-1A/N: Hey I'm back! I am soooooo sorry for the long wait! I've been trying to think of a good excuse, but nothing's coming to mind. Sorry! 'ducks rotten tomatoes' Anyway, Thank you so much for reviewing! It motivates me to write the next chapter when I see that you guys are enjoying it! Or hating it…whichever your review implies! If you have any tips or ideas, feel free to send me a message or review. Right…anyway, enough with my ranting, I'm sure you'd rather hear my story than me.

Lost in Lala Land

"Ow!"

"Well I'm sorry Lils, but if you'd just hold still…"

"It's hard to hold still when your hand is searing with unimaginable pain!"

"Don't be so dramatic! Now plant yourself on that seat and don't get up!"

Lissi was rubbing Lily's cut up hands with ointment they had stolen from the nurse. Unfortunately it was the kind that stings.

It was the morning after Lily's escapade with James Potter, and already she was doubting that it had ever even happened. Something so happy seemed impossible while in a place so absolutely miserable.

"That hag. I hope she catches smallpox and rots. She really did this to you just for back talking?" Lissi asked.

" Yes. And frankly, I'm not surprised. Never underestimate the devil. Ow!"

"I suppose. But what's bothering me even more is the way you've been acting since this incident." Lissi said, looking up at Lily.

"I've no clue what you're on about."

"Well Lils, ever since you got back from wherever the hell Miss Smelly took you last night, you've been spacing out, daydreaming, and acting all depressed. You're in a completely different zone half the time." Lissi said, staring at Lily, worry in here eyes.

"I'm fine. Really. I've always been spacey, haven't I?" She asked, dodging a strait answer. "I've really got to go now anyway. I'll see you later. No need to wait for me to go down to supper." Lily said, pushing Lissi's hand away from hers, and standing up.

She walked out the door, and up to her small grey bedroom.

The truth was, Lily had been quite out of it lately. But it wasn't because of Miss Smeldings at all. In fact, Lily was hard on not letting herself be bothered by the old cow. Actually, Lily herself wasn't quite sure what was wrong with her. But she did know one thing. Every time she tuned out, she started thinking of James Potter.

She remembered his big hazel eyes, and his messy black hair. She could even recall the slight dimple in his cheeks when he smiled.

'Oh great, I'm doing it again' She whispered to herself. 'I don't know why this is happening. It's not like I like him in that way or anything, and he certainly doesn't like me. He's probably forgotten all about me by now. And I should be doing the same!' She said, suddenly realizing that she had been talking to herself. 'Oops.'

……………………….

It had been a month since Lily had stumbled upon James Potter.

Lily, Ariana, Lissi, and Hannah sat at their table, eating their breakfast of bread and jam. However, this plain breakfast tasted a little better to all for girls, and for a very good reason. It was the day the girls of their year would be going shopping. Every three months, the girls would be allowed to go down to town, and buy whatever the needed or wanted. They were each given three dollars to spend, plus the small amount they already had. (A/N: Remember, back then money was worth more. Like, you could buy a loaf of bread for like, 25 cents.)

"I'm so excited! No maths today!" Hannah squealed.

"Oh calm down. You'd think they'd announced that Miss Smelly was retiring the way you three are acting." Lily said, with a smile on her face. No matter how she acted, you could see she was just as excited as the rest of them.

"Oh don't be such a spoil sport. We can see through your wall Miss Evans. You're just about peeing your pants with excitement." Ariana said, laughing. Lily reached over and pinched Ariana's nose.

"Ow!"

The other girls laughed.

"Oh ha ha ha." Ariana said, putting on a fake pout. "I'll get you for that Lily…Lily?"

Lily was at it again, staring off into who knows where.

………………………………...

James Potter and Sirius Black were lying across two large white couches.

"James. James? JAMES!"

"Wha- huh?" James looked up from lala land.

"You're drooling."

"Oh. Right. Sorry mate." James said apologetically. "I've just been pretty out of it the past month."

"Oh really, I haven't noticed." Sirius said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Oh shut up. Some friend you are. This is the part where you ask me what's wrong."

"Alright Jamsie. What's wrong?" Sirius asked, smirking.

"Well, since you asked…It's Lily."

"Lily?"

"Yeah, the girl who passed out in the garden."

"Right."

"I just can't stop thinking about her! It's driving me round the bend! I don't know how, and I don't know when. But I have to see her again."

"Come on Jamsie, don't be silly. Why do you need her when hundreds of other pretty women would jump off a bridge just to be eclipsed by your shadow?"

