Author's Note: In order to get this out earlier, I decided to end this chapter sooner than intended. This is my birthday present to you guys. Lol, I expect some happy birthday wishes :P

Chapter 8

By: Almicene Melwen

Updated: September 16, 2004

James didn't sleep well the entire night. He'd spent a few hours looking for Lily (Sirius had borrowed the map and couldn't be found) but he hadn't been able to find her, unless she really was in the Head Girl's room and ignoring the knocks (which was entirely possible). He tried not to let his annoyance show at not getting what he wanted. But Lily didn't know he was a persistent little bugger, and he was going to find her and make her explain what she had meant by that kiss even if he had to spend all day looking for her.

As he headed out of his room for breakfast, he immediately halted at the horde of girls in front of his room. It was France all over again.

"James!" several girls shouted excitedly while several others were pawing him. It was all he could do to keep them from nicking his tie and other articles of clothing. He jumped when he felt an all too friendly hand on his bum. He frowned. He was not a piece of meat!

One particularly bold girl latched onto his arm as he desperately tried to pry it off. "James, how about you, me for dinner after the game on Saturday." She batted her eyelashes at him.

James grimaced. This was not how he planned to spend the morning. Quickly scanning over the crowd of girls, he frowned when he didn't see a single redhead.

"How about no," he said casually brushing her off.

Giving the girls a tight lipped smile, he escaped by bolting towards one of the passageways they didn't know about. His heart pounded in his chest, as his book bag bounced against his leg. Thank Merlin for the many passageways in Hogwarts. After finding the secret corridor, James groaned, sliding to the floor, allowing himself to think. How the hell how they found out about him? He had been so careful . . .

A sudden scuffle of shoes caught his attention and James whipped his wand to the right from instinct. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his friends, tucking away his wand. "Thank the gods its only you three. If there were any more girls . . . " he trailed off.

"Yeah, sorry we didn't come sooner mate. We were going to warn you but there was a waiting list to see you outside your room," Sirius snorted. "Not that I mind girls of course, but it's a tad annoying when all they can say is your best friend's name instead of yours."

"How the hell did they find out? I've been here for years and they never knew before. I mean even when the Daily Prophet took a couple of pictures of the Quidditch teams it wasn't a big deal," he said, frowning, wondering how his perfect plan had been so effectively ruined.

Remus brought up another point, instead of answering James's question. "So when did you and Lily become snogging partners?" he said slyly.

"Yeah, without telling your best buds," said Sirius, his humor not quite covering his fatigue. There were very faint circles under his eyes as if he had been worrying most of the night. James made a note to ask him about it later.

It looked like James wasn't the only one with problems at the moment.

"What?!" James practically yelled, leaping to his feet. "I didn't – we aren't," he said, flabbergasted. "She just thanked me for being a friend last night."

Remus sighed. "Yeah, well that's what not everyone else thinks." Tossing James a copy of Witch Weekly, Remus gave him a half smile. The full moon was in a few days and he couldn't afford James to be so widely publicized . . . and monitored. The werewolf berated himself for thinking such thoughts instead of thinking about his friend. "Page 23," he said absentmindedly, examining his fingernails, bored.

James's shock was apparent as he glanced at a picture of himself in his Quidditch uniform from a game last year to the story on him. They had made him the center piece of this week's article.

Britain's Most Eligible Bachelor

By Monica Palo

Contributed by: Matthian Wilkes & Pierre Coigne

Witch Weekly is proud to give witches the breaking story on James Potter, who until now was one of the greatest mysteries in France. What does he have to do with Britain you ask? The gorgeous eighteen-year old was recently discovered to go to Hogwarts School of Magic. That's right girls! This famous French celebrity is in your own backyard. Apparently this is where he has been receiving his education for the past years, despite the belief of the French reporters that he was home-schooled.

The Potter family is one of the wealthiest families in France, but they are originally from Britain. The Potters are also Purebloods traced back to the time of the founding wizards and witches of Britain. It is rumored they are possibly related to Godric Gryffindor.

No one has been able to get any pictures of the wealthy Potter until now. Witch Weekly has exclusive pictures on Hogwart's Head Boy including his personal life. Not only is James Head Boy, but Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Considered one of the best chasers Hogwarts has ever seen, James has the potential to be one of the best Quidditch players. He may also take over the family business.

Is there any girl that James fancies? Our sources say there is one girl that James spends a lot of time with (see additional pictures on page 25). Her name is Lily Evans, Hogwarts very own Head Girl. But don't give up hope yet witches. James seems to regard her only as a friend. When she tried to make her feelings apparent by giving him a kiss, James sent her away crying. Lily is not of Pureblood descent and an orphan as her parents were killed last summer by You-Know-Who. Could she be one of the many witches merely after the Potter fortune? Perhaps, but it doesn't matter as their conversation ended with Lily in tears and James stunned.

