Part One

James' Province Lily Evans, the object of my affection; it was only a matter of time before she become mine.

Who was I kidding? I was actually starting to lose all hope of Evans liking me. Sirius Black, my best friend, had been telling me to give up for years. But she just has that…that…I don't know, something. And I had fallen for that something hard. The only thing was that she hated me. I am even convinced that if she could kill me, she would. Okay, well, maybe that is a little bit too far, but she doesn't even want to spend five minutes alone with me. Well, actually, she doesn't even want to spend one minute in a completely full room with me. So, I guess that tells you how much she cares for me. I just don't get it; anyone else would date me, and...I mean, take Sierra for example: my current girlfriend. Even though she – and, well, everyone else for that matter – knows I'm in love with Lily, but they still date me. But I mean…

"Prongs," Sirius said, snapping me out of my trance. "Mate, you're drooling."

"Sorry, only another week till I see her," I said my hand jumping to my hair as two girls in bikinis walked pasted. We were at Great Yarmouth on the beach. The sun was beating down on us. It was one of the hottest days of the year.

"Hi, ladies," Sirius called. The giggled and flashed him a smile.

"How about some ice cream?" I asked. They nodded and we walked over to the ice cream stand. Of course I loved Lily, but I also loved to flirt.

"Sirius, aren't you with Rach?" I said as we sat down on the beach, and the two girls, whose names turned out to be Alex and Sierra, went to the bathroom.

"Nope, we are off again."

"Ah! The on again, off again relationship."

"Well at least I have a relationship." He smirked.

"True, but maybe I should put Lily aside for today, you know. Sierra is extremely hot, I have two weeks to make it with her, then I'm back at Hogwarts; back to Lily."

Sirius laughed and finished off his ice cream as Alex and Sierra walked back to us.

Alex's dirty blonde hair and Sierra's brown were blowing in the wind; it made them look like super models. But of course in my eyes, they had nothing on Lily Evans. "Girls," I smiled, "how would you like go play around in the water?"

"I would love to." Sierra smiled back. "But James, I'm not a rebound girl."

"And I'm not on the rebound, so were in luck." I smirked back. She rolled her eyes and I chased her into the freezing cold water. She screamed as the water reached her tanned stomach.

"Oh that's freezing!" she said.

"Let me warm you up then," I replied as I wrapped my arms around her waist.

"James, take it slow, we have all day." She smiled. She was gorgeous. But every time I looked at her I wished she were Lily. It was around sundown when Sirius and I were saying goodbye to Alex and Sierra.

"Bye, girls, we'll call you," I said.

"Bye, Sirius," Alex said and gave him a goodbye kiss.

"See you Sierra," I said, and we kissed.

It wasn't until five minutes later we actually got in our car and drove back to my place.

No province

Petunia, Lily's older sister by a year, walked into her room.

"Have fun with your freaky little friends. Mum told me to come and tell you to be ready in 10 minutes so she can drive you. So…when do you go back to your…" She smirked. "…School?"

"Two weeks, finally. After a summer with you, I so can't wait to get out of here," Lily said.

"I'll miss you," Petunia replied sarcastically.

"Right back at ya," Lily said, throwing a pillow her way. She stormed out of the room.

Lily looked in the mirror. Her dark red curls fell to her shoulders and her emerald green, almond shaped eyes sparkled in the light. She slipped on a green and white-stripped sweater, and pulled on some socks and took one last look in the mirror. She shrugged. The truth was Lily Evans was a beautiful girl but she didn't quite believe it with her sister always saying cruel comments. She ran down the stairs to find her mom and dad standing at the door waiting for her with her trunk.

"Okay, now, have fun at Sunshine's," Amy, her mom, said.

"I will," Lily replied.

"Oh come here, my little Head Girl. We're so proud of you," Amy said, tears glistening in her eyes, embracing Lily in a hug. "I'm not going to see you for another year. Behave, have fun, and good luck with your N.E.W.T.S."

Lily got a sickening feeling in her stomach; her N.E.W.T.S., the hardest wizarding test taken, and the most important, as they determine your job after Hogwarts.

"Yeah…" she gulped. "I'll miss you too." She slid into the passenger sit next to her dad, waved to her mother, and took a last look at their cottage. Flowers grew everywhere; her mother was in love with flowers, and that was how Lily and her sister Petunia had been named. They pulled out of the driveway, and Lily realized this would be the last time she would have to leave for Hogwarts. Tears swelling up, she changed her thoughts to last year and what had happened. It had been a blast like always: Sunny had started dating Remus Lupin, a very good friend of Lily's, and she was extremely happy for them. Rachel had, once again, been on and off with Sirius Black, the most handsome guy in school who everyone drooled over. Lily had even heard rumors of a Sirius black fan club. She was probably the only girl in school without a boyfriend who wasn't in love with him. She didn't see the fuss, and anyway, he was a friend of James Potter and was much like him. Lily grimaced at the thought of James. James was, in Lily's opinion, the most arrogant boy at Hogwarts; his ego was a hundred times bigger than anyone's should be. Also, he has taken a liking to Lily and for the past six years at Hogwarts. He had asked her out at least once a week, sometimes even once a day. Of course she would refuse; she couldn't even stand a single second with him. There was no chance in hell she would date him. Ever. Seeing as Lily wasn't a big fan of Sirius or James, Rach has kept her talk about him to a minimum (which, for Rach, was extremely hard) and would never force Lily to hang out with him. Steph was like Lily – single, and they both enjoyed rating the boys of Hogwarts when bored.

