A/N: -Nervous glance- Er...hey everybody...long time no see... I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update. For some reason, this chapter was extremely hard to write. So many things have been going on, but i don't have any excuses. Just an apology. This chapter includes planning, tryouts, and a hogesmeade trip. The next one will be the ball. I think two more chapters after this one should do it.

To my fabulous reviewers: you are amazing. end of story. Please keep up the good work at reviewing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

It was one month since Sara had moved, and it was already a week into February. There was still no word from her, and everyone seemed to be giving up. Well, almost everyone.

Every time screeching rang throughout the Great Hall, and large owls flew in carrying parcels in their talons, Sirius' eyes would squint as if searching for something. Perhaps he was searching for her owl, that's what most thought. Sometimes his eyes would light up when an owl dropped parchment at his table. After he flipped it over to see who it was from, his whole body seemed to droop. No matter how many letters he had gotten, not a single one was from Sara.

"It's cruel," Lily muttered, more to herself than anybody in particular.

James however, seemed to have heard and understood, "The least she can do is write him a bloody letter."

Lily nodded sadly and moved her dinner around with her fork; she wasn't in the mood to eat. Every time owls came in, and no one would hear from Sara, she suddenly would lose her appetite.

"You better eat something," James told her, spearing a piece of meat and popping it in his mouth, "We have a Head meeting tonight."

She said nothing but set her fork down beside her plate, "I talked to Dumbledore today; he'd like a status on our ball."

James took a gulp of juice, "Then I say we work on that tonight and then report back to him."

Lily agreed and stood up, "I'll go get our notes, where should we hold the meeting?"

James shrugged and grabbed a roll, "You pick."

"How about the Room of Requirement?" Lily whispered quietly, so no one could hear.

"Alright," James said, gently tearing the roll in half, "But only if you eat this."

"Thanks mum," Lily laughed as she took the offered food.

He grinned, "I'll meet you there in fifteen minutes."

Lily nodded and left the Great Hall quickly, eager to get away from all the noise and clattering of plates. Once she emerged into the hallway, she leaned up against a cool stone wall and sighed.

She missed her best friend, she really did. Sara was like Lily's sister; they'd fight, laugh, and talk about almost anything. Now all of that was gone. Marlee and Katherine were having the same hard time, as was Sirius.

Lily lifted her hands up to cover her face and groaned, she was just going to have to get used to the fact that she'd never see her again.

After straightening herself, Lily continued her walk up to the Gryffindor common room.

"Bubble Pubble." Lily said firmly to the Fat Lady.

The portrait swung open abruptly and Lily clambered inside. The fire was crackling loudly, hissing and licking the confines of its crate. Lily rubbed her arms, it really was chilly outside.

She ignored her bodies eager pleads to get closer to the fire, and instead ascended the stairs to the girl's dorms. She swung open the door and walked inside, shutting it behind her.

"Hey, Lils." Said a quiet voice.

Lily jumped, "Marlee!" She gasped, "I thought you were down at supper!"

Her curly haired friend shook her head slowly, "I left a while ago, I couldn't eat."

Lily walked over to Marlee's bed and sat down next to her, "I know what you mean. I miss her, too."

Marlee nodded and grabbed her pillow, pulling it closer to her chest, "We were all four going to go dress shopping, remember?"

Lily nodded as she felt her heart plummet, "Well, it's just going to have to be us three now, huh?" She said in the strongest voice she could muster.

"It won't be the same. I know you think so, too. We were all so excited to go to the ball, we even said that after school was over, we'd live together." Marlee said sadly.

"We said that back in fourth year," Lily said soothingly, "It was just a fantasy, not everything works out perfectly."

"I know that now," Marlee said angrily, but her voice was hurt.

Lily pulled her friend closer to her and clung to her tightly, "We have each other, and Peter, Remus, Sirius, and James."

"Do we have Sirius?" Marlee asked quietly, and Lily immediately knew what she meant.

"I don't know," Lily admitted sadly, "He's a lot different now."

Marlee nodded, "I hate to think that he's going to spend Valentines Day alone."

"Maybe he doesn't have to," Lily said suddenly, "Maybe we could find him someone. Not a soul mate, but just…a date."

