Disclaimer: I don't own any HP characters because I'm no way near as talented as J.K. Rowling.

My brand new story- hopefully this one will turn out okay.

Lily Evans has a major secret not even her best friend know about. Ever since she was born, she had been cursed- whenever she kisses someone of the opposite sex she turns into a black cat. But being the cheerful girl she is, she puts her worries aside- until she began falling in love with James Potter.

This idea came from watching Fruits Basket, which the whole family is cursed to turn into animals of the zodiac whenever they hug a person of the opposite sex. This story is not based on it but shares some distinctive similarities with the theme and characters.

The Unknown Curse

It was still dark when Lily climbed out of her bed. She liked that time of the day when she could have peace without anybody disturbing her. Taking out a comb, she slowly brushed her bouncy auburn curls, whilst thinking about her darkest secret- the curse.

Ever since she was small, she knew her parents had always been extra-protective of her. They would warn her to be careful and never hang out with the boys. At that time, she didn't understand what was going on. But as she grew older she realized how different she was from the other kids. Her sister, Petunia, had always called her a freak, especially after she discovered she was a witch. Well, that explains everything. Why other kids thought me strange and teased me behind my back. It was before she left for Hogwarts that her parents told her everything...

"Lily dear, we are so proud of you being a witch. It relieves our heart too because now there's a proper explanation for you being- being the way you are." Mrs. Evans said nervously, though looking thorougly relieved

In simpler terms, she was cursed to turn into a cat whenever she kisses someone of the opposite sex. No one knew why it was like that, but she thought that Professor Dumbledore knew more than he was telling.

"When the times comes, I will tell you everything." He had said when Lily was in first year. "You are not alone in this world, for there are others that share the same gift as you."

Gift? Do I really have a gift? Professor Dumbledore just smiled wisely and told her that someday she will truly understand the significance. Someday there will be someone who will learn to love her whether she was cursed or not. In the meantime, it's up to Lily whether she wants to tell others or not.

No, no, no. She decided firmly. She was going to make friends in Hogwarts. She was turning over a new leaf and starting fresh. She was never going to tell anyone about that secret- unless she couldn't help it. She was so shocked she could not speak. I, Lily Evans, am cursed and can turn into a cat? Is that a good or bad thing? Will anyone make fun of me because of it?

She sighed at the memory of her childish ignorance. Now that she was sixteen, her confusion had found its answer. She didn't care about turning into a cat- she much preferred being able to kiss the one she loves. But I'm too young for love, so why worry at the moment? Life's full of wonderful things, like she had her parents, friends that looked out for her, Hogwarts and magic...Her eyes gleamed- she was so glad to get away from Petunia and her constant taunting.

She placed her brush down and checked herself in the mirror. Her almond green eyes, her porcelain skin and her silky red hair made her look very attractive. But that won't do. With the flick of a wand, she magicked her hair to tie up tightly. With another flick, she fixed a pair of glasses that was totally unnecessary.

Why? Because getting caught up in love will be a real bother- for me.

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Sirius Black and James Potter were the infamous ringleaders of the Marauders, and not to mention the most popular boys in Hogwarts. Now in their sixth year, they have certainly made themselves a name with the girls. Sirius Black, he was a ladies man in everyway. He had been capable of making any girl fall in love with him because there was a charisma to his seductive grey eyes. He changed girlfriends like changing clothes. The longest record of dating the same girl, and that girl only, had been with Isabella, his current girlfriend of two months.

James Potter wasn't any better. He was the Captain of the Quidditch team, which made many girls swoon over his incredible skill. He was exceedingly cute, with that unruly black hair, mischievous hazel eyes and innocent smile. It was probably because of his popularity that made his ego swell up his head.

"Prongs, take a look at our progress." Sirius whistled as he pulled out a scroll.

It was a scroll containing all the named of the girls in 6th year. Yes, even the Slytherin girls. Besides most of the names, there was a tick.

"It's just the filthy Slytherins left," James shuddered, "No way am I going out with any of them."

"Wrong, my friend." Sirius grinned. "There's still a few victims left."

He tapped the scroll twice and several names appeared.

