Chapter 11 Mercy

(Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree)


" This is really your fault you know," Marlene snickered.

Lily glared at her and finished the last sentence to her Potions essay. A cramp spread across Lily's hand and she massaged it. Ink splattered across the hand in patches of blue.

Lily stood and quickly slid her potions and DADA homework into her desk. She still had some Transfiguration work to do. Her fingers ripped a textbook open and she began scrawling an essay out. Unlike Marlene, Lily didn't have three free periods the following day. On Monday she had Potions, DADA, Transfiguration. The next day, Lily had Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, and Charms. On Wednesday she had History of Magic, Herbalogy, and a much needed free period.

So far, she had three essays due on Thursday. Lily managed to finish two of them and she started the third. Lily knew that the year was going to be rough unless she managed her time well. She managed to finish her DADA homework before patrol and start the Potions essay on the Draught of the Living Dead. Her class would be starting that potion on Thursday.

Marlene soon went to sleep but Lily remained awake. She still had to finish her Transfiguration essay and then plan out the Quidditch practice for the following day. Lily knew that she would be up for another two hours at the minimum. She was almost disgusted by the relief this gave her.

Fear of her nightmares kept Lily from sleeping. She knew that it was petty to take a large workload to keep her up, but Lily had no other option. She didn't trust herself to remain awake by reading a book. That didn't work over the summer. The only solution was an excessive workload.

An hour later, Lily kept her Transfiguration essay and textbook inside of her desk. She cleaned her supplies and stretched her back. Lily wasn't done yet. But her uniform was cutting into her back painfully. She got up and rolled her shoulder blades as she slid into a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. After keeping her stuff away, Lily grabbed a notebook she set aside for Quidditch and started planning out practice for the next day.

Around one in the morning, Lily frowned at what she wrote. She watched Trevor fly and practice the seeker position during their lunch period so no one would see them. Trevor was amazing at seeking, but he needed more conditioning; the whole team needed more conditioning.

A yawn inched out of Lily's mouth and she kept the notebook down on her bedside table. Words swarmed behind her eyes as Lily stretched her fingers out. She checked the clock across the room, but the numbers swirled together. Lily knew that she should try and stay up but she was so tired.

She fell asleep and was engulfed by nightmares. Lily woke up in the early morning with a jolt. She could feel sweat trickle down her back and rubbed her eyes. It was early. With a glance at the clock, Lily saw that it was almost five. She stood and tiptoed over to the restroom. After brushing her teeth Lily slide into the shower and let the scent of her strawberry conditioner relax her.

When Lily finished her shower she changed into her uniform and grabbed the textbooks and supplies she needed for the classes she had today. Her hair hung in sleek curtains around her after she dried it. Lily wrinkled her nose and pulled it up into a ponytail. She slid her shoes on and woke Marlene up. While Marlene was showering Lily left the dorm and headed down to the common room. Lily didn't want to be rude, but Gryffindors weren't morning people. Most of her housemates skipped breakfast in favor of sleeping in. The common room was practically empty. There was a group of third years sitting around the fireplace arguing over some ancient runes homework.

Lily stepped around them and exited the common room. Voices echoed in the hallway and Lily greeted a few of the portraits. Eventually she reached the Great Hall and entered it. It was almost six and the Great Hall was close to empty.

The Gryffindor table was entirely empty. The Hufflepuff table included a few girls who seemed more concerned about their make up then actually eating. A group of Ravenclaws sat in a cluster. Lily remembered that they were members of the dueling club. Some of them looked up at her and seemed to remember Benjy Fenwick.

Lily ducked her head and took a seat towards the front of the Gryffindor table. She grabbed an apple and began slicing it. Ever since she was a kid she couldn't stand biting into an apple. Lily glanced over at the Slytherin table. A group of seventh year boys sat in a group whispering. They looked to the roof. Lily assumed that they were waiting for a package.

One of them looked over at her. Lily froze as he mouthed mudblood at her. She couldn't prevent the blush that crept on her cheeks. Lily turned and heard the laughter of the Slytherins. She jumped in her seat when she met a pair of brown eyes.

" Dammit Michael don't do that," Lily exclaimed. She held her hand to her chest and tried to control her pulse. Michael raised her eyebrows with a wry expression and sat across from her. Lily watched him curiously. He looked almost uncomfortable. Lily wondered why he was awake. Michael usually slept in.

" You're having issues sleeping, aren't you?" Lily goaded when she realized the only reason Michael Wood would even get up before eight. He looked over at her. Lily could clearly see the bags under his eyes. She used a concealing charm on her own. Yet as Michael looked at her she knew that he could see them.

" You're one to talk Evans. I know why you're taking all those classes. Marlee told me that you didn't sleep until two in the morning on Monday. And you leave the dorm before anyone is awake," Michael responded. Lily blushed and took a sip of pumpkin juice. She couldn't prevent the expression of distaste that crept on her face.

" Ugh I don't know why pumpkin juice is the only drink here," Lily muttered.

" There's coffee," Michael said dryly. He pointed to a large pot and Lily looked over at it. She wrinkled her nose at it.

" I hate coffee. It taste vile," Lily answered. She grabbed the pot of tea and poured herself a cup. Michael watched her and poured himself a cup of black coffee. Lily waited for him to keep some sugar or milk into it, but he didn't. Instead he took a large gulp of the liquid.

" That's the most dreadful thing I've seen all day," Lily said with a shudder. She grabbed the honey and sugar and kept liberal amounts into her tea.

" Evans there's a reason coffee beans are naturally sweet," Michael commented. Lily mixed her tea and took a sip.

" Well what you did is unnatural. I'm considering getting an exorcism done," Lily commented.

" What's an exorcism?" Michael asked. He loaded his plate with toast and waffles. Lily watched him grab a bowl of porridge and start eating.

" A muggle thing," Lily answered. Michael looked up from his food with a question on his lips.

" How do you know so much about muggles?" Michael asked. Lily bit her lip and pushed her plate away. Michael's eyes widened as he saw that she barely ate the apple on her plate.

" Not all of us were raised in wizarding communities. My godfather was obsessed with muggles. He used to take me and Benjy out to muggle Paris and explore the place," Lily admitted fondly.

" Benjy? Who's Benjy?" Michael asked. Lily's face fell as she realized what she said. Her eyes immediately jumped to the bandages peaking out from his shirt. Michael saw where she was looking and frowned.

" Right that Benjy. That one who tortured us for a day," Michael said in a mockingly fond tone. Lily felt hurt rise inside of her but pushed it down. A silence filled the two as Michael ate. He looked at Lily uncomfortably and cleared his throat. " Adam told me about what you did with the positions on the team. Are you sure that was smart?" Michael asked. Lily narrowed her eyes and leaned forward.

" I'm not daft Wood. I don't plan on losing the Quidditch cup anytime soon," Lily answered.

" That's good Evans, I wouldn't want to win the Cup since Gryffindor chose a girl to be their captain," a voice announced. Lily felt rage fill her as she turned. She met the smirking deep blue eyes of Justin Davies. Lily glared at him and crossed her arms.

" Davies I honestly don't understand why girls even bother to date a sexist prat like yourself," Lily commented humorously. Davies watched her and grinned. His eyes traced her figure in a leer.

" Evans don't take it personally. I mean sure you've got a hot body, but we all know that I'm a better seeker," Davies said. Lily could feel her temper coming.

" If I recall I think I was the one to catch the snitch during last year's final match," Lily said with a cruel voice. Davies narrowed his eyes. Lily could feel the stares of the people in the Great Hall.

" Evans you're forgetting that the first match of the year is Slytherin versus Gryffindor. Without Wood as Keeper, Potter and Gastor will get enough points so that it won't even matter if you catch the snitch," Davies boasted.

"Justin I think you're wrong about that," Michael called out from behind Lily. She whirled around and saw Michael watching her and Davies.

" Care to bet on that Wood?" Davies asked. Michael stood with a cocky grin.

" Twenty galleons," Michael said. Davies nodded and the two shook hands.

" I feel almost cruel for taking money from an invalid like you," Justin told Michael. Lily's wand was pointed into Justin's chest before he could even move.

" I'd be careful about what you say Davies. Michael took a death eater on only hours after being released from Mungos," Lily commented.

Davies nodded and took a step back. Most people had heard that a few teenagers were present during the Battle of the Ministry. It didn't take them that long to realize that those students were the Gryffindors and some of the Slytherins.

" Watch your back Evans. That pretty face of yours may not get you so far," Davies taunted as he left. Lily narrowed her eyes at his retreating figure. She turned and saw that Michael was glaring at her.

" What did I do? I was the person who stood by you," Lily asked. Michael snorted and looked at her.

" I don't need your help Evans. I got along when you ditched me this summer," Michael said. Lily glared at him.

" You're so petty. We're not dating or anything. I don't have to tell you every bloody secret I have," Lily shot back. The Great Hall was starting to fill. Lily could feel hot eyes watching, almost glaring at her back.

" Dammit Lily that's not what I want and you know that," Michael shouted. His voice echoed across the hall and Lily heard silence. She pursed her lips and stared at him.

" No it really is what you want though. You want me to swoon like a bloody damsel in distress whenever something bad happens," Lily argued. She couldn't hold her accent from slipping into her words.

" You're so daft. I don't want anything from you. I needed you. I saw you every single day Lily. I saw your chest being ripped apart and that fucking scream come out of your throat," Michael shouted.

" Stop making everything about you! Guess what Michael I didn't just hear myself getting ripped apart from the inside; I felt it. You act as those I need to be some sort of bloody anchor for you, but I can't I need someone to keep me from drowning and you can't," Lily roared. She blinked, but no tears came. They seemed to evaporate from the rage she was feeling.

" Oh is that why you were snogging that auror on the platform? I can really see how difficult you've had it," Michael scoffed. Lily glared at him.

" Go to hell Wood," Lily seethed quietly. She grabbed her bag and turned from the hall. Lily could feel the heated stares of the Gryffindors blur into the stares of the teachers and other students. She exited the hall and walked up the stairs. Each footstep slammed into the ground viciously.

Lily let her body carry her to the Divination Tower. Yet before she made it to the tower, someone grabbed her. Lily felt her magic push against the prison she trapped it in as she turned. She glared at the form of Professor Gladstone.

" You lied to me," Professor Gladstone commented. Lily bit her tongue and felt blood enter her mouth. Professor Gladstone smirked at her.

" That was some scene you made in the Great Hall. I love dining while watching theatrics like that," Professor Gladstone announced. Lily growled and pulled her arm out of the teacher's grip.

" What do you want?" Lily demanded. Her teacher smirked at her and pulled out a small object. Lily saw it flash and could tell that it was a mirror.

" It's not what I want. It's what you want. Take a look at your eyes," Professor Gladstone mentioned. Lily grabbed the mirror and held it up to her face. She sucked in a breath when she saw the color of her irises.

" You told me that you had your magic under control. Right now you're displaying the same control that you had when you were ten," Professor Gladstone commented. Lily paled and pulled at her skin. Her eyes weren't their typical emerald-green. Flames seemed to lance out of her eyes. Lily dropped the mirror to her side and blinked. The last time she lost control of something as simple as her eye color, she was still a prepubescent little girl.

" I had it under control. But there were certain circumstance where I had to release it," Lily admitted. Her teacher wore a smug expression.

" I thought that I told you to keep it under lock and key," Professor Gladstone observed.

" Well I think that the usage of the cruciatus curse pretty much gives me free rule," Lily answered.

" I heard about that. Ironic isn't it. I remember you babbling on about Benjy Auclair and he turned out to be some evil death eater," Professor Gladstone said.

" Just like how your husband turned out to be a bloodthirsty werewolf," Lily responded. She regretted her words instantly. Professor Gladstone's face dimmed but she didn't falter.

" You still have a detention with me on Friday evening Evans," Professor Gladstone commented.

Lily nodded and turned from her old teacher. She couldn't take back her words, but Judea Gladstone couldn't take back those horrible actions. Lily heard the bell ring and broke into a sprint.

Thanks to her run-in with Professor Gladstone Lily was officially late to her first class of the day. She skipped steps as she sprinted up the tower's staircase. The scent of lavender and tea hit her nose as she reached the open arch at the top of the door.

Eyes turned to her as she gasped from the doorway. Professor Omina turned to Lily.

" Miss Evans Divination isn't something to be late to," Professor Omina said.

" I was speaking with Professor Gladstone. You can ask her," Lily responded. Her teacher pursed her lips and looked around the class. Lily saw that there were only ten students in this class. A pair of Hufflepuff girls kept glancing towards the back of the room and giggled. Two Hufflepuff boys were sitting near an open window sharing a cigarette. A group of four Ravenclaw girls were sitting in the middle of the classroom doing their nails under the table. Just like the Hufflepuff girls they kept glancing back.

" There's an empty seat next to Mr. Black. Miss Evans please take it," Professor Omina ordered. Lily paled and looked at the back of the room. She could see Sirius Black sitting in the desk farthest from the front of the room. His feet were kicked up on the surface of the desk and he was holding a mirror. Lily frowned when she saw him almost whispering to the mirror.

" Do I need to have a partner?" Lily asked. Her teacher smiled and said a sugary sweet order for Lily to either sit with Black or leave the classroom. Lily sighed and stomped over to Black. The Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw girls shot her envious stares, which Lily rolled her eyes at.

