April 1978

The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

                    Remus had agreed to tutor Peter to give Lily and James some alone time. He had originally asked Thea to do it, but quickly found on that a. she's horrible at explaining things and b. Lily has asked her to study with her and James, so Lily wouldn't be alone with him. 

So, Lily and James and Thea sat at the library table when Sirius plonked his bag down. He slid in the seat next to Lily and across from Thea ( who was sitting next to James lest she need to physically reprimand him ). 

Thea did not look up from her work, even when Sirius nudged her foot with his. She smiled at her work, but wouldn't give him the full satisfaction. 

She could tell that Sirius was staring at her intently, willing her to look up, but she wouldn't. So, she decided to look up at Lily instead, a wicked smile adorning her face. 

"Lils," Thea said as Lily looks up from her own work, "could you pass me that book." 

"Yeah, of course," she hummed as she passed her book on Herbology to Thea's waiting hand.

"Merlin, Thea. Lily, but not me?" Sirius said in shock.

Thea raised an eyebrow.

"She's my best friend," Thea remarked.

"And?" Sirius asked incredulously.

"What do you mean and? We all know I'd swap you for her in an instant," Thea asked, sitting back in her chair and crossing her arms.

She heard James let out a low whistle next to her and she could tell he had an awkward face. 

"I-" Sirius stumbled.

Thea had a wicked grin on her face.

Lily looked between the two and then at James and smirked.

"You know, T, I think we've had enough of these boys," Lily said as she slammed her book closed.

Thea looked up and smirked.

"I was thinking exactly the same thing," Thea said as she closed her own.

The two girls quickly packed up as the boys stared in shock. This was supposed to be a romantic moment for them, but the girls had other plans. 

They quickly exited the library, giggling as they walked. Thea slipped her hand into Lily's as they broke out into a run. They tore through the castle, bumping into a few people and upsetting a couple of professors. Lily's red hair and Thea's brunette hair flowed behind them as they passed through the ancient halls. 

All the way, their laughter echoed and occasional yelps as they reached corners ( it's hard to go around a bend when you're running, they were quick to find out ). Lily lead them all the way to the Forbidden Forest and then they stopped to catch their breath.

"Do you remember when we used to come in here and pet the unicorns?" Lily asked as she straightened out her uniform.

Thea nodded as she wandered in.

"Shall we find them again?" Thea asked with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"You know, you and James are so similar," Lily mused.

"How so?" Thea asked as she walked forward.

"You both have that look in your eyes when you're doing something you know you're not supposed to," Lily revealed.

Thea smiled and let out a short laugh. 

"I suppose so," she eventually said. 

The girls walked deeper into the forest until they reached a small lake. Around the edge, there was a unicorn. 

Thea gasped as Lily hit her arm.

"There it is," Lily whispered aggressively. 

Thea smiled over at Lily. The two girls sat down side by side and watched as the unicorn minded its own business. Lily rested her head on Thea's shoulder and Thea rested her head on Lily's head and kissed it lightly. Lily felt a smile form on her face.

They were quiet, for once. 

When the unicorn had enough, it trotted off, leaving the girls.

"Do you want to do swimming?" Thea mumbled. 

Lily sprung up and smiled. She started to shed her clothing.

"Alright then," Thea laughed.

The girls undressed until they were in their underwear and dove in. They weren't crazy like they were with the boys, they swam around and floated on their backs, taking in the peace. 

The water was still slightly cold from the ice in the winter and it was a lovely contrast to how hot it was. They shivered slightly at the cool touch, but smiled nonetheless. 

"Do you want to play Marco Polo?" Lily asked, out of the blue.

"Don't you think it's a bit small," Thea asked, still staring up. 

"But that'll make it more fun," Lily said as Thea could practically hear the smile in her voice. 

Thea nodded and dunked under so Lily could move. After a few seconds, she rose again, her eyes still closed.

"Marco?" Thea called.

"Polo," Lily said.

Thea smirked, already basically knowing where she was. She quickly swam over to where Lily was and heard her swimming away. 

"Marco?" Thea asked.

"Polo," Lily squeaked.

Thea could tell she was still swimming and took advantage of it. She quick caught up and dunked Lily under the water. Lily came spluttering back up.

"That was so quick," she said as she tried to regain her breath.

"Told you," Thea said with a small victorious smile. 

Lily rolled her eyes and smiled.

"What am I going to do with you," she muttered.

Thea laughed.

"We should probably head back. The boys are probably freaking out," Lily said as she swam to the edge.

Thea nodded and climbed out with her. Lily muttered a spell of both of them dried quickly as they put their clothes back on. 

They trudged back up to the castle, hand in hand and laughing at something stupid James did. 

EDIT: they did apologize to her ( profusely ), but I forgot to include it :)))