Lily POV

### Chapter 55

I waited in the empty common room, thinking about Sawyer.

That girl! Even though I waited for her, I could guess where she was now—happily with him.

Alright, Sawyer and Severus are my best friends. Even though we ended up in different houses, our friendship never wavered.

When I started to suspect that Sawyer liked Severus, she openly admitted it. I was a bit surprised but not shocked; it seemed natural for something to happen between them.

After confirming my suspicion about Sawyer, I began to observe Severus. Was he avoiding Sawyer? It seemed that way, but I noticed something different. He often watched her when she wasn't looking, his gaze deep and intense.

I couldn't understand his eyes, but I was certain there was deep emotion there. He must like Sawyer too. So why were things like this now?

What was Severus struggling with? What was Sawyer hesitating about? Sometimes I wanted to kick them. But some things they had to resolve on their own, or it would always be a sore spot. I guess I'm not that easygoing.

Watching them drag things out until the end of term, I buried myself in studying, letting them sort out their issues. Sawyer could be so frustrating; she usually needed a push to move forward.

Eventually, they got together before the term ended.

So they became a couple, and I became a prefect. Busy with my duties, I had less time to spend with them. Often, I'd come back from meetings to find a closed door, where they were studying dark magic.

I still had some aversion to dark magic. In the restricted section of the library, I saw books with terrifying images of cursed individuals. But I couldn't stop them from learning; they had their reasons, and I almost felt persuaded to join them.

Although I was the one who refused to join, being left out felt like abandonment. A strange discomfort.

It was like that time on the Hogwarts Express at the start of the term.

The prefects from all four houses were together—polite, distant, each doing their own thing. I missed our old compartment. Taking a break from patrolling, I snuck back to see them and found a peaceful scene. Sawyer was dozing in Severus's arms while he read quietly.

I tiptoed in. "Is she asleep?" I whispered.

Severus nodded slightly, motioning for silence, looking apologetic. I shook my head, closed the door quietly, and sat down. Severus continued reading, turning the pages gently so as not to disturb Sawyer.

I couldn't sit still for more than ten minutes, feeling like I was disrupting the balance. I wasn't trying to interfere in their relationship; the loneliness just hurt.

Making an excuse to patrol, I almost fled the compartment.

I ran into Remus in the corridor, and we moved to the next carriage together.

My expression must have been off because he asked what was wrong. I pulled a face, joking that my best friends no longer needed me now that they had each other.

"I sympathize and understand, but maybe you should consider James," Remus suggested, sounding like a salesman.

"I forgot you were his spokesperson… Don't be so dedicated. I think you're pretty great." It was a joke I'd learned from Sawyer.

Remus's gentle expression froze. "Oh, no! Don't let James hear that, or he'll kill me."

It worked like a charm. I laughed heartily. Jokes among friends are the best medicine.

After that, I often felt down. Sawyer and Severus were too perfect together—their chemistry, their aura. Sawyer kept talking about Severus even when we were alone.

Oh, Sawyer, you don't love me anymore! I felt so wronged.

During that time, James seemed busy with something, not bothering me, leaving me with nowhere to vent.

Remus was also troubled, likely due to a bottleneck in the Wolfsbane Potion research. His melancholy attracted several lovestruck girls during our patrols.

I couldn't help with the potion. Initially, I was involved, but later I left it to Dumbledore and Severus, the experts. So, I just accompanied him in his gloom, being a supportive friend.

Eventually, I couldn't help but complain to Sawyer about being left out. She apologized softly, making me feel awkward. It wasn't something to apologize for; I was just jealous and unbalanced.

Being ignored felt awful. But after talking to Sawyer, I felt better. Her apology made me feel valued. Watching Severus enjoy Sawyer's massage made me happy. I was genuinely glad for their happiness.

Maybe I was too lonely and needed a boyfriend. I needed to think about it.

However, James "Sticky" Potter's resurgence shattered that idea.

I don't know how he did it, but he seemed to always know my whereabouts, appearing like a ghost around every corner. Not even Polyjuice Potion could fool him. There must be some magical item involved—probably their half-year project. Too bad Remus wouldn't reveal their secret.

I'd had enough. Couldn't he stop these childish antics? Should I praise his persistence as a true Gryffindor? If he kept this up, my chances of finding a boyfriend were slim.

Today, Sawyer returned from St. Mungo's. Her mother had to undergo a Memory Charm to overcome the trauma of the kidnapping. Though it was a blessing in disguise, the ordeal they endured was real.

This incident shocked me. What if my parents faced such danger one day? Would anyone warn me in time? Would I find help in time?

Lost in thought, I walked towards the Gryffindor Tower, planning to comfort Sawyer. She must be worried sick about her parents.

As I was thinking, James appeared out of nowhere.

"Lily! What a coincidence! Are you heading to the tower too? Let's go together!" James, with his messy hair, appeared before me.

Suppressing my annoyance, I thought, *You're in for it now*.

"Yes, what a coincidence. But could you stop stalking me? It's really off-putting." I tried to keep my expression polite.

"Uh, don't call it stalking, Lily! You know I like you! I'd do anything for you…" His declaration was cut short by me.

"Oh really, anything? Does that include performing acrobatics or playing pranks on the entire school for me? I'm sorry, but I don't have the energy for games. I need to study, get stronger, and protect my Muggle family. I don't have an ancient pure-blood wizard family backing me. I have to work hard not to get killed by Death Eaters." I said coldly.

James looked flustered. "Uh, it's not that bad. We're only in fifth year!"

"Only fifth year?" I laughed at the naïve boy. "By the way, did you know Sawyer's parents were almost kidnapped yesterday because some Death Eaters wanted to use them to blackmail Sawyer into being their spy? You probably haven't realized the current situation. Muggle-borns and their families are in real danger."

James's eyes widened in shock, unable to utter a word.

"So, stop these childish games. I'm leaving. Goodbye." Ignoring his silence, I walked away.

He couldn't be unaware of the situation outside; most attacks targeted Muggle-borns' families. Living in Hogwarts's safe ivory tower made danger seem distant.

But the reality was close. Sawyer's parents' ordeal was a wake-up call.

The portrait at the common room door swung open, interrupting my thoughts as a figure slipped inside.

"It's well past curfew. Should I deduct points?" As a prefect, I could deduct points from my house. Though I wouldn't actually do it, it was a good scare tactic—especially for younger students sneaking out at night.

My sudden voice startled Sawyer. She clutched her chest. "Why are you still up? Scaring people…"

"I was waiting for you! So sad, I knew you wouldn't need my friendship comfort after Severus's loving embrace." I shook my head, picking up the unfinished homework on the table, and headed for the girls' dormitory stairs.

Sawyer sprang up, hugging me and rubbing her face against my hair. "Oh, Lily, you're the best! I love you so much!"

I grinned, tilting my chin up. With a friend like me, you're truly fortunate.