Here we go! Im back with my 7TH FAN-FIC! Wow. Thats a record for me. So here we go. First chapter isn't much and many characters aren't her but it sets the plot up! Feedback link at bottom!

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1

This story is not like most stories. There is no 'happily ever after'. If you're looking for the story that has the perfect ending, I suggest you stop reading. It will not start with 'Once Upon A Time' nor will it be about the prince that says his princess from terror. There is no danzel in distress.

But there is evil. Horrible evil. And how love might not have saved one couple but helped them meet the After Life and protect their only son. That one couple showed the world that even the strongest could fall at a time like that.

We start our story focusing on a fifteen-year-old boy named James Potter in his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Magic. Yes - Magic is possible. Now lets begin our tale as we watch the boy continue his life. It all started one Saturday Afternoon beside the Black Lake…

~*~*~*~

James Potter sat leaning against a tree facing the Black Lake. His messy jet-black hair let the wind catch it as it flew through the wind only creating his hair messier. His almond eyes were deep inside a book called 'Spectacular Moves in Quidditch by Greg Mason'. James' round glasses were pushed up onto his nose carefully as in fear of them falling. He turned the page and looked up to see his best friend Sirius Black, kiss his girlfriend Janice Belmin.

Sirius had thick locks of black hair. His body was built so nicely that every girl at school, swooned over him. He had a smile that made every girls heart. James smiled to himself as he thought of how many girls Sirius had gone out with in the past month.

'There was Emma, Courtney, Delilah, and now Janice' James thought laughing at how silly his friend was. Well. He couldn't say that he didn't date many girls at once. He himself went through many girls.

He had gone out with three girls that month. He currently was dating a girl named Christina Septa. She had long black hair and chocolate brown eyes. She was five foot six and incredibly dumb. Granted. She was beautiful and every boy wanted to date her. But she could be annoying.

She would call James - Jamie. She would have Remus do her homework. Christina cheated on James' test and yet when she is asked a question - she wakes up from a long nap.

~*~*~*~

James was sitting; leaning against the tree laughing as Sirius left Janice - who looked devastated. Sirius came over and sat next to James. Then the two of them slapped hands.

"Hey Prongs." Sirius said.
"Hey Padfoot. Break another heart?" James asked watching Janice run away crying.
"Yeah but I bruise them - not break them." Sirius said relaxing.
"Oh right - I forgot." James laughed.
"I think I might have a go at Darlene Mason." Sirius said eyeing a girl with brown curly hair.
"Do you ever stop?" James asked.
"Can't imagine it. Talk to you later Prongs." Sirius said and quickly got up running after Darlene who was walking away.

James closed his book and got up and headed toward the Gryffindor Common Room. He walked for a few moments before he noticed a Slytherin with greasy black hair.

"Oh hello Snivellus. How are you today?" James asked.
"You mean AFTER you made all my books attack me, my robes turn into flames and turned my face green? I'm doing fine." Severus said angrily.
"That's good. It been five hours since your face was green - Im going to try purple." James smiled and waved his wand in difficult motions.

Severus Snape's face began to change color as his pale face turned into a violet. James laughed, as Severus looked into a pile of water, seeing his face a violet color.

"JAMES POTTER!" a voice screamed and echoed throughout the hall.

Professor Minerva McGonagall made her way up to Severus and James, a look of disgust on her face. She put her hand out as James handed over his wand. She looked at Severus and then James. She scowled.

"James Potter. I can not believe that this is the fourth time today you have been found bullying another student. You already have a month of detentions yet you continue to harm one student individually." McGonagall lectured.
"Professor. Snivellus is a -" James began trying to defend himself.
"I don't want to hear it. Mr. Snape - you will head towards the Hospital Wing. And you - Mr. Potter, will follow me." McGonagall said walking off.

James followed McGonagall quickly and silently as he walked up many staircases. She led him to a gargoyle door when she spoke the password. His heart sank - he was going to the Head Master

"Chocolate Frog" McGonagall spoke clearly as the gargoyle.

James walked up the stairs to Dumbledore's office awaiting the worst. He walked in cautiously. He jumped when he saw Dumbledore at the top of a set of stairs.

"Mr. Potter. Your behavior this past twenty-four hours is only disappointing to hear because Gryffindor was my house and you have showed it disgrace. I would give you another week of detention but you need to learn responsibility. Also you must learn to control your emotions. Which is why -" Dumbledore began but stopped to look James in the eye.

"I have something better for you to do. You are to meet me here at seven o'clock tonight. We are going to embark on a little adventure. We will discuss your punishment later on." Dumbledore said clearly with a twinkle in his eye.

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Wheres Lily...what is with Dumbledore...Sirius is Sirius..well..leave feedback here!

Lizzie
<3333

2

"Dumbledore didn't give you detention?" whispered a boy with sandy brown hair. His blue eyes emerging themselves from a book.
"Nope. He said to meet him at 7 to embark on an adventure. He wants me to learn responsibility." James whispered back to the boy.
"He's officially off his rocker. You - responsible?" the boy replied.
"Come on Moony, I can be responsible when I want to. I hand in my homework on time, I end a relationship when it needs to be over." James said to his friend.
"Remind me why we use those nicknames again James, I mean Moony? I like Remus." Remus said.
"You know why we have our nickname and again - Im Prongs. We made these after we agreed to help you with your furry little problem." James whispered back to Remus.
"Right. My - furry - little - problem. Well Prongs. Dumbledore is legendary - If he wants to teach you responsibility, he'll do it in a way that you are enjoying the job." Remus replied shutting his book.
"Yeah right. Its not like Dumbledore is going to introduce me to a hot foreign girl whos coming to Hogwarts and I have to help her, even if its romantically." James said laughing as he watched Remus pack his school bags.
"You never know with that man. Look its almost time for dinner. We have time to check the map for Dumbledore and see if he's doing anything interesting for your voyage." Remus said standing up and leaving the library with James.
"Yeah and w haven't seen Wormtail all day. Plus, I want to know if Sirius got Darlene." James said.
"He left Janice?" Remus asked.
"Yeah this morning and went after Darlene." James replied as they made their way up to the Gryffindor Boys Dormitory.

They entered the boy's dormitory to see Sirius lying face down on his bed as Peter was writing what looked like a letter to his mum.

"Oi! Sleepy, Mummas boy! Who has the map?" James asked looking through his trunk.
"Does it matter?" Peter asker.
"I want to see what Dumbledore is doing." James replied.
"Oh. Spying on the head master - nice. I believe I had it to see if anyone was in the halls when I was leaving Janice in … well. It doesn't matter. Here you go." Sirius said handing James the map.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." James said clearly taping the map with Remus' wand.
"What happened to your wand?" Peter asked.
"McGonagall handed it over to Dumbledore." James muttered searching the map.
"Woah." Sirius said astonished.
"Yea. And Dumbledore has me going on an adventure with him tonight. So, I want to know if he's doing anything to prepare." James replied.
"There he is!" Remus said pointing to the dot labeled 'Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore'

His dot was close to the boy's dots. He actually was in Gryffindor Tower but in the fifth year's girl's dormitory.

"BLIMEY! Dumbledore's in the Girls Dormitory. You think after how old he is, he would stop hitting on girls, but hey, can't blame him, the girls are hott. I always believed Gryffindor deserved the hottest and sexiest girls." Sirius said laughing.
"I doubt that’s what he is doing in there." Remus replied.
"But look. Janice, Catalina, and Stephanie are in the dormitory too - its like they're having a meeting." James added.

Meanwhile in the Girls Dormitory…

"But why do we have to get a new roommate. What about Krissy?" Catalina asked.
"Kristina has been removed from the school after the murder of her parents to live with her grandmother. Anyway, We have a transfer and I will be having her sorted tonight, but I have a feeling she is Gryffindor material." Dumbledore replied.
"And what if you're wrong?" Janice asked with her arms folded against her chest.
"I'm an old man who indeed makes mistakes. Im having all the girls be prepared if the girl is sorted into their house. I expect a clear bed and area for our new student. She will be arriving late at night and will have an escort so I please ask if you tell the other girls that I will be lifting the enchament on the stairs for one night." Dumbledore said.
"Yes professor." Whispered Stephanie.

And then Dumbledore went down the stairs and left the common room. Dinner that night was full of whispers as the girls passed down the information to all the girls that the stairs would be free of their enchantment for the night. James hardly ate as he tried to put together the pieces about his voyage tonight with the head master. Sirius had been stuffing his face and was no help as James tried putting the pieces together.

"Just relax James. And eat. You'll probably need your energy, who knows what you're going to be doing." Remus reassured James.

James forced down some food and then returned to the boy's dorm. He grabbed his cloak and headed down to Dumbledore's office. Surprisingly, James didn't need to say the password as Dumbledore was standing outside the gargoyle.

"Good evening Mr. Potter. Your wand." Dumbledore said handing over James' wand.
"Thank you sir." James said quietly as he out his wand away.
"Tonight. We will be traveling to a country called the United States of America in North America. We will be transporting to the state of New York, where we will attend a Broadway production of 'Wicked' and then gather one of the stars after the show and take her back here. She would have arrived earlier but she was determined to put on one final show. Her family has moved to England today and we are here transportation to school. Now, Walk with me" Dumbledore said beginning to walk towards the Entrance Doors.

"Sir, does she know she is a witch?" James asked interested
"Oh yes. She has been attending the American Magic Academy or the 'AMA' in public, since she was seven. They believe in starting their education earlier, so she will indeed be a little more advanced than some students. But Hogwarts needs a challenge." Dumbledore replied opening the doors.
"Professor, I don't see where I fit in this." James said confused.
"
As I told you. You need to learn responsibility. This school is full of surprises and is very large. This girl will need someone to help her find her way around the school. Someone to tell her about the Professors. Explain some of out subjects. Our rules, policies. That is where you come in." Dumbledore said opening the gates to the unknown.

"So. I have to help her out. Help her adjust?" James asked.
"Yes. There maybe times she will be in desperate need of help and you will need to leave something important to help her. She will be your responsibility. At least, until she has made some friends and learned the basic of Hogwarts. Now, Mr. Potter, please take my arm and hold on tight." Dumbledore said.

James took Dumbledore's arm and felt like he was being sucked into a tight tube. He felt his feet leave the ground and then as quickly as his feet had left the ground he was on the ground again. He looked up to see he and Dumbledore was in an alleyway.

Dumbledore raised his wand and pointed it at himself. He whispered a spell and his clothes changed into muggle attire. He pointed his wand at James and did the same thing. James was now in dress pants and a nice white shirt. His cloak had turned into a jacket and his wand was safely inside the jacket pocket.

"I think we might scare a few people by our appearance if we walked into a theater as two wizards." Dumbledore chuckled.
"Yeah." James replied managing to give a smile laugh.
"Now. We are late. The play starts in thirty minutes. We will have to hurry or as Muggles say - walk quickly and pace ourselves." Dumbledore replied.

James and Dumbledore walked out of the alley and quickly walked up seven blocks to a large building. James stared at the doors. They were circles and moved in circles. Dumbledore chuckled and pushed himself into the circle door and into the building.

James followed Dumbledore but spun around five times before Dumbledore stopped the revolving door and pulled James out. They made their way down to the theater and into a section.

A woman escorted them down to their seats, which were close to the stage. They made themselves comfortable as Dumbledore flicked through the Playbill and found the girl's name. He chuckled at her picture and looked over at James and let his eyes twinkle.

The lights went out as the production began. James, who could not usually pay attention, found the play very interesting. A witch who doesn't know shes a witch with green skin becomes friend with the popular dumb blonde.

It was in the middle of the song 'Dancing Through Life' that Dumbledore had gained James' attention.

"James. Do you see the girl with he red hair and green eyes in the center o the stage, dancing at the moment?" Dumbledore asked.

James scanned the stage for the girl and then saw here. No doubt she was fifteen. She had flaming red hair that was tied back in a high ponytail. She was wearing her school uniform costume and In James' opinion after watching her - it suited her very nicely. She was tall and was nicely developed for fifteen. She was smiling as danced around the stage, without a care that everyone was watching her.

James had come to one conclusion though - The girl was HOTT! If he weren't sitting next to the head master of his school he probably would have begun drooling. He looked back at Dumbledore who was chuckling as she began to dance some very complicated.

"I see her." James said trying to sound polite.
"She's your assignment. Her name is Lily Evans. And by the look of it, she will be an excellent dueler at Hogwarts. I feel bad for the person she is fighting. Don't you agree?" Dumbledore asked.
"Um - yea. So I have to take care of her?" James asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Mr. Potter. I know, she is a beautiful young woman. I had to give you a task I know you will understand and care about. And based by your first facial expression of her - I think we can safely assume, I have made my point" Dumbledore replied.

Throughout the rest of the play James watched Lily. The play seemed to be more beautiful just by having her on the stage and he was going to have to take care of her! His opportunities to win her over were unimaginable. All he had to do was dump Christina at breakfast tomorrow because she was in Hufflepuff. Then he had all his time for Lily. The play finished as the green witch turned evil as everything she cared about was taken away from her.

Dumbledore and James applauded but James gave more effort when he saw Lily. They rose from their seats and James followed Dumbledore to the stage door.

"No one except the cast is allowed back there." Said a guard.
"Yes. But we are here to take a member of the cast home." Dumbledore said.
"I'll get him or her." Said the guard.
"I really insist on meeting Miss Lily Evans backstage." Dumbledore said loudly.

Lily Evans had heard her name and stopped packing to make her way to the guard. She came next to the guard and looked at Dumbledore and then James. She smiled at James and turned to face the guard.

"Thank you Sebastian. But this man is a friend of my moms. Please let him through." Lily said.
"And what about the boy with him?" Sebastian asked.
"I am a principal of a school. I have brought one of my students along with me." Dumbledore replied.
"Very well." Sebastian said and let James and Dumbledore through.

Lily led them back to her packing as she turned to face them and shake their hands.

"It's lovely to finally meet you professor. My mother said you are brilliant and one of the most legendary back in England. I'm honored to be attending your school." Lily said shaking Dumbledore's hand.
"Ah. Your mother is very kind. Your performance on the stage was amazing. Hogwarts is honored to have someone with such talent as you to be transferring. This is Mr. James Potter; he will be your escort. Any questions, problems, anything you can come to him." Dumbledore said introducing James.
"Hello James. I'll try no to bother you too much. You seem like you are very interested I your education." Lily replied shaking his hand.
"Yeah. Interested in my education. -" James began but then leaned forward and began to whisper in her ear as Dumbledore turned around to pack the rest of Lily's things.

"Seriously. We need to talk after Dumbledore dismisses me." James whispered.

Lily giggled as James let go of her hand and backed away.

"Miss Evans. Are you ready to go?" Dumbledore asked.
"Oh yes. One moment." Lily said and hurried off to give her friend one last hug.
"Im ready professor." Lily said and showed them the back exit so they could escape the traffic of people leaving the theater.

Dumbledore led them back to the alley before he took out his wand and changed his muggle attire back to his cloak and changed James' clothes back to his uniform.

"Now Miss Evans, Mr. potter. Please take one arm each. Here we go." Dumbledore said and James felt himself being tugged into the tight tube again. He opened his eyes to see Hogwarts Castle in view.

"Miss Evans. This is Hogwarts Castle that you see. Now, I think we ought to have you sorted right now. There are four houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. James is in Gryffindor and I believe you have qualities for Gryffindor. Your house is like your family, that is where you hang out and sleep. Now, One moment, Accio Sorting Hat!" Dumbledore said and watched as the Sorting hat came into his hands.

"Place this on your head." Dumbledore instructed and Lily immediately put the hat on her head. Lily felt a voice speaking to her in her head after a few moments.

'Ah. I see a large amount of bravery in here. A very powerful brain and a heart. Delicate but big. You have many wonderful qualities within you. But where to put you? Neither Slytherin - nor Hufflepuff. You'd do well in Ravenclaw but I see to much bravery. Better be -GRYFFINDOR!" the sorting hat had only shouted the last word out loud.

Dumbledore clapped happily as Lily removed the hat.

"Now Mr. Potter. You will lead Lily up to Gryffindor tower where she will find her robes there. I had the girl clear a bed. The enchantment on the stairs has been lifted so only tonight will you be able to go up to the Girls Dormitories. Miss Evans. If you will walk through the gates and begin up to the castle. I wish a word with Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said.

Lily headed off toward the castle as James faced his head master.

"This is your assignment," said Dumbledore.
"That's not an assignment, thats heaven" replied James.
"Then I know that you will truly help her and be careful. You will act responsibly and help her. I know your status at this school. You need to be comforting. Now, no one is to know about her Broadway life. If someone finds out - the press will be all over her and she will not be able to concentrate on her studies here. DO I have your word?" Dumbledore asked James.
"Yes sir." James replied.
"Well. Then hurry off to find Miss Evans." Dumbledore said dismissing him.

James ran after Lily until he found her at the doors of the castle.

"Hey." James said.
"Hello." Lily said.
"Alright. Well. Welcome to gryffindor. If you have any questions ask me, James Potter. I will usually be seen walking around with three other guys most of the time. If you ever need to find me ask the closest Gryffindor, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw." James said smiling at her.
"Can't I just ask anyone to find out where you are?" Lily asked.
"No. The girls seem to know where I am better." James replied.
"So you have girls stalking you?" Lily asked amused.
"You could put it that way. Look. Let's get you up to the tower." James replied.

James reached down and took one of her bags. He noticed that Lily was watching him and he found it amusing. He took the heaviest suitcase and led her inside. Lily was carrying her second suitcase and followed close behind James.

He led her up to the portrait of the fat lady when he stopped.

"This is your entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room. You give her the password. 'Marauders'" James said satisfied with himself.
"Wake me up at this late hour! Oh hello. I haven't met this girl before." The fat lady spoke.
"Im Lily Evans. Im a transfer." Lily replied.
"Well. Welcome to Gryffindor. James Potter - hurt this girl in anyway and I'll sick the Bloody Baron on you, I have my connections." The fat lady said threateningly.
"I won't hurt her miss. I said the password." James said in a low voice.
"Very well." The fat lady said and let them inside.

"What was she talking about 'hurting me'?" Lily asked glancing around the common room.
"Well. It's my record. I date a lot of girls. I haven't found the right one that could tame me - you could say. No yet but I'm sure I'll find her." James said trying to flirt with Lily.
"And are you sure you haven't met the right one?" Lily replied flirting.
"I might have. I met this really beautiful girl tonight who happens to be a lovely dancer." James replied.

Lily blushed as she noticed that she had been in England for fifteen minutes and she had someone hitting on her.

"So. My dorm is…?" Lily asked.
"Follow me. Lucky, The stairs won't let boys up to the girl's dorm. But the girls are always welcome in the boy's dorm. I can only come up for tonight. Up here." James said.

He lead her up many stairs until the reached a sign saying 'Fifth Years Dorm'. James led her inside to see Janice, Catalina and Stephanie fast asleep. He pointed to the empty bed. Lily walked over and put her stuff down.

"Well. Thank you James. I will see you downstairs tomorrow at 7:30." Lily replied and James left the room.

~*~*~*~

The next day James was showing Lily the way to Potions. Remus, Sirius and Peter were following behind as James told Lily all about the classes. Then they passed a Slytherin boy. Lily stopped walking. So did the boy. James turned around and almost screamed.

"Lily!?" the boy exclaimed.
"I can't believe it!" Lily exclaimed.

Lily ran up to the boy and gave him a big hug, which the boy had returned.

"I never thought I would see you again." The boy said softly stroking Lily's hair.

James walked up to them and tried not to scream.