Her bag was thrown on the ground next to the desk. Lily took the chair and pulled it as far from Black as she could. When she sat he looked up with a devilish stare.

" Mudblood Evans. I didn't expect you to take this class," Black drawled. Lily pursed her lips and pulled her textbook out of her bag. She straightened a piece of parchment and began writing the notes Professor Omina left for them.

A few minutes later, Lily gritted her teeth. Why was Black talking to a mirror? She turned to him and plucked the mirror out of his long fingers.

" Black I know that you're narcissistic, but talking to your reflection is just petty," Lily commented. Gray eyes flashed into hers and Lily smirked at Black. She glanced at the mirror and dropped it in shock.

" Shit is that Potter?" Lily asked. Black grabbed the mirror and Lily could see Potter's eyes watching her with amusement. Black grinned at her and pulled one of his curls from his head.

" Prongs look at whose my new desk partner. It's little mudblood Evans," Black goaded. Lily glared at him and Potter scoffed.

" How does that work?" Lily asked. She plucked the mirror from Black's fingers and traced the carved gold frame. It was a hand mirror with a rounded frame and gilded sides. Lily could see Potter's top half in the mirror, instead of her reflection. His hair looked wind-swept and he watched her with all-knowing eyes.

" It's a two way mirror Evans," Potter revealed. Lily narrowed her eyes at him.

"This is even more pathetic Black. You couldn't go a mere hour without Potter. That's almost cute," Lily said. She tossed the mirror to Black and turned to the front of the room. Her fingers curled around a quill as she took notes.

" Prongs why won't you just write to the bloke?" Black asked. Lily glared at her parchment and cursed Black's loud voice internally.

" Filch is monitoring the letters Padfoot. I bring any dark objects into the castle without Dumbledore finding out," Potter answered. Lily narrowed her eyes and looked at Black from the corner of her eye.

" Look Prongs we'll just meet with Malfoy in Hogsmeade then," Black suggested. Lily turned to him; how could they get to Hogsmeade if the trips were banned? She remembered Jason showing her that passageway behind the statue of the one-eyed witch.

" Fine I'll owl him to meet us on Friday at midnight in the Hog's Head," Potter announced. Lily took note of this and scribbled the date and time on her Divination homework. Black and Potter were up to something; and Lily was determined to find out what.

" Marlee Care of Magical Creatures is horrid. There are only ten people in it and I got assigned to be Lupin's partner. The course is bollock too. All we're doing this year is researching a magical creature that we're assigned to," Lily exclaimed.

She took a bite of her sandwich and Marlene raised an eyebrow at her. The two had just finished Quidditch practice and were in the Great Hall for dinner. Lily told Marlene all about her Care of Magical Creatures class, while Marlene ranted to Lily about NEWT Muggle Studies.

" What creature were you assigned?" Marlene asked. Lily shoved a clump of her hair out of her face and took a sip of her water.

" The werewolf," Lily revealed. She remembered how she almost burst into laughter when she found out that she was studying a creature that Remus was all too familiar with. Lily wrinkled her nose and finished her sandwich.

" I'm going to the library. Lupin and I've got a study session for our project," Lily told Marlene. She grabbed her bag and looked at Marlene. Lily bit her lip when she saw that Marlene was looking at Fabian.

" Marlee don't let me get in the way of you and Fabian," Lily announced. Marlene looked up and blushed slightly. She cleared her throat and faced Lily.

" It's not that. Fabian and I've been fighting lately. I think it's the fact that Black is turning seventeen soon," Marlene said wistfully.

" Marlene don't give up just because of Black," Lily called out.

" Well that's what you're doing. Lily stop pushing them away. They're your friends, they won't leave you for being a pureblood. Lily I accepted you, give them the same chance," Marlene announced.

Lily knew that Marlene was right. She lied so much that her web was slowly choking her. Eventually her lies would catch up with her. But she had time; a limited amount though.

" Nice try Marlee. I'm good for now. I'll see you up in the dorm," Lily called. She slung her bag over her shoulder and exited the Great Hall. The castle was silent. Even Lily's footsteps seemed to blend into the silence. Lily repressed a shiver and continued towards the library.

She entered it and saw that Lupin was already inside. He sat in the back and bit the top of his quill as he looked at an essay. Lily walked over to his desk and sat across from him. Her knees hit his and he looked up.

" Evans," Lupin greeted. Lily nodded at him and pulled her textbook out. She grabbed a sheet of parchment and turned to Lupin.

" We're supposed to start with a history of werewolves and have a presentation for it by next Thursday. So today we could start by taking notes," Lily suggested. Lupin nodded and Lily started copying stuff from her textbook. An hour later, she and Remus were still in the library, but they weren't working on their presentation, the two began to work on their Charms homework together.

The meeting seemed to start off awkwardly, but slowly the two settled. Lily remembered how she used to meet with Lupin to study last year. That was before she found out that he was a death eater.

" Avifors is the charm for birds right?" Lupin asked. Lily looked up and blinked. She was almost with her Charms assignment, but Lupin was nowhere close. She leaned over and took a glance at his essay. A giggle escaped her mouth and she looked up at Lupin with an amused expression.

" It's Avis. You've written about the charm to conjure a flock of birds," Lily commented. A groan escaped Lupin's mouth and he looked at his essay.

" You're right. I knew something seemed off about my essay. Charms isn't really my best subject. I barely got an Exceeds Expectations in it," Lupin admitted to Lily.

" We've all got our weaknesses," Lily quipped. Lupin chuckled and looked at her with an amused expression.

" Not you though. You got a passing grade on every single OWL you took," Lupin said. Lily blushed; how did he know about that?

" Slughorn. He talks about you a lot. The bloke is almost infatuated with you. He calls you Lovely Lily," Lupin answered. Lily grimaced at his note.

" Slughorn is a good teacher I suppose. He shows a bit of favoritism though. His parties remind me of those horrid pureblood balls," Lily said with a slight shudder. Lupin looked up at her and she could feel his curious eyes on her back.

" How would you know about pureblood balls?" Lupin demanded. Lily ducked her head and cursed. She kept dropping small things that proved her lies wrong.

" You've made a few mistakes in this essay. I could review your essays for you if you want," Lily suggested. Lupin looked at her skeptically and nodded.

" I'd appreciate that. If you want I could look at your Transfiguration work. I heard McGonagall's rant in the Great Hall," Lupin suggested. Lily smiled weakly at him.

" That would be grand," Lily said. Lupin smiled weakly at her and checked his watch.

" Curfew is soon. I'll walk you to your common room," Lupin suggested. Lily kept her stuff away and shook her head.

" It's fine. I can walk by myself," Lily stated as the pair walked to the entrance to the library. Lupin looked conflicted.

" I'm sure you can. But under circumstances like these, I'd prefer to make sure you don't get into any trouble," Lupin argued. Lily narrowed her eyes at him but didn't put up a fight. Why was Lupin being so nice to her? He volunteered to patrol with her, he didn't make any offensive comments, and he was walking her to her common room even though it was seven floors above his.

" Why are you being so nice to me?" Lily demanded. Lupin blushed slightly and walked a bit faster. Lily struggled to keep up with his long gait.

" I'm just being courteous," Lupin responded. Lily pursed her lips and jumped in front of Lupin. She glared up at him.

" Death eaters aren't supposed to be nice to mudbloods," Lily pointed out. Lupin paled and crossed his arms.

" What are you talking about Evans?" Lupin asked with a pathetic laugh.

" Cut the crap Lupin. I know that you and the rest of the Marauders are Death Eaters. I saw Potter at the Battle of the Ministry," Lily said in a serious tone. Lupin gulped and looked down.

" I'm not going to tell Dumbledore. He already knows about that and won't bother to do anything. I just don't understand why you would be a death eater," Lily announced. Lupin shuffled awkwardly and cleared his throat.

" Evans when the Dark Lord asks for your assistance it would be suicide to decline," Lupin answered. Lily narrowed her eyes and stared up at Remus.

" Remus you don't think like those purists. You're brave Remus. I can't believe that you were afraid of Voldemort's wrath," Lily argued. Lupin slumped and looked into her eyes with a defeated expression.

" Evans do you have friends that have sacrificed so much for you so you would do anything for them?" Lupin demanded. Lily blinked and saw Marlene's twinkling eyes and Galen's open arms. She nodded stiffly and Lupin continued.

" My friends looked passed my flaws and accepted me. I joined the death eaters to be with them," Lupin croaked.

Lily snored and took a step back.

" We've had this same conversation before Remus. I told you that friends look past someone's flaws and don't ask for anything in return. Remus I honestly think that you're a good person. But you're just as bad as your friends if you think for a second that killing innocent people is okay if you're doing it for your friends," Lily proclaimed. Lupin's eyes flashed and he snorted.

" Don't give me that Evans. You've got Jason and Prongs wrapped around your finger. Why else would Jason ask for me to make sure that you're safe on patrols and in the hallway?" Lupin snorted.

Lily blinked. Why would Jason still want to look out for her? She did nothing but hurt him over and over again. Why couldn't he let go of her and see that they weren't family anymore.

" Tell Jason that he needs to stop living in the past and let me go. As for Potter, well that's a bit too personally," Lily said. She turned from Remus and saw the Portrait of the Fat Lady. Lily walked up to it, but Lupin grabbed her hand. She turned and saw a desperate expression on his face.

" I'm not a bad person. I may have done some bad things, but that doesn't make me bad," Remus argued. There was a hopeless tone in his voice. Lily gulped and looked into his eyes.

" Lupin we're all losing the good that we try to keep. The difference is that you are throwing away everything that is good about you to make others happy," Lily finished. She pulled her hand out of Lupin's and turned.

Lily heard him walk away and wrapped her arms around her chest. She hated the way this war was taking everything goof about Remus. It was turning him into the monster that he didn't want to be. But it was Lupin's life to ruin. Lily couldn't do anything for him; it was up to him to decide if he should let the monster rule over the man, or let the man control the monster.

Lily spent the night in a tumultuous sleep. She woke up and grabbed her head from shock. Blood pooled inside of her mouth and Lily clambered out of her bed. She went to the bathroom and flicked the light on. Her appearance disgusted her. Lily rubbed her eyes and spat the blood out of her mouth. She bit her lip in her sleep and a small cut was present on the tip of it.

A scowl graced her face as Lily pulled her hair into a sloppy ponytail. She brushed her teeth and shuddered at the blood on her toothpaste. Lily took a quick shower and changed into her uniform. She wrapped her hair into a tight braid and kept a concealing charm on her birthmark and the bags under her eyes. After grabbing her bag, Lily glanced at the clock. It was five in the morning; Lily doubted that the Great Hall was even open yet.

But she couldn't stay in her dorm. Lily sighed and reluctantly set her bed, the muggle way, and cleaned her desk. She kept her homework away and closed the latch on her trunk. She grabbed her bag and left the room. Silence filled her as she left the Gryffindor Common Room. A yawn escaped her open mouth and Lily stretched her back. She made it to the entrance hall and saw the Black Lake.

The sun was just starting to appear in the early morning sky. Lily smiled at the flashes of light pinks and purples. She walked to one of the open areas of the school and slid out to the grounds. A breeze hit her arms and Lily smiled. She took a breath of the clear and crisp Scottish air. Lily's feet carried her over to the Black Lake.

She watched the water lap at the small sandy banks of the lake. Waves formed in the middle of the lake in a languid pattern. A flock of birds flew over Lily's head and she could see the moon starting to set. Lily relaxed and kept her bag down by the tall white oak tree near the lake. She glanced at the carvings decorating the wood, before turning back to the Lake.

Lily leaned her head up and stared at the sky. It seemed so blue, impossibly blue. Clouds stretched across the horizon in a dance. The sun arched over the edge of the sky. It's rays burst out in colors. She closed her eyes and could feel the sun hitting her back. Lily sighed and could hear her heart beat.

" It's the start of a new day," a voice murmured behind her. Lily could feel the owner's hot breath hit her neck. Her eyes bolted open and Lily turned. She met a pair of amused hazel-eyes and glared at Potter.

" I'm more of a dusk person," Lily answered dryly. She attempted to move but Potter blocked her. He wore a pair of shorts and a t-shirt that was covered in a light layer of sweat. Lily remembered him telling her that he liked to run in the morning right before dawn.

" I know that. I remember you telling me that, right before you obliviated me," Potter said in a wry tone. Lily looked up at him in shock. How could he remember that? Potter seemed to notice her face and chuckled.

" Luckily for me you're not too good at obliviation charms. It must run in the family, Jason is shite at them too," Potter jibed. Lily glowered at his smarmy face and he tapped the tip of her nose.

" Don't say that Potter. I'd prefer for this to stay between Michael, Marlene, Dumbledore, Jason, you, and me," Lily voiced. A look of annoyance crossed Potter's face.

" How long did Wood and McKinnon know?" he growled. Lily looked at him in confusion but still answered his question.

" Michael has known since March and I told Marlene on Sunday," Lily answered. A look of vexation crossed Potter's face when she said that. Lily felt his arms circle her waist and hold her tightly. She tried to move out of his grip but he pulled her closer. Lily wrinkled her nose and struggled against his sweaty body.

" Potter let go of me! You smell like a Neanderthal," Lily exclaimed. Potter didn't let go of her and Lily squirmed out of his grip. She glared at him and used a refreshing charm on her body.

