Chapter 21 – Graduation Day:

Harry could not bring himself to get out of bed. He knew that when he did, he would only receive his copy of the Daily Prophet and discover another treacherous action or murder performed by his eldest twin daughter, Lily.

The Auror Department, and his old friend, Neville Longbottom, had pleading with him for months to try and help defeat this new Dark Witch, known as Lillian, before anything gets worse and before she gets even stronger. But, Harry knew that Lillian was truly his eldest daughter; he knew that she had completely snapped the second she had found out the Harry was her true father and had abandoned her and Jaime at birth at that horrible orphanage following their mother's death. However, Harry was fully convinced that it was not just the truth that had turned Lily to the dark side; he blamed Voldemort. He truly believed that Voldemort had come back from the dead, used a spy at Hogwarts, discovered whom Harry's daughters were, and somehow managed to possess Lily.

Harry had spent months trying to find Voldemort and had been looking hungrily for him ever since Lily had discovered the truth about Harry's deep, dark secret, dropped out of Hogwarts, and had been killing and torturing witches, wizards, and Muggles. He knew that the second he found Voldemort that he would do anything and everything in his power to destroy him and get his eldest twin daughter back; back to the girl that Jaime once knew in the orphanage.

In the meantime, it was time to concentrate on his younger twin daughter, Jaime. Now, that Lily knew the dreaded secret of her parentage, it would only be a matter of time before Lily confronted Jaime and she too discovers the truth in a horrible manner; just as Lily had done. Harry did not want Jaime to have the same kind of panic and almost mental reaction that Lily had. He knew that Lily might find a way to tell Jaime that would turn his younger twin daughter against him. Harry knew that, today, Jaime's graduation day, where she would leave the safe stone walls of Hogwarts and his watchful eye; that he would have to tell her the terrible truth; that he was her father. Harry knew that it would be the right thing, the proper thing for Jaime to hear the truth from him, rather than Lily or someone else like Draco Malfoy.

Harry pulled on his black robes that bore the Hogwarts crest and wrapped his scarlet and gold Gryffindor graduation rope around his neck. He quickly glanced in the mirror and made a quick attempt to flatten his hair, but to no avail. He sighed, defeated; both with his hair and in his spirit. One would think that on day his daughter was graduating from school and headed for a full time job at the Ministry of Magic, Harry would have been in high spirits; absolutely thrilled, proud, and eager to attend the ceremonies and celebrate with his daughter. But, that was not that case. Despite the fact that today was an extremely happy occasion; a milestone in his daughter's life, Harry knew that he would have to burden her with the dreadful truth; a truth that Harry had been avoid telling his daughters and as a result, could be part of the reason why one of them had become a ruthless murderer.

Harry took one last look in the mirror and stared into his own, tired, emerald green depths that were surrounded by black and purple markings. He had not slept in days and he was beyond stressed over the fact that he would be revealing to Jaime her true identity. How would she react? Would she accept him as her father or would she react similar to the way Lily had reacted? Harry's stomach churned and he felt his breakfast beginning to rise into his chest at the thought of confronting Jaime; but he swallowed and held it down. This was not the time to be weak; Harry had to be strong for his sake and for Jaime's sake. Taking in a deep, shaking breath, he regained his composure and grabbed his pointed wizard shaped hat that all of the professors wore on the graduation day, and dashed out of his bed chambers.

Harry was not sure how long it took him to reach the Entrance Hall; he was not even sure how he even got there. But, miraculously, he was entering it only to see all of the other professors, including Hermione and Remus, gathered around and preparing for the graduation ceremony. Remus took note of his arrival and quietly informed Hermione that he was there. Hermione whipped around, and without another word to Remus, she walked straight up to Harry and threw her arms around him. Startled by this sudden and unexpected embrace, Harry just tapped her on the back awkwardly.

"Erm…I'm glad to see you too, Hermione," muttered Harry uncertainly. Hermione let out a cry that sounded between a sob and a giggle.

"How are you, Harry?" she asked, pulling away from the embrace. Harry knew what she was referring to. He had told both Ron and Hermione everything; that Lily had discovered the truth about her parentage and had killed Draco Malfoy out of anger and frustration and that he had planned on telling Jaime the long-dreaded secret on her graduation day, which was, in fact, today. Ron and Hermione seemed uncertain about the whole ordeal, especially since Harry knew that they knew their niece was behind the killings, attacks, and disappearances, but they showed their support either way.

