Disclaimer: JKR owns all characters, plots, etc. that you recognize.

Summary: It seems love just isn't what's in store for Lily Evans and James Potter. After two years in a relationship, they couldn't see why they were still together. Now they try to convince themselves and everyone around them that breaking up really was for the best, even though deep down they are heartbroken. They struggle to find some sort of happiness, sort through confusion, and end up realizing that they were meant for each other. Then all they have to do is put aside their pride and tell each other the truth. Eventually LJ! R&R Please!

Chapter 10

As soon as I had arrived home, I heard my cell phone ringing. I knew instantly it was my mother calling, seeing as she was the only person that had my number. I rushed over, flipping it open.

"Hello?"

"Darling. I've been trying to get a hold of you all morning," my mother said.

"Sorry, mum. I don't usually take my phone with me to--"

"That's fine, darling," she interrupted me. "I was just calling to let you know that I'll be stopping by your house to take you and James out to a late lunch. Anywhere you two would like to go."

"But mum…I…we can't go. We're both really busy right now," I tried to make an excuse, though it was not far from the truth.

I still hadn't told my mother that James and I had broken up. I suppose it was because I didn't want to upset my mother. She loved him like her own family and ever since James and I had began dating; she was constantly reminding me that I was lucky to have such a great guy in my life. Even my father had said the same thing, though, only knowing James for such a short time. I'm not saying James isn't a great guy, but I just know that if I told my mother the truth about James and I, she would be upset and blame me.

I think another reason I didn't tell her was because I didn't really want to believe our break up was real. My mother lived in a different part of my life, where people still thought James and I were in love. I think that by letting some people still believe in this, there would still be some hope that James still loved me.

This was silly, of course.

"Well, you must not be that busy since you aren't at work right now."

"Actually, I have this trip I have to go on for work. I was just packing my things toge--"

"Then I'm sure James would make time for me."

"Mum. He's going on the same trip. We work together now."

"Oh. Well, you'll have to tell me more about it when I see you."

"We only have so much time before we have to leave. Can't we reschedule?"

"What time are you leaving," she questioned, ignoring my question.

I looked to the clock on the wall. I had a little over four hours before we were due to leave.

"Seven," I sighed, feeling defeated.

"Then surely you should be able to spare a few hours with your dear old mother. I haven't seen you in such a long time. Nor have you called me, even just to let me know your doing okay."

Great. She was trying to guilt me into going out to lunch with her. I guess I could go. But now I had to come up with a reason why James couldn't go. I still didn't want to tell her about our break up.

"Fine, mum. I'll go. When will you--"

"I'll be at your house in about ten minutes," she answered before I could finish my question. "See you soon."

I knocked on the door, fidgeting in place. I quickly made the decision to go over to James' house to try to convince him to go out with us before my mother arrived.

Not even thirty seconds later, I knocked a few more times, silently swearing. I was about to turn around and wait for my mother at the edge of the driveway, when the door opened.

"Hello?"

I turned back around stiffly when I heard that voice. The one that had replaced me in James' life. Isabel Covington. I winced inwardly when I saw her cheerful face.

"Hi. Isabel, right?"

"Yeah. Hi. What can I do for you?"

"I just stopped by to talk to James about something. I was hoping he'd be able to help me with something," I explained.

"Sure. Come on in," she said, as she pulled me into the house. "Wait here, I'll just go get him for you."

I looked around the room, searching for anything that didn't belong. Anything that was hers. I felt a rush of sadness when I saw her things in the places where my things had once been.

Sirius walked into the living room from the kitchen, loudly asking if Isabel wanted half of the sandwich he had made. He stopped half way through his question when he noticed me just standing there. I knew Sirius would be surprised to see me awkwardly standing around. I also knew that he didn't want me to know that he had befriended Isabel.

"Lily. Hi. What are you doing here?"

"I'll tell you later when I have time. James," I said as he walked into the room. He, too, was surprised to see me. "I need to talk to you and I don't have much time."

"OK," He stood there, waiting for me to begin talking.

"Um. I was actually thinking we could talk privately."

When I said this, James and Sirius looked at each other with raised eyebrows before looking to Isabel. He looked back to me before nodding. I walked quickly past him and he followed me into the office.

He sighed as he shut the door. Once he turned around to face me, I began.

"Listen. I need you to do me a huge, huge favor. My mum is going to be here in about five minutes to take us out to lunch and I need you to come along. Please, it will only be for two hours. At the most."

I waited for him to say something. I couldn't stand the silence.

Finally, after a long minute, he spoke.

"Why? Why is your mother coming over here to take us out to lunch?"

"She just decided to drop by to visit."

"Why here though? And why to see you and me?"

"Because I haven't really told her about us," I winced as I said this.

"And why not?"

"Oh, James, can we please just not get into this right now," I pleaded. "Please just come with me. I swear I'll tell her later."

He looked down at his feet before looking at me with a scrutinizing look before letting out another sigh. Without saying anything he turned and walked out of the office.

