Romance in the Hospital Wing

By Wo Ai Ni16

Chapter 9: The Unwelcome Babysitter

Friday, Third Week of August; 9:00 A.M.

Lily woke up to the noisy twittering of birds perched on the windowsill. She yawned and slowly sat up, stretching her arms above her head. She didn't even move much before she felt a sharp, stinging sensation around her neck. "Ow…what the…?" Opening her eyes slowly last night's events quickly came back to her. Turning her head stiffly down to her left there it was, the cursed letter was there on the floor. It would have looked completely innocent if it weren't for its threatening message and the gleaming blood it was written in.

Groaning in pain, she slowly walked up to her bedroom mirror, afraid of what she would see. The skin of her face and neck were slightly red, looking like minor sunburns. Lily sighed in relief and combed a hand through her hair. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Waving a concealing charm over the affected areas she sat down on her bed, thinking about what she should do with the threat. As much as the more logical part of her brain insists that she should report this to the authorities, another part of her wanted to keep the problem to herself. She knew that the first few people who'd learn of Voldemort's threat will be Alice, James, Sirius, and the rest of her friends at the Auror Headquarters. If they were to put themselves in danger for her sake and something happened…Lily knew she just couldn't handle that. On the other hand, Lily also knew that she had to confide in one person about this, so in case anything goes wrong…but who?

"Megan," she muttered under her breath.

After putting on her MediWitch robes and double-checking that no trace of her burns could be seen, Lily proceeded to walk down towards the Great Hall for breakfast, threat letter hidden in her pockets.

Megan and a couple of other MediWitches already began eating. Waving at her friend, Lily walked over and sat down beside her, making sure that they were isolated enough for the conversation not to be overheard. Giving Megan a strained smile, she decided to wait until the end of the meal to talk to her. A few more minutes wouldn't hurt, right?

Her friend seemed to be in a fairly cheerful mood, as she talked about various stories about her family and her plans to take a day off to spend time with her younger sister. She was currently going into her fifth year in Hogwarts, and it had been months since she had last seen her. Lily smiled and listened to Megan, grateful for something that took her mind off from her current problems. But as the food in her plate slowly disappeared, Lily decided that it was time to face it and tell Megan about Voldemort's threat.

"What is it, Lily?" It seemed that Megan already sensed that something was going on in Lily's head.

Lily took a deep breath and looked squarely at Megan's eyes. "First of all, can I have your word that whatever happens, whatever I'm about to tell you, that you'll keep it a secret?"

Megan almost looked like she was going to say yes, but hesitated. "Frankly, it all depends, Lily…"

"Please," her tone was pleading, "you're the only person I could trust this information to. I mean, I know that we have only known each other for a short time, but I beg you, Megan, just promise me you'll keep this a secret."

Feeling too sympathetic to give her any other answer, "Alright. So what's going on?"

Lily reached into her left pocket and took out the letter. Looking it over warily she said, "I received a…very interesting letter last night, to say the least." She handed it over to Megan who took it and gasped as she opened the letter. Quickly reading over the short, blunt message, she handed it back to Lily as if it were a curse.

"Lily, I really don't think—"

"You promised, Megan."

"But, Lily! This is not something to keep to yourself, or to me for that matter." She grabbed the letter from Lily's hands and waved it in front of her face. "This is not to be taken lightly, Lily! You-Know-Who's very serious when he sends these things; my own neighbor received a death threat two months ago and died a week later." Now looking teary-eyed, she grabbed Lily's shoulders. "Don't do this, Lily! You should report this immediately! Please—"

"I can't! As much as I want to, Megan, I can't! If I did that then Alice, James, Sirius, and all my other friends will find out and try to do something. And I can't let something happen to them just because of me!"

Megan bit her lip and glanced down at the letter. She understood what Lily meant. If she were her situation, she would likely do the same. But still…to just pass this off as if it never happened?

"Okay, I understand, Lily. But surely you know that doing nothing is not an option."

Lily bowed her head. She felt as if the whole world was placed on her shoulders. She agreed with Megan, but what should she do? She needed another person she could trust, and someone who was so weak that she could easily bully him or her into keeping it a secret.

