Author's Notes- Ok, I know some of you hate me for that, but I'm sorry. It's kinda obvious what happened there. So, I'll just say I own nothing, and this is a very emotional chapter (I'm good at that, huh?). More stuff on Voldemort, and a whole bunch of different POVs. OK, I'm really sorry that I've rushed this so much, but there are some parts I really want to get to. So, let's start.
Lily's Lake
Chapter 14
"Here, we are, at long last," a cruel, cold, voice said.
"Yes, master. We are finally here," another voice whispered.
"There is much to be done, here. Dumbledore will have to be exposed of, of course. But we shall get to him last," the cruel cold, voice said.
"What should we do master?" the other voice asked.
"Here is the people I want you to go after. Do not fail me, or you shall pay dearly," the cruel voice said.
"Of course not, master," The other voice said.
* * *
Meanwhile...
"Lily, it's our second day back. Can't we start our homework a little late?" Anya begged.
"No, we need to get it done. Besides, we have tons of it," I answered, dipping my quill into the ink.
"Fine, fine. Have it your way," Anya whispered, and stared down at her Potions homework.
"What is sentence in Azkaban of using a Unforgiveable Curse?" Netta asked, stopping at a question for our Defense Against the Dark Arts homework.
"Life," I answered.
Netta wrote it down. When my friends didn't think I was looking they would glance over at the corner table where Potter and his friends sat. They were huddled over there.
I stole a glance at them. Anya's eyes grew wide, and quickly turned her head back to her homework, and so did Andrea and Netta. They didn't know I was looking, so I didn't know why.
I turned around to see, and I saw James Potter walking over here, looking a little nervous. I sighed, not looking forward to what is coming.
A few students turned to look at us, all of them expecting a tease battle between James and I. Oh, how wrong they were.
"Lily, can we talk?" James asked.
I didn't answer him. I just kept writing down the answers, each time telling myself the question I was writing about.
Anya, Netta, and Andrea were looking at us, and so were Sirius, Remus, and Peter.
"Look, Lily, I'm..." James started.
"I don't want to talk to you right now," I said, cutting him off and still scribbling down the answers.
My writing was slightly messier, since I wasn't paying attention.
"Please, Lily. I really want to talk to you," James said.
"I said I didn't want to talk to you right now. Now, can you leave me alone so I can do my homework? I have lots of it," I said.
"Please, Lily? Come on, it will only take a second," James said.
That was it for me. I turned around so fast I felt something push on my elbow. My ink had fallen over. I ignored it.
*As Romeo is bleeding
*But you can't see his blood
*It's nothing but some feelings
*That this old dog kicked up
*It's been raining since you left me
*Now I'm drowning in the flood
*You see I've always been a fighter
*But without you I give up
"I said no! What part of 'no' don't you understand?" I demanded.
By now every eye in the Common Room had turned to us, and every ear was listening. It was silent, except for Netta, who was whimpering something.
"Please?" James asked again.
"No! I said no! Leave me alone!" I cried, closing my book and grabbing my stuff to head back upstairs.
"Come on, Lily. It wouldn't hurt to listen to me," James said, grabbing my arm as I went to walk away.
"How do you know? It might hurt to listen to you! Maybe it would hurt just like it did that other night! Maybe...just... Leave me alone, ok?" I demanded.
I pulled free of his grip and headed upstairs. James didn't follow, and if he did I wouldn't notice. I didn't look back.
*Now I can't sing a love song
*Like the way it's meant to be
*Well I guess I'm not that good anymore
*But, baby, that's just me
I knew what everyone in that common room was thinking. It was probably somewhere along the lines of 'Lily Evans and James Potter, the couple of Hogwarts, have broke up'.
The bedroom looked comforting. Jenna and my friends were still downstairs, doing their homework. I threw my books down and walked over to my bed. I pulled my curtains shut, and laid down. The tears came immediately.
Why was I crying? Didn't I hate James Potter? If so, why was I crying?
*Yeah I will love you baby
*Always
*And I'll be there
*Forever and today
*Always
*I'll be there till the stars don't shine
*Till the heavens burst and the words don't ryhme
*When I die you'll be on my mind
*And I'll love you always
The necklace, with the silver locket, was on the pillow next to me, still around my neck. It had become habit to wear it. I hadn't even noticed it before now. I sat up, and cradled it in my hands.
Full of anger at James Potter, I took it off and threw it out of my bed, hearing it land somewhere in the room.
* * *
Same time
As told my Anya Jones
We walked into the room just in time to see something fly across the room from Lily's bed. I was the only one to see it. Netta and Andrea pushed into the room behind me.
Lily's curtains were closed. I quickly crossed the room towards the corner where the thing had landed. While Netta and Andrea walked over to Lily's bed, I bent down and picked up the thing.
It was a necklace. It was the necklace Lily had shown us proudly coming back from Christmas the year before. James had given it to her.
I pocketed it, and followed Netta and Andrea, who were standing by Lily's bed. No one had seen what I'd done.
* * *
Same time
As told by Lily Evans
I heard their footsteps. My friends had returned.
"Lily? Are you in there?" Andrea asked.
"Andrea, cut it. We know she's in there. Are you ok, Lily? We're worried," Netta said.
