Chapter 14

Many uneventful days of the Christmas Holidays had already passed. Each day's weather was worse than the last. It snowed endlessly, and although the snowflakes were beautiful things, the shining sheets of white were exact opposites of what most Seventh Years were feeling.

Many had decided to stay in the castle for the holidays, as they were in no mood to have fun with their families. With the approaching NEWT's and their overflowing homework, the Christmas spirit wasn't really lived out. Except for perhaps the Feast, nobody felt like even socializing much.

For the 3 Marauders, Lily and Brittany, times were the worst. It seemed many others didn't really care about Voldemort's killing of innocents. They believed they were safe in Hogwarts, and left the rest to the Ministry. In Lily's opinion, they were selfish and cowardly. In response to James' proposal, Lily still hadn't made up her mind, but she was pretty sure her answer would be yes.

In times of crisis, it was strong to be able to place aside differences and battle the enemy together. Yet, all the same, she hadn't the courage to face James. It seemed things between them would always be very awkward lately. The entire joking and sarcastic atmosphere had mysteriously vanished after the Hogsmeade incident. They had stopped all arguments to the surprise and relief of the whole school's population. Now, Lily realised, she and James rarely talked. She could only remember him asking her out once in the whole year! That was definitely a record.

His sudden change in attitude towards her had caused female half of the population to be very delighted. James was constantly getting love mail, some congratulating him on finally giving up on Lily, and others asking very personal questions. James had even felt embarrassed reading them, how they managed to even write them was beyond him.

His owl, Poms was growing weary day by day, as many girls had sabotaged him in order to deliver mail to James. Many envelopes of unread mail now sat on his desk, and he had no intention of opening them. Sirius however, found it an enjoyable pastime to read and guffaw at the ridiculous comments that the girls made.

Of course, Sirius' love mail could compete easily with James', but personally, he found them unentertaining and repetitive as all he read was the gibberish about them having loved him for so many years. The shyer ones signed them Anonymous, but gave enough clues so that Sirius could work out who they were. The bolder ones gave their full names, and even their contact details! The nerve of some girls…

James knew however, that he had in fact not given up on Lily, and was having no intention of anytime soon. No, he was very much in love with her, but all he was doing now was trying a different tactic…one that seemed to be working much better than the previous.

He was even proud of himself…he had kept the rude comments and sarcastic remarks to himself. He could see her smiling face more often, instead of the usual scowls and dark glares that he received. Although he enjoyed tormenting her, if he wanted a chance to love her, his change was most definitely for the better.

He was writing the last few paragraphs of his Transfiguration essay in the Heads Common Room by the fire, when a nervous Lily Evans sat uncomfortably on the couch next to him. James peered up at her, and in his rush, splattered ink all over his nose. Lily smiled at how silly he looked, yet she couldn't deny he was very much adorable with black splotches covering his face.

James smiled back, and wiped furiously at his nose, only smudging the ink badly. "Hey Lils! And why have I been blessed by your fair presence on this lovely evening?"

James puffed his chest out and pushed his glasses up, looking fairly silly. Both of them were glad that they were not fighting as constantly, and maybe they'd discovered some new things about each other this year.

"I've thought about what you said, James…and I feel I must agree with you. There're some things that are beyond our grasp, but we must join our magic and create a stronger force. I'm with you all the way." The top of Lily's ears turned slightly red, but her voice didn't quiver, and she stayed strong through her little speech.

James grinned broadly, but nothing could compare to the happiness that burst out in his heart. He was glad that Lily had seen the light, and was willing to work together with them. After all, they were working with dangerous people…nobody knew what they were actually up against.

"We can work together to prevent evil people like Snivellus destroying our perfect worlds." Immediately, James knew he'd probably said the wrong thing when he gazed up at Lily's face that was now frowning quite deeply.

"Severus is a respectable Slytherin. Please don't speak so lowly about him. I know you Marauders dislike him, for reasons which I don't want to hear about, but please don't insult him in front of me" Lily's voice was a whisper, and her voice quivered slightly, and she refused to meet James' eyes. Yet, she showed no signs of breaking down at all.

"And why would you think Snivelly has any loyalty and respect?" James chose his words carefully, but the loathe in his voice was unmistakable. "He's going to become a future Death Eater. I wouldn't be surprised if he's one already!"

"He saved me from Amos Diggory! I don't feel like talking about it." Lily's voice rose, but then died down again, and her face was pained with mixed emotions.

"I know, but you have to understand that Snape must have something hidden! He isn't a good guy Lily…he must be plotting something!"

Lily jumped up, her face now a horribly flushed crimson. She was fuming with anger, and James could imagine steam whooshing out from her ears. The girls' temper had never been one of her strong points.

