Author's Note: I know, I know I said Tuesday. Don't kill me!

Good News: Number 1, The story is now officially over 2 years old! I started this on August 20th 2002, and August 20th 2004 just passed Wow. That's just incredible, for me. I didn't know that my attention span lasted that long, it doesn't seem that long ago for some reason. I started this as a joke, I swear I wrote the first chapter in like 10 minutes. And it's just weird that there are people reading this, and I'm still not finished with it. I can't get over that. Number 2, I added a lot to this chapter. I tried something new, that I haven't done before. I hope you like it.

Bad News: Number 1, I have not finished it yet. I'm still struggling with the last couple of chapters, but that's at least 10 chapters away. I was hoping I could get it done at the 2 year mark, but my muse has taken a vacation. Number 2, School starts on the 31st for me. I hate school, I haven't finished my homework, and I just hate school. I think I'll still be able to update frequently since this is prewritten. But the ending might take even longer to write.

That's all!

Cursed

By HazelMist

Chapter 21: Breaking Down

Sirius whistled in amazement.

"Wow." Remus said raising his eyebrows.

"James I think she won again." Diane said watching the stunned James.

James got his breath back and tried to think of something to say.

"Evans - She- took advantage of me - doesn't know what she's talking about - I - well - I'll kill her." He ended hissing. Before anyone could say anything else he was running after her out into the hallway.

"Do I even want to know what he's going to do?" Mary asked herself glancing at the others.

"No. But I think it involves Lily in trouble." Remus replied.

Silence.

"Come on let's go!"

All of them went running after him.

Lily was perfectly aware of the fact that James Potter wanted to murder her. But that didn't stop her from taking her time. In the end James Potter ran right past her because she was walking so slowly and calmly. He didn't notice it until he was already on the second floor. By the time he turned around and back tracked, he realized that the rest of the group was huffing after him and Lily Evans was already in the Common Room.

He raced into the Gryffindor Common Room, slamming the portrait behind him. A second or two later half of the gang tumbled into the common room. James was too busy concentrating on the search for Evans. He went straight into the Girl's Dormitory. Thankfully no one was in there and then turned around and came back down into the common room.

"Are you looking for me Potter?" Lily Evans was sitting calmly on a chair in the Common room by the fire.

James didn't think he just raised his wand and Lily yelped. Suddenly she was on the ceiling, tied up, and with a muting charm on her. James blinked wondering where that idea had come from. He stared dumbly up at the scowling red head, admiring his work.

"What has he done to her?" Mary asked taking her wand out to do the counter curse.

It wasn't necessary. Suddenly Lily's bindings unwrapped and her arms and legs came free. Someone had already freed her. Unfortunately something had gone wrong in the process because Lily suddenly dropped from the ceiling.

James saw her fall. He moved quickly to the left and caught his enemy safely in his arms.

Their eyes interlocked and any thoughts of dropping her were driven from James' head. He was momentarily frozen, his arms wrapped safely around her and his eyes staring into hers. Everyone waited on bated breath for Lily and James to take that last step.

"Awwww Lily and James made up!" Taylor squealed coming into the room. Peter fell onto the floor behind her.

James was so shocked that he dropped Lily. Luckily Lily landed on the sofa. She lay there where he had dropped her, an expression of surprise on her face. The girl was unable to tear her eyes away from him. James stared at their friends and then suddenly brushed past them, exiting through the portrait. As soon as the portrait slammed shut Lily snapped out of her trance. She stood up and ran up to the Girl's Dormitory, slamming the door shut behind her.

"Did I say something wrong?" Taylor asked.

"Of course not." Mary growled.

"Oh good I thought -"

"You ruined everything!" Sirius interrupted.

"They were this close." Diane whined leaning against Sirius. She made a motion with her hand.

"This close, I'm telling you. I saw it in their eyes!" She continued.

"I'm sorry." Taylor mumbled.

"Don't feel bad Taylor. It probably wouldn't have lasted anyway." Mary sighed.

"I wish James would get over himself. Lily's waiting for him but she's going to get fed up soon and turn him away when he comes to his senses." Diane grumbled.

"So true, this is turning into a soap opera." Mary muttered.

"We need to end it once and for all." Remus said suddenly.

Everyone turned to him.

"What do you have in mind?" Mary asked slyly.

"The same thing they had in mind for us." Remus said wrapping his arm around her.

"Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell us that they set us up!" Diane exclaimed in horror.

"They did no such thing." Remus said flatly.

"You're sure?" Diane asked.

"Positive." Remus and Mary exchanged a look. They of course didn't mention the fact that there had been a bet involved. But that was another story.

