Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only Jane, Adea, Kayla and any other characters not in the book belong to me. The poem in the scene where Kayla is contemplating is the 10 things I hate about you poem. Therefore it belongs to the makers of 10 Things I Hate About you. The song at the end is I bruise Easily by Natasha Bedingfield and therefore belongs to her and whoever wrote it.

A/n: Again very adlib, I just wanted a head start on the next chapter.

I promise

January passed and the awkwardness felt in January enhanced as February fell upon them. Not only were Remus and Kayla still not on speaking terms but also Lily and James had become oddly quiet around each other. It seemed that they would never talk to each other unless it regarded their Head duties. Peter was too cowardly to try and fix anything so he tagged along with Remus most of the time. It did seem as though Jane and Sirius were the only ones who could help. Of course there was one other too but for the first time she had her own problems to deal with.

The funny thing (well funny to Sirius anyway) was that Jane didn't seem to want to do anything about the situation or situations rather.

'Janie!' Sirius whined. Jane started to hum as she randomly drew on some parchment. 'No Sirius and don't call me Janie' she said idly. 'But why?' he persisted. Jane sighed but did not let go of her quill or even remove her eyes from the parchment.

'Listen we are going to have to step back and let them work out their problems. We've done our bits. Now until someone gets seriously hurt I won't interfere. Now if you don't mind, I'm over this' she said insouciantly and started drawing again. Sirius just watched her. 'Jane?' he asked. No answer, just humming. 'Jane?' only humming. 'Jane?' his girlfriend appeared to be temporarily deaf.

He planned some pranks while she continued humming after a while she got up laid her parchment by his side and glided up her dormitory stairs.

Sirius watched her leave. He picked up a parchment to see a perfect portrait of him staring back at him. She'd captured everything, without saying a word or even properly looking at him during the last hour. Sirius raised his eyebrows, 'That girl is HOT!' he exclaimed. He placed the drawing inside his bag and went to show his friends the pranks that he'd planned.

Adea and Waqar were out walking about the grounds. They walked through the frosty airs and the icy earth not saying a word. This wasn't unusual for them but today both had something plaguing their minds.

'So I noticed that you're getting quite thin these days' Waqar said in what he hoped was an offhand voice. Adea looked around before answering. 'Oh come on you know it's just these winter months'. He nodded and then added, 'you just look thinner than you normally do at this time of year' still she refused to look at him when she spoke. 'Really? I hadn't noticed'. Waqar looked at her, well the back of her head anyway she still faced the other direction.

-She never could lie to me, lie well anyway- he didn't voice his thoughts though but he did voice James' concern. 'Just wanted to make sure you're eating ok' he said hoping for some reaction. Adea finally met his gaze.

'We went through this, I told you to trust me' she said. Waqar nodded again. 'I know, just remember that okay? Remember that we've known each other all of our lives. Remember that I'd trust you with my life. Remember that we promised to tell each other everything' he said. Adea looked at him with, well not love just the unnamed feeling you have before you fall in love, in her eyes.

'I trust you with my life too' she said quietly. She looked at the ground when she said the next part. 'I do tell you everything'. He looked at her, he could feel it. She was going through some sort of pain. When you love someone you just have that connection. He wanted to make it better for her, to soothe her until she could feel pain no more. But, if she wasn't ready to tell him then he'd have to respect that.

She still kept intently focused on the ground. Her eyes start to well up with tears. Memories of their childhood started swarming in her mind.

Flashback

My four-year-old self sat on the floor of my bedroom sobbing. Waqar walks in, I see the surprise on his face. 'Dee what's wrong' he asks. I hold out my torn teddy bear for him to see. 'T-teddy's arm came off and-and I couldn't find mummy and daddy to fix it and then-and then I asked Kiri (my house elf) but she-she said she couldn't and I don't know what to-to do now' I cry. He comes and takes Teddy from me and then examines the arm in question.

'Well your mummy and daddy have gone out remember? For the weekend. My mummy and daddy are here; they've come to check you. My mummy will fix it, she can fix everything' I look at him hopefully. 'Even my teddy?' he nods proudly. 'Even your teddy' I wipe my tears with a chubby fist. 'Well where is she?' I ask. He beckons for me to follow him.

We go downstairs and into the parlour where Shahira aunty (a/n: no Waqar and Adea are not related in anyway see authors not at the end for explanation) sat with Feroz uncle. When they see me they look worried.

'Adea darling what's the matter?' Shahira aunty says as she hugs me. I hold out teddy, she takes him and then looks at me questioningly. 'Teddy?' she asks. I point to his arm. 'His arm is broken and no one can fix it but Waqar said you could' Shahira aunty smiles and then looks at Teddy.

'Well we're going to have to fix him before it gets serious won't we?' she takes out her wand, says something and Teddy's arm looks good as new. I smile and give Shahira aunty a hug. 'Thank you Shahi aunty, thank you, thank you, thank you' she laughs and gives teddy back. I look back at her. 'Teddy says thank you too' she nods wisely and says 'your welcome Teddy'.

End Flashback

Flashback

We are six years old and playing together in Waqar's back garden. 'I tigged you, I tigged you! Na na na na na' I cry, he doesn't seem to respond. He just says 'Adea I don't want to play tig anymore' I fold my arms. 'You just don't want to be it!' he shakes his head and I drop it. I think for a while.

'Hey wanna' get the water guns?' I ask excitedly. He shrugs. 'Sure' I frown. 'What's the matter?'

'I did something naughty in school today Adea' I gasp. 'Naughty? What did you do?'

'Well we were painting our clay pots and Miss Walker said we had to paint them red but I wanted to paint mine blue. When I asked her if I could she said they had to be red and then I got a little angry. Suddenly my pot goes flying out of my hand and then it explodes in Miss Walker's face. Her face was all grey because it was covered with clay dust'

He looks at me guiltily. I try to make him feel better. 'Well at least you showed your magic' he nodded. 'I guess but now Miss Walker says she wants to talk to my mummy and daddy tomorrow'. I'm worried now. 'Uh oh'. He looks sad.

