Trust and Betrayal: A Prequel

5. Twists and Turns: Summer/Fall 1975 - Sixth Year

Lily
Lily--
Please meet me after Potions class in the common room during your free period? It is really important. Please.
~ James

"Secret admirer?"

Lily reflexively squashed the parchment in her hand and jumped in her seat, startled. She turned to her Potions partner and saw a corner of his mouth upturn slightly in tandem with a raised eyebrow.

"No, Severus. Just a... reminder I left for myself in my book. I'd forgotten it was there."

She knew he didn't believe a word of this, especially since she felt the heat in her face betray her. Thankfully, he didn't pursue it further and turned back to preparing the ingredients for their Draught of Living Death.

The first week back at Hogwarts had been filled with the wonderful and familiar rush of activity: reuniting with good friends, settling into the dormitory, scheduling Gryffindor Prefect duties with Remus, and helping the new students find their way. There was also the new experience of taking N.E.W.T.-level courses, which were increasingly more difficult and, as a result, more interesting. Having free periods between classes felt a bit strange, but Lily expected her time to be anything but free.

After this class, for instance.

James.

Lily bit her lip and picked up a sopophorous bean.

"Use the side of your knife," Severus reminded her. She nodded and began to crush the beans, but her mind kept straying from the task at hand.

She had deliberately avoided James since that awful day by the lake. More unusual was that he had avoided her as well.

How and when did he put that note in my book? She looked over to where James sat with Sirius, heads bent together. Hmm. They're probably concocting something other than the assigned potion, she thought dryly.

"You're quiet today."

There was usually an implied question in Severus' statements. She pulled her mind away from James and the curious note.

"Oh... just thinking about my test this summer." Severus raised both eyebrows this time. "Remember? For the position at the Department of Mysteries?"

Severus nodded. "And did it go well?"

"Yes, I think it did. At least I hope so. Corran said that I would hear from them by the end of term."

~*~

The day of her test had been an incredible experience for Lily: getting picked up by a Ministry car; seeing the Ministry of Magic for the first time; the swirling, frenetic movement of wizards and witches with places to go and work to be done; the imposing fountain and Statue of Magical Brethren; and entering the strange circular outer room with its many revolving doors.

She had always felt the magic of Hogwarts--it was present in every stone, in every particle of its air--but when Corran unlocked one of the doors in the Department of Mysteries and ushered her into the inner room, a magic she had never experienced and couldn't define infused her entire body and mind so powerfully that it nearly knocked her off her feet.

Corran had caught her elbow. "All right, Lily?" He was looking at her intently. She had a sudden thought that merely entering the room and being able to remain upright was part of the test.

She caught her breath. "Wow." Brilliant come back, Evans. She grimaced.

Corran merely chuckled. "You do acclimate to it, I promise."

After the feeling had ebbed, she was surprised to see that the room itself looked... ordinary. Shelves lined the walls and were filled with books, manuscripts and parchments. Low cabinets with narrow drawers sat under the shelves. Dark oak reading tables and chairs were spaced around the room. The only odd thing Lily noticed was that the room was brightly lit but without an obvious source for the light itself. She made a mental note to ask Corran about it later.

"This is the library," Corran explained. "Nothing terribly mysterious here!" he added, as if reading her mind. "There are many other rooms, but we won't be visiting them today, I'm afraid. Just the examination room. Follow me!" He strode ahead, and Lily followed in his wake down a long, unremarkable corridor.

"Here we are. After you!" Corran held the door open for her, and she walked in to see a small witch of indeterminate age coming towards her, hand outstretched.

"Welcome, Miss Evans!" the witch said effusively, shaking her hand. "We're so glad you could come. Please, sit down." There was a simple table with two chairs in the small, unadorned room. Lily sat, as instructed. The walls were white, reminding her of a physician's office she'd once gone to as a child. Again, it was brightly lit, seemingly without the benefit of lamp or torch.

"Miss Evans," Corran began, "let me introduce Esmé Wentwhistle, the Head of this division. She'll be conducting the test for today. Esmé, I'll leave Miss Evans in your capable hands. Back in an hour, eh?" Esmé nodded and Corran left the room.