Amelia McKellar- Hufflepuff

Kisha Fayette- Gryffindor

Maude Stephenson- Hufflepuff

Celina Nikiski- Ravenclaw

Lily Evans- Gryffindor

"Hmm..." James mused. His attention was really on catching his Snitch at the last minute, showing off his reflexes.

"I'll take Kisha, what about you?" Sirius declared.

"Kisha, isn't she that Gangsteress? I'd watch it if I was you." James replied absent-mindedly.

"So what, all for the better! Sirius Black, lose to her? I bet I can make her kiss my shoes in a week." Sirius chuckled evilly. "Hey, you haven't answered my question."

"Well, all the good ones are done for, aren't they." James struggled to hold onto his Snitch. "I guess whatever..."

"Better give you a good one then," Sirius paused upon each name. "Maude Stephenson, fate has decided." He chose the worst looking one.

James almost fell down from his chair. "Her, yuck! She's the one with the chubby face and a whole lot of freckles and...braces."

"Bad luck, Prongsie. Remember, we only have to play with their heart, that's all." Sirius said happily.

The next day, Lily was on her way to Transfiguration when she heard a loud commotion. It sounded like two people arguing, or rather, one person shouting and the other crying.

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"Get off me...what?! Speak louder...Merlin, I didn't tell you to CRY!"

Curiosity got the better of her so she walked closer to have a better listen. Whoever it is sure needed anger management.

"I'm so sorry...I didn't mean it...did I say anything to make you angry...wait, don't go!" the girl was sobbing uncontrollably, clinging to the boy's sleeve.

"Cut it OUT!...it's nothing that you said or did, ok?...it was just a game from the beginning...do you have any idea what I'm talking about? A GAME...I never liked you from the start, ok?? The boy yelled, desperately trying to make an escape.

As soon as those words fell out the girl fell quiet. She stood up slowly and wiped her tears, not saying a word.

"Wait!" Lily stepped out from behind. She wasn't sure what came over her, but she felt determined to help the situation.

So she found myself facing the infamous James Potter. Lily felt awkward, what was she going to say now?

"What do you want?" James drawled, he didn't know her name, only by sight as the nerd who follows that Gangsteress around.

"Well- I just wanted to know what the matter is." Lily stated, walking over to the girl called Maude.

James snickered. "What's your problem?"

"I don't have a problem." Lily said kindly. "It's just that it seems like you are mad at her and if there's anything I can help-

"Yes, you can. Just get that girl out of my face!" James retorted. "Don't let me see you ever again." he eyed Maude, who broke into tears again.

"I don't think that's the best way to go about it." Lily started calmly. "Apologize to each other for whatever reasons and everyone can be happy."

"Me, apologize? You've got to be kidding." James laughed menacingly. "James Potter never apologizes. To a girl."

"Come, now." Lily stated firmly. "Everybody makes mistakes and it's only fair to make up for it. Nobody's perfect- so please?"

"Hell to you!" James fumed, "What's the matter with you? Why do you care so much about something you don't even understand! You know what, you must be the most annoying person I've ever met. All those good moral and virtues crap! Just rack off because I'm having a really bad day!" and with that, he stormed off.

"Ok," Lily murmured astoundingly, "That was maximum rage."

"I'm sorry." Maude whimpered shakily. "It was my fault that he shouted to you like that."

"No, it's not your fault." Lily smiled reassuringly. "If anyone's got a problem, it's him."

"I don't know how it happened. We were so much in love- and then, well now he says it's only a game!" Maude sniffed. "Why does he always do that?"

"It's in his nature. Sometimes people can't help the way they are." Lily replied thoughtfully. She wondered what it would be like if James wasn't so fickle.

"Well, I'm Maude Stephenson." She stuck out her hand, looking embarrassed. "Thank you so much for sticking up for me."

"I'm Lily Evans," she replied sweetly. "Soon-to-be James Potter's new target."

Maude's eyes widened. "Oh- I'm so sorry, I ought to- my fault really...

"I was joking." Lily grinned, feeling that her day had turned out to be a bonus. Even if he was going to do me a prankfest, at least I made another friend along the way...

Ta-da! I hope you guys like it. I think it's sweet- attempts to look modest. Lily sounds rather like a darling, doesn't she? Almost too kind! I love Fruits Basket; it's given me a new inspiration!