Lily and James' Prophecy

Chapter 8 - Mysterious Christmas

Paris Riddle got into bed and heaved a sigh.

"There have been sightings of Him," informed his wife, Diana who was reading an edition of the Evening Prophet.

"What? Where?" he asked, sitting up.

"Near Ashtonville."

"Wait... isn't that where the Benedicts live?" he asked.

"Yes, she replied, her purple eyes scanning the article.

"Diana you realise what this means?"

"Yes, I do," replied Diana, putting down the Prophet and looking at her husband.

"Do you think Violet is safe at Hogwarts? And so is-"

Diana made a 'shushing' sound. "Don't discuss it here!" she hissed. "You know how dangerous it is these days. Anyone can be listening."

"My apologies," he said. "But are we completely and positively sure Violet has it?"

"Yes, we are. I saw her with it in the car on the way to King's Cross."

"Good. So long as she has it. And so long as he doesn't tell anyone."

"Indeed," said Diana. "Not to worry, she's coming for the Christmas Holidays so we can keep an eye on her and the thing. She's bringing along a friend, too. Lily Evans, is it?"

"Evans... Evans... hmm. A muggle-born?"

"Yes."

"Lovely, I'm glad she isn't like those other shallow Slytherins. At least she mixes with all kinds-"

"Paris," said Diana, cutting him off. "What if she doesn't bring it home? Or worse, what if she looses it?"

"My dear wife, this is Violet we're talking about. You know very well she wouldn't have lost the thing. I daresay she knows its importance... even if she doesn't know its functions."

------

Although the night before wasn't much of an event to remember, Violet couldn't help but not be all smiles at breakfast the next morning. She and James had arrived back at the castle early in the morning.

"Hey," came Lily's voice, snapping Violet out of her daydream.

"Lily! You're ok?" asked Violet.

"Yeah... they were treating me for shock but I feel great," she said, unenthusiastically.

Violet smiled. "You feel good then. That's great."

"Yeah and at least you're not angry at me."

"Huh?"

"Well, I thought you'd be angry at me for making a Love Potion-"

"Sadistic Sensation," corrected Violet.

"Yeah, that," continued Lily. "So you're not angry?" she asked cautiously.

"No, I'm not. I'm shocked that you did that, though."

"Please don't be angry at William, it wasn't his fau-"

"I know it wasn't. But I still don't like him, but not because of last night. Plus, today no one can make me unhappy," said Violet smiling widely.

"Why?" asked Lily, smiling and sitting down. Many Slytherins hissed but they ignored them.

"Well... him," said Violet, motioning to James who had just entered the Hall.

"Oh," said Lily, her smile fading.

"What?" asked Violet.

"Nothing... so you and Potter did something after... the thing?" she asked in what she hoped was a nonchalant voice.

"Yeah. We went for a walk... it was tres romantique," she said laughing as she waved to him.

"Aw..." said Lily, rolling her eyes.

"Was that a real 'aw' or a fake one?" she asked.

"A real one," lied Lily. "Even though I despise Potter," she added. "Anyway, what did you guys do?"

"Well... we went exploring," said Violet slowly.

"Exploring...?"

"Yeah. The grounds and the lake and the greenhouses. It was a lot of fun."

"I'm glad you had fun."

"Thanks. So what did they do to you in the Hospital Wing?"

"Well... they made me relive what happened millions of times for 'knowing purposes.' And then they just started giving me this potion hat made me feel ecstatic. Like REALLY ecstatic. So then they just decided on Cheering Charms. They can control those in moderation. But the thing is that I'm not in shock. I mean, I'm shaken but I know WHY it happened. And I know that it wasn't William who was doing it. It was the potion that was driving him. So yeah, I understand."

Violet was surprised to hear Lily mention William. "So you still like him then?" she asked.

"Yes..."

"Does he know that you gave him the Sadistic Sensation?"

"He hasn't regained his consciousness yet."

"Ah, ok."

"Do you think he'll hate me?" she asked, shuffling her feet a bit.

"Will he even remember?"

"Yes he will. Madam Pomfrey told me he will when I asked her," replied Lily.

"Oh... well seeing as William has all the girls after him already I'm sure you liking him would just cause his head to grow even bigger," said Violet knowingly. "And I bet he'll brag that he went all the way with you," she added.

"What?"

"Well when his friends ask, I think he'll go as far to say he did have sex with you."

"Vi, why do you hate him so much? And why do you only think negative things about him?"

"Because he's full of himself."

"Like Potter is any different," shot back Lily.

"At least James doesn't think every girl has to like him."

"Whatever."

"Lily, don't get angry, please."

"You were right," said Lily softly.

"About what?" asked Violet, happy for a change in subject.

"William."

So much for a change in subject, thought Violet. "What about him? That he's full of himself?"

"That he likes you," said Lily, looking away. "And I was jealous, that's why I made the Potion and gave it to him. Because-because I wanted him to like me."

"Lillian, someone should like you for who you are, not because you give them some potion."

"I realise that. But I was jealous." Violet said nothing. "Vi, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's in the past, ok?"

Lily smiled and nodded. "Anyway, I'm happy everything went well with Potter last night. And here he comes. I'll see you in Transfiguration," she said, getting up and leaving the table.

