OK I don't know what number of fanfic this is for me. None of my others are on this site though.

This story will be written by me, and 'Believe' aka Cai (I suggest you read her story "What the Girls Think" there is a link in her siggy, you can find it when she posts in here. It's VERY good!). We'll be trading off writing sections.

Aaand...I think that's it...

-I recognize that JKR is responsible for many of the characters, and the world, and do not claim anything that didn't come from my own mind-

People were in shock of how quickly things changed. For years ‘Lord Voldemort’ had been little more than a joke. No one seriously thought anything would come of him. They all assumed the ministry would stop him before things got out of hand. Now people were showing up dead, muggles and wizards alike. Ministry officials were being accused of spying for the this new Dark Lord. It was chaos.

Hogwarts was said to be the safest place by some. A well known wizard and former Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, was now the headmaster. Several parents had gladly let their children return to Hogwarts.

That was seven years ago. Seven years had passed since Voldemort had risen to power, seven years had passed since Dumbledore had been promoted to Headmaster, seven years had passed since James Potter, his friends, and Lily Evans had started at Hogwarts. Don’t think there is any connection between the two. Lily Evans despised James Potter from the deepest part of her heart. The feeling was far from mutual on the part of James Potter.

The average compartment on the Hogwarts Express was silent. None of the students allowed to return to school could find anything good to talk about. Not in these troubled times. The Marauders, however, were far from average. One compartment on the entire train was howling with laughter.

Inside were four boys, currently tossing cards from a deck of exploding snap at one another. The short, pudgy Peter got hit in the forehead with one, just as it exploded, causing his eyebrows to be singed off his head.

“Hey!” he whined. “You guys cut it out!” He insisted, hiding behind his arms.

“Yeah, Prongs, Padfoot, I sincerely doubt Peter is looking forward to premature baldness,” Remus Lupin insisted, struggling not to laugh.

“Oh, but what about you Moony?” Sirius Black asked mischievously. “You're hairy enough for all of us aren’t you?” He teased his friend, throwing several cards at him, two of the five exploded on contact. The two cracked up.

Sitting near the door, was James Potter. Uncharacteristically he was already in his school robes, a shiny HB badge pinned to his chest. His eyes darted down to the watch on his wrist, and he stood up.

“Sorry you guys, I should go. Don’t want to be late,” he apologized, resting a hand on the door. Behind him, Sirius made a sound of shock.

“What? You? Prongs is going to show up early? Are you running a fever?” He asked, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head. Peter had stopped rubbing his head where eyebrows formerly grew, and stared at the two. Remus watched Peter, and sighed in disapproval.

“You expect me to be late and get on Evans’ bad side this early on? I don’t think so,” James replied stiffly, and shuddered.

“Of course, your precious flower. Lily,” Sirius cooed mockingly at James, and rolled his eyes. “I understand,” he added, and winked.

“No really Padfoot. Lily is terrifying when she gets mad. You should have seen her the day those third years tried to pull a prank on Hagrid. I’ve never seen her like that before. She’s never that hard on you,” Remus interjected knowingly. He’d been Gryffindor prefect with Lily for the past several years, and got on quite well with her. James gave his friend an appreciative smile, then turned to Sirius.

“It’s not like that Padfoot. I’ve been trying to get her to like me for six years. I’m honestly about ready to give up. It’s pointless. I could always ask Ami out. I know she’d agree. She’s been hinting at it since she got on the team two years ago. A girl who is as into Quidditch as me would be good. She can fully appreciate my sheer talent on a broom.” He explained, though you could tell he doubted his own words. “Well I’m off,” he concluded, and darted out the door.

Sirius watched his friend leave, in complete shock, which was his initial reaction to his getting Head Boy in the first place.

“I bet you three sickles that she petrifies him within the first five minutes,” Sirius told Remus with laughter shining in his eyes.

“Lily wouldn’t. She’s not like that,” Remus replied, pulling out his Defense Against the Dark Arts book, and started reading. “Your on,” he agreed, they both knew he didn’t have three sickles to bet.

