Welcome to Chapter 17! I'm so happy. I like this chapter a lot. I have been driving my Mom nuts while I was writing this because I listen to the Star Wars soundtrack at least 3 times straight.

Happy 2005 everyone!

Disclaimer: Yes I own Harry Potter. And Viggo Mortenson is stripping naked in front of my eyes and drooling mouth (Viggo so sexy!). I wish it was true. Harry Potter is property of J.K. Rowling.

P.S: If you haven't read OotP, there are some spoilers in this chapter.

I get to see my brother in 2 weeks! I am so excited because I hardly ever get to see my brother, Chad.

7 months and 16 days until Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

VXIXV

The Marauders, as well as Lily and her friends, raced up the stairs to Defense Against Dark Arts lesson. They had just a few minutes before the bell rung and Professor Flynn did not tolerate students who were tardy. Unfortunately his classroom was at the very top of the East Tower, close to the Divination class room. Everyone managed to get to his class room on time and with only mere seconds before the bell sounded. When it did, Professor Flynn hobbled out of his office and into the main class area. The room had been magically rearranged; all the desks had vanished and were replaced by small chairs that outlined a large circle in the center. In the center was a large purple rug with a golden line divided right down the middle. On either end was the symbol of Gryffindor and Slytherin houses. The Gryffindors all sat all bunched up at one end of the room, as did all the Slytherins. Professor Flynn stood in the center and cleared his throat, "Welcome students. Today you will be preparing for your N.E.W.T. practical exam for this level of Defense Against Dark Arts. Dueling is a necessary skill that every witch or wizard needs to know but your level of dueling is dependant on your choice of career. Aurors for example have a much high level of dueling than those who work under the management of the Floo Network at the Ministry," Professor Flynn said in his heavy voice. He surveyed the students but Lily had always wondered why because his eyebrows were so bushy that it seemed impossible that he would be able to see out of his eyes. "I will be one judging your duels. You may use any spell as long as it is not illegal or will cause fetal damage to your opponent," he said glaring at the Slytherins. "You win your match if, and only if, your opponent is unable to duel by any means necessary. However you cannot knock out your opponent. If you do so, your house will lose points and you will be paying a nice little visit to your Head of House. Hand to hand contact is not allowed, we are wizards not muggles," Professor Flynn explained. He looked at his students, who all nodded in understanding.

Lily looked at James, who looked positively delighted that he could duel, and humiliate a Slytherin without being punished. Lily shared his state-of-mind. She only hoped that she would have a chance to go up against Rodulphos Lestrange for some much needed pay back. The gorilla looking boy was sitting in the back of all the Slytherins, whispering into Bellatrix's ears. Lily glanced around at Sirius who was starring with eyes full of hate. Dorcas and Amberle also looked thrilled at the idea of opening a can of Slytherin-whoop ass. Anthy looked as if she would rather jump off the Astronomy tower than duel. Lily gave Anthy an encouraging smile to which Anthy grinned back. "Good luck," she mouthed silently.

"Let's see, who's first. Ah ha, how about Meadows and Nott," Professor Lantis said. Dorcas' eyes filled with glee. It had always been one of her life-long goals to curse Nott to the hospital wing. She got up from her seat and moved into position on the purple carpet. Nott, who was shaped more like a bug than a person, walked to the opposite end. When Dorcas had been in her 2nd year, Nott had decided that it would be amusing to pelt her with Dungbombs that made her smell of droppings for two weeks. Even Lily found it hard to be around Dorcas with the ever-constant smell of dung. Since then Dorcas had been hell-bent for revenge. "On my mark…GO" Professor Flynn said.

The pair started out by glaring at each other viciously but Dorcas was the first one to strike, "Expelliarmus," she cried. At once Nott's wand flew out of his thin fingers and onto the ground under Dorcas' feet. Lily knew that her friend was feeling the strong temptation to stomp his wand in two, but she resisted.

"Accio wand," Nott cried but before he got a chance, Dorcas yelled "Rictusempra" and sent him flying across the ring. She picked up his lanky brown wand and twirled it around in her fingers, daring him to retrieve his wand. "Batius," Dorcas said. The full force of the Bat-Boogey curse hit Nott head on. He soon began molting into a black, grotesque form when Professor Flynn announced, "That is enough! The winner is Meadows. 10 points to Gryffindor," the Gryffindors applauded as Dorcas returned to her seat.

