Rule #6: Girls DO NOT Appreciate Snow Down Their Robes...Nor Do Werewolves

"So Tiger Lily," James began, "What say we take it easy on the arguing this holiday? You know in the spirit of Christmas and good cheer?"

Lily looked up from her newspaper. "Very well. You don't ask me out and I won't practice my curses on you."

"Right..." he smiled, taking a seat. "It's good to see those two've made up." He nodded toward Remus and Sirius who were laughing over their chess game.

"Yeah...I think Sirius might actually pull through. He would go all in for no one else," she commented as she continued reading her Prophet. "Six more muggleborns went missing today...with, what people are calling, 'The Dark Mark' hanging overhead. This is getting serious..."

"That Psycho is not getting anywhere...the Ministry will shut him down soon enough," James said calmly.

"Easy for you to say. You're from a prominent pureblood family."

"That's hardly fair-"

"What's 'hardly fair,' is that thirty-five muggleborns are presumed to be dead and the Ministry has not apprehended their prime suspect. If you were missing, a full manhunt would be in effect," she said firmly. "I'm telling you, this guy os a bigger deal than anyone is giving him credit for...and we're the prime candidates for his sick little army. It's a matter of time before our own peers begin being recruited."

"That's ridiculous. It's not that bad..."

"Look, obviously we disagree and in spirit of our little truce, I need to leave before I start yelling." She stood and went upstairs.

James watched in confusion. Had she no faith in their government? In his father? Porsche then entered and sat beside him. "What's wrong? You look like you've just argued with Lily," she teased.

"She's worried about this 'Lord Whatever' guy and his antics and said I wouldn't understand because I'm pureblood."

"Well..." Porsche exhaled in thought. "It is something to worry over. A charismatic, extremely powerful Dark Wizard is targeting a specific race. As a member of that group, Lily and I are exceedingly aware of the reality that we could be next on the hit list...or worse, his recruitment list."

"My dad wouldn't let that happen, neither would Dumbledore."

"Maybe...but until you know for certain, you need to be aware of her stress, and understanding about it. I mean you do still want her heart, right?"

He arched a brow at her. "Now that was sneaky."

"I know."

Lily was in the library late, cramming for a final test before the holidays. She massaged her temple, checking her watch...not quite curfew. She packed up her books and began the trek back to Gryffindor.

Suddenly, she was yanked roughly into an empty classroom, a hand over her mouth. Two sets of arms held her as she struggled in earnest. She tried yelling.

"No use in that my dear, there's a silencing ward around this room," came a smooth, bone-chilling voice. "She's as spirited as you said Malfoy." He glanced at the proud Slytherin off to the side.

Lily lifted her green eyes up and paled. It was HIM. The wizard orchestrating the muggleborn murders. Gryffindor courage don't fail me now. "What do you want?" she snarled.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Vaguely. But I'm confused. Shouldn't you be killing me right now."

Lord Voldemort smirked. "Bold...fiery...alluringly beautiful, and her aura is powerfully intoxicating. No wonder the Potter boy is infatuated...I find I'm intrigued myself. Miss Evans, I prefer to extend an alliance to the more magically gifted mudbloods."

"Calling me that is not building a case in your favor. Clearly, I have something you need then." She stared at him defiantly.

His red eyes flared angrily for a moment, but he remained calm. "You are cherished by several power players in my plans for domination. The prodigal Black, wealthiest heir in the line. Young Snape, a very gifted wizard. Aurora WIlliams and her little body guard for obvious reasons. Porsche Montego for her ties to Spain. And of course, James Potter. If he joins, the other purebloods will follow."

"I regret that I must decline," she drawled.

"You WILL! Even if I must Imperio you to do so," he seethed.

"Over my dead body." she spat on his shoes.

He got into her personal space. "You are severely fortunate that the magic of the school will protect you. Reconsider before I take more drastic measures to convince you. Mark my words, the consequences of refusal will be great," he hissed manically.

"Mark MY words, I will never join your side. Now release me before Dumbledore discovers you are here." She noted the fear that flickered over his features at the mention of the ancient wizard's name and roughly broke out of the restraints. And she ran.

She ran all the way to the Tower, sinking into her seat as she caught her breath. Remus had seen her enter and stood in concern. "Lily? What's wrong?"

"It's not just the muggleborns...no one's safe," she breathed as her kitten curled into her lap.

ONCE DENIED...

James stared at the three in the courtyard. Porsche, Lily and Remus seemed overly stressed lately. "You know what those three need, Pads?"

Sirius turned his gaze to his friend. "What Prongsie?"

"A good old, no rules snowball battle," the stag animagus announced.

