PHILOLOGUS by P.P.V.V.

Disclaimer: The standard disclaimer applies. All original characters/ideas are mine to claim. though.

AN: Thank you all for waiting so patiently for this next instalment. I hope you enjoy it just as much!

Onward.

Previously:

McGonogall entered and Lily watched as the Lady paced the room in front of her. "I have never seen anyone stand up to the Lady Narcissa before. Just for the nerve, I reward you the 50 points lost from our House – the Black family has always been a self-righteous lineage, and I was most amused to hear that you did not back away."

Lily was at a loss of what to say. "Aren't I in trouble?" She asked, finally.

McGonogall got up, smoothing her dull grey dress out. It reached her ankles and had a high collar to it, giving people the impression of a chiseled glass doll appearance. "From what I've heard from certain students, I don't think it's proper to punish you for defending yourself and others. Your only penalty is to apologize to Madam Pince for your behavior as it is only fair. Other than that, I bid you good night."

CHAPTER 7

-An Adventure -

When Lily awoke the next day, she did so to a very pleasant surprise. A long slip of paper had been inserted under her door, containing a very formal letter.

To the Lady Lily Evans, it read,

Congratulations on this awarding of another stripe, worn in the honor of the House of Gryffindor! Wear your colors proudly, for you deserve it. Warm regards,

-Lady Minerva McGonogall

Several other signatures were scrawled on the page, which indicated that the decision to elevate her stripe level had not been an individual one.

Sure enough, when she looked within, there was a stripe that fell out, in the color of gold, nestling comfortably in her hand. She felt her heart swell with joy as she quickly dressed, pinning it to her breast along with the others on her uniform. Four stripes – Narcissa was not going to be happy about this, and she felt as if she had already won part of the battle.

As she ran a brush through her hair, she caught sight of the favor that Marie and Florence had embroidered for her during the tea hour the girls had spent with her the night before. It had been rather entertaining if not a bit awkward. It had been spent renewing acquaintances and stumbling over apologies before the talk turned to that of the masquerade.

Lily had told them that James had asked her to go, and they persuaded her to agree – it was a good way, they insisted, to get on Narcissa's nerves. Lily had readily agreed, spurred on by the warm feeling she had in her chest of being accepted at long last.

Satisfied with her appearance in the mirror and saying farewell to her mother's photo, she quickly grabbed the favor before letting herself out.

The attitude inside the common room that morning was noticeably different when she came downstairs.

Almost everyone in the room gave her hearty waves and greetings. Not knowing what to think about it, she responded to them in kind. Her friends were among the crowd and they came forward, eagerly.

"What's going on?" Lily asked, as they exited the Tower and made their way past a portrait of a Fat Lady who seemed to be guarding the hallway, poised forever in the same fashion with her cold, staring eyes and disapproving frown.

"Everyone knows about your encounter with Lady Narcissa." Alice told her, matter-of-factly. Today her hair was wrapped in a wreath of braids around her head. "They're all impressed with your courage – a true Gryffindor quality, that is."

"I didn't do much." Lily protested. "Anyone could do it."

Alice shook her head. "No. No one would dare – the connections that the Black Family deals out are wide, and Lady Narcissa always taps into them. Her Father is Marquis Cygnus of Durham, so you can only imagine. He has one of the highest ranks in office, so no one dares oppose him."

"I don't care what rank he has." Lily told them, fervently. "I don't believe in the strong bullying the weak."

"And thus why everyone acknowledges you." Alice put in, stubbornly. "You have gained a stripe for it, so it accounts for something."

At that, the red head let it go. It was no use trying to convince them just yet: they were all still too naïve, and she wondered how they would react if they had suddenly been placed in a normal school where fights broke out over the silliest things. She supposed they would all fall victim to the local neighborhood bullies, but she didn't say so out loud. Instead, she went with them to the Auditorium for the morning roll call and announcements.

Aesalon was already there when they arrived, and his face was expressionless when he looked up. "Good morning, Ladies." He sounded numb, and his eyes passed over Lily, stopping at the newest addition to her accessories. He gave her a small smile and a nod, which was missed by the others who curtsied at his greeting.

"Good morning Aesalon!" Lily said, brightly. "Do you mind if my friends sit with us, today?"

Aesalon's cold gaze passed over the others briefly before he shrugged. "Do as you will." He murmured, facing the front. He seemed ill at ease, but he was doing a good job of covering it. The girls seemed a bit uncomfortable too, so they took their seats beside Lily and away from him, politely.