" Why did you tell Wood?" Potter demanded. Lily straightened her shirt and glanced up at him. She brushed a strand of hair out of her eye and looked at Potter. Anger shone in his eyes and he crossed his arms. Lily smiled at him with realization.

" You're jealous," Lily said in an amused tone. Potter scoffed, but Lily could see that he was hiding something.

" Evans I'm not some ponce like Wood who spends his time mooning over you. You're mine, whether you want to be or not," Potter gloated. Lily narrowed her eyes and grabbed her bag.

" Seven months Potter. Until then I can do whatever I want," Lily growled. She began walking away from Potter but he grabbed her arm.

" Evans don't play hard to get. You know that you want me, it's just that you're too much of a stubborn bitch to say it out loud," Potter announced. Lily wrenched her hand from Potter's and slapped him across the face.

" I don't see why girls would be interested in an arrogant arse like you. Potter I'd rather go out with the Giant Squid then even touch you," Lily shouted. She shoved passed Potter and headed inside of the castle without a glance back.

She never saw James Potter's face falter for a second. She never saw him quickly stitch the pieces of his heart back together and grin at her retreating. He had a plan to win her over, but Lily didn't know this.

Later that day, Lily entered her History of Magic Class. She had just gone through a horrible Herbalogy class where she was forced to work with Jason. Lily avoided speaking to him as much as possible as they dissected the body of an unfertilized mandrake. Marlene had been assigned to work with Michael and Lily was left to work with the one person she wanted to avoid, other than Potter.

After the awkward class, Lily left and headed towards History of Magic. Marlene had a free period for the rest of the day, but Lily had class. She groaned and pulled the strap of her bag over her shoulder. Her feet pounded against the surface of the stone floor as she rushed to History of Magic. Lily couldn't be late. She was late to every single class she had in the past day.

She broke into a sprint and shoved through crowds of students. The cries and shouts of outrage blended into the background as she ran. Lily jumped up several stairs and rushed to the History of Magic classroom. Right as she entered the room the bell rang. Lily looked around and saw that there were less seats in here. The room was enchanted to provide the number of chairs and desks needed for each class. Yet due to the size of this class, the room was stuck with its smallest setting; four rows of ten seats.

The class was small, but most people didn't enjoy History of Magic. There were two groups in the room. The Hufflepuff girls and Ravenclaw girls sat to the left of the board. There was about five of them. They glanced towards the back of the room and giggled. Lily was reminded of her Divination classroom.

She could see the sole Hufflepuff boy, Amos Diggory, sitting with four Ravenclaws. They sat to the right of the board. Since the class was so small, students sat shoulder to shoulder in one row. It was rather cramped. Lily looked for an empty seat but couldn't find one. Her eyes darted to the back of the room and Lily froze.

Sitting near a desk at least three rows of empty seats from everyone, was James Potter. Why was he taking this class? He looked up from a large piece of parchment and grinned at Lily. Lily scowled at him.

" Miss Evans please sit down. Go and sit with Mr. Potter, I don't trust him by himself," the translucent figure of Professor Binns announced. Eyes turned to Lily and she cleared her throat.

" Professor could I sit anywhere else?" Lily asked in a low voice. Professor Binns glared at her and spoke.

" Miss Evans you are causing a scene. Now go and sit with Mr. Potter before I take points from Gryffindor," Professor Binns barked. Lily nodded glumly and moved to the back row. She sat reluctantly next to Potter and could feel his eyes on her.

Lily ignored him and faced the front of the room. She pulled a blank parchment notebook out and began taking notes on the lecture. Most of the students began to doze off and Lily glared at Chris Lancet as he snored loudly. Lily tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and copied the notes. She bit her lip and rubbed an ink stain off her skin.

" Evans you've miscopied that note about the Egyptian relationship with wizards," a voice murmured. Lily could feel Potter's hot breath on her skin. She turned, ready to scold him, but stopped. Potter's face was directly behind hers and she could see his eyes vividly. Lily blinked and Potter smirked at her.

" Potter why are you even in this class?" Lily hissed. He chuckled and moved closer to her. Lily felt him wrap an arm around her shoulder and shrugged it away. A scowl graced her face and she glared at him.

" I was planning on using the period for catching up on sleep. But thanks to you I'll use it for some get to know Lily time," Potter declared in a low voice. Lily wanted to slap the smug tone he had. She glowered at him instead and turned back to her paper.

Lily checked her notes and saw that Potter was right. She scowled at her paper and rewrote that sentence. Her hand wrapped around the quill harshly and stabbed into the parchment. Lily felt Potter lace his fingers into her hair and slapped them away.

" Do you mind?" Lily growled. Potter laughed quietly at her and she glared at him. Lily wouldn't let low-life death eaters like James Potter keep her from studying.

" You look like Christmas Evans," Potter said with a crooked grin. Lily stared at him. He said that one too many times. She scowled; a memory was in her head, but she couldn't seem to remember it.

" Evans I'm almost upset with you. How could you obliviate your future husband?" Potter teased. Lily turned to him and clenched her fists.

" Potter if you don't shut up about that I will personally castrate you. You may be looking forward to our arrangement but I would do anything to get out if it! You're a death eater for Merlin's sake! There's a reason I left my life as a pureblood behind," Lily spat.

She could see Potter's eyes shifting from a playful gleam to a cold and harsh one. Lily almost shivered at the sadistic sheen in them. Potter leaned closed to her and his lips almost brushed her skin.

" Lily it doesn't matter what you want. I'm a death eater and proud of it. You need to get off your high horse and see that muggles are worse than animals. They're the sign that we can't control magic. I honestly would prefer for you to be more open about our situation. But either way you'll belong to me soon," Potter snarled in her ear.

Lily froze and felt his heart beat next to hers. She couldn't believe that Potter was so idiotic. Her mum was right; a pureblood betrothal was a cage. Lily shouldn't have come back to England. Potter turned and faced her. Lily ducked her head and moved away from Potter.

" You're disgusting Potter. You're cruel and arrogant and just fucked up. Your ideals make me sick. You make me sick," Lily snarled back. Potter didn't respond. Lily turned in victory; but she didn't feel like a winner.

" Mr. Black twenty points from Slytherin. I hope this will teach you to refrain from sending Miss McKinnon vulgar notes," Professor McGonagall scolded. Lily hid her grin behind her arm. She looked at Marlene from the corner of her eye and saw that Marlene was almost blushing.

Lily turned from Marlene and Sirius. She was sitting next to Michael across the room from her friend. Due to Professor McGonagall's distaste of the Marauders, the NEWT Transfiguration class had been assigned seats. Lily was stuck sitting next to Michael, which involved long and awkward silences. But Marlene had it worse; she was sitting next to Black. Lily glanced at him and frowned when she saw him flirting with a Ravenclaw.

She could feel eyes staring at her and turned. Lily was ready to glare at Potter but faltered when she caught Jason staring at her. He looked almost pale. Lily was close to losing her golden glow, but Jason looked sallow. Lily frowned at him. His clothing almost hung off his shoulders. She could see bags under his eyes.

Lily wanted to talk to him and comfort him, but she couldn't. She couldn't get involved with him without him being even more disappointed. His eyes met hers and Lily faltered. Maybe a quick conversation wouldn't do much damage. She turned and ripped a piece of parchment out of her Transfiguration notebook. Lily scribbled something on it and balled the paper up. She glanced at McGonagall who was busy scribbling a lesson plan on the board.

Lily took the ball and threw it towards Jason. It hit his chest and his nimble fingers instantly reached up to grab it. Lily could feel Michael watching her as she stared at Jason. Jason looked up and nodded at Lily. She smiled a little and turned from him.

" Sibling bonding with the Gastors?" Michael asked in a low voice. Lily shoved him and he grimaced. She noticed that his bandages were still there and regretted her actions.

" Wood it's none of your business," Lily hissed. She leaned over and closed her notebook; class was ending soon.

" Believe me I wish it wasn't any of my business. But whether you or I like it, we're bonded Lily. After what happened last June everything changed. And don't lie; I saw the way you reacted to the fire during that duel," Michael said in a low voice.

Lily gulped and bit her lip. Michael was too smart to not notice that there was something wrong with her. She thought that leaving Michael out of what was happening was the right thing to do; but she was wrong.

" We've been over this Wood. I can't help you and you can't help me. I'm fine I don't need any help," Lily argued. Michael slammed his fist on the table and people turned to them.

" Stop lying to me! We've been over this Lily. You're not sleeping or eating. I can see you reliving what happened every time you see fire and don't deny it. I bet if you stood in front of a Bogart you'd see that bastard Aucl-," Michael listed in a furious voice. Before he could finish, Lily raised her hand and slapped him across the face.

" He was my best friend for fifteen year Michael try not to speak so poorly about him," Lily shouted. She knew that the class was watching them. Michael and her had just interrupted the entire class.

" That's the best part; you were friends with a death eater for Merlin's sake. I can't believe how daft you are," Michael spat. She could feel her magic protesting. It was trying to bargain with her; it wanted to escape and make Michael shut up.

Lily blinked and felt it pound against the prison she forced it into. She had to get out of that room; she had to keep her magic under lock and key. Lily stood and started to walk out of the room. She felt Michael grab her hand and turned to him.

" Shit Lily your eyes," Michael muttered. Lily glared at him and pulled her hand out of his. She grabbed her wand and walked out of the classroom, ignoring the shouts of Professor McGonagall. Lily turned and walked down the stairs. She quickly made her way outside and almost fell to her knees.

A groan escaped her mouth; it was getting stronger. Lily knew that she had to talk to Professor Gladstone, but she was reluctant to tell the bitter woman that she needed her help. Lily blinked and knew that her eyes were the color of green flames. She held her eyes shut and shoved her magic back into its prison.

A few minutes later, Lily stood and started walking. She made a promise to meet someone and she refused to break it. Lily made her way over to the Quidditch pitch and changed into a pair of short and a t-shirt. She slid her sneakers on a grabbed her broom from inside of her bracelet.

As she exited the locker room, Lily breathed the air of the rugged Scottish country in. She could see a boy with golden hair standing across the pitch. Lily made her way over to him and saw that he changed into a pair of shorts and running shoes. He looked up and smiled at her.

" I didn't think you would come," Jason announced. Lily smiled and tugged her ponytail into a tight braid. She turned to Jason and smiled.

" I don't break promises Jace," Lily said. She moved to her brother and sat on the ground of the field. He joined her and they placed their brooms on the ground of the pitch.

" What happened back in there with Wood?" Jason asked. Lily looked up at him and sighed.

" Just some Gryffindor drama Jace," Lily explained. This was about him not her. Lily crossed her legs and faced her brother. She could see the golden curls of his hair blowing with the soft breeze. A small scar sat near his right eyebrow.

" Why did you resign from your prefect position?" Lily asked. Jason looked at her and she stared back at him.

" I couldn't do it Lils. Cassius and Pericles had the right idea about leaving. There's too many ghosts here," Jason croaked. A small hand grabbed his and squeezed it. Lily looked at him with empathy.

" Jason you're not like Cassius and Pericles. Whether you like it or not, you are brave. I think that you can face your ghosts," Lily murmured. Her brother looked up at her with a tortured gaze.

" If someone told me last year that dad, mum, Julius, and Lucian were dead; Cassius and Pericles moved from England, and that my sister was back in England I would have probably sent the bloke to Mungos," Jason said is a wistful tone.

" Jason you'll be alright. You've got your friends and right now they're the only ones who can help you," Lily explained.

" You can help me Lils. You know what I'm going through more than anyone else," Jason pleaded. Lily bit her lips and wrapped Jason in a hug. She blinked the tears away and knew what she had to say.

" I can't help you Jace. I'm not your sister anymore, I haven't really been a Gastor since I was nine," Lily choked. Her brother paused and pulled her to face him.

" Lily you can't do this to me. Everybody even Cassius and Pericles abandoned me. Don't leave me," Jason beseeched. Lily held his hand and looked into his eyes.

" Jason I don't even know you anymore. I know a boy with gold hair and a scrawny figure who abandoned me for his new life. It's my turn to leave you behind and let you move on," Lily justified.

" James told me you know. He came to me back in June the week after Lucian's funeral. Pericles left the manor to do night and day shifts at Mungos and Cassius moved out of the house and went to Montreal a few days ago. James arrived at the manor in a bloody frenzy. He held his wand to my throat and demanded to know about you. I told him everything and then he showed me this letter his dad left him. Lily you're never going to be free of being a pureblood. Technically speaking since Pericles officially abdicated his position as head of the Gastor family here and Cassius moved before he could even accept the position, it was given to me. Lily I love you even if you can't love me. But after March I can't help you. You won't be able to continue this muggleborn persona anymore. During Easter Break, James is having his coming of age ball and you'll be expected to make an appearance and take the official role as his fiancé," Jason explained.

Lily looked down and pushed her fears away. She moved her hands from Jason's and wrapped her arms around her chest. Her finger brushed her left rib and Lily flinched. She looked up and nodded at her brother.

" I know I opened mum and dad's letters. Potter and I talked about it. Jason I can't do this. I can't be stuck with James Potter for the rest of my life. He's a death eater for Circe's sake," Lily called out. She was losing the control she worked so hard to get.