"Let me get everything set. It'll just be a moment."

Lily watched as Esmé took out her wand and, in a trice, several objects appeared on the table in front of her. They each had several moving parts and emitted small pops, whirrs, beeps and something that sounded like a cat's purr. Smoke came from one and mist from another. One of them moved itself in small circles around the table. They looked like a child's dream come to life, and Lily watched their antics with delight.

Esmé cleared her throat and brought Lily to attention. "While these trinkets may be rather compelling, I'm going to ask you to attend to me and respond to my questions. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am. I understand," she said, forcing herself to focus on Esmé, who was removing a sheaf of parchment from a folder that hadn't been present a moment ago. Lily thought she'd noticed her name on a few of them and was more surprised to see several photographs of herself and her family. Clearly, the Department had done a thorough background investigation.

Lily observed Esmé as she prepared. She was small but emanated her own considerable power; her unlined face belied years of experience. Her short, dark brown hair framed a countenance that, she sensed, was inherently kind. Lily was reminded of Corran, and she wondered if these shared traits were common among Unspeakables.

Esmé looked up to meet Lily's eyes and held her gaze intently. Lily felt a jolt of energy connect and pass between them.

Yes, I believe we do.

Had Esmé spoken these words out loud?

"Are you ready to proceed, my dear?" Esmé asked with an inscrutable smile.

~*~

"She asked me a series of questions, and the odd objects twirled and popped," Lily explained. "I think Madam Wentwhistle was 'reading' them somehow, and she took notes. That was it. I have no idea what I was being tested on, but both she and Corran seemed pleased when it was over."

Severus nodded as he listened and stirred the potion. "Interesting."

Lily watched him stir and checked her Advanced Potions book. "Severus--try stirring clockwise every seventh turn."

Severus was used to Lily's instinctual improvisations when it came to Potions. He nodded and did as she suggested. Immediately, the potion turned the pale pink colour they were looking for. Lily smiled, pleased. Severus made a notation in his book.

"Did you find out what they were studying there?" he asked casually as he wrote.

Lily shook her head. "No. And I'm afraid that once I do, I won't be permitted to talk about it at all."

Severus gave up a small smile. "That will be hard for you, I'm sure."

Lily nodded with a sigh as she thought about her experience and all she had sensed there. "I have a feeling that they are working on something incredibly powerful. Something that may be useful in the fight against Voldemort." She shook herself out of her reverie and laughed. "I'm probably just letting my imagination run away with me. I've always loved a good adventure!"

Severus just nodded and continued to stir.

********

Lily was delayed after class by Professor Slughorn, who had stopped to invite her to one of his social gatherings. Dubbed the 'Slug Club' by his handpicked, favourite students, Lily thought that these gatherings were a bit of an annoyance, but she felt compelled to go as a sign of respect. Besides, he did serve up some delicious food and free Butterbeer. When she was finally released from her teacher's attentions, Lily noted that James had already gone.

To the common room. To meet him.

Should she go? Well, I'm going there anyway. No reason to change my plans on his account.

So why was she feeling so nervous?

You're being ridiculous, Evans, she chided herself. It's only Potter. She slung her book bag over her shoulder and headed upstairs.

********

Crossing through the portrait hole, she glanced into the common room and was both surprised and relieved that it was empty of students.

Maybe he gave up--thought I wasn't coming! Just as well.... She sighed and started towards the girls' dormitory.

"Lily?"

She jumped in surprise, and her book bag went flying across the room. James had been there after all, sitting in a chair unseen.

"Don't EVER do that again!" Lily clutched her beating heart. "You scared the ghost out of me!"

"Sorry," James said, although Lily thought he didn't sound very sorry. He did, however, pick up her bag and hand it to her. She grabbed it back.

And I was going to be all calm and cool. Well, that plan's bloody blown to bits.

Lily flung herself into the nearest chair and glared at him. "Well, what did you want to talk about, Potter?" she snapped.

James looked abashed, but did not respond to her typical display of annoyance, one that he seemed to inevitably evoke. He ran his fingers through his hair out of habit and shifted a bit on his feet. "Can I...?" He gestured to the adjoining chair.

"Sure. Sit." She continued to glare. James sat.

