Wow it's been a long time since I've updated, I'm sorry (assuming anyone still reads this...)

Okay so quick recap of what went on last chapter:

So pretty much James is being his amazing self and charming the pants off Lily (as usual) and I think it was last chapter that he took her flying. Yada, yada, yada... And now they're in the Room of Requirement.

Let it begin!

Lily POV:

She looked around at her surroundings and was amazed; the room had presented itself to them as the ultimate fort. Blankets hung themselves from all over the room, and in the centre lay two leather chairs next to a bottle of firewhisky.

'Okay, Evans,' James began to tell her, 'time for a fun game!'

'Oh god…' Lily muttered.

'Whoa, Lils, don't get too excited there… But we'll play I have never!' James beamed.

'And this works, how?'

'Well Evans, we get two glasses, fill them with firewhisky, and then one of us says 'I have never done something'. For instance, if you were to say 'I have never become and animagus', I would need to drink. And if one of us doesn't drink, the rim of the glass glows blue, and the denier has to take double shots… Sound like fun?'

'I suppose…'

They sat down and began drinking; James said 'I'll start.'

Lily nodded in encouragement and sat down with him.

'Okay… I have never gone skinny dipping.'

The both of them drank to that one.

'A bit rebellious, Evans.' James teased her.

Lily shushed him and carried on in the game, 'I have never… had sex.'

Neither of them drank.

'Hmm, surprising.' Lily said.

James fake gasped and said, 'I'm offended, Evans! I've never even had a girlfriend!'

'Oh please, like you haven't…'

'I've had… snogging partners… that's it.'

They both laughed and carried on with the game.

'I have never…' James paused in thought, '…been in love.'

'God you're tacky, Potter.' Lily told him as they both downed their glasses, neither of them questioning the other.

The two of them sat there playing the game for hours, until Lily looked outside to find that the sun had begun to set over the castle.

'Wow, we've been here all day, we better get to dinner.' James told her.

She agreed and saw that the great hall had been rearranged so that there was a large rectangular table sitting in the middle of the vast space. Lily was used to this of course, as they had usually done this every Christmas holidays, James on the other hand, looked amazed by how large the great hall was when emptied.

She and James took seats on the closest bench to the door and noticed that none of the teachers had yet appeared for the meal. This did not go unquestioned by either of them, so they decided to investigate by going out into the entrance hall.

Lily felt her heart break.

Death eaters. At Hogwarts.

There were only about ten of them when Lily did a quick head count, but there were only four teachers trying attempting to fight them.

No one in the small battle seemed to have noticed the two of them, so Lily decided to prove that she was a Gryffindor.

'James, none of them know we're here. Let's act from behind here, so that we aren't directly in the battle, and we might be able to confuse them long enough for the teachers to stun them.'

'Alright Evans, let's do this. On the count of three, we'll spend stunning spells.'

'One… two… three.' They said together, and then shouted 'Stupefy!' Hitting two of the intruders squarely on their backs, they fell to the ground.

Lily's plan was working. The remaining eight death eaters had turned, allowing the teachers to quickly stun them. 6 down, 4 to go.

Clearly confused, two death eaters walked around the corner to face their attacker, although Lily and James were both too quick for them, 'Stupefy!' they both shouted. The two death eaters crumbled to the floor.

8 down, 2 to go.

As Lily and James turned the corner to check if the remaining two death eaters had been defeated, a sight that made both Lily's and James' stomachs churn.

Lord Voldemort was at Hogwarts.

In the entrance hall.

'Ah, Miss Evans is it? And Mr Potter, too? I was wondering when I'd get the privilege of meeting the two of you. You see… I have a proposition for you. I wish for you to join me.'

'We'll never join you!' The two yelled in unison.

Once defied him.

James pointed his wand towards him, but Lily pushed his arm down. She moved closer to Voldemort.

'You aren't as invincible as you think. They could easily be destroyed. Once they are, you'll die just like any other man.' Lily spoke directly to Voldemort. Lily watched his eyes widen, then narrow at Lily.

'I thought that someone may figure it out one day… although I never suspected a mudblood to be of such intelligence-'

'Now Tom, we must use our manners.' Said a voice from behind James and Lily.

