," Dumbledore replied, his voice low. "Well, not yet. But there was a casualty tonight, just an hour ago. An attack on Hogsmeade."

"Hogsmeade?" James echoed, confused. "That's a wizarding community. Why would he attack there?"

"You're right, but it wasn't random. The man who died was Marcus Stein, a friend of your father's. A brave man. He just happened to be born to Muggle parents, and for Voldemort, that was unforgivable."

James was still waiting for the catch. He could tell Dumbledore was telling him something more than what he was saying.

"I'm sorry, sir. I feel terrible about Mr. Stein's death, but why are you telling me this?" James asked, his voice tense.

After a brief pause, Dumbledore spoke again, his tone heavy. "Marcus Stein died saving your father. He jumped in front of a Killing Curse meant for him. The Death Eaters were after your father for sympathizing with Muggles."

James' mind raced. His father could have died tonight. The man who had always been there for him, his hero, almost didn't make it. James felt the weight of the words crash down on him.

"Who fired the curse?" James blurted out, his voice shaky.

"Bellatrix Black," Dumbledore replied. "Sirius' cousin. Although, I suppose it's Bellatrix Lestrange now."

James froze. Bellatrix Lestrange. Sirius' cousin. He couldn't fathom it.

"I need to go," James muttered, already turning towards the door. Fear and confusion swirled inside him. How could he have been so oblivious? How could he have been so self-absorbed?

"He isn't taking it well," Dumbledore added quietly.

"What?" James asked, barely registering the words.

"Your father. He believes he should have died instead of Marcus," Dumbledore explained. "Survivor's guilt is a difficult thing, James. I fear he has a long road ahead of him."

James nodded absentmindedly. He had no words. He needed to clear his head.

"Goodnight, James," Dumbledore said softly.

"Goodnight, Headmaster," James muttered as he left, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Alone, James wandered the hallways, unsure where to go. He didn't want to return to the Common Room. Not yet. He found himself walking towards the dungeons, his feet moving automatically. He wasn't sure why, but Slughorn's office seemed like a refuge. His mind was too foggy to figure out why he ended up there.

It was then he saw them—Severus Snape and Regulus Black. James felt his blood boil. His hand gripped his wand, and before he could think, he turned the corner.

"Expulso!" James shouted, sending Regulus slamming into the wall. He felt a flash of guilt, but it was quickly replaced by anger.

"Petrificus Totalus!" James called again, quickly incapacitating Regulus. Now it was just him and Snape. Just like old times. Except now, Snape was probably a Death Eater.

"Confringo!" Snape retaliated, causing the stones near James to explode.

"Reducto!" James shouted, the spell missing Snape by inches. He chased after him, not giving Snape a chance to escape.

"Locomortor Mortis!" Snape cast, and James felt his legs lock together, but he countered quickly.

"Flipendo!" The spell sent Snape crashing to the ground, and James ran toward him, ready to finish the duel.

"Stupefy!" A flash of red light flew past him. James dodged just in time.

"Bombarda—"

"Finite!" James countered, not willing to let Snape destroy the corridor. It would bring unwanted attention. Plus, probably a lifetime of Lily-issued detention.

"Impedimenta!" Snape shouted, his voice cold, laying on the stone.

"Levicorpus!" The spell flew from James' wand, and Snape was lifted into the air by his ankle. James couldn't help but smirk. The adrenaline from the duel buzzed in his veins.

There was a time where you couldn't walk anywhere in the halls without seeing someone caught up in this spell. Duelling is a rush, but winning… there's nothing like it.

"Oh, Snivellus, maybe I'll let you down if you ask nicely," James taunted, watching Snape's upside-down scowl.

"As if, Blood Traitor," Snape hissed.

James' grin faded as Snape's eyes narrowed, and suddenly, an unimaginable pain tore through his chest. Stars exploded in his vision, and he collapsed to the floor, unable to move.

Blood gushed from the wound in his chest and his knees buckled beneath him. Snape quickly undid the curse on Regulus before turning his attention back to James, sneering.

"I wouldn't help you even if you begged," Snape said then spat on him.

James could barely comprehend the words. He was drowning in pain, his vision fading in and out. He heard the sound of Snape and Regulus leaving, their footsteps echoing in the distance. The only thing James could think about was how he would never get the chance to apologize. He felt his strength leave him, the darkness closing in.

"I'm sorry, Lily," James whispered, barely able to keep his eyes open.

A voice sang softly from the shadows, "Vulnera Sanentur, Vulnera Sanentur, Vulnera Sanentura," and just as the darkness consumed him, James blacked out.

Lily

"What an idiot. You were lucky Professor Dumbledore went looking for you," Lily said, looking at James after he told everyone what had happened the week before. James, expecting sympathy, looked scandalized.

"Prongs, as much as I hate to admit it, Red here's right," Sirius added.

