HEYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! Lady of Masbolle – RESPECT! Thank you for admitting how utterly stupid the prank was! But – yay, a proposition! – I was hoping that my GREAT ( Yes, I'm buttering you all up! ) reviewers would help me with pranks and leave a few ideas in the review box??????? Obviously, the prank on Bellatrix will involve one of the lads morphing into her Death Eater boyfriend, who has left school, but I'm not sure what they'll do!!! So REVIEW!!!! Pretty please with a cherry on top? I need good ideas people!

Thanks to Siobhan, my fellow fanfic surfer, for giving me a few pointers on the dance! Also, thanks to Mercedes who saved my stupidity by telling me what a beta is! GryffindorGoddess28 - I have read your stories ( puffs chest proudly ) and I am glad to say they're really good! I...uh...didn't review cos I didn't have time ( gulp ) but I will in future! : ) Ok, Lady of Masbolle again, I have a special surprise in store concerning the Giant Squid...you know what I mean...let's just say James remembers what Lily said...

Ok, I've realised that I haven't put up a disclaimer since the 1st chappie so here it is again! I own nothing blah blah blah! If I owned James Potter, I wouldn't be here people! Wink wink! Ok, past that bit of weirdness on my part...

Now to the story! It's 2 am so go easy on me!

Sirius and James swaggered into the room, drawing the attention of its occupants. Bailey snorted derisively the moment her eyes fell on their lean forms.

'' Er...forgive me if I'm rude...but WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TWO DOING HERE? No way did Dumbledore make you two planners! ''
Sirius winced, pouting. James mimed a dart impaling itself deep in his heart.
'' Aww, Bails, that hurt,''

Lily rolled her eyes. James' hand jumped to his hair. Sirius grinned sheepishly at Bailey as she arched an eyebrow.
'' Well...uh, no, not exactly. But we managed to persuade him in the end. I mean, this dance needs the utter sophistication – ''

'' The class – '' James chimed in.

'' The devilry – '' .

'' The sexiness – ''.

The two boys grinned as they all stared at them dubiously.
'' Of the Marauders! ''

Lily cocked her hip. '' Yeah...'' she drawled, eyeing them suspiciously. For all they knew, the two most sought after males at Hogwarts could've conjured clones of themselves which were sitting in the Great Hall right now while they plotted in here. Or they could've dungbombed McGonagall.....you just never knew with them.
Lily started, blushing.

* Two most sought after males? Where did that come from? *

She let her gaze slide over Sirius' tall, lithe figure.

* Well, I admit Black is hot. But Potter...? *

She groaned inwardly, her cat eyes flicking over his body.

He's...well, he's quite nice...he's got a damn fine body, anyway...WOAH! Where did that come from? *

Lily blushed a deeper shade of magenta, darker than she thought was humanly possible. But, try though she might, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him. They, as though they had lives of their own, trailed possessively over his broad shoulders as he leaned casually against the wall, talking to Sirius. Her gaze rose, to rest on his sharply defined jaw.

* His angular, masculine jaw...flawless skin...that straight nose...those full lips...melting chocolate eyes...unruly dark hair – damn he's sexy *

Lily swayed, flushing furiously, the rest of her body growing hot too. Had she just thought James Potter was SEXY?????????

* Ohhh, Merlin...oh Merlin...oh help me, I've lost it...*

Bailey eventually noticed Lily's uncomfortable demeanor.

'' You're not listening to me, are you? '' she said accusingly.

Lily ignored her, unable to shift her stare.

What was wrong with her?

'' You ok, Lily? ''

She continued to gape at James, her eyes unfocused, her mouth hanging open. She was reddening – or should I say ' purpling ' – considerably, so much so she had turned a sick shade of puce.

Bailey waved a hand in front of Lily.

'' Lils, Lil,'' she ventured, knowing Lily hated being called that. She would probably maim her for life for calling her by those names! But she didn't move. At all. Until James turned. His penetrating eyes were met by her rigid form. She was openly staring at him. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes glittered.

James feelt his knees weaken. She had to stop looking at him like that...otherwise his body might react...He hit his elbow awkwardly as he scrambled into a free-standing position. He grinned as he watched her eyes follow his movements.

'' Allright, Evans? ''

Lily continued her appraisal of his body, then shut her mouth and whirled around, stalking angrily over to Amanda Prescott, a distant friend.

