NOTE: Thank you to all my reviewers! I couldn't have done it without all of you. Here's another post which I hope I didn't paste for too long. And sorry for the long delay. Don't worry I'll finish the story soon since it's our summer vacation. No more long waits bet. posts.

Chapter 21: Attack

Hermione had just come from another tiring DA class. In fact, it was the last DA class of the year. Resting in front of the comforting fire of the Gryffindor common room, Hermione opened her old bag and took out her fascination: the red diary belonging to Lily Evans (Potter).

Hermione looked down at rather blotchy page, as if tears have fallen on them. The handwriting was also shaky…just like the last one which talked about James Potter's parents' death.

May 13

Dear Diary,

I don't know if it's just the date mocking me or what but today didn't end like it started. A horrible thing took place today that in fact I'm sitting here in the hospital wing while currently writing this thing. No, I'm not hurt that much …not me anyways: James is.

I'm just supposed to stay here until I feel better…which I guess won't happen for a while. And I didn't mean my physical wounds either. It was amazing how the situation was handled by the Professors though, considering how subdued it was despite the seriousness of the matter. Well, of course I guess, two of Hogwarts students has been attacked.

Dumbledore himself came to the hospital wing to talk to me. James was still unconscious at that time so he wasn't able to talk to him (Madame Pomfrey made sure of that by forcing him to drink a sleeping potion.). Now, Sirius, Sam and Will are arguing about something I couldn't really comprehend from here. Poor Remus is stuck in the middle trying to quell the fight. Peter is just standing in the corner looking lost. I didn't bother helping him (sorry Remus) since I'm exhausted and would rather stay out of trouble. I know I would be in the argument if ever I tell them to stop.

I never felt fear like what I felt today in my whole life. Someone was killed before me!

Thank goodness I'm more calmed now. At least I could still write the good events of the day, as well as the terrible ones. Here is what happened:

Today is a Hogsmede weekend and you know what that means…yep, my "date" with James. It started out really well you know and I could remember every detail of it. We were both waiting in front of the entrance hall, supervising the prefects who were in charge of letting the students out. When they were all gone, James practically dragged me out.

"Oi, can you please be more subtle Potter, my arm is about to be ripped off."

"Sorry, it's just that I want you to see so many things. There's so little time."

I didn't know what his hurry was since I've seen enough of Hogsmede for the past 5 years.

Firstly, we went to the Three Broomsticks and had a few butterbeers with Sirius, Remus and Peter. I didn't know where my friends were.

When I was sitting with them, I realized there was so much I don't know about the Marauders. Not only that, it surprised me that they were not at all hesitant to fill me in. I guess they didn't really care much (a.k.a. large ego), or they didn't realized what was coming out of their mouth (because of big ego as well…in a way).

Sirius, as it seems, is really a pure-blood Black. I heard many bad things about the Blacks from many people not in Slytherin house. But seeing Sirius didn't really fit the descriptions, so I didn't really believe he's a pure-blood Black. So thick of me since now I know that Blacks would never go a 100 meter close to a muggle-born or half-blood if they could help it. These 4 may be the most annoying creatures on the planet, but they were not bad exactly. Mischievous, yes but evil, no. In fact, Sirius hated his parents. It was the reason he ran away. He said the Blacks were really a bunch of evil, pure-blood, Muggle-hating filth. He loathed every one of them, excluding his cousin (who was the mother of that girl Tonks) who also hated them since they shunned her when she married a Muggle-born.

Remus story was slightly different. His father offended someone which caused a chain of events nobody could ever change: Remus was bitten and turned into a werewolf. His family never hated him, they loved him, James said, but they were more distant from him ever since he was bitten, like they didn't know what to do anymore. His mother died when he was young and is now currently living with his father.

Peter was just a normal wizard, with average ability and a low self-esteem. There's nothing much to know about him or talk about him. (no surprise there)

I knew quite a few things about James, but they didn't really talk about him, nor did he talk about himself.

Anyhow, after the three Broomsticks, we went around the well-known parts of Hogsmede. You should see how many large bags of candy from Honeyduke's James bought. There were around 50 pumpkin pasties, 60 Licorice sticks and others I could not even count, while I only bought one big bag. He said they were for Sirius, who always seems to find his hands in James' sweet bags.

