Okay you should feel special. I am trying my hardest to update quickly but I get up at 7:00, a.m. on the bus to the camp I work at by 8:10 then am there till about 4:00 then I get home around 5:30 and am exhausted. It turns out working with 9 years olds can do that. So cut me some slack. Now on with the story.

"I'm not sure it's entirely me Mrs. Potter," Lily began.

"Call me Geraldine or Dine darling and you are correct. That cuts us down a color. I have never had to dress a redhead before. This is quite the adventure!" Geraldine told her excitedly.

"I was thinking a little less glitzy actually," Lily commented hesitantly. The dress on her was bright, wine red and silver vine embroideries on the sleeveless bodice. The over skirt had a section pulled up to the waist of the bodice with silver trimming. The underskirt was simply pleated with no trimming. The dress was lovely but it wasn't Lily.

"If that's the way you want it dear. Oh miss!" she called the girl from the counter over. "Can you,"

Lily blocked out the rest of the conversation. Her feet hurt. Her back hurt. Her legs were sore. She needed some water to ward off the headache that was forming. Her stomach was rumbling and it felt like it was turning over and over. Her head was reeling with all the possible dress choices and then there were still shoes and all those other things that needed to be bought. She just wanted to go back to Hogwarts, curl up with a good book. Looking at the two women, who were still deep in conversation, she decided she could slip away for a few minutes with it not being noticed. As she walked through the rows of dresses, trailing her hand gently over them she thought back to the mini fight she and James had before she left. She thought about the kiss. She wanted him to leave her alone and yet she couldn't imagine life without him constantly bashing up against her fierce will. Her eyes then alighted on a dress tucked away behind a putrid pink number. Pushing past the pink thing, a grin spread across her face.

"Geraldine! I've found it! I've found the one!"

"What time is it?"

"Only one dearie, and we still, have to find you suitable jewelry to go with that gorgeous dress you found," Geraldine replied absentmindedly, looking into the window of a shop with an experienced glance.

"Only one o'clock?" Lily asked, in a way that she hoped wouldn't convey her despair.

"Yes dearie, now don't you worry we'll find something,"

"Mother!"

Lily and Geraldine turned around one with a look of surprise, the other with a hopeful look.

"James I thought you had detention in an hour!" Geraldine began in a threatening tone.

"McGonagall sent a letter telling me she'd have to reschedule some other day. Mind if I borrow Lily for some lunch?"

"We certainly would! Lily and I still have to find a necklace for her gown."

A look of inspiration crossed Lily's face. "We needn't bother Geraldine. I have one I can wear."

"Where? Whose?"

"It was my mothers," Lily informed her quietly.

"Very well then. You are free to go have lunch. I'll go schedule for a hair dresser to come the afternoon of the ball. Have fun you two young things and I'll meet you at Capezio's at 2:30!"

And with that Geraldine swept off.

"That's just fabulous. She has you calling her Geraldine!" James commented sarcastically, running a hand through his hair and beginning to stalk off. Lily groaned and began to nearly run to keep up with him.

"What's so wrong with that?" she asked, dodging a lady with a large bag full of something orange.

"Now she really likes you so I'm in the dog house when we break up!"

"When did we get together?" Lily asked, confused.

"The minute it became beneficial to me."

"You arrogant, bullying, toe rag!"

"So I've heard. What did you mean when you said it was your mothers?"

Lily was silent for a few moments, surprised by the sudden three hundred sixty degree turn in the conversation. "She died the middle of fourth year from cancer. I was gone from school for two weeks, not that you would notice."

"I'm sorry."

"No your not. You don't care about me. It doesn't matter to you whether I have no family or I have ten siblings. I'm a toy to you, a game that you will play until it grows old and then you will toss me away like I am nothing," Lily told him in a quiet but firm voice.

"Look, I am not all that bad. I can be decent, fun even. I am a good friend and take care of those I find dear. I am not all that you make me out to be!" He defended himself quickly.

"Whatever you say," she replied blandly, and they continued on in quiet for a while.

