Hey guys. This is a James/Lily fic. It starts from the end of their fifth year at school. It is not a fic completely about James and Lily's relationship, it revolves around James. Naturally, Lily is involved in the story, but like I said, it's not about their relationship completely.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or settings that may appear in JK Rowling's fantasy series, Harry Potter. I am not going to use this fic for commercial purposes.

Okay, with that out of the way, here it goes! Enjoy!
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Chapter One: The Kitchens

In one of the many rooms of a large castle, which was invisible to those unlike its inhabitants, a bespectacled boy of sixteen could be seen through a window. The boy had messy, jet-black hair, and round hazel eyes. His name was James Potter. Although James looked like a normal British youth, he was anything but normal. James Potter was a wizard, as were the other denizens of the large castle.

The castle was known as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. James and his friends, who were all strewn about the room, were finishing their fifth year at the school. The four friends were known as the Marauders to everyone within Hogwarts. The Marauders were famous for their good looks, exceptional talent, and love for a good prank.

James was kept in shape through his many hours of playing Quidditch, the most popular sport in the magical world, where all seven players on each team flew on broomsticks over a large pitch. James was a Chaser on the Gryffindor house team; he scored the goals, in other words. All four boys belonged to Gryffindor house (the other three houses were Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin), and they currently lay in their dormitory.

Sirius Black was James’ best friend. He had hair that was slightly longer, but not as black as James’, he was slightly taller than James, and had lively gray eyes; at the moment, he was lying on his bed. Sirius was not kept in shape due to Quidditch, but was blessed with a naturally good physique. Remus Lupin was James’ other friend. He was as tall as James, had light brown hair, was slightly too skinny, and looked as though he had fallen ill often. Remus was sitting up on his bed and reading. The fourth friend was called Peter Pettigrew. Peter was slightly pudgy, had mousy, brown hair, and a pointed nose. He was sitting on his bed and watching Sirius, who had started making a feather levitate in front of him with his wand. James was sitting at the window, playing with a little golden ball with silver wings. The ball was trying to fly away, but he kept catching it before it could escape and then released it again.

“… Prongs?” Sirius addressed James.

“Eh?” said James, being pulled from the trancelike state he had been in.

“Pay attention, will you, Prongs?” Sirius sighed.

Prongs was James’ nickname. All the Marauders had nicknames. Sirius was Padfoot, Remus was Moony, and Peter was Wormtail. They had come up with the names that year.

The reason behind the names was another reason for the boys’ physiques. James, Sirius, and Peter were what wizards called Animagi. This meant they had the ability to turn into animals at will; James a large stag, Sirius a big, bear-like, black dog, and Peter a rat (hence their nicknames). They were also illegal Animagi because they were unregistered; the Ministry of Magic liked to keep track of who the Animagi in the country were because the transformation could go horribly wrong if not mastered properly.

Remus, however, was not an Animagus. He was a werewolf. That was the reason for his nickname. It was also the reason that James, Sirius, and Peter risked becoming Animagi. They were unable to accompany Remus during his transformations as humans, but they could do so safely as animals. Finally, that year they had been able to successfully transform.

“Sorry, Padfoot,” James said sarcastically. “What were you saying?”

“I asked whether or not you were up for a trip to the kitchens tonight.”

“Defintely,” said James with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

“Excellent. How about you two?” he directed at Remus and Peter.

“Sorry, mate. That transformation last week really took a lot out of me.”

“That and he and Mary are spending the night in the common room,” James grinned.

At this, Remus looked up from his book. Reddening slightly he said, “I – no – who said… that?”

James laughed at his friend’s lame finish. “Come on, Moony, since when has your furry little problem ever gotten in the way of getting food?” When Remus looked at him, he added, “And I heard you making the plans at breakfast.”

Sirius laughed a bark-like laugh. “How about you, Wormtail? You aren’t meeting anyone tonight are you?”

Peter shook his head. “No,” he said nervously. “I’m in.”



They spent the rest of the day out on the grounds. Since their O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) were finished, they were permitted to wander about the castle. They lounged in the shade of a large beech tree, and upon Remus’ request, said hello to the gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid was about twice as tall as a normal man and three times as wide. He showed compassion for all magical creatures, not matter how dangerous. Remus was grateful for that; werewolves were not accepted by all wizards.

“Moony,” said James, “didn’t you already finish that book?” They were back underneath the beech tree. Remus had continued reading his book.

“Yes. I’m re-reading it, though,” answered Remus.

“Why?”

“Same reason I always do, Prongs. I re-read to pick up on things I might have missed the first time through,” Remus replied, not taking his eyes off the page.

“Really, mate. O.W.L.s are over! Just relax!”

“Yeah, relax,” Peter copied. He was always mimicking James or Sirius. What set Peter apart from his friends was that he was not as good-looking, not as talented, and not nearly as confident as the other Marauders.

“Now, Prongs,” said Sirius as he watched two girls walking by. They giggled. “You know that Moony won’t put that book down until he’s memorized every line.”

Peter gave a small chuckle, as though he was waiting for the others to laugh, too.

“So, Moony, what time are you meeting Mary tonight?” asked Sirius.

“Er – around eleven. Why?” Remus still didn’t look up from his book.

“So we know what time to go down to the kitchens.”



“Can’t we go already?” Sirius said, exasperatedly and throwing his arms in the air. He was pacing about the dormitory. “Why do we have to wait so long, Prongs?”