"How about Potter and Snape next," he said. Lily quickly glanced around at James who was holding the exact same look as Dorcas did. She then looked at Snape, who held the look of utter hatred. Lily did not blame Severus for how James and the others tormented him. He had a good reason to hate all four of the Marauders for all the humiliation they put him through, Sirius and James especially. Remus never took part in their worst pranks, but when it came to dropping Dungbombs or ink pellets on his head, he was all for it. Peter never really did nothing except snicker through his large square nose.

As soon as both had reached the purple rug James shouted "Stupefy" and Snape was already on his back. "Parluzies," he said and Snape was immediately paralyzed. "The winner is Potter, another 10 points for Gryffindor," the Professor said. James took the liberty of doing a victory lap around the purple rug before he returned to his seat, giving Lily a quick wink. "Evans and Lestrange, you are up next".

Lily got up nervously to a loud "Good Luck," from James and entered the rug. She looked at Rodulphos who looked like a venomous cobra, ready and waiting to strike. Lily supposed he wanted revenge for what happened earlier during the school year, but he wasn't going to get it. At Professor Flynn's word, Rodulphos started out immediately with a jet of red light aimed at Lily's heart in an attempt to stun her. She easily dodged it and cried, "Mimblewimble". A jet of indigo light hit Lestrange right smack dab square in the jaw. He looked temporarily flabbergasted and went to cast another spell when he found that he could no longer remember the words. Lily smirked, her spell had caused Rodulphos to become extremely confused and forget any and all spells that they knew. "Petrificus Totalus," she said and Rodulphos became as stiff as a board.

"Oh well done Evans. See class, she used both an offensive and defensive spell. That is the proper way of dueling. 15 points to Gryffindor for that one," the bushy-eyed Professor said. For the remainder of the class Bellatrix and Rodulphos continued giving Lily death glances.

Lily simply ignored them as the rest of the duels proceeded. Sirius went on to fight Narcissa Black, who did not share the same loathing between them as Bellatrix did. She only knew him as a blood traitor and mudblood lover and only despised him for his reputation and not for any personal reasons at all. Sirius left Narcissa alone for the most part. Sirius ended up beating another one of his cousins with ease. Amberle ended up fighting Marcus Stoslen, a Slytherin who resembled an underfed vulture. Amberle lost the match but it was not because she was disarmed or found herself incapable of dueling. She lost because Stoslen muttered a sexual insinuating comment under his breath and she broke his nose with her bare fists. Professor Flynn took away 10 points from Gryffindor and sent the bleeding Slytherin to the Hospital Wing. Remus was the one who got the "pleasure" of fighting Bellatrix to which the pair ended the duel at with a draw. Both Slytherin and Gryffindor was awarded 5 points. Anthy battled a straw-haired Slytherin called Bode. At the end duel, Anthy lost because she had been too slow at disarming him and she seemed like her mind was not concentrating on the duel at all.

At the end of class, Professor Flynn assigned everyone half a roll of parchment on the importance of dueling, the proper dueling technique, and ways they could have improved their duels in class. When Lily left the class she was trying to encourage the sullen looking Anthy, "Hey don't worry. You'll win next time," Lily said. Anthy didn't reply, she just gave Lily a small smile.

"Smart move there Moony. I don't think you would to make enemies with that bitch," Sirius said, referring to Remus' duel with his cousin.

"Amen to that," James replied. Then the warning bell rung, signaling three minutes before their next classes started. Remus waved goodbye as he went up to Airthmency. James and Sirius groaned because they both had muggle studies next. Anthy went ahead to her Divination class, waving goodbye to her friends. Amberle, Dorcas and Lily had Ancient Runes. They waved to James and Sirius both of whom winked back as they disappeared down the corridor.

VIV

Later on at lunch, Lily, Dorcas, Anthy and Amberle all caught up with the Marauders, including Peter. They all sat down in their designated spot at the Gryffindor table and went on to complain about the ridiculous amount of homework they all had been given. "Explain the magical properties of the number 7 on two feet of parchment, "Remus moaned.

"That's unusual coming from you," Amberle said.

"Actually there is a lot about old Moony that you don't know," Sirius joked brightly throwing Amberle a wink.

"And would prefer if no one knew," Remus said darkly. James, Sirius, and Peter laughed. Lily was also tempted to, but she did not want to break her promise not to say anything.

