Class of 78’

Their footsteps echoed the quiet of the night. The sounds of the station growing further away, replaced by the sounds of their own breathing and pounding of their hearts. Finally, they reached the familiar street where the Potter family home stood, the warm lights beckoning them inside. Sirius pushed open the gates, the others following closely behind, still on edge as they made their way to the front door. Fleamont was waiting for them, his face pale as he ushered them inside.

“Quickly, inside,” he said urgently, his voice barely above a whisper.

They all piled inside, the door slamming shut behind them as they caught their breath. He led them to a small sitting room, fire crackling warmly.

“Where is James?” he asked, his voice anxious,

“He ran after Lily,’ Sirius answered lowly, Fleamont closed his eyes in worry.

“You should be safe here for now,” his eyes scanning the group, “but keep your guards up.”

The group nodded, their faces grim as they settled in. Remus and Clem finding a corner to sit in, their hands still tightly clasped together.
The night stretched on, hours passing slowly as they waited for any signs of relief. They huddled together for comfort, the warmth of the fire providing a glimmer of familiarity. Tension continued in the small sitting room, each minute stretching into eternity, Fleamont pacing back and forth, his expression tense with worry as he kept watch by the window.
Suddenly a long bang at the front door caused everyone to jump. Fleamont hurried to open it, his wand ready. Standing in the doorway was Alastor Moody, his eye spinning wildly as he scanned the room.

“Alastor!” Fleamont exclaimed in relief, stepping aside to let him in. “Thank Merlin you’re here.”
The group rose to their feet, their faces filled with fear, searching for any remnants of James or Lily.

“Another attack at the station, luckily only a few died. Euphemia is on her way with James and the Evans girl.” Alastor spoke, a wave of relief flooding the group as they settled back into their seats. “Fleamont, we need you tonight. Albus is calling all of us,” he whispered, trying to not raise any alarm to the students.

He nodded sharply before offering Alaster tea as they waited.
Another loud crack came to the door, Fleamont hurtling to open it, revealing a team of Order members led by Kingsley and Euphemia. The room filled with relief but undermining tension as each member entered, their faces serious, worn down, and bruised. Fleamont rushing to James and Euphemia, enveloping them in a tight embrace. Clem throwing herself at Lily, her eyes brimming with tears.

“Thank Merlin you’re okay,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

The rest of them following, James adding himself to the cluster of friends clinging to each other. Their faces were pale, heavy hearts from the evening.
Kingsley approached the group, his expression grave as he surveyed them.

“We need to move quickly,” he said, his voice low but firm. “No telling when they’ll strike again.”

Fleamont and Euphemia nodded, their faces set with determination. The order members quickly springing into action, casting protective spells around the house and setting up a perimeter. Fleamont gathered the group together, his voice steady as he addressed them.

“We’ll be safe here,” he said, his eyes meeting each of them in turn. “But you cannot let your guard down. They’re looking for something, and will not stop.”

They nodded, faces grim but strong. Hours passed, the night stretching further as more Aurors began to fill the Potter home. The tension palpable, each student lost in their own thoughts and fears. Remus and Clem sat close, their hands intertwined hidden away.

“James, go upstairs with your friends. Try to get some rest.” Euphemia instructed, her voice still filled with nerves. He nodded and complied, the group following them, all trailing into his room. Sitting quietly, too scared to speak, fearing that the wrong person could hear.

Another loud commotion came from outside, the group tensed up, their wands tightening in their hands as they rushed to a window. A group of death eaters descending on the street, dark robes billowing in the wind. Spells flying through the air, casting bright flashes of light and loud booms echoing the neighborhood.

“Oh my god,” Lily whispered, watching as things began to set fire around the house.

Order members began to rush outside the house, their wands at the ready as they joined the fray. Spells flying back and forth, the air crackling with magic. Remus and Clem stood side by side, watching through the window, hands finding one another again.