"So, Blossom, are you looking forward to this year?" her father asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"Yeah, but I can't believe it's my last," Lily replied, relieved to have her thoughts turned away from James.

"Well here we are. Now be good, as always, I'm going to miss you," he said, kissing her on the forehead and getting out of the car.

"I'll miss you, too, I love you." Lily jumped out of the car.

"I love you, too, Blossom." He handed Lily her trunk.

"Thanks, bye, Dad."

Lily walked up to the front door of Sunshine's big Victorian house and rang the doorbell.


Lily's Province

"LILY!" Sunshine's voice sang from above me. I looked up: hanging out of a huge window was Sunny, her blonde hair billowing around her.

"Sunny Hunny!" I squealed.

"Guess what? My parents went away for the rest of the summer leaving us alone! Isn't that awesome? Hold on ill be down in a minute," she said, disappearing from view. A few minutes later, the door opened and I was staring at a tall boy around eighteen, only two years older than I was. He had brownish-black hair, gorgeous blue eyes, and tanned skin. He was shirtless, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from his abs.

"Hi," I stumbled, looking up. He was very handsome, maybe even more than Sirius Black.

"Hey, bozo, get away from the door and put a shirt on," Sunny said, running down the marble staircase. "This is Rubedo, but call him Jr. He's my brother."

Sunny had a curvy body with a flat stomach just like me, and she was flaunting it in short shorts and a purple tank top.

"Brother? You never told me you had a brother," I said, finally tearing my eyes away from Jr's gorgeous features.

"Well, you never asked," Sunny said blushing.

"Sunny, I'm sure I have," I said, turning my attention back to Jr.

"So, you must be Lily-Gorgeous-Green-Eyes-and-Flaming-Red-Hair. Sunny has told me a lot about you," he said. His voice was like caramel to me. I could feel my cheeks reddening.

"Ew, Jr. Stop chatting up my friend," Sunny said, fake-puking. "Come on, Lils, let's go to my room."

I pulled my heavy trunk up her step into the house.

"Let me take that," Jr said, taking my trunk from me. For a split second our hands touched. My stomach did a back flip.

"Thanks." I smiled.

"Lily? Hello? Come on?" Sunny said.

"Uh, sorry," I said, once more tearing my eyes from Jr and following Sunny to her room.


Sunny's Province
Lily walked around my room looking at all my pictures of me with Remus, Rachel, Steph or me, which covered my lilac walls.

"Sunny, I told you to throw that picture out…I look like complete crap!" Lily said, walking over to a picture of Lily and I. It was the last day of school on our second year, the year we had become the best of friends.

"No you–" I began.

"–Don't," Jr finished, bringing Lily' trunk into my room, acting like the trunk was light as a feather. Lily blushed again and smiled.

"Rubedo!" I said harshly. I glanced at Lily and noticed she was blushing. 'Hold on,' I thought. 'Lily is enjoying this.' "Uh, so, how come I have never seen you around before? I come to Sunny's house every summer," Lily said, smiling at Jr.

"Oh, I usually work at a sports camp all summer," he said to Lily. "So, Lily, is your boyfriend at Hogwarts too?"

"Uh, I don't have one actually." Lily's cheeks turned pink.

'Oh, God,' I thought.

"Uh, Lily, do you mind excusing us for one second?" I said, pulling Jr into the hall. Lily shook her head. I pulled him rather harshly into the hall and shut the door. "Jr., do you like Lily?" I asked.

"What?" he answered.

" Don't play dumb with me. I know you too well. You like her!"

"So what if I do?"

"What do you mean so what? She's my friend! Don't hurt her, got it?" I replied.

"You don't have to worry, Sunny Bunny; I don't break hearts."

"You better not. You know she's a witch, don't you?"

"Yes, I do, but it doesn't bother me. How shallow do you think I am?"

I laughed. We walked back into my room.

"Well, Lily, I have to go now, but I will see you around," Jr smiled. Lily's looked like a lovesick puppy.

"Bye." She smiled right back.

I shut the door.

"Uh...did you, by any chance, hear what was said?" I asked.

"Every word. You know how good my hearing is," Lily said. "But why didn't you say I was off limits, like you did when your other brother took a liking to Steph?"

"Well, because I can tell you like him, too. And Lily, he's a good guy, not like Justin. He would have treated Steph like crap. But Jr…he's a really nice guy and you deserve to be with someone good. You haven't had much luck with boyfriends. And we all know why that is." I laughed.

"Yeah, why does James have to scare away every boyfriend I have ever had?" Lily said, sitting on my bed. "It's not like I'm his property."

"Well, the way he talks about you he makes it sound like you are," I said, sitting next to her. Lily looked at me puzzled. "Remus told me."

"Oh, yeah, how are things with him?" Lily asked.

"Amazing, thanks. I have asked him over tomorrow with Steph and Rach…do you mind?" I asked.