While the rest of the auditorium filled, they spoke together in quiet tones. "Forgive me, my Lady," he said, tonelessly, "it's a general rule that those from the House of Slytherin don't mingle with those from the House of Gryffindor."

"Why is that?" Lily asked, twirling a lock of red hair between her fingers as she watched the Elementary Section get escorted to the front. All those under the age of ten wore different uniforms: navy dresses, coats and slacks. Apparently, they were taught in another section of the castle which she had not yet discovered.

"It's a tradition." He said, shrugging. "You've upset everyone in my House with what you've said to Narcissa," he remarked, "but it seems you've gained yourself allies."

Lily sighed, exasperatedly as he continued, "I don't know what's going to become of her tirade any more, but she's extremely upset last I heard…"

"It's all right, Aesalon." Lily assured him. "I already told you that I will play her game until the end and I don't intend to lose."

He seemed uncomfortable in his chair because he squirmed a bit, before finally focusing his eyes on hers. "Then you'd better be prepared for what she's planned next, because I hear rumor that it's not pretty."

0-0-0-0-0

Sirius listened to the lecture before him only half-enthusiastically. He was more intent on watching Remus and Peter passing notes indiscreetly behind Madam Hooh's back. She was the head of the Athletics department and as Gryffindors, it was a required subject to take, and one of Sirius' favorite classes.

Today she started her classes off with a lecture on the proper methods of stretching before exerting oneself rigorously in any sport. He was just noting how Peter was looking rather pale and peaky when she asked a question.

"And who knows the consequences of neglecting the process of stretching?" Without turning from the board and without halting her hand from writing, she called on a student. "Sir Remus?"

Remus stood, pocketing the paper smoothly as he did. "Loss of limbs?" He asked, innocently.

"I've half a mind to throw this at you." Madam Hooch sighed, brandishing her chalk piece threateningly as she turned to glare at him for his cheek.

He kept the innocent look on his face as she asked, "Is that today's event?"

"It may well be, sir, if you don't start paying attention." She growled, in a long-suffering way, waving for him to sit back down. The rest of the class laughed at that, and Remus bowed before taking his seat once more.

Seeing no one was ready to answer her question, Sirius raised his hand and was called upon. "If you don't stretch before working your muscles, the oxygen will not be able to flow to your blood cells and it will cause fermentation, thus resulting in aches and pains." He quoted, as he stood.

"Correct. Five points to Gryffindor." She continued with the lesson before splitting them into groups to perform the techniques she had taught.

Since the day was clear and warm, they had their training exercises in a field outside. The smell of nature seemed to perk everyone up again and they all participated eagerly – soon, the weather would turn harsh and wet with the change of season and they would not be able to enjoy outdoor sports as often.

After class, Madam Hooch pulled Sirius aside. The wind had swept his hair back so that it fell in a mess around his face, and his shirt was unbuttoned until his mid-chest. He quickly did these up again as she spoke. "It's been such a long while since I've heard you speak out voluntarily. I was beginning to wonder if you were faring well?"

"As well as should be expected." He answered, vaguely, slipping the last button into place. "I apologize for my lack of attentiveness. I'm…preoccupied of late."

"So it would seem." She said, nodding. Without turning, she called, "Sir Remus! A word, if I may." Remus, who had been on his way back into the school, turned.

"Ma'am?"

She held out her hand, expectantly. "The note, good sir."

He sighed and reached into his pocket, drawing out the note they had been passing back and forth earlier. "I stand disgraced, my Lady," he said, sheepishly, as he placed it on her palm.

She sounded bemused. "Again."

He laughed, raising her hand to his lips and bowing apologetically before running back toward the castle gates, calling, "Hey, Peter, wait for me!"

Sirius followed them, hurriedly shrugging on his overcoat as he ran to catch up. For some reason, the weather had changed drastically and the sky overhead had become overcast and darker. The smell of rain played at his nostrils and a small wind had picked up, tugging at the thin material of his shirt. The scarlet and gold shorts he had on didn't help protect him much either, and he pulled his socks up higher to try and keep the cold from them as well.

Remus didn't seem to care for the sudden change in temperature, his own overcoat slung casually over his shoulder as they waited for him from atop the hill. Peter looked positively miserable for the sharp sting in the air, clutching his overcoat to himself morosely. Seeing his shivering form, the taller boy draped the coat over him, adding to the layers.