"Um... Lily... I... well...." He cleared his throat. "Thanks for seeing me." James was clearly gathering up his Gryffindor courage in bucketfuls. Lily noticed and forced her ire under control. He hadn't done anything to warrant it. Yet. She took in and let out a deep breath.

"It's all right, James," she said a bit more kindly. "You said it was something important?"

"I - I've done a lot of thinking over the summer."

"You have? I heard Sirius has moved in with your family," she quipped. "I wouldn't have thought that would leave a lot of time for thinking."

Lily saw James wince. She immediately regretted the remark.

"I'm sorry, James. That was mean and unfair." Lily leaned over to him and touched his hand. "Please... go on."

At her touch, James practically glowed. "Um, well, Sirius did move in with us. His own family pretty well tossed him out on the street since he refused, for the last time, to follow and abide by their 'Pureblood Rules for Living in the Wizarding World.' He needed a safe place to go, and Mum and Dad love Sirius, so he's got a new home with us."

She sensed something new here, something she'd not noted before: his pride, loyalty and love for his family. She was touched.

"How awful for Sirius, James. And how wonderful of your parents to have taken him in. He's very lucky to have you as a friend."

James looked gobsmacked. "Er... thanks, Lily. That means a lot, coming from you."

"So, what were you were saying before I rudely interrupted you? Something about this past summer?"

"Right. " James shook his head as if to gather his wits and began again. "Well, I thought a lot about what you said after exams. You know--that day..."

"I remember," Lily interrupted with a grimace.

James looked down.

This is hard for him.

"You were right. About everything. I've been acting like an idiot for ages." He looked up at Lily tentatively. She was watching him with a small smile. He took a deep breath and forged on.

"It's also true that Sirius does like to stir things up, and I'm usually right in the middle of it cheering him on."

Lily allowed herself a small chuckle but didn't interrupt.

"Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I've changed." Lily raised an eyebrow at this. "Or well... I want to change. I don't want to be that idiot any more."

"Why?" she asked.

James gathered up the last bit of his courage. He leaned forward, looked her in the eye and bravely took her hands in his.

Lily didn't pull away, barely noticing that she had stopped breathing for a moment. She felt a current go through her hands as he held them. He was so close. She could feel his breath on her face.

He does have lovely eyes. Never noticed them before. Oh, right. I thought he was a prat.

She smiled.

"I know you've refused to give me the time of day, let alone go on a date with me. And I've deserved it. But--and this may be my last and only time to tell you this--I want to earn your trust. I DO want you to go out with me, more than anything, Lily. But I won't ask you again. I promise. I'll wait until you decide that you want to be with me."

Lily couldn't shake the feeling that she was meeting this boy for the first time.

"But, James, why on earth would you want to go out with me when I've been nothing but dreadful to you?"

James gave her a wan smile, as if the answer were obvious.

"Because, my beautiful Lily Evans, I've been in love with you from the first moment I saw you at King's Cross Station. Can't explain why or how. Just is. Like the sun and the moon. And nothing has ever changed that for me."

Lily's mind went blank. She was stunned.

"James... I..."

James was leaning in, very close. "No, please don't say anything, Lily," he whispered. "Not yet. Not until you are really ready."

In one simple movement, James gently cradled the back of her head and kissed her. Slowly, lightly at first. Then, with all the feeling of his words infused into his warm lips, strongly and deliberately, making Lily's body vibrate from head to toe. Instinctively she moved to put her arms around him, but James pulled back, catching her hands and gently bringing them to his lips.

"When you're ready, Lily." James smiled and placed her hands, now fairly limp, back in her lap. He stood up. He seemed taller, Lily thought. With a little bow and a smile, he left the common room.

She never saw it coming.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus
His summer was nearly as uneventful as he had predicted. Nearly.

It was an unusually sweltering day in July, made worse by Severus' inability to cast a Cooling Charm in his home due to the Ministry of Magic's Restriction of Underage Sorcery regulations. Since he wasn't permitted to conjure fire or keep food cold, Severus was forced to use Muggle appliances; the cost of paying for the electricity to keep them running was only possible due to a small pension left to him after his father's death. He couldn't wait until he turned seventeen.