"Sick," said Harry simply. Hermione hugged him again.

"Everything will turn out for the best, Harry," said Hermione reassuringly, though she did not sound so convinced herself. "Jaime is not Lily. I'm sure she will accept you, if not now, then eventually." Harry offered her a smile, though it was not true. The truth be told, neither of them knew if Jaime would accept Harry as her father now or ever. But, Hermione was just trying to comfort and support Harry in any way she could; and as much as it annoyed him, he could not help but appreciate it.

"Sure," said Harry simply, trying to sound casual. But even he could hear the quiver within the depths of his voice. Hermione grabbed a hold of his arm and guided him towards the Great Hall, where the ceremony would take place.

"Come, I'm sure you're anxious to see Jaime graduate," said Hermione with a smile. "After seeing Jason graduate, I can tell you Harry, that there will not a moment in your life where you are prouder of your child."

For the first time in weeks, Harry let out a bright smile and nodded; and together, arm-in-arm, two best friends walked into the Great Hall.

Jaime finished combing her shoulder length, wavy black hair and fluffed it up as she looked in the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance, she turned and pulled on her black graduation robes, bearing the Hogwarts crest over her light pink dress.

Today was her graduation day and Jaime was feeling a strange line of emotions. On one hand, she was extremely excited, anxious, and nervous to begin her life. She had rented out an apartment in Diagon Alley and would be beginning a job in the Magical Law Enforcement Department at the Ministry of Magic next week. She originally had wanted a job as a nurse at St. Mungo's hospital but Jaime knew that working in this specific department at the Ministry would help them stray away from capturing her twin sister. Jaime knew that it was selfish and completely unmoral that she was putting her family's well-being in front of the well-being of the entire wizarding world; but Lily was the only person in this entire world, before Lionel and Eustrice, who had truly always been there for her, who cared and loved her. Jaime had to admit that even though Lily had a heart made of stone, she never hurt her and always protected her. She felt that it was the least she could do to do the same.

"Are you done with the mirror?" came a timid voice behind her. Jaime whipped around to see the pretty face of Annabelle Weasley. Jaime was always polite towards her old friend, but she never particularly liked or respected her after she had treated Jaime. She guessed that Annabelle could sense Jaime's hostility because she always avoided her and avoided eye contact with her; either that or she was terrified of what Lily would do to her.

"Yeah, it's all yours," mumbled Jaime, not making eye contact with her old friend. She turned her back on Annabelle and adjusting her robes so that they fit comfortably on her shoulder.

"Jaime?"

Annabelle said it in such a little whisper that Jaime was able to pretend that she did not hear her. Instead, she simply stared out of the window until she heard the rest of the girls put on their graduation robes and leave the dormitories. Jaime knew she wanted a few minutes alone and continued to get lost in her thoughts as she stared out towards the Great Lake and the magnificent mountain range behind it. It was not until she heard a tap tap on the windows that she left he mental, little world and took notice of the tiny, black owl that was tapping on her dormitory window. Confused, and extremely intrigued, Jaime timidly walked toward the window and opened it. The owl hooted and circled around the room twice before dropping an envelope on Jaime's bed and soaring back out the window.

Jaime stared at the envelope curiously and completely bewildered. She could have sworn that the letter would have been for one of the other girls in the dormitory from one of their parents or long distant relative. Who would be writing to Jaime on the day of her graduation? Everyone she knew or cared about was already at Hogwarts and would be attending the graduation ceremony and it could not have been anyone from the orphanage, as Elisa and most of the people she had known were either dead, had their memories wiped, or had completely disappeared. With shaking hands, Jaime took the envelope, ripped it open, and unfolded the letter. The more she read, the harder she found it to breathe and it felt as though her heart was going to come popping out of her chest. The letter was from Lily.

Dear Jay,

First, I want to offer my congratulations on your graduation from Hogwarts today! Seriously, that is incredible; it was something that I obviously could not do, or maybe it was something that I did not want to do. Either way, it is a great accomplishment and I could not be happier or more proud of you.

To be blunt, I miss you, Jay. All of what I have been doing for myself and the wizarding world seems like nothing without you. Even when we weren't speaking to each other, it still did not feel as bad because I was still able to see you around the castle and on the grounds. I need my sister.