"Brilliant!"

"Lily! I'm sorry! I just thought you needed to let loose a little!" James begged as he followed the furious redhead.

"Here's a tip Potter, girls—no matter their mood—don't find ANY pleasure in having snow down their robes!" She stormed upstairs. Porsche glared at him as she passed.

"Moony...come on, it was all in good fun!" Sirius called after his crush. "Well, that pretty much backfired. What is their problem anyway?"

"I'll tell you," Remus growled, marching back. "Muggle families are disappearing left and right. And Lily was cornered by that Lord Bastard to join his ranks as a way to get to all of us..." he got quieter as concern leaked in. "And he promised that the consequences for refusing would be horrible...she's worried for her family."

James felt like a heel. "Damn. And things were beginning to go well...this guy...he's serious."

"No shit, Prongs," Sirius blurted. "What do you think was the last straw for me leaving. My mother wanted me to join up and be branded with his symbol...turn against everyone I care about. It wasn't like I didn't get the broom I wanted..."

James paled. "I should have listen to her concerns. I need to talk to my Dad."

"I'm sure he's well aware of the situation, James," Remus sighed.

It was odd that her parents weren't at the Platform to retrieve her. Lily caught a cab to her house, hair raising at the palpable gloom in the air. She paid the fare and turned to her door. It was eerily silent on the street as the snow crunched under feet. She drew her wand in caution and swallowed when she realized that the front door had been kicked open and left creaking ajar in the winter breeze.

She carefully entered, gagging at the stench in the air. Her heart began to plummet at the green hue of the lights in her home. Her breath left at the sight of her parents' lifeless bodies on the floor of the parlor. A sob escaped her as her eyes found The Dark Mark burned into the wallpaper. It read: "Will you NOW?" in charred writing.

She turned sharply at an intake of breath. "Petunia..."

"This...this is y-your fault you FREAK! GET OUT NOW! YOU ARE NO SISTER OF MINE!"

"But Petty I didn't-"

"I hate you."

Lily let her tears fall as she ran out into the cold. She fell to her knees in despair, weeping. She jumped at the feel of a gentle hand on her back. Her head lifted to find the worried eyes to Dumbledore.

"Miss Montego, alerted me to your encounter with Lord Voldemort. I came over as soon as she finished to help put protective wards in place...it would appear I'm too late..."

She stood and buried her face in his warm embrace, sobbing in anguish. She rambled on with ways she could have stopped them...if onlys...and confessed she'd been banished by her sister.

"You may not find this favorable, but the Potter Manor would be the safest place in for you now," he said softly.

"I don't care."

The Headmaster pulled her closer and apparated them to the walk of the vast estate.

"Mum! Dad! We're home! It smells like cookies, Pads," James smiled. He asked a house elf where they were and happily bounded into the winter parlor. He froze at the scene.

Lily Evans was crying inconsolably as she sat next to his mother. His father had a protective arm around her as well as he listened attentively to Professor Dumbledore.

The three adults paused and turned at his entrance. "One moment, son. Wait in the kitchen, we'll be right with you." Darren Potter said calmly.

"There are cookies pn the counter and some hot cocoa on the stove. Help yourselves, boys," Patrice Potter smiled.

James and Sirius complied, shutting the door. "What's happened to Tiger Lily," Sirius breathed in worry.

"It's starting..." James said numbly.

Darren Potter nervously ran a hand over his face, before pushing through the door into the kitchen. He'd sent a team of Aurors to clean up the scene at the Evans' home and alter Petunia's memory to know that her parents had perished in a car accident. He could not, however, erase her hatred for Lily. Arrangements were being made for a closed casket service.

This was not supposed to be the reality for their children yet.

He was going to explain to his boys, while his wife helped comfort and calm the distraught redhead. He smirked at the realization that his house was starting to look like a refuge for orphaned and runaway teens.

"Is she okay? What happened?" James blurted on sight.

Darren paused watching Sirius pace. He knew Lily to be Evangeline's friend...not the boys' as well. "Calm yourself, James." He took a deep breath. "You are old enough to know...this situation with Lord Voldemort is a bigger deal than the press and the Ministry are making it out to be...it could start a war. Sadly, your friend refused to join that bastard and her courage has cost the ultimate price. They murdered her parents and her sister has disowned her. Lily Evans is now a member of this household and she will naturally held time before she eases into that fact. Respect her wishes and don't instigate anything."

"Yes sir," Sirius replied softly. James was frozen in disbelieving heartache. He nodded his comprehension. "Where is she?"

"Patrice is with her. Her rooms will naturally be in Ev's Wing."