Strangers in the Night by lilymione1203

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Humor
Relationships: Lily & James
Book: Lily & James, Books 1 - 7
Published: 25/09/2009
Last Updated: 14/10/2009
Status: Completed

COMPLETE!! Strangers in the night, exchanging glances- wondering in the night, what were the
chances we’d be sharing love before the night was through? Inspired by Frank Sinatra's
"Strangers in the Night"




1. Chapter One
--------------

A/N: This story was inspired by Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night.” This is just the first
chapter; I only plan on having maybe five- I only had time to write out this beginning. I should
have the rest up this weekend sometime. The title will make sense later I PROMISE but for now it
seems kind of odd. Promise the fic won’t be too long, for me it’s hard sometimes to read those
fifty chapter ones lol (most are REALLY good but *mine* don’t tend to be). Anyway, tell me
what you think, I hope you like it!!

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT

*Strangers in the night exchanging glances-*

*wond’ring in the night, what were the chances*

*we’d be sharing love*

*before the night was through?*

*Something in your eyes was so inviting.*

*Something in your smile was so exciting.*

*Something in my heart*

*told me I must have you.*

*Strangers in the night- two lonely people,*

*we were strangers in the night*

*up to the moment*

*when we said our first hello.*

*Little did we know,*

*that love was just a glance away,*

*a warm embracing dance away and-*

*Ever since that night, we’ve been together-*

*lovers at first sight, in love forever.*

*It turned out so right,*

*for strangers in the night.*

*-Frank Sinatra*

Lily Evans sat in the middle of a long mahogany table, chatting merrily with the three or four
girls around her. Beams of golden sunlight shined through the majestic enchanted ceiling, and a
swarm of owls suddenly swooped overhead, carrying an assortment of parcels and letters to those
down below.

The pretty young witch with the long crimson hair laughed delightfully and gently swept a fiery
lock behind her ears. Emerald eyes twinkling, she daintily brushed a hand to her face while
continuing her charming giggles. She absent-mindedly glanced down the end of the Gryffindor
breakfast table, possibly to see if anyone was watching her, and continued to converse with the
boisterous brunette to her right.

Little did she know someone *was* watching her, just like he did every morning. And yet she
never seemed to notice.

“Prongs, you’re pathetic, mate. I mean really *really* pathetic. Pass the scrambled
eggs?”

“He’s been like this for two weeks straight-“

“More like seven *years* straight. Pass the marmalade?”

“Well it’s never been this bad. And-HEY- that’s not the marmalade that’s my *plate*! Gimme
that, Padfoot, Merlin’s beard.”

“Sorry, ol’ chap, hand must’ve slipped.”

“Yeah and Lily’s madly in love with James.”

“What?” A boy with hazel eyes and jet-black hair snapped his head up at attention, rapidly
shaking his head from left to right. His dark tousled locks fell behind his thin bullion frames as
James Potter finally came back to reality.

“Thought that might get your attention. NO, Padfoot, that hashbrown is *mine,*” Remus
snapped as Sirius rolled his charcoal eyes in annoyance, rather forcefully dropping said hashbrown
in the process.

“Where’s Peter?” James inquired, squinting his eyes as he searched the Great Hall.

“Where’s *James*, *HE* hasn’t been here all morning either. Just been poor Moony and
me, left with nothing to talk about but our poor lovesick idiot of a friend.”

“That was charming that was.”

“I try.”

“Both of you, please, we have a real issue to discuss- Prongs is losing it. We all know why, and
I think it’s about time we do something about it,” Remus said with impatience.

“We are doing something about it. We’re watching him play the part of a lonely lovesick puppy
pining over a dame that’s too good for him. It’s quite entertaining really.”

“Really, Padfoot? *Really?* Are you just *trying* to get me to hex you within an inch
of your life or are you just feeling particularly lucky today?”

“Why, I feel lucky every day, Prongsie. All I have to do is look at you.”

“ARRGGHHH-“

“Wait-” Remus piped up at a very critical moment: James was standing on one leg with Sirius in a
headlock, the other leg pinning down Sirius’ lower extremities. Sirius, on the other hand, had a
mouth full of toast and pumpkin juice, and looked as though his eyes were about to bulge out of his
head.

“Why don’t you take a look at the *other* end of the table…”

Shifting their heads to the left, James immediately released Sirius’ gasping skull- only for it
to smack in to the table with a ‘thud.’ Lily was no longer speaking with her friends, but quietly
leaving the Great Hall with none other than Hufflepuff captain and seeker, Benjy Fenwick.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A/N: This was just James’ side of the story. You’ll get to know Lily’s end in the future. Most
of this was just humor, I simply ADORE the marauders and I haven’t written a piece where they have
much dialogue. It’s so FUN! I hope you liked it, I would LOVE lots of feedback before posting the
remaining chapters. Thanks a ton!! -lilymione1203



2. Chapter Two
--------------

A/N: More Marauder fun! This was a blast to write, I really hope you like it.

CHAPTER TWO

“Alright gents, let’s just take a look at the situation, shall we? All hope is not lost,
Prongs.”

“Actually it is, but Moony doesn’t want to find your lifeless body hanging from the showerhead
in the morning.”

“PADFOOT!?!”

“No, no. He’s right. I can’t take it. I can’t face her tonight. I’m resigning.” James plucked
the shining metal HeadBoy badge from his chest and tossed it on the chestnut bureau, shoving his
hands in the pockets of his robes and letting out a deep sigh.

“It’s not the end of the world, Prongs, we don’t even know what happened.”

“I bet *I* know what happened…”

“Padfoot that’s IT, you are NOT helping. Go to the ‘Cretinous Corner.’”

“*Are you serious*? Blimey, Remus, I’m not sitting on Peter’s ‘Stupid Stool.’ That thing’s
got an odor of its own.”

“What’s got an odor of its own?”

At that moment Peter scrambled in the door of the Marauder dormitory and plopped down on a
collective pile of dirty clothes, all the while unwrapping a particularly sticky-looking chocolate
frog.

“Your Stool of Unintelligence. It’s not a toilet, Wormtail.”

Years ago three of the four Marauders decided one was just a tad…slower…than the rest. Poor
Peter lagged quite a bit in whit and skill and sometimes had a hard time keeping up. Lacking in
empathy, as many boys do, the trio decided on a punishment for each question, comment, or
incredibly lame joke that spurred from Peter’s mouth. Thus, the Stool of Unintelligence was
born.

“What do you do, mate, just sit down and let ‘em rip?”

“For heaven sakes, Sirius, we’re not even talking about Wormtail, we’re trying to help
Prongs.”

“For the record I was never actually *trying*-“

“Help Prongs do what?”

“STOOL!” Sirius barked as he pointed to the corner; his lengthy dark hair nearly touching the
carpet as his head hung upside down off James’ four-poster.

“Now wait, Padfoot, Peter doesn’t actually know what happened. He wasn’t with us at breakfast,
remember?”

“Yeah, Wormy, where *were* you this morning?” Sirius inquired, not bothering to look up
from cleaning the dirt from under his nails.

“I- I was with some friends.” The pudgy boy’s breath became rapid, his chest heaving up and down
at an abnormally brisk pace. His small, watery eyes flittered about the room in panic, searching
the poster-covered walls.

Remus’ face took on a look of utter perplexity and Sirius burst in to a laughing fit, tumbling
over the crimson bed sheets and landing on the cluttered floor with a ‘thunk.’ Even James snapped
out of his recession, darting his head to the right and narrowing his eyes, raising his brow in
question.

“Wormtail, the three of us were in the Great Hall for breakfast. You must’ve *thought* you
were with us and got confused. Easy mistake. Happens to me all the time,” Sirius said with a roll
of his eyes.

“I *have* other friends!”

“TO THE STOOL!”

“Padfoot, shut up. Wormtail, what other friends?”

“The Troll Pride Parade doesn’t count, Wormy. Neither does the Feminist Witch Council you
accidental-”

“PADFOOT, SHUT UP,” Remus spat through gritted teeth, perpetually losing his patience. “Now what
were you doing during breakfast, Peter?”

“I was walking down to breakfast and was…waiting,” Peter finished quickly.

“For whom?”

Peter closed his eyes and jerked his chin up in the air, huffily crossing his plump arms over
his chest, “I don’t have to tell you if I don’t want. If all you’re going to do is patronize me
then-“

“Oh, come off it, Wormtail, it’s all in good fun. Now tell us who you were waiting for before I
take this bloody loo of a stool and shove it up your-“

“JUST tell us, please,” Remus interrupted with a pertinent glance to his left, about two seconds
away from strangling Sirius with a dirty sock.

“Fine. I was waiting for…” Peter glanced at the bedside table, cluttered with stacked over
issues of *Quidditch* *Illustrated* and *PlayWizard* magazine*,* and finally
squeaked, “I was waiting for Gwendolyn. I’m going to ask her to Slughorn’s masquerade.”

The room was deathly silent for a moment, jaws thudding to the carpet and eyes bulging out of
sockets. Every year Professor Slughorn held a masquerade for *all* his potions students, not
just those privileged to be a member of his more than exclusive club. The event normally didn’t
take place until October, and the remaining Marauders were stunned that Peter would think to get a
date so early, let alone at all.

“Gwendolyn *Bones?* Isn’t she a bit out of your league, Wormtail? I mean, blimey, you’re
starting to sound like Prongs.”

At this James released all the air in his lungs and collapsed on his bed, staring with eyes
glazed over at the scarlet-painted ceiling.

“Oh, Prongs, get over it. It’s not like they shagged on the table or anything.”

“Who shagged?”

“STOOL!”

“Stop that! He wasn’t there, remember, Padfoot?” Remus was sincerely starting to consider
cramming that soiled Quidditch stocking down Sirius’ throat. “Prongs is upset- well, devastated
really- that he witnessed Lily leaving the Great Hall with Fenwick.”

“Benjy Fenwick?”

“ST-“ but before the word came out of his mouth Sirius found a considerably pungent undergarment
stuffed rather forcedly between his tonsils.

“Yes, Wormtail, Benjy. And now we’re trying to-“

“Oh, yeah, I saw them when I was waiting, er- talking to Gwendolyn.”

“WHAT???” James leapt from his bed like an animal and was on top of Peter in a flash. Faster
than lightning, James had his callused hands wrapped around Peter’s thick neck and was shaking the
poor boy like a Rottweiler with a newspaper.

“WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SOMETHING?? WHAT WERE THEY DOING?? WHAT DID THEY SAY?? WHAT HAPPENED
WORMTAIL, TELL ME!!”

“Prongs, PRONGS! Get off!” There was a quick scramble and Peter’s neck was eventually released,
both boys sprawled on the ground and rather light-headed. Remus stood in the middle, his sandy head
buried in his left hand and his wand grasped tightly in his right.

“It’s like babysitting, *honestly*. Now, Wormtail, what happened between Lily and Benjy- I
don’t think I can hold off Prongs much longer.”

Peter blinked a few times, still in a daze, and finally spoke up, “I couldn’t hear anything. I
think they were just talking. I only remember seeing Fenwick walk away with an angry look on his
face.”

“He was angry?” James piped up with glee, his hazel eyes bright with excitement.

“I guess s-“

“HELLO??? Did you all just FORGET about me?? I’ve been over here coughing and sputtering, nearly
gagging to death, and all you care about is that Hufflepuff idiot making moves on Lily. And YOU,”
Sirius snarled, pointing a hostile finger at a bored-looking Remus, “could’ve KILLED me, you dirty
wanker.”

“That was a risk I was willing to take.”

“*Unbelievable!*” Sirius shouted, throwing his hands up in the air. “Happy, Prongs? Little
flower made big Benjy angry. They didn’t shag in a broom cupboard, they didn’t snog next to Wormy
and his imaginary friends, they didn’t even flirt! And here you were, moping around like your owl
died, and there was nothing to worry about. If anyone’s got problems it’s *Moony*- he’s turned
into a homicidal maniac!”

Remus rolled his eyes and sighed, sitting down on his four-poster and opening a battered copy of
*Standard Book of Spells, Grade 7.* Fingering its ragged pages, Remus replied, “You know,
Prongs, Benjy may have seemed angry for a reason. I mean, if *Wormtail* already thought to ask
a girl to Slughorn’s ball, perhaps so did Fenwick…”

“Hey!” Peter voiced as he furrowed his brows, apparently just now realizing the extent of what
Remus had said.

“Don’t you have patrols with Lily tonight, Prongs?” said Sirius, massaging his Adam’s apple and
staring daggers at Remus.

“Yeah…”

“And don’t they start, oh- about nine or so?” Remus chimed in, raising his brows and glancing
sideways at Sirius, trying to conceal a smirk.

“Yeah…”

“And wasn’t that, I don’t know, say- twenty-five minutes ago?” Sirius finished, a boisterous
grin plastered on his handsome face.

“Why, what time is i-OW!!! PRONGS?!” Peter yelped as James trampled his portly body, clambering
desperately through the door to reach the sure-to-be angry Head Girl waiting at the descent of the
stairs. He hastily reached backward toward the bureau, snatching his badge glinting on the corner,
and bounded out the open door without a word.

The remaining three watched in silence, Sirius beaming like a madman and Remus already nose-deep
in a book. Wincing at his newly obtained injuries, Peter popped his head up and looked quizzically
at the sandy-haired boy lost in literature, screwing up his face into a look of concentration.

“Where do you think he went?”

“STOOL!”

A/N: Poor Peter : ) Anyway, sincerely hope you enjoyed! I know I did writing it, hope you do
reading it! Lily/James interaction DEFINITELY in the next chapter (I know you’ve been waiting for
it). I do love the Marauders, though. Hope you liked them too. I’m thinking this is going to take a
few more chapters than I thought- I have the whole plot worked out- just need to fill in the gaps.
So more for you to read! Please review, I’d really appreciate it!



3. Chapter Three
----------------

A/N: This chapter is a little different than the previous ones. Not near as much humor
(sorry!!!), but crucial to the plot of the story. REALLY moves things along in this chapter and
gives a little background. Lots of James and Lily interaction though… <3 Hope you enjoy!!

CHAPTER THREE

Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap…..

A dainty foot rapidly continued to strike the hardwood surface of the common room floor. Green
eyes filled with aggravation darted for the sixty-seventh time to the luminous silver wristwatch
dangling from a rather petite wrist. He was late.

Lily Evans took a deep sigh, arms akimbo, and felt her eyes graze the ceiling in annoyance.
Disappointment flocked her lightly freckled face, her pink lips set in a small pout. She turned her
gaze to the crackling fire, where her friends were engaged in a heated match of wizard’s chess.

She tilted her head slightly to the left, contemplating on whether or not to simply leave her
post and join them, and lifted her slender hand up to stifle a sudden yawn. Realizing she’d been
‘stood up’ somewhat, the poignant redhead slowly reached for the highly-polished banister to her
right, feeling the glossy solid oak beneath her fingertips.

She climbed each stair at a snail’s pace, her tiny feet vaguely hovering above each marble step
before gradually ascending. Flicking a loose strand of strawberry mane behind her, she nearly
reached the top when she unexpectedly lost her footing.

Scarlet tresses whipped in all direction as the Head Girl flew down the spiral staircase,
emerald eyes wide with terror. Expecting to tumble repeatedly along the jagged flight, she braced
her body for impact and clamped her eyes tightly shut, but soon came to realize she was merely
*sliding.*

She finally hit an obstruction behind her, butting up against it with a soft ‘thud,’ and felt
the embrace of two warm, muscled arms around her. James had his foot on the bottom stair.

“You’re late,” she snapped at the perpetrator, quickly flinging his arms away from around her
tiny waist.

“Lily, I’m so sorry, time got away from me, I didn’t mean…” James was floundering for an excuse,
babbling like an idiot in the process.