James looked back at Lily as she left. "I suppose she left because of me?" he asked. Violet nodded and laughed a little. "Is she ok after last night?"

"She seems to be. How are you?" she asked him.

"Great. I had a lot of fun last night," he said, smiling at her.

"Me too. Thanks for taking my mind off things."

"No problem."

"I don't think it would have been half as fun if it wasn't with you," said Violet, catching Septima's eye and making a face.

"Who's that?"

"Septima Merivicodotch. She doesn't like me much..."

"Because of me?"

"Perhaps."

"Sorry," he said.

"I wouldn't want her for a friend anyway."

He smiled. "Sirius wants to show me something before Transfiguration."

"Later," she said.

"See you around." He left.

"... and he raped her in the girls' bathroom on the third floor last night." Violet turned her head and noticed it was a group of sixth years. The speaker was a dark-haired girl.

"Wish he'd rape me," said another.

"It's not rape if you enjoy it." They all laughed.

"He's twelve though," said another.

"With the strength of an ox." They all laughed again

Violet rolled her eyes. Pathetic, she thought. She got up and left for Transfiguration, wondering, why out of all the girls at Hogwarts, she was the one William liked.

-------

October came with not much activity. Violet and Lily were easily the two smartest girls of their year. Slughorn had taken a particular liking to Lily and Zabini seemed to give Violet more points than he did to other people. The Quidditch Season had started off with a match in which Slytherin pummelled Ravenclaw.

"Are you sure I'm allowed up here?" asked Lily when Violet had forced her to come to the Slytherin stands.

"Well, you're supporting us, aren't you?" asked Violet, looking at Lily who looked completely out of place in her scarlet and yellow robes.

"If you say so..."

By the time November rolled in, people had become accustom to seeing Violet and Lily walking together in the halls. Most of them had stopped staring and Violet's relationship with Septima blossomed into a booming hatred. One morning, Violet was awakened by a loud banging in her dormitory.

"It's not there," came Mary's voice.

"Then where is it?" came Septima's annoyed voice

"Maybe under your pillow like always," replied Mary coldy.

"I checked there, damnit!"

"Then I don't know where it- STOP RUMMAGING THROUGH MY TRUNK!" screamed Mary taking out her wand.

"You were the only one who knew about it."

"No, Septima. I was the only one you told, but that doesn't mean I'm the only one who knew about it!"

"What are you guys on about?" asked Violet sleepily.

"Never you mind," said Septima nastily.

"Septima thinks I stole her Invisibility Cloak," said Mary hysterically.

"I don't think you stole it. I know you did."

Mary sighed angrily and muttered a spell that locked her trunk and left. Septima swore loudly and left, too. Violet shook her head and got dressed. As she walked to the Great Hall she heard someone call out her name behind her.

"James?"

"Morning m'am," he said, bowing his head. Violet laughed.

"Why are you here?" she asked him.

"I was in the area and decided to walk you to breakfast," he said.

"Nice..." she commented, knowing he was lying.

"So Riddle," he said in a businesslike tone, "are you up for another night time adventure?"

"Where to this time, Potter?" she asked him.

"I'll work something out," he said, as they entered the Hall. He winked and left. She saw Lily enter the Hall and waved to her.

"He's out of the Hospital Wing!" said Lily excitedly.

"Who is? The Wizard of Oz?"

"You know who I mean," said Lily.

"Oh... him?" asked Violet, pointing to the oak doors as William entered surrounded by the usual herd of cooing girls.

"Yesss," she said, obviously forgetting her worry that William would be angry at her. Violet rolled her eyes and Lily muttered something.

"What's that?" she asked.

"Nothing..." said Lily softly, but Violet noticed that William had spotted Lily and had started to head in the opposite end of the Slytherin Table.

"You surely didn't expect him to take it lightly that you fed him a Sadistic Sensation, did you?" asked Violet insensitively.

"But..."

"I'm sorry," said Violet.

"No, you're right. After what I did it would be a miracle if he even wants to be in twenty mile radius of me."

"I see no loss," said Violet indifferently.

"Whatever," said Lily.

But it seemed Violet was right. As December arrived William made every effort to avoid both she and Lily. Violet was grateful for this. Lily, on the other hand, seemed to go into a depressed stupor.

"You know you have to eat something sooner or later or you'll starve to death," Violet told Lily one morning in Transfiguration class.

"I don't feel to eat," said Lily, stirring wine she was supposed to have transformed into water with the tip of her wand.

"Lily why the heck are you eating yourself up over him of all people."

"It's because I know it's my fault he hates me."

"Don't be foolish. He doesn't hate you. He's pitiful but I don't think he's capable of hating someone."

Lily sighed and put a strand of hair behind her ear. Her green eyes shone with tears. "This is ridiculous," said Violet as the bell rang. "I'll catch up with you after," she said to Lily getting up and heading for the door.

"Ri, wait up," called James.

"No time, Potter," she said impatiently, hurrying out the door. She was walking quickly along a corridor when she saw him.

"I need to speak with you," she said, walking up to him. "Alone," she added, seeing all the girls around him.

"Ok," he replied as he followed her.

"You have to start talking to Lily again," said Violet when they were alone.

"Wha-?"

