Chapter 10

James didn't know how long he stood in the deserted corridor before feeling finally came back into his body. His body was numb, from shock as well as the cold. When Lily had accepted Amos' invitation only after thinking a little while, his heart had shattered. Just like that.

There were no words to describe what he had felt. The intensity of the feeling nearly knocked him off his feet, but then it had slowly died away and was replaced by numbness. The numbing made him forget about the pain as he watched Lily and Amos walk off, happily grinning at each other…leaving him alone.

Maybe he and Lily Evans really weren't meant to be.

He had moped around for the rest of the week, busying himself with the studies that he had vowed to start doing. There were no witty comments, idiotic remarks or any liveliness from him at all! He had avoided everyone's questioning, and most of all, avoided Lily all together.

Word of Lily accepting Amos' Hogsmeade invitation spread like wild fire, and most people were cautious around James as they knew that was probably the cause to his sudden mood shift.

The Marauders probably knew more than anyone else about James' current feelings. Well, except for Peter that is. Hogsmeade was approaching quicker than James hoped, and the imaginary dark clouds above his head kept pouring torrential rain on him.

Lily, though knowing she shouldn't, was feeling a little guilty as she saw James' behaviour. She had tried hard convincing herself that he was doing it for attention, but seeing the genuine hurt etched on his face during class made her think otherwise.

But really, what she did had nothing to do whatsoever with him. If he thought that a few civil conversations with her over the Potions assignment would make her suddenly fall in love with him, he was quite mistaken. Yet, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling from her as much as she convinced herself.

On Friday night, she trudged back the Gryffindor Common Room from a grueling long day. In the Head Common Room, there was always a heavy tension lingering in the air, or an uncomfortable silence, so she'd been spending her nights with her 2 friends.

She didn't even know how things were turning out like this! According to James' personality, he should've moved onto another girl to annoy, and continued playing his ridiculous pranks…but none of these happened.

Instead, the Head Boy had actually been burying his head in numerous amounts of textbooks, to the approval of all the teachers, especially Professor McGonagall. Lily's heart had felt the same soreness when she saw James with Missy on the first day back. She didn't know what these meant…and she honestly didn't want to know. All she had to worry about was how to make her date for tomorrow perfect.

After changing into her pajamas, she was met with two faces grinning widely in the dormitory.

"So Lils, planned out what you're going to wear for tomorrow?" Brittany clamped Lily's back with an iron-like grip, causing Lily to wince with pain, but laugh nonethe less.

"I think I'll just pull on something…casual"

Eva and Brittany exchanged glances and laughed with glee, causing Lily's lips to curve into a frown, but with humour in her eyes. She folded her arms at her friends, and put on a look of mock shock.

"Well, what's the joke?"

"Lily! You've got a date with a handsome Hufflepuff tomorrow and the hottest guy in the school green with jealously, and out for Diggory's blood! How can you stay so calm?" Eva took a hold of Lily and shook her by the shoulders.

"Potter is not attractive!"

"He and Sirius Black have been voted the most eligible bachelors in the school. The vote was taken last week by all the females in the school, and the results were posted up today." Brittany said, somewhat sourly.

"You can't deny he's got a well-built body…"

"Eva! You're supposed to be the innocent, sweet one! And besides, what would Remus think if he heard you?" Lily feigned anger.

Both Lily and Brittany cracked up laughing as they bombarded Eva with embarrassing questions until she finally claimed she was going to bed. All 3 girls were so glad they had spent time together, and reestablished their friendship that seemed to be losing its touch.

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Saturday finally came, and spirits were high in Hogwarts. The atmosphere was bright and lively early in the morning as people prepared for their dates, or just a day out for relaxation. Lily, although slightly nervous about her date with Amos, felt not particularly jubilant. In fact, on the other hand, she found herself being particularly bothered with James Potter's behaviour.

Basically, the whole female population had been ready to kill her after she'd agreed to go to Hogsmeade with Amos. She was receiving death threats 2 times a day on average, and had nearly been hexed a few times in the corridors. What was wrong with the world? She couldn't even go out with a guy she desired?

Her every move had to be related to James. The girls blamed her for making him in his suddenly sullen mood. Even some guys came up and asked her why there wasn't any pranks going around in the school, and why the Marauders were suddenly so glum? Lily had also been accused of being 'heartless, stupid at rejecting James Potter, and cruel'.

As Lily dressed, she scowled darkly as the picture of James' smiling face wouldn't leave her mind. She was meant to be looking forward to her date with Amos. Yes, she told herself, concentrate on Amos' handsome features, his intelligence. She conjured up a smile as she stepped out of the Gryffindor Common Room to meet Amos.