'' Yeah, just great,'' she called back over her shoulder sarcastically.

* Hasn't lost his confidence... he's still the bigheaded egotistical jerk I know and hate. Thinks that women will fawn all over him...*

Lily greeted Amanda stiffly, her mind still reeling.

* Women do fawn all over him * A snide voice in her head said slyly. * They fall at his feet. The only reason he wants me is to prove he can get anyone he wants. I'm the only girl who's ever turned him down and he can't handle that...he doesn't want me for me *

* * * *

It wasn't much longer before Dumbledore entered, his eyes twinkling. He beamed broadly as he scanned the room.
'' I trust Masters Black and Potter kept you entertained during your wait,'' he greeted, almost sparkling with amusement.

( Can someone ' sparkle' ? Stupid question, I know. Oh, well. )

Lily blushed deeply. Fortunately, no-one saw. '' But we are here to discuss more pressing matters. The dance! Before I begin, does anyone wish to decline the responsibilities that planning it will entail? ''
No-one moved.

'' Excellent! '' smiled the professor, stroking his silvery beard. '' I wish to appoint Master Lupin head of the committee as he is the only prefect here. Does anyone object? ''
Again, no-one moved. Dumbledore clapped his hands exuberantly, rocking on his heels.

'' Well then, it is unanimous! '' Remus grinned self-consciously.
'' Now, to business! '' continued Dumbledore briskly. '' Professor McGonagall has already organised decorations and food supply. However, you are free to adjust the selections of beverages and refreshments and, of course, you will all have to help hang up the décor. This will be a student- based event, with a lot of student-input. ''

The professor's eyes twinkled gaily. '' Now! The other professors and I have decided to split the committee into pairs, to promote close one-on-one cooperation and communication. This means that Master Lupin will supervise all the pairs, but will work alone. The rest of you will be magically divided into couples due to compatibility. You may not change partners. I will be posting the list up in the Great Hall tomorrow. Professor McGonagall has a list of your duties in her office. ''
'' And now! To dinner! '' The students filed out, somewhat disheartened.

* * * *
* *

'' Dude, you know what this means? '' James hissed at Sirius during the remainder of dinner.
'' What? '' Sirius mouthed back, totally engrossed in his potato, wolfing it down.

'' With a few alterations...'' James whispered conspiriatorially. '' We can change the list to pair us with whoever we want,''
Sirius bolted upright. '' Great idea, Prongs. We'll use the ' Seletio ' charm. That way, when any of the professors look at it they'll see Dumbledore's original and when any students look at it, they'll see our pairings. This might not be so bad after all,''

* * *

They arrived at the breakfast table the next morning, eager to see the list they had adjusted the previous night after breaking into McGonagall's office. It had taken quite a lot to break the magical barriers she had triggered, but they were used to it after all.

James breathed a sigh of relief when he entered the hall. Lily hadn't arrived yet, which meant he had another few minutes before she would pounce on him, claws out. Sirius and he hurried over to the poster.

' Remus Lupin – Head of Dance Committee, supervises all pairs.

Amanda Prescott – Octavian Rilson.

Bailey Green – Sirius Black.

Lily Evans – James Potter ' .

They high-fived eachother, grinning. It had worked! Just then, James warily watched Lily enter the hall. James stepped aside to let her pass, smiling contentedly.
When she whirled around, her back rim-rod straight, her eyes spitting emerald fire, her cheeks flushed, James just grinned roguishly at her.
'' POTTER! '' she shrieked.

The hall of people took no notice; they had grown accustomed to Lily screaming his name in fury every few days. He adopted an expression of angelic purity.
'' What? '' innocently.

'' You fixed it! I know you did! You can't get away with it! ''
He batted his eyelids at her impishly. '' But Evans...'' he pouted, then grinned brazenly. '' You know you want me,''
She screamed in frustration, then stormed down the hall, her silken scarlet hair billowing behind her. James laughed uproariously.

'' What a drama queen,'' Sirius ignored his remark, deciding not to point out that James was her equal, if not her superior, in dramatics.

* * *
*

Bailey shook her head sadly. '' Every day. At some point, in every day,'' she commented to no-one in particular, grinning.
What a pair of idiots.

