Disclaimer: I still, after six chapters, do not own any of the characters you recognize in this story. They are all Ms. Rowling's creation.

Author's Note: Hello! A thousand apologies for taking such a long time in posting the chapter. I've been extremely busy with school: chemistry midterm, Biostatistics homework and quizzes, etcetera. Anyway, I apologize for the lateness and I do hope that you have all been patient with me. Now then, thank you so much for the positive reviews for chapter five. That chapter was quite possibly the best piece I have ever written for any story! I'm so glad so many of you enjoyed reading it! Anyhow, here's the newest chapter. I hope you all like it and I apologize in advance if it's horrible. I'm currently suffering from sporadic writer's block – I keep writing nice paragraphs, and then I end up stopping because I get a huge brain fart. Hee_ Well then, please enjoy – and don't forget to review!

Chapter Six: Serendipitous Events…Lead to Destiny

Sirius Black and Remus Lupin descended into the common room, both with cheerful smiles on their faces, nodding at some third years who bid them a good morning. A group of fifth year girls waved at them, giggling as Sirius flashed them a charming smile as he exited the room with his friend. "Damn, Padfoot – stop flirting with the female population of Hogwarts!" exclaimed Remus, scoffing and rolling his eyes in amusement. "I thought you fancied Diana? How come you never flirt with her?"

"What are you on about?" asked Sirius, jumping over a missing step on the marble staircase, Remus following suit. "I always flirt with her! Just wait until tonight, when I turn on the Sirius Black charm. You'd be wishing you never asked me why I never flirt with the girl!"

Remus gave another scoff, finally reaching the Great Hall, entering the busy hall with his friend. As he neared the Gryffindor house table, Sirius suddenly took a hold of his robe sleeve, halting him in his tracks. "Say Moony, I'll be right back, alright? I kind of promised James I'd stop by before I get some breakfast."

"Wait, let me come with you then," replied Remus, turning to walk out of the hall with his friend.

"No it's alright. You stay here and wait for Peter," answered Sirius quickly, taking a swift glance behind his friend. "I'm sure he'd get confused if he didn't find us here – you know how dense he can be sometimes."

Before Remus had the chance to reply, Sirius sped out of the Great Hall with a quick wave of goodbye. "What the hell is he in such a hurry for?" mumbled Remus, turning back to the table. "Bloody git…I'm hungry!"

"Remus Lupin!"

Remus groaned. Oh no…not her. Slowly, Remus turned around, feigning a cheerful expression on his face. "Hello Kathleen! How are you this morning?"

"Remus, I think I'll come and sit with you during breakfast," said the girl, a sweet smile on her face as she hooked her arms around the boy's. "I have to talk to you about something."

With Kathleen reluctantly in tow, Remus walked towards the Gryffindor house table, his mouth slightly agape in silent protest and exasperation. He turned his head to look at the entrance to the Great Hall, a mad expression spreading across his face as he saw Sirius waving at him, a mischievous and triumphant grin on his face. I am going to kill that idiot, thought Remus, lightly growling as Kathleen took a seat next to him. Taking a piece of toast, he turned his attention towards the girl – she may be annoying, but Remus isn't the type of boy who would be rude to a girl.

"So, what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Has James finally been discharged from the hospital wing?" asked the girl, ignoring the questioning looks some Gryffindors sent her. "Who am I supposed to go to the ball with if he's not able to come?! I've bought some beautiful dress robes for tonight – he has to come!"

Remus sighed, Kathleen biting the bottom of her lip. "Well Kathleen, I spoke to James and he said Madame Pomfrey told him he cannot leave until Sunday morning," answered Remus, taking a bite from his toast. "I guess you'll be going solo tonight then. I'm sorry."

"But why?!" whined the girl with a pout. "I should march over to Dumbledore right now and complain about Madame Pomfrey! She shouldn't deprive my James of spending a wonderful evening with me!"

"Alright, first of all – he's not your James," stated Remus, looking at the girl with light venom. "You were just lucky that Sirius and I hooked you up with our friend." Although I have to admit, we made a HUGE mistake in doing so.

A few moments of silence passed, both sixth years munching on their toasts. Finally, after finishing her toast and taking a sip from a goblet, Kathleen decided to speak. "Since James isn't available tonight, then I suppose I'm going to have to go with Sirius. He's rather good looking as well, I suppose."

Remus looked at the girl, slightly peeved. "You can't go to the ball with Sirius," Remus simply answered, not looking at the girl.

"And why not?"

"Because he already has a date," replied the boy, taking a drink from his goblet. Plus, Padfoot's way too good for you.

"He does?!" asked the girl with a scoff. "That's alright – I'll just go with you!"

Remus choked. "What?!"

"Yeah – we'd look good together, don't you think?"

"Umm…nah…I…no, that's not a good idea, I think"

"And why not?" asked the girl, an eyebrow raised, a questioning look etched on her features.

"I can't go with you because—erm…" Remus searched his brain for answers, glancing nervously around the Great Hall. A small smile of relief passed across his face as he saw Peter enter the Great Hall, his hair a horrible mess. "—Because I overheard Peter saying that he fancies you! He said if you weren't going to the ball with James, he would love to take you."

Kathleen's eyes lit up. "Really? Peter Pettigrew is that short one, isn't he?"

"Yeah, that boy over there," said Remus, nodding towards his friend, who was nearing the table.