“Quiet down, will you?” James whispered. “Johnson is asleep.” He pointed to a brown haired boy, named Dylan Johnson, who shared their dormitory, and was currently asleep. Dylan knew about their pranks but had no idea about the Marauders’ late-night tours of the castle. “And we have to wait because Professor Slughorn just passed by the entrance to the tower.” James pointed to a piece of parchment on his bed.

It was a map of Hogwarts grounds. On the map were tiny, labeled, black dots. The label on each dot was a name; all the names were people in the castle and each dot did exactly what its real counterpart was doing. A dot labeled “Horace Slughorn” was moving away from Gryffindor Tower.

“So what? He won’t see us. We’ll be invisible.” Sirius pointed to a silvery-gray cloak beside James.

“So even with the Invisibility Cloak on, what will he think if the portrait of the Fat Lady opens by itself?”

“That she’s been having too many drinks with Violet again?” Sirius suggested, laughing. All paintings and photographs could move in the magical world and most portraits could interact with each other as well as with people. “Come on let’s just go!”

“No you twit. We have to wait. He’s almost gone, just be patient,” said James looking carefully at Slughorn’s dot.

“The day Padfoot learns patience is the day that I fly around a nesting dragon and throw rocks at it,” snorted Remus.

“Oi!” shouted Sirius, but he grinned.

When Slughorn had turned the corner James tapped the map with his eleven-inch, mahogany wand and said, “Mischief managed.” He looked up at his friends. “Okay, then, under the cloak.”

Peter and Sirius were at his side almost instantly. James picked up the Invisibility Cloak. It felt like water had been woven into the material. He pulled it over himself and his friends, and as the cloak fell fluidly over them, they disappeared.

“You know, Prongs?” said Remus curiously. He spoke towards the spot where his three friends had stood visibly a moment before. “I haven’t heard of an invisibility cloak that works as well as yours does. You said your dad gave it to you?”

“Yeah. He had it as a kid, also. It’s a family heirloom of some sort… Okay let’s go, then.”

James, Sirius and Peter left their dorm room and headed down the stairs to the common room. The fire in the Gryffindor common room was still blazing and the couch looked as though someone had just gotten off it. They were about to go through the circular portrait hole when Sirius motioned for the other two to stop.

“I think I hear someone,” he whispered. “Prongs, let’s have a look at the map.”

James took out the piece of parchment, tapped it with his wand and said, “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”

Sirius and Peter crouched over James to look at the map. The piece of parchment bore the words: Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, are proud to present the Marauders’ Map. Shortly after, it turned into the map of Hogwarts. Most of the dots were stationary as many students had gone to bed already.

Outside Gryffindor Tower, the map told them, were two people standing a little distanced from each other. When James read their names, he quickly pressed his ear to the door that opened onto the rest of the castle.

“… Sorry!” James heard Severus Snape say.

“Save your breath.”

Upon hearing those words James smiled a little bit. It was not the words themselves, but who had spoken them that made James smile.

“I only came out because Mary told me you were threatening to sleep here,” said Lily Evans coldly.

“I was. I would have done. I never meant to call you Mudblood” – James frowned at the word – “it just –”

“Slipped out?” James heard Lily cut in. He could tell she was angry; there was no trace of pity in her voice. “It’s too late. I’ve made excuses for you for years. None of my friends understand why I even talk to you. You and your precious little Death Eater friends – you see, you don’t even deny it! You don’t even deny that’s what you’re all aiming to be! You can’t wait to join You-Know-Who, can you?”

James could hear the etched into every word she said.

“I can’t pretend anymore. You’ve chosen your way, I’ve chosen mine.”

“No – listen, I didn’t mean –”

“– to call me Mudblood?” – James growled upon hearing the foul word again. It sounded hideous, even when spoken in Lily’s beautiful voice – “But you call everyone of my birth Mudblood, Severus. Why should I be any different?”

James knew that Lily was done talking. He heard her footsteps coming back towards the entrance.

“Let’s go,” he muttered. They could not get caught. “Now!” he added frantically.

They had barely made t out of the portrait hole and thrown on the Invisibility Cloak, which had slid off in their haste to get back in the common room, when Lily came back inside. James saw anger flashing in her bright green, almond shaped eyes. His hazel eyes, now with a dreamy look in them, followed Lily all the way up the stairs to the girls’ dormitories until the last trace of her flowing red hair was gone.

“That was close, eh, Prongs? Prongs? PRONGS!” Sirius yelled, trying to get James’ attention.

James jumped and then looked at Sirius. “Sorry,” he apologized.

“Well now that you’re back from your own little world, let’s get going.”

“Wait,” Peter said, softly. His voice did not have as much command as James’ or Sirius’, so he had to repeat himself before they stopped moving. “What if Snape is still out there?”

“Oh, right! I forgot. Thanks, Wormtail,” James said.

Peter smiled at being praised by his friend. He was always very pleased with himself whenever any of the Marauders gave him a compliment.

“He’s not out there,” James said, checking the map, “but he might be sneaking around somewhere else. Wormtail, maybe you better ride on Sirius’ shoulder so there’ll be more room under the Cloak.”

Peter nodded. At once, he began to shrink and grow hair on his face. A few seconds later, he had turned into a rat with a bald tail that resembled a worm. Sirius picked up the rat.

“You know,” he thought aloud, “Snivellus sneaks around too much. It’s a shame you had to rescue him this year, Prongs. If you just –”

“If I just let my best friends become murderers? No, Sirius. I don’t care if he sneaks around or not, but nobody deserves that!”