“It’s okay, really, thirty minutes isn’t that bad. At least you remembered,” Lily said gently
with a smile.

“You’re- you’re not mad?” the Head Boy said in disbelief, slowly ruffling the back of his
jet-black hair.

“You know you could’ve just called my name,” she said with a sly smile. And with that she
languidly strode off toward the portrait hole.

“Well, you know me, I’ve never exactly been conventional,” James said with a grin as he trotted
after the fiery redhead six paces in front.

They reached the dimly lit corridor in front of the Fat Lady and commenced their nightly patrol,
leisurely talking and inspecting the shadowy classrooms and cupboards. A year ago this would not
have been deemed possible: Lily Evans and James Potter speaking casually, cooperating in such an
open and pleasant manner. No one knows how it happened, no one knows why it happened, but it
did.

James saw Lily for the first time September 1, 1971, climbing up the metal steps of the scarlet
steam engine of the Hogwarts Express. He was immediately drawn to her long ruby ringlets, bouncing
against her willowy frame in the breeze. She turned for a moment to wave her parents goodbye, and
her beautiful sparkling emeralds took James’ breath away. He was instantly hooked.

From that day on he never thought about another girl. He dated them, of course, but no other
flower could compare to his Lily. Unfortunately, James had a ghastly, terrible, horrible,
appalling, repulsive, insufferable, incurable condition: arrogance. Lily never succumbed to his
advances due to this illness, and informed him she would continue to do so until his disease was
overcome.

Their constant battle came to a head after O.W.L’s in fifth year, resulting in the loss of a
friendship for Lily and the realization of change for James. Little interaction was had between the
pair sixth year- James not wanting to lose his Lily and Lily not wanting to surrender to James.

He stopped asking her out. He stopped sticking his nose in her business. He stopped sending her
notes in class. He stopped teasing. He stopped hexing. He stopped pranking (as much, this is a
*Marauder* after all). He stopped stalking her in the library. All he could do was watch from
afar.

Seventh year rolled around and interaction was forced. James was Head Boy and Lily Head Girl.
This was James’ chance. He had one year left to prove to Lily he had changed, to prove he was the
one. Would Lily see this in time? Would she give him a chance? James pondered these words each and
every day, staring up at the scarlet-painted ceiling above his four-poster.

“James?”

“Hmmm?” James snapped back to the present and shook the dark untidy strands out of his hazel
eyes, blinking all the while. His palms began to sweat profusely and he took a slow, deep
breath.

“I said you’ve been acting rather strange tonight, is everything alright?”

“Oh, yeah, sure,” he mumbled as his hand, out of habit, reached up to ruffle his hair.

“Do you always mess up your hair when you get nervous?” Lily taunted with a cheeky grin.

“*Nervous?* I’m not nervous! What gives you that idea?” James said in a panic, his
breathing shallow and his eyes wide.

Lily laughed and lightly swatted his arm, “I was just teasing. I figured *you,* of all
people, could take a joke,” she said with smiling eyes, twinkling in the gloomy corridor.

“Right,” he countered, a small, forced smile planted on his face.

They continued in silence, opening empty classrooms and peering around tall, glinting suits of
armor until finally making their way back to the dormitories. The Fat Lady in sight, James abruptly
stopped in the center of the damp and chilly corridor, adjusting his wired spectacles and
frantically rumpling the onyx locks atop his messy head.

Lily turned back in confusion, jade eyes laden with concern, and delicately tucked a thread of
strawberry hair behind her ear. The light from the surrounding torches bounced softly off her face,
giving the appearance of an angelic glow. James thought she never looked more beautiful.

“Er-Lily, will you go to the Masquerade with me?” James finally stammered, his hazel eyes locked
on her bottle green ones.

He held her dainty hand in his, tenderly tracing circles in her palm. He looked at her with
longing eyes, waiting for an answer. Lily flushed and briefly turned away, only to look back at him
with green orbs filled with sorrow.

“Oh, James, Benjy’s already asked me…”

James’ face fell with a severity that cannot be described. It was as if his world was crashing
down around him, the tiny pieces shattering on the floor below. He began to turn away, his heart
bleeding through his robes, but Lily grabbed his arm.

“But I didn’t say yes.”

As quick as it came his sorrow subsided and James felt like all the helium in the world was
pumped into his chest, inflating him at an overtly substantial rate. He didn’t need a broomstick to
fly.

“But I didn’t say no.”

*What?*

“Erm, well, what *did* you say?” James asked in an exasperated tone, his eyes searching the
empty corridor in a state of bewilderment.

“I told him I’d go if he caught the Snitch on Saturday. So I guess it looks like he’s got some
competition.”

“Wait…so you’ll go with whoever catches the snitch?”

“*Whomever*, and looks like it, yes,” Lily said matter-of-factly as she turned on her heel,
crimson hair fanning out behind her.

“But I haven’t been a seeker in *years,*” James discerned, his palm anxiously rubbing his
forehead, still trying to process the information.

“I guess you’ll have to brush up on your skills then,” she called over her shoulder, leaving a
baffled James deserted in the cold and gloomy hallway as she clambered through the portrait
hole.

A/N: I know this is a COMPLETELY different tone than the previous chapters, but I promise the
humor will come back in chapter four : ) Lily interacting with her friends still to come, I’m not
sure when, but they’re nearly as fun as the marauders. This chapter was basically for background
purposes, and a crucial element to the story takes place (obviously). Had to take place for the
flow of the rest of the story, hope you still enjoyed! Please read and review!!!!!!!



4. Chapter Four
---------------

A/N: This chapter is more humorous than the last (yay for those who like it!) Doesn’t move the
plot along much but those are the most fun to write. Marauder chapter (my fav kind), but I PROMISE
Lily and her friends will get their turn (they are in ch. 4 if you look real close). I try to post
a chapter a day. DESPERATE for feedback PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!

CHAPTER FOUR

“You did *what???”*

“I already told you, I asked her to Slughorn’s masquerade.”

“Were you trying to commit suicide, Prongs? Bloody hell, mate, why didn’t you just fling
yourself off the astronomy tower?”

“Might’ve been a bit less painful.”

“Shut up! She didn’t say *no.”*

“Ha! But she didn’t say *yes*,” Sirius taunted with a smirk, running a hand through his
dark lustrous hair.

“Let’s just go over the facts aga- PADFOOT touch that one more time and I’m going to make you
eat it,” Remus snapped, whacking Sirius on the arm with a trowel.

“*Touchy!* Fine, I’m not doing anything. I know when I’m not wanted. You had just better
remember to put my name on it, though. Sprouty knows I do fine work.”

Rain splattered relentlessly against the large transparent window panes, sending a chill over
the normally stuffy greenhouses. The N.E.W.T. level Gryffindors, accompanied by the Hufflepuffs,
diligently planted amber seeds of fluxweed and gurdyroot, potting and re-potting the soil in
preparation.

“I’m quite for certain Professor Sprout actually detests your presence, and is in actuality
surprised you managed to weasel your way in to her rather exclusive N.E.W.T. level class.”

“Oh sod off, Moony, nobody asked you,” Sirius said with a snort as he laced his fingers behind
his head, tipping his chair back in the process. “’Least I didn’t cover her office in Devil’s
Snare.”

“That was actually an accident, and she thinks *you* did it,” James retorted with a
fleeting glance and a shake of his head.

“*Who told her ‘I’ did it*?? Granted, I probably would’ve taken the credit anyway, but I
would have at least liked to have done it of my own accord.”

Remus rolled his eyes, jabbing his spade in the blackened soil before turning his attention to
James.

“Anyway, Prongs, Lily didn’t say yes and she didn’t say no. What exactly does that leave then?”
Remus inquired with a hand in the dirt and a highly arched brow.

“Look at ’im over there, playing handsey with Bones and Cauldwell, pretending to drop his trowel
so he can peek under their skirts. Pathetic, Wormtail. Absolutely disgusting.”

“Padfoot, you’re only jealous because you didn’t think of it first. Now, Prongs, for the third
time what *happened*?”

“Jealous? *Jealous??* I’ll have you know I already have *several* dates for the Slug
Ball thank you very much,” he said snapping all four legs back on the ground, “and I can do a hell
of a lot better than *Gwendolyn Bones*.”

“SEVERAL dates? Merlin’s beard, Padfoot, who did you *ask*?”

“ ’I’ didn’t ask anybody,” he said with a flip of his hair and a cheeky grin, earning longing
glances and batted eyelashes from an assembly of surrounding witches. However, who he didn’t seem
to notice was one witch in particular, concealing her lustrous look behind a pair of pearly
frames.

“You dog you-“

The trio stopped suddenly, erupting with uncontrollable laughter, completely abandoning their
lonely pot. They continued for several minutes, receiving a variety of numerous puzzled glances,
until Lily caught James’ eye.

The redhead’s cheeks suddenly turned a dashing shade of pink and she quickly turned away,
strands of silken scarlet lashing in her wake, apparently realizing she had been caught.

“Told you all hope wasn’t lost,” Remus whispered matter-of-factly, leaning in to James.

“Well it’s about to be,” Sirius added with a smirk.

At that moment Benjy crossed the aisle, offering Lily and her friends a shining golden spade,
completely void of any trace of filth, and placed his hand on the small of Lily’s back.

“Prongs, we’re really not going to help you anymore if you *don’t* tell us what
happened.”

“Yeah, mate, are you two just gonna share the poor bird?”

“He’s not *you*, Padfoot-“

“Technically wouldn’t it be *Lily* isn’t me?”

“ALRIGHT! If you both shut up I’ll tell you! Fenwick already asked her and she told him if he
caught the snitch on Saturday she’d go with him, but now he’s got competition. There.
Satisfied?”

The two merely looked at him with blank expressions, trying to decipher what had swiftly tumbled
out of James’ mouth.

“So let me get this straight, you are *competing* against Fenwick in order to escort Lily
to the masquerade?”

“She’s playing you like a bloody harp, Prongs!”

“Does Hufflepuff play Gryffindor Saturday?”

“Yes,” James and Sirius echoed in unison.

“Is she assuming *you’re* going to play the part of seeker?”

“Prongs, you haven’t been seeker since second year!”

“I KNOW THAT,” James hissed, hazel eyes wide with impatience as he clenched his fists, feeling
the heat rise to his cheeks.

“Interesting. Very interesting indeed,” Remus replied with a stroke of his chin, his piercing
blue eyes suddenly fixed on the dripping panes overhead.

“And what, may I ask, is so very interesting?”

“The fact that you’re going to make a fool of yourself Saturday when you look like an old man
searching for his cane on the pit-OW!!! Would everyone stop HITTING ME?”

“Hand slipped.”

“Anyway, Prongs,” Remus continued, ignoring Sirius’ muttering complaints, “the battle is no
longer yes or no- all you’ve got to do now is win the match. And not really even that, just catch
the snitch before Fenwick does. Your whole family’s made up of seekers and that’s how you made the
team in the first place- it’s in your blood, Prongs. Lily’s as good as gotten.”

“Yeah, mate, she basically made a *bet* with you. If you beat out Benjy, you get the broad.
Easy as that.”

“I don’t want her to go with me because she *has* to-“

“PRONGS, are you *mad?* A year ago you would’ve soiled your knickers to be in a situation
like this, now you don’t want to *force* her??”

“No, Padfoot, I understand where he’s coming from. But, James, you’ve got to realize, if Lily
hadn’t wanted to go with you she simply would’ve said no. She set it up to where she *has* to
accompany either you or Benjy. If she really wanted to go with Fenwick she would’ve simply told him
yes right off the bat. Now when has Lily ever not thought things through?”

A slow smile made its way across James’ face, remaining there for the rest of the hour. Remus
continued to work alone, his partners being of no help what-so-ever, continually swapping Fenwick’s
seeds for Every Flavor Beans.

A/N: No, this chapter wasn’t my best, but a necessary installment nonetheless. Hope you enjoyed
anyway! Though, I did leave some badgering questions that have yet to be answered. Who is Sirius
escorting to the masquerade? Who was the girl he didn’t notice? Will it be James or Benjy who
catches the snitch? Will Remus find a date? What exactly did he find so interesting? Will we ever
get to meet Lily’s friends? Dun dun dun……all these questions and *more* will be answered in
the oncoming chapters. Coming soon to a Portkey near you! (P.S.- please read and review, let me
know what you think!! : )



5. Chapter Five
---------------

A/N: Okay, here’s chapter five- one day off schedule : ( I TRIED to get it done yesterday but I
had a HUGE anatomy exam to study for- 206 bones in the human body, people! You wouldn’t want my
work to suffer because of haste, would you? Anyway, hope you enjoy, cheers! (P.S.- PLEASE
REVIEW!!)

CHAPTER FIVE

“OW!!! Get OFF me! This is an outrage*- let me GO*!!!”

Fiery tendrils were set ablaze, flashing in all directions as their owner struggled against her
foe. Thrashing wildly, the hostage clenched her tiny fists in rage, profusely pummeling the
stifling air around her. She flogged her legs aimlessly, exercising every muscle, trying with all
her might to strike a piece of her attacker. The petite girl, lost in gravity, suddenly felt the
air whoosh around her as she was thrown from her target- landing harshly on the mattress springs
below.

“What on EAR-“

“Oh, come off it, Lily, you deserve that and you know it. Keeping things from us like that. For
shame…”

Lily stared through enormous emerald eyes at her three aggressors, each wearing an expression of
utter disdain, and softly swept the ragged red curtain of curls obstructing her view.

“Well? What do you have to say for yourself?”

Lily’s eyes found the floor, slowly scanning the regal carpet, and finally landed on her paten
black Mary Jane’s- feet turned inward and hanging off the edge of her ruffled ruby comforter.

“*Look* at us, Lily. You did this to yourself, love.”

The redhead sighed and lifted her olive orbs to the ceiling, setting her lips in a slight purse.
She fidgeted absent-mindedly with the corner of her bedspread, feeling the satin texture of the
wine-colored duvet.

“We’re waiting…” Alice said with the tap of her foot.

“It’s useless, she’s not in the mood to talk about it. You know how Miss Fussypants gets.”

Lily snorted depreciatively but continued to hold her tongue, crossing her slender arms in a
rather indignant manner. She fixed her gaze on the leaning stack of parchment at the end of her
bed, not daring to look at the accusatory figures to her right.

“Fine, if this is how you want to go about it, then this is how we’ll do it. But I’m going to
warn you, Lily, it *won’t* be pleasant.”

“Shall you start the inquiry, Dorcas, or shall I?”

“Oh, by all means go ahead, I’m still examining my notes.”

“Oh, so I don’t get a say? When *I’m* the one that brought this to your attention in the
first place? No, don’t include Marlene, *she-*”

“FINE, sorry! For the love of Quidditch, let’s just get this started! *Marlene,”* Alice
gestured broadly to the right, rolling her eyes and sharply tilting her head to the left,
indicating for Marlene to begin.

“Erm, well, I don’t know what to say…”

*SMACK* went Alice’s hand as it came in contact with her crinkled forehead.

“Wait, what time is it?” Marlene asked fervently as she flitted her head about the room, russet
locks whipping about her slender face.

“*Time for you to stop losing the wristwatches I continually let you borrow…”* Alice said
through gritted teeth.

Dorcas snapped her head down to her forearm, “I dunno, ‘round three or so, I suppose. Why?” she
inquired adjusting her spectacles, skewed atop her button nose.

“Got a- Quidditch!”

And with that the fourth member of their party was skidding around the corner, her hand grasping
the door frame for leverage, the tips of her long brown hair visible through the entrance as they
lashed in her wake.

“Didn’t she have Quidditch yesterday?”