" James isn't that bad Lily. I actually thought that you and James would be pretty good for each other. You guys danced at the Christmas Ball back when James was going through some shit. He barely agreed to leave his parents' bedsides that night and even when he came to the ball, Padfoot and I were sure that he wouldn't do anything but get drunk. But then I saw him dancing with this girl in a green dress that looked all too familiar. Lils you should have seen the way he looked at you. He looks at you as though you're the most beautiful thing he's ever scene. He looks at you the way mum used to look at dad," Jason told her.

Lily gulped and noted that Jason said looks, and not looked. She bit her lip and realized that if anyone had been rooting for her and James, it was Jason. Every single small interaction between her and Potter was noted by Jason.

" Jace I just can't be with him. He's so evil and cruel. I saw him kill people," Lily pointed out. Jason snorted at this.

" Lily I've killed too," Jason said in a low voice. Lily looked up and shook her head.

" That's why I can never let you in Jason. I can never love you; I can never have a family as long as you're killing people. What's even worse is that I used to look past who you are and think that those things were just small things. But they aren't; Jason you're not that little boy I used to play with. You've become this monster who kills and hurts people. I don't want to be around you anymore; and you shouldn't be around me. I've got seven months until I belong to Potter; and until then I plan on being happy. I can't be happy around you. You're evil Jason you're just like Dad and Julius and Lucian. You don't know what's the difference between duty and acceptance. It's killing me that you've changed into this uncaring monster. And Potter is just like you," Lily exclaimed.

She felt like she was getting something off her chest. Every single interaction between her and Jason was strained. Even last year, her friends used to judge her for being so chummy with a known death eater. But Lily looked past it. She couldn't do that anymore. Even if Jason was family she couldn't help him. No one could help him, no one but himself.

Lily stood and turned from Jason. She checked her watch and faced the bleachers. She knew that Jason was still reeling from the blows she sent his way; but Lily needed to use one final blow, the killing blow.

" Jason I'm not your family anymore. Your family abandoned you. You're alone and it's time you accept that," Lily coldly announced. She met Jason's eyes in a sharp glared and crossed her arms.

" Now could you please leave? I have a Quidditch practice to run," Lily declared. It wasn't the words that made Jason give up; it was Lily's tone. Her brother had just emotionally given up everything. Lily took his emotions and feelings and shredded them to pieces. She broke him; but he would rise from the remains of his demise. He would heal.

Lily watched as her brother held in his tears and pushed passed her. He didn't look back as he exited the pitch. Lily wrapped her arms as he took a step farther and farther away from her. She knew that she was free; she was free of her family once and for all. Jason wouldn't bother her anymore and Lily could live her last few months of freedom.

" Lils we're warming up," A voice shouted. Lily turned to her team with a determined expression. She grabbed her broom and took to the endless sky; ready to find out whom Lily Evans was.

" We are having a special guest today class. I would like to introduce you to Calchus Mopsus. He is a very famous and talented seer. I called in a large favor to get him to come here. Today he will be looking into each of your futures," Professor Omina announced.

Lily snorted and looked up to the front of the room. She could see a young wizard with hectically frizzy hair and a chaotic gleam to his eyes standing next to Professor Omina. Lily doubted that this man was an actual seer.

Her grandmother, Cassia Lilius, was a descendant of a seer. Lily's grandmother originated from Delphi. If the family trees she had were accurate, then Lily was a distant descendant of one of the Oracles of Delphi. But Lily passed that off as her grandmother's crazed pureblood supremacy attempts.

The class moved into a line and each approached the chaotic man. Lily shuddered when she saw Melissa Davies place her hand in the man's hands. Lily wasn't the biggest fan of visions from the future. Both she and her mother had a few dreams displaying scenes that seemed to be foreboding, but they weren't anything serious.

" Your life will go better is you stay faithful to your husband," Mopsus announced to the entire class. Snickers broke across the room and Melissa glared at the seer. Lily bit her lip to hide her smile. Black winked at Stevies and she blushed. Lily glared at Black's back. He was already spoken for and yet he still felt the need to flirt with every girl in existence.

She watched as the line started to shorten. When it was Black's turn he placed his hand in the seer's and smirked.

" Don't turn off your emotions. It'll do you more good then bad," the seer announced. Black scowled for a second but walked back to his seat. Most of the class wasn't paying attention as Lily walked up to the seer slowly. The man smiled in a welcoming manner, but Lily didn't feel welcomed.

When she placed her trembling hand on the seer's callused hand Lily felt something ram into her. She gasped and saw vision burst behind her eyes. An explosion burning her from the inside as something hit her. She could feel something leaving her it seemed to rip her apart as it escaped. A scream escaped her. Oh Merlin it hurt so much. Lily felt as though she was being ripped apart from the inside. She could hear voices around her. Lily was sure that they were from her vision. She felt the pain slowly leave her. With each movement it made, Lily's torture increased. Another scream escaped her as she ripped her eyes open.

Lily could see the light of the Divination Tower hitting her. Someone sat next to her. Lily realized that she was on the ground. She looked up and met the eyes of Mopsus. Lily struggled to sit up but couldn't.

" What was that?" Lily demanded. The mere memory of the pain almost made her scream again.

" That was your future Lilium. Zeus's punishment will be your savior," the seer said in a cryptic tone. Lily froze at what he called her.

" Someone get Pomfrey immediately," a voice barked. Lily didn't notice that most of the class was watching her in shock. She felt someone tug her up and met the gray eyes of Sirius Black.

" Don't worry Professor. I'll be more than happy to take Evans to the hospital wing," Black announced. Lily tried to protest but he ignored her. She felt Black pull her up and let her lean against him as they left the room. Lily couldn't keep the message the seer left her out of her head. What was Zeus's punishment?

She felt Black tug her down the staircase and narrowed her eyes. Why was he helping her? Lily shoved away from Black and swayed as they reached the bottom of the staircase. She glared at him.

" Why are you helping me Black?" Lily spat. He sighed in annoyance and crossed his arms.

" Prongs and Jason used their Marauder's favors to make Moony and me help you out Evans. I honestly couldn't care about what happened to you. It was sort of painful though to listen to you scream during that seer's voodoo crap," Black announced. Lily shoved her arm in his direction and hunched over.

" Black just go. Leave me alone," Lily ordered. She slid against the wall of the castle and groaned. She had no idea what happened. The seer said something about that being her future; but Lily didn't want to experience that pain ever again. Lily heard Black sit across from her but ignored him.

She ignored him and let her headrest against the stone of the wall. It was cold but Lily was so hot. She clawed at her tie and pulled it off. A sigh escaped her mouth and Lily felt Black's feet brush against hers.

" What did that seer say about you? Something about your emotions," Lily mumbled. She let her head face the ceiling and pulled her tie off.

" Family curses Evans. Blacks either are too emotional or detached. The ones who are emotional become blind with emotion so our rings suppress the emotions. Makes those who are detached even bitchier," Black explained. Lily already knew this.

" What are you?" She asked. The Gastor family was the opposite of the Black family. They wanted to feel every single emotion rip into their souls. The rings heightened their emotions to a deadly extreme.

" I got no control over my emotions. Why do you think that I would even bother to sit with you? I'm doing it since I care about my brothers," Black drawled. Lily jerked her head up.

" Brothers?" Lily asked. Black snorted and unbuttoned his shirt. Lily began to protest but he shushed her. He pulled the sleeve to his right arm dawn and Lily could see a tattoo present on his shoulder. Black moved closer to her and showed her the tattoo. It looked like the Hogwarts crest, but instead of the four animals for the houses, there was a large wolf, a rat, a shaggy dog, and a tan stag. Over it was inscribed The Marauders.

" The Brotherhood of the Marauders Evans. We're not just friends we're brothers. There's a shit load of rules and regulations made back in our first and fourth year that I couldn't even remember. But one of the most important ones is the Marauder's favor. I called it in back in fourth year when Jason tried to seduce Marlene and that instated the rule of ownership for girls. Now none of them can touch Marlene. But I owed Jason a favor and he called it in at the start of the year. Now I get the job of making sure that you don't do anything stupid. Moony owed Prongs one and he called it in for the same request," Black explained.

Lily swallowed and he quickly buttoned his shirt. She stood and saw the Black had taken her bag from the classroom. Lily cursed when she saw her mum's notebook flapped over the corner. She reached for it and slammed it shut before Black could get a glance at it.

"What's that Evans?" Black asked. Lily cursed and slid the notebook inside of her bag. She grabbed her wand from inside and face Black.

" Look I should be thankful for you taking me from that class and not taking me to the hospital wing. I can't stand the hospital. But you need to tell my br- I mean Jason that he should call off the favor," Lily announced.

Black's eyes narrowed at her slip of the tongue and he crossed his arms. Lily checked her watch and saw that class would be ending soon; she had to get to Care of Magical Creatures. She attempted to move past him but he blocked her way.

" Jason came to the dorm pretty beat up about something yesterday. Do you know anything about that?" Black asked.

" No," Lily said with a straight face. She waited for Black to call her bluff but he didn't.

" The minute Jason's favor is called off, I've got dibs to hex your dirty mudblood first," Black announced. Lily nodded tersely and moved past him. She took off down the stairs and made her way to the Care of Magical Creatures classroom. But she couldn't forget the bolt of pain and the agony she felt. Lily shuddered and hoped that the pain she expectance would be far away in the distant future.

" Dissendium," Lily whispered. She heard the statue of the one-eyed, hump-backed witch move. Lily glanced around the corridor and jumped into the dark hole. She closed her eyes and tucked her body in as she slid down a slide. Her body hit a soft mat and Lily stood.

It was ten minutes before midnight on Friday. After hearing about Potter and Black's plans to meet a certain death eater in Hogsmeade, Lily decided to follow them. Something about Potter's tone seemed off when he spoke to Black. While Lily was in a detention with Professor Gladstone, Marlee and the other Gryffindors headed off to a party at the Ravenclaw Common Room.

After a silent detention, Lily ignored her stomach and went up to her dorm. She changed into a pair of sleek black jeans and a t-shirt. She slid a pair of sneakers on and grabbed a large black travel cloak. Lily pulled her hair up into a ponytail and used a charm to change her eyes to a muddy green.

She snuck across the castle and made her way to the statue of the humpback witch. After getting down to the passage to Hogsmeade Lily used a light spell.

She pulled her hood over her head and headed down the passage. The cloak brushed the edge of her shoes as she made her way across the passage. Lily made it to the back of the passage and slid out of the small door to Honeydukes. She inhaled the scent of chocolate and heard her stomach rumble.

Lily left a galleon on the cashier's table and grabbed a large bar of milk chocolate. She took a bite and kept the bar inside of her expandable bracelet. Lily exited the store and left a small rock by the door so it would stay open.

The streets of Hogsmeade were mostly deserted. Lily could make out people dressed in full-body cloaks traveling swiftly through the streets. She tried to blend in with the background as she made her way over to the pub known as the Hog's Head.

Lily entered the pub and heard loud laughter. She groaned when she saw a mix of wizards and half-breeds parading around the pub in a drunk stupor. Lily quickly scanned the crowd for either Black or Potter but couldn't find them. She headed over to bar and tapped the shoulder of a grumpy barman.

" Excuse me have you seen a boy with messy black hair?" Lily asked. The barman grunted at her. Lily raised an eyebrow and pulled a small bag from her bag. She pulled out several galleons and called the barman over.

" I asked if you saw a boy about this tall with messy black hair?" Lily said as she stacked galleons near the barman. His eye widened and he stuttered out a response.

" Err yes. He was with a blond fellow and a boy with almost girlish black curls," the barman answered. Lily smiled and placed another galleon on the pile.

" Do you happen to know where they went?" Lily questioned. She twirled a galleon around her fingers and glanced at the barman.

" They' reserved a private booth in the back," the barman answered. Lily nodded and thanked the man. She ordered a glass of butterbeer and walked over to the left corner of the pub. The people in the bar were louder and boisterous here.

Lily slipped through the crowd and wrinkled her nose when someone sloshed their firewhiskey close to her feet. She saw a door in the back. Near it was a group of three. Lily could see Sirius Black's gray eyes from under his hood as the group walked through the door. Lily quickly placed a rushed disilluminate charm on herself. She sprinted behind Black and heard the door to the private booth shut behind the three. She followed Black and the other two to a small booth and stood in front of them. Lily watched as they pulled their hoods down.

Potter shook hands with a tall blonde man. Lily saw the pale skin and steel gray eyes. A Malfoy, she thought. Black ordered them a round of mulled mead and turned to the blond man. Lily leaned in.

" Lucius long time since we last saw you. How's the married life treating you?" Black asked. The blonde smiled and faced Potter and Black.

" Your cousin is doing well. She's an excellent wife. Close to perfect," Lucius announced with a sly grin.

" Well she is a Black after all," Black snorted. Lily rolled her eyes. Only someone like Black would be so boastful about his cousin.

" I heard that you were promoted in your ranking," Potter commented suddenly. Lily turned to him. What was he talking about?

" Yes I was. I received Lucian Gastor's old position. I think that the Gastor family is starting its downfall," Malfoy said in a proud tone. Lily glared at him and heard Potter scoff.

" More like they are gaining more control. Jason told me that his brothers are heading the death eater divisions in Greece and Canada," Potter scoffed. Malfoy pursed his lips and glanced at him.

" Well Jason won't be able to maintain his family's honor here in England," Malfoy responded. Black snorted at this.

" Jason was inducted when he was thirteen, that's two years before you Malfoy. He's just going through some stuff right now," Black explained.