The house on Spinner's End was situated in the midst of a typical northern Muggle factory community, and it had belonged to his father's parents. Although small and cramped, Severus found some measure of sanctuary here, relishing the endless supply of books he had inherited from the magical side of his family. While he couldn't actually practice magic at home, he could read, absorb and learn. This year, his special summer project was the study of Legilimency and Occlumency: the art of reaching into the memories and feelings of others and blocking others' attempts to do the same. He was anxious to try these out as soon as school resumed; there were several students whose minds he was particularly keen to explore.

To compensate for the heat, Severus had opened a few windows and the front door, letting whatever drafts of wind that might rise up to move through the house. The late afternoon light poured into the room from the open door, laying down a warm path across the small sofa and writing table that was covered with books, quills and parchment. Severus had made himself a cool drink and settled himself at the table, pulling an already-open book towards him. The glass was cool in his hands; as much as he hated relying on a refrigerator-freezer, he did appreciate the ice cubes that glistened and clinked in his glass.

Just as he began to immerse himself in the text, the light that had been illuminating his book was suddenly extinguished. Looking up, he was startled to see a tall figure standing in his doorway, cast in shadows. In an instant Severus was on his feet, wand out and ready.

"Not a very gracious way to welcome a guest, Snape," the figure said in a cool drawl as he stepped fully into the room. "You can withdraw your wand now."

Severus was no less startled to see the shadowy figure turn into the person of Lucius Malfoy. Malfoy had been a seventh-year when Severus started at Hogwarts. He'd always admired Malfoy's ease and the self-assuredness that only could only come from a sense of entitlement and privilege. Until now, though, Malfoy had never deigned to offer up the time of day, let alone engage Severus in an actual conversation.

What does he want? Why is he here?

"Forgive me," Severus said warily, lowering but keeping a tight grip on his wand. "I wasn't expecting guests."

"Having an open door would seem to invite in whoever happens to be passing by, Snape. Not very wise these days." Malfoy flicked his own wand and the door shut loudly. He took in the small, inelegant room and grimaced slightly. "Do you mind if I sit?"

"Please do."

Lucius Malfoy took a seat on the small, worn sofa, looking ridiculously out of place; his elegant suit, robes and serpent-headed walking stick in sharp contrast to the dishevelled furnishings. Severus thought him way overdressed in this heat, but admired his style, nonetheless.

"Would you care for something cold to drink?" Severus asked politely.

"Thank you. I would indeed. Rather warm today." Malfoy uttered a spell, and immediately a rush of cold air filled the stuffy room.

********

Severus returned with the drink, handed it to Malfoy and sat himself at the writing table, watching the older man turn the glass and raise an eyebrow at the ice cubes.

"To what do I owe the honour of this visit, sir?"

Malfoy took just a small sip and, placing the glass on a side table, studied Severus for a moment.

"I've wanted to meet and talk with you for a while, Snape. We keep our eyes on the talented students at Hogwarts, and your name has come up on several occasions."

Severus felt his heart beating just a bit faster than usual and the hairs on his arms rise. Was it nerves? Excitement? The cool air blowing through the room?

"May I ask who 'we' might be? And in what context has my name 'come up'?"

Severus saw a muscle twitch just above Malfoy's mouth. "Business... colleagues. We are always on the lookout for potential... recruits. Your skill at Potions, while you still have more to learn, has already drawn notice and could be valuable to us. I've been asked to let you know of our interest and to propose a little 'test' to see if you can be trusted and fit to join."

A rush of adrenaline coursed through him. Severus' mouth was dry. He took a sip of his own drink.

"I'm deeply flattered to be... noticed," Severus said sincerely. He paused, wondering how far to push Malfoy. "It would help, however, if you could speak more... plainly. I think I can understand your need to establish trust, but I do need a bit more information about what it is you want from me."

Malfoy looked intently at Severus for a moment and then pulled up the arms of his robe and shirtsleeve.

"Have you ever seen this before?" A faint, pulsing outline of a skull with a serpent darting from its mouth was visible on the inside of Malfoy's right arm.

Severus shivered involuntarily, mesmerised by the image. After several moments, he forced himself to look back at Malfoy, who returned his sleeves to their normal position. "It's the Dark Mark. Voldemort's Mark."

