Chapter 21

The fire was crackling in the headmaster's office when James and Lily stepped into it. Fawkes greeted them by giving a low, dull shrill. Dumbledore had his back to them, his silver hair shining under the glow of light. To James' immense disappointment, Lily chose the spot furthest away from him, and he slumped dejectedly in his usual beanbag.

After a few moments of silence, disrupted only by Fawkes' occasional gurgles, Dumbledore turned around, an expression of sadness and defeat present on his ageing face. Lily was staring with perplexity and determination at him, while James' eyes were wandering around the office he was so used to finding himself in.

Lily was expecting some sort of announcement or request, but when the headmaster drew out his wand and directed it to them, Lily bit back her perplexity and waited for him to propose the reason for offering his invitation to her and James. Without warning, with a flick of his wand, the headmaster had pulled James and Lily's chairs together so they now stood side by side.

Lily's jaw had dropped, and her face was steadily turning a deeper shade of magenta as she could feel James' body heat radiating so near hers. James, on the other hand, seemed quite unaffected, but from his expression, it was clear he was quite perplexed as to what Dumbledore's meaning was. The headmaster, however, merely extended a weak smile.

"We must stand together in times as difficult as these" he said with a half smile. Lily was now squirming a little in her seat and was trying to not make her frown obvious, while James was enjoying himself immensely.

"As you know, after the Quidditch match tomorrow, the very important Hogsmeade weekend is approaching. You might ask why I don't just postpone, or cancel this trip if it's so dangerous." James and Lily considered this, and both decided that this couldn't be done.

"You can't do that Professor. All the students only have Hogsmeade weekends to look forward now! It would shatter their hopes and spirits." Said Lily.

"Yeah" James scratched his chin, nodding slowly. "Besides, this Voldemort guy can't possibly dominate all our lives. We'd be falling into his trap…and our own.

Dumbledore inspected his two students before a slow and genuine beam appeared on his face. His long fingers were clasped together, and he was slowly tapping his fingertips together.

"Precisely. I am so glad that the school's two brightest students are able to think along the same lines. This proves that you're not as different as you seem to be." James and Lily turned to each other, taking in the headmaster's words. James beamed as he caught her eyes, while Lily scowled her neck now flaming crimson and she quickly turned back.

The atmosphere was clearly much lighter now, and even Dumbledore's tone of voice wasn't as grim as it was before. "The point is that to ensure the students' safety, I entrust you both, as the Heads of the school, to work together" Dumbledore emphasized, and the effect of his words rang throughout his office, causing Lily's stomach to do a few uncomfortable wiggles.

"It is only with the co-operation of our students will we be able to conquer our fears and defeat those that need to be. I bid you both goodnight and I hope you think over what I have said tonight." Surprised at the abrupt dismissal, James and Lily stood up unsurely and walked in a daze out the door.

"One last thing…all the very best to Gryffindor tomorrow. I will be expecting a spectacular performance from you Mr. Potter. Just remember, I only want to see sportsmanship, nothing more." James nodded unsurely. Although he understood what Dumbledore meant, he found it almost impossible to take this Quidditch game as just a test of 'sportsmanship'. Even if he did, he was sure the Hufflepuff and especially, Amos Diggory wouldn't.

Even though there were many routes back to the Heads Tower, James chose to follow Lily closely and followed her pace easily. Although they walked side by side, there seemed to be an impenetrable force surrounding Lily. They walked in complete silence, and to be honest, James found it kind of unnerving.

He sensed that she was still nervous and awkward about that moment of bliss they'd shared in the woods, and he supposed he could understand. She'd always been independent, and well, his enemy. He bet anything she would never have thought she would actually kiss him! But that sweet thought brought a wave of warmth in his James' heart, and he forgot about the irritation he was feeling because she wasn't talking to him.

He happily strolled along next to her, and a few times, Lily seemed to want to turn around to face him, but then decided against it and twitched her head back. When they were a few corridors from the Heads Common Room, it seemed a confrontation was inevitable.