" The Dark Lord may show a certain fondness for the Gastor family, but if Jason doesn't stop this moping of his then that will change," Malfoy announced. Lily moved around the waitress and watched as Malfoy looked at his drink in distain.

" I think you're wrong Lucius. The Gastors have a certain secret that will keep them in the Holy Seven for at least another generation," Potter said with a sly grin. Lily paled; what was he talking about?

" Potter what are you talking about?" Malfoy demanded. Potter wore this smug expression and took a sip of his drink.

" I can't say anything right now. But you'll know about it by Easter break," Potter said. Lily knew that he was talking about her. She crossed her arms and glared at Potter.

" I don't have time for this rubbish. Potter you asked me to come here, why?" Malfoy said like an indignant child. Black exchanged a look with Potter.

" As you are aware, Dumbledore wasn't fired last year. I've got a solution that will get the bloke out of Hogwarts and support our cause," Potter started. The gleam in his eyes scared Lily.

" Go on," Malfoy drawled. Black cleared his throat and took a piece of parchment from his pocket. He flattened it on the table and Lily leaned over to get a glance at it. She couldn't see much since Potter's hair blocked her view.

" This is a list of muggleborn students currently attended Hogwarts and our plan," Black said with a leer. Lily frowned; did she miss something? Malfoy's eyes lit up and Potter smirked at him.

" This isn't half bad. The Dark Lord will be pleased with this plan. I'll meet with him and get him to approve this," Malfoy offered. Potter took the paper and folded it up.

" Good. Sirius and I have to get back to the castle before someone notices our absence. We'll see you at the Christmas Ball, I heard it's being held at the Gastor Manor this year," Potter finished. The men exchanged goodbyes and took off. Lily followed Black and Potter out of the pub at a distance. She sucked in a breath when Black glanced in her direction.

" So what's the big family secret that Jason has," Black muttered. Potter pulled his hood up and turned to Black.

" I only know about it since it involves me Padfoot. There's a tongue-tying hex on the secret so only the person who its about can tell people. I think Jason can also tell people, but he won't tell anyone about it," Potter answered. Black looked skeptical but nodded.

" Does it involve Mudblood Evans," Black asked. Lily crept closer to them when Potter shot him a dirty look.

" Don't call her that," Potter barked. Lily watched as he entered Honeydukes and Black followed. She slipped behind Black and followed them back to the castle.

" Prongs what are you keeping from me?" Black demanded when they were in the underground tunnel.

" I want to tell you Padfoot but it's not my secret to tell, at least not yet," Potter explained. Black snorted.

" Prongs we're Marauders there aren't suppose to be any secret in our brotherhood. But now you and Jason are acting like aloof bastards," Black sneered. Potter's eyes flashed and he grabbed Black's shoulder.

" Padfoot stop trying to pick a fight with me. What are you really angry about?" Potter ordered.

" You're a death eater Prongs! You're supposed to stand against muggles and mudbloods. So why is it that you and Worm- I mean Jason are so secretive about bloody Lily Evans?" Black shouted.

" Padfoot don't you understand? Evans isn't muggleborn," Potter shouted. The last words escaped his mouth and he immediately looked regretful. Black looked at him suspiciously.

" What do you mean Prongs?" Black asked. Potter moved away from Black with a regretful look.

" I can't tell you Padfoot. It's her secret and I've already said too much," Potter explained. Lily breathed a breath of relief and watched the two boys awkwardly apologize to each other. They left the passage and Lily followed them. She stood in the corridor and watched two brothers slowly start to mistrust each other.

" Trevor good work today," Lily called out. Trevor looked up at her and grinned. She met his tawny eyes and smiled back.

" Thanks, but I'm nowhere close to your level," Trevor said with a sheepish expression.

" Well it took me years to get my skill, you're even better than I was at your age," Lily assured. She watched as Trevor left the pitch with a grin. Lily liked Trevor. He was a fourth year Gryffindor with a passion for Quidditch. She had just finished her early morning private practice with him on Saturday.

Lily packed up the equipment and grabbed her bag from the locker room. She went back inside of the castle and to her dormitory. After taking a quick shower Lily changed into a pair of muggle jeans and a t-shirt. She kept her hair down and slid a pair of battered sneakers on.

Lily grabbed her wand and mum's notebook. She had work to do today. Her feet carried her down to the Great Hall and Lily could hear loud chatter coming from inside of it. She entered it right behind a large group of giggling Ravenclaw girls.

She took a seat near the back of the Gryffindor table and ate a slightly burned slice of toast. Lily moved to stand up, but she heard the hall quiet. Lily could see some students pointing towards the ceiling. She could see the Daily Profit owls coming in. A copy of the newspaper landed near her and Lily grabbed it. She stared at the figure on the front page of the paper.

Lily's fingers traced the words but she wasn't reading them. Her eyes were transfixed on the man standing in front of a smoldering building. He had his wand out and positioned it to hit his opponent. He wore a wicked grin and Lily smiled as he looked up at her and winked.

GREEK AUROR GALEN KINGSMILL SAVES THE LIVES OF NINE MUGGLE CHILDREN IN A BURNING ORPHANAGE

Rita Skeeter

It was only yesterday when the forces of you-know-who attacked a small muggle orphanage in London. Almost fifty muggle children were known to live there. Fiendfrye was used to prevent water from keeping the fire down. A few moments after the death eaters left, the auror duo Lucretia Sprout and Galen Kingsmill arrived and saved the lives of nine muggles. Lucretia Prewitt managed to putt the fire down and Galen Kingsmill went inside of the fire, risking his life, to save the children inside. He used a flight and cushion spell to propel the children from the burning building. Minutes before the entire structure collapsed, Kingsmill bolted from the orphanage carry two muggle babies. The muggles were taken to St. Mungos and obliviated before dawn.

The aurors who saved these children are slowly rising to the front lines of the auror department. The 21-year-old, Lucretia Sprout attended Hogwarts and secured a position as the Ravenclaw prefect. She has been working in the auror department ever since she graduated. She has been famous on the front lines of the war for the past two years. Her partner, Jake Weston was killed in a recent auror mission. Yet Auror Sprout doesn't let this get in the way of her career.

Galen Kingsmill isn't a very recognizable name. But his family is famous across the globe. His mother was the late Apolline Kingsmill, internationally acclaimed pianist He arrived fresh from Greece during the summer. The nineteen-year-old Galen Kingsmill attended the Athenian School for Sorcery in Greece. He worked in the Greek auror department ever since the age of seventeen. After being reassigned to the English Auror department in August, he has quickly risen to the occasion.

For Auror Kingsmill's bravery and honor in battle, he has received the esteemed Order of Merlin third class medal. Due to his status as an auror, his medal was made into a one of a kind ring.

Both Sprout and Kingsmill were present during the inferi incident in Bristol. They are the only two known survivors of it. This duo is quickly gaining acclaim. If they continue their work, then we may have some heroes on our hands.

(Cont. page 3)

Lily smiled at the paper. Galen was becoming a national hero. But she didn't care about that. She was happy that he was safe. Lily looked up from the newspaper with a grin. Lily noticed that someone was staring at her. She looked down the Gryffindor table and made eye contact with Michael. Lily remembered their argument on Transfiguration. She turned away from him and grabbed her mum's notebook and her copy of the Daily Profit. Lily stood and quickly began walking away from the Gryffindor table.

" Evans not so fast," a voice called out. Lily stopped and turned. Michael jogged up to her and threw the Daily Profit in her face. He had a set expression on his face.

" This is the bloke you were snogging on the platform isn't it?" Michael demanded. Lily glared at the people looking at her curiously.

" Michael that's none of your business," Lily snapped. He chuckled coldly and crossed his arms.

" Right you went MIA this summer and now you don't want to interact with me anymore," he sneered. Lily glared at him; she was in a good mood and he had to ruin it.

" Fine. Michael yes I was snogging him on the platform at the start of the school year. Happy?" Lily exclaimed. She turned from Michael and missed the shot of pain on his face. She exited the Great Hall and briskly walked towards the library. Lily clenched her hand around the newspaper and set her face.

Michael was supposed to be her friend, not her tormentor. Lily suppressed a sigh and pushed those thoughts away. She had work to do. After greeting Madame Pince, Lily headed to the back of the library. She found the section on the dark arts and pulled out a textbook focusing on the imperius curse.

She spent last weekend studying the history of the cruciatius curse, but didn't find anything too important in those books. She tore through the textbook and wrote down several notes on the imperius curse, but nothing in it was too valuable. Lily stared at a chapter in the book blankly. She didn't no how long she had sat in the section on the dark arts for.

A clump of hair fell in her face. Lily wrinkled her nose and shoved her hair into a sloppy bun. She rubbed her face and looked down at her notes. She had information on what the imperius curse felt like and the history of it. But in the entire book, nothing was offered about how to fight it. Lily slammed the cover of the book shut and placed it next to her.

None of the books here were helping her. Lily remembered the pile of textbooks in her mum's secret study. She should have taken them. This was so frustrating. Lily knew that her mum was researching the unforgivable, but why? Why was her mum trying to find out how to fight those curses?

Lily shoved the notebook aside and stretched her hands. She rolled her neck and reached for the battered notebook. Lily's fingers grazed something that didn't feel like paper. She frowned and pulled the notebook to her chest and flipped it open. There was nothing there but an old entry. Lily's fingers rubbed the emerald green ink.

She knew that ink. Lily knew that ink better than anyone else. The emerald green ink that was used to make this entry was the same ink that Hogwarts used to write letters to students. Lily pulled the notebook close to her face and looked down at the entry.

I talked with Albus today. I'm actually writing this entry in his office and borrowed some ink from him. Julius is at a friend's house and Will is at some stupid purist thing. I can't believe that he actually believes in that rubbish! I'm so scared. I caught him showing Julius an unforgivable yesterday! They were practicing the cruciatus on a small bird. For Circe's sake, Julius hasn't even gone to Hogwarts yet.

I'm too afraid to tell him that I'm pregnant. I've always wanted a large family; but I don't want to have soldiers for sons and alliances for daughters. Dorea visited me yesterday. She's one of my few close friends here. The other wives of pureblood men only speak to me in hopes that I'll have a daughter so they can get a shot at having fresh blood in their genes. It's revolting here.

Dorea Potter is a few years my senior. She was headgirl when Will was in his first year so that makes her eight years older than me. But I honestly can't see the age gap. She's like the older sister I never had. Instead I'm stuck with the brat. She's the last daughter of her branch of the Black family and her parents died. Yet she never lets death bring her down. She's so motherly to Julius. Her husband, Charlus, used to be betrothed to Will's older sister Marie. I've never met Marie Gastor, but I have seen pictures of her.

She looks so similar to Will's mother. I honestly don't understand the genetics of the Gastor family. Julius is only eight and he looks like the pictures of Will when he was a child. Marie looks like Will's Irish mother. Percilla, Will's mother, has been dead for six years. Yet I still miss her. She was such a dear; I think her death has changed Will for the worse.

Sorry I'm rambling. Back to Dorea Potter then. Charlus and her seem so different from most purebloods here in England. She works in Mungos and Charlus works in the Wizengamot. But unlike families here, they're not too eager to have children. Whenever I ask Dorea about it she always laughs and tells me that they have decades for children.

I think that she is afraid of having a child with Charlus's chaotic hair. I'd pitied any mother who had to deal with a child with that hair. Will's got hair similar to the Potter's though. But it's more windswept then a mess of tornado curls.

I've been thinking of names for the baby. If it's a girl I want to name her for Will's mother. Maybe Pricilla? But if it's a boy then I already have the name picked out. Pericles, for my brother. It's been years since he died from that horrid massacre out in Sparta. He was my closest friend and I'll never forget him.

They always said that we were Genuine Gemini. Perry and Dellie the soul twins. But then he had to get himself killed. It wasn't really his fault though; it's my horrible father's. If Dad's family hadn't gotten on the bad side of those werewolves then Pericles would have never gotten kidnapped and had a werewolf slit his throat.

Now it's just my parents and the brat in Greece. Perry is dead and I practically renounced myself from my family after I married Will. They approved of my husband but they didn't want me to leave them. It wasn't up to them though. After Perry died everything changed. Apolline went on her international piano tour and Leander went with her to get experience across the globe for being a healer. Julius, my first love is dead.

I can never forget the way he looked at me when a werewolf ripped his heart from his chest. Will doesn't know that I name my Julius for my first love. He doesn't know that I ever loved anyone before him. But then again he doesn't know my family's history with werewolves.

Lily shot up and slammed the notebook shut. She didn't know about Perry; she didn't know that her mum had a twin. She sucked a sharp breath into her lungs and leaned back against the bookshelf. She wanted to know who her mum was, but she didn't think that her mum had such a secret past.

She knew that her mum was best friends with Apolline Kingsmill but she didn't know about Julius or Perry. Lily's eye shot open. She ripped the notebook open and turned to the back. Lily grabbed her muggle pen and faced the bookshelf. She used it to write against. Her pen scraped into the material of the page hastily and Lily bit her lip. She looked at her work when she was done.

Julius- for Julius who got his heart ripped out by a werewolf.

Pericles- for Perry, mum's dead twin brother, who got his throat slit by a werewolf?

Lucian- ? Probably for dad's dad; Luke Gastor. The Pollux part isn't clear yet.

Cassius- for Cassia Lilius, mum's mum. Where did the David part come from?