I told him that an uncle of mine was a dentist (I had to explain to him what it was) and said that eating too many sweets (especially different kinds) could not only ruin your teeth but your mind.

"Lily, variety is the spice of life. Anyhow, my pearly whites couldn't possibly be ruined not to mention my flawless mind," Said by the person whose mind is beyond repair.

Then we head to Zonkos. It was my second time this year.

"The last time you went in here, Lily, you didn't buy anything. Why don't you try buying a few?" James suggested.

I looked around the various knick-knacks in the shop. Some of them were really quite interesting, but some looked really dangerous.

James chuckled, "Don't worry, not all of them bite...much."

I glared back

He laughed, "Lily, I know most of them .I'll show you how they work."

"We're not allowed to bring most of these things in the castle," I said.

"And did that stop me?" Since when?

"You're Head Boy. Shouldn't you show any example even for just the remainder of your time in Hogwarts?"

"I am showing an example. No one should bury their heads in those books as much as you do."

I just glared back at him and continued looking around the shop. What could I buy?

There was nothing there that was any use to me. That is, until I found this box that looked like the one where Petunia stores her make-up.

Correction: It was a make-up box, but no ordinary one. It contained different types of 'make-up' that would bring many different effects to your face. For example, what is an eye shadow is actually different color ink that glows in the dark and changes color. The other stuffs were brilliant as well. Perfect stuff to make you look like a clown.

It was for those who want to play jokes on rival girls or annoying sisters. Annoying sisters are right…now I have a welcome gift for Petunia. Or maybe I could just changer her regular make-up box to this one. I'll try the latter. I also bought this chair pillow that if you sit on it, there would be a huge puff of smoke that could mess up your hair and make it smell burnt. Those were just the not-so-dangerous products of Zonkos. I bought other stuff that look innocent but could really make awful effects.

Did I mention all them are for Petunia? You could really buy a lot of these stuff when you have purposes for them. I wouldn't get blamed for if Petunia tells mum. I'd just be reminded by mum not to leave my stuff everywhere.

Unfortunately, when I was paying for them, James caught me.

"Well, well, well, whatever happened to 'We're not allowed to bring most of these things in the castle'?" Indeed, very witty.

"I'm not going to use them in the castle," I defended.

He smirked back, "I think I'm rubbing onto you, Lily."

"I hope not," I fired back. "It wouldn't be a good thing." I paused. "Besides, these are a few gifts for someone back home."

He seemed to read my mind. "I see. Well, if you need help, always count on the great James Potter."

Always the arrogant git, isn't he?

"For your information, I don't need your help. I've been doing it for the past 6 years, thank you."

"Bloody hell, didn't know you were a rebel, Lily. It could make a Marauder proud. Your sister must really enjoy your company at home."

Oh she really does! It's a good thing my parents still believe in 'accidental magic' as they call. Sometimes I do it on purpose anyway. I better not let this diary get in their hands as well.

After Zonkos, we walked around the different parts of Hogsmede that I usually go to. James had all funny comments about each place. I didn't know he was this fun to be with when he's not being a big headed idiot. We passed through the souvenir shop, Hog's Head (a scary place in my opinion) and Madame Pudifoot's.

"We hate this place, Sirius and I," James said as we passed Madame Pudifoot's which was brimming with couples as always.

"Really? I would have thought you two would seduce any girl to have a date with you in there."

"Seriously, Lily. This place is too, well, cheesy. A bloke's too pathetic to bring a girl here.. They over exaggerate the whole place. It's embarrasing. Sirius said it's too similar to Padfoot." I thought he stopped talking. "You wouldn't see me bring any girl in there. Come on, you don't see me bring you in there now, are you?"

I didn't reply. I suddenly felt so hot. Probably the weather.

After that, we walked through a street I've never been through before. There were barely any Hogwarts students. Mostly Hogsmede dwellers.

"Where are we going?"

"I told you I'm bringing you around Hogsmede, didn't I?"

"But why here? There are only houses around here."

"So?"

"So, there's not point in going here."

He winked back, "You'll see."

We passed through many cramped alleyways leading to small cottages. We emerged in a small square I haven't seen before. It was a cozy place. There were little wagons that sell cute magical ornaments.

"See? This place is better than that Madame Pudifoot's, isn't it?"