Malfoy's eyes flashed with anger and menace. "NEVER refer to him by his name! He is the Dark Lord. Do you understand?"

Severus retreated hastily. "Yes, of course. My apologies."

In an instant, the cool and unflappable Malfoy returned. "You are still a child, Snape, but it is never too soon to consider your future. Your... options."

Severus recalled his conversation with Cranford earlier that year.

"To become a Death Eater." Severus concentrated hard not to shake as he said these words out loud.

The smallest trace of a smile appeared on Malfoy's face. "You have come to his attention, Snape, a great honour. If offered, and you choose to accept this opportunity, you have a chance to achieve greatness."

"And if I decline the offer?"

Malfoy raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Decline? Well, then you take your chances on living."

Severus thought quickly. He still had time. Malfoy wasn't asking for a commitment. Yet.

"You mentioned a 'test'?" Severus asked.

Malfoy relaxed a bit. "Yes. We've heard that one of your classmates is undergoing the recruitment process for a position in the Department of Mysteries. Before that process is complete, she'll be able to discuss what she sees and hears. The charm that will prohibit her from discussing her work won't be cast for quite a while. The Dark Lord has an... interest in what is happening there."

The excitement and intrigue Severus felt a moment ago turned to ash and bitterness in his mouth.

Lily. He is talking about Lily.

He struggled to keep his countenance blank, waiting for Malfoy to continue, not trusting the sound of his own voice.

"It's simple really. You're friends, aren't you?" Malfoy's eyes seemed to bore into him. Severus, recalling his most recent Occlumency lesson, let go of his feelings and images of Lily, shut them away to keep them safe from Malfoy's prying.

"Just keep your ears open and see what you can learn. I'll meet you in Hogsmeade on your free day this fall, and you'll pass on what you've learned to me." Malfoy permitted himself a smile, which was anything but warm. "It can be helpful having a Mudblood for a friend. Don't you agree, Snape?"

Severus swallowed. Malfoy and--his colleagues--seemed to know a great deal about him. He would have to be very careful. "Yes. I - I suppose it can."

"Agreed, then." Malfoy stood. The conversation was apparently over, the answer already understood.

Severus stood as well. "I'll do my best, sir."

"Excellent! Expect my owl in a few months with instructions." Malfoy made a small bow and left the house. The cold air that had filled the house a moment ago seemed to evaporate with him as Severus watched him step beyond the entry path and Apparate. The heavy, hot air returned, more oppressive than before.

*******

September and October passed quickly. He was relieved that Lily had offered up just enough information that he could use to put off Malfoy without endangering her. Whatever happened, he knew he would try to protect her--at all costs. He was, in fact, a bit worried about Lily. She seemed more distracted than usual, jumpy even, but his inquiries were usually dismissed, brushed aside with a laugh. Yes, he'd make sure she was safe.

Severus also noted a marked reduction in the amount of verbal abuse from Black and his wretched friends. Well, no. Black hexed him just as frequently as ever. It was Potter. He'd received not even a passing wayward glance from Potter since school began. This worried Severus since it meant that he was probably planning something truly terrible.

And that Remus Lupin. There was something... odd about him. One time he'd seen Madam Pomfrey walk him outdoors, just before the students were to have returned to their common rooms. He also seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time in the hospital wing. What could that be about? he wondered.

*******

On a Monday morning in November, Severus was eating breakfast in the Great Hall. The post owls began their morning deliveries, and he was surprised to see a Great Horned Owl swooping towards him to drop a letter in his lap. Severus never got mail. Ever. He looked around and saw Cranford watching him from across the table with an enigmatic smile.

"Nice to see you have a quill-friend, Snape. About time!" Cranford remarked far too lightly before turning back to his own breakfast, still smiling.

Snape tucked the letter into his robe, picked up his pack and began to make his way out of the Great Hall. Head down, he walked straight into Professor Dumbledore.

"In a hurry, Severus?" Dumbledore inquired genially as Severus stumbled backwards. "I was actually coming to see you. Could you spare me a moment?"

Severus was torn. He desperately wanted to read the letter, but was equally curious to know what in blazes the Headmaster wanted to speak to him about.