'Have you told your mummy and daddy?' I ask. He shakes his head. I'm shocked. 'Waqar!' he winces. 'I was scared Adea, will you help me tell them' I smile. 'Of course I will, come one lets go now'

End Flashback

'Everything' she repeated softly.

Her eyes started to sting as she kept her tears cooped up. They started to fall freely. She looked up at Waqar and shook her head. 'No, no I don't tell you everything' he looked at her understandingly. 'What haven't you told me Adea' he said softly.

She rolled up her sleeve, whipped out her wand, pointed it at her arm and said 'aperio'. Bruises and scabs appeared before his eyes where her flawless skin had previously been. His eyes widened in shock. Waqar had a sneaking suspicion as to what caused them but hoped to God it wasn't true.

'How did this happen?' he asked. More tears started to fall. 'I-I' but she couldn't finish the sentence because she started crying. Waqar hugged her and she cried into his arm. 'I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry. I promise I'll stop, I promise' he stroked her hair. 'It's ok, calm down. I trust you don't worry. Come on'

Finally she pulled away, wiped her tears. He looked at her questioningly. 'I can't do it, I want it taken away. I'm not strong enough' Waqar took hold of her shoulders. 'Look at me, look at me now' he demanded, their eyes met.

'You were chosen for a reason. You've managed it all your life, even when we were little, don't let it take over. And don't you dare say you're not strong. You are the strongest person I've ever come across. Ever, and I know I'll never meet another person as strong as you' she nodded.

'I'm being stupid really, getting soft that's what it's called' she said. Waqar shook his head. 'No, you're not getting soft, you're being human' she smiled. 'It's just lately, there's been a little voice in my head that's been telling me how ugly I am, how fat I am, how stupid I am. It's, it's awful and then with the others- I couldn't cope, I just couldn't' Waqar looked at her in awe.

'I don't knowwhy this voice exists but let me set it straight' he said defiantly. Adea smiled at how cute he was when he was determined. He persisted onwards in a tone, which almost commanded her to pay attention.

'You are gorgeous, intelligent, loved and an amazing person. You are a blessing to those who know you and those who are fortunate enough to even notice you can't help but love you'. And don't let anyone or anything tell you otherwise' he said. Adea smiled. 'Do you know what I think?' she asked. He motioned for her to continue.

'I think you are the most perfect guy to have walked the face of this Earth' Waqar raised his eyebrows. 'Do you know what that was?' he said. She shook her head and he continued. 'Cheese on a stick, that's what that was' Adea laughed and shoved him. 'Hey, I resent that. I thought it was unbelievably profound'. Waqar made a gagging sound. 'Profound my arse'. She slapped him playfully and he started to chase her.

For the time being they forgot about their troubles, as they played in the freezing cold weathers just like they used to.

Lily sat in the Head's Lounge, working on her Ancient Runes essay. Professor Cummings had asked for a three-foot essay. This was his idea of preparing them for the NEWTs. Well to each his own.

'Flippin' hell! What possessed Cummings to set us a three-foot essay? Preparation my foot. More like revenge after a bad weekend, that's what it was' small, dark mutterings like that could be heard coming from the redhead. She frantically wrote down facts as she flipped through the pages of the humungous textbook with her other hand.

James was just walking out of his bathroom; he'd left his glasses in the Lounge and needed them. He didn't think Lily was in so he'd just nip in and get them. He walked in with just a towel around his waist to see a mass of red hair at the table. 'Shit' he cried. Lily looked up.

'Oh! Oh my god' Lily blushed as she took in his bare chest. –At least you know where all that Quidditch's been going- she shook her head. 'I-I-um' she fumbled. He seemed to be equally lost at their awkward situation. Though he grinned at the fact that she was still staring at his chest.

She darted a glance towards his face and saw that he was grinning. She blushed harder and gazed downwards, away from his face and his chest. 'I'm so sorry Lily, I didn't even know you were in here' he said finding it easier to talk when she didn't have her eyes on him. Lily shook her head. 'Sorry I should've given some warning, my fault entirely' James whistled.

'Well I guess we're even now' James said. Lily nodded, still gazing downwards. 'She's pretty when she blushes' he said. Her head snapped up and was looking him straight in the eye. Her eyes full of surprise.

'What?' she said more a statement, than a question. James realised what he'd said 'Oh, I said that- that I have to go now. Bye' he stuttered and made a dash for his room. Lily shook the image of his perfectly toned chest out of her head and tried to focus on the Ancient Runes essay in front of her.

James locked the door behind him and let out a sigh of relief. –Oh god, yes well that was awkward. But hey did you happen to notice how she was staring at your chest. Uh how could I not? And she was blushing, she likes you! I don't think so; anyone would blush in a situation like that-

Kayla sat and contemplated the last month or so. Unattached and Remus free. No boyfriend to worry about, no messing about with make-up and what to wear. No shifting her schedule around to fit in date. No fuss at all. It was Hell. Quite frankly she hated not being with Remus.

She hated seeing other girls checking him out and not being able to do anything about it. She hated not being able to talk to him and she hated that she couldn't be around him for too long. Most of all she hated that she actually missed him.

Kayla could act as insouciant as she wanted but it didn't matter because inside she was miserable.

Yes, for the first time Kayla Simmons was not being outspoken or blunt or harsh. She wouldn't walk around the castle with her head in the air, sending calculating looks to strangers. No, in fact these days she walked through the halls, with her head down, not daring to make eye contact with anyone.

You would think someone like Kayla wouldn't be affected by something like a break-up. She'd never even cried (not that she was crying now, she'd never sink that low). Someone once said "Those who fight their emotions hardest, find their heart broken easiest". Funny isn't it?

Remus wasn't much different. The past two weeks had been unbearable. Sometimes in lessons, he'd sit and stare at the back of her head or the side of her face. Subconsciously he would wait in the Common Room in the mornings and it would take him ten minutes to realise that there wasn't anyone to wait for anymore.

He would scribble her name on his parchment a hundred times over and not get bored. Part of him really wanted to tell her but another part held him back. He wondered why he always let the latter win. I mean, could anything really go wrong? Well apart from her completely freaking out. Besides James was pretty confident that she wouldn't so why couldn't he (Remus) just do it?