"Excuse me?" Lily seemed to be reliving her argument with Amos. "OH! You were hiding there weren't you? You f-filthy piece of…scum! No wonder I had a sneaking suspicion we were being watched. It was YOU! I don't think hiding around the corner and eavesdropping on people's conversation is an honourable deed, JAMES POTTER!" By now, Lily was seething with rage, and all she saw was red. So, James had been spying on her and Amos…not only had he heard their whole argument, he had seen at her weakest moment. And that was something she found not all great.

"Severus Snape stood out like a man and helped me, Potter" Lily's voice had now dropped, but it was just as, if not more frightening than her previous shouting. "I really don't understand what you're thinking. You're willing to save my life against Death Eaters, but you can't even sacrifice your pride and stand up to Amos Diggory? Snape was there for me, and I will be forever grateful for that. Anybody who is going to make an enemy of him, bully him or make fun of him, that person will be my enemy too." With that, Lily glided away, her flaming red hair which was in a ponytail, bobbing in rhythm behind her.

James' lips were pressed very hard together, and they were a sickly white. His hazel eyes revealed no emotion, but they were stony hard. His glasses had slipped a few notches, and his head was at a very unique angle. His hands were clenched into fists, and he really felt like punching something…hard.

How could he screw things up like this? He had been so close to forming a close relationship with Lily Evans, and it blows away just like this? No, he wouldn't believe it. He needed to make her understand that Snape was bad! He probably only saved her so he could gain her trust, and then do evil things! Snape wasn't a boy of little intelligence, and he was an expert in the Dark Arts.

Lily needed to know that she was in danger, at all times! He kicked himself mentally why he had to let it slip that he'd actually witnessed the little argument between Lily and Amos. Of course, James knew she would've been angry when he'd let it out, and he knew it was something he was not proud of, but things had resulted into far worse than James had predicted.

It looked like the end of any chance he was going to get with Lily. He had really made a terrible mistake, and he knew it. He knew it was probably not that good of an idea to go find her now, but he couldn't resist.

He knocked on her bedroom door which was sealed magically shut.

"Please Lily…let me explain! I know it was wrong of me to listen uninvited, but I was scared that he'd hurt you…and when I finally realized what was happening, Snape was there wasn't he?"

Lily laughed shrilly, her voice very unnatural. It seemed to James that she was sobbing slightly. Her laughter was fake and hollow.

"Oh? Well, I'm happy for you Potter. You know, I actually really thought you'd matured this year. It's been all a façade hasn't it? It's all been fake. W-well…why don't you just squash your inflated head in a broom closet somewhere and never come out! Why don't you just get lost! I never want to see your arrogant piggish face again." With that, Lily pushed her face into her pillow, and sobbed uncontrollably. Why she was even this upset was beyond her. So, James had seen her little outburst with Amos…it didn't seem like that big of a deal. Yet, her heart clenched and unclenched painfully, and she almost had trouble breathing.

James tried unsuccessfully to blink away the tears as he stood in the pool of moonlight outside Lily's bedroom window. He was sick and tired of these constant heart breaks. Every time he seemed to have a meager chance with the girl inside the room, she always responded to his love by killing him again and again. The pain he caused her was worse than anything he'd ever experience before.

He wanted it to stop! He was simply blinded…that's right, blinded by her beauty and her uniqueness. He didn't really love her. No, he'd only lusted after the girl for six years. Even if he did love her, it was clear enough the feeling wasn't mutual. No, he needed to pursue something greater. He couldn't waste his life like this! He was arrogant, handsome, bully toerag Potter! He needed to live up to that reputation.

"Whatever Evans…whatever! I'm sick and tired of taking all this crap from you. I really don't care what happens to you anymore. Since you're too thickheaded to believe that Severus Snape is up to no good, I don't see any point in me pressing matters. Good luck for the future Evans! And good riddance!" Storming off with his heart breaking into a million pieces, James made his way back to his room.

He flopped onto his bed, and tried to block all the thoughts that were rushing into his mind. He tried to sleep, but found that no matter how he tried, he couldn't. Images of Lily's smiling face and her swishing auburn hair wouldn't leave his brain.

As much as tried to convince himself, he knew deep inside his heart that he would never be able to get rid of those images…like he wouldn't be able to not love Lily Evans.

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"Could I please see the Head Boy and Girl in my office after breakfast?" Dumbledore's crisp voice rang around the Great Hall, and everybody immediately silenced when he spoke. James' droopy head lifted up as he heard something to do with him. Damn, he was hoping to spend the day getting some well deserved rest…what did Dumbledore want?

"Sleepless night Prongs?" The 3 Marauders were seated in the Great Hall for breakfast, and James was halfheartedly forking some bacon and eggs into his mouth.

"Yeah, I heard you got into a huge row with Evans last night. Don't let it bother you too much…no offence or anything, but we never really thought you had much of a chance matey" Sirius thumped James on the back, and looked depressingly at Remus, who returned the expression.

"Well, the good news is that the weather should be clearing up today. Maybe we can even have a snowball fight." Remus said cheerily, then he lowered his voice and made sure nobody was listening. "Full moon's in two days…"

James' head jerked up at this…finally, he was going to have some free space to escape all the thoughts that had been bothering him!