"She's practically depressed over you. Pathetic, I know," she added, seeing the shocked expression on his face.

"I can't..."

"Why not? It was almost a month ago-"

"Violet, she's not the only one who feels down. I feel depressed, too."

"Over what? Not enough girls to worship you?"

"No," he said softly. "You."

She let out a 'tsk' and rolled her eyes. "And that's why you can't talk to Lily?"

"Yes. Violet, when I see Lily I think of you. And that gets me upset."

"Why?"

"Because you hate me... and I don't want that."

"No, I don't."

"Don't lie. Violet... not to be a snob, but I could have any girl in this school and you know it. But there's something about you..."

"Oh my god! You're twelve for crying out loud! And don't start with that flattery crap," she said impatiently "Look, I'll make a deal with you: I'll talk to you if you talk to Lily."

"No, because you'll just be doing it for her and not sincerely."

"Benedict," she said, her purple eyes looking into his piercing blue ones, "I love Lily. And she's really unhappy. And that makes me unhappy, too. I just want her to feel better. Please?" For the first time a trace of desperateness same into her voice.

There was a long silence until he spoke. "Ok..."

"You'll do it?"

"For you, I will," he said.

"Thanks a lot. And don't tell her we had this conversation." He nodded.

At that moment a sweet voice floated through the air. "Oh William." It was Septima.

"Just a minute. I'm busy," he said. Septima made a face.

"No he's not. I was just leaving," said Violet. She saw his expression drop and put a hand on his forearm. There were scars from Lily's scratches etched into his skin. "Thanks, Benedict."

"Ok," he replied softly, looking down. She left, smirking at the look on Septima's face.

-----

"Hey," said Violet putting a hand on James' shoulder.

"Hey," he said, turning around. "Oh... you," he said.

"What does that mean?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"What do you want?" he asked impatiently.

"I came to apologise for ignoring you this morning. I was in a rush."

"Yeah, I realised. You and Benedict had a good chat?" he asked coldly.

"Err... yeah," she finished lamely. He put his hands into his pockets.

"I have to go eat dinner. Bye."

"James-" she started, but he had already walked off. "James," she called louder as she started after him. "James, don't be angry. It was really important," she said when she had caught up with him.

"I bet."

"I had to ask him to talk to Lily because she's practically depressed-"

"Whatever."

"I wanted to ask you something-"

"I don't care."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him to a halt and looking into his eyes. "Don't be a jerk."

"Too late for that, I guess," he said.

She dropped his hand and said, "Fine," and turned on her heel and hurried off to the Slytherin Table.

"Ri," said James an hour later as Violet was leaving the Hall. "I'm sorry. I was being an idiot." Violet looked at him coldly and said nothing. He took her hand and entwined his fingers with hers. "Apology accepted?"

"Fine," she said, her eyes flashing.

He smiled and squeezed her hand. "What did you want to ask me?"

"Well, for the Christmas Holidays Mum said I could invite some friends...." She said. quickly pretending to examine an imaginary spot on her hand.

He smiled and said, "I'd love that. But would Evans mind?"

"How did you know she was-"

"Never mind. Here she comes now." He squeezed her hand and hurried off.

"Hey," said Lily, not commenting on James' presence.

"Hey. I have something to tell you," said Violet, ready to tell Lily that James was coming for the holidays.

"Me too!"

"You first," said Violet

"Ok. William talked to me today. He said that he forgave me for everything and that he was sorry he didn't talk to me sooner. And he said it was sweet that I gave him a Sadistic Sensation!"

"How sweet," said Violet sarcastically. Just then there was a shout from behind them. They turned around to see a boy with his robes over his head. James and his friends were roaring with laughter. James had his wand out and it was evident that they were the reason the boy had his robes over his head.

"God, I hate Potter. Must he act like he runs this damn school?" said Lily, a look of complete disgust and loathing on her face. "What did you want to tell me?" she added.

"Oh... uh. Yeah. Do you think the treacle tart tasted different at dinner tonight?" she asked, her face flushing red.

-----

"Ri," said James, breaking Violet's thoughts.

"Huh?" she inquired. They were at the lake looking out at the sunset.

"I wrote to mum and dad telling them I'm going to your place for the holidays and they wanted me to stop at home for a few days first."

"Oh, ok," she said.

"How will I get to your place, though?"

"Mum and dad will send a driver for you," she answered.

"Ok." They were quiet for a while. Then James added, "Ri, I'm really happy you invited me."

"I am too," she replied, looking over and smiling at him. He brushed a strand of hair out of her eye.

"You look great when the sun hits your face," he stated.

"Thanks," she giggled. He shifted so she was between his legs and hugged her around her middle. She leaned back onto his chest.

"The sunset is beautiful," he whispered in her ear.

"Yes, it is..."

----

"You have everything?" asked Violet.

"I'm positive I have everything," replied Lily. They were on the platform at Hogsmeade to board the Hogwart's Express to go to Violet's home for the Christmas holidays.

"Great. Well, let's get on," said Violet, boarding the train.

"I can't believe we're finally going to your place!" exclaimed Lily excitedly when they had found a lone compartment. "Is it nice?"

"Very," answered Violet. "We own a lot of land. It's really breathtaking."

"I can't wait to meet your parents. And three weeks with just the two of us!"

