The room was quiet. Not one sound penetrated the thick stone walls of the manor. From inside, the storm seemed to vanish, the only evidence that showed its presence was the sudden flash of light that seemed to flood the entire grounds in light for a moment. The lightening now seemed so strange to me, as it was not accompanied as it always was, by the roaring clap of thunder that had seemed to, on many occasions, to shake the very earth.
My husband lay sprawled face down across our king-size four-poster bed, his naked body was painted by the moonlight that had managed to peer out from behind the storm. I separated a pale blue satin sheet from the tangle of bedding and wrapped the sheet around my bare torso as walked over to the window that over looked the extremity of the grounds of the manor. The Potter estated was widely know for its beautiful and lavish garden, however a single person in a matter of minutes could not possibly explore the extent of the grounds; it had taken James and myself the better half of a Sunday afternoon to thoroughly explored the immediate grounds which surrounded the manor.
As I stared out of the window, I noticed a slight shudder prance across the hedge that marked the path that led from the garage to the house, however I was not alarmed. We were miles from the nearest town, so it could not be a wondering muggle, and the grounds were a perfect place for magical creatures to seek refuge in during these dark times.
My mind began to wonder into distant memories, memories that I had keep under strict lock and key since I married my long-time boyfriend, James H. Potter.
Memories of my family; I loved the Potters, but it didn't feel like the same thing. I wanted to be able to talk to my mother, mess around with my father and hangout with Tunie.
Memories of my old friends; Remus, Sirius and Peter were great, but I needed some female company apart from Mrs Potter.
I sighed, married life was harder then I thought. I looked over at the bed, to James, who at that moment had begun to snuggle the pillow, occasionally muttering things like; "Oh Lily," and "I love you flower". I giggled.
I took one last lingering look out of the window and just as I was about to turn and climb back into bed, I noticed something out in the rose garden. It looked like a man. He turned his head and look directly at me, I stood there, imitating a stunned mullet. We both remained motionless for a moment, and then the man collapsed. I was so thoroughly shocked I didn't move for another moment, then I realised what had happened. I hurriedly walked over to the bed and gently shook James to wake him.
"James, something's happened." I whispered. He began to stir, and slowly he opened his eyes.
"Lily? What's going on?" he asked as he look from his naked body, to the sheet I still clutched around my chest. He grinned.
"James, there was a man down in the rose garden, and he was looking at me, and then he just collapsed. He's just lying in the garden." I said as I sat down in James embrace.
He stroked my hair lovingly for a while, then lowered my head onto the pillow and began to dress.
"Lily, I want you to stay here and lock the door when I leave. You are not to open the door to anyone unless they give you a password. Oh and keep your wand on you." He said, his back towards me as he pulled a shirt out from the cupboard.
I propped myself up on my elbows, "What's the password?" I asked
"Lily flower." He said simply, turning to face me. Even in the dark I could make out his chiselled figure and handsome face. His chocolate brown hair was messier than usual and sticking up in all directions. He walked over to the bed and placed a tender kiss on the corner of my mouth and left the room.
After he left I did as he asked. I lay awake in the safety of the bed for as long as I could, the finally, sleep took over. As I slipped out of consciousness I could swear I could hear the sounds of a large dog padding up the stares, and a hoofed animal following closely.