"Leave me alone," I whispered.
My voice was muffled, since I had my head in the pillow, holding back tears. My neck flet bare without the locket.
"Come on, Lil'. Come out. It won't hurt..." Anya said.
"I told you to leave me alone," I said.
I was repeating what I had said to James. My friends knew it, and were silent. They gave up, and I heard their feet walk over to Anya's bed.
"Dang, my robes have ink all over them," Netta whispered.
After a few minutes, I guess they thought I had fallen asleep. Maybe they didn't. I don't know. But they started to talk.
"Did you see James after Lily left? He was really disappointed," Andrea said.
"I know. She must have really hurt him. Well, he did deserve it. But what she did was harsh," Anya said.
"Everyone knew what was happening. It was terrible for Lily and James. By tomorrow the whole school is going to know what happened," Netta said.
Netta was right. By lunch the Gryffindors who had been in the Common Room at the time had told their friends, and it had spread. I tried desperatly to avoid all the faces and rumors that were spreading around.
For some this was a wish come true. They were mostly James' admirers (there were quite a few) and my admirers (believe or not, I had about the same amount). They started to hit as soon as they heard.
I ignored everyone going after me, and stuck with my friends. But James' admirers didn't give up. By far, the most aggressive was Kayla Moon. She was a 6th year Ravenclaw, and was very smart. She was also pretty, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She also had many admirers, but she only liked James.
She would come up with her giggling friends, and ask James questions, all the while giggling. It was really ridiculous.
"I think giggling is part of her nature," Anya said after one of these escapades.
I nodded, and cut into my piece of turkey.
"How she ever got into Ravenclaw is beyond me. She belongs in Hufflepuff, if you ask me," Andrea said.
This was a favorite game of my friends. The game was called "Lets-See-Who-Can-Insult-Kayla-Moon-the-Most". I rarely joined in.
After all of these escapades James would look down at my end of the table to see how I reacted. I made myself turn to my friends, who were usually joking, and laugh right along with them. I had no idea why. I most certianly wasn't jealous, at least I hoped.
After a week of this James finally gave in, and every class we had with the Ravenclaws he would talk with Kayla.
One day, after Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall stopped me from leaving, and sent my friends out to wait for me.
"Am I in trouble?" I asked, taking the seat she told me to.
"In a way. Miss Evans, you have always been a great student. All the teachers admit it. But, now your grades are slowly slipping. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the rumors..." Professor McGonagall said.
"What rumors?" I asked, all innocent.
"The rumors about you and Mr. Potter..." she said.
"Which version? I've heard about fifty ones, each of them farther from the truth," I said.
"So it is true? Well, then. Let's not get into personal matters. Miss Evans, you really need to concentrate more. Will you try to do that? I would really hate to see you lose your prefect badge all because of some rumors," Professor McGonagall said.
I nodded, my eyes gazing at my prefect badge.
"That's all, Miss Evans. You can go back to your friends now," she said.
I stood up and walked out of the room.
Days stretched into weeks. James spent more time with Kayla (who was positivly happy). I avoided James at all cost. When they came to work at our table in the Common Room I went upstairs to do my homework. In classes, James and I usually sat on opposite sides of our friends. The one time the only empty seat with my friends was next to James, I went up and sat in front (it was Potions, and that was the only empty seat).
One day, James didn't even sit with us in Herbology, which we had with Ravenclaws. He sat with Kayla.
They were laughing with each other. A few times James' gaze would turn to me, and I would quickly turn back to my work, so it wouldn't look like I was staring. But I couldn't help but feel a bit of something in me. Was it jealousy?
*Now you're picture's there
*You left behind
*Or just memories of a different life
*Some that made us laugh
*Some that made us cry
*Wondering what made have you say goodbye...
"Lily, come on. We have to get working. We're the farthest behind, other than Kayla's group. They're the ones that are spending their whole times giggling," Anya said.
Giggling. James and I used to do that. James and I...there was no more James and I. It was me, not with James. Now it was Kayla and James.
...When you say your prayers
Try to understand
I've made mistakes
I'm just a man
When he holds you close
When he pulls you near
When he says the words you've been needing to hear
I wish I was him and those words were mine
To say to you to the end of time
It was a clear sunny Saturday. Remus was out "sick" again, and LANA was out by the lake, on the bridge. Netta was taking pictures of the castle for us (and for Vi, who really wanted them).
"Netta, are those the robes I spilled ink on?" I asked.
"Yep. It came out really well, didn't it?" Netta asked, taking a picture of one of the many towers.
"Yeah, it did," I answered.
"Are you going home over the holiday?" Anya asked me.
"It depends," I answered.
I didn't speak what I was thinking. It did depend... on where James was going. If he stayed, I went home. If he went home, I stayed. My friends knew it too.
Andrea nudged Anya, who saw Sirius.
"I'll be right back," she said, and ran over to where Sirius was going.
"Where's she going?" I asked, pointing to the main doors for Netta to take a picture of.
"I don't know," Andrea answered.
* * *
Same time
As told by Anya Jones
"Sirius! Sirius! Wait up!" I cried, running towards him.
Sirius turned around, saw me, and his eyebrows raised. I rolled my eyes, and walked over to him.
