A/N: Ok, first and foremost, you guys are awesome! I know 11 reviews might not seem like much to the average person, but to me it's like heaven. Secondly, I'm sorry for the long wait. I can't think of a single chapter in any of my stories that I didn't have to say that, which is kinda pathetic. Only two weeks left of school (woot woot!), so after that there should be far less time between updates. Hopefully… My schedule's already packed for vacation. And thirdly, as always, enjoy!

Ch. 3: Emotions on High

Lily tried to tie back her messy hair as she strode quickly down the empty hallways. Reaching her room, she tucked stray pieces of hair behind her ears and said Fizzing Whizbies. The portrait swung open and she quietly walked in. The room was pitch black and she let out a sigh of relief.

"Back a little late tonight, aren't we?" Lily jumped at the sound and turned to look at the voice. James turned on the small desk lamp beside him and looked at her. "What have you been up to, Evans?"

Lily, shocked and uncomfortable, gaped at him, and then stared at the floor.

"Let me guess. Romping around with that Darren? You'd almost think you were a whore."

Lily's temper flared and she met James' eyes. "Oh and I suppose you're little Miss Virgin. And I was not romping around with Derrick."

"Right, those big red marks on your neck just appeared on their own? Or are they bites from a rabid weasel?"

"What I do in my spare time is no business of yours!"

"But Lily, dearest, it wasn't your spare time. You must remember that you're Head Girl. And with that comes responsibilities. You just aren't showing that you're ready for such a big job. First breakfast, now this. You must show examples for the younger children."

Lily's face reddened with anger. "And you're just such a great influence on everyone, right? How many people have you slept with since we got here? I'm guessing you had a threesome while I was gone? Or, God forbid, maybe you did some homework. But I know for a fact that you did not patrol. You're too lazy to get your ass off that chair unless it means getting laid."

James began to get annoyed. "For your information, I did patrol. I waited an hour for you until I decided you weren't coming. I patrolled for my full hour."

Lily glared at James, unable to say anything back.

"So how was it tonight?" James pestered. "He didn't happen to be late did he? Probably made up some lame excuse about a Quidditch meeting?"

Lily opened her mouth to reply, but closed it. She opened it again. "He loves me," was all she could manage to say.

"Figures," James muttered. And with that he walked into his room and shut the door.

Lily did nothing for a moment, but finally made her way to the bathroom. Once she had gotten her pajamas on she huddled under her covers. She lay awake for what seemed like hours. Her mind was whirling with the events of the night. How had James known that Derrick had been late? If she weren't so mad at him she would go and ask him. As she finally began to drift off to sleep, she decided that James just wanted to break her and Derrick up because he was a jealous prick. And with that, Lily put all doubts and confusion out of her mind and fell asleep.

The next morning Lily happily woke up early, since the chances of her encountering James were slim. She was out the door when James turned the shower on and done with breakfast by the time he got there. There was still a half an hour until classes began, so she went to the library to pass the time.

When the bell finally rang, she gathered her things and headed to Professor McGonagall's class. She sat down at her regular seat and stared at the blackboard. She felt James sit down in his seat behind her, which was located where it was for easy flirting and spit ball opportunities. For the first time she could remember, James stuck to himself and said nothing.

Lost in her thoughts, Lily barley heard the throat clearing beside her right ear. She looked up to find Ashton glaring at her.

"And just where do you think you were this morning?" Ashton asked.

"Sorry, I had to go to the library," Lily answered.

Ashton looked at Lily suspiciously and sat down beside her. "No breakfast?"

"I got up early."

"You never get up early, even to go to the library," Ashton pointed out. Professor McGonagall entered the room and Ashton whispered "I expect the real answer later."

Class passed slowly, and was ended with a large amount of homework. Lily picked up her bags and was walking out the door when she heard Professor McGonagall call her. "Evans! Potter! Come here please."

Lily turned around and trudged over to McGonagall's desk. James didn't look at her as she stood by his side. McGonagall looked at them both and began. "I know it's only the second day of school, but I have a very important job for you two to take on. It seems that the Headmaster is in very high spirits this year and has decided to throw a Yule Ball. You are in charge of all the arrangements."

A smile spread across Lily's face, and even James' mood seemed to lighten. McGonagall continued, "Since you will be working together on this, I highly suggest you try your hardest to get along better. Especially since you will be accompanying each other to the ball."

Lily looked at Professor McGonagall in disbelief. Her go to a dance with James? She would die before the night was over! Goodness, just the thought of it made her nauseous. She glanced at James, and it appeared that he was thinking the same thing. She looked back at McGonagall and said "Are you sure this is a very good idea?"

McGonagall nodded her head and said "It is Dumbledore's idea, but I do think it's a good one. A change is just what the school needs. I imagine your teachers will be expecting you soon. Just keep the dance on your brain, it will come faster than you expect."

Lily and James left the classroom together and began walking towards their next class, Herbology.

"Look," James said, stopping suddenly, "We can't exactly plan an entire ball if we're fighting all the time. So let's just go ahead and make a truce."

Lily looked at him cautiously. "You're suggesting we actually get along for four months, right?"

"Correct," James said.

"As ludacris and unimaginable as that may sound, I think that's our only option if we want to actually pull this off," Lily decided.

"Truce?" James asked and extended his hand.

"Truce," Lily answered. Her hand shook his, and a new segment of their life began.

A/N: I know it's really short but I think it suits. The actual plot of the story will probably begin chapter after next, I hope. Just stick tight and things will really get interesting! Oh, and a review would definitely help to speed up the process. Thanks!