Dumbledore. Surely they were saved now. Lily and James moved to opposite sides in order for Dumbledore to face the heavily cloaked man.

'It was foolish of you to come here tonight, Tom. The aurors are on their way.' (A/N: Sound familiar?)

'By which time I will be gone, and you,' he gestured to Dumbledore, 'shall be dead.'

Dumbledore flicked his wand and the teachers as well as James and Lily had been pushed against the wall by an invisible barrier. In the meanwhile, Dumbledore and Voldemort had begun to duel.

It was one of the most magnificent things Lily had ever seen, she had seen some brilliant magic in her years at Hogwarts, but she had never seen magic used like this.

Voldemort was creating great waves of fire from his wand, shaped like a serpent, and Dumbledore was creating a transparent shield that was surely made out of water.

The cloaked man stared at Dumbledore in both hatred and amazement, it was clear that he had expected for Dumbledore to not know how to defend himself against this branch of dark magic.

Dumbledore seemed to have realized this, and said, 'Now, Tom. Do you really think that the headmaster of this school would not know how to through off fiendfyre?'

Voldemort opened his mouth and looked as if he was about to answer, when the signature pop noise of an apparition was heard from a distant corridor.

'You will pay, Dumbledore… as will you, mudblood.' And with a sweep of his cloak, he was gone.

'Well then, James, Lily, if you wish to return to the great hall and finish your meal. In the mean time I shall give instructions to the aurors regarding the schools protection. I shall talk to the two of you later in the night.'

James POV:

He and Lily walked back to Gryffindor tower, as both of them had lost their appetite. Neither of them were talking, it seemed as if they were both attempting to take in what they had just witnessed.

'James,' Lily began, 'you're probably wondering what I was saying to him, about being invincible…'

He just nodded slightly in encouragement for her to carry on.

'Okay… I'm not exactly sure where to start, or why I even know what they are… but I'll start with this. Some wizards will go to extraordinary lengths to make themselves immortal, or their idea of invincible. One of the ways to do this is to make what's called a Horcrux. A Horcrux allows the creator to split their soul into an object, therefore the object being the Horcrux. It's a long and complicated thing to explain, but to summarize it I'll tell you this; I've had suspicions that he had created a few back when I had first heard the term while reading in the library… its one of the foulest things a person can do. You can only create the Horcrux by… by killing.'

He wrapped Lily into a tight hug and was amazed that a wizard would ever dream of doing such a thing to one's soul.

'I understand completely… but Lily, this seems like really dark magic… how did you find out about it to begin with?'

'I heard Snape talking about some type of dark magic with some Slytherins a while back… so I went to the library to see if I should even bother trusting him anymore, so I found a book in the restricted section that I thought could help… it was terrible. Some of the worst magic I had ever heard of was in there… and then I came across the term and saw the brief description… I knew he'd done it…'

The portrait hole opened and Dumbledore stepped through.

'If the two of you wish to see me if my office, please follow me.' The aged man told them kindly.

He and Lily nodded as they stepped out of Gryffindor tower and walked silently until they had reached the gargoyle outside of Dumbledore's office.

'Lemon Drops.' He told the statue, and it moves aside to allow them to enter his office.

As the two of them took seats in front of Dumbledore's desk, the wise man in front of them began to pace.

'I understand that what you have witnessed this evening would have come as a shock, but I would like you both to know that I personally believe that the two of you behaved admirably.

'Thankyou, Professor.' Lily said.

'I thought I should tell the both of you that the schools protection has been upgraded, and that the Christmas holidays shall end a week earlier this year.' Dumbledore informed them. 'Now, Miss Evans, it came to my attention that you have a certain suspicion of Voldemort's so called invincibility. I was glad to know that I was not the only one having these ideas.'

'You mean… you though he'd made them as well? The horcruxes?' Lily asked the grey haired man.

'I have never had a doubt in my mind that he had.' Dumbledore beamed at the two of them. 'But now I must discuss with you a more recent enquiry, I trust that both of you have heard of the Order of the Phoenix?'

'Yes.' They both said.

'Well then, consider this your official invitation to join.'

Both he and Lily gawped at Dumbledore as Lily said, 'But sir, we aren't even 17 yet.'

