November melted into December. With each passing day, Lily and James grew fitter and stronger, honing and pruning their developing powers. They became slim, toned, muscled teenagers, with expansive knowledge of curses. They became better at defending their minds, Occlumency, better at Legilimency, trained in the arts of deceit.

They were taught to stopper life, brew death and simmer pain. They mastered the basics of the French language and Elvish runes, studying intensively each day. Lily surpassed James at cutting the chi channels. James surpassed Lily at defensive jabs. Lily excelled at spinning kicks. James excelled at palm strikes and collar attacks.

James had discovered everything there was to know about about dream penetration or ' The Hidden Eye ' as it was referred to. He spent many weekends stealing into the nocturnal, imaginary lives of his fellow students, except the Slytherins, who sickened him. And he used it all to his advantage.

He ascertained every famale in Hogwarts who fancied either him or Sirius, and they set about teasing them mercilessly, spouting phrases from their dreams and playing with their heads. Sirius sometimes ' went ' with them, then discarded them when he became bored.
James didn't. They didn't appeal to him. He had a thing for a certain redhead.

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Lily still didn't know what her unique power was, but somewhere, deep within, she had an inkling that it had to do with her strange, erratic dreams.

Most nights, she was untroubled, her sleep dreamless. But every once in a while, she would be plagued with mysterious visions, whispered murmurings and bright lights.
She was finding it easier and easier to recall the contents of her enigmatic dreams as each day passed. This was due, as Lily presumed, to the sharpening of her senses, caused by the paring of her Sage qualities. She was not wrong.

As the Christmas holidays loomed closer, Lady Lasair declared they would soon be commencing a course on the art of swordsmanship.

'' The craft of swordwielding is complex, crucial to single combat battle. The sheer movements, the clash of blade on blade...this acts as a conductor, summoning your magics and using them against your opponent as a special defence mechanism. Sages in conflict, using swords, will often see a runnel of magic undulating along their blade. As the weapon collides with the other, the magic leaps from the tongue of the sword, directly attacking your rival. Let me demonstrate. ''

She motioned for Lily to step forward, then tossed her a scimitar, still sheathed in its worn, leather scabbard. Lily drew it warily, then circled Lady Lasair cautiously as she swiped hers through the air.

Lily instinctively brought her sword up, restraining Lady Lasair's from continuing its path and cutting off her head. The two swords connected, with a loud quarrel.

As James watched, dumbstruck, a blood red rivulet of flame manifested itself around Lily's blade, seeming to appear from nowhere, dancing along the sword. He glimpsed her hand shake briefly, before she steadied it. A white energy, a coil of stunning silver magic, ran along the sword of Lady Lasair, challenging Lily.

They both drew their swords back, then whirled them through the air in a dizzying eddy of sparks. James saw the fire uncurl from Lily's scimitar, as Lady Lasair's did the same.

The arms of magic hissed, freed from the bonds of their blades. They spun through the air, twisting convolutions of energy. Then, Lady Lasair's magic wrapped around Lily's neck, forming a circlet of white. Liquid barbs sprouted from the manacle of magic, stabbing at her skin. Lily's had done the same to Lady Lasair, the flames licking at her neck.

'' Dissipate,'' Lady Lasair commanded, before the magic increased its hold. The coils of energy relinquished their holds on the two Sages, dissolving into nothingness.

'' The form your magic took – Fire – is quite unusual, mon eleve. It symbolises a fiery nature, a heavy temper and terribly powerful magic, Lily. You will do great things, I feel,''
Lady Lasair smiled. Lily weakly returned the gesture, her hand caressing her aching neck.
'' Come. Apply some Murtlap Essence to your neck. It will soothe your wound,'' She smiled apologetically.

'' I regret there is a large dosage of pain associated with Sage Training. Unfortunately, there will be more to come. '' Lady Lasair held out a small pewter dish.
Lily sighed, delicately smoothing the liquid on her neck. James and herself had already experienced awful pain over the last two months. Their muscles ached. Bruises and cuts marred their skin. Would it ever get easier? Each night they were exhausted, falling into bed, asleep before their heads hit their pillows.

