PLOT: Lily, the smart one who would never fall for someone like James Potter. But what happens when they spend a summer together does it lead to paradise or does it lead to complete and utter chaos.

In One Moment

Chapter Twenty: Missing

In One Moment how everything can change.

One Moment! How Fate can rearrange

Your life.

Nothing ever stays the same, it seems.

One moment, and that's the end of all your dreams.

One moment, and what was love can turn to hate!

One Moment, and suddenly it's to late

And you find your hopes have turned to dust.

In one moment reality can crack.

~By Cheryl Kemmeny~

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        It pounced hard and instead of hitting two life forms it hit the dirt. Howling and sputtering it rolled down the bank into the river. With a hard splash the dog hit and went under. Swimming back to the riverbank it lay on its side. Breathing hard it choked on and coughed up the leftover water inside of its body. If someone had passed and saw it lying there, they would have thought the being dead. Though it was very much alive and alert. Feeling a chill move through the air the animal tensed. Sensing it was more than the wind. With a howl the dog jumped and braced itself for an attack.


        None came but a voice spoke on the wind. Less than a whisper it floated by unnoticed to all. Though this "being" happened to catch the message. For you I come for tonight. In a growling rage the dog bucked at the wind and ran. Springing past the thick reeds it ran to the forest edge. It ran like the Wolf of the North, made of stars in heaven, who with one long stride can leap over the top of the earth. The grasses it crushed made the night air pungent with freedom. The howl of the wind still close behind.


        Running, and never stopping until it had left the howl of the wind far behind. Its pursuit long gone. Slowing its pace, it entered a cavern. Engulfed in darkness the animal made its way down-miles and miles of danger and night. Cavern by cavern it stalked making its way through the endless night. No sound could be heard for miles even the animals footsteps were soundless. Finally making its way through the cavern it arrived at an in closure. A small circular space cut out in the mountain. Sensing a welcomed presence, the lantern lit up. After being lit the dog jumped and knocked it out of its stand. Taking the lantern into its mouth, it pressed a paw into the dirt twelve paces from the lantern station. A doorway appeared and it pranced down the hallway.


        Hearing running water close by the animal picked up its pace. Nearing an underground river. Spotting the mouth of the river the dog jumped in. Holding its breath the dog swam as far as it could until it reached a ledge that was encased by a bubble. Opening quickly she was sucked in and it closed behind the devastated animal. Lying there on the brink of unconscious, after the gruesome encounter with another river. The dog was once again sputtering water and heaving. Water clogging the lungs making breathing a difficult chore. Though the excess build of water quickly, as a jet of fire burst from its mouth. It not only cleared the body of unwanted fluids but it lit the quenched torch.


        Hastening to get up the dog grabbed the torch in its mouth and ran. Ran into the dark and suddenly into a blinding light. The animal came skidding to a stop and adjusted to the light. Seeing not only dots revolving around its head but it came face to face with a frog like being.

First it hissed then it croaked. "You came the water way didn't you."


"Yes." It spat


"Well not a smart dog, for the water must have brought you to near death. 'Tis twenty feet down."


"Well I made it…So who said I neared death?


"'T'was but a question…wait a second weren't you supposed to bring back a prize?" it slurred while circling around the dog hopping once in a while.


"What I was to bring back is none of our business frog boy. Now move or you'll be dinner." snarled the beast while snapping at the frog's legs.


"Touchy…better be careful not to snap at him."


"I haven't taken advice from you in years, what makes you think that I'll start now?"


"Just a warning…Now I'll be on my way." he croaked hopping down the passage disappearing into the night.


"Stupid frog." she muttered while padding down the new passageway.

        Making her way silently down the walk and pushing open the door at the end of the hall. Noticing the room was empty she jumped up on the bed and suddenly the dog wasn't there anymore. Instead a beautiful young woman was sitting on the bed. Dark black hair cascaded down her shoulders and her pale white skin contrasted with the dark red velvet sheets. Her bright blue eyes roaming the room watching and waiting for a presence to appear. Tensing as she felt someone approach up behind her. She felt strong hands clasp down upon her shoulders.

"What took you so long?"

"Complications."

"As in?"

"Nothing worth wasting your precious time about."

"Tell me then where is the girl? Is the boy dead?"

"The girl is with the boy and he isn't dead."

"What. Do. You. Mean?" he ground out between clenched teeth while spinning her around and throwing her off the elegant bed.

"Exactly what I said. The boy is alive and the girl is with him."

"What?" he raged.

