Author's Note: This chapter is the longest so far and spends over a few months. Even though it is long it feels a tad rushed, and those of you wanting more James/Lily...Well, your in for a...Surprise isn't the right word, perhaps shock?

October 3rd

Dear Lily,

Why haven't you wrote? I know you said earlier that things were chaotic, but please remember to write us. How has everything been? Do you need anything? Parchment? Ink? Mopsy is preparing a tin of sweets to send each of you, as she is trying out new recipes for Christmas (a tad bit less than three months away, can you believe it?).

I admit that I miss the you, James and Sirius. I thrive in chaos, my job at the ministry doesn't provide nearly enough excitement. Right now, I am counting down the days until you three come home. You will always be welcome in the Potter household, I hope you know that. I also hope you know that you can come to me about anything.

With Love, Agatha.

October 5th

Charles,

Can you tell Agatha that I thank her for your concern? Things at Hogwarts have been a bit strange, but nothing you should worry about. My classes are rigorous and time-consuming, that on top of Prefect duties is enough to take up my time. I don't know if James has written you, or if the Headmaster has, but things between us are a bit strained. Honestly, I need your help. Tell me how to handle him. For a while he treated me like I was made of glass, now he won't even speak with me. I know he's your son, and I hate putting you in an awkward position, but something is wrong.

Lily.

October 6th

Lily,

I wish you had written Agatha. She is all torn up over the fact that it has been nearly a week without a letter. Whenever James did that he always got a barrage of them, because she worked herself in a tizzy. As for the situation with James, what happened? And what do you mean about a letter from the Headmaster? James hasn't gotten in trouble yet this year, we are actually quite proud of him.

Tell me what is wrong. I will not judge you and you will not be in any trouble, I hope you know that. I have gotten James and Sirius out of trouble many times over their years at Hogwarts. However, I cannot help you if you do not tell me. The only thing I can say is that James is very loyal to his friends. Do not be angry that he is protective of you, handle it in a calm manner. As for him not speaking with you, are you sure there wasn't a cause of it?

Once again, I reiterate that you must keep in contact. I know we aren't your parents, and we aren't trying to be, but Agatha and I care deeply for you. She thinks of you as a daughter, as do I. We care what happens to you, even if you and James aren't on speaking terms. Don't push everyone away, sometimes that means you need somebody more than ever.

Sincerely, Charles.

Lily sat at the table in the library only a few days after the incident. James had been avoiding her, as did Sirius and Remus. Peter was, well just Peter and she never spoke with him unless the others were around.

Her stack of research books sat there, knowing that the project Slughorn had assigned them was looming in the distance. However, she was more interested in the thick leather-bound volume. She thumbed through the book trying to piece together the puzzle in her mind. The once a month disappearances, Remus' weariness, the increase in eating meat...And his nickname, Moony. How long had the facts been staring her in the face? She thought back to James reaction… He may have been nothing more than a bully to people like Severus for the past five years, but when had he hurt a girl on purpose? When Regulus slapped her across the face, James reacted like he had been punched by him. If he hadn't thought there was something more dangerous out there he wouldn't have laid a hand on her.

She pushed aside the Magical Maladies book and instead dug out her Defense textbook. The section on werewolves had a sketch of a particularly nasty looking creature that it characterized as malicious, blood-thirsty...no sense of humanity...That couldn't be Remus. She pushed the book away from her and cradled her head in her hands.

"I thought you would figure it out soon enough." Severus stood in front of her, a large volume of potions resting in the crook of his arm.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Dumbledore swore me to secrecy, even fed me a story to tell others if I'm asked questions. A creature got out of the forest and I was-"

"Why are you telling me this?"

"It was Sirius, not your precious Potter, you know. He said that he saved my life, but he was probably in on-"

"Stop talking!" Lily shouted. People's heads turned and she didn't want to be scolded by the librarian and started packing away her things.

"You treat me like a monster because of mistake, but your golden-boy's friend tries to kill me and you turn the other cheek?"

"I haven't spoken to any of them."

"You better stay away from him and don't ask me who I'm talking about." Severus sneered. "Lupin is the monster not me."
Lily was practically shaking with anger. Remus would never be a monster in her mind. Snape, on the other hand, seemed to be changing for the worse. Following the Dark Lord certainly made her think he was a monster.