"Look, I almost know what you feel like. I nearly lost my dad a few years ago to a stroke. He's had some relapses since then but each time it's like I'm holding my breath, scared of what will happen. I know it isn't exactly the same but it's a lot closer then most people."

Lily felt her face begin to flush. Couldn't she just keep her mouth shut? Now she felt guilty, but that driving force kept her from apologizing. That damnable pride.

"Here we are, oh bloody hell," James cursed under his breath, running his hand through his hair.

"What? There's only a few people waiting in line James, I think you can handle waiting."

"Those people aren't waiting to get in Lily; they're waiting for us, me being their prime attention. Add you into the mix and they have front page news. Hell, I should have known this would happen. Damnit!"

Lily was silent for a moment then a 'you are such an idiot James Potter' look crossed her face. "Do they have a staff entrance?"

"I beg pardon?"

"Do they have a back door that their staff uses, James?" Lily asked exasperatedly.

"I would imagine so."

"Then we use that entrance to get in dumby!"

"Well… it's… that… could possibly work," James answered slowly, trying to find and reason why that would not work.

"Of course it would silly now come on; I haven't eaten since 8:30 this morning and am simply starving," Lily drawled, beginning to drag James to an alleyway that seemed to lead to the back of the restaurant. He rolled his eyes and wiggled his hand out of her grip. Shouldering her aside, he gruffly informed her, "I've been here before. Let me lead."

"Yes you certainly have, that's why you thought of going back here in the first place."

"You need to,"

"Look there's Potter!"

"Mr. Potter, a word please?!"

"Who is this with you Mr. Potter?! The wizarding world will want to know!"

"Mr. Potter!"

"Mr. Potter!"

James looked at Lily quickly then shouted, "Run!" and he grabbed her hand and together they booked to the back of the restaurant, barely closing the door as the press came ripping around the corner after them. They leaned against the door gasping, as they heard the reporters talking amongst themselves outside the door.

"Is this really what happens in public?" Lily managed to gasp out finally.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"I pity the woman who marries you then."

"Why? She gets money, fame, attention, people waiting on her,"

"Love? Fondness? Affection? What about those or do you think those aren't needed in a married relationship?"

"My marriage, I can say almost positively, will not be founded out of affection, but rather forged out of a political and economic relationship. It will be important to the company and to further my family's wealth."

Lily looked at him worriedly. "If that's all you think marriage is about then you'd be better off a bachelor who can go get laid from a random woman every night instead of the woman who you carry no affection for that sleeps in your bed each night. She deserves that much from you."

And with that Lily walked away from the door into the restaurant leaving James leaning against the door gaping at her. He then snapped his jaw shut and pushed off the in a casual manner muttering, "What makes you think we'd be sharing a bed?"

"I'm telling you Lily dear, you will learn how to dance. You simply have to. I insist upon it. It would be a great embarrassment to all of us having you not dance dear. It doesn't really matter if you can't dance that well."

"I am telling you from the depth of my heart Geraldine; it is not wise to put me on the dance floor. I am tripping enough as it is."

"Lily, my mother is on the side of right in this argument. It would embarrass not only yourself but the entire Potter family. I will teach you myself if it comes down to it."

"Nonsense James, I know just who can teach her,"

"No mother. Anyone but him, please," James begged. Geraldine was cut from answering by a rather large, "Geraldine my dear!" across the room.

"Louise Erdrich! Why I do believe you get younger every time I see you! How have you been?"

"That's because of all her potions," James muttered before Lily nudged him.

"Well, Peter has been so caught up in the office recently. You know how it is these days, people disappearing left and right, now William Bryson is now missing as well."

"Really?! How is Eliza coping? She must be heartbroken."

"Well it's not the first one to be gone for her is it?"

"Louise! You know you shouldn't tease like that! It's not her fault and they were just married too!"

"Well you know what they're officially saying it was."

"So they're finally getting it through they're heads that someone's out there?"

"Well, what else could it be, with Grosver last month and that whole group of muggles on that tour bus October, what else could it be? They're having a hard time of it in the Muggle Connection office. They're simply getting battered with questions. It looks like we have another pureblood fascist on our hands. Not that I can blame him."