"Err... yeah. Just the two of us," said Violet guiltily as she saw James pass their compartment. She waved half-heartedly to him.

"Not to mention, totally Potter-free!" added Lily seeing James also. "This is gonna be great."

Violet smiled weakly and looked out the window. She had decided against telling Lily about James coming to her house. That way she could ensure Lily didn't back out of the trip.

Most of the trip was dedicated to telling Lily about Violet's parents.

"Vi!" came Diana and Paris' excited voices simultaneously.

"Mum! Dad!" she laughed, hugging them both tightly. "Mum, dad, I'd like you to meet my best friend Lily Evans."

"Hello Miss Evans," said Paris taking Lily's hand and kissing it lightly.

"Oh Daddy, stop it," laughed Violet.

"Yes Mr. Riddle. Don't get her jealous," giggled Lily, curtsying. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Lily," said Diana hugging her. "We have heard so much about you from Vi."

"How was the trip?" questioned Paris.

"Err, I have to go and say bye to someone," said Violet, hurrying off.

"Hey stranger," said James seeing Violet approach. She laughed and winked. "Come meet my folks." He pulled her over to a couple. James was the splitting image of his father. "Mum and dad, this is Violet Riddle, the girl I'm going to visit next week."

"Pleased to meet you," said Violet.

James' mother smiled at her. "Thanks for inviting James to come."

"Yes," croaked his father. "We want James to be around as many fliff-fluffs as possible."

"Fliff-fluffs?" inquired Violet.

"It's their code word for 'wizards'," explained James.

"Oh, ok," said Violet.

"You guys can go to the car. I'll be there in a minute," said James to his parents.

"Goodbye," said his mother. His father shook Violet's hand.

"Bye."

"So Riddle... I'll see you in a week then."

"A week it is, James."

"I'll miss you," he said taking her hand.

"Me too," she said. "Promise me you'll stay out of trouble?"

"Do I have to?" he teased.

"Please?"

"Fine. Only for you," he said. She laughed. "I better get going then."

"Me too," she replied.

"Bye, Ri."

"Farewell Potter."

"Who was that?" asked Paris when she had returned.

"James Potter," growled Lily.

"Oh, the boy who's coming-" began Diana but Violet coughed loudly. Lily looked at her suspiciously but said nothing.

"Shall we go then?" asked Diana.

"This way," said Paris. "So Vi, you've got yourself a boyfriend?" he asked laughing.

"Oh shut up, dad."

"Yes, she has. Cute one isn't he?" added Diana.

"Shut up..."

"Adorable," said Lily sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"SHUT UP!"

----

"I can't believe how huge your house is," said Lily that night as she and Violet lay down in Violet's bedroom.

"Me neither. Tomorrow I'll show you the grounds. They're about five times bigger than the ones at Hogwarts." Lily laughed.

"Does anyone live close?"

"If two miles is close, then yeah, they do." They burst out in laughter and for once Violet was happy to be in her bedroom.

----

On Sunday morning Violet awoke early feeling excited.

James is coming over today! she thought to herself. She looked over at Lily who was sleeping on the bed Paris had conjured for her on her first night. He stomach twinged when she remembered she hadn't told Lily of James' arrival. She lay awake looking up at the ceiling until Lily awoke a few hours later.

"Morning. How'd you sleep?" asked Violet when she saw Lily open her eyes. "Good," she said, not waiting for an answer. "I have something to tell you," she said guiltily.

"What is it?" asked Lily groggily.

"Well..." she said just as the doorbell's sound echoed through the walls. "Oh my GOD! He's here! James is here!"

"He...? James...? What? Wait... POTTER?" said Lily, but Violet was already halfway down the stairs putting on her sleeping gown. Lily pursued her quickly.

"Violet, wait up!" said Lily sharply.

Violet looked back at her and said, "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"That he's coming," said Violet rushing to the door reaching out and grasping the handle.

"Who?" But Violet didn't need to answer because at that moment she had opened the door and Lily could see exactly who Violet meant. "Oh my god..." said Lily softly.

"James. I didn't know you were coming this early."

"I didn't either. Your dad sent the car really early. Hey Evans," he added seeing Lily and surveying her pink pyjamas.

Lily tried to cover her pyjamas with her hands to no avail and said nothing.

"I didn't tell Lily you were coming," said Violet softly to James. "And call her Lily... not Evans. Just for the holidays," she added, seeing him raise an eyebrow.

"Ok. I missed you."

"Me too. Come meet my parents," she said, seeing Lily retreat back upstairs looking reproachful.

"Probably not telling Lily I was coming was a mistake," he said as Violet led him to the kitchen.

"Probably. This is the dining room," said Violet motioning to a room on her right.

"Whoa, you eat there?" asked James looking at the room which was full of huge oil paintings and antiques.

"Only for special occasions. And here's the living room."

"No TV?" he asked, looking at the richly furnished room, the mahogany on the couches shining.

"We're wizards," she said matter-of-factly. Anyway, here's the kitchen," she said opening a white door. Her parents were both sitting at a circular table in the centre of the room drinking coffee and reading a piece of the Daily Prophet each. "Mum, Dad, this is James Potter."

She saw her father grin and she gave him a cold look. "Hello James!" said Paris merrily.