"Are you crazy? I love Remus, you know how close we are," Lily said, looking at me shocked.

"Yeah." I laughed nervously. She looked at me.

"What's up, Sunny?"

"Oh nothing," I said, but I didn't meet her eye.

For the rest of the night, Lily and Jr hung out together. I sometimes joined in, other times I would talk to Remus on the phone. Jr's Province "Good Morning," I said, coming into the kitchen where Lily and Sunny sat eating toast.

"Hey," Lily replied, blushing at me. She was so beautiful.

"Morning, Rub!" Sunny said, smirking.

"Hey! How many times, don't call me that!" I said, smirking, punching my sister lightly on the arm.

"I'll be right back, Sunny," Lily said, getting up, walking in the direction of the bathroom.

"'Kay, and what's wrong with Rub? I like it."

"Well, I don't." I smiled, and went to make toast.

"So are you going to do something about Lily?" Sunny asked me.

"Maybe, but I've got to know if she likes me back, and…well, it takes time," I said, buttering my toast

"She's only here for two weeks, you know," Sunny replied.

"Yeah, I figured," I said my heart sinking.

Lily walked in the door. She had brushed her teeth and her flaming red hair looked like a comb had just been through it.

"So, what are you guys up to today?" I said.

"Well, Remus is coming over, and we're just going to watch movies and hang out," Sunny said.

"Oh, so you're going to be the third wheel, are you, Lily? That's not very nice, Sunshine!" I said, shaking my finger at Sunny. Lily laughed.

"Uh, well, Steph and Rachel are coming, too," Sunny said.

"So, do you mind if I watch the movie too? I mean, I have nothing else to do today. My friends are busy, and I am going to be around the house," I said, ignoring my sister's last comment. I smiled at Lily. She was so pretty.

"Sure! I mean…if you want. Is that all right, Sunny?" Lily asked.

"Uh, well actually..." Sunny began. She looked at Lily; Lily was giving her a look that said 'please-you-know-how-much-I-want-this.' My heart couldn't help but flutter.

"Okay, that's fine. Lily, let's go get ready; they will be here in an hour." No Province An hour later, Lily, Jr, Sunny, Steph, and Rach were all sitting on the couch debating what to watch.

"A Walk to Remember! I love that movie! It makes me cry every time," Lily said.

"No! The Notebook!" Steph said, brushing her dark brown hair from her now green eyes, which were sparkling as always.

"Well, ladies, which one?" Jr said, smiling at Lily. Rach and Steph both gave Lily 'oh my god!' looks. They had both expressed how hot they thought he was to her earlier, and Sunny has spilled that he liked her.

"Well, um, I don't…" Rach began, but she was interrupted by the doorbell. "That will be Remus and Sirius," Rach said, beaming. Her gorgeous, darkish-blonde hair was straight today, and her bangs shaped her face and made her look like a super model.

"What, Sirius? You didn't tell me about that, Sunny," Lily said, surprised.

"I tried," she said, looking at her shoes.

"He isn't that bad once you get to know him. Lily, will you give him a chance? Please? It would mean a lot," Rach said, pleadingly.

"Okay, so, I guess this means right now your together," Lily said.

"No, but I'm working on it," she said, beaming. She was his longest relationship and his only girlfriend who Remus said he cared about. I could tell that Rach was happy with him and I wasn't going to spoil it for her.

Rach, Steph, and Sunny all got up to answer the door, leaving Lily with Jr.

"So, Lily, this is your last year at Hogwarts?" he said with his caramel voice making her knee's weak.

'Thank god I'm sitting,' she thought. "Yeah, I can't believe it. Are you in school right now?" She smiled back.

"Remus!" Sunny said, hugging a tall brown haired figure standing in the doorway.

"Hey, gorgeous," he said, hugging her tightly.

"Rach, hey babe," said a tall, very handsome figure with long black hair, going up to Rachel and embracing her perfect body, with just the right amount of curves everywhere, in a tight hug. They pulled away and kissed.

'Ha! Yeah, not together,' Lily thought.

Another handsome figure stepped through the door, messing his jet-black hair up at the back, as he always did. This made it look like he had just gotten out of bed, but still he looked incredibly handsome. "James Potter?" Steph said, rounding on Sunny. "Sunny!"

Sunshine blushed.

"So, where is my Lily?" James said, his hazel eyes flooded with excitement.

"Uh, she isn't here. She had to go home. I guess you can leave now, can't you?" Steph said very fast, pushing James out the door. She knew he would ruin Lily's day if he were here.

"Hey, Steph. Calm yourself, babe. There she is," he said, noticing her in the living room. "Evans!" he shouted, walking into the living room. He stopped. Lily was there, but she wasn't alone. There, sitting next to Lily – obviously flirting with her – was another guy. James' heart broke.

"James!" Lily said, turning around. Her smile faded.

"Hey, babe," he said, smirking, walking over. He hugged her like it hadn't affected him.

She was too surprised to move.

"Lily?" Jr said.

"Sunny!" Lily said, pushing James off. "What is he doing here?"

"I'm here because I miss you, baby. How was your summer?" James said.

"Lily, I thought you said you didn't have a boyfriend," Jr said.