Lady Lasair's excited voice interrupted her rambling thoughts. '' Now, mes eleves! Today, for the very first time, you will fight eachother, testing your individual strength. You will battle me no longer. I have seen you both train – you both are very capable of eachother. Please take your combat stances,''

James stood with his feet apart, his right in front, his hands raised. His heart was lurching in his chest, a strange excitement burgeoning within. He would fight Lily.
'' Mes eleves. You may begin. Bow,'' instructed Lady Lasair quietly. Lily inclined her head, as James did the same.
'' Now! Battle commences!,''

Lily dodged a blow from James, assuming a left fighting stance. Taking her weight onto her right rear leg, she moved her heel directly under her knee, with her left foot pulled back, the striking area exposed. She whirled her leg at James, the ball of her foot striking his solar plexus.

James staggered, winded. Lily advanced on him, her clenched fist crunching at his cheek. James fell, landing heavily on the floor. Then his leg spun out, swiping under Lily's feet, bringing her down with him.

He was up before her. His hand extended, and as he pulled her up, he flipped his wrist, so that she was hurled back over his shoulder, landing heavily on the mat.

'' Ouch! '' she screamed.

'' What? Lily, are you ok? I'm sorry, are you ok? ''

James stooped down, reaching for her hand. Then her leg kicked out, colliding with his stomach. He fell to the ground, and Lily was up.
She stood, her fists clenched, waiting for him. He got up warily, smiling.

'' Clever,'' he drawled sarcastically. Lily smirked.

He dove forward, Lily whirled around, missing his well-aimed kick. She struck his collarbone, as he kicked her to the floor. She pulled at his leg, so he lost his balance, and toppling, fell on top of her.

They were too close for comfort. Lily could feel his minty breath tickle her cheek. She shoved him off her, so that she was straddling him, then performed a swift uppercut to his jaw. He threw her off, quickly getting to his feet.

When she rose to her feet, her hands raised, Lady Lasair stepped between them, smiling.
'' Excellent! Now, try these! You are not familiar with swords, I know, but Sages usually find this ability comes to them instinctively. Let you begin! ''

She clapped her hands, tossing Lily and James scimitars. And so they began. They found their hands perform the movements fluidly, in synch. The blades flashed through the air, dancing and connecting. Lily backed James into a corner, wielding her scimitar threateningly. Then James whirled around, ducked her blow and forced her sword back with his own parry. They spent many hours there, fighting with swords, metal against metal.

As soon as one seemed to gain the upperhand, the other drove them to a disadvantage. Lily was surrounded, backed into a corner, until she slipped past him, like a flash of light, her own blade against his neck. He swung his scimitar back, blocking her movements easily. Their swords clashed, and the familiar switch of blade began again. Then, Lily forced James to the ground, her sword pressed dangerously against his side. She stood above him, the tongue of her dagger against him. Then his leg swiped beneath her, so that he flung her to the ground and delicately drew his sword to her neck.

'' Do you submit? '' James breathed, his eyes penetrating hers.

'' I'll never submit to you,'' Lily almost purred, her sword catching him on his shoulder blade, forcing his hand away from his weapon.

'' Enough! '' cried Lady Lasair. The robes James was wearing were stained with fresh blood at his shoulder. He breathed hard, then slowly stood, extending a hand. Lily took it, yelping, when he twisted his wrist, throwing her over his bloodied, wounded shoulder. She hit the ground with a dull thump.

James grimaced, his hand clutching his shoulder, as Lady Lasair tried to apply a bluish cream to the cut.

'' You will have to remove your robes, Master Potter,''

Lily, winded, was still on the floor, staring at James, her hair mussed, her breathing laboured. He was ignoring her, his expression venomous. He shrugged off the cloak, then removed his shirt, refusing to look at Lily.

Madame Lasair began employing the potion to his wound. '' You are fortunate, the cut is quite shallow. ''

She seemed oblivious to James' discomfort. Lily was staring at James, her breathing becoming ragged. He was toned, lean and lightly tanned, dusted with honey. He rolled his shoulder, and Lily glimpsed the muscle ripple on his back. She closed her eyes.

Damn hormones!

When she opened her eyes, her pupils had dilated, her irises darkened. A slight flush tinted her cheeks and her breathing had quickened. James had turned away from her, but Lady Lasair was studying her curiously.