"What is bloody going on here!?!?!?" he said louder than expected.

~~~~~
No comment...who is this slytherin? What is going on?arauders think of Lily? Will Lily et friends? So much still to come. please leave feedback.

Lizzie
<33333

3

Lily pulled away from the hug to face James who looked outraged.

"James. Why didn’t you tell me Severus Snape attended this school?" Lily asked.
"Um. He's a Slytherin. And I didn't think you knew him. But seriously, we are going to be late for potions." James said determined to get lily away from Snivellus.
"Why would he be a Slytherin?" Lily asked laughing.
"Im sorry to say this but, Lily, he is a git." James said serious.
"No he isn't. He's Severus Snape who lived in Spinners End, while my family and I stayed in England. We rented a cottage for a week. Severus was the one to tell me that I could do magic. He's one of my oldest best friends." Lily replied smiling at Snape.
"Lily, Lily, Lily. So young, hot and naïve. Severus is no friend you want." Sirius said walking up to Lily.
"And why's that? He was my first boyfriend." Lily replied blushing.

Snape's face immediately began to turn red out of embarrassment. James, Sirius', Remus' and Peter's jaws dropped. James closed his jaw and stuttered.

"You - You and Snape - you guys- you - and I - and you - WE WERE FLIRTING!" James exclaimed confused.
"Yes. We were. Now. You can go with your friends. You told me the Slytherins had potions with us. I'd like to catch up with Severus." Lily relied holing onto Snape's arm.
"Oh no your not. I'm your responsibility and Dumbledore would skin me alive if you became bad." James said taking Lily away.
"Responsibility? You are my escort, as you very well know. And I'm supposed to be making friends. Severus is an old friend. I don't need you to be my bodyguard. I am very capable to take care of my own." Lily said angrily.

"Prongs. What is she talking about 'escort'?" Sirius asked.
"Nothing." James said quickly.
"'Prongs'?" Lily asked interested raising an eyebrow.
"Nickname." James added.
"What I want to know, is how Snape told you, you were a witch when you were so young. Apparently, the AMA starts at seven. Snape didn't even have powers yet." Remus said making himself known.
"Well. Snape's mother is a witch. He would know when your summoning flowers out of the ground when you're on a swing that you could do magic. Anymore questions?" Lily asked annoyed.
"Yes. Why did you flirt with me when you went out with some like Snivellus?" James asked.
"DON'T CALL HIM THAT! HE'S NICER THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW!" Lily began to scream. She then took Snape's arm. "Lets go Severus"

James screamed and threw his arms up in the air as his friends jumped away.

"She dated Snivellus!" James said outraged.
"Poor girl. Kissing that guy, has got to taste terrible." Sirius chuckled.
"I'm still wondering why she called you her escort." Remus said.
"That’s between me and Lily and Dumbledore. Now come on. If we start walking now, we can watch Lily and that git." James replied walking off.

Remus, Sirius and Peter stayed behind watching their friend storm off.

"I reckon he likes her." Peter squeaked.
"Who wouldn't like her? I like her. Nice figure, chest, height and she has a nice voice." Sirius said.
"That girl is going to become more popular than James. She seems nice, but dang, she has anger issues." Remus replied.

The three friends ran after James, who was watching Lily and Snape. He had walked into three Ravenclaws and two Hufflepuffs. Lily laughed and punched Snape's arm. She looked away and James smirked as Snape shook his arm in pain.

They reached the potions dungeon and Snape escorted Lily to a table with his friends. Two Slytherins scowled at him but he whispered something in their ears that made them become friendlier.

James, Remus, Sirius and Peter sat a table near Lily. James frowned and turned towards his friends.

"What is she playing at? Sitting with Bellatrix Black and Narcissa Black. They would never be friends with her! Padfoot, aren't they evil?" James asked frowning.
"My seventh Christmas, don't remind me" Sirius said shivering.
"I can't believe Lily is sitting with them!" James said out loud.

Everyone in the room turned their heads to look at James. Lily scowled and gave James a rude finger gesture as Snape stuck his tongue out at him. Lily laughed as Snape did an imitation of James.

"That's enough chatter in here. Now, We have a transfer apparently. Miss Lily Evans. Where is she?" asked a man that looked like a professor.
"Here sir" Lily said raising her hand.
"Welcome to Potions. I'm Professor Slughorn - the potions master. Have you studied potions in your last school?" Professor Slughorn asked.
"Yes. I have since I was seven." Lily replied.
"Ah. Good. So hopefully, you won't ave a problem keeping up. Ah. Sitting with one of my prized pupils, Severus Snape. Any trouble ask him." Professor Slughorn said.
"I was told that if I needed help, to ask James Potter." Lily said quickly, trying not to sound rude.
"Who told you that?" asked the professor.
"The headmaster." Lily replied.
"Well. I think he meant for getting around. I know this is nothing like what your used too. Just ask Mr. Snape if you have any questions in Potions, my dear." Professor Slughorn said and then turned to face the class.

"Ordinary. Wizarding. Level. Examinations. OWLs! I remind you all that I will not accept any students who don't score over Acceptable. Now. Today, I ask all of you to create the Draught of Living Death. The one how makes it the best wins my lucky potion." Professor Slughorn announced.

Lily blinked and watched as everyone pulled out his or her books and ingredients. She immediately pulled out her bag. She removed a tiny cauldron, many people snickered at the size, but Lily ignored them. She took out her wand and taped the cauldron with her wand and watched as it grew back to full size.

Snape's jaw dropped, as did many others. Lily smirked and pulled out her book on potions and opened it. She read the ingredients and put her hand in her cauldron. She pulled out the required ingredients and tools one by one.

She then set of to work. Everyone went back to work. An hour later, Lily took a vial from Slughorn's desk and labeled it. She poured the contents of her potion into the vial and closed it with a cork.

"Evanesco." Lily whispered as the rest of her potion disappeared from her cauldron.
"Scourgify" Lily then said as her cauldron cleaned itself by filling itself with pink bubbles.

She then taped her cauldron as it shrunk again and put her book and cauldron back into her bag. She looked over at James, who was staring at her. Lily blushed and said a quick spell that made James sit up right.

He glanced at Lily, who winked and smiled and pointed to her potion. James gasped and then turned back to his potion. Another half an hour later, Snape finished his potion. And after the two hours they were given, Professor Slughorn stood up.

"Times up. Those who have finished, please bring your potions forward. Those who have not will write me an essay on the proper use of the Draught of Living Death. To be handed in Monday. Now, lets see." Slughorn said.


Lily, Snape, James, Sirius, Remus, Bellatrix, Narcissa and three other Gryffindors and two other Slytherins had finished their potion.

Slughorn set up many cauldrons and poured each potion into a different one. He walked around the room and sniffed, stirred and gazed at each potion. Fifteen minutes later, Slughorn stopped.

"Ah. A close call. But we do indeed have a winner! Miss vans. Your early education must have helped you. This is amazing. Please stay after class, I'd like a word." Slughorn said.

He dismissed the class but Lily remained in her seat. Professor Slughorn walked up to her and handed her a vial of golden liquid.

"Here you go. This is Felix Felicis. It’s a lucky potion. It's not to be used for exams, competitions, anything that would be considered cheating. Now. Professor Dumbledore has told us of your last career to say." Slughorn said winking.
"Oh." Lily said simply.
"No. Im just excited to have someone like you in my class and you are an amazing potion maker. But, I know the transformation to not being on the stage as got to be difficult, but if you ever want to start up again, just ask me. I have excellent connections around London." Slughorn replied.
"Professor Dumbledore expects me to put all my effort into school. And if the press found me, odd questions, like why I moved to a different county, where I go to school, why the sudden departure. Stuff like that?" Lily said.
"Ah. Well. Remember, we can do magic and what's like without a little risk?" Slughorn asked.
"I don't know but thank you." Lily said politely.
"Look. You arrived at a great time. I'm having a little Christmas party for rising stars of mine. You can bring someone if you want. It's on Christmas Eve at five o'clock. But I have parties before that. I have one this Saturday night. My office. Just for my little club. Ewe call it the 'Slug Club'. You should come." Slughorn said.
"I will. Thank you for all the invitations. But I must go. I'll be late for Transfiguration." Lily said and ran out.

Lily ran out of the dungeon and up the stairs to find James waiting outside.

"Come on. McGonagall will skin me alive." James said quickly motioning Lily to run with him.

James and Lily ran off as a figure appeared from behind the classroom door. The figure was wearing an evil smirk as that person had heard every little word. Someone knew Lily's secret. And they were not planning on keeping it a secret for much longer.

~~~~
Uh oh...Thank you to Ginny_Hermione for helping me with this chapter...please leave f/b

Lizzie
<333

This is rated PG 13 for langauge,. Fair warning!

~~~~~
4

Lily sat in the common room hours later, completing her Transfiguration essay. James and Lily were late for class and McGonagall turned out to be in a bad mood. Lily was given a detention with James, who smirked; he apparently got detention all the time.

Lily glanced over at James. His essay was clearly out of his mind. She smirked and looked at Sirius who was working on his essay. She glanced over at Remus Lupin, who had his eyes in a book. Lastly, she looked for Peter Pettigrew and saw him talking to a sixth year.

Lily was having a hard time making friends. She really only knew James and James had introduced her to his friends. That was really it. She quickly learned that James and his gang, The Marauders, were the most popular group in school.

Lily would hang out with them all the time. She was given nasty looks by some of the girls from school as she could talk to James easily and hang out with the popular gang.

'If only they knew why I was hanging out with them' Lily though silently. 'If only everyone knew why I was here in the first place. Stupid step-dad.' Lily thought angrily as she stabbed her parchment with her quill.

The only reasoned Lily, Petunia (her older sister by five years) and her mother had moved to England was because her mom's boyfriend proposed and he said they had to move back with him to England. Lily didn't like him at all! She had to leave all her friends at the AMA, lost her Broadway life, and her old life.

She sighed as an owl flew up to a window. It tapped its beak on the window. Lily ignored it for several moments, but the tapping grew annoying. She stood up and walked to the window. She opened the window and watched as the owl landed on her shoulder.

She took the letters from its leg and let the owl zoom off. She went back down to her spot. She glanced over at James again.

Dear Lily,

I hope school is going good. We got a message from Dumbledore saying you have someone to help you around and that you are adjusting fine. What a relief! Jacob and I have just finished unpacking all our old stuff into his house. We set up your room a little. We put your posters on your bed; your clothes are either hanging up or in your dresser. Pictures are located on your new desk and other stuff under the bed. Petunia is pleased with college here, she even met a nice man, two years older than her, but who cares? His name is Vernon Dursley. I only met him once but Jacob knows his father very well. I enclosed a picture of the little couple. I know you and Petunia don't get along, but this is a fresh start. I hope you will visit for Christmas, that way we can actually have proper family time! I enclosed a picture of all of us and several pictures of your new room. We painted it pink, a nice pink, Petunia said it was your favorite color! Hurry and write back, we heard owls are how you guys communicate. Make some friends, meet some nice guys, and study hard.

Love,
Mummy, Petunia and Jacob.

Lily snorted in laughter by the end of this laughter. She HATED pink, naturally Petunia told her mum she loved the color. Well. Petunia had something coming. And Jacob, Jacob, Jacob…they were living in his house! How disgusting!

She glanced down at the pictures. Vernon Dursley looked like he swallowed a cow whole. And Petunia looked so happy; it took her twenty years to get a date. And this is who shes dating. What a joke! She looked at the family photo. She snorted. Naturally, Jacobs's hands were holding tightly onto her mom's hips. Lastly were the room pictures. They looked all right. But it needed some serious re-decorating.

But then she noticed a second letter, but it seemed more like a note.

Stop all communication with The Marauders at once or be prepared for the press to find out where their little Broadway star went. I know your secret and trust me; I have no problem spreading it.

- Your Worst Nightmare

Lily began to panic. She was only at Hogwarts for three days and someone was blackmailing her. What was she to do? If she had any questions or problems she was to go to James, but she can't go to James. And Severus is in Slytherin; she doesn't know the password. And whom could she trust? This person could be anyone! Or it could be an entire group of people!

She sat there for five minutes before she got up and ran to her dorm. She got her map of Hogwarts and looked for the Head Masters office. She found it and ran down the stairs again.

Sirius who had watched Lily read the note, panic, run up the stairs and now run down the stairs, stood up and made his way to Lily.

"Ok. What can I do for you?" Sirius asked.
"I can't talk to you." Lily mumbled terrified her nightmare was watching her.
"And why is that?" Sirius asked with humor.
"Dumbledore. I need to see Dumbledore." Lily said quietly.

Sirius face became serious and pale.

"Why are you looking at me like that god **** it! I said I need to see Dumbledore immediately." Lily said furiously.
"And what happens if I don't show you the way?" Sirius asked mockingly.
"I have a map." Lily said shoving her map in Sirius' face.
"Lacara Inflamare. Now you don't" Sirius said as he flicked his wand at the map and it burst into flames.
"Look. If I keep talking to you and I don't see Dumbledore; I'll be leaving this school tomorrow with reporters following me all the way." Lily replied getting annoyed.
"Reporters?" Sirius asked.
"**** IT SIRIUS! TAKE ME TO DUMBLEODRE!" Lily shouted.

Everyone in the common room looked up to see Lily who had her wand out pointed at Sirius' chest. James ran over to Lily. He put his arms between them.

"Lily. What's wrong?" James asked concerned.
"Someone knows." Lily replied very softly.
"Knows?" James asked.
"Knows." Lily added.
"Who?" James asked.
"I don't know but if I talk to you or your gang any longer, secrets out." Lily replied. "Now take me to Dumbledore. I guarantee one of you knows the password."
"Actually we don't. Go to McGonagall." James replied putting his hands down.
"McGonagall? She hates me." Lily replied laughing.
"Shes Head of Gryffindor. She'll take you to Dumbledore." James replied.
"Fine." Lily said and walked out of the common room.

"Knows what?" Sirius asked.
"Hopefully, you won't find out." James replied.
"She said something about reporters." Sirius added.
"She needs to learn to close her mouth." James murmured.
"What do you reckon Slughorn wanted with her?" Sirius asked.
"Probably her prize for potions. Have you heard about Slughorn's party, it's supposed to be really cool. Shame we don't know anybody who was invited." James replied.

Remus closed his book slowly over hearing some of the conversation thinking hard….

~*~*~*~

"Professor McGonagall." Lily asked knocking lightly on McGonagall's door.

"Miss Evans. What is the meaning of this?" McGonagall asked flustered that a student was knocking on her door.
"I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore." Lily said politely.
"Is there a good reason?" McGonagall asked.
"Um…I'm being blackmailed and I really need to speak to him." Lily replied.
"This way." She said and walked her over to a large gargoyle.

"Pixy Stixs." McGonagall said to the gargoyle.

The gargoyle leapt to life and McGonagall pushed Lily onto one of the steps, which were revolving. She looked down to see McGonagall was leaving her. Terrified. Only simple words could describe her emotions. Terrified. Panic. Afraid. Worried. Freaked. Nervous. Anxious. Hopeful.

Lily was about to knock on the door of Dumbledore's office when he heard her say. "Miss Evans, come on in."

Lily walked inside and saw Dumbledore sitting at his desk. He looked worried and ushered her to sit down. She sat in one of the chairs in his office. She looked up at him.

"What's wrong Miss Evans?" he asked.
"I'm being blackmailed." She said.
"About what?" Dumbledore asked.
"My previous career. I was sent this." Lily said and handed him the note.

Dumbledore read it and examined it. He stood up and walked over to his desk and removed a muggle magnifying glass. He put it to his eye and removed a piece of long black hair.

"You are in luck Miss Evans." Dumbledore said.
"How?" Lily asked.
"Your black mailer lost a lock of hair in the letter. I can probably figure out who this belongs too. And Hopefully, before this person acts." Dumbledore said seriously.
"What should I do know?" Lily asked nervously.
"Stay away from the Marauders. Become familiar with the girls in your dormitory. You need a new escort while I sort this out." Dumbledore replied.
"Thank you professor." Lily said gratefully.
"No problem. Off to bed." Dumbledore replied.

Lily ran back into the common room finding only James, Sirius, Remus and Peter were there.

"Lily." James said and hurried up to her.
"James, I have to stay away from you guys. Someone knows and they will tell them, and then I'll have to leave. I don't want another reason for Petunia to hate me." Lily replied stepping back.
"Petunia?" Sirius asked.
"My sister. She hates me. Because of well…What happened to me." Lily replied.
"Do you know anything on the person who black mailed you?" Remus asked.
"Well. Dumbledore found some hair. It was long and it looked black from where I was." Lily replied.
"If you don't mind, why did you even move here?" Peter asked.
"My step-dad. My mom was dating a guy when we lived in America. She married him secretly and next thing I know, Im packing my bags, saying good bye and heading off to England because my step-dad said we had to come live with him." Lily replied as if she was going to be sick.
"Wow. Jerk." James snorted.
"Oh and the letter my mum just sent me is a laugh. Im going to bed." Lily said and headed off to the girl's dormitory.

Lily headed off to the girl's dormitory unaware she left her mums letter and picture behind. Remus and Peter headed up to the boy's dormitory but James had wandered over to the letter.

"Don't do it Prongs." Sirius said.
"Yea but she shouldn't leave private stuff lying around" James said. "I'll send it up to her." James replied.

They walked into the dormitory and James sent his owl with the letter off to the girl's dorm.

~*~*~*~

Lily walked into her dorm and saw Catalina, Janice and Stephanie lying on their beds talking silently.

"And she always hangs out with the Marauders. What is she playing at?" Catalina whispered. Janice nudged her and she turned to see Lily walking into the dorm.

Catalina had long brown hair. Her eyes were brown. She was shorter than most girls were but she had a nice figure. Janice had blonde short hair. It was shoulder length and was pure blonde. Her blue eyes reminded you of a baby blue bird. Lastly Stephanie had a darker skin color. Her brown hair was tied in a ponytail and her hair was curly. She had green eyes like Lily. But they didn't shine as much as Lily's did.


"Hi." Lily said smiling.
"Hi." Stephanie said quietly.
"I'm Lily. I never really got your names." Lily said.
"I'm Stephanie." Stephanie said.
"Catalina." Catalina said simply.
"Catalina's best friend, Janice." Janice said annoyed.
"Cool. Um. Has anyone else finished the essay for Transfiguration?" Lily asked.
"Its not due for a week" Catalina said.
"But we are bound to get more homework and then we have it all to do on the weekend and then you have no free time." Lily said reasonably.
"Did you finish your essay?" Janice asked imitating Lily.
"Oh look. Its James' owl." Lily said noticing the brown owl at the window.

"Why do you always hang with him anyway?" Catalina asked.
"He's my on the word 'escort'" Lily said coughing on 'escort'.
"Why do you need um escort." Janice asked.
"I really can't tell anyone." Lily said opening the letter.

Lily,

Don't leave anything private out. I didn't look but there could have been bad stuff in there.

James

"That’s nice of him to send you your stuff back." Stephanie said.
"You do understand that James Potter is the hottest guy in this school. And you might not survive staying so close to him." Catalina said sweetly.
"Well. James is a good friend. I mean there still is Severus -" Lily began.
"Snivellus!!" Stephanie screamed.
"Why does everyone call him that?" Lily asked.
"James and Sirius call him that." Catalina replied.
"What are they your gods?" Lily asked confused.
"Um…yea" Janice replied.
"Wow." Lily said simply.
"Look. New girl. I don't think you get it. You are hanging out with the most popular guys in school and then the lamest guy ever to walk the earth. You are not going to be liked. Sure you may look good, but every girl wants a Marauder, and they are treating you like old pals, no girl will like you, and then your friend with a slimy git, talk about the end of the food chain. All the teachers treat you differently. Theres something about you we don't know. And we all will find out eventually. So don't try being nice, because no one cares." Catalina said in a sweet-evil tone.

She then got up and left the dorm with Janice behind her. Lily's jaw had dropped. She couldn't believe her. 'So goes for making fiend' Lily thought pathetically. Stephanie was still sitting on her bed.

"Im sorry about her." Stephanie said quietly.
"Thanks. She has anger issues I think." Lily replied chuckling.
"No. Jealous. You're new and she figures you'll end up dating one of the Marauders before the year-ends. She's been trying to get one of them for three years." Stephanie laughed.
"They are good looking. And James keeps trying to flirt with me." Lily blushed.
"Does he really?" Stephanie giggled.
"Well. When Dumbledore came to get me with him - oops." Lily said quickly.
"Dumbledore left the school to come get you?" Stephanie asked.
"Well. Yeah and he brought James with him." Lily said.
"Wow. You must be important." Stephanie laughed.
"Well. Yeah, I am. You seem trustworthy…can you keep a secret?" Lily asked cautiously.
"Yes." Stephanie replied at once.
"Ok. I used to live in America and the reason Dumbledore came to get me is because…I used to sing and dance on Broadway." Lily said.

Stephanie gasped but smiled.

"That's so cool!" Stephanie said.
"Well. Miss all my old friends because after every show, we would go hang out and be nuts. None of them knew I was a witch, but then mom made us move. So Dumbledore brought James, and told me he has to help me with everything. Answer any question, show me around. My escort." Lily replied.
"That makes sense why you hang out with them." Stephanie agreed.
"Yea. But someone is threatening to tell the press. And if they find out. Off goes my head, technically." Lily replied.
"Your secret is safe with me." Stephanie said.
"I'm glad I made one friend. I'm totally lost getting around. And Slughorn adores me. He invited me to some Christmas party and this thing called the 'Slug Club'." Lily said.
"That’s awesome! Im in Slug Club too. My parents are well known potion makers where he lives." Stephanie said.
"Great. Then I won't be alone." Lily replied.
"So. Does this mean that I can hang with you and the Marauders?" Stephanie asked.
"Of course." Lily smiled.
"Want to see some pictures from the set and play I was in?" Lily asked.
"Yea! Me turn down something like that? No way!" Stephanie said putting on a shocked face and then smiling and laughing with Lily.


~~~~
Uh oh! Who is it...who is it..who is it? Tell me what you think!

Lizzie
<33333

5

The next couple of days flew as Lily began to hang out with Stephanie. Lily loved everything about her. She had a great sense of style, but not like the people that plan their entire week of outfits. She just throws something together that morning. Her jewelry was simple and she would always brush her hair and put it into a ponytail.

The month of December feel upon them. Everything seemed to be the same. James was still dating Christina - who looked happier that lily was staying far away from him. Remus was still smart and trying to figure out Lily's secret. Sirius had left Darlene and was now dating Dianne. Catalina and Janice, were still pains.

But it was last potions class when things began to change.

"Lily." Stephanie said sitting down and saving a seat for her.
"Alright. Hold on." Lily said turning to face Severus.
"Sev. I'm gonna sit with Stephanie today. I'll talk to you later." Lily said and began to pack her stuff.

She had already put out her books and opened them. Lily peered over at Severus when she saw him writing something into his book.

"Levicorpus. For Enemies?" Lily asked raising an eyebrow.
"Comes in handy." Severus replied.
"You created this?" Lily asked.
"Yes." Severus said.
"And you use it?" Lily asked confused.
"Many people do. It’s the only thing about me that’s popular." Severus shrugged.
"Right. Do I know any of these enemies?" Lily asked smirking.
"Potter, Black, Lupin." Severus mumbled.
"I know they can be mean. But we have to see the good in everyone. Surprised you didn't mention Pettigrew. We'll talk soon." Lily said heading off.

"I didn't mention young Peter, because, he is more of a traitor than you know." Snape said to himself as Lily set herself up next to Stephanie.

After class, Slughorn stood up.

"Homework. A roll of parchment on the uses of Bezoars and Gobstones." Slughorn said.

Everyone began to groan as Lily helped Stephanie clean her cauldron.

"I'd groan too but I have a great tutor." Stephanie laughed.
"It's not like Im doing the essay for you. You are pretty smart in Potions." Lily replied laughing

Lily then felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned around slowly.

"Hey Lily." James said.
"Hey. I told you. I can't be near you for now." Lily replied.
"Look. Dumbledore is working hard and I'll…" James began but stopped when Stephanie began to talk.
"Give it a break! Do you want her to leave?" Stephanie asked.
"She knows?" James asked Lily.
"She knows." Lily replied.
"I know." Stephanie said.
"Oh." James said simply.

"Prongs! Christina is outside waiting for you. Shes asking if you're talking to lily." Sirius said running up to them.
"What did you say?" Lily asked.
"Yes." Sirius replied.
"Then what?" Stephanie asked.
"You are?" Sirius asked.
"Stephanie. What did she do then?" Stephanie asked.
"You are pretty hott," Sirius said winking.
"Shut up!" Lily replied angry.
"She walked off muttering 'clear warning'" Sirius said.
"NO!" Stephanie, Lily and James screamed.
"Find her!" James said holding his friend's shoulders.
"She'll be going to the Owlery. Stop her!" Lily panicked.
"I will if this lady gives me a kiss." Sirius said pointing at Stephanie.

Stephanie walked closer to Sirius. She lightly kissed two fingers and then lightly tapped them on his lips. Sirius, had never, EVER, had someone do something like that.

"Sexy." Sirius murmured.
"GO!" Stephanie screamed.

Sirius ran off and Lily looked at James.

"If she…" Lily said.
"I'll break up with her." James said quickly.
"What?" the girls asked shocked.
"I'll tell her its over." James said.
"That's ridiculous. Don't do that." Stephanie said.
"Sirius will be leaving Dianne right after this so he can date you." James replied.
"He is good looking." Stephanie whispered.

"Miss Evans. I have something for you." Professor Slughorn said emerging from his office.
"Oh. Is it about my last career?" Lily asked.
"Yes." Slughorn replied slowly.
"Oh. They know. Doesn't matter." Lily replied walking forward with them.
"I found the perfect thing you should sign up for." Slughorn said handing her a flyer.
"What is it?" Lily asked.
"A new production which is going to be performed in London this summer. You are the perfect age. You have had the experience. And they have offered to send someone over to help you practice for auditions." Slughorn said.
"Wow. And it's new?" Lily asked excited.
"Yup. Came out this year. Takes place in the fifties of America." Slughorn said.
"Wow. This is really. Thank you." Lily replied looking at the flyer.

Hairspray
The New Musical

You Can't Stop The Beat

Auditions: June 30th 6am - 10 pm.

Had experience?
Let us know!

For students in boarding schools, people may be sent to help you prepare.

It went on with a registration form. She passed it to James and Stephanie.

"Lily. Do it! That way you can keep away from Petunia. I live in London. You could stay with me!" Stephanie shrieked.
"Then I won't see you all summer." James replied sadly.
"You'll have Sirius, Remus and Peter; James." Lily laughed.
"What??" Stephanie asked.
"He lives across the street. I only just found out from mum. Said that The Potter's gave her a nice dish as a welcoming present." Lily explained.
"What do you think?" Slughorn asked.
"I'll send this to my parents. But for now. I'd like to practice. Look over the music." Lily said pocketing the flyer.
"I think you should go for Miss Penny Pingleton." Slughorn suggested. "Here you go. This is a good one to start with. A favorite." Slughorn said handing over the music. "And. A record of the song." Slughorn said handing over the record.
"You are to nice Professor." Lily said.
"Well. McGonagall got the music and Dumbledore found the record. We want you to feel more adjusted." Slughorn winked.
"Thanks." Lily said before hiding the record and papers insider her bag.