Together, they crossed the fields toward the east end of the building, where, thankfully, it was warm. By that time, a small drizzle had started, enough to get the three of them wet.

"Lovely," Remus remarked, cheerfully. "It's a good thing we gave our gift to James early – you wouldn't want to be caught outside in this weather, would you, Sirius?"

Sirius shook his own overcoat from the droplets of water, brushing a hand through his dark, wavy hair, setting it back into place properly. "You know very well I can climb walls in the rain – but I would rather not. I don't need to fall sick right before the masquerade."

"Did you find someone to go with?"

Triumphantly, Sirius showed him the favor that was in his pocket. It was a pale blue color, the initials C.V. embroidered on the cloth. "Lady….?"

"Charadase Vance." Sirius finished, "a sixth year from the House of Hufflepuff."

Remus whistled low, thinking. "I can't place her." He said finally.

While the two of them were chatting, they had begun to walk and they didn't realize that Peter was falling further and further behind. It was only when they heard the sound of a body hitting the floor with a sickening thud that the both of them turned in alarm.

"Oh my god!" Sirius shouted upon seeing his friend's still form, "Peter, are you okay?"

"Peter!" Remus cried out, at the same time.

Their friend had crumpled to the ground with such force that he was knocked unconscious and a trickle of blood had begun to trail its way down the side of his face. Sirius reached his side first, falling to his knees and scooping him up effortlessly. His head lolled to the side limply when Sirius shook him. "Peter? Peter! Remus – he's not waking up!"

Remus, who had crouched next to Peter as well, stood. "I'll go get the nurse." And with that, he sprinted off toward the hospital wing, not looking back.

Sirius carefully tugged his overcoat off his shoulders and draped it around Peter's body, waiting for him to return.

0-0-0-0-0

The rain pelted against him, feeling like soft caresses despite the cold touch it brought with it. Everyone else had retreated inside, flinging their book bags or their coats over their heads to keep from getting wet as they ran for cover.

What started out gently soon became a torrent of water, falling in big droplets and splattering the ground around him in a furious onslaught. He didn't mind it all that much though – in fact, he wasn't paying much attention to it, focusing instead on the opponent in front of his sword.

He felt his cape billow out behind him and impatiently he reached up to unhook it from his shoulders. It fell to the wet grass, flattening a small bed of roses nearby. In the sky, the thunder clouds stormed in, and a prick of lightning flashed.

And then, his opponent lunged, but he wasn't caught unaware. He met the strike with equal force, and the swords connected, the sound of steel clashing against each other.

The dance had begun.

Again and again, they exchanged blows and with grace and speed, effectively dodged and turned each other's blades to the side. It went on for quite some time, because he refused to give in.

Soon, despite the cold, he felt hot, his chest heaving with labored breaths as he strove to keep up his defenses and his pace.

With a grunt, he managed to parry a thrust, but he lost his balance when he slipped on a wet patch of grass so he was unable to dodge the next attack. Down he went, falling to his knees, and his breath caught in his throat when the tip of his opponent's blade whistled a breath away from his face.

He lost.

Again.

"Very good, Sir James." Professor Merrythought said, sounding very pleased. Withdrawing his sword, he motioned for the young man to stand. James did so, his legs trembling beneath him. His black slacks were covered in mud as well as his boots. Cursing inwardly, the Gryffindor Elite ran a hand through his hair, slicking it back impatiently.

"I lost my concentration, I'm sorry, Professor." He said, frustrated, as he slid his sword back into its sheath.

Professor Merrythought was lean and built, assigned to teach the Elites in the class of Defense and Practicality that day. He was old – perhaps as old as Dumbledore, but James respected him highly for his ability to move with such speed and precision. It was like he had shed his years and resumed being a youth whenever he was in combat. "On a battlefield, all that matters are the opponents you face." He said, wisely. "You must learn how to curb your strength and your endurance."

James nodded, tiredly, blinking a raindrop from his right eye. "You may be my best pupil, but you've a lot to learn."

"Yes sir."

"Then, speak to the maiden that has caught your eye and managed to break through your concentration." The Professor said, laughing as he sheathed his own sword. He had caught sight of her as well, her flame red hair standing stark visible behind a hedge as she had watched them, interestedly.

They bowed to finish the match, before the Professor turned, walking slowly back to the school, donning once more, his old skin.

