DC: on chapter 1

Thank you to my lovely reviewers.

Not much to ramble about so I'll just get right to the story.

Chapter 10,

This had been by far the biggest fight they had ever gotten into. Voldemort felt angry at Lily for not giving him what he wanted, but he also felt a little jerky. Kind of like one of those overbearing boyfriends who wants to keep the little woman locked up at home. Walking through the halls of the manor he wondered when he had developed actual emotions, and more importantly how to make them vanish. He wasn't entirely sure that he could handle the roller coaster relationship he was involved in.

He had never been emotional. Perhaps it was because he had been different all his life. He had never really been loved by anyone, so naturally he didn't know what to make of it. His love had always been in things rather then people. Things couldn't complicate a relationship, things didn't have a mind of their own, they just sat there until moved.

But, a small voice in the back of his head reminded him, things can't do what you and Lily did the other night, at least not as effectively. A small smile spread across his lips at the memory of New Years with Lily.

Somewhere in the background death eaters were returning from a small mission. He overheard them bickering about who was going to tell their lord that the mission had been foiled by a red head and two men with dark hair.

Voldemort thanked god that his back was to them or they would have seen the grin on his face. He found it very amusing that Lily had been able to not only handle herself, but able to beat up the three guys he had sent on the mission.

He sighed. He was due for dinner with the Malfoy family.

Lucius and Voldemort were having brandy in the study. Narcissa had prepared a large plate of miniature cinnamon cakes, complete with a no-stick charm to avoid messy fingers getting on her beautiful furniture.

"Darling, you have a call. It's very important." Lucius looked at Voldemort.

"My Lord, I'm afraid I must excuse myself for just a moment." Voldemort gave a casual wave of his hand and Lucius left. Voldemort looked around the room. Several books were stacked on the desk. Curious, Voldemort picked one up.

10 EASY STEPS TO AN EASY RELATIONSHIP

Curious, Voldemort opened it.

SHOW HER THAT YOU LOVE HER

There was that blasted word again. Voldemort read the passage and stopped on a bullet under a flashy title saying Helpful Hints.

-Nothing says I love you more then a romantic candle lit dinner

-Surprise her with dinner

-In the dog house? Make it up to her by giving her a spa treatment, right at home.

Voldemort closed the book and sat back down. Lily had been ignoring him for the past week. All his owls went unanswered and usually the letter was returned, crumpled. It was a bother and he wondered why he was even trying so hard. Lucius came back in, apologized, and they went back to talking about a simple topic. Who they were going to kill next.

What frustrated Lily the most was that she couldn't talk to anybody about her problems with Voldemort. Such a frustrating boyfriend required a best friend to complain to.

She walked up the stairs to her apartment with a cappuccino in one hand and a small stack of paperwork tucked in her elbow to find a cloaked figure waiting for her.

"I wasn't expecting you until I was in the tub or doing something else that is usually private." Lily said dryly.

"And to think I missed your tender love." Voldemort responded just as dryly.

"What are you doing here?"

"You've been ignoring me."

"So? I'm mad at you." Lily said opening her door and walking in. When she didn't close it in his face he took it as a good sign and followed her.

"I'm still not entirely sure why." Lily put her stuff down. "If it is about the curse then I assure you I had no idea that it was you."

"I'm mad because you are trying to control my life. You keep telling me where not to go and what not to do. I'm a big girl, Voldemort, I can take care of myself. I can't help but wonder if you still see me as a child."

"Let it be made clear that I have never seen you as a child." Voldemort told her firmly. "I have always viewed you as a mature young woman. I do not want to see you dead in battle." Lily took off her shoes and sat on the sofa. After a few moments Voldemort sat next to her.

"This is too hard." Lily said after a while. "I've never been so deep in love that it hurts." Voldemort took her hand. He didn't say anything when he knew that he should.

They made up as they always did. Voldemort had managed to give her somewhat of a spa night. He prepared a hot bath for her, poured her a glass of wine and rubbed her tense shoulders. To his surprise he managed to put her to sleep and work all the knots from her muscles.

He had carried her to bed and kissed her forehead. He looked at her and felt the familiar tension in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to give her the world all while wanting to rip her to shreds. He wanted to tell her the pain he felt but for the first time he was at a loss for words. It surprised him because he had always been so eloquent. He could talk anybody into anything. Which was why Borgan always kept him around. He could talk people into parting with their precious treasures. He had talked Slughorn into teaching him about splitting his soul.

He had split his soul five times. It had taken its toll on his body. He was no longer the heartthrob he had been. He was still handsome, but his eyes were no longer deep brown but red and his hair was thin. His skin was forever pale. Personally he didn't find himself that handsome anymore.

But she did. Lily loved him despite his darkness (one of the many mysteries he knew he would never solve). He knew that she wanted to hear that he felt the same, but he couldn't tell her. He wondered if he ever would.