Remus knew Kayla wasn't over the moon either. For some reason that didn't make him feel any better. It just made the sick feeling stomach deepen.

Valentine's Day was fast approaching and though Remus never participated, he wished he could. Usually he wasn't with anyone. And if he was with someone then she wouldn't be the right girl or she'd be a friend of some bimbo James and Sirius had picked up. But, this year he'd had the right girl. Keyword being "had".

What was with James anyway? James' constant badgering of him to tell Kayla led Remus' suspicions of James knowing something else to become stronger with each passing day.

Oh and then there was Sirius and Jane. Why were they so damn perfect together? It made Remus feel jealous but guilty at the same time. The jealousy was easily explained. Remus was bitter because he himself had a chance to have that but he was passing it up. He was guilty because he knew he should be happy for Sirius but wasn't.

What was Remus supposed to do? He could tell Kayla and put them both out of their misery, or he could tell Kayla and he'd still be miserable while she would be petrified. Or option 3, he could not tell Kayla and they could carry on being miserable. Well, with winning chances like those, what can you say?

You could say Jane Swales hated many things. But of all the things she hated number 1 had to be; well number two actually. Number 1 was conformists. Number 2 had to be when her best friend didn't act like her best friend anymore. Jane didn't want to interfere she really didn't but…

'Just tell Remus would you?' Jane suggested as she threw rocks into the lake with Kayla. 'Thought you said you weren't going to try ad get us back together anymore' Kayla replied coolly. Jane shrugged and said 'I'm not, I'm just trying to get my best friend back'

'I don't know what you're talking about, I'm standing right here' Kayla said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Jane shook her head. 'No Kayla Simmons is standing right here, I'm trying to retrieve Kayla, my best friend' both girls remained silent for a while.

'How about we talk about my best friend' Kayla said. Jane thought for a second before replying, 'Sure, why not?' Kayla, annoyed by Jane's calmness continued anyway. 'I think she's changed since she got herself a boyfriend'. Still no reaction.

Jane mulled it over and said 'maybe she has'. Kayla stopped throwing the stones and looked to her friend. 'So what are we gonna' do about it Jane?' The other girl smiled and held out her pinky. 'How about we pinky promise that we never let anything or anyone change who we are' Kayla laughed and latched her pinky onto Jane's. 'Pinky promise' she said.

'So what do we do now?' Jane asked. Kayla put her arm around her best friend. 'Well I'll glare at people in the corridors and you can read some Astronomy books upside down' Jane looked up to the sky and muttered 'Nice day', which Kayla knew was "Jane-ish" for "sounds good"

'This sucks' James said as he sat with the Marauders in The Gryffindor Common Room. Sirius looked puzzled. 'I swear those girls are trying to de-Marauderise us and you know what?' Peter, Remus rolled their eyes. 'We're letting them' James cried outraged.

'Yeah, we have to do some guy stuff' Sirius added. James nodded. Remus still looked unconcerned and Peter didn't know what to do so he stayed silent. 'Well it's Full Moon this weekend' James said. Remus sighed and said in a very sarcastic tone 'yeah can't wait'. Sirius obviously didn't notice the irony as he clapped Remus on the shoulder. 'That's the spirit Moony!' James snorted.

'We could do a prank' Peter timidly suggested. Sirius clicked his fingers 'Yeah, yeah. A prank is long overdue, but who should we prank?' James looked around and casually said 'we could do one on Jabin'. Sirius was really excited now. 'Genius Prongs sheer genius' he exclaimed and pounded his fist on the table.

Sirius' fist was pretty powerful. The Witch Weekly that had been teetering on the edge of the table fell onto the floor.

'Well well well what do we have here?' Sirius mused; James gave him an odd look. 'Do you know how much you sounded like Regulus just then?' A dark glint could be seen in Sirius' eyes as James regretted his words.

'Never, never compare me to him or any of my family' Sirius whispered menacingly. James nodded shamefully.

Remus tried to lighten the atmosphere. 'So Padfoot what were you saying?' Sirius shook his head before picking up the issue of With Weekly. 'Look at this' he said indicating the page that the magazine had landed on. All three boys huddled to see what Sirius was talking about.

The page he was referring to had was titled: 'Mugglisms; Do They Work?' James, Remus and Peter shot Sirius odd looks with raised eyebrows. Sirius rolled his eyes and pointed at the picture.

The picture was of a muggle woman in a hot pink bathrobe, a towel wrapped around her head and brown goo covering her face. James, Remus and Peter still looked confused. Sirius shook his head.

'Think about it lads…Imagine Jabin walking into the Great Hall looking like this' they laughed. 'Oh and we could give the old hag extra hairy legs' Remus suggested. James smiled and added 'and perform a charm on her mirror so that she doesn't notice'.

Peter had a complaint. 'Guys that's all great but where do we get this goo?' The marauders looked thoughtful.

'We could make some goo' suggested Remus. James shook his head. 'Yeah we could but with our Potion skills, it'll end up purple and lavender smelling' Remus nodded in agreement. Peter looked around sheepishly. 'We ask one of the muggleborn girls to see if they have some' James looked astonished 'Brilliant Pete, absolutely brilliant'. Now Sirius had a complaint.

'But where do we find a muggleborn girl?' he asked. James, Remus and even Peter rolled their eyes at this one. 'Your girlfriend's a muggleborn you prat' realisation dawned on Sirius' face.

'Oooohhhhh yeah, good one Prongs' Remus smacked him round the head before handing him a broom and ushering him up the Girl's Dormitory stairs.

Sirius entered the Girl's Dormitory and saw Jane lying on her stomach reading a book. On further inspection, she was reading it upside down and her eyes moved along the page as though she understood every word.

'How's the most gorgeous girl in the world today?' Sirius said, making his presence known to her. She didn't look at him but said 'I'm fine today, not too sure about yesterday though'. Sirius' grin grew broader; he went to sit next to her.

'Hey I was talking about Kayla but, hey, whatever floats your boat' he joked. Jane nodded absentmindedly before saying 'Oh Kayla's fine too, at least that's what she says' Sirius rolled his eyes.

'You know I was talking about you, no one else could possibly be the most gorgeous girl…Will you stop reading?' Jane donned a whiny, childlike tone. 'But it's getting to the good part' she still refused to remove her eyes from the book.

