a n d   t h e n   t h e r e   w a s   o n e

Disclaimer… All recognizable characters, plotlines belong to JK Rowling.  Drew, Myall, the Elia group, and the plotline belongs to me.  Although, I have adapted many of the concepts from the WB show, Charmed, into this fanfic.

Author's note… Since I am nearing my 100th review, I just thought I should thank all the regular reviewers who have taken time to tell me how much they love my story. I am very new to ff.net, and to be flattered in the way that you guys have really makes me happy.

So, thank you to:

Colleen – Musicizdbest

Shree

Kitty

Lauryn

Louisa Potter

Bic Papermate

As well as those who have occasionally dropped a few words in between and will in the future. I know I don't normally say a lot in my A/N's, but I think I owe you guys that much…=)

Also, as a reviewer had said, he/she wanted me to email him/her if I updated. Does anyone else want that too? In addition to that, I might send you guys work-in-progress's in case I am running behind.

Also, as some of you know, I have another ff, called two is a crowd. It's a little lighter than this one, but is still a l/j fic. Please take time in reading that one too, I really enjoyed writing that one…its not as heavy as this one. This one requires A LOT of thinking…=)

That's all for now, thanks… hope you enjoy this chapter…

P.S: also, after writing this chapter, I just thought you should know, my real name isn't Myall. I just like it. Just thought I should mention it before you all think I am some self-obsessed chick…;)

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"You look beautiful, Natalie." James said as he placed his arms around her. They were dancing to a slow number at the ball. The enchanted ceiling was enchanted even more: dimmer, with a clear vision of the stars overhead. All around them, couples are dancing together, oblivious to what was going on around them.

"Thanks, you don't look that bad yourself." Natalie replied. James kissed her on the cheek and let her head rest on his shoulder.

James:

It used to be so easy, figuring out who you love. It used to come just like that, you know, you see that hot chick across the street, and say "Bam! I love that girl!". Then when you feel you have had enough, you just walk away and 2 weeks later, she has another boyfriend, and you have another girlfriend. No hard feelings. And no guilty conscience.

Natalie readjusted her head on James' shoulder.

(Sighs)But now, its so different. So much harder. We have feelings now. People get hurt so easily as you get older. And you begin to see the consequences of your actions. And so do they.

"Nat, can we sit this next one out, I feel a little tired." James said as the song finished.

Natalie took her head off James shoulder and starred at him.

Natalie:

He doesn't remember. Its my favourite song.

"Sure." Natalie replied with a wry smile. "Of course. Besides my feet is killing me anyway."

"I'll get us something to drink." James said, letting go off her hand, and turning around. Natalie goes back to sit down and looks longingly at the couples still on the dance floor.

Natalie:

I can't see him anymore. He just isn't there. I don't think he is seeing me either. He's seeing me as someone else, and I am just seeing this void, this empty space in front of me. It speaks, it hears, but it doesn't feel.

James was pouring soda for himself and Natalie when his mind began to wonder to what had happened only just two hours ago. Her solemn yet determined look. And her beautiful face. They don't belong. Just like right now, he doesn't belong here.

"Be careful, Potter. You might wet the entire table." James turned around to see Remus smiling at him. James looked down and saw his cup was almost overfull.

"Woops." James said.

"Woops?" Remus laughed. "James, are you okay?"

"Yeah." James replied, looking down. Remus looked at James.

"So…you said goodbye to Lily tonight?" he asked as he leaned against the drinks table, sipping his drink.

James nodded, taking a sip from his own drink.

"Where did she go?"

"To find a family friend overseas. She'll be gone for the Christmas break."

Remus looked at James.

"Are you in love with her?" Remus asked.

James looked back at Remus. Then without thinking, he said: "Yes"

Remus looked taken back by his response. He didn't expect him to say yes. In fact he expected him to deny immediately, professing his undying love for Natalie.

Remus:

James used to be so indecisive…(laughs)…I remember when we were on the Hogwarts Express coming home, the lady with the cart came around, and James had some money, emptied out 2 Galleons out of his pocket. He stood there for like…10 minutes, contemplating which combination to buy…all Bertie Botts?…or should he get some Chocolate Frogs?…or perhaps some pumpkin pastry? Sirius and I were ready to tear his head apart, and so was the rest of the people on the train…

…(pauses)…he always wanted to make sure he made a decision that lasts forever. He couldn't bear it if it fell apart in front of him, because he would be afraid it was his fault for making that decision. He'll hold on, until the very end. Until there is nothing left to hold.

"That's good." Remus said quietly.

"Why?" James turned to Remus. "Don't you disapprove?"

Remus sighed. "Prongs, I can't tell you who to love. But I can tell you not the hurt the ones you love." He glanced over at Natalie who was comparing nails with Drew.

It was James' turn to sigh. "I don't want to hurt her. I never did. I don't know, Moony, with Lily its different. I feel as though we were….bonded in some weird way. I cant explain it."