Jason- ? But I know that his middle name is for Edward Gastor, dad's uncle.

Lily- Mum's family and dad's dead sister

Lily examined her work. Her parents weren't sentimental people so why did they name their kids for so many dead people? She didn't know where Lucian's middle name or Cassius's came from. She didn't know where Jason came from, but she did know half of the names. Lily knew that there was only person who could answer her questions but she didn't feel like talking to that person. Lily remembered how her mum referred to someone as a brat and knew whom it was about.

She checked her watch and saw that dinner was almost over. Lily gathered her stuff and headed towards the Great Hall. She had so many questions about her mum's past. Since her grandparents were dead and Apolline Kingsmill was dead Lily had one source that was reliable for information on her mum's past; Professor Gladstone.

" Miss Evans class ended several minutes ago. Why are you still here?" Professor Gladstone asked. Lily gulped and rocked back on her heels. She wrapped a hand around the strap of her bag and licked her lips. She had Lunch but Lily had something more important to do.

It was the Tuesday after Lily read her mum's notebook entry. For Sunday and Monday, questions seemed to almost haunt her. By Tuesday morning Lily was anxious to get this over with. She went through Potions and managed to get corralled into going to the first Slugclub meeting of the year when she wasn't paying attention.

Lily shuddered at the idea of spending her Friday evening with Slughorn and a bunch of pretentious Slytherins. Most of the other Gryffindors made their feelings about Slugclub meeting extremely clear so Lily would be alone. The only other person she knew in the Slugclub who wasn't a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin was Amos Diggory.

But Diggory wasn't really her type. His hair was a light brown and he had almost copper eyes. He was the seeker for the Hufflepuff team and the sixth year Hufflepuff Prefect. Lily had done a few patrols with him before and exchanged coy banter about who was the better seeker. But she wasn't looking forward to spending an entire dinner with him being the only person willing to talk to her.

After her and the other Gryffindors seemed to split, gossip arose. Michael managed to get most of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs to send her dirty glares and trip her. The Slytherins already hated her and the Gryffindors were upset about her display of lack of concern at the tryouts.

" Miss Evans why are you here?" Professor Gladstone said in a distasteful tone. Lily gulped and blushed; she kept zoning out. She looked up and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

" I was wondering you knew anything about Perry?" Lily asked.

Professor Gladstone's eyes lit up and Lily regretted her words. She stood and leaned over towards Lily.

" How do you know about Perry?" Professor Gladstone demanded. Lily pulled out her mum's battered notebook and Professor Gladstone snorted.

" Of course Delphina couldn't resist being the perfect and mysterious daughter," Professor Gladstone snorted. Her finger moved towards the notebook, but Lily grabbed it.

" You've got no right to this. You hated my mother," Lily spat. Her teacher looked almost hurt for a second, but her face shifted into a sneer.

" What happened between me and your mother isn't any of your business. Perry was your perfect mother's perfect brother. People used to call them the soul twins; Genuine Gemini. They used to be the closest friends, even closer than Apolline Kingsmill and your mother. Even closer than Julius and your mother," Professor Gladstone jeered.

" Who was Julius?" Lily demanded. Professor Gladstone's face shifted into a bitter expression.

" What Apolline didn't even tell you about her brother Julius Galen? That's almost sad," Professor Gladstone sneered. Lily clenched her fists and ignored the surprise that came from her professor's comment.

" Your mother was such a siren. She used to have Julius on one hand and her parents on the other. It was only when she left Greece for William Gastor that her family realized how much of an evil bitch she was," Professor Gladstone exclaimed. Lily's hand moved suddenly and she heard a loud noise. She looked down at her hand in shock and Professor Gladstone held her cheek.

" Professor Gladstone I'm sorry I-" Lily started. Her teacher interrupted her with a deadly glare.

" 100 points from Gryffindor and a detention with Filch this Saturday," Professor Gladstone announced. Lily gulped and didn't protest. She turned and began to walk out of the room. Her hand was on the doorknob when Professor Gladstone spoke.

" You're just like her. I tried to keep you from being selfish and arrogant like her but I was wrong to even try and help you. You're worse than your mother. You've got your dad's greed and cruelty too," Professor Gladstone announced. Lily turned and felt her magic stir.

" Don't talk about my parents like that. They're dead and you still disrespect them. You're so petty," Lily shouted. She didn't regret her words.

" You know that you look just like her. She had hair like that and she had your green eyes, but they were a shade or two lighter. You even act like her. I look at my class and I can see every single boy looking at you every few minutes. You're as sickening as her," Professor Gladstone spat.

" You're just jealous of my mum for having the perfect childhood and the perfect husband and the perfect family. Well looks can be deceiving," Lily ended. She opened the door and left before Professor Gladstone could say anything. Lily stormed to the Great Hall. She tried to get the blush on her face to leave, but it didn't. Lily entered the hall and eyes from the Gryffindor table turned to her. She set her jaw and noticed that most of the students were looking at her.

Lily narrowed her eyes; she didn't have the patience for this right now. She could feel Michael looking at her and walked up to him.

" What did I do then?" Lily demanded. She glared at him and he snorted at her.

" Take a look at the hourglass," Michael said in a loud voice. Lily's eyes unconsciously looked at the gold Gryffindor hourglass. There were a lot fewer rubies in it then there had been during the morning. Lily knew that the Gryffindors must have seen the rubies disappear while she wasn't present and assume that it was her fault.

" Don't be so pretentious. I've probably gained more points than I lost today since the start of the school year," Lily spat.

" What did you do?" Michael asked. Lily made eye contact with him and laughed. She knew it was from her sleep deprivation and the fact that she hadn't eaten more than a piece of toast for the past eighteen hours.

" I slapped Professor Gladstone," Lily said. She turned before she could see Michael's stunned expression. She grabbed a carrot from the table and turned from the table; Lily had one other person she could rely on. But she wasn't too sure if he would be free.

She moved to the back of the Gryffindor table and ignored the stares in her direction. Lily pulled out a piece of parchment and scribbled a quick letter on it. She stood and grabbed a handful of grapes from the table and left the Great Hall. Lily made her way to the Owl Tower and tied a letter to Hestia leg.

" Here it's a nice a long trip to Greece. Have fun," Lily called out as she let Hestia fly out of the castle. Lily left the tower and made her way to the Transfiguration corridor. She shoved her hair into a ponytail and walked to the Transfiguration classroom. Lily slid into her seat right before the bell rang. She faced the front of the room where Professor McGonagall stood.

After her and Michael's fight, Professor McGonagall separated the two. Lily's new seat was next to Davies. She ignored his curious stare and began taking notes on Professor McGonagall's lecture. She could see Davies leaning back in his chair and watching her with a cocky stare.

" Remind me how you even got into this class?" Lily asked Justin. He looked at her with a sly grin.

" I'm a Ravenclaw we've got the best assists of all the houses. The knowledge, girls, and Quidditch skills," Justin Davies explained. Lily scoffed at this.

" You've got girls who dress like whores and throw themselves at the Marauders. Your house prefers drugs and partying to actual education. And lastly your Quidditch team is utter shite," Lily said in a low voice. Justin swept a lock of his dark hair out of his eye and grinned at her.

" Hey Evans there's a party in the Ravenclaw Common Room wanna go to it with me?" Justin drawled. Lily knew that he said that in a purposely-loud voice to get the attention of people near them.

" Davies I've got detention for slapping Gladstone on Saturday," Lily answered. Davies leaned closer to her and she swatted his arm away from her.

" It's fine, there's always next Saturday. Why did you slap Gladstone anyways," Justin asked. Lily kept her quill down and faced him. She leaned back when she saw how close his face was to hers.

" Old history being brought up Davies," Lily explained. She pushed her seat away from Davies and began taking notes again. Lily could hear a pair of Hufflepuffs talking about her from in front of her. She ignored them and scraped her quill harshly against her parchment.

" Evans did you know that Potter is trying to kill me with his eyes?" Davies whispered near Lily's ear. She shoved his head away and looked up. From across the room, Potter's body was turned from the front of the room and towards her and Davies. Lily pursed her lips and turned to Davies.

" I hope he manages to at least scorch you," Lily told Davies. He chuckled lowly and several girls turned to them.
" Evans you're different from most of the girls here," Davies said. Lily bit her lip and faced the front of the room.

" Davies you're just like ever single hormone-controlled boy in this room," Lily said. She turned from Davies and used her arm to block him from her view. Sometimes Quidditch captains like Davies needed a bullet in their egos.

After Transfiguration ended Lily bolted from the classroom and went to Quidditch practice. It ended disastrously when Gideon accidently hit Lily in the arm with his club. She fell a few feet before Adam placed a cushioning charm on the ground. Lily ended up at the Hospital Wing after ending practice.

Madame Pomfrey kept her until after curfew. After a good hour of begging she agreed to let Lily go with a bandage around her arm that she wasn't to remove for a day.

" All set Miss Evans. Do try to be more careful on the pitch," Madame Pomfrey scolded. Lily thanked the mediwitch and adjusted her shirt to hide the bandage on her right arm. She watched as Madame Pomfrey went to her own room. Lily started to exit the Hospital Wing, when she heard a loud groan come from a bed.

Lily's eyes glanced towards it and she gasped. Lying on the bed was the battered form of Justin Davies. Lily could barely see his face from all of the cuts and bruises on his face. Her feet carried her over to his body and Lily looked down at him.

" Davies what happened to you?" Lily asked. She ran a hand along his hair and heard him groan. Who would do this to the Captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team? He didn't respond and shifted in his sleep.

" He had it coming," a voice said. Lily looked up and saw that James Potter was standing near the door of the hospital wing. He wore a grin as he looked down at Justin's body.

" What do you mean?" Lily croaked. Potter moved to her and pulled her close to his chest. Lily looked up at him with a confused expression. Potter chuckled and led her away from Davies. He pulled her to another bed and stood with her in his arms. He seemed to be happy about Justin's condition.

" Lily Davies was flirting with my property. I don't like it when people try to play with what belongs to me. He learned his lesson. Davies will never touch you again," Potter murmured close to her ear.

Shock filled Lily. Potter did this to Justin? How could he be so cruel? Didn't he have a sense of humanity? Lily tried to pull her body out of Potter's grip but he pushed her closer to his chest. Her hands were shoved against his chest and she couldn't move them.

" What the hell is wrong with you Potter? I don't belong to you and even if I did you can't go and beat the life out of someone," Lily hissed. Potter looked at her with amusement. He moved one hand to her hand and looked at her bandage.

" When did you get this," Potter asked. He lifted her arm from his chest with ease and looked at the bandage. Lily rolled her eyes at him.

" Quidditch practice but that's not important. Potter I don't belong to you. You can't beat someone up for speaking to me," Lily ordered. Potter placed her hand down and smirked at her in a condescending way.

" Lily you will be mine in seven months. You'll be Lily Potter for the rest of your life," Potter assured. Lily narrowed her eyes at him.

" Seven months is a long time Potter. I would appreciate if you could stop interfering in my life until seven months has passed," Lily growled. She glared at Potter and he frowned at her.

" Wood said something a few days ago. Were you snogging that auror on the platform?" Potter demanded. Lily could see the worry in his eyes. She smirked at him with a devilish gleam.

" Don't worry Potter Gale is just a friend, a really close friend. He is like a brother," Lily assured. Potter snorted at this and held her tighter.

" Evans I've known the Gastor family for my entire life. Your parents were my godparents for Merlin's sake. I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't let you snog Jason," Potter growled. Lily looked at him in surprise; her parents were really that close to the Potters?

" Gale is a friend Potter. That kiss was a kiss between friends and even if it wasn't you wouldn't have any control over it," Lily explained.

" You call him Gale?" Potter said with a snort. Lily rolled her eyes at Potter's dramatics.

" Yes it's a nickname Potter. You know an affection term someone gives another person," Lily drawled. Potter looked at her and smirked.

" Do you have a nickname for me?" Potter asked. He moved his head down to her neck and his breath hit her. Lily shivered and he looked up at her with a smirk; he felt it. Potter's teeth grazed her neck and Lily flushed red. She pulled her head back but Potter didn't move.

" Yes I call you the sadistic bastard," Lily deadpanned. Potter wasn't fazed though.

" I call you Christmas. We met at a Christmas ball back when we were eight. You were my first kiss," Potter said. He titled his head and lightly kissed her neck traveling up to her ear. Lily felt a spark of lightening hit her every time Potter kissed her.

" How did you know it was me? We were wearing masks," Lily gasped. She felt Potter smirk against her pulse point before sucking on it. Lily knew that was going to leave a mark.

" Only one person would know who was playing that night. None of the girls here are fond of music. Most of them quit their lessons before coming to Hogwarts," Potter explained. Lily bit back a moan when his teeth danced with her skin.

" James," Lily gasped. He looked up and Lily shivered when his eyes met hers. She could see pools of lust in his swirling green and gold eyes. Potter pulled her even closer and Lily could feel his heart beating against hers in perfect unison. His lips parted slightly as he leaned close to her. His lips were coming towards hers and Lily quickly pulled back. Potter narrowed his eyes and forced her chin up.

" Lily we've kissed before remember that day during Easter break? I'm pretty sure that you enjoyed it," Potter murmured. His face leaned in towards her ear. He kissed her jaw and Lily dug her fingers into his chest to keep from gasping.

