Love does not begin and end
The way we seem to think it does.
Love is a battle,
Love is a war;
Love is a growing up
-James Aurthur Baldwin









It was the First of September and a loud whistle rang out over the noise of people boarding a huge scarlet train sitting next to platform 9 and ¾. The whistle signalled the last chance to get on the train before it pulled out and headed to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A girl with long fiery red hair, and startlingly bright, emerald green eyes turned and waved to her mother and father, who waved cheerily back. Next to the couple was a crabby looking girl, a girl who clearly thought she was surrounded by diseased freaks. She stood next to them, arms crossed over her chest and foot tapping impatiently.

“Lily Evans!” A mockingly stern yet cheerful voice called out above the noise of the crowd. The red-haired girl turned with a smile at the sound.

“Annabelle Clarke!” Lily called teasingly in return, waving frantically at the brown haired, green-eyed, and unfairly pretty girl hanging on the train door. Annabelle bounded off the train and over to Lily’s side.

“You better hurry up,” Annabelle warned. “The train’s about to leave, and you aren’t on it yet! We can’t leave without our Head Girl.” She indicated the badge on Lily’s chest then continued on, “Why are you so late, anyways? You’re never late.” She said raising an eyebrow.

Lily sighed, “Petunia.” She said shortly, as if this explained everything. Petunia was her muggle, or non-magical, sister, who in short, hated Lily because she was a witch, and Petunia was not. Annabelle rolled her eyes knowingly and helped Lily drag her trunk onto the train. Lily grabbed her owl, Maih’s, cage and asked, “Which compartment are we in?”

Annabelle suddenly grew wary, “Um, well… we’re in one of the compartments down the hall. I know it’s one of the bigger ones,” she continued in a rush, “but there weren’t many left, and we really wanted to get a compartment together... so we just picked that one. We didn’t realize...” she trailed off slowly at the end. Lily gave her friend a look that clearly said ‘What in the world is wrong with you?’ but she knew better then to ask. Annabelle usually got frustrated when she was pressed for explanations. So pushing past her friend she continued down the hall and into the compartment Annabelle had pointed out.

As they entered Lily heard a voice shout “LILY!!!” Then a mass of short blonde curls obscured Lily’s vision and filled her mouth. Spitting them out laughing, Lily said calmly, “Hi Luce!” Lucy Forbes, a usually quiet girl, had been on holiday visiting her Great-Aunt-twice-removed (or something of that sort) for the last two months of summer break. So naturally she hadn’t seen any of the girls in a long time-and missed them terribly. “Miss me, did you?” Lily asked grinning.

“You’re lucky,” a voice said from the corner, “She knocked me out into the hallway when I came in. Some kid whacked me in the forehead with a trunk. Looked like a third year, titchy little thing.” Marie Creswell, emerged out from behind a copy of the magazine Which Broomstick, smirking.

Lucy blushed, “I already said I was sorry! I didn’t mean to. I was just excited to see you all…” she trailed off.

Marie looked at her and said placating, though her voice sounded a little jaded, “It’s alright, I know you didn’t mean it, don’t worry about it.” Marie had the hardest time of all the girls dealing with Lucy’s feelings. Marie was outright and brusque, and Lucy was gentle and easily hurt- the two didn’t mix well.

“Yes, don’t worry about it Lucy, Marie just likes to give people a hard time.” Annabelle threw a look at Marie, that clearly said, 'watch it'.

Lily followed Annabelle to one of the seats next to the Compartment door, and turned to look at the girls. “So,” she began. “What have you lot been-” but before she could finish there was a loud gasp, and Lucy was pointing at her chest.

“You- you’re- how come- no way!” she spluttered. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, her voice turning accusatory.

“You were in Ireland remember?” Lily said raising an eyebrow.

“You should have sent me an owl!”

“I only found out a little while ago, there wasn’t any point sending an owl- plus, I wanted to surprise you!” Lily smiled.

“Well I’m definitely surprised,” Lucy agreed shaking her head. “I’m so proud of you Lily! Although we all knew you’d get it.” Her friends nodded in agreement. “Do you know who the Head Boy is yet?”

