A/N: Ok, I'm warning you ahead of time! There is a serious cliffhanger at the end of this chapter…! I actually (for once) didn't have the intention of posting this chapter until the next one was done, but I have to go to work, so the next one will have a wait until, at the earliest, tomorrow or Sunday. So I thought about it, and figured some people like cliffhangers and can stand the suspense, so for their benefit I'm updating. For those of you that can't, you can always wait and read them both once the other one is written in a couple days. Either way, here it is! Enjoy…!

"Hey," Harry said nervously as he approached the table where Neville and Ginny were sitting.

"Hey Harry," Neville said smiling widely. Ginny smiled very awkwardly. "You seem to going mad out there."

"Oh yeah," Harry said rubbing his messy hair. "I guess so. Umm… are you two having a good time?"

"Yes," Neville said turning towards Ginny. "I think so."

"Good to hear," Harry said trying his hardest to smile. "Well, I was just wondering if…uhhh." He stopped. He suddenly couldn't figure out the words to say what he needed to say. "Uhhh…."

"Harry are you all right?" Ginny asked.

"Hey," Hermione said suddenly appearing and giving Harry a reassuring look. "How are things over here?"

"Good," Ginny said smiling. "You and Ron look like you are having a lovely time."

Hermione blushed. "We are, but there only so much dancing Ron can do. That's why I've come over here."

"For what?" Neville asked.

"Well," Hermione said glancing at Harry. "I was just wondering, that is if Ginny doesn't mind, if you would like to dance with me Neville?"

"Right now?" Neville asked.

"Generally," Hermione said smiling. "Ron doesn't mind really. Oddly enough he felt rather comfortable with me asking you out of everyone else."

"Oh really?" Neville said completely misunderstanding what Hermione had meant. "Is that ok with you, Ginny? I'll be right back."

"Go right ahead," Ginny said.

"Ok," Neville said as he stood up and followed Hermione out onto the dance floor.

"So," Harry said turning back towards Ginny. "You really having a good time?"

"Yes," Ginny said matter of factly. "I am."

"Well good," Harry said shifting awkwardly. "So I guess if I asked you to dance you'd be quick to turn me down."

"I'd have to really think about it," Ginny said.

"Ok," Harry said. "Well, I might as well ask you now, because I might have to wait all night for your answer."

"Yeah maybe," Ginny said.

"Do you want to dance?" Harry said gesturing towards the dance floor.

"Why are you asking me anyway?" Ginny said glaring at him.

"Because I'd like to dance with you?" Harry said.

"You have a date who seems to completely capable of dancing with you," Ginny said shortly.

"I'm aware of this," Harry said. "but I'm asking you. Come on Gin. As friends?"

"I…" Ginny said trying to find a reason to object. "Fine…" She slowly stood up and walked out to the dance floor as Harry followed.

"So," Harry said once they were dancing. "Do you want to tell me why you dumped me in the first place. You never really did ever give me a reason."

"You already know why," Ginny said meekly. "I know Hermione told you."

"You're right," Harry said. "She did."

"So why are you asking?" Ginny asked.

"I wanted you to tell me," Harry said. "I need to explain myself and this entire situation, Ginny."

"What's to explain," Ginny said. "You can't control the way you feel about someone. It's natural."

"Exactly," Harry said. "It's a huge misunderstanding though. I don't fancy Lily…"

"Harry," Ginny said looking directly at him. "I may be young, but I wasn't born yesterday. I see the connection that you share…"

"I won't deny that," Harry said interrupting her.

Ginny looked at him as if she had never expected him to say that. "So there you have it, you just admitted that you fancy her. I mean you brought her to the ball…"

"Would you just let me explain?" Harry said pleadingly. "Look, I asked Lily because you dumped me and I really didn't have too many other alternatives. You seem to be under the impression that just because Lily and I have a connection means that we're in love…"

"Well," Ginny said. "What else could I credit it to? I mean are you in love with her?"

"Well, I do love her," Harry said.

Ginny eyes widened in shock. "You love her," she began. "But you don't fancy her? Are you listening to yourself?"

"I love her," Harry continued. "But I'm not in love with her."

"What?" Ginny said.

"Look," Harry said. "You said you noticed a connection. Well, what if I was to get upset because I told you that I noticed a connection between you and Ron?"

"That's stupid," Ginny said. "Ron's my brother. He's family, so of course there a connection."

Harry stared blankly at her. "My point exactly."

"What is?" Ginny asked.

"You two have a connection," Harry said. "A family connection."

"So what does that have to do with you and Lily?" Ginny asked.

"Ginny," Harry said as his voice suddenly broke. "You know the story of my life?"

"Of course," Ginny said. "Why?" Harry stopped and stared into Ginny eyes. He didn't know if he should continue. He only knew that the only way to clear this up was to tell her truth and nothing but the truth.

"Do you remember…" Harry said pausing. "Do you remember my parents names?"

"Umm…" Ginny said slightly taken aback and confused. "No, I can't remember…"

"My dad's name was James," Harry said looking at her.

