I'M SOO SORRY!!!

I totally and completely screwed up this chapter earlier today. Oops, my bad. =] Erm...in case any of you are wondering...that's actually an unpublished fan lib. So congrats! You've gotten a sneak peak. This is the actual chapter six; and I am working on an actual updated chapter that should be out soon. I'd like to say thanks to, the three who caught the mistake. =] Sadly, the reviews weren't signed. But thanks, and enjoy!!

The Prank

OWls were here. Well, to be fair, OWLS were nearly over. The girls had been sitting by the lake after the Transfiguration Exam. That's when everything had gone to hell.

"I dont' want you to make him apologize!" She screamed. It was the phrase that kept echoing in her head. That and along with "I don't need help from a mudblood like her."

I made it to an empty corridor before I broke down. How could he? We were friends, and now I'm nothing but a mudblood? Five years! Five years of friendship and now I'm nothing. Nothing at all. I'm just one of those mudbloods. I should have known that something was off this year. I had barely spoken a word to him. He was constantly surrounded by his disgusting friends, like Nott and Malfoy, as well as Bellatrix Black. But I never once, thought he'd actually turn. No I'd been ignoring the signs, all those times Parker and Ashton had told me that they heard him call someone a mudblood, not wanting to belive. I kept crying. I stayed in my room and cried all day. I was so angry. I came to expect this from Potter, but Severus? Around two am, I woke up starving, so I walked down to the common room in my sweat pants and crew neck and walked up the boys stairs to the fifth years' dorm and opened the door.

"Accio Marauder Map." I said. I heard rustling and then a piece of parchment came zooming into my outstretched hands. I tapped it once and said the password, before glancing at it. Thankfully everyone was in bed, no one was out and about so I left. Diving out of the portrait hole and going straight to the kitchens. I noticed that Dumbledore was sitting in his office. But everyone else was sound asleep. After I'd eaten, I just went back to bed.

For about two weeks after this stunt, Lily had stayed away from everyone. After about a week, Ashton and Parker had enough. They not only followed Lily everywhere, but the moment that James showed up, or Severus for that matter, they automatically had a hex sent their way. There was no excuse for their behavior.

After blowing up at them, they began to back off, and Lilly spent the time by herself. She pulled away from Ashton and Parker, and they allowed her to, knowing that she needed to figure out what she was feeling herself. In all honesty, this was a rough time for all three of them.

Parker was under quite a bit of stress; she had to go home and prepare for a betrothal ceremony that she didn't want with someone she honestly believed that she hated. She kept the information to herself but after that night that she'd been caught by Sirius, she'd had a few more episodes like that; and so she went to Madame Pomfrey.

The kind healer promptly told her that she had an anxiety attack, and that she needed to lower her stress levels. Although she was quite convinced that she'd be fine since OWLS were now behind them. She had made Parker promise to report any other ailments as well as to try and keep herself healthy.

Ashton was currently doing her own thing. She had recognized that both of her friends needed space. That much was evident, especially Lily; that scene by the lake had destroyed the quiet redhead. There was a reason that she was so quiet, a reason that only Parker and Ashton knew about.

By the time term officially ended the trio was rather glad. They needed the summer holidays to separate from the Mauraders. Things had gone too far with them and it needed to stop; it needed to be reversed.

The three girls sat silently in the compartment the entire way back to Kings Cross Station. They were all wrapped up in their own little world. But as they stepped out onto the station, they each hugged each other, with tears in their eyes.

"Make sure you owl me." Parker whispered to Lily and Ashton. "I'm going to need you guys this summer. Especially at the….ceremony." Ashton and Lily nodded and pulled her into another tight hug, before sepearting towards their drivers; Ashton walked off to join her mom, while Lily realized that no one was here to pick her up.

"Want to share a cab?" Parker asked Lily. The redhead nodded, trying to hide the tears in her eyes. "It's okay. You're going to come stay with me okay? Just tell them when we get there. I'm sure it'll be fine."

To Lily's surprise, no one was home when she got there. In fact, it appeared as if no one had been there for some time. She looked at Parker worriedly, before she noticed a penciled marking on the calendar in her sister's pristine handwriting.