Marlee cracked a half grin, "It's a good idea, but I doubt he'd be up to it."

Lily shrugged, "It's worth a shot."

Marlee nodded and laid back down on her bed, "I hate him."

"Sirius!" Lily cried in surprise.

"No…him…" Marlee whispered, "V-V-…He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

Lily's lip quivered, "I hate him, too, but there's nothing we can do except stay strong and stick together."

"Sticking together is proving a lot more difficult than we ever could have thought possible," Marlee sighed, "Him and his…Death Eaters killed Sara's sister, and that's why they moved. He's killing everyone, our families, our friends, and even people we don't know. No where's safe, Lil, and that's probably why I'm so scared to leave Hogwarts."

Lily nodded and stood up, "I…I'm scared, too. We're so protected from everything here, it's like a shield, Hogwarts. It's blinding us from seeing the real world. People are dying everyday…."

Marlee made a quiet noise, which sounded much like a stifled sob, "No one can stand up to him, if you do…you'll die."

"Don't say things like that," Lily said, somewhat sharply.

"It's true and you know it!" Marlee shrieked, "We knew about him in first year, killings and all, but now that we are all the way into seventh year, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is still as strong as ever, that must be saying something. He's powerful Lil."

"I know that," Lily said coolly, "But…he can't defeat every good wizard alive, right? I mean, think of Dumbledore, he's the one wizard Voldemort fears."

Marlee twitched at the sound of the name, "Maybe, but fear doesn't always mean power."

"Yes it does!" Lily cried, "We're all scared of Voldemort, so scared that people won't even say his name! That's pretty powerful if you ask me."

Marlee flinched again, "I'm just worried is all. Worried about my family, and my friends."

Lily nodded, "I am, too. But we've just got to stay…together, I suppose. Tough, strong, and happy. Voldemort may be taking away the people that make us happy, but he can't take away all happiness."

Marlee's eyes brimmed with tears, "You're brilliant, Lily."

Lily smiled, "I love you, Marlee, you and Katherine and Sara. You're like my sisters. I'd do anything to protect you."

"I'd do the same for you," Marlee whispered.

"I know," Lily said quietly, "I know."

After grabbing her materials, and bidding good-bye to Marlee, Lily exited the common room, feeling better than she had when she had entered it.

It felt good to say a lot of the things that had been building up inside her chest, so good, that Lily felt as if she had a little more room to breathe. Things were going to be okay, they just had to be.

Lily finally stopped in front of a door that had once been a blank tapestry. James must have already arrived. Lily swung open the door and strode in, shutting it softly behind her.

"You're early," Lily said to James who was leaning back in a chair at a small round table.

"And you're late," James grinned.

Lily smiled and sat down across from him, "Let's get started, shall we?"

James nodded, "Wasn't this ball going to be formal, and the theme was 'Going away and good luck'?

Lily sifted through the papers she had brought and agreed, "You could bring a partner or go alone, but it's supposed to be fancy."

"Alright," James said, "Now we just need to decide the snacks, music, and decorations."

"Okay," Lily agreed, "We could probably find a band to hire."

"We probably need a ball committee, too. We could figure out what we wanted, and if people would like to, they could help us put it all together." James suggested.

Lily pulled out a sheet of parchment and a quill. "Who should we ask?"

"I'm sure Sirius would volunteer," James said, "He enjoys decorating."

Lily snorted, "He never fails to amuse me, that kid."

James nodded, "He's crazy, but I don't know…I guess I think of it as crazy cool."

Lily rolled her eyes, "Only you would. Anyways, we can put signs out, that way anybody who is interested can help."

About thirty minutes later, Lily began stacking her papers together, "Okay, we'll tell Dumbledore about all of this later tonight."

"Say…" James pondered, "We haven't had a Hogesmeade trip in quite some time."

"We haven't," Lily agreed, "What about Valentines Day? That's always very romantic."

"February fourteenth it is," James grinned.

"Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall called as the bell rang three days later, and students began scurrying out of the classroom, "May I speak to you for a second?"

"Sure Professor," James said as he veered out of the flow of the crowd.

"Have a seat," She offered, gesturing to the chair on the other side of her desk.

