~*~ A Surprise To Say The Least ~*~

~Isn't it funny how

~Nothing

~Ever goes to plan?

~No matter how you try

~It never

~Ever goes to plan?

~Isn't it funny how

~Nothing's

~Ever what it seems

~No matter how you look

~It's never

~Ever what it seems?

~But isn't it funny how

~Everything

~Always seems to turn out right?

~No matter how bad it was

~It somehow

~Always seems to turn out right?

One whole year. That's how long I had been at Hogwarts. Well, not exactly, but one school year, not including the breaks and stuff. That's right - it was only two days and I'd be a first year no more. Isn't it amazing how the time flies? It's pretty scary, huh? That's what I thought, anyway.

Paige had been shunted sideways a little since the love potion incident, but she was working her way back into the group. I personally thought she had been lucky that James had decided not to inform the teachers. If it had been my decision, I sure would have.

We'd found an ally in Juliet, too - she always came over and said hello if she was nearby and was always willing to help us out if we needed. Brigette, too, seemed to always be looking out for us, even if she wasn't as bright and up front about it as Juliet. She kept her distance, but I noticed she always lingered around if there seemed to be any trouble.

Speaking of trouble, I hadn't run into Malfoy since our little 'dueling' incident. But my good luck was about to come to an end.

It was just after our last class for the year - Charms, my favourite - and I was heading down to visit Hagrid. No such luck.

'So, Evans. Have we come to our senses yet?'

I spun around. Malfoy was leaning against a tree smoking a cigarette - a position he was often seen in. I opened my mouth to reply, but then shut it quickly and continued towards Hagrid's hut, hoping to ignore him.

'Because if you had, I'd guess we'd be saying goodbye.'

I couldn't help myself. I had to reply.

'Why?' I snapped, stopping, but not turning to face him.

'Because if you had any sense at all, Evans, you wouldn't be coming back next year,' he sneered, dropping his cigarette and pressing it into the ground with his toe. He straightened up and moved away from the tree.

'Well I guess I don't have much sense then, because no one is going to stop me from hopping on that train at the start of next term,' I replied coldly.

'One day you'll learn, Evans.'

'Maybe. But not today.'

Malfoy narrowed his eyes, and I saw his hand move to his wand, but he never made it. A cat jumped out of the tree behind him and landed just behind him. The awesome thing was, it transformed into a tiger as it hit the ground. I took a step back, alarmed, as the creature gave a low, warning rumble. Malfoy scrambled backwards.

'Clear off, Malfoy,' came James's voice. He was heading towards us, Sirius, Remus, and Peter behind him.

'Make me,' Malfoy sneered.

'I can't, but he can,' James said, gesturing to the tiger. As if on cue, it gave a threatening snarl. Malfoy glanced at it, thought better of arguing, and began to walk off.

'You watch yourself, Evans. Like I've said, your boyfriend isn't always going to be around to save the day.

I watched Malfoy for a moment, but my gaze soon flicked to the tiger. James was scratching it's ears.

'Where did that come from?' I asked, keeping well away. The large cat tossed it's head a few times, and took a step backwards. Within a few seconds, it was back to it's original cat form.

'This,' Sirius said, 'is Firregaze.'

I took a cautious step towards him.

'He's a daemon,' James explained. 'A shape shifter.'

'He's one of Hagrid's pets. He just wonders around the grounds,' Sirius continued.

'A keeper of the peace, if you like,' Remus laughed.

'What did Malfoy want, Lily?' Peter asked.

'Oh,' I said, avoiding their eyes. 'Nothing. Just giving me a hard time about being a muggle born as usual,' I shrugged.

James eyed me a minute before speaking.

'Glad that school's finished?'

'I guess,' I nodded. 'I'd like to see my mum and Joey again.'

'You'll have to come stay again. My parents were quite taken with you,' he laughed. 'Their tune would change if they knew you were muggle born, though. I really can't believe them.'

'Yeah,' I said wistfully, staring out over the lake.

'Did you hear about Snape?' Sirius sniggered. 'He was caught jacking off in class.'

The boys all snickered.

'Sirius,' James scolded playfully. 'Not in front of a girl.'

I snorted.

'Never stopped you before,' I said.

'Aww, not for Wiwly's wensitive wears,' James cooed, covering my ears. I tugged his hands away.

I was still deeply intrigued by Firregaze the daemon. Ignoring James's gaze, I bent down next to the cat and stroked him behind the ears.

'Can he change into anything else?'

