A/N: Alright, once again, sorry for the wait…but you all already know that I'm busy, lol. For the last poll (What fanfics do you hate reading) A few reviewers said they didn't like reading fanfics where Lily was originally dating Remus. I don't care for those much either, but I really don't like the ones where she dates Sirius, I don't know…I just think James has been in love with her for a long time and that his friends wouldn't do that to him, and plus, I don't really think Lily would ever have dated Sirius, he's more of a brother. Anyways…the next poll question…Which Muppet or Loony Tunes character do you like most, and why? I love the Muppets and Loony Tunes, and my beta does too. Ok. So read and REVIEW!...

Chapter Nine: A Bone to Pick

The meeting lasted an hour. After Professor Dumbledore had taken roll of who was present, he introduced the newest members of the Order to older ones. He explained The Order of the Phoenix had been functioning for six months, as Voldemort's power and support had begun to increase at a rapid rate and it became clearer that the Ministry of Magic wasn't handling the situation with the most responsibility. Professor Dumbledore then went over how secretive the Order was before explaining that there were smaller groups with in the Order with different tasks based on their standing in the magical world and what they could do for the war effort. They all contributed; they all had one common goal- to defeat Voldemort and his Death Eaters. One of the older members, a man by the name of Fenwick, was called to the front of the classroom and Professor Dumbledore took a seat next to Professor McGonagall.

Benjy Fenwick smiled nervously around at the people in the room and then turned to the paper in his hands. He was a middle-aged man of small stature; he wore old, eccentric robes and a bright purple pointed hat. Lily thought he looked quite silly, but all the more agreeable. His voice was quite deep from what she was expecting, however, as he began to talk loudly.

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has struck again this week. We believe John Riggs from the Unspeakable department was put under the Imperious Curse. Two Muggles have been brutally killed within London, apparently by the slow, painful death of the Cruciatius Curse…"

Lily squeezed James's hand as he continued to read out what appeared to be news. James looked down at Lily and smiled weakly.

At first, James had felt sorry and perturbed as Voldemort's latest evil doings were read aloud. Those poor people, they didn't deserve what was given to them. James's sorrow soon bubbled over to anger, however. How was it that a man could be so evil and get away with everything? How was it that the Ministry could be so ignorant of what was going on, how could they be so careless? Blood rushed to his cheeks as he concentrated harder on Fenwick's words, and soon, his anger subsided slightly and he was left with determination. He bit his tongue to keep from making an outburst; he knew he would have to control himself; this was his first meeting, after all.

Fenwick smiled once more after finishing the headlines and hurried back over to his seat. Professor Dumbledore then got up to again and asked certain people to stay behind and others to please turn in various reports they had been working on. He then adjourned the meeting and everyone stood up, either heading for Dumbledore or heading for the door. James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, Grace, Emmeline, and Peter, being new, didn't know quite what to do or what to make of the situation before them. James suddenly burst into an energetic rant, soon accompanied by Sirius. Lily listened to James's angry words, touched his shoulder softly then added to what he was saying. Grace, Sirius, Emmeline and Peter soon felt inclined to add to the heated conversation.

"When I get my hands on one of those Death Eaters…" Sirius started before making a violent hand motion.

"I can't wait to be given an assignment!" James added vengefully. "To get out there and show Voldemort there are people who will stick up to him!"

Remus nodded thoughtfully. "It will probably be a while before we get put out on difficult tasks, I mean; we just graduated and are new members."

"You think so?" Peter asked desperately. To Sirius he almost sounded hopeful, he then shot him a quick glare and continued describing the one hundred ways he'd like to torture and kill a Death Eater, particularly anyone that was related to him, much to the disgust of his group of friends.

Lily was about to say something when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Professor McGonagall standing behind her chair, smiling slightly but with her usual severe manner.

"I believe we have something to discuss, Lily." she stated.

Lily thought for a moment and then nodded with a friendly smile. "Yes, we do." She then followed McGonagall to a deserted corner of the classroom.

She smiled nervously, this was the first conversation she had with one of her professors after leaving school, and she wasn't quite sure how to act.

"How has your summer been, Lily?" McGonagall asked.

Lily smiled. "Great. I've gotten my own flat and am working for the ministry."

Professor McGonagall nodded with a slight smile. "And you've got a birthday coming up, if I remember correctly?"

Lily nodded, almost astonished that the Transfiguration teacher knew. She was used to Professor Dumbledore and his mysterious ways, but she certainly had never paid attention to the curious side of Professor McGonagall. "Yes, the eleventh."

"Right." McGonagall nodded, Lily smiled and wringed her hands behind her back as she waited for the professor to say anything.

"Now that you're working for the Ministry and the Order, I was hoping you'd be interested in continuing your lessons. I believe you have great potential."

Lily bobbed her head excitedly. "Yes, Professor, I'd be delighted. That is, if you don't mind working with me, surely you have better things to do?"

Professor McGonagall smiled. "No, Lily, I believe that training you will be a great use of my time. Great things are expected of you after all. You and James both."

Lily smiled sheepishly. "Well when would you like to meet?"

