Love confessions between James and Sirius (For Hayla)

The sun bared down upon the castle grounds and a light breeze played in the lush grass. For most, the exams were over and students could be found relaxing in the blazing heat, or else sheltering in the shadows cast by the trees that lined the Forbidden forest. The surface of the Black Lake shimmered in the balmy weather and the branches of the Whomping Willow stretched lazily, it's leaves shivering as though it had just awoken from a lengthy nap. The sound of excited chatter filled the air and not a single textbook lay in sight. However, there were still those trapped within the stone walls and the heat of summer taunted them maliciously. 

Having opted for the Astronomy class, both Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew sat inside the Gryffindor common room, their minds being forced to focus on their studies. Their final examination was to be held that night, and as there was not a cloud in sight, the weather was optimal for stargazing. Remus refused to look up from his notes, knowing full well that his OWLs were only twelve months away and his entire future relied on his passing of the upcoming exam. In order to secure a career after Hogwarts, his grades had to be beyond the expectations of his teachers, and even if he managed it, given his condition, a career might be a very far-fetched dream. This fact, however, did little to stop his ambitions. Peter, on the other hand, simply wanted to pass. An Acceptable grade was good enough for him.

The two remaining Marauders stepped out into the summer grounds, both grinning after having just completed the last of their tests. Sirius gave a bark-like laugh and he threw his head back with joy. James ran his fingers through his scruffy, black hair and turned to grin at the open window that separated him from the Gryffindor common room. He knew well that his friends would be too preoccupied to be gazing out at him, but nonetheless, he smiled back at them as he continued to follow Sirius down the sloping, grassy hillside. Sirius pulled off his jumper and shook his head rapidly before tossing the discarded clothing towards the lake and planting himself beside it. He leant back on his elbows, letting them sink into the soft grass and waited for his friend to mimic these actions.

James wondered casually over to the water, but before he had a chance to sit down, a soft voice caught his attention. Lily Evans was walking a few yards away accompanied by Severus Snape. James' eyes widened at the sight of Lily, but soon narrowed and he glared at Snape's back. Fierce jealousy rose up inside him as Lily laughed animatedly and let her delicate fingers connect with the black robes of Snape's arm. 

"Done," Sirius stated defiantly, his attention upon a large tentacle that belonged to the resident giant squid as it waved lazily in their direction. "No more work until September, at least if I can help it." Sirius turned to grin at James and James smiled dully back before taking a seat beside Sirius. "What's up?"

James shook his head, but glanced over towards Lily and Snape as they strolled around the castle edge and out of sight. Sirius lowered his head.

"Right. Anyway, I'm not really looking forward to another summer spent solely with my mother. Mind if I crash at your place for a while?"

"Yeah, thats fine." James responded half-heartedly. 

"Come on, mate! Cheer up. After all, we are now officially on holiday." Sirius grinned once more at James, but this time the smile was forced. "Listen, if she's going to continue to be in the company of Snivilus, she's not good enough for you." Sirius looked hopeful.

James sighed, "I suppose you're right." He repositioned himself into a more comfortable position on the grass, but Sirius became agitated. His hand was resting beside him and his fingers twitched. 

"As I'm spending the summer with you, I recon it's a good time to do more work on becoming--" His voice dropped to a whisper "Animagi."

At the excitement of this idea, James' mood seemed to suddenly improve. "Yeah! And we can get Peter and Remus to join us. Extra help wouldn't go amiss, and neither would the company."

"Actually," Sirius' face gained a slight colour that had nothing to do with the scorching sun. "I was hoping it would just be you and I."

"Oh," James looked taken aback. "Why?"

Sirius shrugged. "I dunno, I like spending time with you. You know, without the others."

A smile spread across James' face at these words. "Yeah? I'm just that great am I?"

"Well, yes."

"And you, Padfoot, aren't too bad yourself." 

Sirius smiled to himself and his fingers twitched again as the back of his neck became a deeper red. 

"The things we could get up to with just Padfoot and Prongs. I can just smell the mischief." James said as he closed his eyes, smiling.

