a/n: thanks for the reviews… I hope I'll get more appreciation from you. This is my next chapter, a fairly long one, as compensation to the long absences. I hope all of you had a good Halloween! BTW, it'll be my birthday on the 21th but I still don't know if I would have a birthday blowout (a chapter, that is) since I'm analyzing stuff here that I could use and a little inspiration. I dedicate this chapter to all the reviewers, and Nino, my one and only.

CHAPTER 25: KISMET

"Me?" the boy asked, looking at the sides.

Lily blushed and smiled as she placed the mask at her side. "You really are Raven," she said. "Lei Ronroe."

"Lily Evans, I can't believe it's you," he replied. He was trying to get on with the flow of the story. He embraced her.

"Wait a minute," James said from afar. "Where's Green Apple?" he asked Sirius, who was starting to get addicted to the gourmet served.

Sirius shrugged. "You told me that you're going to meet her in the middle of the dancefloor."

"I already met her but there was a commotion," he said.

"The lights all closing?" Sirius asked curiously. "Is that concerning you?"

"It is!" James said indignantly. "It was my last chance to meet Green Apple and when we were about to see each other's faces…!" he was unable to continue because of his madness. He strode off the hall to the magical balcony which was recently a beautiful fairy garden.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Christopher, this is preposterous!" Jeanne said, raising an eyebrow. "You are joking, right?" she said with a mocking smile.

"I'm not joking, Jeanne. I really do like you. No, rephrase that. I just don't like you, Jeanne." He cupped her cheek. "I love you."

Instead of becoming happy because of that statement, Jeanne let go of him and slapped him hard that her hand left a red mark on his face. "Hey, why did you slap me?"
"Christopher Summerwind, you've made me suffer for all this time! Now you are starting to give me false hopes," Jeanne said, trying to hold back her tears. "You knew. You knew that I loved you from the start!"

"You do love me then," the guy replied.

"And you are playing a joke on me," Jeanne continued. "I can't believe you are a person like that! The people I love before, they mocked at me. I thought you're different but you proved me wrong!" She ran away, dragging her heavy dress.

"I am not trying to play a joke on you, Jeanne," Christopher replied. "But you are close-minded! You wanted people to love you but you don't want yourself to know how important you are to them."

Jeanne stopped. Christopher continued, walking slowly towards her. "You are always scared that people would reject you. That stops you from shining. You wanted to be on the top but you don't want to hurt others or to let others trample on you. You wanted to be the best but you don't want to commit any mistake."

"You… you don't know what I'm thinking," she said, defeated. He knew everything.

"I know, Jeanne," Christopher said, smiling softly. "That's why I am here to change those anxieties of yours. I am here to help you shine. I am here to help you be the best."

"You are not going to reject me?" Jeanne asked, looking at him.

"Why would I do that to the woman I love?" Christopher replied, embracing Jeanne.

"I will believe

That love could bind us…

Right now, right here… and forever…

I will let your light be inside of me…

In this embrace full of love…"

The Argua's voice echoes throughout the halls. As she hit the highest note, her majestic rain fell down on the lovers, literally, only on them.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So, I can't believe it's you," Lily said, blushing. "I mean, I did not expect. You… you are just my classmate in Transfiguration and Herbology and…"

"I did not expect it too," Lei replied. He laughed a little. "But it's my honor to be with Lily Evans."

"And what do you think about me? I feel so proud that I am with Lei Ronroe. I mean, you were the Hogwarts delegation to the International Magic Convention."

"That's nothing compared to your achievements," Lei replied.

"Lily, it's Jeanne and Christopher," Aphrodite whispered in her mind, her bracelet glowing.

"Lei, I have to go. I hope I could meet you next time," she said, shaking his hand.

"Of course, Lily," Lei replied, beaming.

"Bye!" she shouted, running away.

Lei sighed. "What was she talking about earlier?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Lily, there they are," Eros said, pointing at the two love birds, his arrow ready.