"First of all, no they would not, and second, Lily isn't like those girls. She acted completely normal, like she didn't even care about my stunningly good looks!"

"Maybe because you don't have any."

Sirius was soon shut up when a large cushion was stuffed in his face.

"But seriously, I need to find some way to see her again."

"Well you know mate, you're not the only one who needs to find a lady. I have girl problems of my own, as surprising as it may seem. I say we stop moping, and go out to town for a beer or two. Maybe we can come up with a plan there." Sirius exclaimed, sitting up.

"Girl problems?"

"Don't ask, because I'm certainly not telling." Sirius replied indignantly. But of course, he was thinking of that girl. That beautiful witch he had met at the party. How he wished he could know her name. How he wished he knew what was so special about her that made him act this way.

"Eh. Figured as much. Alright, lets go then." James said, still looking a bit put out.

"Could you be a bit less enthusiastic please?" Sirius asked, smirking.

"Shut up."

……………………………….

The girls were in three single file lines, strolling down the streets of London towards the shopping center.

Lily looked behind her, and smiled at Hannah. They had been walking forever, and they were almost there.

'Cold drinks are just across the street' Lily whispered to Hannah.

All of a sudden Lily heard a shriek.

"AH!"

"LILY WATCH OUT!"

Lily twirled around to see a huge carriage right in front of her face.

"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH-oof!"

Lily was pushed aside, landing hard on her back. The carriage sped by. She stood up, trying to support herself on her wobbly knees.

"Are you alright miss?" A voice behind her said. The person who had pushed her out of harms way. She turned around to thank him.

"Oh yes, I'm fi-oh." Standing before her was none other than James Potter.

"Hello again. That's the second time I've saved you from a fatal situation. What were you saying about me hardly being your savior?" James asked her, smirking.

So he remembered me.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to, er, re-evaluate that. Thank you. Really. That was really brave. Well, I have to go. Goodbye." Lily turned to catch up to her friends.

"Wait!" James called. He grabbed her arm.

"Yes?" Lily asked. She wondered why he was still here, and not off wiping his hand after touching a dirty orphan.

By now everyone had stopped to stare. A poor, unimportant orphan was being held up by the most wanted bachelor in England. You could see the jealousy on the other girls' faces.

Ariana, Hannah, and Lissi stood there giggling and whispering.

"Alright everyone, show's over, go back to your knitting!" A tall handsome man who seemed to be a friend of James' called out. Everyone hustled back to what they were doing before.

James turned back to Lily. "What's the rush Lily? Why don't you join me and this nut here? You have the whole day, and we certainly have nothing to do." James asked, still lightly griping her arm.

"Oh, I'm sorry, my friends-"

"Would love for Lily to go with you!" The three other girls had come running up to Lily from the middle of nowhere.

"Wow, thanks guys." Lily said, turning to glare at them.

"Oh, anytime."

The girls walked away, leaving Lily, James, and Sirius together.

"Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds on your own. I can tell I won't be wanted here. I think I'll head over to say hello to some of your classmates Lils." Sirius strolled off towards the town.

"Well then." Lily said, looking at her shoes.

"Well then? Is that all you have to say? How about some groveling and thanking for your handsome hero?"

"Oh you're not still on about that are you?" Do not roll eyes, do not roll eyes, do not roll eyes.

"I believe I am."

"Well you have me all alone now. How about taking me somewhere, or would you like to just sit on the sidewalk for the rest of the day. I can certainly arrange that." Lily said, wondering what he had in mind to do with her.

"Well, I wasn't exactly planning this you know. Where would you like to go?"

"Anywhere with a cold drink."

"That can be arranged." James said. He stood up, and held out his hand for her to pull herself up with. When they were both standing, he offered his arm, and she took it.

"Now where exactly are we going?" Lily asked, a bit apprehensive. She didn't like being led to unknown places by strangers.

"Nowhere special."

………………………………...

Sirius strolled through the streets of London, back towards the Potter Mansion. He stared absentmindedly into space, not really paying attention to where he was going. Soon he reached the side entrance to the Estate.

"Hem hem." The maid who had come to open the door for Sirius coughed lightly, and blocked his way into the house.

"Oh yes. Sorry Mary." He wiped his shoes off on the grass outside. Mary stepped aside, smiled at Sirius, and took his coat.

"You're a fast learner." She said with a grin.

A few minutes later, after having a drink, Sirius made his way outside. He sat down next to a large statue of James' great-great something or the other, and heaved a great sigh.

……………………………

Lily and James stood before the Potter mansion, gazing up at it's walls.