Lily had received an owl that Voldemort wanted to meet her in the woods outside of Hogsmead.

The snow was falling. Lily was early and she knew it so she stopped in the tea shop for a warm drink.

"Mr. Potter, I noticed that our dear Miss Evans was absent." Dumbledore said.

"I talked to her today; she said she was going to be here. Something must have come up."

"I see, well I'll talk to her later then."

"I'll tell her that you were asking for her." James said. "I was going to go check up on her anyway." Dumbledore smiled.

"Thank you." The old man said kindly. "Have a safe trip home."

After nearly forty five minutes of tea and a muffin Lily left the café and headed for the woods.

The snow was still falling. Lily hugged her coat closer and walked on. She made it into the clearing and sat on the old stump. Voldemort would be there soon.

She wasn't alone for very long, she heard the crunching of snow and looked up to see the black cloaked Lord Voldemort leaning against a tree. Lily stood up and walked towards him.

"Have you been here long?" he asked.

"I was in the village for a bit." She handed him a package. He opened it. It was a cinnamon bun with a warming charm on it.

"Lily,"

"You said you liked them," Lily said, "and I didn't have anything to do this afternoon." Voldemort touched her cheek and showed her in his own way that he appreciated it. "I don't know when your birthday is."

"It's passed."

"Oh?"

"December 31st." Voldemort said. "But don't worry, I'm more then pleased with how we celebrated." Lily blushed deeply. Voldemort chuckled. Suddenly Lily wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his. Voldemort was taken by surprise but he didn't push her away. Lily parted her lips and invited his tongue, and as usual he gave her what she wanted.

When they broke apart, Voldemort looked deep into her eyes and saw endless pools of warmth and love.

"I take it you don't hate me anymore."

"Let's not go that far. I love you, but I strongly dislike you." Lily said. She rested her head on his chest and squeezed him tight. "Just don't push it." She said.

"How can you love me while you dislike me?" Voldemort asked.

"Well just because I love you doesn't mean I have to like you."

"Fair enough." Lily kissed his cheek.

"I have to get going, I have work to do. I just wanted to see you."

"Owl me." Voldemort ordered. He turned and left her in the clearing.

The next day Dumbledore paid Lily a visit.

"Oh, professor, what a surprise." Lily said. "Won't you come in?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid I can't stay long." Dumbledore looked at her. Lily felt nervous. "I was hoping to see you yesterday at the meeting. You've been putting almost double the effort in the missions you've been on."

"Is that bad?"

"No, it's not bad. Just as a rule I tend to check up on people who do such." Lily was curious as to why. "You see on more then one occasion Voldemort's spies have performed in a way that it was obvious that they were trying too hard."

"Professor, I swear that I am not…"

"Miss Evans I simply want some answers." Lily felt the sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach. Inside she was screaming he knows everything.

"I'll give what I can." Lily said.

"Are you involved with the death eaters?"

"I swear to you upon my mother's grave that I am not. I never will join them."

"I have not yet judged, Miss Evans, but last night I saw you in Hogsmead, I tried to call you to talk when I saw you leave for the woods. Human curiosity got the better of me and I saw you in the clearing with Voldemort." Lily paled.

"Professor…I…"

"I know that you are a good person, Lily, but sometimes good people make bad choices. I simply want to know where you stand."

"I met him before I knew who he was. After already forming a friendship I learned his name was Tom Riddle. It wasn't until later I discovered who he really was."

"Have you given information to him?" Dumbledore asked.

"I have not. I would know if he was reading my mind. He gave me his word that he wouldn't."

"You'll understand why I'm asking you to leave the order." Lily nodded, her eyes burning with tears. Dumbledore sensed her tears and put a hand on her shoulder. "You have not lost my respect by any means. Having taught Tom I know how charming and manipulative he can be. But it is because of that reason alone I cannot take any chances." Lily nodded. "Now, I must take my leave."

"Professor," Lily said quickly as he turned. Dumbledore looked back at her. "Please don't tell anyone. My friends are all I have." Dumbledore gave her an understanding look.

"You can tell them what you wish. This secret is yours to share or keep."

"Thank you professor." Dumbledore nodded and left. Shaking, Lily walked into her bedroom and sat on her bed. Everything was crashing down around her, and naturally what she ended up thinking about most was Voldemort. Only this time she began to dread what was going to happen to him when the order finally captured him.

Lily had never really given it much thought before, but eventually Voldemort would be killed. Not ever bothering to change into her pajamas, Lily crawled under the covers, pulled them over her head, curled up, and pretended that nothing bad was happening.

TBC

Sorry it took so long. I wrote a first draft and I really hated it so I wrote it again. Anyway I'll update as soon as I can. XD