Ooooh! This chapter is full of lovin'! Oh shoot—I promised I wouldn't spoil anything. Oh darn. Call the police.

Anyway, I bet that you could have guessed that just from the name of the chapter, because, in case you hadn't already figured it out, I'm terrible at chapter names, and I honestly DON'T CARE! HA!

And thanks—thanks a heap—AnimeAngel90, for exposing to the world that I have too much free time. Curse you for knowing the truth! Sadly, it IS true. Now that theater's over, and school's winding down and "Smallville" "The OC" and "Survivor" are over for the season, I literally have nothing to do with myself! If any readers have any recipes I should try or crafts I could do, all would be appreciated. That's how pathetic I am—I need to do craft projects.

"SONS OF THE PHAROAHS!!"

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Chapter 24

Remus and James

A few days later, on Thursday, right after Care of Magical Creatures, Lily and Remus headed to Alchemy. She was not looking forward to it, so she made Remus walk as slowly as possible to the classroom.

"I heard that they might cut this class." Remus said.

"Are you serious? When?" Lily asked happily.

"Not this year, but maybe next year, or the year after." He corrected. "We're too far into the year to cut it now."

"I guess so." Lily sighed heavily. They entered the room, and passed the tall pillars that were in the room's entry. They sat at a four-person worktable next to each other. Lily leaned against the back of her chair, and gazed absentmindedly around the room.

The ceiling was incredibly high, and the room was made entirely of stone. It was cold and drafty in here, so a large fire was lit in a fireplace in the back of the room. Sunlight slid through the tall windows that scraped the floor. The four pillars at the classroom's doorway reached up to the roof.

"Good morning!" Professor Gosnel replied as the bell sounded. James and Sirius slid into the room, and toppled into the seats next to Lily. "Just in time, eh, Potter?" Gosnel laughed. "That means a tardy, you know."

"Whatever it takes, sir." Sirius said, saluting him. The teacher laughed again.

"Right-o." Gosnel said. "Pull out your books, notes, and quills, and fasten your seatbelts." He said, snorting at his own lame joke. He pushed his blonde hair out of his blue eyes. "Page 778."

Lily bent over her bag, and pulled out her Alchemy book and flipped it to the right pages. She dipped her quill in ink and looked at the professor expectantly.

"Now then, onto today's lecture! Aren't you all excited!" Gosnel laughed boldly. Nobody answered. "Anyway," He said, clearing his throat to cover up his guffawing. "Crystals. Copy this down: Nearly all crystals are fashioned from molten lava, which is situated deep underneath the earth's outer layer. The deeper they are, the hotter it is, and the more time they have to lower their temperature. Then, the crystal itself is larger, since they have more time to cool. But if the crystal is positioned near the crust, then the temperature is cooler, and they desiccate faster, and the crystal will be diminutive. And, boys, as any lass can tell ya, the magnitude of crystals matter."

And as Gosnel paused for a breath, James leaned over and muttered, "What a crack-head!" into Lily's ear. She couldn't help herself- she snorted with laughter.

"Excuse me, do I amuse you? Do you find what I say funny?" Gosnel asked staring at her.

Lily stopped laughing and shook her head. "Please, continue, Professor."

"Say you just got one of his jokes!" James hissed.

Fighting back laughter, Lily blurted, "I just understood that crystal joke, and frankly, sir, I found it hilarious!"

Gosnel suddenly looked very pleased with himself. "Really? You… you thought it was funny? I've always wanted to be a stand up comedian…"

"I think you'd succeed masterfully in the field, sir." Lily lied. James had to put his hand over his mouth to hold back the laughter.

"Why, what a nice girl you are, Lily!" Gosnel appraised. "10 points to Gryffindor."

"Score!" James whispered, putting his hand out behind the desk for a low five.

"And that's how it's done." Lily said softly, slapping the palm of his hand.

"Hell yeah." James agreed.

"Anywho! Back to business! Now, how are crystals' tints formed you ask?" Gosnel continued.

Lily turned back to her notes, and scratched some down. As she looked back up at the professor, her eyes landed on Madison and Peter. Their heads were bent close together. Lily tried to read their lips, but it was useless- they were talking too fast. A few times Madison turned back just enough to look at James.

Later that evening, Lily was sprawled out on the couch with a book. However, her eyes were not moving along the page. She was watching the activity of the quiet common room.