A few Slytherins, namely Snape, Missy Redding, Bellatrix Black, Regulus Black, Crabbe and Goyle had blocked their path, all wearing equally nasty smirks and glares. However, what surprised both of them was when Amos Diggory and a few of others of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team stepped out, some looking unsure, others wearing smug looks. Out of pure instinct, James and Lily both drew out their wands, and James stepped in front of Lily protectively.

"Ah…what do we have here? If it isn't the Mudblood and 'I'm-so-great-everyone-lick-my-feet James Potter'" Snape spat out, now stepping out of the little group to the front.

James returned his equally loathing expression and tightened his grip on his wand. He warily watched as Snape drew out his wand, slowly and deliberately from the inside of his emerald robes. If a fight started now, James and Lily were no match for them and they were at least outnumbered five to one.

"So, Snape…put under the Imperius Curse by Voldemort were you? Or were you just too cowardly to admit your attempted murder? So, how'd you fool Dumbledore…cried in front of him, or did you beg for mercy?" James snorted, the words seemed a bit harsh, but then again, with Severus Snape…it was better to take a harsher approach. James felt a sharp grip on his robes from behind, and saw Lily looking anxiously around and that she'd inched a few steps closer to him. Her emerald eyes shone with anxiety, yet anger at the same time.

It was this innocence, this aura she had that had made James fall head over heels for her…and if he let anything happen to her now, he would never ever forgive himself. She shook her head slightly at him when he turned around, signaling it was best not to infuriate any of them. James bit his lip before turning back to Snape. By now, Snape was seething with anger, and it seemed words failed him. He was shaking, and the hand holding his wand was twitching.

"Diggory, I can't believe you've mixed yourself with this load of garbage…just to revenge me? Why, I feel quite special. Must take quite a lot of will to sink as low as that." James felt it was quite worth insulting the whole load of them just to see their reactions of horror and fury.

Amos now pushed a quivering Severus Snape aside, and sneered at James, baring his teeth. "You think you're such a hot shot, Potter, don't you? Well, we'll see won't we? Tomorrow will be our big test. We'll finally figure out who's better on the Quidditch Field in front of the whole school? Just remember, for your own good, you don't want to mess around with me. If you do, I can assure you, you won't die very pretty." Amos clenched his jaw hard, and narrowed his eyes dangerously.

James found no response for this strong death threat, and wondered whether he was serious about actually taking the Quidditch Game as a life-death experience. Certainly, this wasn't James' original intention, but if Amos thought he was going to turn down a challenge, he was dead wrong.

Lily found this a suitable time to step out. With a slightly quivering voice she quickly fixed, she spoke with much more confidence than she felt. "Please Amos…if this is about me, you've got it wrong! We just didn't work, alright? It had nothing to do with Potter!"

Amos, however, had either suddenly turned death or decided to ignore her comment. He kept his gaze firmly locked on James. "And we'll also work out whether Evans here made the right choice" he rasped.

"You certainly don't need to prove yourself worthy, Diggory. I see you've already shown your true cowardly side when you were faced with a couple of Death Eaters. Can't even face those? I can't believe you still have the courage to show your face!" James yelled. The fact that Amos had dragged Lily into their little rivalry really angered him.

Amos turned a rapid crimson, and he immediately lunged for James, roaring like a beast. His wand clattered to the wooden floor as he wrapped his hands around James, who was knocked off his feet. "Stu-stupefy" James managed to choke out, and Amos was shot off him with a jolt of red light. He landed in a clattered lump in a corner.

"Y-you coward! You never deserved Lily! I'll make sure I turn the Quidditch Field into your grave!" James spluttered as he pulled himself off the floor. Lily seemed to be paralyzed by shock, and stood with her eyes wide open, and her mouth gaping. The Hufflepuffs also stood dazed, while the Slytherins bore smirks or jeers as they watched the fight erupt.