Vacationing in Madrid.

There was an arrow pointing towards a date in mid July. Lily nearly burst into tears at the sight of it, her family went to Madrid without her. A vacation that had been her idea, one that she had planned, and they left two days ago, without her.

Parker watched her with angry tears of her own. How could this family do this to their own daughter? They were supposed to love and care for her, instead they run off and leave her. After a moment she began to write a letter to the family.

To the Evans,

Seeing as you have failed to bother to remember your youngest daughter, she will be staying with me, for the duration of summer vacation. I am ashamed and appalled that you would do something like this.

In case you actually remember how to use your brain, here's my owling address. Btw, I live in the States.

Parker Mckinnons.

"Lily, if you want anything specific, go ahead and get it now, and then we'll head to the ministry of magic." Parker said, as her friend nodded. While Lily had gone upstairs to retrieve a few necessary summer items, Parker took the time to look around her friend's home. It was nice, modern, but at the same time, she began to notice that it lacked current pictures of Lily. Oh, there were several from when she was younger, but not of late.

By the time they reached the Ministry, it was a little after one. Parker led Lily to the International Travel department for their portkey that was set to go off in about five minutes. Both girls were even more subdued during this trip; where normally, Lily would have been gaping around at the grandeur of the building.

After filling out the required forms, they were granted their portkey and were soon spinning away to Chicago's branch office of the American Ministry. There she was met by two of her older brothers; Jack and Aaron.

"Parks!" Jack called, upon seeing her. He ran up and pulled her into a tight hug, his hair flowing in long dreds that looked as if they were midnight blue. Aaron immediately noticed the girl following his baby sister; his first impression was that she was gorgeous, which was quickly followed by him realizing she looked like she'd been hit by an emotional train.

"Jack, Aaron, this is my friend Lily. Remember, the one I told you about?" she said giving a small smile as they all said hi. "I know it's short notice, but Lily needs a place to crash and I figured mum wouldn't mind."

Aaron grinned broadly. "Now when you say mind, do you mean notice?" Parker glared at him and shook her head, trying to signal that now was not the time to joke of such things. Thankfully, aaron promptly shut his mouth, and settled for a sheepish grin.

"Shall we?" Jack asked, while snagging Lily's trunk, as Aaron took Parker's. They quickly walked over to a nice black Porshe that was sitting by the curb. Parker grinned and lept inside it; while Lily followed at a slower pace.

"Mother." Parker said in a greeting upon walking in the house. "May I speak to you for a moment?" Her mother smiled warmly and nodded before beckoning her towards the study.

"Yes, darling what is it? How was school?" Caroline Mckinnons asked, sitting down at the desk. "You look gorgeous by the way." Parker glanced around the room for a moment.

"Thanks." She said softly, wondering why exactly her mom was trying to butter her up all of a sudden. Then she nearly mentally smacked herself on the forhead; the betrothal. Duh! "My friend Lily needs a place to stay." She said, "Her family is a bit unsupportive of her, and they weren't at home when we got off the train; they're in Madrid until further notice.

"I couldn't leave her alone, so I brought her along." Parker said looking at her mom who smiled and nodded.

"Yes, that's fine. This is Lily Evans?" she asked. Parker nodded, "Good, I've been wanting to meet her; and she'll be here for the ceremony." At this mentioning, Parker's eyes narrowed quite a bit. "Does Lily know Sirius?"

"Yes. We all are in Gryffindor together." Parker said stiffly. "If it's alright, I'd like to show Lily to my room now." Her mother nodded, and Parker quickly slipped out of the room glaring maniacly at everyone who crossed her path.

Lily spent the day sleeping in her room. It was quite obvious that with everything that had happened in the past few days was stressful. Parker's heart went out to her friend; Lily had always been there for her and Ashton. Always putting htem above herself no matter what, and now it was finally time that Parker got to return the favor. Brushing the thoughts aside, she quickly wrote a letter to Ashton, explaining what was going on.

The summer went by quickly, and to Parker's immense dismay, that fateful night was upon them. She stared in the mirror at her reflection; she didn't even recognize herself. At the moment, she looked like a puppet. An instrument of her mother's, go figure.