"Are you really going to do it?" Stephanie asked.
"I don't know. I have to feel right for the part." Lily shrugged.
"I think we should tell Dumbledore about Christina." James said suddenly.
"That’s where we were going." Lily said impatiently.

They began to run until they were outside Dumbledore's office. James said the last password and they all hurried up the steps. They knocked on the door and were surprised there was no answer.
They left quietly and went to McGonagall. She looked at the Gryffindors with a weird expression.

"I need to see Professor Dumbledore." Lily said quickly.
"He's away. Urgent business." McGonagall said.
"Well. When he gets back. Can someone find me. Thanks for the music" Lily said and then winked as they made their way to the great Hall for dinner.

Lily noticed Sirius stuffing his face was food. Lily ran up to him and sat down next to him.

"Spit it out." Lily said.

Sirius spat out his food.

"Not that! What happened?" Stephanie asked sitting on the other side of Sirius.
"She already sent a piece of parchment. She then started screaming." Sirius said.
"What?" Lily asked.
"Stuff like. 'My boyfriend!' 'Clear warning' 'Back stabber' 'Serves her right' 'Brat' and then some things that should not be said aloud." Sirius said.
"I'm done for." Lily said putting her head in her arms.

James silently stroked Lily's hair as she began to sob. Sirius looked at them and smirked. 'Knew he liked her' Sirius thought.

"So Stephanie. Things didn't work out between me and Dianne." Sirius said.
"Oh. Shame." Stephanie replied.
"Not really. How about we see if its works between you and me." Sirius said smoothly.
"Um. Sure." Stephanie said.

Sirius then wiped his mouth with his napkin. He put it down and began to kiss Stephanie. Stephanie was only happy to kiss him back. James smirked; silently wishing he could do that with Lily.

~*~*~*~

Lily walked down to Breakfast the next day with Stephanie, Sirius and James. Remus was reading the paper and looked up at Lily. Everyone was looking at Lily.

Lily ran up to Remus. She sat down and took the paper. Remus turned away slowly, and continued eating his sausages. She looked at the headline. She gasped and ran out of the hall with the paper. James, Sirius and Stephanie followed.

She stopped facing the courtyard. She began to read.




There then was a huge picture of Lily walking down the corridors.



~~~

I know. I left you hanging. Feedback?

Lizzie
<33333

6

She couldn't breathe. Her secret was out. Her perfectly safe perfect secret that was hidden by perfect Dumbledore was out! PERFECT! She took in several deep breaths.

"Lily. Relax. I'm sure it can't be that bad." Stephanie said calming her friend down.
"RELAX?! ALL OF HOGWARTS AND THE BRITISH MAGICAL COMMINITY KNOWS WHO I AM!!" Lily screamed.
"Lily. Please. Dumbledore. Dumbledore can convince people to…" James began trying to think.
"What? Don’t stare at Lily Evans. Don’t ask her about her personal life?" Lily asked trying not to scream.
"Look. Just show people that you are more than a star. You are a nice person. I was friends with you before that." Stephanie said.
"I got it!" Sirius exclaimed.
"What?" Stephanie asked.
"We just need a clever plan to show that lily is here to start fresh." Sirius said simply.
"And tell me…you have a plan?" Stephanie asked.
"Get a boyfriend and become really smart and act like you never were on the big stage!" Sirius exclaimed.
"I'm doomed." Lily said hitting her head into the wall.
"Sirius, Lily is already smart. She's the teacher's favorite. And she doesn't need a boyfriend." Stephanie explained.
"I mean. The next worst thing is that Lily is in Slug Club." James snorted.

Lily began to turn dark red.

"So. It would be a bad thing to be invited to Slughorn's Christmas Party?" Lily asked.
"You. You are invited?" James asked.
"Yea." Lily replied slowly.
"THAT’S GREAT!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Huh?" Stephanie asked.
"Slughorn's Party is famous. It’s the coolest party there is. You meet lots of famous people and only the invited can bring one person. A date. Perfect." Sirius said happily.
"How does that help me?" Lily asked.
"Two words baby. INSTANT - POPULARITY!" James exclaimed.
"Great. Problem. I don't have a date." Lily said actually getting over the fact that her secret was out.
"We'll find one." Sirius said.
"Why can't friends go as partners?" Stephanie asked.
"Who knows." James said.
"But. Now, Can I go hex Christina Septa?" Lily asked.
"Oh! I'll help." Stephanie said as they started running down the corridors.

~*~*~*~

That night at dinner, everyone was gossiping quietly. Lily couldn't take it. Didn't people have better things to talk about? She stopped playing with her mashed potatoes and looked up at Remus.

He looked pale. His face had faded scratches all over them.

"Remus." Lily said.

Remus looked up at shock to hear Lily talking. She had been dead silent all day.

"Yes" Remus replied.
"Are you ok?" Lily asked.
"Why?" Remus asked.
"You seem more tired than usual. And you don't look well." Lily replied.
"Oh. It's been tough this past week." Remus said.

Lily nodded and looked back down at her mashed potatoes.

"And Lily?" Remus asked.
"Yea." Lily said looking up.
"Thanks for caring." Remus smiled.
"No problem." Lily replied.

Just then, James and Sirius came inside the hall and sat down. James, one the other side of Lily and Sirius across from Stephanie.

"What happened?" Lily asked.
"We found Christina coming down from Dumbledore's office." Sirius said.
"Really?" Lily asked interested that she actually ate some of her mashed potatoes.
"Yea. And she has detention for a month every night." James replied.
"Woah." Stephanie said.
"And then Prongs walked up to her." Sirius began.
"You didn't." Remus said.
"He did." Sirius said satisfied.
"You broke up with her?" Lily asked gasping.
"Yea. I told her that you’re my friend and it was rude to do that. She screamed. I did some wand movements. She shut up. I told her we were over." James said happily.
"James. Why did you do that?" Lily asked putting a hand over her mouth.
"Because. I always do this and she just made your life a torture chamber." James smirked.
"Thanks." Lily said looking back down at her food.

~*~*~*~

The next couple of days passed quickly, as Lily needed a desperate way to get to her classes avoiding the people who were trying to ask her questions. How much money she has. If she knew any hot guys. Why she moved. Did she prefer it there than here.

That night, James, Sirius, Remus and Peter sat in the boy's dorm. James was lying down on his bed; Sirius was sitting on the ground leaning against his bed. Remus was sitting upright on his bed as he finished off an essay and Peter was fast asleep on his own bed.

"I call a Marauders Meeting." James said suddenly.

Sirius looked up at James who was sitting up. Remus put down his quill and rolled up his parchment. Peter - was still asleep. Sirius got up and knocked Peter off his bed. Peter woke up and angrily sat on his bed.

"And the reason for this one is…?" Remus asked.
"I want to give Lily the Marauders Map." James said quickly.
"You WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?" the three boys screamed.
"Just so she can avoid crowds and get to her classes." James said sinking down on his bed.
"We never let anyone use the map." Sirius said shocked.
"She needs it." James argued.
"Fine. But no explanations." Remus said.
"Deal." James said and took out the map.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." James said as his wand tapped the blank parchment.

Suddenly, the parchment began to show The Marauders Map. James smiled as he searched it for Lily. He saw her dot labeled 'Lily Evans'. But he then saw another dot next to her. It was labeled 'Severus Snape'

"What is she doing with Snivellus?" James asked loudly.
"Lily is hanging with Snivellus!" Sirius said jumping off his bed to look at the map.
"Looks like it. Their dots are so close. You can barely read their names." Remus said looking over James' shoulder.

~*~*~*~

"Why are you hanging with Potter and Black?" Severus asked softly stroking Lily's hair.

Lily and Severus were facing a lake. Lily had her head on Severus' shoulder. He was stroking her hair softly. They truly had not been alone for years.

"Im trying to get people to stop asking me people about Broadway." Lily said.
"That doesn't answer my question." Severus replied.
"They are nice people and they want to help me out." Lily shrugged.
"How can you call Potter and Black - nice?" Severus asked.
"They are nice to me." Lily corrected herself.
"Yea. Well. They hex me and make my hair change colors." Severus said annoyed.
"Well. It's not like their saints or anything." Lily said relaxing.
"Lily." Severus said softly.
"Yes Sev." Lily replied.
"Do you like potter?" Severus asked.
"What do you mean?" she asked sitting up.
"Do you like like Potter." Severus said.
"No." Lily said in a 'Im not sure' voice.
"Do you still like me?" Severus asked.

Lily grew silent thinking hard. Severus apparently took that as a 'no'.

"You know I still love you." Severus said taking Lily's hand.

Lily continued to be quiet.

"Do you still love me?" Severus asked.

Silence.

"Lily. Do you love me?" Severus asked gripping Lily's shoulders looking into Lily's warm shimmering emerald eyes.

~~~~

WHAT IS SHE GONNA SAY??!?!?!?! I know. but you don't

Lizzie
<33333

7

Lily looked at Severus fearfully. What had happened to him? He used to be so caring and sweet. But it seemed that now he was full of darkness. He always looked around like he was going to be attacked.

She really had to ask herself. Is this the guy I love?

"Lily" Severus said loudly.
"Huh?" she asked coming out of her thoughts.
"Do you love me?" Severus asked quietly.
"No." Lily replied looking him in the eye.
"Do you love someone else?" Severus asked in a hurt tone.
"Yes." Lily replied.
"Who?" he asked.
"The OLD Severus Snape." Lily said before she walked away.

~*~*~*~*~

James watched in amazement as Lily's dot moved away from Snivellus'. Anger grew within him at the thought of Snivellus doing something to her.

He got up, grabbed his wand and followed the map. James walked down several corridors before he saw his name near Snivellus' on the map.

"Mischief Managed." James whispered.

He then began to creep quietly behind the unworthy git. He pointed his wand at Snivellus and quickly whispered "Levicorpus"

"Potter" the git growled.

"Snivellus, This is something called punishment. I don't know what you did but you upset one of my friends. A warning." James spat before he let the prat fall to the floor.

~*~*~*~*~

The next morning the Marauders, Stephanie and Lily were eating breakfast together in the Great Hall. Lily then looked up to see an owl flying towards her.

The owl landed on her shoulder and held out a letter. Lily took it and read it silently.

Dear Lily,

Jacob and I have read the forms and think that this 'Hairspray' idea looks good. We also have agreed to let you spend the summer with Stephanie if you get a part.

Work Hard!!

Love,
Mummy, Jacob and Petunia

P.S. - Have a nice Christmas!

Lily handed the note to Stephanie, who smiled happily. The note continued to be passed until all the Marauders had read it.

"Now I only need a place to practice." Lily said.
"I know the perfect place." James replied.

~~~~
Any thoughts?

Sorry for the short post but I have the funeral in my opther fic to work on and I want to focus on that right now. Posts will get longer.

Lizzie
<33333
<333333

8

That evening James led Lily and Stephanie to a blank wall. Lily looked at him confused.

"Here you are." James said proudly.
"It’s a wall." Stephanie replied.
"Thanks for stating the obvious." James said smirking.
"What is this place James?" Lily asked impatiently.
"Just walk past the wall three times thinking about what you need, oh and close your eyes, then open them." James explained.

Lily began to pace back and forth and thought thinking quietly 'I need a place to practice, I need a place to practice, I need a place to practice'. She opened her eyes to see a clear white door.

James grasped the door handle and thrust the door open. Inside was a magenta rug floor, crystal like tables set on the right hand side of the room, and on one table was a microphone. Then in the middle was a box.

Lily set the record player on the box and took the microphone. James and Stephanie sat down at one of the tables. Lily set the record on the player and turned the mike on. She then removed her sheet of music and played the song waiting her turn before she sang.

"You can't stop a river
As it rushes to the sea"

She paused as another person sang.

"And if they try to stop us, seaweed,
I'll call the NAACP
Cause the world keeps spinning
Round and 'round
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost til i heard the drums
Then i found my way

Cause you can't stop the beat
Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman liked to shake it
On a Saturday night
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
With all my might today

'Cause you cant stop
The motion of the ocean
Or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise
What I'm dreamin' of
But you cannot stop the rhythm
Of two hearts in love to stay
Cause you cant stop the beat!"

She was out of breath as James and Stephanie stood up and gave her hugs. They began to clap and praise her. Lily continued to work for another thirty minutes before Stephanie set off leaving James and Lily alone.

"James. I have a question for you." Lily said clearly.
"What is it?" James asked turning around.
"Slughorn's Party. If your not going with anyone else or you don't want to go or you don't want to go with me its alright. But, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the party with me?" Lily asked.

~~~~
Im sorry for the long wait! please check out my new fic if you havent already! Please leave f/b

Lizzie
<3333

9

“Yes.” James said after several moments.

Lily began to smile and then kissed his cheek.

“Great. I’m so excited.” Lily squealed and then ran off.

James stood there for a moment, in shock. Every other girl would have just kissed him fully right then and there.

Lily was different, Very Different.

~*~*~*~*~

Hogsmeade, the town of the outskirts of Hogwarts and the ultimate shopping center for students during the year. Lily had never seen anything like it. The shops were amazing.

Stephanie had dragged Lily into about five stores looking for the perfect dress. The news that James Potter was going to Slughorns Christmas Party with Lily Evans, was taking the school by storm.

Finally, by noon, Lily had

Picked out the perfect outfit and was waiting for Stephanie to return with their butterbeers. Lily looked around to see Peter run inside shutting the door quickly.

“Peter!” Lily yelled waving over to him.

Peter walked over to Lily and sat down.

“Hello Lily.” Peter squeaked.
“Hey, are you alright? You look like you’ve been chased.” Lily said.
“James, Sirius and Remus were trying to get me to try something in Zonkos” Peter admitted.

Lily shook her head in laughter.

“Those silly boys.” Lily laughed.

Stephanie sat down a moment later and gave Lily her butterbeer. Lily took a sip and gasped.

“This is AMAZING!!!” Lily exclaimed.
“Yupp.” Stephanie said.
“How do muggles live without it?” Lily asked.”Um. They have their drinks – we have ours.”Stephanie suggested.
“Good point.” Peter responded.

~*~*~*~*~

The night of Slughorns Party had driven Lily mad. Stephanie had shooed her away from the Marauders so she could get ready. She didn’t see what the fuss was about. A shower, get dressed, a little makeup, brush and dry hair. That could take…thirty minutes top in Lily’s mind.

But Stephanie had insisted on ‘looking good for the best looking Marauder’ but Lily responded by saying ‘Who? Sirius?’ They spent thirty minutes on Lily’s make up, thirty minutes on styling her hair. And then Lily had taken a fifteen minute shower beforehand.

Lastly, Lily got into her dress and slipped on her shoes. She hugged Stephanie good bye and walked downstairs to see James.

BEFORE…

James sat in the boy’s dorm reading Sirius’ new edition of ‘PlayWizard’. He read until Sirius, Remus and Peter came upstairs. He quickly hid the magazine underneath Sirius’ pillow and then sat up.

“Hey lover boy.” Sirius said in a mocking tone.
“What are you talking about?” James asked seriously.
“You’re going out with Lily Evans, popular, hott and smart.” Sirius replied.
“A. She’s popular thanks to us. B. She is indeed good looking and C. She is smart because she learned from us brainiacs.” James said.
“Lighten up Prongs. You make it seem like you don’t want to go out with her.” Remus added quickly.
“Who says I do?” James asked.
“YOU!” the boys yelled in unison.
“I only said yes because she needs the popularity boost and so people lay off her ‘famous’ life.” James replied.
“You really don’t like her?” Peter asked.
“I like her, but in a friendly way.” James said looking down.
“You’re gonna have to tell her that.” Remus said.
“And soon, because she really likes you mate.” Peter added.
“And since you’re dumping her…can I have her next?” Sirius asked.

The response was three pillows being thrown at his face.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Lily walked down to see James in casual black pants and a white shirt. He then watched as his jaw dropped as she reached the fifth step down.

She was wearing a lilac dress that hugged her curves and very feminine accent wonderfully. The dress went down to her knees and flared out a little. Her shoes were red heels. There weren’t tall but at least an inch tall.

Two thoughts had entered James’ mind after seeing Lily.

‘She looks amazing’

‘I’m really going to hurt her, and I’m not going to like it’

~~~

IM SO SORRY FOR THE DELAY! Im typing up the new post for 'Changing The Past, Rewriting The Future' right now! Pleasee

Lizzie
<3333

10

They arrived at Slughorns classroom moments later to reveal a huge party. People were drinking butterbeer, eating all types of sweets and loud music filled the room. The desks were gone and left a dance floor as some couples danced and other chatted.

Lily led James to the dance floor and they slowly began to dance at the same speed as the music. After about three songs, Slughorn walked over to Lily and James.

“Hello dears. Ah, James Potter, I have someone for you to meet.” Slughorn said taking James away.

Slughorn led James over to a table of food. There stood a man wearing a dark blue jacket and light blue shirt. He was five foot seven and wore a pair of jeans. His hair was nice and dark brown. He turned around and beamed.

“Horace. This is something, James Potter; I’ve been watching you play for years. Incredible.” The man said.

James stopped moving. He knew who that was. He couldn’t believe it was him.

“You’re – You’re the manager for Pride of Portree.” James said shocked.
“Indeed I am, and you are James Potter, the best Chaser I’ve seen in this last decade here at Hogwarts. “The man replied.
“Thank you sir. It’s great to meet you.” James said shaking his hand.
“My name is Patrick Kallis and I was wondering if you were interested in playing for us after you graduate. “Patrick replied.
“Wow. That’s some offer.” James replied breathlessly.
“We can discuss things after you graduate. And we’ll monitor how you perform the next two years. If you are as good as you are in two years, maybe we’ll sign you.” Patrick concluded.
“Thank you.” James said and then walked off to find Lily.

He found her talking to Severus Snape. He sneered and pulled her away from him. They walked to the dance floor as a slow song began to play.
James put his arms around Lily’s waist as Lily wrapped her arms around his neck. They continued swayed softly before Lily spoke.
“I’m so glad we’re together James.” Lily spoke softly.
“What are you talking about? We’re not together.” James began.
“What are YOU talking about? I asked you to go out with me. You said yes, that means were a couple.” Lily replied angry.
“I said yes because you need to be popular so people stop bothering me.” James said angrier.
“So you said yes because you felt bad for me or because you didn’t want to hurt my feelings?” Lily asked hurt.
“I said yes because I didn’t want to hurt you and I want you to stop bothering me. I don’t get to hang out with my friends – just guys. And you need the popularity.” James said not even knowing what came out of his mouth.

Silence.

Lily broke away from James looking him in the eye, hurt. Realizing what he said he began to speak.

“Lily, that’s not what I meant.” James began.
“Get away from me.” Lily said softly looking down.
“I didn’t mean that.” James said quickly.
“Leave me alone Potter.” Lily replied coldly.
“Lily.” James said hurt by Lily’s words.
“LEAVE ME ALONE POTTER! JAMES POTTER I HATE YOU!” Lily screamed and then bolted from the room.

And that ended the friendship of James Potter and Lily Evans. And ending the crush Lily Evans had on James Potter. And the summer was approaching and Lily’s audition was drawing near.

~~~~

Here we go! I hope this was soon enough! Leave some!

Lizzie
<33333

11

Months passed quickly as Stephanie helped Lily prepare for her auditions. The Marauders stayed clear away from them as the week before auditions got closer. Lily was found constantly doing her homework as soon as she could then practice anywhere she could.

She had just gotten her dance routine which included many jumps, twirls, and spins. Stephanie would question Lily until she knew it by heart. The night before Lily and Stephanie sat in the common room with a cup of hot chocolate.

“I really wish you could come with me Steph.” Lily said quickly.
“Me too. But you are going to get the part, I know it.” Stephanie replied.
“And if I don’t?” Lily asked nervously.
“I won’t love you anymore.” Stephanie replied.
“Oh shut it!” Lily responded.
“You just need some rest.” Stephanie spoke reassuringly.
“Night then.” Lily said getting up.
“Night.” Stephanie called.

~*~*~*~*~

Lily woke up at six am the next morning. She quickly got dressed and walked down to Dumbledore’s office.

“Phoenix” Lily spoke and walked up to the doors.

She knocked softly and let the doors open before her.

“Good morning Miss Evans. You are ready I presume?” Dumbledore asked.
“Yes sir.” Lily responded.
“You will take this portkey, good luck.” Dumbledore replied and handed her a hair scrunchie.

Lily grabbed the hair scrunchie and felt a tight pull at her naval as he disappeared and ended up in a small room.

She began to exit the room and walked down the hall before she saw a stage. Lily looked to see many girls, boys and adults sitting in the audience. She walked inside and noticed a table with a woman sitting at it.

“Have you signed in?” the woman asked.
“Um no.” Lily replied nervously.
“Well...what’s your name?” the woman asked again.
“Lily Evans.” Lily said clearly.
“Have a seat.” The woman said before checking a boy in.

Lily walked over to an empty seat near the end of a row. She was alone. Nervous and alone. She looked over at a couple of girls who were talking quietly. Then one, who seemed like the reader, looked at Lily.

“Nice cloak. What the ‘H’ stand for? Hobos? “The girl asked as the girl laughed loudly.
“That the initial of my school.” Lily said quietly as she smacked herself in her mind for forgetting to take off her cloak.
“And the snake, lion, badger and raven? Very – freakish.” Another girl pointed out.
“I got to a boarding school.” Lily replied getting angry.
“What mummy and daddy don’t love you?” the last girl in the crew said in a mocking tone.

Lily snapped. Absolutely snapped. Before she knew what had happened, the three girls purses ripped in half as all of the girl’s things started to fall and roll around the floor.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that!” Lily said quickly running to the girls to pick up their stuff.
“FREAK!” the girls screamed pushing her away.

Lily walked away and sat down again.

“And so it begins.” She muttered under her breath.

~*~*~*~*~

Weeks later, Lily and Stephanie sat at the table for breakfast when an owl swooped in and dropped off a letter for Lily. She opened it slowly to see a simple letter.

Dear Miss Lily Evans,

It is my pleasure to congratulate you on making the cast for ‘Hairspray’. You are to play Miss Penny Pingleton. Now, rehearsals being June 25th at six am till noon for a lunch break. Then from one till seven. Rehearsals will last for a month before we perform three nights a week.

Now, your hair. This is show business so I expect to see you at rehearsals with blonde hair.