"You want us to be the matchmakers, I take it?" Sirius asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes." Remus said nodding.

"Well you are talking to the number one matchmaker at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am the one and only Sirius Black, president of Matchmakers INC." Sirius struck a pose.

Taylor's eyebrows went up and the rest rolled their eyes.

"I am. I'm telling you I am the one and only number one matchmaker." Sirius ran a hand through his hair throwing the girls his famous look, that had no effect whatsoever on them.

"Sirius Black the one and only number one heartbreaker, now that's a name he lives up to." Diane glared at her boyfriend meaningfully.

"Diane you are looking simply ravishing today." He sidled up to her.

"Don't even start Sirius." Diane scowled.

"I say there is no finer woman in all of England. There is no one with your dazzling beauty." He stepped closer to her.

"Give it a rest Sirius. I'm mad at you." But the others could see a smile tugging at her lips as she spoke.

He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her kissing her cheek lightly. Diane tried to get away from him but his arms were too strong. She giggled.

"Sirius stop, that tickles!" She finally turned toward him and ended up accidentally kissing him on the lips. She stopped struggling and soon they were snogging.

"I don't know what we're going to do with those two." Taylor sighed. Mary and Remus laughed.

"You mean they like each other?" Peter asked. He didn't realize that they were now boyfriend and girlfriend.

"Yes Peter, I think as you can see from their public demonstrations of affection that they like each other." Mary remarked rolling her eyes.

"Oh. I never noticed. They're a little close for friends aren't they?" Peter asked nervously.

"Peter, they're boyfriend and girlfriend." Taylor laughed.

"Oh." Peter still looked a little puzzled but he was always confused.

Mary shook her head silently laughing. She took Remus by the hand and beckoned to Taylor and Peter.

"Why are we leaving?" Peter asked as they stepped outside of the portrait.

"I'm not even going to answer that one." Taylor said exchanging glances with Mary and Remus. They stifled a laugh and started down the hall, heading for the Great Hall.

"I don't get it." Peter mumbled running to catch up with them.

"Sirius you ruined my perfectly angry mood. How am I supposed to act like a normal girlfriend if you're always doing that to me?" Diane asked punching him lightly.

"You're just going to have to get used to my irresistible charm." Sirius chuckled.

Diane groaned.

"I hate you." She muttered.

Sirius didn't have time to react for Diane pulled him toward her, kissing him.

The doors flung open and James Potter stormed outside. His head was bent, his fists were clenched and his glowing red face was twisted in a scowl. He was mad, no doubt it had something to do with a certain green eyed red head. The fan club and fellow students quickly scattered, knowing from past experiences what happened when James Potter was bothered while he was mad.

He kept going, barely taking notice of his surroundings. His feet led him up the hill, and down to the Quidditch Pitch where he spent so much of his time. What he needed right now was a reality check, and ironically the only thing that could bring him back down to earth was a ride on his broom.

Unfortunately his Silver Arrow was still in the castle, and under no circumstances was James returning to the Gryffindor Tower, while Evans was still around. He grabbed one of the school brooms, not caring that it was at least 50 years out of date and was slower then his great grandmother's broomstick. He wrapped his hands around the rotting, splintering handle and kicked off the ground.

Thoughts swirled about in his turbulent mind and questions surfaced. How come Evans made him so mad? How come he let her get under his skin? He wanted to wring her scrawny neck, but then there were those times when he stared deeply into those emerald eyes of her, and had to restrain himself from touching those dark red locks, and kissing those soft welcoming lips. STOP! STOP THINKING LIKE THAT!

It was the spell it had to be the spell. Evans cast a love spell on him, that was the only reason why he had these thoughts of her. They'll go away, he assured himself. It was just a curse, just evil Evans toying with him, casting a stupid curse on him.

"I hate Evans. I hate Li-Evans, I hate her. I hate... I hate...I love-"

"NO!" James shouted, swerving wildly as he attempted to slam his head on the broomstick. He regained control of the broom, regaining control of his mind.

YOU HATE HER. You hate Evans! She's your enemy, your nemesis, the one who cast this horrible curse on you in the first place. You're supposed to hate her. You can't be attracted to her.

"I'm not!" But his reply was too weak.

You can't love her.

"I don't." It was a mere whisper and when he tried to voice it again he simply couldn't. He cleared his voice.

"I...I...h-h-hate Ev...Li...Ev..." But he couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence no matter how hard he tried. A growl of frustration escaped his lips.

"It'll go away... it's just a curse... it'll go away...it won't last forever." He kept repeating this over and over again, trying to make his mind believe what his heart would not.