Her mom wanted her to wear a nice, pink and frilly dress. Just like a little doll.

"Erm….Parker." Lily said, upon entering the room. "Don't take this the wrong way, but who dressed you?" Parker grimaced before telling her. "Stay here. I'll be right back." True to her word, she reappeared a few minutes later, with Aaron's wand.

"Lily, did you steal my brother's wand?" she asked warily.

"No, he lent it to me. I'm going to fix your dress." She said grinning as she began pointing and performing spells. By the time she looked up in the mirror again, Parker looked like herself once more.

She was wearing an ebony nylon dress that reached the floor. The neckline plunged; ending just before her bellybutton. It wrapped around her neck, in a halter top type fashion. The skirt was fluid, and moved about her, like water. Her hair was done in a gorgeous curly up-do, with one long tendril cascading down the left side of her neck.

Lily was dressed in an emerald green; an identical shade to her eyes. The dress was a sweetheart cut bodice that was beaded; and laced up in the back like a corset. It was a strapless ruched taffeta trumpet gown and it looked spectacular on her. Lily had lengthened her hair to her waist, and then twisted it upwards, on the sides, so that it appeared to be a crown that melted into the back, and her long curls cascaded down her back.

"I'm not going to lie," Parker said slowly. "Merlin we look fantastic." Lily grinned, one that actually reached her eyes. "I wish that I didn't have to do this," she whispered. Lily pulled her into a tight hug.

"Parks, do you remember what I told you back in school?" Lily asked quietly. Parker gave a small nod, and Lily smiled at her. "Then remember, if they make you do this, you're going to give them hell and not only that, you look bloody gorgeous while doing it."

"How did I ever get so lucky to get you as a friend?" Parker whispered.

"I think we both lucked out." Lily said softly, "Perhaps it was fate that allotted us this happiness; perhaps they knew that we would need one another in our futures. Remember, Ashton and I are always going to be here for you, through thick or thin."

Before anything else could happen, there was a sharp knock on the door. Both girls turned to it expectantly; although surprised when it revealed to be Jack. His jaw dropped as he looked over Lily and his baby sister.

"Wow, guys," he said. "You look spectacular." They both smiled shyly and murmured a thanks. "You realize that Mom's going to kill you when she realizes that you're not wearing the horrid dress she chose right?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Actually, she is." Lily informed him, while twirling the wand in her hand. "It's just designed much, much better." Jack began laughing, and then noticed why the wand looked so familiar.

"Is that?" he began, only to be interrupted by Lily giggling and nodding. "Thought so." He said with a grin. "But for now, it is time to descend to the depths. They'll be arriving at any moment." Jack explained, not missing Parker's eyes glazing over. "It'll be okay sis, don't worry, you've got two older brothers who went through this, and four whom will all kill him if necessary." Parker managed a feeble nod.

"I hope you and Aaron won't have to." She whispered, "I doubt I'm going to forgive mum for this." Jack nodded.

"If it helps, Brody and Kyle are happily married men." He said smirking, while Parker rolled her eyes.

"Really? Do you think that might have something to do with the fact that Brody's wife Allysa is addicted to sex, and that Kyle got to marry the girl he actually fell in love with?" she hissed while Lily stared wide in shock.

"Er….yeh that could have something to do with it." Jack acknowledged, with a smirk. "But you know that Mom is only doing this to protect you." Parker raised an eyebrow, and stared at him.

"Explain now." Lily said, as the door slammed shut and locked behind him. Parker nodded in agreement, as Jack looked at the two of them.

"Alright, the reason she's marrying you off to the Black Family is because she doesn't want Voldemort attempting to kill you." He said as both girls stared at him.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Parker snarled. "So her solution is to throw me to the fucking wolves? They're heavily into purism!" she yelled. "They'll try to kill Lily if they get the chance." She hissed. Jack held up his hands, and nodded.

"I never said that I agreed." He said softly, "but Parks, Mom will stop at nothing to protect you, even if this plan is entirely warped." Parker nodded vaguely, as Lily wrapped her arms around her.