"Who are you?" James said to Jr.

"Rubedo. I'm Sunshine's brother. Who are you?" he said standing up. He was a few inches taller, but that didn't stop James.

"James Potter, Lily's boyfriend."

"James, you are not my boyfriend!" Lily said, outraged.

"Lily? What's going on?" Rubedo said. His smile faded now.

"I don't know! Sunny, what is he doing here?" Lily said, turning to Sunny.

"Well, I guess he must have tagged along!" she said. "I'm so sorry."

James and Jr were looking daggers into each other.

Lily looked around. Sirius and Rach had disappeared, Remus was standing next to Sunny, holding her hand, and Steph mouthed, 'I'm sorry I tried.'

"Lily, is he your boyfriend?" Jr asked her.

"No, Jr. He isn't. I told you: I don't have one," Lily said, anger cursing through her. "James, you have no right to come in her and say you're my boyfriend. You are not, and never will be. Just get it through your head, James. I said no, I have always said no, and I always will say no."

"Hey, what's going on?" Sirius said, coming back in.

"Sirius, why did you bring him?" Lily said, turning my anger his way.

"He is my best mate, Lily! How could I not?" Sirius said surprised at her anger.

"Lily, calm down, babe," James said.

"Don't 'babe' me!" Lily shouted. "Jr, listen…I'm really sorry about this!" she said, and ran up the stairs, tears swelling in her eyes.

"I better go after her!" James said.

"I think its best not to. I know you love her and all, and you say that she will come around, but mate…maybe you should leave it now," Remus said.

"But–" James began.

"He's right," Sirius agreed.

"Let's watch a movie!" Sunny said, trying to brighten the mood.

Jr threw James a disgusted look and ran up the stairs after Lily.

"Lily?" he called. "Lily?"

"Jr?" Lily said, opening the bathroom door. She had stopped crying, but tears still clung to her lashes.

"Mind if I come in?" He smiled.

Lily's heart flipped. She managed to flash a watery smile back and nodded. He walked in, and they sat down on the floor, leaning against the bathtub.

"What went on down there, if you don't mind me asking?" he asked. His voice soothed Lily, and she started to tell him everything – James asking her out everyday, her turning him down, how arrogant he is, how much she hated him – and throughout, Jr just sat and listened.

"Well, as much as I don't like him, I know that he cares about you and he loves you. Don't be so harsh; I think he means well," Jr said.

"But I don't love him, I don't want him. Why are you sticking up for him? I thought you hated him," Lily said, looking at Jr.

"I do, but I think you were too blinded by rage. And right, you should be, but I just wanted you to see that. But Lily, I have to say, even though your mascara's running and you probably think you look like crap, you look gorgeous." Jr smiled.

"Thanks, you're not so bad yourself." She smiled back.

Jr lent in. Their lips met, and Lily's stomach did a back flip. His hand found her hair, and he started running his hand through it.

"Lily?" The door opened, and there stood James, watching Lily and Jr make out.

Lily leapt up. "James!" she said, outraged.

"Get your hands off my woman!" James shouted, storming up to Jr.

"She's not your woman! I know you're mad, but she doesn't love you!" J. said back with a hint of anger.

"How dare you! You have known Lily for a day, and you can't keep your filthy little hands off her! A day! I mean, who kisses someone after a day of knowing them? Even I wouldn't stoop that low, and I have known Lily six years, and I love her more than you ever could!" he shouted.

Jr's temper was rising. "Lily and I like each other, and it is none of your business how long we have known each other! She likes me, not you, get over it!" he shouted back.

"Rubedo! James! Stop!" Lily yelled, tears leaking from her eyes.

"What's going on?" Sirius said, standing outside the open door.

"This git was touching my woman!" James roared.

"She is not your woman!" Jr shouted back.

"Yes, she is!" James screamed, punching Jr.

"JAMES!" Lily screamed. Blood trickled from Jr's nose, and he punched James right back.

"Hey what's going on?!" Rach, Steph, Sunny and Remus had joined them.

"STOP!" Lily screamed.

Sirius advanced on James, pulling him back.

"Sirius, let go of me! He deserves it! He stole my woman!" James said. Anger was etched on every line of his face.

"James, I am not your woman," Lily sobbed.

He looked at her, saw she meant it, and walked out of the bathroom, down the stairs and out the front door.

"Jr, are you okay?" Sunny asked.

"I'm fine. Lily, are you?" he asked, wiping his bleeding nose.

"Yeah."

"Come downstairs; we need to put some ice your nose," Steph said.

No Province "I love her, Sirius…so much, and I always thought she would come around. I've seen her with other guys before…it's just, this one made me mad…it just…I can't explain it. I love her beyond belief and I don't know what to do. She is slipping from me." James paused and put his head on his hands. "Ha! Wow, the famous James Potter who every girl would die for, just look at me Sirius. I'm a fool, a fool in love! Maybe I should give up." He was sitting outside on the step leading to the house with Sirius right beside him.

"Listen, mate, you know I'm not very good with this stuff, but…you love Lily, right? You always have and you say you always will? Well how can you let go if your love's that strong? You want the girl, you get the girl – that's my motto." Sirius smirked.

