The Marauders' Era (A Harry Potter Fanfic)

Part 5

"Hey, Evans." He ran his fingers through his hair.

It was only a simple greeting, but she knew it was so much more.

"What do you want, Potter?"

"Aww, can't I ask a question?" He pretended to look hurt.

"I told you, the answer is no! Now would you stop bugging me?"

He blinked. "I wasn't going to ask that."

"Oh." She could feel the heat on her cheeks now. "What are you doing here, then?"

"Actually, I was wondering if I could copy your Potions essay. Moony is visiting his mom and Padfoot skipped that class."

"Of course not! Just because you don't bother paying attention in class doesn't mean you get to copy mine! Who do you think I am? One of those girls that fall at your feet? And don't you get started on--"

"Whoa, calm down, Evans," he put his hands up. "It's only a question of yes or no. Now, onto a different matter: will you go out with me?"

Silence.

Deadly silence.

"I WOULD NEVER, EVER IN A MILLION YEARS GO OUT WITH YOU! WHEN CAN YOU UNDERSTAND 'NO'?? YOU ARE THE MOST SELF-ABSORBED, ARROGANT GIT I'VE EVER MET! I'D CHOOSE A HIPPOGRIF OVER YOU ANY DAY!! I-CANNOT-TOLERATE-YOUR-EXISTENCE-AND-I'LL-NEVER-GO-OUT-WITH-YOU!!!!!"

She took a deep breath and wished for him to go away.

He, however, did not oblige.

"First the giant squid, now a hippogrif? What's next, a Chimaera?"

Slap.

"Ouch! That hurts, you know," he rubbed his cheek, where (she noticed with satisfaction) a red hand print was beginning to form.

"You had it coming," she said coolly.

"Kiss it and make me feel better?" He asked hopefully.

"In your dreams, Potter."

"Every night, Evans, every night." He replied smoothly.

She bite back another sarcastic remark. He's not worth your time, Lily.

"Come, you know you're dying to kiss me." He had one of those annoying smirks on, and she fought back the urge to leave another hand print on the other side of his face.

"I-do-not-want-to-kiss-you!" She hissed. "You're the most egotistical creature I've ever had the misfortune to--"

"Ok, ok, I got it. Maybe next time?"

"Good bye, Potter."

"Wouldn't you like my company?" He winked.

"Just go! Stop bothering me." She really was exhausted now. Just go away!

"Fine, I see I'm not wanted here. Good day to you, my fair maiden!" Skipping he went, humming a peculiar tone.

She exhaled loudly. Finally I could have some peace.

"Oi, Lily!" Called Alice.

"Yes, Aly?

"Why can't you gave him a chance? I mean, he's funny, handsome, good at Quidditch, and he's actually quite nice."

"Don't let Frank hear you say that," she teased. Alice's cheeks reddened. "But I only see him as an idiot with a big ego, who pranks people just for the fun of it. And he does have a few good tricks on the broomstick, but he doesn't have to be so arrogant, you know? And he's such a big player, I'm sure he just sees me as the girl who turned him down."

"Is that a bit of jealousy I heard in there?" Alice asked, smirking at her.

"NO! I mean, 'course not. Me, jealous over James Potter? In his dreams."

"Oh, but you know you love me, darling." James had just popped out of nowhere, grinning like a lunatic. He presented her a bouquet of lilies. "Here you go, love, no need to get jealous now."

"I am not jealous, and I DO NOT love you!" She grabbed the bouquet in a fit of rage, and throw it back into his face.

Splat! James now had a goop of green slime on his face.

"I-I can explain--"

"JAMES POTTER!"

James turned and fled, Lily chasing behind him.

•

A hideous creature--no, a boy--climbed up the stairs, groaning every few steps. He wasted no time in budging straight into his dormitory.

"How'd it go--" but Sirius did not finish the sentence, for he was already laughing on the ground. Remus and Peter, the fourth Marauder, followed him immediately: the sight was hilarious.

James was covered in bright purple polka dots, and his robe flashed "I'm an idiot who thinks I'm the king of the castle, when I only got a mop for hair!" His hair was no longer black; he no longer had any hair. He was completely bald with two long, fluffy bunny ears that flung down whenever he took a step. He had a yellow beard hanging all the way to his knees, tied into little braids. He shoes were the webbed ones of a duck. On his face was a red hand print and the green slime.

James opened his mouth, but all that came out was "Murphlamius produlladius..."

Remus waved his wand: "Finite Incantatem!"

"--kneed me, hexed me and punched me! And it's already bad enough without you laughing!"

"She's got you bad, eh?"

"Yeah," he sighed, "she really has."