"Ethan." For once, she was ecstatic that she was engaged to him. Yes, he was perfect. It wouldn't take too much pushing and shoving until he will swear that he'd keep his mouth shut. And if he knows, then surely he must be able to think of something they can do in the meantime…

Unnamed hotel, 12:00 P.M.

"Argh, stupid sunlight," groaned a groggy voice from the bed. There James lay on his stomach, and yes, in all his shirtless glory, stuffing his head under the pillow to block off the sunlight that was pouring from his window.

Mumbling various curses under his breath, he reluctantly sat up and glared at the window which made things worse since now his eyes were seeing spots from staring at the brightness. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes and putting on his glasses, he walked over to his closet and put on his casual robes, yawning all the while. He had slept very late last night, or rather last early morning, since he was busy relishing the newfound freedom he had with his new identity- Samuel Jacobs. Okay, so it wasn't the best name in the world; good ol' Moody probably could've done better, but it was the look that counts, right?

Walking over to the small kitchen to fix himself a quick brunch, he sat down on the kitchen table and looked out at the people walking outside. The atmosphere seemed so much happier since there have been no recent Death Eater attacks. James sighed and half-heartedly took a bite of his sandwich. He knew it was only a matter of time until something bad happens.

And of course, he was also planning to break up with Ameile. Now which line should he use… "It's not you it's me." "I think we should see other people." "We were not meant for each other in the first place." "This relationship isn't working out." "I'm sorry but I'm still in love with my former girlfriend and I was just selfishly using you to replace her." Nah, none of those would work. James couldn't help but feel like a jerk for stringing Ameile along all this time. But then again, he was never planning to meet Lily and have another chance at their relationship either. A good old fashioned, "Ameile, we need to talk…" should settle things out. She'd probably curse and jinx him, yes, but at least he can freely pursue Lily afterwards.

Glancing at the clock to look at the time he wolfed down the rest of the sandwich and put on a light outer robe and head out for the door. Just as he was about to reach for it, the doorknob turned and opened to reveal a slightly irritated Ameile.

"James! I've been trying to contact you all throughout yesterday. Where were you?"

"Um… I was somewhere?"

Looking at him in exasperation she decided to question no further and grabbed his hand. "Come on! You're taking me out on a date; we haven't been able to spend time together anymore."

James withdrew his hand and hesitantly took a step back. "Uh, about that, Ameile…"

His girlfriend looked at him impatiently, "What is it, James?"

He gulped and wanted to break it off then, but no words came out. As much as he wanted to break it off, he didn't want to hurt Ameile. There must be a gentler way to break up. He shook his head and took her hand in his, "Okay, where to?"

Department of Mysteries: Ethan Aberforth's Office; 12:00 P.M.

Ethan was busy piling through a stack of documents when a knock sounded at the door. Poking his head through the wall of papers he called, "Come in!"

A smile lit up his face as he watched his fiancée walk through the door. Closing it behind her carefully she walked over to Ethan who hugged her tightly. "Lily! What a surprise, I was just planning to visit you tonight."

He held her at arm's length to look her over. Noting her slightly disheveled and ruffled appearance he asked, "How have things been going back at the Wing?"

Lily smiled wearily and sat down on a chair next to his desk. Ethan went to a table to prepare some tea for her and sat down on an opposite chair.

Taking a sip of the tea to delay her response Lily finally spoke, "Things have slowed down quite a bit since there haven't been any new attacks lately."

"That's good," Ethan nodded as he took a sip of his tea. "Well things have always been slow here, as usual. I was just working on a new case before you came in." He motioned to the pile of papers stacked haphazardly on top of his desk.

Lily set down her tea cup and said, "Ethan, there's something I have to talk to you about."

His eyebrows shot up his forehead as he noted the sudden change in her tone. "Alright, Lily, what is it?" And he thought that this would just be a cordial visit.

Lily reached into her outer robe's pockets and retrieved the letter for the second time that day. She looked at it in her hands and Ethan tried to look at its contents from where he sat. "First of all, before I show this to you, I want you to promise me that you'll keep this a secret between us. Megan is the only other person who knows."

"Megan?"

"Yes, the other MediWitch I work with," she looked up at him. "So do I have your word or not?"