"Crossing enemy lines, are you?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, come on. You need a life. I have to talk to you," I said, rolling my eyes again.
"What about?" Sirius asked.
"This whole Lily vs. James thing. Does James still talk about Lily?" I asked.
"In what way? A 'I hate her' way or a 'She's awesome' way?" Sirius asked, walking away.
"You know what I mean. Besides, I'd think the 'She's awesome' would be going to Kayla," I said, walking quickly to catch up.
"Actually, Kayla's way is the 'She's so annoying' way," Sirius said.
"James thinks Kayla's annoying? Then why does he still hang out with her? What, does he need a life?" I asked.
"That's what we're trying to figure out. Remus thinks he's trying to make Lily jealous, which is probably true," Sirius said.
"So James probably still likes Lily?" I asked.
"Probably? Come on, Anya, he does still like Lily. We've all figured it out," Sirius said.
"Great!" I cried.
"Now, I have a question. Does Lily talk about James?" Sirius asked.
"Sometimes. Of course, she doesn't say his name that much, but we know who she's talking about," I answered.
"So that means she still likes him?" Sirius asked.
"Maybe...well, we think so at least," I answered.
"Perfect!" Sirius cried.
We looked at each other and grinned. We had been thinking the same thing. I smiled.
"So, should we cross enemy lines and work together?" I asked.
"Sure, why not," Sirius said.
We gave each other a high five. Watch out Lily Evans and James Potter, Sirius Black and Anya Jones are here.
* * *
Later
As told by Netta Prewett
I hated this. I hated it a lot. Of course, Anya and Andrea insisted saying, "Oh, Netta, we can't talk about this around Lily".
I mocked them as I walked around the dark school, trying to remember the directions they'd given me. Third Corridor from the fifth staircase on the second corridor from the Hogwarts tower, then into the third empty classroom, I repeated in my head.
I couldn't make any noise. If Peeves or anyone found out that I was out here I would be in huge trouble.
I turned around to make sure no one was following me, and went down the last staircase.
"Please don't let the boards creak," I pleaded in my mind.
I made it down the staircase without making any noise. Andrea and Anya had left earlier. I was the last one to leave, having to wait until Jenna fell asleep (she sat up reading a book).
I counted the corridors, and then the classrooms. At the fifth door I sighed. I hoped dearly this was it. I turned the knob and looked in.
"Netta! Where have you been? We were beginning to think you'd been caught," Anya hissed, motioning for us to come over to the chairs.
"Ok, what is so important that we had to sneak around the school?" I asked, sitting down.
"Keep your voice down! Peeves could be anywhere right now!" Andrea hissed, putting her finger over her lips.
I sighed, and nodded.
"Ok, we all decided that we want to find a way to get James and Lily back together, right? Well, I talked to Sirius and he, Remus, and Peter want to do the same thing. So, I asked Sirius and he said we should work together. Do you guys like that idea?" Anya asked.
"As long as Lily doesn't find out. She'll kill us with her bare hands," Andrea said.
"Aw, she'll understand. We all know it's for the best. Now, come on. Let's go, or Lily will get curious if she wakes up," Anya said.
As we walked towards the door I whispered, "Do you guys know how much I hate wandering the school at night?"
"What do you hate more, walking around the school at night or Lily and James fighting like this?" Anya answered, and looked around the empty hallway.
I sighed, and followed my friends back towards the tower.
* * *
Meanwhile...
"Master, you called for me?" the voice said.
"Yes. Did you expose of those I told you?" the master asked.
"Yes, Master. They are all dead. The ministry is going down, master!" the voice said, then curled back noticing his mistake.
"Do not speak more than you're part!" the master yelled.
A glittery wand was drew, and the voice whimpered in fear. He braced himself for something that didn't come.
"I have been going through these records my spies have passed me. Some of these are of students at Hogwarts. We could use a spy at Hogwarts," the master said.
"Yes, master," the voice whimpered.
"Some of these students show very high promise. They would go well with our side. It is a shame though, these papers say very little. I can not tell wether or not the blood is pure. It doesn't matter..." the master said.
There was a scurry of feet.
"Father... I mean, Master, one of your Death Eaters is waiting for you," a small voice said, smaller than that of the other.
It was a child.
"I shall see them. Find out more about these students, and then corner them when you are sure they can benefit us," the master said, and with a swish, exited the room followed by the child.
* * *
As told by Lily Evans
The wind howled outside of our Common Room. It was just a few weeks until Christmas, but Remus was "sick" again. The boys were out, probably with Remus (not that I cared, really), and my friends were quietly doing their homework.
I looked out the window. It was dark, and the full moon was rising into the sky. Rain pelted against the windows.
I saw the nurse bring Remus across to the tree, and then hurry back to the school.
The portriat swung open. Sirius, James, and Peter walked in, suprising me. They went over to the other window. Sirius was grinning like he had just done something forbidden.
"He should be out soon," Sirius whispered.
Who should be out soon? Remus? But he had already went out to the tree. Who were they talking about?
"I don't know, you guys. He could get hurt, and I mean really hurt, as in damage that lasts forever," James whispered, scanning the grounds.
"Come on, it's too late to back out now. He should be out in just a little bit..." Sirius said.
