:Disclaimer: Please don't sue me. I do not own anything of Harry Potter. *tear* Must you remind me each time? *Runs out of the room, sobbing*
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James sighed and ruffled his hair. He was sitting on the Hogwarts Express, looking out the window. The hills were rolling while the sky looked its gloomiest. James knew that this was going to be his last time looking at this scene. After all, it was his seventh year, the last year for all of Hogwarts students of his year. He was going to really miss this school; it has grown into his second home. He smiled a little, deciding that this year was going to be at its best.

“Prongs?”

James turned away from the window to Sirius Black. Sirius has been his best friend or brother, since his first year at Hogwarts, remembering the time the both got kicked out of Madame Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions. He was the major heartthrob of the group, having straight black hair that casually floated over his grey eyes. He also was a pain in the ass to James sometimes, but that was just how they were to each other.

“Well? How?” Sirius looked at James funnily.

“Err…” James looked around for clues on what Sirius was talking about. Remus was another one of his close friends who was actually the mellow one in the whole group. He was also one of the reasons why they had so much fun on certain nights. Remus was a werewolf, meaning that James, Sirius and Peter would go out into the night and transform into there animal forms, giving Remus some sort of strange company. Peter was the oddball; he just didn’t seem to fit the category of the bunch. He wasn’t really that smart nor was he that great looking. Though, somehow, he was just as a good friend.

Sirius rolled his eyes, “You weren’t listening weren’t you?”

James nodded, smiling as Sirius flushed a little with annoyance.

“I said how on earth did you get to be the Head Boy? I mean, you of all people,” Sirius pointed at the red and gold badge on James chest. James looked down at it, his smile growing larger at each second.

“Why? You jealous?” James teased.

Sirius laughed, “And have to walk down the corridors each night, looking for some little brat wandering around?”

“Hey, that little brat could be you, Sirius,” James poked. Sirius punched him in the arm.

James laughed and looked down at his watch. It was… 11:40! James jumped up and slipped his arms through the sleeves of his robes. He was supposed to be at the Head car ten minutes ago!

“Hey, where you going Prongs?” Sirius asked as James stepped out of the compartment.

“I was supposed to be at the Head car earlier!” James exclaimed.

Sirius snorted, “Since when did you care about being on time.”

James didn’t answer, leaving his friends behind in a run. On the way there, he had to stop once because he accidentally crashed into some kid that had popped out of a compartment. Finally, he had arrived at the compartment and slid open the door.

- - -

Lily looked up from her book as she heard the compartment door slide open. About time too, since they couldn’t start the meeting until the missing Head Boy was there. A tall boy with messy black and warm hazel eyes walked into the room. Lily gasped in surprise, there had to be a mistake. Maybe he walked into the wrong room. But there was no mistake when he sat down, not having noticed Lily yet, across from her she could see the badge. Lily squinted her eyes and read the name engraved in it. James Potter. Lily felt her shoulders droop knowing that she was going to have a long year.

“Evans! Pleasure meeting you here,” James reached his hand over to shake hers. Lily saw his eyes sparkling; Lily looked down at her book in disgust. She knew that James would sooner or later be making a ‘move’ on her. He never seemed to give up. Lily had no idea why he liked her. It seemed at first as if was just her turn to be the lucky one to be his pick of the choice, but Lily turned him down. She did not want to fall into the category of being heartbroken over James. Ever since, James has had his eyes on her, asking her out all the time.

“Ahem,” Lily looked up again from her book. James still had his arm out but pulled it back, shrugging with a smile on his face. “Now that we all are here, I think it is time we get this started so you can go back.”

Lily closed her book and pulled out a sheaf of paper along with a quill. James pulled out his wand and made paper appear but no quill. Lily frowned as James smiled at Lily.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate you all for becoming Head Boy or Girl. It’s an extreme privilege on being chosen one and I hope you all will take this seriously,” McGonagall said looking at James, “Now, you are to every night, from eight till ten, walk around the corridors, checking for any student out of bed. If you are to find any, get them immediately, assign a detention and send them straight off to bed. No favoritism,” she looked once more at James, “If I find out that you have let your friends off easily word will go to Dumbledore.”