"How'd you know about this place?" I asked, awed.

He shrugged, "We stumbled upon it. Very little people come here. I guess only Hogsmede dwellers know about this square."

We spent more time walking around the rest of the village and bought some of the ornaments. Some places are all huts and cottages, but are quiet and less crowded. It was nice to walk around those areas, but awkward at the same time because I kept finding James' gaze on me. Later, he took my hand and led me away from the houses.

"Where are we going now, Potter?" I demanded rather bossily.

"In another place. It's a bit outside Hogsmede, but is bloody brilliant."

"How is it special this time?" I asked sarcastically.

"You'll see." There's that phrase again. It was getting annoying then.

We walked for a few more miles until we reached this rather rocky slope. He helped me up the slope in a hurry.

"Can you please slow down! These rocks aren't as easy to climb as it looks."

He turned and stopped so suddenly, I crashed on top of him…RIGHT ON TOP OF HIM! It was really awkward.

"I'm sorry," I quickly muttered and tried to get up. While on it, I tripped on another rock and scraped my leg. I fell back down.

"Can't get enough of me, Lily?" he joked. It sounded so much like he was a couple of years ago.

"Shut up, Potter, if you know what's good for you."

Once we're sorted up. He stopped me from going on. He looked down at the graze on my leg. "I think it's too dangerous. We better not continue."

"What! When we're halfway up? No, thank you. Let's continue wherever we're going."

So that's what we did. But let me tell you, it was well worth the climb. We reached this small plateau with grassy plains. The scenery was amazing. I could see the whole Hogsmede, Hogwarts and half of its grounds. I could even see most of the lake and the Forbidden Forest. The sun was almost setting too, so the whole area was bathed in golden red light. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I wished I could stay there forever.

"Wow, you sure do know a lot of amazing places."

James stood next to me and looked over at Hogsmede. "We've been to many places around Hogwarts. We discover many things, especially during the full moon." He quickly turned to me.

"Don't tell anybody about that!"

I looked at him in curiosity, "Why not?"

"Well, I told you once already, Remus was supposed to stay inside the Shrieking Shack at all times. Imagine what Dumbledore would say if finds out. But it's not much fun to stay cooped up in a boring old house. So, we bent a few rules and made some little discoveries ourselves."

"Isn't that dangerous? I mean, you wandering around the village with a full grown werewolf?"

"Lily, the Marauders middle name is danger and risk."

It was 'stupidity and arrogance' if you ask me. I gave him a disapproving look.

He fired back exasperatedly, "We've been doing it for years. We could handle ourselves. Besides, we keep Remus under control; werewolves have less taste for animals than humans you know."

"Still, you lot shouldn't be fooling around."

His expression was replaced by a sly grin, "Not worried about me, are you Lily?"

I answered quickly, "Of course not! I mean, well, it's not only you who'll get hurt…your stupid friends and the people of Hogsmede will too. So don't assume anything."

He just nodded and grinned more. I wish I could wipe it away, so I changed the subject.

"You know, maybe I'll bring Wilma and Sam here sometime. The view is magnificent. It's beautiful," I said looking at the horizon.

"Yeah, beautiful." I turned towards him and caught him not looking at the view but towards me. I blushed (I think) and turned away.

We stayed there and talk for a few minutes. There I realized that maybe James Potter is really not the bad person I thought he was. I know, I've written many clues about that thought countless of times in this diary, but finally, now, I'm admitting it to myself. He was still childish and arrogant, but he was kind, funny and understanding.

Oh my God, did I just write that?

…I guess I did…

"Have you ever been in the Shrieking Shack?" James asked me out of the blue.

"You brought me there last month, remember?"

"No, I mean in the Shack itself."

I stared at him incredulously, "You want me to go inside the Shack?"

"You and me. Come on, it's not really haunted. It'll be cool. There's no ghost there at all, besides, it really shrieks. It moves around by itself."

I hesitated. Even if I know that the rumor of evil haunting spirits lives there is not true, I still didn't feel comfortable going there. I'm with James Potter anyway. But wait…that's what worries me!

But the secret passage part did it.

"Perhaps I can show you the secret passage leading to Hogwarts."

That hit the bull's eye right there.

"Alright fine, but no funny business."