"I'll see you guys soon" James wearily dragged himself form the Gryffindor table and headed in the direction of Dumbledore's office. He'd eyed Lily leave the table a few minutes before him, and he had no intention of meeting her along the way. He hoped to avoid another awkward moment with his meeting with Dumbledore.

Once again, he was seated in the comfy green cushion seat in Dumbledore's office, smiling gently at Fawkes, who seemed to be looking quite ill. Maybe it was time for him to die soon.

Dumbledore was seated behind his desk as always, and Lily was sitting in the far corner against the wall, placing as much space as possible between James and her. If Dumbledore noticed anything strange between them, he said nothing. Instead, his voice was more weary and worried than the last time they'd had a chat.

"It is my greatest regret to have to inform you that Voldemort's murders have been increasing in number gradually. As Headmaster of the school, all the students' safety is in my hands…but I cannot do much alone. It is only with the uniting of our determined souls that we can overcome the difficulties we are faced with." Dumbledore looked between James and Lily, who were listening intently to what the Headmaster was saying. After Dumbledore gave no indication to say more, Lily spoke up.

"And what does this have to do with us, Professor?"

"Well asked, Ms. Evans, as always. Surely you two must have realised that you are two of the brightest students in the school. And added to the fact you are Head Boy and Girl, I feel it is necessary to ask you to lead the school and setting an example."

After a silence, Dumbledore elaborated on what the point of their little meeting was.

"I want you to join forces, with your friends, to unite and fight against Voldemort"

Following closely, a jumble of questions and confusion erupted from both James and Lily as they digested the information. Was Dumbledore out of his mind? Sure, James wasn't denying that he and Lily weren't capable…but Seventh Year students fighting against the darkest wizard of all time, Voldemort?

"But sir, surely we are too…well, young?"

"Ahhh Mr. Potter, there you are surely mistaken. You have both become of age, and although young, you both have talent…and outstanding courage. You have already proven yourself against Voldemort's servants…and I could not name many adult wizards who would be able to show such bravery and loyalty."

James felt a surge of pride streak through his body, and realised Dumbledore was right. Wasn't this what he wanted…a chance to fight and show his abilities? He didn't care about the risk factors involved, or the potential danger. He wanted to make a contribution to the wellbeing of the wizarding world.

"When do we begin, Professor?" James glanced up at the Headmaster, and grinned, excitement in his eyes.

Dumbledore chuckled, and he couldn't deny his admiration for this courageous and daring teenager in front of him. Yet, dealing with Voldemort was something that couldn't be rushed. It needed to be planned, and strategy was one of the ways they needed to succeed in.

"Lord Voldemort is a cunning man…and surely you've worked out that along with his knowledge of the Dark Arts, he uses his cunning to trick, deceive and curse many innocent people."

Lily and James nodded mutely.

"I am quite certain that he has recruited many people from Hogwarts to join him in his…doings. Whether against their will or not, this is causing a serious threat to my students. We need to conjure some sort of defenses against him. Am I understood?" Dumbledore's voice was now almost desperate, as he pictured what the result of the school would be if Voldemort controlled his students. The Headmaster knew that he wouldn't be strong enough to stop Voldemort and all his supporters. His only chance was to turn to the support of people who took the whole situation seriously.

"What do you want us to do, sir?" Lily's voice was soft, but nonetheless, determined and with hope.

"I would like you to please, ask your friends to join. I'm sure Mr. Black and Mr. Lupin would be most pleased. As with Mr. Pettigrew…make your own judgments Mr. Potter." The Headmaster looked a little worried when he mentioned Peter, but James gave no comment.

"As with Ms. Davies and Ms. Milton, I will welcome them with open arms. I hope you realize that this is a very serious issue. We need to fight! Please think about this seriously. You will notify me of your decisions in one week time. I look forward to hearing positive responses, but yet again, I will not force you into anything you are not comfortable with."

Dumbledore saw Lily's mouth open, but cut her off before she made a sound "As for Ms. Milton, could you please inform her about our meeting after the holidays. Thank you for your time. I bid you good luck in your studies, and with your decisions. Oh, please feel free to stay in my office as long as you like…but I'm sure you won't find my possessions of any interest."

Then, with a tip of his hat, and the flow of his midnight blue robes, Albus Dumbledore strolled out of his office, leaving behind him, a serene silence as James and Lily thought deeply about the Headmaster's offer.

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A/N: Hullooooo, I'm back ppls…hope you liked this chapter. Sorry I broke James/Lily up again, but I thought it had to be done. I don't think they'll be getting together anytime soon…but of course, expect much drama!

Thank you to allllllllllll my reviewers…I'm sure I've mentioned this enough times but I really do love you all! Keep up the great work guys…I really hope you're all enjoying the story

Ok…enough said from me. EVERY1 PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ PLZ reviewwwwww!

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Purebliss90