"Easy enough for you to say. You have a fan club! And, well, you're not head over heels in love, are you?" James laughed.

"I don't know, James. Rach is different, very different from all the other girls, you know. I care about her, I honestly do," Sirius said.

"Aw, Sirius is in loooooove!" James smirked.

"Watch it, mate! I've had to listen to endless rants about Lily." Sirius laughed.

"But never once have you not teased me." James chuckled. "Now it's my turn."

"But seriously, mate, don't give up," Sirius said.

"He's right, although I strongly disagree with what you did. You've come this far; you can't give up," Remus said, coming out of the house. They both turned around to find Lily standing in the doorway, watching silently.

", Lily," James said, standing up. Remus turned around, a guilty look appearing on his face. "Lily, by any chance, did you just hear what we were talking about?" James said.

"Every word," she said. 'God, she is so beautiful,' James thought.

"Um, James, may I talk with you?" she said.

"Uh, yes, sure," James said, looking startled.

Lily had no idea why she was doing this; she hated James, but hearing that just made her realize he did have a heart. No matter how much she hated him, she couldn't let anyone hurt as much as that.

Remus and Sirius went back into the house.

"James," Lily said, sitting on the step. James sat too. "I really don't know what to say."

"How about 'I love you,'" he said, but without his usual cockiness.

"James, you know how I think of you, don't you?"

"Yeah, unfortunately, I do," James said, turning away from her. "But why?"

"James, are sure you want to hear this?" Lily asked.

"Yes, Lily. I would do anything for you, what do you want me to do? Do you want me to change?" James said, looking at her. She looked in his eyes: the usual sparkle was gone, and all she saw now was a sadness she knew was tearing him up. Lily wasn't sure to say anything now.

"No, James, I don't want you to change for me. I want you to be you. But you have to know I'm not yours, I don't love you, and I am not your woman," Lily said. For some reason even she couldn't even explain, she felt bad. Bad for saying these things, even those she had said thousands of times before. This time she knew it had hit him hard. This time she knew she has broken his heart into thousands of pieces. And she couldn't stand to see anyone that unhappy.
"But let's be friends," she said.

"Really?" James said.

"Yes, really." She smiled.

"So, Lily, will you go out with me?" James asked. Usually Lily would be shouting her head off at him, but this time all she could do was laugh and refuse. Her feelings about him had changed. She didn't know why exactly, but like Jr said, maybe he wasn't so bad after all.

Sunny's Province
"Sunny Hunny?" A voice came from behind me. I was sitting next to Remus on the bed. I turned towards the door and there was Lily. I smiled at her.

"Sorry, I was just a bit freaked out," I replied. I turned to Remus. He got the hint and kissed me on the cheek and left.

"No, it's my fault. I'm sorry. He's your brother, I wasn't thinking straight, I forgot how much this would upset you…I'm sorry, I just like him so much," she said. It was the first guy she had ever had a proper relationship with without James breaking them up as soon as he found out.

"Lils, if you like him this much, I'm not going to stop it. I love you, Lily, so much and I'm happy you found someone that can stand up to James. And, you both like each and who am I to come between you?"

"Thanks, Sunny, but I won't if you don't want me to."

"No, I'm happy for you, really!" I smiled, and she knew I was being serious. "Oh, Lily!" I laughed and embraced her in a hug.

"Mind if we cut in?" Rach and Steph said, coming in and sitting next to us.

"Lils we are here for you. You were there for me through, well…you know what," I said, gesturing to my right arm where 3 scars lay.

"Oh, Sunny, we love you to bits. Don't ever do it again! Promise, we are all here for you!" Rach said.

"I know." I knew how much it had hurt them when I had cut, it wasn't anything bad like trying to kill myself, but it had shaken Lily up really bad. Steph had understood and Rach had freaked out, but they were there for me and understood. They had helped me stop but every time I looked at my right arm, it was a reminder, a reminder of the only stress reliever that had ever worked for me. "Anyway, guys, is it okay if I invite Remus to stay with us for the next week or two?"

"Yeah, of course, why wouldn't it be?" Steph asked.

"Um – well Sirius and James would want to stay, too."

"Oh – well it's not a problem. James and I are cool now," Lily said to me, but I didn't quite believe her.

"Thanks, Lils," I said, grinning and hugging her.

"So, Rach, what's with you and Sirius?"

"Well, we are not really technically going out but, you know…we're getting there," Rach replied, grinning from ear to ear. We all laughed; Rach's and Sirius' relationship wasn't actually what you would call healthy, but he made Rach extremely happy and that, to me, was the main thing. "Anyway let's go downstairs. I'm kinda scared that Jr might have killed James." Rach laughed. She was back to her usual lively, bubbly self now she and Sirius were on again.

Rach's province After two weeks of Sirius and I not talking, finally we were basically back together. I had to admit I was kind of depressed when we weren't together. Well 'kind of' was an understatement, but I kept that to myself. Sure, my friends knew I was down, but they didn't know just how down I was.

"Sirius! Guess what?" I glowed, running down the stairs and landing on the lounge floor.

"What, babe?" He smiled getting up from the sofa where Remus and James also were, and kissing me on the lips.