“It’s probably Remus,” Annabelle said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Lily agreed. “That wouldn’t be that bad, Remus is so nice. Although, that’d mean I’d have more of a chance of running into Potter” she spat out the name distastefully. “I wonder if Remus would actually discipline Potter and Black. I mean, he didn’t when he was a prefect- and they did things right under his nose.”

Lucy frowned at Lily. “I’m sure he would, Lily. He knows the responsibilities that come with being the Head Boy. I’m sure he wouldn’t take advantage of them.”

Lily shook her head. “Sometimes I think you put a little too much faith in people and their good-nature Lucy. I think Remus is more worried about keeping his friends happy then disciplining them. Still, he would make a great Head Boy- I’m sure it’s him. Who else would Dumbledore pick, after all?”

Annabelle shrugged. “Remus seems like the best choice to me. There is Justin Roper, but I don’t really think he’s all that good of a choice.”

“No,” Annabelle agreed. “Too many girlfriends. He wouldn’t want to waste time on a small little thing like duties.” The girls smirked.

Lily grinned and turned back to Lucy “So Luce, enough about me- I want to hear about your trip! Did you manage to have fun? Even though you were stuck with your aunt?” The girls chattered on about their summers and the highlights- and the mishaps. They were laughing about an incident with Annabelle, a cat, a pool, and a couple of levitating sherbet balls, they had even managed to get a laugh out of Marie, who had disappeared behind her magazine again, when there was a loud “CRACK”. Annabelle and Lucy, Marie jumped to her feet, dropping Which Broomstick, and Lily screeched “JAMES POTTER YOU FILTHY GIT.” She used a few more choice words, describing just what a “filthy git” James was, and what an arrogant berk he was for showing off his ability to apperate.

James Potter, a handsome boy in his 7th year- the same age as the girls- was lounging against the doorframe, looking supremely unconcerned. “Lily, Lily, Lily Evans. There’s really no need to use that language with me.” He said pushing himself off the doorpost and sitting down next to her. “A pretty girl like you shouldn’t use such nasty language- it just isn’t becoming.” He said stretching an arm out to wrap around Lily’s shoulder.

“Eat dragon dung Potter.” Lily snapped and wrenched herself away from James. She stood up and looked around for another seat, but unnoticed by her, the compartment had been completely filled up while she had been yelling at James. Every last seat was taken. Peter was fidgeting with his wand in the seat across from Marie, next to him Sirius lounged across from Annabelle. Remus sat next to Lucy and across from James with the new transfiguration book in his hands, and the final two seats were piled high with the girl’s pet’s cages, books, and book bags. It finally hit Lily why Annabelle had been acting so strange about the compartment. Every year for the past three terms, Potter and the rest of the “Marauders,” as they liked to call themselves, showed up in their compartment, lead by Potter. Usually, however, there weren’t enough seats- the girls always made sure there weren’t. This year though, there were just enough to fit all of them. “Perfect. Bloody perfect,” Lily thought. “I get to sit with Potter the ENTIRE way to Hogwarts, and right next to him as well. As if just being in the same compartment isn’t bad enough.” She sighed. “At least I get to go give instructions to the Prefects for the last half of the ride. I’ll just leave with Remus and then, hopefully, I can make up some excuse so I don’t have to come back to the compartment... or something.” She glared at James and sat back down, and then she turned to look pleadingly at Annabelle. Annabelle, however, was looking resolutely out the window. “Thanks Belle. You’re a lot of help...” she muttered to herself.






A/N: Hello Everyone! Welcome to The Sweetest Things! This is my 'first' attempt at a fanfic, second, if you consider pathetic plot-lacking randomness from years and years ago an ff.

Naturally, I do not own these characters or the setting, other then my own lovely oc's Lucy, Marie, and Annabelle along with others to come later. Unfortunately I must give all my credit to the Great JKR. I would also like to give credit to the fantabulous Aya for the artwork shown above in my banner.