James stiffened his arm and brought it to his head, “You don’t have to worry, M’am. I won’t let you down.” James roughly put it down. Lily rolled her eyes.

“I hope so James,” McGonagall said as she passed out little slip, “This is the password to the Gryffindors common room. You are in charge of telling the prefects and the one underneath is the password to the Head Boy and Girl’s room. After those, you are subject to change them whenever. Not too frequently though, just enough so we don’t have to worry of any mishaps.” McGonagall nodded and she left the room. Lily made to pack up her notes and stood up. Before leaving, Lily turned around.

“Congratulations on becoming Head Boy, Potter,” Lily said curtly.

James raised an eyebrow, “Thanks Evans, it will be an adventure working with you at the late of night.” James wiggled his brows.

Lily growled, “This is why I hate you Potter. You think you are so great when all you are is just a great bigheaded jerk. I think it’s about time you’ve grown up.” Lily left the room, leaving James with his jaw open.

- - -

“Padfoot! Let go of me!” James yelled in Sirius’ arms.

They were inside a carriage; just the four of them and Sirius had grabbed James head in a headlock. James pulled out his wand and jabbed it at Sirius stomach and soon Sirius let go, protesting. Though, instead of words and sound, blue and green bubbles floated out of his mouth. Peter watched the bubbles interested as Sirius continued trying to talk. James started laughing, as Sirius face grew red with anger. Sirius jumped James and pushed him against the door and blew bubbles in his face, each popping softly.

“Argh! You making my glasses all wet,” James tried to push Sirius off, “And dang Padfoot, brush your teeth some time!”

Sirius pushed him again and the door flew open as James flew out. He landed with an ‘oof’ and sat up as he rubbed his head. James looked at the carriage, cursing and saw Sirius head poke out, laughing his head off, bubbles floating everywhere. Peter’s head fitted its way in front of Sirius but was soon pushed back in as Sirius tried to yell at him. Remus looked out.

“You alright James?” Remus asked, his voice getting softer because the carriage kept on moving.

James stood up, “Yea, I’m just fine Remus.” He started sprinting and soon he was at the door. He tried to get in but every time he made to grab the door, it would be too far. He made one last grab and instead of him grabbing the door, hands grabbed his and pulled him in.

James stood up and sat down next to Sirius, “You idiot!” He punched his arm. Sirius only laughed, blue bubbles still coming out steadily. Sirius stopped laughing, and pointed at his mouth, obviously wanting James to stop the hex. James only smirked. He was rather fond of the new quiet Sirius.

- - -

“Well, see you tomorrow Lily!” Marriet called as Lily turned the corner.

“See you!” Lily was headed towards the Head Boy and Girl’s room. She was rather excited to have her own room and bathroom. She stopped in front of a portrait that was a painting of a lake with a phoenix flying over. Lily admired it a few minutes before snapping out of her reverie.

“Frazleburst,” She said and the portrait slid to the left. She walked through the tunnel and sighed at the beauty that lay ahead of her.

The common room was a rich red with lovely paintings all over the wall. There were two windows that showed the lovely lake that lay beyond them. In between the windows were a large fireplace and a couch that looked cozy to sleep on. On both sides of the room there was a door, each with a marking on the door. Lily walked up to one of the door and saw that it read James. It was a scratchy looking handwriting and the door looked like oak. She walked to the opposite door and it read Lily. Hers was elegant, just like her handwriting. Just when she was going to open her door, she heard a soft snore and jumped in surprise.

She walked over to the couch and saw what was laying down on it. James was asleep on the couch, his glasses askew and one arm hanging off of the bed. Lily frowned when she saw a fresh cut on his head, a bruise forming but quickly realized that he and Sirius must have been joking around again. Lily wondered why he didn’t just go to his bed but decided to just leave him alone for the night. She walked to her door and as soon as her hand touched the doorknob, yelped as her hand was shocked.

