Written for the Word Count Challenge on HPFC.

Prompts: Hogwarts Express; "If you hurt her, I will kill you."

Goal: 300

Count: 322

"Did you hear that Lily is dating Scorpius?"

James didn't much care for the gossip happening at the front of the Hogwarts Express, and as such, as soon as the giggling from his cousins was too overwhelming to bear, he stormed from their shared compartment and headed towards the back of the train where the Slytherins usually rode. His bloody little sister included.

He ran into the boy he was looking for right away.

"You," James hissed, grabbing the sixth-year boy by the collar and pulling him into the nearest vacant space. "What's this I hear about you and my sister?"

Scorpius rolled his eyes. "I'm thinking that that has nothing to do with you, Potter."

"Well you've been thinking wrong." James growled as he shoved the younger boy against the door. "She's too good for you, Malfoy. Any girl is, but especially her. She's too good for anyone, and if you hurt her, I will kill you."

"Not if she gets to me first."

Briefly, a look passed between the two boys. A note of understanding. It was true. Lily was beautiful and kind and courageous in all the same ways as her brother. But she was also every bit as cunning and manipulative as her boyfriend. She was a force to be reckoned with, and James really didn't have much to worry about.

Just then, a girl with red hair was pulling open the door, shoving aside her brother as she did. "James!" she exclaimed, giving him a look that bore a striking resemblance to one he often received from his mother. "Is this really necessary?"

The Gryffindor boy smiled slightly as he gave Scorpius a pat on the back. "Just needed to clear a few things up."

Lily looked at the two boys for a moment, noticing instantly that they no longer seemed to be fighting.

With a roll of her eyes, she turned and exited the room.

"Boys."