James nodded and sat down, letting his book bag slide to the floor.

"Well," Professor McGonagall began, taking a seat of her own, "I haven't seen you in here, just you and me, for a while. It seems as if just yesterday I was lecturing you about how you would never mature. I thank you for proving my theory wrong."

"Er…no problem, Professor," James said awkwardly, wondering what she was getting at.

"You've become the mature man I always knew you could be," She continued, placing the tips of her fingers together, "You still know how to keep things light and humorous, but you also know when to stop."

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I don't quite understand what you are saying." James said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"I'm offering you another duty, Potter. I know you're busy with all your Head duty responsibilities, but, if it suits you, I have another proposal." Her eyes behind her spectacles were watching James closely, taking in his every move.

"And what would that be, Professor?" James gulped, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Ever since Sara moved, I have been debating as to who will take her place as team captain."

James clutched the sides of his chair tightly, forcing himself to take in all that she was saying, "Wait…do you…are you actually-"

"Yes, Mr. Potter, I am asking you to take the position of captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team." Her thin lips curved into a smile as James finally processed what she was saying.

He had wanted this ever since he was a small boy, he couldn't believe it was finally happening, "Yes, yes of course! I'd love to Professor!"

"I knew you would." She smiled, "Now, you will need to hold tryouts for a new keeper."

"How about in two days?" James asked, already rising half way out of his seat.

"You're the captain now, Potter, you can decide. Now, I have work to do, so off you go."

"Thank you Professor! You won't regret your decision!" James called over his shoulder as he bounded out of sight.

"James Potter, Gryffindor quidditch captain." Ben grinned as the remainder of the team joined them in the middle of the pitch.

"Alright, quit your chattering," James barked to the already silent players, "We have lost a very important asset to the team. As you know, Sara Brookfield has moved away. I'd be lying if I said we were going to do fine without her. Sara was brilliant; fast, energetic, and a hard worker. She was the perfect captain. Now that she's gone, we'll be hurting, but all her hard work would have been for nothing if we just gave up now. That is why we are holding tryouts for a new chaser today. The people trying out will be arriving soon, so let's take a lap around the pitch before they come."

Everyone mounted their brooms, teeth chattering, but determination in their eyes. As they rose into the air, James flew over to Katherine who had lines of tears streaked down her flushed cheeks.

"Hey," James said as he reached her, "You holding up?"

"I'm fine," She said quietly, "I'm just going to miss her, is all."

James nodded sympathetically, "We all are."

Katherine smiled sadly, watching as the team flew around the pitch, "So, since you're the new captain, do you think it's improved your speed any?"

"Excuse me?" James laughed, "I have always been the faster rider."

"Prove it," Katherine laughed as she took off across the pitch, her hair flowing behind her.

James grinned and accelerated, the wind nipping at his cheeks and causing his eyes to water.

"It's a tie," Ben, who had already finished his lap, declared as the pair landed with a soft thud and the grass.

"You got a head start," James pouted, but his mouth twitched as though he was trying to stifle his laughter.

"Oh look!" Marlee said suddenly, "Everyone's coming!"

James swung his head around to learn it was true; the students trying out were making their way across the pitch, brooms in hand.

"They look nervous," Katherine noted.

James nodded and clapped his hands together, "Alright," He said, "Let's get started, shall we?"

The next hour went by quickly, with James secretly crossing out names on his clip board. After thirty more minutes, it was narrowed down to two players. Steven Larson, a scrawny sixth year, and Brenna Watson, a small framed seventh year.

"My vote goes to Steven," Ben said out of the corner of his mouth, "He's the faster rider."

"Yes," Katherine agreed, her eyes squinted in thought, "But Brenna seems as though she understands the game better."

"Alright," James said, stuffing the clip board under his arm, "Team meeting! All those trying out you can wait over there."

The players lowered themselves onto the ground, some delicately, and some not so gracefully.

"Okay," James said once the team was gathered around him, "I don't think it's any surprise to who we've narrowed it down to. Steven and Brenna were by far the best. Now, which one do we chose?"

"I think Brenna," Marlee said in a hushed whisper, "Out of all the shots, she's saved the most."

James nodded, "She does seem like the more experienced player."

