James and Lily Potter: Second year

Chapter 18: second year

"Sirius Black, you said in that note that you loved me!" was the moan that Arabella made in the stuffy closet. Lily and James were both watching the door tensely. If there was any sign of curses that they were about to throw at each other, they would immediately let them out.

"I didn't write any note!" yelled Sirius, his voice muffled in the darkness.

"Yes, you did! Here it is, I have proof." They heard the distinct sound of crumpling paper and Sirius' gasp.

"You know what, this is some trick," they heard him rasp. "James."

"Lily," Bella whispered.

"You two let us out!" they both cried in unison.

"Not until you two settle out your differences and get together again," called Lily. "Besides, the notes weren't supposed to be mushy and romantic; Potter just thought he should add some 'texture' into it."

"That was mean, James," cried Arabella. "Though you are a romantic man, I must say," she added as an afterthought.

"What about me?" asked Sirius. Lily laughed and could imagine Sirius pouting in that closet.

"Oh, Sirius, they're right. I'm really sorry."

"So am I, Bella. Together again?"

"Together again."

Lily grinned. "Well...at least they're together again."

"See, Evans, what did I tell you?" bragged James. "It worked!"

"You know Potter, I hate to admit it, but you're right. It did work...somehow."

James smiled warmly at the redhead. "But I promise I'll listen more carefully to your plans next time."

Lily magically unlocked a kissing Arabella and Sirius and laughed. "Potter, that has to be a promise."

"I promise."

-

Lily trembled as they finished off their last exam on Thursday. Her face was extremely red and strained, and she sighed happily as they headed off to lunch and the prospect of experiencing a two-week free of exams was refreshing. "Evans," said James gruffly, "nice show of that Whistling Charm there."

"Thanks Potter." Lily couldn't but help grin slightly at James' downcast face. "Don't worry, Potter, you did fine. Even though it wasn't as good as mine, though I did rather fail at Transfiguration."

James' face brightened. "Yeah...I have to admit, though, you do a lot of good time management. Think you can give me a few tips and pointers?"

"Sure. Here's the motto you should follow: More study, less pranks."

Lily laughed at James' pout that followed the motto. "Well, I think I've finally found my motto."

James grinned. "Mine is: Try your best at studies but have some fun in life. That should be yours, Evans. You need to have some fun in life."

Lily stiffened. "I don't know..."

"Come over my house this summer, and I'll show you what fun really means, since you barely know what it means now. The Marauders and you four girls. It'll be a blast!"

"And think of all those possible pranks we can play on each other," said Lily, liking the idea. "Sure, I'm in. Have you discussed it with the others yet?"

"Not yet, but they'll be in, too."

It was very true. When James mentioned it to the others, Sirius started to hyperventilate.