My Fair Princess

Prologue: The Unknown Portkey

The slap echoed through the walls of The Three Broomsticks. Lily Evans placed her hands on her hips and glared at James Potter. She scowled. "See if you dare try that again," she fumed triumphantly, spinning on her heel and stalking out of the shop.

James stared at the retreating back of the angry redhead and blinked in confusion. "All I did was let the Snitch fly on its own," he said in bewilderment.

"And then it flew into her robes," Peter Pettigrew said helpfully.

"Whereby you then try to 'help' by taking the Snitch out of her robes by, ahem, sticking your hand in," Sirius Black added cheekily and winked. "Trying to cop a feel, are we?"

James rubbed his stinging cheek. "How was I to know the Snitch had a perverted mind?" he grumbled, dumping the caught Snitch into his pocket. "I was merely being helpful."

Remus Lupin choked on his Butterbeer and looked up at James as he sat back down. "I suggest you do your good deeds away from Lily Evans."

Sirius agreed whole-heartedly. "If you want a redhead, go look for Jenny Weasley," he advised. "Lord knows how long the poor girl has been pining for you. If you don't want her, I-"

"What is that?"

Sirius shot Peter an annoyed look. "Really, Wormtail," he chastised. "Must you interrupt me when-?"

"I think it belongs to Lily," Remus said, looking in the direction where Peter was pointing.

Sirius grumbled about how no one listens to him anymore.

James picked up the emerald-studded ring carefully and examined it. "This looks antique," he commented, turning the ring over curiously. "I expect a rather remarkable goldsmith made it."

"Do you think she's engaged?" Peter asked eagerly.

"I should hope not," Remus replied, casting a look at James. "Prongs, maybe we should return this to Lily now."

"We?" James frowned.

"We?" Sirius grinned in anticipation.

"We," Remus said firmly. "Somebody has to look out for Prongs." He grinned. "Lest he gets another 'undeserving' slap."

James grumbled about having nosy friends.

As the Marauders left The Three Broomsticks, none of them noticed a highly suspicious figure smiling at the back of the shop.

*** *** *** ***

"Evans!"

Lily groaned aloud as the familiar voice of James - one she knew too well - and hurriedly walked in the opposite direction.

"Oi, Evans, come back here!"

The redhead quickened her footsteps and turned a corner, hoping to lose the Marauders. Unfortunately, she just made matters worse by crashing into Severus Snape.

"Watch where you step, mudblood," Severus spat, brushing invisible dust off his robes as he stood up.

"Apologise to her, you ill-mannered-" James began, as the Marauders skidded to a halt in front of the couple. Remus offered Lily his hand to help her stand, to which she purposely ignored.

"Shut up, Potter," Lily snapped, standing up on her own to glare at the males around her. "I can fight my own battles."

"James has something to give you, Lily," Peter put in helpfully.

James took the opportunity to take the ring out of his pocket and held it out in his hand. "Evans, I-"

"How horribly disgusting," Severus remarked. "A Potter and an Evans? So horrible it's perfect."

"Don't make me hex you, Snivellus," Sirius warned dangerously.

James slowly turned to look at Severus. "I dare you to repeat that."

Severus reached into his robes for his wand. "In-!"

Both James and Sirius launched themselves onto Severus, the ring forgotten as it fell from James' hand unknowingly onto the ground.

And then the whole world went black for the six of them.