Earlier in the year, Sirius had told Severus Snape, a Slytherin boy in the Marauders’ year, how to get past the Whomping Willow. The Whomping Willow was a tree that covered a passageway leading to a building in Hogsmeade, the wizard village near Hogwarts, known as the Shrieking Shack. To get past the Whomping Willow one must prod the knot at the base of the tree, otherwise the tree would attack. The reason for this protection was that Remus went to the Shrieking Shack during the full moon.

Severus, whom the Marauders had named Snivellus in their first year, was very curious about where Remus disappeared to. Sirius had told him what to do and when to go to figure out Remus’ secret. When James heard about this, he stopped Severus from entering the Shack, but not before Severus had seen Remus transform.

James continued glowering at Sirius.

“Okay, okay, Prongs!” Sirius exclaimed, realizing that James was being serious. “Besides, being nice to Snivellus might help you get Evans,” he teased, grinning.

“Shut up.”

James shoved Sirius, which resulted in Sirius stumbling, falling, and pulling the Cloak off of them. They both laughed and Peter gave a nervous squeak. James stood back up and then offered his hand to assist Sirius in returning to his feet.

“Okay, let’s go, then,” Sirius said, once back on his feet. He placed Peter on his shoulder, and he and James headed through the portrait hole once again.

When they clambered out of the portrait hole, James quickly threw the Invisibility Cloak over himself and Sirius. They checked the Marauders Map one last time to make sure no one was roaming the corridor and headed off for the kitchens.

Luckily, they only had to stop once on their way down; to let the caretaker, Argus Filch, and his cat, Mrs. Norris, pass them. James always had a strange feeling that Mrs. Norris could see through the Invisibility Cloak, so he always made his friends stop whenever she came by. That way they would not make too much noise and she might leave them be. It always worked.

Once they were in front of a large painting of fruit, they stopped walking. Peter transformed back into a human. James walked up to the painting and began tickling the gigantic pear portrayed. It started squirming and chuckling. After another few seconds of tickling, it turned into a large, green door handle.

James grabbed the handle and pulled. The room revealed was a high-ceilinged room. He, Sirius, and Peter entered the room. There were five long tables, one at the head of the other four. They were greeted by a large amount of tiny creatures with bat-like ears, large eyes, and very long noses.

“Good evening, sirs,” said one, in a very high voice. The tiny creature bowed so low that the tip of its incredibly long nose touched the floor, as if it was using its nose to keep itself up. “How can we be helping you?” the creature said, standing upright. It was wearing a tea towel stamped with the Hogwarts crest (a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake all surrounding a large letter H) and tied like a toga. All the other creatures were wearing the same thing.

“Some pumpkin juice would be great,” Sirius said. Within seconds, there were about ten trays in front of them, all with goblets filled to the brim with the requested drink.

“Thanks,” the three friends said, in unison as they each took a goblet. They drank the contents of the goblets within seconds.

“Sirs is not needing to be thanking House-Elves. It is House-Elves duties to serve wizards,” said the same House-Elf; many others nodded in agreement.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t thank you,” James commented. “You lot do a brilliant job!”

The House-Elf bowed again and thanked James. When he stood straight he looked at the three friends and then said, “Where is the other young Master? Would sirs like to be taking some pumpkin juice for him?”

“No, no,” said Sirius, grinning, “Remus is entertaining a lady friend tonight. We’ll just be taking some desserts and then be on our way.”

No sooner had he finished his statement, than trays upon trays covered in desserts appeared in front of him, James, and Peter. The first two grabbed as much as they could carry, for Peter would be scurrying along as a rat. They exited the kitchens, donned the Invisibility Cloak (Peter turned back transformed again), and they headed back to Gryffindor Tower.

They had an uninterrupted journey back. James gave the password and they went though the portrait hole, much to the annoyance of the paintings occupant, The Fat Lady, and into the common room. When the Fat Lady’s portrait closed, there was a sharp intake of breath.

“Who’s th-there?” said a shaky voice.

Someone was in the common room, and they were awake.
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A/N: Hope you like it so far! Leave feedback (even if you didn't enjoy)! Link in the siggy.

Okay, here's Chapter Two!
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Chapter Two: Broomstick Races

James and Sirius stood rooted to the spot. Peter, by some miracle, James thought, remained a rat.

“Wh-who’s there?” repeated the person.

James glanced towards the frightened sounding voice. On the couch sat the red haired Lily Evans. Looking at her, James saw that she was shaking slightly. As he looked closer, though, he noticed that Lily was not stuttering and shaking from fear. Her bright green eyes were red and puffy. Her hair was tangled and messy. She had been crying.

He and Sirius walked quietly to the stairs unnoticed by Lily, who was still staring towards the entrance, as Peter hurried along at their feet. At the first step, James stopped walking. Sirius stopped as well, and James pushed the food he carried into Sirius’ already dessert-filled arms.

Sirius crept up the stairs and James stayed rooted at the spot, the Cloak sliding off of him. When Sirius opened the door to their dormitory, the door squeaked. This caused Lily to turn her attention to the staircase leading to the boys’ dormitories.

“Oh,” she said, catching sight of James, “it’s you.” Disappointment was clearly etched on her face.

“Hey, Evans,” said James as he feigned a yawn.

Lily did not return his greeting. Instead, she said, “What are you doing down here?” Her tone told him, blatantly, that he was unwelcome.

He moved forward anyway, choosing to ignore the tone.

“I thought I heard someone.”