"Parks, remember, that Sirius is different. He's a Gryffindor remember?" She said softly in her ear. Parker nodded and took a deep breath. "Are they here yet?" Lily asked Jack, he shook his head in a soft acknowledgement.

"I'm going to go to the bathroom real quick." Lily said stepping back, as Parker nodded. The moment she was out of the room, Jack pulled his sister into a hug.

"Promise me one thing," she whispered. "Please, don't leave Lily's side tonight; if you have to, make sure Aaron is next to her. I don't care whatever reason it is, act like you're her bloody boyfriend if you have to. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, you've got my word, as long as you promise me one thing." He answered. "Don't you dare change. No matter what happens, you are to still be you. Got it?" Parker nodded and they stepped back as Lily reentered the room.

"Shall we?" she asked, smiling slightly. Jack nodded, but Parker paused. "Can you give us a minute, just wait outside for a second will you?" Jack nodded and the shut the door behind him. "Parks, don't be nervous." She said softly.

"Lily, promise me something." Parker said quickly.

"Anything." She said swiftly.

"Stick close to Jack or Aaron." She said, quickly. "These are the Blacks. They are purists, lily. Meaning they cannot find out that you're muggleborn. They'll try to kill you; and I can't have that. Besides, I don't trust whom they're bringing; I have a feeling Bellatrix shall be here." Lily nodded.

"I promise." She said softly. "But I'm not leaving your side until I have to." Parker grinned.

"You best not." She said teasingly, as they began to walk towards the door. "Don't worry, Jack is already aware of the plan." Lily nodded. As they opened it, Jack offered them a wide smile, and held out his arm to Lily, who graciously accepted it, with a soft smile.

"They're here." With those two words, Parker had frozen for a brief moment. But Lily grasped her hand and squeezed it lightly.

"Don't worry." She said, 'You're going to blow them out of the water with how gorgeous you look; you'll easily be the best looking girl there, well with the exception of me." Parker rolled her eyes, while trying not to laugh. It didn't work, especially once Lily had began chuckling.

At the staircase they decided to have Jack and Lily follow Parker, so that she would have a grand entrance persay. Parker and Lily also didn't want Sirius or Bellatrix to recognize her persay, and with Parker's black tresses designed how they were, she wasn't entirely recognizable. Lily on the other hand had her fiery red hair, and the way she had stood up to Bellatrix, it was quite evident that she wouldn't have been forgotten.

As Parker began to descend the grand staircase, she looked out over everyone, who had turned to stare at her. She kept her head up; she wouldn't allow them to know how much she hated each and every single person in the room. Her eyes washed over a familiar face; one who's hair was increasingly familiar, she bit back a smile. Lily wasn't going to be happy, not one bit.

The moment she hit the pavilion at where they all were at, her gaze connected with Sirius, at the same time as they introduced her; she smirked as his eyes widened in shock, before she turned to watch as Lily and Jack came down.

Parker smiled as she saw Jack and Lily laughing together, as they descended the staircase. Lily looked gorgeous, like she'd just walked off a runway. Once they joined her, Lily squeezed her hand, hiding them from view behind the two girls.

"Lily, I need to tell you something." Parker said whispering in her ear. Lily looked up at her friend appearing a bit confused. "You aren't going to be so happy about this development." Parker added, as she began to notice several people moving about.

"What is it Parker?" Lily asked warily. "It's not like Potter's here or something, Merlin that would be horrible." She said laughing. "I can just imagine him being rather smug about the whole thing." She said smirking.

At these words, Parker bit back a grin. This evening would be rather eventful at least. But Parker never got a chance to warn Lily because that's when another group showed. Bellatrix approached them, accompanied by Narcissa and Regulas Black. All six of them eyed one another, before speaking.

"Hello." Bellatrix smiled at Parker. "Bellatrix Black; I'm Sirius' cousin, and this is my little sister Narcissa; and this is Sirius' brother, Regulas." Parker smiled and gave a small curtsey, as was the pureblooded custom.

"Parker Mckinnons," The girl said introducing herself. "This is my brother Jack and this is my friend Lily." The redhead gave the same small curtsy; at which Bellatrix smiled in approval.