Amos was recovering, and was breathing rather heavily. His eyes were red with fury, and he was stumbling back to James, his arms outstretched, muttering incomprehensible things. James raised his wand, and---

"What exactly is going on here?" Came the screeching voice of Minerva McGonagall.

It seemed everything came to a halt. The Slytherins, clearly used to these kind of situations, continued to cross their arms, but the nasty expressions on their face had faded. Crabbe and Goyle were nervously clasping their meaty hands and Goyle was biting his fingernails. They both inched slowly behind the other Slytherins.

A few of the Hufflepuffs, seeing the angry Professor approach them, decided to make a run of it, some tripping over in their haste, and others crashing into an invisible wall that the Professor had planted. It seemed Amos was whimpering and it was quite clear that he had never been caught by a teacher in his state of condition.

"E-explain yourselves!" McGonagall's thin lips were pursed as she pointed a finger at the Seventh Years.

"Mr. Snape! I thought it was made clear that you were to behave yourself!" James smirked as McGonagall's anger was directed to Snape. So…maybe some of the teachers didn't really trust him after all. "And the rest of you Slytherins! I thought you would've learnt from last time when you all fled, but I suppose I was mistaken. 100 points from Slytherin!"

James and Lily both cringed when their names were called next. "Ms. Evans, Mr. Potter, I would've expected much better behaviour from you, especially as Head Boy and Girl. I'm fairly disappointed in you both. 50 points from Gryffindor."

Both hung their heads, especially Lily, who was outright embarrassed as she'd never ever been in this situation before. James, of course, was mostly pretending his regret as The Marauders used to be told off by McGonagall or some other teacher at least four times a day.

"And all you Hufflepuffs! All this rivalry just because of a Quidditch game? I'm simply outraged! If something serious happened, I would ban you all from Quidditch! Never let me see any of you in another fight!" Lily nibbled her tongue nervously, her eyes still focused on the ground.

The Hufflepuffs shuffled their way dejectedly to their Common Room, Amos Diggory muttering horrid curses beneath his breath. The Slytherins gave another threatening glares, under the watchful eye of McGonagall, and finally, it was just Lily and James.

"I'm sorry to have to say this Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans…but you really need to watch yourselves" And with that, McGonagall strolled off, her heels clicking on the wooden floor.

There was a moments silence exchanged between Lily and James as they took in their latest ordeal. Lily was still quivering slightly while James was trying to conceal a smile as he watched her. She'd clearly never been caught doing anything against the rules. Finally, unable to control his humour, James chuckled lightly, and Lily looked at him enquiringly, now, also with a faint smile.

Neither of them were any keen to talk about their little ordeal. It seemed they were getting into fights more and more often, and it was always James that was there for her…in fact, he'd saved her life twice already! However, all the tension had disappeared from before.

Lily didn't know what Amos Diggory was planning for tomorrow, but a growing discomfort spread through her as she looked at James' thoughtful expression. It was her fault that he was even experiencing these threats. If Amos only understood that their break-up had nothing to do with James Potter. In fact, Lily was perplexed to why he thought it was James that broke them up in the first place. It was his own fault that he didn't have bravery when they were faced with a life-death situation with the Death Eaters.

"Well, how'd it feel to be caught in a devious act for the first time in your life?" a pleasant air surrounded the Head Boy and Girl as they slowly walked up to the Heads Tower, their little feud had seemed to evaporate. It was always like that between the two, one moment, it was as if they were going to kill each other, and the next, they were having a pleasant conversation.

"Oh shut up Potter…just because I don't get in trouble every single day in my life doesn't mean I can't get into trouble occasionally" Lily's face split into a beam, and she said it neither with nastiness or sarcasm.

"Hey!" James was now defensive, but his devilish, dashing smile was still present on his face "I don't get into trouble every day" He turned to face Lily, who now had raised an eyebrow at him. "Maybe every hour!" He laughed deeply, and even she couldn't resist an amused smile.

"But…" Lily started, but was cut off by James, who now looked serious.