'Anything he wants,' James answered. 'Any animal, anyway. Depends on his mood.'

I nodded and gave him one last pat before standing up.

'James, can I talk to you for a moment?'

He nodded, and we began to walk away from the group, towards the lake.

'What's wrong?'

'You haven't told anyone about Malfoy, have you?'

'No,' he said. 'You didn't want me to.'

'It's about Paige,' I said, wringing my hands. 'She knows about Malfoy.'

James stooped to pick up a stone.

'I know. I don't know how much she knows, though. She might have just seen you two talking or something. I don't think she has anything to do with him.'

'Are you sure?' I asked. 'That stuff that happened at the start of the year, with our dorm being trashed and everything. It would of had to have been a Gryffindor.'

James threw his stone into the lake.

'Not necessarily. We've been into the Slytherin Common Room.'

'Yeah, well you're just plain stupid,' I said. Why would anyone want to go in there?

'Obviously not, if we got in there.'

'I'm just uneasy, OK? Something about Paige gives me the creeps,' I said, frowning and throwing my hair over my shoulder. James put an arm around me.

'Paige may be a scheming bitch, but she's not evil. You have to trust me on that one.'

'And I should trust you, since you have such an excellent judge of character? You went out with her, which is what throws me,' I laughed, leaning my head on his shoulder.

'Hey, my father enforced that relationship,' he defended.

'Mm-hmm,' I replied.

We'd come to a stop, just near the lake. Sirius, Remus and Peter were all seated in a circle further away, chatting.

'I'm scared to go home,' I admitted.

'Why?' James asked as we sat down on the banks.

'I feel like I've abandoned everyone. Joey, mum. I feel really guilty that I hardly ever see Joey. When I go home it'll get worse. And I hate seeing her with Saylor,' I confessed. Saylor was Joey's new 'best bud', I had been told. I'd met her over Christmas, and although she was really nice, I sort of envied her friendship with Joey. 'I know I have new best friends, too, but it doesn't make it any easier.'

'Yeah,' James said, skipping another stone across the lake's surface, rippling its smoothness for a few seconds. 'It's hard alright.'

I looked at him curiously.

'What are you thinking about?'

James looked up at me, startled. It was a little while before he answered.

'I don't want to sound mean or anything, but it's just hard listening to your troubles when to me, mine seem a lot bigger.'

'What's troubling you?' I asked, cocking my head to the side.

'My life. I feel like everything I do I do because my father wants me to. It's like I'm living his life, not mine. He has to control everything. Gods, Lily. Whatever you do, don't let him know you're a muggle born, ever. I don't think Hilary or me could stand losing another friend over him. It would be the last straw.'

My mood dampened with James's, and I stared out over the lake, realising how lucky I was and how great my life was compared to James's.

'I don't know how you do it,' I whispered, hugging him.

'Neither do I.'

* * *

'Lily Evans, get your nicely shaped arse out of bed! It's home for the holidays!' yelled Bella, right in my ear, thank you very much.

'I don't wanna,' I whined.

'Yeah you do. You'll get to see your mum and your friends and your lovely sister Petunia,' she teased.

'That's really getting me in a hurry,' I laughed.

'Can't we just stay at Hogwarts?' Hilary moaned from under a pillow.

'What morbid friends I have,' Bella said, hands on hips.

'Shut the hell up,' groaned Toni from across the room. We lowered our voices.

'Don't you want to see your parents?' Bella asked.

'Nope,' Hilary said.

'You just want to see your horses,' I said to Bella. 'I know you, Belle. Like the back of my hand.'

'What's wrong with that? They're much simpler family. They don't tell you what to do. And they don't lie,' Hilary said, sighing.

'Stop, stop! You're ruining my mood,' Bella scolded. 'Let's talk about bright, happy things. And you should get up and use the shower while the water's still hot.'

'What do you mean?' Hilary asked warily.

'Let's just say your brother and company think it would be very amusing if everyone got up to cold showers this morning. They're still asleep, so I'd take advantage of that fact if I were you.'

On this note, I jumped out of bed and dashed for the shower. Not that there was any danger of Hilary beating me, she moved at one metre per hour in the mornings.

I showered and dressed in what must have been record time. Arla was scuttling around the dorm when I got out. Hilary shot into the bathroom and shut the door.

'Morning Arla,' I said cheerfully, toweling my hair.

'Oh, morning Miss Lily!' she squeaked, beaming. 'Arla is sorry she must come while Misses are still here, but Arla wanted to say goodbye!'

