We reached the train station early the next morning; I fully intended on getting a good compartment and I needed to be prepared for the Prefect’s meeting anyway.

“’As Head Girl it’s my sole responsibility’… blah blah blah, I get it. I’ll get a seat but you owe me,” Marie groaned, not bothering to quote my words without sarcasm.

I approached the front of the train where a few new faces sat, glancing at each other nervously. “Hello, I’m Lily Evans, Head Girl, and as soon as everyone arrives we’ll begin the meeting. Don’t be so anxious… and the food on the trolley in the corner is free; help yourself.”

After taking a seat, I waited patiently, until Avery finally entered the room.

“Well, let’s get started then,” I grinned. “As a few of you already know, I’m Lily Evans, Head Girl and I’m in Gryffindor.”

“Avery, Head Boy, Slytherin.” Avery said softly, his words ringing. How he’d ever made Prefect, much less Head Boy, was a concept even I couldn’t grasp. Avery slumped in a chair and let me control the meeting.

“Well then,” I said, taken aback by his behavior. “Your duties are pretty simple. It’s your job to make sure that students stay in line; you are allowed to confiscate items and if you believe that points should be taken from a house simply address the Head of House in writing. It is also your responsibility to take shifts to guard the halls at night and help decorate the Great Hall before the holidays. I’ve made a list here-” I handed one out to each student “-of who should watch the corridors of the train at certain times. If I find out that you are slacking, you will be punished and continual neglect in your duties will result in your badge being taken away. Thanks so much, and good luck.”

I watched them file out and then turned to Avery. “You could’ve helped out some, you know.”

“I don’t help Mudbloods, and you seemed to have handled it.” He left, leaving me staring at him open-mouthed.

Once I’d regained myself, I went to find Marie. It was a pointless search; though we’d always talked of getting a good compartment we sat in the same one every time. We had our reasons.

“Hey,” I said, sitting across from her. “Something wrong?”

She rolled over on her side and rested her chin on her hand. “No, just thinking.”

“About?”

“Sirius Black.”

The door slid open. “Did I hear my name?”

Marie giggled. “Maybe.”

Sirius smiled the turned to look at me. “Quick warning- James is on his way for his regular check.”

I rolled my eyes, sighed, and lifted up the seat I was sitting on. None of the other seats did that, but like I said, our compartment had its benefits. In my third year I’d hollowed out the base to the seat then placed an engorgement charm on it to make a nifty hading place. I climbed in, looked at the two of them, and said, “After four years you think he would’ve figured it out by now.” I closed the lid just as James entered.

“Any of you seen Evans?”

“No, for the bazillionth time.”

“How is she never here?” he asked, exasperated. “I’ve checked the front and I don’t know how she manages to just appear halfway during the train ride.”

“Maybe it’s magic,” Marie laughed.

“Not funny. Where is she?”

“Wow, feeling a bit like a stalker, Prongs?” Sirius asked, raising his eyebrows.

James glared at him. “Shut up.”

“Shouldn’t you be with your girlfriend, anyway?” Marie questioned next, her voice dripping with disgust.

“For your information,” he said through gritted teeth, “I broke up with her.”

“Surprise, surprise there,” Marie replied sarcastically. “How long did it last, a week?”

“Come on, Padfoot, let’s get out of here.”

“I think I’ll catch up with you later,” he said, and James left.

I came out. “See what I mean? A week. He’s not for me.”

“Then who is?” Marie questioned, her voice soft.

“I guess no one,” I sighed, and began to read again.