It won't last forever.

Lily had known this from the start. The day she allowed James Potter to lead her outside on that moonlit evening by the lake, she knew exactly what she was getting herself into.

She felt his arm go around her as he gently dragged her along to who knows where they were going. Lily only remembered that a strange warmth and sense of calm descended over the confusion that was currently raging in her poor mind.

He pushed the doors open revealing the Hogwarts grounds. Lily looked around at the sweeping hills, dark rustling forest and the glistening lake all bathed in moonlight even though it was even 3/4 of a moon. It was beautiful.

"It's such a nice night." Lily sighed as she stood in the entrance way not quite ready to move.

James smiled.

"Want to take a walk?" He asked her.

"At this hour?" But the moonlight seemed to overtake her. Lily found herself fighting something that was too powerful for her weakened heart. The moonlight traced his features revealing a James Potter that she didn't know.

"Why not?"

Lily struggled. This was James Potter. But he's not. This isn't the James Potter you know. He's different. And it's so beautiful. What harm can it do? A lot of harm. But the moonlight overcame her and Lily found herself nodding.

"Okay." She said quietly.

He reached out and took her hand. Again that same warmth and calm descended upon her. And Lily Evans found herself being led out into the beautiful night by none other then James Potter, her greatest foe.

But there had been something in the air that night, something in his eyes that seemed sincere, and something in her heart that made Lily Evans go along with him. She should have turned around, should've pushed him away, but then he kissed her.

"You know you're beautiful." James said softly.

James was staring at her again. Lily felt the heat rise in her face almost in a strange type of embarrassment. She pushed her red hair behind her ears running her fingers through it nervously.

"No I'm not-" She insisted but she froze momentarily as a warm hand touched her forehead gently putting a loose strand of her hair back into place.

He touched her cheek and their eyes met. Lily shivered even though she wasn't cold. James seemed to look slightly nervous also as if the connection was something he too had never experienced before. Lily had never felt like this before. Suddenly the world seemed to be shut off and it was just her and James. Even the old facts that she was his enemy and he was under a memory charm thanks to her were shut down with the rest of her brain. She was dizzy and light headed.

Slowly he leaned toward her. They were now closer then they had ever been in all their life. For one scary moment both of them teetered on the edge. They were walking that thin line between turning back and change. All they had to do was lean an inch more forward and it would be complete. Lily fought with all her might. But the old hate was gone, diminished after one look in those brown eyes.

She inched forward.

Their lips touched.

It was only her and James. The world just collapsed around her. Lily nearly fainted. She had never felt anything like this before. Never. It was just so... wonderful, strange, new, lovely, beautiful, amazing. It was everything she had ever hoped for, but more. Lily couldn't even describe it. Was it love?

She trembled in his arms. The kiss was gentle but it expressed a passion that neither of them had ever experienced before. James held her in his arms and she clung to him not wanting to let go of that feeling. She didn't want it to end.

At last they drew back gasping for breath. Lily stared into his brown eyes breathing heavily. He stared back into her emerald green eyes. An identical look of shock lined both of their faces. They clearly hadn't been expecting that.

"That was -" James started catching his breath.

"Yeah it was -" Lily stumbled for the right word.

"Wow." James finished.

"Amazing." Lily murmured quietly fully agreeing with James for the first time in her life.

They just stood there not quite sure what to do or say. Drowning in each other's eyes they were breathless. The only thing that was stopping them from returning to bliss was those few inches of space that remained between them. James looked as if he were about to say something but couldn't quite find the words. Lily quickly solved that problem and moved forward catching James lips with her own. Whatever he had been about to say was quickly forgotten, as well as the rest of the world. The moment was relived.

It was too late after that. She had already started falling in love with him.

He grinned and grabbed her around the waist drawing her close. Lily scowled and attempted to wiggle free but James held her grinning slyly. Lily gave up unable to stay mad at him, even if it was James Potter. Once again that wave of panic went through her. "What the heck was she doing?" This was a dangerous game. One that Lily knew she shouldn't be playing.

But it was too tempting and Lily was weak when it came to him. He leaned down toward her catching her lips with his. She struggled for a moment but soon stopped. She wrapped an arm around his neck.

She was going to play the game of love.

And she had fallen fast, too fast. She had tried though, to resist him, knowing in her heart how wrong it was.

"Lily?"

She turned around abruptly but was not shocked to see him. She watched through watery eyes as James he lowered himself down to sit beside her on the bank.

"Are you okay?" He asked her placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Yes." She said. Then she paused and continued. "Actually no. I'm not okay."