The article continued on but James dropped it in disbelief and anger. He wanted to smash something for the way that had portrayed Lily as a gold-digger. And he was also certain that she hadn't wanted the attention she would be getting now. His fist curled into a ball as his angry hazel eyes met his friends. "Gods . . . why did they have to bring her into this? This is a bunch of crap and I'm bloody tired of all the reporters trying to ruin my life."

Remus put a hand on James shoulder. "Come on James. Explain things to her later. Let's go to the kitchens for breakfast for now," he said sensibly.

None of the others could say anything in consolation for fear they would be lying to their friend. They all knew how much he hated his life in France, and the happiness he found in his anonymity at Hogwarts. He only had to worry about class, the upcoming game instead of worrying about the girls trying to get a hold of his family's fortune, or people trying to take advantage of him or even Voldemort supporters wanting to be the one to put the rumored Gryffindor heir out of commission.

Gods . . . it was only the beginning of the school year. How was he going to survive now that every reporter in France and Britain would know where he was? James had wanted to talk to Lily, but now he was certain she would avoid him. She would probably think he was the one that had told the reporters about her parents. And the bull they had made up about why she had left crying? Merlin, his life was going to be Hell.

Sirius picked up the magazine James had dropped. "Oh, can you sign this when you get a chance? That was Amelia's condition for letting me borrow the magazine." He chuckled nervously, knowing that the clenched teeth and balled up fists were just small signs of James's anger. James looked particularly dangerous at the moment. He hoped that he wasn't going to be the one James took his anger out on. Speaking of which, where was that kitten James was so fond of? Maybe that cat was good for something after all.

James glared at Sirius.

"What was I supposed to do? I don't have one of these magazines just lying around," he defended. He knew James wasn't angry at him, just annoyed at the situation he couldn't control. "But if you had asked me for a Wizard Weekly . . . ." He grinned, giving James a sneaky smile.

James shook his head, his anger fading. "That belongs in the list of things I don't want to know about you Padfoot."

Remus and Peter laughed, only hoping that their friendship would remain strong despite the upcoming problems they knew they would face.

Lily was about to scream from all the looks of pity, the whispers behind her back as she passed through the hall. But she knew it would only give Voldemort supporters more satisfaction if she broke down, showed any sort of effect the article had on her. The pictures were so embarrassing; she hadn't planned on having her first kiss publicized for everyone to see. Thank the gods the reporters hadn't know that small fact and James for that matter.

She was so angry at James though. He had so many opportunities to tell her, but he hadn't. She had shared some of her most painful feelings with him and he hadn't even cared to inform her that he was France's hottest topic of conversation.

Lily was also angry with herself. If only she had told James how she had felt before that damned article had come out then she might have had a chance. Now he would only think that she liked him for his money. Why did they have to ruin the special friendship she had with James? Why?!

She had been so caught up in her thoughts that she almost ran into the figure standing next to a window, watching something outside. Lily lifted her eyes to see who she had almost crashed into at the same time the figure turned around.

"Severus?" Lily asked questioningly as the glare from the sunlight prevented her from clearly seeing him.

"So it would seem," he answered in a bored voice. He turned towards the window again, intending to completely ignore the girl beside him. She was one of the reasons for his inner turmoil, problems he didn't wish to think about at the moment.

She tilted her head at his curious behavior. "Not even a hello from the Slytherin Prefect? Don't I deserve that at least?" she said, her voice laced with hidden meaning. She knew something about him that should have made her run far away from him. But the knowledge of that secret alone wasn't enough for her to quake with fear. She also knew Severus and his dilemma with duty, honor, and respect. Those were the things that defined the tall boy in front of her. Those were the things that caused the conflict she often caught in his eyes when he looked at her.

"Don't delude yourself with wishful thinking," he drawled in a superior tone, wondering why his cold demeanor hadn't caused her to leave yet. Hell he intimidated most Slytherins, yet this girl seemed to be unafraid.

"I wouldn't call a more than deserved apology wishful thinking," she answered quietly, moving to watch the sunlight next to him. His eyes darted over to her suspiciously.

"What are you on about?" he demanded, wanting her to look at him now. All he needed was just a quick glance to know what she was talking about. He had begun to practice the art of Legilimency, enabling him to see the memories and emotions of others through their eyes.

Lily turned to meet his eyes, full of fear, anger and shame. She knew the possibility he was a Legilimens (she had heard the rumors) but she would not hide the fact she knew the truth. He would know it either way. "Did you know that the pain of the Cruciatus curse lasts more than just the time its cast? That it lingers in your blood for a few days, hitting a nerve every once in a while, making you wonder if you've burned yourself somehow, or someone has just punched you in the stomach?"

"Why are you telling me this? Can't you see that I want some peace?" Severus hissed, wanting her to leave him alone. He wasn't ready to face those demons yet. He was still trying to account for others and her eyes hid none of the truth from him. He should have sent her away as soon as she arrived. He didn't want the blame or guilt. He was so sick of hating himself and here was little Lily Evans reminding him of the things he couldn't change, of the regret he would always have for the choices he didn't have.