- - -

James awoke with a start. He pulled out his wand and lay still for a moment before jumping off the couch. He looked around wildly, not being able to make out anything since his glasses had fallen off when he jumped. He went down to the floor and began searching with his hands.

“Where the bloody hell could it have gone?” James muttered.

James stopped breathing when he heard deep breathing. He gripped his wand and stood up, slowly feeling his way as he walked his way around the couch.

“Who’s there? Padfoot?” James asked aloud. He kept on walking when he tripped over something falling straight to the ground hitting his head yet again on the floor.

“Oh my gosh, James. I’m so sorry,” James felt someone sit him up and he squinted his eyes trying to figure out who that person was. All he could see was some different colors of red and black. The person walked away for a moment and was soon at his side putting his glasses in his hands.

“Thanks,” he said as he slid them on and watching the room come into focus. It was Lily who was in this room with him. He let out a breath that he had not realized he had been holding. He thought it was someone else, he wasn’t quite sure why, though.

“I was going to leave you asleep on the couch and go to my room but I got shocked instead,” Lily said.

James raised his eyebrows, “Surely you, of all people would have read the paper by the portrait outside?” Lily looked at James confused.

James sighed, “Well, you wouldn’t have gotten shocked it you weren’t in no rush. It said that in order to go to your room you had to make a password together. I don’t know why but rules are rules.”

“Since when did you care about rules?” Lily asked before she could stop herself. Instead of frowning, James laughed.

James stood up, rubbing his head, “Well, I guess we should make the password so we can go to bed.” He stretched and sat down on the couch, looking back at Lily. Lily sighed and sat down on the other end of the couch. James smiled grew larger.

“Ok, my password will be… Madame Malkin’s,” James stated clearly, “And yours will be?”

Lily frowned, “Oh no, I am not falling for your trick. There is no way I am telling you.” She gave a satisfied smile to James. James smile fell off his face. He then laid down on the couch, his feet barely touching Lily. Lily stood up quickly.

“Fine, then I guess we’ll just have to slumber out here. Together,” James smirked as he saw Lily’s face. He scooted over, patting a space next to him.

“F-fine, my password is Snifflers,” her face flushing. With that, she turned to her door, and hesitantly touched the doorknob, after saying her password and walked in. James just smiled to himself as he stood up and walk to his door.

“Yep, this is going to be my year at its best.”

((A/N: Please review!
Coming up: Life! Death! A threat! This can only be the work of... Oops, almost let it slip!))

Dan_D_Lion: First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their kind reviews! Just love you guys!

Now, this chapter just rockets off, action packed! It just kind of explodes! I was going to make this chapter quite mellow but this came into my mind and soon my pen was flying! So, therefore I introduce, Flowing Marbles. *Lights dim*

Highlights from Chapter 1, Frazleburst, Madame Malkin’s, Snifflers! Oh My!
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“I said how on earth did you get to be the Head Boy? I mean, you of all people,” Sirius pointed at the red and gold badge on James chest. James looked down at it, his smile growing larger at each second.

“Why? You jealous?” James teased.

Sirius laughed, “And have to walk down the corridors each night, looking for some little brat wandering around?”

“Hey, that little brat could be you, Sirius,” James poked. Sirius punched him in the arm.
~
Lily squinted her eyes and read the name engraved in it. James Potter. Lily felt her shoulders droop knowing that she was going to have a long year.
~
“Congratulations on becoming Head Boy, Potter,” Lily said curtly.

James raised an eyebrow, “Thanks Evans, it will be an adventure working with you at the late of night.” James wiggled his brows.

Lily growled, “This is why I hate you Potter. You think you are so great when all you are is just a great bigheaded jerk. I think it’s about time you’ve grown up.” Lily left the room, leaving James with his jaw open.
~
James raised his eyebrows, “Surely you, of all people would have read the paper by the portrait outside?” Lily looked at James confused.