"I still don't know. It would be our fault if he got hurt..." James whispered.
"Come on, he'll be fine, just a little ripped up and a little bitten..." Sirius said, pretending to be thinking.
I was piecing it altogether in my head.
"I've got to stop him," James whispered, stood up and ran from the Common Room.
I ran over to my friends.
"I forgot something in the bathrooms," I said, and ran out of the portrait hole.
The hallway was mostly empty, but I could see James' shadow turn into another hallway. At a distance, but still running, I followed.
He raced down the he stairs and outside. So did I, but I didn't follow him towards the tree. I ran over to a bush and sat down.
James took a stick and prodded the tree knot. It froze, and James pushed through it towards the small hole.
I held my breath. Remus was at the end of that tunnel, as a werewolf. Who ever James was going to get was there as well, since no one had come out after us.
The large doors opened again. Sirius and Peter ran outside, panting from running. I leaned back against the school and hoped they wouldn't see me. Then I turned my eyes back towards the tree.
It was cold out. I didn't have a coat. I could see my breath in front of me. There was no movement from the tree.
"James!" Sirius shrieked.
Two figures came out of the tree. One of them seemed to be dragging the other. Sirius and Peter ran over to the two figures. I held my breath, still sitting behind the bush.
"I'm allright, but he's not. We have to get him to the hospital wing," James said as the four of them walked over.
"Did he get bit?" Peter asked.
"No, I got to him before he reached the other side. Sirius, what could you have been thinking?" James asked.
I saw the face of the person being dragged. It was Severus Snape. I held back a gasp, but it still came out.
"What was that?" Sirius asked.
I reeled back against the wall. Please don't let them find me!
"Probably nothing. Why don't you guys start up to the hospital wing? I'll be right up," James said.
"Ok," Sirius said, and he and Peter lifted Snape off James back and onto his own.
The three of them started up the stairs. When the door was closed, James looked around.
"You can come out, Lily. I know you're here," James said.
I sighed. What, did he have x-ray vision or something? I stood up and walked out to where he stood.
"Why are you following me around?" James asked.
"Maybe because you guys are so secretive," I answered.
"I thought you didn't care," James said.
"Well, I don't. It's just... you guys put another Hogwarts students in serious trouble! You are going to get in so much trouble!" I cried, turned around, and walked up the steps inside.
Why had I said that? I asked myself. Because you don't want him to think you care, I answered.
Christmas was coming up. James was staying (he still had about 300 more detentions to work off), so I decided to go home. My friends were all going home to, as none of them had gotten in trouble.
The day we left was jolly. We got on the train in high spirits. We found an empty compartment, and occupied it.
The ride home was pretty boring (we played chess and so on). But I couldn't wait to get home and see my family.
We got off at the station, and the four of us were the fifteenth group to go through the barrier.
Mum, Dad, and Violet were standing outside, waiting for me.
"Lily! LILY!" Violet shrieked, and raced towards me.
My ten-year-old sister was looking more and more like me. She had Mum's red hair (whereas Petunia had gotten all of Dad's looks), and Mum's green eyes.
"Hi, Vi. Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad," I said.
"Hello, Lily. Are you having a good year so far?" Mum asked, smiling at me while Dad took my trunk.
I nodded.
"Where's Petunia?" I asked.
"She's spending the holiday with Vernon's family. I really wish she'd come with us, but you know your sister..." Dad said.
"When's her wedding?" I asked.
"Lily!"
"Sorry," I said, and followed my family towards the car.
On Christmas Eve Mum made Egg Nog and we sat around the fire listening to the radio play Christmas songs.
Violet was singing along with the radio while it played "Silent Night" while rocking back and forth. I looked out the window.
"I hope it snows a lot. Wouldn't it be nice to have knee deep snow on Christmas?" I asked.
"Maybe. As long as I don't have to shovel the driveway," Dad said.
"Don't worry, you will. Besides, I don't think we're going to get that much snow," Mum said.
I sighed, and returned to looking at the fire. It was just like the fireplace at Hogwarts.
Suddenly, there was a loud boom. Violet stopped singing, and we all turned to the fireplace.
Seconds later a very dirty Anya rolloed out.
"Anya! What are you doing here?" I asked, completely surprised.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Hello, Violet. Hi, Lily. Lil', we really need to talk," Anya said, turning to me.
"What?" I asked.
"In privacy," Anya added.
"Mum, Dad, we'll be right back," I said, and grabbed Anya's hand.
I led her up to my room and made sure the door was securely shut. I turned around to face Anya.
"What are you doing here? Why aren't you with your family?" I asked.
"I had to talk to you. There's terrible news. It's all over the Daily Prophet and all other wizarding news! A whole family was found dead in their home yesterday! Someone murdered them with Avada Kedavra!" Anya cried.
"What? Why?" I asked.
"I don't know. There was a note left, saying they chose the wrong side. Then, just a few days ago, the same thing happened. Except this time the note was signed 'Lord Voldemort, the Dark Lord'. Dumbledore announced it to everyone at the school, and Sirius came to tell me, and I have to tell you. After this I'm going to Andrea's and then Netta's. But we have an uprising of a Dark Lord, and in this case you're either on the right side or the wrong."