Eva and Brittany had already left early to meet their dates. Amos greeted her with a light peck on the cheek, but Lily felt her heart didn't speed up, nor did she feel much excitement. Was this normal? Without thinking too much of it, she and Amos made their way through the sea of students all fighting to make their way into Hogsmeade.

"You seem a bit distracted Lily" Amos' curious glance questioned her as they settled in The Three Broomsticks.

"O-oh, it's nothing. I had a difficult time sleeping last night, that's all" Lily had indeed been spacing out a lot and she paid little attention to what Amos was saying. She didn't know why, but her mind had been pretty blank all morning. She was also pretty certain that she wasn't having that great of a time with Amos.

"Well, as I was saying, my father was very proud when I made the Quidditch team, especially seeker! You know…he even bought me a new broomstick and everything"

Lily nodded only half paying attention. They'd barely had a proper conversation since this morning. All Amos seemed to be interested in was talking about himself, and his great achievements. Although Lily's academic achievements could've matched his easily, she didn't really find pride in boasting about them.

Just then, two lanky figures strolled in, and all heads turned towards the handsome, dark headed boys. Amos frowned and his hand automatically reached over the table and cupped Lily's, causing her to twitch nervously.

Lily's attention had suddenly been grasped, and she felt no longer irritable. Although her mind told her to stop looking, her eyes only seemed to be paying attention to her heart…and she couldn't tear her gaze from James Potter.

Finally, the trance seemed to be broken, and she stared determinately at the bobbing marshmallow in her hot chocolate. James and Sirius had both turned up dateless to Hogsmeade, much to the surprise and disappointment of their little female fans.

James had known it was a mistake to go to the Three Broomsticks, and tried to persuade Sirius, but he had insisted that James needed to get a grip of himself and regain his original mood. James knew Sirius was right…but it was so hard seeing the girl he loved in the arms of another.

All week, his mood hadn't improved, and he was dreading Hogsmeade so badly. Yet, here he was, making yet another dramatic entrance with his best friend into the Three Broomsticks. Sirius had voted they get drunk on Butterbeer, and James was all the more happy to agree.

Remus had woken up bright and early and hummed a little tune as he prepared for his date with Eva. However, both he and Sirius noticed that there was something unusual about their friends' behaviour. Although delighted, Remus seemed to have something disturbing him. Although curious, James had decided it would be better for him to figure things out himself. There were some things friends couldn't help…and love was one of them.

Even a pudgy fourth year from Hufflepuff had accepted Peter's invite to Hogsmeade. James remembered he, Sirius and Remus had egged on Peter, and finally, after 30 minutes of stuttering did Peter manage to blurt out the question.

James' gaze had been kept on Lily for the whole of the time she and Amos were there…they seemed so perfect togethter: the happy, cliché couple. Soon after however, they'd left, and James was left with the comfort of Sirius, and the precious sweetening liquid known as Butterbeer. James decided that he liked drinking it as it would provide a satisfaction in his stomach that could rival the pain in his heart.

Sooner than later, nightfall had fallen, but neither James nor Sirius had the heart to return to Hogwarts. It was actually quite surprising what love could do to a person…James was still wondering whether Lily had enjoyed herself, and what she and Amos were doing. He shuddered as a few disturbing images flashed through his brain.

Without warning, a suddenly tremor shook the ground, and James and Sirius were on their feet at once, their minds fresher than ever.

"Wadda you think that was, Prongs?"

"I-I dunno…whatever it was, I think it's not a good sign" A look of worry crossed James' face as he wondered what was happening in Hogsmeade. Maybe they should've followed the rest of the students when they'd left for Hogwarts in the early afternoon.

His questions were soon answered by the appearance of mysterious hooded figures that were making their way around. James recognized them instantly, and his body gave a few uncomfortable twitches. His senses were all on full alert, and both he and Sirius pulled their wands out.

Death Eaters had managed to find their way into Hogsmeade.

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Remus had been trying to find an opportunity to tell Eva why he and she wouldn't work. However, every time he worked up a bit of courage, her soft warm eyes would shut him up. They'd spent the perfect day together, and Remus was the happiest he'd been for a long time.

Surprisingly, Remus wasn't the only one that had something to tell. Eva was, it seemed, having a difficult time working up courage to tell Remus something. Whatever it was, this little bit of tension hadn't affected their perfect day. Yet, both had noticed this little bit of uneasiness, and now, as they were seated on a grassy hill admiring the roundness of the moon, they were finally ready for each other's confessions.

"I've wanted to tell you this, but I was afraid it would ruin everything we have…"

"I know Eva…it's been the same with me. I wasn't sure if you'd accept who I am. I'm still not" Remus chuckled nervously, still refusing to leave his gaze off the moon.

"It's my father…h-he" At this moment, Eva found she couldn't continue and broke into silent sobs on Remus' shoulder, who gently cradled her.