Till the 25th of June,
Mr. Patchief

“I GOT IN!!” Lily squealed.
“YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS!!” Stephanie asked in excitement.
“WHAT!” Lily replied.
“YOU HAVE TO KISS A GUY ON STAGE!” Stephanie squealed.
“IM GOING TO DYE MY HAIR BLONDE!” Lily yelled loudly.
“What.” Stephanie said in an ‘I don’t believe you’ way.
“My hair. It has to be blonde for the play and I have to dye it so I can look like a muggle.” Lily replied.
“Oh no. What happens if your blondness affects your brains?” Stephanie asked jokingly.
“You know what the best part is.” Lily said suddenly.
“You’re staying at my house this summer!!” Stephanie exclaimed before the two of them burst off to their first class in full excitement.

~~~~
So, Lilys summer is set. But what happens when the Marauders find out? I love hearing what you have to say!

Lizzie
<3333

12

It was June 24th. Today was the day. She was leaving school early tomorrow for her rehearsals on the play. She had finished her OWLs and packing. Now,
She stood in the girls’ bathroom holding the materials to dye her hair blonde.

Stephanie stood next to her. They both were silent.

“There’s no other way is there?” Stephanie asked her.
“Im not wearing a wig and I have to act as a muggle.” Lily replied stubbornly.
“Then, let’s get on with it” Stephanie replied.

Three hours later Lily looked up at herself and saw a new girl. She was Lily Evans. Green Eyes and Honey Blonde Hair. Her red hair was gone for three months. She sighed and looked at Stephanie.

“Jealous. You look great with red or blonde hair. I say we test out brown next.” Stephanie said.
“No way.” Lily replied laughing as she put her new hair into a ponytail.
“Time to face the world.” Stephanie said.

They walked out of the bathroom and disposed of the products. They walked into the Great Hall and watched as everyone stared at them. Lily and Stephanie sat down as James leaned over.

“Are you new?” James asked.
“It’s Lily.” Lily replied.
“Blonde hair?” James asked.
“I got the part.” Lily muttered.
“Congrats.” James replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~

THREE WEEKS LATER….

Lily and Stephanie were walking down London as they looked over the script for a play.

“You know the Marauders will come and see you perform.” Stephanie said.
“How do you know?” Lily asked.
“Eh. James couldn’t stop looking at you that day in the Great Hall. It seems that blonde hair made him look at you differently. James is now dating some girl with blonde hair and green eyes. I wonder why?” Stephanie asked.
“Because he’s an idiot?” Lily suggested.
“Because he screwed up with you, and now that he knows he can’t have you, naturally, he wants you.” Stephanie replied.
“All coming back to the fact he’s an idiot.” Lily laughed.

They stopped at a production building. It had a light blue foyer .and the walls were painted solid green. Lily looked at Stephanie and smiled.

“Here I go.” Lily said excitedly. “I’ll see you at six Ok?”
“Yeah. Just have fun.” Stephanie replied.
“Thanks”

Lily ran inside and Stephanie turned around to walk home. Then all of a sudden Stephanie felt someone grab her arm and she was pulled into a dark alleyway. She heard footsteps. Many pairs of footsteps she heard as she was pushed against a wall. She looked one of the people in the eye and noticed who they were. She squealed in horror before she heard someone speak to her.

“Hello Stephanie”

~~~~
I start school tomorrow. Ew. Dun Dun Dunn

Lizzie
<3333

13

“JAMES POTTER! Don’t scare me like that.” Stephanie screamed as she hugged him.
“None for me?” Sirius asked.
“Hello Sirius.” Stephanie replied by hugging him.

She looked around and noticed Remus and Peter weren’t with them.

“What are you two doing here?” she asked as they walked out of the alleyway.
“Looking around.” James said.
“Its muggle London James.” Stephanie added.
“He couldn’t stay away from Lily.” Sirius blurted out.

James smacked Sirius on the head.

“And your girlfriend is where?” she asked.
“I dumped her. No connection.” James replied.
“Oh. Well Lily is at rehearsal. She’s rehearsing her big number.” Stephanie said.
“And what is that?” James asked.
“Practicing her romance scenes.” She giggled.
“As in…” Sirius said
“Kissing, she has at least four kisses in this play. And the guy is so sweet and awesome. Shame he’s a muggle.” She replied.
“She’s kissing someone she doesn’t know?” James asked hurt.
“Oh no. We have hung out a lot. James, why all of a sudden do you like Lily?” she asked quietly.

They stopped outside a little restaurant where they sat down. Stephanie ordered for them and looked back at James.

“Why do you like Lily?” she asked.
“I don’t know. I was so used of talking to her and having her around. Then we weren’t talking and she never stayed in the same room with me. I guess I felt possessive. And I never noticed I liked her until she didn’t like me.” James said slowly as his fingers combed through his untidy hair.
“There’s a saying. ‘You never know what you have until it’s gone’ but think about it. You hurt her bad. She liked you, told you and then you said you didn’t like her.” Stephanie said.
“That sucks.” Sirius replied.

^*^*^*^*^

Later that evening, Stephanie had James and Sirius hidden behind a car as she waited for Lily. She then came out with Stephan, who was playing Seaweed and ran over to her.

“Don’t freak.” She said quickly.
“Why?” Lily asked.
“What would you say if I said that James and Sirius are staying in London for a while?” Stephanie asked.
“I’d faint.” Lily responded.

And when James and Sirius revealed themselves, she did faint.

“It was my amazing good lucks.” James and Sirius said at once.
“No it was mine!” they said again.
“You have good looks?” they once again said at once.
“Please. I’m a gift from the Gods.” James and Sirius said before Stephanie smacked them in the back of the head.

~~~~~
I FOOLED YOU!! Now, I gave you for posts. Im done for the night.

Lizzie
<3333

14

Lily woke up hours later to see Stephan, Stephanie, James and Sirius standing over her.

“What happened?” Lily asked rubbing her head.
“You fainted.” James said.
“No. I swore I was dreaming.” Lily groaned.
“Since when is Prongs in your dreams?” Sirius asked.
“He wasn’t. I thought I had a nightmare when you two showed up.” Lily responded standing up.
“You are ok, right Lily?” Stephan asked suddenly.

Ahh. Stephan Brashiers. The gorgeous African American with his short cut black hair, brown eyes and his handsome body. He was playing Seaweed and Lily had the opportunity to kiss him one stage not once but three times! Don’t forget rehearsals, just another added bonus.

“Im fine Stephan. Im sorry our date was ruined.” Lily said kissing his cheek.
“It will be fine. There’s always tomorrow.” Stephan added.
“Unless we fall asleep first. We have all dance rehearsals.” Lily said quickly.

They laughed for a moment before James made a snort sound.

“Yes Potter?” Lily asked.
“You’re dating him?” James asked.
“Yes. He’s a wonderful young man. I’m not with you anymore because you never cared.” Lily snapped.
“I always cared; I just never realized I did.” James snapped back.
“Well then. Your loss.” Lily snapped back before she got up, grabbed Stephan’s hand and walked away.

James stood there in a daze. He didn’t know what to do or say. But after minutes of standing there he whispered in a soft voice.

“Lily Evans, you are my moon, sun and rising star. And I’ll wait for you, forever and for always.”

~~~~~
oOoOo

Lizzie
<3333

People I am soo sorry!! But here is a relle nice post. Please remember that Lily is playing Penny.

~~~~~

15

“Welcome to this years production of Hairspray!” The director announced.

Applause was filled as James, Sirius, Remus and Stephanie sat up. Each was excited to see the production. Stephanie, seeing Lily’s hard work paid off, James, seeing Lily, Sirius, seeing other women (“just because you are dating doesn’t mean you can’t look”) and Remus being in Muggle London.

“This cast has worked extremely hard and we are lucky to have such talented people. Enjoy!”

The curtains opened up as Tracy Turnblad stepped out on stage. The number began and ended. Then more people came on stage as the scenery began to change. Tracy began to as she dragged Penny with her. The Marauders and Stephanie smiled when they saw Lily come on stage.

The scenery ended as the next song began. And Tracy and Penny began to dance. As the group on the other side of the stage began to sing and dance.

Hey there, Teenage Baltimore!
Don't change that channel!
'Cause it's time for the Corny
Collins Show! Brought to you by
Ultra Clutch Hairspray!

Ev'ry afternoon
When the clock strikes four
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

A crazy bunch of kids
Crash through that door
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

They throw off their coats
And leave the squares behind
And then they shake it, shake it, shake it
Like they're losing their mind
You'll never see them frown
'Cause they're the nicest kids in town

Every afternoon
You turn your T.V. on
(na, na, na, na, na, na-na-na-na)

And we know you turn the sound up
When your parents are gone, yeah
(na, na, na, na, na, na-na-na-na)

And then you twist and shout
For your favorite star
And once you've practiced every step
That's in your repertoire
You better come on down
And meet the nicest kids in town

……….

So every afternoon
Drop everything
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

Who needs to read and write
When you can dance and sing?
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

Forget about your algebra
And calculus
You can always do your homework
On the morning bus
Can't tell a verb from a noun
They're the nicest kids in town

Roll Call!!

The kids on the singing side of the stage then all lined up as they divided one by one introducing themselves.

I'm Amber!
Brad!
Tammy!
Fender!
Brenda!
Sketch!
Shelley!
IQ
Lou Ann!
Joey
Mikey
Vicky
Becky
Jesse
Carla
Molly
Noreen
Doreen
And I'm...LINK!

Tracy and Penny began to scream as Link was shown. James began to grumble.

“Why doesn’t she have that reaction to me?” he asked Stephanie
“Well she’s acting right now.”

So, if every night you're shaking
As you lie in bed
(mony-mony, ooh, mony-mony)

And the bass and drums
Are pounding in your head
(mony-mony, ooh, mony-mony)
Who cares about sleep
When you can snooze in
School?

They'll never get to college
But they sure look cool
Don't need a cap and a gown
'Cause they're the nicest
Kids in town

The song ended as everyone began to clap once more. The next couple of scenes changed as everyone sang and danced. Seaweed was introduced and a couple of more characters like Link, Amber and Ms Von Tussle. Tracy and Penny walked on stage for the fifth song.

‘I can hear the bells’

“What are you talking about?” Penny asked.

‘Well, don't ya hear them chime?’

“Chimes not the way I’d put it” Penny replied.

‘Can't you feel my heartbeat keeping perfect time?
And all because he...

Touched me
He looked at me and stared, yes he

Bumped me
My heart was unprepared when he

Tapped me
And knocked me off my feet
One little touch
Now my life's complete 'cause when he

Nudged me
Love put me in a fix, yes it

Hit me
Just like a ton of bricks, yes my

Heart burst
Now i know what life's about
One little touch
And love's knocked me out and,


I can hear the bells
My head is spinning
I can hear the bells
Something's beginning

Everybody says
That a girl who looks like me
Can't win his love
Well, just wait and see 'cause

I can hear the bells
Just hear them chiming
I can hear the bells
My temperature's climbing

I can’t contain my joy
'Cause I finally found the boy
I've been missin'
Listen!
I can hear the bells’

The song continued to see some funny moments of Tracy acting like a fool. James had to agree with this song because apparently as he watched Lily on stage, HE could hear the bells. Sirius laughed hysterically.

The next song began as the set changed and a large amount of people began to dance. The whites and blacks were split onto each side. The singer, Link, was at the front as Tracy and Penny divided in dancing.

‘Wow!
Hey little girl on a spending spree
I don't come cheap but the kisses come free
On closer inspection I'm sure that you'll agree

Oh, hey little girl listen to my plea
I come with a lifetime guarantee
One day maybe we'll find that baby makes three
It's the ladies' choice
I'm the ladies' choice
The ladies' choice
I'm the ladies' choice, choice, choice
I'm the ladies' choice..’

The next couple of songs passed as Penny was introduced to Seaweed. James began to grumble as he could see those two were to become a pair. Lily hadn’t been part of much but she reappeared with Tracy, Seaweed and Link as the next song began.

Everyone began to clap as Seaweed began to sing.

‘I can't see
Why people look at me
And only see the color of my face

And then there's those
That try to help, god knows
But always have to put me in my place

but i won't ask you to be color blind
'Cause if you pick the fruit
Then girl, you're sure to find...

The blacker the berry
The sweeter the juice
I could say it ain't so
But darlin', what's the use?

The darker the chocolate
The richer the taste
And that's where it's at...
...now run and tell that!!’

The song continued as Seaweeds sister Lil Inez was introduced. Then Lil Inez began to sing.

‘I'm tired of coverin' up all my pride

‘So give me five on the black-hand side’ sang Seaweed

‘I've got a new way of movin'
And i got my own voice’

‘So how can i help
But to shout and rejoice’ sang Seaweed

‘The people 'round here
Can barely pay their rent
They're "try'n to make dollar
Out 'a fifteen cent"
But we got a spirit
Money just can’t buy

It's deep as a river
And soars to the sky!!’

‘I can’t see
The reason it can’t be
The kinda world where we all get our chance

The time is now
And we can show them how
To turn the music up and let's all dance

'Cause all things are equal
When it comes to love
Well, that ain't quite true
'Cause when push comes to shove...

The blacker the berry
The sweeter the juice
I could say it ain't so

But darlin', what's the use
The darker the chocolate
The richer the taste
That's where it's at

...Now run and tell that!!

Run and tell that!

Run and tell that!!’ Seaweed finished as they all entered a store.

Everyone was full into the play by now. Even Sirius was enjoying it despite the fact Stephanie had to keep hitting him for looking at the girls. Remus was being supportive but James liked the fact he could watch Lily as much and stare as long as he wanted without getting slapped.

The song ‘Without Love’ began and everyone sat up because this was where Penny and Seaweeds kiss was to occur and Penny would first sing.

‘Once I was a selfish fool
Who never understood
I never looked inside myself
Though on the outside, I looked good!’

“Remind you of anyone?” Stephanie whispered to James.

‘Then we met and you made me
The man I am today
Tracy, I'm in love with you
No matter what you weigh’

“Im gonna change. She can’t date that Stephersomethin forever.” James snapped.
“It’s Stephan!” Stephanie replied

'Cause ...
Without love
Life is like the seasons with no summer
Without love
Life is rock 'n' roll without a drummer

Tracy, I'll be yours forever
'Cause I never wanna be
Without love
Tracy, never set me free
No, I ain't lyin'
Never set me free, Tracy,
No, no, no!!’

The scene changed to Penny and Seaweed.

‘Living in the ghetto
Black is everywhere you go
Who'd 've thought I'd love a girl
Whose skin was white as winter's snow’ Seaweed sang.

‘In my ivory tower
Life was just a hostess' snack
But now I've tasted chocolate
And I'm never going back’ Penny sang sweetly before the two began to kiss with such force.

“That does not look like a real kiss. I could kiss her much better than that!” James said proudly.
“Give it up Prongs.” Sirius said.
“Just be supportive would you?” Remus added.

“You younglings! Will you be quiet, or Ill use my cane!” an old woman said screechy who was a two rows above them.

'Cause without love
Life is like a beat that you can't follow’

‘Without love’

‘Life is Doris Day at the Apollo’

‘Darling, I'll be yours forever
'Cause I never wanna be ‘

‘Without love’

‘So darling, never set me free, no’

‘I'm yours forever
Never set me free
No, no, no!!’

The lights went back to Link who continued singing.

‘If I'm left without my baby doll
I don't know what I'll do’

Then the lights went back to Seaweed, Tracy and Penny.

‘Link, I've got to break out
So that I can get my hands on you’

‘Girl, if I can't touch you
Then I'm gonna lose control’ Seaweed sang softly.

‘Seaweed, you're my black white knight
I've found my blue-eyed soul’ Penny continued.

‘Sweet freedom is our goal’ Seaweed sang again

……

‘Without love
Life is like a prom that won't invite us
Without love
It's like getting my big break and laryngitis
Without love
Life's a '45' when you can't buy it
Without love
Life is like my mother on a diet
Like a week that's only Mondays
Only ice cream never sundaes
Like a circle with no center
Like a door marked "do not enter!"

Darling I'll be yours forever
'Cause I never wanna be ...

Without love ‘

The song continued until it finished. Everyone began to clap as the scene changed. After another song the final song began.

‘You can’t stop an avalanche as it races down a hill
You can try to stop the season’s girl
But you know you never will
And you can try to stop my dancing feet but I just cannot stand still

'Cause the world keeps spinning
'Round and 'round
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost til I heard the drums
Then I found my way

TRACY & LINK
'Cause you can't stop the beat

Ever since this old world began
A woman found out if she shook it
She could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
The best that I can today

'Cause you can't stop
You Can't Stop The Beat Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com
The motion of the ocean
Or the sun in the sky
You can wonder if you wanna
But I never ask why

And if you try to hold me down
I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!

Penny and Seaweed emerged on stage. Penny wore the sexiest dress James had ever seen Lily in. It was blue and clung to every curve in her body.

PENNY
You can't stop a river
As it rushes to the sea

Penny took off the small coat that was hanging on her shoulders. James began to drool.

SEAWEED
You can try to stop the hands of time
But you know it just can't be

PENNY
And if they try to stop us, Seaweed,

PENNY & SEAWEED
I'll call the n - double-a - c - p!

PENNY
'Cause the world keeps spinning
'Round and 'round.

SEAWEED
'Round and 'round

PENNY
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound

“Close your mouth James.” Stephanie snapped.

SEAWEED
Speed of sound

PENNY
I was lost til I heard the drums
Then I found my way

PENNY & SEAWEED
'Cause you can't stop the beat

PENNY & SEAWEED
Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman liked to shake it
On a Saturday night
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
With all of my might today
'Cause you can't stop
The motion of the ocean
Or the rain from above
You can try to stop the paradise
We're dreaming of
But you cannot stop the rhythm
Of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

EDNA
You can't stop my happiness
'Cause I like the way I am
And you just can't stop my knife and fork
When I see a Christmas ham
So if you don't like the way I look
Well, I just don't give a damn!

EDNA & ENSEMBLE
'Cause the world keeps spinning
'Round and 'round
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost til I heard the drums
Then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat

Ever since this old world began
A woman found out if she shook it
She could shake up a man
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
The best that I can today

'Cause you can't stop
The motion of the ocean
Or the sun in the sky
You can wonder if you wanna
But I never ask why
And if you try to hold me down
I'm gonna spit in your eye and say
That you can't stop the beat!

MOTORMOUTH
Oh, oh, oh,
You can't stop today

ENSEMBLE
...No!

MOTORMOUTH
As it comes speeding down the track

ENSEMBLE
Oooh oooh, child, yes

MOTORMOUTH
Child, yesterday is hist'ry

ENSEMBLE
Be gone!

MOTORMOUTH
And it's never coming back

ENSEMBLE
Look ahead

MOTORMOUTH & ENSEMBLE
'Cause tomorrow is a brand new day

MOTORMOUTH
And it don't know white from black

ENSEMBLE
Yeah!

MOTORMOUTH & ENSEMBLE
'Cause the world keeps spinning
'Round and 'round
And my heart's keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost til I heard the drums
Then I found my way
'Cause you can't stop the beat

Ever since we first saw the light
A man and woman liked to shake it
On a Saturday night
And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it
With all of my might today
'Cause you can't stop
The motion of the ocean
Or the rain from above
They can try to stop the paradise
We're dreaming of
But you cannot stop the rhythm
Of two hearts in love to stay
'Cause you can't stop the beat!

Aah, aah, aah
Aah, aah, aah
Aah, aah, aah

ALL
Ever since we first saw the sun
A man and woman liked to shake it
When the day is done
And so we're gonna shake and shimmy it
And have some fun for today

'Cause you can't stop
The motion of the ocean
Or the rain from above
They can try to stop the paradise
We're dreaming of
But you cannot stop the rhythm
Of two hearts in love to stay
You can't stop the beat!
You can't stop the beat!!
You can't stop the beat!!!’

The song finished and the curtains closed sharply. Everyone stood up applauding. Then only four people walked back out on stage. Tracy, Link, Penny and Seaweed.

They each held indivual microphones. The song began and everyone began to link arms and smile as they began to sing.

‘Hey old friend, let's look back
On the crazy clothes we wore’ Penny began

‘Ain't it fun to look back
And to see it's all been done before’ Seaweed continued.

‘All those nights together
Are a special memory’ Link added.

‘And I can't wait for tomorrow
Just as long as you're dancing next to me’ Tracy finished up.

'Cause it's so clear
Every year
We get stronger’ Penny and Tracy sang together.

‘What's gone is gone’ Link sang

‘The past is the past’ Seaweed continued singing.

‘Turn the radio up’ Tracy added.

‘And then hit the gas’ Penny finished.
'Cause...

I know we've Come So Far
But we've Got So Far To Go
I know the road seems long
But it won't be long 'till it's time to go
So, most days we'll take it fast
And some nights we'll take it slow
I know we've Come So Far
But baby, baby
We've Got So Far To Go

The four of them broke up as each went to one side of the stage. Penny got Stephanie’s side. Lily was singing and smiling happily as she waved to Stephanie. James thought he was waving to her and blew her a kiss. She just continued to smile as she rocked to the beat waiting for her turn.

‘Hey old friend, together
Side by side and year by year’ Link sang

‘The road was filled with twists and turns
Oh but that's the road that got us here’ Tracy continued.

‘Let's move past the bad times
But before those memories fade’ Penny sang out to the crowd

‘Let's forgive but not forget
And learn from the mistakes we made’ Seaweed sand before all of them joined in unison.

'Cause it's so clear
Every year
We get stronger
So don't give up
Don't say when
And just get back on the road again

'Cause...
I know we've Come So Far
But we've Got So Far To Go
I know the road seems long
But it won't be long 'till it's time to go
So, most days we'll take it fast
And some nights we'll take it slow
I know we've Come So Far
Oh but baby, baby
We've Got So Far To Go

Other dancers and actors and actresses joined them on stage as they began to bow and wave before disappearing again. The four of them continued to sing.

‘Hey old friend come along for this ride
There's plenty of room so jump inside
The highway's rocky every now and then
But it's so much better then where I've been

Just keep movin', at your own speed
Your heart is all the compass you'll ever need
Let's keep cruisin' the road we're on
'Cause the rear view mirror only shows what's gone, gone, gone!’ they all waved out to the crowd as they did hand motions to the upbeat section of the song.

‘Oh it's so clear’‘

‘Every year
We get stronger’ Seaweed broke out.

‘So shine that light
Take my hand
Let's dance into the promise land

'Cause...
I know we've Come So Far
But we've Got So Far To Go
I know the road seems long
But it won't be long 'till it's time to go
So, most days we'll take it fast
And some nights we'll take it slow
I know we've Come So Far
Oh but baby, baby
We've Got So Far To Go’ the song finished as all of them bowed and hugged each other. They all waved out to the crowd before running off behind the curtains one by one.

An hour later, Lily emerged from the stage where everyone was waiting for her. Stephanie ran up to her and hugged her tight. The boys hung back and Stephan was nowhere near.

“You were brilliant! We are taking you out to the most expensive restaurant because we loved your performance so much.” Stephanie said.
“Thanks Steph.” Lily replied.

She broke away and smiled at the boys.

“What did you guys think?” Lily asked.
“You did wonderfully Lily. I can only imagine what you went through.”

“Oh Remus!” Lily squealed before she hugged him.

James glared at Remus who began to look scared.

“If you don’t let go; James is going to kill me” Remus muttered.

Lily let go of Remus said, and smiled at James. He continued to glare at Remus.

“Does this mean I get a hug too?” James asked.

“No it doesn’t.” Lily said stiffly before they began to walk. Stephanie took Sirius’ hand as they walked down Muggle London. They passed by a local café when Lily stopped.

There was Stephan. Kissing another girl. One of the backup dancers he worked with. Everyone turned around as they noticed Lily stopped. Stephan had broken apart and was looking at Lily.

So, Lily went marching off to Remus and began to snog him. James could only glare.

~~~
Im gonna go hide now!'

Here are some song links for yall!!

Nicest Kids In Town
I Can Hear The Bells
Ladies Choice
Run and Tell That
Without Love
You Can't Stop The Beat
Come So, Far, Got So Far To Go

Lizzie
<3333

16

Soon they all were sitting in the Great Hall listening to Dumbledore’s speech. Lily was sitting next to Remus; they had been dating for a month now, who was sitting next to James. On the other side Sirius faced Lily then Peter and lastly Stephanie.

The feast finished and everyone was dismissed. Lily and Remus left hand in hand to show the first years to the common room. They entered the common room to find Dumbledore sitting on one of the couches.

“We really need to figure out the secret way in here.” Sirius whispered to James.
“If Dumbledore can find it. We can.” James replied laughing.

“Welcome new and old students for another year. Miss Evans, may I have a word with you?” he asked.

Lily nodded and noticed Dumbledore was holding a letter.