"Sunny said you guys can stay for the rest of the summer, isn't that great?" I smiled.

"Awesome! You and I. Same house for two weeks. It's going to be great!" Sirius said, back threading his arms around my waist and kissing me.

"Ha, okay, Sirius, slow down mate, how long have you two been going out?" James said from behind me.

"Longer than you and Lily," Sirius replied.

"Hey! It will happen…" James began. "In time." We both laughed.

"James, ever heard of 'move on?'" I asked.

"Ha ha, you're so funny, Miss Racks," James said.

"Ha ha yourself," I said, hitting him over the head with my hand. I hated that nickname. James smiled sarcastically.

"Hey! I'm the only one who gets to call her that," Sirius said, smirking.

"Do you want a hit over the head, too?" I said, raising my hand as to warn him.

"Anytime, baby." He flirted. I sighed, that was Sirius for you.

"Anyway, I have to go call my mom and tell her I'm staying," I said, pulling away from the mega hot guy that was still hanging around my waist. The second I pulled away I fell over my feet and fell face down on the fluffy carpet.

"You must like me a lot," Sirius said between keeling over laughing.

"Am I missing something?" James asked while laughing.

"Every time she knocks something over or falls flat on her face, it means she's nervous or she likes someone a lot."

"Listen are you going to just stand there and laugh or would you please help me up!" I said angrily from the ground. Yes, it was true I was clumsy around the guy I like or when I was nervous and, unfortunately, Sirius had picked up on that. So without me even opening my mouth he knew I liked him. A lot.

"Sorry, babe," Sirius said, offering me his hand. I took it and with all my strength pulled him down. He landed on top me, putting down his arms just before he reached me, leaving his face hanging inches from mine. And, in old Sirius fashion, he made it into a making out opportunity. And trust me I'm not a or anything, but Sirius was just so hot.

"Get a room." James laughed, stepping around us and sitting back on the couch with Remus who had seen everything.

"Woooh, get a room guys," Lily said, maneuvering around us. I pushed Sirius off me and got up, dusting myself off, and sticking my tongue out at Sirius, who was laying on his back on the floor.

"Exactly what I said," James replied. It was nice to see Lily and James getting on even though Lily didn't enjoy it.

"So, I was thinking…do you guys want to go to Blackpool beach or something?" Sunny asked, coming in with Steph and sitting next to Remus on the couch.

"Yeah! Oh my god, amazing idea, Sunny Bunny!" I squealed, helping Sirius off the floor.

"Where's Jr?" Lily said, getting off the couch and wandering into the Kitchen.

"Wooh, shows what she thinks of the idea, huh?" Sunny said.

"Hah, I wouldn't take it personally. After all, I mean, she is in love!" I said. Sunny shot me a death stare. "Yeah, in love with uh, uh, chocolate."

"Good going, big mouth," Sirius said sarcastically.

"Well I guess you won't be getting anymore action from it after that last comment," I shot back.

"Hey! I was kidding! You have a lovely mouth, Rachy Poo."

"I would think so, seeing as most of the time yours is glued to it, Sirius." Sunny laughed. Sirius threw a pillow at her.

"Yours could need glued shut!" he retaliated. "Why don't you try gluing yours to it, Remus?"

"Because, Sirius, Sunny and I don't need PDA to show our love."

"Yeah, but it sure is fun." Rach laughed.

"Man, do I feel left out?" Steph said.

"Join the club," James said, giving her a half-hearted smile.


Steph's Province
I had really never felt so lonely, even though I wasn't truly lonely. I mean, I had Matt, but it wasn't really the same. Seeing Rach and Sirius together was hard. I mean, I was extremely happy for Rach; I knew how much she cared for Sirius, and I could honestly tell he cared for her too. But looking at them made me feel so lonely. Knowing James was lonely too didn't make me feel quite so alone, I guess, but it was James. The arrogant, pig headed boy. I would prefer someone decent was lonely with me, but you take what you get, right?

Lily and Jr came back from the kitchen and sat down on the floor together.

"So movie, guys?" I said.

"Hmm, not a horror movie!" Rach said.

"Aw, I wanted to watch The Ring; it's on pay-per-view," Sunny said.

"I still say A Walk to Remember," Lily said.

"No! The Notebook," I replied.

"A Walk to Remember? The Notebook?" James said. "No."

"Hear, hear," Sirius replied.

"Hey, maybe we all need a little cry." Rach laughed. "I love The Notebook."

Sirius rolled her eyes. "What's with girls and crying movies?"

"Well, Sirius, when we cry we like a shoulder to cry on…if you get what I mean," Lily said.

"Lils! Now you have got ideas in his head." Rach laughed.

"Yeah, too right you have. The Notebook it is."

"I'll go get that," Jr said as the phone started ringing.

"What's up with him? The second the phone rang he jumped up."

"Take three guesses," Lily said in a rude tone.

"Babe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make him uncomfortable," he replied. She gave him a sarcastic smile. Seeing the tension I changed the conversation.

"So The Notebook?" I said. Everyone nodded their heads in various directions. Shrugging, I got up and went over to the DVD player and inserted The Notebook. A voice came from the hall.

