Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. It's a surprise, I know.
A/N: Once again, thank you VERY much for all of your lovely reviews, keep them up.
Oh, and Megan? I am trying to battle my cliffhanger problem, but the doctors say that there is no cure. Besides, it's way more fun to leave you guys and girls in suspense! ;)
Okay, so I reckon there's going to be four/five chapters left? It depends.
Enjoy xx

"I'll be leaving in a second, I've just got to..."
I fall silent.
The man at my door is James Potter.

I think I've forgotten how to breathe.
"Hi."
"Um...urghh."
I think I've forgotten how to speak too.
"Can I come in?"
"I...err...yeah, yeah, of course. Sorry."
I move out of the way to let him in, and he sits down on the edge of my bed. Suddenly I'm horribly aware of how crumpled I look.

There's an awkward silence, and I have to break it.
"So...how are you?"
"Pretty goddamn heartbroken."
"Ah. Right."
I start to fiddle with the hem of my skirt, and he looks at me suddenly, the intensity of his gaze taking my breath away.
"Why did you leave?"
"What?"
"Why did you leave?"
"I had to."
"You had to?"
"There was nothing to stay for."
Wrong thing to say.

"Nothing to stay for? Nothing to stay for?! What about Sirius and Remus? What about Alice and Frank and Mar? What about me?"
"I didn't think you cared!" I flare up instinctively, fists clenched.
"Why on earth would you think that?"
"Because you ignored me for months!"
"You were the one who left, remember?"
"No, you were the one who left! You left me with Diggory. You left me alone. You left me, because I wanted to go back to school!"
"You avoided me!"
"No, I stayed away from you because I didn't want to get hurt!"
"I wouldn't have hurt you!"
"You don't get it, do you?"
"No! I don't! Pray, tell me what's going on?"
"I didn't leave because of you. I left, because I didn't want to be part of the magical world anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Magic made Petunia hate me! Magic killed my parents! Magic made me meet you!"
"And what, that was a bad thing?!"
"Maybe it was!" I yell, eyes blazing, face screwed up and red with anger.
"Fine." James snarls, hazel eyes suddenly bright. "Fine."

He turns and storms out, slamming the door behind him, and I stay standing there for a minute, breathing heavily.
Then I slide to the ground, angry and confused, shoulders shaking with suppressed emotion.


"So you're going back to Hogwarts?"
"Yes, please Tom." I say patiently, and he smiles, cheeks ruddy.
"Splendid. I knew you'd come around. You can Floo back to Minnie's office in a minute."
"My trunk-"
"I'll have sent back to school too. Don't worry about it. Now, have you got everything from your room?"
I hold up a bag, and he laughs. "Prepared, aren't we? Alright, just this way."
Leading me into the backroom, he hands me the pot of Floo powder.
"Here we are, Lily. Enjoy your last year, and don't panic when it comes to the NEWTs."
"I'll try." I smile at him, grateful. "Thank you for letting me stay."
"You're very welcome. Now, best be off, if you're quick you'll back in time for lunch."
"Bye!"

I've never liked travelling by Floo Powder, but as I shoot out of the fireplace in Professor McGonagall's office, it's worth it to see her face when I spray soot all over her carpet.
"Miss Evans!"
"Good afternoon, Professor."
"I see you have returned. Is this to be a permanent stay?"
"Yes, Professor."
"Excellent. Now, do try not to get so much soot on the rug."
"Sorry, Professor. Am I still to stay in the Heads' dorm?"
"Yes, of course."
"Good, thank you."
"Go off to lunch, now, Miss Evans."
"Yes. Thank you, Professor."
"Oh, and Miss Evans?"
"Yes?"
"It's nice to see you."
"And you, Professor."

Shouldering my bag, I leave the office and head straight to the Gryffindor common room. As I approach, the Fat Lady exclaims in surprise.
"Miss Evans! You have returned!"
"Yes, I have indeed."
"Ooooh, they will be pleased! Go in then, go on!"
Without waiting for the password, she swings open and lets me in.
The familiar sight of my friends sitting by the fire, their backs to me, gives me courage, and I walk quietly over to them. They're playing
chess, and it's Sirius' move.
"I could go there..." He mutters, only half to himself. "Or there..."
"I'd go D5, and or he'll take your queen."
I advise him, plonking myself down on the hearth rug, and they all turn as one.
"Lily!"
"Hello." I grin, and I'm instantly smothered in hugs.
"I said you'd come back!" Alice crows triumphantly, and Mar claps her hands happily.
"Um...do you know where James is?"
"He went off somewhere earlier, but I think he's in the dormitory now."
"Right, thank you. I'll be down in a minute, and we can catch up, okay?"
"Hurry then!"

I stand up, dropping my bag on the sofa, and turn to go, but Sirius stops me, and pulls me into a warm hug.
"We missed you, Lilybug."
"I missed you guys so much. All of you."
He lets go, smiling widely, and I beam at him, before waving and running up the stairs to the seventh year boys' dorm.
I take a moment steeling myself, and take a deep breath, then turn the door knob.

Wow. I definitely need help with my cliffhanger problem.
I hope you liked it! Keep reviewing!
Asante,
She-who-loves-fanfiction xx