"Your house?" Lily asked, looking at him with one light hazel eyebrow raised.

"Well, I wouldn't say that."

"Oh really? Then what would you say?"

"Follow me."

A few minutes later, Lily found herself somewhere on the Potter land. She wasn't exactly sure where, but one thing she was certain of was that it was most certainly a beautiful place.

The garden Lily and James stood in was in full bloom. All the colors of the rainbow sprang up from different directions. Right in the center was a shimmering clear pond, lily pads and water plants trimming the sides.

"Well, are you going to react, or just stand there like a baboon?" James asked, smirking. But although he didn't show it, he was ecstatic from the look of amazement on her face. Her amazingly beautiful face.

"That." She replied, "was mean."

"Well I'm sorry love, but I had to get you out of Lala Land somehow or the other, or you'd be lost in there forever I imagine."

"Well. This really is beautiful though." She said brightly, running her hand over a large flower petal.

"Well I'm surprised it came as a surprise to you. You should have known someone as handsome and talented as I would bring you to such a place, if not better."

"Oh, should I have?" She asked, snorting at his conceit.

"I believe you should." He said, moving closer to her, so that their arms touched. He realized how close to the huge pond they were standing. It struck him how beautiful it was. He wondered why he had never noticed before. He decided to say so.

"Look at the pond. Isn't it stunning?" He observed, looking over into Lily's beautiful emerald eyes.

"Yes. Yes, stunning." She replied, lost in his gaze.

"But you know, it's not nearly as stunning as you." He said, not realizing it. Did I really just say that? He thought. God that was corny.

"Yeah right." She said, noticing for the first time how close their faces were.

"No really. You're beautiful Lily. Your beauty is almost equal to my outstanding handsomeness."

"I'll take that as a complement." She said, not even bothering to roll her eyes. They were so close now, she could feel his breath on her dainty nose.

"Good." He replied. "Because you really are…" He let out is breath. "Beautiful."

Before she knew what was happening, he was getting closer. His lips nearly touching hers. She sighed a deep sigh and gave in to his gesture. She got closer, lifting her arm up and resting it on his shoulder. Closer. Their lips just centimeters apart…

……………………………..

Sirius was amazed. Astounded. Surprised beyond belief. And it took a lot to do that to Sirius Black.

Sirius stared from behind the statue. His eyes widened. Standing in the large garden beside him were James and Lily. He watched in amazement as the two got closer and closer. He heard a sigh come from Lily. They were about to kiss.

"Finally." He whispered to himself. It had been years since James had shown interest in any girl, let alone kiss one. And now, standing right in front of him, James was about to lock lips with this beautiful out-of-the-blue redhead.

Then something went terribly wrong.

"AAAHHH!"

James let out a girly shriek as he fell backwards and splashed into the glossy pond.

"Figures." Sirius said, rolling his eyes.

………………………………...

"AAAHHH!"

Lily snapped out of it as James fell with a splash into the water. The weight of what she had almost done came crashing down on her. She felt herself flush. Then she saw James.

He was standing in the pond, which reached his waist, cold, wet, miserable, and absolutely hilarious looking. Lily couldn't help it. She burst out laughing.

"You-haha!-you-heehee-gasp-wet!-snort-funny Hahahaha….!"

"Oh yes. Hilarious. Laugh at the cold wet arse."

"I'm-HA!-sorry-hiccup-HAHAHA!"

"Oh, think it's funny do you? I'll show you funny."

Before Lily knew it, James had grabbed her ankles.

"AH!" Lily shrieked. Next thing she knew, she had landed on top of him, joining him in his wet and upset state.

"HEY!"

"Ha. Ha. HA. Not so funny now, is it darling?"

"Oh you-" Lily murmured angrily. She jumped up and leapt at James.

"Ah! I'll get you-"

"Ow! I-"

"Hey!"

"Geroff!"

"Hahaha-whoa!"

"Stop it!"

"Ouch!"

A war broke out in the Potter pond. Soon, the two were shivering, wet, and completely out of breath. They climbed out of the pond and collapsed on the grass.

They lay beside each other, gazing into the other's eyes. Then they cracked up. They lay on the floor laughing, gasping for breath.

After a while they stopped laughing. James stood up and pulled Lily to her feet.

"That was amazing! Turns out your pond is good for more than beauty." Lily gasped.

James just grinned. He couldn't believe his luck. Here he had the most beautiful, spunky woman he had ever met. But he never would have thought she had this much spunk. How different she was from all those other witless superficial girls.