Angrily, James girdled the sword to his hip once again, before moving toward his fallen cape. Rosetta wouldn't thank him for that, but it couldn't be helped any more. He picked it up from its resting place, rearranging the flowers beneath. He felt a presence behind him.

"What?" He growled, moodily.

"Did I come at a bad time?"

He turned to see Lily standing behind him, looking like a drowned cat. Her red hair was matted to her forehead in clumps and her dress clung to her body, revealing her curves. James found it hard to tear his eyes away but he was too upset to forgive her for interrupting his dueling match to linger for long on the appealing sight.

"If you hadn't come, I would have beaten him for sure." He said, getting to his feet.

"If you say so." She said. "I'm sorry to have disturbed you." She turned to walk away, then, in a huff.

Wincing, James called after her. "Wait, Lady Lily!"

She glanced back at him, her feet stilling. "What?"

He licked his lips and brushed his hair away from his face again. "I didn't mean I wasn't glad to see your company." He told her grudgingly, moving to catch up with her. "I am just a bit frustrated at my lack of focus. I couldn't help but wonder why it was that you were wandering out here."

Lily shivered, rubbing at her arms for warmth. "I was looking for you." She said simply.

He thought to offer her his coat or his cape, but realized then that they were in no fit state to give. "You're soaking wet – let's get inside." Without waiting for her response, he took her by the elbow, steering them toward the nearest shelter.

The green house was the closest place and here he ushered them in, letting her go in first.

It was warm and dry within, and he quickly shut the door behind them to block out the howling wind. Luckily it hadn't been locked and he quickly reached out to turn on the soft, overhead light.

She gasped upon seeing her surroundings. Plants of every shape, size and color were growing there. He watched as she craned her head to look in every direction and whispered words of awe at the beauty. She had never seen anything like it before.

"It's like a fairy tale." He heard her say.

"Fairy tale?" he repeated, amused.

She regarded him seriously. "Of course. Don't tell me they keep those from you people too."

Now he truly was surprised. "What do you mean 'you people'?"

"You sheltered, spoiled, children." Lily said, crouching by the foot of a huge tree. Her tone was stinging.

"We're educated." He answered, defensively. "And we were born to be this way." When she didn't reply, he spread his hands and demanded, "Would you rather be a pauper?"

"I would rather live free, thank you." She settled herself down smoothing back her hair so that her green eyes were very visible. "This place is like a prison – a cage, so rigid and polite. Don't you people ever think of letting go once in a while?"

Her words were strange and when James tried to make sense of them he found himself get even more confused. She shook her head and began to wring her dress from the excess water. "Do you really think it's so horrible to be a nobleman?" he asked, striding over to her.

"If it makes you blind to the real world, then I want nothing to do with it." She continued to try and squelch the rainwater out of her dress, patting at it.

He began to wring his cloak out, mimicking her actions. "We're not blind to it – we'd rather not be part of it." He said.

"Afraid to leave the comfort of your lives?" She sniffed, mockingly.

"It's our fault entirely, is it?" James demanded, feeling his anger stir at her accusatory tone. "Maybe if you tried to fit in, it wouldn't seem like such a barrier!"

"Maybe if you guys weren't so close-minded you would all try to accept differences!" She shot back, just as angrily.

They glared at each other for a long moment breaking eye contact when the sky outside suddenly lit up when the lightning flashed across it.

James peered up at the transparent ceiling. "We'll just have to wait until the rain quiets before we head back." He said. He tilted his head back to look at her. "Are you okay?"

She let her hands fall into her lap with a sigh. "I guess so." She muttered. "I'm just thinking about something Lady Narcissa told me about you."

He cocked his head to the side. "And what would that be?"

She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, thinking. She absently picked up a leaf and began to tear it into shreds while she searched for the words to say. "I was looking for you earlier, to ask you the real reason why you chose to take me to the masquerade." She said finally.

He smoothed his hair back and leant his head against the trunk of the tree. "Was it because you felt sorry for me? Or was it because you have something up your sleeve to embarrass me even more?"

James sat up. "Now, why would I want to embarrass you?"

"Doesn't everybody?" She breathed, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

He leaned over and grasped her shoulders, turning her to face him. Her eyes were angry green orbs that seemed to burn but he was mesmerized by them. "When haven't I been discriminated against?" She challenged.