Ethan smiled despite the palpable tension in the atmosphere. "You know you could always trust me, Lily."

Lily smiled back at him, grateful for his absolute faith in her. "I got this letter last night." She reached over to hand it to him.

Ethan's expression was very similar to Megan as he quickly read its contents until he narrowed his eyes and looked up at Lily. "Surely, you know that we can't just keep this to ourselves?"

Lily sighed and sat back on her chair. "That's what Megan said and that's why I decided to open this up to you. Can you think of anyway for us to anonymously file a case? I don't want Alice or any of my other Auror friends to get wind of this."

Ethan scrunched his eyebrows in thought and stood up to walk over to his desk. He began to rearrange the stack of papers as he looked up again at Lily. "There is a way, actually. I'm sure I have some connections that will be willing to take over this case."

"That's good then," she stood up too and walked over to him. "And how about my family? Can I get someone to post up protection wards around their house?"

"I'm sure we'll have that taken care of." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "It's you that I'm more worried about, Lily. You're the one who is being threatened after all."

She shrugged her shoulders out of his reach and took a step back. "I can handle this. It was only a matter of time, anyway, since I'm a muggleborn and all."

Ethan shook his head and persisted. "No, Lily, I can't do that. I'm going to go over at the Auror Headquarters right now and get someone to guard you."

Lily looked dumbfounded and took another step back. "Ethan, honestly, I don't need anyone to babysit me—"

Despite the situation, Ethan laughed, "No one's going to babysit you, Lily. They're going to find someone to protect you."

Lily crossed her arms and stuck her chin in the air. "That still sounds like babysitting to me."

He chuckled and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. "I'll go over to the Headquarters right now. You'll be fine going back to Hogwarts by yourself, won't you?"

Lily rolled her eyes, "I'm not a child you know."

Angela's Boutique; 1:00 P.M.

James tried to look interested as he waited outside the dressing room in one of London's clothing stores. This had to be at least the thirtieth outfit Ameile's tried on today. His girlfriend fancied muggle clothes and always liked to shop in London when she had the chance. He simply had the misfortune to be dragged along with her.

A rustle of clothing signaled her appearance from the dressing room. Smiling, Ameile twirled slowly, modeling the shimmering black dress in front of him. "Well, James, what do you think?"

James put on his best fake smile and nodded enthusiastically. "It looks great, Ameile! So, how about we buy that dress so we can get out of here?" Okay, so that last part should have been omitted, but he can only keep up this façade for so long. It wasn't like Ameile wasn't attractive, quite the opposite really, but he had better things to do…like pay Lily a visit for instance.

Luckily, Ameile wasn't really paying attention to him as she studied herself in a nearby mirror, "I don't know… don't you think this dress makes my legs look lanky? There was this other navy blue dress I wanted to try on…"

James cursed under his breath and refrained from rolling his eyes as he continued to try and keep the fake smile on his face. It was becoming more difficult with every passing minute. "It looks great on you, Ameile."

She turned around and looked at him speculatively. "You really think so?"

To be honest, I can hardly care right now… "Yes, Ameile. Now change out of that so I that I can go pay for it."

A bright smile lit up her face as she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, James, you're the best."

James hid his grimace as he hesitantly hugged her back. If only you knew how much you're going to hate me after I break up with you. Ouch. Nothing but an additional drop of guilt to liven up his day.

After changing out of the clothes and making his purchase, the couple went outside the London streets.

"Oh no, James?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you mind if we go back to the Headquarters? I think forgot one of the files I need for my next mission."

"Alright then, it won't take much of our time since it's near anyway." Instantly, James felt his mood brighten. This was the perfect situation! James could see it all in his imagination's eye: while unsuspecting Ameile goes to the file room to retrieve her documents, he can sneakily move out of the way and make his exit. From there, he can transform into Samuel and ta-da! Sweet freedom, here he comes. Pushing down the imaginary angel beside his shoulder that insisted that he shouldn't desert Ameile that way, a mischievous smile lit up his face as he wrapped an arm around her.

"Well then, Ameile-dear, lead the way."

HogwartsHospital Wing; 2:00 P.M.