It was during the momentary silence that they realized how cold they were.

"I believe we should go inside and change before we die of frostbite." James said, shivering.

"Frostbite? It's not that cold." Lily said, even though she knew he had been exadurating.

"That's not how I feel. Come, lets get into some warm clothes and have some lunch. I'll have the house elv-MAIDS prepare something hot."

"Er, Good idea." Lily said.

"Are my ideas not always good ones?" He asked, standing up straighter.

"Well-"

"Don't answer that.

……………………..……………..

Half an hour later, the two were sitting at a large table, wrapped in blankets and sipping some tea. Lily realized something ironic. She had come here in need of a cold drink, and now they were drinking tea of all things.

"So tell me, is this what your Lordship usually does? Speak to the press, meat with the king, and end the day by frolicking in meadows with pretty young women?" Lily asked in a mocking tone.

"But what else?" He replied with a grin. "Well actually, it's not all you think it is. It's miserable. Do you know how it feels to have no freedom? For every move you make to be made by someone else? Every woman you meet to be a superficial airhead?"

"No." She replied quietly. "But I know what it's like to be miserable. I have no money, no home, nowhere to go when I turn eighteen. Of course anywhere would be better than the orphanage. But you. You have money, power, and a chance at happiness. You'll marry a girl of power, have all the money you need, be free to do as you please, while I will be hiding away, fighting for a place to call home."

"That's not true." He said icily. "Don't say that. I'll marry a primping airhead, be forced to attend countless meetings and parties, and die after doing nothing but sit around with a napkin in my lap and collecting money in my pocket. You'll be free. Free to go wherever you please. To do what you want. And another thing Lily. I will never let you starve out on the street. Never."

He realized he had her hand in his. He quickly let go. There was silence.

"Oh!" Lily exclaimed, breaking the silence. "It's late! I've got to go."

She stood up to leave. Then James saw something. Something strange imprinted on her hand. Is that- is that a scar

"Lily!" James yelled, startling her.

"Ah! W-what?"

"Oh sorry. Um, can I see your hand for a second?"

"…why?" She asked suspiciously. She slowly held out her hand anyway.

James held it lightly and inspected her palm. Scars covered it. They looked like she had been hit by something.

"These scars Lily. What are they from?"

" O-oh. Um, nothing. Just this thing. Forget about it."

"No, Lily, where did you get these. These look like they were done on purpose. Tell. Me. What. Happened."

Lily sighed and looked away. "I back talked Miss Smeldings and she caned me. There."

Lily turned to go, but James grabbed her.

"WHAT?! Do you mean to tell me that a teacher did this purposely. That- that bitch who was with you this morning?! Lily, I promise, I will go over there and she will be locked in prison before-"

"James, no! No you can't let her know I complained. You can't let her know it left a scar, or that it bothered me at all. I won't give her the satisfaction." Lily said stiffly."

"The satisfaction? The satisfaction?! Lily I-"

"James." She caught his gaze. "Please."

James looked down at her, and saw her eyes pleading with him not to give her away.

"I-Ok alright. I won't say anything if you stay out of trouble. But if she hurts you again…"

"Yes! Thank you so much James! You promise you won't say anything."

"I suppose." He said angrily.

"Thank you. Really. Alright, I really need to get going."

"I'll walk you home then."

"Oh no you're not. Really, I'll be fine."

"Well alright. I'll walk you out."

They reached the side door, and Lily stepped through it.

"Well, goodbye. Thank you very much for all of this. I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time. I'll return the clothes and-"

"Lily!"

"Hm?"

"It's ok. Really. Thank you. Thank you for the best day I've had in ages."

Lily smiled. "Yes. Well I best be going. Goodbye."

"Wait Lily! When will I see you again?"

"See you again?"

"Yes. Of course. I'm not letting you off that easy." He said, grinning.

Lily was torn. She couldn't see him again! This had already gone to far. They didn't have a future. She was just an orphan. He was one of the richest men in All of England! He couldn't love her. And she couldn't fall for him. It would just break both their hearts.

"I'm sorry James. I don't really think it would be possible. I can't."

"You can't? Of course you can! I'll tell you what. Next Thursday night I'm off duties. Meet me by that cold drink shop by where you nearly got run over. Eight o'clock. Oh, and don't say anything. Just think about it. Ok?"

Lily didn't know what to do. She didn't want to get his hopes up. She didn't want to get her hopes up.

"Ok." She answered quietly.

"Good. Well, Goodbye Lily." He squeezed her hand.

"Goodbye."