Sirius winked at James and the latter blushed. Obviously the two friends had slightly different ideas. 

"I would never be opposed to the idea of mischief." Sirius hinted, but James sat up.

"What about, you know-- Lily? Mate, you know how I feel about her and it's getting harder as the years go by to spend an entire two months without passing her in the hallways."

Sirius sat up, too. His face was now level with James'. "You never pass her alone, though. She's always with that Snape kid, and you're only hurting yourself pining over her. Maybe it's time to move on and give someone else a chance." 

James knew where this was going, but he decided to give Sirius the benefit of the doubt. "Do you have a someone in mind, because you know I'm not into blind dates."

"I did have someone in mind, actually." Sirius responded, his fingers continuing to twitch. "You're being coy."

"I'm sorry, Sirius. It's just different, you know?"

"I know. But why settle for normality? It's boring."

James considered these words as he looked towards the lake, but his mind was so preoccupied he barely saw the shimmering waters. At long last, he came to a conclusion. "I've known for a while. You're not the most subtle of flirts."

"Neither are you." Sirius retorted, but his speech wasn't defensive. "Where do you stand in all of this?"

"At the beginning," James said, and in one swift movement, he rested his hand atop of Sirius', and although Sirius jumped as though he had been shocked, his fingers discontinued their twitching at James' touch. "We'll take this one step at a time, but every relationship has to start somewhere."

"Relationship? You mean you'll consider it."

"I think I already have. No, this is my final decision. I couldn't hide it forever, and besides, you're right. Lily isn't good enough for me if she refuses to stop hanging around with the wrong crowd."

"And the Marauders are the right crowd?"

"I don't need a crowd." James stated simply. "I just need you."

Together, their heads tilted until their black hair connected and they both leaned against each other, James' hand still resting on Sirius'. The sun beat down on their necks giving them a warm glow of comfort and companionship. The trees waved their branches happily as though rejoicing in a slow motion cheer, and the water rippled delicately across the Black Lake.

From inside the tiny window that connected the seventh floor to the grounds, Remus Lupin gazed dreamily down at his two friends, a relieved smile stretching across his scarred face. Finally.

Ron vs. Draco over Hermione (Head Canon for Tazmyn)

The golden flames from the torches that lined the third-floor corridor were the only source of light that dimly lit the sleeping portraits that hung against the stone walls. The sounds of the painted figures could be heard as they stirred in their sleep and snored while they dreamed. The night was still, and even the trees that could be seen through the arched windows were motionless against the non-existent breeze. Spring was just arriving and the once snowy grounds were scattered with the remains of dew and ice. Greenery was peaking through the view and the Forbidden Forest was thickening at its edges. The silence was eery, despite the snuffling portraits. But as still as this night was, movement disrupted the stationary grounds at the end of the hallway.

Whispering grew gradually louder and the sound of laughter broke the silence like the crack of a whip. The sight of bushy brown hair flicked around the corner accompanied by a streak of red. Rule-abiding Hermione Granger was not frequently seen roaming the corridors after hours, but since the appointment of the new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher seven months prior to this night, Hermione had little tolerance for 'silly' rules, and Professor Umbridge certainly had the habit of constricting the students' freedom this year. Hermione's companion was more than willing to follow these footsteps.

The conversation between the two was nothing more than pointless banter, but nonetheless entertaining for them. Hermione's arms swung to the rhythm of her steps, whereas Ron's hand rested lightly by the side of his jeans, occasionally twitching when the former's fingers moved close. While he was a risk-taker in the wizarding world beside his bespectacled and black haired companion, Ron became ferociously more contained in personal situations. His ears glowed crimson as Hermione laughed playfully at his childish joke and his fingers gave an uncontrollable twitch as she lightly stroked his arm. Was this flirting, or was Hermione completely oblivious to the colour of his ears? Either way, the late evening was still an enjoyable one. However, it was about to take a different route as the couple turned the stone-lined corner.