"Sunny, Lily, I have to go. My friend needs me: he just broke up with his girl, and we're going to the pool hall. I'll be back soon, promise!" he said, kissing Lily on the cheek.

"'Kay," Lily said, smiling, but the look in her eye was pure sadness. She and Jr had made a strong connection within the short time they had been together.

"Lils, come sit," James said, patting beside him.

"Over my dead body, Potter."

After the movie, Lils, Rach, Sunny, and I went out into the backyard and dipped our feet into Sunny's huge pool.

"So, Steph, how has your summer been?" Lily asked, splashing my feet, making water droplets land on my jean capris. My hair began sticking to my neck in the burning heat; it must be the warmest day of the summer.

"Pretty much how I said in all the letters we wrote each other." She laughed. "It's been good, really good, but sad because that's going to be our last ever summer holiday."

"Yeah, you're right. Well, we better make the most of it, right? Hey, I'm boiling…how about a swim?"

"Sure, but we have a lack of swim suits," I said just as loud footsteps echoed from behind us. The next thing I knew, I was in the pool, sopping wet with my shirt clingy to my body.

"That won't be a problem." James laughed.

"Sirius!" Rach screamed.

"James!" Lily shouted.

"Remus!" Sunny yelled. Who was I supposed to yell for? There was no Peter to yell for. Thinking of Peter…where was he?

"Ahh! I'm soaked!"

"Guys, where is Peter?" I said.

"Wooh, random? Umm, I don't know. He told us he is away visiting someone," James said, like he couldn't care less.

"Sirius! I'm going to kill you!" Rach said, getting out of the water, soaking wet. "You ruined my flip flops."

"Speaking of flips flops, where are mine?" Lily said, diving down to the bottom of the pool and returning minutes later with a soggy flip flop that had half of its jewels missing. "James! These were my favorite shoes!" she raged. She, looking over to Rach and Sunny, winked. "Oh, but I think I can forgive you," she said while getting out of the pool. "So, James, I have been thinking…" She walked over to him. "And, I'm sorry for being mean earlier…" She went closer, putting her hand on his shoulder. "I want to give you something…" She drew him closer to the pool.

"Sirius, I want to talk to you, too."

"Yeah, and you, Remus."

I could see it coming, but the guys, being blinded by their girlfriends throwing themselves at them, couldn't.

"Over here," They all said at the same time and pushed their guys into the pool.

I got out of the pool and walked up to the girls and gave them high fives.

"Very funny," Sirius said sarcastically.

"Isn't it just," Rach replied sarcastically, sticking her tongue out at him.

Remus' Province "I can't believe they got us," Sirius said, rubbing his hair with a towel.

"Me either," I replied.

"Guys!" Sunny said, coming into our room. "Wooh," she said as she saw that all three of us had our shirts off. "Um…oh, yeah, do you want to go to Blackpool Pleasure Beach tomorrow and stay a night or something?"

"Yeah, I would love to, Sunny!" I said to her, kissing her on the cheek. She blushed, smiled, and left.

"You two seem good," James stated.

"Yeah, we are. Hey, Sirius, why don't we invite those girls from the beach to Blackpool?"

"Yeah, sure," he said.

"Aren't you forgetting something, Sirius?" I asked.

"Um–" He frowned, paused, and then shrugged.

"Your girlfriend?"

"Well, we aren't technically going out," he replied.

I can't believe him sometimes. Rach and him were all over each other, and now he just wants to meet some girl where Rach was going to be. I would never do that to a girl, but it's Sirius, and I guess Rachel knew what she was getting herself into. The next day, all three of us guys were outside and waiting. We had all brought overnight bags that were slung in the trunk. I had gotten my license and we were taking Sunny's parents' car that had seven seats. We were leaning against the car, waiting for the girls. I opened the door and honked the horn.

"Alright, alright! We're coming!" Steph yelled, coming out of the door with Lily. They both had sports bags packed to the brim.

"Wooh, we're going for a night, ladies," I said.

"Let me take that from you," James said to Lily.

"No, I can do it myself," Lily said, brushing past him. James shrugged and took Steph's instead.

"Where are Rach and Sunny?" Sirius asked.

"Inside, still," Lily said. We rolled our eyes.

An hour later, we had only just gotten onto the road. I was driving with Sunny beside me, Sirius and Rach were behind us and Lily and James were in the back with Steph in between them. Rach and Sirius were bickering about something, as usual. They couldn't stop fighting, but in the end, they always made up. Steph and James were talking to each other, and Lily was looking out the window.

"It's going to be a long journey," Sunny said to me.

"Yeah, if Rach and Sirius keep it up."

"Stop!" Sunny said. Rach and Sirius threw each other dirty looks and turned towards the window.

That was Rach and Sirius for you, always fighting but always making up.

"No, I've never been before, have you?" Steph asked James.

"Yeah, I go to Blackpool Pleasure Beach at least once a year. It's so much fun."

"Yeah, Lily, have you been?" Steph asked.

"No."

"So, why isn't Jr coming, again?" James asked. Out of the mirror I saw Steph shoot him a death stare.

"He's with his friend. He actually cares about his relationships, unlike you," she retorted.

"I do care," he replied.

"Oh, yeah? And when have you ever been sad after a girl dumps you?" She turned to him.