"It's okay Eva…you can tell me. I'm sure you'll feel better."

"H-he's a werewolf" she said between sobs.

Remus suddenly jerked, and a wild expression was in his eyes, much to the horror of Eva.

"Remus! I didn't think you'd reject me because of that…because I'm half werewolf? Maybe I saw you wrongly"

"NO…no Eva. You've got it all wrong. That's my secret…my disgusting, horrible little secret. I'm a werewolf." He said, eyes now blank. Remus refused to look Eva in the eye as he was sure he would be heartbroken at her expression.

They both sat in stunned silence as they absorbed this shocking information. However, this was soon broken by a raspy, unpleasant voice.

"Awww…how sweet. The little werewolf has gotten himself a girlfriend. Well, declare your love for each other because it'll be your last chance. Say goodbye." A dark hooded figure had suddenly approached, and was now cackling maliciously as he advanced on them, wand held at an arms distance away.

They both panicked, but being calm and intelligent in nature, they both showed no alarm. Remus' hand was slowly creeping to the insides of his robes.

As the Death Eather was still laughing over the fact that he had caught the two, Remus took him by surprise, with Eva closely following suite.

"IMPEDIMENTA!" he bellowed, and the Death Eater doubled over and went flying a few feet, clearly not expecting the hex.

In the distance, Remus and Eva could see more hoods approaching them, and after meeting each others frightened gazes, they both ran for Hogwarts…and for their lives. In the back of their minds, both were wondering what was happening to their friends…

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Indeed, Lily and Amos had been taking a light stroll amongst the trees before being interrupted by the appearance of the numerous Death Eaters. Only a couple had shown up at first, and they both found it not difficult to drive them away. However, the more of them that came, the more nervous Amos became. Even the spells he'd sent at them were weaker.

Lily however, found herself being more energized and angrier as more of them found their way into Hogsmeade. How dare Voldemort send his foul and heartless creatures to do his dirty work! How dare he threaten their lives like this? She wouldn't give up without a fight. She would bring them down.

"STUPEFY!" a jolt of red light shot out of her wand and hit a nearby Death Eater who kneeled over in pain. She found herself breathing heavily, and her heart sank as she noticed more and more hooded figures were closing in on them.

Amos was a few feet away from her, and it seemed that he was growing feebler by the second. After a stunning spell hit him hard on the chest, he couldn't get up. There was no other choice. He would have to leave behind. He couldn't die like this…he had so much potential and it just couldn't go to waste like this.

"I'm sorry Lily, I-I have to leave…I'm sure y-you'll be fine. I'll try and call somebody for help on the way" Lily was paralyzed after hearing his words. He was leaving…just like that?

Amos transfigured a nearby stone into a broom and kicked off hard. A nearby Death Eater laughed in glee.

"Not much of a boyfriend is he? Leaving you all to fend for yourself and running off like a little rabbit."

Lily sighed…the Death Eater was right. Amos had shown his true identity in the time of crisis. He had betrayed her…he didn't even care whether she lived or died!

"Prepare to die, Lily Evans"

After sending a few beams of light from her wand, Lily continued to fight bravely…even if it meant giving away her life.

Lily knew she wouldn't be able to keep up for much longer. She'd already been hit by 2 particularly harsh spells and was breathing extremely harshly. Just then, her 'knight in shining armour' came to her rescue.

"YOU COWARD" he bellowed up at Amos Diggory, who was soaring through the sky. He was directing beams of electric blue light at the Death Eaters, and clearing a way through the tight circle to be close to the girl he loved.

"Lily! Are you alright?" James' face was twisted into fury with regard to the Death Eaters, and pure concern for the red-haired girl that was now next to him.

Lily felt her heartstrings pull hard, but paid them no attention. Although she knew she should be grateful to James Potter for coming and risking his own life for her, she still found it particularly annoying how he had to be always there.

"Yes, Potter? You know, I was doing…er, fine before you came along" She replied, rather coldly. Although it was already dark, the beam of moonlight lit James' handsome features quite clearly, and Lily was really touched at seeing the alarm on his face.

"You took me ages to find Lily! Do you know how much I was worried? I was scared…for once in my life. I was scared I would lose you. Never see you again." James whispered, ignoring Lily's harsh words. He was just relieved he'd found her…and come in the nick of time as well.

All Lily's doubt vanished then and there. Although they had many differences, right now, they were on the same boat. They had to fight.

"We need to work together to win. Unlike Diggory, I am willing to risk my life for another…especially since the person in mortal peril is a very special young lady" James grinned, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

It worked, and Lily grinned. "Determination isn't enough. We need a plan. Look at the number of Death Eaters…we can't win by force. We need to win by logic and strategy. I'll start to create a portkey…can you please try and distract them?"

It seemed they didn't need to communicate by words…their hearts were connected, and each knew what the other one was about to do.

