Aloha! Haha! Well, if our Harry Potter has to come out after yours, at least I get to see Shrek before you do, AnimeAngel90! In your face! HA! Sorry Virginia, I guess I felt that it was high time I started posting things the right way, instead of my random ten-chapter chapters. Anywho, I'm really glad that you like my story, PatchLover08! Have you read "Lily Evans and the Marauders?" It's this one's prequel.

Anyway, mahalo for reading and reviewing!

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Chapter 30

Voldemort's Verdict

Over the next week, Lily found herself checking the front page of the Daily Prophet for any articles or signs of Voldemort. And, to no one's surprise, he was always mentioned. Muggle tortures… Ministry attacks… meetings… fights… and the demand for Aurors was growing, too.

Wizards all over Britain were starting to feel slightly uncomfortable, and always with the fear in the back of their minds that all was not well. The Mistress of Magic was always quoted in the papers as nervous, frightened, and even "In way over her head." These comments only scared the public even more-- if their Mistress was befuddled, what was everyone else supposed to do?

And when teachers like Professor Trelawny kept predicting death and destruction in James's Divination class, all that was left of their composure was torn apart. Especially when it came to the terrified first years.

But Headmaster Dumbledore tried to stay unruffled, and continue with classes as though everything was perfectly normal. This attitude helped to keep the students calm… to some extent.

Lily did her best to keep her head about things too, and never forgetting the rushed advice that Moody had given her and James.

On Monday, Lily headed to the greenhouses for Herbology with the Slytherins for the last class of the day. It was a sunny afternoon, and the giant squid could be seen, dangling its tentacles out of the lakes glittering waters lazily.

"I can't wait to be out of school." Belle confided, sitting down on the workbench, and pushing a pot of plants out of her way. "Then we'll be finished with homework for good."

"I don't know. I rather think I'll miss Hogwarts." Lily answered, as she watched James, Remus, Sirius, and Peter stroll into the room with a wave.

"Some things more than others." Belle chuckled, watching Lily's face, as it turned slightly red.

"I didn't mean--"

But Belle cut off her rambling. "I know what you meant." She laughed again. Just then, the bell sounded, and Madison with her new friends from Slytherin came into the room casually as though being late didn't matter to them. Lily noticed that James avoided Madison's eye as she passed, and sat a row in front of Lily and Belle.

"Morning, class." Madam Sprout said cheerily. "Today we'll be repotting Yalnats Ferns. Can anyone tell me the purpose of these plants?" She asked, looking out over the crown of uninterested students. Madison, who always raised her hand, was engaged in conversation with Lucius.

"Anyone?" Madam Sprout repeated, looking slightly taken aback that none of her students wanted to contribute. Finally, Lily reluctantly raised her hand into the air.

"The Yalnats Fern is used to draw water out of another plant, or even a human for it's own uses." Lily said from memory.

"Wonderful!" Madam Sprout said, happy once more. "5 points to Gryffindor. Now, when repotting these little shrubs, I want you to wear your dragon hide gloves. And be sure that the roots don't touch your bare skin-- if they do, you'll find yourself in the infirmary getting water pumped into you. There are plenty of pots, so, straight to it!" She replied, clapping her hands together and starting in on the ferns.

Lily pulled on her gloves, as instructed, and took hold of the stalk of the plant. She pulled, and the fern came out of the soil with an annoyed pop. The roots of the Yalnats plant were very interesting: at the end of each tentacle-like base there was a circular sucker, about the size of a dime. They squirmed, searching for a victim. Lily quickly shoved the plant into a larger pot, and Belle applied earth all around it, taking care not to touch the suckers, before pouring an ample amount of water into the fern's new home.

"Whew! Look at that ugly thing!" Madison commented to Lucius in front of them. "I refuse to touch it!" Lily and Belle exchanged a glance.