“We have to do something,” Sirius said urgently, making his way to the door.
James stood quickly, “No, we can’t,”

Sirius sighed, closing the door again, sitting on James’ bed. The battle raging on, sounds of hexes and shouts filling the air. The Potters fighting with all their strength, their minds focused on protecting the children inside. After what felt like hours, the Death Eaters were forced to retreat. The street was quiet once more. As the Aurors made their way back inside, the first light of dawn was beginning to break over the horizon. The children all asleep by the window, Remus and Clem leaning on each other, James and Lily asleep on the floor propped up on the bed.

The next morning, they awoke to a familiar summer sound, birds chirping outside the window. Euphemia greeted them with a warm smile and hearty breakfast as they groggily came downstairs. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and tea, sizzling bacon, pancakes, and sweet syrup mingled in the warm aromas. Euphemia moving around the kitchen with a practiced ease, setting the plates of food down in front of the tired group. Aurors and children spread along the long dining table. The sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over the kitchen. Remus and Clem exchanging sleepy smiles as they found seats next to each other, digging into their breakfast. The familiar seating arrangement bringing comfort and normalcy after the chaos.

“Thank you,” Lily and Clem said, their voices filled with genuine appreciation as they savored the food in front of them.

Euphemia waved the girls off with a smile, her eyes warm and kind. “Least I can do, you both are always welcome.”

As they ate, Euphemia’s expression grew more serious as she addressed them.
“Now, if you’re planning to go out, remember the barrier only goes to the trees by the lake. Do not go past it,” her voice firm, leaving no room for rebuttal.

The group nodding in understanding, their mouths full. Sirius, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, couldn’t help but tease a bit. “What happens if we go past it? Dragons? Spiders?”

Euphemia raised an eyebrow, her expression serious. “Death Eaters and possible death,”

Sirius quickly sobered up, nodding seriously, “Right,”

His friends and even some Aurors began chuckling under their breath. As time went on, Aurors slowly began to leave, along with the Potters.

“Right, we will be back by dinner. Please do not do anything dumb,” Fleamont smiled, his smile flat. James gave a thumbs up from the dinner table, his mouth full of pancakes.

“See you later, Mum,” Sirius smiled widely, she shook her hand at him with a small smile as they closed the door behind them.

“Right!” James piped up, slamming his hands on the table as he stood up, “lake day!” he grinned.

They began gathering their things, cleaning up the table as best they could. Remus and Clem exchanged a look, their hands brushing against each other as they stood up from the table.

“Shall we?” Remus whispered into her ear, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Clem nodded, her heart fluttering as his breath tickled her neck and ear. All of them beginning to disperse to gather their things for the day ahead. Lily and Clem making their way to their shared bedroom. The room was filled with warm sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains, casting a glow on the walls. Clem plopping down on her bed, letting out a contented sigh as she leaned back against the pillows. Lily rummaged through her trunk, pulling out towels and sunscreen, tossing them onto her bed.

“Where is my swimsuit?” she trailed off, her voice bright with excitement. Clem raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“You mean the swimsuits you’ve been hiding at the bottom of your trunk all year?”

Lily blushed, trying to act nonchalant as she continued to rummage through her things.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said, her voice slightly muffled as she bent over.
Clem chuckled, sauntering over to Lily’s trunk and peering inside.

“Come on, Lils. We both know you’ve been dying to wear that swimsuit,” Clem teased, her grin widening as she spotted the familiar fabric buried beneath a pile of clothes.

Lily playfully rolled her eyes, cheeks flushing with embarrassment, before swinging the suit over her shoulder and retreating behind the bathroom door to change.

Emerging moments later, Lily's red hair was tied back in two braids, the dark blue one-piece swimsuit accentuating her curves perfectly. Clem smiled approvingly, tossing a bottle of sunscreen at her before disappearing into the bathroom herself to change.

“Hey, Lils?” Clem called from the bathroom, “do you have some shorts I can borrow?”

“Sure thing,” Lily replied, Clem poking her head out to grab the denim shorts before slipping them on.