I followed him. I didn't even know why I bothered to try. I should have known better. I was just going to leave, but then I remember that Isabel and Sirius were still here and I didn't want to be rude.

"I have to go out for a while Isabel. I should be back in a few hours. You guys can stay here until then if you want," he said as he kissed Isabel goodbye.

Oh thank heaven. He just saved me so much trouble.

"Ok. I'll see you when you get back," she smiled.

Sirius walked us to the door and he quietly asked James what was going on. James said he'd tell him later, just as the doorbell rang.

I pulled the door open and there was my mother, dressed extremely nicely, as always. Standing next to her in my dirty jeans and t-shirt, I felt inadequate being in her presence. I had always felt this way around her. She acted and dressed very posh.

"Hello darling. James, Sirius. It's good to see you again," she kissed us each on our cheeks.

"I didn't know we were going somewhere nice. James, we should change into something nice. We'll just be a second. Sirius, you stay here and keep my mum company. Thanks," I said shutting the door. I noticed Sirius throw me a very suspicious look.

Praying Isabel wouldn't walk into the foyer, I quickly transfigured my clothing into a nice green, knee length dress. I transfigured James' clothing into a pair of dark rinse jeans, a light blue t-shirt with a dress jacket to cover it.

"We need to make this look real," I said, grabbing his hand and pulling him back out the door.

His performance was perfection. I couldn't help but stare. I had forgotten how to act normal around him, or what had once been normal for us. It startled me how well he could act like everything was great between us. It made me wonder, how long had our relationship been an act? Did he just get tired of putting on an act or had he just had enough of being with me when things really started to get rocky?

"So, darling. Tell me about this new job of yours," my mother requested, although, the way she said it made it sound more like a demand.

"Well, I'm still a Healer at St. Mungo's, but I spend most of my time now as an Auror, which is basically a police officer in the muggle world," I tried to explain.

"Lillian," I winced when my mother called me this, "don't you think that is just a bit too dangerous for you?"

"Really, Mother, men aren't the only ones that can do this job," I said, knowing exactly what my mother had meant.

"All I'm trying to say, darling, is why couldn't you stay with the healing job? Or find another job that is more appropriate for a woman?"

"Actually, Amber," James began, reaching to take hold of my hand. "Lily is a great addition to our team. We really needed more people who were experienced in the medical field."

My mouth was slightly open, due to the shock I was experiencing from the touch of his hand. My mother was about to say something, but James still continued.

"She was the top of her class in the

My mother was about to say something, but James still continued.

"She was the top of her class in the Auror Academy. You really should be proud of your daughter," he said, looking me in the eyes.

"Well. Congratulations then, Lillian." Her voice showed no enthusiasm.

The rest of the meal went by uneventfully, until the desert was brought out. It was then that my mother decided to bring up the subject of marriage.

I choked on my wine. When I had finally caught my breath, I sputtered out, "What?!"

"Lillian, really," her tone disapproving, as she gave me a look. "I asked when you two were planning to get married. You know, your cousin just set the date for her wedding. It's going to be next July. She would like you to be one of her bridesmaids."

"We haven't really talked about it," James said for me, pulling his hand away from mine.

"Mum. Can't we talk about this later? James and I really need to get home. We'll only have an hour to get our things together if we leave now," I pleaded.

I choked on my wine. When I had finally caught my breath, I sputtered out, "What?!"

"Alright, darling," she sighed.

Once James' front door closed, I let out a breath I hadn't even realized I'd been holding. Both of us had a hard time trying to keep my mother from coming into 'our' house for a short cup of tea. Finally, she gave up.

James let out a chuckle and all I could offer was a weak smile.

"James, is that you?"

Isabel. I had almost forgotten about her. For a brief moment, it felt just like old times. What I would give just to have that back.

"Hey. Sorry. It took a bit longer than I had imagined." He kissed her, I felt my heart pull. "Is Sirius still here," he questioned.

"No, he said something about visiting Remus."

Feeling very awkward and not wanting to be around the two of them, I decided that it was my time to go. I no longer belonged here, I reminded myself.

"Well, I'm going to leave. I'll see you guys later."

"Bye, Lily," Isabel said sweetly. She said it with such a sweet tone that it was sickening.

I rushed to pack my bags. What in the hell was I supposed to bring on a mission? No one had told me, so I decided to throw random things in my bag. I only had fifteen minutes left before my team was due to leave. I was so nervous about this mission, but at the same time I was shaking with excitement.

I walked out into my living room to find Sirius sitting on my couch.

"Sirius. You could have let me know you were here. Have you been here long?"

"What the hell was that earlier, Lily," he questioned in a demanding tone.

"I don't really want to talk about it."

"Don't give me that bullshit, Lily. Why did James go out with you and your mum?"

"Sirius, I said I don't want to talk about it."

He grabbed my arm and turned me around. "Why does your mum think you and James are still together?"

"Because I haven't told her we broke up," I replied, turning back around and trying to pull my arm free.

"Why not," he questioned. "Please don't tell me you're trying to block out the reality of the situation. Lily, I'm sorry to say this, but you and him are over. He's with Isabel now. You can't keep running to him whenever your mum's in town and act like you two are together. You're going to have to tell her eventually."