YAY!!!! I'm the first to post! I love your story, please post again soon!!!!!!!!!

Wow! I love it! It's a great start! PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS!!!!

Great start! Looking forward to reading more! PAMS!

AWESOME! great for a start! luved it! can't wait 2a c james and lily! lol

holla!

-Puja aka M#5

Alright, well here's my next little bit, and apparently, Cai has decided NOT to post her hello in here...I swear she exists everyone!!! Be patient!! lol (ok fine it's NOT like anyone but me cares....)

yeah yeah yeah, here's the story...

James was nervous when he walked into the empty prefects compartment. What if Lily didn’t even make Head Girl? Clearly there was something wrong with Dumbledore’s head, as he had made him Head Boy. What if it was a Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. That’s stupid. There is no way Lily wouldn’t have been made Head girl. He comforted himself, and watched the door, waiting for her to arrive.

When the door finally opened her ginger head bobbed into the room. She didn’t even look up at him before she threw her book bag on one of the empty seats, and started rambling.

“Sorry I’m late. I woke up late, then my little sister started throwing a fit, as usual, claiming that Gypsy got into her clothes, which was a complete lie. She was in her basket in my room the whole time.” Lily huffed, and spun around, immediately falling into a stunned silence. Her exquisite green eyes fixed on James. “This isn’t funny Potter, go give Remus back his badge, and tell him to get up here. We have a Prefects meeting to conduct.” Lily ordered him, sounding like a worn out mother. She placed one hand on her hip, and rubbed her forehead with the other.

“Uh...” He attempted to explain, but no words came out. “Uh...I am Head Boy.” he managed weakly. If looks could kill, the one she gave him would have.

“Really Potter I thought you had grown out of all of this!” She snapped, took hold of his arm roughly, and started propelling them down the hallway shouting the whole way, “REMUS!”

In the end, they weren’t hard to find. Outside their door was a black haired figure sprawled out on the floor, unmoving. When they heard her, the door flew open.

“Really Evans, you’ll need to keep it down, or you may wake Snively.” Sirius scolded her lightly. James noticed her struggling not to laugh. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. It was something he had gotten use to over the years. This was behavior she accepted from his friends, but not himself. Sirius was quite accustom to covering for him when James favorite prefect showed up.

Watching her and Sirius’s friendly banter, he felt a twang of jealousy, and despair. No matter how much he liked Lily, a part of him kept promising him that she would never return the feelings, that it would always be as one sided as it had always been. She would fall for Sirius, accept Remus as her best friend, but for them, nothing.

His mother had always supported his obvious attraction for the muggle born girl. She had always told him not to give up, that love and hate were always very closely divided in the heart. Her words were all but meaningless to him now. His mother insisting that he was impossible to love meant nothing, she was his mother, she was obligated to say that.

Little did he know, while he stood there, thinking, he was staring directly at Lily. Her words cut through his train of thought like a hot knife through butter.

“Potter if your going to ask me out again, then get it over with.”

I'm sorry! Hello! I'm Cai! Happy?

Yeah, dearie, I am happy!!!

*squee*

Das mah Cai!! Author number TWO!!!

Yay! Another Great Post! Pams!!!!!!!!!!!!!

great chapter! can't wait for more!

holla!

-Puja aka M#5

Post more soon!!!!!!!!!! Please!!!!!!!!!! I can't survive without your story!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *gasps for air* *suffocating from lack of story* I can't survive much longer!! lol PAMS!!!!!!!!

I love this story. "What the Girls Think" also rocks!!!! PAMS!!!!!!!!!!

LOL thanks you all for your comments!! If you have any critasism, weather constructive or not, feel free to voice it. I don't mind it!! REALLY!!!

more:

Lily was quite use to James staring at her in classes, pestering her daily about being his girlfriend, so use to it that her reply had become mechanic. This time was no different. James was giving her a look like she were some kind of mythical goddess, too amazing to be in such a public place. A taunting question escaped her lips before she had a chance to think about it. It was natural. It was her life. The only thing that wasn’t natural, that she didn’t deal with every time he looked her way was the violent fluttering in the pit of her stomach.