"It's not that bad." Lucius chuckled. But then he lowered his voice, "Is yours as dark as mine?" He asked, clutching his arm. Lily stared at Belle, and the two of them leaned in to hear Madison's response.

Madison also lowered her voice to a whisper. "Yes; I guess we have to go tonight. Going out at midnight is seriously starting to mess with my studies…"

Lucius agreed. "And don't forget to talk to… her before you come. He was not pleased when you said you weren't friends anymore…"

"I remember." Madison said with a small shiver. "Stop nagging, Malfoy. We'll make up—but on my terms." Madison added smugly.

"You should do it soon." Lucius replied. And there was finality in his voice that told Lily their conversation was over.

"What do you think that was about?" Belle whispered in Lily's ear.

"I dunno…"

"What should we do?" She asked Lily.

Lily shrugged. "But we're going to follow her."

Lily couldn't help but wonder if they were doing the right thing. Maybe they should have told a teacher-- or even gotten James and Sirius to come with them-- anything but follow Madison alone.

But there Lily lay, alone in her bed, her heart pounding as she waited for the sound of Madison stirring. If she and Belle could pull this off…

There was the sound of the clock, gently reminding everyone of the late hour. Lily counted the chimes with bated breath… one… two… seven… ten… and twelve. It was time. So, why wasn't Madison moving?

Perhaps they had missed her? Maybe she left early? Frantically, Lily tried to recall if she had dozed off—she might have missed Madison's departure entirely.

But no—there was a small squeak from the bed on her left. Lily's ears listened to each footstep as it moved to the door… a creak; she was leaving the room… and the smallest click. Madison was now on the stairs.

"Belle?" Lily whispered into the pressing silence.

"Ready?" Was Belle's response.

"Yes." Lily said softly. "Let's go." And, praying that the two other girls in their dormitory were sleeping soundly, they pulled back their bed hangings and peeked out the door. No Madison. They moved like the wind, pausing in the shadows as they creped down the girls' steps. The common room was empty.

"You don't think we've lost her?" Lily asked fearfully.

"I hope not." Belle said, opening the portrait hole. The Fat Lady was sleeping—hopefully they wouldn't have trouble getting back into the Gryffindor Tower when the time came.

"Look—there," Belle murmured, pointing through the darkness to the shape of Madison. Lily nodded and the two of them stealthily moved through the corridors, slinking into dark corners, and leaping behind suits of armor.

When they had reached the marble staircase, Madison stopped abruptly. Lily halted behind one of the tall gargoyles, and Belle slammed into her.

"Why'd you stop?" She asked in an undertone.

"Shhh!" Lily scolded.

Madison stared into the dim light of the Entrance Hall, and her ears struggled to pick up any sounds. Lily's heart was pounding—surely Madison would hear it? Madison nervously fingered her ink black hair and finally took her first stride down the marble steps. Lily held Belle back.

"Let her get out of the Entrance Hall." She instructed in a whisper.

"What if we lose her?"

"That's a chance we'll have to take; the Hall is too big, she could see us." Lily said as softly as her voice would allow.

The two friends didn't speak or move again until they heard the defined clunk of the double door closing snuggly.

"Come on," Belle said, taking Lily's elbow, and hurrying her down the stairs. Their feet clacked against the marble flooring as worries and what-ifs were smashing around her brain. What if Dumbledore catches us? This has to be against the rules…

But finally, they pulled open the door together, and the cool night air rushed in to meet them. The moonlight was refreshing, and Lily stood letting in wash over her warm and uneasy face.

And suddenly, Lily was reminded of that fatal night that she had followed a Death Eater into the forest trap. She had put her own life in danger that night-- a night just like this-- and now she was repeating her brainless actions. Joe had had to pay the price that evening, and now, it could be Belle or herself. They shouldn't be here.

"Where is she?" Belle asked.

"I don't know, but we shouldn't be out here." Lily said nervously. Her eyes scanned the edge of the forest for any sign of a Death Eater or an ambush.