'' Now! Dress yourself Master Potter, before Miss Evans has a seizure,'' James turned around, confused. Lily was staring openly at him, her cheeks coloured. She began to stammer.
'' Er...I'll go...'' Then she hurried out of the room.

James turned back to Lady Lasair, smirking. '' Ah! So you've noticed, Master Potter! ''

'' Noticed what? '' James asked innocently, needing confirmation.

'' Why, how attracted Lily is to you! She seems averse to admitting it though! '' Lady Lasair grinned. And James smiled back, thinking.

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'' Look...um, yeah, sorry about your shoulder. I didn't actually mean to cut you,'' Lily said quickly to James as they trudged back to the Common Room.

'' No problem,'' James said easily. '' Yeah, right, bye,'' Lily mumbled, almost tearing up to her dorm. James watched her, his brow furrowed in thought. Could Lady Lasair be right?

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'' Le destin des repos magiques sur une arete en lame de couteau. Ils doivent succomber. Suivez leurs coeurs, et formez celui,''

Lily was swimming in a sea of black. These words were repeated to her softly, growing louder and louder. She did not know who spoke. The French words were engraved upon her mind. All she felt was black.

Then she was floating. Floating in a large, crystal dome. There was nothing within the dome, except herself and a thick air. Outside, she could glimpse the faces of her friends...her foes. They were pressed against the glass, their mouths moving. But she couldn't hear them speak. Then, a black form appeared before her, inside the dome.

'' Vous serez casse, puis vous guerirez. Laissez-l'economiser vous, puis votre destin qu'il scellera. La prophetie a besoin de ces amoureux pour lier, mais ils ne suivront pas le couer. L'amour est sans visibilitie. ''

Again, these words were repeated to her, softly at first, then loudly, until she had memorised them. Then her surroundings fell away, until she was dreaming a dreamless sleep.

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Lily woke determinedly the next morning. The French words still clogged her thoughts. She repeated them softly once, then descended the dorm steps. James was waiting at the bottom for her. She glared at him.

'' What are you doing? '' spitefully.

'' Just waiting for my favourite bushfire,'' he replied, smirking. Lily ground her teeth in frustration. She hated his guts. Really hated him. She may be attracted to him, but that did NOT mean she liked him! From now on, she would just have to ignore him. And ignore his body.

She nodded firmly, thinking to herself.

'' Er...I was wondering...it's been two months now, since you threatened I'd...uh...get my ' payback ' and nothing's happened. Just wondering if you lost your nerve, dear Lily Petal? '' he grinned sardonically at her, incredibly amused.

Lily laughed. '' Don't you worry your thick head about it, Pothead. You'll get what's coming to you,''

She stopped suddenly in the hallway, waiting until he did the same. Then she leaned towards him and breathed quietly into his ear.

'' When you least expect it,''

Then she was stalking down the corridor, her hips swaying, an evil smile lurking at her lips. James stared after her, shaking his head. He exhaled.

'' It seems my company has corrupted her,''

Then he chuckled, to no-one in particular, following her dwindling form down the steps. She really was one of a kind. Who else would challenge James Potter?

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'' Lady Lasair? Could I talk to you for a moment? In private? '' Lily added, glowering at James, who was openly staring at her. He shrugged nonchalantly, striding away from the pitch to the castle.

When he was sure she thought him gone, he summoned his broom, and kicked into the air, circling the copse of trees Lily and Lady Lasair stood next to, from above. He could hear them clearly, but was camouflaged by the darkened trees.

'' Um... I've been having these strange dreams...'' James grinned broadly. Could she have had more about him?!

'' Last night, however, someone spoke to me...in French. I didn't understand it...''
James was only hearing patches of the conversation now, as a swarm of buzzing bees interfered with his hearing.

'' Les destin de repos......suivez leurs coeurs et formez celui....what does it mean? ''

Lady Lasair then spoke, her voice stronger, travelling further than Lily's.