Dumbledore took Lily to his office and sat down in his chair. Lily sat down at his desk and stayed silent.

“Lily, can you tell me about your mother?” Dumbledore asked.
“She travels a lot talking about my grandmother who was a holocaust survivor. She talks to muggles everywhere.” Lily responded.
“Well. Your mother was flying to Germany, and her plane crashed. Im sorry Miss Evans, but your mother wasn’t found.” Dumbledore said sadly.

Lily’s eyes began to tear before she started crying.

“She wanted to be cremated and have her ashes spread along New York City.” She cried.
“Well then, as head master of this school, I say in sorrow of your loss, I’ll have to let you leave school for a week to respect your mother’s wishes.” Dumbledore replied with his eyes twinkling.

~~~
I RETURN TO THIS FIC!!

Any at all?

Lizzie
<3333

17


Lily began to walk down the halls as the tears continued to travel down her cheeks. She sniffled and wiped her red eyes as she spoke the password to the fat lady. She emerged inside and took a good look around.

The marauders were sitting in a corner by the windowsill laughing over a piece of paper. A prank probably in the working. Stephanie was talking to a first year about something until she looked up and saw Lily.

Stephanie began to rush over to Lily after saying goodbye to the first year. She eloped Lily into a tender hug before letting her go.

“What’s wrong?” Stephanie asked.
“My mother was killed in a plane crash.” Lily sniffled.
“Oh Lily, I’m so sorry.” Stephanie replied softly.
“It’s alright. Professor Dumbledore is excusing me from classes to mourn.” Lily said.
“If you need anything tell me.” Stephanie added.
“Keep Potter away from me. I have to go talk to Remus.” Lily responded before walking over to the boys.

Lily advanced them to see Potter laughing and Remus frowning in disproval. Sirius was eyeing a sixth year carefully and Peter was doing his homework looking confused. She tapped Remus’ back and watched him smile as he turned around.

“Hey Lils.” Remus said before kissing her softly.
“Hey.” Lily responded.
“Hey Evans, you are looking extra hot today. It’s for me right?” Potter asked messing up his hair.
“Remus, I need to tell you something. Can we talk in private?” Lily asked ignoring Potter’s comment.
“Sure thing.” Remus replied sending his friend a deadly glare.
“I know you want me Evans!” Potter called out as they walked away.

Lily and Remus left the common room hand in hand and walked without speaking till they reached the library. They sat down at a small table quietly smiling.

“What’s up?” Remus asked.
“Listen, these past few weeks have been great. But Im going to be leaving the country for a while so I think we should break up.” Lily said before closing her eyes in fear of seeing his reaction.
“Where are you going?” he asked in a dead serious tone.
“New York, to spread my mother’s ashes and talk to some kids about the Holocaust for my mum.” Lily answered softly.
“When did your mum die?” Remus asked softly.
“In a plane crash a few days ago.” She responded.
“Im sorry, but why do we need to break up?” Remus asked.
“Because I might not come back feeling the same way.” She said.
“Then I’ll come with you.” He responded.
“No way. You’re joking.” Lily said.
“Nope.” Remus said in response.
“Okay then!” Lily said smiling.

The two left the library laughing happily and discussing what they’ll talk about in New York. Over the next few days they packed secretly keeping the secret between them. By Saturday the two of them were almost all ready to go.

Remus was packing the last of some clothes and shut his trunk closed. He jumped as he noticed James standing right there. James had his arms crossed and his eyebrows rose in a questioning manner.

“Going anywhere Moony?” he asked.
“Why’d you ask something like that Prongs?” Remus replied.
“Your trunk is packed and you have been silent all week.”
“So?”
“So where are you going?”
“Why do you need to know?”
“I’ll find out anyway – you know I will.”
“Fine, Im going to New York with Lily.”
“Why with Evans?”
“Lily’s mother died in a plane crash and we’re going to spread her ashes and educate some kids about the Holocaust, okay?”
“Evans’ mum is dead?”
“Yes and her name is Lily.”
“I’m coming with you guys.”
“What?”
“Yeah, I want to help Lily.”
“She doesn’t want your help.”
“I don’t care.”
“That’s a good one.”
“I’m coming no matter what.”
“Have fun telling Lily that.”
“Sure will.”

James began to leave the boys dormitory as Remus began to chase him. They both ran to Lily who was reading a book silently.

“Hiya Evans.”
“Potter.”
“Guess what.”
“No.”
“Oh come on.”
“No”
“Fine, I’m coming with you and Moony to New York.”
“Excuse me?”
“Yup, I’m sorry about your mum and I want to help you through it.”
“That’s nice but I don’t need you to come.”
“That’s what I thought. That’s why Sirius and Peter are coming too.”
“Stop fooling around.”
“I’m not.”
“Sure.”

Lily had gotten up and left the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning Lily, Remus, Peter, Sirius, Potter and Stephanie (Lily begged her last night to come) were waiting for Dumbledore to return with his floo powder.

“Here we go. You will be flooing to ‘The Broken Wand’ in the city. From there you shall do as you please. I require all of you back here by Wednesday in my office at 6pm.” Dumbledore said before handing out the powder.

Lily walked into the fireplace and turned around facing everyone.

“The Broken Wand.” She spoke clearly before disappearing in green flames.

The others soon followed her as they were transported to New York City.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The six of them departed the next day to the local Church which was holding Lilys mothers ashes. They walked into the white stoned church as a man emerged from the hidden doors.

“Miss Evans, is that you?” the man asked.
“Yeah.” Lily called.
“Hello, its’ nice to meet you.” The man said.
“Nice to meet you.” Lily replied shaking his hand.
“I have your mothers’ ashes in the other room, give me a moment please.” The man said before returning to the room he arrived from.

“Hey Lils, are you sure you’re up for this today?” Stephanie asked.
“Yeah, I’m positive. It’s only going to get harder if I wait.” Lily responded nodding her head.
“It’s going to be alright.” James whispered as he delicately placed his hand on Lily’s shoulder.

The man marched back into the room carrying a medium-sized black jar and a mysterious envelope. He walked back up to Lily without a grieve face. He handed her the jar.

“I just thought you should know, I met with your mother before she died. When she first began to tour when you started school. She told me to give you this, if she were to die while touring.” The man added.

Lily looked at the man and nodded shortly. She gave a weak smile before turning around and began to walk away. The others began to follow her but then she stopped. She turned quickly and looked at the man dead on who was walking away now.

“Thank you.”

The man turned around and smiled before continuing to walk away from the group. The group of five walked behind Lily as she carried the black jar and letter out of the church and into the brightness of the city.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Lily stood with Remus in tow at the top of the Empire State Building as the wind grew fierce at midday. Lily opened the heavy black jar slowly taking deep breaths. Remus squeezed her forearm gently as she held the opened black jar to her chest.

James, Sirius, Peter and Stephanie stood a few feet back as they watched Lily silently lift up the jar and then slowly dumped bits and pieces as the wind came through, clear and strong. The black ash flew into the air and was carried by the wind all over the city.

Lily continued to dump the ashes until there were some bits and pieces left in the large jar. She reached inside and took them into her palm. She gave the jar to Remus and then left her fingers graze over the ashes.

Lastly, she took the ashes in her hand and dumped them on her own head and let them settle on her. She turned to face Remus, who gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and she in return, gave him a hug.

Lily and Remus walked back to the four of them in silence. They all stared at one another for a few moments before James’ face split into a small smile.

“Well, let’s go sightseeing!” James exclaimed bringing everyone back to reality.

Lily began to smile as Remus and Sirius began to laugh. Peter nodded his head and Stephanie added, “Let’s go!”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Once they all got to the bottom of the building is when they first heard it, the loud, shrill screams that had erupted behind them. Lily instantly pulled out her wand and turned around.

The others did the same a millisecond later and stopped dead. Muggles were hung in the air, fires were all around and a chant of a large group was parading through the streets.

“Who are they?” Lily asked confused.
“Death Eaters.” James replied before he knocked Lily to the floor as a curse came flying at them.

~~~~~
Okay. Again, i return. But heres the thing. I have come up with a sweet ending to this fic. Lets just say, this is the beginning of the end. I will NOT post in 'Four Years' or 'Love Is A Boomerang' until I finish this fic. I have about 10 posts left for this fic and I am going to be working as hard as I can to finish this as soon as I can

Now, the important stuff. The Feedback

leave some and ill type faster than i can!!!

<333

Okay here comes the FINAL PLOT TWISTER!!! *people scream happilily* - Now, who ever is watching the Super Bowl right now and is rooting for my team (The New York Giants!!!!![yeah Im from NY if you havent figured it out]) please tell me!!! I mean lets go Giantss!!! - So the score is NYG:3, NE:7.

Anyway....last plot twister has arrived. More twists and turns aree on the way but this is the last time the plot goes "oh boy". So, happy reading - its short but again...its a plot twister!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
18

“Im guessing they’re bad guys?” Lily shouted.
“Basically.” James replied. “Just stay down.” He added.
“Fine.” Lily replied shortly.

James got up and looked at Sirius who looked at Remus and then looked at Stephanie.

“Where’s Peter?” Sirius shouted.
“I don’t know! I think we lost him in the crowd.” James replied.
“Look split up. Try to get as many muggles down as you can!” Remus exclaimed before the four of them ran their separate ways leaving Lily hunched over under a picnic table.

~*~*~*~*~

A couple of hours later Lily woke up in a bed. It was white, comfy and smelt like fresh pines. Definitely not where Lily last was. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times before she realized she was in a bed. Lily looked to her left and noticed that she was alone.

She rose from the bed and looked down at her feet to notice her shoes were off. Lily walked over to a small compact mirror. She glanced at her reflection to see she had some black & blues on her face. Lily quietly opened the door before sliding out of the room and carefully crept down the long narrow stairway.

When she reached the bottom of the stairway she began to hear voices speaking softly in the room down the hall. Lily began to walk toward the voices, or should she say; whispers that were heard. She made it to the door and pushed her small ear against the mahogany wood. Lily only heard more whispers.

She reached for the doorknob and felt her fingers grasp the knob. She turned it slowly and then pushed forward gently. Lily stood there to see twenty chairs turn around to face her. She took a full breath of air before sighing lightly as Remus came up to hug her.

“I’m so glad you’re alright” he said before lightly, ever so lightly, on the top of her head.
“How are you feeling Lily?” James asked from the head of the table, his voice full of seriousness.
“I feel fine, well rested actually. What happened?”Lily asked.
“There were so many death eaters that everyone was forced into safety shelters. We’re going to be living here for the next few months.” Sirius replied standing up to give Lily a brief hug.
“Did you say the next few months?” Lily asked thinking she heard wrong.
“Yeah, the death eaters did so much damage that the Minister of Magic contacted everyone to tell us that we are on lockdown. Apparently there are some more death eaters still lurking around – and when I say some – I mean hundreds and hundreds. So we are on lockdown code one. Apparation blocks, cancellation of the floo powder, and no more portkeys. The muggle Prime Minister alerted the President of this country. The president shut down all boats, airplanes, cars, helicopters – the whole nine yards. Until everything is settled out, we are stuck here just like everyone else.” Sirius replied sitting down.
“Oh wow. Did you get in contact with Professor Dumbledore?” Lily asked.
“Yeah, he said we should transfer to another school.” James said.
“Another witchcraft school?” she inquired.
“Actually, muggle school. He thinks it would be better to lay low on us being magical for a while. That way the death eaters will evacuate the area and we can return back to England.” Remus explained.
“That means we are going to have to transfer to a high school in New York City as seniors. Oh this will be fun.” Lily said out loud.
“What’s a senior?” Sirius asked.
“What’s high school?” James asked in reply.
“Oh we have a lot of work to do.” Lily replied before introducing herself to the other witches and wizards who she would be living with for the next five to six months.

~*~*~*~*~*~

One week later; James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lily and Stephanie stood outside Lincoln High School. It took a while to convince the school to accept them on such short notice. But with the help of Lily’s muggle knowledge and James being the top in ‘Muggle Studies’ they were able to convince the principal in accepting all of them.

Once they were accepted into the school, Lily and James went into overdrive on teaching everyone else the basics of muggle education. They taught them the basis of everything, using some magic of course, which helped everyone get onto a basic level. Now they stood outside the school all wearing muggle clothes (which were bought the day after the lockdown), had muggle backpacks (also bought after lockdown) and had their schedules in their hand (courtesy of Principal McWeather).

Remus took hold of Lily’s hand before bringing it to his lips and kissed it. He let go of her hand after and turned to her.

“It’s going to be fine.” He said.

Lily simply nodded keeping one hand on her backpack. She started to walk into the school with the others and the hundreds of other students who they would learn to blend in with.

Once they walked into the school they were met by a girl with short straight blonde hair. She had blue eyes and was frowning. She looked at them before she walked up to them shortly.

“Hi, My name’s Caroline Davis.”

~~~~~~~~~~~
Leave Me Some

^^^I got very little last time so thank you too - Nymphadora Lupin - JSB 073 and laughingirl_92

Thank yall!!
GO GIANTS!!!

Lizzie
<33333

Okay, as much as you all hate me right now. Please read. I am estimating that 10-15 posts are left in the story. THIS STORY WILL HAVE A SEQUEL!!!

Enjoy & Be Warned - this is now a mystery to all of you - chapters may be PG13 for now on
~~~~~~~~~~~~
19

Lily would always remember the day she met Caroline Davis.

“Hi Im Lily, this is James, Remus, Sirius, Peter and Stephanie.” Lily said indicating each person.
“Yeah, I really don’t care. Listen, the only thing you need to know about this school is that it’s full of losers. Don’t become attached to anyone because no one here is worth getting attached too.” Caroline said as she glanced around the hallway.

She then looked at them once more before saying, “Im out.” Caroline turned around and walked away and traveled up the staircase on the right hand side.

“Well she was nice.” James said as she walked away.
“Sweet as a dessert.” Stephanie replied.

Caroline kept walking until all of a sudden a boy, maybe a year older than her, ran straight into her. The boys’ books went flying as he plummeted to the ground. Caroline fell as well; she quickly grabbed her purse and the contents which fell out of it. She re-stuffed her purse before standing up, ignoring the boys’ pleas for help.

“Watch where you’re going nerd!” she screamed before walking off.

Lily and the others quickly rushed over to the boy as he grabbed his math textbook. They all helped him collect his books before he stood up himself.

“Sorry about that. I’m quite a klutz.” The boy said sniffling.
“That’s alright, Im Lily.” Lily said.
“Im Rick – Rick Bennet the Third. So, Caroline giving you some trouble?” Rick asked.
“Not really, she just left.” James said. “Oh Im James by the way.”
“Sirius.”
“Stephanie:”
“Remus”
“Peter.”
“Nice to meet you all.” Rick said.

Rick was a pretty tall guy with a brown mushroom cup hairstyle, white skin, and had hazel eyes. He was wearing a basic blue shirt, jeans with a black belt and glasses. He held his books high and looked at them.

“Well since Caroline left you, I’ll show you around.” Rick said.
“Thank you.” Stephanie replied.

Rick took the six of them around the school showing them their lockers, how to open their lockers, and to their first class. Suddenly, the warning bell rang and Rick turned towards them.

“Well, I’ll see you around.” And scurried off to class.


“Good morning, my name is Miss Spurack, your English teacher for the rest of this year-or until you leave us. If you just take a seat, the others will begin to arrive shortly.” Miss Spurack said smiling.

Lily, James and Sirius took seats next to each others in the small one-seat desks. Lily began to take out a notebook when students began to pile into the classroom. Once everyone was seated, the teacher sharply looked around the classroom.

“Good morning class, it’s nice to know all of you decided to show up this morning, right Mr. Binghimton?” Miss Spurack asked.
“Whatever you say teach” a boy from the back called out.
“Now as we continue with yesterday’s lesson let’s try to put ourselves in Shakespeare’s shoes.” Miss Spurack said.

“Check out the new kids, the girl looks hot but way to school girlish for me.” The boy said to his friends as the teacher continued to ramble on.
“Mr. Benjamin Binghimton. Is there something you would like to share with the class?” Miss Spurack said loudly turning around to face him.
“Well actually, I’d like to know more about some of our new students, especially the girl.” Benjamin replied winking at Lily.
“Mr. Binghimton, see me after class.” The teacher announced before turning around as Lily blushed.

When the bell ringed signaling the end of class, Lily quickly arose from her seat as James and Sirius did as well. They began to leave the classroom as Benjamin called out to Lily.

“Hey hotness! If you’re free later, I got a car parked out back.” Benjamin said.

James gritted his teeth and walked towards Benjamin furiously.

“Hey dude, I don’t care if you have a car or not. She doesn’t want you, lay off!” James said.
“What, she yours?” Benjamin asked.
“No, and she is not a prize to be won. Lily is definitely more than a good shag, she’s a human being. She would be the most important thing in my life. Not something I would just throw away.” James growled.

Benjamin took a step back as James studied the boy. He was an African American with short black hair and blue eyes. His bangs fell to the side of his face as he looked James in the eye. He wore a black shirt with blue jeans a pair of black sneakers. He looked at Lily and smiled.

“Your name is Lily?” he said as he walked towards her.
“Yes, my name is Lily.” Lily nodded.
“Well, Im Benny Binghimton, but you can call me by my nickname – BB Gun.” Benny said smiling weakly.
“Then, Benny let me tell you, I have a boyfriend, and he could kiss your sorry arse any day.” Lily said fiercely.
“What ever; see you Potter.” Benny called as he left the room.

“James, how did he know your name?” Remus asked watching Benny leave.
“I don’t know.” James whispered shocked.



They were exiting the classroom when James felt another person crash into him. He looked down to see a girl with a light tan grabbing her books frantically.

“Im so sorry.” James said as he picked up some of the girls books.
“Its fine happens all the time.” She muttered.
“Im James.” He said.
“That’s nice.” The girl replied standing up.
“Hi, Im Lily.” Lily said holding out her hand.
“I’m sorry I really can’t talk right now.” The girl replied as her light brown hair fell over her shoulders.
“Remus.” Remus said nodding.
“Yeah, thank you – James, right?” the girl asked.
“Yeah.” James replied as he noticed the girls green eyes which sparkled almost as much as Lily’s.
“I have to go” the girl said turning around walking off.

She ran off as they started to walk again. Lily was about to enter a class as she noticed Rick standing in the hall. She walked over to him and tapped his shoulder.

“Rick, do you know who that girl is?” Lily asked politely.
“Which girl? There are many you know.” Rick replied jokingly.
“The girl with the tan and brown hair.” Lily replied laughing.
“Oh.” Rick said quickly.
“Oh?” Lily replied.
“That’s, that’s April Myers, the most wonderful person in the world.” Rick said as he watched April run up the stairs and disappear out of sight.

Please leave feedback!

~~~~~~
Thank you Ginny_Hermione and JSB 073 for your help getting over my writers block!
^^p.s. ginny - i actually wrote the ending to MMSARS whiel talking to you!

Lizzie
<333333

HUGE PG-13 WARNING FOR LANGUAGE! thank you
~~~~~~~~~~~~
20

The lunch bell rang as students poured into the greasy aura of the cafeteria. Lily, Sirius and James entered the cafeteria to find Remus, Stephanie and Peter sitting at a table with a girl they never saw before. They walked over to the table and sat down in the chairs that were saved. Lily sat down next to James who sat next to Remus.

“So Remus, who’s your new friend?” Lily asked.
“This is Carol White. She was in my biology class.” Remus said motioning to the girl.
“Hi, Im Carol. It’s nice to meet you all.” Carol said.

Carol was a platinum blonde that was pulled into a side ponytail. She reached out to shake Lily’s hand and then the others. Her blue eyes sparkled while she shook Sirius’ hand. She was wearing a pink sweater with matching pink stretch pants and white sneakers. She smiled at them all and then returned to her lunch.

The rest of them began to eat their lunches describing their classes as soon as Benny began to walk over to their table.

“Benjamin!” Carol laughed as he cringed. “How have you been?”
“Im fine and my name is Benny.” Benny replied.
“Oh Benjamin, you are too funny. Have you met everyone?” Carol asked laughing.
“Oh yes, I met Lily here before, maybe in a dream, but there were no clothes in that dream, just her and me and a blanket.” Benny said winking at Lily.
“Hey pal, you might want to be careful when you talk about my girlfriend like that.” Remus said fiercely.
“She’s dating you?” Benny snorted; he then turned to Lily, “Sweetheart, you could do so much better.”
“Like who?” Sirius asked.
“Me.” Benny replied puffing out his chest.
“Wow, last time I checked, she wasn’t interested in you.” James said rudely.
“Why doesn’t her boyfriend stick for her and not the boyfriend’s friend?” Benny replied.
“Leave.” Stephanie said straight out.
“Hey sweetie, Im all open for a three-some.” He said before leaving.

Then he turned around and looked Remus in the eye and shouted, “DUDE! WORD OF ADVICE, GET SOME BALLS!”

~~~~~~

That night James and Sirius were walking down the street softly. They just listened to the breeze fly by as they walked.

“Do you think the lockdown will end soon?” Sirius asked softly.
“I don’t know, I hope so.” James replied in the same tone.
“It seems so unreal. Being stuck here.” Sirius said.

All of a sudden they heard a crunch on the ground and ran to the end of the street. There was an alleyway that held the form of two people.

“You hear that?” James asked.

Sirius only nodded.

They looked down the alley and heard familiar voices.

“You have it?” a voice asked.
“The exact one you asked for.” Another voice, but deeper, replied.
“I owe you a favor.” The first voice said.

The sound of paper being passed were heard as James and Sirius moved closer.

“This is what you want?” the voice asked.
“Yes.” The second voice replied softly.
“I’m not making any promises.” The voice said.

The first body began to walk away, closer to James and Sirius, who backed up, when the second voice was heard.

“Why are you doing this?”
“Thank your dad for me, would ya?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
feedback

.....
more clues...
<333

what did I say?! Here it is - a post..a little shorter than I wanted but I wanted to fit inside my due date! Here it is - and I have OFFICIALLY! finished planning the stories...this story will have 29 posts in total before the sequel 'Return of the Universe'

~~~~~
21

By the time lunch came around the next day, everyone was settling in nicely. They were adjusting to their classes nicely and picking up on the muggle customs. As the lockdown continued in New York City for all witches and wizards, everywhere people were doing what they could to capture the Death Eaters lurking around. At night, James and Sirius were sent out for three hours to search for anything suspicious. After school, Lily and Remus were on duty and in the morning Peter and Stephanie were on lookout.

In addition to attending the high school, the older witches and wizards kept them up on their wizard studies. After school, the six of them spent four hours on their Hogwarts studies from Charms to Potions. Lily sat at the lunch table eating her ham and chess sandwich and apple juice. James and Remus sat on either side of her eating their own lunches as Stephanie and Sirius bought lunch (more like Sirius flirting with the lunch ladies to get a soft cookie while Stephanie bought lunch) and Peter went to the bathroom.

“When do you think the lockdown will be over?” James asked quietly.
“I don’t know, we haven’t found anything yet.” Lily replied just as quiet.
“That only proves on how well they are doing of hiding.” Remus added taking a bite of his sandwich.
“Have you ever suspected anyone from the school? I mean, you don’t know who could be like us and just be home taught.” Lily suggested.
“Can you imagine that though? A pureblood being taught at home but learning muggle things? It’s not very likely.” Remus replied.
“Im not talking purebloods – just witches and wizards in general.” Lily said back.
“You know, that Benny kid has had me kind of worried – he knew my last name and no one ever mentioned it.” James said as he realized that.
“You know, have you guys met Rick?” Lily asked as she saw Rick passing by carrying a lunch tray.
“Not really….”Remus began but Lily had already gotten up and was walking over to Rick.