James sighed, “Well, you wouldn’t have gotten shocked it you weren’t in no rush. It said that in order to go to your room you had to make a password together. I don’t know why but rules are rules.”

“Since when did you care about rules?” Lily asked before she could stop herself. Instead of frowning, James laughed.
~
James just smiled to himself as he stood up and walk to his door.

“Yep, this is going to be my year at its best.”


:Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter universe.
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Lily smiled at her work and looked up from it. She had finally managed to make her little piece of cotton turn into a white kitten. The kitten looked up at her with its round hazel eyes, yawning. Lily petted its head.

"Good job, Miss Evans." Lily looked up to see McGonagall speaking, "No homework for you tonight."

Lily was glad of that. Watching the corridors late at night was hard enough; homework would just overpower her. Though, walking with James wasn't as difficult as she thought it would be. Sometimes he would be bouncing off the walls, irking Lily in every way possible, but usually he was pretty mellow. Lily thought it was because he was just tired, but she was noticing a serious change in him. Though, on those mellow nights, he WOULD throw some crazy comments here or there. She would usually laugh at the wackiness of them. Lily continued absent-mindedly petting the kitten when she heard a loud burst of laughter. She turned around, facing her doom.

"Hey, Evans," James said, joyfully.

"Potter." Lily couldn't help but wonder what James and Sirius were up to. James had already changed his cotton into a kitten, though it had brown fur, and he was ignoring its clawing for attention on his robes. Sirius had his head in his arms, covering his work. James poked Sirius in the arm.

"Come on Padfoot, you couldn't have messed up that bad." All James got back was a shake of the head and a muffled answer that Lily couldn't make out. James frowned and tried to pry him apart but Sirius wouldn't budge. James shrugged and pulled out his wand.

"If you don't let me see, I will force you."

It was the way that James had said 'force' that made Lily gasp in surprise. Surely James didn't mean that he was going to do an unforgivable curse? Especially during class! James pointed his wand at Sirius' arm, an evil smile playing on his face.

Lily pulled out her wand and with a flash of light, James' wand flew into Lily's hand. James looked at Lily in surprise, even Sirius peeked.

"What was that for?" James asked, curiously looking at her.

"How could you? I thought he was your friend?" Lily shook his wand in front of James face.

James just stared at her, Sirius pulling out his wand and tucking in his arms.

"What are you talking about?"

"You were going to--"

Professor McGonagall cut off Lily, "Alright, class is over. Pack up."

There was a flash from Sirius and soon he was looking up. He had changed whatever he had into the original cotton ball and was curiously looking at James and Lily.

Lily started packing up but was interrupted with a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to an impatient James.

"I need my wand," James said shortly.

Lily hesitantly handed the wand back to James. Soon, he was out walking out with his friends. Lily was frowning.

- - -

Lily walked uncomfortably up to James. He was waiting at the end of the hall, so they could patrol the corridors.

"Evans, any time," James said impatiently.

She didn't know exactly why she felt uncomfortable. Though, during class that little thing James said had frightened her. She always thought James hated Dark Magic.

They walked in silence for a couple minutes. Lily was trying to think of something to say.

"Why did you do that earlier?" James cut into her thoughts.

She looked up at James, "Huh?"

James looked suspiciously at her, "Why did you take my wand?"

"I thought you were going to do an unforgivable curse," She said quietly.

"Why?"

Lily looked down at her hands. She wasn't really sure why. In fact, now that she thinks about it, he was probably going to do some stupid hex on Sirius, "Err..."

James looked down at her, frowning deeply, "What makes you think I would do that?" He stopped walking, looking at her, "Is that who you really think I am?" James's voice grew louder, "Why on earth would you think of something so stupid? I thought that you were smart Evans. What makes you- why would you-," James growled in frustration, "I would never hurt my friends." He glared daggers at Lily.

Lily was shocked that James was actually yelling at her. She thought that he would play it off, but seemed to take it deep down to the heart. "I'm sorry."

