Prongs {Book One}

Chapter Thirteen - More Broomsticks and Butterbeer

SEV.

"There's a party in Hogsmeade on Easter," Lily told me as we walked the grounds. Despite the chill in the air, it was the warmest day of the year so far, and the start of the holidays.

"So?" I said, putting my hands in my pockets and staring absently at the forest.

Lily didn't say anything. I pointed my gaze to her. She was avoiding me eye.

"What?" I said, frowning. Then, "You're not... actually thinking of going?"

"I thought I might," she said.

I stopped still. "Lily," I said, frowning at her.

"It's a free country!" She said defensively, "I'm allowed to go to a party if I want."

"This isn't... you," I gestured fruitlessly.

"You're not the boss of me, Sev."

"I never said I was! But, Lily - a party? Really?"

"What's wrong with parties?"

"It was a party that gave Potter a spiked drink. Do you want to-"

"Of course not! It's not that kind of party, Sev."

"How do you know?"

"Just... just let me be, okay Sev?" Lily turned to me, fire in her eyes. "I can do what I want. I just thought I'd let you know. In case you wanted to come with me. But nevermind." 

She stormed off, leaving me standing alone in the cool courtyard.

"Lily, wait!" 

But she was gone.

I felt like punching something in frustration - she'd wanted to ask me to the party with her, and I'd just attacked her. 

But a little voice inside my head was telling me that if I went with her, this party would be just like Slughorn's. I'd find her snogging Mark in a classroom.

A sinking feeling in my chest, I trudged back to the castle.

---

JAMES.

My house was always particularly busy when all four of us were staying there. Of course, Sirius was almost always there - he was practically my brother since he'd run away last year - but pretty much every Easter and some Christmas holidays, Peter and Remus would join us at my parents'.

We were a week into the holidays and it was as chaotic as ever, with regular visits to the 'Quidditch pitch' (which was just an old clearing in an orchard), strolls down to the small village near us and the occasional (at Remus' insistence) attempt at homework.

We heard about the Hogsmeade party from Emerima Pyke, a fourth year who lived near to us who we met in the village.

"What do you reckon?" I asked Sirius later on.

"No," Remus said, "It's not an officially organised party - we could get caught."

"I swear they stuck that prefects badge up your ass, Moony," Sirius muttered.

Remus scowled. "Fine. But if we get caught-"

"You have perfect permission to say 'I told you so'," I sighed, rolling my eyes.

"Where is it?" Peter asked.

"Three Broomsticks. But the real question is how are we going to get out?" I said, "No way my mum will let us out to a party in Hogsmeade."

"We could sneak out and grab the broomsticks," Remus mused.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Your rebellious streak is coming through again."