* * *

The next few days passed relatively slowly for Lily. Everywhere she went! He was there...grinning away at her, just living to wind her up! Committee meetings were an absolute torture. She would be glad when all this was over.

At the weekend, Dumbledore had decided to allow committee members to visit Hogsmeade and stock up on any supplies. Unfortunately, for Lily, this meant she had to go in with James. This infuriated her greatly, especially when he made boastful jokes about it at every opportunity.
James, on the other hand, was delighted. Every time he saw her, he would smile slowly and knowingly, his hand rumpling his messy hair.

She had to fight the urge to howl in anger when she entered the Common Room and he winked at her, leaning against the wall, sporting a lurid orange t-shirt emblazoned with huge black letters.

' I'M WITH HER '

And, underneath, in smaller lettering, the words:

' REDHEADS ARE FIERY '

'' Potter,'' she said warningly as he flashed his teeth. '' That's my name,'' he quipped, climbing through the portrait-hole and down the castle to the carriages waiting outside. Lily followed him grudgingly, gritting her teeth. She hated being paired with him. And she was willing to bet her right hand James and Sirius had somehow rigged the coupling. It would be a loooooong week.

* *
*

James glanced over at Lily, his hand firmly ensconced in his hair. She was blatantly ignoring him, staring straight ahead. He would have to do it.
* Just speak * he willed himself. The icy silence that had sprung up between them was uncomfortable. He was going for it.

'' So, Evans. What...uh..sort of muggle music do you like? '' They had discussed it at the previous committee meeting. Lily turned to look at him, clearly surprised he wanted to know.
'' I like rock music mostly, but R'n'B and dance are good too,'' she said slowly. James nodded vigourously.

'' I love rap and R'n'B and rock's ok. But dance....? My mother made me get lessons and it sucked, all those waltzes and steps and tangos and stuff,''
'' Waltzes and steps? '' Lily blurted in confusion. Then she began to laugh. '' Oh no! In the muggle world, dance is a term used for music that usually has very few lyrics and just has a good beat. Don't you pay attention in muggle studies? ''
He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Lily interrupted. '' Actually, don't answer that! You probably plan pranks or something...''

They had reached ' Rockin' Robes ' and, sighing loudly, went inside.
'' And what magical bands do you like? '' asked James eagerly as Lily examined a scarecrow costume.

'' We don't have to talk, Potter,'' she said coldly, a bit sharper than she meant. He sighed again, breathing unevenly. They had been having a civil conversation and she had to wreck it!

'' The Hex and Charmed,'' said Lily softly, avoiding his eyes. '' Me too,'' enthusiastically.
She raised a skeptical eyebrow. '' Well, maybe not Charmed,'' he amended. '' They're a bit...'' he was lost for words.

'' Childish? Girly? Lame? '' Lily wanted clarification. '' Er...all of them,''
Lily laughed.

The layer of ice between Lily and James was beginning to thaw.

It was another hour before they exited the dim store, ridiculous costumes clenched under their arms. It was then that they heard it. Terrified screaming. Lily and James exchanged glances of mutual agreement. They drew their wands warily.

'' Carrio,'' muttered James, causing the shopping to zoom towards Hogwarts, propelled by an unseen force. Then they wheeled around, running wildly in the direction of the horrifying shouting.

When they rounded the corner, Bellatrix Black met their eyes. She was standing above a heap of crumpled robes – a person! Snape stood next to her, coldly assessing the screaming girl. Alice McKinnon.
'' Crucio,''

The Gryffindor began to scream anew, her revolted shrieks renting the air. Her body was jerking, bending and twisting at impossible angles.
'' Let her go, Black,'' James said stiffly, levelling his wand at the Slytherin, who was laughing manically at Alice. Bellatrix's eyes rose.

'' Potter! '' she squealed, an evil gleam lighting her eyes. '' But my dear bear cuz isn't with you. Ah, so sad. The filth is though. Carry her around like a plague, bloodtraitor,''
James stepped in front of Lily protectively.

'' Leave her out of it. This is between you and me. Leave McKinnon go and fight me like a real witch,'' James goaded, his voice laced with steely determination.
Bellatrix howled in fury.

'' I don't need to battle the ickle Gwyffindor to know I'm a real witch,'' she spat triumphantly.
Lily felt herself stiffen in rage. She could look after herself. She stepped out from behind James, laughing coolly.