Sirius glanced at the book and then at Jane and then back again. 'Umm Janie, your book's upside down' Jane turned the page. 'I know, so what's your point?' Sirius laughed.

'My point is just that, you're reading it upside down' Jane nodded again. 'That's right, no fun in reading a book right side up' she said quietly. Sirius looked attentive. 'Explain it to me' Jane shook her head. 'Nope now how am I going to keep it to myself if I go around telling people, before you know it'll become the next fad' she made a gagging gesture.

Sirius carefully prised the book from her hands and gave her a kiss. A gentle kiss, which slowly grew more and more passionate. Finally Jane broke away and held out her hand. 'There. You've had your kiss, now can I have my book' Sirius stared at her.

Any other girl would've forgotten all else after a kiss like that with Sirius Black. Not Jane. But then, Jane wasn't an ordinary girl.

'You're amazing' Sirius whispered. Jane smiled and gave him a quick kiss before saying 'Aaaaawwww you're amazing too, book?' Sirius shook his head. 'I just need your attention for one more minute' she motioned for him to continue.

'You're muggleborn right?' Sirius asked. 'Well yes though I don't see how you didn't know that'

'Forget that for a second. I need to borrow something if you have it'

'Sure, what do you want?'

'Brown Goo'

'Brown Goo?' he nodded. Jane looked thoughtful before replying. 'Well I don't have any though I wish I did, don't know what I'd do with it though.' The last comment made Sirius realise she didn't know what he was talking about.

'No, no. Brown goo, it's this stuff muggle girls put on their faces after they've put towels on their heads and have bathrobes on' Sirius explained. Jane looked puzzled now. 'On their faces did you say?' he nodded. 'Look I'll show you' he said before taking out his wand.

'Accio Witch Weekly' Jane's eyebrow rose as a copy of the latest With Weekly came flying their way. He grabbed it and flipped through the page before stopping on the desired one. He brandished the article in front of her face.

Jane rolled her eyes as she looked at the picture. 'That's a mud mask, though I can see why you'd call it brown goo'

'Do you have this mud mask then?'

'No I make my own avocado ones. These types of masks are cruelly tested on animals…' but Jane never got to finish her lecture as Sirius had already left. She shrugged, picked up her book, turned it upside down and started reading again.

'So any luck?' James asked as he saw Sirius fly down the steps. 'Nope, but we can always ask Lily'. Remus nodded and looked to James. James really didn't want to.

'Me? Why's it got to be me?' James said, as three pairs of eyes looked his way. 'Why do you think it's got to be you?' Remus asked. James shrugged. Peter spoke up. 'James you share a dormitory with the girl' James looked to Remus. 'Moony why don't you go, she gets on with you' Remus sighed. 'James normally I would but at the moment I cannot be arsed' James muttered darkly as he walked out of the portrait hole.

He walked to the chamber thinking about what he would say; but before he had formed a plan the regal mahogany door faced him. He took a deep breath, said the password (emerald haze) and walked in.

Lily was sitting on the sofa writing in something with a Pepsi can in one hand. –What's she writing in? A diary maybe? Focus, you idiot. Focus on the task at hand. Task at hand? Bit dramatic. Just do it! Ok sorry-

'Hey Lily' Lily hurriedly shut the book and looked to him. 'Um h-hey James' he noticed her tone had changed when she'd said his name. Softer, more breathy, he shook his head. 'So do you need something?' she asked.

Lily took a deep breath – Calm down, would you? It's just James. Yeah, you're right it's just James- she took a deep breath and stood up, only realising that she had nothing to stand up for. 'Yeah actually, I was wondering if you had a mud mask by any chance?' (James had actually bothered to skim through the article). Lily gave him an odd look. James smiled mischievously, which made Lily sigh for some reason.

'What do you need a mud mask for?' Lily asked after getting a hold of herself. James' smile was still there. 'Just something' Lily looked at him with suspicious eyes but asked no more. 'Follow me' she said as she led the way to her room.

She motioned James to sit. 'Trust me this could take a while, I have quite a collection' James sat down on her bed as she went to her bathroom and started rummaging through the cabinet. 'Didn't know you were into all this girly, make-up-y stuff' he called to her. Lily laughed.

'Love the terminology. No, I'm not too into it I just like to keep my skin clear' James nodded; pretending he knew what she was talking about. He personally liked to use good ole' fashioned wizarding ways. None of this technical muggle stuff.

'Aha here it is!' Lily cried from inside the realms of her bathroom. She walked out holding a sachet. 'Now Potter, I'm not giving you the tube, for obvious reasons. So here…' she handed him the sachet. 'Thanks Lily' he said. He got up and made to leave but felt a hand on his shoulder.

'Wait right there Potter. Let's make something clear' Lily said sternly. James nodded. 'You are NOT to use this to poison anything or anybody for that matter, got it?' James looked at her with innocent eyes. 'Now why would I poison something?' Lily gave him a look and he shrugged. 'Ok so maybe I would but still. You have my word no poisoning'.

He saluted her and left.

James hurried back to the Common Room where his friends met him. 'Did you get it?' Sirius asked excitedly. James nodded and showed him the sachet. They boys left for their dormitory. More people were coming down to the Common Room and the Marauders never revealed anything until opening night.

Lily lay on her bed just thinking. Thinking about school, her duties, her friends, her homework, her family and James.

Lily was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she failed to notice an owl fly right through her window and perch itself on Lily's vanity table.

After a few minutes of watching Lily amusedly, the owl tired of being ignored and gave a loud and distinctive hoot.

'Artemis!' Lily cried.

She went to her vanity table to take the envelope from her mother's owl. Lily had gotten Artemis for her mother in fifth year as a Mother's Day gift. Lily took the letter, stroked the owl and instructed her to go to the Owlery for food. Though Lily had gotten her mother an owl, in all her years at Hogwarts she'd never gotten herself an owl.

Lily opened the envelope and saw her mother's familiar handwriting.