'' That is very interesting Lily. The words are spoken like a prophecy. ' The fate of magic rests upon a knife-edge. They must succumb. Follow their hearts and form the one. ' This is astounding! Your mind could not possibly have conjured this, as you have not yet learned how to speak as such in French. No, I feel someone was communicating with you through your sleep, using your Sage magic as a medium. If my suspicions are correct, that means your unique power is concentrated on the art of Spirituality. ''

There was a lengthy pause, then Lily spoke.

'' There was more. Vouz serez casse....la prophetie a besoin....l'amour est sans visibilitie...''

James strained his ears. There were gaps...he was missing something.

'' Well, Lily, that is even more perplexing! ' You will be broken, then you will heal. Let him save you, then your fate he will seal. The prophecy needs these lovers to bind, but they will not follow the heart. The love is without sight...in other words, blind. ' It seems, you were being spoken to directly that time. Would you discuss it with Professor Dumbledore? ''

James saw Lily hesitate, then shake her head. '' No, no. Please, no Lady Lasair,'' Lady Lasair nodded.

'' Of course, Lily. I will not push you. Please feel free to come to me when you wish, with any problem. I will do my best for you. And Lily? ''

Lily nodded. '' Yeah? ''

'' Call me Gabrielle,'' James glimpsed Lily smile, before she began towards the castle.

'' Now, Mr. Potter. Do you want to disembark from your broom? '' James gulped, as Lady Lasair grinned up at him, amused.

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James glared murderous, flaming daggers down the Gryffindor table toward Nick Smith, a lanky blonde Ravenclaw, who had made his way over to Lily and was chatting away to her. Normally, he didn't particularly dislike Nick, but he was fast changing his views, hatred boiling his blood.

Lily was smiling at him. Laughing and smiling. She never did that when he was around! A horrible jealousy rose within him. He would have to do something about it.

'' Hey Lily, can I ask a favour? I'm in your Arithmancy class, and I know you haven't been attending...but well, I've been having some trouble with the revision and I was wondering...'' Nick stammered.

Lily smiled. '' Yeah, sure, I'll help you. '' '' Really? Great! Um...would you, that is, I mean, would you...uh, kinda go with me to Hogsmeade this weekend? ''

Lily, unbeknownst to herself, glanced, from the corner of her eye, up at James Potter. He was staring intently at them, scowling. She smirked. Maybe she'd play with him for a while. After all, he deserved it.

She turned back to Nick, laughing loudly.

'' Uh...what's funny? '' asked Nick, confused and a little hurt.

'' Nothing,'' Lily answered airily, peering at the venomous James briefly.

'' I'd LOVE to, Nick! '' she called brightly, excessively loud. '' Hogsmeade it is! ''

Nick grinned. He sheepishly got to his feet. '' See you then so! Bye Lily! ''

Lily tossed him a dazzling smile, sighing fakely. '' Bye Nick! See you Saturday! '' she shouted above the din. To her delight, James' gaze was following Nick, boring into his back. If looks could kill, Nick would have been dead several times over.

Then James glanced back at Lily, glaring. She grinned, and, feeling reckless, stuck out her tongue at him.

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Nick felt an strong arm snake out from a doorway, grasping him tightly around the wrist.
'' Wh...! '' He was shoved against a hard wall, and found himself face to face with James Potter.

'' Just WHAT do you think you're doing? '' hissed James, his wand out.

Nick gulped. Though he was a few inches taller than James, he was quaking under his bitter stare. Everyone knew James Potter wasn't to be messed with. He had an incredible reputation for knowing every hex and curse known to wizard.

'' Uh...nothing,''

'' That's right! NOTHING! You aren't going to lay one DIRTY finger on MY Lily, pal! ''
Nick, feeling a bit braver, stood to his full height.

'' Just back off, Potter. She doesn't want you,'' he said harshly.

James approached him dangerously. '' Well, she sure as hell doesn't want you! Now, listen, before I break every single one of your bones and beat you to a pulp. Lily Evans is MINE. NO-ONE else's! Is that clear? ''

'' No. Potter, it's not! ''

'' And just what are you going to do about it, Smith? ''

'' I...I'll hex you! '' Nick stuttered, sounding terrified at the very thought. James chuckled coldly.

'' You could try, Nick. But you wouldn't succeed. If you so much as speak to Evans again, I'll curse you so bad your children's children will feel it! Understand? ''

Nick nodded.