"Thursday night at eight, my classroom. I take it you know how to get there from the outside by now?" she said.

Lily smiled and nodded. "Yes, but I wouldn't have if James hadn't been with me."

Professor McGonagall smiled again. "I would have been severely disappointed if James hadn't figured it out. The number of times I caught him and Sirius there your second year…" Her voice was lost in reminiscence and she smiled before excusing herself.

Lily walked back over to where James stood, in a slight daze over a side of McGonagall she had never seen before. James was talking to a man Lily thought she may have seen before, he was middle-aged and was holding out his wallet with many pictures, pointing out chubby smiling faces to James.

"This is Clara, she's a year and a half now." he said excitedly as Lily approached.

James smiled and looked at the baby girl, giggling in the picture and bobbing her head full of curls in delight.

"She's adorable." James stated, feeling Lily at his side, he introduced her.

"Edgar, this is Lily Evans, my girlfriend. Lily, this is Edgar Bones. He works in the Auror department." James introduced.

Lily's eyes brightened as she took his extended hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Edgar smiled kindly at her and nodded with enthusiasm. "I believe I've heard your name before, Lily. Perhaps you work in the Ministry?"

Lily nodded. "Yes sir, I'm interning in the International Magical Office of Law."

Edgar Bones seemed impressed.

"Really? Do you know my sister, Amelia Bones, then?"

Realization passed over Lily. Maybe this was why he looked so familiar.

"Yes, actually." She replied with excitement. "Forgive me for not realizing the relation. I'm her intern."

James grinned at Lily and Edgar as they talked.

"Ah. You're going to learn plenty, then. And don't worry, Amelia may seem stern, but she's a real sweetheart."

Lily smiled. "She does seem to be a nice lady."

Before Edgar could reply, his watch went off. He checked it frantically.

"Oh, I better be off. It's quarter to ten and the family needs me." He gave one more smile, shook both their hands, and was off.

"Are you ready to go?" James asked Lily as he studied her. She looked tired and worried, with small bags appearing under her eyes and a smile he could tell was only half hearted.

She nodded and James smiled. "Alright then. Let's just say goodbye to everyone and we'll be off."

"Are you feeling alright?" James asked Lily as they walked into her flat.

Lily let out a sigh as she slipped off her shoes and turned to James. "Yeah, I'm okay."

James frowned. "You know I don't believe that. I'm going to go start some tea and you're going to tell me what's on your mind."

Lily gave him a small grin and kissed his cheek before heading to the sitting room. Charlotte had a hamper of dirty clothes waiting to be sent to the wash and Lily knew she must already be in bed.

James appeared a few minutes later with two mugs of steaming tea and a plate of biscuits. He placed them on the coffee table and sat down beside her.

Lily took one of the mugs and sipped.

"Does it taste alright?" James asked calmly.

Lily grinned up at him. His eyes were full of care, concern, and love.

"Yes, if you had messed up tea I really might have to be worried." she teased.

"I would be worried too." James grinned. "So is this about Allison and Jacob?" he started.

Lily's eyes opened a little wider and she nodded.

"I just don't know why they wouldn't be there." Lily said as she looked down into her tea. "Do they not care?"

She felt James's hand caress her arm. "Lily, sometimes people are scared. I'm sure Allison and Jacob have their reasons."

Lily looked up at him, her green eyes staring into his hazel ones. "I just thought I knew her well enough. I thought she was the kind of person to stand up to Voldemort. And wouldn't she tell me if she wasn't going to accept? Honestly, she's one of my oldest and dearest friends. Don't I deserve an explanation?"

James leaned and hugged Lily as her cheeks began to flush with anger and tears began trickling down her cheeks.

"She probably didn't know what to say, Lily. I mean, she sees you doing such big and great things, she may feel a little, I don't know, like she doesn't deserve to be in the Order. Or maybe she's still making up her mind. It takes some people longer than other to make decisions."

"But even Peter has decided to join!" Lily exclaimed with exasperation as she pulled away from James. "I don't mean to offend you or any of your friends, James. But honestly, he had to scrape by! Surely if she knew Peter joined she could realize she could too!"

James shrugged. "I don't know what to tell you, Lily. You're just going to have to ask her yourself."

Lily nodded as she put her tea on the table in front of them. "I suppose you're right." she smiled weakly at James. "I'm sorry for being like this." She then scooted closer to James and put her arms around him, laying her head on his chest.

James put comforting arms around her and just stroked her deep red hair.

"It's alright, Lily. It's okay to be upset." James said in a soothing tone. He kissed the top of her head and Lily took in the scent of him and the warmth of being so close.

Lily awoke the next morning in James's arms. She was lying completely on top of him and she smiled slightly as she lifted her head and looked down at him sleeping, there was a slight smile on his face, and his glasses were tilted to the side.

Her movement startled James into consciousness, and he smiled at Lily looking at him.

"Good morning, Lily." He said quietly.

Lily grinned and kissed the top of his head. "Morning."

James's turned his head and looked out the window. The sun was just coming up and an orange glow melted through the white curtains.

"Lily?" James said finally.

"Yes?"