"I know there is something special about you and Lily. You light up whenever you talk to her. And I KNOW, you are always thinking about her. But, at least put Natalie out of her misery, James. She's showering you with all this love, and you are not giving it back to her. And I know you are not doing it intentionally."

James watched her help Drew fix her hair, which was starting to fall apart. They were laughing.

"I know. That much she deserves." He said sadly. He hated breaking her heart, but it was only fair. He walked over to the girls, with Remus behind him.

"Here's your drink, Ms Faraday." James said politely. Natalie paused in her laughing and took the drink from James.

"Thanks, James."

"Drew, care for another dance?" Remus asked, stretching his hand. Drew blushed and took his hand fervently.

"Come on Natalie, lets go for a walk." James whispered into her ear, as he helped her up.

* * * * * * *

Sirius kissed Myall again.

"I'm melting in your arms, baby." He moaned. Myall tightened her grip around his neck.

"Really?" she said seductively. Then she kissed him on the lips, allowing her tongue to caress his. When she pulled apart, she said: "Why would you say that?" Sirius moaned again and tightened his grip on her waist as they moved through the crowd of dancing couples. They hadn't stopped since the dance started.

"You make me feel like a different person, Myall." He whispered to her.

"In what way?"

"The way you treat me…I have never felt like this about anyone before."

"Then why do we argue so much?" Myall asked playfully.

Sirius smiled. "Because you cant resist finding a reason to talk to me."

"Really," Sirius continued. "Why do you go out with me?"

Myall seem taken aback by his question.

"Its it obvious? Its because it is rare to find someone who is not only kind and funny but loyal and respectful to their friends. I see the way you try to act all macho around James and Remus, but you are always defending them and sticking up for them even if it gets you in trouble too. I admire that character in you. Your macho attitude doesn't fool me."

"I feel honored." continued Myall. "to be in love with you."

Sirius didn't know what to say. For the first time in a while, he didn't have a remark to hit back at Myall.

Sirius:

I know she is a gift to me. From someone really really nice up there.

They were dancing for a while when Myall suddenly said: "Black, can you promise me something?" 

"Sure…anything for you, baby." Sirius replied.

"Promise me that you will always be the person you are, and never change."

* * * * * * * *

 "Did I ever tell you, you look beautiful tonight?" Remus said to Drew.

Drew was had her head draped on his shoulder, looked up and blushed.

"Yeah, I took it that those speechless moments meant something." Drew said, smiling. Remus laughed.

"You know I was really worried when you were hurt that night." Drew said.

"Really?" Remus asked, though pretty pleased that she was concerned.

"Yeah…I thought… I barely knew you, and now I was going to lose you." Drew said desolately.

Remus smiled. "Thank you, Drew. It means a lot to me that you care so much."

Drew blushed.

"I love you." He whispered into her ear. Then, he kissed her lightly on her cheek. Drew turned her head in front of his, and kissed him on the lips. Remus looked at her, shocked. Then he gradually kissed her back, holding her face with his shaking hands. When they finally pulled away, both were blushing extremely.

"That…was…good." Remus said, though he felt a bit stupid. Drew smiled.

"Thanks, Lupin, for that assessment. Personally, I thought it was great."

"But…I didn't think it was that great," Remus said with a sly smile. "I think we need more practice."

Drew's eyes went wide and she began to giggle.

"Ok, how do you assess this one?" Drew said, and pressed her lips again on to Remus'. He groaned as he kissed her back.

"Not bad…" he said when they finally pulled away from each other. "Needs improvement, though."

Drew hit him on the chest. "Thanks a lot, Remus. You know I am a perfectionist."

Remus laughed. "But this, sweetheart, you need LOTS of practice if you want to perfect it. Let me show you how its done."

"Oh yeah…" Drew replied. "What makes you the ex…" but was silenced by his lips onto hers.

* * * * * * * * *

James and Natalie hadn't even made it past the front doors when Natalie said abruptly: "We are breaking up, aren't we?"

James stopped and starred at her. Natalie reluctantly let go of James' hand.

"Natalie…please…I didn't mean it."

Natalie paced the foyer, playing with her nails.

"I suppose I saw it coming…" Natalie said dejectedly.

"I am not 100% into this relationship, and its not fair on you. You deserve better."

"But," she paused, turning around to look at him. "Can I at least know why?"

James looked down. He didn't expect her to ask him why. As least he wasn't ready to answer her.

"Its Lily…isn't it?"

James kept his head down. "Natalie…"

"James Potter…at least have the decency to look me in the eye when you are about to break up with me." Natalie said, struggling to keep her tears from flowing from her face.

"Yes it is. But it wasn't because I was bored of our relationship." He said painfully. He walked towards her and used his robe to wipe the tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry." James whispered to her. Natalie pushed him away gently.

"I know…I know you didn't walk straight into her arms. That's what make me more upset."

