Whispers and Winks
“Did you hear?”
“ –and Lily Evans?”
“The mudblood?”
“What I’d give to spend all that time alone with James Potter–”
“ –and really, two Gryffindors is hardly fair–”
Mary clutched one of Lily’s arms while Marlene clasped the other firmly as if she were a police escort.
“Don’t listen to them, Lils.” Mary muttered, casting dark looks at the shoppers of Diagon Alley who had, it seemed, all heard the news of Hogwarts’ newest Head Boy and Girl.
“Fucking wankers.” Marlene hissed, nodding over to a group of seventh year Slytherins, who were glaring so forcefully Lily’s spine tingled.
“Dumbledore must’ve known what a fuss this whole thing would make, mustn’t he?” Lily sighed, smiling at a group of maybe third year girls who were openly gawking. The girls blushed, turning to each other to giggle.
“Looks like I have some competition for Hogwarts’ most talked about! Now Evans, I’ll allow you to have your five minutes of fame, but when you’re done with it, I’d like it back, please and thank you.” a voice from just ahead of her teased.
“Sirius!” Lily exclaimed, tearing away from Mary and Marlene to jump into his outstretched arms. He swung her around rambunctiously, her feet lifting off the ground. She laughed as he set her down. “How was your summer? I heard you moved out?” He nodded, eyes sparking.
“Moved in with Prongs. Best decision ever. Effie and Monty are the best.” Lily raised an eyebrow.
“My parents,” James supplied, extracting himself from Marlene’s hug. Lily nodded in understanding, clapping Sirius on the back.
“Sounds like you’re getting on just fine!” she grinned, moving to greet James in a slightly awkward hug. They’d been on better terms lately, which Lily was happy about. It had been a joint effort. James had stopped being such a dick and asking her out every three seconds, and she’d pushed her years old grudges aside and given him a second chance. He wasn’t her first choice for Head Boy, she personally was expecting and hoping for Remus to get it, but she supposed it made sense. He’d been Quidditch Captain since fifth year, and not even Lily could deny that the younger students adored him. It was no wonder, really. He was charismatic, smart, talented, and although Lily hated to admit it, really attractive. He had a lean, muscular build from years of playing quidditch, and over the last few months he’d grown several inches making him now nearly a whole foot taller than her. His jet black hair laid in messy curls that although from an outside gaze looked effortless, Lily knew from years of experience that he took great care in making sure each tuft of hair was perfectly in place, although he had a bad habit of messing up his hair whenever he was thinking. His rich brown skin was a couple shades darker than normal, indicating hours spend in the summer sun. His sharp jawline twitched as a smile curved his perfect lips. Finally realizing she was staring, Lily quickly met his hazel eyes that were twinkling with amusement. She tore her gaze away, hoping nobody had caught her staring. Luckily, it seemed the others were still catching up and hadn’t noticed.
“Hey, where’s Remus and Pete?” Mary asked. “Dorcas should be here any time now.” James and Sirius exchanged a questioning glance.
“Uh,” Sirius began, squinting as if trying to remember something.
“Soon?” James added, sounding not too sure of himself. Lily laughed.
“You two are hopeless.” She, Mary, and Marlene exchanged bemused glances, trying not to giggle at the poor planning skills their friends possessed.
“MOONY!” Sirius exclaimed, as Remus Lupin strolled up to them, looking a little worse for wear, but otherwise chipper. He hugged them all in turn, Lily squeezing him extra tight as she scanned his face, noticing a new scar slashed across his cheek and over his nose. He gave her a soft smile, moving on to embrace James beside her.
“Marls! Mare! Lils!” Dorcas Meadowes exclaimed, rushing up to join their group. “Lads,” she nodded behind her. “Look who I found wandering around the ice-cream shoppe.” James chuckled, and Sirius clicked his teeth in mock disappointment.
“Ah Pete, I know you’re still holding out hope, but I hear Alice Fortescue is an engaged lady now,” he teased. Peter flushed bright red and grumbled something about a miscommunication on the meeting place. Remus clapped him on the back as James and Sirius continued to loudly ponder whether or not Alice Fortescue would leave Frank Longbottom for Peter if he perhaps learned to dance the scottish reel. Lily laughed, looping one arm in Mary’s and the other in Remus’ as they made their way to the bookstore.
“Can you believe the number of textbooks I need to buy?!” Mary was exclaiming as she and Dorcas compared lists. Lily sighed. Despite the hushed whispers and piercing gazes from students passing by, she wanted to stay in that moment forever. She knew that once they got on the train, it would become real. Their last year would begin. Then, they’d be set out into an increasingly dark and dangerous world. But here, in the sunshine surrounded by all her friends, that all seemed so far away. She smiled, meeting James’ eye. He winked at her, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Remus beside her, who elbowed her gently, raising a teasing eyebrow.
“Oh bugger off,” she sighed, grinning as she took a deep breath of the warm autumn air.