“Guess Potter’s working them extra hard for Saturday. Bringing us back to our *original*
discussion…”

“To be fair we never actually started it-“

“Well we tried!” Alice said, clearly losing her patience. “Anyway, Lily, Marlene told us the
*darnedest* thing yesterday, didn’t she, Dorcas?”

“Why, yes, would you care to know what we heard?” a small smile played on Dorcas’ lips as she
taunted a noncompliant Lily, casting Alice a knowing glance all the while.

The Head Girl’s face promptly turned the colour of her hair, forcing Lily to bury her head in
her hands. A hint of bottle green could be seen poking through her fingers, but was quickly hidden
when the aperture snapped tightly shut.

“Well, *I* heard that a *Mister Potter* is going to be playing the position of seeker
during the Hufflepuff-Gryffindor match. Don’t you find that *odd,* Dorcas?”

“I find it especially odd considering he’s been a *chaser* for three or four years, don’t
you?”

“Why, I certainly do! Do *you* find it at all odd, Lily?”

A palpable silence filled the room as Lily felt an invisible pressure squeeze all the air out of
her lungs, engulfing her body in translucent flames. Her palms began sweating profusely, dripping
languidly down her petite fingertips and soaking the crisp pallid cuffs of her robes. A million
scattered thoughts raced through her mind like a cannon, buzzing and flashing to the point of
insanity. A cyclone was lumbering through her head, bearing down on her with the tumultuous force
of the Hogwarts Express.

“ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT!! I’ll tell you!
Itoldpotterhecouldgowithmeifhecaughtthesnitchinsteadofbenjyatthequidditchgameonsaturday. You lot
*already* know, you just had to *humiliate* me,” Lily finally spat, not meeting her
predators’ gaze.

Two witches beamed back at her, eyes gleaming in triumph, exchanging identical looks of pure
satisfaction. The pair seated themselves on either side of the frenzied redhead, bouncing jovially
on the mattress and doing their best to conceal their caroused grins.

“Now, now, love, that wasn’t so bad- was it?”

“It’s not like we weren’t going to find out anyway, the whole school already knows.”

“The *least* you could do was tell us yourself-“

“Which we sort of *made* you do-“

“But we knew wouldn’t divulge-“

“So you really *forced* us to take action-“

“But we really wanted you to tell us yourself-“

“And you did! Sort of…“

“And we’re very proud of you!”

“Despite the fact that you lost your dignity-“

“Well, some of it remains, but you did drop a few pegs-“

“Just a couple notches-“

“An ounce or two really-“

“A trifl-OOF!!”

“Ha ha ha h-OW!! You don’t have to hit us!”

“I think I recall hearing ‘*you know you deserve it. For shame…’*” Lily mocked with a grin,
satin pillow in hand.

“So, really, Lily, finally decided to give Potter a chance?” Dorcas drawled as she awkwardly
pulled herself in to a sitting position, readjusting her opal frames, “The prospect of one gorgeous
Quidditch player’s affections not good enough for you anymore?” she added, twisting a strand of
flaxen hair around her finger.

“Yeah, you’re life is truly in shambles. If I were you, I’d just up and get myself snuffed.”

“What *is* the point of living-“

“Oh, shove it, the pair of you. You’re both simply jealous. I can see the traces of envy just
oozing out of your eye sockets.”

“Who *wouldn’t* be jealous? Two Quidditch gods engrossed in a heated battle of skill and
lust, bronze muscles gleaming in the blazing sun, sweat dripping gloriously from their sculpted
abdominals toward their hard-“

“ALICE?!!?!!”

“Brooms, people, *brooms.* Honestly, girls, get your minds out of the gutter.”

“*Anyway,*” Dorcas deferred, shooting a disapproving glance at the bawdy brunette to her
left. “Why the sudden change of heart?”

“I don’t know *what* you’re talki-“

“Merlin, Lily, it’s not like we haven’t noticed you peeking over your potions book at him every
night in the common room-“

“Or taking two hours to smear on lip gloss before *patrols*-“

“You certainly didn’t bother to take the time to curl your hair when you did rounds with
*Remus**-*“

“Or borrow my perfume-“

“Or change your clothes-“

“Or hog the mirror-“

“Or change your clothes *again-“*

“OH, SHUT UP! I do *not* like him, okay? There is nothing vaguely romantic about mine and
Potter’s relationship! It is strictly professional and that is how it is going to stay. You can
take this information or leave it, but it is not uncommon for the Head Boy and Girl to accompany
one another to a stupid dance, alright?”

“It’s just so ‘damsel-in-distress,’ Lily, I mean you’ve turned yourself in to a bloody
trophy!”

“This time last year you wouldn’t have given the poor lad the time of day.”

“Nonsense! Just because now I’d give him the time of day doesn’t mean I’m going to give him my
*clock*,” Lily scoffed, turning her back on the two pairs of rolling eyes behind her.

“Was that supposed to be funny? Some sort of clever euphemism, was it? Bravo, Lily. Well done,
love.”

“Oh, sod off.”

“Haven’t you got patrols again tonight?” Dorcas asked Lily with a twisted smile, her chocolate
brown eyes alight with laughter.

“Why, it just so happens I *do*,” the Head Girl snapped, hands planted on hips and chin
held high.

“And haven’t you patrolled *every* night this week?” Alice posed, her pink lips pulling at
a smirk.

“I suppose so…yes…” Lily replied, furrowing her delicate brows.

“And don’t *you* make up the patrol schedule?”

Lily’s face flushed with the intensity of a thousand suns, heat radiating from her violet visage
and baking her pallid features. She turned vehemently on her heel and strode toward the door,
whipping her head around for one last retort.

“I don’t have to take this anymore, I’m goi-“

“On patrol?”

“UGH!!!”

And with that she haughtily slammed the dormitory entrance behind her, knocking Marlene’s
propped broom to the floor in the process.

A/N: And there you have it. Another pointless chapter, but more characters are coming in to the
woodwork. More clues and more questions have been laid! (for those paying attention) : ) No,
they’re not the marauders, but girls can be funny, too. I PROMISE more marauders in the next
chapter, not too much longer to go!! Hope you liked, please review! Thanks a bundle!



6. Chapter Six
--------------

A/N: This is the longest chapter yet, I hope you can hang in there!! A LOT of stuff had to go
down in this chapter, so be prepared- it’s the one you’ve been waiting for!!! : )

CHAPTER SIX

A fervent sea of black and yellow intermingled with colossal patches of scarlet and gold swarmed
a thriving Quidditch pitch, teeming with anticipation at the upcoming match. The excitement was
palpable as clouds parted overhead, allowing scores of gleaming sunlight to flood the brimming
stadium, alive with roaring cheers and laughter.

While those around her chatted animatedly, talking freely without a care in the world, Lily
Evans sat a nervous wreck, watching the contents of the entire castle pour into the stadium with
unexpected zeal.

“Why are all these people *here,*” Lily hissed as she jammed her woolen cap over her eyes,
hoping to camouflage her conspicuous red hair.

“Merlin, the whole *castle’s* here- just look at all the teachers!”

“Well, there’s the usual Heads of Houses- Dorcas, you still on that bet with me?”

“Professor Sprout is *married*, there’s no *way* she’s shagging Flitwick!”

“I *swear* I saw them holding hands just now, look at that glint in her eye- she doesn’t
get that look when pruning Mandrakes…”

“Alice!” Dorcas squealed, rather forcefully snatching her omnioculars, “Let me see-“

“Get your own! Frank gave me these-“

“I’m not about to lose a bet without any proof-“

“Would both of you *shut up!* Who else is here?”

“Well, Dumbledore, *of course-“*

“To the *first* match?” Lily yelped in disbelief, jade eyes widening in terror.

“Naturally, and is that *Filch?”*

“Look, even Madame Pince is here! I didn’t know she knew her way out of the library…”

“Does she even know what Quidditch *is?”*

“She’s probably read a book on i-“

“*SHUT UP!* I don’t want to know about all the attendants in the crowd-“

“You *told* us to tell you!”

“Well I changed my mind,” Lily snapped at the blond to her left, “*Why* are all these
people here???”

“Why do you think? They want to know the outcome of *the bet*. Why else would so many
people come to the first match of the season? There’s more people here now than at last year’s
*Cup.”*

“How do all these people *know???”*

“You really aren’t as bright as you claim, Lily. Quite thick in the head sometimes, eh, Dorcas?
DORCAS??”

“Hmmm?” the fair-haired witch finally replied, snapping her head in Alice’s direction. She had
been rather preoccupied with her ‘stolen’ set of omnioculars, standing on tiptoe and searching the
muddled crowd, ducking and weaving around the horde of students surrounding her, blond ringlets
bobbing in tow.

“What were you do-“

“Anyway,” Lily cut her off, “I don’t see what the big deal is; it’s just a bloody game.”

“*Just* a bloody game? Lily, the two hottest Quidditch players in the *school* are
fighting over you! It’s bound to be a grotty bloodbath! Who wouldn’t want to see it?”

“Well, I for one, think it’s positively barbaric-“

“That’s what makes it great!”

“But It’s absolutely breathtakingly romantic,” Dorcas added in a dreamy voice, brown eyes glazed
over behind her pearly frames.

“Romance takes place between *two* people- not a blooming crowd!”

“Well, depends on where you’re from and how you swing, that’s just *your* personal
definition-“

“That’s disgusting!”

“Oh, come off it, Lily, why do you think witches even *go* to Quidditch matches-”

“Yourself included, might I add,” Lily’s open mouth, set to retort, snapped shut in a huff as
the Head Girl rolled her eyes.

“To see the deliciously attractive male body operating in perfect form, of course! Except for
Marlene, but we’ve always thought she’s been a bit of an uphill gardener…”

“ALICE??!?”

“Well, it’s true! Females just don’t *go* with Quiddi-“

“I beg to differ,” came a sudden voice from behind.

“Remus! What are you doing here?” Alice shrieked, swatting the Marauder on the arm.

“At the match? Well, I was on my way to Charms and took a few wrong turns. Wound up here- isn’t
that odd?”

“Oh, Remus, you cheeky prat! I meant in this particular section. Aren’t you normally pinning
Sirius down?”

“Not in a physical sense- I don’t swing that way, love- but his commentary could use a
censor.”

“You *know* what I meant,” Alice drawled to a grinning Remus, accompanied by Peter, who was
out of breath and wearing a considerably large cap with a furry black tail.

“What is *that?”*

“And what’s it doing over here?”

“That’s Peter, he’s a ‘friend’ of ours that likes to hang around- kind of like a puppy, only a
tad bit messier. Maybe not quite as bright.”

“NO, Remus, what’s that on his head?”

“Oh, that-“

“It’s a *badger,* thank you very much,” Peter jeered with his nose stuck in the air, Remus
rolling his eyes all the while, “And Gwendolyn wanted me to wear it. Said she’d go with me if I
did.”

“Gwendolyn *Bones?* Edgar’s sister? She actually agreed to-“

“It’s not really relevant, I actually stopped by to check on a *different* wager, under an
amicably larger set of conditions,” the sandy-haired boy said with a smirk, cutting his eyes
sharply to the right.

“Oh, Remus, no one wants to talk to you. You either, Peter, you’re not even supporting
Gryffindor!”

“So is that who you fancy then, Lily?”

“I never sai-“

“Ah, but you just did,” Remus interjected in the softest of tones, his blue eyes twinkling in
the beams of refracted sunlight.

“But-“

“EH-EH-EH- HEM!! LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, BOYS AND GIRLS, HUMANS AND SLYTHERINS-“

“Black!” McGonagall yelled from her usual third row seat in the top box.

“YES, ER- ANYWAY, IT’S TIME FOR A *VERY* SPECIAL MATCH TODAY ON THE GOOD OL’ HOGWARTS
QUIDDITCH PITCH. LET’S JUST SAY MORE THAN THE CUP IS UP FOR GRABS TODAY…” Sirius’ voice boomed over
the now silent crowd, soon followed by thunderous applause.

“Oh, what is he doing, Remus? Shouldn’t you be over there??” Lily pleaded with poignant eyes,
looking at the Marauder in desperation.

“I think I’ll get just as good of a show from this end of the pitch,” he said with a grin.

“AND HERE THEY COME, FRESH OUT OF THE GATE, OUR NOBLE CAPTAINS (*AND WOOERS)* MARCH THE
FIELD FOR THE SHAKING OF HANDS, AN OMINOUS GLEAM IN THEIR EYES AS THEY DRAW CLOSER TO ONE ANOTHER-
THE TENSION PALPABLE AS-“

“Black! Just report the *game*, it’s not a bloody romance novel!”

“I beg to differ,” he said with the flick of his wand, his tone indignant as he whipped his head
back to the players below.

“ER- ANYHOW, POTTER AND FENWICK EXCHANGE FRIENDLY GREETINGS, I ASSUME, THOUGH I WASN’T ACTUALLY
DOWN THERE. IN ALL PROBABILITY IT WAS LIKELY TO BE A RATHER NASTY EXCHANGE, CONSIDERING THE PAIR IS
CURRENTLY FIGHTING OVER A GIRL. AND THAT’S WHAT DAMES’LL DO TO YOU LADS, TURN A PERFECTLY FRIENDLY
GAME INTO A BLOO-“

“Oh, for heaven sakes, Black! Am I going to have to take that thing away from you??”

“ERM, NO, PROFESSOR….’S WILL BE COMPETING IN TODAY’S MATCH. STUDENTS ONLY,” the Marauder
recovered with rapidly darting eyes.

“Is Sirius high?”

“It’s hard to tell anymore,” Remus droned with his head in his hands, exhaling a deep sigh.

“MOVING ON, MADAME HOOCH IS NOW ON THE FIELD, LOOKING LOVELY TODAY MIGHT I ADD- WHAT? IT WAS
JUST A COMPLIMENT? I CAN’T GIVE THE TEACHERS COMPLIMENTS? YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO LIKE IT WHEN I DO IT
FOR YO-“

There was a loud squelching noise coming from the top box, causing the entire crowd to cover
their ears in fear of losing the ability to hear.

“THE GAME WILL NOW COMMENCE, AND ANYONE LOOKING FOR A GOOD TIME MONDAY NIGHT CAN STOP BY THE
TROPHY ROOM WHERE I WILL BE RESIDING, THANKS TO A CERTAIN TRANSFIGURATION PROFESSOR…. BE THAT AS IT
MAY, HERE’S OUR STARTING LINE-UP:

“FOR HUFFLEPUFF WE HAVE KEEPER EDGAR BONES, FOLLOWED BY CHASERS EMMELINE VANCE, IRENE DENHOLM,
AND KEVIN WHITBY. BEATERS SEAN PEAKES AND GREGORY MACMILLAN CONFIDENTLY FOLLOW SEEKER AND CAPTAIN
BENJY FENPRICK- IT SLIPPED, I PROMISE! LOOK AT MY PARCHMENT, THERE’S A TYPE-O!”

A choir of angry voices booed and hissed in unison, clad in all things black and yellow.

“AT ANY RATE, HERE COME THE 1974 HOUSE CUP CHAMPIONS, IN ALL THEIR SPLENDID GLORY! IT’S THE
GALLANT AND NOBLE GRYFFINDORS, DRESSED IN REGAL ROBES OF GOLD AND SCARLET, BROOMS GLEAMING IN THE
LIGHT OF THE MAGNIFICENT SUN WHICH SHINES DOWN UPON US THIS FINE SEPTEM- OW! DON’T HIT ME! WHERE’D
YOU GET THAT *NEWSPAPER?* I’M GOING, I’M GOING!