He let out a sigh. "If this is about the stripes, I already told you I was sorry." He said. "You have to understand that it was tradition and I was doing the job as I was taught to…"

She pulled away from him, then. "It's not just that – tell me, Sir James, why did Lady Narcissa warn me to be careful around you?"

He gave her his best smile. "I'm completely harmless." He said.

She swat at him and he hunched his shoulders, staring at her in shock. How unladylike to display such barbaric behavior! "I'm serious, Sir James! Answer my question!"

He rubbed at the assaulted spot morosely. "I don't know why she said that," He answered, hunching his shoulders again on instinct and quickly added, "unless of course, it's because of my history as a Marauder."

Lily looked at him skeptically. "You make the word Marauder sound very suspicious."

"That's what we called ourselves." James said vaguely, choosing not to elaborate, looking out over the arranged flowers. "We played practical jokes but we would never go so far as to hurt anyone purposely. And I would never dream to humiliate a Lady."

Aesalon had told her that much, and James sounded too serious and prideful to be bluffing over something like this. Somehow, she knew deep down that he wasn't the sort to stoop so low.

"And the Masquerade?" She asked, reverting back to the original question. "Why did you choose me?"

He glanced away then, staring at his hands which were now toying with the edge of his cape, the material cold and soggy. It had darkened to a dark crimson hue now that it was wet and it weighed even more. He studied it for a moment before answering, almost shyly, "I like your spirit."

"What?"

James cleared his throat. "Your spirit," he said again. "I realized that you were so different from all the other Ladies. You speak your mind, and...you aren't afraid of me."

Lily let her own head fall back against the tree trunk. It was uncomfortable with the way the bark jutted out in uneven ripples. She raised it again, saying, "Why are the others afraid of you?"

"Because I'm an Elite." He responded, without a hint of arrogance. She made a sound of confusion, urging him to explain. "No one likes to speak to the Elite – they're afraid that we will somehow put in a word or two to the superiors about them that will drag them down. Either that, or we are looked up to so much that we have become a sort of idol that everyone seems to worship." His voice had lifted with disgust at the last thought. He smiled ruefully. "We don't have many friends."

Lily blinked. "So you asked me because I'm different?"

"In a good way," He agreed, nodding. Then, hesitantly, he asked, "Did you think about it?"

Lily pressed her hands together. "I'm not good at dancing."

"Neither am I."

"And I've never been to a ball before."

"That's quite all right."

"-Or had an escort." She protested. "I don't even have a dress and the ball is next week!"

James chuckled then, his voice soft and husky. "Are you saying yes?"
Lily frowned. Now that she thought about it, she wasn't so sure she was eager to accept his offer despite what her friends had told her. "I don't know what I'm trying to say." She said, shaking her head. Her hand went unconsciously to the favor she had in her pocket, but she was too embarrassed to bring it out – it was ragged and wet too, crumpled and plain.

They sat in silence for a long while, both of them thinking their separate thoughts. Outside the sound of rain falling against the panes of glass surrounding the structure of the building played a soft rhythm and pretty soon, James became aware of a slight tremor coming from his right shoulder.

Lily was pressed against him, unknowingly, trembling. Her lips were pale and her hands were clammy.

"Are you cold?" He asked, worriedly, uncertain how to react to the close contact.

"I'm freezing." She said, her teeth chattering. "At this rate, we'll both catch pneumonia."

He glanced up at the ceiling watching the rain coming down, ever relentless. "It doesn't look like it's going to stop any time soon." He said, worriedly. "We should run back inside. Are you okay to do so?"

Lily checked herself and pushed away from him, embarrassed. "I'm up for it." She said, getting up abruptly. Her body protested by sending a shooting pain down her arms and legs, but she ignored it. Her mind could only think one thing: being together like that with him had felt so right - and it scared her.

If he was bothered by it, she couldn't tell because he came to his feet as well, scooping his cape up and crossing the indoor garden. "Come on then," He called to her, when she hesitated.

She took one last look around the greenhouse, relishing in the magical atmosphere before she followed him.

He took her by the elbow again, holding his cape up above them as they splashed through the West Courtyard and hurried toward the castle.

Completely drenched, they reached an entrance and let themselves in. The area was deserted, a corridor that was located toward the west end of the building. Rows and rows of hollowed armor statues stood at attention, and ceiling-to-floor frames were posted on the walls between them. "Well, that was an adventure." James said, shaking his hands from the droplets of water. "Are you all right?"