"Harry," Ginny said. "I don't mean to be rude, but I don't see how…"

"My mother's name," Harry said squeezing Ginny's hand. "Was Lily…"

"They have the same name," Ginny said looking at Harry confused. "That's how you explain the connection?"

"No," Harry said. "They're the same person."

Ginny looked at Harry completely confused. "What?"

"She's from the past," Harry began as he recalled the events of the past few days to Ginny.

"Are you being serious?" Ginny asked meekly.

"Ask your brother," Harry said. "Ask Hermione. They were both there."

"I…" Ginny said shaking her head as the song stopped. "I don't know what to say."

"Well," Harry said letting her go. "I just thought I should let you know because you deserved the truth. Do me a favor though, and don't tell anyone." Ginny just stared at Harry until she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey," Neville said. "You all right? You look a little pale."

"I'm fine…" Ginny said still looking at Harry.

"Well," Neville said. "Come on, come sit." Harry turned and started to walk away.

"Wait!" Ginny yelled after him.

"What's up?" Harry said as he shoved his hands in his pocket.

"Harry," Ginny said coming up to him. "I'm so sorry."

"You couldn't have known," Harry said shrugging.

"I know," Ginny said. "But I've been terrible to you. I've just been jealous I suppose."

"It's ok," Harry said.

"Can we talk about this later?" Ginny asked plea fully.

"If you want," Harry said smiling a little.

"Ok," Ginny said hugging him suddenly. She looked over his shoulder to see Lily. "Your…?"

"Yes," Harry said. "Trust me, it takes a little getting used to."

Ginny just smiled widely. Harry noticed that the twinkle in her eyes had returned. She turned to go back to Neville, who Harry noticed, looked extremely confused. Harry turned and walked back over to the table to see Lily, Hermione, and Ron all deep in conversation.

"So?" Lily asked as Harry approached. "How'd it go?"

"I think we're good," Harry said grinning.

"Your hands were almost a little too south of the border there, Harry," Ron said smiling.

"Shut up Ron," Hermione said elbowing him playfully. "I'm glad things are back to normal."

"Oh they're far from back to normal," Lily said. "I'm still here."

"True," Harry said sitting down. "Good thing too, or else I'd be dateless."

"I'm sure you could have found a nice Slytherian girl who would have had you," Ron said.

"Speaking of Slytherian," Harry said glancing around the room, "I don't see Malfoy anywhere."

"Is that a bad thing?" Lily asked.

"Well," Harry said seriously. "Yes and no."

"Don't think about him," Hermione said. "It'll ruin the evening."

"You're right," Harry said as he looked around the room. "I need some fresh air."

"I'll come with you," Lily said standing up. "You all staying?"

"Yeah," Ron said glancing at Hermione.

"Ok," Harry said as he and Lily walked over towards the direction of the exit. They reached a small garden area that was magically lit up.

"Wow," Lily said as she glanced around to see several snogging couples. "Maybe we're interrupting?"

"Ahh.." Harry said as he walked over to a nearby clearing. "They can all sod off."

"Oh you'd be doing it if you could," Lily said smiling as she joined him where he was standing. "The grounds look lovely at night don't they?"

"Yeah," Harry said distantly, "and no I wouldn't…"

"Don't lie," Lily said grinning. "You're too much like your dad, and your dad was infamous for hanging out here with his random girls."

"You say that with such enthusiasm," Harry said eyeing Lily. "But seriously, you don't seem bothered at all by talking about my dad's past relationships. Most girls get really sensitive about that sort of thing."

"I don't know," Lily said shrugging. "Never really bothered me. I mean I used to make fun of him for his promiscuity, and I guess it's still just a joke to me. He hates when I bring it up though."

"I can imagine," Harry said. "So I really am that much like my dad?"

Uh-huh," Lily said distantly. "You really are."

"Well," Harry said as a sudden curiosity peaked his mind. "If I'm so much like my dad, then why aren't you…ya know…"

"Attracted to you?" Lily asked as her green eyes met Harry's.

"Yeah," Harry said quickly. "I mean I'm not coming on to you or anything. I'm just curious…"

"Well," Lily said sighing. "It's weird, because it would only make sense that I would be. It's just…there's something about you. Something that just reminds me…I don't know. I don't have a brother so I don't know what that feels like, but if I did…"

"I got it," Harry said grinning. "Well I guess the same goes for me."

"Really?" Lily said as her eyes lit up. "You think of me as a brother?"

"No," Harry said laughing. "I meant…"

"I know what you meant," Lily said smiling. 'Thanks."

"You're welcome," Harry said as he glanced around the garden. People seemed to be disappearing back into the building. Harry watched as the last other couple walked back inside.

"I miss him," Lily said as she followed Harry's gaze. "Your dad…"

"I do too," Harry said quietly. They were both silent until they heard a deep cough from behind them.

"What was that?" Lily asked very alert.

"I don't know," Harry said trying to remain calm, all the while the Voldemort threats, suddenly crept back into his mind. "Come on, lets go back inside."

"Ok," Lily said as they walked towards the door.

"Well, well, well," said a familiar voice in the shadows. "If it isn't Potter and his little…friend."

"Malfoy," Harry said taking a step closer to Lily. "What do you want?"