“THE IMPENETRABLE LINE-UP READS AS FOLLOWS: THE CANTANKEROUS KEEPER DAVY GUDGEON, PROTECTED BY
BILIGERANT BEATERS GIDEON AND FABIAN PREWETT, OUR BOLD AND DARING CHASERS MARLENE MCKINNON, ALBIN
ASTRIX, AND *CARADOC* *DEARBORN,* REPLACING OUR FEARLESS CAPTAIN AND EXPERT
*SEEKER-* RETURNING AFTER A FIVE YEAR ABSENCE IS NONE OTHER THAN THE ONE, THE ONLY, THE
VALIANT AND CHIVALROUS JAAAAAAAAAAAAAMES POTTER!!!!!”

The crowd surrounding Lily stood on its feet in wild animosity, cheering and clapping with a
deafening roar. Lily’s nerves began to get the best of her as she saw the kickoff from the field,
the captains taking off a bit more fervently than the remainder of their respective teams. She
tried to hide herself within the crowd, whose collective eyes continually glanced in her direction,
followed by smirking whispers and avid giggles.

Alice and Dorcas were not much help, calling the attention of those around them that the Head
Girl was in their midst, ‘blushing like a madwoman.’ The players began their tumultuous flight,
immersing themselves in a violent and turbulent battle their captains forced them to engage in.
Lily couldn’t help but wonder if what she did was wrong, placing herself in the middle of two human
beings’ affections.

On the one hand, there’s Benjy- the golden boy with the beautiful ocean blue eyes and wavy
chestnut hair, never a stitch out of place. He was a few inches taller than Lily with a nice, toned
physique. One Alice would surely be proud of. He was quiet and well-mannered, a prefect for three
years running. Most thought he was a shoe-in for Head Boy, but respected him nonetheless for taking
Bagman’s post as Hufflepuff Quidditch captain fifth year.

Benjy never fought, never pulled pranks, never did anything juvenile or childish. He was so
distinguished and handsome, showing kindness to those clearly inferior to his prowess. His most
amicable feature was his dazzling smile, a mouth full of polished white beauty that shone brighter
than Jupiter on the clearest of nights. Indeed, many thought him perfect.

On the other hand, however, was James- the cheeky wanker that’s always been up to no good. He
had good intentions of course, but hardly acted on them. James was tall and broad shouldered, a
once skinny lad that had developed a healthy muscle tone. His hair was the color of darkest night
and always seemed untidy, usually of its own accord. He had hazel eyes that sparkled behind golden
glinting frames, shining their brightest when Lily came around.

He and Lily bickered like children. He hexed those he thought were deserving. He was sarcastic.
He could be arrogant. He got detentions every other day. But he was loyal, and quite intelligent
too (hence the arrogance). He had personality that’s for sure. And he loved Lily with all his
heart. So who should Lily choose?

Deep down the redhead already knew. She knew what she wanted. She knew who she *should*
choose and she knew who she *wanted* to choose. Lily was a logical girl, and love was such an
illogical thing. So instead of deciding for herself, she left it up to fate. A Quidditch match.

A/N: Hahahaahahaha I know I’m so horrible! I had planned on having the entire match in one
chapter, but I had to leave you wanting to come back for more! Yes, it’s terrible but don’t look at
me like that! You’ll get your fix in the next installment, I promise. DON’T HATE ME!!!! Hope you
enjoyed anyway- please read and review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



7. Chapter Seven
----------------

A/N: Alright ladies and gents, a day or two off schedule but here it is, the “long” awaited
chapter seven!!! The REAL chapter you’ve all been waiting for (tee hee). In all honesty I
*had* planned on six and seven being one chapter, but when I started writing it it was over
double the length of the others, and a break in the middle was just funny to me : ) Anyway, I hope
you enjoy! MAJOR plotlines in this chapter, this is the key to the ending after all. Read and
review, please please PLEASE!!!

(p.s.- there is a *teensy* bit of language in this chapter and I can’t remember what it’s
rated, so you HAVE been forewarned…)

CHAPTER SEVEN

There it was. Gleaming in the distance, that familiar golden sparkle that had always drawn him
in, like an ardent wave to the beckoning shore. He watched in rooted splendor, lost in the glinting
familiarity of his coveted prize. He gazed at the illustrious treasure, longing to close his arms
around it- winning the heart of the woman he desired more than any other.

He continued to stare at its graceful form, veiled within a fiery sea of chanting fans. His mind
urged him to touch it. To reach out for its shimmering wonder, calling him to catch it. He closed
his eyes and reveled in the beauty of its luminous charm, imagining feeling the supple softness
beneath his rigid fingertips. It was Lily.

Yes, he should’ve been searching for the snitch, prowling the skies with a razor-sharp stare
like that of his formidable counterpart, who was currently sweeping the pitch like a golden arrow-
the ‘golden boy.’ But he couldn’t take his mind off the eye-catching redhead cowering in the crowd,
surely sporting a flushing shade of scarlet.

James turned his focus back to the game, watching the grueling bloodbath taking place before
him. His troops were fighting with fervent vigor for their indomitably noble captain, transforming
the normally pleasant pitch into a dark and vicious warzone. He leaned forward on his slender
broom, the polished wood pressing firmly back against his coiled fingers.

The Head Boy took off like a cannon, zipping through the air with the force of a gunshot, his
black hair rippling in the breeze- causing Benjy to wildly jerk from his careful concentration.
James shot a smirk behind him, clearly bluffing at the sighting of the snitch, and felt they were
back on an even playing field. But no sooner had James looked behind him, he witnessed Benjy
whizzing the opposite direction, hand outstretched and aching to wrap around the fluttering golden
ball.

A blanket of silence fell over the crowd like a dense and steamy fog, immersed within its
deafening grasp. Hundreds of eyes amplified in eager anticipation watched with baited breath as
Benjy lunged frontward in slow motion, reaching desperately for the jewel that would complete his
flawless crown. James tore down the field behind him, barely visible to those below- a scarlet blur
of furious determination.

A trembling finger lightly brushed the shining surface, aching to capture the winged treasure,
slowly clasping around its sparkling edges when it was forcefully released. Two figures had
collided mid-air, tangled in a heated struggle, brutally attacking the other in the scuffle for the
snitch. One seeker struck the other with his fist, nearly knocking him off his broom in the
process.

In retaliation, the injured seeker rammed the sharpness of his wooden handle into the chest of
the other, sending him spiraling backward into the motionless stands. The snitch left free for the
taking, the boy delicately reached his arm out toward the hovering miniature sphere, his eyes
hungry with lust and desire. Closer and closer he stretched, able to see his reflection in its
infinitesimal gleaming exterior.

Like a flash of lightning a bronzen hand from nowhere swiftly seized the incandescent floating
orb, enclosing the golden snitch in his grasp, feeling the winged beast struggle frantically within
the palm of his hand. Leather glove still outreached, but terminally empty, the defeated seeker
stared daggers at the victor, feeling his heart crash and burn on the empty ground below. He batted
his dark blue eyes in disgust, and cursed Potter’s name under his ragged breath. James had caught
the snitch.

“MERLIN’S CROTCH, HE DID IT! THE BLOODY BASTARD DID IT!!! WE WON WE WON WE WON!!!!”

“MISTER BLA-“ but before she could finish, Sirius had McGonagall in a bear-like embrace, giving
her a sloppy wet kiss on her shocked crinkled cheek.

The crowd stormed the field like a tribe of wild beasts, running and loping down the bleachered
stands and across the majestic pitch. A beaming James could be seen hovering mere inches above the
grass, fist held high in splendid triumph. A sea of gold and scarlet immediately surrounded him-
cheering and waving, laughing and singing, smiling and dancing- springing eagerly on the balls of
their feet.

A short time of celebration passed, the entirety of Gryffindor intoxicated with glee. The man of
the hour immensely enjoyed the attention, reveling in the shower of commendable praises and vastly
encouraging remarks. But still, the picture was somehow incomplete.

James quickly spotted his fellow marauders, beaming up at him with shining eyes, yet could not
help but look for someone else. He finally spotted his target, slowly making her way through the
fervent crowd, pulling her collar up around her face and avoiding the eyes of the staring mob.
After swimming through a sea of commemorating Gryffindors, she sheepishly stood beside a grinning
James, not daring to meet his beaming gaze.

“Alright there, Evans?” James cooed with a cheeky smile, shooting a quick glance at the
marauders below.

Lily quietly hung her head, staring blankly at her muddy sneakers, pointing her toes inward and
scuffing the hollow ground.

“Why didn’t you just say *yes,**”*

He asked her his question in a mischievous tone, his hazel eyes alight with knowing laughter.
His cheeks were a rosy pink from the cool September air, and his wire frames had slid formidably
down his elongated nose, enabling him to gaze over the thin golden brims. James looked at his prize
with a lop-sided grin, sitting aloft his handsome windswept face. And for once, Lily was glad to be
looking at it.

“Alright, Potter,” she straightened up, her voice in a tone that read strictly business, “bottom
of the staircase at eight pm. Saturday evening. Don’t be late,” And she whipped her lengthy red
hair in the opposite direction, striding off toward the shining castle bathed in afternoon sun.

“She wants you, Prongs.”

“Oh, sod off,” James retorted, whacking Sirius in the back of the head with a scraggly bushel of
twigs, courtesy of his manicured broom.

On the outside she was neutral, although hardly congratulating the ‘winner,’ she could not
conceal her substantial embarrassment. Lily was losing a battle within herself, the battle to hate
James Potter forever- which she solemnly vowed the second day of third year. It had been easy to
hate him for a while; arrogance to her was such an appalling turn off. But his arrogance was fading
away…

She stood on the stone steps leading up to the castle, watching the remnants of crowd dissolve
to the rest of the grounds. James was heading toward the entrance now, walking the long winding
path from the near-empty pitch with the marauders in tow. She couldn’t help but think how cute he
looked, forgetting to change out of his robes and simply bouncing up the walk like a git.

The foursome made their way to the large mahogany doors, halting abruptly at the sight of Lily
apparently guarding them. James’ face broke into an even wider grin as he eyed the Head Girl with a
cock of his brow, leaning casually on the broomstick standing upright beside him.

“Not know how to open the doo- OW!!”

“Sorry ‘bout that, m’lady,” James apologized as he threw Sirius a warning look, who was
currently rubbing the back of his head.

“Do you know how many times I’ve been hit today, let alone this *week?”*

“It’s not like you didn’t deserve any of it,” Remus replied with a roll of his eyes.

“Don’t even get me *started* on YOU, you’ve got issues you need to work out.”

“*Tell me about it,*” he said through gritted teeth.

“Not *that*, that’s not a proper excuse-“

“*Oh,* it isn’t? Well, why don’t you try it then-“

James quickly stepped in front of the argument, hopelessly trying to conceal it behind his back,
and looked at Lily with an extremely forced smile, darting his eyes rapidly from left to right.
Peter simply watched the events unfold, carefully licking his Shifting Sherbet ice cream, and
nearly broke in to tears as a considerably large scoop fell to the ground with a ‘plop.’

“So, er- how’ve you been?”

“Since fifteen minutes ago?”

“Erm, well, yeah?”

“THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN HIT ME ALL THE RUDDY TIME-“

“WELL YOU SHOULD LEARN TO FILTER WHAT COMES OUT OF THAT DIRTY MOUTH OF YOURS-“

James felt his eyes lift upward in desperation, trying to keep the corners of his mouth pulled
in to a smile. Lily politely ignored the vociferous conversation behind him, tilting her head
slightly to the left and looking James in the eye. His gaze found hers and their eyes briefly
locked before Lily flushed and turned away.

“AND YOU NEVER PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF, YOUR BED SMELLS LIKE A BLOODY ZOO-“

“So- er, what are you doing out here?” James asked awkwardly, wishing with all his might that a
bolt of lightning would strike either him or the three idiots in his wake.

“Oh, well I just wanted to say congratulations,” she said in embarrassment, quietly walking
towards him, “and to give you this.” And Lily did something she thought she’d never do. She leaned
forward on the balls of her tiny feet and briskly planted a kiss on James Potter’s cheek.

She turned without a word and entered the silent castle, putting an end to the heated argument
that transpired on the near desolate front lawn. *Near* desolate, however, for a pair of
sinister eyes were watching from afar, blending in to the shadows of the neighboring pines. The
eyes continued to gaze at the stupor of the four marauders, watching their jaws drop in incredulity
as James slowly brought his hand to his dumbfounded face, gently pressing it against the
‘never-to-be-washed-again’ side of his bright blushing cheek.

A/N: Well, there you have it. MUCH more to come (and you thought it was over…) and LOTS more
marauder dialogue! Sorry for the wait, but this was another BIGGIE in the chapter dept, had to come
out *juuuuuust* right : ) Anway, sincerely hope you liked it and that it was worth the wait,
please read and review I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback!!!! <3



8. Chapter Eight
----------------

A/N: This installment is very dramatic, the most so far in the series. I promise more humor in
the next chapter, though. This is a very important segment, I really hope you like it!!

CHAPTER EIGHT

She clutched her books tightly to her chest, feeling the dampness seep through her thin satin
robes billowing softly behind her. She continued down the long and gloomy corridor, barely able to
see her hand in front of her face for the lack of proper lighting. A handful of flickering torches
lined the stony walls, emitting an incandescent glow that bounced frightfully off the shining
knights of armor, looming menacingly around each corner- their weapons raised as if to strike.

Lily walked the familiar path to the dungeons three days a week for potions class and nearly
every evening for patrols, but the long and cavernous walk never seemed so sinister when James was
with her.

James.

The redhead turned her thoughts to the previous day’s events, a small smile playing on her rosy
lips. She was beside herself that James had won, although she knew he would, and recalled seeing
his beaming face, his hazel eyes glinting with joy and triumph as he hovered inches from the
ground.

That grin was different. Post victory he could usually be seen strutting around the pitch as if
he owned it, ruffling his hair and taking all the credit for a ‘team-effort’ achievement. But this
time was different. It was…*humble.* He was genuinely grateful for his win, congratulating his
fellow teammates and leaving the Gryffindor celebration early, well before the butterbeers were
even served. Nor did he revel in his eminent conquest, taunting the loser or berating his
opponent’s apparent lack of skills.

Lily had never seen James behave this way, and she mentally scolded herself for liking it. She
told her intruding band of friends the Heads’ relationship was strictly professional; it was
natural for James to escort Lily to the masquerade. It isn’t a sin for her to happen to
*enjoy* his company, was it? It wasn’t as if she was falling madly in love with him, they
fought like children! Or did they? Lily tried to recall the last argument she and James had
actually gotten in to, and had to stop abruptly in the middle of the dungeons to do so- tilting her
head slightly upward and placing an index finger beneath her pointed chin.

“So, Potter’s personal prize wasn’t a title well-suited enough for you? Had to turn yourself
from a ludicrous metaphor into the actual tainted object itself?” a hollow voice sneered from
beneath the ominous shadows.

Lily jumped a foot in the air, green eyes wide with terror as she jerked her head to the left,
long ginger tresses in tow, and nearly suffocated herself with the books she held so tightly
against her diaphragm.

“Don’t tell me you’ve become the next brainless member of the imprudently estrogen-based
organization that worships the very ground he walks on, batting their eyelashes in hopes of an
egocentric grin sent their direction,” the mysterious figure continued, greasy locks hanging
loosely about his sallow face as he slinked from behind a large woolen tapestry.

“Severus!”

“What brings you to this distinctly remote area of the castle, particularly without your
*valiant* escort for protection,” he drawled, narrowing his coal black eyes at the frightened
redhead quivering in his midst.

“I- I was returning these textbooks to Professor Slughorn; he wanted to speak with me about
another Slu- er, meeting.”

“For his pathetic society for the less-than-talented? You know, Lily, you wouldn’t even be among
the ‘coveted elite’ if it weren’t for our five years of esteemed partnership; let’s face it, a
mudblood like yourself with the mediocre skill you possess only remains an affiliate of your dismal
‘Slug Club’ because of your, how shall I put this?- *outward* appearance. Are you a desirable
accolade for Slughorn as well? Going to his office in the middle of the night to ‘pay your
dues?’”

