Hiya,

Just to let you know, if there were or are any spelling or other mistakes could you please read and review. Improvements, criticism and ideas all welcome. Disclaimer: Only stuff you don't get in the books is mine! OK?

Prince James wandered back towards the party. Inside his late mother's room there was a girl, a beautiful girl, who was the Duchess of Caprice. As his mind mulled this new information over he didn't notice two young men waiting for him at the party entrance.

"Well, you took your time, didn't you?" Called a dark-haired one. He was taller than the prince and had laughing black eyes. His hair was black as well and it hung just above his shoulders. A warm smile graced his lips as Prince James came closer.

"You shouldn't speak to his majesty like that." Teased the other, a fair-haired man with several small white scars creasing his face. His eyes were a glowing amber and, unlike the other two, his hair was quite short. He smirked as the prince lifted his head up to see where the comments had come from.

"No need to try and improve Duke Black's manners; he is always rude. Surely you, Lord Lupin, would have figured that out by now?" Laughter shook the trio and all of the young men relaxed into the company of each other. The three of them were best friends and had been since they were two years old.

Duke Black's first name was Sirius and he came from the long and prestigious line of Black. The family, however, believed had rather fierce views about those who were 'half-bloods' or 'mud bloods'. Sirius on the other hand didn't take his family's view of the world and was much more relaxed about everything. He was, in all senses, a black sheep.

Lord Lupin had been a pureblood wizard but had been bitten by a werewolf on his fourth birthday. That was the reason for the scars, but no-one else knew save for his family and closest friends. His father had worked for the Ministry of Magic under the Dangerous Creatures Act and he had been forced to write a rather controversial article about werewolves. It was the article or his job.

As a result, Charles Lupin's only son had been bitten near a forest next to their old home. Following from that event, his wife left and Charles and his ill child were thrown onto the streets, living rough for years. Finally, when no other place would take his son because of the illness, Charles was forced to put his only child into a muggle care home.

Yet this was not the end for the new Lord Lupin. His family had been Lords and Ladies in Hallmark for generations and so, werewolf or not, Remus Lupin had accepted his title. Hallmark provided a safe place for him, where he could transform every month safely. He had escaped from his care home and his Hallmarkian friends provided a small house for him to live in.

There was a fourth part of the group, named Lord Pettigrew. His first name was Peter was, unfortunately, he had a very sick mother and so could not attend many balls or parties or events in Hallmark.

Prince James and his friends decided not to go back to the festivities. Instead, they decided to go and see the new duchess. Remus was against the idea.

"I just don't think she'll want to meet anyone yet. She is in a new country after all..."

"Quiet Remus, she'll want to know someone. Right, James?"

"Exactly, think of how scared you'd be if you knew no-one. I mean, at least you had us."

"Yeah, cos you guys were a great help."

"What do you mean by that," Sirius questioned him.

"You told everyone I had a twin brother who the servants had to keep locked up! You two spread all sorts of things, why am I still friends with you?" Remus appeared angry but all three of them knew that he was just playing.

"You love us really," James protested as the three pushed along the corridor of the palace.

The trio soon came to Lily's new room. Trying to stifle their giggles, they grinned as James began to open the door. Remus shook his head, his floppy fringe covering his laughing eyes, whilst Sirius leant up against the wall as he choked on a chuckle. James took a deep breath, then opened the door fully.

Everything was as he remembered. The painting, the decoration and even the ornaments. He took one step inside before speaking in a soft, but very posh, voice.

"Excuse me, but my chums and I -"

"Chums!" Giggled Sirius to Remus. The prince just sent them a merry look before continuing.

"As I was saying, My chums and I were wondering if this chamber held the new Duchess of Caprice?"

Lily had been hiding in the bathroom as James had spoken. She didn't know who he was, but she defiantly didn't want to go out there, especially as he wasn't alone. She stayed put as he walked in further.

"Hello?"

What to do, what to do! Some strange young man - quite handsome, actually - was requesting her and she had been hiding in the bathroom for all that time! Well, she'd look stupid coming out now! What to do, what to do?

Then suddenly, she was saved.

"Good evening gentlemen. Duke Black, your father requests you return to him at the party. Perhaps it would do to escort the both of you back there?"

"Nah Greg, we can make it. Come on, Remus."

"Yeah. See you later, your majesty." Remus teased before Lily heard two sets of footsteps becoming even more distant with every second. They were running, she realized.

"Now, my young prince, what have you done with the duchess?" Greg asked, amusement in his voice.

"There isn't anyone here, Greg. And it's James - you know that..."

"It would not do for the crown prince of Hallmark to be introducing himself as just 'James', would it?"

"Yes it would. My name is James. My name is James. My name is James..."

Whilst the prince was reciting his name, in a very demanding tone, Greg had slipped past him and opened the door to the bathroom. Lily appeared from the darkness in a very nervous way. James however, didn't notice her as his back was turned but Greg soon fixed that. After coaxing Lily to step out into the light of the bedroom, he made a few quick strides and turned James to see the vision before him.

"-James. My...my...my name...my name is..." His words faltered at the sight of Lily and she blushed. Greg smirked before backing away.

"I'll leave you two to get acquainted, shall I?"

And with he was gone. The door was closed. Here she was, in a fine dress, in a fine room with the crown prince of Hallmark gaping at her like a fish.

Help!