As he stepped towards the couch, Lily spoke again. “Why are you in your clothes?”

“Now, Evans,” James said, cockily and while a grin crept across his face, “I know how much you want to see me undressed” – Lily scoffed – “but the common room would be a highly inappropriate place for such a thing. And you, a prefect,” he mused.

“Pig,” she muttered.

“But a very good looking pig,” he said, sitting next to Lily on the couch. She moved away from him slightly. “And one who finds you unbearably attractive,” he added, truthfully. He put his arm over her shoulders. “On second thought, maybe I should get undressed.” He winked.

Lily removed his arm from her shoulders with the air of someone handling another person’s used tissue.

“You know what I meant, Potter,” she said, obviously not amused, and with a look of disgust on her face. “Why aren’t you in your pajamas?”

James deflected her question with one of his own. “What are you doing down here, anyway?” he asked, though he already knew. “Are you – were you crying?” said James before Lily could answer his previous question.

“Why should you care?” she said, glaring.

“Dunno,” James lied.

The truth was that James cared very much that Lily was upset, and he knew exactly why. Lily was different than other girls. She did not like him just because he was handsome, or because he was good at Quidditch. In fact, she did not like him at all.

“And what are you staring at, Potter?”

“Just at how good you look in night clothes. We should arrange meetings like this more often.”

His hand jumped immediately to his hair; he ruffled it, even though it was already naturally messy, as it was a habit of his. Lily continued to glare at him.

“Stop doing that, will you? It doesn’t make you look any better,” she said, sounding annoyed.

James grinned, but continued playing with his hair. He was about to comment on what Lily had said when he remembered his curiosity about why she was crying.

“So, may I ask why you were crying, then?”

“I guess,” she said, but James could tell that she wanted nothing more than for him to leave.

“So… why?”

“I told Severus that we couldn’t be friends anymore.”

“So? He didn’t treat you right anyway. Calling you Mu – that name he called you,” James said, quickly avoiding the word. Mudblood was a word used when someone wanted to insult a witch or wizard born to Muggle, meaning non-magical, parents.

“He was my best friend, Potter. For years, he was my best friend.”

“Yeah but he was a creep.”

“To you, maybe. Just because he doesn’t live up to your standards doesn’t make him a creep,” Lily said, heatedly.

“Yeah, but other stuff he’s done does.”

“Besides,” Lily continued, as though she had not heard James, “even if he were a creep – and he isn’t – but even if he were, it’s hard to just throw someone away when you’ve been best mates for years.”

“Lily,” James said, using her first name for the first time since they had started talking, “Snivellus – sorry, Severus,” he corrected, “is a creep. And if he really was your best friend, would he have called you that name in front of everyone?”

The use of Lily’s first name seemed to have gotten her attention. She looked at James somewhat curiously.

“I suppose you’re right. But don’t let it go to your head; it’s big enough already,” she added, hastily, but also, to James’ surprise, giggling a little as James began to grin.

“You know, Po – James,” she said, earning a questioning look from James – she never uses my name, he thought. “I never would have expected rational thought from you. It’s sort of, er, nice.”

James’ voice suddenly became deeper and more mature. He ruffled his hair again and said, “So then, you’ll go out with me?”

This only seemed to make Lily mad.

“Ugh!” she exclaimed. “Just when I think that there’s the slightest possibility that my friends might have been right – you prove to me that you’ll always be an arrogant toe-rag, Potter! I bet you planned it all out – pretend to be nice and caring, then ask me out. Well, in case I didn’t make myself clear enough the other day, I’ll repeat myself: if I had a choice between dating you and the giant squid, the squid would win!”

And with that, Lily got up, turned her head, and walked up the stairs that led to her dormitory.

James stood up, unfazed by Lily’s rant. He headed up the opposite staircase Lily had stormed up. Upon entering his dormitory, James found Remus, Sirius, and Peter all sitting on the floor and eating the desserts that he had taken from the kitchens with the latter two. Dylan Johnson was still sleeping. James joined his friends on the floor, sitting next to Sirius.

“So, Prongs,” Sirius said, as James sat down, “how’d it go with Evans?”

“Same as usual,” James answered.

“Bad luck, mate.”

James nodded and helped himself to a treacle tart.

“Well at least romance isn’t completely dead tonight. Eh, Moony?” Sirius said, nudging Remus in the ribs.

James looked over at Remus, whose cheeks were rapidly becoming red. Remus’ reaction caused James to grin; the Marauders liked to tease each other.

“I take it things were successful with Mary, then?” he asked, popping the rest of his treacle tart into his mouth and picking up a chocolate éclair.

“We’re going out,” Remus said, a sheepish grin spreading across his thin and tired face; the effect made him look as though he had never been bitten and turned into a werewolf.

“So, what else happened?” James asked, wearing a mischievous grin.

“Nothing… we just talked.”

“Oh, come on. You’re telling me that you two got together and just spent the night talking,” James emphasized the last word in disbelief.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m telling you.”

“Same old Moony,” Sirius commented, shaking his head, his hair tossing from side to side as he did so.

James finished his éclair and said, “Well, I’m off to bed. G’night.”

He picked himself up off the floor and made his way to his bed. Peter followed his lead as he changed into a pair of pajama pants and a short-sleeved shirt. He took off his glasses, placed them, along with his wand, on his night stand and slipped under the covers of his bed. He lay there for a little, listening as Sirius and Remus argued on the best way to spend with a girl, before drifting into a dreamless sleep.