Dear Lily,

Lily Marie don't you ever break contact like you have done since September. You didn't even show up for Christmas and Petunia told us you'd written to her instead! Now I'm your mother and I miss you and I'd like to hear from my wonderful magical daughter every once in a while. You are to write more often, once a month and I want long ones. Are we clear? Once a month or else you'll be grounded through Easter Holidays.

Now dear. How are you? How are Jane and Kayla? And what about James, has he proposed yet (just kidding sweetheart). How are your Head Girl duties and your grades (though I know the answer to the latter). Have you bought anything new and magical? Tell me if you have, oh you know I love hearing about your world.

I wanted to speak to you about something else, Petunia's wedding. I don't know why you weren't here at Christmas, we all met Vernon and I know Petunia would've loved for you to be there. Now you are coming home for Easter, no arguments. Petunia has asked for you to be a bridesmaid, and so you can't decline. Bring a date we can situate him in the spare room. The wedding's on April 17th.

Now I'm expecting a prompt reply, Lily. A long, prompt reply, so hurry. Miss you sweetheart.

All my Love

Mum

P.S. Your father says and I quote "How's my little Head Girl doing"

Lily laughed. That was her parents. They never changed. Complete opposites, yet perfect for each other. Lily shook her head fondly as she wrote a reply.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I'm fine daddy. James is fine too, a little weird but fine. School's great but the Potions teacher is still horrible. Jane's on cloud nine, she's in love, go figure. Kayla's not doing so well, just broke up with her boyfriend.

I'm excited for Petunia's wedding, I'm squealing as I speak. But, mum I'm stubborn I will not accept that Petunia wants me to be a bridesmaid until she asks me herself. And yes, I know what her handwriting looks like. I just want to know if she really does want me to be a bridesmaid or if it's you pushing her. I will be coming to the wedding bridesmaid or not. I think I can get a date, but I'm not entirely sure.

Now, I know this isn't as long as you're probably expecting but I promise I'll write more often.

Love you,

Lily

P.S. Tell Petunia I said congratulations. Oh and don't force her to make me a bridesmaid I'll be angry if you do.

Lily decided she'd let Artemis rest for a while before sending off her letter. She lay back on her bed and started thinking about Petunia and the bridesmaid prospect. –I'll never get a letter from her, that's for sure, but hey, a girl can dream, can't she? - Lily decided it was time to talk to Sirius.

She remembered at Christmas that James said that if she ever needed to talk about the Petunia situation, Lily should go to Sirius.

Lily walked into the lounge and called around for James. 'James! JAMES, are you in here?' No answer.

Lily then tiptoed into James' room to find him sleeping. She quietly walked over to his desk and started rummaging through it.

'Aha! There it is' she whispered. The Marauder's Map. Lily knew the password; she'd seen James use it countless times. 'I solemnly swear I am up to no good' she muttered. Lily gasped as the map came alive. Though she'd seen it being used she'd never taken a glimpse of the map herself.

After the initial surprise she scoured the map for Sirius Black. 'There he is' Lily whispered. She placed the map back where she'd found it. Lily was about to leave the room when she felt a hand grab her wrist as it went for the door handle.

'Not so fast'

'Shit'

Lily turned around to find James staring back at her. She smiled sheepishly 'Uh…hi James' she laughed nervously. James continued to look at her indifferently.

Lily looked around and added 'Um…Nice room, by the way'

'Nothing you haven't seen before' James replied coolly. He still hadn't let go of her wrist. There was something about his mood, which seemed strangely attractive to Lily.

'Lily what were you doing?'

'Oh, you know…nothing' James threw a glance to his table and added 'You forgot to close the map' he said calmly. Lily was really cornered now. –I should just tell him, James will understand-

'I was looking for Sirius' Lily mumbled. James' face fell. 'Sirius?' he repeated. Lily nodded. 'It's just, I was thinking about my sister and you said I should talk to Sirius…so' she finished. James was not nearly as hurt. 'Oh' he said and let go of her wrist.

As soon as his hand released her, she reached out and took it in hers. James stared and Lily gasped. –Let go, let go of his hand, idiot girl-

It was as if her hand had a mind of it's own. It just didn't want to let go. James stared at her for a moment.

'Lily? I think you're going to have to go on your own so I'm going to need my hand back' James said. His voice seemed to be the key; she let go and immediately thought of an excuse.

'S-sorry about that. It's just my hand was um… cold And yours was, well…warm. So I just thought that…yeah' Lily finished lamely. He nodded but was still unconvinced.

Lily was blushing profusely. She looked longingly at the door –I just wish I could get to that door and run away from all of this- 'I, I better uh- get going, yeah…I should do that' Lily fumbled before scurrying out the door.

Sirius was doing laps on his broom at the Quidditch pitch. He felt he should get out and be at least a little active; their game against Ravenclaw was in a few weeks so taking a few laps wouldn't kill him. He'd been flying around for ten minutes when he spotted someone in the Gryffindor stands.

A redhead was sitting in the stands shivering slightly, by the looks of it. Sirius slowed down and made his way to her.

'Lily?' Sirius asked. Lily smiled. 'Hey Sirius' she replied brightly. Sirius was puzzled. 'What are you doing here, Jane's in her dormitory you know' Lily shook her head. 'That's nice. No, actually I wanted to talk to you' Sirius raised his eyebrows. He flew a little closer, jumped off his broom and took a seat next to her.

'So…what's new' he asked.

'Hang on a minute Sirius' she said. Lily took out her wand and a jar. 'Incendio' she whispered and a small fire resided itself in the jar. Both she and Sirius hovered their hands over it for warmth.

'So…now what's new' Sirius asked again. Lily thought for a minute, she really hadn't planned how she was going to start.

'Well you see, it's like this. I have this sister right?' Sirius nodded and Lily continued. 'Well we don't talk, haven't said a word to each other since the day I got my Hogwarts letter. I didn't know whether she really liked me or not, I thought she just took a long time adjusting. At Christmas I got this letter from her saying that she didn't want me to come home for Christmas because she was introducing her fiancé to mum and dad. And…well I was a little upset, but I wasn't wrong was I?' she asked looking at him.

Sirius sympathetically shook his head and beckoned for her to continue.