And onto the story. This is obviously a Marauder Era fic, and it centers mainly around Lily and James. There will also be another romance to pop up along the way. I posted it here in the High Security Vaults to be safe, I'm not sure how in-depth I'm going to get, but we'll see! I'm playing with some drama right now, and figuring out how to best finish up the plot line. I hope you guys will enjoy! And, of course, please review! I would love to hear your opinions- and I would also love to be able to learn your names if you want me to know them. *hugglesyouall*

<3Hannah

this is really good pleawse post more soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! keep up the good work
PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPA MSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS:r ead!:

Thanks Dear! Congrats- you get the title of first reader! *hugglelubs*

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A/N: Okay, so here's chapter numero dos. I really should have posted this chapter in with the other chapter. But i didn't. So whatever, you get it now. :wink:.


Annabelle jumped and shrieked as James apperated into their compartment. He must have taken the summer apparition Classes. He really could be an annoying git-of-a-show-off, although she never flew off the handle like Lily did. Then again James wasn’t always flirting with her, so she really didn’t blame Lily. As James push himself off the doorframe, Sirius opened the door farther and walked in, followed by Remus and Peter. They each took seats in the compartment. Remus had his face hidden in one of their schoolbooks and Peter fidgeted nervously with his wand. He looked terrified to be surrounded by so many girls, but Sirius, however, lounged in the seat across from Annabelle looking quite at ease- and much too handsome for his own good. He was staring right at Annabelle, and annoyed she looked away. She had never really cared for Sirius- he was a flirt and a total womanizer. She despised people like that, full out hated, acctually. Desperate for something else to look at, she glanced over at Lily and James just in time to see James wrap his arm around Lily’s shoulder. Annabelle shook her head at his stupidity and looked back at Sirius. He was still looking at her. Irritated, she resisted the childish erge to stick her tongue out at him and turned to look resolutely out the window.


After what felt like half a lifetime, Lily finally stood up to go talk to the Prefects. She had managed to move herself away from James halfway through the ride, but that hadn’t stopped him from being obnoxious the entire time. She had threatened to curse him more times then she could count. She had even pulled out her wand on a few occasions- but James just casually pointed out that she was the Head Girl, the Head Girl had to set a good example, and, he was sorry, but cursing people just didn’t fall under that category. For some reason- one Lily still didn’t understand- when James found out that she was Head Girl, a triumphant, gleeful, and almost relieved look came across his face. This had bothered and surprised her so much that she spent half the ride agonizing over what it meant, until she finally pushed it away and focused on other things.

Now as she stood up, Lily said, “I’ve got to go now, Professor McGonagall sent me the list of things to talk to the Prefects about in my acceptance letter, so I’ll catch up with you girls in one of the carriages.” She waved pointedly only at her friends and turned, waiting for Remus to come out from behind his book and modestly announce that he had been made Head Boy, and would be coming along with her. Remus however seemed to sink lower behind the book. Lily paused a little longer, waiting for him to emerge- then she threw a wary look at Annabelle who looked at Remus and back at Lily with a shrug and a raised eyebrow. Maybe Remus was just being modest and didn’t want to make a scene, and would follow along later. With this in mind Lily walked out into the hall, but before she closed the door to the compartment, she saw James give Sirius that same triumphant look. Lily suddenly had an awful feeling in the pit of her stomach- something was not right.

Closing the door and shaking her head, she started down the hallway. Her head was full of James’ parting look, when, stopping abruptly, she found herself face-to-face with Severus Snape. He had one hand resting on the door of a compartment, and inside she could see his friends, Avery, Mulciber, Rosier, and a couple of younger students, they looked like they were only third or fourth year.

Her mouth hanging slightly open, and her vivid green eyes wide, she stared at Severus. He stared back, and then suddenly he opened his mouth to speak. But before he could get the slightest sound out, Lily pushed past him and ran down the corridor to the compartment, leaving a stunned Severus looking after her, hands hanging at his sides.

When Lily reached the compartment at the front of the train, she was, thankfully, the only one there. That wasn’t really surprising- she’d left almost 15 minutes early to get away from Potter, but now she wished he hasn’t left so soon. She wouldn’t have seen Severus if she had waited. Lily usually tried to avoid him. When she did see him it was in a crowded corridor, or a packed classroom. Never one on one like that had been.

She sank greatfully into the seat. He had almost spoken to her. What would he have said? Called her a mudblood? Tried to curse her? No, he never did any of that. It was always one of the others. He never tried to stop them though, did he? He’d looked upset just now. Would he have apologized? Probably not. He didn’t apologize, how well she knew that. Said he wished things were like they used to be? Maybe..