The proceeding week followed without anything out of the ordinary happening. The Marauders walked around the school, James and Sirius throwing hexes at people as Remus looked the other way (he was a Prefect) and Peter watched excitedly. They spent time flying around the Quidditch pitch. James was an excellent flier and pulled off different stunts when people were watching. He also asked Lily out whenever he got the chance.

Unfortunately, the mornings were not as fun as the rest of the day. Breakfast was a time when people sat anxiously, only to become even more nervous when the flock of owls flew, soaring, into the Great Hall, signaling that the morning mail had arrived. Owls dropped letters and newspapers into students’ laps. The students’ distress was only quelled upon reading the paper, though sometimes this only led to a crying student being escorted from the Great Hall by their Head of House.

The reason for the anxiety was one that had taken effect five years previously: a Dark wizard by the names of Lord Voldemort had risen to power. His goal was to purify the wizard race. In his eyes, those wizards and witches born to Muggle parents were unworthy of magic and needed to be eliminated. He wanted complete control, with pureblood wizards (wizards without a drop of Muggle blood in them) in the elite.

The morning paper, the Daily Prophet, held reports of disappearances and deaths almost daily. All the students waited solicitously in the mornings for reassurance that their families were all safe, for Lord Voldemort had people who fought against him as well as alongside him. His followers were known as Death Eaters, and even they dared not to speak his name; amongst his followers he was referred to as the Dark Lord, and to everyone else, he was known as You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

The only people James knew that called Lord Voldemort by his name was the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Albus Dumbledore was a venerable man with a long silver beard that he tucked into his belt, matching air, and half-moon spectacles that he wore over his brilliant blue eyes and sat atop the bridge of his crooked nose. He was the reason parents felt safe sending their children to Hogwarts. Albus Dumbledore was an extraordinary wizard, and the only one Lord Voldemort ever feared.

Remus always checked the paper and reported the news to the other Marauders.

“Another person went missing today,” he informed his friends at breakfast one day.

Sirius nodded as he took a large bite out of his last piece of toast. Peter looked nervous and James asked for a name.

“He’s no one well-known or anything… just says that they had a lead to his location.”

James nodded gravelly and his face stoned over; he hated Lord Voldemort and anything to do with him. This is what caused his disposition against Slytherins; they fawned over Lord Voldemort’s ideals.

“Hey, Moony, where’s Mary? Doesn’t she usually have breakfast with you?” Sirius asked.

Remus nodded and said, “She and the other two went out by the lake.”

James picked his head up.

“You mean Evans and that other girl –”

“– Alicia,” Sirius reminded James.

Remus nodded again.

“Hey, Padfoot,” James said, suddenly. “Care for a broom race?”

“Sure,” said Sirius in a bored voice. “Usual three laps ‘round the pitch?”

“No,” James shook his head. “I was thinking of something more interesting.”

“I’m game,” Sirius grinned. “What did you have in mind?”

“Around the grounds. First one back to the lake wins.”

“You’re on, mate.”

The Marauders went outside and walked over to the lake where three girls were sitting, barefoot, and talking.

“Hi, Mary,” Remus said, sitting down and kissing his girlfriend on the cheek.

“Hey,” she returned, smiling.

Mary Bennig was a brown-eyed brunette with shoulder length, wavy hair, and a pretty face. She was in Gryffindor and in the same year as the Marauders. To her left, sat Lily Evans (who was also the same year as the Marauders), and to Lily’s left, sat another Gryffindor girl. She was blonde and blue-eyed. Her name was Alicia Armstrong, and it was her that Sirius sat next to. Peter sat on Sirius’ other side, while James squeezed between Alicia and Lily.

“Hey, Evans,” he said.

Lily did not look pleased.

“Potter.”

James draped his arm over Lily’s shoulders.

“Evans, Padfoot and I here are going to race. Would you care to make a bet?”

“Fine. I bet you’re broom doesn’t leave the ground due to your big head.”

James merely grinned and said, “Deal, but when I win the bet, you’ve got to kiss me.”

“In your dreams,” Lily scoffed.

“Actually, in my dreams we do a lot more than kiss,” he said, winking.

“Sod off, Potter.”

“Okay, then. Ready, Padfoot?”

James and Sirius stood, Sirius whispering in Alicia’s ear first, and on the count of three, yelled, “Accio Broom!”

Soon, their broomsticks were in sight, racing towards them. Sirius’ reached him first. He hopped on and sped off across the grounds. James’ broom reached him seconds later and he, too, mounted and raced after Sirius.

James leaned forward on his broom, coaxing it to go faster. Soon, he was neck and neck with Sirius. James’ best friend was a fair flier, but he was nowhere near as good as James. They remained tied as they passed the Whomping Willow, and turned around the greenhouses used for Herbology. When they reached the large beech tree, though, James managed to take the lead.

He sped up and pulled even further ahead. Other students were forced to duck and jump out of the way. James flew closer and closer to the lake. A grin spread across his face as the wind swept through his hair and crashed against his face, pressing his glasses tight on his nose. He prepared to pull into a loop. Sirius had no chance of catching up now; James was practically back where they had started. He realized, then, that someone was in his path. He managed to decrease his speed greatly, but could not pull away in time.

James collided with the person who had been standing in his way. He fell from the air and he and the other person rolled to a stop. James saw a flash of red before he felt pressure on his chest.

“POTTER!”

“You know, I would have been fine with just the kiss, Evans,” he said, looking up at Lily, who was currently on top of him. “This is nice too, though,” he finished, voice still unusually deep, and winked.