"I'm sorry, sir. Of course, sir. Now?"

"Now is always a wonderful time. Come, walk with me!" The Headmaster waved him forward.

Feeling the letter burning a hole in his pocket, Severus followed Dumbledore out of the Great Hall and pulled up alongside him as they walked down the corridor leading to the Headmaster's office.

Severus waited for Dumbledore to speak, but the man didn't seem to be in a particular hurry.

"Lemon sherbet?" he finally said, pulling out a small bag out of thin air.

"No, thank you, sir. A bit too sweet for my taste," Severus demurred.

"Well, I do find myself craving them at all hours," Dumbledore sighed and popped one in his mouth. The bag disappeared.

"So, how was your summer, Severus? Not too difficult for you out there, all on your own?"

"My summer was fine, sir. I read a great deal."

What does he want?

"Reading is a wonderful activity, Severus. But I hope you were able to get out some, enjoy your holidays."

"I enjoyed my holidays well enough, sir."

"Mmmm." Dumbledore stopped and looked at him thoughtfully, sucking on his lemon candy. "Did you have any friends drop by this summer, Severus?"

He knows. The old man always knows.

"No. No friends."

Well, this was true enough. He wouldn't call Malfoy a friend.

Dumbledore just nodded and continued on his way down the corridor with Severus in tow.

"You spend far too much time alone, Severus. I do notice."

Of course you do, he thought irritably.

"Although I am pleased at the work you and Lily Evans are doing together. Professor Slughorn thinks quite highly of you both. She can be a valuable friend, Severus." They had reached the stone gargoyle that protected the entrance to the Headmaster's office. "And it is important to choose your friends carefully. Don't you agree?"

"Yes, sir," he replied.

"Licorice Wands!" The gargoyle parted to reveal the winding, moving stair to his tower. "Very well, then, Severus. Off to class."

Severus turned to go, but Dumbledore stopped him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. He turned back to see genuine concern in the old man's eyes.

"Be careful, dear boy. There are those who will offer you choices that may seem tempting. Consider them carefully, for they may not be what they seem. And those who offer them will definitely not be your friends." The hand gave him a gentle pat and then let go as the Headmaster ascended the stairs.

Deeply discomfited by these words, Severus watched him go until the stone gargoyle returned to its guardian position.

*******

Making sure that he was alone at last, Severus retrieved the letter from his robe. As he picked up the missive, the same chill he had felt earlier in the summer returned. He opened it to see written in elegant script:

"Next Saturday. Hogs Head Inn. 1:00 pm. L. M."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Peter
In late October, the sixth-year N.E.W.T.-level Transfiguration class was practicing their non-verbal inanimate-to-animate spells, most of which were going very badly. Their efforts to transfigure flower vases into owls were being met with varying, mostly unsuccessful results. The best of them managed to turn the vase into a walking stick (Annette), balloons (Sirius), a toad (Alice) and a particularly well-wrought portrait of Albus Dumbledore (Lily).

Professor McGonagall stood over Lily. "Nice likeness, Miss Evans, but I'm afraid it's not remotely owl-like." The portrait of Dumbledore winked at her. Lily noted that McGonagall's mouth was twitching toward a smile, which she quickly wrestled under control. "Try again." She flicked her wand, and the portrait returned to its original vase-shape. Lily sighed and re-focused her attention on the object.

Sirius had punted his balloons across the classroom and students were keeping them aloft with hands and wands, so that the classroom seemed to be filled with multi-coloured clouds. For some reason, Professor McGonagall either didn't mind or didn't notice.

Alice's toad had escaped, and the class laughed as she scampered after and tackled it just before the amphibian reached the classroom door and its freedom.

Peter was concentrating with all his might. His face was a study in furrowed brows, scrunched-up eyes and tight lips, but the vase remained serenely untransfigured on his desk. He finally sat back, dejected, accepting that his efforts were doomed to failure. He looked over to James who, he was happy to see, seemed to be equally inept in his attempts.

"Potter! I don't want to hear any muttering under your breath!" McGonagall admonished.

James scowled, flung himself back in his chair with arms crossed in frustration. A red balloon floated his way, and he flicked it back across the classroom towards Sirius.