"So, what school do you attend?" Bellatrix asked, quickly, obviously wondering about their magical ability. Lily and Parker smirked at one another.

"Hogwarts actually," Lily answered smiling at her. "We just finished our fifth year," at her words, Bellatrix nearly choked before staring up at Parker who was smiling at her.

"You mean you're the Gryffindor?" she asked sounding shocked. Parker laughed and nodded, "I'm afraid that I mistook you for someone else." She began, but Parker waved her off.

"It's forgotten." She said simply, while Bellatrix smiled at her, before turning to Lily and appraising her.

"I suppose you're the other." She said, grinning when Lily nodded, looking sheepish. "Rodolphus!" Bellatrix called, not bothering to turn around, about two seconds later a rather good looking man appeared.

"Yes, Bella?" he asked looking down at the girl in question, while she nodded towards the three before him.

"This is Sirius' fiancé, and this is Lily. She's the girl I told you about." At this, Rodolphus' eyes lit up, while Lily kept a smile in place, quite glad that she hadn't given Aaron back his wand yet.

"So you're the one who actually beat Bella?" He said smirking at her. "She kept going on and on about this pureblooded little chit who actually managed to beat her." Bella smiled at him and gently shoved his arm.

"I'm sure it was a fluke." Lily said smiling. "After all, I was only a fifth year." But Bella was shaking her head.

"Nope. She used wandless magic. She's a talented girl." Lily blushed lightly, but made no response, because at that time, Parker's mother showed up, and immediately began speaking to Jack.

"I thought you agreed to get rid of the dreds for the evening." She said quietly. Jack nodded and scrunched up his face, two seconds late his hair was normal, and flowing. Much like the young Keanu Reeves in the new, "Bill and Ted's Excellent adventure'.

However, the moment Caroline had disappeared; he had his dreds back in place. While everyone, save for Lily and Parker. He grinned at them all before beginning to explain.

"I'm a metamorphous." He said grinning, while the other four nodded and grinned. It was then that the announcement was made, the one where everyone stopped and had to listen as they started explaining how great the two families were, and how wonderful it would be to be linked to one another.

The entire time, Parker was rolling her eyes, and cracking jokes that only Lily and Jack could hear which explained why they were staring at their feet and trying to stifle their laughter, as opposed to actually listening.

"Now, if Parker and Sirius could join us;" Parker was jolted out of her current state to stare up at her father, who was staring straight back at her. Not allowing her time to speak, she grabbed Lily's wrist and pulled her up with her. At least that was the plan; Jack decided to interfere, by snagging Lily's waist and prodding Parker forward.

Sirius did nothing but stare at her. Parker on the other hand, would do anything but look at him. She stared at Lily while they performed the binding ceremony for the engagement. Lily's eyesight didn't waver, as she kept mouthing, 'it'll be okay."

Once it was finished, everyone applauded, and then it was announced that Sirius had to kiss his fiancé, seeing as it was tradition. Parker didn't look so excited; and Sirius seemed to understand that so it was rather chaste.

Lily stayed next to Jack, knowing that she felt more comfortable out of the way, of things. She felt so surreal, talking to Bellatrix, whom hated muggleborns. Yet here she was, convinced that Lily was a pureblood, simply because she knew a simple custom as well as a duel the two had.

Parker and Sirius were appearing to not even talk as they danced. Lily had a feeling that Parker was trying to think that she was dancing with someone else, and she had no clue as to what was going through Sirius' mind.

Although she knew that Sirius couldn't take his eyes off of her. Lily smiled as she watched the two together; at present they at least appeared to be happy with the match, no matter what she really knew. When the second dance began, everyone else joined in.

Lily decided to slip out then, and use the restroom, knowing that once Parker was free, she wouldn't be. After telling Jack that she'd be back, she slipped out the nearest door, and slipped out. On her way, back she wasn't so lucky. She had nearly made it to where Jack was standing when the one person she was least expecting was staring straight at her with a rather curious expression upon his face.

She quickly averted her gaze so that he couldn't see her face hoping that he would just move on and forget about her. She kicked herself; she should have realized that he would be here. Not only was he a pureblood, but he was Sirius' best friend. Lily stilled when she realized that this was what Parker had been talking about.