"Boy. Alive. Girl. With. Him!" she yelled back while rising from the floor. Her eyes alight with fire and rage, ready to lash out at the next wrong move. The man in front of her looked at her his eyes alight with laughter enjoying her raged state. He seemed to be feeding off of her rage.

"My dear no need to get upset…it was only a simple question."

"Then don't ask twice. I hate repeating myself."

"On to a new subject then. Care explaining why you failed?"

"No…that happens to be none of your business and I wouldn't say I failed…"

"Then what would you call it?"

"Not good timing."

"How so." He inquired leaning towards her from his position on the bed. She rose up onto her heels and became level with him.

"They were swallowing each other's tongues…is that enough explanation?" she asked innocently knowing that he would get mad all too soon.

"They were what! How! Why! Why would she do his to me?"

"Now, now don't fret about the stupid wench…" she warned but before another word could leave her lips he had her pinned to the floor. His embrace strong but yielding all his strength.

"We had a bargain, you wouldn't insult the girl and you kept your life."

"Yes and if you didn't hold something precious to me within your grasp, you'd be dead along with your play toy."

"Watch your tongue."

"Make me." She demanded

"No…instead you can take the three day journey out of the tunnel and to the country side where you shall stay for twenty days without food. Then you shall return and begin the hunt again. That should be fair punishment. Now go."

"As you wish…sire." She spat, while becoming a dog. Soon she was off and the man left alone.

"Soon my dear we shall be one…" he whispered as he faded into the shadows.


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James woke up a very happy man. Last night was everything he needed. He was dreaming peacefully about what could have happened last night if that dog hadn't interrupted them. That was until he heard a piercing scream. 'Not again.' He thought as he was jerked from his dream. That scream seemed oddly familiar and then it hit him. It was Aoife who had screamed, but if she was in trouble Lily was too.

"Lily!" Jumping out of the bed he pulled on his sweats and dashed to the door. When he opened it he saw a sleepy Sirius and an annoyed Remus standing in front of him. Then they were on the floor. Aoife and Roisin had knocked them over.

"Urgh. Geroff me." mumbled Sirius as he pushed Aiofe off of him and stood up. "Prongs, what's going on?"

"I, err, don't know. I wasn't the one who screamed."

"Oh, yea. Aoife." he called "Why the hell did you scream?"

"Panther. Scared. Scream. Lily. Gone."

"Can you form a complete sentence?"

"Yes."

"Then do so. I need an explanation to why I was woken up at this hour."

"Its nine thirty."

"Still early. Now proceed."

"Well I woke up to this scratching at the door so I went and opened it." she paused and looked around waiting for someone to say something. No one did. "Well when I opened it there was a panther sitting in front of the door. As soon as I opened the door he bounded in and jumped on Lily's bed. When he noticed it was empty he turned on me and growled in rage. He was quite mad, so I screamed."

"Wait so there is a panther in your room, looking for Lily but Lily isn't here?"

"Yes Sirius."

"Wait a second…Did you say Lily's missing?"

"Yes again Sirius."

"LILY'S MISSING!" screamed James


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"Dear…are you visiting someone?" asked a plump motherly lady in a white uniform.


"Yes my…my mother." she choked out, her eyes full of tears and her voice hoarse from crying.


"Oh." she sighed, this wasn't the first teenager who had come to find an ill parent that day. "Come along with me then dear…what's your mother's name?"


"Err, Tess E…Evans. Tess Evans." she replied her voice ready to crack.

"Dear…are you alright?" the lady asked while making her way through bustling doctors and nurses. "Would you like something to eat perhaps or to drink?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" she asked sympathetically, though her eyes shone with pity. Something that Lily didn't want to be shown. So she quickly composed herself. Wiping her eyes of the remaining tears and clearing her throat, she spoke with new confidence.

"Positive."

"Really dear…"

"Excuse me but I don't mean to be rude, but can you give me my

mother's room number?" she said quickly to avoid further

interrogation.


"I'm sorry dear. What did you say was your mother's name?" she

asked again while pulling out a black medical chart.


"Tess Evans."


"Well then she is on floor four in room number 453."
"Thank you."


"Yes dearie you can either take the east wing stairs or elevator."


"Thank you again."


"Do you need help finding them?"
"I'm sure I'll be fine." she murmured her voice changing to one of impatience. "Thank you and Goodbye."


"Sure…goodbye then."


        Finally. Lily thought while walking hastily down the corridor towards one of the many elevators. She waited patiently though her insides were screaming; Hurry up! While waiting she thought of everything that had happened last night. James and her down by the river. His present. The kisses, the feeling as if she would always be wanted somewhere that she would always be loved. Though after she arrived up to her room, the black envelope hanging on her door brought her good mood down. It screamed "bad news."