“You disgust me, *Snape*,” Lily spat with green eyes blazing, her words dripping with
venom, “I don’t have to take this from you-“

“Just answer me this, Lily, why did you do it? Now you’re just like every other mindless witch
that blindly roams the halls with her head in the clouds and a pile of drool trailing after
*just* at the prospect of a go with that bigheaded imbecile. He’s so *arrogant*, Lily,
surely you can do better. Even Fenwick was a superior choice, albeit he couldn’t find his way out
of a paper bag-“

“He is *not* arrogant! And what’s it any concern of yours who I go out with? We’re the
heads of the school, it’s natu-“

“Oh, don’t give me that rubbish, Lily, who do you take me for? You’re only kidding yourself with
that dismal excuse, any idiot can see right through it. You’re just as bad as he is for placing
yourself in the middle like that- do you get a thrill out of watching others brutally fight for
your affections? Perhaps the death eaters *could* use a mudblood in their poss-“

But he didn’t get to finish.

Lily was furiously standing over a passed out Snape, having been hit squarely in the chest with
a body-binding hex, among a variety of others. Needless to say, he wasn’t going anywhere for quite
a while. Tears stung the corners of Lily’s blinking emerald jewels, sparkling amidst the crackling
flames of the solemn fiery torches.

Her body was rigid, shaking from the events that had just transpired, her mind buzzing with
fervor and ready to explode. She raced down the empty corridor, scarlet mane thrashing in her wake
as she desperately made her way back to the dormitories, her hand still clenched tightly around her
slender wand.

“Hahahaha, Sirius, *quit!*”

“Get back in th- OI!” Sirius yelled as Lily ran into him full force, knocking the pair to the
ground.

A startled-looking witch stared horrified at the brutal collision, smacking her dainty hands to
a set of blotchy pink cheeks. The raven-haired girl with striking blue eyes had been exiting a
cluttered broom cupboard, followed by a rather cheeky Sirius, after becoming *better
acquainted* with one another when the heartrending redhead came barreling down the corridor.

“Sorry!” Lily squealed as she clambered into a standing position, resuming her sprint down the
otherwise desolate hallway while Sirius and his date stared bewilderedly after.

The portrait hole in sight, Lily continued her mad dash to the dorms, streams of sorrow dripping
silently down her reddened cheeks as she rounded another corner.

“Lily?” a voice called from beside her, ringing in her ears as she halted to an awkward
stop.

The Head Girl turned around slowly with an air of defeat, gradually meeting her predator’s gaze.
She felt as though her spirit had been crushed, like a ghost now resided in her soul- a mere memory
of who Lily used to be. She longed for nothing more than to crawl in the nearest hole and die, to
be free from everything happening around her.

“Can I talk to you?” the young man asked flatly, shoving his hands deeply into the pockets of
his trousers and staring down at the regal carpet strewn upon the stony floor.

“Sure, Benjy,” Lily squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to hold back her
tears.

“I know you like that Potter bloke. We haven’t really gone out in ages, but I did genuinely like
you. *Did,”* he added ardently, not tearing his gaze from the floor, “All you had to do was
say ‘no.’ I’ve been turned down before, Lily, it’s not like I couldn’t handle it. But I didn’t
expect to have to go through *this,”* he scoffed, tiny waterfalls pouring down Lily’s poignant
face.

“I mean you *humiliated* me. How could you do that? What did I ever do to you? Other than
ask you out, which Potter did every day for six years- I mean, I just don’t understand it. Why did
you have to drag me into it? That was a sick game you played Evans, with a stunt like that your
Heads’ badge should be revoked,” and with that he strode off in the opposite direction, his
footsteps echoing down the isolated corridor leaving a sobbing Lily whimpering in his wake.

A/N: Poor Lily : ( That chapter didn’t have any humor at all! I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t mean
for it to pan out that way. But a little drama now gets you a LOT of marauders later! The next
chapter more than makes up for this one in the humor dept., a much lighter tone to offset the
drama. But it can’t be all fun and games. The end is in sight now, just a few more chapters to go!!
Please read and review!! The more feedback I get the quicker I’ll update! ; )



9. Chapter Nine
---------------

A/N: The long-awaited ninth installment! Mostly dialogue, hope you enjoy!!!

CHAPTER NINE

“Prongs, you’re pathetic, mate. I mean really *really* pathetic. Pass the jam?”

“He’s been like this for a week straight-“

“More like seven *years* straight. Pass the bacon?”

“You know, I can’t help but feel we’ve had this conversation befo- PADFOOT, drop that toast,
it’s *mine,”* Remus snapped from behind the latest issue of the *Daily Prophet,*
completely obstructing his view of the opposite side of the table.

“*How did you know I was taking anything?*” Sirius asked incredulously, shaking his tousled
locks and bugging his eyes out at odd angles.

“My unfortunate condition *does* have its advantages-“

“But not the ability to see through a bloody newspaper!”

“I have very acute senses, I’ll have you know, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out if
he’s dining with you he needs to guard his plate with a vengeance.”

Sirius rolled his eyes at this, not caring whether Remus saw him or not, and dropped his head to
his shoulder, turning his gaze to a depressed-looking James.

“You gonna eat that, mate? Thanks-“

“*Don’t* take advantage of him!” Remus scolded, flopping the corner of his newspaper in to
his lap, “Prongs, snap out of it. Eat something-“

“I’m trying!”

“Not *you,”* he countered as he flung a teaspoon of marmalade across the table, splattering
his target, “Come on now, Prongs, at least humor us-“

“*What the bloody hell is wrong with you?!?* You don’t go ‘round launching jelly all over
the place! You’re losing it, Moony, you’ve gone completely off your rocker! You need therapy of
some sort. I mean, you just gave me an oozing strawberry eye-patch for Merlin’s sake! Tell him,
Prongs-“

“He’s not going to tell anybody anything because for the past six days he’s been trudging around
the castle like a zombie!” Remus spat, crumpling the *Prophet* in the process.

“He’s *fine*- just a bit…lackluster,” Sirius mused, raising his eyes to the ceiling in
thought, “Quidditch takes a lot out of a bloke-“

“Oh, nonsense! That’s not the problem and you know it. You just like avoiding the issues-“

“Well, I’m tired of being a blooming therapist all the time! We’re not a bunch of girls. ‘Let’s
all talk about our feelings, let’s help Prongs fall in love, stop hitting Peter with things’- next
thing you know you’ll have us all painting our nails wearing frilly lingerie.”

Remus let out a sigh of exhaustion, slumping his shoulders in defeat with eyes glued to the
swarm of owls overhead. Lips pursed in annoyance, he glanced over at James- staring in to his
porridge with his nose hovering centimeters from the bowl, “So, you’re saying he’s fine?”

“Sure! Never better, right ol’ chap?” and Sirius slapped a cheerful hand to James’ back, sending
his companion’s face flying into his breakfast with a ‘plop.’ “Er…”

“Get him out of there, he’ll suffocate!”

The pair merely watched in horror as a few gloppy bubbles made their way to the surface, tufts
of jet-black hair sticking out the edges of the bowl.

Sirius gently tugged at the scruff of James’ neck, lifting his head ever so slightly as Remus
quickly shoved the porridge down the Gryffindor breakfast table, allowing Sirius to lay a sticky
wet face back on to its wooden surface, “There we go-“

“Yeah, Padfoot, he’s fine.”

“Well, what are we supposed to do about it! Whatever happened to ‘ignore your problems and
they’ll go away?’ Take Wormtail, for example-“ Sirius suggested, craning his neck over Remus to
view the noisy Hufflepuff table, where Peter was currently feeding Gwendolyn a mouthful of
toast.

“*You* were the only one that ignored him, other than when you were beating him with
things-“

“EXACTLY! I kept hitting him and kept hitting him, and he always came back. But when I began
totally disregarding his existence, he went away- just like that! Bloody brilliant!”

“I don’t think that’s how that works…”

“Makes sense to me.”

“So you’re suggesting you want James to go away?” Remus inquired with a raise of his brow.

“*No,* Moony, but his problems can sure hit the pavement. He seems to have a lot of
those-”

“He only has *one,* and we KNOW what it is! Me, on the other hand…” Remus trailed off,
shifting his eyes towards Sirius.

“Do you have a *problem* with me, Moony? Is that what you’re getting at? Cos we can take
this outside-“

“Oh, Padfoot, come off it. Let’s just get Prongs back in his regular state of mind, shall we?
You only have to don women’s underwear if you so desire-“

“Cute.”

“Yes, I think you would look rather dashing in a pair of high-rise bikinis. It’s the latest
craze in-“

“OH, SHUT UP,” Sirius barked, crossing his arms in a huff and refusing to look at his
counterpart, who was currently trying to conceal a lurid grin.

He did not succeed.

“Well, you’re the one that’s always ‘in tune’ with his feelings, what do you suggest?” Sirius
mocked, vigorously stabbing his fork in his eggs.

“Have you seen Lily?”

“No sense changing the subject now I’m on board-“

“No!” Remus hissed, burying his head in his hands, “I mean have you noticed she hasn’t spoken to
James since the match? I’ve barely even seen her since then.”

“Can’t say that I hav- look, just look at him over there! Acting like she’s his slave, feeding
him grapes while his head’s in her lap. Makes me sick, that does.”

“*Would you pay attention!* Why do you even care what Wormtail is doing, I thought you were
glad he’s been too occupied to hang around with us?”

“Well, it’s not fair he gets attention like that and we don’t! What’s his secret? How is the
little rat doing it?” Sirius bellowed, knocking over his pumpkin juice with the slam of his
fist.

“What are you talking about? You get attention like that all the time-“ Remus said in a state of
confusion, furrowing his ashen brows. Just then, a gaggle of witches proceeded to walk past the
table, giggling like mad and batting their eyelashes- one so bold as to run a dainty hand through
Sirius’ messy hair.

Remus rolled his eyes and threw him a pointed stare, raising his eyebrows as if to say ‘I told
you so.’

“Er, well, it’s- uh- not important…” Sirius mumbled, his face suddenly red, “You were saying?”
he added quickly, darting his charcoal eyes.

“That’s what I thought. ‘Not fair…’” Remus drawled, shaking his head in disdain. “Back to
Prongs-“ whose head was still glued to the long mahogany table, “We need to find out what Lily’s
deal is. I mean she *kissed* him on Saturday, *something* must’ve changed since
then-“

“Maybe she realized what a bumbling git he is-“

“*No,* someone or something has made her upset. And I doubt this time it was actually
James. Any suggestions?”

“Well here comes her posse now,” Sirius said as he jerked his head forward, causing Remus to
spin around in his chair. Alice and Dorcas were chatting animatedly as they made their way through
the Great Hall, sidling between the crowded Ravenclaw and Slytherin tables.

“Oi! Over here!” Sirius shouted, waving his arms wildly over his dark head of hair.

The pair snapped their heads to the left in unison, Dorcas beaming as she trotted up to the
three Marauders in excitement, Alice lumbering in her wake.

“Care to have a sit, love?” Sirius inquired, waggling his eyebrows at the frosty-haired
witch.

“I’d be simply delighted,” she gushed, picking up her robes and gracefully landing next to
Remus, who was now back to reading his newspaper.

“What do you want, Black,” Alice said flatly, plopping next to Dorcas without an ounce of
poise.

“What makes you think I *want* something? Can’t a lad have breakfast with two lovely dames
such as yourselves?”

“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you, Padfoot?” Remus droned from behind the *Prophet*,
eight fingers the only visible part of him.

Now, Dorcas was not an unattractive girl by any means, but she wasn’t exactly *a*ttractive.
Her spectacles were rather large and outdated, with lenses more than an inch thick. The only
make-up she wore was lip-gloss, a cranberry shade that clashed with her skin tone, and her hair was
a bit on the flat side. Long, blond hair was usually a wizard’s dream, but on Dorcas it just didn’t
meet par. Her frame was thin and wiry, concealed beneath excessively large robes, but her chocolate
brown eyes sparkled like rhinestones and her smile was just as bright.

“Now I *know* you want something,” Alice said blankly, helping herself to a bowl of
porridge.

“You might not want to eat that, tends to end up all over your face.”

“EXCUSE me?” Alice replied with blue eyes bulging, staring daggers at Sirius.

“Don’t mind him,” Remus said with an ardent stare, wishing he had another sock, “but we
*do* have a few questions for you.”

“If you’re asking about Lily, we don’t know either. Been shut up in our room for days,” Alice
finished without looking up from buttering her toast.

“She hasn’t said a word since Sunday, ever since she came back from Slughorn’s,” Dorcas said
dreamily, her tiny chin resting in her hand.

“Really? Interesting…” Remus pondered aloud, flicking his paper out rapidly to straighten its
crinkled pages.

“You know, I ran into her Sunday, or rather, the other way around. Pass the mash, love?” Sirius
asked Dorcas with a wink, to which she quickly obliged.

“When did *you* run in to her?” Alice asked with a scrunch of her nose, turning her
attention to Sirius, “And what happened to *him?”*

“It’s the porridge, I’m telling you. Dangerous stuff that is-“

“*Lily* is what’s the matter with him,” Remus interjected, nodding his head toward James,
“Hence, the inquiry,” he added, reaching around his paper to grab his tea.

“So, what were you up to Sunday evening then, Black?” Alice asked casually with a raise of her
brows, pausing before taking a sip of her pumpkin juice.

“Well, let’s just say I had a *meeting* in my office-“

“Let me guess- third cupboard, charms corridor?” Remus finished, smirking over the large printed
pages.

“That’s the one,” Sirius replied with a grin, lacing his fingers behind his head.

“What kind of meetings?” Dorcas shot, snapping out of her dream-like state as she bolted upright
in her chair, blond hair bouncing atop her shoulders.

“Rather hands on, they are. Quite tiring, too, might I add-“

“Well, if you didn’t have so many *clients…”* Remus cut in, rolling his eyes behind his
emaciated barrier.

“Oh!” squeaked the flaxen-haired witch as she jumped up from the table, exiting the Great Hall
at a sprint as the remaining members looked after, sporting looks of pure bewilderment.

A/N: Alright, now I know this is an odd place to end it, but the whole thing is WAY longer than
all the other chapters. So I split it into two parts! Sorry for the wait, I won’t be able to post
the rest until tomorrow : ( I know that’s so mean to you, but I think it’s mildly amusing : ) The
conversation picks up where this one leaves off, I’m positive there are atleast TWO more chapters
if not three. I’ve already written the epilogue (squee!) so I don’t know if that’s included. So the
home stretch is in sight!! Please review!!!



10. Chapter Ten
---------------

A/N: Alright you lot, here’s part deux to the breakfast conversation. Hope you enjoy!!

CHAPTER TEN

“What’s got her knickers in a twist?” Sirius asked, crinkling his forehead and arching a
brow.

“Well, it obviously isn’t *you,*” Remus said with a fleeting glance to his right.

“Not in a physical sense-“

“Oh, shove it, the pair of you. She’s upset cos she hasn’t got a date to the masquerade, and
considering that it’s *tomorrow* she’s rather touchy about the subject,” Alice snapped between
bites of bacon.

“But we didn’t even mention the stupid Slug Ball!”

“Doesn’t matter, Black, you don’t go flaunting how many girls you’ve snogged in front of one
that’s single. It’s called courtesy-“

“Well, how was *I* supposed to know!?”

Remus rolled his eyes and lowered the *Prophet,* turning his attention to the brunette
beside him, “I didn’t know Dorcas was in need of an escort. I would have gladly accompanied
her-“

“Oh, she doesn’t want a date-“

“Then *why* was I reprimanded for reveling in my female rendezvous??” Sirius asked in a
disgusted manner.