"Could you move your legs slightly? They're sort of in a very sensitive spot." James said, Lily blushed as she noticed the painful expression he was trying to hide under a smile.

"Oh!" Lily exclaimed as she jumped up. "Sorry." Lily apologized, turning a deep scarlet shade.

James laughed as he sat up. She was so cute when she was embarrassed. "It's alright." he said as he pulled her into an embrace.

He leant in to kiss her but Lily darted away. "Morning breath!" she exclaimed.

James pouted. "I can't help it if my breath stinks."

Lily laughed. "It's not you, it's me."

"That's the excuse they always give." James smiled at Lily's words.

Lily laughed again as she headed towards the kitchen, ready to make breakfast for herself and James.

"What would you like to eat?" Lily asked.

"French toast!" James exclaimed immediately before making his way to the bathroom.

Lily fumbled through the kitchen and searched for a recipe book for French toast, finally founding a Muggle recipe; she set out the ingredients and began to cook. James returned, started some tea and continually asked Lily if she wanted any help. Unable to insist that she had everything under control after the fourth time, Lily set him to frying bacon.

It was only when Charlotte, clad in her white nightdress and looking completely worn out that it dawned on both Lily and James what it probably looked like, cooking breakfast together lovingly early in the morning.

"Good morning." Charlotte greeted with a slight smile as she glanced at the pair, James was trying to look as innocent as possible and Lily was blushing furiously.

"Morning, cousin." James replied with ease and a wide grin. "Care for some French toast?"

Charlotte nodded and tension subsided. James was able to bring ease to Lily like no other person, and she smiled as she sliced more pieces of French bread to put on the pan. Charlotte grinned at them both, shook her head, and grabbed the Dailey Prophet before taking a seat at the bar and beginning to read.

After a few moments she looked up.

"Hey, isn't Allison Prewett a friend of yours?" she asked lightly.

Lily's face immediately tensed. "Yes? Why? Has there been an attack?"

Charlotte shook her head and smiled. "Oh no, no. She has an article in the paper. I forgot she wrote for the Prophet…"

"She's got an article? On the front page?" Lily asked intently.

Charlotte shook her head so that her sleek black hair fell loosely from her ponytail. "No, fourth. But...it's sort of interesting…"

Lily reached for the paper. "May I see?"

Charlotte nodded. "Yes, but only because you're fixing my breakfast."

Lily slapped her forehead. "I forgot to flip the toast!" She ran to the frying pan frantically only to see the golden side of the toast facing her and the sound of sizzling batter cooking in the pan. James grinned at her.

"Well, someone has to take charge when you get distracted, honestly." James grinned foolishly and Lily punched him lightly before he reached for her and planted his lips on top of hers. Lily opened her mouth to receive him and couldn't help grinning into him.

"See, my morning breath isn't that bad." James said when they broke apart. Lily just laughed as she scanned the paper for Allison's article.

Death Eaters: Just How Many Are There?

by Allison Prewett

In the light of what is happening, many questions are popping into the heads of witches and wizards globally. Just how many Death Eaters are there? How much support does He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named have? Is it exaggerated? Many Magical Law Enforcers are finding many The-Squib-Who-Cried-Werewolf scenarios. The same people keep calling in with Death Eater attacks. This has led many to believe that there is a significant less amount of Death Eaters circulating. Barty Crouch, a top Ministry official, is quoted in saying "There can't possibly be that much support. We would know about it. The constant frantic owls from ditzy witches and wizards whenever a cat jumps into their trash bins have simply over-exaggerated the situation. So people, please. Use your sense." The Ministry would like everyone to know that they know approximately how many Death Eaters are out there, and to not fret.

James watched Lily as she read the article. Her facial expression went from one of excitement, to one of curiosity, to one of puzzlement, and then finally, her eyebrows were furrowed and her cheeks were tinged with red. James knew that face. She was angry.

"What's the matter?" He asked calmly as he put the now done toast on a plate.

"Allison's article is completely nutters!" Lily exclaimed in anguish as she looked up at James. Did she even know her friend anymore? That didn't sound like the Allison Prewett she knew at all. "I've got to see Allison. I'll owl her right now."

She started to make her way to her room when James stopped her and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Lily, wait. Let's eat. You can calm down, and then you can write. You may say something you'll regret. Just wait a few minutes."

Lily looked up at James to see his dazzling hazel eyes full of concern and she smiled slightly.

"All right. I'll eat."

James smiled gratefully as he and Lily walked back to the kitchen to see Charlotte already eating.

Lily then ate as quickly as possible while still being polite. She dabbed her mouth with her napkin and then hurried to her room to write Allison a note. She was going to get some sense into Allison if it was the last thing she did.

Much thanks to reviewers: Forest Unicorn, mooneylover, anonymously morgan, heather gernenz, I AM SOAP, hoolihoopgrl131, Lady in Red, official cheeky devil, sharp-tongued, Kaean, glowing-ice, and Jude Harrison.

And I'm thinking the engagement will come in about three more chapters. Be patient…there's a lot to set up before it is announced and everything…

Special thanks (of course) goes out to my beta!

Now REVIEW!