"What? We can't back out now…" Belle said convincingly. "We'll find her." She replied, taking Lily's elbow again and dragging her towards the forest's lip.

"No—you don't understand. This isn't safe…" Lily muttered vaguely.

"Look, there she is!" Belle whispered happily.

"But Belle--"

"Shhh!"

Feeling terrified, Lily allowed Belle to pull her into the Forbidden Forest's gloom. The moon was now shielded from view, making everything so much darker. The silhouettes of the trees were painted on the ground like ghostly paintings, and the stillness was enthralling. Her heart rate increasing, Lily now took the lead as her adrenalin took over.

They moved through the darkness of the woods stealthily, stalking Madison's every move. Lily's feet hardly crunched against the leaves, as she tiptoed around roots and twigs. Was it her imagination, or could she hear running water?

The forest was getting thinner now, and the animals of the night seemed to notice that Dark happenings were being held in the forest that night, and now the silence was surrounding them. Madison started to slow down as a small creek came up to meet them. Belle and Lily quickly concealed themselves behind large tree trunks.

"Evening, Gregory." It was Lucius. Lily leaned cautiously around her tree to take in the scene. Lucius and about seven others were cloaked in black, and sitting on various rocks surrounding the stream. Their heads were hooded.

"Malfoy." Madison nodded, pulling her own hood up over her head delicately. "So, Lestrange," She said walking next to another hooded figure. "Where were you last meeting?"

"Walter was suspecting me." Said Shawn Lestrange from under his disguise.

"Pah!" Another laughed. "As if he would have cared! You should have told him where you were going."

"Yeah, well." Lestrange shrugged. "It's not like there was anything I could do." But suddenly, everyone in the circle gasped and clutched their left arms.

"Oh, God…" Some muttered.

"He's coming." Said others.

"Why does he have to do that?" Lucius groaned. "God, it burns…"

"Young Malfoy can't take a little pain?" Said a high, derisive voice. It was Voldemort. He walked into the small clearing with two more adult Death Eaters at his side.

"Sir, I didn't mean that I couldn't--"

"Pain builds character, Lucius." He chuckled. "Perhaps you could do with more?"

"No- no, sir…Master, I…" But before he could think of an excuse good enough for the Dark Lord, he had shouted "Crucio!" And Lucius was on the ground, twitching and howling. Lily forced herself to look away.

Finally, Lucius's crying subsided, and Voldemort's laugh cut into the night sky. It was almost worse than the sobbing.

"That is what builds character, Malfoy." Voldmort said. The young Death Eaters all shivered in unison, as though each one wanted to step away-- but was much too afraid.

"Master," Someone muttered. "Pray, tell us, to what do we owe this chance to see our Lord once more?"

Voldemort stared at the person who spoke with his chilling eyes. "The Stone of Rialle." Lily had to suppress a gasp.

"Is it time, Master?"

Lily held her breath. She and James weren't ready… she could sprint up to the castle, maybe… no, there wouldn't be time…

"No." He answered. Lily sighed with relief. "Not yet."

"Then, why are we here, Sire?"

"I want to warn you that we will breaking into the castle soon. And, as my Death Eaters of Hogwarts, you must be prepared to do all that is necessary to get me, and my adult Death Eaters into the castle- at all costs." Voldemort said seriously. "Anyone who flees will taste the wrath of the new, and most powerful Voldemort. For when I have the stone, I shall be unstoppable!"

"How soon, master?" Someone muttered. "Within the week?"

"No… perhaps next week." Voldemort answered. "I must gather my strength."

Lily was so shocked, that she missed the rest of the short conversation. Voldemort was going after the stone… soon. She caught Belle's eye, and motioned for them to leave before the Death Eaters did.

Silently, they moved away from the rushing water and the cold, cruel laughter of the Dark Lord Voldemort. Lily almost expected the people in the clearing to realize she was spying on them, and sprint through the forest to torture them to death.