The two kissed by the fountain, under the rain. Lily frowned. "Eros, I don't see a crystal or anything glittery."

"Really?" Eros asked, confused. "Try to look closely, Lily. It should only be above their heads."

"I really can't see anything, Eros," Lily said, shaking her head.

Eros let his arrow down. "What are we supposed to do now?"

Lily's bracelet burned. "Take the couple inside, they have an encore," a message in it glowed.

"Well, Eros, maybe Aphrodite knows something about this. I have to follow her orders."

Danicia was waiting for her at the side of the balcony. "You go get them and I'll assist them to their rooms. Aphrodite has a plan."

Lily did not really want to interrupt the scene but she had to. She cleared her throat to stop the sentimental moment of the two. "Madame Aimes asked for an encore," she said, her cheeks burning with shame.

The two looked shocked at her sudden interference but smiled the same. "But how are we supposed to sing in these wet clothes?" Christopher asked. Jeanne sneezed in the background.

"Of course, she knows what to do," Lily said. "Come along. We'll take you to your rooms to change clothes."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Mother," Eros went to Aphrodite's small parlor over viewing the party. "There was no crystal when Jeanne and Christopher kissed. "Could it be…?" he asked fearfully.

Aphrodite chuckled. "Son, not everything is ruled by me. This pair-up is musically inclined which means…"

"They are ruled by Apollo?" Eros replied.

Aphrodite nodded. "Now, guard the pair and you'll see the crystal later on."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jeanne got out from the other side of the stairs, her hair set in soft curls and her body wrapped by a fuchsia gown. Christopher appeared on the other side, wearing a black coat and fuchsia tie.

"You are wearing the same color as my dress," Jeanne said sarcastically. She pulled the tie, pulling Christopher near her.

"These were the clothes that were prepared on the bed," Christopher said. "And you are wearing a dress with the same color as my tie," he replied coolly, touching her curls.

"Then it's their fault. They planned this." she replied with a smile.

Christopher shook his head. "No, Jeanne. This is kismet."

Aphrodite, from her balcony, told the people. "Let's prepare for the encore of our great singers of the night, Christopher Summerwind and Jeanne Shou!" Applause followed as the goddess applauded.

Jeanne sat down in front of the piano and started to play the tune of the song.

Didn't mean to take you for granted

Didn't mean to show I don't care
Didn't mean to throw away this once in a lifetime of chance
Being with you

And I'll drive for 2 hours
To bring butterfingers
I don't mind the distance
This kismet's a dance

(This time I surrender
My everything forever
Life doesn't matter
Just our souls together)

"There it is!" Lily said excitedly, sighting the crystal along with the swirling light enveloping the singers.

"Eros aimed at the crystal and caught it, as usual. He placed the crystal at the tip of the arrow and aimed it to the singers.


Pride no longer has room in me

(I do need nothing but your love)
On bended knees in public I cry

(Oh, please, don't cry…)
Your name for everyone to know that I love you, I love you

(Oh, I love you, I love you, I love you…)
Please hear me now
(Please hear me now)

Jeanne stood up from her piano as she saw the hands beckoning her to go near to Christopher to sing with him. They continued the piece as she sang.

(This time I will promise

My love will never cease

And all your love

Is all that I'll need…)

Lily gasped when they saw a hand stop the arrow. "Apollo, that's unfair!" Aphrodite pouted. The time stopped.

"Aphrodite, you are ruining their presentation," Apollo replied. "I asked Chronos to stop the time temporarily so that we could do this clean."

Aphrodite nodded. "Help yourself," she said, sitting down her couch. Apollo let go of the arrow and it went through the hearts of the couple. They were enveloped with white light.

"And maybe I could join in watching the show," Apollo said, suddenly reappearing beside Aphrodite on her couch.

"Well, of course," the goddess replied. "Be my guest." The time resumed. They saw Jeanne stagger a little but she continued to sing.