Lily gave him a look of pure loathing and said, “You’re disgusting.”

“That may be, but then why are you still of top of me?” he asked, giving a smart smile. “Not that I mind or anything,” he added, in a suggestive manner. “Perhaps we should move to a more… secluded are. You know – be alone for a couple of hours, see what happe –”

SMACK!

“Aaaargh!” James exclaimed, putting his hand to a stinging and red cheek.

“You – are – the – foulest – thing – on – this – planet!” Lily screamed. Her big, almond shaped, green eyes showed her hate and her voice was red-hot with anger. Then she got up, glowering at James.

“Right then,” said James nonchalantly, standing up. “Would I be correct in assuming that you would say no if I were to ask you out, again?”

“You shouldn’t assume things,” Lily said, the anger in her voice gone as she smiled slightly. “Because I wouldn’t say no,” she continued smiling.

James looked dumbfounded, as did Lily’s friends and the rest of the Marauders. Regaining his composure, he said, “You wouldn’t?”

“No,” she said, moving closer. “I would do this.”

She came very close to James, who had to fight the urge to kiss her. Then she lifted her foot off the ground and slammed it back down on James’ toes. His eyes watered in pain as Sirius (who had landed soon after James and Lily had collided) howled in laughter.

Lily gave a satisfied smile, turned to her friends and said, “Come on, let’s go.”

She and Alicia walked away. Mary kissed Remus and smiled apologetically.

“I’ll see you later,” she said.

Remus nodded and looked as though he was trying his hardest not to erupt in laughter as Mary walked away after her friends.

“Sorry, Prongs,” Sirius laughed a bark-like laugh, clapping James on the back.

“She’ll say yes eventually. I know it.”

“If you say so, mate,” said Remus. “If you say so…”
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A/N: This chapter was so much fun to write because of the Lily and James confrontations
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Okay, er, well I had posted Chapter Three Earlier today... but for some reason it isn't showing that I've posted... Now that I'm looking through all the stuff I did on here today seems to have gone... (maybe I was imagining things...) well, anyway, here's Chapter Three... again... I used it to show the bond between The Marauders, though it does start out with Lily and her friends. Enjoy!
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Chapter Three: Cursed Wounds

Lily, Alicia, and Mary were walking down to the Great Hall for breakfast the day before they would leave for summer holiday. Lily was in a bad mood because she had just had another encounter with James Potter in the common room. He had, again, asked her out in that arrogant tone of his. She had said no and then walked through the portrait hole, fuming; her best friends had lived up to their title and followed her without hesitation. They had proceeded to the Great Hall in silence, until Mary spoke up.

“Lily,” she sighed, “I don’t know why you won’t just admit it already.” Mary looked directly at Lily, tossing her dark brown hair out of her face.

“Admit what?”

“Oh, come on,” Mary said, her sparkling, light brown eyes widening. “Admit you fancy James. I know you, Lily. It’s obvious. Why don’t you just say yes to him already?”

“He’s so full of himself.”

“You do talk about him a lot,” said Alicia.

“Yeah, about how arrogant he is,” said Lily, looking up at the ceiling as they entered the Great Hall; it was bewitched to look like the sky outside and, today, there was not a single loud out.

“It’s still talking about him,” Alicia muttered and Mary nodded in agreement.

“The Marauders aren’t that bad, Lily,” she said.

“Just because Remus is decent and Peter’s a bit shy doesn’t make Potter or Black decent.”

“I think they’re pretty cute, actually,” Alicia said. “Especially Sirius,” she added, her deep blue eyes unfocused for a little bit.

“Black is just as bad as Potter,” Lily said.

“The point is, Lily,” Mary said, sounding a little annoyed, “that you just need to admit to yourself that you like James.”

They reached the Gryffindor table. Lily sat down with her friends before replying.

“Listen, I do not fancy James Potter. He’s an arrogant little bully who –”

“Okay,” Mary cut in, sensing the beginning of another of Lily’s speeches on why she hated James Potter, “forget I mentioned it. You win.”

“So, what should we do today?” Alicia asked, breaking the silence that had fallen while the girls started helping themselves to breakfast. “We’ve done pretty much all there is to do around here.”

“Well actually, Remus and I were going to spend the day together,” Mary said, turning bright red.

“Oooh,” Lily and Alicia teased.

Mary turned so red that she looked as though a tomato with brown hair had replaced her head.

“What do you think we should do, Lily?” Alicia asked.

“I say we just relax,” she said, searching for the jam. She pulled it towards her when a deep voice spoke.

“That is, if you could get a moment alone,” said James. He and his friends had arrived for breakfast.

“Go away, Potter,” Lily groaned, as James sat next to her.

Peter settled on James’ other side. Remus was seated next to Mary and Sirius sat down across from Alicia.

“Evans, we both know you love me,” James said, conceitedly. His hand shot up to his hair and rumpled the back.

“I do not, I repeat, do not love you.”

“Fine, but you do fancy me.”

“Will you just leave?”

“And deprive you of my presence? Why should I do that?”

“To go clean up,” Lily said, simply. She held her wand under the table.

James looked at her confusedly. “What do you –” but before he could finish his face was covered in strawberry jam.

Sirius reached across the table, took some of the jam onto his finger, and tasted it. “Hmm, not bad. Has anyone got some toast?”

James pointed his own wand at his face and said, “Scourgify!” and the jam was gone.

“What are we going to do with you, Padfoot?” Remus said, shaking his head.