“He’s hopeless, that one,” Alice mused before continuing, “Sadly, I haven’t got a date
either.”

“How *is* Frank?”

“All I know is that he’s working closely with Dumbledore, some secret society he refuses tell me
anything about. The mere fact that I even *know* there’s a secret society is far too much
information, apparently. Be that as it may, I could really care less about finding someone to
escort me, but it *is* the last masquerade of our Hogwarts career and I didn’t particularly
want to go stag.”

“Some of us don’t mind it too much,” Sirius cut in with a cheeky smile, jabbing his elbow into
James’ ribs rather forcefully, knocking the Head Boy to the floor, “Er-“

“Is he going to be alright?”

“Who, him? Oh, this is just a James replica we made in Divination one day, rather boring in
there, you know- and we like to take it ‘round with us and mess with people’s heads. Peter likes to
sleep with it, quite odd actually-“

“Padfoot!” Remus snarled through gritted teeth, wrinkling the edges of his paper in tightly
clenched hands before returning his attention to Alice, “I’m sure he’ll be fine,” he said gently
with eyes narrowed at the wanker across from him, “and if you need someone to accompany you
tomorrow, I’d be more than happy to do it. We’ve been friends since our diaper days, Frank isn’t
likely to be jealous.”

“OH, Remus, you would?” the plump brunette gushed as she sprung across the table, enveloping the
wizard in a very painful hug.

“*It would be my pleasure,”* he wheezed as all the air was deflated from his lungs.

“OH, simply brilliant! You’re ace, Remus, just ace! I don’t know what’ I’d do without you!”

“Eat a pint of shifting sherbet in your room tomorrow night while lounging ‘round in your
dressing gow-OOF!”

“Sorry, Black, hand must’ve gotten away from me, there.”

*“Quite alright, love,”* Sirius choked out, slowly teetering back and forth like a
slinky.

“I’m going to go owl Frank, I know he won’t mind! I’m just not sure if he’ll even get my letter,
many of them come back unopened.”

“There’s dangerous things going on out there, Alice, and Frank’s probably in the middle of it.
I’ve been reading every paper I can get my hands on and not a one says that anything is other than
normal, which we *know* is definitely not the case. There’s a war brewing outside these walls,
and come mid-June we’re going to be facing it.”

“Oh, Remus…”

“But, I’m sure Frank’s peaches! He’s an intelligent bloke, little on the slow side, but bright
enough, yeah?”

“That was so helpful, Padfoot, I’m sure you really made her feel better. The therapist in you is
just coming out more and more all the time-“

“Well, at least I’m not scaring her with all this *dark and sinister war* rubbish! If the
*Prophet* says it’s fine, it’s fine. No need to worry your pretty little head about it,”
Sirius finished with a wink as he stealthily reached for Alice’s plate.

“You can have it, I’ve lost my appetite. I’ve got to run anyway, thanks again, Remus,” she added
with the quick blow of a kiss in his direction, “See you in charms,” and she strode off the
opposite direction, swiftly making her leave.

Alice raced up the winding path to Gryffindor, her black robes billowing ferociously as she
picked up speed. Scaring a clan of first years as she fervently rounded another corner, she nearly
tore a hole through the fat lady before stomping up the spiral staircase, brown locks swinging
wildly about her pudgy face.

“NOW, WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON HERE??” the brunette bellowed as she slammed open the
dormitory door, the mahogany aperture quaking violently against the patterned wall. Two witches
bolted upright in their beds, eyes wide with fear as they stared bewildered at the sudden intruder,
standing with arms akimbo in the entrance to the seventh year girls’ dormitory.

“Has everyone here gone *mad?* YOU-“ she turned her attention to the frozen redhead on her
left, pointing a stubby finger, ”have a boy pining over you downstairs that’s lost all function of
his body, and quite possibly the will to live because *you* won’t give him the bleeding time
of day. No one *cares* how you all got together, Lily; Gryffindor won the bloody match and you
made it a tad bit more interesting in the process, get OVER it! As for you, Meadowes, I don’t know
if it’s just your time of the month or *what* but you can’t just bury your head in your hands
and high-tail it the other direction every time someone mentions they’ve had a go with someone
other than *you.* So, you don’t have a date, big blooming bloody DEAL! No one gives a rat’s
arse, Dorcas, just go with it! Now where in Merlin’s name is Marlene??” Alice finished, releasing
all the air from her lungs. Her face was bright red and the witch was nearly doubled over, the
adrenaline once surging through her body screeching to a halt.

“We haven’t seen Marlene all morning, at least I haven’t,” Lily mumbled from beneath her
pillow.

“Well, that’s just perfect,” Alice spat as she flopped on to her four-poster, panting heavily as
her hand clutched her stomach.

“Everyone’s life can’t be as perfect as yours is, Alice,” Dorcas jeered from her corner, her
brown eyes glinting with malice beneath her opal frames.

“Yes, Dorcas, my life’s perfect. Wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s perfect hanging around a
depressed lot of females that never think of anyone but themselves. It’s perfect not ever knowing
where my boyfriend is, doing Merlin knows what while I’m stuck here in this glorified prison. It’s
perfect waiting every day to hear from him, only to find my owl come back empty-handed. It’s
perfect being the heifer seen walking around the bustling corridors with the skinniest witches of
Hogwarts. It’s perfect going to the masquerade with my old friend instead of the love of my
life-“

“At least someone *asked* you!” Dorcas shot from the other side of the room.

“Well, I’ll have you know he asked for *your* hand first. I was merely an
afterthought.”

“He did?” Dorcas squeaked, slowly bringing a petite hand to graze her blushing cheek.

“Yes,” she snapped, turning over her crumpled comforter plastered with turquoise appliqués, “and
it’s too late now, I’m going with Remus and you can’t stop me. And as for you, Lily, you’d better
get out of whatever funk you’re in by eight p.m. tomorrow- that boy won a bet and you made yourself
his prize. Now whether your relationship remains ‘ strictly professional’ or not is entirely up to
you, but if you think people are talking about you now it will only get worse if you stand him
up.”

Lily pondered these words carefully, her long, straight hair flowing gently over her shoulders,
spilling on to the pillow she so tightly held to her chest. Her feet scrunched underneath her,
settling under her buttocks as Lily pulled the crumpled sheets around her shivering frame. She
eased back onto her headboard, slowly shifting her gaze to the circle-top window, staring at the
pane rather than the grounds below. Transfixed on the glass, the Head Girl missed the lean figure
slinking towards the entrance, auburn locks rippling in the breeze as another graciously opened the
large, wooden doors.

A/N: Two more chapters to go!!! Are we excited? Not much to move the plot along there, but
several things had to take transpire for everything to fall into place in the end. Seems like
everyone’s depressed, besides Peter, and that’s no good! James really hasn’t had much to say these
past two chapters, but I guarantee he’ll be back in on the action in Ch. 11. This is *his*
story after all (in part). Anyway, hope you enjoyed it, I want lots of reviews!!! : )



11. Chapter Eleven
------------------

A/N: This was a gas to write, hadn’t had a chapter like this in a bit. Anyways, hope you enjoy,
PLEASE REVIEW!!!!

CHAPTER ELEVEN

He felt the frigid water pierce his skin, raining fiery needles against his muscled physique as
countless tiny waterfalls flowed freely down his unclothed form, only to splatter relentlessly
against the stone basin below.

James stood defeated in his icy shower, letting the water hit him with a vengeance as he stared
blankly at the rippling curtain, his mind a thousand miles away- or rather, a spiraling staircase
over.

He finished his bathe and rumpled his hair- long, dripping locks of darkest night that hung
loosely about his hazel eyes. He looked up at his reflection, delicately placing his bullion frames
atop his lengthy nose, and sighed at the doleful face that stared blankly back.

It was Saturday evening, 7:45 p.m., and he had not heard one word from Lily in exactly seven
days.

He hadn’t gotten one look, one stare, one glance, one eye-roll, one sigh, one purse of the lips,
one anything. He was desperate for any kind of attention, whether it was positive or not. It was as
if he had vanished from the face of the earth, and the only being that could revive his dying soul
was her.

He reached to the table setting to his right, knocking aside the tangled toothbrushes knotted
within a lump of dental floss, and wrapped his callused hands around an ancient piece of parchment,
the corners tinged with ashes from a prehistoric flame.

He gently opened the deepened creases, smoothing it out gently on the marble sink, and looked
for that familiar tiny dot his eyes had always searched for- ‘Lily Evans’, Gryffindor dormitory,
west staircase, seventh floor.

He softly ran his finger over the blackened speck, slowly shutting his eyes before carefully
re-folding the parchment and tossing it aside, landing with a ‘clunk’ among the disorganized array
of miscellaneous toiletries.

James shuffled down the stairs dressed in his finest scarlet robes, embroidered with eminent
traces of gold about the cuffs and collar. Every witch in the bustling common room swooned at his
appearance, collectively thinking he had never looked more dashing. His hair was windswept in the
most appealing manner, beckoning to have a dainty hand run through its darkened tresses. Indeed, he
was undeniably handsome, but the sparkle that had once vacated his twinkling hazel eyes was
anywhere but present.

“That’s a boy, James! Well done, old man,” Sirius beamed, clapping a hand to his back.

Remus faked a planted smile, glad to see James out of bed, but worried about his date’s
appearance. He wore robes of ocean blue, tiny stripes of earthy sky visible along the ample seams.
Sirius donned a wicked grin beside him, wearing fitted charcoal robes, offset with a lining of
magenta.

“You know, Padfoot, you’re really not that many steps away from wearing frilly lingerie…”

“What are you getting at, Moony?” Sirius scoffed, looking Remus up and down with tightly
furrowed brows.

“Your *robes.* You are aware you’re sporting pink?”

“It’s not pink, it’s *magenta*,” Sirius retorted, drawling out each syllable.

“Yes, magenta- a shade of *pink.”*

“It is not!” Sirius dignified, wildly searching his robes, “The woman at the shop said it was
magenta!”

“That’s correct, but it’s all in the pink family-“

“No, it isn’t!”

“How would you know, Padfoot, you’re colorblind,” James spoke up for the first time in days, a
small smile tugging at his lips.

“Well, we all had to make sacrifices for *somebody*,” Sirius hissed, rounding towards
Remus, “Being a dog isn’t all kibbles and bits, you know.”

“You gave up the ability to decipher colors for *me*, how touching…” Remus lamented as he
dramatically placed a hand to his chest, raising his eyes to the ceiling and pretending to wipe a
tear.

“Oh, SOD OFF,” Sirius spat, crossing his arms in a huff to conceal the flaming pink. “The shop
lady said I looked absolutely dashing, the most strikingly handsome thing she’s ever seen. And I’d
have to say I agree,” he finished hotly, sticking his nose up in the air.

“Well, maybe ‘absolutely dashing’ for a girl…”

“SHUT UP, *Moony,* no one cares what *you* think. And besides, it’s not up to you,
it’s up to the *ladies,”* Sirius drawled, shaking his head quickly back and forth.

“Whatever floats your boat, I suppose. Which I’m assuming would be men-“

“ARRRRRGH-“

“Eh- eh- eh- hem,” a female voice echoed from the top of the stairs, causing Sirius to freeze
his fist in mid-air as the trio below snapped their heads to the right.

Alice was wearing a tea-length dress of sparking periwinkle, showing off her dainty ankles. The
color was perfect for her eyes, bringing out the dazzling glossy irises that shone through to the
ceiling. Her light-brown hair was short and sleek, bouncing about her chin as she bolstered down
the stairs.

“Wow, Macmillan, you clean up pretty good for an eleph- OOF!”

“You look smashing, Alice,” Remus grimaced as he removed his elbow from Sirius’ gut.

“Thanks, Remus, wouldn’t be here without you,” she gushed as her eyes crinkled with glee. “Shall
we go, then?”

“Well, er, I dunno…” Remus mumbled as he threw a pertinent glance to his left, watching James
fiddle nervously with his robes.

“And where’s your date, Black?” Alice shot with hands on hips, staring pointedly at the wizard
in pink. Sorry, *magenta.*

“My *dates* are currently waiting on tenterhooks for my debonair prowess to waltz elegantly
through the majestic front doors.”

“So, you’re meeting the harlots downstairs,” she said flatly, drooping her eyelids with
disgust.

“If that helps you,” Sirius sneered, trying to conceal a smirk.

“Well lets not keep the little *witches* waiting,” Alice intoned, turning on her heel to
exit the common room.

At that moment Peter came tumbling down the boys’ staircase, donning oversized robes of mustard
yellow. He awkwardly clambered down the stairs, fastening several maroon buttons as he nearly
tripped over his stubby feet.

“What the *hell* are you *wearing?* It looks like you mugged a bloody
canary!*”*

“I could say the same thing to you, Padfoot- is it gender bender day?”

With the swift flick of a wand Sirius turned Peter’s face a vibrant shade of eggplant,
complementing his colorful robes but clashing horribly with his buttons.

The group at the bottom of the stairs stood shock-still with eyes wide-open, mouths agape at the
events that had just transpired before them.

“The color’s not *that* bad, is it? Oh well- doesn’t matter, I’m going to be late for
Gwendolyn!” Peter squeaked as his portly body scuttled out the portrait hole.

“*Padfoot, what did you do?!”* Remus hissed as his eyes bulged out like a goldfish.

“Well, he shouldn’t have pushed my buttons like that! Stupid git deserves what he got. ‘Snot my
fault he didn’t notice.”

Remus smacked a hand to his face, exhaling deeply with a roll of his piercing blue eyes, “Let’s
just get on with it then. Far be it from me to ruin the lad’s time- after all, if anyone should
tell him it should be *you*,” Remus added, narrowing his eyes at a puffed-up Sirius.

“*I’m* not telling him anything. Gwendolyn seemed to like him the way he was before, for
reasons still unknown- if anything I improved his appearance.”

“You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

“I do, Moony, I do- but typically I hear that after a meeting in a broom cupboard rather than an
the bottom of a staircase. First time for everything, I suppose-“

“Well, with that outfit I know it’s not the first time you’ve heard it from a man-“

“*I hate you, Moony-“* Sirius said with venom, turning his gaze to his patent black
shoes.

“No you don’t, chap,” Remus returned with a grin and a wink, “Let’s not keep ‘em waiting! Come
on, Prongs, I’m sure Lily will be along. Right, Alice?” he goaded, offering her a nervous
smile.

“Oh, right- yes! Um, she’ll be down in a bit, no worries, love,” she replied quickly, not
meeting James’ eyes.

“It’s alright. It’s not like I didn’t expect this. Let’s just go,” James said with a forced
smile, deflating his chest and avoiding everyone’s gaze.

“Brilliant! I’ve got three brunettes, two blonds, and a redhead to attend to- not the one
*you’re* thinking of, Prongs- let’s hit it!” Sirius proclaimed with a smack of his hands as he
strode off with a sophisticated air, a hint of magenta billowing in his wake.

A/N: Okay, there you have it! I’m quite proud of this chapter- really fun to write it was. The
grand masquerade is next chapter, you’ll have to wait and see : ) I sincerely hoped you liked it,
I’ll have the next chapter up VERY soon, it’s all coming together!!



12. Chapter Twelve
------------------

A/N: I know I haven’t updated at my normal pace, so here’s two chapters for the price of one!
They fit together quite nicely, I believe- I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

CHAPTER TWELVE

Countless scores of flickering candles floated above a magnificent ballroom, swirling with an
ocean of regal gowns and costumes. Sparkling chandeliers twinkled in the moonlight that spilled
from the enchanted ceiling, casting beautifully eerie shadows on the occupants below. Masks of
every color obscured each dark visage, adding an air of mystique to the grand festivity underway.
Haunted tones of merriment blasted from the splendid walls- a puppet master to the throng of
gliding guests among the dance floor.

