Prongs {Book One}

Chapter Eight - Pre-Preperation

JAMES

"She's kidding, right? OWLs aren't for six months!" I muttered to Sirius, Remus and Peter as McGonnogal started writing what we'd need to know for our exams.

"No, Potter, I am not kidding," McGonnogal said, still facing the blackboard. Sirius raised his eyebrows at me.

"How does she do that?" I hissed quietly.

"I've been a teacher since before you were born, Potter. I have some tricks up my sleeve," she glared at me over the rim of her glasses, "As I was saying. This is what you will need to know for theory," she tapped one list, "and for your practical. I suggest you write it down now and start making sure you can do all the spells you've been taught, and know all the theory we've already gone over. That way, by exam term, you can easily revise everything."

Everyone groaned and grabbed a quill and parchment to copy down the lists.

"We still have to cover vanishing spells, conjuring spells, etcetera. And I don't believe we completely covered the theory of switching spells..." 

Thirty minutes later, I was saved from falling asleep by the bell.

"And I want a two foot essay on how to alter your transfiguration when performing the same spells on humans for Thursday. Although we don't start to actually do the practical this year, it is essential you are familiar with the theory!"

Everyone was already leaving when she finished speaking, and we all headed to the common room to drop off our bags before dinner.

"I can't believe she's talking to us about revision in January," Sirius moaned, "I'm nervous enough for this year as it is."

"That's why you should start revising now. Then you won't be stressed in June."

"You sound just like McGonnogal, Moony," Sirius said, "and trust me - one of her is enough."

We all laughed, and reached the fat lady.

"Venemous Tentacula," said Remus, and we flopped down in the armchairs by the fire that we always occupied.

"So," Sirius said, leaning back and closing his eyes, "ready for the next Quidditch match?"

"Oh, Hufflepuff is such a pushover. We'll flatten them," I said confidently. We'd already won our first match against Slytherin, and our second against Ravenclaw. As long as we won this one, we'd be in the final -probably against Slytherin.

"Oh, deflate your ego, Potter. I don't suppose you've heard about their new captain?"

Lily stood there, hands, as usual when she spoke to me, on hips and a slight smirk on her face.

"Doesn't matter, unless the Hufflepuffs have gotten someone from Gryffindor to do it."

"Her name is Paula Ashens, and she's already been recruited for the Holy Head Harpies at 17."

I felt myself pale a little.

"Yeah, but that's one good player. Gryffindor has seven," Sirius said, "and whose side are you on anyway, Evans?"

"I'm not on anyone's side. Quidditch is barbaric."

"Aw, have some house pride," I said.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, James," Lily said, and then walked off.

"Did you notice that?" Sirius jabbed me in the ribs.

"Yep," I felt a stupid grin appear on my face.

"What?" Remus said, glancing up from his textbook.

"She said James," Sirius was grinning too, "not Potter."

---

SEV

"So arrogant," Lily was saying, "just assuming that she isn't a good flyer just because she's in Hufflepuff she wouldn't be good at Quidditch. Honestly, it's probably sexism too - in his book, girls can't play Quidditch. He needs to-"

"You like him, don't you?" I said glumly.

"What?"

"You like him."

Lily raised an eyebrow at me, "Haven't I just been talking about how arrogant and sexist he is?"

I shrugged. "Never mind. "

"Why would you think I like him? And Potter, of all people. If I had to choose one of the Maurauders, Remus is by far the nicest."

"Only since he's become a prefect. He was just as bad before."

"Yes, but I said if I had to choose one, Sev. Plus, he never abuses his prefectship like Potter would."
"Yeah, whatever."

"Stop being so pouty."

"What?"

"You've been scowling and moping all day. Cheer up," Lily smiled, raising an eyebrow.

"Sorry," I muttered.

"What's up?" She looked at me.

"Nothing." You probably like Potter, and I'm being friendzoned.

"Sev, we've been friends for just over five years now. I know you better than anyone. What's wrong?"

"I can't tell you," I chewed my lip.

Lily let out another frustrated sigh. "Sev, come on. We're best friends, right? You can tell me anything?"

And ruin our friendship? Be horribly friendzoned for the rest of my life? I don't think so.

"I'll tell you when I'm ready." Never.

"Fine. But, Sev-"

"Hey, Lily! Oh. Hi, Severus."

"Hi Mary. What's up?" I scowled at the floor. Mary MacDonald was one of my least favourite Gryffindors. Apart from Potter and his friends, of course.

"It's Potter. Wants to talk to you. I think I know what it's about."

"What?"

Mary rolled her eyes. "He was holding one of Slughorn's invitations. Because so many people were away at Christmas, he's having another one this Saturday. I'll bet he's going to ask you to go to it with him, so I would invite someone else if I were you. That way you have an excuse."

"Alright. Me and Sev can go as friends."

Trying to ignore how casually she said as friends, I smiled. More like grimaced. Although she tried to hide it, I could see she wasn't impressed.

"Anyway. Come on, let's go to our common room."

The way she said it made it clear she didn't want me along.

As I walked away, I heard, "why on earth did you ask him? Of all people..." before I was out of earshot.

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So yay another chapter :) hope you guys enjoyed.