Then, before she could stop them, memories flooded back. Head cradled in her hands, she let them come.

She was 11 years old and they were sitting on the swings. He was telling her stories fit for fairy tales. He was telling her about a magic castle with moving staircases and talking pictures, and ghosts. He was telling her about a lake filled with mermaids and a gigantic squid and little demon creatures called ‘grindylows’. He was telling her about unicorns and dragons and hippogriffs. But most of all he was telling her about wands and spells and potions.

She was finally at the magic castle, her brand new wand tucked into her pocket, and all the professors just waiting to teach her spells were sitting infront of her. But her attention was fixed on the black haired head, squared shoulders, and resolute countenence of her best friend. Who was walking away from her. She was sitting among a cloud of red and gold. He was headed toward a sea of green and silver. She was Gryffindor. He was Slytherin. They were enemies.

She was 13, and he was sitting across from her in the semi-darkness. Water was lapping at their feet as she silently listened to him talk about his new friends. It had been 3 years, she had given up hope that he would finally make friends in his own house. He had seemed content to only talk to her. But here he was bright eyed and excited telling her how they had approached him in the common room. They were going to let him be friends with them. She should be excited for him, shouldn’t she? But Avery and Mulciber? She recoiled.

They were sitting out by the lake again, the lake she had once dreamed about. Dreams full of magical creatures and beautiful mermaids. Now the lake held a different image for her. It was black and brooding. The creatures below the surface were fierce and dangerous, just waiting for the right moment to strike. Now she new the reality behind her dreams. She looked back into the face across from her. It reflected the atmosphere around them almost to a tee. It had been a year, and things hadn’t seemed like they were changing. But looking back she could tell the incredible difference. He was brooding and silent. He was dangerous underneath it all, though careful to hide it from her. She remembered her reservations about Avery and Mulciber. It turned out she was right.

15, and he was white as a sheet and full of an embarrassed fury. People were standing all around. She had just run up and yelled at James to leave him alone. Then, the monster reared its ugly head. He finally showed the side she had known he was hiding. He shouted the one word that ruined their friendship, “I don’t need help from a mudblood!”

“No- listen, I didn’t mean--” She wasn’t going to listen to him. They couldn’t be friends anymore. It was over. She had seen his real face, with out a mask. And she despised it. He begged her to hear him out, to stay friends. She coldly refused, and turned away.

She was 16 and walking down a crowded corridor. Marie was on one side, complaining about the newest transfiguration assignment, Annabelle on the other teasing her gently. She laughed at the ridiculous two, but the laugh was cut short. He was standing in front of her, eyes boring into her own. He hadn’t stopped- but his eyes didn’t leave hers until they passed. It was the first time they had come close to acknowledging each other in over a year.

Then Mulciber and Avery were standing in front of her, wands out and jeering, calling her a mudblood. Severus rounded the corner, then stopped- staring. He glanced at Lily and then to his friends expectant faces. He muttered a halfhearted oath in her direction then said, ‘Slughorn wants to see the three of us. I can’t imagine what for, but you had better hurry.’ Then he turned on his heel and in a swish of his cloak he was gone.

Finally they were standing across from each other in the empty potions class. He was cleaning up some ingredients that had spilled,and she was walking out of Slughorn’s office after just receiving an invitation to another one of his dinners. They looked at each other eyes narrowed, and for the second and last time and completely unprovoked, his lips silently formed the word “Mudblood.” She stared at him, hurt and disbelieving. Her first magical friend, the person who had told her all the mysteries of the magical world, stood across from her and in that instant- he went from a past friend, to complete and total enemy.

Lily raised her head from her hands, and let out a strangled sob. She hadn’t let those things came back to her in a long, long time. Suddenly she had the strongest need to cry.

She was staring out the window, still trying to collect herself, when a voice said “Enjoying the veiw, Evans?” Startled and embarrassed Lily looked up, directly into a pair of hazel eyes, surrounded by messy locks of black hair. James Potter was, again, leaning up against the doorframe, one leg crossed carelessly over the other, and his hands in the pockets of his muggle jeans. Lily stared, and then hastily tried to collect herself, turning away from him to wipe the single tear she had let escape, glad she hadn’t let herself cry anymore.