'What do you mean, come while we are still here?' I asked, tossing the towel on the bed and reaching underneath to pull out my trunk.

'It is the sign of a good house elf not to be seen, Miss,' Arla explained.

'Nonsense!' Bella exclaimed. 'We love to see you! You can come see us whenever you want, Arla.'

Arla gave an enormous, toothy smile.

'Thank you, Miss Arabella. You and Miss Lily are too kind!'

Bella and I exchanged smiles.

'Packed?' I queried, tossing my last few belongings into my suitcase.

'Yup,' Bella replied. 'You?'

'Yeah. Except for the stuff in the bathroom. I should have grabbed it while I was in their. God knows how long Hilary will be,' I grimaced, laughing.

As if on cue, we heard an extremely loud scream from the girl in question. Bella and I looked at each other before rushing to the door.

'What's wrong?' I yelled through the door.

'Hil?' called Bella.

A few seconds later, the water turned off.

'Hilary, are you OK?' I asked cautiously. There was a lot of slamming around before the door was pulled angrily open.

'JAMES POTTER, I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!' Hilary shrieked, storming out.

'Oh,' Bella laughed. I tried not to show my amusement. It appeared Hilary had lost her hot water. Let's just say one should never get between Hilary and her hot showers in the mornings.

We followed from a distance as she stomped down the stairs into the Common Room, where James was lounging lazily on a couch. Sirius was on the floor, leaning against the back of another.

'Morning ladies,' James said casually, the corners of his mouth twitching.

'You are so, so dead,' Hilary said, glaring at him.

'What ever for?' James asked innocently. Too innocently.

'You better bloody well get your lazy arse out of that chair and undo whatever you did to my hot water so that I can have a shower, or I will personally decapitate you. And it will be slow and painful, let me assure you.'

'Chill, Hil, chill. You'll get your shower. Just give it an hour or so. We need it cold for peak hour,' Sirius said.

'No, I will not chill. You will change that water, and NOW, even if only so I can have my shower. Because if I don't get my shower, someone will be severely injured very soon. And I don't like your chances of escaping.'

James, obviously used to Hilary's morning mood swings, remained unfazed.

'I told Bella we would be doing this. I'm sure she warned you,' he said calmly.

Bella nodded.

'Lily was in the shower, OK? I don't know what you guys do, but us girls shower separately,' Hilary snapped.

Sirius got a slightly horrified look on his face. James gave a laugh, which only irritated Hilary further.

'Come on, Hilary. Lily takes five minutes in the shower. You, on the other hand, take half an hour just to get out of bed, let alone make your way to the shower. You knew this was going to happen, but did nothing to work around it.'

'That is not the point!' Hilary screeched. 'You shouldn't be messing with the hot water in the first place, OK? Especially on a morning like this, when everyone wants to get ready and GO HOME!'

A door flew open upstairs.

'Can you keep it down?' an irritated voice called before the door slammed shut again.

'Nope!' Sirius called cheerfully back.

Shaking my head with amusement, I sat down next to James. He shifted to make room. I leaned over to whisper in his ear.

'I think you should change the water back,' I giggled. He smiled, but shook his head.

'Nah,' he whispered back. 'It's fun annoying her.'

'You're so mean,' I laughed. Suddenly, everyone went quiet. Hilary drew her wand and pointed it at James's forehead. He swallowed and moved backwards from it. 'Hilary...' I said slowly. If there was one thing Hilary was good at, it was transfiguration - the entire Potter family was, as far as I knew. And James didn't seem to be liking his chances of remaining in his human form. Transfiguration of students was of course not allowed, but like anyone was around to prevent it.

'Go and change that water back now,' she said in a icy tone.

'Hilary, it was just a joke,' Bella said, frowning. 'Calm down.'

'No, I will not calm down! I want a bloody shower, or you will be seeing a livid Hilary for the rest of the day!' Hilary snapped.

James's hands had slowly crept into his robes, and he pulled out his wand, pointing it at Hilary.

'Put your wand down, Hilary. Geez, it was just a joke,' he said.

'Only if you change the water back.'

'Yessir,' James muttered, getting up. When he proceeded in walking as slow as possible, Hilary shot a spark at his feet. James yelped and dashed upstairs.

'Be quick about it!' she called before frowning and flopping down on a couch. Everyone stared at her. Sirius, who had taken refuge behind a chair, slowly crept out.