Peter watched James and Sirius smile at each other. As if they could read each other's minds, they began a game of balloon volleyball. Peter felt something unpleasant stirring in his stomach and wondered if it was from the runny eggs he'd eaten at breakfast.

After being summarily exiled from the Black family residence, the Potters had welcomed Sirius into their home like a second son. James and Sirius had regaled Peter and Remus with stories about their oh-so-wonderful summer holiday: their trip to the shore, fixing up their rooms with new Quidditch posters and regalia, and many late-night Floo excursions to the Three Broomsticks for a pint or three. To their endless good luck, the elderly Potters were both early to bed and heavy sleepers.

Peter's summer, on the other hand, had been awful. Unable to pry himself from the grip of his mother's attentions, he had found himself dragged along to every one of Brandiwine's social events and obligations where she had compelled Peter to regale endless groups of twittering witches with stories about his scholastic accomplishments and activities. He knew he was being a good son. He loved his mother. He just hated being home with her. It was NOT fair that Padfoot got to be with Prongs all summer. And holidays. And forever. Just not fair.

Maybe I can get Mum to kick me out of the house.

Fat chance.

"For homework, I would like a foot-long essay on the principles of non-verbal Transfiguration spells," McGonagall announced, pulling Peter out of his envious reverie. "Class dismissed!"

McGonagall's dismissal was echoed by the sound of a dozen balloons popping in unison, courtesy of Sirius and James. Peter observed Lily Evans staring at James and, he noted with some surprise, she did not look annoyed.

********
Scurrying out of the classroom, Peter caught up with James and Sirius, who were discussing the upcoming Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.

"I say that Matthews hasn't a hope in stopping our goals," James was saying. "He doesn't know his right hand from his bony arse."

"How many points do you think you should try to score before Watson grabs the Snitch?" Sirius asked James.

"I think Watson should take it as soon as possible," Peter chimed in, trotting along side them. James and Sirius had grown so tall that he had to run to keep up with them.

Sirius grinned. "He'd better not! I'm expecting a bracing cold day and the lovely, Isabella Smith is going to need my help to keep her warm! Prongs, tell Watson to keep the game going for at least an hour."

"Don't worry, Sirius. I'll suggest to Isabella that she wear two sets of robes to the game."

At the sound of Lily's voice behind them, James whipped around so fast that he nearly knocked Peter over. Sirius stopped, annoyed at the interruption.

"Well, Evans, I supposed you'd know all about being cold," Sirius sneered. "In fact, I'm feeling a bit chilled just being next to you!" Sirius and Peter laughed. Lily reddened.

"Sirius, you're a bloody prat," James said, glaring angrily. Peter kept laughing. Sirius stopped in surprise.

"Hey, Prongs, I--" Sirius started.

Lily ignored him and turned to James. "Potter, I'd like a word with you, if it's okay."

"Sure, Evans!" James' face lit up with a huge grin, and without a look back at his friends, he walked off down the corridor with her.

Peter and Sirius stood gaping, watching them go.

"What's eating his broomstick?" Sirius asked, clearly put out.

"No idea," Peter shrugged. "Maybe he's finally getting lucky with Evans."

Sirius shuddered and winced. "Oh, dear Juno, I hope not. That would ruin everything!"

********

Peter was secretly pleased that James had put off Sirius for once. Now he knows what it feels like! he thought. Peter and Sirius were in the common room for their free period. Sirius was pacing and Peter was trying to read.

"Would you stop grinding a hole in the carpet, Padfoot? It won't make Prongs return any sooner!"

"I'm not waiting for James!"

Sirius only called James by his proper name when he was angry.

Peter watched Sirius carefully as he asked, "D'you suppose he's going to ask Evans to go with him to Hogsmeade this weekend?"

To Peter's amusement, Sirius' pacing intensified and his harsh laugh came out as a bark. "Ha! That's rich! How many times would that be, do you think? One hundred? One thousand? If he had any shame, he'd give it up! It's embarrassing really...."

At that moment the portrait hole opened, and Lily and James came into the common room.

Together.

Holding hands.