She mimicked his actions, pulling her red locks back into a ponytail. "I'm fine." She said. "I want to have a hot bath and get changed, though." She glanced down at her uniform which was sticking to her body like a second skin.

"There's a shortcut to the Tower if you'll follow me." James suggested, beginning to lead the way again, forcing himself not to stare at her. His boots squished against the floor, leaving a track of water and mud behind. Filch was not going to be very pleased with that, but it couldn't be helped as they crossed over to a portrait frame. "It's a very long walk back to the East End of the building from here, so we can use this route. We can get there all the faster and find some warmth when we do."

He leaned his weight against it and it swung open, revealing a dark low, winding passage beyond it. She peered around him down it, and made a questioning noise. "The castle is old and it has many secret passageways. This one is a known one by many," he thought to explain, stepping into the opening. He had to crouch because the entrance was tight and low, but he turned to look back at her. "It's hardly used, but it's completely safe." He assured her, seeing her uncertainty.

Lily glanced down into the gloomy, cave-like passage. For the first few feet, she could see nothing but stone and packed earth before it faded away into nothing. She wasn't too keen on going somewhere where she wasn't able to see in front of her. He seemed to read her mind because he stepped back out and offered her his hand. "I've been down this trail hundreds of times, so you needn't worry."

She stared at his hand for a long moment and she finally took it, hers cold against his. He pulled her forward gently. "Trust me…." He whispered, his voice echoing in the trail before them.

He went in first, never letting go of her hand as the portrait closed behind them.

And they were plunged into darkness.

0-0-0-0-0

This must be what it feels like to be blind, Lily thought, because no matter how wide she opened her eyes she could not see a thing an inch away from her face. They were surrounded by darkness on all sides, and a cold, damp feeling was in the air.

They were moving at a fast pace. The footing was hard and rocky, sometimes a little slippery, but it was always sloping upward. Soon, her knees began to start hurting with the continuous uphill climb, but she didn't ask to stop because she wanted to get out of this place as fast as possible.

The place was like a maze, with tunnels opening up in various places, zigzagging this way and that. James was ahead of her thankfully, his footsteps echoing in the vast darkness, his strides confident. He never faltered as he led her down certain corridors and avoided others all together. Sometimes he would pause and his voice would filter around her, telling her to duck her head or to watch her step, and he would squeeze her hand every so often as if to reassure her that he was still there.

By that time, her hand was warm and she had come to like the feel of his in hers.

They had been traveling for a little while without saying anything until Lily decided to speak up. "Uh….Sir James? How much further?"

"Just a little more." He said. "The base of the tower should be just up ahead if I'm not mistaken. How are you faring?"

"I'm okay." She quipped, but in reality, she was feeling very tired and frightened (though she would rather die than admit that to him!). "They should put lights in here; it's really dangerous like this."

"The passages served as a way for the Ruler to get about without being seen when the Castle was under attack or when those within the Castle were acting as spies." He said, matter-of-factly. "If these passageways were lit, then they would easily be found and they could easily be traveled by anyone." He picked his way around a boulder, making sure that she followed. "This was also built to prevent the prisoners from escaping."

"Prisoners?"

"That's right – if you read H.W Academy: A History you'll find out more. Stick close – you don't want to see what are in some of these corridors."

She had no choice but to obey and they turned another series of corners. "We're almost there." He said, just as she was thinking that maybe it would have been faster if they had taken the longer route. She had begun shivering again, her clothing feeling like ice against her skin beneath.

He halted abruptly suddenly, making her collide into him. She let out a yelp of dismay and he turned to put his hands on her shoulders. "We went the wrong way, I apologize my Lady. If you'll just stay here for a second, I'll go see where I went wrong."

Lily's eyes widened in fear, but in the darkness, he could not see them. "By myself?" she demanded, but he was already moving, his footsteps echoing back the way they had come, leaving her standing alone, sightless and very afraid.

Letting out a breath of frustration, she tried to calm herself, leaning against the wall, but as she did so, she felt something brush the bare skin by the base of her neck.

Gasping, she pushed back – a spider web. Oh, she hated spiders! And then she felt it, crawling up her arm. She screamed, brushing it off, feeling the insect's legs against her fingers when she did so.