When she turned back she said coldly, each word dripping with dislike. “What do you want Potter?” The encounter with Snape had made her hurt and angry. James raised an eyebrow and reached back, pulling a piece of paper out of his back pocket. She wasn’t sure whether or not he had noticed the tear, if he had she was thankful he was letting it go.

“Well, my letter said I was supposed to be here to give the Prefects instructions at the end of the train ride. So, that’s what I’m doing.” He said cockily.

Lily glared at him. “Very funny Potter, give Remus back his letter and tell him to hurry up- the Prefects are going to start arriving soon.” James looked back at her, and again there was a flicker of something in his face that she could barely read. This time though, she thought it was hurt. James walked over to where she was sitting, and tossed the letter down into her lap. She picked it up and read,


Dear Mr. Potter,

I am very pleased to inform you, that you have been made Head Boy this term! It is a very important and esteemed position and I expect that you will treat it with the utmost sincerity and importance. If you choose to except this position your first obligation will be to inform the Prefects of their duties and make sure they understand the importance of their tasks. Also they will need to understand the powers that they hold, and how, for example, they are not allowed to dock points. There is always a compartment left empty that is used for just this purpose. I have enclosed a detailed list of the items you must cover with, them for your convince. You will also be meeting the Head Girl in the first compartment. I suggest that you go a few minutes early, so you can get to know each other and work out any differences that may arise. When you arrive at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore would like to meet with you in the room off of the Great Hall by the Staff Table after the feast. Please meet him there and he will inform you of your tasks. Congratulations on your new post!

Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall



Deputy Headmistress
Gryffindor Head of House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry


Stunned Lily glanced up at James, looking for some form of confirmation, but all she got was a stony glare in return and, “Is it convincing enough for you?” Still too shocked to speak Lily handed over the letter without a word and leaned back into the seat, staring at James- who was determinedly looking down at his letter, and for once in his life ignoring Lily Evans.


A/N: ENJOY! and Please, please, PLEASE. REVIEW!

<333 Hannah

That was amazing. i will try to get other people to read so you have more readers. PAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMS

PS thanks for the nickname!!!!!!

Thank you dear! More readers would be lyk. Thecoolesthingever.

I didn't mean it as a nickname. But you know what? We'll have to just wait and see what kind of nickname i can come up with for you.. *ponders* Nicknames are also thecoolesthingever.

*FAINT*

*GRABHUGGLESTRANGLE*


You're reaaading me! I lubbeth you too dearest of mahMia's.


You're advertising me? Noway! That's thecoolesthingever. By far.

Sarah is adorable, I love that picture. I keep regretting that i never continued with Annabelle. Maybe I should try and jump in. But i dunno if I could get her going.. oh well. Thats spammage. I'll pm you about it. Or msn. Or w/e

*kisseths*

A/N: I'll post more soooon! I just need to keep writing a little bit- I'm way ahead of these posts, but i need to make sure i'm consistant with posting and writing so i don't run out of stuff to post! that would NOT be thecoolesthingever.

Thank u for the update

LOVe
Voldy xoxoxox

Oh my gosh I love your story. It is so good. You writing rocks. So can't wait for more.

NEW READER!!

Thank you dearie! *huggles* I'm glad you like it! You should tell me some of your favorite parts, and some stuff i should work on *nods* i lovvvve feedback.

Of course! That's what I'm here for!


NEW READER!


*HugglesyoulykeWHOA* Thank you for the feedback! And welcome to TST!


I'll post soon dearies, I'm in school right now- and the bell just rand. Buuuut my next class is writing, so i'll hopefully be able to post.


<3 Hannah

A/N: Okay. SO. I've been a bad girl. SO.....


An extra long postie!!

And before we get started, I would like to give credit where credit is due. Sadly the sorting song in here is not my own. I tried to make one, and it was paaathetic. Poetry would not be a forte of mine. However, this one is a compilation of the magnificent JKR's sorting song's all jumbled together in one. *applauseforJKR*



All through the meeting with the Prefects, Lily was distracted. She couldn’t seem to get the look Severus had given her out of her head. He hadn’t been cold, or rude, or indifferent. He had looked like he was going to speak. They hadn’t spoken in almost two years. At least nothing friendly. Neither James, nor the Prefects seemed to notice her distraction, however, and she managed to pull off the meeting.