“Perhaps and collar and a leash would work well,” Lily suggested.

“No, only sometimes,” Sirius said, grinning. All four Marauders looked at each other significantly, sharing a private joke.

“What –” Mary started to ask Remus, but was cut off by Alicia.

“I think he just needs to be trained. I think I might know how,” she said, looking Sirius up and down.

Mary almost choked on her eggs. Remus patted her on the back.

“When can we start?” Sirius winked.

“Once we’ve finished breakfast,” Alicia said, it was her turn to grin.

This time Mary really did choke on her eggs. She started coughing and it wasn’t until Remus waved his wand and said, “Anapneo!” did she stop.

“Thanks,” she breathed heavily.

“Don’t mention it.”

They all ate breakfast, Sirius eating faster than everyone else. Soon the morning mail came. A brown owl dropped a newspaper into Remus’ lap. He started to read it. When he turned to the second page, he suddenly put down the paper and looked seriously at James.

“Prongs, can I talk to you outside. Please,” he added urgently.

James looked at Remus curiously, but agreed and followed him out of the Great Hall.

***

“Moony, what’s going on?” James asked, looking concerned.

“Remember that bloke I told you about a while ago? The one who had disappeared and then they had a lead to where he was?”

James nodded even though he only remembered a little of it.

“Well, they found him,” Remus plowed on. “He’s dead, Prongs.”

James did not see why Remus was so upset. He told Remus that people were being killed all the time and that he never became as flustered as he was now.

“Werewolves, James. He was killed by werewolves,” Remus said. He looked pained.

James immediately understood. He patted Remus on the back and said, “This has nothing to do with you, Remus.”

“It has everything to do with me!” Remus leaned against the wall, sank to the floor, and put his head in his hands. “It has everything to do with what I am.”

“Listen, mate,” James said, sitting down next to Remus, his voice suddenly quieter, more understanding, “I know what you think, but you’re wrong. This has nothing to do with you.”

Remus sighed. “Then why do I feel so guilty?”

“Because that’s what makes you different. The rest of them don’t care. You do. That’s why you’re different, mate. Me, Sirius, and Peter, we don’t care. You’re our friend.”

Remus mumbled something that James could not hear.

“What?”

“Mary might care,” Remus said, in a dead voice.

“Mary doesn’t know, Remus. What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her.”

“That’s the thing James! I can hurt her. How do you think you got that scar on your shoulder? I hurt you lot every month. The only difference with her is that I could kill her, and I probably would, because she can’t become and animal. I shouldn’t be with her… or with anyone…”

“Remus, if you break up with her, I will personally hex you with every spell I can think of.”

Remus just sat with his head in his hands.

“Do you like her, Remus?” James asked. He was not teasing this time, he knew better.

Remus nodded his head.

“Well, I won’t tell you what to do, but I think if you like her then you shouldn’t break up with her.”

“No, James. I like her and that’s why I need to break up with her. I need to end it before she gets hurt.” He hung his head low. “These are cursed wounds, James. I shouldn’t be with anyone.”

They sat in silence for a moment. James looked at Remus and sighed.

“I wish you wouldn’t do this to yourself, mate,” he said. “There’s no way of talking you out of it?”

When Remus shook his head, James stood up and offered Remus his hand. Remus took it and pulled himself off the floor. They walked back into the Great Hall and to their seats at Gryffindor table; Remus reclaimed his seat next to Mary, but James sat next to Remus.

“Er, Mary?” Remus said. “We need to talk.”

“Oh, er, okay. Is everything alright?”

Remus just said, “Come with me.” Once again, he walked out of the Great Hall but this time it was Mary who followed looking worried and not James.

“So,” said James, wanting to take the attention off of Remus and Mary, “Alicia, you and Padfoot, eh?” he grinned.

“Don’t act so surprised, Potter,” Lily said. “You and Black will snog anything that has a pair of lips and can move.”

“Oi! That’s not all we look for,” Sirius said, defensively.

“Well, I thought that having a cute face, a decent sized chest, and a nice arse were a given when talking about you and Potter.”

“Yeah,” James grinned, “and luckily, for me, you’ve got all of those.”

Lily rolled her eyes.

“You ready to go, Alicia?” Sirius asked.

“Yes,” Alicia giggled.

They both got up and left the Great Hall. James watched them leave and saw that Remus and Mary were coming back inside.

“Come on, Wormtail,” James said, standing up.

“Finally,” Lily grumbled.

Peter and James headed towards Remus and Mary. James grabbed Remus by the shoulder and pulled him with himself and Peter. The three boys exited the room, leaving a teary-eyed Mary to go back to Lily.

“Moony, I can’t believe you really did it,” James exclaimed.

“Did what?” Peter asked, looking confused.

“He broke up with Mary,” James said, looking pointedly at Remus, whose head was hanging.

“Why?”

“Because of his fury little problem.”

“What? Oh, because he’s a werewolf.”

“Quiet, Wormtail!” Remus shushed Peter.

“Oh, right. Sorry. But, Moony,” he said quietly, “you can’t hurt her. I mean you’re with us every month and –”

“Shut up, Wormtail!” James said. “You dolt, there are people around!” he whispered.

“Sorry,” Peter said, again. “So, er, what should we do now?” he asked his friends.

“Let’s just go sit by the tree outside,” Remus said, dejectedly.

