Chapter 13

A/N: I haven't been updating much. There's really no good excuse. I'm sorry to all that have been waiting patiently for this chapter. I tried to make it extra long for the 4 months I haven't updated. I'll TRY to write quicker but I'm not promising anything. Especially with SATs and AP exams.

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Remus ran out of the Three Broomsticks and into the streets after Brig. He knew it was her. It had to be. His heart was pounding a mile a minute. He quickly caught up with her. When he reached her, his whole body was shaking. He never felt this nervous before. His heart was caught in the middle of his throat.

"Brig!" He exclaimed and tapped her on the back.

She turned around and his heart fell. "I think you got the wrong person." The girl looked at him strangely, and walked away from him.

His shoulders sag and his legs turned to jelly. He collapsed in the middle of Hogsmeade not caring that he was being the center of attention. He lost her. Again. He thought he was over her but obviously not. All that was on his mind was her. Why couldn't he move on? He had Stef. He knew she was at least somewhat interested in him or else she wouldn't be doing all of this for him. He really felt like giving up. What was the whole point of living if he couldn't have the one thing he wanted in his life? It wasn't much. It was Brigitte. The one and possibly the only girl he could ever love.

*~*~*

Lily Evans had gotten up extra early that morning. Even though, it was part of her job as the Head Girl to wake up every morning before the other students, she rarely did it. She wasn't exactly a rulebreaker but sleep was just too important. Besides, Professor McGonagall never said anything to her about it. Today, she was going with James to Hogsmeade again. Stephanie's birthday was coming up and she knew she needed a lot of time to find the perfect gift for her. She applied some natural makeup. Some blush here and there, white glittery eye shadow, and a slightly pinkish tinted lip gloss. She was satisfied. Finally. Taking one last glance at the mirror("Always stunning" it had said), she left the dorm room hoping that James was not late either. She went down to find Steph sitting on of the couches. James was no where to be seen.

"What are you doing up so early?" Lily asked. They had both slept pretty late the night before talking about the whole Sirius situation.

"Lily!!" Steph said happily. She was acting incredibly ecstatic for a girl that broke up with her boyfriend.

"Steph? Are you okay? You're happy...." Lily trailed off. She eyed Steph curiously. Was she missing something?

"Sirius and I are back together." Steph said grinning like she just won the Wizard lottery. "We talked and we figured out our misunderstandings."

"Wow. This is all too sudden for me to even absorb." Lily said in awe. She was very happy for Steph but everything just seemed to be coming at her.

Steph laughed lightly. "It's okay. I was just sitting here absorbing everything before you came down. Hard to believe."

Lily nodded. "I'm really happy for you guys."

"Me too." Steph said smiling brightly.

"If your smile gets any bigger, I don't think we'll be needing the sun." Lily chuckled.

Steph just continued grinning like an idiot. "I feel so stupid but I don't think I have been happier than before." She giggled. "You probably think I'm silly?"

Lily shook her head. "No, it's actually understandable. Love does cause people to do strange things."

The two continued talking and laughing for a little while before James came down the boys dorm room. His hair was a mess as usual and he was walking wobbly down the stairs like a drunk.

"James!" Lily exclaimed. "What took you so long?"

"I couldn't wake up." He replied drowsily and yawned. "This is way too early in the morning for me to function properly."

"Where are you guys going so early?" Steph asked with a raise of an eyebrow.

"Hogsmeade." Lily replied.

"For what?"

"None of your business." Lily said. "Let's go, James." James nodded but his eyes were closed.

"Isn't it a little early?" Steph asked curiously.

"No, of course not." Lily said unconvincingly.

"Lily....can we go later?" James complained. "I want to go back to bed."

"JAMES POTTER! YOU BETTER WAKE UP THIS SECOND!" Lily said loudly which caused him to open his eyes and Steph to cover her ears.

"I think you just woke up the whole house." Steph stated. "Just let the poor boy sleep, Lils. What is so important at Hogsmeade anyway?"

"That's for me to know only." Lily replied. "Besides, he promised me that he would go with me and he is not going to back out. I won't allow it!" She stressed the last line towards him.

"Wow. Now I know who is the dominant one in the relationship." Steph gave a small laugh.

James groaned. "Fine. Let's go. Bye Steph."

Lily and James left the common room with Lily basically dragging him out. It was a funny sight to see James Potter being in control under a girl nonetheless. Once they had reached Hogsmeade, James grabbed ahold of her and planted a kiss on her lips, leaving her dizzy.

"Morning." He mumbled.

"Finally awake?" Lily asked.

"How could I not with you screaming in my ear before?" He teased.