“Okay, I think that’s everything. James? Do you have anything else to add?” Lily asked, as the train came to a halt outside Hogsmeade Station.

James shook his head, “No, that’s everything. You lot can leave.” As the kids filed out, James turned back to Lily.

“Well, I think that went well, don’t you?” James said, trying to start a conversation. No response. “Well, I wonder what our responsibilities will be..” No response. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and talk to Dumbledore.” Lily nodded absentmindedly, picking up the extra papers the prefects had left behind. James raised his eyebrows, she was never this distracted. Something was up.

Lily, sensing James’ growing interest, picked up her bag, and quickly left the compartment. The train was almost empty now. As she walked along to the compartment to get her trunk she heard someone call out “Evans! Wait!” Lily quickly shut the door of the compartment behind her, hoping he would get the message. Not three seconds after the door had closed, it slid open again to reveal James. He looked at her with concern and said “Is there something wrong, Evans?” Ignoring him she pulled the trunk down and balanced Maih’s cage on top, the owl hooted indignantly. “You seemed upset when I first came in, and you were distracted through the whole meeting.” Shocked at his sudden discernment she said evasively.

“No, I’m fine.” She turned to leave, trying to balance the trunk, cage, and book bag, and fit it all through the door, she almost ran into James. “Move.” She said shortly.

“As you wish,” he said. Then, as if he hadn’t asked her any questions at all, he said, “At least let me take your trunk.” And with out waiting for a reply, he reached out a hand and pulled on the trunk. Lily yanked back, hard, and Maih’s cage slid off the top. James reached out, his reflexes kicking in; fine toned as they were from playing Seeker on the Gryffindor House Quidditch team. He caught the cage smoothly with one hand, “alrighty then, I’ll take the cage.” Lily would have protested, but her hands were full enough with the heavy trunk and book bag alone.

“Fine.” She growled. Then stepped past him and toward the end of the train.

When they reached the horseless carriages that waited to take them up the long drive from Hogsmeade to the castle, Lily looked around for her friends. There, that was Belle wasn’t it? No… definitely not. Some Slytherin 6th year. Lily kept searching- but no luck. They weren’t anywhere in site.

“Ah, well.” James mock sighed. “Looks like you’re stuck with me. The carriages are about to leave and you don’t want to be left behind.” Lily glared at him.

“Where’s your trunk?” she asked suspiciously as they made there way to one of the last empty carriages. There was a second year headed toward it, so Lily turned to go farther down the line. James, however, casually turfed the kid out and put the cage in before turning back to an incredulous Lily. “Potter! You can’t do that- you’re the Head Boy! Give him back his carriage!” She turned looking for the boy, but he was already gone. She muttered under her breath and turned back to James.

“I can, I know, and I won’t. The kid’s gone, Evans. There’s nothing you can do about it now. As for my trunk, Sirius and Remus brought it up for me- I thought ahead.” Lily didn’t like his tone of voice. It suggested she wasn’t prepared. She was ALWAYS prepared, she thought defiantly. She glared at him again while she got into the carriage. He casually said, “Watch it Evans- your face might stick like that,” and swung himself into the carriage after her.

Lily made her way into the Great Hall, tailed by James. He naturally kept up a constant stream of badgering and teasing- and all of it was incredibly saturated in arrogance. Lily searched the Hall frantically for her friends the moment she entered, and finally saw, sitting at the Gryffindor table, a head covered in gold curls, next to a dark one bent over something. Lucy and Marie. She hurried over to them ignoring James’ protests and plopped down onto a seat, making sure there wasn’t room for him anywhere near her. Thankfully the girls had chosen a seat far away from the Marauders. She let out a long sigh, and Lucy looked at her sympathetically. “Potter, huh?” Lily nodded dumbly.

“We couldn’t believe it when he stood up and announced that he had better go find you and help you. I thought he was kidding, everyone did. We were all sure it was supposed to be Remus.” Annabelle chimed in.