This time I surrender

(Never surrender…)
My everything forever

(I will wait for you…)
Life doesn't matter
Just our souls together

(Our souls together)

This time I'll surrender my everything…oh

And I'll drive for 2 hours
To bring butterfingers
I don't mind the distance
This kismet's a dance

Everyone clapped their hands, especially their friends. They smiled at each other before kissing a little. "One more song! One more song!" others cheered.

They looked at each other. "Guys, need a little help?" a voice asked from behind. It was the weird woman wearing the weird gown, Argua.

"We can't give them another song anymore. We did not practice for another," Christopher said. The crowd became a mod, demanding for more. Unknown to them, it was the action of Aphrodite.

Argua looked up at Apollo, who nodded. "Then you'll sing using the music in your hearts," she said. She sat in front of the piano and started to play a tune. Magically, Jeanne started to sing. She was amazed with what was happening.

"Na na na na
Na na na na yeah
You are the music in me…"

"You have done a good job," Apollo remarked Lily.

"Thank you," Lily said, blushing.

Aphrodite was beaming. "Go there and have a good time," she said in a motherly tone.

"Aphrodite, I want to ask a question," Lily started.

The goddess nodded in approval. "What is it?" she asked.

"I thought this party is Erida-free," Lily said. "Why did the lights go out?"
Apollo stopped pouring his drinks, suspiciously ambrosia, from a golden bottle to a crystal wine glass, looked at Aphrodite, looking for an answer. "Well," the goddess started, using her wit to answer the question. "That's a technical problem. No chaotic Erida involved."

Apollo shook his head and sighed before having a sip of his wine.

"Really? A technical problem?" Lily asked again.

Aphrodite nodded nervously, grabbed Apollo's wine glass before he could even take another sip, and nodded once again. "Yes, of course, my dear."

"This is weird. If that is really Aphrodite, she will totally deny technical problems. She's a perfectionist to the last odd and end," Lily thought.

Aphrodite chuckled and said, "Why don't you go down and meet people? Just make sure that no one recognizes you from Hogwarts or you'll blow the cover." "Or he'll blow your cover," she added in her thoughts.

Lily went down from the balcony, followed by Danicia.

"Aphrodite," Apollo asked, grabbing and hiding his wine glass from the goddess. "What are you planning?"

Aphrodite smiled a smile that made the god of truth gulp. "Can't you sense the truth in my eyes, my dear?" she asked.

Apollo rolled his eyes. "I knew it. Don't tell me you would like to play with them first before you give what they have to have."

"You can really read my mind," Aphrodite commented.

"I cannot really read the depths of you shallow brain, Aphrodite," Apollo said darkly. "I just know that you are a sadist."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Marauders gathered around James. "Cheer up, mate," Sirius said, patting his back.

James buried his face with his hands. "I can't take this anymore. Everytime I try to meet Green Apple, chaos comes in hand. Aren't we for each other?"

"Maybe you are not for each other," Peter said carelessly.

"Wormtail!" Sirius scolded him. "Prongs, enjoy this party. You might see Green Apple once again while you are in the hall, not here at the corner."

James' eyes lit up when he heard 'Green Apple'. "Yes! I won't give up! I will never give up, not until I see Green Apple!" He stood up and disappeared amidst the dancing crowd.

"That was fast," Sirius said.

Unfortunately, Green Apple changed her outfit from green to periwinkle blue. She got wet in her surveillance earlier that evening.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Helena approached Matthew, looking grim. "Matthew?" she called out, dragging him.

"Hey, where are you taking me?" he asked, shocked with her ability to pull him easily. He was more shocked when he saw where she took him.

"Melissa," Helena started. She placed Matthew at the side as though he was a mannequin. "I'm sorry about the things that I've done and now I want to help you. Please make up with Matthew."

Melissa looked at her, confused. "What?" she asked again.

"I said, please make up with Matthew," she repeated, pulling Matthew's hand and placing it on Melissa's.