"Well, he's not as good looking as James, Sirius, or you – but I suppose he'll do. Atleast he's connected to James somewhat. Alright then. Tell him to meet me in front of the Library at around 7:30 or so," said Kathleen cheerfully, getting up from her seat. "And he better not be late." Giggling, the girl tossed her hair and left for the Hufflepuff table, taking a second glance at Peter.

"Morning Moony!" greeted Peter, taking the seat vacated by the girl. "What was she doing here?"

Remus looked down, trying to hold back laughter. "Umm…well Wormtail, you know how you don't have a date to tonight's ball?"

"Yeah?" said Peter, eating a spoonful of porridge.

"Well guess what? You have a date now!" exclaimed Remus, a fake cheerful expression on his face.

"Really?! Who is it then?" asked Peter, an enthusiastic mask on his face, setting his spoon onto the bowl. "Is she pretty?"

"Erm…of course she is!" said Remus, slowly getting up from his seat. "Nice brown hair…"

"So who is it?"

"Umm…she said I shouldn't tell you – she wants it to be a surprise!" answered Remus, running a hand through his hair. Nice one, Remus. "Just make sure you meet her in front of the library at exactly 7:30 – trust me, you wouldn't want to upset this girl."

"Don't worry, Moony. I'm sure she wouldn't be as bad as Kathleen Henderson – she's extremely annoying, that one."

Remus laughed nervously. "Yeah, she is…well then, I'll be right back. Have to go get Sirius…"

Peter nodded, continuing to eat his breakfast as Remus left the Great Hall, heaving a sigh of relief.

~~*~~~*~~

"Good morning, Madame Pomfrey!" greeted Sirius, sending the witch a charming grin. "Such a fine Saturday, isn't it?"

"Yes it is," replied the witch with a warm but thin-lipped smile. "Now then, if you're going to visit Mr. Potter, I suggest you try to lower your voice. You have a tendency to speak rather loudly, Mr. Black."

"I'll keep that in mind, Madame Pomfrey," complied the boy, entering the patient's room of the hospital wing. "But I can't guarantee it!"

Closing the door, Sirius slowly walked towards his best friend's bed, noting that Euan Oldham still lay motionless on the bed next to James'. Wrenching his eyes away from the Ravenclaw Quidditch captain, Sirius looked at his friend, who was gently snoozing. With a mischievous smile on his lips, Sirius cheerful hopped onto the end of James' bed, snapping the boy out of his sleep. "Wake up Prongs!"

James groaned. "Bloody hell, Padfoot! Can't you see it's too damn early to jump on a sick person's bed?" snapped James, glaring at his friend. "What in the hell are you doing here anyway?"

"What, is it wrong for a boy to visit his best friend?" asked Sirius, in mock offense.

"Well, it is if the boy decided to wake up the best friend in a rather rude fashion!"

Laughing, Sirius hopped off the bed and grabbed a chair, James wincing as its legs scraped the floor, and took a seat. "God James, you really need to get out of this boring as hell place. Anyway, the reason why I'm here is…well…alright, to be honest? I just came here to avoid your annoyingly ditzy girlfriend."

"Shut the hell up! She's not my girlfriend."

"Right. Well anyway, I left her with Remus – he's a nice boy, I'm sure he can handle her."

"I am going to kill you, Sirius!"

Sirius turned around and looked at his friend, who had an angry expression on his face. "Well, speak of the devil!"

"Why the hell did you leave me with Kathleen, of all people?"

"What are you on about?" asked Sirius, feigning an innocent look. "She looked like she wanted to talk to you, so I left you alone! What did she want anyway?"

"She wanted to know if James here is still available for tonight," explained Remus, the anger slowly ebbing out of his system. "But since I'm a kind friend, I told her he couldn't make it tonight – so I told her Peter will accompany her to tonight's ball."

James and Sirius laughed, loudly. "Peter?! Why the hell did you do that?"

"Because, she wanted to go with you Padfoot. But I told her you already had a date."

"See, you really are the reliable one, Moony!" said Sirius cheerful, giving his friend a pat in the back.

Remus rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know I am – unlike some people I know," said the boy, glaring at Sirius. "So James, how are you?"

"I'm alright, I suppose. Although sitting here listening to silence is extremely boring," said James with a sigh. "Good thing Agatha gave me this."

He held up the book with his left hand, a fond smile on his lips as gently flipped through the pages.

Sirius and Remus looked at each other, looks of confusion and bewilderment on their faces. "James, are you alright?" said Sirius, breaking the silence. "You're weirding me out here – you're too quiet."

James looked up at his friends. "You know my mystery girl? Well…I've found her – she's here at Hogwarts."

"What?!" yelled Sirius in disbelief, his voice bouncing off the walls of the large room. Remus gave his friend a cautionary glance. "Padfoot, shut up! Madame Pomfrey might kick us out again! Now James, who is our dear mystery girl?"

"Her name is Li—"

"Mr. Black! I am sorry but I'm afraid I am going to have to ask you to leave," came Madame Pomfrey's stern voice, cutting James off. "You are once again disturbing my patients!"

Remus chuckled as the stern witch lightly slammed the door. "I told you to keep it down, Padfoot. Oh well, I suppose we better get the hell out of here. I wouldn't want to get on her bad side, after all."

Sighing, Sirius got up from his seat, stretching and running a hand through his mop of black hair. "Oh sure: she's damn good at healing anything that ails yah, but that lady sure can be a real bitch!"

James chuckled as his friends hurried to the door, Sirius in lead. "Wait you two," said James, halting his friends. "Could you draw the curtains around my bed please?"