"Yes, but Steven does have the speed."

James nodded, "Speed is important, but I think Brenna's qualities are more needed."

There was a murmur of agreement and James nodded triumphantly, "Alright then, I think we've made our decision." He turned to face the crowd, "Everybody, I'd like your attention, please. Now, usually we'd take a few weeks to come to a decision, but as you know we are already well into the season, and we need to get in as many practices as possible with the new keeper."

There was silence except for the occasional chatter of teeth. "Okay," James continued, "You all did very well, and I would like to applaud you for trying out. Unfortunately, only one of you can make the team, and we've all come to a decision on…" There was silence that seemed to last forever for the players, almost as if it was hanging in the air.

"Brenna Watson!"

Brenna let out a little squeak of delight and scurried forward while the others hung their heads in defeat.

"Great job to every body else who tried out!" James called.

"Great job, Brenna." Ben said sincerely as she reached them.

"Thanks," Brenna said happily, gazing around at the team.

Now that she had stopped flying around and was secured on the ground, James could get a good look at her. With long, dark brown hair that was almost considered black, and large, dark eyes, she was definitely considered pretty. Maybe it was her fair skin that had a faint glow to it, her rosy cheeks, or even her athletic build, but whatever it was, she seemed to have a distinct beauty about her.

"Welcome to the team." James said with a grin.

Sirius slammed his book shut vigorously and picked up another. He never would have thought that he would be the type to spend his spare time in the library, but it seemed somewhat relaxing to him.

Sirius heaved a deep sigh. What was the matter with him? One moment he was a tough Marauder, seemingly floating on top of the world, nothing could get him down. Now here he was, hanging out like all the cool kids do…in the library.

"Hey Sirius," Said a soft voice.

Sirius jumped and stood up abruptly, "Kendra!" He gasped.

"Sorry," She giggled. After a pause, she spoke again, "Would you mind if I sat here?"

"Not at all," Sirius said, taking his seat again.

"Did you hear about the new keeper?" She asked conversationally.

Sirius nodded, "Tryouts were two days ago, right?"

Kendra nodded. "So…" She began awkwardly, twiddling her fingers. "Who are you going to Hogesmeade with?"

Sirius' face visibly tightened, "Oh…um…no one."

Kendra snorted, "Yeah right…" She said disbelievingly.

"No, really." Sirius insisted, staring firmly at his desk.

"Oh…" She said quietly, "I'm sorry…I thought for sure…."

"I'm not sure I'm in the mood for a serious relationship," Sirius said, "Now that Sara moved and all…"

She nodded sympathetically, "I'm sorry about that."

Sirius shook his head, "It's not your fault. Anyways, who are you going with?"

Kendra shrugged, "No one, I guess. I mean, this whole Valentines Day thing is way over rated."

"I know what you mean," Sirius said, "But still, the Hogesmeade trip is tomorrow, and it would be a shame to stay here."

Kendra nodded, before her face lit up. "Come with me." She said suddenly.

"What?" Sirius asked, obviously startled.

"Come with me," She said again, flipping her light brown hair out of her eyes, "As friends? I mean, you're right, it'd be a shame to spend Valentines Day alone…so why should we have to? Come with me."

Sirius smiled, a real, beaming smile, "I suppose I could pencil you in…"

"Oh stuff it!" She laughed. "You're coming with me, and that's that!"

"If you insist." Sirius said with a grin.

"Peter, don't do that with your hair." Sirius laughed the next morning.

"Why not?" Peter asked, spinning around to face Sirius, his hair sticking up at odd angles.

"Just stop trying to spike your hair, it looks like you came out of a muggle horror film." Sirius said.

"Thanks, Sirius. I always love hearing that."

"We should get down there," Remus said, slipping on a pair of shoes.

James nodded and pulled a dark brown sweater over his head. "Let's go."

The four boys descended the dorm steps, and reached the floor of the common room.

"See you later, boys," Sirius said arrogantly, and with that he glided away towards Kendra.

Soon Peter and Remus departed, and James was left searching for Lily.

He spotted the back of her fiery hair, and advanced. Once he reached her, he slipped his hands over her eyes.