'Actually Miss Evans, I think you will find that it happens to be your 17th birthday in just a few weeks. And Mr Potter here only has two more months of being underage.' Dumbledore told her.

James quickly looked at Lily and said, 'I'll join.'

He saw Lily sigh slightly as she said, 'me too.'

'Well lovely,' beamed Dumbledore, 'we have been shown tonight what a great team the two of you make. Purely out of an old man's curiosity… would you two be-?' The question hung in the air for a few seconds until the two of them understood what the headmaster had meant.

'Oh, no professor. Just good friends.' James told him quickly.

'Ah, yes, purely my curiosity kicking in. The two of you best be off to bed, you must be thoroughly worn out from the events of today.'

The two of them rose from their chairs and bid goodnight to their professor.

Lily POV:

It was hard enough to convince Marlene and Alice that nothing was going on between her and James, but now the headmaster too?

'Lily, you okay?' James asked her, obviously having noticed how odd she was acting.

'Yea, fine… Just trying to understand everything that's happened tonight.'

At least that lie was half true, she thought.

'You were so brave though, Lils,' James told her, 'I was glad you were there with me, I panicked.'

Lily smiled at him and said, 'Cheers, Jamesie.'

'Still haven't given up on that name?'

'Goodnight, Potter.' She laughed.

Boing. Boing. Boing.

Lily was woken by someone jumping on her bed at five in the morning.

She sat up, her eyes desperately trying to focus on the person waking her.

Of course, she thought, Potter.

'I take it you finally worked out how to get up here without being killed?' she asked him.

'It was simply a matter of not being afraid of a slide.' James teased her.

Lily laughed slightly and got out of bed, when she realized she was in a rather tight singlet and shorter shorts than she would like to be seen in.

'Hurry up, Lils! Today's an important day!'

'Why's tha- OH! Everyone gets back today!'

'I can see what a good friend you are, Lils.' James laughed at her.

'Oh shut up, Jamesie.' She laughed back.

'What time do they get in?' James asked her rather suddenly.

'About 3, whys that?'

'Because I'm taking you flying!' James beamed at her.

'You know I couldn't fly if my life depended on it, Potter.'

'And there's only one way to improves, Lils!'

'What would that be, Jamesie?' she teased.

'By doing!' James shouted.

'Oh god…' she muttered as she walked to the bathroom.

She came out five minutes later with her hair in a loose bun and with a jumper and jeans on.

'Let's go, Evans!' James cried and ran out of the dorm. She just laughed and slowly followed. 'C'mon, Evans, hurry up!'

She didn't bother to quicken her pace at all, and was extremely surprised when James ran back to her and pulled her over his shoulder.

'See Evans, this is what happens when you don't walk fast enough.' James teased her.

'Potter, if you don't let me go I'll-'

'You'll what, Lils?'

'I'll… I'll persuade you into letting me go.'

'Well Lily, do tell me these persuasion tactics.'

'I'll kiss you. But only if you let me down.' Lily told him.

'Hmmm… let me think about that, Lils.' James stopped in fake consideration. 'You've got yourself a deal.' James told her as he gently let her down.

Being the cunning girl she was, Lily quickly kissed James' cheek. At least she was keeping the deal.

'Now I think we both agree that was barely classed as a kiss, Evans.' James told her.

'But I never made guidelines.' She laughed.

Neither of them had realized that they were both already on the quiddinch pitch until Lily said, 'I'll get the brooms!' and set off at a sprint towards the broom shed.

James POV:

Lily Evans will forever torment me and drive me crazy, James thought, at least it's worth it.

Lily had stepped out of the broom cupboard ten minutes later with two of the school's Cleansweep 5's.

'Alright then, Evans, time to get started! Mount your broom and kick off!' He told Lily cheerfully.

'You know how I said that I couldn't fly if my life depended on it? Well I can't fly if my life depended on it.'

'Cmon, Lils! She of little faith! Just mount it and kick off, if you fall then I would attempt to catch you.'

Lily hesitated for a moment longer and kicked off from the ground.

'See Evans? Not that hard, is it?'

'I suppose not…' Lily answered as he kicked off from the ground himself.

'Race you to the hoops!' He shouted.

They spent the rest of the day flying, until it was twenty past three and they decided that it was time to meet the others at the Hogsmeade Station.