"We have a problem there, Evans," he stated. Lily rolled her eyes. "I have never been dumped."

"Okay, let's move on," I said, feeling the tension even though I was in the front.

"Oh! I made Head Girl," Lily said, beaming.

"Oh, great, babe! Congrats!" James said.

"Yeah, well done, Lils," everyone else said.

"Who made Head Boy?" I wondered. I wasn't expecting it myself; with my 'condition' I wouldn't be able to fulfill all of my duties.

"Um, Tyson Leaning, in Ravenclaw," Lily said.

"Really?" Steph said, a smile spread across her face, but it was gone within seconds.

"Yeah." She laughed.

Hours later, we arrived in Blackpool. Rach and Sirius weren't talking still. Rach had moved to the back seat, so Sirius and James were now plotting something behind Sunny and I.

"We're here," I finally said.

"Thank goodness," Sirius said.

"Finally!" Lily mumbled. I parked the car and we all piled out.

"Let's hit the beach first, then we'll do the park later," Sunny said.

"Sounds like a plan," I said, taking her hand. All seven of us walked towards the beach; it wasn't that busy, which was surprising, seeing as it was baking outside. Sunny and I lead the pack, hand in hand, with Sirius and James bringing up the rear. We all took off our shoes and walked on the burning hot sand. We broke into a run until we reached the cool sea, which soothed our burning feet. We walked back on the beach and laid down towels. The girls took off their shirts and skirts revealing bathing suits. Most were covered by sarongs and shorts. Us guys followed suit.

"Evans, you're smoking," James said, looking her up and down.

"Drop dead, James," she shot back. "Come on, girls. Let's go find some ice cream. Want some?"

"Yeah, please. Double chocolate fudge, with chocolate sprinkles and chocolate fudge sauce in a double chocolate cone," Sirius said.

"Enough chocolate, mate? Um, I'll have a strawberry ripple bubble gum, two scoops, dipped in chocolate sprinkles and those silver ball things, in a chocolate covered cone," James said.

"I'll have a vanilla," I said.

"Three vanillas, then," Rach said, laughing, and walking towards the ice cream van.

Lily's Province"They're such pigs," Steph laughed.

"Three vanillas, a strawberry swirl…" I said to the girl in the ice cream van.

"A chocolate ripple," Steph said.

"I'll just have a cone," Sunny said.

"And another chocolate ripple," Rach said. We took the ice creams and returned back to the guys. But there was only one problem: our spots had been taken by two girls in bathing suits. One was all over Sirius, the other over James.

"What the hell?" Rach mumbled walking over to Sirius, as we all sat down on the towels. She cleared her throat. He looked up and took the Vanilla ice cream out of her hand and returned to the dirty blonde next to him. She scowled at him, took the ice cream out of his hand, and shoved it into his face. He looked at her, licking his lips.

"What the hell?" he said. She smiled evilly at him and sat down next to me.

"Come on, Alex, let's get out of here," he said, getting up and taking the dirty blonde by the hand. He turned to us. "I'll meet you back here in an hour or so."

"Sirius, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Actually–" he began, but Rach took him by the hand and lead him away. From what it looked like from where I was sitting, Rach was shouting and Sirius was standing up for himself. Minutes later, Rach stormed back fuming and Sirius disappeared off with Alex.

"Anyway, Lily…meet Sierra," James said, gesturing to the brunette next to him.

"Hi," I said.

"Hi, nice to meet you," she said, offering me her hand. I shook it.

"Lily's my ex," he said, completely calm. "But it's over now, and we're good friends."

I couldn't believe him. His ex? Oh, he was in for it now.

"James, I am not your ex girlfriend," I raged.

"Sure, babe," he said.

"Count to ten," Sunny whispered in my ear. Screw giving James a chance; I was done with him. I hated him. I smiled at him, and moved closer.

"That's right…I'm not your ex girlfriend. I am your girlfriend." I put my hand on his and smiled at him.

"You are?" He looked at me, confused.

"I am, and I think you better run along." I smiled sweetly into Sierra's eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She gave James a disgusted look got up and walked over to Alex.

"So…we are finally on, Evans?" he said holding my hand.

"In your dreams, Potter," I replied spitefully, and pulled my hand from his clasp.

"And in yours, too, baby," he continued.

"Go to hell," I said. "I'm going for a walk. Anyone want in?" Steph and Rach nodded and we all walked over to the pier. I looked back. James had gone to find Sierra, and Remus was putting ice cream on Sunny's nose as she laughed.

"Is it just me, or are we all completely lonely?" Rach said.

"Well, not completely Rach. You have Sirius," Steph replied.

"That's why he's sucking the face off another girl."

"I'm sorry, hun," I said, giving her a comforting smile. "But hey, at least we are lonely together."

"Oh, come off it, Lily. You're not lonely; you have Jr!" Rach replied.

"Yeah," I said, looking out onto the glistening sea. I snapped out of my state to find Rach and Steph giggling at me. My cheeks flushed, and I joined in. We took seats on the edge of the pier.

A scream issued from behind us. "What the–?" I said, turning around. There stood Sirius Black, wand raised, pointing at a figure that wasn't moving.