"Hmm…" Lily said in mock thought, "Who could this be?" She put her hands over his, and pulled them away from her face. She swung around and grinned, "Hi, James."

"Hey," He said, kissing her lips swiftly.

Her hair was in large curls, and they were tied up in a loose pony, away from her face. She was clad in a rose colored sweater, and a nice pair of kakis.

"You look nice," James smiled.

"You don't look to shabby yourself," Lily smiled, eyeing James' slightly form fitting sweater approvingly.

"Stop trying to undress me with your eyes!" James said in mock disgust.

Lily rolled her eyes, "Let's go."

They exited the common room and walked out of the castle. Once they emerged out into the grounds, they checked in with Filch, and began their walk to Hogesmeade.

"Where to first?" James asked once they reached Hogesmeade.

"I'm already chilly," Lily admitted, rubbing her arms together, "How about The Three Broomsticks?"

"Sounds brilliant," James said.

They continued walking, and James draped his arm around Lily's shoulders, pulling her closer. Lily grinned inwardly, and took his hand in hers.

When they finally reached The Three Broomsticks, Lily wasn't the only one cold.

"Come on," James said, his teeth chattering, "Let's get inside."

He swung open the door, and they both wandered in and found a table near the back. Almost immediately, Madam Rosemerta was upon them, a note pad in hand.

"James! I haven't seen you in here in quite some time, where have you been?" She asked, her cheeks still that same, rosy pink.

"I've been busy," James grinned, "Sorry, I've missed seeing you."

"And I've missed you, too." She smiled, "Alright, what may I get you dear? She asked Lily.

"I'll have a butterbeer, please."

"Make that two," James corrected, leaning back in his chair.

"Alright, I'll bring them to you in just a jiffy." She grinned, and with that she bustled away.

Lily gazed around the busy shop, her hands beginning to thaw out. She shook herself out of her reverie when she felt a hand grab hers. She grinned up at James and squeezed his palm.

They sat there for quite some time, a few minutes actually, just gazing into each other's eyes. Their butterbeers had come, and they mumbled a thank you, but their minds were only on one thing…each other.

"Lily…" James began, leaning in slightly, "I…"

"Yes?" Lily asked hopefully, leaning in even more.

"I…" He gulped nervously. He knew what he wanted to say, he had been longing to say it for so long. So why was he choking on his words now?"

"James…" Lily said softly, but it seemed somewhat urging, as if she knew what he wanted to say, and she wanted him to say it to.

"I…" James swallowed, "I um…"

They leaned in towards each other, their noses almost touching.

"Yes?" She asked softly, her eyes fluttering closed.

"I…need to go to the bathroom." He said, pulling away and looking to the side.

"What?" Lily asked, obviously confused. "I thought…"

"Er…" James said awkwardly, standing up. "I need to go to the bathroom." He said again.

"Well go then," Lily said, somewhat sourly, "I wouldn't want you to piss yourself."

"Lily…" James said, sitting back down, "Why are you angry?"

"It's Valentines Day, James…we're in Hogesmeade, the snow is falling lightly…it's so noisy but all I can hear is you…" She broke off and blushed, "I don't know, I guess I was just expecting something a little more romantic from you, than you informing me that you needed to pee."

James blushed also, "Well, can I try again?"

She crossed her arms across her chest, but her eyes were sparkling.

"I have known you since I was eleven. You were always the most beautiful girl I ever laid eyes on, you had a type of beauty about you…fiery…but pure." He took a deep breath, "And of all the girls out there, I can't think of any one I'd rather be with right here, and right now, than you."

He was followed by silence, and the clinking of glasses in the background.

"So…" James said nervously, "How was that?"

"That'll do…" Lily said with a grin, "…for now."

A/N: I know, i know. Corny. Cliche. Etc. But hopefully cute? I bet you all know what he was trying to say. It begins with an l and ends with an ove. Thats right, you guessed it. At least, i hope you did. Once again, i cannot tell you how sorry i am this has taken so long to update. Plus, it was rather uneventful. It was important however, and lily and james will hop on the love train soon. Also, Sara will owl them all soon, too. Please review. I know some of you are probably angry this chapter has taken for ever, but please review. They make me so happy. Thanks and love you all, Lilly.