A/N: ' Lo all, k the time is ripe for the unlucky chapter … (sorry if it sucks)

Chapter 13: Chameleon Me

Time had passed quickly, Lily noticed, as she gazed out of her dormitory window. The Hogwarts landscape, which was so familiar to her, had been carpeted overnight by a thick blinding layer of pure white snow.

"Kayt!! 'Lyss!!" she shouted exuberantly, "IT'S SNOWED!!"

The two girls, whose faces were completely sleep-filled just minutes ago, jumped from their beds and raced to the window to see if it was true. Once it was confirmed that it had in fact snowed the night before, the three pulled on their thickest cloaks, gloves, hats and scarves before racing to the grounds, wanting to be the first to reach the masses of unblemished snow.

However, even as they reached the entrance hall it was clear that they had been beaten to it. Yells of delight and joy echoed through the frosty air as the girls rushed onto the grounds. They were greeted by a group of boys mercilessly pelting them with snowballs.

Lily squealed before running across the grounds, skilfully dodging the snowballs.

"You're pretty good at dodging," a deep voice came up from behind her, making her jump from her hiding place.

"Whoa!" shouted Lily in surprise, nearly falling back off the tree, but she was caught by strong arms belonging to the male who had spoken.

"Steady," he chuckled as she settled into a safe position.

"It was your fault for freaking the living daylights outta me," she said turning onto the male and then added accusingly, "James!"

He held up his hands with a laugh and said, "Guilty as charged."

Lily raised her eyebrows and muttered something inaudibly but cracked a smile at James' terrible puppy eyed look.

They both sat together in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.

Lily finally broke the silence with, "What're you doing up here instead of being down there knocking everyone out with massive snowballs?"

James waited for a while and slowly said in a hurt voice, "I'm not an aggressive maniac…"

"James, I didn't mean it in that way- ", started Lily quickly.

"Its ok," interrupted James calmly, "I know how you meant it. Well, I suppose I don't really like messing up the snow … and I know this sounds really stupid but …" he trailed off.

"… it just looks so pure, unblemished and perfect …" offered Lily.

James nodded, "Yeah."

Lily took his hand and patted it understandingly.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

A green flash. Scared emerald eyes staring into hers; trusting her. A terrible, chilly, shrill voice … laughing … laughing …

"Miss Evans!" piped a squeaky voice, startling her from her daydream.

"Er yes Professor Flitwick," said Lily hurriedly wiping away a glob of drool from her chin.

"Could you perform the charm please?" he said with a knowing smile.

Damn, thought Lily, looking around the classroom for any hints at what the charm they were doing this lesson was.

"Miss Evans …"called Flitwick again, sounding slightly worried.

"Yes sir I'm just … getting ready," replied Lily hesitantly.

To her right Kayt was openly snoozing with her head in her arms. To her left Frank Longbottom was gazing love-sickly at Alice. She was doomed.

Lily made a big show of rolling up her sleeves to buy herself some more time, when she caught James' eye.

She stared into his eyes hoping that he might give her a clue. Suddenly an incantation came to her mind and a corresponding wand movement. Lily dropped her wand in shock and shot a disbelieving look to James.

Flitwick picked up her wand for her and said concernedly, "Miss Evans, are you alright?"

Lily nodded and smiled. She then cleared her throat and said, "Minutia diferadium" with a lavish, complicated wand movement.

Nothing happened. Lily waited but still nothing had happened. Suddenly she felt this huge explosion in her head. She collapsed to the floor. The floor changed colours, smells became enhanced and her hearing became enhanced. Changes flitted through her senses at lightning speed. It ended as suddenly as it had started and left Lily reeling on the floor.

"Miss Evans! Are you okay?" asked Flitwick anxiously.

"I … things were … in my head." Lily tried to express herself.

"Maybe you should go and see the Headmaster… Mr Potter, please accompany Miss Evans to the Headmaster's office."

Flitwick whispered into Lily's ear as he helped her up, "Miss Evans … I suspect you're a shapeshifter."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

"Pretty cool, huh?" said James lightly.

"Mm … s'bit weird really,"

"Yeah, I suppose. They're really rare. Shape-shifters, that is,"

"Uhhuh,"

There was a silence.

"James?"

"Go on,"

"How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"That I was a …" Lily had stopped walking.

James stopped and turned back to face her. He didn't say anything.

"Are you…" she trailed off.

James gave a brief nod before walking. Lily caught up with him. They walked in silence again.

"Bertie's Botts" said James and the staircase to Dumbledore's office was revealed.

James strode up the stairs, leaving Lily where she was.

James was a Shapeshifter. She was a Shapeshifter.

She ran up the spiral staircase and joined James just as the door opened.

They both entered.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

"So, you realised that Miss Evan's was a shapeshifter, am I right Mr Potter?" said Dumbledore.

"Yes sir," replied James.

"How?" said Lily dumbfoundedly.

"I sensed the power explosion in you," said James.

"When did you find out you were one?" asked Lily.

"My parents were too and I discovered I was one before I came to Hogwarts. It varies; the age at which you discover your gift. It isn't really something you can do just when you want to; although that is possible once you properly master the art. My parents taught me how to shapeshift and I can do it at will."

"Okay," said Lily slowly, nodding.

"Your powers are dangerous, unless you master them Miss Evans. Today in your Charms lesson your facial features were probably all that changed. From what Mr Potter says it was quite advanced for your first ever shapeshifting. However if you do not manage to control your gift it will take over you and possibly be fatal." said Dumbledore gravely. "I think it would be best if Mr Potter were to train you as he is a very advanced Shapeshifter," said Dumbledore, looking towards James.

James nodded, "Yeah. I think the sooner we start the better."

"Miss Evans, you must give me your word not to tell anyone of your gift," added Dumbledore.

Lily was still in shock and just nodded mutely.

"Miss Evans, during your school times you will not be allowed to shapeshift for obvious reasons and there are charms on the school so that no one may Shapeshift in Hogwarts," said Dumbledore, "however, I know of a place where you may have your lessons with Mr Potter. Is Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm appropriate for both of you?"

"Yes sir." they answered.

"Well, the place is sometimes known as the Room of Requirement and …."

"Okay sir," said James, nodding.

"Then we shall say goodbye and embark in our own ways," said Dumbledore with a smile.

James and Lily both left the room and descended the spiral staircase.

"I'll see you tomorrow evening at the Room of Requirement then," said James.

Lily nodded.

They walked off in opposite directions, to their next lessons.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

A/N: I know the whole Shapeshifter thing is AU but oh well! Anyways … did you like it?! Give me some feedback people! The Shapeshifting business will be explained in more detail in the next chapter.

xx

ME and 'me' 's wonderful editor, Rich. Ps if you're a crazed one tree hill fan, check out my fanfic 'everlasting moments'  or check out my songfic 'my lost friend' n see what Sirius has to say when he does something….terrible!

Pps, thanks suba for letting me plug my stories here :P