James sighed and continued on walking. Lily watched him turn the corner, his footsteps ceasing. Suddenly there was a loud yelp of surprise. Lily saw flashes of light and heard some foul language. Frowning, she ran to the end of the hall and gasped in shock.

Severus Snape, Bellatrix Black and Parker Torregus had teamed up on James. James had a deep gash on his right cheek, blood flowing freely down his robes, and was holding his stomach in pain. James lifted his wand at Parker, said "Stupefy," and Parker fell over, stiff as a board. Bellatrix tried to stun James, but James blocked the spell with a shield.

It was now even, only Snape and Bellatrix were left. Lily pulled out her wand and ran over to James. At first, James didn't notice Lily, no fear showing in his eyes. Though as soon as he saw her besides him, Lily saw the fear rising. Snape pointed his wand at Lily and tried to stun her but James put up a shield. The red light bounced off and headed straight for Snape but he managed to dodge it. Panting, Snape stood up, snarling, Bellatrix smirking.

"Get out of here," he ordered Lily, sending a Jelly-Leg Jinx at Snape. Snape was caught off guard, dropping his wand and his knee's wobbling crazily

Lily shook her head and pointed her wand at Snape.

"Dormire Sol."

A blue smoke whirled around Snape and he crumpled to the floor. Lily had put him to sleep, not being able to wake up without the sunlight bathing him.

"Only you Bellatrix," Lily said. She looked quickly at James. James was a ghostly pale from the blood loss but looked confident about the outcome of the battle.

"Crucio."

Lily looked back and just stared at Bellatrix, a purple light coming out of her wand. Her mouth hung open. Suddenly a dark figure jumped in front of her, blocking the bright light.

Lily heard al loud yell of pain by her feet. She held back a cry at what she saw. James was writhing around in pain, having taken the bullet for her. Bellatrix was smiling evilly now, laughing.

"James!" She went down to her knees beside him.

She looked up and pointed her wand at Bellatrix. Glaring, she tried to stun her but she merely blocked it off. James was breathing shallowly now. At least she had gotten the spell off of him.

"Now, now, Miss Evans. You might not want to throw a temper. Might spoil your thinking," Bellatrix said coolly.

Lily stood up frowning, her eyes blurry with tears. Blinking them away, she heard movement on the ground but ignored it. Bellatrix threw a hex at her but she blocked it.

"Membrana Volitare!" and Bellatrix's skin started flapping crazily. She had put the Bat-Bogey hex on her. She scooted around James, who was breathing deeply when she tripped over her feet. She fell to the floor, screaming and scratched the palms of her hands as her wand scattered away. Her heart started beating wildly as she saw Bellatrix slowly advance, flapping skin casing her startling face.

She held her breath when Bellatrix stopped and pulled her wand up. Grasping around the floor, she quickly picked up her wand and pointed it at Bellatrix. Lily saw Bellatrix smirk.

"Give up now, Miss Evans. Or your boyfriend will get a taste of my best yet." Bellatrix had not pointed her wand at her, but actually at James.

Lily felt her heart race. She quickly said the first thing that came to her mind -- "Marmoris Oris" -- and marbles were over flowing Bellatrix's mouth. She then opened her mouth and had to keep it open, gagging.

Bellatrix looked over at Lily, her eyes watering from choking on the marbles and pointed her wand at James. Lily saw a pale pink light produce out but Lily slid her way in front of James and quickly produced a shield. The light bounced off and hit the wall, causing some dust to flutter.

Bellatrix glared and flicked her wand. Ribbons flew out, like Dumbledore did for the school song; only they were evergreen silk. Lily read what it made out: "If either of you tell anyone of this your family's life is in stake because of your foolishness." The ribbon then fluttered down to the ground and dissolved into the ground. Even though marbles were pouring out of her mouth, Bellatrix was still smiling, her eyes flaring with amusement of Lily's horror.

Her family. She didn't want to lose her family over this. Not even her jealous sister, Petunia. She nodded silently, tears forming in her eyes. None of this was suppose to happen. She was supposed to have a fun year, not worrying about her family's life.