"Louise Erdrich! Don't you dare say that again!"

"What? It's true? Muggles only cause trouble for the wizarding race overall. Now if you'll excuse me," she said stiffly, "I have date that I must keep. Good afternoon Geraldine."

"It's a pity there are people like that in this world. I hope you weren't offended Lily," Geraldine said gently.

"Why would I be offended Geraldine?"

"Well, I figured since I didn't recognize your last name as a pureblood name that I know, I figured that you would have some non-magic blood in you."

Lily cast a desperate look over at James.

"Mother, Lily's parents are both muggles."

The table was silent for a moment then a smile lit up Geraldine's face.

"I simply must meet your mother! Is that possible dear? I wouldn't want to mess anything up for her."

"I'm sure she'd be extremely happy." Lily answered slowly.

"Now back to what we were discussing earlier before. What were we speaking of earlier?"

"My aversion to having,"

"Oh yes, I just don't get why you don't like him James. He is always a nice, respectful young man to me."

"Yes mother, you just said it, to you. He hits on anything younger then thirty five and does it in a tactless manner that makes him that much less of a gentleman."

"I'm sure you're exaggerating James. You needn't have to do that here. Go and do it with your friends but not with me. All right now, back to business. Lily you have a salon appointment starting at three in three week's time and I'll need a picture of you for Marguerite to come up with some different styles with your hair and such. We can also get that done today before we leave. James, I have an appointment for you at one at Mallory's in muggle London next Saturday. I've decided to put you in a tux after all. I think it will be a nice touch. So please try to be there on time. Oh my dear look at the time! We need to be going now so I can get to Mrs. Atwood's in time for that darling little fashion sow she is having. Have fun dears!"

And with a wave, the illustrious Mrs. Potter was off to her next venue.

"Does your mother really not mind that I'm muggle born?" Lily asked quietly.

"She's one of the most open minded people you'll ever meet."

After that, Lily and James sat in silence for a while.

"So do I really have to learn to dance?"

"Ah! Mr. Potter! I was wondering if I could chat with you!"

James turned with confusedly to his headmaster.

"I would love to chat Professor Dumbledore but I have to get to Potions before Professor Slughorn gives me detention for being late again."

"Let me worry about Professor Slughorn and his detentions Mr. Potter. Now if you would?" He asked gesturing towards the hallway that led to his office.

James gave a small smile and began to the trek to the Professors office.

"I understand that you and Miss Evans are seeing each other at the present moment."

"Yes sir, that is true."

"Mr. Potter I shall not dance around this matter or as the muggles say, 'ignore the elephant in the room'. I am sure you are aware of what is going on in the wizarding world at this very moment."

"Yes Professor."

"I'll then have you know that Mrs. Evans is a very special student to me. I personally went to her house to give her, her acceptance letter. Happiest I've ever seen her. Now what with the attacks on non pureblood witches and wizards I have a favor to ask of you Mr. Potter."

James looked over the headmaster. Staring sincerely and seriously out half moon spectacles were the piercing twinkling blue eyes that made James actually feel guilt about his misdemeanors. Long, bony hands were intertwined with thumbs twittling away. His robes were an elegant but simple design. Looking back up at his eyes, and seeing them not twinkling for one of the first times in his Hogwarts career he knew his answer.

"Carry on Professor."

"I know there are supporters of this so called Lord Voldemort in this school Mr. Potter and yes I dare to say his name aloud. There is no harm that comes from saying a name," he added seeing James' mouth begin to open. "As such students like Miss Evans will be under fierce pressure to stay below the radar. I need to promise me Mr. Potter that you shall look after Miss Evans for the time being. She is a very powerful, very smart, very headstrong young witch. I would not want to see any harm come to such a shining pupil. Am I making myself clear Mr. Potter?"

"Crystal sir. I am to watch Lily and make sure no one attacks her because of her parentage. May I ask, why me? Our relationship could be over tomorrow or in the next few hours and neither she or I would want to be in each others presence."

"That I understand Mr. Potter but, even though you and your friends seem to gain as many hearts as break them, no offense to you or your friends," he added as an after thought.