I was surprised when he took my hand all of a sudden, "Don't worry Lils, I have no intention of leaving you there."

So that's when we head to the Shrieking Shack. We climbed up its old, crumbling fence and into the unkempt yard. We entered it through one of the windows at the back: the only one not boarded up.

"All entrances from Hogsmede to this place are sealed. We managed to take out the boards from one of the windows though. Ah, here we are."

The place was huge inside. Everything was dusty to the broken tables. James was right, the house was moving in its accord…like it would topple over.

That's when things started to go bad.

We heard a blood-curling scream. I moved closer to James and clutched his arm.

"What was that?"

He looked around alertly, "Whatever it is, it's not coming from inside."

We heard it again, more agonizing…like the person screaming was being tortured. By the sound of it, the person was a woman.

This time we were certain it was coming from outside.

James and I stumbled out of the window and onto the weedy yard. We were about to head to the front yard when we saw shadows by the small garden shed. There were 5 people there. Two of them were wearing morbid black robes and white masks.

The other three looked like a family. A man was standing kneeling in front of a woman's limp body. By the look of it she was alive, but has been beaten badly. A small boy or around 10 was crying next to the woman.

When the man spoke, his voice was shaking terrible in fear and plea.

"Please, spare them! Please, have mercy…"

James pulled me behind the shadows of the house. It was frightening listening to the man. By the look of his robes, he was a ministry wizard…but by his face, he looked like a servant of a merciless master.

"We have asked you of a simple thing and you couldn't do it," one of the robed men spat. His voice, though raspy, was proud and evil.

The cowering man spoke again his voice slightly bolder than before, "No one was supposed to get hurt. You said you would put my family and others out of it. You said it had nothing to do with the Dark Lord. I didn't—"

The other robed man hit him with curse. The man fell on the ground shaking and screaming. Couldn't anyone hear him!

"You should be proud the Dark Lord chose you to help him. He's a hard wizard to please. But since you betrayed him, you only deserve the just reward."

Before I can react, the robed wizard hit him with an Unforgivable. I knew it was, because I've seen it before during a class demonstration last year.

A blinding flash of green light and an agonizing scream. Avada Kedavra.

It was horrible to see to get someone get murdered, especially if a small boy was watching. The woman and the boy scream as his father fell to the ground, no longer moving.

I cried out in shock as the man hit the floor. Bad move. The cloaked men turned to our direction. Good thing James was fast. He covered my mouth and pulled me back.

Yet, it was a bad move as well. The moment we stepped back, a bunch of wooden sticks cracked. One of the men (which I now realized are probably called Death Eaters since they look like those that I saw in the Daily Prophet described as the new demented Lord you-know-who's followers) threw a curse at us. James pushed me away and we both fell on the ground. I hid behind an old log which shattered to pieces when a spell hit it.

I turned around and found the woman trying to grab the wand from one of the Death Eaters. She wasn't a witch I think. The Death Eater threw her off where her head hit the wall. She was knocked out. The boy ran to her.

The Death Eater then turned his wand on the boy. I saw James battling spells with the other Death Eater, with a deep wound running from his chin to his left shoulder.

I ran right in front of the boy and produced the strongest Shielding Charm I could muster. The Death Eater was thrown off on his back. I grabbed the boy's hand and led him to the front. Just after I told him to run away and get help as fast as he can, James screamed in pain. I looked back and saw him thrown off by the standing Death Eater. The other is still trying to get up.

Blood was trickling down his head and his shirt was soaking with it. Before I could do anything, the man threw a Cruciatus Curse at him. It was the most terrible thing I've heard.

James voice, full of pain and panic, echoed off the empty space. I was surprised nobody heard. It was the scariest thing I've ever seen, with him writhing on the floor experiencing the most terrible pain ever experienced by a person.

In rage and fear, I didn't even think. I just did it. I think adrenaline was pulsing through my body faster than I ever felt.

I pointed my wand at the Death Eater, disarm and then stunned him.

James immediately stopped screaming. But at the same time, the other one fired a spell at me. I was thrown back and onto the fence. It quickly broke beneath my weight.

My whole body ached and I could feel blood oozing down my arm. I felt a sharp pain on my elbow and knew I had broken it.