Bellatrix quickly levitated Snape and Parker and left, leaving a trail of marbles that each popped once they touched the ground.

Shaking, Lily stood up turned to James and was surprised to see that he was standing. She silently prayed that he didn't see anything and quickly grabbed his wrist, trying to get him away from them.

- - -

"Crucio."

James saw Bellatrix Black point her wand at Lily and jumped in front of Lily, knowing the consequences. He knew that Bellatrix was going to use an unforgivable curse on Lily, but he didn't think he would be able to take it if he saw Lily in such pain.

When the curse hit his body, nothing happened at first. But when his body hit the floor, it seemed as if he had lit his body on fire while landing on needles, his insides were being torn up. He arched his back and tried to get pain out of him, his mind going blank. All he could think of was screaming out the misery.

After a few seconds it stopped, though to James it felt like minutes. He heard yelling and he remembered where he was. He tried to move his body but he either had no energy or will to move. James just lay there when he heard clattering noises and Lily's voice. He then heard a cry from Lily and some odd rushing noise that sounded as if it were a waterfall.

Tired of just lying there and not helping, he forced his leg to move and surprised himself when he found himself standing up.

Every joint in his body was aching as he stood, watching Lily walk quickly up to him. James was surprised to see that Bellatrix, Snape and Torregus were gone. His heart soared with pride at Lily's accomplishment but his legs started wobbling. He put his hand down on her shoulder for support but withdrew quickly when Lily was shaking hard. James felt a pang, wondering if Lily was hurt anywhere.

"Are you okay?" James's voice came out huskily, "What about the others?"

Lily stopped and smiled weakly at James. "You're okay!" she said and hugged him, which surprised him, causing him to stumble a bit.

James was even more surprised when Lily let go and looked up at him, crying. Frowning, he wiped the tears off of her cheek causing Lily to flinch. He cocked his head to a side, and stared at her beautiful green eyes. What had happened to her?

- - -

Lily couldn't help but cry knowing that James was okay. He had actually jumped in front of her, willing to take pain for her. If James were to have died- Lily stopped herself, James is alive. James lifted his hand slowly, and wiped the tears off her face.

She looked at James, seeing an entirely different person. He wasn't an arrogant jerk but someone who really cared for his friends- and her. He still liked her even after all she had said to him.

She pulled out her wand and laid it above his cut, healing it. James had closed his eyes during the process.

"Thanks," James said softly.

Lily was about to respond with an automatic "You're welcome" when she stopped herself.

"Thank you Potter. Thank you for--" Lily's voice trailed off. She couldn't think of anything to say. "Um -- I'm sorry for assuming the worst. I'm sorry for everything." Lily blinked back tears. She was not going to cry again, she already showed she was weak.

James nodded slowly and smiled at her. Lily smiled back weakly. Her heart had a warm feeling thinking of James rescuing her. She was also still surprised at him and felt as if she had to do something. Just what?

"Err -- I think we should go to Dumbledore," James said.

Lily sighed and turned around. Helping James walk, they walked down the hallway. Lily had to think of something. She knew that James was right, to go talk to Dumbledore. But she didn't want to risk her family. Somehow, she had to persuade James. Just how would she do it?
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((A/N: Please Review!
Coming up: James and Lily have a heartful conversation.))

I would like to give a huge thanks to my beta, The Grey Lady

James was getting tired of walking but there was nothing else he could do. He didn’t want to seem weak and ask to stop for a while. He looked down at Lily who had a strained look on her face, helping him walk… He smiled to himself, realizing how lucky he was to get this close to her. James looked up and noticed that they were passing the way to Dumbledore’s office. He looked down at Lily but she seemed to be staring straight ahead, frowning.



“Err, Evans? We just passed the way to Dumbledore’s office,” he said quietly.



“Mm-hmm,” was all the answer he got in return.



“Evans, are you there? Evans? Hello?” James stopped walking, causing Lily to swing around, snapping her out of her trance. She looked up at James in annoyance.