"Red?" Lily asked, her voice amused. Sirius shot her a grin.

"It's better than Lilybear," James said, laughing. Lily had broken up with Edgar the moment she returned from Christmas break, and James couldn't have been happier.

"Oh sod off," Lily dismissed as she grabbed her books and walked out. She spotted Marlene waiting by the stairs, looking angry. Lily wasn't sure what had her friend so upset, and she wasn't going to ask. Marlene didn't like people pushing her to talk about her feelings, and Lily respected that.

"He's such a presumptuous berk, and I just can't stand him," Lily muttered as they made their way up the stairs. "Honestly, I tried being nice to him, and he comes to gloat about my breakup—a breakup that was partially his fault."

"Calling him an idiot isn't exactly being nice," Marlene remarked.

Lily shot her a look of mock offense, but Marlene quickly added, "But it's better than hexing him. So really, you are just infinitely generous."

Lily couldn't help but laugh. She really did love her friends.

"I just don't get how he thought attacking two Slytherins, alone, in the middle of the night was a good idea. Especially Snape—everyone knows he knows more curses than most seventh years," Lily said, exasperated.

"I don't know why you still talk to him, Lils."

"You're right. Maybe I should just go back to ignoring Potter like I did in second year. It would be easier," Lily said. Easier on her heart at least, it was exhausting keeping up with how she feels about Potter these days. One day a hero, the next a jerk.

"I meant Snape," Marlene corrected, looking at her in surprise. "Well, like you said, he knows more dark magic than anyone. And as much as you hate Potter, he didn't deserve to die at Snape's hands," Marlene continued. Lily felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. She'd been trying to push that thought away.

"Of course I don't want Potter dead. And Sev—he didn't actually leave Potter to die. He told Slughorn right away, and the spell wouldn't have had lasting effects. He just wanted to scare Potter so he'd leave him alone," Lily explained.

"Still, he used a curse, Lils. A curse not approved by the Ministry! That means he's experimenting with shady magic!" Marlene pushed.

"He's brilliant, Marls. He's got some genius ideas and dabbles a bit in Magic Theory, but he doesn't do anything dark. Severus is just misunderstood. He doesn't have it easy at home, and he was my first friend at Hogwarts. I like him a lot," Lily said, defending him.

"You don't like like him, do you?" Marlene asked, eyes wide. Lily shook her head. She could never see Severus that way. He was her friend—her best friend, besides Marlene. He was brilliant and complemented her personality, but she didn't feel that way about him.

"Good. At least Edgar washed his hair," Marlene added with a hollow laugh. Lily didn't like it when people were mean to Severus. They didn't have to like him, but they should respect him.

"Hm, long, stringy black hair. Sounds a lot like Sirius, don't you think?" Lily teased.

"Shut up!" Marlene snapped, startling Lily.

"I was just joking!" Lily said defensively, but Marlene's anger didn't fade. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, Mary walked in, looking unusually serious.

"Did you hear?" Mary asked quietly, fidgeting with her hands. Lily knew that to be her nervous tick.

"What happened?" they both asked in unison. Marlene's anger seemed to melt away as she focused on Mary, her concern growing.

"There was another attack this week, this time at the Ministry. They had an inside man, I suppose," Mary said, avoiding their gazes. Marlene's face turned pale, her eyes wide.

"Did anyone die?" Marlene asked, breathless, like she didn't want to hear the answer. Mary only nodded. The room, which had been filled with laughter, went completely silent.

"Who?" Marlene whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Your mother," Mary replied softly, "And Dorcas' dad and uncle, too."

Marlene sat there, motionless, her face expressionless. She didn't cry, but Lily could see the grief in her eyes—eyes that seemed empty now. Lily exchanged a look with Mary, both of them nodding in silent understanding.

"Come on, Marls," Lily said gently, "Let's go to Professor McGonagall."

Together, the girls led Marlene toward the door, no one saying anything as they passed the silent Common Room. Lily's hand rested on Marlene's shoulder in a simple gesture of support.

As they descended the stairs, the Marauders were sitting around a table, discussing something. Lily ignored them as she focused on Marlene.

"What's wrong?" the boys asked, but Marlene's face was blank, her pale complexion almost ghostly.

"Just stop!" Marlene snapped, her voice shaking as Sirius approached her. He immediately stopped, looking alarmed. James tried to speak, but Sirius held him back. The girls continued on their way, leaving behind the hushed, watchful eyes of their fellow students.

"I'm so sorry, dear," the Fat Lady said as they exited the Common Room. Lily saw silent tears escaping from Marlene's brown eyes.

Lily knocked softly on the door to Professor McGonagall's office, and the professor's gaze softened with a mix of sadness and resignation.