'Wait a minute, Lils!' James called.

'This can't be good…' Lily muttered.

He had led Lily down to the kitchens, and without explaining at all began to load three plates of pies, salads, fruits, eggs, bacon, and everything else that the house elves had to offer.

'I'm going to take a guess and say that would all be for Sirius, Remus and Peter?'

'You guessed correctly, Evans.'

Once James had levitated the plates to float in front of the pair as they walked, they walked out of the kitchens and out into the fresh air.

The two practically raced each other to the station, although James had trouble keeping up with Lily due to the plates threatening to topple over.

'Alright, there's my exercise for the year.' Lily said as they both skidded to a halt outside of the aged station.

James laughed as he sat down on a bench next to Lily and waited for the train to arrive.

They had sat there for forty minutes, simply talking, until a scarlet train face could be spotted in the distance. The both of them jumped up and ran towards the compartment of which their group had occupied in the past two train rides.

James looked to his right and saw that Lily was practically dancing, she must have been really excited to see Alice and Marlene.

Lily POV:

She was extremely happy to see Marlene and Alice again, as well as the three marauders.

…Not that she hadn't enjoyed the past few weeks with James.

Had she?

Did she actually like him then?

This was not the time to dwell! She decided.

At last the train had stopped and the first few passengers had begun to step off. Lily spotted Marlene and Alice immediately and ran over to them and hugged them each in turn.

'I missed you guys so much!' Lily told them.

'We missed you heaps too!' Alice told her.

'Yes, yes. Enough of that. Now tell me, did anything happen between you and James?' Marlene asked with a raise of her eyebrows.

'Mar! Nice to see you too, I'm good thanks for asking.' Lily said sarcastically.

'Tell us Lils, what happened?' Marlene persisted.

'Absolutely nothing.' Lily told them, 'Expect we had to fight off a few death eaters… I intimidated Voldemort… the usual.'

'WHAT!' Marlene and Alice yelled together.

'I'll tell you when we get to our dorm, and you guys can tell me what you did as well. I'm just going to go say hi to the guys.'

Lily walked off in search of the marauders, surprisingly, they weren't hard to find either, but it did help that Sirius called out 'Evans!' To which Lily replied 'Black!' and hugged him.

She then hugged Peter and Remus and asked, 'So how were your holidays?'

'More importantly,' Sirius said slyly, 'how were yours?'

'Er… Fine? Revised for transfiguration, kicked death eater ass, intimidated Voldemort, had some good old chats with Dumbledore… the usual, y'know.'

'WHAT?' The three marauders yelled in unison as Lily fought back the urge to giggle.

'I'll have to tell you later, I have to tell Marlene and Alice as well… might as well do it all at once. See you guys later!'

James POV:

As Lily walked away, Sirius rounded on him. 'Well?'

'Well what?' He asked defensively.

'You bloody well know what! Did it finally happen with Evans?' Sirius asked him.

'Nope.' James said calmly.

Sirius laughed at him and shook his head as they began to walk back up to the castle.

Lily POV:

The marauders, Marlene, Alice, and Lily were sitting at a table in the common room with a Muffliato charm around them.

'Are you okay to tell us what happened?' Alice asked.

'Yes…' Lily replied as she sighed slightly. She had been rehearsing what she would tell them all day, but everything she had in mind had all vanished.

'Well… James and I were going down to dinner… and when we walked in none of the teachers were there. We thought it was a bit strange, so we decided that we might as well see what was going on… We heard something in the entrance hall… and when we looked there were six death eaters there. We decided that we'd try and stun some of them from around the corner… y'now… to confuse some of them long enough for McGonagall and Flitwick to act, because they were the only two there fighting them… so we took out two, and another two came around the corner to see who was there… so we took out those two as well… so we decided to see if the other two had been stunned as well… but when we came around… Voldemort was there. Somehow he knew who we were… he'd expected us to come… he called me a mudblood, but of course I'm used to that by now… and I-' Lily stopped abruptly and realized that she hadn't explained her theory of the horcruxes yet.