Lily approached Rick as he tripped on a jocks shoe that had just put his leg out. Rick began to fell while throwing his tray up into the air. Lily quickly grabbed the tray before it got too high as Rick plummeted to the ground. As Lily held the tray, Rick quickly got up and dusted himself off. Lily handed him back his tray as he finished off.

“Hey, you wanna sit with me, my boyfriend and my friends?” Lily asked nicely.
“Sure.” Rick said smiling and followed Lily back to the table.

By the time they returned, Sirius, Stephanie and Peter were back and relaxing. Lily had Rick sit next to Peter. They all began to talk again as they all were introduced to Rick, before they got to business.

“Hey Rick – not to be rude – but how much do you know about Benny Binghimton?” James asked quietly.

Rick made a face of surprise and then shivered as he watched James with interest.

“A lot – probably too much.” Rick said quietly as his eyes darkened.
“Can you tell me what you know?” James asked.
“Well, his father owns a gun shop downtown. Most people get guns for hunting and protection. I don’t think you would know, but there has been a lot of freaky stuff going around. The weather changes rapidly, more people die every day than usual, there are secret conversations going on. It’s all surreal. But, sometimes his dad sells guns off the record – you know. Without a license for the extra business. Benny is supposed to take over the shop when he graduates.” Rick said as he ate his lunch.

The others listened closely as the shocking discovery unfolded before them.

“Anything else?” Lily pressed on.
“Well…my father was taking me with him to buy a gun a couple days ago when I overheard them talking about something. They kept saying they were better than everyone else, that it was to be taken seriously…and then they said they had to lay low. Something about a lockdown – but as far as I know...there is no lockdown going on.” Rick finished by taking a sip of his drink.

James let his mouth drop as he put the piece together. And as the rest of them ate their lunch, James feared for the worst of what he believes he discovered about Mr. Benny Binghimton.

~~~~~~
What did James figure out?! WHat do you think? TELL ME!

Love Lizzie<33333

Hey! I have had this written for a while so sorry for delay of posting. I hope you all will review again as I am in to my last couple of chapters in this story. I hope you will enjoy the ending. And!! I have to give major props to my best friend Michelle (not a HP fan...but getting there) who helped me come up with some of these things.

~~~

22

Lily walked into school five days later alone as she insisted on finishing her rounds before heading off to school. It was these times while she walked past the old silver fences that contained a small amount of flowers that she truly thought about all that had happened. Where would she have been right now if her mother hadn’t died? What if Remus, James, Sirius, Peter and Stephanie hadn’t come with her? They all would probably be sitting in the Great Hall right now eating their delicious breakfast like they did every morning. Lily would have her French toast, a waffle with some pumpkin juice while Remus would have ordinary cereal with milk as he sat next to here. James and Sirius probably would have been having a “Who can eat the most food without making a huge fool of themselves by running out of the Hall and getting sick?” contest. And then Peter would be eating a plain bagel with butter as he tried to finish his homework at the last moment. Stephanie, of course, would eat her regular breakfast. A half of a French toast bagel, pumpkin juice, and a small dish of fruits (cantaloupe, grapes and apples)

Then she tried to imagine herself, all alone, stuck where she is now, without her loving boyfriend, best friend, and her boyfriend’s tag-a-longs (they could have stayed). But even with them here, she still felt more alone than ever. It had been three weeks since the initial lockdown announcement and they still had no news from Dumbledore or frankly, any Witch or Wizard from Europe. They had no news (apparently, all international Owls were not allowed to deliver the Prophet or anything else), no education (half of the witches and wizards they were living with hadn’t had a full education) and no sense of home (what were their families thinking?) Family Lily told herself. The family that could care less right now. Jacob is probably cashing in on mums money now anyway and Petunia could care less if I was on cloud nine or rotting in a bottomless pit of Hell.

She was now passing the schools doorway as she heard the warning bell ring. Lily quickly awoke from her thoughts as she collided with another student. Her books went flying in the hallway and plummeted to the floor. She looked around and also saw a familiar face on the ground, getting her own things. Caroline Davis was now grabbing what looked like a one-page paper, two pens, a cell phone, and a pack of cigarettes. Caroline had her hair the same way, straight – short and blonde. Her plain blue eyes still looked the same, full of darkness and regret; like her eyes were leading to a pool of depression. She was wearing a simple Bruce Springsteen t-shirt that read ‘BORN TO RUN’ and some old faded out jeans. She picked up her books, and began to run off as Lily finished getting her books off the floor. Then she noticed it, it was a lighter. Goes with the cigarettes Lily told herself. She picked it up and shouted out ‘HEY! YOU FORGOT SOMETHING!”

Many people turned around and stared at Lily as she held the lighter up in the air for plain sight. A couple of people began to whisper and others began to laugh as Caroline made her way back to Lily. She snatched the lighter from her hands and went, “Well. This isn’t something to be proud of.”

“But it’s yours” Lily replied weakly.

Caroline looked at the lighter and twisted it between her fingers and then looked up at Lily. She began to form a rare smile and lowered her eyes at Lily and then said, “Yeah, I guess it is.”

Caroline began to walk away as Lily softly added, “I heard they’re bad for you.”

She quickly turned around, clearly tired of this little game and snarled at her.

“Bite me”

~~~~~

“And then she goes, “Bite me”. I mean honestly! ‘Bite me’!? Who says that?” Lily asked flabbergasted as she sat next to Rick in English that morning.

When Lily had arrived late for class (“I don’t accept tardiness Miss Evans”), and sat down next to Rick (“Where’ve you been?”), she quickly explained what had happened in the hallway with Caroline .

Benny, who clearly had been eavesdropping (again), leaned over his desk (which was right behind Rick’s…lucky huh?) and whispered in Lilys ear, “I say that; but only on rare occasions. Can you guess who I mention those two words too?”

“The opposite sex?” Lily said annoyed as she turned to face Benny.
“Close, the hot and attractive opposite sex.” Benny replied before he smirked gently and added, “Have I mentioned how sexy you look today? Lucky your boyfriends not here – don’t want a repeat of last week do we?”

“Mr. Binghimton! Get back to work with your assigned partner before I need to move you to Detention.” The crisp voice of Miss Spurack sounded.

Benny quickly turned around to see his partner; dirty blonde hair, braces, pigtails, glasses and old fashioned clothing watching him intently. Benny cleared his voice and said, “No offense, but I don’t mind the detention.”

Miss Spurack looked very unamused as they class roared in laughter. She eyed him carefully and then replied, “Well Mr. Binghimton; how about this offer? Detention for two weeks, a phone call to your father and an extra report due after your detentions are finished?”

Benny then shivered in fear – Miss Spurack had made her point. He sat down and took out his notebook and a pen (shocking he had one) and mumbled something quietly.

“What was that?” Miss Spurack announced.
“I am ready to work with ……” Benny began but drowned off as he turned to the girl and whispered, “What’s your name again?”

The girl simply whispered “Erika” before Benny went back and said, “With Eureka here!”

“My name is Erika” Erika replied.
“Think I care?” Benny challenged.
“No” the girl mumbled as she shrank into her desk.
“Exactly, now don’t just sit there. You have a project to finish.” Benny added as he pulled out a Twinkie and helped himself.


Hours later, James and Remus were performing their lookout. Remus had taken Sirius’ spot for the night due to a physical education accident. They were walking down the block, wands in their sweat shirt pockets as they inspected the area.

“So what really happened to Padfoot?” Remus asked James.
“Well, in Gym; they were playing some muggle sport called Lacrosse. And you use sticks with nets at the end and catch a little ball. And you have to toss it and catch it and make a goal. Kind of like Quidditch. Well Padfoot and I, being the amazing men we are, chose each other as team captains.” James explained.
“But you guys had no idea on how to play the sport! How idiotic are you to actually be the leader of a sport you never heard of?” Remus asked shocked.
“Not the point Moony. So, Sirius was going to catch the ball and kind of tripped on his shoelace and fell. So, he missed catching the ball, but it was- I think a tennis ball? So it bounced. And it hit poor Padfoot where his gems are hidden.” James said as he finished off laughing hysterically.
“I still don’t get why you had to make yourself look so important Prongs.” Remus replied as they continued to walk down the street.

They passed a dark alleyway as it got quiet. The wind was blowing gently as a trash can fell over. They jumped a little, but shook it off as they continued to walk.

“Lily was there….” James began.

Remus stopped. He looked at his friend slowly. He still liked her? Even after his best friend was going out with her? But he slowly could see it. The passion, the fire in his eyes that blaze for her. How he always checked on her first when someone got hurt, even before himself. How he always tried to make her laugh when she was sad. And here he was, he was here to make her feel better after losing her mother.

“Sorry Moony. I’m trying – I really am. I know it’s hard for you. I just can’t seem to get her out of my head. And I’ve tried. But there seems to be no one else like her.” James whispered as he watched his feet interact with the sidewalk.
“I understand Prongs, I’m not mad. I’m…um…actually breaking up with her tonight.” Remus replied as he now bowed his head in shame.
“Moony…why?” James said looking up shocked.
“The war, this lockdown, she just lost her mum. Everything that’s going on. It doesn’t seem right.” Remus explained.
“Im sorry Moony.” James replied quietly.
“I’m not. It gives you another shot.” Remus said before giving a soft smile.

Later that night, Remus found Lily sitting in her room working on an essay for a class. He walked inside slowly and sat down next to her.

“Hey” he said.
“Oh hey, didn’t hear you come in” Lily smiled as she stopped working.
“Yeah, I have to talk to you.” Remus said as he began to twiddle his thumbs.
“Oh okay.” Lily said closing one of her books.
“I think you are really something special. I really do. You are smart, beautiful, careful, nurturing, sweet and kind. But with everything that’s going on…”
“You think it would be better if we went our separate ways?” Lily finished.
“Yeah” Remus finished lamely.
“I understand.” Lily said.
“I hope I didn’t hurt you or anything, it’s just that with the war and the lockdown…”
“I really understand Remus. Now, please, I have some work to do.” Lily said as she opened her book once more.

~~~
Once again, props to my best friend MIchelle for Benny scomments!!! Please review - leave feedback

Lizzie<333

Warning! Some language may be unacceptable for those under 13. It's not that bad, but it's a warning, none the less.

23

Once Stephanie had heard about Remus & Lily’s breakup – she immediately ran upstairs bringing her “Forget about the guy, he’s a dushbag” kit. The infamous kit contained; six bars of chocolate (“chocolate makes everything better”), three magazines(“you didn’t have these editions?”), two pints of ice cream(vanilla & chocolate chip), a punching bag(“place the guys picture on it – and you’re good to go”), bag of makeup(“for us to joke around with”), camera(“to take pictures after we joke with the makeup), hilarious photo albums(“who doesn’t love a laugh?) and more. She gave Lily the “Don’t feel bad – He’s the one who got the larger lost” speech as Lily ate a chocolate bar silently.

They spent the night watching old movies as the boys joined their other roommates down for their weekly meeting. Stephanie brought Lily’s spirits back up and by the time Lily fell asleep she was much better. Stephanie and her h ad finished their assignments for the night and were ready to head back to school of Monday.

Monday morning arrived and their seemed to be no awkwardness between Lily and Remus. Lily chatted with everyone as if everything was normal and Remus continued to read a book while he ate his breakfast. James tried to keep his wide smile hidden by his bagel but couldn’t help but smirk when Lily would slide away from Remus and closer to him. All of them quietly got their bags together before taking off for classes.

Lily walked ahead of the group with Steph by her side both carrying their pink backpacks as James and Sirius followed behind them. James would easily trip over rocks, branches and … air and every time Lily would turn around and laugh as he regained his posture. Remus and Peter brought up the rear comparing notes for their test that day. They were almost at the school when they passed an army of trash bags when Lily heard a huge crash. She and Steph turned around to see James, sitting on top of a trash bag looking very angry & disgusted. The boys just stood there laughing as Lily stepped forward and reached her hand out to help him up. He grabbed it quickly, and felt the familiar warmth in his fingertips and got up on his feet.

“Thanks.” He smiled gratefully, picking the trash off his clothes.
“Just try not to trip over your abnormal sized head, okay?” joked Lily before walking off with Steph into the school yard.

James watched her walk off in a daze, with a small smirk playing across his lips when he felt his shoulder come in contact with a big hand. He turned to see Remus standing there snickering to himself about the situation. James just stood there, waiting for him to finish laughing, and sent desperate looks at Sirius as he and Peter walked inside.

"Moony? Whats - what’s so funny?" asked James timidly trying to regain the use of his shoulder.
"Well, number one, you fell in garbage. Usually Padfoot would do that - but you did. Thought you were smarted than that. And number two, you look like such an idiot every time she carelessly flirts with you that it gets amusing after a while." smirked Remus as he slowly let go of James, but continued to laugh.
"Oh shove it up your arse Moony," muttered James pushing his friend to the side. "She'll never flirt with me, not when she just broke up with you, so stop playing 'Hallucinate James'"

"Well Prongs, I'd like to tell you that we never really went out. It was more of snogging, and snogging, a touch or two or three..." all of a sudden Remus stopped and cleared his throat before James could murder him with glares. "Well yes, I was technically a re-bound, a play boy if you will, someone to hold her to get over her previous relationship. This, if you recall, was that guy from the play. So, relax." (Authors note: Of course their relationship didn’t mean anything, Remus is GINNY'S [not Weasley – Ginny_Hermione])

“You’re crazy – I’m not setting myself up for this. I’m not, I’m not, I’m not,” repeated James over and over as he and Remus walked inside to their lockers. They removed their books for the morning before hanging their coats up. Lily, Steph, Sirius and Peter showed up a few moments later carrying their books, before they all went their separate ways.

~*~*~

Lily walked into her first class and smiled when she saw Rick standing near April trying to flirt with her but was really stammering while complimenting her and rubbing his arms and watching the floor. Lily shook her head with laughter as he failed to put one hand on her desk and lean in to her, but really pushed her books off the side of her desk. He, as if in a panic, dropped to the floor and picked up her books, placed them on her desk and scampered off to his desk before April could say anything.

He ran to his desk , right in front of Lily’s, and quickly sat down and busied himself with a piece of paper and a ball point pen. Lily quietly sat down behind him before leaning over, careful not to brush her hair into his shoulder, and watched him doodle.

‘He’s horrible,’ thought Lily as she watched him fail to make a person, before settling for a stick figured. ‘But he does have a talent for stick figures,’ She leaned a little closer to his ear before stating, “Well, someone’s a little jumpy today, eh?”

Rick jumped in his seat, placing his right hand over his chest before swirling around to glare at Lily. She smirked and just pointed her index finger over to where April’s hair was just flipping around so she was now facing the window.

“We like April, don’t we?” teased Lily poking Rick’s shoulder as he glared.
“We’ll Lily, if you swing both ways then I guess so,” replied Rick still glaring at her.
“A ha ha. You know what I meant,” said Lily as she stopped poking him.
“Are you sure? It could mean different things, might make some people worry and think…” but Rick never finished since Lily silenced him by putting her hand over his mouth.
“People thinking, what a dangerous thought, don’t cha think? And you know what I meant so don’t even go there.” Added Lily in an afterthought before the bell rang and their teacher began their lecture.

~*~*~
“And you’re sure you’re over her?” pestered James for the fifth time.
Remus turned around to face James, again, before sighing and rolling his eyes. “Yes James, I no longer have any romantic interest in the Lily Evans you speak of.” He then turned around once again and returned to his assigned reading quietly. He then felt a tap on his shoulder.
“James, what a surprise!” sarcastically spoke Remus, smirking. “Something you need to discuss with me?”
“Actually, yes my good man. How can you be over her?! She’s…she’s…she’s…,” stuttered James trying to finish his sentence.
“A girl, a female, a woman, a person…” added Remus, who smirked at his friends dumb expression.
“…a goddess!” finished James, sighing to himself before letting a sloppy grin stretch across his face. His eyes went catatonic and let his hands fall to his sides and went still.
“Oh for the love of Merlin.” remarked Remus quietly. He quickly took his right hand and snapped his fingers together, in front of James’ face. James’ face remained still. Remus, looked at James weirdly, and then cautiously slapped his face. That got him.
“What was that for Moony?” questioned James as his face changed to a glare.
“So sorry, my dear pal, but I feel it is necessary to bring someone back before they destroy one of the schools copies of ‘Macbeth’ with their drool.” Replied Remus, smirking as James’ face grew a horrified expression.
“No one saw that right? Just because we’re not home doesn’t mean I don’t care about my appearance. Wow, that was really cocky. Sorry Moony. But, I mean, it’s kind of embarrassing if a guy is caught drooling, right? Oh don’t give me that face,” added James as he watched Remus scowl. “Anyways how can you be over Lily…its Lily! I mean, come on!” finished James before Remus laughed. And laughed and laughed. Oh, then he laughed some more.
“Do you, like, not want me to be over her? Because if that’s what you want, I’ll just go make up with her, it’s no problem at all. She is an amazing kisser, but you wouldn’t know. Sorry, but you’re right. Why did I break up with her? Thanks for helping me buddy, I’ll go ask her to forgive me at lunch,” said Remus. He turned around after hiding his smile when James’ face turned into a huge red blotch. His eyebrows rose and his eyes glared into Remus’ back. He sat up more and watched Remus like an animal does with its prey.
Remus felt another tap on his shoulder. He spun around, and smirked as James’ eyes narrowed on him. “Now, I don’t want to tell you what to do. But there is no way in Merlin that you are going out with her again. She might like me, Merlin help me if she does, and I don’t want to lose my chance.” finished James, looking ashamed with himself.
“I know, I was just pulling your leg, no, not literally. I’m not going to go out with Lily again. We’ve been over this James. I was a rebound – and I was lonely. It fit us well. No strings attached.” added Remus as he watched James become more relaxed.
“Yeah, yeah. Well, I, ugh. I really want her. I…I want to be able to make her smile in the morning, just because she sees me. I want to be able to smile at her and have her smile at me in return. I want to be able to walk next to her in the corridors and make her laugh. I want to say goodnight and be told such in return. I want to be able to hug her, and feel her hug me back. I want to be able to hold her hand and not have it pulled away. I want to kiss her and let her lips connect with mine in pleasure and I want to ….”
“Mr. Potter if you don’t refrain yourself from speaking I will be left with no choice but to remove you from this classroom.” spoke Ms. Jordan as she tapped her desk with a wood ruler.
~*~*~
The bell rang hours later signaling the beginning of lunch for most students. Lily, Steph and James walked towards the lockers, as usual, in a buzz of enthusiasm discussing high school gossip. In those months, life had changed for them. They no longer felt the need to use magic for everything, which suited them well in this environment. Remus and Sirius joined the trio shortly with their brown bag lunches whilst Peter ran ahead to get an early jump on the food line.
“Well, I heard it’s supposed to be at least five inches long. Well, that’s what Catherine told me.” said Lily as she fiddled with the lock.
“No, Kathy told me it was 7.5 inches. Get your stories straight girl!” laughed Steph as she opened her locker and placed her Science textbook inside.
“What are you girls talking about? There are some virgin ears in this school,” remarked Sirius covering Remus’ ears.
“What are you talking about Sirius? There is nothing wrong in this at all.” replied Steph as she took out her Musical Studies binder.
“Well, for one thing, I know for sure.” said Lily as she swung her locker closed. She leaned against the hall of lockers and smirked before replying, “I want it to be thick and extra long.”
“To keep you up all night?” inquired Steph as she closed her locker as well.
“And the next day, too.” added Lily in an afterthought.
“Lily, I know there is something wrong with my brain, but really, but who took your cookie crisp?” asked James, smirking to himself.
“Cookie Crisp? Don’t you mean my Trix Yogurt? Stupid rabbit,” added Remus.
“Whatever, all I’m saying, is you two sound really sick.” finished James, looking actually worried.
“Oh my lord, you think we are being perverted? We are simply talking about the new Stephan King novel, perverts.” finished Steph, looking stunned as she then began to laugh.
“Oh wow, just…wow,” said Remus as he removed Sirius’ hands from his ears.
“Alright, um, let’s go meet Peter? Shall we?” laughed Sirius as he clapped James on the back.

James smiled and playfully shoved Sirius forward. Remus and Sirius started walking off but quickly turned around and ran back to the girls.

“And what do you think you’re doing? Go hang with your buddies,” said Lily, shooing him away.
“Ah but that’s no good. I need to keep building my rep,” smiled James as he offered to take some of Lily’s books.
“And how are you going to do that?” asked Steph, raising one of her eyebrows interested.
“By walking with two of the most gorgeous girls in this school.” replied James as he cautiously put one arm around Lily’s shoulders.
“Now tell me, is that supposed to work on everyone – or just Lily?” asked Steph smirking when she saw Lily turn beet red.
“Depends, is it working on Lily?” asked James, smiling since Lily hadn’t pulled away yet.
“I’m not sure – some days it does, some days it just doesn’t.” replied Steph.
“Well, how about we ask Lily? Since she is right here by the way.” Lily said joining in.
“What a good idea! Oh, shoot, I left my extra money in my locker for lunch. I’ll meet you guys at the usually spot.” said Steph. Without giving anyone time to respond, she bolted down the hallway.

Steph turned the hallway and opened her locker, and quickly reached in for her change purse. She grabbed it, pulled it out and quietly slipped it into her back pocket. Steph silently closed her locker and then heard someone. Swiftly, she continued down the hallway, careful to only breathe every few moments. She walked past a classroom, and heard the source of the chatter. It was a familiar voice. She was sure she’d talked to the person before…
She opened the door to see Rick and April sitting at one of the biochemistry tables eating their lunch, chatting quietly. Steph knocked on the door and smiled, “What are you two doing in here?” she asked, curiously.
“Rick invited me to spend lunch with him in his VIP room – it’s quite lovely, don’t cha think?” replied April, in a sing-song voice full of excitement.
“VIP room, Rick? I didn’t get the memo.” responded Steph, looking hurt.
“She’s the first one – you’re on the list, don’t worry.” replied Rick, flashing a worried smile.
“Oh, I’m sure. Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone about this new ‘hot spot’.” finished Steph, before she turned to walk out the door.