"But now I'm rarely even caught doing any mischief. If you haven't noticed, things are changing here, especially within the Marauders" They now reached the portrait of the Damsel, and after exchanging a usual greeting to her, they stepped into the warmly lit room.

Lily didn't really see why she was called the Damsel in Distress, every time she saw her, the Damsel was either singing jovially, or talking about her Prince Charming…perhaps it had something to do with her past. Lily felt happy and warm inside, and for some reason, she was sure it wasn't the fire in the room that was making her feel that way.

"About what happened in the Forest…" Finally, Lily thought, it was time for that awkward topic…and she really feel like discussing it. Shamefully, all Lily could think about these days with regard to James Potter was how sweet his hazel eyes were, and how him running his hands through his hair wasn't that annoying after all…

"Look Potter…some things are better left unsaid." James nodded, now also a little embarrassed to tell her he knew what she meant. "Well, good night then." And Lily proceeded up to her room, now aware that James' gaze was following her up the stairs.

She suddenly felt awkward. All the hatred she'd felt for the dark-haired man below seemed to be lost. Lily had thought that was impossible…how could such intense dislike for a person just vanish? Out of impulse, she turned back one last time to find his dashing hazel eyes bore straight into her emerald ones.

"Good luck for tomorrow, Potter." It seemed calling him Potter was now uncomfortable…she had sudden urges to refer to him as James. Shaking her head slightly, Lily closed her door with a slight click and flopped onto her bed, gazing out of her window to face the starry night and wondering what the big Quidditch Game tomorrow would bring.

Downstairs, James was still grinning at empty air, his spirits soaring high above in the clouds. He couldn't believe Lily had actually said good night to him, and even wished him good luck for tomorrow's game! He'd thought they'd never even have a proper conversation any more! Well, that just goes to show that perhaps, he and Lily were really meant to be together…

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James made sure he made sure he didn't oversleep this time. As he slowly dressed, he noticed his fingers were numb, and his heart was rapidly racing. This was saying something, as few things got the Marauders' leader this worked up. This was the big game, the final Quidditch match, and it would determine the Gryffindors' future. Most importantly, it would play a crucial role in James' life.

James took a peek outside, and his heart sank when he saw that there were ominous clouds outside, and many loomed above the Quidditch Field. Maybe this was a sign…he hated playing in bad conditions as it not only made it difficult to see, but he felt as if his spirits always matched the weather. However, his determination was as strong as ever as he secured his robes. They had to win. They just had to.

James and the other players of the team entered the Great Hall, to be met with deadly silence. There wasn't even a large amount of cutlery moving. Dumbledore however, was taking a bite out of his toast quite cheerfully. He was the only one that seemed to be exerting any sort of happiness. Most of the Hufflepuffs were pale faced and frowning, while the actual team was glaring dangerously as the Gryffindor team passed.

The Ravenclaws didn't seem to be much affected, but were just adding to the solemn mood. The Slytherins seemed most worked up about the game, and hissed threateningly. Snape, James was glad to see, looked as if he'd had a sleepless night, and his hair was greasier than ever. Perhaps Dumbledore had given him a lesson he deserved…

Before long, James found himself on the Grounds, and in the wings. Everything seemed to have happened in a daze. He remembered Remus wishing him luck and encouragement, while Peter had patted his back. He had also been met with numerous kisses and hugs, while the girls just shrieked annoyingly.

He saw Sirius and the two Beaters make their way down, still surrounded by many Gryffindors. It seemed the girls were trying to strangle Sirius and James could see him hold a hand up under the sea of bodies.

James' heart leapt when he saw a flaming red head accompanying a blond down. James could see that Brittany's face was quite pale, and was shivering slightly. However, he also didn't miss the deep frown as she gazed over to where Sirius and his female fans were. He smiled, quite amused.

"Well, Potter…I wish you the very best for the game, I'll be cheering from the stands!" Lily gazed up at James, and squeezed his hand briefly, but nonetheless, sincerely wishing him luck. Even though the weather was damp and catastrophic, James felt a warmth spread through his body and erupt like a volcano from his heart.