"I know," my voice raised, as I tried not to let the tears that were threatening to fall show. "I don't need you to spell it out for me. I know we're over and he's with her now. I know I need to tell my mum about James and I, and I'll get to that when I get to it."

I roughly pulled my arm out of his grasp before leaving my apartment.

Even though he kept his distance, I could still feel his eyes on my back as we walked silently through the halls of the Ministry. I had never been in the Ministry after hours, when it was so dark and eerily quiet. The guards stood by the entrances, watched the two of us walk past. Having their eyes on me gave me the chills, so I slowed my pace to match Sirius'. He put his hand on my back as a sign to ease my discomfort.

There was only one light on in the Auror Department; Moody's office. I rushed wanting to get out of the darkness. Once in the office, I felt so much safer, that and my whole team plus three were already there. I figured Alice was going to see Frank off, but was a bit surprised that Ben came. Then I remembered Alice and Ben were on the same team and they've become good friends. There was also, Isabel, who had come to see James off.

James had never let me come to see him off before a mission. Why was she any different? I never would have been crying my eyes out like her.

I was watching them say their goodbyes and then I caught her eye when she hugged him. She shot me the dirtiest look I've ever seen, but it was gone as fast as it had come. I looked around to see if anyone else had seen it, but no. Maybe I had imagined it. Yes, that had to be it. Isabel, as much I wouldn't like to admit it, is a very nice girl.

Then Isabel gave Sirius a hug before coming over to me. I didn't want to give her a hug, but I didn't want to be rude either. Once we were in the embrace, she quickly whispered something in my ear. I pulled back to look at her. Her eyes betrayed her body language. Before I could say anything back, Moody told us we'd better get over to the portkey.

Following directions, I still continued to look at Isabel with a stunned expression upon my face. Had I really heard her correct or was it just my imagination?

No. There it was again. She shot me another dirty look and all I could think about as I spun away was the words she whispered in my ear.

My body slammed into the ground, while the others landed on their feet. I was still stunned and not paying attention when Eric and Sirius pulled me to my feet.

"Are you okay," Eric asked.

I ignored him unintentionally and turned to Sirius.

"Did anything seem usual about Isabel?"

"No. Why," he asked curiously.

"Oh…never mind."

I looked at my surroundings, as did the others. We had landed in a dark alley and up ahead, I could see cars going by.

"Let's go," Kingsley said.

"Do you know where we're supposed to go," I asked.

"Yes," James replied sharply. "You'd know, if you were paying attention."

I glared at him, which caused Sirius and Eric to chuckle. I shot the two of them dirty looks as well. I was not in the mood tonight. Everything had been fine earlier. Of course, leave it up to James to try to embarrass me in front of the others.

"Moody told us before we grabbed the portkey," Frank gently explained.

"Ok, well. Where are we supposed to go?"

"The inn at the end of the road. Moody already booked us a room."

"A room?"

"Yes, Evans. A room. Can't you hear?" So James is resorting back to surnames. Well two can play at that game.

"Was I talking to you, Potter?" Ha. Take that.

"Whatever."

"There are only two beds!"

"Yeah, so? That was pretty obvious when Moody told us he book the room."

"I can't share a room with him," I said pointing to James.

"Grow up, Evans," James said, throwing his duffle bag on one of the beds.

"I'm a lot more grown up than you," I mumbled more to myself. "I'm going back down to the office and I'll get my own room."

"I'll go with you," Sirius said.

"No. That's okay. I can take care of myself." I was still mad at him.

After settling in my new room, I went back to the other's room. I managed to get the room across the hall from them.

"So, what are we doing tonight?"

"Well, we were going out to get some food."

"But, shouldn't we start planning? Get things going," I asked.

"We'll start tomorrow," James replied.

"But the whole reason we're here is to get these people back safely, Potter. What if they don't have tomorrow?"

James stayed silent, as did the others. I knew what they were all thinking. They thought there wasn't much of a chance that these two people would come out of this alive. That or they'd be driven crazy.

"Fine. Eric, let's go."

"Sorry, Lily. I don't think I'm gonna go out tonight."

"Fine. I'll just go by myself. I obviously want to save these people a lot more than you."

"That's not fair, Lily."

I ignored that last comment, walking out of the room. I was almost out of the inn, when I heard someone calling my name.

"Wait up," Sirius said, jogging to catch up.

Trust Sirius to have my back.

A/N: I'm still alive, just in case any of you were wondering. I finished my finals then three weeks later, I missed the first day of my summer class. I had thought it started in July, but obviously not. This class has been very intensive and I have midterms next week. Once I post this chapter, I really will be writing the next chapter. Hopefully I'll get it out by the 6th, maybe the 5th if I get at least 6 reviews (they make me super happy. hint hint, wink wink)

Thanks to:

Funeral Of A Friend, R.L.N.Tonks, An Aspiring Author, modern-marauder, and thestralwhisperer.

YOU ALL ARE AWESOME. : )

--jenn