" You left me," Lily croaked. She shoved Potter away as his lips attempted to land on hers. Lily wrapped her arms around her chest and felt hot. She knew that her face was a bright red. Lily gasped for air and watched as Potter ran a hand through his hair and looked at her smugly.

" Evans you want me," Potter drawled with a wicked grin. Lily frowned at him and straightened her back.

" I don't want you," Lily argued. Potter moved closer to her and Lily took a step back.

" What was that moan about. I'm pretty sure that you moaned my name," Potter teased with a vicious grin. Lily took another step back and hit the wall. She bit her lip and looked down as Potter inched closer and closer to her. His chest brushed hers and his fingers tugged her chin up. Lily stared into his eyes defiantly.

" Potter you left me the day we kissed for the first time," Lily stated. Potter narrowed his eyes at her.

" My dad died and I had obligations. Believe me I wanted to stay with you," Potter scoffed. Lily tried to move her head from his hold. He looked at her in annoyance and wrapped an arm around her waist. He pushed her against the wall and Lily was pressed tightly to him shirt. She could smell his green apple and forest scent. Potter stared into her eyes and she was forced to stare into his.

" Lily Potter certainly has a good ring to it. Mrs. Lily Potter sounds even better. Mrs. and Mr. James Potter," Potter purred into her ear. Lily wrinkled her nose.

" I'm not Mrs. James Potter," Lily muttered. Potter tucked a hand around her cheek and rubbed her mouth lightly with his callused thumb. He leaned his forehead against hers. Lily could see a birthmark by his jaw as he looked into her eyes.

" No you're Lily Marie Gastor who's pretending to be a muggleborn. But your time as either an Evans or a Gastor is numbered. You will be a Potter," James uttered. Lily glared at him.

" I'm not going to marry a death eater," she stated. Potter chuckled and she could feel the vibrations of his voice. Lily pulled her chin out of his grip and glowered at him. He was so cocky!

" Evans this is warning. If anything like this happens again, well let's say that Davies got lucky," Potter threatened. Lily closed her eyes and clenched her fists. She could feel Potter's breath on her cheek as he leaned closer and closer to her.

" Sweet dreams Lily," Potter murmured. He tapped his lips lightly against her forehead. Lily opened her eyes when he let go of her. She blinked and frowned; where did Potter go? The Hospital was silent. Lily could hear her heart pounding against her chest. Potter may have left her, but his presence seemed to almost linger.

" Lily I haven't see you since the start of the year," a voice exclaimed. Lily turned from Marlene and smiled when she saw a head of bubble-gum pink hair. She grinned as Nymphadora Tonks ran up to her and grinned at her.

" Tonks it's grand to see you," Lily answered. The girl slid into the seat next to Lily and grabbed an apple from the basket of fruit. Marlene looked at Lily curiously.

" Marlee this is Nymphadora Tonks, but she prefers Tonks. Tonks this is Marlene McKinnon, she can be found screaming at innocent fourth years in the library for talking too loudly," Lily introduced. Marlene smacked her lightly and smiled at the girl.

" Don't listen to Lily, she's the one who decided to take eight NEWT classes and captain the Quidditch team at the same time," Marlene chuckled. Lily snorted at her and took a sip of her team. Marlene eyed Tonks critically.

" You're Andromeda Black's daughter right?" Marlene asked. Tonks blushed and nodded shyly. Lily frowned when she noticed how shy the girl was about this subject.

" You're mum is great! She's so brave," Marlene answered. Tonks looked up with a grin. Lily knew that Marlene's words had helped her accept her. She let the two girls babble on and turned to the book she was reading. Lily usually couldn't stand Dickens works but she decided to give a Tale of Two Cities a shot.

She managed to plow through it on Wednesday night and start David Copperfield in the morning. By lunch she was halfway through it. She opened her book and leaned over the table to absorb the story. But Lily stopped; she glared at the book instead of the person she wanted to glare at. Michael was staring at her and Lily knew it. She sighed and closed her book; there was no way she could read while someone was staring at her.

Lily looked up and glanced at the table in the front of the room. She frowned when she noticed that both Professor Dumbledore and Professor Gladstone were not present. Lily's eyes moved to the Ravenclaw table and she stared at Justin Davies for a second. Her eyes immediately fled from his bruised and bandaged body when she remembered Potter's warning.

She couldn't do this. Lily knew that Dumbledore told her that there was no way out of a pureblood betrothal but Lily could still try and find a way out. She threw her battered copy of David Copperfield inside of her bag and moved to grab a pomegranate from the table. Lily frowned and looked at the table. She sucked in a breath when she noticed that there weren't any pomegranates inside of the fruit basket.

A scowl crossed her face but there wasn't anything Lily could do. She sighed and pulled her eyes away from the empty fruit basket. But that sent her eyes straight towards the Slytherin table. Lily wrinkled her nose at the sight of Jason practically humping a Ravenclaw. She was happy that her brother was back to his old cocky days, but seeing him grope a blond Ravenclaw wasn't her cup of tea.

Her eyes moved to the people around him. She could see Black flirting with a group of Hufflepuffs and Potter shoving his mouth against a Slytherin's mouth. He looked up and made eye contact with Lily. She blushed when he reached into the girl's shirt.

Lily ducked her eyes and looked down the Gryffindor table. She could see the other Gryffindors sitting together. They were speaking in low voices. Lily gulped when she caught Fabian sending Marlene a pleading stare. What was going on between the two of them?

" Lily we've got Potions," Marlene called out. Lily nodded and followed her friend down to the dungeons. She entered the classroom and took her seat next to Marlene. Professor Slughorn entered the room and his eyes traveled to Lily's figure.

" Miss Evans I hope that you'll be able to attend the Slugclub today," Slughorn called out. Lily nodded stiffly and he clapped his hands together.

" Good I've got a guest appearance from an old student of mine, Lucretia Sprout," Slughorn called out. Lily nodded at this. The name seemed oddly familiar, but Lily couldn't remember where she heard the name.

Lily pulled ponytail into a tight bun and leaned over her cauldron. Her potion was close to being completed. Lily added some chopped nightshade to mixture and watched as it turned to a pure black. She gave the potion a bitter stare before Slughorn came over.

" Nice work Miss McKinnon. Now let's see what lovely has made," Slughorn said with glee. Lily gave him a bitter smile and watched as he dropped a flower into the potion. It disintegrated on contact.

" Outstanding work," Slughorn called out. Lily nodded and vanished her potion. She never liked dark potions like the Draught of the Living Dead. The risk of making them in such a confined environment brought memories of her time in Beauxabatons back. Lily shuddered at the memory of Benjy Auclair accidently spilling some of a hair-loss potion on Haley Pontmercy. Lily frowned; Haley was muggleborn and Benjy said that she deserved it when he spilled the potion on her.

Lily didn't like to think about her days at Beauxabatons. She didn't have many friends there since she preferred Benjy's company to the girls in her dormitory. Yet she loved France. Lily missed the scenic hills and sloping cliffs looking over beaches.

The shrill sound of the bell broke Lily's thoughts. She packed her stuff up and left the potions classroom with Marlene. After working on some Transfiguration and Potions homework, Lily took a quick shower and changed into a green dress she had from her days in Greece. Lily pulled the straps up and cursed Selena under her breath. All of the clothing she bought with Selena seemed a bit too low cut.

But there was nothing she could do. Most of Lily's other dresses were too small on her. She didn't trust herself to do a proper enlargement spell. After sliding a necklace on, Lily pulled her hair into a ponytail.

" Why do you insist on leaving your hair up?" Marlene groaned form behind her. Lily glanced at Marlene. Marlene was wearing a pair of baggy sweatpants and a tank top since she was spending the night in the dorm reviewing for a Charms test. Marlene crossed the room and pulled the hairband out of Lily's hair.

" Go and don't you dare put your hair up again," Marlene ordered. Lily blushed and gave her friend a goodbye. She left the Gryffindor Common Room and trudged down to Slughorn's private rooms. She reached the dungeons a few minutes after the party started. Lily could hear chatter coming from the door to Slughorn's rooms. She entered the room and stared at the large crowds of people. Some students sent her curious stares as she walked into the room.

Lily could hear loud music playing in the background. Students dressed in suits carried trays of food around. Lily rolled her eyes at this; Slughorn would give extra credit to students who assisted with preparing his little get-to-togethers.

" Lovely Lily what a delight! I'm so glad you could make it to this party," Slughorn declared. Lily looked at him with thinly veiled distaste. He wore a set of brilliant orange dress robes.

" Well it's not like you made sure that Madame Hooch wouldn't let me book the pitch for my team's practice or anything," Lily drawled. Slughorn had the decency to blush slightly.
" Lovely you so refreshing. Oh I just saw Mr. Gastor attempting to harass Ms. Skeeter of the Daily Profit. I'll be just a moment my dear," Slughorn called out. Lily bolted the second his neon robes disappeared into the crowd. She moved around students while muttering low apologies.

She felt someone trip her. Lily went flying and tried to regain her sense of balance before she could hit the ground. She felt someone pull her up and yank her into their chest. Lily looked up and paled when she saw that Jason was holding her.

" I heard that you were attempting to shag that Daily Profit reporter," Lily commented. Her brother grinned. His teeth showed viciously and Lily almost flinched.

" Who says that I didn't shag her?" Jason said in an innocent tone. Lily smacked him on the shoulder and glared at him.

" She's about ten years older than you," Lily scolded. Her brother laughed and pulled his arms off her.

" But she's a pretty good fuck," Jason quipped. Lily wrinkled her nose and moved away from him. She made her way through the crowd. Lily felt as though someone was following her. She quickened her pace and almost screamed when a hand grabbed her shoulder.

" Chrismas," a voice teased. Lily slapped the arm off her shoulder and glared up at Potter.

" Sadistic bastard," Lily greeted. He chuckled and moved towards her. Lily moved back and he frowned.

" Don't play hard to get," Potter ordered. Lily raised her eyebrow and stopped moving. Potter pulled her towards him and pressed her form against his chest. People around them started dancing when Black turned the radio on. Lily felt Potter wrap his arms around her waist possessively and move both of them into a swaying dance.

" Potter you have no control over me until March," Lily spat. She stepped on Potter's foot and he screwed his face up in pain as her heel crunched against his glossy shoes. He let go of her and Lily shot away from him. She ended up on the other side of the room near the dessert table.

" No pomegranate here. I already checked Rose," a voice assured from behind Lily. She turned and met the sky-blue eyes of Galen Kingsmill. He wore a toothy beam and Lily felt at home. She threw herself at his body and he tugged her into a tight embrace.

" Gale what are you doing here?" Lily asked. He grinned at her and tapped the top of her nose enduringly.

" Lucretia got invited and took me as her plus one. Don't worry I only came to see you," Galen explained. Lily remembered Slughorn telling her about Lucretia Sprout being at his party. She was Galen's partner; that's why her name was so familiar. Lily checked Galen's face for scars and saw that he didn't have a new one. He still had a twisted scar that stretched from his jaw to the tip of his collarbone. Lily hated the way it sliced over his throat.

" I'm hurt. I became this famous auror and you didn't bother to write to me," Galen teased. Lily raised an eyebrow at his mockingly hurt expression.

" You've got fan clubs here. These third years were trying to recruit me," Lily said dryly. Galen chortled and let go of her.

" I've been getting letters from those girls. Apparently a Miss Michele Simmons is my future wife," Galen teased. Lily rolled her eyes and he led her over to a quiet spot in the back of the room. Lily's eyes looked at his hand and he grinned.

" Since I'm not even a citizen of the British Wizard Population they gave me this ring instead of the usual medal. The Daily Profit covered it up as some auror garbage," Galen explained. Lily's fingers grazed the ring that adorned his left hand. It was a rich bronze and had the symbol of the Order of Merlin on it.

" That's rubbish. You've probably done more than most of the aurors here," Lily muttered. Galen shrugged ran a hand through his hair. He smiled at Lily' hair.

" Selena told me about this. Said you sent her a howler for screwing your hair up," Galen teased. He twisted a lock of her hair around his finger and his eyes crinkled with his amused smile.

Before Lily could answer she felt someone wrap his arm around her waist. She was pulled away from Galen. Her back was pressed into a hard chest and Lily looked up.

" Potter what are you doing?" Lily hissed. He didn't let go of her and ignored her question. Potter's eyes drilled into Galen's figure. Galen's face went from a mischievous and amused expression to a serious one. Lily struggled against Potter's arm and he tugged her further into his hold. Potter looked down at her with vexation.

" Who are you?" Potter barked to Galen. Lily shot him a disbelieving stare as she tried to pry his hand from her hip. He pulled her arms away from his hand and held them in his hand. Galen watched the exchange with distaste.

" Galen Kingsmill, but you can call me Auror Kingsmill. Would you prefer to let go of Rose or should I just detain you," Galen responded. Lily watched him in amazement; Auror Kingsmill was different from her Gale. Potter snorted and looked down at Lily.

" Rose seriously?" Potter sneered. Lily shot him a sharp glare and he watched her with an almost fond expression. Galen crossed his arms and took his wand out. Potter looked up at him with a vicious expression.

" James Potter otherwise known as Lily's future husband and the father of her children," Potter announced with a dry smirk. Lily felt a blush bloom in her chest and snake up her neck. It landed on her cheeks in a deep rosy red. Galen gaped at Potter with a stunned expression. Lily looked around the room and saw that no one was watching them. Either Galen or Potter must have kept a concealment charm on their location.