"Well, that is… so kind of you, Helena," Matthew said, bewildered. However, he still took Melissa's hand and with Helena's assistance, he was able to take her to the dance floor.

"Well?" Melissa asked Matthew as they danced slowly.

"Isn't this weird?" he replied. "I mean, Helena's…"

"I really don't want to think about that now," she replied, smiling slightly. She was finally at ease after trying to ignore Matthew for a long time. "But I think that is good… for us."

Mathew smiled as he tightened his hold on Melissa while dancing. "You know, I really wanted to tell you how special you are to me," he said.

Melissa smiled, her face red. "Oh, really?" she asked doubtfully.

"Of course!" Matthew argued. "Don't you believe me?"

"What if I say I don't?" Melissa asked, teasing him.

"Then I know you are lying," Matthew replied, touching the girl's nose as she tightened her embrace on him.

"So, is there something you want to add?" Melissa asked.

Matthew smiled. "I've been beside all along. I don't even remember how long. But those letters you sent, they are all full of love, Melissa."

"You fell in love with my letters," Melissa said, looking hurt.

"No. I feel in love with the heart of the woman who wrote those letters. Those were letters penned by each heartstring of yours and inked by your blood, Melissa," Matthew said poetically. "I would just like you to know that I longed to say how much I love the girl who wrote those letters. I like to say I love you, Melissa," he finally said.

Melissa blushed as she smiled. "I love you too, Matthew," she replied.

"Together we're gonna sing

We've got the power to sing what we feel

Connected and real…

Can't keep it all inside…"

Aphrodite smiled from her seat as she saw the bonds of love tie around the couple. "Finally," she sighed with relief. "We have one more to go."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"That was a great night," Lily told Aphrodite as she packed up. She would really miss the room.

Aphrodite smiled. She was wearing a simple white tube and leggings, with matching hand mirror at the side. "If you want to have a vacation here, you are welcome. Well, that is until you have finished the last pair-up."

"Thank you, Aphrodite," Lily said, embracing her.

"All in the glory of Love," she replied smartly. She passed a piece of glowing parchment to Lily's hand. "Eros took that form you because of some interference. But that one will be your last pair-up. I'll tell you when to open it, okay?"

"Okay," she replied.

"You are really a chosen bearer of a goddess' power, Lily," Aphrodite sighed as she touched the tapestry. "You are a kind person."

"Thank you very much."

"I have assured your friend's happiness in love," she added.

Lily smiled. "So, Kris will not be weird anymore?"

Aphrodite scratched her head a little. "Well, depending on the situation. One can be crazy about love but I assure that she will not be crazy because of heartbreak. They've already sealed the bonds, am I correct?"

Lily nodded.

"Well then. Eros will send you to a portkey point so that nothing will look suspicious. I'll miss the both of you," she said, a small tear forming at her right eye.

"We will miss you," Danicia said, waving goodbye.

"Bon voyage!" she said, disappearing behind the brick wall as Lily and Danicia walked to the other side of the street where Eros was waiting.

"Lily, are you ready for the next pair-up?" the god asked.

"Well, not really. Aphrodite told me not to open this piece of parchment," she said, taking out the glowing parchment that looked like a mini-light saber.

"Follow her, Lily. Maybe there's a reason why we need to. No, not maybe. There's always a reason why we have to do things."

Lily and Danicia went to the portkey site, an abandoned farm. They went to the almost ruined house at the center of the farm and started looking for something that can be a portkey. Danicia found an old broken lamp and said, "So, this is it?"

"Yes," Lily said. Their fairly small packages, plus their boxed gowns, were levitated to their hands at the exact time they touched the lamp.

"And now, god revenge is on," Eros said with a sigh. "If I hadn't bound myself to the Olympian Code of Ethics, I would not punish Lily anymore."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Can't you really break the Olympian Code of Ethics?" Psyche asked. She was weaving golden thread.

Eros paced back and forth. "I'm afraid I could not. Aside from being a Code, it's also like a binding contract. Have you been reading your Goddess Manual?"