That is why I am asking for this request. I'm sure you have some great, perfect job lined up at the Ministry of Magic and I know you'll do well in that job. But, I want you to join me; work with me in this fight for wizard and witch domination. Jay, you and I only have each other and it is time to take back what is ours. The world has never been kind or fair to us so now it is time to give a little payback. And accomplishing these goals does not mean a thing to me without my twin sister. You deserve this just as much as I do; you might even deserve it more because you made the mistake of trusting people.

I will do this with or without you, Jay. But, it would mean a lot more to me if my twin sister was by my side.

Please think about what I said…and my offer. If you decide you wish to join me, write me back and I will tell you where I am. If you decide to reject me again, then ignore this letter.

I miss you, Jay, and once again, congratulations on graduating.

Your sister,

Lillian

Jaime read the letter. Then, she re-read it again. With each word, her heart broke a little bit more. So, it was true; as much as she knew deep down that Lily was the Dark Witch Lillian, she knew that this letter confirmed it. Jaime's stomach was now churning, as though she had been riding an emotional roller coaster for the last two and a half hours. It was such an overwhelming feeling; a range full of emotions. As happy as it made Jaime to hear from her sister, congratulating her on such a great accomplishment, the letter completely infuriated and saddened her. She did not know how many times she could tell Lily that, as much as she loved her sister, Jaime did not agree with or approve with the lifestyle and would absolutely never consider joining her. Jaime was not sure whether she wanted to cry or curse her way through the stone walls of the castle.

"Jaime?"

Jaime whipped around and saw Francine Finnigan, another one of the seventh year Gryffindor girls, had popped her head into the dormitory. She looked concerned and slightly anxious.

"Oh…sorry Francine," mumbled Jaime, shuffling her feet. "What's up?"

"The ceremony is starting in five minutes," she said slowly, "and you're Head Girl. They need you to lead the march and…well…you're giving a speech…and…"

"I know," said Jaime, grabbing her pointed graduation hat and jamming it on her head. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'll be there in a minute." Francine nodded and ran down the stairs towards the Common Room. Jaime took one last look at the letter and shook her head. She had made her decision right then and there; she would ignore the letter and not join her twin sister in a life that she knew she would never want. Jaime crumpled up the letter and threw it into the corner of the dormitory before following Francine down the stairs towards the Common Room, through the Portrait Hole, and down towards the Great Hall in order to lead the graduation march as Head Girl.

Jaime walked along side Preston Rickerton, the Head Boy from Hufflepuff, as the rest of the graduating 7th years followed them in a single file, alphabetically. The professors were already standing up where the staff table usually sat and the parents and other relatives and distinguished guests were spread across the Great Hall, on the benches that usually sat at the tables, which had been made to disappear for the ceremony. The students took their seats along the benches, facing their parents and relatives, with Jaime and Preston sitting in the two seats in the middle.

Jaime did not really pay attention throughout the ceremony. Lily's words in the letter kept popping into her mind the entire time. It was not until a loud applause broke out through the Great Hall and Jaime noticed that Preston had finished his speech. The only two students that gave speeches at the graduation ceremony were the Head Boy and the Head Girl and since Preston was now finished; it was now her turn. Preston took his seat and Professor Weasley stood up at the podium; the applause died down.

"Now, I would like to present this year's Head Girl, Miss Jaime Stone of Gryffindor House," said Professor Weasley, taking a step back and gesturing for Jaime to take her place at the podium. Jaime sighed, pulled her notes out of her pocket, and headed to the podium. She glanced down at the line of students and saw Nel smile and wink up at her. She smiled and took her place. Jaime looked at the audience and took a deep breath.

"As Head Girl, I'm supposed to give an inspirational and intelligent speech that is supposed to be gripping and life altering," started Jaime, not making eye contact with the audience. She could feel the intensity of all of their gazes; especially coming from Nel's direction. "But, I'm not going to do that. That is not my style. Instead, I am going to offer you all some advice."

The audience seemed to be holding its breath. Jaime continued:

"People are going to come in and out of your life; and some will be the brightest star in your evening sky," said Jaime as she looked specifically at Nel. "And others are going to constantly disappoint and let you down." Jaime thought of Lily and chanced a glance at her old friend, Annabelle Weasley. "One of the only ways for a witch or wizard to be happy is to surround yourself with good people; people who make you happy and to…forgive those who disappoint you. So, as we start a new chapter in our lives, I want you all to remember to surround yourselves with good people; to work hard, but to also play harder, and to always live to forgive and forget. If you follow these rules, then you will live a long and happy life; and I wish that for all of you graduating here today. Congratulations and good luck."