Sadly, as she was deep in thought, she didn't realize that he'd crept closer to her. In fact when she glanced up she was looking directly at him. Neither spoke for a moment or two. Lily was trying to figure out the best way to disappear, when he shocked her.

"Can I have this dance?" She nodded meekly, as he took her hand and led her out on the dance floor. "So, how do you know the bride?" He asked, seemingly oblivious. She thanked Merlin for small favors, that and Parker for teaching her and Ashton how to use American accents as a joke at one a time.

"School." She said trying not to laugh, as she heard her new accent. "What about you? How do you know the groom?" James turned them in a circle, before answering.

"Same. He's pretty much a brother to me." Lily smiled at that one.

"Yeah, same for me." She said softly. "She knows me better than anyone I know; with the exception of maybe two others." Without her notice, James had pulled her closer.

"So you've got three best friends?" he asked lightly. "That's how I am." But she shook her head.

"No. Just two, the third…we….we sort of had a falling out." She whispered, "one I never thought would happen." They were quiet for the rest of the dance, before it ended, before he could say anything, Lily slipped away and back to Jack.

"I am going to kill your sister." She hissed so that only he could hear her. Jack bit back a grin.

"And why is that Lils?" he asked teasingly. "Surely you're not jealous of her betrothal?" Lily rolled her eyes.

"Merlin no," Lily said. "But….she…..gah!" she breathed deeply. "There's' a guy here, who tends to make fun of me at school and I really don't like him." She explained, "And I sort of just danced with him."

To her dismay, Jack simply began chuckling. She scowled at him, but didn't get to say anything else to him, as Parker showed up, at which, Lily turned on her.

"You are so dead." She hissed. Parker gulped and put on a sheepish smile.

"I take it that you met him?" she asked, trying to keep the laughter out of her voice. Parker got conformation on that question, by the look in her best friend's eyes. "How'd it go?" She asked warily, while Jack snorted and Lily sighed.

"He didn't recognize me." She said after a moment. "I sort of used the accent you taught me and Ashton." Parker started grinning, at her. "So then I ducked away as soon as possible. You are so lucky that he didn't recognize me, otherwise, Black wouldn't be getting married."

"Ooh, in that case, I need to find Potter." Parker said grinning; moving to step into the crowd, but Lily snatched her wrist.

"Don't even think about it!" she hissed, while Parker and Jack started laughing. "It's not funny!" she protested. "Seriously!" Parker nodded, and looked into the crowd. But her breath caught as she saw Sirius and James talking together in what appeared to be a rather serious conversation. But to confirm her fears; Sirius' eyes shot up and held her gaze.

Followed immediately by James staring at her as well, before moving straight to Lily, and mouthing, what appeared to be, "Evans?!" Parker quickly broke eye contact, and looked at Lily, who was staring at James, with utmost horror upon her face, while Jack began to attempt to stifle his laughter; he was failing miserably at hit.

"Erm….Lils," Parker began, "I hate to break it to you, but I'm pretty sure he knows who you are now." She said laughing. "Don't worry; we'll keep him away from you." Lily looked at her and then to Jack who nodded immediately.

"There you three are!" The trio turned to see Aaron coming to join them. "I've been trying to get away from mom for the past thirty minutes. She kept bringing girl after girl up to me." The three all began snickering.

"Better you than me," Jack muttered, causing Parker to snort. But then Aaron stared at him in wonder before asking him the inevitable.

"Why is that exactly? You're older than me," he said slowly. "Shouldn't she be trying to find you a girl?" Jack grinned as Parker, Lily, and Aaron stared at him for a moment.

"Techniquely that is true." He said nodding, as they continued to appraise him. Aaron looked rather put out, while Lily watched with a rather amused expression upon her face, and Parker, smirked knowing that Aaron was about to pout.

"Then why did you get out of it?" Aaron whined, causing Parker's smirk to grow.

"Because, I may have let it slip that I'm pursuing Lily," Jack said rather casually, while everyone's jaws nearly hit the floor. Lily just stared in amazement, while Aaron looked rather jealous, and Parker was grinning, yet obviously trying to figure out why her elder brother would do something like this.

