Hey! Thanks to all my reviewers! I really appreciate it! Enjoy Chapter 6!

Chapter Six: The Ceremony Part Two

I couldn't help but stare, open-mouthed, at James. He walked straight off stage without even glancing at the audience, not even a small smile. I glanced over at Abbey and Nesie and realized Abbey had realized what was going on as well. But Nesie wasn't really paying attention seeing as Remus was walking towards us.

Abbey immediately pulled me away from the crowd and behind a small elm tree.

"What is going on, Lily? I know you know because you were acting odd this morning! What's wrong with James?!" Abbey exclaimed, staring at me expectantly. I knew this must've been killing her because James was like her older brother and they had spent all their summer's while they were younger, together.

"Abbey. Ask James yourself. But...not now. Wait a while, I don't think he's ready..." I explained quietly. I didn't think people running up to James and telling him how sorry they were would help him at the moment.

Abbey observed me for a moment before nodding and walking back over to the other students. I followed her, hoping I made the right decision in not telling her. She would probably find out soon even if James didn't tell her. It would probably be in the Daily Prophet, seeing as the Potter's were a very old and respected family.

I felt a pair of arms go around my shoulder and my first thought was James. But I turned to see Sirius grinning like a maniac at me. I smiled weakly and gave him a quick hug that he returned before he moved over to Abbey. I felt my insides warm immediately as I watched the two of them embrace. Maybe Abbey didn't mean it as anything more than friendship but Sirius looked like if the hug ended he would never be happy again.

I turned back around to talk to Remus but I found him and Anais talking quietly. I sighed, knowing I shouldn't interrupt them even if they were two of my best friends. That's when Dumbledore decided to grace us with his presence back at the podium.

"Congragulations Graduates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Have a marvelous life!" Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling still.

I couldn't help but laugh as a hundred or so hats filled the air. A wave of black fell back down upon our heads and I dived for my own witch hat I threw up there. But someone got there before me.

James.

I grinned as he handed me my hat and I took it lightly and placed it a little to the side of my head. His lip twitched and it turned into a small smile. I don't think I've ever been happier around James. I actually made him smile and I'm practically floating.

"Hey." I said softly, his smile still placed on his perfect lips. I mean...yeah, his lips whatever. "Hey." He replied and I found myself staring at his nicely shaped face and his entrancing hazel eyes that I had never noticed before.

I bit my lip as I tried to think of something to say. His eyes were on the stage and the students around ourselves. I knew my parents would be looking for me, but I didn't want to leave James alone.

"Nice day." James finally broke the awkward silence, with an even more awkward subject. "Yeah. It's really nice outside." I replied, pushing my red locks out of my face. I could feel his eyes on my face but, yet, I was scared to meet them.

"I should probably go...find my parents.."I said quietly and he stood silent for a moment before nodding and giving me a completely fake smile. He moved out of my way so I could find my parents.

Yet again, I did something totally unexpected. I grabbed his hands and pulled him towards the group of parents waiting for their kids.

"What are you doing?" James asked in a truly curious voice.

"I want you to meet them." I answered. Truthfully, I had no idea what I was doing. This just seemed like a good idea at the time.

Finally I saw them at the back, talking with each other, smiles evident on their faces. I smiled happily at the sight of my parents, momentarily forgetting I was still holding James' hand.

"Mum! Dad!" I exclaimed, dropping James' hand and throwing my arms around their shoulders and giving them a quick hug.

"I missed you so much." I said, grinning at both my parents.

"Lily, dear, I'm so happy for you!" My mum squealed, squeezing my hand.

"Thanks mum."

"And who's this young man?" My dad asked and I guess I looked confused for a minute because he gestured to James.

"Oh! This is James Potter mum and dad. James, these are my parents." I introduced them and watched as James moved forward, hoping him meeting my parents wasn't going to trigger some breakdown or something.

"Nice to meet you." James said, smiling what looked like a genuine smile.

"The pleasure is ours. Your name sounds so familiar..." My mum, Marie, noted. My eyes widened and I prayed my mom wouldn't tell him how I used to tell her how much of an inconsiderate jerk he used to be.

"Oh!" My mum exclaimed. I swear, my heart stopped.

"You must be the head boy!" Marie said and James nodded. I let out the breath I was holding in and pretended to be yawning.

"How wonderful. You and Lily must've become better friends this year, spending all that time together." Marie said, smiling and I just nodded unconvincingly while James pulled it off a lot more innocently.

For what seemed like an hour James and my parents continued their small talk. Such as what James had in store for his future, how his grades were, what his favorite class was. Honestly, I felt like they were adopting him.

However there were a few certain words that caught me and James off guard.

"James, dear, why don't you join us for dinner tonight?"

And of course, James being the perfect gentleman, said yes.

Wuhoo. Eh, it's not very long. But I'll write more tonight. I hope you enjoyed it!

Keep reviewing!

-A Lesson Before Dying