James looked thoroughly confused. He blamed himself.

"No it's not you. Well it is you. But well James there's something I should tell you." A tear streamed down her cheek. She hastily wiped it away but another formed.

She had fought so hard.

Telling James Potter off had always been easy. She had always hated him. And he had always hated her. Then why now was he looking at her in that way? And why couldn't she turn him down just this once? It was supposed to be simple. It was supposed to prevent her from getting hurt. He was remembering. The spell was coming undone. Soon the old James Potter would be back. Lily didn't want to be caught in his arms the moment he remembered. She wanted to get rid of him now while she still wasn't fully attached. She wanted to do it now before she fell in love. . .

Lily shook her head quickly. James was wiping the tears away from her eyes but Lily pushed him gently away from her. She didn't need this. She was not in love with him. Then why couldn't she do this?

"James I don't think. This, us, it's just not right." Lily whispered. The tears were falling more freely down her cheeks.

She had come so close.

James stopped her placing a hand on her cheek. Once again that sudden warmth ran through her and Lily was forced to look into his brown eyes.

"Lily I love you." He whispered.

Lily knew that James Potter had never told a girl that he loved her. But Lily also knew something he didn't. She knew that this was all a lie and the truth had been forgotten.

But in the end...

Unfortunately that didn't stop her from living the lie. However dangerous it was. Love was cruel and dangerous. She had become another player in its game, trapped with no way out. She couldn't let go yet. Because she had come to the realization that she . . .

"I love you James." Lily said in a quiet voice.

She couldn't do it.


They smiled. He wiped away her tears and drew her into a light kiss. They held onto each other. Lily just resting in his soft embrace. She was in love with James Potter. And now she knew that she was in for a heartbreak.

And now it was over.

Lily pulled the curtains shut. She sat on her bed, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms tightly around them. Leaning back against the pillows she closed her eyes. She tried to get rid of the memories she had of James and her, the good and the bad. But they persisted in haunting her, like the ghosts that floated through the castle. Except the memories were worse, they followed her everywhere, they were a part of her.

"I want to forget" She begged.

James swam up before her, dancing with her at the Three Broomsticks and teasing her, talking with her and snogging her senseless until she could barely stand. Every image that she saw tore at her heart and she pleaded with herself to forget. But she was cursed to relive them, over and over again.

She had to deal with the consequences of her mistake.

"Why did I fall for him?"

The answer was already clear. Love. Love was something that you couldn't refuse, you couldn't turn your back on love. It took control of you when you least expected it, and made you do and say things that you never thought you'd ever do. She regretted it now.

Or did she?

The heartbreak hurt, but reliving the memories she smiled and laughed.

Was it worth it?

Lily paused, listening to the echoes of James and her laughing. If she closed her eyes she could almost feel his arms around her, and his lips pressing against hers. Her heart raced at the mere memory. She opened her eyes, and found the answer that she had been searching for.

"Yes, it was worth it." She whispered.

And then something happened to Lily Evans that had never happened before. Her heart began to bleed, tears filled her eyes. A thick lump formed in her throat and suddenly Lily found it hard to breathe. She struggled, fighting the tears, but she couldn't stop herself from falling in love with him, she couldn't stop him from breaking her heart, and she couldn't stop the tears from falling.

Lily Evans broke down and cried.

She wept bitterly, sobbing into her pillow. No matter how hard she tried, she would never forget him. James was special, she still cared for him despite the horrible things he said and did to her, she still had feelings for him despite the fact that he held nothing but hatred for her.

Oh she would certainly deny it to his face...she would tell everyone that she was over him...but it had been worth it, she would do it all over again if she had the chance. Because the truth was...

"I still love you James."

A/N: How'd you like it? Good, Bad? The next three chapters are much better I promise. I'll probably update this weekend, sooner or on Monday. The next chapter might need some work.

StrawberryLove-Sama: Yes I agree from experience. I'm going to become rich and famous one day because I'm going to find the cure for Writer's Block, after that is I find the cure for Cancer. I wish. I kind of got carried away with the Snape/Sirius part, but it was original! Sorry this is a day late, thanks for reviewing!

Truth: I almost murdered them, I came extremely close, it's not who you think. But someone is going to die in this story. I'm sorry to say, or in the sequel. I hate suntan lotion, but if I don't wear it I come back looking like a blistering tomato. So yeah I need to stick a huge memo on me that says: DON'T RUB YOUR EYES. Maybe then I'll figure it out. I'm glad you thought the sheep thing was funny, I loved that line too, thanks for reviewing!