Some fourth years were entertaining themselves playing gobstones. Belle was pouring over her Divination book with difficulty near the fireplace. Madison and Sirius were nowhere to be seen…

Lily's eyes paused lovingly on Remus. His sandy blonde hair was hanging in his eyes as he wrote out something on his homework. His firm, yet gentle hands were holding his quill tightly as he dipped it into the inkbottle. But there was something different about him-- something Lily couldn't put her finger on.

She spotted James. He, too, was in a corner with Peter. They were talking quietly, and Peter looked pleased. James, however, appeared confused-- maybe even shocked.

She shook herself mentally, and returned to her book.

A little while later, as the common room slowly started to empty, Belle slammed her book closed in frustration, called goodnight to her friends, and headed up to bed.

"Hey, Lily." Remus said, closing his books as well. "You up for a walk?"

"It depends where." Lily laughed. But she placed her book on the coffee table.

"I dunno." He shrugged. "I just don't feel like going to bed yet."

"Me either." Lily replied. "Let's go. We'll see you boys later." Lily said to James and Peter.

"Be back before eleven!" James scolded. "And Remus, if she's not back safe and sound, it'll be your head." He joked.

"Yes, sir; I'll do my best." Remus said, bowing to James. "Come on." He said to Lily, as he held the portrait open for her.

"Thank you." She replied.

They walked down the halls in stillness at first. The castle was as silent as a tomb, and just as dark.

"We have to make sure not to run into Filch." Remus whispered.

"And how're we supposed to do that?" Lily asked.

He whipped out the Marauder's Map. "And you thought I was unprepared…" He joked. He pulled out his wand and muttered, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." And the familiar lines etched themselves onto the paper.

"Not bad." Lily smiled. "So, where to?"

"The owlery? The Astronomy tower? A secret passage?" He offered. "I can take you anyplace."

"Let's go to the tower." Lily said. "I feel like looking at the stars."

So they were off. Lily and Remus headed up a long flight of steps, and they were at the South Tower.

"It's beautiful when we're not in class…" Lily whispered, as she approached one of the large windows. The warm spring air washed over her, and filled her with security. Remus put his arms around her, and she smiled. The moon wasn't quite full, but large enough to illuminate the grounds below. The lake glittered as though made of a thousand and one jewels, and the treetops were specked with the silver light of the moon.

"You know, Lily." Remus began softly. "I've been thinking."

"That's a dangerous pastime." Lily laughed. "What about?"

"About us, actually." He said firmly.

"What about us?" Lily asked. Even though she tried to hide it, there was an obvious quiver of panic in her voice. She pulled herself out of his hug to face him.

"I… I think we should break up." Remus said quickly.

It hit her like a ton of bricks-- right in the stomach. She couldn't answer at first. It was like millions of questions were bubbling up. Her breath was suddenly short, and she found it hard to focus.

"Wh-what?" Lily stuttered. "I thought…"

"Lily, I love you so much." He said. "That's why I have to do this."

"I don't understand." She whispered.

"No." Remus shook his head. "I see the way you look at each other, and I can't…"

"What are you talking about?"

"You and James, Lily!" Remus said.

"Oh please." Lily groaned. "If that's what this is about… We're just--"

"--Just meant for each other." Remus interrupted. "Admit it, Lily: You love each other. I can see it in your faces all the time."

"Are you kidding? I don't love him." Lily argued. But somehow, it the very pit of her stomach, she felt like something was wriggling to get out. "I love you." She said softly.

"And I love you, but…"

"But then we should be together." She said blankly.

"No, you don't understand." Remus shrugged. He took a few steps away. "I just couldn't. Whenever I touch you, or even look at you… it feels wrong."

"No it doesn't…" Lily protested, as tears started to well up in her eyes. "It's fine, I don't know what you're talking about…"

"Lily, stop it." Remus said forcefully, grabbing her wrists. "You have to listen to me."

"Why? Why can't we just work this out?" Lily begged. "We've been dating for less than a week…"

"It's not that. But I wouldn't be a good friend to either of you if I let this continue." Remus sighed heavily. "God, I didn't think you'd take it like this…"

Lily pulled her hands out of his. "I don't know what you're talking about." Suddenly, painfully strange thoughts started to pelt through her brain-- thoughts about James. Somehow, she felt relieved.

"Lily please try to understand." He whispered. "You love him. I can see it in your face right now."