Ten minutes and many questions later, she had successfully explained how horcruxes worked and why Voldemort would want to use them. So she continued on…

'It'd probably be best if only you guys knew about the horcruxes… I mean, it's a pretty big assumption. So anyway, where was I… right… so I stepped right up to Voldemort, and told him that I knew about them… and that if they were destroyed he could die just like any other man… and then Dumbledore showed up… which I was really grateful for, they say Dumbledore's the only one he ever feared… So anyway he told Voldemort that the aurors were on their way… so you-know-who just told swore revenge upon me and Dumbledore… and he disapparated.'

She looked up and saw that everyone around the table was staring at her with open mouths. Sirius seemed to be the first one to recover, for he said 'Well you two are pretty badass then. I mean… how many sixteen year old wizards can say they've intimidated Voldemort? Actually, how many wizards can say they've intimidated Voldemort full stop!'

Everyone around the table laughed and smiled slightly. Yet it was clear that people were concerned still.

'Lily… this guy's sworn revenge on you… you don't think-' Marlene said.

'Mar, it's fine… He has better and more important people to kill right now.' Lily attempted to diffuse the tension.

'Well you two were so brave! And you said you didn't think you were a Gryffindor, Lily!' Alice stated.

Both of them muttered a quick and quiet thanks as Lily turned slightly red.

'Alright… I think I might go off to bed…' Lily announced.

'It's six o'clock, Lily, you haven't even been to dinner yet.' Remus told her.

'Yeah… I know…' She said as she began to walk up the staircase and disappeared into her dorm.

'We should go see what up with her…' Alice said to Marlene.

Marlene nodded in agreement and they set off to their dormitory.

Lily heard a door open and prayed that it was just Carrie coming in to get something before dinner… But of course it wasn't.

'Lily…' said Alice's voice softly. 'What's up?'

'Other than the sky, you mean?' Lily asked quietly.

'Yes Lily, other than the sky.' Marlene said just as softly as Alice had.

'I just… I guess I'm just worried… About what he said to me… That I'd pay…' Lily said, 'I mean… it could have just been an empty threat… but still…' She trailed off.

'Lily, it's okay to be worried, that's what makes you a person… But for now… Let's just go down to dinner and try to forget about what happened, alright?' Marlene said.

Lily got up quickly and hugged both of the girls sitting beside her.

'Thanks.' She murmured.

'Any time, Lils.' Alice replied.

James POV:

He was really worried for Lily, the most powerful dark wizard of all time had threatened her, it was definitely something to be concerned about…

James saw Lily as she walked into the great hall with Alice and Marlene, somehow smiling. He wondered how it was even possible for her to be strong at the moment. But that was Lily Evans…

He and the other marauders had eaten their dinner almost silently, as they were all concerned about Lily, yet none of them wanted to talk about it.

A few moments later, Lily had sat down next to him, Marlene next to Sirius of course, and Alice beside Lily.

'You alright?' He whispered to Lily.

She nodded slightly in reply, but James knew how hard she was trying to cover up her concern.

They spent the rest of their dinner as they usually would, talking endlessly and cracking corny jokes. James found it interesting that Lily was contributing to the conversation more than usual, he supposed he would have to talk to her later.

As the group of seven began to walk out of the hall, they found their path blocked by a smiling Professor McGonagall.

'Could I see Mr Potter and Miss Evans in my office?' The teacher said strictly.

Five long minutes later, he and Lily were sitting in Minnie's spacious office.

'I take it you both know why I have summoned you here.' The elder witch asked them, two which the two teenagers shook their heads. 'I wished to commend your actions from the other night, I would also like to ask the both of you what you wish to do once you have left Hogwarts. It was a mandatory topic to discuss, but after seeing what you are both capable of I wish to discuss it again.'

'Now Lily,' she continued, 'I remember that you had your heart set on healing when we talked last year, is that still your goal?'

James saw Lily relax slightly next to him as she said 'Well, I've also considered becoming an auror… but I'm still not sure yet…'

'Both are wise choices. And James, I understand you wished to follow in your father footsteps and become and auror, is that still your ambition?'

'Definitely, Professor.'

'Thankyou both, I was purely checking that your talents would not go to waste. I feel the need to also ask, however, another question… Purely out of curiosity… Would the two of you be-?'

She had said it just as Dumbledore had, and James found himself trying to hold in laughter.

'No, Professor. Just good friends.' Lily told her.