James stared at her for a while longer, not speaking, the longing having left his hazel eyes. When he spoke, his voice was robotic.

“We came here for a reason did we not? I think you had something to ask Remus.” James informed her, staring at the ground now.

Oh yeah, I was going to ask Remus...how did I forget that? She asked herself, staring curiously at James.

“Oh? What can I do for you Lil?” Remus asked casually, leaning against the doorframe of their compartment.

“Oh, I was wondering how James got a hold of your Head badge. We do have a meeting to be getting to you know.” She informed him, now sounding very uncertain of herself.

“I swear I didn’t Lily. James got Head boy. We’re as shocked about it as you....” Then added, “...no offence....” giving James a careless shrug, which he returned, giving him a look that clearly said, ‘none taken’.

“Lily, I don’t care what you do. Stay and stare at Remus some more if that is your wish. But I’m going back to the prefects meeting.” His eyes shifted to his friends. “We have to stay up there incase some of the prefects need us. You guys want to head up there in five minutes?” He asked them.

“We’ll be there Prongs!” Sirius insisted, clapping James on the shoulder. Nodding his head, James turned, and headed back to the front of the train.

* * * * *

Sirius watched James walk off, and Lily run after, feeling slightly dazed. He wasn’t use to the look James had given Lily. It was unlike him. James liked her, he knew it, as did everyone else, but he looked at her as if he actually loved the girl. Love was something that complete eluded James. His past relationships had been intentionally temporary, usually they were only his attempts to make Lily jealous. James didn’t want more. Did he?

Shrugging it off, he went off to go retrieve his luggage from the luggage rack, and waited for Remus and Peter to follow suit.

Another great post!!! PAMS! I can hardly stand to wait!!!!! No pressure!

Ahhhh, I love it! Lily needs to give James a chance though. It's like, he's so predictable. Hee hee! PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!

*grins after reading* that wus really cute! and emotional! i like it!

wow, james loves lily! can't wait 2 c them get 2gether!

post more soon! i'm rootin' on ya!

holla!

-Puja

*Happee Dance* It's still extra awshumfull with cherries on top and icecream in the middle and hot fudge on the bottom!!!! If I get any critism, I'll tell you about it, but for now. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay PAMS!

Ooh ooh ooh ooh! This song rocks. one sec. *dancy* Singin' joooooooy to the world! Aaaaaaaaaall the boys and girls. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea! Joy to you and me. *is hyperful*

Anywho. I lurrrrrrrrrrv it.

ok everyone. Up until now, I've been posting bits I've already written. So just fyi, after this, you'll probably have to wait longer for updates...Cai your turn next!!!

Returning to the Heads compartment, Lily felt the fluttering in her stomach return ten fold when she found James talking quite pleasantly to a room full of students, some of whom she’d came across him hexing only one year before.

It was striking for her to see him in change, and taking it seriously. It was something rarely seen. The only time he seemed to care about anything was in Transfiguration, his best, and favorite class. With one shaking had, he reached up to ruffle his own hair. Nervous? James? She though in complete shock, then smiled, leaning against the door, enjoying the show.

“Hey Evans.” A deep voice whispered in her ear, she jumped, and screamed slightly. The meeting came to a halt as everyone turned to face her. Sirius was laughing, Remus had pulled out his Charms book which he was currently reading, disapproving of the whole thing. Lily punched him in the arm, and huffed into the room.

“Sorry I’m late.” She announced to the room. “I’m Lily Evans, this years head girl.” She introduced herself, not letting herself look at James. “I’m assuming that James already gave you instructions.” She announced, clasping her hands behind her back.