"Well you think you got it bad, we all have two rolls of parchment of nothing but symbols that we have learned ever since 3rd year. You only have one roll (A/N: two feet of parchment 1 roll)," Lily said.

"Why did I take the stupid subject to begin with?" Dorcas asked herself.

"Don't complain, you don't have to listen to Professor Valance say that everyone is going to die a miserable painful death," Anthy said, adding her two cents in. Professor Valance was the Divination teacher. She was small, frail, and looked like a muggle fortune teller.

"Damn, that almost makes me and Sirius' essay about electricity sound fun, "James said with a grin. "Wait I got an idea!"

"That's new," Sirius said.

"Shut up Padfoot before I charm your mouth shut. Lily, you're muggle born, you could help me and we could have some fun," James smirked with a light emphasis on the last word.

"Pervert!" Lily threw he heaviest book she had at James and laughed.

It was at that moment when a sound like a gunshot went off in the Great Hall. Lily turned her head immediately at the head table where Dumbledore was on his feet. The entire hall became so silent that one could hear a pin drop. In a grave voice Dumbledore said, "Everyone listen carefully. Two Death Eaters have been spotted in Hogsmead on the trail up to Hogwarts. You are all to return immediately to your dormitories. 5th year Prefects will lead their houses back to their common rooms whilst the 6th and 7th year Prefects, as well as the Heads, will see me for further instructions. Absolutely no one is to venture outside their common rooms under any circumstances. Go, now," Dumbledore said. There was a state of panic in most of the students. Even the Slytherins looked terrified, all save Bellatrix Lestrange and her group, but some of them wore worried expressions. Bellatrix was grinning like one of the evil black cats muggles read about in their fiction. Her heavy-lidded eyes were narrowed in glee.

James and Lily exchanged worried looks and ran up to the head table. All of the teachers were there and Dumbledore was soon giving instructions to everyone, "Teachers, you are to alert all the ghosts and put them on full alert. When you are finished with that I want you all to patrol and search the castle and its grounds. Prefects you are to patrol the areas surrounding your corresponding houses. I want each to be in contact at all times with the other. You will remain so until the search is over. You will be informed by your Heads of Houses when that is time, then you will remain in your common room and be on guard. If an emergency arises you are to come to either me, one of the teachers, or ghosts," everyone nodded with their instructions. "Go and good luck," Dumbledore said. Everyone began to disperse to different directions but Lily and James remained for they had not gotten their instructions.

"Um…Professor," James began.

"No I have not forgotten you two, but there is something that I need to discus with you and Lily. I disarray that you won't want the ears of everyone else listening in," Dumbledore said softly, his blue eyes no longer sparkled, but instead were filled with worry. When everyone was safely out of listening distance Dumbledore turned to Lily, "Lily I want to warn you about the immediate danger you are in. You know as well as I do that Voldemort's followers seek to rid our race of those who are born from muggles. I have no doubt that some of are students are just as bad as Voldemort himself and you are in more danger than you yourself realize. You and James are never to leave the other's sight. You two are to patrol the corridors at all times, and do not over look the dungeons or Owlry. A teacher will find and check up on you at least once every hour and when they are not near, you two will always have one of our faithful ghosts around. If anything is amiss you are to send up red sparks. They will be seen by all of the adults and the one nearest will come to your aid. You are not to venture outside the castle," Dumbledore said.

James and Lily nodded in understanding and went off in the direction of the Gryffindor Common Room. "Its best to make sure everyone is here and accounted for," James said to Lily. James felt like an idiot, he had never thought of what Dumbledore said, but it was true. If there were to be any attacks on any of the students in the school, it would be on Lily. She had crossed lines with Bellatrix and her group too many times to be overlooked and her extraordinary magical talent also made her a clear target. "Damn that bastard. Damn him and all of his followers," James cursed, meaning Voldemort and his Death Eaters. "I'm as pure blooded as they come and I don't understand all this prejudice against muggle-borns and half bloods. What's more Voldemort constantly holds my father's fate by his fingers," James spat bitterly.

"What do you mean?" Lily asked. She had never heard James like that, save when Snape called her a mudblood. She had also never heard James talk about his father in that manor and his worry and concern.