Author's Note- I know this is a terrible chapter! I know I know! I also know it took me forever to put it up! Ok, the first part is an outcome of what happens when I have writer's block. The last part, is my post-writer's block part. So, R&R, please.
Lily's Lake
Chapter 14
"Here, we are, at long last," a cruel, cold, voice said.
"Yes, master. We are finally here," another voice whispered.
"There is much to be done, here. Dumbledore will have to be exposed of, of course. But we shall get to him last," the cruel cold, voice said.
"What should we do master?" the other voice asked.
"Here is the people I want you to go after. Do not fail me, or you shall pay dearly," the cruel voice said.
"Of course not, master," The other voice said.
* * *
Meanwhile...
"Lily, it's our second day back. Can't we start our homework a little late?" Anya begged.
"No, we need to get it done. Besides, we have tons of it," I answered, dipping my quill into the ink.
"Fine, fine. Have it your way," Anya whispered, and stared down at her Potions homework.
"What is sentence in Azkaban of using a Unforgiveable Curse?" Netta asked, stopping at a question for our Defense Against the Dark Arts homework.
"Life," I answered.
Netta wrote it down. When my friends didn't think I was looking they would glance over at the corner table where Potter and his friends sat. They were huddled over there.
I stole a glance at them. Anya's eyes grew wide, and quickly turned her head back to her homework, and so did Andrea and Netta. They didn't know I was looking, so I didn't know why.
I turned around to see, and I saw James Potter walking over here, looking a little nervous. I sighed, not looking forward to what is coming.
A few students turned to look at us, all of them expecting a tease battle between James and I. Oh, how wrong they were.
"Lily, can we talk?" James asked.
I didn't answer him. I just kept writing down the answers, each time telling myself the question I was writing about.
Anya, Netta, and Andrea were looking at us, and so were Sirius, Remus, and Peter.
"Look, Lily, I'm..." James started.
"I don't want to talk to you right now," I said, cutting him off and still scribbling down the answers.
My writing was slightly messier, since I wasn't paying attention.
"Please, Lily. I really want to talk to you," James said.
"I said I didn't want to talk to you right now. Now, can you leave me alone so I can do my homework? I have lots of it," I said.
"Please, Lily? Come on, it will only take a second," James said.
That was it for me. I turned around so fast I felt something push on my elbow. My ink had fallen over. I ignored it.
*As Romeo is bleeding
*But you can't see his blood
*It's nothing but some feelings
*That this old dog kicked up
*It's been raining since you left me
*Now I'm drowning in the flood
*You see I've always been a fighter
*But without you I give up
"I said no! What part of 'no' don't you understand?" I demanded.
By now every eye in the Common Room had turned to us, and every ear was listening. It was silent, except for Netta, who was whimpering something.
"Please?" James asked again.
"No! I said no! Leave me alone!" I cried, closing my book and grabbing my stuff to head back upstairs.
"Come on, Lily. It wouldn't hurt to listen to me," James said, grabbing my arm as I went to walk away.
"How do you know? It might hurt to listen to you! Maybe it would hurt just like it did that other night! Maybe...just... Leave me alone, ok?" I demanded.
I pulled free of his grip and headed upstairs. James didn't follow, and if he did I wouldn't notice. I didn't look back.
*Now I can't sing a love song
*Like the way it's meant to be
*Well I guess I'm not that good anymore
*But, baby, that's just me
I knew what everyone in that common room was thinking. It was probably somewhere along the lines of 'Lily Evans and James Potter, the couple of Hogwarts, have broke up'.
The bedroom looked comforting. Jenna and my friends were still downstairs, doing their homework. I threw my books down and walked over to my bed. I pulled my curtains shut, and laid down. The tears came immediately.
Why was I crying? Didn't I hate James Potter? If so, why was I crying?
*Yeah I will love you baby
*Always
*And I'll be there
*Forever and today
*Always
*I'll be there till the stars don't shine
*Till the heavens burst and the words don't ryhme
*When I die you'll be on my mind
*And I'll love you always
The necklace, with the silver locket, was on the pillow next to me, still around my neck. It had become habit to wear it. I hadn't even noticed it before now. I sat up, and cradled it in my hands.
Full of anger at James Potter, I took it off and threw it out of my bed, hearing it land somewhere in the room.
* * *
Same time
As told my Anya Jones
We walked into the room just in time to see something fly across the room from Lily's bed. I was the only one to see it. Netta and Andrea pushed into the room behind me.
Lily's curtains were closed. I quickly crossed the room towards the corner where the thing had landed. While Netta and Andrea walked over to Lily's bed, I bent down and picked up the thing.
It was a necklace. It was the necklace Lily had shown us proudly coming back from Christmas the year before. James had given it to her.
I pocketed it, and followed Netta and Andrea, who were standing by Lily's bed. No one had seen what I'd done.
* * *
Same time
As told by Lily Evans
I heard their footsteps. My friends had returned.
"Lily? Are you in there?" Andrea asked.
"Andrea, cut it. We know she's in there. Are you ok, Lily? We're worried," Netta said.
"Leave me alone," I whispered.
My voice was muffled, since I had my head in the pillow, holding back tears. My neck flet bare without the locket.
"Come on, Lil'. Come out. It won't hurt..." Anya said.