"Stop." Lily tried to say. Strangely, she found her throat was dry. "That's not true…"

But Remus knew he had done it, and Lily knew it too. They were done. Finished. Over. And supposedly, she and James were meant for each other.

"Come here…" Remus said softly, as he pulled her into a big bear hug. "I'll always love you, Lily. And I do plan to still be the best friend that you'll ever have."

At first, she found it hard to answer, but then she replied, "Okay, Remus. You always did know best."

He laughed at that.

"And maybe," Lily continued. "Maybe you're right. About James, I mean."

Suddenly, there was a heavy fake sobbing from the staircase. Lily and Remus turned and saw Sirius sitting on the steps watching them.

"How long have you been sitting there?" Lily asked, her face breaking into a smile.

"Long enough." He chuckled. "But seriously, Lily! Remus is right. You really need to go find Jimbo."

"Where is he?" Lily asked with embarrassment.

"I think he's in the common room, still." Remus said supportively.

"Go get 'im, girlfriend!" Sirius said, breaking into false tears again.

"So, uh, I'll catch up with you later?" She asked them hesitantly. For some reason, she was nervous, and didn't want to leave the tower.

"You bet." Remus smiled.

"Okay." Lily nodded, and she turned to leave.

Her mind was racing as she walked fast down the corridor. James… Me? Meant for each other… It was like a broken record, replaying over and over in her head. But each time it repeated, she found it more questioning. Could this be true? But then, what did Remus and Sirius know about it? Just because James was her friend, it didn't make him her soul mate, right?

Then again, now without the thought of needing to be true to Remus, all she could think about was James. His cute face… perfect body… There was nothing holding her back now. She could tell him everything…

But all too soon, she was at the portrait hole. She held back for a moment. Was she seriously going to go through with this? Go through with what? She found herself thinking.

"Well?" The Fat Lady in the picture prompted.

"Oh, sorry." Lily apologized. "Dodo Bird."

"That's right, dearie." The lady smiled, as she swung open. Lily took a deep breath and entered the room. The lights were low, and the dying fire was still dancing in the stone fireplace.

"James?"

But as soon as she looked up, she was frozen to the spot, and her jaw practically hit the floor.

There, in plain view, was Madison and James… it couldn't be right… kissing; right on the couch. It disgusted her. James's hands were running through Madison's newly black hair, and her eyes were closed.

Lily's stomach flipped over. She quickly turned and fled from the room, slamming the portrait hole closed behind her.

"Be gentle, dear." The Fat Lady called after her.

"Sorry." Lily shouted, but she kept walking. Tears were spilling down her face, but why she didn't know. For some strange reason, she just kept thinking how stupid she was. Even to believe for a few moments that James would pick her over any girl in the school… why would he bother? And yet, she felt like she had just lost something, and that there was a gaping hole in her, where something, or someone should be…

"Lily…" Someone shouted after her. Lily stopped and spun around, her arms hugging herself. It was James. She quickly wiped the teardrops off her face. 

"What?" She snapped.

"Well, uh…"

Lily didn't wait for him to finish. "What the hell is your problem? So you think it's okay just to suck face on the common room couch? You're sick. Really sick."

"First of all, I don't suck face. And you say I'm sick? So, then, it's okay for you to make out with Remus, but I can't kiss someone?" James retorted, his face going slightly red.

"That's totally different. Madison is one of my best friends." Lily argued.

James laughed. "So now Remus isn't classified as one of my best friends?"

Lily paused, her eyes squinted in rage. "At least I don't kiss someone in plain view, where anyone can walk in on you."

"Well, unless I'm mistaken, you and Remus were kissing in Hagrid's cabin where any teacher could have burst in on you." James chuckled sardonically. "Lucky I saw you first."

Lily stared. "I was caught up in the moment."

"Well, maybe I was too." James replied. "And besides, it's not like it matters. We're not dating-- you have Remus."

"Well, right." Lily said, biting her lip. She decided not to tell him about their break up. "Well then, I'll let you get back to Madison…" She said, starting to walk away.

"I don't like her, you know. Not like that, anyway." James said. "I mean…"

"You saw an opportunity." Lily interrupted. "So I'll let you get back to it… or her." She snapped.

"You're mad at me." James said, trying not to laugh while walking to catch up with her.

"Wow, you're a genius." Lily replied.