She returned with her hair left down, allowing a pair of sunglasses to push her locks out of her face, dressed in a purple crochet two-piece. Lily followed suit, slipping on her denim shorts alone with a white flowy blouse.

“Ready to go?” Clem asked as she threw on an old t-shirt, already heading for the bedroom door. Lily nodded eagerly, grabbing her beach bag and following her friend downstairs.
As they made their way downstairs, their moods increased rapidly, excited for the warmth of summer and an escape from last nights heavy memories.

The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers filled the air as they made their way to the lakeside, the sound of laughter, music, splashing water filled the air, accompanied by the faint aroma of cigarettes. As they reached the edge of the lake, Lily’s eyes widen, the shimmer of the lake creating a gorgeous view. They both set up their towels, connect to the boys’. Remus sitting comfortably with a book in hand. Sirius and James already in the water, their hair wet and pushed back as they splashed around.

“Lils!” James beamed, “hurry up, get in!” Lily blushed softly, slipping off her clothes and diving in from the small wooden dock. Clem smiled as she watched her friend, finding a comfortable spot next to Remus.

“You gonna get in?” he asked, his voice trailing off as his eyes flung page to page.

“Maybe later,” she sighed, closing her eyes as the warm sun overtook her, “you?”

He hummed as he took a long drag, “probably not,” she frowned slightly, taking the cigarette from him, inhaling deeply.

“Why not?” she exhaled

“Not big on swimming, or being shirtless,” he replied matter-of-factly, watching her blow smoke into the air,

“Oh,” she replied softly,

“If you wanted to see my without a shirt, it’ll take a lot more than getting me to swim,” he whispered teasingly, a smirk playing on his lips.

Clem felt her face growing warm. Cold water dripped onto her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly,

“if you wanted to see me shirtless, all you have to do is ask,” Sirius teased, a cheeky grin plastered on his face as he dug around in the ice chest behind them, pulling out a beer.

Clem rolled her eyes at Sirius’s comment, but couldn’t suppress a small smile.
“Thanks, but I don’t think I’d ever ask for that,” she retorted, her tone playful.
Remus chuckled, the corners of his lips turning up into a smile.

“Yeah, I think we’d manager just fine without seeing you shirtless all the time,” he added, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

James and Lily, now back from a quick swim, joined in the conversation, their laugher blending with the sounds of the lake. Lily wrapped a towel around her waist, finding a comfortable spot near Clem before nudging James with a large grin.

“You’re lucky you’ve got a someone to do all this dumb shit with you,” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

James flashed a grin at the girl, plopping down beside her as he grabbed a beer from Sirius.
“I’ve always got you guys,” he replied smiling.

Sirius patted the boy’s shoulder, his expression a sappy dramatic pout, “Hitting me right in the heartstrings, Prongs,”

“Oh shut up and make out already,” Clem teased lightly, Sirius shot a quick glance at James who’s eyes widen.

“Oi!” Lily and James protested, Sirius shrugged taking a sip from his beer,“Worth a shot,”

The group erupted into laughter at Sirius’s words. Lily playfully swatted at Sirius’s arm, her smile bright and infectious.

“Sorry to disappoint, Pads,” James quipped, his tone teasing, “but I think we’ll leave the make outs to the professionals.”

Sirius feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “Ouch, Potter, that hurts,” he replied, his expression comically wounded. Clem chuckled softly, leaning back on her towel, the sun casting a golden glow over the lake as they continued to joke and laugh about.

Time past slowly, the afternoon stretching into the evening, enjoying the warmth of the summer sun. James and Sirius took charge of setting up a picnic, laying out a spread of sandwiches, fruit, and snacks on the large blanket. Lily and Clem making sure to get drinks set up and ready, their giggles mixing with the sounds of nature as they all prepared a summer picnic dinner.
Once everything was set up, they settled down, passing around the plates of food. Remus reclining against a tree, content as he listened to the chatter around him as he flipped through his book.

