Disclaimer: if I were J.K. Rowling, then I wouldn't waste time writing fanfiction when I could earn millions of dollars writing the sixth book.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews; you don't know much it motivates you to finish off the story. Please keep on reading because I'm nearly finished.

The Night Goes On

"It's alright." Lily heard her say and with that, she kissed James on the lips.

Lily had disappeared before James could see her. She ran away, as fast as her legs could carry her. She was feeling numb and stunned at the same time. She felt empty inside, except for the words of Rachel. Rachel- what was she supposed to do with Rachel and James? Was there anything she could do?

She soon stopped to catch her breath. Why didn't Rachel ever tell me? Why? And now I'm stuck between my best friend and boyfriend. If she told me earlier then I would've never gone out with James. And James, who will he choose now?

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"Rachel, I don't think we should do this." James had gotten up hurriedly.

"I'm sorry." Rachel muttered. "It's just that I love you so much."

"Look, we better go back now." James grabbed her hand uncomfortably. "I think I'm late for my speech."

"You're right." Rachel replied with a sweet smile. "Where's Lily?"

James felt a pang of guilt. Lily, what am I to say to her? Will- will she be mad if she found out?

"She should be down already."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Rachel said automatically.

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Gryffindor Tower

"Lily! Lily!" Remus and Tamari called out, running up to catch her.

Lily turned around to see her two friends. She walked up in a dazed manner.

"Lily, we found you at last." Tamari hugged her.

"Let's talk later. Right now Lily, we have to get you to do your speech in time." Remus said urgently.

"Oh yes, speech- right." Lily replied vaguely.

"Good." Tamari sighed. "Where's James?"

"I'm here." James appeared from the midst, with Rachel behind him.

"Lily, are you alright?" James asked genuinely, seeing her pale face.

Lily nodded slowly and headed to the Great Hall. The others followed suit.

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"Well, this is great." Sirius said sarcastically. "No one's here!"

"I thought you had a plan B?" Melinda joked lamely. She, herself, was worried for her friends.

"I do, actually." Sirius brightened up. "But the question is, are you up for it?"

"I don't see why not?" Melinda agreed cheerfully. with that, the two began their task.

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The five-some made their way down as quickly as possible. James thought Lily was acting a bit strangely... He pushed aside all his worries for the moment.

When they arrived however, things were looking a bit strange. A chorus of laughter and applause broke out in the hall. Lily and James exchanged looks. They were 5 minutes late for the speech already. So what was happening now?

James, Lily, Remus, Tamari and Rachel gawked in unison at the sight of two people dressed in fancy costumes wearing masks. They looked strangely familiar, a girl with long curly red hair and a guy with black unruly hair. It was, of course, really just Sirius and Melinda in disguise. They had just finished their speech and bowed formally.

"I think we owe them a thank you." Lily mumbled after the deafening roar had died down.

James whistled. "You're right. Let's go to the back and find Sirius and Melinda."

"Do you mind if I come as well?" Rachel asked hesitantly. "I won't disturb you guys."

"Sure..." Lily said hastily. "Actually, I think I'll go see Professor Dumbledore first." She smiled assuredly, not at all at ease.

"But- Lily, wait up!" James called. "Sorry Rachel, I think I've got to go as well."

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"That was bloody brilliant." Sirius tossed his head back as he laughed.

"Yeah, although I think you exaggerated James's hair a tad too much." Melinda said playfully.

"Well, at any rate, it doesn't matter now. James's hair has never been as slick as mine." He boasted, showing off his attractive smile.

Melinda inspected his hair and sighed dramatically. "Not one strand of hair out of place."

"Don't mock me," Sirius pretended to look offended. "Shall we- dance?" he added hesitantly.

"I'm honored," Melinda blushed as she took his hand. she felt secretly lucky to be with him.

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"Hey Lily," James said gently, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She replied unconvincingly. "Just a little tired."

"Oh." James replied with a heavy heart. "Do you still want to dance?"

"Why not," Lily shrugged. To think, she had really looked forward to the ball, but now- her mood was completely gone.

A slow song came on, with the Weird Sisters abandoning their guitars and drums to a more romantic tune. The bright lights dim and flashed a softer color. The rose petals continued to shower down and disappear.

Love can be a many splendored thing

Can't deny the joy it brings

A dozen roses

Diamond rings

Dreams for sale

And fairy tales

James was thoughtful. He was confused to why Lily has been so cold to him. Am I doing something wrong or am I just imagining things?

Lily was firm in looking anywhere else but his eyes...those hazel eyes that can take your breath away. God, am I really in love with him?

It'll make you hear a symphony

And you just want the world to see

But like a drug that makes you blind

It'll fool you every time

James drew her close and felt the warmth of her cheeks brushing his face. She rested her head against his shoulders, never wanting to let go.

The trouble with love is

It can tear you up inside

Make your heart believe a lie

It's stronger then your pride

James sighed contently as the song dragged on. What more can he ask in life? Lily, Lily, Lily...that's all he seemed to think about these days. But Lily, did she feel the same way?

The trouble with love is

It doesn't care how fast you fall

and you can't refuse the call

See you've got no say at all

The trouble with love...

"Lily," James exclaimed when the song had finished, looking bewildered. "Why are you crying?"

He reached her face and wiped her tears away. Lily looked so...lost and innocent. He'd do anything to protect her.

Lily looked up and drew a sharp breath. "It's just that I- I overheard everything you and Rachel said..."

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Tamari and Remus were seated comfortably on the lounge, sipping on their cocktails. They were chatting along in the friendliest manner, debating over any subjects they can think of. Remus strummed his fingers nervously and asked,

"Would you like to dance?"

Of course, tamari replied in the positive. That had been the question she had been waiting for all along. The two got up and joined the crowd.

"Remus, how come you are sick so often?" tamari asked tentatively, hoping that it doesn't offend him.

"I have a condition," Remus lied guiltily, "Of angina. It's a periodic pain of the heart, it comes and goes. That's why I feel sick sometimes."

"I'm sorry." Tamari said softly. "I never knew- you were suffering so much."

Remus felt guiltier than ever- he didn't deserve this sympathy. "I'm used to it." He wondered if he would ever be brave enough to tell her the truth.

Done! Now I can watch TV! Your job now is to reiview!