'Good friends? If you had told me that three years ago, I may have taken you to St Mungos!'

They all laughed, but stopped quickly. After McGonagall had bid them goodnight, the pair began the short walk to Gryffindor tower.

First Dumbledore… now McGonagall… this was getting ridiculous, he'd have to say something to her soon… just when the time was right.

'Well, what did Minnie want?' Sirius asked just as they had walked through the portrait hole. James couldn't help but notice how anxious he sounded.

'She just wanted to know if we were quote 'using our talents correctly' which I found extremely off topic and farfetched.' Lily told them.

'Ah… the brightest witch of her age always doubting her abilities…' Sirius sighed deeply, 'So that's really all she wanted? Didn't accuse you of any pranks that we may or may not have taken part in?'

'Nope.' James assured him.

After what looked like a lot of confusion, Sirius said, 'That's not like Minnie… Anyways, we better get to bed soon.' And after quickly pecking Marlene on the lips, Sirius stalked out of the room, followed by the other three marauders.

'Night, girls.' James said.

'Night.' The three mumbled together.

Lily POV:

'I might go up to bed as well…' Alice said.

'Yea me too.' Marlene had agreed.

'I'm just gonna stay down here and get warm, I'll be up soon.' Lily told them.

Ten minutes and half a pint of butterbeer later, Lily was sitting on the comfiest couch in the common room reading The Tales of Beedle the Bard. After hearing footsteps coming from the boys staircase she did nothing to change her composure.

'Evans, do you plan on sleeping any time this century?' An all too familiar voice asked her.

'Yeah… it's just… the books just starting to get good…'

'Lily,' James told her as he sat down next to her, 'What's really wrong?'

'I just… I guess I'm worried… Not just for myself, but for everyone out there fighting… and-and I just… I don't know…'

'Lils, it's alright to be worried, I'm pretty sure everyone in the castle is… Just don't think about it too much, it'll be alright in the end…'

Lily buried her head into his shoulder and said 'Thanks, James.'

'No problem, Lils.'

Lily didn't remember falling asleep; all she knew was that she had woken up in her dormitory bed with a Gryffindor scarf wrapped loosely around her neck.

And it smelt like Amortentia.

'Lily, you awake?' Alice asked her.

'Mmm…' She grumbled in reply.

'Well, happy birthday!'

'Is it the thirtieth already?' Lily asked as she slowly got to her feet.

'You seem excited for someone who just turned 17…' Marlene told her.

'Oh, right! Accio robes!' Lily yelled and five pairs of Gryffindor robes came flying at her, all hitting her in the face.

'Smooth.' Alice snorted.

'Maybe I should be a bit more specific next time… Anyways, let's go down to breakfast, I'm starving!'

'Wait! I need to give you my present first!' Alice shrieked.

'Oh, you didn't need to get me anything.' Lily assured her as accepted a package covered in red paper.

'It's fine Lily, open it, open it!'

Lily quickly tore the wrapping paper away to reveal a picture of Marlene, Alice and herself waving to the camera with big smiles on their faces.

'Alice, it's amazing! Thankyou!' Lily hugged her.

Once heading down to breakfast, Lily found that there was a newcomer sitting with their group.

Now, this was no ordinary girl sitting there. This was Emmeline Vance, aka the biggest slag Hogwarts had ever seen… and she was sitting with Potter.

Even though she was only a fifth year, Emmeline was prettier than most of the seventh years. Was Lily jealous that the girl with modern Marilyn Monroe looks was practically sitting on James? Was she jealous that he was whispering things in her ear that made her giggle?

She shouldn't be.

So why was she?

Why was she so hurt?

Lily sighed slightly and followed Alice towards where Sirius and Marlene were sitting, not far from the giggling pair.

'Happy birthday, Lils!'

'Aw cheers, Marls!' Lily said as she took a package from her. 'It's amazing, thankyou!' She inspected the book Marlene had gotten her, called Pride and Prejudice. 'I left my only copy at home, I've missed it so much!'

'Oh god, Lily…' Sirius sighed. 'At this rate you'll end up marrying a book!'

'C'mon, Sirius! Who needs blokes when you have books?' Lily asked him.

She looked up from her fruit salad.

Great.

Now they're snogging.

So much for breakfast.