'Don't have a cow, Hilary,' Bella muttered, receiving a glare. But Bella wasn't one for holding her tongue.

'What the hell was that? Take some chill pills. It was a joke. I mean, we all know you like your freaking shower but you didn't have to be such a bitch about it. Even if James is your brother. What's your problem?'

'I don't have a freaking problem!' Hilary shot back. 'Except that I want my shower in the mornings. And since we've only been living in the same house for eleven years, James should know that!'

Sirius and I exchanged glances.

'And you should know that James loves a joke, and likes to get people riled up before he does anything! You should have known he was just going to annoy you. Even I know that, and you've known him longer than me. You don't have to be so touchy!' Bella replied, glaring at Hilary.

'I can be as touchy as I like! It's none of your goddamn business, Arabella Figg!' Hilary screeched, running up off stairs, passing James on his way down. He gave her retreating back a questioning glance, but Sirius and I both shook her heads.

'Just leave her, mate,' Sirius said. 'She's not happy.'

Bella was sitting on a chair, massaging her temples.

'Well, at least we have peace, since you've GOT YOUR STUPID SHOWER BACK!' she yelled in the direction of the stairs. James raised his eyebrows and let out a low whistle.

'Bitch fight?'

'Oh yeah,' Sirius said. I nodded. Bella took a deep breath.

'I'm going for a walk,' she said, standing. Sirius nodded, and I gave her a small smile. So much for a happy morning. After a few moment's silence, Sirius got up and went after Bella. I gave James a sidelong glance.

'It was just a joke,' James shrugged. 'I didn't expect her to get so perturbed about it.'

'Yeah, well. She did,' I said, giving a hollow laugh. James looked up at me, looking into my eyes for a moment. I held his gaze.

'So you're mad at me too?' he asked in an exasperated way.

'No,' I said, tearing my eyes away to look at the ground. 'And I'm not taking sides.'

'Suppose that's best, because I know whose side you'd be taking otherwise,' he said under his breath. I frowned.

'Just because me and Hilary are friends doesn't mean I'd choose her over you! I thought we were friends too.'

'We are, if you want us to be,' James said.

'Yeah, well I do. And I don't pick because of what I like, I pick because of what I think.'

'Lily, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just... a little irritated after Hilary's reaction before, OK?'

I didn't reply.

'Oh god, Lily. Don't get mad,' he said, groaning, closing his eyes and rubbing his forehead.

'I'm not mad,' I said. 'And I never said I was. In fact, I just told you I wasn't. Geez, nice to know you're paying attention,' I shot back at him testily.

James opened his eyes.

'What is with everyone today? You are mad at me. Why?'

I glared at him a moment longer before I burst out laughing.

'I was joking,' I laughed, putting a hand on his shoulder. 'Don't worry, not everyone's mad at you. It's just everyone except me.'

'Oh, that's relaxing. As long as you're not mad. I can stand a crowd of a thousand or so mad people, but when they're placed next to an angry redhead, there's just no competition.'

I scowled and then laughed, whacking him on the knee.

'James is scared of Lily...' I teased.

He nodded solemnly.

'I would never get in the way of your temper. I've heard it's like a hurricane.'

'Yes, and you better believe it, James Potter. Because I'm always right, you never are unless you agree with me. If you disagree, you shalt face thy wrath.'

James laughed.

'I'll write that down.'

* * *

Three and a half hours later, breakfast was over and done with and we were all awaiting the train's arrival. I was standing with Bella, Hilary, James, Sirius and Remus, and there was some tension in the air. Bella and Hilary were on either side of me, bluntly ignoring the other; Hilary was glaring at James; and James was mock glaring at me. Despite the dark moods, I was tempted to laugh - which I think was James's intention. After awhile Sirius seemed to get bored with the silence and took up pulling faces at Remus, and I couldn't help it anymore. I burst out laughing. James gave a satisfied smirk and coolly raised an eyebrow. Hilary looked down at me with a look that clearly said -what-are-you-smoking-I-want-some. Bella looked away, obviously trying not to laugh herself, and Sirius kept trying to catch her eye and prevent her from succeeding. The corners of Remus's mouth were twitching.

Once I started, I couldn't stop. I doubled up, completely losing it. After watching me amusedly for a few moments, James crouched down to my level. Smiling sympathetically, he gave me a pat on the shoulder.

'It's OK, Lily - we understand your problem,' he said soothingly, which didn't help. If anything it made me laugh harder. Soon enough, Bella lost it, which set everyone off. Even Hilary was smiling and shaking her head in amusement.