Jaime stepped away from the podium and there was a thunderous applause; very similar to the one that Preston had received after he had given his speech. As Jaime took her seat, Professor Weasley stepped up and began announcing the names of the graduates as well as the House that they were in and what they were doing after graduation. Jaime listened patiently for her name.

"Lionel Diggory, of Ravenclaw House. Mr. Diggory will be reporting and writing for the Daily Prophet starting next month," announced Professor Weasley. Nel grimaced when she said his full name, which caused Jaime to catch Eustrice's eye and giggle out loud. Nel walked up to Professor Weasley, who handed him a diploma and shook his hand as the audience applauded. Jaime could see Mr. and Mrs. Diggory, who looked like they could be Nel's grandparents rather than his actual parents, were on their feet. Mrs. Diggory was wiping a tear from her eye. Jaime smiled softly; she knew that they never got to see their elder, late son, Cedric graduate so they were beyond thrilled to see their younger son graduate. It made her heart feel a little lighter.

"Francine Finnigan, of Gryffindor House," continued Professor Weasley. "Miss Finnigan will be continuing her education at the Salem University of Magic in the United States of America come next fall."

Several more names later…

"Eustrice Smith, of Ravenclaw House. Mr. Smith will be going into Auror training at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement this fall." Both Jaime and Nel cheered and clapped loudly for their friend as he took the diploma from Professor Weasley, bowed to the audience, which earned a few chuckles from students, guests, and even a few professors.

Finally…

"Jaime Stone, of Gryffindor House. Miss Stone will be beginning a job as an officer at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement next month," said Professor Weasley. It was hard not to notice the pride in her voice as she stated Jaime's name and the announcement of her future employment. As Jaime strode towards Professor Weasley, Professor Potter rose to his feet and was clapping as though his life depended on it. She could hear Eustrice giving her the wolf whistle in the background and she could not help but beam as Professor Weasley handed her a diploma and shook her hand. With the diploma safe in her clutches, Jaime took her seat, but not before Nel reached out and quickly grasped her hand as she walked back.

The only problem; Jaime wished that Lily's name had been called after her own.

After Professor Weasley presented the graduating class and all of the students shot sparks and sparklers out of their wands, Jaime immediately went searching for the one person who meant the world to her; Nel. She wanted to be with Nel because all of the rest of the students were hugging their parents, guests, and other family relatives and there were not parents or relatives for her to hug. The only person who should have been there to hug had decided instead to go on a killing spree; so Jaime wanted to be with the person whom she truly loved and who truly loved her back, and that person was Lionel Diggory.

Jaime saw him. He was holding his mother's hand as she reached up and stroked his face, with tears in her eyes. Mr. Diggory was standing to the side of the two of them, patting his son on the back, beaming at him with a certain pride in his eyes that Jaime had never seen anybody give anyone. She took a deep breath, eager to approach them but not wanting to disrupt their moment. But, Jaime needed Nel right now more than she ever needed anyone.

But, before she could reach the Diggory family, someone had stepped directly in front of Jaime and wrapped their arms around her; practically lifting her off the ground in the tightest, warmest embrace she had ever encountered in her entire life and she did not even know who was actually hugging her until they let go and took a step back.

It was Professor Potter.

"Congratulations on your graduation, Jaime," he said, proudly. There was a look in his eye that Jaime could not place. "It is a great, great honor; a fantastic accomplishment."

"Thanks, Professor Potter," said Jaime, giving him an awkward smile.

"I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of you," said Professor Potter, pulling her in for another embrace. Jaime hurriedly pulled out of it, feeling extremely uncomfortable about the sudden physical affection that he was suddenly displaying towards her.

"Thanks, Professor," said Jaime slowly, uncertainly. "But, I am sure you're proud of all of your students."

"Some more than others," he admitted shyly, still smiling down at her, that weird and indefinable emotion glowing in his emerald green depths. The pair of them stood there awkwardly; Jaime bit her lip and began to fiddle with her fingers.

