Love & Scars

A Snake In The Lion's Den

People were staring at her as she walked through the castle. Pomfrey had finally let her out of the hospital wing, it felt weird being out. A whole month has passed since Easter break and the whole world didn't stop on her account. She was going to have a hard time in classes on Monday. Lily tugged her closer to her side.

"What did the professors say about my absence?"

Lily cringed a little. "Family emergency."

"Oh, well better than nothing. So, tell me about you and James." Izzie grinned, nudging her side.

Lily's blush nearly matched her hair. "I've told you, nothing happened."

"But you want it to happen."

"I- no -" She spluttered looking around the corridor. She guided her to an alcove. "He's been so sweet and caring; he has been so worried about you. Trying to make me laugh ever since... but I couldn't. Not when you were barely breathing."

"But I am breathing now. See?" She put her hands on Lily's shoulders and took in a few deep breaths. "Nothing's stopping you now for going for the boy whose been pining for you for years. Isn't there a Hogsmeade weekend coming up?" Lily nodded. "Ask him."

"You want me to ask him?" Her beautiful green eyes turned large. "I can't do that."

"Why not? You'll know he'll say yes. Besides." Izzie grinned. "It might shock him a bit, making him less cocky."

"Oh, I do like the idea of that." Lily grinned suddenly. "Let's head up, they'll be waiting for you."

Izzie was surprised to see the common room that empty, seeing it was barely eight o'clock. Only Remus, James, Peter, Sirius and surprisingly Regulus were sitting in front of the fireplace whispering.

"Where is everyone?" She asked Lily.

"The Marauders might have something to do with that." She smiled softly, but her eyes were focussed on James.

"You better ask him now, because that drool isn't really ladylike."

"I'm not drooling." She huffed but her cheeks tinged red again. She tugged her to the fireplace. Remus leaped up and hugged her fiercely, right after Reg did the same. Peter smiled and offered a little wave from his seat. James was cautious as he stepped closer. He lowered his head, a little tilt in it. Izzie smiled and then James wrapped her in his arms.

"I'm sorry I haven't been over that much."

"I'm just happy you kept Lily company and not let her worry too much."

"Yeah?" He asked in her hair.

"Absolutely." She pulled back and kissed his cheek.

She looked to the last person of the group. Sirius hasn't made a move stand up or even look at her. But right now, she didn't care, the cosiness and the warmth of the hearth pulled her to a relaxed state. She positioned herself between Lily and Remus.

"So, Reggie." She leaned forward to look at him. "How does the Lion's den suit you?"

"It's okay." He shrugged, but his eyes twinkled as he looked around. "A tad cosier than ours."

"More than a tad." Izzie snorted.

"You've been to the Slytherin common room?" James asked surprised.

"You know now that Reggie is one of my best friends, right?" She raised an eyebrow as her lips turned into a smirk.

"Yeah, but doesn't mean they let a Gryffindor in."