"I told you to leave me alone," I said.
I was repeating what I had said to James. My friends knew it, and were silent. They gave up, and I heard their feet walk over to Anya's bed.
"Dang, my robes have ink all over them," Netta whispered.
After a few minutes, I guess they thought I had fallen asleep. Maybe they didn't. I don't know. But they started to talk.
"Did you see James after Lily left? He was really disappointed," Andrea said.
"I know. She must have really hurt him. Well, he did deserve it. But what she did was harsh," Anya said.
"Everyone knew what was happening. It was terrible for Lily and James. By tomorrow the whole school is going to know what happened," Netta said.
Netta was right. By lunch the Gryffindors who had been in the Common Room at the time had told their friends, and it had spread. I tried desperatly to avoid all the faces and rumors that were spreading around.
For some this was a wish come true. They were mostly James' admirers (there were quite a few) and my admirers (believe or not, I had about the same amount). They started to hit as soon as they heard.
I ignored everyone going after me, and stuck with my friends. But James' admirers didn't give up. By far, the most aggressive was Kayla Moon. She was a 6th year Ravenclaw, and was very smart. She was also pretty, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She also had many admirers, but she only liked James.
She would come up with her giggling friends, and ask James questions, all the while giggling. It was really ridiculous.
"I think giggling is part of her nature," Anya said after one of these escapades.
I nodded, and cut into my piece of turkey.
"How she ever got into Ravenclaw is beyond me. She belongs in Hufflepuff, if you ask me," Andrea said.
This was a favorite game of my friends. The game was called "Lets-See-Who-Can-Insult-Kayla-Moon-the-Most". I rarely joined in.
After all of these escapades James would look down at my end of the table to see how I reacted. I made myself turn to my friends, who were usually joking, and laugh right along with them. I had no idea why. I most certianly wasn't jealous, at least I hoped.
After a week of this James finally gave in, and every class we had with the Ravenclaws he would talk with Kayla.
One day, after Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall stopped me from leaving, and sent my friends out to wait for me.
"Am I in trouble?" I asked, taking the seat she told me to.
"In a way. Miss Evans, you have always been a great student. All the teachers admit it. But, now your grades are slowly slipping. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the rumors..." Professor McGonagall said.
"What rumors?" I asked, all innocent.
"The rumors about you and Mr. Potter..." she said.
"Which version? I've heard about fifty ones, each of them farther from the truth," I said.
"So it is true? Well, then. Let's not get into personal matters. Miss Evans, you really need to concentrate more. Will you try to do that? I would really hate to see you lose your prefect badge all because of some rumors," Professor McGonagall said.
I nodded, my eyes gazing at my prefect badge.
"That's all, Miss Evans. You can go back to your friends now," she said.
I stood up and walked out of the room.
Days stretched into weeks. James spent more time with Kayla (who was positivly happy). I avoided James at all cost. When they came to work at our table in the Common Room I went upstairs to do my homework. In classes, James and I usually sat on opposite sides of our friends. The one time the only empty seat with my friends was next to James, I went up and sat in front (it was Potions, and that was the only empty seat).
One day, James didn't even sit with us in Herbology, which we had with Ravenclaws. He sat with Kayla.
They were laughing with each other. A few times James' gaze would turn to me, and I would quickly turn back to my work, so it wouldn't look like I was staring. But I couldn't help but feel a bit of something in me. Was it jealousy?
*Now you're picture's there
*You left behind
*Or just memories of a different life
*Some that made us laugh
*Some that made us cry
*Wondering what made have you say goodbye...
"Lily, come on. We have to get working. We're the farthest behind, other than Kayla's group. They're the ones that are spending their whole times giggling," Anya said.
Giggling. James and I used to do that. James and I...there was no more James and I. It was me, not with James. Now it was Kayla and James.
...When you say your prayers
Try to understand
I've made mistakes
I'm just a man
When he holds you close
When he pulls you near
When he says the words you've been needing to hear
I wish I was him and those words were mine
To say to you to the end of time
It was a clear sunny Saturday. Remus was out "sick" again, and LANA was out by the lake, on the bridge. Netta was taking pictures of the castle for us (and for Vi, who really wanted them).
"Netta, are those the robes I spilled ink on?" I asked.
"Yep. It came out really well, didn't it?" Netta asked, taking a picture of one of the many towers.
"Yeah, it did," I answered.
"Are you going home over the holiday?" Anya asked me.
"It depends," I answered.
I didn't speak what I was thinking. It did depend... on where James was going. If he stayed, I went home. If he went home, I stayed. My friends knew it too.
Andrea nudged Anya, who saw Sirius.
"I'll be right back," she said, and ran over to where Sirius was going.
"Where's she going?" I asked, pointing to the main doors for Netta to take a picture of.
"I don't know," Andrea answered.
* * *
Same time
As told by Anya Jones
"Sirius! Sirius! Wait up!" I cried, running towards him.
Sirius turned around, saw me, and his eyebrows raised. I rolled my eyes, and walked over to him.
"Crossing enemy lines, are you?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, come on. You need a life. I have to talk to you," I said, rolling my eyes again.
"What about?" Sirius asked.
"This whole Lily vs. James thing. Does James still talk about Lily?" I asked.