"Well…erm…"

"Jaime," interrupted Professor Potter, hastily, "would you mind accompanying me for a moment? There's something that I would like to discuss with you."

"Oh," stated Jaime in surprise, her eyes widening in confusion. But, she did not respond right away. Professor Potter must have noticed her hesitation because he inwardly panicked.

"It's extremely important that I speak with you immediately, Jaime," said Professor Potter. He sensed her hesitation, but new that is was extremely urgent that he speak to her immediately. Harry knew that if he did not tell Jaime his deepest, darkest secret now, he knew that he never would.

"Well, I suppose," started Jaime slowly, "if it's important…Of course! Of course Professor, what do you need to talk to me about?"

"Let's go somewhere more private," said Professor Potter, looking around at the crowd of people surrounding them. "Shall we go for a walk; towards the Great Lake, maybe?"

"Alright, then," said Jaime, feeling unbelievably awkward. But, she trusted Professor Potter for some unknown reason and Jaime knew that whatever he wanted to speak to her about, that it was extremely important and relevant to her life.

Without another word, Professor Potter turned around and headed towards the Entrance Hall. Jaime followed him through the immense crowd in the Great Hall, out of the Entrance Hall, and on to the Hogwarts grounds. It was a beautiful spring day; the skies were clear and cloudless; an illuminating, shining blue. The sun was so bright that it was blinding to anyone who tried to glance up at it. One could hear the birds singing in the background from the direction of the Forbidden Forest; even the green grass was warm to the touch. Jaime found herself taking in a great breath; inhaling the sweet scent of spring as she followed Professor Potter towards the Great Lake. She could see, from the distance, the Giant Squid sunbathing along the surface of the water.

Finally, the pair of them reached the edge of the Great Lake. Professor Potter was facing the lake with his hands in the pocket of his robes and dancing on the balls of his feet, as though he were nervous about something. Jaime walked up to him and stood beside him, looking up at him curiously and expectantly; waiting for him to tell her the important information that he had for her. While observing him, she could see the beads of sweat that were coming from his forehead and how his breathing had suddenly increased drastically. Professor Potter looked as though he had just run a twenty-four mile marathon and Jaime could not understand why he had a sudden change of demeanor. After a few moments of standing there in silence, Jaime, who desperately wanted to be with her boyfriend and best friend at this moment of celebration, instead of standing here awkwardly with one of her professors. Biting her lip nervously, dancing on the balls of her own feet.

"Erm…Professor?" asked Jaime uncertainly, causing him to jump out of the daze that he had put himself in. "You said you wanted to talk to me about something…?"

"Yes, yes I did," he said hastily. For the first time since he had looked at her strangely in the Great Hall, Professor Potter turned to look at her. Since, she was so short, he brought himself down on one knee so that he was eye-level with her. This type of conversation deserved her ultimate attention and Jaime deserved to hear this while he looked at her straight in the face; straight in the eye. "Jaime, this may come off as…well…it may seem as though it came out of nowhere…but…what do you know about your parents?"

Whatever Jaime had expected Professor Potter to discuss with her, it was certainly not that. Clearly startled and taken back by this question, Jaime shook her head and looked at Professor Potter wide-eyed. He had never looked more serious in the last seven years that she had known him.

"I…uh…I don't know much of anything about my parents," said Jaime slowly, yet honestly. "The only thing that I know is that at least one of them had to be a witch or wizard because Lily was sorted in Slytherin. The Slytherin house doesn't and won't accept Muggle-born witches and wizards…."

"That's a very good observation, Jaime," said Professor Potter, still looking completely serious and somber. "And you're right. One of your parents was a witch or wizard."

"What are you-?"

"In fact, both of your parents were a witch and wizard," stated Professor Potter, interrupting Jaime's question. He knew that if he did not get the words out now, he might never be able to do it. This time, Jaime did not say anything. Instead, she stared at him wide-eyed, blinking repeatedly. There was a long pause where neither of them could seem to find their voice boxes to say anything. It was if as though Professor Potter was waiting for some response from Jaime and Jaime was waiting for Professor Potter to continue his statement. Finally, it was Jaime who had broken the dreadful silence.

"How…how could you possibly know this?" Jaime asked her voice barely above a whisper. She was surprised that Professor Potter had been able to even hear her. "Do you…do you know w-who my…my…my parents are? Who Lily's parents are? Who our parents are?"