When I finally recovered I was severely out of breath.

'Lily, you are whacko,' Sirius said sympathetically.

'Shut up and look in the mirror, Sirius,' James said playfully, pulling me up.

'Yeah, Sirius,' I echoed.

'What she said,' Remus added. Hilary and Bella laughed, but exchanged a glance and immediately fell silent, looking in opposite directions. James rolled his eyes and poked his tongue out at Hilary's back, causing a small giggle to escape from my mouth.

'Don't you start again,' he warned mockingly, wiggling his finger.

Just then, the train came whistling into the station. Bella looked at it and took a deep breath.

'Well. One whole yeah, huh?' she sighed.

'Yeah. One year ago and I didn't even believe in magic.'

Someone closed their hands over my eyes.

'What did you believe in?' they whispered against my neck. It was James.

'Dunno,' I shrugged.

'Yourself? Friends? True love and happiness?'

'I guess,' I said, shrugging again. 'Why?'

'Because if you believed in those, you believed in magic,' he replied, dropping his hands away. We picked up our trunks and, in James's case, owl cage, and made for the train.

'But they're not real magic,' I responded.

'No? Then tell me, Lily Evans. What is real magic?'

'It's... spells and things. I don't know, enchantments and stuff.'

'And what makes a person able to do magic?' he questioned further.

'Their blood,' I said.

'How do you explain yourself? You have no magical blood in your family.'

I frowned.

'I don't know,' I said.

'Magical people are people that are special. They have a purpose in life, and they were born different to everyone else. Sure, a magical parent usually produces a magical child, but there's the odd squib. And the magic had to come from somewhere to begin with. Magic requires something different, Lily. Whether it's love, or courage, or power.'

'But there's bad magic,' I argued as we sat down.

'Of course there is, or good magic would have no purpose. There needs to be an equal amount of evil and good in the world. Unfortunately, good magic is used for good things, and fighting isn't one of them. Which is why dark magic is so much more powerful.'

Completely and utterly confused, I sunk into a silent thoughtfulness.

'But what can conquer dark magic, then?'

'Nothing,' James said plainly.

'There had to be,' I pressed. 'There must be something stronger than magic.'

'What?' he asked. 'What could be stronger than dark magic?'

'Love,' I said slowly. 'Love is more powerful than evil.'

James gave me an odd look.

'How?'

'Evil is based on power, and greed. Those people have no heart, and don't understand love. So wouldn't it be easy to be defeated by something you didn't understand?'

'I guess,' James said slowly. He sunk into deep thought, apparently considering it.

'Lily, you so have got to come over during the summer,' Bella interrupted. 'You've got to come see my horses!'

I laughed and shook my head.

'You and those horses...'

'Jamsie and Remmie have to come play at Swiwius's house!' Sirius said gleefully.

'Wouldn't miss it for the world, Sirius,' Remus assured his friend.

'Where's Peter?' Sirius demanded suddenly.

'Went to sit with Marc, I think,' James said vaguely. 'Can't remember what he said.'

Something about Peter made me wary, but he seemed like a nice enough person. He was quiet, and reserved, so I guess his submissiveness was what made everyone overlook him. I kind of got the feeling he followed James and Sirius around for protection.

'Lily, you will inevitably end up at my house at some point in time, so I won't bother making a date,' James said. 'But when you do decide to come, give me two hours notice so I can put on my makeup and my best dress for you.'

'For me, huh?' I laughed.

'Only for you,' James grinned dramatically.

Hilary had to laugh at that.

'James, the sight of you in a dress would make anyone run a mile.'

Hilary seemed to be at peace with her brother, at least.

The train had been in motion for about half an hour when a tapping came at the window. Bella opened it and a sooty grey owl flew in.

'That's Gray's owl,' Hilary said with amusement. James stood up and pulled a letter form it's foot.

'It's for you,' he shrugged, tossing it at me.

I opened the letter. It was indeed from Gray.

'OK then,' I said, offering the letter to James to read. He raised an eyebrow.

'What are you going to say' he asked, passing it on for Bella so she could read it too. And in all honesty, I didn't know how I was going to reply.

Because Gray Parkson was asking me out.

~*~*~*~

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee I rule, longest chappie yet! Woohoo!

Man, keep up the reviews, k? Good to see some of my old reviewers back! Missed you's! Well, I'll shut up now cuz the sooner I do the sooner th chapter comes up. K?

Bye!

SezZie