Amelia Bedelia: Sorry this took too long, but I had to rewrite it a little bit. I love the part where Lily tells James off too! Well you can decide how James thinks of Lily right now. That's one of the parts that I added to this chapter. Who was I going to kill off? That's a secret, at the end I'll tell you. It's not who you think. Believe me. But people are going to die in this story, or in the sequel. My writing changes abruptly after the Happy Ending. I think I was depressed or something, which is why I'm so worried about the second half of this story. Thanks for reviewing!

Animalluvr75: I'm a day late! Sorry! I thought the sheep part was amusing too, I don't know why though, since I was obviously insane, and I'm the author. I still don't know where I got the sheep from. I mean who thinks of sheep? Apparently I do. Thanks for reviewing!

Granger-gurl-rox: Crazy, yes that's a very good word for that chapter. Insane, now that's an even better word for my state of mind when I wrote this chapter. You called your friend a sheep? And I thought I was weird. Only Kidding! Thanks, I guess I like making Lily and James argue. I fight all the time with everyone, so I guess that's why they fight so much. Thanks for reviewing!

Agloechen: Guess what you got your wish, look at the title, except Lily didn't break down in front of James. And James realizes something about himself as well, just not while holding Lily. Sorry about that one. But they are going to get together soon, I promise! You won't have to dream, by the end of this month, most likely sooner! Thanks for reviewing!

Spawn32818: I thought the sheep thing was sort of funny too. I still have no idea where the whole sheep scenario came from. I guess I was a little insane when I wrote this. I'm going to have to see a shrink! Thanks for reviewing!

KristiexxNguyen: Yeah I know I was rooting for Lily. I loved that part. I am a lot of things, but a fast updater I am not. This story is prewritten! I wrote this chapter over a year ago. I am incredibly slow, it's been two years since I started this story and I'm still not finished! So don't say I'm a fast updater! I'm probably much slower then you. Thanks for reviewing!

Luna Lovegood: Hola! (That's about the only word I know how to pronounce and spell!) Yo no hablo Espanol bien. I told you it was going to be bizarre. Loco? Crazy I think. I have no idea where my sanity was when I wrote the Snape and Sheep scenario. But the sheep thing still makes me laugh. La Oveja!!!! Yep James and Lily keep getting closer and things are getting risky! They're falling fast! Perhaps someday I'll get around to the other projects, but I think after I finish this I'll probably be starting something new. It'll be L/J most likely. I know I should try finishing the old but my mind jumps from one thing to the next! It was no problem, your English is practically better than mine. Speaking of which I still have summer homework(tarea?) for Espanol that I still haven't finished! And I adore reviewers who write long reviews! Thanks for reviewing!

J.E.A.R.K.Potter: I'm glad you liked it, sorry the update's a day late. Thanks for reviewing!

Icy-Magic: It was creepy, the Snape gay thing, I agree. I'm glad you weren't offended, but I was bored, I made a mistake, so I decided to throw in something that no one's ever done before. I made Snape gay. Don't worry though, he doesn't come back into the story. Thanks for the review, and I promise nothing as weird as that! Thanks for reviewing!

Pasmosa: I still laugh at the sheep thing, and I've read it several times, how pathetic is that. I don't know why I thought of sheep of all things. I'm still trying to figure out where my brain was during this period of time. The ending was sort of a shock, I love that part for some reason. This chapter is all about their reactions, I hope you liked it! Thanks for reviewing!

Flint: Thank you Flint, I'm not really known for my humor, since I have a very weird and not so funny sarcastic sense of humor, but I'm glad that someone liked it! I'm glad you like my story so far. Thanks for reviewing!

Elise: I love the sheep part, it still makes me laugh and I've reread it about a hundred times. It's pathetic, really. I'm glad you found the sheep part and the chapter funny, I wasn't sure how people would react to it. And yes, Lily had her say! I loved that part too. Thanks for reviewing!

Kita: I know it was really creepy, but hey I wasn't in my right form of mind when I wrote it. Nothing as weird as this chapter pops up again, don't worry. Sorry this one was late, I hope you like it. Thanks for reviewing!

Smoosebob: I know it's difficult to explain. But basically James is in denial, so he's sort of rethinking the whole prank idea, because he has feelings for her. The Sheep was sort of the prank I guess. Though you never know, James might get the courage to pull one on her...though probably not. Sorry this chapter was a day late, thanks for reviewing!

Swimwiththestars: New Reader! Yay! Welcome to my dysfunctional story. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and I hope you like this one and continue to read and review as well. Thanks for reviewing!

An Update is coming this weekend to a Hazel story near you.

Hopefully...