"Hey Mr. Riddle," replied James, reciprocating the same merry tone.

"Mr. Potter, it's such a pleasure to meet you after Violet had been cooing over you."

"Mum! God," said Violet, blushing violently.

James laughed. "Pleased to meet you, Ma'am."

"Come on," muttered Violet. "I'll show you your room."

"Don't forget that lunch is in the dining room today!" called Diana.

"Joy," said Violet, rolling her eyes. She took James' hand and saw her father's grin widen. "Come."

"Your parents are nice," commented James.

"I know," she replied shortly. "So how was your week?"

"Not so good," he replied solemnly.

"Why?"

"Because I didn't see you." She laughed

"Here we are," she said, showing him a rich mahogany door. "My room's just down the hall, but I'll show it to you later. I better go talk to Lily."

"Ok. See you at lunch."

"Hey," said Violet when she entered her room a few moments later.

"Let me guess. You meant to tell me Potter was coming but it just happened to slip your mind?"

"No...I-"

"Save it. I don't want to hear it. I'm seriously pissed right now. You know how I feel about Potter-"

"James," corrected Violet.

"Hem, hem," continued Lily as if there was no interruption. "I hate Potter and you saw it fit to invite him? That just shows a total lack of respect for my feelings."

"Lily, I would have told you but then you would have made me choose between you or him."

"How so?"

"You'd have said either he comes or you come."

"Fair enough," said Lily, "but I'd rather not have come had I known he was going to come."

"Lily-"

"Whatever. Give me your excuses later. I need time to think right now."

"Think about what?"

"Whether or not I'm staying or going back home."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know if I wasn't to say here with Potter."

"Lily, don't be immature."

"No, Violet. Not telling me Potter was coming for the reasons you supposedly say you had is immature. I might as well return the favour."

"Fine," said Violet, her temper rising. "Lunch is in the dining room today." And with that she left the room.

"Evans finish complaining already?" asked James when Violet had re-entered his room.

"She's being stubborn. She's going on about how I disrespected her feelings by not telling her you were coming. What the hell, she's being such an-"

"Ri," said James cutting her off, "if I was Lily I'd have been angry too."

"But James, I didn't tell her because I was afraid she'd not come. But that wouldn't have made any difference I suppose."

"Why?"

"Because she's going back home."

"She said that?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Practically. She's 'thinking' about it." She sighed and sat on his bed. She sank a few inches into the mattress. James sat next to her.

"I'll leave if I cause this much trouble."

"James, don't do this to me. Don't make me choose between you or Lily."

"Sorry," he said guiltily. "I just don't want to be the reason for a fight."

"It may be easier if she goes home than if I have to choose." He smiled and moved closer to her.

"Life's a -" he began but the door opened cutting him off. It was Lily.

"Came to say goodbye, have you?" asked Violet coldly.

"No. I've decided I'd rather spend Christmas with you."

"Oh..." said Violet, flushing pink. "Erm, thanks?"

"Sure. I'll see you at lunch." All the time she was talking she never once looked at James. She closed the door.

"Ok, that was weird," commented James.

"Oh well, I guess I'm stuck with you until lunch."

"You make that sound like a bad thing," he laughed.

She laughed. "Want me to show you around?"

"Sure." He got up.

She led him outside into a lush garden with a pond in the very centre.

"Wow, it's beautiful here," said James, looking down into the pond at his reflection.

"Yes, it is. See the Maple tree? Dad and I planted that when I was four. But it's a magical one. That's why it's so big." She walked over to it and touched the trunk, a warmness spreading from her fingertips where they touched the bark throughout her body. James did the same.

"It's really beautiful."

She sighed and looked out at the pond.

"What is it?" he asked, looking at her.

"Nothing," she said, getting lost in her thoughts.

"Want to go for a swim?" he asked, suddenly.

"If you wanna I can go back to the house for my bath suit," she said, turning in the house's direction.

"Why not go in just the way you are?" he asked, laughing.

"Why?"

"Just for the fun of it. Come on," he said, taking off his t-shirt.

"James..." she began.

"What? You're too scared?" he teased her, smirking.

"No," she said, pushing him out of the way and ran into the water, splashing it all over her top. "Gawd, it's COLD!" she shrieked, laughing.

"Good," he said, running in after her. "Come under," he said, taking her hand.

"No, it's too cold," she gasped.

"That's why you have to come under. Your body will get accustom to the temperature."

"Fine," she said, ducking under the surface, the coldness hitting her face with the bluntness of a knife. She came back up, pushing her hair out of her face and gasped for air. James was laughing. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing," he said. "I'll race you to the other end," he said and before she could answer he was off.

"Cheater!" she called after him, diving under. She emerged at the end just as he did.

"Wow, Ri. You never told me you could swim."

"You never asked," she said shortly, pushing him away.

"What was that for?" he asked, grinning.

"Not giving me a head start."

"You didn't need one."

"Come on. Let me show you the rest of the grounds," she said, pulling him out of the water.

"What about my shirt?" he asked, motioning to the other end of the pond.

"Never mind that/ plus, we're closer to the stables now."

"But- wait... stables?" he asked, incredulously.

"Yeah. Something wrong?" she asked.

"I love horses."