"Why James, need the privacy?" smirked Sirius, raising his eyes somewhat suggestively. "You wouldn't need it, you know – Euan's still hasn't waken."

"Shut up, Padfoot!" snapped James, an irritated expression on his face. "I don't want anymore visitors, that's all."

"Not even Agatha?" asked Remus, snapping the curtains shut.

"Yeah, not even my sister. Although, tell her I said hello."

"Alright James. We'll see you later then, I suppose."

"Yeah. Have fun at the ball tonight," said James as his friends closed the door. The boy stared at the white curtain for a few seconds, listening intently to the loud silence that filled the room once his friends had shut the door. It was odd, sitting in bed for three straight days, nothing but a book to keep him company. Sighing, James gently placed the text onto his bedside table, and leaned back onto his pillows. "I might as well get some more sleep or something…"

Shutting his eyes, the Gryffindor prefect prepared to return back to slumber, only to have his eyes wrenched back open when he heard the door gently creak open. Remaining in his lying position, James listened intently as light footsteps filled the room, wondering who produced such a soothing noise.

"Hello Euan."

James' eyes widened as saucers, lightly gasping as he heard the voice. No…it can't be…it's…

"It's me – Lily."

Controlling the urge to jump off the bed, open the curtain, take the girl into his arms, and kiss her passionately, James clutched the end of his blanket, intent on listening to the melodious voice of his angel.

~~*~~~*~~

"I'm sorry I'm whispering right now," said Lily, gently taking a seat on the chair earlier vacated by Sirius. "Madame Pomfrey warned me not to speak too loudly – she's already had to kick out two students because they were being too loud." She giggled demurely. "Also, Agatha's older brother is in here. He's probably lying on the bed next to yours. I wouldn't want to disturb him; he seems like such an incredible person." Lily smiled, looking at the curtained area a few feet away from her, trying to make out an outline of a face. She saw none.

Sighing, Lily reverted her attention back to the boy lying in front of her. "Ravenclaw house has missed you so much, Euan. We've all been waiting for you at the tower, incredibly anxious when you'd enter through the doors and greet us with that smile of yours," whispered Lily, gently laying a hand on the boy's forearm. "As for the ball, well…I wouldn't be going. It would be wrong for me to have fun while my date is lying here, still unconscious."

Lily sat next to the Ravenclaw Quidditch captain, her hand still gently resting on his arm, staring into space and lightly humming. After a few minutes of silence, the girl finally snapped back to reality, giving his friend a warm smile. "Well then Euan, I better go," said the girl. "Madame Pomfrey is probably wondering what I'm doing here."

Gently brushing off some imaginary dust off her robes, Lily stood up from her seat and gave Euan one last look, turning around to leave the room. As she extended her hand to grasp the doorknob, the red-haired beauty turned her head and looked straight at the curtain concealing the bed (and possibly the boy) behind its white cloth. Without taking her eyes off the curtain, Lily gently turned the doorknob open and smiled. "Get well soon, James Potter," she whispered, loud enough to fill the silence in the room, and left the two patients to rest.

James sat bolt upright on his bed as the door snapped to a close, his mouth agape. Throwing his blanket off himself, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and got up, slightly getting tangled on the curtains, his book falling onto the floor with a loud bang. Neglecting to put on his shoes, the Gryffindor prefect tripped as he hurried to the door, fumbling on the doorknob, a panicked look on his face as he came face to face with Madame Pomfrey. "Mr. Potter, is anything the matter?!" asked the witch, her hands resting on her hips. "I believe you're about ready to return to Gryffindor tower…"

"Where is she, Madame Pomfrey?" inquired the boy, ignoring the adult witch's stern questioning.

"Where is who, Mr. Potter?"

"That girl who just left – Lily Evans?! Where did she go?!"

"I'm sorry James, but I'm afraid I don't know where Ms. Evans had gone to," replied the witch. "I'm assuming she's gone straight to the Ravenclaw common room, after all, that is her house."

James ran a hand through his messy hair. "Where's the Ravenclaw common room?"

A stern expression suddenly overcame the healer's face. "Mr. Potter! I cannot divulge such information to anyone else other than a professor!"

"Come on Madame Pomfrey!" pleaded the boy. "You don't understand: I have to see her!"

"Mr. Potter! Again, I cannot tell you the location of Ravenclaw house," replied the adult, shaking her head. "Now, since it seems like you are feeling much better, I think it would only be appropriate for me to discharge you out of the hospital wing."

"But—"

Madame Pomfrey raised her voice. "No buts! I want you to return to your dormitory before noon!" With that said, the stern witch turned around and returned to her work, lightly slamming the door into James' face.

Sighing in defeat, James crawled back to bed, closing his eyes, trying to forget about the voice of his beautiful redhead. After a few minutes, he succeeded, falling into a light slumber, waking up three hours after the stern witch had threatened to kick him out of the hospital wing.

"Damn it all," swore the boy, clutching his temples. "What time is it?" James glanced at his watch, reading the time as 11:30. "Oh shit, I better get the hell out of here before Pomfrey yells at me again…"

Slowly getting off his bed, the Gryffindor prefect slipped on his shoes and prepared all his belongings, getting ready to leave the hospital wing for good. "Alright then, Madame Pomfrey," said James, nodding at the witch. "I'm all better now so I'll be leaving. Thank you for all the help."

"Yes, you keep out of trouble now," said the Nurse with a smile as James disappeared from view.

~~*~~~*~~

"Why hello dear," greeted the Fat Lady with a smile. "We've all missed you so much. Are you feeling better then?"