“Uh, Dumbledore’s office is that-a-way.” He pointed with his head. James was surprised when Lily nodded and grabbed his arm, pulling him the opposite way. James kept his feet planted on the ground, just watching Lily. What was going on with her? Why didn’t she want to see Dumbledore?



James grabbed her arm and pulled her in front of her, “Evans, look at me.” Lily looked at his chest. “Listen to me. Dumbledore. We need to go to Dumbledore. Do you understand?”

James let go of Lily in surprise when he saw that she was crying, “Uh…” Lily turned around, facing the other way. He reached for her shoulder but pulled back.



“What’s wrong?”



No answer.


James bit his lip; he wasn’t really sure what to do. He felt bad for making her cry yet he wasn’t sure how he did. All he did was say that Dumbledore’s office was the other way. She is probably just still shaky from earlier. That is all.



“Let’s go.” He gently laid his hand on her shoulder but withdrew when she whirled around quickly. Lily stared at him still crying.



“Let’s just go to the room.” She pulled his hand and yet again tried to pull him the other way.



James felt something tick, he was getting a little fed up with this. “Damn it, Evans. We have to go to Dumbledore! Why can’t you see that?”



Lily slid down to the floor, defeated. She seemed hopeless. James suddenly felt sorry for his outburst and slid down next to her, “Come on. Tell me what’s wrong,” he said calmly.



Lily looked over at him, “I… well…” her voice faltered. James waited patiently for her to continue and Lily looked grateful for that.



“It’s just that you scared me when you were under the curse. I was really afraid. And now that my...” She trailed off again.



“And now that your what?” This only caused Lily to burst out crying again. James fidgeted uncomfortably-things weren’t turning out well. His heart was throbbing from making Lily cry again and his head was pulsing with questions of her problems. He grasped his hands together; he wanted to comfort her but was afraid to do so. Finally, making up his mind, he gingerly put his hand on her shoulder. However, Lily took no notice, and she didn't seem to be calming down either.



“Lily, stop crying. Please,” James added uncomfortably. Lily looked up at him, tears staining her face and a surprised look on her face. It was then when James had realized what he just did: He actually called her by her first name.



“Tell me… what is wrong?”



James looked into Lily’s eyes and waited patiently.

Lily stared at the floor before finally talking:

”When you were… down and it was just me and Bellatrix, she said something…” Lily paused and James waited with bated breath. “She said that if… that if any one of us,” her voice cracked, “tells anyone of what happened…”

James watched her, expecting the worse.

”Our family.”

That was all Lily had to say for James to understand. James pushed himself up and wringed his hands. He suddenly felt dizzy and tried to shake the feeling out of his head.

Neither of them talked for a moment, James trying to grasp what had just happened, Lily staring at her hands.



"So who do we go to?” James said suddenly.

"What?"

"There has got to be a way around this,” James said slowly.

Lily’s face grew angry, yet James detected some fear, “Are you crazy? We can’t tell anyone! What don't you get?" Lily exclaimed.

”Lily, you don't understand what I was trying to say. I meant our-"

“No, you don’t understand Potter,” she growled, “If we tell anyone of this, our parents… our families will die. We can’t tell anyone. Not even Sirius.”

“Are you saying Sirius will deceive us? He’s not like that-“

”No, I am saying that we need to be careful.”

Lily continued glaring at James, and he noticed that her hands were shaking. With fury or fear, he didn’t know. Probably of both.

James blinked his eyes hard, his head was pounding again. His thoughts were tumbling around and James couldn’t grasp a hold of any moment, feeling numb. Things were going to fast for him, from Lily accusing him of dark arts to Bellatrix and the curse to the family threat. James for once was at a loss.

James took in a deep breath, looking at Lily, who was standing up now.

”Well what do we do?”

Lily eyes averted to the sunless window and she gazed into it, her eyebrows furrowing in concentration. “We just don’t tell anyone.”

”I know.”