She turned back to the conversation at hand to find that Sirius was giving her a meaningful look, to which Lily just shrugged and tried her best to join in with Marlene and Alice's conversation.

The next few weeks just went on and on for Lily, she and James have gone back to what they had done in fourth year; completely ignoring each other.

They both hated it, but there was nothing they could do.

One month and no-changes-whatsoever later, Lily found herself in the great hall once again, being disgusted as she watched James and Emmeline.

'Oh, Lily, I was wondering if I could talk to you quickly.' Emmeline addressed her.

This was weird, the two had never exchanged more than a quick hello before. But against her temptations, Lily followed her out of the hall.

'Now, Lily, I have a question to ask you, and you have to be one hundred percent truthful when you answer…' Emmeline did not wait for a reply as she went on, 'So, I want to know if there's anything at all going on between you and James.'

'Oh!' Said a startled Lily, 'Oh, um, n-nothing… Nothing.'

'So you don't have any feelings for him at all?'

'None whatsoever.' Lily lied.

'Okay then,' Emmeline said cheerfully, 'that's all I wanted to know, bye bye.' She skipped off.

Lily stood there for a while, completely flabbergasted before returning to breakfast.

Hundreds of owls swept down from the ceiling as usual, although Lily did not bother to check if one had brought news for her, as her family were muggles.

'Lily,' Sirius told her as she looked up to find that they were the only two of their group left at the table, 'you've got an owl.'

One of the black ministry owls had landed on the table next to her, and was taking a generous amount of pumpkin juice from her goblet.

Miss Evans,

The Ministry of Magic regrets to inform you that there has been recent death eater activity around your home.

Unfortunately, this resulted in the death of approximately 20 muggles.

Your mother attempted to protect her house and the neighborhood, resulting in her death. Your sister is alive and well, and will be writing to you soon in order to discuss your living arrangements.

Terribly sorry for your loss,

Alastor Moody, Head of the Auror Department.

Lily felt tears well up in her eyes as she ran from the hall.

'Lily! Lily, whats wrong!' Sirius called after her.

After running through the castle, attempting to find a private space, Lily collapsed onto the floor in the middle of a deserted corridor.

She let the tears fall as she heard footsteps coming her way.

'Lily?' Sirius said, 'You okay? I saw the letter…'

'I'm… well… I'll be okay eventually. It's just… I never imagined her dying. It seemed impossible… I thought she was invincible…'

'I know what you mean, Lily.' Sirius assured her.

'But you hate your parents, how could you understand?' Lily asked softly.

'No, Lily. I hate the Blacks, my real parents; however, are Christopher and Adele Potter. And I love them to bits, if anything were to happen to them… it would affect me just as much as it would James.'

For some unknown reason, Lily sobbed slightly at the mention of James.

'Lily, just tell the boy you like him for Merlin sake.' Sirius told her.

'Wha-? I nev- Why- I didn't say- Well he's with Emmeline now, regardless of what I think.'

'But it's not like their relationship is actually going anywhere.' Sirius said slightly bitterly.

'What's up? I thought the two of you had been a bit distant lately…'

'It's just… This Emmeline bird… He's always snogging her. It's like he has no time for the rest of us anymore… Just… Please tell me that me and Marlene aren't like that?'

Lily laughed slightly and said, 'I get what you mean, I haven't even talked to him in weeks… And you and Marlene have only ever snogged in public a handful of times. Plus, you're great together, so I don't mind that much anyway.'

'Well I've got her best friend's approval, so that's all that matters.' Sirius smiled.

'Wait a minute! Marls is your first official girlfriend, isn't she! That's adorable, Sirius!'

'Oh shut up…' He mumbled.

Lily laughed at him as he said, 'Alright, let's get you to class!'

Okay so turns out when he took her flying it was in this chapter, whoopsies...

So this update was pretty long.

I didn't know where to stop okay :(

But I've written up to when they're on the train leaving Hogwarts, and trust me, a loooooooooot happens between where I've updated here and where I've written up to.

Enjoy for then :)

PS. I 3 Reviews.

PPS. Because it took me so so so long to update, here's a little spoiler from the next chapter...

Lily tried desperately not to fall to the floor as pain overwhelmed her. But before long, it stopped.