Professor Potter sighed heavily and ran a hand through his already messy, jet-black hair, looking down at his feet for a moment, clearly trying to find the words in which to express his next statement. Jaime waited in earnest, snakes beginning to crawl in her stomach and threatening to come up her throat and out of her mouth; she felt like she was going to be completely sick and she silently pleaded for Professor Potter to continue. But, at the same time, Jaime wished that he would not continue.

"Yes."

Jaime took a step back, away from Professor Potter.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" demanded Jaime, slightly angry. "How could you keep something like that a secret all of these years? Didn't you think that Lily and I had a right to know?"

"It's not that simple, Jaime," said Professor Potter, shaking his head and still keeping eye contact with Jaime's eyes.

"How?" snapped Jaime, stomping her foot on the ground as though she were a five year old in a candy store. "How could it not be that simple? Is that why you have favored Lily and I all of these years? Because you felt sorry for us? Well, let me tell you something, Professor Potter, we didn't and still don't need your so-called pity!"

During Jaime's rampage, Professor Potter leaned forward and grabbed her by the shoulders, trying to get her attention.

"Jaime, please, you need to listen to me," he said firmly, yet desperately, completely cutting Jaime off. "I'm trying to tell you something important and if I don't say it now, I may never say it. I'm trying to tell you that…that…that I'm your father."

Jaime was not sure that she had heard him right. But, there was no mistaking that nervous and desperate look in his emerald green eyes; the same emerald green eyes that were identical to her own eyes and to Lily's. By looking into those emeralds, she knew that he was telling her the truth. It would all make sense would it not? It would explain why he was so favorable and protective of her and Jaime. It would explain absolutely everything that they had thought so unusual about Professor Potter. It even explained the look he had given her back in the Great Hall; as it was the same exact look that Mr. and Mrs. Diggory had when they looked at Lionel. But, Jaime said none of this. She simply stared blankly at the man whom she had now discovered was her father; her own flesh and blood. Her face was completely impassive and her jaw was set. Taking advantage of her silence, Professor Potter continued.

"I am your father, Jaime," he repeated. "Your real name is not Jaime Stone; but Jaime Ginevra Potter. Lily is Lily Ginevra Potter. Your mother was Ginevra Weasley; whom we all called Ginny."

"Was? Was my mother?" asked Jaime, in a frightened whisper.

"Ginny, your mother and my wife, died in childbirth," explained Professor Potter, tears welling up in his eyes. "She sacrificed her life so that you and your sister would have a chance at a great and long life. That is why I had to send you and Lily to that horrible orphanage; because I would not be able to raise the two of you while still fighting off Voldemort's old supporters, who would do anything to get their hands on the two of you in order to get to me." Professor Potter had said all of this in hurry, and he was completely out of breath by the time that he had finished.

Jaime looked over his shoulder, not quite meeting his eyes anymore. She could not bear to look at him; she was disgusted with him. This emotion surprised Jaime because she swore that she would be happy, even relieved when she had discovered who her parents were. But, now, she just felt angry, disgusted, and wanting to run as far away from Professor Potter as she possibly could.

"My mother was Ginny Weasley," repeated Jaime slowly. Professor Potter nodded, urging to her to continue. "Does this mean that the Weasleys are all my cousins, aunts, uncles, and whatnot?"

"Yes, yes, they are," said Professor Potter, fully knowing what was coming next from Jaime.

"Do…do any of them know about Lily and I?"

"The adults do," said Professor Potter honestly, looking down at his feet in shame. "The only cousins who know are Jason and Lynn, though I suspect that Lynn also told Annabelle."

"That explains their avoidance towards me," said Jaime, still staring blankly over Professor Potter's shoulder, her eyes wide, blinking repeatedly, and her face completely impassive. Professor Potter wished that she had been like Lily. Yes, Lily had freaked out and nearly killed him but at least she had some kind of reaction. Jaime was showing him nothing and he desperately wished that he could read her somehow, some way.

"I wish they hadn't reacted that way," he admitted, still completely ashamed of their behavior and his own behavior.

"But they did," said Jaime, finally tearing her gaze from over his shoulder and changing it towards the Great Lake. The giant squid was now swimming in circles around the surface of the lake. "Lily was right."

"I'm sorry?"