Lily walked towards the lounge, where she believed Megan to be, a small smile on her face. She felt considerably happier and the weight that had previously been crushing her shoulders was lifted. As much as she hated the thought that a stupid bodyguard would be trailing around her like a shadow, the thought of someone offering her protection made her feel much more secure. She was surprised that Ethan insisted on the idea, before she thought it would be easy to make him do what she wanted. It was nice to see that her fiancé can have a backbone sometimes.

As she expected, Megan was at the plush sofa, taking a sip of tea.

Upon seeing her friend, Megan smiled and patted the space next to her. "Well, Lily, how did it go?"

Lily smiled and propped her head on one arm. "Well, he decided to bring the case over to one of his friends at work. He promised me that no one else would get word of it. But" at this Lily sighed, "he said that he's going to get me a babysitter."

Megan almost spat out her tea but took a quick swallow before laughing, forgetting her manners. "W-what? A babysitter, you said?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "Well, Ethan called it a bodyguard, but honestly, babysitter is more like it. It's very degrading having someone follow me around like a little girl, you know."

Megan regained control of her breathing and patted her friend on the back. "A bodyguard makes more sense. For a second there, I thought you were pulling my legs. So when will you be expecting him?"

Lily's eyebrows shot up. "Him? What makes you so sure it's a he?"

Megan giggled and whispered, "Oh come on, Lily, if you have to have someone trail around you all day, the person should at least be a handsome man."

Lily looked scandalized. "Megan! Need I remind you that I'm engaged?" Her expression was ruined however by her laughing.

"Oh well, all the better for me then."

Auror Main Headquarters; 2:00 P.M.

A blur of black can be seen stealthily running down the main hallway. Passing through the few people walking around the chamber, it quickly made its way to a corner before it stopped.

James's breathing was labored from running across ten stories. He looked around him briefly; yes, the coast was clear, just a little more and he would be a free man. Feigning nonchalance, the auror made his way to the men's room. Seeing that he was by himself, James looked at himself in the mirror as he muttered the words to perform the transformation. He watched as his hair slowly lengthened and straightened, the color turning lighter as it stopped to reach just above his shoulders.

Taking off and pocketing his glasses, he reached into his other pocket to retrieve a leather strap to tie his hair back.

"Perfect. James, you are a bloody genius."

Walking out the door he turned the corner before he saw a familiar face.

Walking directly across from him in the opposite direction was no more than Lily's fiancé. James frowned. What would a guy from the Department of Mysteries be doing here? It's either that the man was trying to spy on their work or perhaps… what if the man was coming here to see another woman? That would mean that he's cheating on Lily! And if Lily finds out, she would surely break up with him and come running over to James! He sighed. Nah, it was too good to be true.

But still, the little marauder in him couldn't help but be curious. Making his decision, he made his way towards the man, being inconspicuous in his following. What was the man's name again? James wondered to himself. Was it Edmund? No…Edward? It still didn't sound right. James shrugged to himself. All he knew was that guy was stupid enough to take his Lily away from him, and that was a good enough reason to kill him. But of course he wouldn't do such thing…Lily would never forgive him if he were to do that.

Following the stupid guy as he rounded the corner, James looked around their surroundings. They were heading towards the anonymous cases department. James frowned as he continued walking inconspicuously behind Ethan. Now why would they be here? Only people with death threats come here. Unless… James's eyes widened as he increased his pace.

Ethan opened the door to the department and stepped inside. James followed not a moment later.

He sat down and pretended to wait for an appointment by opening a magazine, acting as if he was reading it. He watched as Ethan approached the main desk from the corner of his eye.

"Hello, sir, how can I help you?" Unlike the rest of James's fellow aurors, the people working under the Anonymous Cases Department received no vacation.

Ethan looked a tad bit nervous as he reached for something in his robes. His hand went back out, revealing an ordinary-looking parchment letter.

James chanced as a glance and frowned as he caught a brief glimpse of the letter. If only he could read its contents. He quickly looked back at his magazine to keep his presence unnoticeable.

"Yes, I was hoping if I could file a case and also be given a bodyguard." He placed the letter on the man's desk and waited as the man's eyebrows shot up.

"A death threat I see…" he said rather calmly. "Was this directed to you, sir? Are you a muggleborn?"