'Well you know I didn't go. Anyway I just got another letter from my parents, they said Pet wants me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding, bullshit. I just don't get it. I mean all sisters fight mine doesn't even want to know me let alone be related. Sisters usually tell each other when they have fiancés. Why can't I have one of those sisters? I love her, like I should, why can't she accept me?' Lily's eyes began to well up. She looked at Sirius expectantly.

'Lily I'm sorry she's the sister you got, but you have to push her aside and look to other things. You heard of Regulus Black, fourth year?' Lily nodded. 'He's my brother' Lily gasped. 'But he's such a-a Slytherin' Lily blurted and then looked ashamed. 'Oh I'm sorry, I probably don't even know him, that was out of order' Sirius shook his head.

'No, you're right actually you were being rather kind, I've heard the bastard's given you quite a bit of trouble in the past' Sirius said offhandedly, Lily shrugged. 'Well my parents are obsessed with pure blood, I hate them, I hate them all. My cousins, my aunts and uncles' Lily looked at him sympathetically.

Sirius shook his head disgustedly and added 'I ran away last year, went to James' house. See that's my family. The Potters. Mrs. Potter even lets me call her mum. I'd change my name if keeping it didn't wind my mum up so much' Lily didn't say anything, she didn't know whether to smile or not. Sirius looked back at her.

'See I had James, Remus and Peter and I've come to realise that I don't need anyone else Lils. Now your sister, I hate to say it but she'll never come round. She'll never open her eyes and see you for the wonderful person you are and that's not a bad thing. Because people like her Lily, you don't need them. You have two great friends; they'd do anything for you. You still have your parents, you're lucky. Forget your sister, there's no need getting upset over her' Sirius finished. Lily looked around for a while before confidently nodding and getting up.

'You're absolutely right Sirius, I don't need her. Thanks' Lily said, she smiled and hugged Sirius. Sirius put his arm around her and said 'Come on time to be getting in'.

Valentine's Day had finally arrived and so had the Hogsmeade trip to go with it. Jane and Sirius were obviously spending the day together as were Adea and Waqar. Remus had decided to take a walk around the village and Lily and Kayla were using the trip to shop.

'Hey Kay so what do you need to get; I presume we're going to Gladrags' Lily asked.

'Look at all these disgusting public displays of (fucking) affection' Kayla said disgustedly as she looked around at her fellow students. Lily laughed 'Now there's no point in being bitter you've had plenty of chances to be where they are' Kayla mimicked her. Lily rolled her eyes 'Oh that's mature Simmons, come on Gladrags it is'

'3 sickles please'

'Here you go ma'am'

'Have a good day duck'

'Thank you'

'Here you are Sirius' Jane said brightly as she handed him a rose. Sirius took it raised his eyebrows. 'Now what am I going to do with a rose?' Sirius asked. Jane shrugged 'Fine give it to me'. Sirius shook his head. 'Can't get it back now' he stuck out his tongue. Jane folded her arms 'Would you make up your mind?' she shook her head and muttered 'honestly'.

Sirius' fellow teammate Eric Bell walked past and shouted to Sirius. 'Hey Black, what's with the rose, like smelling pretty things do you?' Sirius scowled and replied 'my girl got it for me, don't suppose yours got you anything Bell' the other boy immediately stopped laughing and hurried away.

'See, you like it now' Jane said with a smirk. Sirius turned around and said 'you and you're uniqueness, your corrupting me' Jane looked thoughtful before saying 'I wouldn't say corrupting, saving would be the word' Sirius laughed before saying 'I love you' and gave her a lingering kiss. Jane pinched his cheek.

'Aren't you sweet?' she giggled and ran away. Sirius looked highly affronted. 'Well? Aren't you going to say it back' she shook her head from a few feet away. 'I'll make you say it then, I know you love me' and he went chasing after her.

'I feel like buying shoes' Lily said. Kayla nodded absentmindedly. 'That's nice Lils' Lily turned around to see her friend looking bored. 'Am I speaking to the same Kayla Simmons who was Customer Of the Month nine times last year?' Kayla nodded. Lily directed Kayla towards the dress robes 'if anything you're at least leaving with dress robes, I don't do window shopping, I do actual shopping' Lily said airily.

Kayla gave her a small push 'Oi! That's my thing'

'Well you weren't saying it so I had to uphold the tradition' Lily said matter of factly. Kayla looked at the clothes inn front of her. 'You know what? You're right that's just what I need. What you muggles call retail perathy'

'The term is retail therapy and I'm a witch thank you very much!'

'Whatever you say sweetheart' both girls laughed.

It was a long running private joke the two had had. It had started in first year when Kayla called muggles odd and Lily had taken it the wrong way and became very defensive.

By the end of the their expedition each had decided to buy some robes, a bag, a pair of shoes and jewellery.

'What should we do now?' Kayla asked as they came out onto the street wit their bags. Lily looked around and felt her throat dry. 'Could do with a butterbeer, what d'you reckon Kay?' Lily asked

'I reckon you're right, come on' Kayla said before they both set off for the Three Broomsticks.

On entering the pub the girls found that it wasn't as congested as usual. They found a table before Madam Rosmerta came over to them, her heels clacking away.

'Hello Madam Rosmerta' Lily said cheerily. The barmaid smiled at her. 'Well I'm glad someone's happy to see me'

'Yeah, what happened? Where is everyone?' Kayla said throwing a glance around the pub. Madam Rosmerta shook her head. 'Oh it's that new café that's opened up, Madame Puddifoot's they call it. They're having their grand opening and so most of your lot have rushed over there. Don't think I've ever had a drier Hogwarts trip than this' Lily looked sympathetic.

'So what'll you have' Madam Rosmerta asked

'Oh, just get us two butterbeers please' said Kayla. A few minutes later Madam Rosmerta returned with two foaming tanks of hot butterbeer. 'Thank you' they chorused before taking a sip.

'Poor Madam Rosmerta' said Lily

'Oh don't worry, they'll come back and look there are a few loyal people in here' said Kayla. Lily looked around. 'I suppose' she said.

'Hey, is that…it is, look' Kayla whispered and pointed to a corner. 'What is it? Don't point Kayla!' said Lily before turning in her seat to see what her friend had been pointing at.