It was blocked.

~~~~
LET THE DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYY!
Now, if you like me, click this -> yayyayay!!!
If not, boo on you!
If you are mad about the cliffie - *gets out big sign* - BLAME IT ON GINNY!!
[ seriously , she told me to post it like this]

PLEASE LEAVE ME SOMEE LOVEE!! or feedback. whatever works.
Lizzie<3

Warning! This chapter involved a lot of violence that is not suitable for children under the age of 13. Please read at your own risk.

This chapter was inspired months ago by the episode from the CWs 'One Tree Hill' episode of "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept"

"For the well organised mind, death is not but the next great adventure..." - Albus Dumbledore

24

Then the lights went pitch black.

The door was blocked by a person. A man? Woman? A creepy janitor? Whoever it was, stood in that doorway. Still. This person was quite still; maybe it knew someone has recognized its presence? Steph, feeling quite cold all of a sudden, turned her body back to face Rick and April. Unwilling, they too had noticed the change in the room, and began to sit stiller, trying to make themselves unknown. Maybe this person wasn’t going to cause danger? Maybe, it was just a fellow student. Or maybe it was just Lily, just Lily. Stephanie’s mind began to reel as she thought of the possibilities that this person wasn’t going to bring any harm. But, that person just got stiller. If possible. Like a silhouette, a thin contour line of black outlining this persons existence. If any of them blinked, she was sure this person could easily disappear. Unaware of what she could do, she stood back for a moment, only to find that the figure, moved forward, only by a quarter of an inch, but moved all the same. She decided, in that instant, three things she was certain of. First, this person was not going to walk away. Second, a part of her, and she did not know how much of that part, was sure that they were out to kill. And thirdly, she was not ready to die.

Steph turned back, again, to face the figure of the person, and decided to take a step forward. The person, as if they were in fear of being burned, jumped back, but still managed to come in contact with the floor without falling, or making any sound. She took another step forward, trying to discover where her voice box had ran off to, and watched again as the person stepped back. Maybe, if she kept stepping forward, this person would leave the room? Or, she would get close enough, to see their face through their sweatshirt? All risks, all choices that needed to be made, quickly.

Rick and April, too, began to stand and come near Steph. The three of them, together, outnumbered this person easily. If they wanted too, they could take the person down in a matter of a minute or so. But Steph continued to search for her voice, knowing she had to say something. Anything. ‘Stop?’ ‘What do you want to do?’ ‘Are you okay?’

Nothing came out of her lips though; she could easily form the words, and make that perfect ‘o’ shape, but no words responded. Rick and April stopped walking, in fear of getting to close? Maybe they wanted to run? But whatever it was, they stopped moving, and did nothing else. They did not turn back, did not step forward, and they just simply stood there. And so did the silhouette. It seemed to freeze, like a picture frame, and think about its actions. The previous and future.

“Hello?” said Steph, barely above a whisper, most likely unheard by anyone at all. “Hello?” repeated Steph, her voice growing louder and louder. She moved her body so it pivoted a full three hundred sixty degrees. She saw no silhouettes at all. Steph realized she was the only one in the room.

She was terrified - where could they have gone? She turned to her right to see a door wide open...probably where Rick & April escaped. She walked in that direction until she was outside the door frame. There, she saw the both of them sitting on the floor; her knees brought to their stomachs, and quickly hushed her when she came outside to join them.

She sat down, in the similar position, and became unnaturally silent. Minutes passed, them all just sitting and waiting for something to happen. April had snuggled into Rick's right shoulder, and even in the fear of the moment, he still managed to smile.

"Now what?" asked Steph, changing her position so she was now sitting pretzel-style.
"What do you mean?" replied April confused her face was etched with nervousness as her eyes continued to dart up and down the hallways.
"Well, we have a crazy lunatic on our tails, we don’t even know who this person is, and our friends are eventually going to get worried and search for us." replied Steph, trying to make some sense out of this mess.
"What friends, oh right, your friends." said Rick, moving just a tad so April's head now lay in his lap.
"What are you talking about, you surely have friends." counted Steph.
"Mhm, I don’t know where you’re from, but this isn’t like magic, where you can just make everything better with the wave of a wand," replied Rick, annoyed as he watched Steph, "or a cauldron, however that stuff works, if it does work anyway. Look, not everyone is lucky like you and gets friends."
"Oh come on, you're smart and have a good sense of humor. Why wouldn't you have friends?" asked Steph, easily confused but amused by his knowledge.
"Look, it's a long story not worth getting into. I'm lucky to have April now, I had a good friend. But, not all friends are for real." finished Rick.

He glanced down at April, who was dozing off with a content smile on her face. Steph gave a small smile as Rick looked at her, and gave her an approving nod.

"Do you mind, if I asked what happened?" questioned Steph.
"Yes, actually. I’ve made that mistake before."
"Oh shush, you know, for a nerd, you have some temper."
"See, that’s what’s wrong here. Stereo-types. Alright, you want to know what happened?" asked Rick, clearly getting annoyed by the second. "Bet you do, alright here it is, Caroline Davis - yeah her - she wasn’t always what you see today. I’ll tell you that."
"Five years ago, the beginning of junior high, she was a little nerd just like me." Steph's face grew confused, as if she had just seen a cat licking out of a toilet bowl, and her mouth gaped open.
"That's not possible. She’s...she's like the definition of punk & goth. I think her mood is darker than the night." replied Steph.

She was so confused, how could someone who is so dark and creepy used to be nerdy and weak? It didn’t add up...

"Exactly. She was my best friend. Ha, now that’s a laugh. But it’s the truth. I was the pea to her pod; she was the lemon to my juice. We were never apart. By junior high graduation, we were 'Most Likely to Succeed'. She wasnt at all dark; she was preppy and wore her hair in pigtails. Her hair was long, not short and choppy like it is now. Her eyes used to be full of warmth instead of the darkness that fills her pupils."
“Then…what happened? I mean, what made her change – I guess her views on life?”
“Life. Simple as that. Her father had passed away years ago and then her mother was reported for prostitution. She moved in with her aunt, and didn’t have as much time to study. Grades began to slip. My parents didn’t want me hanging out with her as much anymore, we began to drift apart. All these years’ she’s blamed me. Slowly, everyone else stopped wanting to be around her as well. She turned to drugs and alcohol. I tried to help her all these years, but I just couldn’t. Soon, we just stopped seeing each other. Years passed, and her physical appearance changed. She cut her hair, dyed it, and soon stopped caring. The Caroline Davis you know, is not the one I know…well, knew.” finished Rick.

Rick looked grim, as if a dark curtain had been pulled over his face as he remembered Caroline, in her younger years, happy and full of life. She truly had been a beautiful thing, her hair had been long and her eyes used to gleam with mischief in the most captivating way. ‘If things had been different, it might’ve been her with me right now and not April’ thought Rick silently as he used his fingers to brush April’s well combed hair. Steph let the information fill inside her and then resided back into the silence of the dark hallway. She looked at her brown watch, to see that lunch was pretty much over.

Would her friends go and search for her? Would anyone notice Rick & April were missing as well, or would they figure it was normal behavior and completely let them slip from their minds? And if they did search for them, would it be too late? What would they find? It seemed impossible that merely thirty minutes ago they were all safe and now, now they feared for their lives with confusion.

Something snapped.

Rick and Steph turned their bodies quickly in opposite directions to find where the sound came from. It sounded like an old test tube being crushed by a foot and it wasn’t a quick smash. It was a small, slowly growing sound as if this person was moving swiftly around the room they had fled. Steph quietly stood up and placed her right index finger to her lips, to shush Rick who was trying to move April so she could stay sleeping.

Rick moved so he was standing next to Steph, waiting for the mysterious person to make their way to the doorway. Self consciously, Steph reached inside her back pocket for her wand…but it wasn’t there. Of course! She had left it at the house that morning…oh bollocks. Slowly, the person came closer. And soon, the silhouette was close enough that they began to recognize her.

Her. It was her. Of course, it made sense. From the day Stephanie had met her, she had a feeling this one was bad. By the way she talked, walked and held herself together. All the drugs…her distinct coldness towards everyone... But she didn’t expect her to be this bad...

“Caroline?” asked Rick, as if he was in disbelief. But, could anyone blame him? Here, was his best friend, or used to be best friend, standing right there.

There. And yet there she stood. Standing, with a mix of fury and a glint of remorse hidden on her face that could only show her pain. She was hidden by her black baggy sweatshirt which had the inscribed initials of ‘C.D’ on the top right hand corner in a fancy script. Her faded out jeans were tight against her skin and her sneakers were filthy as if she had been sleeping in the gutters for months. Her hair was tied back into the smallest ponytail Stephanie had ever seen. She just stood. Confused. Upset. Angry.

“Im so relieved, I surely thought that you were someone else. And that you were going to hurt us,” spoke Rick, laughing to himself, and only himself, as if he found the situation funny.
“I don’t find it funny at all,” replied Caroline, her eyes moving swiftly across everyone’s faces, as if she was trying to determine what she was going to do.
“Oh come on, this is hilarious. Caroline we haven’t spoken in ages, how are you? We really should sit down for lunch one time..,” replied Rick, still laughing and was beginning to sit down next to April again.
“Exactly, we haven’t seen each other in years. You decided that since I was going through problems that I was not good enough for you to be around. Well, you see, I decided that Im too good for you. At least, I can come out of my shell and change. You are the same person you were five years ago,” expressed Caroline, waving her left hand in the air, her right hand remaining inside her sweatshirts front pocket. It seemed like she was clutching something dearly.
“Well Caroline, I’d like to say you are the same person you were five years ago, but sadly you have changed your ways. Do you realize how much damage you are doing to your body? Those are poisonous chemicals that you are letting infiltrate your body and destroy you from the inside out! And also, for the record,” spluttered Rick, standing up again, as he stood up again and moved past Steph, to come face to face with Caroline.
“Back away Rick. Trust me on this one, just back away,” stated Caroline, her eyes growing darker as her eyebrows clashed together to form a face of incredible anger. It looked like she was standing taller, like a giant who held immense power over everyone. She watched Rick step back a few paces, his own facial expressions changing from humor to confusion and worry.

“What’s going on Caroline? You smell like you’ve been drinking..,” whispered Rick before he traveled off, his eyes following Caroline’s feet to where a numerous amount of broken bottles lay inside the lab room, disheveled across the floor.

Rick pushed pass Caroline and made his way back into the dark room, and flicked every light switch on. The light blazed through the room and the bottles Rick thought he saw, nearly doubled which worried him incredibly. He picked up the broken bottles carefully, and disposed them in trash cans. One by one, he threw them out and one by one Caroline took one step closer to April…

Steph, who had followed Rick into the room, stared and let her brain process the view. She’s been drinking… Steph felt a reminder, like she was supposed to remember to do this, and turned around to watch Caroline remove her right hand from her sweatshirt pouch. Gun, she brought out a small gun. Gun. Guns used to kill people. Gun. A gun, being brought to April’s chest.

Caroline froze. Her hand swerved around, the gun moving with her. Seconds later, she was able to stop. She turned back to face Rick, who had been grabbed and moved by Steph, and smiled grimly.

“So this is my replacement? Her? That’s the best you could do?” shouted Caroline, her hood falling off her small head as she turned around back to position the gun. “This is probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life, but you let me go. So now, I’m going to help you let someone else go.”

Fire. Gun Fire. The sound of the bullet colliding with April’s slowly rising chest. Dead. April’s corpse fell and there was no more movement from her. Still. So still, and yet the blood continued to flow. A small clot was making its way down her useless arm and onto the floor.

Shock. Shocked sketched across Steph & Rick’s face. Murder. Murder committed in front of their own eyes. Shock. The shock did not seem to leave them at once. Their eyes had gone wide, and they had ran forward as Caroline stood back. With a glint of a grimace, she smiled. She swerved. Caroline watched from afar as Rick began to tremble, as he pulled April’s corpse closed to him, forgetting all about the blood issuing from her chest. Tears. Tears began to fall from both of their pupils as Steph walked over to him. She helped him off the floor and they both lay April on the other side of the hallway.

They both stood and turned to face Caroline, ready to figure out the meaning of all of this. But she had different plans, when Rick turned around, his forehead immediately clashed with the tip of the gun. He stumbled a little bit, but regained his balance to still find himself face to face with the trigger.

“Time for you to go. You didn’t think I was going to leave her all alone now did you? And of course, Stephanie will enjoy joining the party,” snickered Caroline, moving the tip of the gun to face Stephanie’s and Rick’s forehead.
“You already took someone’s life; killing an additional two is not going to help,” argued Steph, who was still enraged by the entire situation at hand.
“Make that three since I shall be finishing myself off after this whole scene,” responded Caroline, turning the back onto Rick, the tears still leaking from his eyes.
“And what about our families? You do this and you are really taking more than four lives,” remarked Stephanie, trying to imagine what would happen if she lost her life today.

Hogwarts? Lily? Her family? What would happen with everything…?

“Look, I know Im not well. Personally, you should be blessed Im bringing you guys along for company so to say,” finished Caroline. “So, who’s first?” asked Caroline, holding the gun with both hands as she stood straddled in the hallway. She looked at the both of them, with the worry and despair etched across their faces.

Choice. Surely, life was full of choices. The ones we make are the ones that affect us for the rest of our life. Choice & Chance. That’s how life works. Maybe there was a chance to save one of them? Or maybe, they were both doomed to say goodbye to the world and head on before things got worse? Choice. They had a choice. She had a choice. And it needed to be made soon, or they both may run the chance of losing themselves without a chance of survival. Choice. Chance. Choices.

Steph’s mind began to filter through everything she knew and everything that could possibly help her at all. Her life and memories began to appear in flashes. Hogwarts. Meeting Lily. Kissing Sirius. Life and choice.

‘Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both, And be one traveler, long I stood, And looked down one as far as I could’ recited her brain, her favorite poem to date.

Choice.

Maybe, she should give herself up? But at the price of making sure Caroline let Rick live? He deserved to live; he had such a bright and brilliant future ahead of him. He is so smart and polite; it would be a shame to waste his life.

‘…Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.’

But, her life was worth just as much. What would it be like without Lily and James? Remus & Sirius. Sirius, what would happen to Sirius if she never left this hallway with a soul? Hogwarts…what would happen at school. Her mother and father would be destroyed…

Choice.

A choice had to be made. Steph glanced over at Rick to see what he had been doing in these silent moments. There he stood, as if he was processing his own brain to figure out what would be the right thing to do.

Maybe they should just go together? Knowing that whatever came next, they would not be alone, and that one of them would not have to deal with the guilt for their lifetime.

Decision. Decision made. Steph had made her decision, if it was the right one was something totally different…

~*~*~*~

One Hour Before

Lily watched Steph walk back down the hallway back to their lockers. Sighing, she turned around to face James, who was still smirking his famous grin. Suddenly, she realized James had his arm right around her shoulders comfortably. And it felt…right? Like how after a long day a person slips into a warm bath and feels their muscles relax. She smiled up at him, before reaching out to grasp the hand that lay over her shoulder. Confidently, she let her small fingers overlap his large ones and pieced the two together like a lost puzzle piece.

James looked down at her fingers intertwined with his own and let a large smile break out. He looked down at Lily, since he was much taller than her, and felt himself swell with happiness when Lily returned his wide smile. He continued to gaze down at her with her flaming red hair pulled back into a careless ponytail. Her sparkling eyes shimmering with delight as they began to walk down the halls to the lunch room.

Lily casually began to lean into him, causing another grin and a groan inside his mind before he pulled her over to the side. He pushed her up against the wall and stared into her eyes once more. After a few moments, he placed her down and ran a hand through his messy hair.

"Lily...I-I've waited for you for so long, I was an idiot, a complete idiot. I made a lot of mistakes and back then, well I didn't have my head pulled on straight. I-I want this so much. Us, together. But, I can’t stand being a rebound..," James traveled off as he watched Lily's eyes widen in a panic. She shook her head firmly and raised her right hand to his right cheek.

She pulled his face down, closer to him. Close enough to be able to recognize the flecks of blue in his golden hazel eyes. She watched him, waiting, to see if he'd say anything at all.

"You're not," replied Lily, and then brought him down even closer so that her small, petite lips could barely brush his larger and rounder mouth.

Lust. James immediately wound his long arms around Lily’s torso and brought her straight to him. He let his right hand make its way up her back so that it rest on the back of her neck, a few fingers trailing into her flaming hair. She met his demands and let her hands cup his cheeks before intertwining at the back of his neck, playing with the small amount of hair that lay there. James began to go and deepen it further, crushing his lips even more to hers as if he was afraid he would lose the taste. Oh he had waited for this…all those years…

“..Lily?” a voice broke through the muffled voices to interrupt their pre-occupied moment.

Apart. They broke apart and James was ready to hex, muggle or not, whoever had just interrupted his, last three minutes of bliss, as James checked his watch. He swiveled around to face Remus, looking wide-eyed in the face.

‘Oh bollocks,’ thought James, who was still holding onto Lily’s waist rather protectively.
“Remus, I-I’m sorry…if you’re not..,” began Lily, stuttering as her face expressed a bird that just flew through a window.
“No, it’s nothing. I didn’t think Prongs would make a move so quickly is all,” replied Remus pleasantly, leaning against a wall.
“So, Moony, what’s your point of interrupting such loveliness?” inquired James, as he tried to give his friend a look that meant ‘get out of here’
“Padfoot was looking for you, and I thought it would be better if I discovered such scene and not him,” finished Remus, before he turned around and headed down the hallway before re-entering the cafeteria.

Relief. Lily let a wave of relief flash over her face as she turned back to James who was also showing signs of contentment. She smiled at him and let her hand reach forward to combine with his. James smiled back fondly, since Remus was now gone and Lily had just snogged him, and reached his hand towards Lily to help her rise from the floor.

Lily stood after James and after he wrapped his arm securely, around her waist they began to depart for the cafeteria. Every couple of seconds they would look up or down at each other just to give a quick smile in happiness. The two of them were about to walk into the cafeteria when they heard the shot.

Shot. Gun shot.

~*~*~*~

“Can’t decide? Good thing I’m excellent at making choices,” snickered Caroline, as she placed the gun at her side.
“So…you’ll let us go and we’ll only have to deal with one death, right?” asked Rick, he was stuttering and moving back before his legs backed into April’s dead arms that were strewn across the floor.
“Of yeah, of course. Not. Time to go Rick,” concluded Caroline, raising the gun once more.

‘I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence’ memorized Steph, walking a little more closer to Rick…

Caroline raised the gun and pointed it at Rick’s forehead. He froze. He seemed to know it was the end, even before it wasn’t… The end. It was fixated in that one position and Rick stood there as if he was accepting the truth.

And In an instant, James and Lily ran down so the were at the entrance of the hallway. Lily froze and latched onto James’ arm as Steph turned around to face her, with sadness and a hint of regret filling her emotions.

‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by,’

Caroline pulled the trigger. And Stephanie leaped at the same time. Then, Lily screamed.

And before Stephanie let the bullet hit her chest, she tried to remember the smile on Sirius’ face & Lily, how many memories filled her mind of Lily finishing Steph’s favorite poem for her aghast at how many times a person could say one line,

“And that has made all the difference.”

Ground. She hit the ground and Lily began to run faster than she ever had before, grabbing her wand out of her pocket, and waved her wand before James grabbed her hand and forced it down.

“It won’t do any good,” he muttered as he held her close to him.

Rick glared at Caroline, and before he could even speak, she finished him off too. Shot right through the head. He fell and collapsed on top of Steph, and the both of them had blood spilling out of their corpses.

Caroline sighed, and let her shoulders hunch in relief. Her fingers felt numb from pulling the trigger thrice and looked over to see Lily sobbing on James, and James looking murderous as Caroline brought the gun to her own head and pulled the trigger on herself.

Death.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"When I die, let the ones who love me not grieve, not mourn, and not cry, but know that I will always be in their hearts and minds." - Ginny_Hermione.

Credit to Robert Frost for his fabulous poem, "The Road Not Taken"

Feedback???

I know this was sad, but this will help begin the sequel. 'Return of the Universe' is in the works!

Lizzie<3

I think we all know everything in italics are memories, but if you get confused please refer to the previous chapter since all memories start off exactly where we left off with each character. Enjoy, its about 20 pages on Word!

25

Four wooden crosses shining in the sun. Four wooden crosses to remember the four who lost their lives a week ago… Four wooden crosses that would remain forever above the surface. But four people who would remain under the soil in separate cemeteries of someone else’s choosing.

Lily stood as still as a porcelain doll, watching the four wooden crosses be dug into the small patch of dirt. The memorial. The memorial built just for Steph, Rick, April & Caroline. The memorial entailed four wooden crosses with four different names imprinted on them, surrounded by gorgeous rocks and flowers. Four wooden crosses. The flowers lay in front of the crosses, as if they were supposed to make it look beautiful.

But what was beautiful about death? Life that was taken from them… Steph, Rick & April’s life was taken from them. Caroline made the decision to leave herself… three of the four did not want to go. Four wooden crosses.

Lily stood back, watching Steph’s parents use a shovel to secure their daughters remembrance in place. How was she supposed to look at them? If she had been three minutes early…if she wasn’t enjoying her own life…if she wasn’t kissing James… Why didn’t she notice Steph never came back? Their locker wasn’t exactly far from the lunch room. Why didn’t she realize Caroline wasn’t sitting in her usual position near the back door, where she snuck out to grab a quick smoke before the period ended…

Why didn’t she notice? Why didn’t anyone notice? Anyone? Well, doesn’t that make sense? No one really seemed to notice Caroline before…isn’t that what led her to that decision? To take her own life and bring down those who like her weren’t acknowledged?

Everyone seemed to notice now. Now, after it was too late. Lily peered around to see nearly the entire student body standing behind her, their faces hung with depression and shame. Everyone noticed who they were now. But isn’t it always too late, when everyone begins to care?

Lily turned back again, to face the four crosses and saw Rick’s grandparents walk up to the memorial. His grandfather placed his hand on the back of his wife to help her lift the shovel. She lifted the shovel and let it fall on the tip of the cross. Tap. Rick’s cross fell more into Earth, and the process was done a couple more times before his grandparents stepped back. His grandmother walked to the front and placed rosemary around the front so the Virgin Mary dangled right beneath his inscribed name… His grandfather held back but placed his hand on the edge of the cross, like he would pat Rick on the shoulder, and let his hand run off the side…

His grandmother leaned forward and kissed the top of the cross, and let the tears fall from her wrinkled eyes. She reached forward and Lily could barely make out her whisper … or was it a plea?

“Promise me you’re doing better up there than down here..,” murmured the grandmother; she stood and walked back into her husband’s arms and secured his arms around her waist and gave her a kiss on the cheek as they tears continued to fall from her eyes…

Lily turned to James, who was watching the scene just as intently as Lily had been. He stood in his best suit with his hair still ruffled but a lot less life-like than usual. His glasses were highly perched on his nose as he bent his face forward when April’s parents finished her cross and walked back to join Rick’s grandparents.

~*~*~*~

Lily ran down the hallway and slid on her knees when she got to Steph’s body. She grabbed her wand from her back pocket and pointed it at her chest, “Enervate!” she screamed. And when nothing changed she screamed again, “Enervate! Enervate! Enervate! Wake up Steph!”

She threw her wand on the ground and clutched Steph’s wrists, hoping to find some kind of pulse...some kind of sign she was still with her…some kind of sign that she was still alive.

Lily turned around to see James was gone. Where had he gone? Of all times for him to leave her, he leaves now?! Is he kidding?! She glared down at her lifeless friend and reached out once again, hoping it was all just a bad dream, and used her fingers to gently brush Steph’s pale cheeks. Her cheek was so cold, as if she had walked through a blizzard while frostbite was applied all over her body.