James stood among them, hands in pockets and face properly veiled, donning a small golden mask
that covered the rims of his glossy eyes of hazel, lost in trepidation. His gaze was unfocused,
transfixed on the luxurious empty staircase- looming menacingly in the hollow distance. An opaque
figure repeatedly trotted down the marble steps until vanishing out of sight- only to reappear at
the ascending balustrade to start the process over again.

The sea of shrouded faces enveloped James like a heavy fog, twirling about his motionless form
as the breeze dances through the leaves. He stood like a solemn effigy, hidden within the bobbing
waves- a flock of mysterious creatures waltzing about his statuesque composure. They glided up and
down in a rhythmic trance, a fluid stream of elegance guided by a ghostly melody. James stood alone
on his island, separated from the fervent crowd by unrequited want and longing, forever staring at
the staircase that would reveal his eternal love.

“Oh, look at him, Remus, somebody ought to go get him.”

“I agree, he can’t stay out there all night- he’d wait there past dawn.”

“Nah, he’s fine! Dancin’ it up out there! He’s having the time of his life, leave ‘im alone,”
Sirius discerned with the wave of his hand, leaning back in his wired chair to wink at a witch in
plum robes.

“Wow, *you’re* perceptive,” Alice shot with a roll of her eyes, resting her elbow on the
table.

“Not perceptive enough- you’re wearing a *ladies’* mask, Padfoot.”

“Crikey!” Sirius shrieked as he yanked off his feathery covering, tossing it at the back of a
Ravenclaw’s head.

“You know, I’m *really* starting to wonder about you…”

“Oh, sod off, Moony, it was a bloody accident! I wondered why that Hufflepuff broad looked at me
like I was some sort of swamp-thing.”

“That’s because you are,” Alice sneered, crinkling her eyes with malice.

Alice, Sirius, and Remus were sitting at a small round table, one of many strewn about the
palatial Hall. Each was covered in a silken tablecloth of gold or silver, trimmed in one of the
four house colors- sapphire, crimson, emerald, or amber.

“I don’t see what the big deal is, Macmillan- ‘least *my* friend didn’t stand *yours*
up-“

“Oh, so you think it’s *my* fault, *Black*,” she said with great distaste, his name
spurring off her tongue like the plague, “I tried to knock some sense in to her, quite literally
might I add, but nobody listens to me. I don’t know where *anyone* I dwell with is.”

“That’s odd…” Remus countered, furrowing his brows as he continued to watch James.

“Well, some friend *you* are then. ‘Least we got our bloke to show u-“

“Speaking of that, where are all these dates of yours, Black? I thought you had an army to
choose from?” Alice interrupted, sending Sirius a haughty glare.

“Clearly, you don’t know how this works. Macmillan, my dear, I have *several* dates, yeah?
Now, I can’t be seen waltzing in here with a gorgeous witch on my arm in front of all the others,
can I? Ends in jealousy, it does. Then they all come marching up to me telling me ‘I’m Sirius’
date- no, *I’m* Sirius’ date,’ and the whole lot starts hexing each other and ripping their
clothes off, and- wait, why was this a bad idea?”

“And you think Prongs is pathetic,” Remus droned with a pertinent glance to his left, feeling
his eyes graze the majestic ceiling in irritation.

“You’re sick, Black. No wonder you can’t keep a steady girl. Who’d want to be on the arm of a
barmy git like you-“

“*Anyway-“* Sirius interjected, charcoal eyes fixed in a stony glare, “I set
up…appointments, if you will, starting about half an hour after the shindig’s already started. This
gives me time to survey my respective escorts’ locations on the dance floor, which is usually
swarming by now. I wait ‘til they’re far enough apart and spend a few numbers with each bird ‘til
they’ve all had their go, and the best ones get accompanied-eh, hem- *elsewhere.”*

“How disgusting! I can’t believe you’ve gotten away with that for seven years and not a one has
jinxed your privates off,” Alice said in disbelief, turning to Remus with bulging eyes.

“Yes, I’ve witnessed this for quite some time. Let’s just say, with the caliber of women he so
delicately chooses, I’m honestly not surprised.”

“So they’re all duffers. Well I already knew *that*- you’d have to be to ask the git out in
the first place-“

“I don’t have to take this- I see a very saucy-looking Miss Fawcett simply *aching* to have
my attention. Be back in a jiff,” Sirius said with a wink as he gracefully rolled out of his chair,
striding toward the dance floor in an utmost sophisticated manner.

“He needs help, that one,” Alice intoned as she laid her pudgy cheek in her hand, her elbow
propped up on the sumptuous silver tablecloth.

“I’ve been saying that for years,” Remus mused with a smirk, turning his attention to the
brunette on his left, “So, you don’t know where any of your lot is? Lily wasn’t still in her
bed?”

“None of them were; I dunno if they all went to some pity-party in the dungeons or what. I don’t
even know if Marlene still lives wi- *Marlene?!?”*

Directly across from their quiet table, a laughing couple twirled across the regal floor- a
long, silver dress opening its petals like a flower in bloom, swishing elegantly along the
patterned ground. Glossy auburn locks were piled atop a slender face, blushing as a blond figure
spun her on the spot.

“MARLENE?”

“Oh- hi, Alice!” she gushed, rushing over to the tiny table.

“You *came?* I didn’t think grand parties were really your thing?”

“Well, they *weren’t,* but Edgar’s been teaching me how to dance,” Marlene said sheepishly,
fixing her eyes on her glassy shoes.

“*Edgar?* Edgar *Bones?”* Alice stammered in incredulity, gaping at the pair standing
before her, “You’ve been gone twenty-three hours a day learning how to dance with
*Edgar*?”

“Well, you gave Lily such a hard time about James! I knew you wouldn’t take it easy on
*me,”* Marlene spat, shaking her head so feverishly a brown tendril sprung out of place,
lodging itself in her sparkling mask, “We’ve been dating nearly six months.”

“*Six months??* Merlin, Marlene, were you not ever going to tell us? We bound and gagged
Lily for lesser crimes, there’s no telling what’s going to come of *this*.”

“I really don’t think they’ll mind, seems they already know…”

“Already know?”

“Well, I- er, told them.”

“WHAT? How come you didn’t tell me?” Alice raved, clutching a plump hand to her chest.

“Well, last year you were always off with Frank, and Edgar and I sort of realized we fancied one
another, and it’s not like I *didn’t* want to tell you, you just weren’t ever…there,” she
finished softly, glancing up at Alice with eyes full of regret.

“I see…”

“Don’t take it personally! I suppose I was rather secretive about it, and I do apologize,” she
added with blinking eyes, fluttering for forgiveness, “Forgive me, love?”

“Oh, I can’t stay mad at you, dearest,” Alice finally replied, softening her gaze, “I guess I’m
more surprised than anything.”

“I knew you’d understand! Well, we’re off to the rose garden; Slughorn’s really fixed it up this
year- they say there’s over a *thousand* twinkling pixies!” and with that Edgar gently took
Marlene’s hand and whisked her back on to the dance floor, giving her one last twirl before exiting
the royal ballroom.

Remus, having stayed considerably quiet during this encounter, chanced a look at his dismal
date, only to find her looking even more melancholy than before.

“Well, that’s just *perfect.”*

“Oh, it’s not so bad. I’ve had my suspicions for a while, but I figured you’d know more about
the situation than I.”

“No, it’s not that- I mean, other than her violating my trust and all- it just really makes me
miss Frank. I didn’t realize I missed out on so much by being with him. But I feel like I’m missing
out on even more by being away…”

“Well, why don’t you turn around, then?”

A/N: Mwahahahaha! Terrible place to end it, I know- but the other chapter’s already up, so no
worries, mates! Picks up *right* where this one leaves off. I like to keep the chapters at
similar lengths, and the whole thing is just TOO long for one. I know you’re waiting for some L/J,
hold on just a bit longer- it’ll be worth it in the end <3



13. Chapter Thirteen
--------------------

A/N: Episode II of Slughorn’s Masquerade. A lot of stuff is gonna be going down in the next two
chapters, so be prepared…

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“FRANK!”

Alice bolted out of her chair and wrapped her portly arms around the strapping man behind her,
wearing robes of midnight blue and the broadest grin you’ve ever seen.

“What are you doing here? Why, how-“

Frank put a finger to her lips and softly kissed her forehead, winking at a beaming Remus
sitting proudly at the table, “Dumbledore gave me direct permission. I’ve got the night off
tonight,” he finished with a smile, gazing intently on her twinkling icy pools.

“Oh, Frank…”

“Drooble’s?” he asked, holding out a tiny pink cube in his upturned palm, “They say it’s the
best,” he added awkwardly.

Alice laughed and popped it in her mouth, tucking the wrapper in the folds of her dress, “You
remembered,” she whispered, blue eyes brimming with tears.

“Our first date, I’ll never forget it. Dorcas told me you liked bubblegum- I think I bought
every piece that Honeyduke’s had.”

Remus watched the pair pop bright pink bubbles as they made their way across the dance floor,
giggling like mad in one another’s arms. Smiling to himself while his thoughts wandered about, he
was suddenly jolted back to reality when a figure plopped down in the seat beside him, nearly
knocking the tiny table off its legs.

“Merlin, Padfoot, you nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll return the favor next full moon,” he countered with a cheeky grin, sweat
pouring profusely down his brow.

“Fawcett wear you out?”

“And Cauldwell, *and* Vance, *and* Abbott, *and-*“

“Meadowes?”

“Yeeek, not- *MEADOWES?!”*

Sirius and Remus both stared at the ascent of the marble entrance, eyes glued to a dazzling
witch simply beaming by the wooden banister. She wore sleek black robes that fitted every curve,
sparkling in the glow of the candlelight. The bust of her flowing gown was trimmed in electric
pink, matching the feathered mask that complemented her pallid features. Her hair was a shiny
platinum blond, trailing her back as she drifted down the magnificent flight of winding stairs.

She languidly reached the bottom, greeted by a horde of wizards with fervently outstretched
hands. The Prewett boys took either arm and elegantly led her to the dance floor, both grinning
like crazy with blue eyes twinkling. Indeed, Dorcas had made quite an entrance.

“Wow, she looks fantastic,” Remus mused from his chair, slowly turning towards his
counterpart.

“Meadowes?”

“Yes, I believe we established that.”

“Look at all those codgers buzzing around her like idiots. I’m surprised Wormtail’s not over
there with his mouth open, a fat little plum bobbing around on a twinkie.”

“You never fixed that?”

“Nah, Bones didn’t seem to notice.”

“What’s a twinkie?”

“Aren’t you in *muggle studies?* That’s all they eat, Moony- twinkies and moonpies. It’s
great!”

“Some how I don’t think so…”

“Anyway- I don’t see how she can just dance with any smarmy old bloke that waltzes up to her.
Honestly, have some *taste-“*

“Well, aren’t you the kettle calling the cauldron black- no pun intended,” Remus finished with a
smirk.

“*No-* I’m just looking out for the poor bird. After all, I know how it fee-“

“*I* think you’re *jealous,”* Remus interjected, his lips pulling in to a wicked
grin.

“Ugh, jealous- absurd!” Sirius scoffed, not meeting Remus’ gaze as he scooted back his chair,
crossing his arms and glaring at the dance floor.

“Of course not,” Remus said with a hint of sarcasm, blue eyes twinkling with laughter, “I mean,
after all- you probably just know her better than any of those lads do. You’re a brotherly-type
figure in her life, that’s all. With Lily and I being prefects patrolling the corridors and Alice
off with Frank, and Marlene and James at Quidditch- and the fact that you’ve always hated Peter,”
Remus added indignantly, mentally scolding himself for acknowledging it, “I suspect you’ve probably
spent many an evening alone in the common room with Miss Meadowes. In fact, I’ll bet you know her
quite a *bit* better than those other blokes.”

“I know, right?” Sirius said in a shrill voice, missing Remus’ ulterior motives, “I mean, if
anybody should be dancing with her, it’s me!” he shouted, slamming his hands on the table and
standing up in a huff.

“Well, go get her, mate!” Remus beamed, eyes dancing with delight as he swooped his head toward
the thriving mass of merrymakers.

Sirius took off at an angry march toward the center of the dance floor, barreling through the
gaggle of lustful wizards in his wake. He stormed up to a giggling Dorcas, encompassed in the arms
of none other than Benjy Fenwick, wearing robes of striking gold and staring daggers at the
Marauder ahead.

“Alright, Fen*prick,* hand her over-”

“I don’t believe you have a say in who she dances with- as I recall, you have a variety of
wenches to pick from, Meadowes is a bit out of your league.”

“Yeah, like Evans was for *you,”* Sirius sneered, his charcoal eyes glinting like hardened
steel.

A flash of anger passed through Benjy’s ocean orbs, causing him to release a startled Dorcas and
meet Sirius’ glare, “I don’t think that’s any of your business, *Black,”* he finished coolly,
briefly glancing at the small crowd that began to gather.

“Well, if you weren’t such a puss at Quidditch maybe you could’ve bought yourself a date with
her, but seeing as how you lost out to James for Head Boy *and* Lily Evans- I think we all
know who the superior choice is.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Benjy shot, furrowing his brows as patches of red
seeped up his robes.

“Merely stating your track record, Fenprick- so, I believe if anyone is out of Meadowes’ league,
it’s *you.”*

“And what’s on yours, Black? ‘Arrogant goof-off that’s shagged the most witches Hogwarts has to
offer?”

“Oooh, the ‘golden boy’s’ got a mouth on him, does he? Not very ‘golden’ of you-“

“Shove it, Black, and go back to whatever whore you came in here with-“

“Not bloody likely! I’ll have yo-“

“Save it for someone who cares, Black, Doris and I are-“

“It’s *Dorcas,”* a stern voice corrected, brown eyes blazing from behind a feathered
mask.

“Er- right, well-“

“You bumbling git, you didn’t even know her name!” Sirius cried, his eyes lighting up with a
familiar spark of mischief.

“It’s not like it matters, they’re all the sa-“ but he didn’t get to finish.

Sirius had him pinned to the ground with a single blow, knocking the glinting mask right off his
handsome face. Suddenly remembering he had a wand, Sirius threw a hex at Benjy so fast he didn’t
have time to think. Knocked out cold, Sirius daintily stepped over the masculine torso lying in the
floor- brushing Dorcas off to the side while the crowd dispersed to the remainder of the dance
floor.

“Care for a dance, m’lady?”

“Do you have an appointment?” Dorcas asked flatly, staring at Sirius with arms akimbo.

“Well, erm- *no*, but-“

“Then I can’t help you then. Try looking up my office hours-“

“C’mon, Meadowes, I just saved your life!”

“*Hardly.* Fenwick is every witch’s *dream-* who cares if he didn’t know my name?
Neither do *you-“*

“Now, *Dorcas,* I’ve always known your name-“

“HA! Really? I’ve been ‘Meadowes’ since you first acknowledged my presence- which was *fifth
year*, might I add. We’ve been in the same house for *seven-“*

“Well, yeah, but-“

“And you wouldn’t have given me a second glance tonight if I didn’t look like *this,”* she
spurned, throwing a hip out to the left as she gracefully laid her hand upon it.

“But-“

“Do you realize I have been trying to get your attention for years, and you wouldn’t even give
me the bloody time of day ‘til we were stuck in a common room together with no one else to talk to?
It took you seven bleeding years to give me the look I’ve always longed for, and I’ve come to
realize you don’t deserve it!” Dorcas added with a stamp of her foot, crossing her slender arms and
turning the opposite direction.