"Oh look, it's Weasleby. What's wrong with your ears? Trying to blend into your hair?" Draco Malfoy stood leaning against one of the hidden doorways that lined the castle walls, his arms folded in a casual defense, his wand clutched securely in his right hand. As Hermione made a startled movement beside Ron, Malfoy straightened himself and turned to face the two Gryffindors. His blond hair caught the torchlight and it glowed ominously beside the darkened window between them.

"What are you doing here so late, Malfoy?" Ron asked taking a firm step forward.

"I could ask you the same thing. Although I'm sure you're used to spending these cold nights without a warm bed. Your family couldn't even afford for you to sleep on the floor."

With a movement as quick as a flash of lightening, Ron drew his wand and pointed it straight at Malfoy's heart, his breathing becoming rapid and his teeth bared in a low growl. Malfoy mirrored the move and directed his ward right at Ron's face.

"Stop it, both of you!" Hermione commanded and moved to stand between the boys, but Ron pushed her aside.

"I'm sick of him insulting my family."

"Too much truth for you to take, Weasel-King?" Malfoy sneered. There was a spark of anger in his eyes that erupted when Ron moved Hermione out of the line of fire.

Ron swore loudly at Malfoy and Hermione looked around, hoping not to find a patrolling teacher catching their loud voices.

"Ron, stop it. Let's just go back to the common room and --"

"No, Hermione!" Ron interrupted her. "I've waited for this chance all year. That stupid Inquisitorial Squad has made it hard to even breath in the castle, and now I've caught their ring leader."

"Feeling brave, are we? Well that's a first." Draco scoffed, his wand still pointing at Ron.

"Draco," Hermione pleaded.

"Draco?" With this distraction, Ron lowed his wand and turned to face Hermione. "Since when do you call him Draco?"

This time it was Hermine's turn to blush. Even Malfoy's pale face gained a little colour.

"Now, Ron, don't jump to conclusions." She began, but the fury had risen too far in Ron to tolerate any demands.

"YOU!" He yelled at Malfoy, his wand once again pointing in his enemy's direction.

"Me." Malfoy stated. "It's not as though I have much competition with you hanging around like a bad smell."

BANG!

Red sparked shot out of the tip of Ron's wand and hit the stone door behind where Malfoy had been standing only moments before the latter ducked. The door swung open to reveal a miss-matched staircase heading towards once of the lower floors of the castle. Having almost toppled down the steps, Malfoy aimed at Ron and greeny-blue flames swirled in the air, their tip targeting Ron, who blocked the impact with a counter-curse that, with little aim, just missed Malfoy's left shoulder. With a movement like a slashing sword, Malfoy shot what looked like lightening at Ron, and it hit Ron square in the hip. Ron's robes began to smoke and he growled like a dog at Malfoy and limped forward. With one last effort, he shot more red spark's at the Slytherin's face, but found his spell blocked.

"Protego!" An invisible shield momentarily glowed blue as Ron's curse hit it and the short-lived duel had ended. Hermine had her wand out and was not about to release her protective shield. Both boys were panting now. Malfoy's blond hair was askew and Ron's hip, still smoking, seemed to be secreting a yellowy-green liquid. They both looked over at Hermione. Her shield was hovering directly in between the duelers, but Ron's eyes her on Hermine's shoes. She stood a good four feet to the right of her shield, closer, by far, to Malfoy than to Ron.

"Well." Ron adjusted the robes on his hip to a more comfortable position. "Fine." He brushed his sweaty hair from his face. "I see, then."

"Ron, don't." Hermione's voice was tiny.

"No, there's nothing to explain here. I suppose I won't wait up for you in the common room then." And with a struggled movement, Ron turned on the spot and limped back down the corridor.

Hermione groaned, but Malfoy was not grinning. He looked from Ron as Ron disappeared around the corner, to Hermione, who was stroking her right arm with her left hand as though it had been bruised.

"I'm-- I'm sorry." Malfoy spoke softly, but Hermione shook her head. Gingerly, he wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulder, but instead of pulling away, she rested her head against Malfoy's chest.