"I'm alright," responded the boy with a grin. "Cherry Cordials."

"Ah yes, my favorite!" exclaimed the Fat Lady as she swung open, granting James access into the common room.

As the sixth year prefect entered the large room, a group of excited students immediately paid him attention, giving him cheerful welcomes. Smiling as girls swooned over him, James excused himself from his peers, walking up the stairs leading to the boy's dormitories. He stopped as he finally reached the sixth year dormitory, opening the door swiftly, missing Peter by an inch. James took three steps into the room, only to be tackled onto the floor by his best friend.

"Jamesie! You're back!"

"Damn Padfoot!" said James, pushing his friend off himself and getting up from the floor. "You saw me a few hours ago, so don't feed me with all this 'I missed you so much' bullshit."

"James! Can I help it if I'm incredibly attached to my best friend?" said Sirius, feigning hurt, getting off the floor. Remus and Peter looked on in amusement. "Well, I'm just glad you're back, that's all. Remus and Peter can be quite boring sometimes."

"Oh shut up, Sirius," said Remus, chucking a pillow at his friend. "We can't help it if we lack your great energy." He turned to face James. "So you are better then?"

"Yeah, I've been better since two days ago," replied James, taking a seat at the edge of his bed.

"So James, since you're back and all, will you be going to the ball?" asked Peter, a curious look on his face.

"I don't think I will, Wormtail."

"Why not?"

"I don't know. I don't really feel like it," replied the boy with a shrug. "I think I'll just go ahead and finish up this book or something."

"James, I think you should go back to the hospital wing – you obviously aren't feeling well," said Sirius, taking a hold of his best friend's forehead. "You've never voluntarily read a book unless there's an exam the next day!"

"Haha," laughed James mockingly. "Listen, you can say whatever you want, but I've already decided – I'm not going to the ball. Kathleen might see me and start yapping on about my being her boyfriend, even though I'm not!"

"Don't worry Prongs – if she sees anyone of us three, we'll just tell her you're still lying in the hospital wing!" said Peter with a reassuring smile. "I'm sure she'll be clinging to some other guy after that!"

"Thanks Wormtail…"

Remus' eyes suddenly widened as he remembered a little date he had arranged for Peter. "You know what, Prongs? I think it would be best if you didn't come to the ball," began Remus, shooting Sirius – who was about to say something in protest – a "be quiet" look. "I don't want to subject you to such torture – Kathleen can be a handful, really."

"Thanks Moony, I knew you'd realize that soon enough," said James, nodding at his friend. "Well then, I'm going to get some more sleep – haven't had the chance to get some rest since Sirius here jumped on my bed."

"Come on then you two," said Remus, nodding at his friends and heading towards the door. "Let's leave him alone."

Following suit, Peter and Sirius moved from their places and exited the dormitory, closing the door with a snap, leaving James to rest. The three friends reached the common room quietly, scanning the room for any empty seats. "Wait you two, I have to go and do something," said Peter, calling his friends' attention. "I'll see you two later then."

Sirius and Remus watched as their friend exited the common room, not looking back. "What the hell? Where's he going," asked Sirius to no one in particular. Shrugging, he turned his attention to the boy standing next to him. "Moony, why the hell did you agree with James that he should not go to the ball? He needs to have some fun, dammit!"

"Padfoot, you bloody idiot!" began Remus, walking towards a pair of armchairs by the window overlooking the lake. "You've already forgotten that Kathleen is now going to the ball with Peter? Damn Padfoot, you have the worst memory in the world!"

"So what? He won't see her if she's going to be with Peter the whole time!" retorted Sirius, rolling his eyes as if his comment was the most obvious thing in the world. "We'll just stay out of Wormtail's way the whole night."

Remus sighed. "Now, I know he's our friend, but sometimes, Peter can be rather unreliable. If he sees that we've set him up with Kathleen, I have a hunch that he will immediately tell her that James is somewhere inside the Great Hall."

Sirius groaned. "Damn, you're right…oh well, I guess our dear old friend will just have to survive without us for four hours – hope he doesn't die or something."

"Oh please, I think he'd much rather read in the library for four hours than to endure four hours of you flirting with Diana Watson," said Remus with a chuckle.

Sirius laughed mockingly. "Too bad for you then, since I'm going to make sure that you'll be around Diana and I the entire evening…"

Remus groaned. "Oh, that's just bloody great…"

~~*~~~*~~

The afternoon passed by quickly without any event, James remaining in bed the whole time; Sirius and Remus creating havoc in the common room (well, mostly Sirius); and Peter doing whatever it was he had set out to do. At around 7 in the evening, when Peter had finally gone back from his errand, the three friends decided to get ready for the ball.

"You know, I honestly don't understand why girls need four hours to get ready for a simple ball," said Sirius, glancing around the room, noting that only boys remained sitting on the couches. "It only takes a second to put on dress robes."

"I don't know, Padfoot. I don't know," said Remus as he opened their dormitory door. "I don't think any male can ever fathom the female mind."

Sirius chuckled, grabbing a pillow from his bed. "I suppose you're right, Moony," he said, chucking the pillow towards the still sleeping James. "Prongs, wake up!"

"What the hell Sirius, it's still dark out," groaned James, covering his face with his blanket. "Leave me the hell alone."

"Umm…James? It's seven in the evening. I think it's about time that you wake up – we're all leaving for the ball soon."

James sat up on his bed with a groan, reaching for his glasses. "Where's Peter?"