"Good. Come," she said, walking off.

"Wow," he said softly when the stables came into view. "Exactly how many horses do you have?"

"A lot," she shrugged.

"I like this one," he said, reaching out to touch a chestnut. The horse neighed softly and moved its head closer to him, enjoying his touch.

"That's Emily." James looked captivated by the horse's beauty. "You can ride her," she told him, breaking him out of his trance.

"Really?"

"Well... she's mum's but yeah. I don't think mum would mind." James looked sceptical and shook his head. Show me the rest, then we'll decide."

"Ok." She led him to the end of the stable. "This is Arie-" she said, showing him a black stallion, "-and Grace," she continued, showing him a white female.

"Theyre wonderful," he said, patting them both. He looked at her. Her top was still dripping wet. "Ri, if youre cold we could go back up to the-"

"Don't be silly. Get on arie. I'll show you the pasture." Ten minutes later they were riding along a path with apple trees along each side. The sun peeped through the leaves and slid across them

"It's right around here," said Violet as they turned a bend."

"My god," remarked james in amazement. The pasture was the most extensive, flat, totally devoid of trees, shrubs or any other foreign objects, piece of land on the whole of the Riddle Estate. On the next side of the pasture was a vineyard and a distillery. "You own all of this?"

"Trust me, there's much more. Lily and I played Quidditch here the other day."

"You can fly?" he asked.

"A bit. Wanna see?" she said, willing Grace to move towards a shed on the far side of the pasture.

"Indeed," he said as he followed her. A few minutes later they had dismounted the horses and Violet had her Silver Arrow in hand.

"I'm not that great," she informed him.

"Don't worry. I can teach you how to fly better."

"Oh, you can fly?" she asked, pretending to be surprised. "Maybe you can teach me then," she said, giving him a fake smile. "Bye," she said, kicking off hard and waving at him. She laughed out loud as she flew higher, the familiar rushing of wind in her ears and the butterflies in her stomach made her spirit soar. She flew around the pasture once at full speed and dived fast, coming back up just inches above the ground, going back up into the air. She looked over at james and laughed to see his shocked expression. The tip of her broom faced the sky as she started to twirl in circles at a deadly speed. Suddenly she stopped and pointed the nose of the broom in james' direction, starting towards him at full speed. She saw his shocked expression turn into fear and she went towards him even faster. Just before they collided, however, she swerved sharply and grabbed his forearm pulling him on to her broom.

"Dear god I thought you said you weren't good," he said, holding her tight around the middle.

"Oh, I'm alright I guess," she said, leaning back onto him. His warmth was welcome after wearing her wet top for so long. His grip tightened around her middle. "You're not scared, are you, Potter?" she asked, laughing as she did a complicated swerve.

"No," he lied in an unconvincing voice. He rested his chin on her shoulder. "Ri, I'm cold and it's about lunch time. Shouldn't we get back to the house?"

"Sure," she said, landing next to the horses. "You know, you're the first person who has called my house a 'house' in a long time. Everyone else calls it 'the manor'.

"'Oh, let's go to the manor for tea," she said, putting on a strong Irish accent. James laughed and took the broom from her.

"I'll go put this back?"

"Sure."

"So..." said James ten minutes later when they had returned the horses to their stables, "has Benedict been talking to Evans?"

"Oh, err, yeah," said Violet, surprised that James had brought William up.

"I saw you talking to him on the train coming home."

Violet blushed. It was indeed true that she had talked to William on the train. "Yeah," she replied shortly. She saw James frown. "We were discussing what we were doing for the holidays."

"Ok," said James.

"What?" she asked.

"What?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," said James, looking at the maple tree in the garden. She took his hand and entwined their fingers.

"So long as William talks to Lily, I'm happy-"

"That's not much of an explanation," he interjected.

"There is no explanation-"

"I better go get my shirt."

"No, we're late. You can get it later."

"Ok." He looked over at her and, in spite of himself, smiled. :Is it good that whenever I see you with Benedict I get jealous?"

"Probably," she said. "But I like it that way." He squeezed her hand.

"I like it that way too."

------

The next week was a hard one because Lily refused to be in the same vicinity as James with the exception of mealtimes. Violet had to divide her day in two parts: one for Lily and the next for James.

"God, I'm so fed up of this!" exclaimed Violet one day as she was sitting in James' room.

"Of what?" he asked, looking over at her from his window seat.

"This whole thing! I can only be with you or Lily separately. I swear..."

"I wouldn't want to be around evans either."

"Whatever. And her name is not Evans. It's Lily."

"Yeah... that." He got up and sat next to her. "Hey, look on the Brightside- you and I get to spend time together."

"I guess."

"Cheer up," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "It's Christmas time."

She smiled at him. "You're right." She put her head in his lap and looked up at him. "You know, you look cute without your glasses."

"Don't I look cute with them?" he laughed as he stroked her hair gently.

"No." he laughed again and looked into her eyes.

"Well... you look cute without your glasses, too."

"But I don't wear glasses," she said.

"Exactly."

------

On Christmas morning Lily awoke Violet early.

"Hey! Happy Christmas!" she said, hugging her. "Here," she said, holding out a parcel wrapped in gold paper.

"Aw, Lily. You didn't have to!"