Without another word, the couple turned away and walked in the opposite direction to Ron and down the newly revealed steps in the wall. From outside the still frosted window, the trees began to sway in the breeze and the leaves on its branches shivered in the chilly wind.

A Romanctic Moment Between Hermione And Ron (For Mallika)

The galleon spun in the air for just a moment before landing once more in the palm of Ron's hand. He gripped it tightly, then slid the gold coin into his pocket. With his eyes gazing out of the open window, he wrapped his arm around Hermione and allowed her head to rest on his shoulder. The Burrow was strangely quiet, but it was peaceful. Mrs. Weasley was out picking up groceries for her family and their guest, while Ginny was spending the day at Grimmauld place with Harry. Everyone else was busying themselves at work. 

"I take it business is going well." Hermione said, gesturing to the galleon that now rested in Ron's jeans. 

"As well as it could be." He sighed. 

It was a difficult job, helping George out with the joke shop, but he was there to support his older brother, earning money for both his own living and aiding his family. Ginny occasionally stopped by to volunteer for a few hours a week, but as she was seeking employment elsewhere, it was down to only two Weasley brothers to keep the merchandise leaving the storefront. Just as Ginny did not wish to work the tills for the rest of her life, Ron was also seriously considering an alternative career. He had contemplated telling George about this plan, but his heart wouldn't allow him whenever he saw his brother's face.

"You're doing a good thing, helping George out. He needs you there." Hermione said, resting her hand on his knee and giving it a comforting squeeze. 

"I just hope that he can run the place without me when the time comes." Ron had confided his goals in Hermione, and she understood that Ron wanted to work somewhere other than Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, but would feel deep guilt upon his departure. 

"He has Angelina to help him now, you've done all that you can for him, and more." Hermione said encouragingly. 

"I wish Fred was still around to help. They used to be so funny. It's as though Fred wasn't the only twin to die that day. The George I knew is gone, too." Ron lowered his head and closed his eyes. It had been three years since the battle at Hogwarts, but Fred's passing continued to hover over the Weasleys like a dark cloud. 

"We will never forget him, and he will always be missed. But you'll see. The smile will return to George and your family soon enough. Fred would have wanted you to continue reeking havoc in his absence." Tears slowly trickle down Hermione's face, but she smiled up at Ron and took his hand in her own.

"I didn't think you would approve of that." The corner's of Ron's mouth twitched in a weak smile and Hermione squeezed his knee again.

"Well, I'm full of surprises." Hermione grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

"Like our first kiss."

"Like our only kiss."

"I think you surprised Harry, too."

"I surprised myse…"

Ron suddenly placed his hand under Hermione's chin and raised her head up to face his before planting his lips upon hers. Although his eyes were closed, Hermione's her own in shock. It was her turn for the surprise, now. After the initial moment of spontaneity, Hermione closed her eyes and deepened this kiss. At long last, they broke apart.

"Do you think he would have approved?" Ron asked, and Hermione knew that he was talking about Fred.

"I bet he's cheering us on right now." She said, her eyes gleaming and she kissed Ron again. All of their current troubles were lifted from the world, the rest of their lives were an open book. Little could interrupt their blissful state. Happiness had fallen upon the couple at last.

The Love Confession of Scorpius and Rose (For Ellie)

"It'll be all right, I promise!" Rose held on to the boy's hand tightly as they rose from their seats to exit the Hogwarts Express. Unlike the start and finish of every year, today the train seemed quite empty, apart from themselves and a few other students wishing to spend Christmas with their families. This year, the staff at Hogwarts had organized a special Christmas party, and the majority of students were too excited to miss it. Scorpius Malfoy, however, was not. Despite Rose insisting that he stayed, he wasn't as sociable as she and said he'd much rather spend Christmas with her, and not with his overly excited peers. The only thing he wanted to do less was what he was about to do. 