Ethan shifted his weight to his other foot. "Not to me, but to my fiancée actually. She's muggleborn."

James felt a cold shiver go through him as he heard those words. Lily's being threatened? And she didn't tell me? What the hell does she take me for? I'm an auror! Grumbling under his breath as he tried to wave away the feeling of pained rejection, he concentrated on hearing more of the conversation.

"I see…and she wanted you to file an anonymous case for her, yes?"

"Indeed. And I wanted to ask if I can also have protection wards placed around her family and a personal bodyguard for her."

The man behind the desk nodded and reached under him to open up a lower drawer to take out a pile of papers. "Alright, sir. If you'd just fill out these papers we'll have everything in order. Protection wards shall be placed around her family immediately. As for the bodyguard, I'll have to write some letters to request for one."

Here's my chance! James thought as he immediately stood up and walked over to Ethan and the man. "Excuse me sir, but I'm a certified auror, and I'd be more than willing to be the lady's bodyguard."

Ethan looked into his eyes and smiled, looking grateful. The other man slightly frowned and reached out his hand. "Very well, sir, but can I have your license and qualification papers?"

James suppressed a groan. Damn formalities. He reached to pull out Samuel's documents and placed it in the man's hand. "Auror, first section-division two. Specializing in field duties with A certification in self-defense and offensive attacks," he said in a military tone as he watched the man read over his documents, nodding his head.

"Alright, you seem qualified enough sir," the man said. Ethan gave him the completed forms. "Thank you, sir. We'll give you or your fiancée word about any further developments."

Ethan smiled at James and shook his hand. "Ethan Aberforth, sir, I can't express enough my gratitude for helping us—"

"Uh, sure," James quickly retrieved his hand. He didn't want to touch Ethan any further or else placing his hands around his neck would be too tempting. "So I suppose I'll start now, right?" He was very eager to get back with Lily. "Where does your fiancée live, sir?"

Ethan scratched the back of his head. "She's currently residing in Hogwarts, as a MediWitch."

James nodded and headed out the door. Ethan followed beside him. "I see, and her name?"

"Lily Evans. Um, about her sir, to be honest she's not too keen about the idea of a personal bodyguard—"

James smirked to himself. That's my Lils. "Hm, quite the fiery woman isn't she?"

Ethan looked taken aback by the inappropriate comment. "Er…yes, I suppose you can say that. So I do apologize in advance for any of her rudeness. But deep down really, I'm sure she's more than grateful for—"

"Yeah, I get it," James waved off his apology. "So floo or apparating?"

HogwartsHospital Wing; 3:30 P.M.

Lily was just washing her hands after taking care of her latest patient when she heard Madam Pomfrey calling her. Quickly drying her hand on a washcloth, she straightened her uniform before making her way to the desk and was surprised to see Ethan with another man. She only got a brief glimpse of the other man before her fiancé enveloped her in a hug.

"Ethan! I wasn't expecting you back so quickly." Her fiancé smiled down at her before stepping to the side and gesturing towards the man who scowled at their display of affection.

"May I introduce Samuel Jacobs. He volunteered to be your personal bodyguard."

Lily eyed the man from head to toe as if inspecting him for any flaws. James shifted his weight from one foot to another nervously. Dammit, Lils, quit looking at me like that.

"I suppose he would do," she said irritably, crossing her arms. She didn't like the idea of a bodyguard at all, especially a male bodyguard. A woman would make her feel more at ease. This guy looked like he came out of a night club. Well at least Megan got her wish.

James smirked his all-too-famous smirk, "Yes, definitely a fiery woman." This got the expected reaction out of Lily, who opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water.

How, how dare he! He's even worse then James! She didn't appreciate the way Samuel looked her, so she only did the thing any other indignant girl in her situation would do…

and promptly slapped him in the face.

James massaged his tender cheek. That is sure to leave a slight bruise in the morning. He turned nonchalantly to Ethan, as if nothing happened. The poor man looked lost at what to do.

"Don't worry, sir, your fiancée is safe in my care." And with that James turned and head in Lily's direction.

Ethan still stood there, his mouth agape. "What just happened?"

HogwartsHospital Wing; 6:00 P.M.