"Lily was right," Jaime repeated, more firmly, tears welling up in her own eyes. Despite the crying, her resolve had not sounded so strong throughout this entire conversation. "Everyone whom you care about will one day turns their back on you and betrays you; that the only person that I could ever count on was….her. Lily was right."

"Jaime, don't say that," said Professor Potter, his heart breaking with every word. He reached out to gently stroke her cheek in order to comfort her. "Everybody loves you, especially me. No one loves you and Lily like I do. But, you need to understand-"

Professor Potter never finished his statement because Jaime had turned her back on him and ran as fast as she could towards the castle. He had gotten his wish; he had seen the look on Jaime's face and finally knew and understood her reaction. There were tears streaming down her face and the look in those emerald stones shone with heartache, devastation, bewilderment, and utter astonishment.

To his own astonishment, Professor Potter did not go after her. He knew that he was the last person that Jaime wanted to see and that he would not be able to offer her any form of comfort or happiness. There was nothing he could do except stand there at the edge of the Great Lake, feeling completely helpless.

Jaime did not meet eyes with anyone as she ran as fast as she could towards Gryffindor Tower, no matter how many strange looks she had gotten from on-lookers, including Professor Lupin who had called out her name; his voice filled with concern and worry. She could almost hear the tears splashing against the stone floor of the castle as she blindly continued to follow her usual trail towards her safe warm bed in the dormitories of Gryffindor Tower.

To her immense surprise, and disgruntlement, there was someone waiting for her outside the portrait of the Fat Lady; it was Nel.

"Hey, Jaime, where have you been?" he asked worriedly, though his voice sounded extremely relieved. "I've been looking everywhere for you! I want to ask you something important. Where have you been? And…baby…why are you crying?"

"Nel!" Jaime cried out in surprise, finally looking up for the first time since she had run away from Professor Potter at the edge of the Great Lake. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you," he said softly, seeing the look of utter sadness, hopelessness, and devastation all over her features. "Jaime, what happened?" His voice was now more urgent and concerned; as though ready to pounce on anyone who had made Jaime feel this way.

"It's nothing," said Jaime dismissively, waving her hand and taking a step away from him as he reached out to hug her. Nel looked suddenly hurt as Jaime continued to step away from his embrace; trying to push him away. "I'm just a little emotional over graduating, that's all."

"Okay…" said Nel, though he did not sound thoroughly convinced. "Well, why don't we go for a walk? There's something important that I want to ask you." Nel reached out to take her hand and hold it tightly in his own. But for the first time since he had known her, she did not take it.

"No! No more walks and no more important discussions!" she shrieked, clutching on to her hair and stepping away from Nel.

"Jaime? What's going on?"

"I can't…I just can't," cried Jaime as she shook her head. She tried to run past Nel and through the Potrait Hole and past the Fat Lady, but Nel grabbed a hold of her arm and pulled her back.

"Jaime, please, I need to ask you something important. Please!" There was a note of desperation in his voice now.

"Nel…please…"

"We just graduated and celebrated a wonderful occasion!" said Nel, grabbing a hold of Jaime's shoulders and turning her so that she now faced him. With tears streaming out of her eyes and down her face, she turned her head so that she was not facing him. "There is no better time to ask you this question. Jaime Stone-"

"I can't do this right now, Nel," shouted Jaime, trying to break away from his grip, still crying. People passing by were beginning to stare.

"Jaime, you don't understand…"

"You're right, Nel," snapped Jaime, breaking away from his grip roughly. "I don't understand. There's a lot of things I don't understand and things I will never understand!"

"Jaime, what are you talking about?" asked Nel, trying to get another hold on her. "What happened?"

"Nothing, Nel," said Jaime, her voice suddenly soft. Nel was frightened at the change of tone. "I just need to be alone."

"Then I'll be alone with you. There's something I need to ask you."

"No Nel-"

"Jaime, I want to ask you to marry me!" shouted Nel desperately. Jaime immediately stopped struggling against him and looked at him wide-eyed. Realizing what he had just said, Nel's eyes also widened and he grasped Jaime's hands tightly in his own. "That is what was so important that I had to ask you. Jaime, we've graduated and we both have our lives on track. I'm head over heels in love with you and I have been since our first conversation on the Hogwarts Express. I want you to be my wife, Jaime Stone."

"Don't call me that," snapped Jaime. Nel was a taken back by her sudden anger, but kept his guard and continued grasping her hands. "Don't ever call me that. That's not my name!"