She vaguely wondered if Madison would stop the Death Eaters, if they did attack.

When Lily and Belle had reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest, they instinctively broke into a run, and dashed all the way up to the Gryffindor Tower. They poked and prodded the sleeping Fat Lady, who finally awoke, and let them in.

Only the dying fire lighted the common room. Lily moved toward it, and built it up again. She flopped herself into a chair, and only then did the two girls speak.

"I'm so confused." Belle stated. Lily snorted with laughter that she didn't expect. "I'm serious, Lil. I thought I knew what was going on in this castle, but I don't know what the hell the Stone of Rialle is!"

"You really want to know?" Lily asked her. "It's a burden…"

"And what's this about breaking into Hogwarts? And who were those guys? They weren't Death Eaters, were they?" Belle asked.

"Okay, do you want to know, or don't you?" Lily demanded.

"Well, yes."

"Then, one thing at a time." Lily said. She took a deep breath, and started to spill. Just about everything that had occurred that year-- excepting Amos, Remus, James, obviously. It felt remarkably good to tell Belle exactly what she knew about the stone and all the Dark happenings.

She was so enthralled, that when the portrait hole squeaked open a half hour later, it made Lily jump.

"What are you all doing up?" It was Madison. She strolled into the glow, removing her cloak.

"Couldn't sleep." Belle said, faking a yawn.

"Well, it's no wonder—you are fully dressed." She snapped, shaking her hair so it glimmered mockingly in the firelight.

"As are you." Lily said, eyeing her with little respect. How could she have ever counted this girl on her side? "Where were you?"

"As if it's any of your business." Madison barked. She paused, as though remembering something. "I mean to say… it's a secret."

"If you're trying to get us to beg, it's not happening." Belle said. "Tell us or don't; it's that simple."

Madison bit her lip, as though thinking hard. "If truth be told, I was with a man." Yeah you were…Lily thought, The Dark Lord Voldemort, if you could call him a man.

"A man? A boy from our school, you mean?" Belle corrected.

"Well… yes." Madison smiled smugly. Lily tried to look uninterested, though Madison's foul attempts at friendship were quite humorous.

"I've been thinking, Lily," Madison said, dropping the fake, giddy air.

"Thinking? Is that something new?"

"Ha ha. I just think that we shouldn't have let a boy come between us." Madison said. Lily would have thought this was genuine, if Madison hadn't spoken to Lucius about apologizing a few hours ago.

"What? What boy?" Belle interjected. Lily chose to ignore her.

"I didn't let a boy come between us." Lily replied, but Madison interrupted her.

"Listen, I know you liked him, but honestly! It's not my fault if he liked me better. After all, you never act like you liked him, so really, its no wonder James lost interest in you." She snapped. Lily stared at her.

"James? What?"

"I can't believe you!" Lily said over Belle's chatter. "You know, he told me that he didn't love you. I would think that was obvious, seeing as you both have avoided each other since that night. And there's no way that James would ever be interested in a Slytherin wanna-be; he's a Gryffindor—through and through."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"It can mean what you want it to mean. But really, you've got no self pride anymore." Lily said angrily. "Just look at yourself! Tromping into the common room at one in the morning, dressed in black… and hanging around Lucius Malfoy?"

"Lucius is a perfectly fine friend! Better than the two of you! At least I get some adventure when I hang around him. All you ever do is study for B.A.T.s!" Madison scoffed. "I'm off to bed."

"Fine! Go!" Lily spat. Madison stormed out of the common room, and up the stairs with her hands in tight fists. "We're better off without her, Belle."

"After tonight, I'd say so." Belle murmured.

They continued to discuss what they encountered, before heading up to bed around two. But Lily found herself tossing and turning under her sheets. Lucius's screams kept breaking through her moments of sleep. How could Madison want to be a Death Eater? Did she experience things like that every night?

She most certainly had misjudged Madison's character…