"My father is an Auror. He spends day and night tracking down dark wizards and putting them into Azkaban. My father is so dedicated to his work that he can't even send an owl safely to mum and me to let us know he is okay. I hate it. Granted my dad is the very reason why I wanted to become an Auror, I hate how little he is home and I constantly wonder if I will ever see him again, "James said. It was strange, not even Sirius knew of his worries but felt as if he could tell Lily what he couldn't tell Sirius. She would understand, that was just the sort of person she was.

"This may not be the sort of thing you want to hear, but in a way I share your feelings. Both my parents are muggles and we both know about all the hundreds of muggle families he has slaughtered. I always wonder if my parents or sister will be next," Lily said.

"Oh I wouldn't worry too much about that sister of yours," James said sarcastically.

Lily laughed softly and met James' warm hazel eyes. "You have a point there". When they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Lily and James saw both of the Prefects patrolling. They asked if everyone was present and accounted for and the Prefects answered yes. James and Lily told them to keep up the good work. It was the same thing for the other three houses. Even the Slytherins were compliant and didn't shout out a single insult about Lily's blood.

Both Lily and James patrolled almost every end of the school from top to bottom. Every so often they met up with a teacher or an occasional ghost but other than that it was uneventful. The same routine went on for nearly seven hours and the sun had long since set behind the tall trees of the Forbidden Forest. Lily and James were currently in the Astronomy Tower, as instructed three times to investigate by Dumbledore, McGonagall and Lantis. "I never thought I would ever visit the Astronomy tower three times in a single day. I normally hate going just twice a week, much less trice in a day!" Lily said.

"Then you should have done what I did," James said.

"What's that?" Lily replied.

"Dropped Astronomy after O.W.L.s and took Muggle Studies instead," James joked. Truth be told, he actually found Muggle Studies interesting and quite funny. James often found himself laughing at the stupid ways muggle's found to survive without magic. "I personally can't believe that have passed the best snogging place in the school 3 times and haven't taken a break. Sirius would never let me live it down!"

"I can't believe it took you three passes not to bring up the fact this is the best snogging haven in the school," Lily laughed. She sat down on one of the old moth eaten chairs and sighed. "I need a rest. We have been going non-stop for 7 hours and it is 8:00 at night. When will Dumbledore let us get back to normal lessons?" Lily said.

Suddenly James got an idea. "Lils, if you want a rest follow me. I know the perfect place and none of the teachers know about it or the ghosts," James exclaimed. He grabbed Lily's hand and dragged her down the stairs to the 3rd floor corridor to a fading tapestry of Barnabas the Bramy teaching trolls ballet. A small door appeared and James turned the rusted doorknob that led inside. James hadn't found the Room of Requirement until his 5th year but it had been worth it. He could not count the number of times that he and Sirius had used it to hide away dungbombs or to nurse themselves back to health from their monthly gallops across the school grounds with Moony.

Inside the Room of Requirement were four large chairs, a crackling fire and a table full of sweets and Butterbeer. "James…what…how…when. Damn," Lily sat herself down on one of the large squashy chairs. "Wow, how did you find this place? I'm surprised I haven't seen this room before," she said.

"May I introduce the Room of Requirement. All you have to do is walk past that tapestry of the Barnabas training trolls to do ballet three times while concentrating on what you really want or need and then it produces it," James explained. "I think several of the teachers have stumbled upon it before but have yet to find it again," he said while pouring two bulging mugs full of Butterbeer. "Here" he offered Lily.

Lily took her drink with much satisfaction. This was just the place she needed. After searching the castle for so long it took a toll on her body. She suspected that James was tired too but he didn't want to show it. "I almost feel guilty about this. We're sitting here in absolute luxury while everyone else is searching the castle and grounds for Death Eaters. But nothing has turned up, I wonder if the report was fake," Lily pondered.

"No, I doubt it was fake. Dumbledore has his brother down in the village, and as strange as he is, he wouldn't betray his own brother," James said.

"Dumbledore has a brother," Lily questioned in shock.

"Yeah, you didn't know that? He's that bloke who runs the Hog's Head," James explained.

"Well that explains it. I haven't been in the Hog's Head. I prefer the Three Broomsticks where you don't have to worry if your Butterbeer is poisoned," Lily joked. As guilty as she felt about sitting in luxury after being given the trust of Dumbledore and all the other teachers, it soon fell away being alone with James in this perfect place that almost no one knew about. Her entire body warmed up after taking the first sip of the Butterbeer. She glanced at James as he stared into the fire; his handsome and perfect features were illuminated by the soft fire light. God, he was perfect, and Lily thanked God for being blessed by him for James. Lily began to get slightly sleepy and leaned her head on James' shoulder. He was so warm and soft, she loved every moment of it.