"You're not going to defend him? You agree don't you? Lily, I know you're not stupid-"

By now everything was packed away, she put it over her shoulder and marched out of the Library. As she made her way down the hallway, she noticed James heading in her direction. He had a few small cuts on his cheek and his glasses were slightly bent, the lenses scratched. "I was coming to speak with you," he said. "I'm sorry-"

"Why didn't you get in trouble?"

"What?"

"I took off house points, and put in a recommendation of detention. When I sent a letter to your dad he said that he didn't receive anything from Dumbledore."

"It's a long story," he muttered. "And why didn't you write my dad?"

"He wanted me to, or Agatha did and I wanted to know how to…"

"To what?"

"You haven't talked with me in a week! I think you owe me an explanation."

"I can't tell you everything." He ran a hand through his hair. "It's not my secret and I didn't want you angry at me."

"You should have said that earlier," she muttered. "Listen, I know you think I'm playing games with you, but you're doing the same thing Potter. I'm done with whatever we had." She was about to walk forward when she paused. "I know about Remus," she whispered.

"Did-"

"I figured it for myself, the signs were there all along. Can you tell him to talk with me? He had Diggory rearrange all of our shifts."

James didn't respond, his mouth was in a straight line as he stared at Lily. She couldn't begin to guess what he was thinking or feeling. Anger? Sadness? Maybe this was for the better, she couldn't afford to be distracted.

Autumn began to fade into fall and as time passed James grew even more distant. Every time she saw him at meals he would go to the opposite end of wherever she sat to be as far away as possible. Sirius and him seemed to have patched things up, but he ignored her as well. Remus watched her carefully, always making a point to never be too close to her. Peter was the only one that really spoke to her, and came to her several times asking for help with Charms homework.

Lily wondered how big of a mistake she had made. James had changed, but the boy she saw that night at the Whomping Willow scared her. It was obvious to her that he had intervened, but why was he out there in the first place? She understood how important friends were to him, but a human alone with a werewolf was a recipe for disaster. If something happened, Remus would never be able to forgive himself.

To distract herself, Lily threw herself into her studies and prefect duties. She volunteered for every extra assignment Diggory offered up and spent spare minutes in the Professor's room asking questions and working on extra credit. Marlene, Alice and even Athena worried about her. They tried to do everything to get her out and about. One particular disaster was the Quidditch game.

As a good Gryffindor, it was practically mandatory that she show up to the first Quidditch that happened to be against their houses bitter rivals: Slytherin. The game was exciting and the new players were great additions. It was also obvious that the Gryffindor had out-practiced them as they showcased complex maneuvers that must have took a great deal of planning on James' part. When they won, their house stormed the pitch. Lily had mustered up some courage and was going to talk to the Captain. James was sweaty, dirty and his hair almost standing straight up. The pretty fifth year that was congratulating him didn't seem to mind it in the least and planted a kiss straight on his lips, he didn't even pull away.

At that point in time Lily Evans decided she was done with James Potter. Saturday morning in early December she was sitting next to her friends when the owl delivered her the letter.

Dear Lily,

It's so good to be hearing from you on a regular basis! Please, keep this up as James and Sirius have been lacking and how else am I supposed to keep up. As for your Dark Arts test, I am so proud to hear that you got an O!

I can hardly believe that Christmas is only a few weeks away. The preparations have been driving up the wall and I can hardly wait for three extra sets of hands. Charles' grandparents are also roping me into helping to plan the annual Potter Christmas Eve Ball, which of course you have to attend.

The main reason I wrote you is that your sister contacted me. As a part of my job I have a muggle mailing address to stay in contact with various agencies, I gave the address when you came with me and she sent me a letter to give to you. I know things aren't great between the two of you, but promise to read it.

With Love, Agatha.

Lily hadn't noticed the second folded paper folded neatly inside the envelope. It was thinner than the parchment they used and bright white. She could even tell it was written with a ball-point pen instead of a Quill.

Lily:

Things between us have been strained, but mum and dad wouldn't like this fighting. Contrary to popular belief I do not hate you, just your freakish tendencies. This Christmas Vernon and I will be spending a few days with Vernon's family and leave late morning. Cousin Amanda's parents want to have us over for Christmas dinner, I suppose that will be a good of time as any to bury the hatchet, unless your new family already has plans.

-Petunia.

She sighed and shoved away both letters. Agatha's plans sounded fun, but how did she say that she didn't really want to come? She was grateful for everything they had done, but Christmas was such a personal affair and she didn't want to intrude.

"Who was that letter from?" Marlene asked.