She half-smiled, but with no joy in her face. "When did I ever ask for war? I know you were there Severus. I know it was you who cast that curse," she said quietly, remembering how his cowl hadn't hidden the distinctive features of his face. She put her arms on the window sill, watching the dying rays of sunlight caress the grounds and the students playing outside after classes. She loved to watch the brilliant orange and scarlet colored leaves hang on to the last bit of light, reflecting a tiny bit of gold in their shade. It was so soothing to partake in such a simple pleasure as this especially when everything else was going askew.

She continued as the Slytherin besides her tried to figure out exactly what she wanted, or how to get out of this situation. It was a mistake from the beginning he knew, but he had gone along with it anyway – to prove he was physically loyal to his family, to the Blood. But it was then he knew he would never be emotionally loyal to Voldemort's cause or to the ideas that so defined the culture and society he lived in. There was no escape.

"I'm not mad at you Severus. I won't even ask you why you did it. Because I know the reasons you had and what your obligations are. I don't have to lift up your sleeve to see the Dark Mark, because I know it is there." Lily wrung her hands together, trying to explain what she wanted Severus so desperately to see, to understand. His way was not the only way to be loyal. He didn't have to hate himself for something he had little control of.

"Then what do you want? I refuse to be blackmailed or-" he began, so used to the ways of his pureblooded, unforgiving society. He had forgotten that not everyone lived by the same codes he was forced to.

Lily shook her head. "No. I didn't come here to ask any favors or apologies." She faced him again as the sun sunk behind the mountains. "I came here to remind you that the mark on your arm is only a physical one. There are many forms of loyalties from the physical to the heart. Where do your loyalties lie Severus?" She gave him a ghost of a smile before walking away from him. He would have to figure the rest out on his own. Lily only hoped that he realized it wasn't too late to save himself from the dark abyss he was headed for.

Sirius was scrupulously looking at the little dot labeled Persephone on the map. It took him a few seconds to fully understand the tiny little speck next to hers named Regulus Black. Now everything made sense to him about her recent behavior that was so unlike her. She was still grieving and his bastard of a brother had taken advantage of her weakened state. He was poisoning her mind and Sirius was going to make sure he paid dearly.

Growling, Sirius marched down the hall towards the two dots headed his way. He was going to make sure his meddling little brother never bothered his friends again. And he became all the more enraged as Regulus eyed Persephone with more than a casual glance as she walked slightly ahead of him.

The two stopped once they saw Sirius, who was barely controlling his anger.

"Are you lost Gryffindor?" Regulus said mockingly. "Your common room is the other way. Now if you'll excuse us . . . " The cocky little bastard put his arm around Persephone, who followed Regulus's lead wordlessly. Her eyes were blank, as if there was no soul behind them. He began to move past Sirius when Sirius shoved him away from the blonde witch, regaining his senses.

"You are going to stay the hell away from her and the rest of my friends from now you worthless piece of shit," Sirius snarled, his eyes flashing with unbridled rage.

Persephone spoke up from behind Sirius, her eyes taking on a look he had seen too many times in the mirror. "If you wanted me so badly you could have just said so," she said, placing her arms around Sirius's waist.

He pushed her behind him, gently. "You and I are going to have a talk later. But right now . . . " He turned towards his brother, his steps mimicking those of a predator about to leap on their prey. Regulus was surprised and afraid of his older brother, suddenly realizing that Sirius was not someone to cross. Maybe he wasn't the coward he always assumed Sirius to be.

Regulus pulled out his wand threateningly, hiding his fear. "You want a duel big brother? The odds are a little unfair, but I'm sure you'll manage."

Persephone's eyes widened. They were brothers?

Sirius smiled cruelly at him, not even bothering to pull at his wand. "You duel? Now that's a laugh. I highly doubt you'd fight fairly."

"Who said anything about a fair duel? You know just as many Dark Art spells as I do. Now get out your wand. I want to see who's the better Black."

"If you insist Regulus. But there was never any doubt to begin with. Petrificus Totalus!" Sirius shouted as he quickly whipped out his wand and faster than his brother could react.

Sirius snorted at the frozen statue of his brother. Did he honestly think he would have wasted his talent dueling the little pipsqueak? Oh no, he had better plans in store for his brother. He had other people to deal with at the moment though.

Turning to Persephone his expression became neutral, but she was still nervous nonetheless. What was he going to do? She had never felt a reason to be scared of him before, but the way he had turned on his so called brother scared her. She had never seen that side of him.

Backing a few steps away from him, she made to slip away but his predatory gaze held her there, as if to say, 'oh no you don't.'

"Let's go," Sirius growled, grabbing her hand and dragging her behind him. She needed to get some sense into her and he was going to make her understand exactly what she was getting into.