“Well, that explains the hurt look.” Lily thought grimly. “I did too,” she said quietly. She debated whether or not she should bring up the exchange between her and Severus, but she thought better of it. Lily and Severus had never broad-casted their friendship. It wasn’t as though they were hiding it- but they thought it would be better if their other friends didn’t find out about it. Slytherin and Gryffindor were known enemies. So the girls new she had been friends with him, but couldn’t understand why. They thought it was more pity then actual friendship.

Trying to change the topic she turned and looked around. Seeing Marie with her head still buried in a magazine she raised an eyebrow. “What’s with the magazine Marie? Decided to actually start reading?” she teased.

Marie looked at her scornfully, “No, I have not decided to ‘actually start reading’ my name isn’t Lily Evans.”

Lily laughed “Touche, but seriously- what’s with the Magazine?”

“I’m buying a new broom. I’m trying to find out what one to buy.” Lily nodded her head understandingly. Marie had lost control of her broom in one of the last matches of the season last year, and after dropping her soundly on the ground it had flown right at the Whomping Willow- a huge tree that, well, ‘whomped’ anything that came near it. That is to say- the branches started to swing around, and violently hit anything and everything it could reach. For some reason, brooms seemed attracted to that tree. Marie’s was the third broom that year to be smashed, and she had been very, very upset. Lily was just surprised that it had taken her this long to get a new one. She was about to ask, when the doors to the Entrance Hall banged open, and a long line of First Years filed in behind Professor McGonagall, looking very small, and very very frightened. Lily smiled at them, and heard Lucy let out an admiring ‘Awww..’

As they entered Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster, rose to his feet. Silence fell over the hall instantly. He said, in a voice that carried around the now hushed hall, “Welcome students, both old and new, to another spectacular year at this superb school of Hogwarts.” There was appreciative clapping and cheering. Dumbledore smiled down at them all, until silence fell again. “Now, I know you are all exceptionally hungry, but I am going to have to ask you to forestall the Feast for a short while longer, and turn your attention to the Sorting.” He waved his hand grandly toward Professor McGonagall, who was now holding a tattered old hat and a wobbly three legged stool. She set them down and stepped back. Then, after a few moments a long rip appeared in the brim of the hat and a voice rang out, singing,


Oh you may not think me pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.

A thousand years or more ago
when I was newly sewn,
there lived four wizards of renown,
whose names are still well known:
bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
shrewd Slytherin, from fen.

United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
"Together we will build and teach"
The four good friends decided.

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.

While still alive the Founders did divide
Their favorites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When they were dead and gone?

'Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!

The Great Hall erupted with cheers and shouts for the sorting hat, and Professor McGonagall walked forward with the first years standing behind her looking apprehensive and terrified. McGonagall took out a list, adjusted her spectacles, and said voice ringing clear over the crowd “Armstrong, Lila!” a tiny little girl, looking terrified stepped forward and put the hat on her head. The hat slid slowly down her nose as the whole room waited quietly, then the hat shouted “GRYFFINDOR!!” The Gryffindors erupted in hoots and screams, James and Sirius down the table were hollering and carrying on- using the sorting as an excuse to be as loud as possible. Lila walked to the table and sat down, bright red and even more terrified then before.

Professor McGonagall read off the next name, “Briddock, Malcolm!” A tall boy with sandy blonde hair sauntered forward, as if he were merely taking a stroll around the lake. “Slytherin..” Annabelle muttered before he even got to the chair. And sure enough, before the hat had barely touched his ears it screamed, “SLYTHERIN!!” As the sorting continued on Seth Cannon was sorted into Ravenclaw, Pamela Cotte was sorted into Hufflepuff. Owen Fairchild was sent- among thunderous applause- to the Gryffindor table. Kramer, McQueen, Pimotuo, and Valentine were sorted. Bill Weasley- a boy with astoundingly bright red hair- was sorted into Gryffindor, and proudly walked over to the table. Then, finally when Tracey Zimmerman was sorted into Ravenclaw, Dumbledore stood up again. “Now, now. Welcome to our new students, once again. I trust that you will enjoy the feast, and I shall only bother you once more, at the end, with such mundane things as announcements. Now, tuck in!”

