A/N: Update – hip hip horaay! Yes, it's very late, but I updated eventually, right? Apologies for writer's block and distractions. Quite possibly I'll write the next chapter this week though. I believe this may end up longer than I expected it to. It may even dare I say find itself lasting up until a young Harry is conceived… But no spoilers – read on.

"Thanks again Dora."

"It's Tonks Lily." She slips another hair pin into the curled mass of flames upon her head.

"You know, I do think this new found identity has really helped you to come out of your shell, but…Tonks, don't you think you're going a bit too far?"

"In what way?" Lily slips another earring in, wincing at the slight tug at her hair.

"Well, I heard you were smoking this week. I mean, where are you even getting those from?"

Tonks shrugs in response and places the final pin into the elegant hairdo.

"There. Stunning as ever Lily."

She certainly does look breathless. White material falling gently from her waist, but enhancing her breasts and creating the illusion of a figure surrounded by wispy clouds.

"Are you sure it's not too much?"

"I'm sure James will love you whatever you wear."

"That's what I'm worried about."

She slips a pair of black heels onto her feet and adjusts some of her makeup.

"Tonks, aren't you going to get ready? I'm sure Sirius will be impatiently waiting."

"And I'm sure Sirius Black will be drooling, whatever I wear," Tonks laughs.

"Do you want some help?"

"I'll be fine, you go ahead. You've denied James this long, so don't leave him waiting any longer."

Lily smiles and grabs her wand off of the bed, slipping it into her hair. She pauses at the door.

"Tonks?"

"Yes Lily?"

"Are you sure I've made the right decision?"

Tonk's eyes sadden for a moment. Had she made the right decision?

"It's not like you have to marry him," she laughs, "He's just your escort for the gala."

"Okay. Thanks again Tonks."

The door shuts and Tonks turns towards the mirror. This means everything. Lipstick on her now fuller lips, curled lashes, a light dusting of rouge. She slips the black, sensible dress on and tightens the straps on her shoes. She can do this. She can play this part well. A pearl necklace, quick spray of perfume. All that's left now is the finishing touches. She walks over to her trunk and takes out the small chest that contains that small part of perfection. Red: with traces of orange and blonde. She tugs at the bun her hair lies in and pulls it out letting the curls tumble down, letting the colour and the lightness tumble down; letting her face morph and her posture change. Not quite perfection, but the illusion of it. If only for tonight she can be her. With a sharp tap she sends a charm down her neck, watching as mimicked invisibility floods over her. The door opens and closes.

"Evan's I must say you patch up well, but where is the ever evasive Tonks?"

"I believe she's going for the fashionably late image. When I left her she hadn't even decided on what she was wearing yet."

"Well if she decides to wear nothing, I won't be complaining." The throaty laughter sends waves around the group, but there is a distinct absence of the Gryffindor Head Boy.

"Remus?"

He looks up from the window seat he claimed in an empty classroom.

"Lily? Weren't you going with James?" he quietly questions.

For a moment she pauses, thinking up a response. She never actually imagined the scenario, only how she would look.

"No. I decided against it in the end. It didn't feel right to do so." He beckons for her to join him and she does, her heels clicking on the stone flag stones.

"Is that because it's true that Severus Snape and you are…emotionally involved?"

"No." He scratches at a pale patch of skin on his arm.

"So why aren't you dancing then?"

"I suppose I didn't really want to," she responds.

"Isn't it your obligation to?"

"Well it is yours as well."

He shakes his head, chuckling quietly under his breath.

"Well then, may I have this dance?"

Her heartbeat quickens and suddenly her feet are rooted to the ground. What is she doing? She's run through this scenario, so there should be no problem. Lily wouldn't hesitate – it's rude to. He's holding out his hand and she's not moving a muscle. All she can imagine is the completely petrified look upon her face – fearful, apprehensive and not at all interested in him romantically. That's when she does it.

Lips upon lips.

She opens her eyes and stares into his. They're wide open like a rabbit's caught in a set of car headlights.

She's made a mistake, a miscalculation. Stupid, completely worthless girl. There is only one way to fix it – she presses her lips against his again, fighting to find some warmth, some sort of response.

It's when she is on the verge of tears that she finally feels him move; slow at first, but then insistent and it's not long before both of them are breathing heavily.

"Remus."

"Lily."

Then it is her turn to freeze as he continues to make love to her mouth. Of course. It will always be that red-haired beauty, won't it? It's several minutes before he realises that she's not holding him in return.

"Lily?"

What to do? Should she just accept that this will be the one moment where she can have her feelings returned? But she's not her is she.

"Are you alright Lily?"

She finds herself smiling, despite the tear that slips down her cheek.

"I'm just so happy Remus."

And then their lips meet again, flaming passion, his fingers entwined in her flaming hair. She pulls him backwards until her back presses into the wall, preventing her jellied legs from sending the dizzied couple onto the floor.

And then it's over. He pulls back in horror. What has she done wrong? What if…what if she's changed back? No that's impossible. She's refined this persona, this character.

"James." The whispered name confuses her.

"James said you were going with him…he's been boasting about it all week." They both seem to be in the same state of confusion.

"Remus…what, what are you saying?"

"Have you…" He stops his words and starts scratching at the patch on his skin again.

She doesn't know what to do or even what he seems to be unable to say.

"You've been leading him on Lily."

"No I haven't – it's always been you –"

"What are you on about Lily?" There's a hint of anger now, more than a hint. His fingers scratch faster, deeper.

"Why would you say you were going with him and then not go? You can't do that Lily."

"I wanted to come with you and –"

"Then why agree to come with him?" Aggression.

She takes a step forward to touch him, but he takes two back and then he's striding out, no, dragging himself out. She runs after him, reaching the door before he does and it's all she can do to cup his chin and push one last practised kiss upon his pale ones before he raises his palm and slaps her face. It sends her sprawling to the ground. Red tangled hair framing a beautiful pale complexion.

It takes her several minutes to see the bright side through the raging storm; if Remus hates Lily then maybe, just maybe, he can open his heart to hers.

Review? Make me happy?