"None taken sir."

"As I was saying, you and your friends are some of the most loyal of companions as I have ever seen to walk Hogwarts hallways. Not only that, but despite the number of times you cut class you seem to always remain at the top of your classes."

"Thank you sir."

"Your welcome, and with that I have only one more thing to ask."

"Yes?"

"Lemon drop?"

Sucking a lemon drop and clutching a pass for Slughorn, James smiled and laughed at his headmaster as he dawdled down to potions.

"Lily. Lily! LILY!"

Lily had gotten used to no one but teachers and the Marauders calling her name so she didn't register some one was talking to her until the person grabbed her arm.

"Lily! Jeeze, you would think I was shouting at a brick wall. Honestly, have you gone deaf?"

"Jess?"

"Yes Lily, people call me that. It's a common nickname for girls named Jessica…"

"I don't want to sound mean or ungrateful but, why are you talking to me after all this time? Shouldn't you be avoiding me like I'm the plague itself?"
"You're still out of it as ever Lily. I'm dating Remus and have been for the past few days. It's pretty much a secret so naturally the whole school knows."

"I'm going to say this once and then later I'm going to refrain from saying I told you so. Jess, the dating, it's a game to him and I don't want to find you battered and bruised when he's done playing with you."

"Look Lily you're dating the worst of them all so you shouldn't be talking."

"I'm not actually dating him Jess. It's a thing of convenience for us. He needs me to play his little girlfriend and need protection from the bloody thirsty crowd known as our school."

"So basically he's using you."

"Just as much as I'm using him!"

"If you'd take a look around Lily, you'd see everyone has moved on from this whole fiasco! They got bored because you didn't break and now they are onto something new!"

"They're just biding their time till I no longer have his protection! They've done it before! Why wouldn't they do it again! I got moved to the back burner but I'm still there! I see in the eyes of all the people I pass in the hall!"

"Is there a problem here?" a deep voice cut in. Jess was facing the person so she saw who it was and turned white. Lily recognized the voice and rolled her eyes.

"I can fight my own battles Potter."

"I'm sure you can but everyone needs a little back up sometimes don't they?"

"Not from you, lazy boy."

"I think you're confused. The expression is 'lover boy' not 'lazy boy' Lils."

"I adjusted to fit me needs." Lily answered breezily, looking at her watch.

"Well if you don't need back up allow me to be your messenger. Mother's waiting in Professor Dumbledore's office for you to take you to your appointment. Are you ready to go?"
"I just have to go run to the dormitories and get my jewelry."

"By they way, have one of Dumbledore's lemon drops if he offers one. They're simply delightful." And with that he was off along the corridor.

"Could he make the password more obvious?" Jess muttered under her breath.

"My sentiments exactly." Lily chuckled before sighing. "Look Jess, I didn't mean to get all hoighty toighty about you and Remus. I just would hate to see him leave you in the dust like all the other girls he's dated. I know we haven't been talking for a while but you were pretty much my only friend for the past six years, so you can understand why I am worried."

"I know Lily . It's just, so, fabulous to know that for the moment I'm the one he wants. Not the voluptuous, curvy blonde that sits in front of him in Charms. I'm the one. Jess Sanders, daughter of a clerk in Potter Corporation. Lily, that's not all. I've been feeling guilty ever since that day in Charms. I wanted to stay friends with you but you were always the one who had the courage and I was the one to sit back and let things happen. But now that's going to change. Lily, please sit with me tomorrow. I shall die if I go another day without our friendly spats, our nudge game, your witty replies, my try yo be witty replies, you talking to yourself,"

"Hey! That was a one time thing!"

"But you see my point?"

"Yeah I do but I really have to go Jess. I can't be late."

"See you around Lily!" Jess called after her. Lily waved as she ran around the corner.

"And I'm so sorry," Jess whispered after she couldn't hear Lily's footsteps anymore, a tear rolling down her cheek.

And so the plot thickens. Next chapter soon to follow my lovely people. There are also pictures up on my profile of characters so check them out. I need some help with Lily and Peter. Deviled eggs to those who review (and I make some pretty tasty deviled eggs).