Lily sighed for the umpteenth time that day. She could still feel his stare boring at her back. Honestly, I know that a bodyguard would be a little uncomfortable, but this is just ridiculous! She placed down the pile of bedsheets with unnecessary vigor as she snapped her neck to look at the said auror who was lounging in a chair, his eyes still boring into her.

"I thought I told you to stop staring at me!"

The man just yawned and propped his head back on his arms. "But, Lils, what if Voldemort just pops out of nowhere and grabs and runs off with you. We wouldn't want that to happen, would we?"

Lily felt her insides freeze. "What did you just call me?"

Shit! James just noticed his slip-up. He decided faking innocence. "Why, what did I call you?"

"You called me 'Lils,'" she said angrily.

"What's wrong with calling you Lils?" He gulped as she walked over to him and bent over so that she was close to his face.

"Listen, Samuel, our relationship is purely business. I go continue my work while you follow me around to 'protect' me. Nothing more, you hear?"

He gulped again. "Yes ma'am." Damn, but she looks so pretty when she's angry.

"Good," she smirked and walked back towards the unfinished bedsheets. "I know you expect me to be one of those ditzy damsel-in-distresses who'd no doubt fall at your feet but right now I'm a just an angry redheaded who wants nothing more than to get you out of my sight."

James just smiled and lay back down. I wouldn't have you any other way, Lils.

Guest Bedrooms Group #8, Lily Evans's Bedroom, 10:00 P.M.

Lily gave a long sigh. She felt so old. "Ugh, I swear, I'm so out of shape." She quickly brushed her teeth and washed her face before wiping her face on her washcloth. Peering at herself in the mirror she noted her disheveled appearance.

"I can definitely use a vacation." Smoothing out the wrinkles out of her lilac silk gown, she ran a brush over her hair as she walked back towards her bedroom. Turning the corner she suppressed a scream as she saw no other than Samuel laying on his stomach on her bed, smothering his face in her pillows.

Needless to say, James was in heaven. Everything Lily was surrounding him. Her scent, her entire essence, he even found a strand of her red hair on her pillow. He sighed and buried his face in her pillow. Why didn't he think of this bodyguard business before? He took another whiff of the scent emanating from her head pillow. Strawberries and vanilla, just like the shampoo she always used back in seventh year. He was about to turn over before—

"How dare you!"

—a hairbrush smacked him painfully on his chest. "Ow! Bloody hell!"

"Bloody hell, indeed! Get the hell out of my bed, you perverted jerk! I should immediately report you back to your superiors; I always knew that you weren't to be trusted! You could rape me for all I know!"

"Ouch, now that hurts, Lils. I assure I'm completely harmless."

"I thought I told you to stop calling me that?!"

"But I like calling you 'Lils', Lils." Nevertheless he hopped off the bed. It seemed like the devil just had to chase him out of his heaven.

He laughed and rubbed his hand over Lily's head, giving her a noogie. "See you tomorrow, Ms. Evans."

Lily looked positively livid and slammed the door on his face. "Don't call me that either! It's Lily!"

-Hides behind James and Sirius- "Um… hi? Let's see… the dog ate my story?"

Sirius: Actually, it's more likely writer's block.

James: -nods- Yeah, you see, she was stupid enough to lose the entire outline of her story, the poor doll.

"Yeah, that too…"

Author's note:

Yeah, I'm not dead, and no, despite popular belief (I think) this story is not being discontinued or anything. School's just been overworking me as usual. Plus, there's the fact that I had another writer's block, I still have some of it, actually, and the fact that I did lose the entire outline for my story. Why? Easy: I was stupid and I wrote it on a napkin of all places, and of course, napkins, sooner or later, are bound to disappear.

So yes, here's the next chapter after a god-knows-how-long hiatus. I know this whole bodyguard/babysitter thing is deviating a little from my plot, but I'm going back around it really. After all, what's the point of a straightforward story? It would be too boring and monotonous to make one.

So James is currently enjoying his newfound freedom from celebrity and from Ameile. It's only a matter of time before he breaks up with Ameile, I hope. And as for Lily, well she does hate the idea of a babysitter but who knows when she'll start warming up to Samuel? Oh boy, that would just make things even more complicated.