"I suppose he's getting ready to meet up with his 'mystery' date," replied Sirius, running a hand through his hair and adjusting his school robes. "Alright then, I'm ready to go."

"What the hell? That was quick. Don't you want to change into a different set of school robes, Sirius?" asked James with a chuckle. "I'm sure Diana would like that."

"Don't worry about it James. Padfoot here didn't do anything strenuous this afternoon – his robes are still fresh and clean," said Remus, himself not bothering to change into a new set of robes. He looked at Sirius. "You ready to go then?"

"Yes, I suppose we better go then," nodded Sirius. "I don't want to keep my date waiting after all."

The two boys walked towards the door in a line, neither one saying a word. "Say Prongs, will you tell Peter that we'll meet him in front of the Great Hall?" said Remus, turning around before fully leaving the dormitory.

"Yeah."

"Thanks. And have fun reading your book!" said Remus, snapping the door shut.

Sighing, the Gryffindor prefect got off his bed, putting on his school robes. He turned around as Peter emerged from the bathroom, wearing a set of new dress robes and smelling of aftershave. "Damn Wormtail, are you sure you've put enough aftershave on?"

Peter stopped in his tracks. "Should I go and put some more on?"

"No – I was being sarcastic, Peter," said James with a chuckle. "Well then, are you ready? Sirius and Remus said they'd meet you in front of the Great Hall."

"Yeah, I'm ready. Say James, could you come with me to the library?" asked Peter. "I have to meet my date there."

"Well, I was actually planning on staying here to read," replied James, trying his best to squirm his way out of going to the library with Peter.

"It's perfect then – the library's the best place to read books, after all!" said Peter, a hopeful look on his face. "Come on James…please?"

"Fine," he said with a sigh, following the boy out of the dormitory.

The walk to the library was spent in silence, neither one of the boys willing to speak. A relieved smile spread across James' face as the two reached the entrance to the book depository, noting that Kathleen was nowhere in sight. "Well then, Peter, I'll leave you here to wait for you date," said James, patting his friend's shoulder and wishing him luck.

"You're going to need it," he mumbled as he entered the empty library, leaving his friend behind, the smell of old books filling his nose as he received a bewildered stare from the librarian. "Good evening," greeted the boy with a charming smile. "Would it be alright if I stayed here for a few minutes and read a few things?"

"Things – such as books, you mean?" asked the librarian, her glasses resting at the end of her nose.

"Yeah, those things," said James with a chuckle, walking away from the front desk and taking a turn next to a row of shelves, disappearing from view. After a few seconds of walking, the messy-haired boy pulled a chair from the nearest table, ignoring the numerous books resting on the desk, and took a seat. God, I can't believe I'm here, he thought to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. I've been here for six years and not once have I set foot in here.

Propping his feet onto an adjacent chair, James leaned back and read Summoning Charms and More: The Complete List of Magical Charms to Ease Everyday Life, the quiet atmosphere of the library filling his ears. Fifteen minutes into the chapter, the boy heard footsteps gradually getting closer to his table. Snapping his head up, the boy looked behind him, his brows scrunched in annoyance. His eyes suddenly opened in shock as a familiar looking girl wearing periwinkle blue robes came into view, her curly hair bouncing with every step. Oh shit…I'm going to kill Peter…

"Oh my God! James, you're back!" squealed Kathleen, running towards the boy with a huge smile on her face, Peter a few feet behind her. "Thank God! Now we can go to the ball together!"

James, his mouth agape in shock, glared at Peter as the Hufflepuff girl dragged him off his seat and out of the library (the book dropping with a thump onto the floor), Madame Pomfrey staring at the three teens in annoyance.

Kathleen, squealing the whole trek to the Great Hall, beamed as they reached the entrance filled with students, a cocky smile spreading across her lips as girls stared at her date. James, who was in no mood to be jovial about the evening, remained silent – he was still upset at his friend for squealing his location to the girl. As the three teens neared the Great Hall, James gave his two best friends a pleading look, angrily nodding towards Peter as Sirius and Remus looked at their friend with questioning gazes.

"Umm…well hello there Kathleen," began Remus. "I thought you were going to the ball with Peter?"

Kathleen giggled. "You're so silly sometimes, Remmy! There's been a change in plans, since James here decided to accompany his beautiful girlfriend to the ball."

Before anyone had the chance to speak, the great oak doors opened, allowing students to enter the room, signaling the start of the ball. Students entered the great room in lines, excited whispers filling the air. A collective gasp filled the Great Hall as the lights were slowly brightened to a glow, revealing elegantly decked tables scattered about in the large room, the middle area empty for dancing. For the first hour, students sat on the chairs circling the tables, eating their dinners and drinking some chilled juice. Finally, when the music began, students slowly filled the dance floor – Sirius and Diana included – and a few remained in their seats, talking amongst their friends.

"James dear, could you please get me something to drink?" asked Kathleen, pointing towards a refreshment table. "I'm thirsty."

"Yeah. Sure," said James, getting up from his seat, Remus right behind him. "Of course she's thirsty – why else would she want a drink?!"

"I'm sorry James. It's all my fault – I shouldn't have said that Peter wanted to go with her," apologized Remus, a guilty look on his face. "I should have realized he might turn on you and tell her you're actually alright."

"Don't worry about it," said the boy, reaching for a glass as he slowly poured some liquid (he wasn't sure – and didn't really care – what the liquid was) into a goblet. He watched as his annoying "girlfriend" talked to his so-called friend and some other students, an annoyingly huge smile plastered on her face. "It's not your fault. I'll just try and ignore her the rest of the night or something…"

The two friends stood in front of the beverage table for about fifteen minutes, James not wanting to return to the table with Kathleen and Peter. He watched with a smirk as Diana and Sirius danced energetically, students making some room for the two out of fear of getting hurt. "Those two seem to be hitting off, eh?"