"Hey!" She slapped him on the arm but he caught it and pulled her close to him.

She looked up to meet his chocolate brown eyes. Her heart melted. The happy glint in his eyes made her heart fluttered. She reached up and kissed him gently on the lips lingering a bit longer than she should. When their lips separated, he had a silly grin and she mirrored it.

"I think we should go?" He asked.

"I wish we could stay here like this."

"Me too." He smirked.

"So where should we start?" She asked.

"I don't know." He shrugged. "Let's just browse around?"

"Okay. That's a good idea. Maybe I'll find something Steph will like in one of the shops." She replied.

She took his hand and held it. They walked around for hours looking at all the different shops at Hogsmeade before coming to the final store.

"This is it." She said. "I really hope I find something here for her."

"Me too." He grumbled. "I'm tired of walking around."

"Aw...Jamesy is tired." Lily teased.

"Shuddup." He said. "I'm hungry."

"Jamesy poo's tummy is hungry?" She continued.

He sighed. "I'm too hungry to argue."

"I'm sorry." She said seriously. "Let's go to the Three Broomsticks after this shop, okay?"

"Fine." He said reluctantly.

They went into the shop and Lily immediately fell in love with it. This was the perfect store. She knew she would be able to find something for Steph here. After all, Steph loved jewelry with a passion. She could almost be said obsessed over jewelry. She browsed around the store with James in back of her the whole time. Suddenly, she saw it. It was the prettiest ring she had ever seen. There were two stars carved into the ring and diamonds surrounded it. She asked the witch behind the counter if she could take look. The store owner took it out from the glass shelf.

"You're going to get that for Steph?" James asked.

Lily shot him a look. "No! I like it."

"Then get it." He said impatiently.

"Never mind." She said annoyed and gave the ring back to the witch. She turned around to face James but found him staring around the store with a bored expression. Her heart dropped a little. She was hoping he would say something along the lines of, "I'll get you that ring" when she pointed out the ring to him. Instead, his reaction was the opposite of what she expected. Finally, she spotted a necklace that Steph would love. She paid quickly and left the shop. She was quiet during the walk to the Three Broomsticks. James with his grumbling stomach finally noticed it.

"You okay, Lils?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just tired." She lied.

"I told you we should have grabbed something to eat first." He said.

She simply nodded, and they continued their walk in silence. It left James confused but he shrugged it away. With women, it was probably PMS, he thought to himself.

*~*~*

Stef found Remus in the middle of the streets sitting there. She sighed irritably. It was always about Brigitte. When was he going to get over that whore? She had been gone for months, and he was still moping over her. Every time Stef thought about it, anger would go through her body. I must keep trying, she thought, I'm so close. I can't give up now. She walked quickly over to him and bent down to meet his gaze.

"Rem?" She asked.

"I lost her." He mumbled, looking despond.

"Remus, she's been gone for months." She said.

He looked into her eyes. "It's just that I...I thought she might be still out there. I always have this feeling that she's still alive."

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault she's gone. I should be the one apologizing to you. I'm sorry I ruined our date." He shook his head. "I don't know why you still want to be with me. I'm broken."

"I'm here because I care." She said quietly.

He pulled her into his arms, and they sat in the middle of Hogsmeade hugging each other. Stef could have cared less. As long as she was in his arms, she thought happily. Maybe things were finally changing for the best.

*~*~*

A/N: You know something? I've been working on this chapter ever since December. I stopped for 3 months not even bothering to update. I was going to post it really quick but I got caught up. Again. Reviewers, you guys are unbelievable. You guys make me want to cry. =*]

Sugarquill: So many people are confused with Stef and Steph. I was thinking about changing Stef's name but then I would have to go all the way back. Happy very belated new year.

Anon: this is MY story. If I feel like doing this, it's MY choice.

Josalyn14hpfreak: kekeke. I love you too. Cliffies are evil but I think they're the best. ;]

*Brigie*: I'm sorry, it's not really you....but next time maybe? LOLZ. I can't wait to read more of YOUR story. Steve MUST die. SoOn too.

X-woman: thanks! =D

StEpH: nope, you're not the first to review. Are you happy I finally updated after 4 freaking months?

Very Pissed Steph: Don't be pissed. This chapter is out. The next one should be coming out soon...right. With me, you never know.

Angery and anonymous: aww, i'm sorry. I like cliffies. It keeps the readers going for more. ;D well now you know it was all a fluke.

Brig: Seee...the next chapter is out. Aren't you proud?

Anonymous: hahaa. Here's the chapter, just for yoU!

Imlosnoches: I still remember you as being one of my earliest reviewers. Thanks for reviewing. ;]