"What?"

"My sister was right."

"Your sister?" asked Nel, suddenly confused. "What does Lily have anything to do with us getting married or your name?"

"Everything, Nel," whispered Jaime. "She was right. Lily is the only person that I can and could ever rely on. She is the only person who would never stab me in the back, like so many others have…the Weasleys…Professor Potter…"

"You're not making any sense, Jaime!" said Nel, now getting impatient. "What do they have to do with anything?"

"I'm not Jaime Stone, Nel."

"So you've said…"

"I just finished speaking with Professor Potter," said Jaime, spitting out Harry's name as though it were something disgusting. Nel raised his eyebrows so high that they disappeared underneath his bangs. But he listened intently as Jaime continued: "Apparently my name is Jaime Ginevra Potter…and Lily and I are the twin daughters of Ginny Weasley and the famous Harry Potter."

Nel stared long and hard at Jaime, letting sink in what she had just said. He opened, and then closed his mouth, then opened it again; no doubt to try and offer some words of comfort or advice but there were no words of comfort or advice that would help anyone in this kind of situation. Nel simply sat there, gapping at the news that his girlfriend had just told him and, like Jaime, was not sure on how to react or what to say. After a few moments of silence, Jaime finally let out a tender sigh.

"They all knew…the Weasleys…everyone…" explained Jaime, looking down at the floor, the blank look she had back at the lake returning to her face.

"Jaime," started Nel, "maybe you can't rely on the Weasleys or Professor Potter. But, that doesn't mean you have no one but your sister! How can you look back on the last few years with Eustrice and me and say that we don't love you and that you can't rely on us? I mean, for Merlin's sake, Jaime, I'm asking you to marry me!"

"I can't marry you, Nel," said Jaime, shaking her head, her face once again impassive. Nel blinked repeatedly, tears welling up in his own eyes.

"Well…erm…I mean…if you're not ready…"

"No," said Jaime firmly, still shaking her head. "I can't ever marry you, Nel. All of my life, Lily has warned me against people, saying that everyone will one day stab me in the back and completely betray my trust. So far, she has been right in every way. I can't take that chance anymore; I can't truuust anyone nor rely on something as ridiculous as love. And that includes the so-called love that you have for me."

"Jaime, please don't do this," said Nel, his voice shaking. He was now digging desperately into the pockets of his robes. He pulled out a blue velvet box and opened it anxiously, revealing a beautiful, elegant, and simple diamond ring inside. "Please, marry me. Let me show you how wrong your sister is. Jaime, you can't let the information that Professor Potter shared with you cause you to completely close up against human emotion! That is what your sister did and look how she turned out!"

"Don't you dare insult my sister," snarled Jaime, her green eyes flashing. "She's the only one who's ever been there for me!"

"I've been there for you, Jaime," said Nel, his voice shaking and tears welling up in his eyes. He grabbed her hand and slipped the diamond ring on to her left ring finger. "And I always will. I love you, Jaime. Please, don't close up like this. Please, marry me." Jaime sighed, looked at the ring and how perfectly it seemed to fit and look on her hand, and shook her head. Nel's heart broke into a million pieces as she took the ring off of her hand and roughly shoved it back into his hands.

"I can't do this, Nel," whispered Jaime softly. "I'm sorry. I hope you find someone truly worth loving." With that, and before Nel could grab her or say anything else, Jaime shouted the password and ran through the Portrait Hole and into the Gryffindor Common Room, leaving Nel behind feeling heartbroken and helpless.

Jaime looked around the Common Room simply delighted to see that it was empty and silently prayed that her dormitory was empty as well. She raced up the stairs and burst through the door to see that she got her wish; the dormitory was completely empty. Jaime raced towards Lily's letter, which she had thrown hastily aside earlier. After re-reading it, she grabbed parchment, ink, and a quill before heading back down to the Common Room and spread everything across the table. Sitting down, with tears streaming down her face, Jaime began to write. Her own letter was short, sweet, and to the point.

Dear Lily,

I accept your offer. Where can I find you?

Jaime

A note from the Jitterbelle. Wow 2 chapters in 10 days...that's pretty good for me. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter up within the week! That would be awesome, right? I tell you, having nights free instead of doing homework and going to classes makes a huge difference.

Please read, review, but most importantly, enjoy!