Scorpius and Rose had held a tight friendship beginning a few months after the start of their first year. On Christmas day, two years later, their attraction for each other was confessed and that was the start of a new relationship. They had spent their free time between lessons meeting in empty classrooms and through secret passageways. Rose wished their relationship didn't have to be kept a secret, but she had very little choice in the matter; her friends did not approve of her mere friendship with 'That Slytherin'. But Rose was strong willed and possessed the courage to stand up to her friends. Yet she held this secret to her. Words circled her memory stronger than anything her friends had warned her against. These were the words of her Father. 

"Granddad Weasley would never forgive you if you married a pure-blood."

Her Father had been known to joke, but although he spoke those words with a happy demeanour, she sensed a seriousness in his tone. True to his obey, she had indeed scored higher than Scorpius during all tests and exams, much to the latter's disappointment, but someone had to carry on the Granger intelligence. So far, Rose's younger brother, Hugo, had not quite gained the mass number of 'O's his sister had. His talents lay on the quiddich pitch. 

Apparently their last match wasn't the first time "Weasley Is Our King" had been sung about a Gryffindor beater. Rose was equally surprised to hear Professor Longbottom begin the chanting, but that was nothing compared to Scorpius following suit, albeit quietly. They were playing against Slytherin at the time, but Rose new that Scorpius would put that aside for her. There were a great deal of things that Scorpius sacrificed for the love interest of Rose, minus enduring a school dance, but meeting her parents was a gift that he was prepared to give her. After all, it was Christmas. Scorpius didn't mind the secrecy of their relationship, but after a whole year of hiding in the corridors, it was time to unveil the truth. 

Rose was almost as nervous as the boy holding her hand as they walked together down the length of the train. The only thing that kept one foot in front of the other was the fact that her Mother might just be on her side with this one.

"What if they don't like me?" Scorpius let this childish fear issue from his lips and Rose kissed him lightly on the cheek. 

"They will." She was trying to convince herself as much as she was Scorpius. 

They reached the side door at last and the couple took a united, deep breath. Rose stretched her free hand out and the door swung open.

"ROSE!" A blur of thick, brown hair streaked passed her as Hermione rushed over to hug her daughter. Rose gripped Scorpius' hand tighter in fear of being bowled over, but at last her mother released her and took a step back to admire her fourth-year girl, a wide grin plastered on her face. Rose smiled weakly back at her before turning to her father, but her face fell at his sight. Ron was looking from Rose to Scorpius with a look of distaste. It was obvious that he didn't approve of his daughter's companion. 

Before he could speak, however, a third figure stepped forward and out of the train's steam.

"Son!" But when Draco Malfoy's eyes moved down to stare at his son's hand gripping Rose', his smile faltered and his eyes narrowed. 

The five of them stood there on the platform, an awkward silence pressing down on the scene before Hermione finally spoke. 

"Have you had a good term so fa--" But her husband interrupted.

"What are you doing with… with him?" He reached out to pull Rose firmly, but without hurting her, by her arm to drag her away from the Slytherin, but Rose continued to hold onto Scorpius' hand as though it was adhered there with a Permanent Sticking Charm. 

"Dad, he's my friend. I wanted to invite him over for Christmas." Tears sprang into Rose' eyes, but just like her aunt, she rarely let them fall. 

"And he most certainly shall not be attending." Draco spat, also reaching out for his child. 

The two teenagers struggled under their parent's grasps until Hermione cut in front of them. "That's enough. Ron, at least let them explain." 

Ron glared and released Rose' arm. "There isn't anything to explain." He muttered under his breath, but ceased his complaints at the look on his wife's face. Hermione had no control over the Malfoys, but just as Ron had done, Draco let go of his son. 

To everyone's surprise, it was Scorpius who spoke first. "Not that blood status makes a difference these days, but Rose is a half-blood, so that's okay, right?" He spoke more to his father than to anyone else, but Draco said nothing. 

"And you married a pure-blood, Mum." Rose turned to her mother, but Ron spoke for her.

"But your Mother wasn't the child of a Death Eater."

Apparently this was the wrong thing to say because the other two men stiffened. The mention of Draco's past had been a tabooed subject in the Malfoy household. 

