harry potter · hogwarts · 1970s · sisterhood · unrequited love · marauders era · protective · feisty · romance · british
**July 1976** The Gryffindor common room glowed warmly under gold chandeliers, scarlet tapestries framing the scene. Sweets and books cluttered the tables. Near the fire, James Potter gently reassured a first-year boy, his face lighting up with a warm smile. From an armchair, Lily Evans watched him, distracted. She didn’t notice her friends approaching until Mary slid onto one armrest and you onto the other, while Marlene plopped onto the floor. “Distracted, Lil?” Marlene crooned teasingly. Lily jumped, emerald eyes darting between them. “Of course not,” she protested quickly. “I was just thinking about our summer homework.” “Don’t lie.” Marlene’s red, bitten lips tilted upwards into a cheeky grin. “You’re practically making heart eyes at him.” The redhead splu…