Chapter Two:
Lily accepted without complaint her mother's insistence that she couldn't travel through the floo alone. They arrived in the crowded foyer of St. Mungo's together and Ginny made a beeline for the reception, Lily clutching her hand tightly.
When she was four Lily had gotten lost in St. Mungo's. They'd come to visit 'Aunty' Luna, who had just had her youngest son, Lyscander. She had wandered down the corridor to look at the other babies and then couldn't find her way back. Three levels, two scraped knees and a lot of scary, unfamiliar faces later James had found her, sobbing quietly under a chair. He'd carried her all the way back, where their frantic mother spent the next fifteen minutes berating him for going off as well before bursting into tears and apologising profusely. Hugging both of them so tightly James had, according to him, passed out from lack of oxygen. Though Lily couldn't really remember that day, she knew the story well, or at least James' version of it. It had been that night the nightmares started, and though they had lessened every year she knew she would never forget those. Shivering slightly Lily pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind and was smiling when they reached James' room. He was sitting up in the bed chatting animatedly with his neighbour, a middle-aged man with a duck's bill, who looked as if he'd like to strangle James.
"James, stop harassing the poor man." Ginny said, hurrying over to him. "And what have we said about trying products? Every year. Every single year! How are you feeling?" a hint of motherly concern was mixed in with the scolding.
"I'm fine." He said, allowing her to hug him briefly.
"Well I'm going to speak to the Healer." Ginny said, "James, keep and eye on your sister and behave yourself!" Lily clambered onto the bed, seating herself on his legs. He grumbled a little, but soon settled down. "You look nice with green hair." Lily said comfortingly.
"It's not the hair I mind so much," James explained, "It's the bleeding tail! It's so uncomfortable." Lily tried unsuccessfully to cover a giggle and he rolled his eyes at her.
"It was worth it. Though last year was the best." He said settling back and sighing blissfully at the memory.
"Tell me a story." Lily asked a few moments later.
"What story do you want?"
"Um I don't know…actually just tell me about Hogwarts."
James smiled, "Not too long now kiddo. You'll find out for yourself"
"I'm ten. So it's just one year."
"I know. You've really grown up this summer. You and Hugo both. It's hard to believe really."
"It was quite simple once Al and Rose were off at Hogwarts with the rest of you." She explained.
"How's that?"
"Well, sometimes when everyone thinks of you as a little child it's hard to grow up."
"I guess that makes sense." James mused, "Sorry."
"It's not your fault. It's just the way life is."
"What you try this time?" Albus asked, plonking down in the bedside chair.
"Not sure, we couldn't read the handwriting." James said with a grin, "Dad here now?"
"Yeah, he's outside with Mum and the Healer. We didn't even get to wait in line. The witch at reception spotted Dad and dragged us right to the front." Albus said sulkily. James let out a snort of laughter, "Only you and Dad would have a problem with that!"
Lily nodded solemnly, "Normal people don't like waiting in queues Al." After glaring at them for a few minutes, Albus smirked, "You know, you'd fit right into Slytherin with that hair."
"NEVER!" James brandished a fist at his brother, "I'd never be in a house with such a crappy Quidditch team!"
"Well you'd better hope it changes back!" Al said as he ducked the pillow thrown at him.
The man with a duck's bill cowered into his blankets as a full blown Potter Pillow Fight broke out. Just as James leaped over his bed to get at Lily a very loud and angry Weasley woman entered the room, "JAMES SIRIUS POTTER! WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT BEHAVING YOURSELF??"
After a long rant about behaviour in public and in a hospital the three siblings sat, duly subdued. The healer returned with their father and told them James should be ready to go home the next day. He hoped.
James groaned, "I feel fine, can't I just come back in the morning?" he asked.
"I'm afraid not, we need to monitor the treatment."
"Serves you right for testing unfinished products." Harry laughed ruffling James hair, "Don't worry, we'll be back tomorrow." They left James sulking as he got back in the bed.
"What happened to Fred?" Harry asked.
"He grew donkey ears and turned pink." Ginny replied, expertly hiding her smile from the children. "He's on the next level." St Mungo's staff had long since learnt not to put Weasley cousins on the same floor, let alone in the same room. Lily slipped her hand in Albus' as they headed back to the foyer; he rolled his eyes but didn't pull away and when they reached the fireplace, offered to go through with her.
Okay, kind of short but I'd appreciate thoughts/comments. (in other words please, please, please review!)