She felt more of them suddenly, by her ankles, intending to crawl up her legs. Her body stamped in reaction to the foreign touch and she screamed again, moving, blindly, away from the nest that she had accidentally disturbed. She rounded a corner after bumping into a wall violently, scraping her arm in the process. Luckily, her dress was the only thing to tear and she got a minor scratch, but it still hurt. She bent over, shaking both in pain and fear.

In the distance, she heard James' footfalls. "Lady Lily?" He was calling.

A stab of fear cut through her heart. What if he couldn't find her? "Sir James! I'm over here!" She called back, feeling very stupid. She called out to him again, hoping he could hear her.

Instead of getting closer though, his footsteps faded away and she felt despair hit her. In the darkness, he would never know where she was, especially with all the different pathways that he had told her were meant to allow these things to happen.

She wanted to cry and she was very near doing so, as claustrophobia claimed her as well as the chills.

Each passing second felt like an eternity and she tried in vain to compose herself.

But then James was suddenly in front of her, taking her hands and she realized that she was sobbing. "Where were you?" he was demanding, "What happened?"

She flung her arms around his neck, relief flooding her, and he stumbled back in surprise – the embrace was unexpected and tight, the cold material of her dress clashing against his clothes. He wouldn't be surprised if they got sick the following day.

It didn't help that his own nerves were frayed; just moments before he had believed her to be lost and when she had stopped calling out to him, he had begun to worry that she had hurt herself and fallen unconscious. Then he had heard her soft, stifled cries and followed them.

It looked like she wasn't entirely different from the other girls after all, but he didn't care. He hugged her to him, glad that she was okay. "I told you not to move." He reprimanded, gently, disentangling her firm grip on him. At her whine of protest, he squeezed her forearm. "It's my fault – I was distracted again and lost track of where we were heading." He left unsaid the reason why, which was because he had been thinking that her hand was small compared to his. "Come, my Lady, it's all right now. I know the way out."

Once more, he took her hand, and once more, she began to follow him. In less than two minutes, they had come to another wall that James pushed upon and it flapped open with a small creak.

The base of Gryffindor Tower.

He let her go first, before sliding out after her. The statue of a lion on a scarlet and gold background greeted them as they pushed their way out, standing on the threshold. The staircase leading up to the common room stood just to their left, and winding upwards, they could see through the windows that the rain had not ceased yet.

The light was blinding at first, but it was a welcome sight for the both of them as they blinked owlishly at each other trying to readjust. They were both a mess, certainly not the appearance a student at the Academy should ever have.

"We're here." He said, scratching at his cheek where there was a smudge of dirt on his face. His voice echoed around the marble landing. Even as bedraggled as he looked, he was still handsome and she blushed, looking away.

Lily backed away a step, knowing that she had crossed her boundaries too many times to count that night. "Thank you, sir…I thought…I didn't think…" she trailed off, and he grasped her shoulders again.

"It's over now." He said.

She blinked away the lingering tears and nodded. "Next time, we're taking the long way." She said, shakily. She swore she could still feel the spiders crawling around her and she rubbed at her arms nervously. She would never go back there, she promised.

He laughed and nodded. "Deal."

His laughter eased her tenseness and she moved toward the staircase, her footfalls ringing through the room. His voice made her turn at the base of the steps.
"I bid you good night, my Lady." He said, softly, reminding Lily that despite their adventure, he was still an Elite. Somehow, she had forgotten about that in the darkness below. He was staring at her now, and she could feel herself start to blush, consciously crossing her arms across her chest.

Hooking a piece of hair behind her ear that had fallen loose from her ponytail, Lily managed to thank him. "I didn't think I'd ever get out." She said. He shrugged slightly but said no more, continuing to stare at her. She met his gaze shyly, and unconsciously, she began moving back toward him, his blue eyes seeming to pull her to him.

He didn't move, his raptor-like gaze never straying from her face as she reached into the pocket of her uniform drawing out the favor and placing it in his hand. His fingers closed around her hand once more – warm and gentle – his thumb trailing a slow circle across the back of it.

An eternity seemed to pass, and Lily's heart leapt to her throat when he brought it to his lips for a kiss. Then, without a word, he broke away from her, taking the cloth with him, and retreated up the steps, leaving her to stare after him, in wonder.

To Be Continued…

AN: I want to thank everyone for the reviews that they so graciously gave to me. I'm afraid I need them, badly, because I'm hitting a writer's block. Please tell me what you thought of this last chapter. Depending on my mood, the next chapter may be out in two weeks' time...

Thanks for reading,

-P.P.V.V.