"In what way? A 'I hate her' way or a 'She's awesome' way?" Sirius asked, walking away.
"You know what I mean. Besides, I'd think the 'She's awesome' would be going to Kayla," I said, walking quickly to catch up.
"Actually, Kayla's way is the 'She's so annoying' way," Sirius said.
"James thinks Kayla's annoying? Then why does he still hang out with her? What, does he need a life?" I asked.
"That's what we're trying to figure out. Remus thinks he's trying to make Lily jealous, which is probably true," Sirius said.
"So James probably still likes Lily?" I asked.
"Probably? Come on, Anya, he does still like Lily. We've all figured it out," Sirius said.
"Great!" I cried.
"Now, I have a question. Does Lily talk about James?" Sirius asked.
"Sometimes. Of course, she doesn't say his name that much, but we know who she's talking about," I answered.
"So that means she still likes him?" Sirius asked.
"Maybe...well, we think so at least," I answered.
"Perfect!" Sirius cried.
We looked at each other and grinned. We had been thinking the same thing. I smiled.
"So, should we cross enemy lines and work together?" I asked.
"Sure, why not," Sirius said.
We gave each other a high five. Watch out Lily Evans and James Potter, Sirius Black and Anya Jones are here.
* * *
Later
As told by Netta Prewett
I hated this. I hated it a lot. Of course, Anya and Andrea insisted saying, "Oh, Netta, we can't talk about this around Lily".
I mocked them as I walked around the dark school, trying to remember the directions they'd given me. Third Corridor from the fifth staircase on the second corridor from the Hogwarts tower, then into the third empty classroom, I repeated in my head.
I couldn't make any noise. If Peeves or anyone found out that I was out here I would be in huge trouble.
I turned around to make sure no one was following me, and went down the last staircase.
"Please don't let the boards creak," I pleaded in my mind.
I made it down the staircase without making any noise. Andrea and Anya had left earlier. I was the last one to leave, having to wait until Jenna fell asleep (she sat up reading a book).
I counted the corridors, and then the classrooms. At the fifth door I sighed. I hoped dearly this was it. I turned the knob and looked in.
"Netta! Where have you been? We were beginning to think you'd been caught," Anya hissed, motioning for us to come over to the chairs.
"Ok, what is so important that we had to sneak around the school?" I asked, sitting down.
"Keep your voice down! Peeves could be anywhere right now!" Andrea hissed, putting her finger over her lips.
I sighed, and nodded.
"Ok, we all decided that we want to find a way to get James and Lily back together, right? Well, I talked to Sirius and he, Remus, and Peter want to do the same thing. So, I asked Sirius and he said we should work together. Do you guys like that idea?" Anya asked.
"As long as Lily doesn't find out. She'll kill us with her bare hands," Andrea said.
"Aw, she'll understand. We all know it's for the best. Now, come on. Let's go, or Lily will get curious if she wakes up," Anya said.
As we walked towards the door I whispered, "Do you guys know how much I hate wandering the school at night?"
"What do you hate more, walking around the school at night or Lily and James fighting like this?" Anya answered, and looked around the empty hallway.
I sighed, and followed my friends back towards the tower.
* * *
Meanwhile...
"Master, you called for me?" the voice said.
"Yes. Did you expose of those I told you?" the master asked.
"Yes, Master. They are all dead. The ministry is going down, master!" the voice said, then curled back noticing his mistake.
"Do not speak more than you're part!" the master yelled.
A glittery wand was drew, and the voice whimpered in fear. He braced himself for something that didn't come.
"I have been going through these records my spies have passed me. Some of these are of students at Hogwarts. We could use a spy at Hogwarts," the master said.
"Yes, master," the voice whimpered.
"Some of these students show very high promise. They would go well with our side. It is a shame though, these papers say very little. I can not tell wether or not the blood is pure. It doesn't matter..." the master said.
There was a scurry of feet.
"Father... I mean, Master, one of your Death Eaters is waiting for you," a small voice said, smaller than that of the other.
It was a child.
"I shall see them. Find out more about these students, and then corner them when you are sure they can benefit us," the master said, and with a swish, exited the room followed by the child.
* * *
As told by Lily Evans
The wind howled outside of our Common Room. It was just a few weeks until Christmas, but Remus was "sick" again. The boys were out, probably with Remus (not that I cared, really), and my friends were quietly doing their homework.
I looked out the window. It was dark, and the full moon was rising into the sky. Rain pelted against the windows.
I saw the nurse bring Remus across to the tree, and then hurry back to the school.
The portriat swung open. Sirius, James, and Peter walked in, suprising me. They went over to the other window. Sirius was grinning like he had just done something forbidden.
"He should be out soon," Sirius whispered.
Who should be out soon? Remus? But he had already went out to the tree. Who were they talking about?
"I don't know, you guys. He could get hurt, and I mean really hurt, as in damage that lasts forever," James whispered, scanning the grounds.
"Come on, it's too late to back out now. He should be out in just a little bit..." Sirius said.
"I still don't know. It would be our fault if he got hurt..." James whispered.
"Come on, he'll be fine, just a little ripped up and a little bitten..." Sirius said, pretending to be thinking.