James tensed a slight second at the pressure on his shoulder but relaxed at Lily's caress. Her eyes were closed and she had a serene smile on her face. Looking down at her hand, James took it in his and Lily grasped on to it. Her presence was so soothing to James. Before either of them knew it, they were asleep.

XIX

Both of them woke up later on that night. James clocked his watch at midnight and gently woke Lily. "Lils, I think we should get back to our patrol. The teachers are probley wondering where we are by now. For all we know Dumbledore could have resumed the normal agenda and the 4th years are up at the Astronomy tower for their lesson," James said softly. 'Mhmm hmm' Lily said softly. She lifted her head off of James' shoulder and regained her normal composure.

"Come on then. Let's get going," Lily said. "Although what a predicament we will be in if there is a teacher outside".

"No problem love," James said. He pulled out from his cloak an extremely yellowed piece of parchment along with his wand. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good," said James.

Immediately the map of Hogwarts was displayed in its full glory on the piece of parchment. Lily awed at it. "Another thing that Sirius, Remus, Peter and I thought of". Dumbledore was pacing around in the dungeons, Lantis and McGonagall were in the trophy room, and the closest teacher was Professor Flitwick who was running around the floor above them. "Hey Lils, check this out," James pointed to two little dots labeled "Sirius Black" and "Amberle Helen Adams" that were sitting right in the Prefect's Bathroom. "Well it looks like they found a way to dodge the teachers".

Lily laughed. It figured that Amberle would sneak out with Sirius. It had been really obvious that they felt for each other but now they had the evidence to prove it. She made a mental note to taunt Amberle about it later, as did James with Sirius. With the all clear to exit the Room of Requirement, Lily and James resumed their duties. It was not half an hour later when they were confronted by Professor McGonagall. "I have been looking for you two for the past 30 minutes. Not even the ghosts or Peeves could find you. Well never mind that. Dumbledore says that you two are to retire for the night," the stern woman said. Lily and James nodded and returned for their dormitories. Both were extremely glad to find their scarlet four-poster bed's calling their names. Lily kissed James goodnight and headed off to her dorm. James had to work extra hard not to invite Lily to his room, but he managed to fight off the urge.

Up in Lily's dorm, she was wondering if she had any of that dream potion left over. However her thoughts were cut short as Amberle came into the room. "Well, someone had been with Sirius," Lily joked. Amberle froze.

"I thought you were asleep," she said.

"I just got in from Head Duties. So is Sirius as good as they say," Lily smirked. Even in the dark she could see the blush on Amberle's face.

"If you tell me whether or not Potter lives up to his reputation, I'll tell you about Sirius," Amberle retorted.

"So he is as good as they say," Lily said with a smile. Amberle responded by throwing a pillow at Lily and hitting her smack dab in the face.

"Shut up the both of you, we are trying to sleep," said Dorcas and Anthy at the same time.

IVXIXVI

END CHAPTER. Now I like this chapter. Two chapters in one week. That is what winter break brings. I loved the little romance scene between the two of them. The chores of the song "Come What May" coming from my CD player helped a lot too . I guess I am just a romantic at heart.

Thank you for all your wonderful reviews. They mean so much to me, they really do. I love getting reviews.

And yes, Dumbledore's brother is the bartender at the Hog's Head. Rowling confirmed that at the Edinburgh Book Festival. I can't wait for book 6. The circumstances of Voldy's birth will be explained and we get to know what is under the Dementor's hood. Rowling had better not kill of Remus. If she dose kill him, my friend, who loves Remus, will probley go into a deep dark depression. Oh yeah, my friends and I have a bet on as to who defeats Voldemort, Harry or Neville. Everyone seems to think it is Neville but It HAS to be Harry because of what the prophecy said "…And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal…" Voldy was the one who gave Harry his scar and thus "marking him his equal". Neville probley dose have marks and scars all over him from all his classical screw ups and blunders but none were induced by Voldemort himself. It HAS to be Harry.

Anywhoo, I will have 18 out A.S.A.P.

Until next time,

Narya