A/N: I'm almost finished writing the story, I just have to find time to write it all up… Winter Break is almost over, so I'm going to try and get as much done as possible before exams. As always, my love to reviewers and readers. I absolutely could not do this without you.

Chapter Eight – Why I Wish I Was An Only Child

James stares at me. "What are you doing?"

"James," I say, turning crimson. "Please… just go away."

Albus watches us like a tennis match.

"You can go," I mutter to Ned. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," he mumbles back. "See you later."

I turn back to my oldest brother. "Go. Get it over with."

"I can't believe you, Lily. Why are you snogging someone in the middle of the road? You complain that people say you're exactly like Mum was, and then you go doing that in broad daylight. And you don't even think of anyone else."

"Oh, so now you're involved with the goings-on in my love life? How in the world does this relate to you?"

"Because now I'm the one who has to answer questions people throw at me about you. I'm not here to protect you, Lily."

"I'm not asking you to."

"You sure act like it. Why do you spend so much time with us at school, then?"

I just look at him.

"You know what, Lily? You are just like Mum. You can never admit you're wrong."

And with that, James stomps all the way back to the castle.

I just stare at my feet. I can't bear to look at Albus.

* * *

The common room fire is the only good thing that's happened today. I close my eyes and let the heat wash over me. When I open them, Albus is climbing through the portrait hole. He heads towards me.

"Where were you?" I ask him.

"Owlery. Last-minute stuff." He studies me. "You okay?"

"Albus," I say, my eyes on the embers.

"Yes?"

"Do you really think I'm like Mum?"

He joins me in a chair. "No. Not in that respect, anyway."

I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Don't you think, though, that it's a little odd that the guy was Dean Thomas' son?"

Shit. Shit shit shit shit.

* * *

Dear Lily,

I heard what happened – Albus wrote me. I know you and James are having difficulty. I'm sorry.

However, I would advise you not to go snogging people in the road. Not the brightest idea.

Teddy

That doesn't even merit a reply.

* * *

But I find Ned at dinner. He agrees it was out of place – that we aren't together or anything. So it's with a spring in my step that I head up to Gryffindor Tower, laughing with Graham, Hugo, and Molly.

It's the first time I've been fully happy in a long time.

And that night, of course, is when I have one of the most terrifying dreams of my entire life.