“Evans, all I’m saying is that if you make head girl next year you have to promise to let us still host our parties.” Sirius smirked, taking a sip from his beer.

“Can’t make any promises,” she teased back

Clem chuckled, turning up the small radio slightly as Starman by David Bowie began to play. Sirius closed his eyes, enjoying the song for a moment before getting up and dragging Remus with him, dancing around the grass field, belting the words.

“He’d like to come and meet you, but he thinks he’d blow our minds!” Sirius cheered, swinging Remus’s arms around, making him spin Sirius around.

James and Lily watched, laughing at the sight of the two boys dancing. Their own eyes burning with a shared love for them. James got up, offering his hand to Lily who couldn’t seem to hide the smile growing on her face.

She was swept away, soon enough dancing along to the familiar tune, bringing them all back to the common room parties from not too long ago. Clem watched lovingly, admiring her friends and their goofiness, Sirius raised an eyebrow to her before slowly waltzing his way over.

“M’lady,” he teased, bowing before holding out his long slender hand.

Clem rolled her eyes playfully before taking it, Sirius yanked her up, almost causing her feet to come off the ground. Taking her through multiple styles of dance, waltz, tango and even a drunken version of conga. The group all dancing together to the radio as the sun began to fade out in the distance.

Bowie was quickly switched out for a Elvin Bishop song, Fooled Around and Fell in Love. Sirius groaned and jokingly gagged as it came on, making his way to switch channels. Lily flicked her wand, pushing him back.

“Leave it,” she whined, draping her arms around James’ neck as they swayed side to side slowly.

Sirius sighed, pouting his lip out slightly before finding a seat back on the blanket, pulling out a cigarette. Remus joined him, sitting next to him quietly, stealing a few puff from his cigarette.

“Just go and ask her mate,” Sirius exhaled, leaning back as the smoke meshed into the sunset.

“What?” Remus asked, dazed as he stared at Clem’s figure illlumated in the golden sun.

“Go up to her, and ask her to dance, the song will be over soon,” Sirius’s voice was pained slightly, and Remus knew it.

“Don’t give me that look, I’m fine, shut up and dance wolf boy,” Sirius continued, trying to lighten his tone, his own eyes not daring to look at Remus’.

He sighed before getting up, slowly making his way to the girl who was leaned against the tree, her eyes closed as she listened to the song.

He cleared his throat, “Hi Remus,” she said softly,

“Hi,” he smiled, his face growing hot at the thought of his next words, “wanna dance?” he cringed, he sounded awkward and shy.

Clem smiled, turning to face him, draping her arms around his neck, their faces close.
“Sure,” her voice slightly above a whisper,

Remus tried to hide the ever growing, boyish grin on his face, his hands snaking around her waist as the song continued. James and Lily slowly growing closer, swaying in unison to the other pair.

“Nice one mate,” James whispered, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Bug off,” Clem teased, a grin plastered onto her face. Lily giggled as her own face teased Clem.

“Took you long enough,” James continued, Remus pushed the boys shoulder softly, as they moved away from them.

The colorful sunset growing more pigmated, as they swayed, moving together gracefully, their bodies in sync. Clem’s laughter filling the air as Remus twirled her around gently, his heart racing with joy at the sound. Sirius got up quickly, stomping his way over to Clem and Remus, he pushed Remus away, stealing Clem.

“My turn,” he teased, Remus frowned slightly as the girl was whisked away, all she could do was send a concerned look back, mouthing the word ‘help’ jokingly.

Remus watched in disbelief as Sirius swept Clem away, his heart sinking slightly at the sudden turn of events. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy as he watched his friend dance with the girl he was working up courage to ask out just moments ago.

“Oi! Pads! Give her back!” James called out, his voice laced with amusement as he stood with Lily, his hands still locked on her waist.

Sirius grinned mischievously, twirling Clem around with practiced ease.
“Sorry, Moony, but she isn’t exactly yours, is she?” he teased, his eyes sparking with a mix of mischief and jealousy.