" Rose this is the bastard you're going to marry?" Galen asked in a disgusted tone. Lily met his eyes in a bitter stare.

" Unfortunately Gale he is," Lily answered. Potter tugged her closer to his chest. Lily's feet slipped in between his and she squirmed against him. She turned her head towards his and met his eyes in a heated stare.

" Potter let go of me," Lily ordered. A slow smirk stretched across Potter's face and he brushed a strand of hair off of Lily's face. She ignored the sparks that came from his touch and wrestled her hands out of his hold.

" Potter you don't own Lily, not yet. So if you don't get your hands off her, I'll jinx them off your arms," Galen threatened. Lily looked up at him and grimaced at the dark look on his face. Potter snorted and let go of Lily. He sent Galen a sharp glare before facing Lily.

" I honestly can't do anything about him now, but once you belong to me, you will be punished for every little mistake you've made," Potter snarled near Lily's ear. He looked up and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Lily pulled back and stared at his retreating figure. Her lips trembled and Galen pulled her into a tight hug.

" It'll be okay Rose," Galen assured. Lily blinked and looked up at him with a composed expression.

" I know it will be. I'm going to find out how to break this betrothal. I refuse to marry James Potter. I can't be stuck with a sadistic arse like him," Lily vowed.

A pureblood betrothal is the best way to form an alliance between two families. It is usually formed before the first birthday of the girl involved in it. Until the day the girl comes of age, she is under her birth family's jurisdiction. On her seventeenth birthday she will be moved to the ownership of her future husband if he is of age. If he isn't then the girl will belong to him once he comes of age. A gap year between the girl's seventeenth and eighteenth year was recently introduced to ensure the most productive marriages. Usually, weddings occur once the girl has finished her school years.

Several laws have been made to support the girl's part in the betrothal. Before 1935, girls would be restricted from continuing their education if their future husband desired so. This changed so that the man could not restrict the woman from getting a higher education. But some parts have remained the same regarding the betrothal. Spells are placed on both parties to restrict the amount of people able to know about the arrangement until the girl's entrance to society ball. Also, the betrothal cannot be broken unless the parents of the two families and the witness of the agreement consent to it. Even then, there is a chance of the repercussions of rejecting the marriage.

For the man it involves death or infertility. Usually the death will be painless, or slightly painful. Known rejections of the arrangement described it to be like a bolt of lightening in the heart. For the woman this is much different. If she rejects the marriage, it usually doesn't interfere with the arrangement. It is not her choice it is her duty. Rejection of the arrangement will force an extreme compulsion charm to the girl that has been known to be somewhat like the imperius curse. If both parties reject the arrangement, then death will be the consequence.

Most families use fidelity charms on the couple during the wedding ceremony. Consequences of committing adultery involve divorce if the man has done so or death if the woman has done so.

Usually after a few years, the fidelity charms react with the compulsion charms to ensure a healthy relationship in the relationship has been inadequate.

Lily stopped reading the passage and shut the book shut. She glared at the cover and ran her hands through her hair. She checked her watch and realized that the library would be closing soon. She began to shelf the large stacks of books that she was using to assist her research.

So far, she hadn't learned anything she didn't know from before. Purists wrote most of the books from decades ago, this emphasized the sexism present in the pureblood betrothal. Lily didn't want to be forced into marrying Potter. She didn't want a compulsion charm to be placed on her. Most girls didn't want that. She would prefer to have a reluctant wedding than a forced one.

As she kept the books away Lily tried to push the dread away. She needed to get some new information about the betrothal. She had to find something new. How could she free herself from a marriage looming ahead?

It hit her like a bullet. Lily was so stupid why didn't she realize this before. She quickly shoved books into the shelves and grabbed her bag. Her feet pounded into the floor as she sprinted to the Gryffindor Common Room. Lily slipped, but she didn't stop running.

Lily entered the common room and ignored the stares people were giving her. Her sneakers thudded against the floorboards as she leaped up the stairs and into her dormitory. Lily threw the door open and made her way to the trunk positioned at the front of her bed. She pounded against the lid and it flipped into a secret compartment. Lily pulled her mum's notebook out and spelled the trunk shut. She grabbed it and used a summoning spell to find an entry on what she was looking for.

Her mum had arranged the betrothals for four of her children. If anyone knew the details of a pureblood betrothal it would be Delphina Gastor. Lily's spell hit the notebook but it didn't have the desired affect. Instead of opening the notebook remained shut. Lily scowled and pulled it to her chest. She tried to open it but it refused to open. Lily glared at the black cover and watched as a set of gold words looped into existence.

Don't look for things that are already in plain sight.

Lily scowled at the words and tried to open the notebook. It wouldn't budge. She shoved it into her trunk and locked the lid. Her back leaned against the back of the trunk. What did that mean? The message where did it come from and how was what she requested already in plain view?

She wasn't in the mood for more riddles. Lily grabbed her Charms homework and tried to forget about the notebook. But it stayed in the back of her head.

" Mr. Gastor ten points from Slytherin! That plant you just murdered was imported from Albany," Professor Sprout barked. Lily glanced at her brother from the corner of her eye. He hid his mischievous grin behind his arm and nodded at Professor Sprout.

Lily finished the assignment and turned to her brother. She frowned at him and he glanced at her. His hair swept into his eyes but he didn't seem to notice. The girls in their class sighed and glanced at Jason with desire. Lily scoffed at them and gave her brother a puzzled look.

" What?" Jason asked. Lily's face screwed up in concentration and she bit her lip. Jason turned his body to hers and looked into her eyes. Lily cleared her throat at his wolfish expression and brushed a strand of hair out of her eye.

" Why did mum name you Jason?" Lily asked. Her brother looked at her with a worried face before breaking into laughter. His face stretched into a wide grin and people turned to bask in the glory that was Jason Gastor's laugh. Lily huffed and heard the bell ring. She gathered her stuff and shot Jason a glare before headed out of the greenhouse.

" Wait you really don't know?" Jason asked with a grin. Lily scowled at him before marching up the pathway. She saw Marlene walking ahead of her with Black. They seemed to be arguing so Lily didn't walk with Marlene. She turned to Jason and nodded. He brushed some of his hair out of his eyes and grinned at her.

" Mum's dad Jason Lilius, Honestly Lily you're the one who lived with the bloke," Jason answered. Lily looked at him with realization and thanked him. She broke off from him and headed up to her History of Magic class.

Something about what Jason said was wrong. Lily's grandfather's name wasn't Jason: it was Adonis. Lily frowned; why would her parents lie to Jason about his name. Her life just kept tangling into more and more secrets.

She pulled the strap of her bag up and entered the classroom as the bell rang. Lily's lips curled into an expression of distaste as she moved to the row that Potter was in. He looked up at her with a smirk and she ignored him. Lily took the seat farthest from Potter and sat on the edge of her chair. She ignored Potter and started taking notes on the interactions between the Romans and Wizards.

" Evans what are you doing? That's not your seat," Potter scolded in a mocking tone. Lily looked over at him with distaste. She flipped her head back down and scraped her quill against her parchment harshly. She listened to Professor Binns go on and on about how Wizards assisted in building the Roman aqueducts.

" Lily I asked you a question," Potter's voice whispered into her ear. Lily met his eyes in fury. She shoved his body from her shoulder and ignored his cocky stare. Some of the girls in front of her turned and shot her dirty looks. Lily scowled at Potter and pushed her seat away from him.

" Christmas if you're still upset about Slughorn's party that's a tad petty," Potter commented. Lily growled and faced him. She wanted to slap that smug grin off his face and shove him off his seat.

" You were being a jealous prat," Lily snarled. Potter rolled his eyes at this and grabbed her bag and parchment. He shoved it down the table towards his seat and turned to her. His fingers plucked Lily's quill from her hands and threw it towards his seat.

" I don't like it when people try and play with my stuff," Potter answered. Before Lily could muster a response, Potter grabbed her and dragged her to his seat. His hand covered her mouth and muffled her protests. Lily drilled her eyes into Potter's head as he placed her body on the seat next to his. She bit his hand and he drew it back.

" Dammit Evans if you want to be kinky there are other things you can bite," Potter groaned. Lily rolled her eyes at his innuendo and grabbed her parchment and bag. She tried to stand but Potter pulled her down. She landed on her seat with a thud. The other members of their class turned and stared at her and Potter. Binns droned on as Lily blushed. Potter shot the girls in the front row flirtation winks before sending the boys threatening looks.

Lily blushed and smacked him. He pulled her right arm down to his side and held it there. Lily struggled against his tight hold but he wouldn't let go. His fingers slid into her hand. She ignored the sense of comfort that came from this and swatted Potter with her free hand.

" Evans if you want to keep your hands then stop hitting me," Potter hissed under his breath. Lily mulled his warning over and ignored it. She tried to pry her fingers from his grip and Potter trapped both of her hands with one of his. Lily's body was tugged closer to him and she struggled against his hand. Potter glanced at her with a smirk and leaned in.

" If you want to get your hands back it's very simple Evans. Just give me a kiss," Potter bargained. Lily shoved him and he chuckled. She could feel his free hand tracing patterns against her bare leg. Lily wanted nothing more than for him to stop touching her.

She leaned down and pressed her lips to his hand for less than a second. Lily bolted up and raised her eyebrows at Potter.

" I kissed you now give me my hands back," Lily ordered. Potter frowned at her and let go of her hands reluctantly. Lily hid her smirk and began taking notes on the lecture.

" I only let you go since I'm a man of my word. But next time I ask for kiss I want it on the lips," Potter announced. Lily rolled her eyes and angled her paper so her back was facing Potter. She doubted that Potter was a man even capable of living up to his words. Potter was a spoiled brat who didn't deserve her attention.

" We've got the first match of the year on Sunday. So I'd appreciate if you could actually hit the damn bludger," Lily shouted. Only a few minutes ago she was flying through the pitch going over drills with the other seekers. Then one of the beaters accidently sent a bludger at her and she was propelled off her broom. Lily landed on the ground and felt something crack inside of her.

She shoved her body off the ground and feel back down. Lily gritted her teeth and lifted the hem of her shirt. She could see small rivulets of blood falling down her waist. The rest of the Gryffindor team flew down to where she was and Marlene whistled as Lily's bloodstained shirt.

" Evans I'm so sorry I didn't mean to do that," Gideon stuttered. Lily ignored him and let out a low hiss as Marlene prodded her side. Lily touched the edge of her ribs and scowled. Adam and Frank hoisted her up on their shoulders and she spoke. " It's fine Gideon. Hopefully it'll be a Slytherin next time," Lily offered. She turned to her team and frowned.

" Practice is over. I'm going to the hospital wing and getting this checked out. If I can't play on Saturday then you guys will be fine. If I can play then we'll beat those snakes so badly that they'll be out of competition for the Cup," Lily declared. The team nodded at her and started to pack the equipment up. Adam and Frank helped her get to the hospital wing. Lily looked down at her leg and saw that the blood had fully covered her shirt. It was dripping on the floor as they entered the castle

She frowned and felt pain lance through her ribs. But Lily refused to show weakness. She knew that her blood had fallen on Adam and Frank. The thing is that her old friends managed to keep their distrust for her off the pitch ever since tryouts. She was more then grateful that Adam and Frank were the ones taking her to Pomfrey.

Lily swayed as they crossed the threshold of the entrance halll She leaned against Adam's shoulder and felt the need to sleep. Shit she couldn't sleep now. Lily glanced at Frank and cleared her throat.

" Longbottom I need you to punch me in the side," Lily ordered. Frank stopped moving and gaped at her. She gritted her teeth and fault against the waves of exhaustion.

" What," Frank demanded. Lily swayed slightly and closed her eyes for a moment.

" I've lost too much blood. I'm going to fall asleep any minute now. If you punch me then the pain will keep me awake," Lily explained. Frank stared at her apprehensively and she glared at him. Lily took her wand from her robes and pointed it at herself.

" Fine I'll just-," Lily started. She poked her wand straight into her side and screamed with pain. Lily let got of her wand and felt Frank and Adam tug her up. They practically dragged her to the hospital wing from there. But Lily wasn't aware of this. Hitting her last rib had broke through the barriers she made in her memories. She should feel her body flying towards a large tree. She could feel the landing crush her side. Lily could see Benjy's glazed, dead eyes.

Suddenly her body stopped moving. She groaned and tried to fight the memories, but it didn't work. " Madame Pomfrey," someone shouted. Lily heard footsteps but she couldn't pay attention to them. She closed her eyes and saw Michael's ripped and exposed wounds. She could see his burned flesh and the larges gashes adorning his torso. She was taken from her old position and thrown against a chest. Lily moaned against it; she felt so comforted. For a moment her memories disappeared, but then she was wrenched away from the chest.

Lily screamed when she saw Michael writhe in pain. She couldn't save him; he was already lost. Every single jagged incision that crossed his back bolded out and screamed at her.

" Michael don't die not now please," Lily implored.

She shoved herself out of those memories. She couldn't do this; she couldn't live through seeing Michael tortured over and over again. She couldn't feel that horrible pain in her chest explode over and over again.

Suddenly something hit her and the memories faded away. Lily was left alone for a moment. But her relief was short lived; her demons wouldn't be gone for long. Sooner or later they would come back. Her thoughts were drowned out by the infinite sea of chaos.


R&R

-Rin