I was piecing it altogether in my head.
"I've got to stop him," James whispered, stood up and ran from the Common Room.
I ran over to my friends.
"I forgot something in the bathrooms," I said, and ran out of the portrait hole.
The hallway was mostly empty, but I could see James' shadow turn into another hallway. At a distance, but still running, I followed.
He raced down the he stairs and outside. So did I, but I didn't follow him towards the tree. I ran over to a bush and sat down.
James took a stick and prodded the tree knot. It froze, and James pushed through it towards the small hole.
I held my breath. Remus was at the end of that tunnel, as a werewolf. Who ever James was going to get was there as well, since no one had come out after us.
The large doors opened again. Sirius and Peter ran outside, panting from running. I leaned back against the school and hoped they wouldn't see me. Then I turned my eyes back towards the tree.
It was cold out. I didn't have a coat. I could see my breath in front of me. There was no movement from the tree.
"James!" Sirius shrieked.
Two figures came out of the tree. One of them seemed to be dragging the other. Sirius and Peter ran over to the two figures. I held my breath, still sitting behind the bush.
"I'm allright, but he's not. We have to get him to the hospital wing," James said as the four of them walked over.
"Did he get bit?" Peter asked.
"No, I got to him before he reached the other side. Sirius, what could you have been thinking?" James asked.
I saw the face of the person being dragged. It was Severus Snape. I held back a gasp, but it still came out.
"What was that?" Sirius asked.
I reeled back against the wall. Please don't let them find me!
"Probably nothing. Why don't you guys start up to the hospital wing? I'll be right up," James said.
"Ok," Sirius said, and he and Peter lifted Snape off James back and onto his own.
The three of them started up the stairs. When the door was closed, James looked around.
"You can come out, Lily. I know you're here," James said.
I sighed. What, did he have x-ray vision or something? I stood up and walked out to where he stood.
"Why are you following me around?" James asked.
"Maybe because you guys are so secretive," I answered.
"I thought you didn't care," James said.
"Well, I don't. It's just... you guys put another Hogwarts students in serious trouble! You are going to get in so much trouble!" I cried, turned around, and walked up the steps inside.
Why had I said that? I asked myself. Because you don't want him to think you care, I answered.
Christmas was coming up. James was staying (he still had about 300 more detentions to work off), so I decided to go home. My friends were all going home to, as none of them had gotten in trouble.
The day we left was jolly. We got on the train in high spirits. We found an empty compartment, and occupied it.
The ride home was pretty boring (we played chess and so on). But I couldn't wait to get home and see my family.
We got off at the station, and the four of us were the fifteenth group to go through the barrier.
Mum, Dad, and Violet were standing outside, waiting for me.
"Lily! LILY!" Violet shrieked, and raced towards me.
My ten-year-old sister was looking more and more like me. She had Mum's red hair (whereas Petunia had gotten all of Dad's looks), and Mum's green eyes.
"Hi, Vi. Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad," I said.
"Hello, Lily. Are you having a good year so far?" Mum asked, smiling at me while Dad took my trunk.
I nodded.
"Where's Petunia?" I asked.
"She's spending the holiday with Vernon's family. I really wish she'd come with us, but you know your sister..." Dad said.
"When's her wedding?" I asked.
"Lily!"
"Sorry," I said, and followed my family towards the car.
On Christmas Eve Mum made Egg Nog and we sat around the fire listening to the radio play Christmas songs.
Violet was singing along with the radio while it played "Silent Night" while rocking back and forth. I looked out the window.
"I hope it snows a lot. Wouldn't it be nice to have knee deep snow on Christmas?" I asked.
"Maybe. As long as I don't have to shovel the driveway," Dad said.
"Don't worry, you will. Besides, I don't think we're going to get that much snow," Mum said.
I sighed, and returned to looking at the fire. It was just like the fireplace at Hogwarts.
Suddenly, there was a loud boom. Violet stopped singing, and we all turned to the fireplace.
Seconds later a very dirty Anya rolloed out.
"Anya! What are you doing here?" I asked, completely surprised.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Hello, Violet. Hi, Lily. Lil', we really need to talk," Anya said, turning to me.
"What?" I asked.
"In privacy," Anya added.
"Mum, Dad, we'll be right back," I said, and grabbed Anya's hand.
I led her up to my room and made sure the door was securely shut. I turned around to face Anya.
"What are you doing here? Why aren't you with your family?" I asked.
"I had to talk to you. There's terrible news. It's all over the Daily Prophet and all other wizarding news! A whole family was found dead in their home yesterday! Someone murdered them with Avada Kedavra!" Anya cried.
"What? Why?" I asked.
"I don't know. There was a note left, saying they chose the wrong side. Then, just a few days ago, the same thing happened. Except this time the note was signed 'Lord Voldemort, the Dark Lord'. Dumbledore announced it to everyone at the school, and Sirius came to tell me, and I have to tell you. After this I'm going to Andrea's and then Netta's. But we have an uprising of a Dark Lord, and in this case you're either on the right side or the wrong."
Author's Note- I know this is a terrible chapter! I know I know! I also know it took me forever to put it up! Ok, the first part is an outcome of what happens when I have writer's block. The last part, is my post-writer's block part. So, R&R, please.