Peter looked rapidly at Sirius to gauge his reaction. It seemed as if he was going to choke, but Peter saw him force his face into a rigidly casual demeanour as he sunk into a chair.

"Later, then?" Lily asked James.

"Later!" James replied.

Lily squeezed his hand, and passing Sirius with a sweet smile, she ascended the stairs to the girls' dormitory. It looks like she's levitating, Peter thought in wonder as he watched her disappear.

For some reason, Peter's heart began beating faster as he looked between Sirius, whose face was dark and brooding, and James who, falling into a chair with a sigh, was practically glowing. They looked, literally, like night and day.

The room ricocheted with colliding emotions of joy, shock, curiosity, anger, jubilation, resentment, anticipation and wonder.

James broke the silence, speaking to himself. "Unbelievable. Bloody unbelievable. She did it. She actually did it."

"What was that, Potter?" Sirius said, biting off the words.

Potter? This is bad, thought Peter.

"Did she hit you over the head with a bat?" Sirius continued. Peter noticed his fists were clenched. "You look completely gobsmacked. What gives?"

James sat up and looked at them both, smiling sheepishly.

"She asked me out."

"She asked YOU out?" Peter squeaked. "Has the earth stopped revolving around the sun?"

James shot up out of the chair, propelled by his joy, as if the earth had suddenly seized in its axis. "YES! I didn't really think she'd do it. But she DID!! Sirius!" James grabbed Sirius bodily out of his chair and swung him around. Peter thought Sirius looked as if he might be sick, but James was too far-gone to notice.

"That's... that's great, Prongs!" Sirius said, pulling himself out of James' grip.

"Congratulations, mate!" Peter said brightly, going over to shake his hand.

"She's wonderful, Peter! Really!" James playfully smacked both Peter and Sirius on their shoulders. He was so wound up that Peter thought he could have spun around the room like a top.

"We're going to Hogsmeade Saturday--together! First, we have to stop at Scrivenshaft's because Lily needs some new quills, then to Zonko's, Honeydukes, then the Three Broomsticks!"

"You sound like an old married couple already, Prongs," Sirius said weakly, lowering himself back into the chair. James blushed.

"Well, it's just a first date, but someday...." James smiled.

Peter grimaced inwardly, but he said, "And when that day comes, mate, we'll be there. Won't we, Sirius?" Sirius did not respond. "Right, Sirius?" Peter prodded.

"Er... right. Be there," was all he could summon.

James was oblivious to Sirius' foul mood and laughed. "We've got a few years 'til then anyway." He grinned, looking at his watch.

"Got to meet Remus in the library. He's promised to help me with my Charms essay." James brightened. "Oh, WAIT 'til he hears this news!" James practically flew out of the common room.

*********

Peter sat down next to Sirius.

"You all right, Padfoot?"

"I'm peachy, Wormtail."

"I think it's rotten too."

Sirius looked at him in surprise. "You do?"

"Well," Peter said carefully, "it's nice for James and all, but--we're the Marauders! What'll happen to us if James goes off with Lily?"

"Exactly!" Sirius said, pounding his fist on the arm of the chair so hard that dust flew out of it. "It's - it's just wrong!" Sirius dropped his head into his hands.

Peter licked his lips, which suddenly felt dry. He gave a little laugh.

"I hope nothing goes wrong to mess up their first date. Poor James. I bet Lily would be furious."

Peter held his breath.

It was so completely quiet in the room that Peter thought he could hear the dust mites move. After a very long minute, Sirius picked up his head and smiled. Peter recognised a familiar--and dangerous--glint in the other boy's eyes.

"Wormtail... I've got an idea. I think it's time we helped Miss Evans realise that she might be in over her head. After all, I'm sure it's Miss Perfectly Popular's life-long dream to be Head Girl next year. Wouldn't want to mix with blokes who could ruin it for her, would she?"

Peter exhaled and widened his eyes in an attempt to be horrified. "Sirius! You're not really thinking of pulling something on Saturday, are you?"

Sirius sat back in his chair, looking more like his usual, confident self. "You'll help, won't you, mate? The Marauders forever! Right?"

Peter smiled, gleeful at how easy it had been. He smiled. "Right you are, Padfoot! Right you are.