"Yeah. He really likes her," said Remus, himself taking a goblet from the beverage table. "And for some reason, she seems to like him…"

James chuckled.

"Umm…excuse me? James?"

The two friends turned their attention to a fifth year Gryffindor they knew only by familiarity. "Yes?"

"I was just wondering if it's true…"

"What's true?" repeated Remus, a bewildered look on his face.

"Is it true that you and Kathleen Henderson over there are a couple?"

"What the hell? No, we're not!" exclaimed James, light anger burning in his hazel eyes. "What made you say that?"

"Well, my friend told me that Kathleen's been announcing to the whole school that you two are together," explained the girl. "I just wanted to clarify the rumor because you don't seem like the type who would fall for someone as…erm…ditzy as her."

The light anger burning in the Gryffindor prefect's eyes became darker, his eyes narrowing into slits. "The nerve of that bitch!" Shrugging off Remus (who was trying to restrain the boy), James trudged towards the table where Kathleen and Peter sat with other students, talking animatedly.  He abruptly stopped behind Peter, gently yanking the boy off his chair and pointing a finger at Kathleen.

"Who gave you the fucking right to tell people that we are together?" yelled James, prompting a few students to look his way.

"James dear, what are you talking about?" asked Kathleen with a whisper, feigning a smile.

Oblivious to the curious stares he received from other students, James continued on. "Don't call me dear! Now, I can handle shopping for dress robes with you and walking down the halls with you hanging off my arm and squealing at my ears – but you telling lies about my being your boyfriend, that I cannot tolerate!"

By the time the last word had escaped James' lips, the entire student body had dropped whatever they were doing; everyone had their gazes locked on the Gryffindor prefect and Quidditch captain. Professors got up from their seats, ready to approach the angry boy, but stopped when Dumbledore held up a hand. "Leave him be, my colleagues."

With a dubious look at the headmaster, the professors remained in their place, shifting their attention back to the boy.

"I don't know what you're trying to pull here, Kathleen, but as of this moment, I want to make it clear that I do not like you in a romantic way whatsoever. I never have and I never will!" James ran a hand through his hair in frustration, heaving a sigh. "I'm sure you have some wonderful trait in you Kathleen but so far, I haven't seen it – and trust me, I never will want to see it. And hate me as much as you want but know this – you are a stuck up ditz whose sole purpose in life is to annoy the living hell out of anyone you meet! The only thing you have going for you is your aesthetic beauty, that's it!" James stood rooted on the spot, his hands clenched to his sides in anger, never blinking as he looked at the girl with anger. With a frustrated groan, he sharply turned around, intent on leaving the Great Hall. He stopped, however, when he reached Peter, who had his head bowed in embarrassment. "And as for you – I thought you were a friend," spat James, glaring down at the cowering Peter. "But at this  moment, I am deeply questioning our friendship."

The crowds parted as the usually jovial and cheery Gryffindor captain stormed out of the Great Hall, not saying another word. Remus heaved a sigh as James exited the room, debating whether or not to follow his friend and calm him down. "Thanks a lot, Peter," he said, finally deciding to track James' footsteps, walking away from the group. He scoffed (along with other students in the room) as he heard Diana say, in a loud and unabashed voice: "Oh please, he didn't deserve to have me as a girlfriend anyway. I mean, I'm too good for him."

Fighting the urge to walk back towards the girl and yell at her, Remus shrugged off her comment and continued his walk out of the Great Hall, only to be stopped by Sirius, who had taken a hold of his arm. "Moony, leave him alone," said the boy, an unreadable mask on his face. "He needs to cool off by himself."

Sighing, Remus complied. "I suppose you're right…"

After a few more seconds of silence in the Great Hall, Dumbledore finally chose the time to speak. "Well now, as entertaining as that was, I believe we have a ball to return to," said the Headmaster with a jolly grin. "So, grab your dance partners and have fun!"

~~*~~~*~~

James hurriedly walked the halls of Hogwarts castle, still fuming from his tirade in the Great Hall, ignoring the stooping figure of a student picking up something from the floor, intent on returning to Gryffindor common room. He looked up at the fat lady upon reaching the portrait hole, trying his best to wear a mask of coolness. "Cherry Cordials."

"What's the matter, my dear boy?" asked the Fat Lady, her face scrunched in concern. "Did something happen at the ball?"

"I don't really want to talk about it," replied James, walking through the opening.

"Alright, if you say so dear," said the Fat Lady, quietly snapping the entrance shut. 

Heaving a sigh, the Gryffindor sixth year plopped onto the softest and most comfortable armchair in the common room, staring into space, trying his best to forget about the incident in the Great Hall. He groaned in frustration as he leaned forward and grabbed a random book off the coffee table, closing his eyes, trying his best to think of something that will keep his mind off his outburst. Sighing, the boy opened the volume to a random page, not really caring as to what the book was about, and began to read: Destiny – quite possible one of strongest words in both the muggle and wizard vocabulary. But does destiny really exist? Is one really fated to become a success or to become a failure? Is one really fated to fall in love with another person? One may never know…

"What the hell?" said James, raising an eyebrow in wonder. "The validity of destinies being true may be rocky, but I definitely belive that I'm destined to become someone…what a pile of rubbish." Scoffing, James closed the book with a snap, grasping the spine of the volume without notice. "Isn't there anything better to read around here?" he said out loud, looking at the piles of magazines scattered on the coffee table in front of him. He suddenly slapped his forehead and rolled his eyes. "Oh damn! I left my book in the bloody library!"