'' So, Black,'' her bitter voice rang into the still air. '' Having a little fun? How about we have some. Just you and me, we duel. And we'll see who the better witch is. Leave Alice go and prove you're a real witch. Or – '' Lily tapped her chin with her finger. '' 'Fraid you might lose? '' she taunted, grinning.

'' Cruci- '' began Bellatrix, her face contorted with menace. '' Protego,'' shouted Lily, at the same time that James yelled ' Expelliarmus '. Her ebony wand spun through the air, gliding gracefully.
Bellatrix advanced on Lily, her features warped from her towering rage. Alice began to moan piteously as James lifted the spell. Bellatrix continued to laugh in pleasure as she twirled Alice's wand between her fingers.

'' Crucio,'' she said lazily as Lily felt time stop. Her muscles seized up, her limbs snaking into death-defying positions. Her blood was burning, rushing through her body as she fell, bending and winding, her body unable to break the slow, excruciating torture. She felt her lips peel back against her will, yearning to scream and scream. But she wouldn't. Black would not get the satisfaction. She forced herself to stop, to hold back, not to yield...Black would not win.

Bellatrix stared in shock as Lily refused to scream. '' Imperi- '' she began to shout, before James swung back his fist and punched her on the nose. Bellatrix bellowed in furor, her voice richocheting off the cliffs and hills nearby in a frenzied shower. She was clutching her nose as rivers of dark, almost black, blood ran down her chin, contrasting greatly with her pale skin. Lily was writhing on the ground, her teeth ground in agony. Her eyes were darkening, hazed with pain. She could feel the blood rising up her throat and obscuring her vision.

James, almost out of control with anger, began to hex and curse Bellatrix who had fallen backwards, howling with vengeance. Snape had been watching the spectacle, idly, from the side. He raised his wand and targeted James, who was occupied with Bellatrix.
'' Levitio,''

James' form rose high into the air...twenty feet...thirty...fifty...and he began to spin around wildly as Snape flicked his wand, emitting a tail of sparks.
'' DROP HIM,'' commanded a manic Bellatrix, sprawled on the ground below.
'' As you wish, Black,'' said a bitter Snape, his wand pirouetting through the air. James hurtled downwards, headed straight for the hard earth sixty feet below.

* *
*

'' Petrificus Totalus,'' the voice was weak, but the spell worked effectively, causing Snape's limbs to snap to his sides. He fell, rimrod straight, facefirst onto the dirt road.

Alice McKinnon had crawled over to Bellatrix's discarded wand. Bellatrix leapt up in fury, screaming in frustration.
'' Deliberatio,'' James slowed gradually, until he was drifting safely towards the ground.

'' Accio wand! '' The wand Bellatrix had been using, Alice's, flew into her hand promptly. Lily began to shakily stand up, drugged with pain and fatigue, as Alice lifted the spell. James reached the gorund with a soft thump.
'' So, Black,'' he greeted pleasantly, levelling his wand at her. '' Looks like you're outnumbered,''

Bellatrix shrieked wrathfully, letting loose a series of garbled swearing. Then, she began to laugh, her face alight with pleasure. James turned slowly. The swish of cloaks all around them...a host of hooded witches and wizards stood in a circle surrounding them, their wands pointed directly at James, Lily and Alice. James swallowed a fist of fear and tilted his head proudly as one of the cowled forms broke the circle and the others closed ranks behind him.

'' Well, well, well,'' the slow, deliberate voice caused an involuntary shudder up Lily's spine. '' Potter and McKinnon, the two bloodtraitors. And the dirty mudblood,''
The hollow, blank eyes of Rodolphus Lestrange gleamed at the trio from under the shadow of the cloak. Bellatrix's warped boyfriend had arrived.

* *
*

YAY!!!! I'M FINISHED!!!! 3140 WORDS!!!! IT'S 10 PAGES LONG!!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I SPENT ON IT???? AND I'M STILL NOT HAPPY WITH IT – ANYWAY, DID YOU LIKE? OR DID IT KINDA SUCK? MY FIRST REAL CLIFFHANGER – YES!!!!!!!!!! ANYWAY, REVIEW!!! AND LEAVE A FEW IDEAS FOR SOME PRANKS! THANKS, OH FANTASTIC REVIEWERS!!!! : )