"Petrificus Totalus" the spell took effect at making the Death Eater to the right of James freeze and become as stiff as a board.

"Avada Kedavra" James ducked as the spell missed him by a few inches and scorched a nearby palm tree.

"COLLOPORTUS" he shouted at a Death Eater that appeared to be a female.

After shouting another couple of "Expelliarmus", James found his voice was hoarse, and he was clearly fighting a losing battle. Curses were now flying in every direction, most not hitting their targets and bounding off other objects. It was a total catastrophe.

James now clearly regretted not having followed everyone back to castle…where it was safe.

He couldn't hold up for much longer, as he was outnumbered at least twenty to one. How did the Death Eaters get into such a safe area as Hogsmeade…and what was Lord Voldemort's intentions at sending them here?

"Protego" he shouted as he saw a Death Eater's mouth open to send a hex his way. The shield worked, and he was unharmed.

He silently urged Lily to hurry up. He wasn't too worried about his own safety…he just couldn't bear to see Lily harmed in any way.

"Give up, Potter" A hooded figure spat, after sending a curse that missed James by a mile.

"Yeah" another piped in. The man was short and stumpy, and had a peculiarly squeaky voice. "Join us…and the Dark Lord will make your dreams come true. Provide you with riches beyond your imagination!"

"Join us, Potter…and we may consider sparing the girl's life. Otherwise, face death. It's your choice. You're not stupid…I know which one I'd choose" an especially burly figure stepped forward, and he seemed to be the ringleader. His face was hidden under the shadows of his hood, but James could imagine a horrible sneer hidden under there.

The Death Eater had chosen his words carefully, and James dropped his hand holding his wand to his side. His gaze drifted back to where Lily was busy muttering incantations with her wand raised at what seemed to be a leaf.

Her face was twisted into utter concentration and determination. James' heart ached as he saw her innocent figure. He couldn't be this selfish. He couldn't endanger both their lives. Lily needed to live.

James faced back to the Death Eaters who were waiting expectantly. Beads of sweat were running down his face, and his eyebrows were creased.

"I---"

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A/N: BAHAHAHAA! Evilll cliffie…don't we all love 'em? This chapter I thought was pretty long, and took a longer time than expected to write. Oh well, I said I would start mentioning the Christmas holidays, but I didn't have space. Oh well, that should come up next chappie.

Yes, and the plot of the potion will come after the holidays. So, expect a little bit of drama in the holidays before the potion comes into the story!

Alright, I would love to thank all my reviewers who've commented wonderfully on my story. My gratitude just simply can't be expressed in words…

Youkaigirl64: Thank you again for your kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying the story…and I can tell you I'm having an absolutely extraordinary time writing it! Thanx again for commenting!

WhiteCamellia Yeah, I know…Amos and Lily are just totally wrong, and it's pretty cliché as a lot of other people have used it, but you're right. More drama…more interest! I'll give you a little bit of a sneak preview…expect more of Amos Diggory in the future chapters! Okok…thank you heaps and heaps for your reviews! By the way, your name is very beautiful

Lizzi, Elizabeth: THANK YOU! You've clearly been one of my best reviewers. Your reviews always make me think a lot…and they give a lot of insight and excellent suggestions! Very enlightening to read. I see you're very big on James/Lily, and I hope this chapter didn't disappoint you. It's just that I thought I would add some other stuff, because I don't want to whole story to be on them. Hope you liked it!

Jumpernumbernine Good luck again on your sequel…I'm looking forward to it! Thanx for all your encouragement and comments on my story so far. Hope you've enjoyed reading!

Lana: Thanx heaps for reviewing! I hope this chapter was to your liking

Nowthatspink Cute nickname! Glad you're liking the story…thanx a bunch for your kind words. Tell me what you thought of this chap!

Hermione Radcliffe Go Michael: Lol! Your nickname is quite…interesting! Anyways, thanx heaps for your review and I'm glad you're finding the story sweet…it was one of the effects I was going for! Anyways, I hope you liked this chap…tell me what you think

CMMfan1: I thought quite a bit after reading your review…and you're definitely right. It's just that err…I don't really know what happens in the minds of boys so I just assumed that friends would tell each other stuff. Lol! Sorry, but itz already been done. Anyways, glad you lyk the story! Tell mi what you think about this chap!

Lxlriotgirlx Hey! Interesting nickname! Lol…glad your finding the story to your liking. Hope this chap was also not disappointing. Thx heaps for reviewing!

Well, I just have one more thing to say before finishing, although James and Lily might seem all 'togetherish', they aren't going to get together for a while yet! I've read a lot of stories when they suddenly get together with no particular happenings, and they've kinda confused me, so yeah…

Thanx with all my heart to everyone,

Purebliss90