Sirius’ eyes flitted about in a panic, his hand rubbing the side of his face in agony. He felt
his breathing become shallow and his heart palpitate as his brain searched for answers, gyrating
uncontrollably within his thick skull.

“I’m a shallow lowlife dirty rotter, alright! I admit it!” Sirius cried with his hands in his
hair, tufts of matted coal sticking out between his fingers, “Those dames I snog on occasion may
have all the bells and whistles, but they don’t hold a candle to you, Dorcas. I really did notice
you before fifth year, maybe not in the way you would’ve liked, but I took my lessons on women from
James- and you see how well that turned out,” he added sheepishly, his cheeks turning
uncharacteristically red, “I’ve- I’ve really enjoyed the times we’ve spent together, honest- and
I’ve really never seen a pair of eyes as pretty as your own. Even behind your glasses- they just, I
dunno, do something for me…”

And Dorcas lunged at Sirius with every fiber in her tiny body, planting her mouth on his with
all her might. Sirius grabbed her up in his arms and whirled her about the flourishing dance floor,
never parting sanctioned lips as they spun in unexpected bliss.

James watched this from his rooted spot, a sad smile playing on his lips as he gazed through
glinting frames. They were merely meters away, spinning to a halt when Sirius caught James’
eye.

“Alright, Prongs?” he called with a caroused grin, blond tresses whipping about his blotchy
face.

“Yeah…”

Suddenly the room grew deathly quiet, a soft collective gasp rising from a chorus of masked
affairs, staring at the flight above. James quickly turned his gaze back to the regal staircase,
his eyes landing on a shadowy figure surfacing in the candlelight.

A/N: One more chappie to go!!! (plus the epilogue) I know you absolutely hate me for ending it
there, but it more than makes up for it in the end!!! I realize there has not been much L/J
interaction these past few chapters, but next chapter is IT. It’s THE ONE. The one this WHOLE story
was based on, and I guarantee it will make up for anything you find dissatisfactory. This story is
basically told from an outside point of view, the main characters deciding what to do based on the
suggestions and motives of *other* characters. So, I hope you enjoyed the banter between
Sirius and Remus/ Alice and Dorcas- along with Peter and Marlene on occasion. I really enjoyed
writing for them and I think they made the L/J story a bit more colorful. Plus, they were present
during the Maruader era- dunno if it was exactly like ‘I’ portrayed it, but I digress. Please read
and review- the best is yet to come!! : )



14. Chapter Fourteen
--------------------

A/N: Here it is, the LONG-awaited conclusion to “Strangers in the Night.” When I wrote this I
listened to the piano cover of Frank Sinatra’s classic (lyrics below [which I do not own]) that I
found on YouTube. If you really want to get in the mood you can listen to that while you read, (not
advertising- I did not post it) but that was what inspired me to write this fic in the first place.
I sincerely hope you enjoy. I’ll miss writing for this : (

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT

Strangers in the night exchanging glances
Wondring in the night
What were the chances wed be sharing love
Before the night was through.

Something in your eyes was so inviting,
Something in you smile was so exciting,
Something in my heart,
Told me I must have you.

Strangers in the night, two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello.
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away,
A warm embracing dance away and -

Ever since that night weve been together.
Lovers at first sight, in love forever.
It turned out so right,
For strangers in the night.

-Frank Sinatra

The crowd stood deathly still, frozen in time like a broken hourglass. The world seemed to have
stopped turning for a fleeting moment, all eyes turned to the woman on the stairs. No one dared to
take a breath as the sea of masked imposters parted the crowded floor, leaving an open isle to
reveal a man waiting at the other end- his hand gracefully extended as if inviting her to
dance.

A long, elegant gown flowed gently down the regal staircase, emerald jewels twinkling in the
glowing incandescence floating high above. All was quiet as she reached the splendid balustrade,
pausing to take in her mysterious surroundings. A beautiful feathered mask of onyx obscured her
lovely face, a hint of peacock rising from its plumed edge. Bright green eyes blinked softly behind
the partition, locking on the hazel ones directly across the way.

She faintly gathered the luscious silken material in her hands, jade crystals sparkling beneath
her supple fingertips. Curls of crimson shined elegantly in the moonlight, carefully arranged above
her slender form. Tiny footsteps echoed throughout the stylish ballroom, drawing nearer to their
target with each passing moment.

The events unfolded as if in slow motion. Time stood still as two lost souls found one another,
searching beneath an ocean of darkness pricked with twinkling stars, bathed in dancing candlelight
and beams of a crescent moon. Closer and closer the two figures became, hearts racing as a dainty
hand found his- fingers gently coiling around a delicate palm.

“You’re late.”

“Time must’ve gotten away from me.”

“I knew that excuse would come back to bite me in the arse,” James said with a small smile, his
eyes locked with Lily’s as they waltzed across the flourishing dance floor.

They danced in eerie silence, orange shadows bouncing off their masked visages as they twirled
about the room. His eyes were so close to hers she could see tiny jade flecks muddled within the
toffee brown. Swirls of chestnut swam around the pricks of gold, a tiny amber ring softly circling
the glinting green.

“I didn’t think you’d show.”

“Well, I lost a bet didn’t I?”

“I like to look at it as I won a bet,” he said with a smile, turning her in a circle to see the
sheath of sparkling emeralds fan out around her fitted form.

“Either way, my hand was forced.”

“Is that the only reason you came, then?” James inquired as the music slowed, bringing Lily in
very close. He held her hand up to his chest as they swayed underneath a magnificent chandelier,
the light reflecting off Lily’s placid olive orbs.

Their breathing became deep and shallow, two breaths becoming one as the haunted melody rang
throughout the exquisite Hall. Disheveled locks fell softly into James’ eyes as he continued to
gaze at his companion, searching her perfect face for an answer.

Lily quickly turned away, breaking the entrancing stare that had captivated her minutes before.
A million feelings imprisoned within her suddenly exploded, gushing throughout her body like the
bursting of a dam. Heat radiated from the inside of her cheeks and swarmed her milky complexion-
burning needles singeing every ounce of her fragile physique.

“You haven’t spoken to me for a week, what did I do?”

“James, I- it’s just-“

“Tell me, Lily,” he whispered in her ear, cupping her tiny chin in his hand as he lifted her
gaze to meet his own. Her glossy eyes slowly opened, raising poignantly to meet her accuser’s,
revealing traces of pain and sorrow with every passing blink.

“I don’t know what to tell you, James! I don’t! I don’t know what to think and I don’t know what
to feel, okay? I hurt a lot of people with what I did- God, it was so stupid! I toyed with things
that were none of my concern, and I did it all to save what’s left of my dignity-“

“What are you talking about?”

“I can’t like you, James, I just can’t! I swore I’d never fall for your childish advances,
Merlin knows I can do better. I don’t KNOW what I feel inside- I *should* be with someone
else, I should *want* someone else! Someone absolutely bloody perfect asked me to this dance
and I- I – I just couldn’t say yes. I should have said yes. Why? Because he’s flawless! He’s
charming, he’s smart, he’s sweet, he’s serious- he’s, he’s everything I should want. But I couldn’t
bring myself to do it. You know why? ‘Cos *you* were dancing around in the back of my mind. I
*should* want Benjy, I should BE with Benjy! But I’m not. I’m not because even though I should
want him, I don’t. I want more than that. I want unpredictability and sarcasm and cheekiness and
flaws and mischief and-“

“Then be with me, Lily. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted-“

“I can’t!”

“Why??”

“Because I just- I just… I feel….I should want perfect! What the hell is wrong with me? I should
want to be with the ‘golden boy’ and have the perfect life- the gleaming trophy on his faultless
shelf! But the only gold I find myself wanting is the gold that sparkles in your eyes- the hazel
orbs that haunt my very existence! I’ve always wanted perfect and I never dreamed I’d fall for
someone this far from it. The truth is- is- I, I don’t want a perfect life. I don’t want to be with
Benjy. I don’t even like Benjy! I don’t like you, I can’t like you, I- I don’t like you
because…because, James Potter, I *love* you-“

As the music hit its grand crescendo James pulled Lily’s glittering frame into his own, pressing
his warm lips onto her velvet pink ones. She felt the tenderness of his kiss, closing her eyes to
soak in the moment as beams of golden sunlight bursted from within her beating heart, inches from
another doing the very same.

Her hands felt the temperate satin slide beneath her fingertips as she worked her way to his
windswept hair, massaging the untidy strands of midnight bliss. An uncontrollable heat surged
through her body, flushing her cheeks with hidden pleasure.

James deepened their union with a flick of his tongue, feeling the moist warmth radiating from
her opened mouth. He stroked the small of her back, sweeping the delicate curves of her feminine
physique as he closed his eyes in forbidden ecstasy. The articulate waves surrounding the
once-graven statue now swirled around a harmonious one, now flooding the room with streams of
romantic delight- two strangers sharing love in the melodious starry night.

Far away a beaming clan of onlookers watched in splendid glee as James picked up his prize and
carried her to the marble stairs, the pair gazing longingly in to one another’s eyes as they
ascended the winding breach.

Back at the table a small purple face furrowed its brows and sported a frown, turning to the
others around him as he blinked his watery eyes.

“Where do you think they went?”

“STOOL!”

A/N: I hope you liked it!! It’s not quite over yet- the epilogue still to come- but there’s no
dialogue like in the previous chapters. It’s merely information you might find interesting. I
greatly enjoyed writing this fic and I truly wish that you found it somewhat entertaining. I’ve got
plenty more L/J fic ideas for the future, so don’t be upset ; ) Thanks for reading.

Cheers, lilymione1203



15. Epilogue
------------

A/N: This was a very difficult piece to write. All questions will be answered, and if not I will
be happy to answer any in reviews. This epilogue only reaches to 1980, for obvious reasons. After
that you know what happens : ) Read, enjoy, and review <3

EPILOGUE

James asked Lily for her hand in marriage the evening after graduation. It was a tranquil
evening in the quiet town of Hogsmeade as crickets chirped and the dew sparkled on the grass,
swaying underfoot as he kneeled beneath a blooming oak. Lily immediately accepted and the pair was
soon congratulated by the band of friends in hiding at the tavern across the road.

No sooner had they graduated Hogwarts, many of the class of 1978 was invited to join the
prestigious Order of the Phoenix, fighting the stealthy war against the evil Dark Lord. All names
mentioned in the tale above immersed themselves in this tragic battle- each sacrificing their lives
for a greater cause- every one losing their lives to it in turn.

Alice and Frank married June 25, 1978- a mere two weeks after her Hogwarts commencement. Alice’s
older brother, Trevor, gave her away, and Dorcas was the maid of honor- Lily and Marlene
bridesmaids respectively. They bought a flat in London and fought relentlessly in the crusade for
light, becoming one of the Order’s most skilled teams in combat.

Lily and James were wed September 1, 1978, on the beautiful Potter estate south of Ottery St.
Catchpole, unable to wait any longer for the rapidly rising power of the Dark Lord. James had been
in love with Lily Evans seven years to the day, and thought no other date more perfect to make her
his blushing bride. The marauders stood proudly beside a beaming James, Sirius as best man and
grinning just as broadly. Petunia was the matron of honor- Alice, Dorcas, and Marlene the
boisterous bridesmaids. She stepped into a ray of shining sun, lighting up her placid features, as
Mr. Evans walked his daughter down the aisle, the entire wizarding community weeping tears of
joy.

They softly exchanged their eloquent vows, not tearing their gaze away from the other’s as the
rings were placed upon trembling fingers. A beautiful kiss was shared to melt the hearts of those
around them and Marlene caught the bouquet, only to announce her engagement to fiancée Edgar Bones.
The crowd below waved joyful farewells as the couple boarded James’ broomstick, flying off in to
the night as Lily’s gown of arctic white billowed in the breeze behind them.

Three weeks after their blissful matrimony, Lily’s parents were in a car crash, neither
surviving the accident. It is unknown whether the collision was war-related or not, but after the
incident Petunia and Lily never spoke again. Many friends were lost that autumn due to the imminent
conflict, among them Caradoc Dearborn, Gideon Prewett, and even Benjy Fenwick. The Order mourned
the loss of each gallant soldier and honored their loyal services.

Marlene and Edgar resided at the Order Headquarters, the McKinnon family no longer among the
living. The pair set to elope after a mission on St. Valentine’s Day, 1979, patrolling King’s Cross
until dawn. However, the platform was attacked by a swarm of death eaters in the early hours of the
morning, and Marlene and Edgar never caught their train. They died in one another’s arms behind an
abandoned barrier- forever knowing love’s true embrace.

Edgar’s sister, Gwendolyn, never actually dated Peter Pettigrew. On the morning of his absence
from breakfast, Peter was meeting with a group of Slytherins in something called “Dark Youth.”
Predecessors to the ‘elite’ death eaters association, Peter met with Avery, Knott, Mulciber, and a
handful of others who wished to recruit him to their cause. Peter timidly agreed, but only if they
would get him a date to the upcoming dance: long-time crush Gwendolyn Bones.

Gwendolyn was confunded for a vast majority of the school year, having no recollection of her
sixth year of Hogwarts at all. She did not, in fact, make Peter wear an embarrassing badger hat to
the Quidditch match; death eaters hazed Peter and informed him it would be a more convincing
charade if he wore it. Gwendolyn was returned to her normal state after Peter graduated, and none
of the Marauders were ever the wiser of their fictitious relationship.

Gwendolyn went on to marry Gregory Macmillan (Alice’s cousin) shortly after the war, and bore a
son, Ernie Macmillan, on August 16, 1980.

Sirius stayed faithful to Dorcas, his wandering eyes glued to the witch he grew to love. They
dated for the rest of seventh year and the duration of their time with the Order, paired up on
frequent occasion for the most dangerous of missions. On Christmas Eve, 1979, Sirius planned to
propose, his grandmother’s wedding ring with the crest of the noble and most ancient House of Black
seared into the antique gold.

He waited on tenterhooks at Lily and James’, during the festive holiday party they held at the
Potter estate. He waited and waited, but Dorcas never came. The flaxen-haired beauty was flogged by
Voldemort supporters upon her arrival, and was never able to become Mrs. Sirius Black. She never
got to hear the joyful news the Potters were ecstatic to give- the birth of their awaited son.

July 30, 1980, Alice and Frank welcomed their only child into the world, Neville Algie
Longbottom. The couple continued to work for the Order, fighting side by side until their
‘retirement’ from the noble organization one year later. The remainder of their lives was spent in
St. Mungo’s Hospital of Magical Maladies and Injuries- having passed the ultimate test of love for
their son and for each other.

Lily gave birth to Harry James Potter on July 31, 1980, the boy who would one day become the
savior of all wizard and mugglekind. James was overcome with joy as he gazed into his son’s green
eyes, an exact replica of the pair he had lost himself in so many years ago. Sirius was immediately
made godfather, putting a sparkle back in the muddled gray that had dulled seven months before.

Remus’ tale is a formidably sad one- staying romantically unattached by busying himself with the
Order, submerged in werewolf recruitment. He sought the love and friendship he desired in the old
schoolmates that had always been there for him, and the witches they came to love. He found hope in
tiny Harry’s eyes, the very same that Lily had, and knew that this was all worth something. After
all, as members of the Order of the Phoenix, sworn to secrecy and forever in hiding, in the end,
they were all just strangers in the night.

A/N: I KNOW this was terribly sad in places, but it only gets worse from here : ( But you had
your happy ending in the last chapter!! No novel is great without sacrifice (not that mine is
great, but you get the point) I hope you enjoyed it anyway- it was tearfully happy in some places
and deafeningly sad in others. Oh, the ups and downs of it all! Thanks for taking the time to read-
I immensely enjoyed writing it and have plenty more where this came from. Review much appreciated!!
: )

Much love, lilymione1203