He, James, and Peter went outside to sit under the tree. Quickly, they realized that Sirius and Alicia had claimed that spot as their own and went back inside. They walked around the castle, bored. James saw a few of his Quidditch teammates and said hello to them, briefly. The three friends were discussing plans for the summer, when James heard a noise and turned around and saw that a boy with greasy, black hair, a long nose, and black eyes was following them.

“It’s not nice to eavesdrop, Snivellus,” he called to Severus Snape. “But if you really want to be included, then what are you going to do over the summer?” His right hand inched slowly to the pocket of his cloak that he kept his wand in. “You going to have a little meeting with all your Death Eater pals?”

Severus drew his wand and fired a spell at James. James was too quick for him and drew his own wand, blocking the spell. He pointed it at Severus’ hair and said, “You really need a new haircut, Snivellus.” He flicked his wand and Severus’ hair turned bright blue. “Mahogany, eleven inches,” he said admiring his wand. “Ollivander was right. This is excellent for Transfiguration,” he laughed, as he mimicked what the elderly wandmaker had said to him when he was eleven.

Severus glared at James. He waved his wand and a gash appeared on James’ arm. He flinched but didn’t let go of his wand.

“Petrificus Totalus!” James yelled.

Severus’ body snapped to attention and he fell to the floor, paralyzed.

“That ought to teach you a lesson, Snivellus. Let’s see how long it takes somebody to notice you’re missing,” James laughed. “Mobilicorpus!”

Severus rose into the air. James used his wand to direct him between two suits of armor. Then he, Remus, and Peter walked away, laughing.

By the time Sirius rejoined James, Remus, and Peter, it was time for them to have lunch. He had sauntered over to them, grinning, apparently pleased with himself. Walking into the Great Hall for lunch, he made to sit down with Alicia, Mary, and Lily, but James pulled him along to the other end of the table. James looked towards the Slytherin table and saw, with satisfaction, that Severus was not there.

“Oi, what’s the problem? Why aren’t we sitting with the girls?” Sirius asked.

“Moony broke up with Mary,” Peter said.

“What? Why, Moony?”

Remus just shook his head sadly.

“He’s being a noble prat,” James offered.

“Bloody hell, Moony,” Sirius scolded, immediately understanding what James had said. “Why in the name of Merlin’s underpants must you be so stubborn?”

Remus shook his head again. He did not take anything to eat as his friends piled food onto their plates.

“Well, starving yourself isn’t going to help, mate,” James said. “You didn’t eat at breakfast,” he continued, pushing a sandwich under Remus’ nose.

“I’m not hungry, Prongs.”

“For the love of Merlin, Moony! You can’t do this every time you read about someone getting attacked by a blasted werewolf!”

Sirius looked inquiringly at James.

“In this morning’s paper,” James explained. “But that’s not the point. Now, eat,” he mandated, looking at Remus.

Remus took one large bite out of his sandwich. Then he stood and walked straight out of the Great Hall, muttering something that sounded like, “I’ll do whatever the bloody hell I want.”

The three Marauders left in the Great Hall pushed their lunches away and followed after their friend. They already knew where he was going. James, Sirius, and Peter went through the large, oak doors and walked onto the grounds.

Sure enough, as they walked towards the lake, they head a cry of, “Reducto!”

Remus was at the lakes edge. As they arrived, he levitated a rock out of the water and flung it high into the air. Aiming at it with his wand, he yelled the same spell. The rock shattered upon impact with Remus’ Reductor Curse.

“Nice shot,” Sirius said, quietly.

Remus blasted apart another rock before speaking. “I knew you guys would turn up,” he said, though he did not seem happy about his assumption.

James watched as Remus blasted two more rocks. Without thinking about it, James joined his friend in blowing rocks into pieces. Sirius and Peter began to shatter rocks as well. It was unclear exactly how much time had passed, but James knew that lunch was over; people were out on the grounds and watching them.

Abruptly, Remus stopped. His breathing was heavy and James knew that he was winded. After Remus had stopped exploding the rocks, Sirius, Peter, and James stopped, too. Remus plopped down onto the ground and hastily wiped at his eyes.

“Come on, Remus,” Sirius said, in a soft voice. “Let’s go up to the dorm. We can kick Johnson out if he’s there.” He pulled Remus to his feet and gave him a pat on the back. With his hand on Remus’ shoulder, Sirius shuffled towards the castle with Remus. James and Peter followed. The four of them walked straight to Gryffindor Tower, ignoring those who were whispering and pointing.

When they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Sirius gave the password and they walked into the common room. They were going straight up to the dormitory, but James felt a tug on his arm. He stopped walking and let his friends continue up the stairs.

“Is he okay?” Mary asked, as James turned to look at her. Her brown eyes were round with concern.

“No,” James told her, honestly.

“Let me go talk to him. I can –”

“No,” James said, forcefully. “I’m sorry, but you don’t understand.”

Mary looked taken aback. James was expecting her to insist on talking to Remus. However, it was not Mary who spoke next.

“Where do you get off?!” Lily screamed. “Who do you damn Marauders think you are?!” she spat.

“Shove off, Evans,” James said. “You really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lily’s green eyes flashed dangerously.

“You are telling me to shove off. What –”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying, Evans,” James cut her off. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go back to my friend.” He said this so sternly that Lily was left speechless. “I’m sorry,” he added, to Mary, in a softer voice.

James then turned and walked up the stairs to his friend, reflecting on exactly how cursed his friend’s wounds were.
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A/N: Well, I hope you liked reading it as much as I liked writing it I must say, though, I think I did really well with Remus' bit (not to toot my own horn or anything haha)
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