"Why are you mad? Technically, it's not fair for you to be mad at me for doing something that you've done before, too." James argued.

"Whatever, James. Keep telling yourself that." She said.

"What's wrong with you?" James asked angrily.

"What's wrong with me?" Lily repeated. She sighed. She wouldn't tell him… not now. Not after… "I missed an opportunity, I guess."

"And what was that?" James asked interestedly. It was obvious that he didn't get what she was hinting.

"Never mind. You wouldn't understand." She said in exasperation. "Madison will be waiting."

"Let her wait." James said. "I'd rather--" He was on the verge of adding something else, but must have decided against it.

"You'd rather what?" Lily asked, not turning to look at him.

"I'd rather take a walk." He said casually. "Want to come?"

"No. That's alright." She replied. "I was just on my way back to the common room." Lily spun around and started walking in the opposite direction.

"Well, maybe I'll come with you…"

"Then maybe I'll take a walk." She said, turning around again.

"Okay, hold up." He grabbed her arm to stop her from walking away from him. He stared at her for a second. God, those blue eyes were intoxicating… Lily snapped herself back into reality.

"Let go of me, James Potter, or I swear…"

But he released her. "Lily, I just want to talk."

"Well, maybe I don't want to talk." She retorted. "You know, I think I just want to go to bed before someone catches us out of our dormitories. Okay?"

"Okay." James replied slowly. "Go."

"See you, then." She said, holding her nose high, and storming down the corridors. Lily could feel James eyes watching her every step, but honestly, she didn't care.

When she entered the common room, Madison wasn't there. Lily didn't even give it a thought, but instead marched right up to the dormitory before Sirius or Remus would get back and she would have to explain every embarrassing detail.

She didn't even bother to change into her nightclothes. She just jumped into her bed, and yanked the bed hangings closed violently.

Lily lay in her bed, fully clothed, with her arms crossed across her chest for a long time. She didn't allow sleep to come, but just let her thoughts overthrow her.

Why had she thought--even for that brief moment-- that James could like her? Who was she trying to fool?

After awhile, Lily heard bed curtains being ripped open, and then saw Madison pull Lily's back.

"I see what's happening." She said sharply.

"And what's that?" Lily asked, turning onto her side so she wouldn't have to look at her supposed-friend.

"You're falling in love." Madison said to Lily's back. "And, wouldn't you know, it's with the guy I've had my eye on for the past three years."

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about. And you haven't liked him for three years. And I don't love him-- in fact, I don't even like him!" Lily said bitterly.

"You're lying. I can hear it in your voice." Madison said. But she didn't sound the least bit sympathetic.

"How would you know if I was lying?" Lily said. She even heard the bite of impatience in her voice. "We haven't sat down to talk in over a month."

"That's not true." Madison argued. "I told you about my hair…"

"And something else, too. Oh yeah-- your boyfriend. That's right." Lily said sarcastically, sitting up.

"Shawn is not my boyfriend."

"Yes he is. You told me so." Lily retorted. "That was one of the few things that we've talked about. Oh, and by the way," She continued bitterly. "Your hair looks fantastic. In my opinion, the black really makes you look evil. But that was what you were going for, right? Because you've got the attitude part down perfectly."

Madison fingered her hair nervously. "I think it looks fine." She replied softly. She paused, smiled maliciously, and then added, "James thought I look great, too."

"Well, James can just go screw himself." Lily snapped, flopping back down on the bed. "Or better yet, he can go screw you."

"Take that back, you bitch." Madison glowered.

"I'd rather not. You two looked so cozy on that couch, why should I?" Lily said furiously.

"You know something, Lily? I never liked you. You were just holding me back from getting what I really want. I used to think that you were lucky to have so many boys fawning on you. I don't know what Amos sees in you. You're nothing, Evans. You're nothing but a loser. Your parents don't love you, and now I see why."

Lily was shocked for a second. Your parents don't love you… It echoed through Lily's brain. Lily gulped.

"You know," She said desperately searching for something to strike a nerve. "James doesn't actually love you."

"Yes he does." Madison said smugly. "He told me."

"Okay." Lily replied. "If that's what you want to think."

"Fine, then." Madison countered. "You can have it that way. But you'll be sorry when James and I are married with a kid that's just as beautiful as we are."

"We'll see about that." Lily snarled. "I don't even care anymore." So that was that. She had lost two friends in one night.