Lily reached back like she was shocked, before she carefully, maybe fearfully?, lifted Steph’s arms. When alive, it would have taken much effort to raise just her hand but in this case, her arms were as heavy as a pinch of sand. Lily took her arms and moved them so the elbows were pointing away and downwards. The hands were displayed so they met at the stomach and Lily made it so they overlapped, like a person would be poised at a wake.

After doing so, Lily let out a large sigh of grief as her eyelids continued to leak with tears. She kept crying gently as she recognized what she needed was help. Muggle doctors could surely do almost anything, right? Maybe if she called out now, at least one of them could have a chance at savour?

“Help!” screamed Lily, her lungs has never taken in so much air for such a shrill. “Help! Please!” She screamed again and Lily began to stand as she wiped her eyes. She walked backwards, away from the scene, shaking her head in disbelief. They truly were gone – and there was nothing she could do about it. But, would anyone come? Could anyone hear her?

Suddenly, she heard footsteps. Running footsteps moving so quickly they sounded like a stampede of Rhinos. Thud, thud, thud, thud. Over and over again the feet pounded into the hard floor. Lily turned in the other direction to see James running back to her with Remus in tow. Behind Remus were teachers who all stood with their mouths agape at the scene. She ran into James’ arm and started crying again, letting the tears fall ever faster. She felt herself fainting or blacking out…then the muffled speech…a pair of footsteps walking back away…and then she saw the paramedics.

She remembered nothing else.

~*~*~*~

Remus stared ahead as he tried to keep his head held high. He was so sure…and so wrong. He had been wrong, no one saw thing coming. Who could? Where was a person supposed to pick up on the chance an innocent student would commit murder on three people and then themselves? He looked over at Lily who was crying and knew he wanted to go be with her, just stand with her, comfort her. But he silently knew he couldn’t…things were just going right for James. When Lily decides to let him in then everything will be better. But of course, Remus didn’t blame Caroline, he really blamed the guy who sold the gun to her.

~*~*~*~

Remus turned back before walking into the cafeteria once more. He headed back towards his table at a natural pace, unaware of people beginning to stare at the entranceway in shock. Soon he realized such and recognized dozens of people gazing ahead as laughs quieted down and conversations were diminished. Remus, too, turned back around to see two beefy men stalk through the room before pointing at a kid to get up.

They wore dark suits with a tiny badge pinned to their corduroy jackets. The men’s scalps were hidden by blue caps that also had a pin that resembled the one on the jacket. The boy stood angrily…Benny? It was Benny? The men grabbed a hold of his arms and before he knew it, forced them into the back of his spine.

Some sort of medal was removed from one of the men’s belts and were fastened around Benny’s wrists. Benny…snarled? He surely looked angry Remus observed. The men led Benny outside the cafeteria… and then he was gone.

Remus looked around and everyone else was shocked. Then, one person got up from the table where Benny had been sitting, and ran outside the cafeteria. In a minute or so, the rest of the students were piling outside on the front lawn as Benny was placed inside a car with what looked like bars on the windows.

Bars on a person’s windows, what a ridiculous idea. He walked around the lawn as he carefully eavesdropped on people’s conversations…the ones that were relevant. He passed a group of cheerleaders and let himself keep at a distance but still able to pick up their chat.

“Well, I don’t know if he’s going to expect it all the time now…” whispered a girl.
“You’re going to have to talk to him about that…” replied another.

Remus withdrew and walked away shaking his heads trying to rid himself of the thoughts. Definitely not important. He continued to walk by people who seemed to be having total effortless conversations…

“We all knew his dad ran a gun store…” came one voice as Remus walked by.

Remus quickly backed up as he leaned down pretending to busy himself a with a shoe lace…

“Yeah, but who expected that?” came another voice in response.
“Who would he even sell it too anyway?” came a third voice sounding generally confused.
“No one knows, but it was definitely someone in this school. If a person is that desperate for attention then why don’t they go get help? Imagine if they shot someone…” came the original voice once more.
“What if they were going to use it on themselves, though?” said the second voice.
“I doubt it – a person can commit suicide with nearly anything, why a gun? Why did they need a gun?” replied the first voice once more.

Remus stood, clearly okay with the information he got from those boys and walked back inside the school. He seemed confident that Benny had been caught so nothing traumatic was sure to happen…

~*~*~*~

James glared at Remus who stood so far away from them. Couldn’t he see they all needed comfort at a time like this? The crosses had all been put into place and now teachers who knew the students very well stepped forward to speak. He couldn’t pay attention though as he watched Lily cry so openly, so heartbroken. He tried to imagine what it would have been if it had been someone else killed. How was she supposed to move on and live? Would he be able to do that if Sirius or Remus was taken from him? Why must death come so early to those who have so many opportunities?

He knew one thing though, a little bit of him died when the doctors pronounced Steph dead.

~*~*~*~

James had been running down the hallways for only moments when she was stopped by a teacher. He didn’t know who it was, but they knew something was wrong from the moment she saw his face. She brought him down to the principal who was sitting gracefully in his big swivel chair, reading over memos for the upcoming teachers meetings.

“Sir, a boy needs to speak with you,” spoke the teacher before leaving him alone to enter the room.

James walked inside and didn’t even bother to sit down…people were dying and adults were just sitting there! It was absolutely ridiculous!

“We’Well spit it out boy, I don’t have all day,” spoke the principal going through the memos.
“People are dying. Three students to be exact – possibly four,” replied James, the words coming out of his mouth so quickly he didn’t even realize how he spoke.
“What are you talking about?” asked the principal, looking at him and putting the memos down.
“A student had a gun, I believe. She shot three kids…they’re all down. She shot herself too. I left my friend waiting with the bodies…”
“Hold on boy,” cut off the principal, before dialing a few numbers on his fancy phone on top of his desk and then grabbed some form of walkie-talkie.
“Take me to them,” finished the principal, and walked out the door right behind James who began to run once more.

James was running, pushing students out of the way and ignoring all their comments. The principal followed him as fast as he could, before they reached the hallway. They stopped and stared as Lily finished adjusting Steph’s arms and hands.

The principal pushed the side button on his contraption and clearly stated, “Code 578. Code 694. Code 375. All administration not teaching at the moment please re-locate inside my office.” He placed the walkie-talkie inside his pocket and moved forward as Lily ran into James’ arms.

They stood there for a few minutes, none speaking due to the shock. The principal turned around when the paramedics arrived and began to speak quickly to inform them of … the incident.

Four paramedics walked over to one person, examining the body, searching for a pulse or chance of survival. And…group by group, would look up at them and see their faces painted with guilt and remorse before stating, “Dead.”

Stephanie was the last to be examined for she was being examined the longest amount of time. The paramedics thought they found something, and when they quickly lost it, they all knew. They turned to face Lily, her eyes puffy & red, hyperventilating as James held her close to his chest.

“I’m sorry, but she’s dead.”

Heartbreak comes in many forms. A person can break a heart by rejecting them. A person can never love another. A person can leave them for other reasons. But the heartbreak of someone leaving them and not being able to come back hurts the most, especially when someone took them from you.

~*~*~*~

Remus stood outside the cafeteria while everyone sorted in and out after watching Benny get taken away. He leaned against the wall, like he always does, and continued to understand the situation as students walked by. It all made sense of course.

Benny’s father ran a gun shop, and sold many of the more powerful guns illegally. Business was doing bad and his father wanted to get Benny involved in the family business so he let him begin selling as well. A student came to him knowing of his father’s status and he was more than ready to make his first sale…

It made complete sense! That’s who they overheard that night after Sirius got hurt in gym! It was Benny and his customer … whoever that was. And that conversation … he knew all along! And he made sure some people were not getting hurt … did anyone get hurt? He sure hadn’t heard anything…

Where were James and Lily? He had left them twenty minutes ago … it doesn’t take that long to get together. Do they really need an extra twenty minutes to snog happily? Was it even possible?! Wait…where was Steph? She never showed up and she wasn’t with them when he found them… But, she’s got to be okay. She probably just went to get some work done or talk to a teacher… Yeah that’s it.

Remus saw James running down the hall to him and he was clearly out of breath. And tearing? James doesn’t cry though. He ran up to him and quickly wiped his brow with his hand once he stopped. James’ face was glistening with sweat and he wheezed for a few moments while Remus patted him on the shoulder.

“You okay, Prongs?” asked Remus, patting James on the shoulder once more.
“No, not exactly,” replied James, regaining his balance.
“Well that wasn’t what I expected,”
“There’s a lot you wouldn’t expect at this point,”
“What are you talking about?”
“Look Moony, I have to tell you something…”
“Me too! Did you hear about Benny?!”
“… about Steph. Wait, what happened to Benny?”
“He sold a gun to someone, I just saw him get taken away by the police.”
“Police?”
“Law enforcement,”
“And that is..,?”
“The people who punish you when you do bad things,”
“Ohhhh,”
“Yeah, his father got caught too. Benny was the guy we overheard that night!”
“That’s crazy Moony, so Caroline was the other person then.”
“How do you know it was Caroline?”

James stopped, as if he realized he should have thought before he spoke, and then stared forward. His eyes filled with grief when he realized he had to tell him.

“Caroline had the gun with her today. Remus, something happened.”

Remus face became cloudy as if he was going into a dreamy state of denial.

“No, no, no. There’s no way something happened James,” his eyes were pleading with him, to tell him that he was wrong.

“I can’t Remus. Four people are dead,”
“Who? Who killed them?”
“Caroline did, hence the weapon.”

Remus’ face grew angry and stared at his friend before responding in a fierce voice, “And who’s … gone?”

“April and Rick. April first, then Rick; that’s what the doctors are saying at least.”
“And who else James?” his voice was cracking, as if he knew there was something worse about to be said. As if he could have predicted the next few moments.
“She’s dead, Remus. Steph’s … she died. Caroline killed her, right before she killed Rick and then Caroline killed herself. We saw it – Lily and I saw Steph die…”
“Who else knows James?” whispered Remus, his voice incredibly soft as he now leaned against the wall for support. He was sure if he had been standing he would have collapsed.

Steph’s gone… she’s never coming back with them…

“No one,” finished James, his eyes becoming teary once more. He reached out for his friend, to pat his shoulder, as if to show some kind of sign that he was okay.

But he wasn’t okay. Remus looked at his friend, and then walked forward to give his best friend a good long hug.

And even while everyone looked at them, unaware why two teenage boys were crying on each other’s shoulders, they dared not to laugh. They all knew something was wrong … they just didn’t know what yet.

~*~*~*~

The ceremony was drawing to a close, and students in the far back were beginning to turn around and walk away. Groups of people were leaving the sight, their arms hung loosely around each other in a comforting manner. Lily was sure some of them had never even met Rick, April or Caroline … and they definitely didn’t know Steph.

But they were there.

The last speaker finished his remembrance with a sigh and walked away from the rest of them. Lily continued to stare ahead at the single wooden cross. In her opinion, Steph’s looked the prettiest, or maybe that was because she knew her the most.

They were all leaving…one by one students began to head home where they would probably return to their regular lives and maybe some would sit around for a while wondering about the experience, and how things might change.

And soon James, Remus, Sirius and Peter would leave too. This lockdown couldn’t last forever… What will it look like when she and Steph don’t return?

She just … she couldn’t go back. Steph died. She’s dead and buried underneath the ground and Lily couldn’t just go back. She couldn’t just go back without her and attempt to live a normal, well as normal as she could get, life.

~*~*~*~

“Ahh, Miss Evans, thank you for joining us this afternoon,” announced a stout woman in a teal button down dress.
“Thank you for inviting me, Madame Lorain,” replied Lily, taking a seat in a small pink chair that looked ancient.
“Well, it is a pleasure. I heard what happened two days ago, my deepest condolences to you about your friend.” replied Lorain, watching Lily sit up straighter.
“Thank you, but this is of course, not what I came to discuss with you today,” countered Lily, sitting even straighter not wanting to fidget with herself due to her un-comfortableness.
“Oh, of course. Now, your mother was an incredible woman. I don’t know if you know, but she worked for me until her death. Her knowledge and passion towards history just kept me entertained every time I would stop by and sit in on one of her seminars.” spoke Lorain, going through a vanilla folder, reaching for some kind of paperwork.
“No…I was not aware. But thank you, I like to remember her as a gifted being,” replied Lily trying to sneak a peek at the papers.
“Yes dear, well I heard from a source of a source that I have – that she spent a lot of time teaching you about her studies, and that you basically knew all her seminars by heart,” continued Lorain, grabbing a ball-point pen from inside her desk.
“Yes that is true; she spent nearly all her time enriching my education in fear of my professors ruining my well being,” finished Lily, getting confused and beginning to fidget in the small chair.
“Yes, exactly. I am ready to offer you ten thousand dollars a year for you to work at my company. You would do exactly what your mother did, as if you were picking up where she left off. Now, I understand that you’re education is still required but the way I see it, you could do this job for the rest of our life – and since you are sixteen, you can legally drop out of school. Your mind is already filled with tons of information and what you don’t know, you can look up in our extensive library.

You would work with a team to discover new artifacts and information to improve the seminars, and together you could all change the history books. What I’m offering you is guaranteed success. If you need help with housing, I shall help you right away. At this company, we work as a team, and you are quite a member I would love to make permanent,” ended Lorain, her eyes glancing down at the paper she removed clearly on purpose.

Lily looked down at the paper…the working forms…and began to think. Did she really want to consider this? She knew she didn’t want to go back to Hogwarts right away after Steph’s death … and Madame Lorain was offering her the perfect getaway.

But what about James? And Remus, Sirius, Peter? What about Hogwarts? Surely she felt they need to finish her education if she wanted to leave this job… But this was right here, and it sounded great.

Lily stared at Madame Lorain for a few moments before she reached forward and took the pen and paper from her. She neatly signed her name and filled in the required information and Lorain’s face grew into a large smile. After a few minutes, Lily rolled up the paper and handed it back.

“Now, for housing, since you are on your own…” began Lorain.
“No, I have a place to stay. My current residence, I know people will be coming in and out and it’s perfectly close to this location,” finished Lily, smiling to herself, proud of her decision.
“Excellent, so let’s see, you start..,” Lorain cut off to spin around and glance at her calendar before she pun around back to face Lily, “Next Monday. Perfect, dear just meet me right here at nine and I shall introduce you to your team,” completed Lorain, standing up to shake hands with Lily, as she too stood.

Lily left the room and walked down the steps before exiting the business content with her decision and knowing that she will be perfectly capable at living on her own…

She just had to tell the boys…

~*~*~*~

Remus walked up to Lily, ignoring James’ somewhat stare and slung his arm around her shoulder. He frowned at her as she continued to watch the crosses, her face showing no emotion except pain.

“It’s over, Lils,” stated Remus, rather bluntly.
“We’ve been over, Remus” replied Lily, not moving at all.
“Not us, the lockdown, it’s over,” continued Remus watching her face change just a little.
“What are you talking about?” asked Lily shocked; only moving her head a fraction of an inch to see his profile.
“You’ve been so upset, as you should be; you haven’t noticed the Owls…or papers,” continued Remus as he watched Lily’s focus change to glance at his profile once before, once again, returning to its original position.
“That’s utterly ridiculous,” retorted Lily in disbelief.
“No, it’s true. And guess what? They found out who the cause of this whole mess, and guess who that was?”
“Ha, I have no idea at this point – it could’ve been Voldemort himself, maybe one of his evil hunch-men…”
“Death-eaters,”
“Whatever,” replied Lily irritability, she turned to face him now, her eyes looking frozen and hard as stone – the lines from her tears looking like concrete as she glared at him, “What does it matter who caused everything? What does anything matter? Do you think I’m going to be more content knowing who condemned us here therefore leading to Steph’s death? Because I’m not, so please, go ahead and tell me who did it. I’m just sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear this,”
“Wow Lily, just … wow. Hey, if you didn’t know, you’re not the only one hurting – what about Sirius? He – well – you know he liked her, they went out occasionally – how do you think he’s feeling? What about James? You’ve been so distant from him lately too, it’s like you died with her,”
“James has nothing to do with this Remus John Lupin. And unless you forgot, she was my best friend. I don’t know what’s wrong with you today. I mean, talk about bringing down the hammer – never thought you would go and tell me that I’m acting like I’m dead – at my best friend’s memorial service,” ranted Lily.
“Well you know what Lily Evans? You are acting like you are never coming back!” fumed Remus, glaring at her angrily.
“Maybe that’s because I am not coming back!” shouted Lily, waving her arms in the air as Remus’ face showed his shock.
“What are you talking about? Of course you’re coming back with us, It’s going to be hard enough …”
“Exactly! It’s too hard for me to go back without her! So, I’m not going back there … not now,”
“Have you – but…what are you going to do? How are you going to live? What about money Lily? You’Well be all alone…”
“I can handle it, Remus, and I already have a job,”
“You got a job? Doing what?”
“What my mother did – the offer was too good to refuse,”
“What about school?”
“It’s almost summer Remus,”
“Are you coming back after summer?”
“Maybe, I don’t know…”
“What are we supposed to do without you? What is … what is James supposed to do without you?”

Lily turned away and focused on Steph’s cross, letting the now visible tears stream down her face once more. James…

“He’Well have to move on,”

Remus’ eye brows rose at that, surprised and somehow repulsed.

“James just can’t let go of you, especially after this,”
“He’s going to have to Remus,”
“Have you talked to him?”
“Of course,”
“And…,”
“What?”
“What did he say?”
“Why don’t you ask him?”
“Lily, if you’re not coming back, the last thing I want to do is fight with you…I…I’m just going to miss you,”
“…Me too, so when do you leave?”
“This afternoon”

~*~*~*~*~

Lily stood outside James, Sirius and Remus’ room hesitating to knock, knowing that the following conversation was going to hurt. Slowly, she let her knuckles make contact with the brown door, waiting for a sound.

“Come in,” came James’ soft voice.

Lily took a deep breath before turning the door knob and letting herself inside. She stood, leaning against the doorway, watching James smile as he recognized her form.

“Hey Lils,” spoke James, motioning her to come forward.
“James, we need to talk…” began Lily quietly.
“I don’t like those words…,” cut-off James.
“You’re not going to like what comes next either,” replied Lily.
“Erm, sit down?” asked James beginning to fidget.
“No, uh, I’Well just stand,” quietly spoke Lily in return. “James, I can’t go back. I…well, when I first left here she was the only one who really welcomed me and tried to make me feel at home,”
“Hey, I was there for you too..,”
“You were assigned to help me, James, not the point. She … was my best friend and she’s, gone. She’s just gone. And there is nothing I can do about that. James, I can’t go back to Hogwarts,”
“You’re kidding, you had a very nice laugh now come over here,” laughed James motioning for her to join him.
“I can assure you James Potter this is not a joke. I can not – and will not – go back to Hogwarts with you,” stated Lily getting angry, folding her arms over her chest.
“And why not? I know this has been hard – but you need to go back, what about your family?”
“They won’t miss me, now that my mother’s dead – my step-father could care less about me and the same goes for my dear sister,”
“What about school?! Lily, you can’t just drop out of Hogwarts,”
“I’ve already spoken with Professor Dumbledore who was granted to excuse me from the remaining time this year – it’s a summer James, I’m only spending the summer here,” softened Lily, giving a weak smile as she came towards him.
“Just the summer?” inquired James, smiling a little more.
“I can’t guarantee I’Well be back exactly on September first, but I will come back…just not now,”
“What are you going to do? Maybe I can stay with you,”
“I’m going to be working where my mother worked – a local summer job,”
“Can I stay here…with you? I think I’Well go mad if I have to go on without you,”
“See here’s the thing…I’m going to be working all the time – for you to stay is ridiculous, you’re family will want to see you...,”
“So? I’Well ask them if I can stay for a while,”
“..And Professor Dumbledore asked me if I wanted you to stay with me and I said no,” mumbled Lily, avoiding his eyes.
“You…you told Dumbledore you didn’t want me to be with you?”
“James, I would love for you to stay – but I feel like I need to do this on my own and figure out who I am. I…I didn’t want to tell you, but…I didn’t want to lie to you either,” continued Lily, who was very interested in the patterns in the hardwood floor.

Silence filled the room and it wasn’t the content silence Lily was hoping for, it was the unnatural awkward silence Lily had feared. She kept watching the floor very well knowing that James was staring at her un-happily.

“Well, then, if this is what you want,” began James moving away from Lily.
“James, I’m going to come back – promise you’ll wait for me?” begged Lily, her eyes searching to find his.
“I…I can’t make you that promise Lily Evans,” finished James.

He turned away from her and she very well knew it was over. She stood and walked out of the room trying to keep the sobs to herself, but failed horribly. James would wait for her…wouldn’t he?

~*~*~*~

“…and you’re sure you have everything?” a muffled voice exasperated once more.
“Good Godric Moony, you’re worse than my mother – and she’s a woman,” replied James, before playfully smacking his friend behind the head.
“I just don’t feel like having to take you to McGonagall asking for a portkey back here because you left your favorite hair product,” replied Remus, smirking to himself.
“Are you sure you’re not talking about Padfoot?” an equally large smirk came on James’ face.
“He’s already tripled checked –“
“MORE LIKE QUADROUPLE CHECKED, MOONY!” came Sirius’ voice from another room.
“ – he may be exaggerating, but you get the picture, I think,” finished Remus as James laughed to himself, locking his trunk shut.
“Look Moony, old pal, if I left anything then I’Well just Owl Li - I mean – Evans to bring it with her whenever she comes back,” finished James, before shrinking his trunk and putting it away in his front pocket.
“Evans? It’s surnames again now is it? What happened?” asked Remus carefully, watching James being to frown sadly.
“She didn’t want me to stay with her...,” murmured James quickly, before changing into a happy fellow.
“No matter, it is her loss. Her loss, yeah,” continued James as he walked down the last few steps.
“Well boys, ready to go?” called James as he found Sirius and Peter waiting for them.
“Portkey leaves in five minutes, better be getting to point,” replied Remus before sighing.

The four stood and turned to face the remaining part of their group who they had lived with for the past few months. They all took turns giving hugs, shaking hands for they all would be soon heading off in their own different directions.

“Does anyone know where Lily is?” piped up Sirius at the last moment.
“She’s waiting for you guys at point – to say goodbye,” replied the eldest of their group.
“Thanks,” stated James before walking out of the house in which Remus, Sirius and Peter followed.

It took them two minutes to arrive to their port location, a stoutly witch sat in a chair next to an old cart of belongings. She looked as if she were sleeping peacefully, but she seemed to feel them coming so she stood up.

“You must be the lot – this young woman’s been waiting for yeah,” the woman pointed over to Lily, who had been looking through everything.
“Hey guys,” waved Lily happily, or as happily that she could.
“So, here’s the deal – not all of you are seventeen yet so my job is to make sure you do this right, right? Right,” the woman began as she walked over to an old egg beater on the ground.
“First things first, when I tell you, which will be in a minute, the four of you will grasp this egg beater to bring you to Hogsmeade – right? Right. Then you will all immediately return to the school for the end of term feast, right? Right. Then, you will attend the feast and spend the night, right? Right. The next day you will head home on the Express, right? Right,”
“You have thirty seconds before it is activated – deary, if you want to say goodbye, do it quickly,”
“Alright boys, behave for me,” said Lily as she gave Remus, Sirius and Peter small hugs.
“Us – behave? Aren’t you a nutter,” replied Sirius to her comment making Lily smile.

Lily turned towards James, hoping to say something, to make this right between them but he wouldn’t look at her.

“James, I..,”
“Five seconds! Grasp the beater!” called the woman.
“I..,” tried again Lily.
“Bye Evans,” spoke James quickly, before the four of them vanished without a trace.
“Damn you potter,” muttered Lily.

She said goodbye to the witch and began to head back towards the house. Lily made it back in a few minutes but felt like hours that she was now all alone. She stared at the sky, which was begining to darken, before she spoke to herself once more.

“It’s all Benny’s fault…I should have let you stay, James. Just please, wait for me,” called Lily, before going inside the house. She couldn’t take it back now, she had to stay, as much as she wanted to go back to them now, she knew…

She had to stay.

To Be Continued…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TaDa! It's done! I'd like to thank Ginny_Hermione for helping me through a lot with this story, like her egg beater idea for the portkey Also, thank you to everyone who has read this - really, you guys make it worth it.

Next up is a little interlude - 'Without You'
and then the sequel - 'Return of the Universe'

please, leave me some final FEEDBBACCKKKK

Peace. Love. Werewolf.
Lizzie<3