Groaning in annoyance, James pushed himself off his seat, running a hand through his messy hair, his other hand unconsciously holding the book off the coffee table. He apologized to the Fat Lady for disturbing her for a second time in less than fifteen minutes, grinning as he overheard her mumble something about men being unreliable.  Half running and half waking, he set his course for the library, intent on retrieving his book and intent on forgetting about the ball.

~~*~~~*~~

Lily Evans yawned. An hour and fifteen minutes had passed since the ball started, and she was bored. Every single Ravenclaw student had decided to attend, leaving her alone in her dormitory, staring at the walls. Sighing, she got out of her bed and put on her school robes, debating as to whether or not she should go ahead and make her presence known at the ball – even for just a few minutes.

"But it wouldn't be right – poor Euan is still lying there all alone," said the girl out loud. "Maybe I should go and visit him? Oh wait, Madame Pomfrey does not allow night visits…"

For a few seconds, the Ravenclaw prefect paced around the sixth year dormitory, trying to figure out what to do with her spare time. Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she finally decided on going to the library and getting some advanced reading done. Grabbing a few of her books, some rolls of parchment and her quill and ink bottle, Lily descended onto the Ravenclaw common room, ignoring the emptiness of the large room.

She walked slowly along the castle hallways, light footsteps bouncing off the walls, portraits greeting her with friendly smiles. Wow, it's really quiet here, she thought, confused as to why the air was not filled with music, as it should be when there's a ball. Shrugging off the thought, Lily proceeded with her trek to the library, groaning as she dropped her quill onto the floor.

"Oh come on Lily, be careful next time," she mumbled to herself as she stooped down to pick up the dropped quill, her robes touching the floor as a light cold air swept through her hair, prompting her to look up from her position. She shrugged when she saw the figure of a student, who seemed to be in a hurry, walk past her, a bit peeved that the boy did not even offer her any help. "I suppose gentlemen do not exist at this day and age," sighed the girl, continuing on with her journey to the library.

Where's Madame Pince? Thought Lily, looking around as she reached the library. "Guess she's not here," shrugged the girl, walking away from the entrance and turning to a row of shelves to her right. Glancing at the titles on the shelves as she walked past, Lily heaved a relieved sigh as she spotted a table with a few books. What with her desire not to walk around trying to find another table, Lily gently set her things onto the desk and pulled out a chair, slowly taking a seat facing the large windows.

Tucking a lock of red hair behind her ears, the Ravenclaw prefect dipped her quill onto the inkbottle and scribbled her name onto the parchment, the scratching of quill to paper the only sound heard in the large library. Lily gently opened her schoolbook, flipping through numerous pages before finally finding the topic she was looking for. As she began her reading, the roll of parchment she had been writing on flitted onto the ground. "That's great – I'm just dropping everything today," said the girl, reaching down to pick up the parchment. She suddenly gasped as a familiar scarlet book, covered by her dropped parchment, caught her eye. Lightly dropping her quill onto the inkbottle, Lily plucked the book off the floor, a fond smile creeping across her face as she opened to the title page: Summoning Charms and More: The Complete List of Magical Charms to Ease Everyday Life. "What is this doing here? I thought this book belonged to Agatha's brother now?" whispered Lily, smiling as she remembered the last minute note she had scribbled hastily on the title page, remembering the agonizing time it took for her to remove the daily prophet wrapping paper and rewrapping the book again after writing her little dedication. Lily sat in silence as she fondly looked at the book, memories of that day flooding into her mind.

"Will you ever find me James?"

~~*~~~*~~

James walked the dimly lit halls of Hogwarts castle, slowly approaching the library, which was a few feet in front of him. He entered the book depository with a sheepish grin, expecting to see the strict librarian, only to find himself facing an empty front desk. "Where's the librarian?" he mumbled to himself, looking around, trying to see if Madame Pince was anywhere in the room. "Oh well, it's alright – I won't take long anyway." Tracing back the same steps he took on his first trip to the library, James ran a hand through his messy hair, sniffling as the smell of books permeated into his nose.

James looked at the book on his hand as he slowly approached the table he sat in, smirking in amusement at his idiocy for actually bringing such a book filled with rubbish with him. Chuckling, he looked up, suddenly stopping, his mouth agape. A few feet from him was the table he had occupied earlier, only this time, a girl with shoulder-length auburn hair sat in his seat – her back towards the boy – his book gently clasped in her hands. James watched as her fingers traced the handwritten words on the book.

"Will you ever find me James?"

The boy felt his mouth drop open, the scarlet book slipping off his hand, dropping loudly to the floor. He watched, transfixed, as the redhead jumped from her seat, the sudden jerk rippling her hair, sending shivers through James' spine. With his mouth still agape, James curiously stared as the redhead slowly turned her gaze towards him, her hand gently grasping the back of her chair.