"I did! Open it!"

Violet opened it. It was a plain purple band with half a heart on it. "What is it?" she asked.

"A best friend charm. Look, I have one," said Lily, raising her pyjama sleeve and showed Violet an identical pink band.

"Aw, Lils, I love it! Help me put it on. And I have something for you, too. But it's under the Christmas tree."

:Ok, let's go," she said. "It compliments your eyes perfectly," said Lily, referring to the band.

"Yup." When they reached the bottom landing they saw James.

"Happy Christmas!" he said merrily.

"Same to you!" replied Violet. Lily merely nodded,

"I have you present under the tree," said Violet and James together.

She laughed. "Well, let's go." She saw Lily make a face. As they entered the living room both Lily and James gasped.

"When did this happen?" asked Lily, referring to the Christmas tree being snow white as opposed to the luscious green it was the night before.

"Mum and Dad bewitch it to turn white on Christmas day. Here," she said, handing Lily a red parcel and James a blue one. Lily opened hers. "What is it?" she asked, holding up what looked like a brown cardboard box.

"Open it fully," said Violet.

"Aw Vi. It's great. How did you know I wanted one?" asked Lily, holding up a Monsieur Reynold's Charms Set for The Charmed.

"I saw you looking at one in my Witch Weekly Teens and I knew I had to get it for you. Well... it was either this or Madam De Fut's Potions for The Pathetic."

Lily laughed and hugged her. "Thanks."

"Sure. Open yours James," she said, smiling.

"Um... Ri? Is this... Hogwarts?" asked James in a shocked voice looking at an old piece of parchment in his hand.

"yeah, I was looking through Dad's old stuff and I found it. It's not special. It just shows Hogwarts but I know how much you like Hogwarts..." she trailed off, blushing.

"I love it," he said.

"Hem, hem," said Lily. "Anyway, I'll go have breakfast." She left.

"Oh, I have this for you," he said, getting a small box from under the tree.

"Oh," she said, taking it. "Oh, James, it's stunning," she said when she had opened the box to reveal a pair of silver cascade earrings. "Are these diamonds?" she asked.

"Pretty much," he said, putting his hands in his pockets. "Ri, normally I don't give jewellery as a present. Too tacky."

She laughed. "It is not. I think they're beautiful." He smiled at her.

"Yeah. The reason I gave it to you is because it was my grandmother's-"

"You shouldn't give me this."

"I want to. My grandmother got it from the Duke of somewhere who said she was the prettiest woman he had ever seen. That's why I'm giving it to you..." he trailed off, his face as red as an apple.

She smirked. "Really?"

"Really," he replied. She laughed and put them on.

"How do they look?"

"Great."

Paris and Diana entered at that precise moment.

"Oooh," exclaimed Diana when she saw Violet's earrings. "Who are these from?"

"James."

"They're exquisite," remarked Paris, shaking James' hand. "Happy Christmas," he said, kissing Violet's cheek. Diana did the same.

"Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room today!" informed Diana. "Vi, open that big one. It's from mummy and daddy!"

"Yay! From mummy and daddy!" said Violet sarcastically.

------

Look at him Lillian. He's all alone," said Violet as she looked out her bedroom window. James was down by the pond in the garden sitting alone.

"Then go be with him," said Lily matter-of-factly.

"Why can't we both go down? After all, it's Christmas."

"No," said Lily firmly. "Go, I don't mind. You spent most of the day with me anyway."

"Ok," said Violet happily, getting up and going out into the garden.

"Hey," she said as she approached him.

"Hey," he said. "I see Evans gave up her rights to you," he said, not looking at her.

"Yeah." She sat down next to him.

"Do you want to go horseback riding?"

"No."

"Want me to show you the little cove we have at-"

"No."

"Anything?"

"No."

"What did you do today?"

"Nothing."

"I'm sorry," she said, picking up the edge in his voice. "I should have spent more time-"

"Don't let Evans hear you say that..."

"Are you angry?" she asked, looking down at her hands.

"You could say so..." she slipped her hand into his.

"Why didn't you tell me you wanted me to spend time with you?"

"Well, seeing as it's Christmas Day-"

"I'm sorry. Lily and I were just having fun." She leaned her head onto his shoulder and looked at the maple tree. "Forgive me?" she whispered.

There was a slight pause and James got up and walked over to the edge of the water. "James... I'm sorry."

"I know," he said. She bit her bottom lip and got up and walked up to the shore so she was at his side.

"I like the earrings," she said softly. He said nothing. She ran her hand through her hair and sighed. "I'll see you at dinner," she said, leaving.

"Back so soon?" asked Lily when Violet had returned.

"He's angry."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't spend time with him today."

"Oh..." Violet flopped down onto her bed face down "I'm sorry," said Lily. "I didn't know Potter had feelings-"

"Shut up," said Violet. Lily had touched a nerve. Lily looked down and left the room. What a Christmas, thought Violet. What a very merry Christmas.

------

That night at dinner Paris looked up from his dinner plate. "I have some bad news," he said. "I suppose you all know William Benedict? He's at Hogwarts with you all." Lily looked up suddenly looking excited. James' grip on his fork became tense and his face turned redder than the wine in Paris' glass. Violet straightened up.

"Yeah?" said Violet.