"I renounced those ways before the fall of The Dark Lord." Draco spoke to the floor, avoiding contact with his fellow adults. 

"You were a coward!" Ron shouted at Draco. 

"Dad, please!" Rose whimpered at her father's fury. Onlookers on the platform had started to stare at the scene before them. 

"He was! He was a two-faced bastard and a true coward. No wonder his son isn't brave enough for Gryffindor!" Ron yelled, not caring who on the platform heard him. Draco said nothing but continued to hang his head in shame, accepting all that Ron said.

"My father wasn't a coward." Scorpius spoke quietly, shaking with both anger and fear as he watched his girlfriend's father insult his dad. Ron stared at him for a moment, forcibly reminded of his best friend. Harry had thought just that. 

"If that's the attitude you have, Dad, then maybe I don't want to be a Gryffindor anymore. I could never be proud of my house if we consider all others to be cowards." Rose' words sent a shockwave through Ron. He had never heard his daughter say such things before. Then again, she had never heard him be so childish and insulting towards the Malfoys. 

"Sir," Scorpius stepped forward to address Ron, still clutching Rose' hand. He was shaking with terror, but he couldn't bare to see their family ripped apart on his account. "I am a pure-blood Slytherin, but I would much rather be a mud… muggleborn Gryffindor. I may not belong in your house, but I do belong in mine. Slytherin's aren't set apart as evil-doers. We are ambitious and tenacious, stopping at no means to gain what our heart desires." He squeezed Rose' hand as he took a break in his speech. "And my heart desires your acceptance. I vow to make my both father and Rose proud of me, and you, Sir, if you'll allow me to continue my friendship with your daughter." Scorpius took a steadying breath to calm himself.

"I think it's more than friendship, am I right?" Draco spoke up, and Rose nodded.

"What are you intentions with my Rose?" Ron asked the boy, very aware of how cheesy this line was, but he needed to know the truth. A bated breath was held amongst the group, waiting for Scorpius' response. 

"Mr. Weasley, I have no intentions. I would never force your daughter to do anything she didn't want to. I only wish to give her all the happiness and support that she deserves."

Hermione and Draco looked rather impressed by his answer, as did Rose. Ron stared at Scorpius, analyzing his statement. 

"My happiness is with him." Rose whispered. 

"It seems as though I have very little choice." Ron said, then he extended his hand. "I don't think I'll welcome you to the family just yet, Scorpius Malfoy, but what I can do is give you permission to have a relationship with my daughter. As long as you continue with your lack of intentions and those wishes you just mentioned."

Scorpius took Ron's hand in his free one with great delight. "Thank you, Sir!" And Hermione bent down to hug both him and Rose, her face beaming. It was good of Ron to make that mature decision without her interfering too much. Draco looked at Rose and nodded his head curtly. 

"So I'll see you in two days time?" Scorpius asked Rose, turning to face her  before they departed.

"I'll send you an owl as soon as I get home!" Rose grinned and hugged Scorpius, then taking hold of her case, she followed her parents off the platform, and Scorpius and Draco stepped in the opposing direction. 

"I can't say I approve of your choice in girls, but I'm glad that you have a good head on your shoulders." Draco said, squeezing his son's shoulder as they walked. 

"Thanks, Dad. I won't let you down."

A Lily and James romance (For Lila Oren-Dahan)

He was rude and arrogant and had little to no respect for those in Slytherin, especially Severus. Yet, he had defended her, albeit, not in the most mature of ways.

Lily Evans gazed at James from across the Gryffindor common room, her eyes just peaking over her textbook. James and Remus were entertaining themselves with a game of exploding snap, a game which frequently irritated her when she was trying to study. The cards began to smoke and she winced, knowing the sound that was about to issue from the pile. Sure enough, the cards flew into the air with a spontaneous bang and James whooped with glee having obviously gained victory over Remus. The latter, having been defeated, sighed and began to collect the fallen cards, announcing that he was tired and off to bed. 

"Just one more game, come on!" James pleaded with his friend, but Remus shook his head.