"Thank you, girls. You can go now," Professor McGonagall said gently. She put an arm around Marlene, who looked utterly lost. A look Lily had never seen on her friend's face.

"Would it be alright if we stayed with her, Professor?" Lily asked, though it wasn't really a question. She wasn't about to leave Marlene, not after everything. Professor McGonagall nodded, leading them inside.

The three of them sat in silence, waiting for more information from Dumbledore. Marlene eventually fell asleep in her chair. Lily hoped that, for a moment, her friend would find a break from the madness in her dreams.

When they finally learned the details, it was as painful as Lily had imagined. Death Eaters had attempted to storm the Ministry, and some had managed to escape, though their identities remained unknown. Some Ministry workers had been unwilling to fight their family members or were swayed to the "winning side," but many had fought bravely. Sadly, the battle had cost lives. Marlene's mother had fought in the Ministry's defense, but the majority of casualties had been in the crossfire.

Lily's heart burned with a mix of fury and compassion. She hated the Death Eaters with all her being, but her heart broke for those who had lost loved ones. Her compassion only deepened when Marlene stirred from her nap, her face tortured and broken, as if irreparably shattered by the news.

"Have a biscuit, Miss McKinnon," Professor McGonagall offered, her voice soft, but Marlene just shook her head, trembling. They sat in silence until a large red phoenix flew through the door and dropped a scroll into Professor McGonagall's lap.

Without a word, McGonagall read the message, then turned to Marlene. "You're going home. Your father is waiting for you with your brother."

Marlene's face contorted, and the sobs came, shaking her body. It all felt too real now that she was leaving school. Marlene was going home to a house forever changed.

"Portus," Professor McGonagall murmured, pointing her wand at a gold cup on her desk. Lily knew that using a Portkey was illegal, but it didn't seem to matter right now. Marlene grabbed the cup, and in a flash of blue light, she was gone.

"You two should get back to your dormitories. It's almost morning," Professor McGonagall said softly, her voice tired.

"Yes, Professor," Lily replied, though she felt utterly drained. She wanted to cry, but she knew she needed to be strong for Marlene.

James

James couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't handle the fact that the bad guys were winning. He hated how Snape had left him to die, how Lily didn't seem to care, and how Voldemort was killing people. It wasn't random—he was trying to wipe out entire families. How did people become such monsters?

He hated that Aurors even had a job, and that Dark magic was something people would willingly use. It disgusted him. He was all for pranks—harmless fun—but the idea of people using magic to harm others? That was something else entirely. He pranked those who associated with Dark magic, humiliated those who hated werewolves, house-elves, or muggleborns. He wasn't just some prankster anymore—he had a deep sense of justice, and a burning desire to protect the innocent.

That's why he befriended Sirius, Remus, and Peter. He knew that Sirius just wanted to break free from his family, and Remus didn't want to be discriminated against. Peter just wanted attention, and James made sure he wasn't ignored. James helped people, and all he wanted to do was help Lily, too. But she hated him, and he had no idea why.

Spring break was approaching, and he was running out of time.

"Prongs? Do you think we need to restock on Dungbombs, or do you think we'll have enough for the prank?" Sirius asked, snapping James from his thoughts.

"A wise wizard once said, 'One can never have too many Dungbombs,'" James said, laughing. But when he saw Lily coming into view, he faltered.

"We should stop by Zonko's after tonight—" Sirius began.

"Evans!" James called out, making her turn around with a scowl.

"What is it, Potter?" she asked, turning on her heels to walk away. James hurried to catch up.

"I just wanted to see if you knew how Marlene and Dorcas are doing," James said, keeping his tone light. Remus had told him he needed to be nicer to her, but it was hard. She didn't want anything to do with him.

Lily looked at him, surprised, then suspicious. "Why?"

"What, am I not allowed to care?" James asked, his frustration bubbling up. He was starting to wonder if the "nice approach" was completely useless. All he'd done was ask a simple question, but it had clearly offended her.

"I've never seen you care about anything except Quidditch. I guess it makes sense since Marlene's on the team," Lily replied coolly.

That stung. James prided himself on caring about people, but he forced himself not to snap.

"Is that really what you think of me? I care about a lot of things," James said, his voice softer now. He turned to leave, and as he walked away, he couldn't stop thinking about how beautiful she looked when she was upset.

Lily ignored him for the rest of the week, and James couldn't figure out why. He'd tried asking her friends, but they weren't any help. The only thing that kept him going was the full moon coming up, and the hope that tonight, things might be a little easier.

"Moony, you ready for tonight?" James asked at breakfast.

Remus nodded nervously, hardly touching his food. Sirius, on the other hand, was devouring his breakfast like a wolf.

"What's tonight?" Peter asked, confused.

"Our midnight stroll in the moonlight," James said with a grin.

Lily looked over at them, and James saw her eyes narrow. Oh no.