When will the next chapter be? I'm not stupid enough to tell you guys and die from your torches and pitchforks.

Individual responses (my wrists are prepared!):

TigerLily21: Lol, nope, haven't even heard of , sorry. But as for James and Sirius, they say hello to you too!

Kt: Thanks, kt! I'm glad you loved it D

James and Lily 4eva: Sorry that the update wasn't that soon… quite the contrary really. But unfortunately, neither James broke up with Ameile nor Lily broke up with Ethan. I guess we'll just have to sit back and wait, ne?

CilverbloodOuch. Well I hope you didn't die the day after you reviewed because then you would never have read this chapter! I'm honored that I'm one of the authors who got such a long review! Honestly, the longer, the better. As for 'blessed hell,' I never knew hell could be blessed. I'm sure the devil doesn't appreciate it though. To answer your question, I'm almost positive that Lily and James will die. Sorry! And as for Remus and Ameile? Well, you guys will just have to wait.

Flower of ScotlandThanks lots for reviewing this fic and my art. Yes, I did say that will be posting up the Glade Scene pic thingy, when I get the chance. I still have to give it the finishing touches. I haven't had any time for myself or my family for that matter because of my schoolwork. And I'm glad I still have James and Sirius after all this time, they're the perfect angry-reader-proof shield! Got to go now, before the angry mob runs me over.

Sweet Sarcasm: Indeed, I wish the guy I liked would notice me…unfortunately I've only exchanged five sentences with him the most throughout this past school year…-glares-

Strawberry Promises: Thanks for reviewing! Yeah, anime is so awesome. My favorite is Inuyasha so far. I'll try to read your fanfics, but I can't promise anything okay? Sorry!

JasmineeLoL, okay, Jas, you're welcome to skip over the boring parts whenever you want. See you in Zoology and Physics! ; )

Lily Natalia Evans: Yeah! That must have been one of my most suspenseful chapters. The excitement level went down a bit in this one, but I have plenty more to come.

Chelle-Lynn: Aww, well I'm sorry that my inaccurate information displeases you. Guess I can't be that perfect, ne? And thanks for the info about the proper gestation period. Thanks for your review!

Animalluvr75: At least Lily's over the burns. The only thing right now that's irritating her is James, or should I say Samuel?

Misakichi1: Lol, I feel the same. Fortunately for me I'm not the shortest girl in my class.

MoviechikaAh, but if it weren't for that letter then James wouldn't be with Lily right now, would he? ; )

FallenFlowerOkay, sure ) I'm glad you have that much faith in me to say that the chapter's great without reading it yet, lol.

MiSs WeStHoFf HeRsElF: Thanks for your review! D

DeeAh, I'm sure James is happy though that he has an excuse to be with Lily.

Skittles in Aqua: Haha, have you ever thought of contacting with the people who make them to give them your ideas? That would be cool if they actually had blue raspberry! xD

FunnykidoTrue, that's why I'm making the two go throughout all these obstacles to get together. -sigh- I'm just a coldhearted bitch, aren't I?

WhitepawYes, Remus will have his own girl to love and cherish, but he won't be meeting her that soon. Give it some time. But, yes, you've met her already! And you were right! James has come to protect his fair maiden…too bad since Lily doesn't even know it's him.

GryffspopgurlHahaha, thanks. Yeah, I know, and as a matter of fact James isn't too keen on the name either. Personally, he thinks that Moody did it on purpose.

Ruth3: Howlers?! -gasp!- -hides behind James- He'll protect me P

Dragonhp1116: Well, Arwen, I don't think Lily will be hurt too soon. You don't have to worry that much over her, actually. It's James I'd be more worried about -dun dun duuun-

LissyYup, you're not the only one who's curious as to who Remus will be with. So far I have, I think, two people who think that he's going to end up with Ameile. Maybe, maybe not. And as for the darkness…well this chapter wasn't that dark…but yup, the others will be!

Fate's Fallen Angel: I'm glad you think James is hot… he is, really. -smiles at the James she is currently holding hostage- And wow! The whole wall of 'UPDATE!' really scared me! Thanks so much for reviewing! Oh and no, I don't live in Asia. I wish though, it would make buying anime that much cheaper.