"And let you win again? I don't think so."

They said their farewells and Remus trumped up the spiralling stairs to the boys dormitories, taking the cards with him. Lily and James were left alone. 

The fire crackled and emitted sparks and the logs within crumbled. Lily stared at them feigning concentration. She didn't want to be caught staring at James. He didn't need the thrill of more attention. 

"Well, it's just you and me." James raised his arms above his head as he stretched, his mouth opening in a yawn like a lion. Lily could almost hear him roar. Despite his attempts to gain her attention, she ignored him and turned back to Hogwarts: A History. She had met the author once previously, a meeting which sparked her interests with the book in her hands, but tonight she could barely concentrate. Still refusing to look at him, she felt James rise from his chair and resettle himself on the adjacent couch, right beside Lily. 

"If you're not going to look at me, can you at least talk to me?" He pouted, flicking the spine of her book and causing her to blink in surprise. 

Lily crossed her legs on the sofa and turned away from him, her book still held high. "If you finish that sentence." She stated curtly. She knew she was toying with him, despite her annoyance. James was quite persistent. 

"Please?"

"No."

"Oh, come on, it's been days! I haven't done anything wrong. The least you could have done was say no, which you did, but I see no crime in asking for a simple date."

"You're acting as though you inquired just once." Lily replied, her eyes shifting to James' face with a glare. "If I said no the first time, what made you think I was going to change my mind the fifth time you asked?"

"My charm and good looks?" James sat up straight and grinned, but seeing Lily fail to smile, he returned to a slouch. "Or my hope that you would eventually give in."

"So you think I'm weak?" Lily dropped the book to her lap and faced James once more, her green eyes gleaming like emeralds in the firelight. James leant back in slight fear.

"N-no." He stammered, but didn't know how to continue. To his relief, Lily sighed and turned away from him. She wasn't looking for a fight. 

"I'm sorry about what I said to Snape yesterday. I just meant it as a laugh, nothing more." James faltered, hoping to gain some sympathy from Lily.

"It was mean, James. You can be such a bully." She folder her arms across her chest. "Besides, it shouldn't be me you're apologizing to."

"I know. I talked to Snape this morning with Sirius." James spoke with his head lowered like a bad dog caught by its master. Lily looked over at him with sudden interest. "He didn't take the apology too well, but I said it either way."

He had apologized to Severus without her demand. This was something she had not expected, but quite admired. Perhaps this was the one sign that her refusals may not continue if he ever was to ask again. However, she thought, it seemed as though James has given up this plight and would cease his questioning, for he raised his head once more and stood up from the couch.

"I'd better go and see if Remus is okay. If Sirius returns with his," James hesitated before continuing with his next word. "Girlfriend, please let him know that I've gone to bed." And with a final nod, he turned around and headed towards the same stairs that Remus had previously ventured up. 

"Wait!" Lily cried, coming to a quick decision that perhaps she had made long before now. Allowing her book to slide onto the floor, she ran over to where James was standing and reached up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you for apologizing to Severus. And thank you for being on my side." She smiled at him, her cheeks the tiniest shade of pink as James gaped at her, open mouthed. "And Sirius doesn't have to be the only one with a girlfriend. That is, if you'll have me." 

A sudden grin burst across James' face and he pulled Lily into a tight hug. "You've made me the happiest man at Hogwarts, Lily!" He said into her deep, red hair. "Truly, you have!" And giving her hand a tight squeeze, he kissed the top of her shining head and bounded up the stairs like a small boy at Christmas. 

Lily laughed as she watched him go, feeling sudden elation at the night's events. She turned back to the sofa to retrieve her book from the floor when Sirius slunk in through the portrait hole. 

"Oh, I didn't know you were up." he said, looking very embarrassed that he was caught out so late, but Lily smiled at him and straightened up. 

"I won't be for long." She said, heading towards the girl's dormitories. "Have many pleasant dreams, Sirius. I know I will!" And winking at him, she ran up the stairs with her book leaving Sirius looking deeply confused behind her.