“Lily, do something!” Clem groaned, turning to the redhead jokingly,

Lily chuckled, shaking her head in slight amusement at the sight of them.
“Ol’ Lupin has to fight for his girl!” she teased back, a large grin on her face as she danced around with James.

Remus sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and amusement in his antics. He couldn’t push down the twinge of jealousy poking his chest, but also couldn’t help but chuckle at the disgusted look on Clem’s face. As he watched them spin around together, Clem faking a disgust at the boy dancing with her. Her eyes sending panicked looks to Remus when she could. Sirius grinned, dipping Clem low before releasing her with a flourish.

“Your turn, Moony,” he said with a wink, “we will see who she chooses,”

Remus stopping Clem smoothly as she turned into his arms. She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief as he pulled her in close.
“Sorry about him,” he hurmured, his cheeks flushed.

Clem laughed, shaking her head. “I enjoy feeding his ego sometimes, it can be fun,” She stuck her tongue out at Sirius who had now whisked Lily away from James.

The music had changed a while back, now floating in between rock music and occasional ballads, but, no matter the song they stayed content in a slow sway. The outside world melting away.

“Clem,” Remus started, her eyes flicking up to meet his again,

“Yeah?” she asked softly, Remus’s eyes locked on her lips that had parted slightly. His own words flooding his head, unable to build a coherent sentence.

“There’s something I need to tell you,”

“What is it? You know you can tell me anything,” she slowly stopped swaying, her arms comfortably laying on his shoulders, his arms wrapping tighter around her waist.

“Oi! Moony!” Sirius yelled, “watch this!”

Sirius picked up Lily, her torso hanging upside on his shoulder as he ran into the lake. Lily screaming playfully, threatening him in anyway she could before he lept into the water. Clem laughed, teasing Lily.

“Glad it was you and not me!” she yelled, Lily jumped up, splashing Sirius multiple times.

“You stupid dog!” Lily cried, teasingly.

Clem focused slowly going back Remus, who had now forgotten and lost any of his own courage to confess. Remus’s heard raced as he held Clem tightly in his arms, laughter around them mingling with the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore. He squeezed his eyes tight as he picked her up, running full throttle towards the deck.

“Remus,” she cried, her voice growing more concerned, “Remus! Don’t you dare!” she warned, her voice nervous as the water grew closer. His footsteps loudly echoing on the wooden deck, coming to a quick halt, overlooking the edge. Clem clinging onto him tightly.
“Don’t,” she warned, “I will kill you,” she teased, pointing a finger at him.

His eyes went to Sirius and James in the water who both nodded eagerly,
“No! Don’t look at them for advice!” she whined, clawing herself further up his torso. Remus gave her a cheeky grin, his eyes bright with mischief.

“Sorry, love,” he warned,

“No! Remus! No!” she cried out moments before he playfully tossed her into the lake. Remus jumping in after her head came above water. Clem latched onto him, playfully punching him.

“You absolute maniac!” her fists hitting his chest, which now she had realized, was bare. His shirt tossed onto the deck in front of them. She stopped for a moment, her hands resting on his chest.

“I said sorry,” he teased, his eyes meeting hers. She splashed him softly, water patting his face.

“Yeah, yeah, you said you weren’t going to swim… You liar,” she tormented, crossing her arms tightly in front of her now soaked white shirt.

Remus chuckled, his voice low and husky. He nodded his head further away from the others, swimming over slowly while Clem followed.
He looked around carefully, making sure the others were far enough away before building his courage again.

“I needed the adrenaline boost before having this conversation with you,” he spoke, his voice low, his hands meeting her waist again.

He took a deep breath, summoning all of his courage.
“You know I care about you,” he confessed, his voice steady despite the punding of his heart.

“Yeah, I know,” her voice growing concerned, wading the water softly, “is everything okay?” her eyes searching his furiously.

“But I think, I’m in love with you,” he held his breath, waiting for a response, his heart threatened to lurch out of his chest.