James inhaled sharply as he saw the girl's features: beautiful red hair, intoxicating emerald eyes, alluring pale skin. Oh my God, thought James, swallowing a lump on his throat as the girl slowly stood from her seat, her eyes filled with shock and joy. I've found you, Lily Evans…

~~*~~~*~~

Lily felt her grasp tighten around the back of her seat, a gasp escaping her lips as she took in the features of the boy standing a few feet away from her. Slowly, she made her way towards the boy, smiling as light glinted off familiar thin-framed specs, partially hiding attractive hazel eyes. "James?" whispered Lily, tilting her head to the side out of uncertainty as the boy continued to stare at her, unable to speak. Lily halted a few feet from the teen, her heart beating intensely. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?" commented the girl, slowly raising her hand to touch his, blushing as he lightly encased his hand with hers. The two stared at each other for few seconds, unable to say anything. Finally, Lily gently released his hand and spoke. "What are you doing here?"

"Fulfilling destiny," replied the boy, his voice a whisper. He glanced down at the book on the floor.

Lily smiled at the boy. "And how, may I ask, are you going to do that?"

"You mean you've forgotten our little chat?" said James with a charming grin. "Serendipitous events lead to destiny."

Lily tilted her head to the side, confused. James, noticing this, proceeded to walk towards the girl slowly, stopping a foot away from the redhead. "I believe that's my book there on the floor that I accidentally dropped there," said the boy, pointing at the scarlet volume.

Demurely, Lily stooped down to get the book, smiling at James, who had also stooped down to pick up the book, their eyes level. Resting a hand on her knee, Lily extended her arm to give the book back to the boy, a sweet smile on her face as he expressed his thanks. They remained staring at each other for a few more seconds, Lily's hand still resting on her knee, when she involuntarily jerked forward, her palm slipping off her knee as she knocked the boy down onto the floor, lightly toppling over him.

"Now I know you didn't do that on purpose," said James with a smirk, staring at her intense, emerald eyes, his hands gently wrapped around her waist. 

"I know I didn't – it was an accident," replied the girl, drowning in his gaze, their faces inches apart.

Without thinking, James brought his hand up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Lily's ear, gently running his hand through her cheek, slowly pulling her face closer to his. Closing his eyes, the strong Gryffindor captain melted into Lily's soft lips, kissing her gently, smiling inwardly as he felt her soft lips kiss back.

James flashed a charming grin as he broke the kiss, helping Lily (albeit reluctantly) from her position on top of him, adjusting his robes as he himself got up from the floor. "I've been waiting a long time to do that," said the boy with a blush, leading her back to her seat and taking a seat across from the girl.

They remained in the library for the rest of the evening, neither one noticing how much time had passed by, each cherishing their reunion. Finally, James brushed a hand through his hair, glancing at his watch: 12:15 AM. "I think we should go now," said the boy. "I don't think Madame Pince even knows we're here."

Nodding, Lily gently shut her book close (she didn't even look at a single word on the page), gathering her things. The pair left the library, bidding goodbye to the surprised librarian, who, as James said, was not aware that there were students in the library. They walked side by side, her arm linked to his, their footsteps bouncing off the walls in harmony, the portraits on the wall smiling at them with approval.

"James, you don't have to walk me to the Ravenclaw common room," said Lily, breaking the comfortable silence. "You don't even know where it is."

James chuckled. "Actually, I do…so, if you don't mind, I will escort you there."

Lily giggled, not bothering to protest as he led her to Ravenclaw tower, not once asking her if they were going the right direction.

"Pity I can't come in, eh?"

"Yes, I don't think you're allowed to do that," replied Lily, a twinkle in her eyes. "Well then, good night James…" Smiling, Lily raised her hand to touch his cheek, bringing his face to hers, giving him a light kiss. Giggling like a schoolgirl, she turned to say the password to the common room, but suddenly turned around as she remembered something. "James?"

"Yes?"

"Did you fulfill your destiny tonight?"

"Of course I did. I know we're meant to be…" said James slowly, happiness twinkling in his eyes. "…Lily."

And with that said, James gave her one last look for the night and turned around, intent on returning back to Gryffindor tower.

~~*~~~*~~

 "James! Where the hell have you been, I've been worried sick!"

James entered the common room, his face an unreadable mask as he patted his friends' shoulders, giving them a huge grin. "I've been out fulfilling my destiny, Padfoot," said the boy, ascending the staircase towards the boy's dormitories, not saying another word.

Sirius and Remus watched their friend disappear from view, exchanging bewildered looks. "What's up with him?"

 "I don't know…the man just fulfilled his destiny, whatever that means," shrugged Sirius, clueless. "Oh well…I'm too damn tired from dancing, so I'll ask him tomorrow…erm…later about it – if I remember."

Remus chuckled as he and Sirius ascended the staircase, headed for their dormitories. "Hey, maybe he found his angel tonight – you know, Lily?"

Sirius, opening the door to their dormitory, smirked. "That actually makes sense – look at him, he's all goofy looking," said Sirius, nodding towards James, who was lying in bed with a silly grin on his face. "Guess love makes you act like that eh?"

"God, if love makes a person act like that, I wouldn't want to know how you'll act like when you fall in love," chuckled Remus, ducking at a pillow Sirius threw in his direction.

~~**~~~**~~

So…how was that? I again would like to apologize for taking such a long time in posting this chapter up. Also, I apologize if this chapter was not as good as the last one – the ending wasn't really that great. I myself did not enjoy this chapter as much as I did the previous chapter. Alright, I'm saying chapter too much…hah! Anyway, please review this little section and let me know what you thought of it. I'm not sure if this is actually the end or if I should continue the story or what. I hope you guys caught the subtle hints of my dislike for Peter – I didn't really include him that much in any of my chapters. Well then, that's about it for now and I again would like to thank everyone who has supported this story from the start! You guys rock! Again, please review!

~~:AzaleaFaye:~~