Psyche stood up from her weaving loom and moved to her bedside table, took a very big book that would look like a thousand years to finish (a lifetime task for a god), and placed it on top of a study table.

"You can look at it yourself. I have read all pages from the introduction up to page…" she opened the book on the page where her bookmark was, "… three million, nine hundred thousand, twenty nine."

Eros looked at her with awe. "You really deserve to be my wife."

"On page seven hundred thirty, that is the chapter about things to do when you got offended by a human being or any other being lower than you," Psyche said. Eros followed the page.

After an almost one hour discussion, Eros cut it off by saying, "Psyche you are really brilliant!" he kissed her and left the suite, eager to sleep in her mother's.

"That was really annoying," Psyche said. She dragged the book back inside her bedside cabinet and resumed to her weaving, accompanied by a lullaby.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Hey!" Lily said, running after Lei. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," he replied. "How about you, Lily?"

"Never better," she replied. "So, how was the party? Is it good?"

"It's really magnificent!" he exclaimed as they sat down on a bench under a tree. "But it's not as magnificent as the way you looked that night."

Lily blushed but not that much. "Thanks," she replied. The bell rang. "Hey, I have to go. I'll be late for class."

"Okay, goodbye!" Lei replied, watching Lily as she sprinted like a flying fairy across the grounds towards the greenhouses. Lei sighed and exited the other way.

James jumped from the tree above, followed by Sirius. "Yeah, they're so sweet," he said disgustedly.

Kristanna came from afar. "Who's sweet?" she asked James teasingly.

"Shove off, Spencer," he said in a moody way.

"Yeah, shove off, Kris. This is boy stuff," Sirius replied teasingly.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Because of some necessary changes and unexpected events, we have to do the buddy system, and we'll draw lots to know who's with whom," McGonagall announced in the Great Hall at dinner. "Logically, that will be by House. Your partner will be your partner the whole year, starting today. The prefects of the Houses will conduct a lottery later tonight." She rolled the piece of parchment she was holding after the announcement.

"What has gotten into these people?" Sirius asked.

"Security purposes," Remus replied smartly. "Iwill be handling the lottery in the Gryffindor Common Room."

"I just hope," James said, crossing his fingers.

"What are you hoping?" Sirius asked his best friend.

"Well, number one, I hope that I won't have Evans as a partner," he said.

He felt his ear being pinched. "Yes, Mr. James Potter. You really would not like Miss Lily Evans to be with you." It was Kristanna. "I won't even allow you to have a fling with her, anyway."

"But I just hope that we could be together," Sirius said dreamily, slicing his bread.

"Good luck," James said.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After four hours of pairing students for the buddy system of learning, the seventh years' turn arrived. Some of them were already snoozing, others were getting a little aggressive due to tiredness, others were giggling in different stories, and others were playing with the fireplace.

"Seventh years' turn. Ok, let's go!" Remus said, snapping a finger.

Like a lottery, a name from a bowl labeled "girls" and a bowl labeled "boys" flew up and was immediately caught by Remus. He read the two pieces of paper.

"Andersen and Eureeka," he said.

After a couple was called, the crowd either cheered or reacted. The couple may range from looking happy to looking as though it was the end of the world.

"Sirius Black," Remus called out, taking a piece of paper. He chuckled at the sight of Sirius, who was murmuring prayers while crossing his fingers.

Remus looked as he picked up the next piece of paper. "Your partner will be, unfortunately…"

"Please… please…" he kept on murmuring as he started to tear off his hair.

"Kristanna Spencer," he said with a smile.

Kristanna hit Sirius hard on the head. "Very childish," she said.

"James Potter," he called out next.

Remus grabbed the next piece of paper and tried to cover his chuckles.

"Your partner will be Lily Evans."

"WHAT?" they shouted in unison.

a/n: Hope you had fun reading this chapter. There are more to come, I promise. I hope you won't be bored because I have to sort a few things out before starting once again. Thanks very much.