"Why?" Lily finally asked out of curiosity. "I'm not angry, just surprised." She said not wanting to upset anyone. Jack grinned at her before answering.

"A few reasons, one, being that you're remarkably loyal to my baby sister, and another that I knew my mother was smitten by you in the past few weeks that you've been here. She's convinced that you're a pureblood who was adopted into a muggle family, due to some tragedy." He said so that only they could hear.

"She muttering about how so many people would be after you at the ball, and I casually mentioned that I was taking you." Jack said grinning, as Lily felt herself blush. "So I figured it'd be fine; especially since there's someone that you don't happen to like here."

"Thank you." Lily said quietly, "It was very thoughtful of you." Parker and Aaron exchanged a look, before watching the other two.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked, giving a bow. Lily smiled shyly and nodded, before performing the small acceptance curtsey that Parker had taught her. As the two disappeared off onto the dance floor, Aaron and Parker exchanged another glance.

"I wasn't expecting that." Aaron finally admitted, "Were you?" She shook her head, a small smile in place. "I take it you approve?"

"Yes, I do." She said softly. "Lily has been through a lot this past year, and I think a summer fling is just what she needs." Aaron watched the two of them together. Parker began speaking, answering his silent questions, "No. I don't think it will go beyond that. I have a feeling her mother will be furious that she is here, even though it's because of them. In addition to Lily being wise beyond her years, and will decide that the age difference is inappropriate seeing as she's only sixteen.

"Not to mention they live on two different continents. More so, I know my brother, just as you do. This isn't going to last; he needs someone to get passed Alexia, and Lily will be able to help him do that." Aaron nodded, gulping.

"True, she tore him in two." he said softly. Parker nodded.

"Yes, that she did. This is why this will be good for the both of them." She said smiling, as she continued to watch them dance. The song continued before a slower number came upon them, and Parker grinned as she watched them continue to dance.

"My Lady," she was startled out of trance, as the voice penetrated her. She looked up to see one Sirius Black standing before her. "May I have the dance?" She nodded, looking at him curiously, before glancing at Aaron.

"You realize she still has it?" She asked cryptically. Aaron looked at her sharply before patting his pocket. At his surprise, she grinned, and accepted her fiancé's hand. He pulled her close, so that she was staring at his shoulder.

"So what was that?" he asked softly. "The whole 'she has it' thing." Parker smiled.

"Lily. Stole Aaron's wand." She said softly. "But don't tell." He nodded.

"How long have you known?" He finally asked. 'About the ceremony, I mean." Parker stiffened.

"Please, could we not talk about it?" She asked softly. "Just for tonight, let it be like this." He nodded, and pulled her closer.

"Who's the bloke dancing with Lily?" He asked finally. Parker smirked as she rested her forehead against his shoulder.

"I was wondering when that would come up." She said laughing slightly. "That would be my older brother Jack." She felt Sirius nod against her head.

"How much older?" He asked, sounding curious.

"He's twenty." She answered easily. "Don't worry, he knows how old she is; but remember, we're all wizards, age doesn't really matter here." She felt him pull her closer yet again. "How jealous is James?" She asked.

"Exceedingly. He nearly had a fit when he realized that it was her, wanted me to come distract you so he could, as he say, 'woo' her." Parker chuckled. "Sadly for him, it seems his plans have failed."

"Yes, plus I don't think her date would agree to that." Parker said lightly. "Jack doesn't like to share." Sirius nodded, and continued to dance with her.

"Have I mentioned that you look utterly fabulous?" She smiled at him.

"Thanks." She said softly. The evening continued onward with a silent agreement to not argue, to pretend for that this was actually something they chose, rather than their families. Jack managed to keep Potter away from Lily for the night and in turn they both had a good time.

Over all that night taught Lily and Parker a valuable lesson. 'Regardless of the truth, people will believe what suits them most in a situation.' After all, Bellatrix didn't want to believe that a fifth year muggleborn beat her; so she changed it to pureblood. The rest of her family didn't want to disagree with her, so they believed Bella. Parker's mom wanted Lily in the family so she decided to believe that she was adopted by a muggle family rather than muggleborn