Those Death Eaters really have a taste for blood. I opened my eyes and saw him pointing his wand at me. He muttered a spell.

"Avada Ke—" He stopped in mid curse. James had pushed him away and onto the ground.

James fell to the ground in exhaustion barely getting up. I quickly went to him to see if he was alright, my elbow swollen beyond anything. But the Death Eater was up again and pointed the wand at me. He was about to stun me when…

"Lily, look out." I got pushed out of the way and then a flash of light. James hit the wall and fell to the floor.

I felt my wand fly out of my hands and looked up at the coming Death Eater. I closed my eyes to get ready for the pain but was suddenly pulled back by something. Before that, I heard two loud cracks and some spell casting.

I was afraid to open my eyes and find myself dead so I just sat there and held on to whatever was holding on me!

When I finally opened my eyes a few minutes later, I saw a Ministry wizard binding two stunned Death Eaters with his wand. I guessed he was an Aurors.

The one who was clutching my arm started talking gently. It was another Auror, but a woman. She started talking to me soothingly while I hysterically explained her everything.

A few minutes later, more Aurors came.

I heard one the woman telling an older looking wizard what happened.

It seemed like those two Aurors, the man and the woman, were walking in Hogsmede when they saw a boy running towards them, looking beaten and dirty, screaming about an attack. The boy said something about a Shack. So, they sent the boy to the three broomsticks and apparated just outside the said Shack. They heard shouting and went to the other side. That's where they saw what was happening and intervened.

A few minutes later, more Aurors arrived together with medics (or healers). We were about to be brought into St. Mungos (James was alive but he wouldn't wake to the spell) when we saw Professor McGonagall flying on a broomstick (first time I saw her too. If I wasn't in pain I would have stared at her in shock).

One of the Aurors had sent word to Hogwarts about how two of its students were attacked. Dumbledore didn't seem to want his students away from him.

That's how we got here in the hospital wing even if one of the healers was in an argument with McGonagall about "not bringing them to proper medication areas". It got taken care off fast.

Dumbledore came and see us the moment we came in the Hospital Wing (despite Madame Pomfrey's agitation).

I was thankful he didn't ask for too many details. I wasn't ready to tell him everything yet. Then, he let us rest.

The Marauders, Sam and Wilma arrived a few minutes later, ignoring a raging Madam Pomfrey. They looked shaken and shocked. Wilma was as white as snow while Sam wouldn't stop babbling. Sirius, who was surprisingly serious that time, shouted at her to shut up.

Thank goodness for a mad matron. Or else Sirius would have found himself in a cot with James and I considering Sam's murderous glare. Madam Pompfrey also prevented them from disturbing me with questions.

In my exhaustion, I fell right asleep. But I think I only slept for 3 hours or so. When I woke up, the sky was purple and the ward was empty except from Madam Promfey coming out of a curtained bed.

I asked her about James and she said he was healing well but just needed rest. Even if I know it wasn't my fault, I wouldn't forgive myself if he died, or anybody else. I already feel guilty that we weren't able to save that poor wizard. I wonder what happened to his muggle wife and her son. I hope they are safe.

I fell asleep and woke up again. I think this time my nap was shorter. I woke up to the sound of James' hoarse voice and the matron's irritated one.

She was forcing down a sleeping potion down his throat. I wanted to speak to him, but he fell silent after a few minutes. I guess Madam Pomfrey won.

Professor Dumbledore came in after that, accompanied by Professor McGonagall. He didn't ask me to tell him about the attack, but I just poured out the whole thing. It was a great feeling though, even if I can hardly speak because my voice was shaking too much. He left after a while.

Sam and Will arrived again later. I told them what happened for a few minutes. Then the Marauders arrived and I had to retell the whole story again the third time. It was unnerving!

That was what started the argument between Sirius and Sam before Wilma joined in.

Somehow, though, it makes me feel better to hear something normal and worry-free for a change…despite the heated firing of words.

I'm a lot better now (they had been arguing for nearly an hour). Oh, I guess they had to continue the fight outside: they got thrown out by Madam Pompfrey.

I'm still really shaken and tired so I guess I'll turn in. Who knows what time it is?

Lily

NOTE: This is one of the longest chapters I wrote for this story. This chapter has a lot of action and angst. I hope you like it. Please review.

Cheers…