Lily froze, her heart started pounding, her mouth dried up. She couldn't blink or look away, she couldn't speak and if her heart beat any louder the prisoners of Azkaban would've heard it. Her stomach churned and her lungs constricted, she couldn't tear her eyes away from it and there was a distinct roaring in her ears.

There, in the far corner of the pub sat James Potter kissing Dulcie Fairbairn. Dulcie was a Hufflepuff seventh year. She had curly blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

Kayla didn't notice her friend's shocked state before she shouted 'Hey James!' James and Dulcie broke away. James waved back while Dulcie smiled. He looked towards Lily who was staring at him in disbelief. Their eyes met and Lily tried to manage a weak smile.

'Listen Kay I'm heading back up, I don't feel like staying, you stay ok?' said Lily hurriedly

'Sure Lils, what's the matter? Are you ok?' asked Kayla and Lily nodded. She then grabbed her bag and ran out of the door.

James had witnessed this and so had his date. He tried to look back and concentrate on the girl with him. But found he couldn't. Luckily Dulcie had noticed as well.

'Go on James, run after her' said Dulcie kindly.

'After who? Evans? Nah, I'll stay here thanks' said James in what he thought was an offhand voice.

'Lily, James. Her name is Lily. And you do want to go after her' said Dulcie

'Are you sure?' he asked.

'Do you honestly think I came here thinking you liked me more than you did her?' she finished. James looked relieved, he gave Dulcie a kiss on the cheek and left.

Remus had walked in as soon as James had left and taken a table. Kayla's heart skipped a beat and she debated going over to him. –It's been over a month, it's getting pathetic now. Go and talk to him. Do you want things to remain awkward between you for the rest of your days? – Kayla took a deep breath and strode over to his table.

'Hey' said Kayla quietly. Remus looked up and stared at her in disbelief but didn't say anything. Kayla pointed to the seat in front of him. 'Can I sit here?' she asked, he nodded.

'So anything the matter?' said Remus, finally. Kayla searched for her next words. 'I've just…I-I've just missed you, I guess' Kayla whispered. Remus looked downwards and said 'I've missed you too' Kayla winced at his pained tone and continued. 'And I-uh I wanted to apologise, I'm sorry for…for, you know' he nodded again.

'Remus I need to tell you something' said Kayla hurriedly.

'What is it?' asked Remus.

'No, not here. There won't be many people at the Shrieking Shack, lets go there' they paid and left for the Shrieking Shack.

Lily sat in her bedroom assessing what just happened.

Why do I care about who he dates all of a sudden? I've seen him with a hundred girls, no; more than a hundred and it's never concerned me. It's just…it was different today. Maybe you're falling for him. How many times have we been over this? I am not falling for James! Who said anything about James?

What? Oh that was cheap. No I think you just outsmarted yourself? Am I falling for James? I don't know, you tell me. I can't be right? Yeah I mean he has nothing going for him. Yeah exactly, nothing. Well maybe those hazel eyes. Yeah that light up when he laughs, the beautiful green tinged with dark brown, their his weak point you can know exactly what he's thinking just by looking into them. Yeah, what about his hair. Oh that hair, it's so stubborn and so cute, the way it sticks up everywhere and sill looks amazing. Would you listen to yourself? Why, Oh my god what am I doing? I don't know you tell me. It's happened hasn't it? What? It has, I am falling for him, I can't be, no, just let me talk to myself for a bit.

No, no! I refuse to believe it. It's not like I melt when he smiles at me, and it's not like my heart wrenches when he's upset. My stomach doesn't do flip-flops when he's in the room. And I didn't exactly bawl my eyes out when I saw him.

Maybe I'm just concerned for him. I mean he's a friend now and I don't want him hurt by anyone. Of course I don't-

'Lily! Lily? Can you open this door for me?' James yelled. Lily shook her head. 'Sorry James, I was just uh… preoccupied' Lily called back.

'OK. Do you mind opening up now? It's kinda weird talking to a door' said James.

Lily went to the door and opened it up. 'Sorry' Lily said sheepishly. James waved it away. 'Oh forget it' he said.

'Are you okay?' said James after taking a seat on Lily's bed. 'You ran pretty fast out of there'. Lily glanced at her clock and tutted. 'Oh don't tell me you left your date to run after me!' she said. James shrugged. 'Oh James! That poor girl!' Lily cried. James rolled his eyes.

'Calm down would you? She told me to come after you, I wanted to stay' James said. Lily made a sound of mock indignation. 'You mean, you wouldn't have checked on me if she hadn't told you to' she asked. James shook his head. Lily shoved him playfully.

'Oh you know I would Lils' said James. Lily nodded before heading into the lounge and taking out the Hogmeade plan. James had followed her.

'So when do you think the next trip should be?' Lily asked. James raised his eyebrows. 'Are you sure you're ok? You're awfully unpredictable today' Lily started writing something down and said 'Ah well…you know, it's all part of the enigma that is me' Lily laughed quietly without looking up.

James watched her before muttering 'It certainly is'.

Kayla and Remus stood awkwardly in front of the Shrieking Shack. Kayla paced around nervously while Remus leant on the rickety fence.

'OK so I need to tell you something that I may have failed to mention while we went out and that you probably really need to know' Kayla said fearfully. Remus nodded. 'Me too, I should probably go first' he said resignedly. Kayla nodded.

'Now don't freak out or anything, promise?' Kayla looked away; Remus took that as a yes. 'OK so I…when I was little. I mean like you know, five maybe six. We, my parents and I, visited my aunt in the countryside. Well behind her house here were some large woods. My aunt and uncle and my mum and dad had strictly forbidden my cousin and I to go in there. We weren't to set a foot inside.

Well obviously that lighted a curiosity in us so naturally we just had to take a look. I wish now and have done ever since that we hadn't. We were just getting into the heart of the woods when a wolf attacked us. I was too young at the time to realise it was a werewolf, but anyway. My cousin, thank god, managed to get out, I wasn't so lucky. I got bitten.

So every month I come…come here actually in there' he jabbed a thumb over his shoulder towards the Shack.