        When she went to open it she had a foreboding feeling inside, like something horrible had happened. Then again, something horrible is always happening in her life. She could rattle them off the top of her head without giving a second though. Abuse. Kidnapping. Teasing. Torture. Death. Depression. Hatred. Heartbreak. Revenge. Anger. Sadness. All taking there toll on her at this moment. Swaying back and forth before falling backwards, into a pair of strong arms.


"Whoa there…do u need help?" came a strong masculine voice.

"N…n…no, I just need to get…"


"Get a hangover potion?"


"No I'm not drunk, just over come with emotions."


"Never heard of someone hung over from emotions before."


"Well you hear something new everyday." Breaking out of his grasp and standing straight she watched as his gaze roamed over her, curiosity in his eyes.


"Well can I help you with anything?"


"Point me in the direction of the east elevator."


"Down the hall first one on your right." He pointed while keeping one eye on her incase she should lose her balance once again.


"Thank you really…I'm sorry for before I just have a lot on my mind right now. Thank you."


"Anytime…" he paused it was a silent pause asking her name.


"Lillian."


"Anytime Lillian, if you ever need help just call for Mark."


"I will, goodbye…Mark."


"Bye."


        Without another word she turned and made her way down the hall. Her head felt lighter and that encounter seemed to have calmed her down. Though she still had to face her mother and her news. Reaching the elevator she waited once more for it to open. Standing there clearing her mind of everything, soon she couldn't even hear the bustling of the hospital.


        Doctors calling nurses, patients screaming in pain, loved ones crying for those dead, the call of he phones, everything left her mind. Peace and bliss was all she could think of at the moment. A world without hatred, death and everything morbid. As suddenly as these thoughts came they went and she found herself outside of her mother's room. Cautiously she opened the door and peered inside.

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"Well she didn't come in last night so I assumed she was sleeping with James. Right?"

"No, she left me downstairs and headed to her room. Why is she missing?"

"How should I know, I'm too focused on the fact it the panther is going to eat me."

"What do you mean eat you?"

"He got really mad after not finding Lily in her bed. He then proceeded to tear up the room and then he ran into Ro's room and the three bathrooms down at the end of the hall. And he's coming this way now."

"I don't see him." Sirius whispered, standing on his tip-toes scanning the hall for him.

"Sirius why are you whispering?"

"Well, I figured that if we become silent we'll find it quicker."

"And…I know that you're not finished."

"Right you are Jamie. If we can't see it we can hear it so by listening for it we might find it faster." he stated matter of factly.

"Or it'll get us first." whispered Aoife in a barley audible voice. Though one person did hear her and chuckled at her comment.

"For once you're talking as if you have a brain."

"Thank you…hey was that an insult?"

"You tell me."

"Hmmm…"

"You too sound like old granny's so shut-up and just call the stupid animal."

"Easier said than done."

"Ugh…Here Kitty." cooed Remus

"What are you insane." cried Sirius.

"No."

"Then stop calling that blasted thingy."

"Sirius it's not like its going to materialize out of thin air, and jump on you in a roaring frenzy now is it?"

Sirius never got a chance to answer because at that moment the "Thingy" as he had dubbed it came out of the shadows. Though Sirius was in his path and he knocked him over. The animal then observed the group and when it was satisfied with what it saw, it changed. All of a sudden a kitten - that seemed harmless - sat where the panther had been less than two seconds past.

"Bloody Hell…Am I seeing things?" asked Sirius

"Nope mate we all saw it."

"Okay then, I am not going insane."

"Wait no…I must be seeing things." Wiping frantically at his eyes trying to get the remains of sleep out. "Am I?"

"What do you mean James?"

"Remus…if I am not seeing things that must be the cat I gave Lily last night."

"So Lily's cat is really a panther?"

"I have no idea I didn't buy it."

"Who did then?"

"Sirius." The whole group silenced at James' word. Rounding on Sirius they bombarded him with questions.

"What were you thinking!"

"How could you?"

"Did you know that by buying this thing you put us all in danger?"

"Shut-up! Blimey you lot are too much. First off I had no idea this thing turned into a panther…though how much harm could something this cute cause?" he leaned down to pat the animal on its head though it didn't like that prospect very much. So it jumped on him, though this time it sat on his abdomen instead of just pushing him over. Despite his loud protests it stayed in place.

"Erm, James ask the kitty nicely to get the hell off me!"