Annabelle turned to Lucy with a sigh. “It’s hard to believe that’s the last time we’ll ever hear him say ‘tuck in’ isn’t it?”

“Don’t say that!! You’ll make me cry!” Lucy whimpered.
Lily looked around herself fondly. “This was my first home in the wizarding world. It’s going to be so hard to leave it.. I don’t know how I’ll do it. It’s scary, thinking about whats coming. I have no idea what I’m going to do.”
Marie laughed with an incredulous look on her face. “Oh please Lily, you not know what you’re going to do? You’ve had everything planned out from the start. You’ve always wanted to be a Healer. Or a ‘doctor’” she said with a smirk referring to time in their first year when Lily had chattered on about what she wanted to do. They all had teased her mercilessly about wanting to be a ‘doctor’ and every time the subject came up, they made sure she remembered it. There had been plenty of other muggle words she had used when she first came to Hogwarts, but for some reason (one she still didn’t know) they thought ‘doctor’ was the funniest. Lily shook her head in exasperation, but she didn’t comment- there wasn’t any point.

The girls continued to talk and laugh, their spirits heightened from being back in the place they felt the most at home, and back among those they loved so much. The talked, laughed, and teased until Dumbledore stood up one last time, made a few short announcements and then said “Here’s to my hope for a great year, and with that- Goodnight!” There was more clapping, and they all stood up. Lily stood with a sigh, and the girls looked at her in pity. “Well.. Off to talk to Dumbledore, with Potter.” She said with a grimace.

“Good luck..” Annabelle said quietly.

“Thanks.. I’ll need it.” Lily said ruefully. Then as she started to head off toward the Head table, she felt someone grab her arm.

“Not so fast Evans..” A quiet voice whispered in her ear. She looked at James with contempt. “You can’t leave without the Head Boy..” he said smirking at her. She turned back forward and continued on, pulling her arm away from James, but not before she saw a 5th year Ravenclaw girl glaring resentfully at her, and a 6th year Hufflepuff looking at James appraisingly. Rolling her eyes she picked up the pace, and James followed effortlessly, his long legs matching her pace with ease. When they got to the front of the Great Hall, Lily spotted a door just behind the Staff Table. She opened it and looked in cautiously, while James closed the door behind them. Professor Dumbledore stood before a big fireplace finger tips pressed together, and eyes twinkling.
“Ah, my Heads at last.” He said with a gracious smile and nod of the head.

“Hello Professor.” James said calmly.

Lily, looking a little flustered, said, “Yes, Hello Professor Dumbledore, I’m so grateful to you, this is just.. it just such an honor. I can’t thank you enough for letting- for making- for having me as Head Girl, it’s an honor, sir, it really is. I wish-” James put a hand on her arm, and she stopped speaking her face turning red. Dumbledore smiled genially.

“You are so very welcome Miss Evans. I can’t think of anyone more worthy for the position, which is why, naturally, I selected you.” Lily- even through her embarrassment- couldn’t help wonder why Dumbledore had selected James. However, continued on with out an explanation. “Now, as I’m positive Professor McGonagall informed you in the letters you each received, I am going to give you your main duties for this year, unless others should arise. The first duty you have already taken care of, the Prefects.” He inclined his head, “and you have done very well indeed. I am most proud of you, they were very confident and assured with the first years, and we had hardly any problems, like we are apt to have. I only hope you will be such a good team with every duty you are assigned. Now, the main things you will be responsible for, are continuing your supervision of the Prefects, supervision of decorating for the Holidays, deciding what the dates will be for Hogsmeade weekends, and helping Mr. Filch with both the third year’s permission forms- gathering the new ones, and giving them out at the end of the year to the second years- and also the list of students staying over the Holidays. You will also be responsible for getting the new passwords out to our 6th year Prefects. Another privilege that come along with being Heads, is you are allowed to dock points, although I expect you to use this with the utmost discretion.” A pointed look at James, “and you two also have a bathroom for your own private usage. The password to access the bathroom, is Spring Clean. The password will change from time to time. I will inform you of the change when you come to my office. Now, it is very, very important that you do not misuse any of these privileges. I chose each of