~Lily's POV
I opened the little glass window of our cottage and peered out into the humid July sunrise. Dew sparkled on the spiderwebs that laced the front hedge, and the sun drew warm patches of light on the broom shed. Despite the unsought fear in my heart, I had to appreciate the peace of the morning.
A miniscule speck appeared in the center of the sun. It grew larger and larger, until at last a dark brown owl glided to a stop on our windowsill.
"Morning, Julius," I muttered. Sirius's owl released a small, slender package. He extended his leg, tied to which was a tightly bound scroll of parchment. I took it and unraveled it. I had just begun to read when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I jumped nearly a mile.
"James! Please, please don't scare me like that. I've been so tense lately," I said.
"I offer you my sincere apologies," James said softly. "What does Padfoot have to say?"
I handed him the letter. "Here, you can read it yourself. He's sent Harry a birthday gift." I lifted the package. James took it from me, kissed the top of my head, and beckoned me to Harry's room.
"I'm sure Harry will love it. Padfoot has wonderful taste," James smiled. He lifted Harry from the crib and gave him the package. In a flurry of brown paper and tiny fists, Harry unveiled a toy broomstick.
A few hours later, as I was sweeping up the remains of a shattered vase and Batty was leaving after Harry's lovely birthday tea, James came over to me.
"Lily, I want to go for a walk," he said.
"James!" I gasped. "There's Death Eaters and dementors and god-knows-what running around out there! Godric's Hollow isn't safe anymore, we know it isn't..."
"Oh, Lilykins, I'll go under the cloak and be extra super careful. Please?"
"Fine," I sighed, still worried. James, sensing my discomfort, swooped down and kissed me gently. With a grandiose flourish, the cloak was wrapped around his shoulders. The door swung shut behind him with a final thump.