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Jealousy

Then

James

Walking towards the astronomy tower to meet Regulus has been my nightly routine, and at this point I'm pretty comfortable with sneaking. Tonight, Sirius asked me to use the cloak because him and Peter have this idea for a prank but they need to sneak around. 

I figure with the two of them busy and Remus in the library, I won't need the cloak. I'll be able to just sneak up and no one will notice. 

Of course, my luck isn't that great. As soon as I reach the door, I see Marlene and Lily walking towards me. 

"Evening girls," I say to them while trying to act as normal as I can. Don't act strange and they won't ask too many questions. "What are you two doing out of your common rooms? You know it's nearly curfew."

Marlene raises her eyebrow and stares at me. "Could ask you the same question, Potter"

"Oh you know me, I just love breaking the rules." 

Lily laughs softly and looks at Marlene. "He's got you there. All of them really do like breaking rules and seeing if they can get away with it." 

"It's your turn to answer the question," I say to them. Marlene frowns but Lily doesn't even hesitate.

"We're just going to the kitchens for some food." 

"That sounds fun," I say drily. Of course that's what they're doing. I should've guessed. Lily loves talking to the house elves too. Marlene couldn't care less about them, but she's polite to them when they're around. 

"We should probably get going, Lils." Marlene says to her and tries to nudge her away from me. 

"You go ahead, I'll meet you there." Lily says, turning her head to her friend. They have this weird unspoken conversation and then Marlene huffs. 

"Fine, don't take all bloody night you two." 

"So, what are you and the girls up to tonight?" I ask her. I'm not sure why she stayed back to talk to me if she already has plans. 

"Watching some muggle movies I brought. Marlene is really only in it for the snacks but Mary and I love some of the movies I brought. It should be fun." 

"That sounds cool," I say to her. 

"What about you? What unfortunate person are you and the guys pranking tonight?" 

"Actually, Peter and Sirius are off right now doing some research for our next one," I tell her. "I don't know much about it yet. It's their idea." 

"Well I'm really hoping it's not on me." Lily scowls at me. It's her way of warning me that it better not be on her or there will be a price to pay. 

"Don't worry, I'll try to keep you out of it as much as I can." I tell her. 

"Thanks," She says and smiles at me. 

We continue to talk for a while, and I'm surprised Regulus hasn't shown up yet. Kind of relieved too though. He would freak out if he saw us talking. 

- 

Regulus

James and Lily. 

Talking. 

Flirting.

Right by the door to the astronomy tower. 

I don't know why, but it makes me feel strange to see them talking and laughing. I sneak away before either of them notice me coming down the hallway and instead of going back after she leaves, I go to the common room.