Celestial Night: Hey! I hope your sister was wrong in saying that you're scared of me…I'm not scary, really (I'm even shorter than you for crying out loud! You can stomp on me for all I can do)…only my imagination is scary (ask your sister). Sorry for the long update! The devil made me do it. -shifty eyes-

Harrycrazy432: Your welcome )

SeilinWow! Eleven and your mom gets mad at you for staying up that late? I'm lucky if I can sleep by 1 a.m. with all the homework I have! (School ends at 4:30 for me, sucks..) Well I'm glad you love my style! Thanks mucho.

ZebraStripedFlamingoThanks for looking at my pix! Oh, and about James getting hurt? Well, it is bound to happen sooner or later ; )

SnazzysnezAh sorry! I must have missed your name somehow, so so sorry! Thanks for adding me to your favorite list!

Jen: Glad you liked that quote, I have a great time writing Sirius's lines, he does have the best ones. Not to mention that our sense of 'humor' is very similar, so sometimes it's kinda like me saying it xD

FoREvEr ends: Oh when Lily and James are going to get together? My, not for some time… he does wish that I'd hurry it up a bit though..

Loves to Read: Hahaha, I'm glad you love them. I do have fun writing in those comments, it adds the necessary comic relief in the story. Sorry that the threat scared you! But I can't promise that there'll be no more scary things ; )

Cherry: Well the powder hit mostly her face and neck, but don't worry Lily is currently recovering fully. And as for Samuel? Yeah, you're not the only not too keen on the name. James hates it! LoL. But of course, I just love to torture him. And yup, I do like guys with shoulder-length hair, it's okay I wasn't offended! As long as it's tied back… and damn, but do I love guys with long bangs… it just gives them that cool, mysterious look -swoons-

Singer: Yup, some people are actually starting to sympathize with Ameile, the poor dear. And the whole new identity thing? I have to admit that idea just came out of the blue, just like this whole bodyguard/babysitter thing. )

OliverwoodschicOh, he's with Lily right now -winks- He still feels hurt about Lily accusing him of being a potential raper though.

Cookiegirl90: Thanks for reviewing!

Lj4ever: Oh, Sirius is already with his darling Arabella. And I'm sorry that I'm such a crappy writer and update so slowly… ( Thanks for all your 'update's though!

ArwenundomneilAh, it will take some time, my dear.. some time indeed before the destined couple will be together.

DeeI just did! LoL

Bluestar8917: LoL, is it just me, or does it seem that Ethan doesn't really try to get in touch with Lily that much?

Firewalker32: Thanks for your review!

Ih8u4ever: Thanks for reviewing! Glad you like it!

Fire Faerie: Thanks for putting me on your alert list. And I'm happy that I get to help out with your reading ; )

RaisseThanks for all your reviews, I really like it when people review each chapter individually. It gives me a more in-depth account of what they like and dislike with my story. I'm glad you love it )

Anna: Wow, that's truly a compliment! Thank you so much.

SlippersRfuzzyThanks lots!

DimpiThanks for your review!

Rebellious socks: Lol, yours was probably the only one-word review I've had, but it still told me a lot! Thanks!

Lils33: Ah! So sorry, yeah I'm such a nuisance when it comes to updating…-bows head in shame- Everyone does have her own flaws.

Nr1bookworm: Thanks for all your critical reviews! Yeah, tenses sometimes trip me up… maybe Mr. Hathaway will take care of that? Which reminds me, I should be reading Great Gatsby…nah. Thanks lots, I'll see you in lit!

Tigerlily65: Nah, not really years, I wouldn't go that far…maybe…

ShiveringsapphiresOoh, I like sapphires…anyway, don't worry, I'm not quitting on this story!

Piper-Loves-Leo: LoL, don't worry. You're not the only one who's not into Ameile.

Delany Audri Potter: Hmm… close but not quite. I actually just love the number 16. )

Forever Optimistic: Oh dear, I do hope that you did read the other 8 chapters that I already posted.

Cynical Romantic Lass: Thanks for your review, I'm glad you like my art!

Well, I am curious as to what you have to say to me…reviews, compliments, dislikes, howlers, the like… ; )