'' Now go tell her Saturday's off. And then, never talk two words to her, EVER again,''

Nick practically ran out of the room, his footing faltering. James lay back against the stone walls, breathing hard. It had been a long time since he threatened someone. But he had felt such rage...he'd almost lost control. It couldn't happen again.

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'' POTTER!!! GET YOUR SORRY ASS OVER HERE NOW! '' shrieked Lily Evans, later, in the Common Room. She was almost blinded by utter wrath. He had done it again. Terrified any guy who EVER asked her out, simply because he was still living some twisted fantasy that she would ever actually consider going with him.

James gulped, slowly strolling over to the fire-breathing dragon in the corner. Her face almost matched her russet hair, her eyes spitting green fire. He was in for it now.

He beamed at her. ''Aight, Evans? ''

'' NO I'M NOT! YOU! YOU! YOU ARE GOING TO PAY, BIGTIME POTTER! I CAN'T TAKE YOUR CRAP ANYMORE! YOU THREATENED HIM, DIDN'T YOU? DIDN'T YOU? ''

James rolled his eyes, flushing guiltily. '' No need to take it so seriously. I merely informed him he was treading on MY territory,''

James began to whistle. Lily looked like she was going to rip his hair off at the roots.

'' DON'T YOU EVER COME NEAR ME AGAIN, POTTER! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS! THE WAR IS ON! ''

'' Well, then, all's fair in LOVE and war, sweetie. '' James quipped, rumpling his air, dutifully ignoring the entire Common Room, who were busy staring avidly at the two bickering students.

Lily screamed in frustration, before storming up to her dorm. As she was about to enter, she paused.

'' You're in for one HELL of a ride, Potter. You've just committted suicide,'' James sniggered.

'' Yeah, I don't know about the suicide, baby, but I sure know a good ride when it's staring me in the face,''

He stared pointedly at Lily. She shook her head angrily, then flung the door of her dorm open and hurled herself inside.

'' The war is SO on,''

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FINALLY!!! I'm finished! 3672 WORDS!!!! Ten a4 pages of small writing, and I'm done! I know some parts were REALLY boring, but please, have mercy! Things will SO heat up in the next chapter! Now.....VOTE!

What should Lily do to James???????????????????????????????????????? I NEED ideas! Please leave some in the reviews!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRETTY PLEASE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP???????????

LALALALA Liz: I've put you on my list and I'll be emailing you! As long as you promise to REVIEW!!! : D . Thank you 4 review!


Weirdo101: Um...I have a terrible memory! I can't remember if Lil yelled at James or not! She obviously did, since you said it...oh, I'm hopeless. I've no memory! AT ALL! Thank you 4 review!!!! Hmmm, how can I explain? Ok, a Sage is a magical being, that can perform magic without a wand. Lil and J are not true Sages, they are part witch and wizard. But their powers are greater than the norm. Each Sage has a special power, unique to him/her. In this case, James' is seeing dreams and Lily's is communicating with spiritual...things...that come to her in her sleep, prophesising. They also have other powers, like being accomplished ' Occlumens ' or ' Legilimens ' . In the fifth book, Occlumency prevents others from seeing into your mind and Legilimency means you can lie easily, without being detected. I hope I cleared that up! Probably not, since I'm awful at explaining things! : D


Miss Confidante: Thank you SO SO much 4 your review! Simple, but GR8!


Speedoairhead: I'm so glad you liked the chappie! : D Cos, if you liked the detail, you'll HOPEFULLY like this one! It's very descriptive! Lily does have something ESPECIALLY big planned, but I'm not yet sure what! Wanna give me some ideas????


Anonymous: Jason Isaacs...I know, I know! He's so cool! And a brilliant actor! So are Heath and Mel! I approve! My fav actor is...Ben Stiller! He's HILARIOUS! I also like Tucker ( mmm ) , Tom Felton ( yum ) and Eddie Murphy. And Viggo Mortensen ( Aragorn ) ...he's just so fantastic as Aragorn! Thanks 4 review!


KMK: Nope, I've never read ' Eragon '. Who wrote it? I'll check it out! Any ideas 4 what Lil does? TELL ME! Thanks 4 review. I updated after 3 days! Not Bad! : D