"Ah, kitty Sirius wants you to get the hell off him." Though instead of getting off him it growled in rage and tried to swat James.

"James I don't think he liked that very much."

"He?" the animal roared. "I am not a he I am a she!"

"Ahh! YOU TALK!" shrieked Sirius in a girl like voice.

"Of course I do…I mean all Pythagoras talk."

"Pythagoras? What are they?"

"What are they?" –Growling in a fit of rage she jumped off him and he scrambled behind Remus. - "You are more dimwitted than I thought!"

"Wait." piped Aoife. "How can you be talking to us if your mouth isn't moving?"

"Ah, so there is someone here who as a bit of smarts. I speak into your mind…in other words only those who I want to hear me hear me."

"I see."

"I should hope so; I mean are your eyes not working?"

"Ha, she doesn't even speak our language." Sirius chuckled

"Bite your tongue, or it will be my breakfast. Now enough of this small talk pin head. Where is Lily?"

"Err, we know as much as you do."

"Then you better find her." roared Phoenix

"Wait…first what is your name?" Aoife inquired

"Its Phoenix, Lily named her that last night." James answered

"I believe she was talking to me boy."

"Well sorry, I don't see why you give a shite about Lily anyway. You're an animal."

"An animal." she growled tightening her muscles getting ready to pounce. "Boy you better take that back." She snapped, all the while lunging for him. Though she stopped short as Aoife walked into her path.

"Look we don't really know that much about your kind so maybe you could fill us in before we look for Lil?"

"I guess I don't have any choice. I might as well start from the very beginng."

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"Mom?" whispered Lily as she entered. Though upon entering she found the room stripped of everything except a couch and a bed. Though the bed had no sheets on it. The carpet was gone, along with the flowers, the clothes, the towels. Everything. Fearing the worst Lily panicked. "Mom?" she screamed. "Mom where are you? Don't tell me you have left me too." She cried, making her way over to the couch. She started to cry but a voice startled her out of her state.

"Lily, darling, what are you doing here? Let alone screaming in the middle of the room. You sound like a banshee, and this is a hospital. You could cause some serious damage to someone's ear drums."

"Mom?"

"Honey I can't believe this, you could at least ask me to join in if you wanted to destroy some of these hospital people." She paused looking at Lily's tear stained face. "Oh honey, something terrible must have happen if you are crying. I never see you cry." She brought her in for a hug as she spoke and after she released her, she got mad. "Was it the Potter boy?" she spat "I knew I couldn't trust him."

"No mom. I was just scared."

"Why?" settling down on the couch she looked Lily in the eye.

"Well the room was emptied out and I thought the worst."

"Oh honey…No in fact it's the total opposite of what you are thinking-"

"Your better?"

"Not exactly…" seeing Lily's face fall she quickly changed the subject. "Though I am leaving this dreadful place."

"What?"

"The doctors are releasing me and I was going to surprise you at the Potter's this afternoon. Guess that plan just flew out the window."

"Yes I think it did." She replied her face lifting and a smile formed on her face

"So tell me about your world. How's your "boyfriend" or is he still the annoying prat who won't stop asking you out?"

"Well he is all of the above but he's stopped asking me out because I agreed already."

"I see. So tell me more…I know that you are trying to hide something."

"Mom, you sound like a gossip deprived teenager."

"Well I have been locked in this place for two months-"

"More like two weeks." she cut in

"If you say so, it felt like an eternity. Now tell me all that happened, within reason though…I don't want any "love" details."

"It's not like I would tell you about my sex life anyways."

"Sex Life!" she exclaimed. "Young lady-" she began trying to sound as if she was scolding her. It wasn't working; it just made Lily laugh "What have you been up to lately? Don't tell me that Potter boy slept with you! I'll have his neck if he did." Then she became a bit to curious, like she was a teenager again. "Did he? Was he any good? Was it even him?"

"Mom! I am still your little innocent daughter. Okay and even if I wasn't I wouldn't answer those questions. I swear your thirst for gossip is going to drive me insane."

"Well sorry but I have been in this dreadful place for -"

"I know, two months though it was really only-"

"Two weeks, but at least I can leave today."

"Yes…I guess. Though I didn't come here to help you say good-bye to this place. I came to-"

"Came to what?"

"Came to ask you about this." She pulled out a black envelope from her jacket pocket and handed it to her mother.

"Oh-dear. This is going to take a long time isn't it?"

"Only if you make it long, and I'm not leaving until you finish it…and I mean completely finished."

"Alright then I guess I have no choice…"

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