"Last night..." said Paris, solemnly, looking down at his plate. He seemed to lose some of his composure. "Last night he was murdered," he said in a strong voice.

"What?" asked Violet.

"Yes... at their house... in A-Ashtonville," said Paris, looking at Diana who gave him a consoling look.

"Wait- what?!" asked Violet again.

"We saw it in the Prophet this morning," said Diana.

"But... why?" asked Violet in a weak voice, much reflecting the feeling she felt in her stomach.

"We don't know."

"How do you even know the Benedicts?"

"His father is-was," said Paris, correcting himself, "one of my top Aurors. Probably the top Auror."

"Maybe that's why he was killed?" offered James.

"Probably," said Paris. "I must let you all know just how dangerous these times are. You may not hear often -I doubt you read the Prophet much- but there have been murders very often recently. You need to be alert."

Violet nodded and James raised an eyebrow at her. She tried to smile at him but he ignored it and went back to eating. She looked over at Lily who hadn't said anything since Paris had informed them about Benedict's murder. "Lily?" asked Violet softly. Lily turned to face her. Her face was stony and white and she looked as if she was going to be sick. Violet put her hand on hers.

"May I be excused?" asked Lily softly.

"Of course," said Diana soothingly. Lily got up and left the room.

Violet looked at James again. "Excuse me, too," he said, looking coldly at Violet and leaving. She looked down at her steak and took a deep breath in.

First James is angry at me and then this, she thought to herself. And for the first time in her life, Violet Riddle wished she was someone else.

------

Violet awoke suddenly. The room around her was dark. She could see the outline of Lily's body on the bed next to hers. She was trying to figure out what had awoken her when she heard it again: the sound of breaking glass. What the-

"Lily, get up." Lily made a tired noise. "Lily, get up. Someone's downstairs."

Lily sat up slowly and squinted through the darkness. "What?"

"Come," said Violet, grabbing her hand and going out into the corridor. They could hear shouting.

"What's happening?"

"No clue. Stay here," said Violet going down the stairs slowly and quietly. As she rounded the corner, the landing came into view. Moonlight shone off of the marble floor and illuminated the whole room. Violet gasped at what she saw. Her father was in the middle of the room among the broken glass that littered the floor, pointing his wand at a hooded figure who had her mother in his arms.

"Let her go. She isn't what you want," ordered Paris.

"Then give me what I want," said the hooded man.

"Don't do it Paris," said Diana, choking because of the tip of the man's wand that was pressing sharply into her neck. Violet's hand shook sharply on the railing. Just then Diana let out a small shriek of despair as the man pushed the tip of his wand even deeper into her flesh.

"Very well," said the man. "The price to pay is high for those who don't do as He pleases. Avada-!"

Violet's grip tightened as she closed her eyes. She could hear a buzzing in her head... getting louder with every second. It was pounding now... the noise was unbearable. Her fists were balled so hard that her nails actually cut her palm. She could feel the small amount of blood that was produced in her palm. Then it stopped: there was silence... just silence.

Then she head what she was waiting for. "ARGGGGGH!" shouted the hooded figure in unbearable pain. She opened her eyes and saw that the man holding his neck. There was blood dripping from his neck... was that a slit? Diana kicked him in the groin and he fell to the floor, gasping for air. He coughed loudly and went on all fours, making a retching sound.

"What the-" Violet heard Paris say.

"Daddy," squeaked Violet from her perch on the stairwell. Paris looked incredulously at her.

"You... this... what... how?" but before they could say anything else there was a small pop and the man had Disapparated.

There was a deafening silence for a solid minute. "What did he want?" Violet finally asked her mother and father. Paris looked at Diana who looked shaken and gave the slightest hint of shaking her head.

"We don't know," he said softly.

"He was obviously looking for something," said Violet looking around the room. The place was thrashed to say the least. Paintings were ripped from the walls, books were strewn across the floor, their loose pages scattered everywhere. Armchair cushions were punctured, their fluffy contents on the floor over the books and broken glass. But what stood out most was the painting of Salazar Slytherin. It had been ripped, slashes across his face and chest.

"Vi, go back to sleep while we clean up. We'll discuss theories in the morning," said Diana.

"Ok," said Violet. She met Lily at the top of the stairs.

"Someone broke in?" she asked.

"Looks like it." They heard footsteps. "Get in the room!" said Violet in a hushed voice. When they were sure that Violet's parents were back in their bedroom, Violet said, "I need to go to the washroom."

"Ok, hurry back! I want to know what happened."

Halfway down the corridor, Violet stopped at her parent's room and pressed her ear against the door.

"...first Benedict's murder. Then this. He's told them. Do you think they got it from Benedict?" she could hear Diana say in a hushed voice.

"I hope not. We must make sure the next one is kept safe," he said.

"That means Voldemort knows the importance of it... and worse, he knows its power."

"Yes... oh god, I hope that he doesn't find the next-"

Violet let out a small gasp. She was leaning so hard on the door that it had been pushed open a few inches.

Crap! she thought.

She heard footsteps approaching the door. She sprinted as noiselessly and as quickly as possible up the corridor to her room. She heard her parents' bedroom door open just as she burst into her own room. Her thoughts were racing, faster than her legs could have ever carried her.