"What makes you think I want something," Malfoy said smiling menacingly as he stepped in front of there path to the door. He wasn't dressed up for the ball, rather he was in regular everyday clothes.

"Come on Lily," Harry said stepping around Malfoy.

"Not so fast Potter," Malfoy said again stepping in front of him. "It's such a nice night. Why don't you two go and take a stroll on the grounds?"

"We're not allowed to leave the castle," Lily said glaring at Malfoy.

"Well," Malfoy said as he glanced at his fingernails nonchalantly. "Potter has always been one for rules breaking…." He suddenly lowered his hand and looked at something that was over Harry shoulder, as if he was waiting for something. Harry turned around to see what he was looking at, and suddenly had a very bad feeling.

"Look at you," Malfoy said glaring at Harry. "Always have to be the protectorate…"

"Shut up and move," Harry said trying to step around Malfoy.

"Oh not yet," Malfoy said smiling as he checked his watch. "It's not quite time…"

"Time for what?" Lily asked angrily.

"Oh," Malfoy said as his smile just became wider and wider. "You'll see. Or maybe you won't…they might blindfold you so it would be just that much more…surprising."

"Move!" Harry said as he jumped at Malfoy tackling him to the ground.

"Get off me!" Malfoy said reaching for his wand.

"Expelliarmus!" Lily suddenly yelled as Malfoy wand went flying out of his hand. "Accio wand!" She yelled again as the wand flew into her hand. Harry and Malfoy were wrestling on the ground when Harry suddenly took his fist, and with all his might, pummeled it into Malfoy's face.

Malfoy's head fell back against the pavement. He shook his head and reached up and grabbed Harry around the throat, attempting to choke him.

"Help…" Harry managed to squeak out.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Lily screamed as she pointed the wand in their direction. Harry suddenly became rigid and completely petrified.

"Oh god," Lily said as Harry hit the ground with a thud.

Malfoy smiled evilly as he stood up and looked down at the frozen solid Harry. "I guess I should thank you."

"Stay back," Lily said as she pointed her wand at him. "Don't move another step closer."

Malfoy didn't move. He just smiled. "Go ahead and do it, it won't help you anyway. They're coming."

"Whose coming," Lily said nervously.

"You'll see," Malfoy said as he glanced at Harry laying stiffly on the ground. "Only a few more minutes. I mean you can run. Go get help. By the time you found anyone it'd be too late. If anything they'll get Potter, and just come back for you another day."

"Shut up!" Lily yelled at him.

He ignored her. "It's quite the cycle really. If it wasn't so pathetic, it might actually be sweet…"

"Shut up!" Lily screamed with her wand still pointed at him. She kept glancing around to see if 'they' were coming. She wanted to get help, but she knew she couldn't leave Harry because something would happen to him.

"You're staying to protect Potty," Malfoy said grinning. "The cycle continues. I'm sure he would have done the same…"

"What cycle?!" Lily yelled. "You're not making any sense!"

"Can't stop me this time can you Potter?" Malfoy said turning to glance at Harry. "I know you can hear all of this too."

"Shut up!" Lily screamed again. "Help!!"

"It's just amazing how ironic this all is," Malfoy said menacingly. "You save poor Harry. Then he saves you. Then you save him again. It's a cycle…"

"I've never saved Harry from anything before this," Lily said shaking.

"Oh that's right," Malfoy said as he smiled at Harry. "You haven't heard the story yet…"

"What story!?" Lily yelled.

"Oh I do wish I could see the look on your face Potter," Malfoy said turning towards him. "Too bad it's frozen."

"Help!" Lily yelled again. "Please help!"

"You see, Lily," Malfoy said. "You saved Harry when he was just a little boy."

"What are you talking about?" Lily asked.

"Stupid," Malfoy said laughing as he took a step closer. "If I was in your position I would have figured this all out already."

"I'm warning you," Lily said stepping back.

"Why do you think Harry and everyone else is being so secretive with you," Malfoy said. "Trying to hide things from you. Now that's not very nice is it? I won't do that to you."

Lily just glared at him.

"You see Lily," Malfoy continued. "The reason that Harry is so protective of you is because he owes you his life. You saved him. Of course, you really didn't have a choice. Damn maternal instincts. You should have just let him die…then you would have lived"

Lily still didn't say a word.

"You see," Malfoy said smiling the widest he had all night. "You are, or would become, the ever famous boy-who-lived, mother. Yes, that's right. You are his mother."

"I don't believe you," Lily said shaking harder. "I don't believe a word you say…"

"Suit yourself," Malfoy said. "Just don't say I never did you any favors…I'm the only one being honest with you. Your own son is lying to you"

Lily looked at Harry. Her eyes filling up with tears. She glanced back at Malfoy "I hate you!" she screamed. "I hate you!…"

"Accio wands!" screamed a voice from somewhere. Suddenly both the wands in Lily's hands flew out of her hand and into the darkness.

"Whose there?" Malfoy called. "Father?"

There was no reply for a few seconds. "Petrificus totalus," the voice said again, as a stream of light suddenly came pouring out of the darkness.