The Gryffindor team mounted their brooms, and met each others determined gazes. No words needed to be spoken, as their eyes told everything. A silent wish of victory was exchanged between them, and they flew out onto the Field. James felt himself leave all his worries and doubts on the ground as he soared high above. The crowd were just coloured spots, and this was just another ordinary match he was so used to.

"It's the biggest, final and most critical Quidditch Game of the year!" the commentator's magically enhanced voice boomed from the stands. "And it's all between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. Of course, we know that it isn't just a game…it's practically life and death! I'm sure we're all curious to what performances we'll be seeing, especially from Potter and Diggory"

"As we all know, they well, have had many arguments over a certain red haired Gryffindor, who happens to be Head Girl…"

"DO WE PAY YOU TO TELL GOSSIP OR COMMENTATE ON THE MATCH?" Professor McGonagall barked, her voice nearing the level of the magic microphone. After giving her a sheepish glance, the commentator finally reported the game.

"And the Quaffle is released! Dennis Wrai of Hufflepuff in possession, and he streaks down the field, passes to teammate, and MISSES! Great interception by Brittany Davies of Gryffindor! Davies flying back, dodges Wrai who has attempted to swipe at her from his broom…OH MY GOD! WATCH OUT!" All eyes were focused on Brittany, and all waited in intensity as what was sure to be a catastrophic scene unfolded in front of their eyes.

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A/N: As promised, I'm back! Oh, I forgot to apologize for Chapter 20…it was quite boring as many reviewers have stated, but it kind of had to be written for info. Well, hope you all enjoyed this chapter…since it had more James/Lily! Thanx every1! So much!

One last note, sorry that this chapter was a little too long…it kind of just…happened. Hope youz all liked it!

Hasuki Thanx for your review! Sorry for taking up your so many hours! Hope you enjoyed the last two chappies. Tell me what you thought!

WhiteCamellia Haloo! Glad you're enjoying the story…very happy when I read your review! Thanx heaps! Hope you liked this chapter!

Lizzi, Elizabeth: Indeed, I'm dying out on the fluff…well, at least in this chapter they talked! Lol, I'm still learning how to write love properly! Sorry if itz still a bit whacked. Well, hope you liked this chap!

Machiavelli Jr.: You know…you always make me think so much! You are absolutely right about the Slytherins, and I apologize for making it seem…well, not subtle, but anyway, I shall learn from this mistake! Thx so much for reviewing!

Il0v3captain0ats: Ahh, I feel kind of bad now…the last chapter was indeed quite uneventful, but it had to be put for reference I s'pose. Anyway, thanx for telling me what you thought…hope this chapter was more to your liking! Thanx heaps!

Youkaigirl64: Yay! Thank you again so much for your positive words. I'm really glad you're enjoying the story so far. Hope you liked Chapter 21!

ChaosblazenLol! I completely agree…I hate work! Anyway, I presume you liked my previous chapter…hope you liked this one too! Thx a million for reviewing!

Countess Jackman: Well, well…I do hope you like this little intro on the match, hopefully, Sirius and Brittany will actually start having a proper convo now! Lol…thanx heaps and heaps for your review!

Redsoxfan90210: Haha! Wicked nic! Thanx a billion for your reviews…I'm very glad you're enjoying the story…makes me feel so happy! Hope you liked the chap…tell me what you thought!

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JumpernumbernineThx once again for your support! Your writing style is so fabulous! Sorry I haven't been reviewing your story…it seems the review button is stuffed. Hope you liked the chapter!

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Annie: Yay! Fanx so much for reviewing. I'm really glad you find it interesting! Rally really hoped you liked my chappie, plz tell me what you thought!

Where-my-heart-resides: Omg…your name is absolutely beautiful! Thx so much for reviewing, hope you liked the chapter…I think the Hogsmeade trip shall come in the next chap!

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Luv you all! PLZ PLZ PLZ tell me what you thought of this chap!

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