"My sister," Lily replied. "I don't really want to talk about it."

"Let's talk about something else." It was Athena, who was seated next to Lily, something that had become a more common occurrence. "Hogsmeade weekend is next Saturday, the last one before Winter break and most everyone has a date."

"I don't," Lily pointed out. It was then her roommates exchanged a look. "What? Marlene and I planned-"

"Ben asked me," Marlene replied. "And ever since...Well…" Marlene's eyes wandered to James, who was seated at the very end of the table relaying a humorous story.

"It's fine , I've solved the problem. You and David would have a fun time together. I heard from Landon Davies that he loves having Prefect duty with you," Athena assured her. "Go over to him and start talking."

"Now?" Lily questioned. "Houses don't usually mix at meals…"

All three girls rolled their eyes and assured it was for the best. Not wanting to be obvious, Lily wiped her mouth and grabbed her satchel withdrawing her Transfiguration textbook as she strode over to the Ravenclaw table. Despite the stereotype, the students of the house weren't bent over books, but looked like every other house. David Goldstein sat near the middle next to a couple of other boys in his year that Lily couldn't quite recall their names.

"Lily, what are you doing here?"

"I needed to ask you a question about that Transfiguration essay, Alice and I were arguing over one finer details."

"That essay isn't due for a week and a half."

"I know, but this weekend I'm busy with other homework and next weekend is Hogsmeade…" Lily rolled her eyes. "My roommates are making me go."

"Making you?" David asked. "You're not going with someone?" His eyes lingered at the end of Gryffindor table, his mind no doubt flashing back to the night at the Whomping Willow.

"No," she answered. "So about…" Lily was playing coy, there was no way she was going to take a page out of James Potter dating book. "Wait, are you going with someone?"

"No…" he stammered out and the boys next to him laughed, before covering it with a cough. "If we're both not going with someone, maybe we could go together?"

"That sounds wonderful," Lily said and snapped the book close before getting to her feet.

"Don't you need help?" David asked.

"I did, but you're right, it can wait a bit." Lily smiled as she walked back to the Gryffindor table, too distracted by her friends excitement to notice James Potter pushing away his plate and digging out his Quidditch playbook.

Dear Agatha,

Thank you so much for your invitation to return home. I know I promised to visit you, but I just wouldn't feel right coming over. One of my friends will let me come home with them and I can pop in for a visit before we return to Hogwarts. Please, do not think me ungrateful, but you have already done so much for me. Besides, I think it will be better for James if I do not spend the Holiday for him.

Sincerely, Lily.

P.S. Could you send me the address for Petunia? I can send things through the post at Hogsmeade.

When Hogsmeade Weekend came Lily had never felt so excited for something she used to consider trivial. To make it more fun the girls spent most of the morning getting ready, two of them left and brought back plates of food instead of eating in the Great Hall.

The dorm room that was once spotless per Alice and Lily's requirements now had clothes, shoes and accessories thrown about. Cosmetics covered empty surfaces and laughter filled the air. For once even Athena joined on on the fun instead of retreating to the Great Hall or the seventh year girls room.

Lily put great effort into her appearance, curling her hair with a spell Athena gave her and slipping into a pair of Alice's tight jeans. Marlene borrowed her lavender cardigan. The clock chimed nine as the four were bundling up with coats and scarves, applying one last layer of lip gloss before exiting Gryffindor Tower and entering the Courtyard.

"Lily, I thought you weren't going to make it!" David exclaimed as he walked up to her. "You weren't at breakfast this morning."

"Marlene and Alice snagged a few plates from the Great Hall," she informed him. "We had a bit too much fun getting ready."

"You look great, but may I?" He leaned closer, moving a lock of hair that stuck to her lips. "I'm actually surprised that you agreed to go with me. After all the trouble you've been having…"

Lily didn't even ask him what he was referring to, as it could have been one of many problems. Instead, she reached for his arm interlocking hers with his. "I needed to get out of my head for a bit and I don't think any Slytherins will mess with me while you're around." She didn't know if it was true, but his intimidating stature certainly would deter anyone from hexing him on a whim.

"I forgot my badge, so you better be on the lookout," he teased.

After that Lily felt herself falling into step with him and talked about insignificant things as they made their way to the village. David was nice guy she had to admit. They shared many of the same opinions and quite frankly it made a conversation a bit boring. She had a feeling there would be no shouting or crying ,or any of the theatrics she had experienced with James, with him.

