*sorry it (once again) took so long for me to update.  I've been lazy.  Busy, but lazy.  Anyway..

Responses

kitty254781 – haha yes! I nailed the 'laughing-so-hard-you're-crying' one! Awesome, lol, glad you liked it.

Elven Dagger – yeah, they did go out 7th year, but, like how I had it set up in The Wedding of Lily Evans, it didn't work out then.  Key word 'then,' lol.

Toriisen – you find bouncing pancakes at the Charmed Goods Superstore.  It's about five miles outside of London.

dizzy eyes – the whole leg thing with James was taught to me at play practice (the day I wrote the chapter) by my dear friend Caitlin.  We were waiting in line to get measured for costumes, talking about such random things, and that came up. When I was writing that part of the chapter, I needed an idea for something for Lily to do to James and that came to my head...=D

ThestralGirl003 -- oui, I'm fine.  It just occurred to me as I started writing chapter 2 that some people reading the story might have gone through something similar to Lily's situation and I wanted to (what's the word..) put that out there.  Thank u for your concern though, =)

Chapter 7

A Clandestine Meeting

Delaney Apparated to the designated meeting spot, an abandoned shack in the middle of nowhere,  as soon as he felt the burn.  His Master did not appreciate it when one of them was late.  Those ridiculous Marauders, as they called themselves, had held him up more than he'd've liked.  He only hoped he wasn't too late.  He didn't relish the idea of the Cruciatus Curse being put on him, as that was the punishment for latecomers.

A coldness swept through the room, announcing the arrival of the Dark Lord.  Delaney knelt, bowing his head.  "Master." he murmured.

"You were late." the cold, calculating, disapproving voice of the Dark Lord said.

Delaney bit his lip.  "Yes, Master, and for that, I know I deserve to be punished."

"You do.  However, I have not the time.  Should you be late again, the punishment shall be ten times more severe."

"Yes, Master.  Thank you, Master."

"Stand up."

Delaney did as he was told.  He managed to fight back a shiver and to keep his face clear of revulsion as he looked upon the face of the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort. 

"I have just been made aware of a potentially sticky situation."

Delaney was befuddled.  "Yes, my Lord?"

"It would seem that there is a man, though not yet with as much power as Dumbledore," Voldemort spat out the name of the world's greatest wizard with extreme distaste. "who has would someday have the power to destroy me."

"Is that possible, my Lord?" Delaney asked, in utter amazement.

Voldemort turned his attention from Delaney for a moment.  He waved his wand around in front of what had once been a fireplace and a dark green leather armchair appeared.  He sat down on it, crossed his ankles, and made a steeple with his long, bony fingers before answering Delaney's question. "Apparently so.  I care not to get into the specifics of it with you.  I need you for one reason and one reason alone."

Delaney shivered slightly at the tone in his master's voice.  It implied that once that reason, whatever it was, had been carried out, Delaney could very well become mincemeat.  "Wha-what would that reason be, Master?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly.

"You know this man, but better yet, you know the object of his heart's desire."

Delaney puzzled over this cryptic statement.  "I am not sure I understand you, my Lord."

"You are several years their senior.  I believe you had a relationship of sorts with the girl for quite some time."

Delaney barely had time to wonder how the Dark Lord knew so much of his personal life before realization hit him.  "HER?!"

"Yes.  You need to bring him to me.  I will take care of it from there."

"How?"

"Did I not just tell you that you know the object of his heart's desire?" Voldemort was becoming irritated. "Work through her!  As he has clearly shown in the past, he will do anything to rescue her!  I have no time for your foolishness!  Leave!  You have two weeks to bring him before me or I will take care of you."

Delaney didn't like the emphasis on the last four words and he didn't care to be tortured so he quickly bowed and exited.

*

Voldemort stared into space for several minutes after Delaney's departure.  Finally he spoke, seemingly to no one.  However, a shadow detached from the fireplace and prostrated itself before the imposing figure of Voldemort.  "I do not know if this man is capable of doing all that I requested of him.  I may  have to make an appearance myself."

"Yes, my Lord." the little man said in a shivering, squeaky voice.

*I'm reaaaalllly sorry this is so short, I'll try to update quicker this time, lol.  This is basically just an interlude so you know what's happening on the other side.  It's also supposed to be in all italics, but I don't know if ff.net's gonna cooperate with me or not.  It's stupid like that.  Anyway, review and I luv you all!*