“Actually, he was just telling us about Gryffindors win against Slytherin for the Quidditch cup last term!” A Hufflepuff boy announced. “I missed it, I was in detention.” He concluded, grinning. Lily shot a glare at James, then Sirius, who was roaring with laughter in the doorway.

“Out in the hall you!” She barked at Sirius, then turned her attention to the Prefects. “There will be quite enough time for stories after the rounds have been assigned and started.”

She started barking out orders, and directions, shortly after, all the younger students filed out, clearly afraid of the Head Girl.

“Lily you may want to lighten up, your scaring them.” James told her, stuffing his hands in his pockets, staring directly into her green eyes.

“Don’t tell me how to do my job James. I know far better than you do! I’m the one with the experience!” She snapped at him.

“Well clearly your not the one with the people skills.” He challenged, his eyes hardening, obviously unwilling to back down this time. “If you keep talking to them like a bunch of dogs they are going to revolt or something.” He insisted, and Lily roared with laughter.

“Of course, revolt of the Prefects!” She giggled. “James they will do whatever we tell them to do.” She told him as if she were speaking to a child, then saw something spark to life in his eyes. “Don’t you dare abuse this!” She snapped. He raised his hands in resign, and chuckled, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his black pants.

“I’d never dream of it highness.” He replied solemnly, inclining his head in mock-respect. She shoved his shoulder and walked to the other side of the compartment, sitting down huffily, pulling out her Potions book once she was settled.

“Lily,” James spoke as he headed over to let his friends into the compartment. “If your hoping to get on Slughorn’s good side this year, I don’t think there is a need. That man already kisses the ground you walk on. He knows you are the best potions student. You don’t need any extra studying.” he insisted, and turned to face Sirius. “C’mon in Sirius, Remus.” He allowed them, holding the door as they walked in, and releasing it in Peter’s face.

“Some people actually put work into their studies!“ she snapped. “Leave me alone Potter.” Was Lily’s terse reply from behind him. James made no acknowledgement of her command, already in deep conversation with his friends.

“So, we’re getting a new Transfiguration Professor with Dumbledore promoted aren’t we?” Sirius pointed out after a moment of silence.

“A Professor McGonagall.” Lily piped up, setting down her potions book as her voice sounded. “She’ll be head of Gryffindor as well.” Lily informed them.

“Oh, I forgot Dumbledore was our head of house.” Remus admitted a heavy yawn accompanying his words. “Well this could be interesting.” He professed with a shrug.

“Definitely.” James agreed shortly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

The rest of the train ride was occupied by similar causal banter. A few times Lily and James began their bickering, only ending when Sirius told them they sounded like an old married couple, at which point they both turned on him.

The marauders entered the school without the company of James’ one true love, who had abandoned them for her friend Kailyn. On his way out of the carriage, the love sick Potter waited no time finding his red headed crush, and following her inside. He saw her standing at the door, staring oddly at a tall figure wearing a black cloak, the hood drawn down over his face.

“Move it Mudblood.” Were the only words James heard. They came out in an almost inhuman hiss. The name alone sent an ever familiar blaze of fury through James’ body, which was completely disregarding his tone of voice. He halted behind Lily just as the man walked off.

Lily watched him leave, then shivered, turning to her friend.

“God that creep reminds me of Michael Jackson. Like his face was being eaten away. Is that intentional?” She asked, glancing over her shoulder only to spot James. “Come to save me from the pop star, Potter?” She grumbled, and rolled her eyes. “I can take care of myself.” She insisted, and stormed into the school. Kailyn gave him a sympathetic smile before following her friend.

Great posts! I can't wait to read more! Who was the wizard under the cloak? Snape, or worse???"

I'd tell you...but then I'd have to kill you (snape is in their school though...they'd know what he looks like! just a hint...)

Another great post!! I love your story!!! Keep it up! PAMS!!!!!

Hi Sorry I'm a new reader but last time I posted I posted on my boyfriends accout. Harry_loves_Ginny111. That was me. Loved your posts pleae post soon!!!
PAMS!!!!