"What do you mean? You would have rather me done that?"

"At least then I can blame you…because I know she wouldn't have instigated it herself. But now…I have no one to blame."

James looked at her apologetically. "you can blame me. Please blame me." He begged into her crying face.

Natalie stalked away from him, and sat down at the foot of the big staircase.

"I can't James. I can't because an attraction like that means more than just high school love. It took me 3 years to earn your heart, and I still didn't manage that well. The fact that Lily took less than 2 months can only mean that you two are meant for each other."

James shook his head, his mind trying to deny everything. But his heart wasn't.

"Natalie… I am really, really sorry for doing this to you. I never thought I would. I never meant to hurt you." He walked over and sat next to her as she leaned her head onto his shoulders.

"I know you didn't. After all, I have known you for almost 3 years." Natalie said.

James placed his hand on her shoulder.

"You deserve someone better, Nat. Not me." James said.

"I guess." Natalie said thoughtfully. "There is this guy from my dorm…"

James looked at Natalie with surprise. "A guy?"

"Yeah…I don't think you know him. His name is Mundungus Fletcher. He's a seventh year."

"Yeah, I know him." James answered excitedly. "He's a prefect. Myall and I have done some prefect work with him before. He was our team leader."

"Well, he actually asked me to this dance."

"He did? And I suppose you turned him down because of me?" James said guiltily.

"Yeah." Natalie muttered, wiping the last of her tears of her face.

James got up and grabbed her hands.

"Well, Ms Faraday," James said. "Its time you went back to dance with the person who really wants you to dance with him. Not sit here and cry because of me."

Natalie looked up at James and smiled.

"You are right." She said, letting James lift her up.

"And James?" Natalie said as she entered the great hall with him.

"yeah…?"

"you deserve her. I am very happy for you." Natalie said with a small but genuine smile.

"Thank you." He whispered into her ear as he watched her walk away from him.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Attention, students!"

The dance hall had been cleared and the last of the students were either backed up against the wall or sitting at their seats.

"Myself and the heads of the houses have just been locked into a room, reading all those wonderful entries you submitted as your ticket into this ball. Though we regret missing out on the wonderful time that you students experienced, reading these essays weren't exactly a waste of time. The winner of the best essay award will receive 50 points to their house, and a Hogsmede trip for themselves and three other friends to Hogsmede the first week back from the Christmas holidays."

"In judging the best essay," Dumbledore continued, "we looked for honesty, sincerity and just the content. For somewhere in the future, choices have to be made about who you want to be, what side of the magical community you will inevitably join."

"The best entry was chosen, not only for fulfilling the mentioned criteria very well, but also because of who had written the entry. Because of how personal this entry is, I shall speak to the winner for their permission to expose them, however, I wouldn't want this night to go by without reading it to you."

When Professor Dumbledore first asked us to write this essay, about what means the most to us, the first thing I thought of was the ordinary tacky stuff. You know, your knowledge, your wisdom, your wand, blah, blah.

But as I write this, in the corner of our very noisy common room, watching, on my left, two of my best friends playing wizards chess, I think: I cant imagine life without them. I don't know what I would do if I woke up one day, and they weren't there anymore.

And then I look to the right, to the most beautiful person in the world, who is my date tonight, and I cant imagine my life without this person either. This person could have any other person in the world, but they choose me.

I often ask myself, there is nothing special about me. I am not the best in school, I am certainly not loaded. My roots are not from a well known family, and I am definitely not good looking. So, what makes me so special that I am blessed with such great people in my life?

If anything ever happened to any of them, I would never forgive myself. They mean so much for me. My loyalty to them is forever, for as long as I live. Because death would be without them in my life.

* * * * * * * *

Dear James,

Everything is fine here since I arrived by port key this morning. Stayed at the inn next to The Three Broomsticks last night. Madame Rosemerta was extremely kind to me.

Today, I am out on my quest to find the nunnery that was in my aunts photo. I don't know whether I am excited to see this person because she was my aunts best friend, or that she was an Elian, or just that she is connected to my life.

Hope the Christmas ball was fun and that you had a good time. Enclosed is your Christmas present. Don't you dare open it before Christmas day, or I will send Clover over and fuss over you until you die of strangulation.

I think of you often, about what happened between us last night. I am sorry if I put you in an awkward position. I never wanted you to. I know this opens up a lot of questions, and you have to make a lot of really hard and painful decisions.

I feel so fortunate to have you in my life. To support me when I needed it, and not walk away when I didn't. whatever decision you make, I will fully respect, and ask nothing more from you then what you have already generously gave me.

I will keep in touch. Have a lovely and safe Christmas.

Love, Lily

P.S: Enclosed with your present, is a little dress I found in Hogsmede last night. Would you please give it to a certain house elf that I absolutely adore. Its my Christmas present from me to her, as she no longer needs to the tea cosy of hers.

* * * * * *  * *