This last piece of information was new to Kayla but she didn't say anything, she still didn't look at him. Remus observed her. 'You aren't reacting; you aren't screaming or yelling or crying. Why?'

Kayla turned around her eyes were sapphire eyes tarnished with fear, yet a faint glimmer of hope could be caught as well. Remus looked even more upset. 'Oh god Kay, you're not scared of me? Oh god that's the worst thing that could've happened' Remus said. Kayla shook her head.

'No…well yes but not in the way you think I am. I'm just scared of your reaction to what I wanted to say' Kayla said so fast that it was almost incoherent. Remus was thoroughly confused now. 'Well what is it' he asked.

'Now Remus, don't, don't get angry or anything will you?' Remus narrowed his eyes in suspicion while Kayla continued. 'Well see…I –I knew that you were a werewolf, I have done since fifth year' she said again very fast.

Remus looked dumbstruck. 'H-how' he stuttered. Kayla bit her lip. 'I just found out by, by chance' she whispered. 'W-why didn't you tell me?' Remus asked.

'I wanted you to be able to tell me yourself' she said sheepishly. Remus stood rooted to the spot, taking a minute to digest the information that had just been thrown in his face.

Slowly he began to laugh. Not his usual laugh which made Kayla smile. On the contrary this laugh made her even more nervous than she already was. 'Why are you laughing?' Kayla asked. Remus laughed even more. 'This, this is funny' he said.

'W-why?'

'Think it about it for a second would you? You've just put us both through hell for the past two months for the fun of it' he said. Kayla understood now.

'Now Remus please, please don't be angry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just needed to know if you could trust me. I didn't want to know from anyone else. I wanted to hear it from you' she pleaded. At her tone Remus stopped laughing and the anger that had been steadily surfacing was buried again. 'Well I guess it is fair' Remus pointed out more to himself than anyone else. He looked back at Kayla.

'One question: why? Why did you still go out with me if you knew, why?' Remus asked.

'Knowing that you were a werewolf didn't change you in my eyes' Kayla said as she gently fingered his hair. Remus' eyes widened with incredulity. 'It didn't?' he asked hopefully. Kayla shook her head and gave a sly smile. 'Nope if anything it made you sexier'

'Sexier' Remus repeated sceptically. Kayla nodded. 'Well oddly enough to a girl like me, knowing that there's a wolf buried inside your guy somewhere is kind of sexy'

'I'm still your guy?'

'No but you used to be… Well I'd better leave; all I wanted was to straighten things out between us' she grinned and turned to leave but felt a hand on her elbow.

Remus spun her around and pulled her close. 'Maybe that's all you wanted to do, but me, I want something else' he whispered before drawing her into a passionate kiss. They put everything into this one kiss, all the pent up anger, the emotions they'd felt, the happiness at having each other again and a bit of what they'd had before that had never really left. And now that "bit" wasn't going anywhere.

It had been a hectic day to say the least. In a nutshell this Valentine's Day had been entirely different from any other Valentine's Day that the Marauders had ever experienced.

Sirius had obviously had a fantastic day. And unlike others it hadn't been too expensive either. You see you could refer to Jane as high maintenance but only as far as understanding her went. When it came to material things, she was brilliant. She always bought her own drink, she didn't expect presents all the time. She paid for her own half of dinners they had together, perfect for Sirius. But, we've already established that.

James' day hadn't been as great as Sirius' but it had been okay. Though she wouldn't admit it James knew that Lily was finally starting to come round. And hey after seven years of chasing the same girl, you can probably see why he was quite content.

Remus, according to his own opinion, had had a better day than everyone in the entire school put together. He had Kayla back and she didn't hate him, in fact she'd known all along and still gone out with him. He was to put it frankly, over the moon.

Peter had also had a good day; he spent an entire day down in the kitchens tasting food for the elves. Food, yes that was Peter's valentine and it always would be.

James lay asleep in his room. Sirius and Peter were in the same state only in their dormitory. Remus however was completely conscious as he lay awake thinking about, what else? Kayla.

After a while he heard something, a distant voice coming from behind the door, probably from the common room.

-What idiot is singing at this time of the night? – Remus thought angrily. Yet he listened again.

-At least they can sing well, I'm a prefect I can stop them they'll wake the tower- He left his bed, exited the steps and crept quietly down the stairs.

The person sat facing the fire, so they couldn't see him. Just as he was about to open his mouth something stopped him. It was as if this person wanted him to listen, to really listen to what they were singing. She continued singing a mournful song about delicacy.

They sang beautifully and by the sounds of it, they had no idea. But who was this person.

'You have the voice of an angel, do you know that?' Remus said softly. The person gasped and turned around.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. Now for an explanation. In her flashback Adea calls Waqar's parents Shahira aunty and Feroz uncle. Adea and Waqar are not related. Adea is south-east asian and in that culture, your parents' friends are referred to as aunty and uncle but your parents' siblings have specific names so for instance your mother's sister is called a khala, you get it right? Originally at the end,the personwas singing "I Bruise Easily" by Natasha Bedingfield and the lyrics were very fitting but of course this sitedoesn't like lyrics so they had to come out oh and when Kayla was thinking I had originally inserted Kat's poem in 10 Things I hate About you but that had to come out as well. Leave me a review because unfortunately I can't read your minds.

Review Responses:

Anna: Thank you so much for your review. It really made me smile. After I read your review I had to seriously stop myself from uploading this earlier but due to certain reasons, I couldn't do that. But here it is, hope you liked it.

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Piperhalliwellcharmed: You were so sweet! I loved your review, I've never had anyone say such a nice thing to me in a review and it really meant a lot to me and by the way Piper's my favourite character in Charmed too

The all mighty and powerfulM: It's okay, don't worry. It's all here; all the answers, hope you had fun.

Anna: I only just realised that you reviewed twice, thank you so much! The first review really cheered me up as well. Thank you for calling me creative, I love hearing that.

Cheesytrees: Thank you for loving my story, that makes me so happy. I love writing this story! Just keep reading and reviewing.

SHANEY: Thanks for your review. I hoped you liked this chapter. Afraid I can't divulge too much about Adea but keep reading and you'll find out.

Jennifer88: Thank you for the reassurance. It's so nice to know that you keep up with this story.