"What did you want to do?"

"You're going to hate this…" Lily began. "But I need a Christmas present for my sister and I have no idea when I'm going to be able to shop."

"No problem," he replied. "Actually, I was going to ask you to help me pick out a present for my sister."

"Do you want to get some tea while we brainstorm?"

"Tea?" David spoke with a careful tone as his head craned to look at Madame Puddifoot's with a grimace crossing his face.

"At the Hog's Head," Lily said. "It's quiet and actually one of the best places to get a decent cup."

"You never cease to amaze." David sighed with release. "How'd a pretty girl like yourself find out about that place?"
"Hiding from Potter," Lily said. She felt David stiffen and quickly steered the subject.

More than an hour later Aberforth brought them a second pot of tea and a plate of biscuits as David slid a few coins across for payment. The bartender grumbled a bit, but left them alone as they were deep in conversation.

David was born to magical parents, but didn't consider himself a pureblood as his grandmother was muggle-born. Although, he still didn't know much about muggles despite taking Muggle Studies as one of his electives. Lily was more than happy to satisfy his curiosity by telling him all sorts of stories. David didn't treat her like a freak of nature for having non magical parents, he didn't look at her like a side show freak, but genuinely wanted to learn more.

"You haven't told me anything about your parents," he said, reaching for the pot to refill his cup. He gestured towards hers and Lily held it out.

"The only thing I knew about your family is that you have a sister," she countered, lifting the cup to her lips.

"I understand," he began.

"But you don't," she told him, clutching the cup tightly. "I can tell you all about my parents if you want, but I've gotten used to not talking about them because it makes people uncomfortable. They look at me with this pitiful look and use this patronizing tone of voice."

"I'm all ears…"

David's words were cut off by a scream followed by Lily's cup slamming against the table. He looked at her in confusion as he used a napkin to mop up the spilled tea. Before he even knew what was happening Lily raced to the door. A split second later she shut the door and braced herself against the wall. "Death Eaters," she whispered.

"What?"

"We have to evacuate Hogsmeade, now," Lily said. "David ask Aberforth if you can go out the back, someone needs to make sure the school is alerted."

"You should do that, I'll stay-"

"No, you run faster than I do." Lily shook her head. "Use magic even, it might be faster and you're better at long distance magic than I am." Before she could say another word she ran out of the door and into the pandemonium.

Lily tried to help third years down little known paths. As she was looking around she saw the Marauder's helping, Peter running to the castle to most likely alert the Headmaster as well. As she had only seen a few of the men with the robes and pointed hats that covered their fast, but they left most of the students untouched.

She began to run too, most of the younger students had left and the older students were ushering them back to the castle. However, there was one third year student that was trying to run back. "Where are you going?"

"Honeydukes, I think my friend is-"

"I'll go, just go to the castle." Lily turned around and ran towards the other end of the village. It was eerily empty and as she rounded a corner she saw James standing there.

"We have to go," he shouted.

"Honeydukes-" she began.

"There's a secret passage to the castle, Sirius already is taking them back, come on." James grabbed her arm, but before they could head back a blast of red light hit him and he fell to the ground.

Lily whirled around and saw the men in the robes with their faces covered, "Stupefy!" she called out, the man deployed a shield charm and another death eater came around. "Protego." The white-blue light shielded them, she looked down at James he was still a bit dazed from the stunning charm, but he had to wake up soon. How could she, a sixth year student, fend off two dark wizards?

The shield charm didn't last much longer. As James began to come to, the shield broke and a stream of bright red light came towards Lily, hitting her in the chest and causing her to stumble backwards, landing beside James. The boy looked at her, splayed across the ground.

"Expelliarmus," he shouted, but the disarming spell didn't do much good.

The two men at grumbled as they used a shield charm. It was then the sky light up with a green and black figure, the Dark Mark. "We better leave, the mudblood's not worth it and that kid is useless." There was a crack as they disappeared.

James turned around and looked over the witch laying unconscious beside him. "Lily…" He moved the hair out of her face before scooping her up and pulling her close. "Help!" he shouted. "Please, Lily…"

Snow flurries began to coat the two sitting in the middle of the road. James shook with cold as his hand ran over Lily's warm cheek. Snowflakes coated her eyelashes and stuck to her vivid hair, creating the appearance of an ethereal snow princes. All he could do was hold her tighter as he hoped that someone would come along to help him take her to the castle, even with magic he didn't think he could manage it alone.