Chapter 2

While the other recently released seventh years celebrated that they were officially of age witches and wizards who could go out and start their apprenticeships, James sat near the window of the Hogwarts Express in the front of the train and stared out blankly. Sirius, noticing James' new disposition, slid onto the seat next to him and laid a hand on his shoulder. "James, it's okay. This will all pass over. Lily will write. Come on, we are almost to London. Let's enjoy the time we have, we don't know when our path will cross with these people again. Solemnly, James nodded and got up to join the going home party. He barely heard the music and laughter the entire ride home. As he stepped off the train and onto the platform, he was crushed in a bear hug of immeasurable size. When he could see straight again, he looked down to see red hair. "Lily? Is this you," he asked nervously. The only response he received was, "Mmhmm!" "Well, uhm, what are doing?" Lily looked up and her eyes were sparkling with tears, "I'm going to miss you so much." James sighed and laid his head on top of hers, "I'm going to miss you too Lily."

Stepping into the sun of London, James glanced around one last time to try and see Lily, but he couldn't find her. Sirius soon appeared on his side, "Let's go bro, I'm ready to go home. Your mum's home cooking is delicious; especially when it's our first night back." James nodded and led Sirius around the back of King's Cross Station to his parent's car. The ride home was filled with chatter that James participated in minimally. "James? Are you listening? I asked you a question sweetie," his mum said looking into the rearview mirror. James was pulled back into reality after day dreaming about holding Lily close to him. "Sorry mum, I was just, thinking. What was the question?" His mum laughed and asked, "What are you going to do now? Sirius says he wants to work in the ministry." He looked to Sirius who just smiled at him. "I haven't really thought about it. Maybe an Auror….I just don't know yet," he replied before turning back to the window. Sirius let out a large bark-like laugh and said, "You do to! You want that pretty little thing to be your wife!" After that, the car ride was for the most part silent.

James sat alone in his room while Sirius showed off his usual tricks that just get better with time. It had been months since that day on Platform 9 ¾, and he had received nothing from Lily. "Maybe she didn't miss me as much as she let on." He turned out his light from his wand and rolled over to get some sleep. Nightmares of blinding green lights, high pitched laughter, and a ghostly white face with glowing red eyes filled his head. Then the mystery man began knocking on his door, but James was too afraid to answer it. The knocking grew louder and louder until it woke him from his dream, where he realized that the knocking wasn't just in his dream, but at his window as well. Hesitantly, he pulled back his curtains to see a tawny owl tapping its talon on the glass. Quietly, he opened the window, not wanting to draw Sirius upstairs, just in case the letter was from Lily.

Surprisingly, there were two attached letters. On one, the writing was clearly that of Professor Albus Dumbledor, the other was female and curly. Putting aside his curiosity, James opens the letter from Dumbledor first.

Dear Mr. Potter,

In light of recent, but quiet events, a new wizard is coming to power. He is going by the name Lord Voldemort. Please bring yourself and Mr. Sirius Black to the house at Number 12, Grimmauld Place. I understand he is now the owner of it since his family has passed or disappeared. Once I receive your return owl, I will give you the password to speak to the man who will ask for it. This is not to be taken lightly Mr. Potter, I shall expect to you see you two there on the 23rd of September.

Albus Dumbledor

Puzzled by this letter, he scrawls out a reply to Dumbledor assuring him that he and Sirius will both be there on the requested day. Next, he turns to the other letter, lying on his bed looking almost lonely. He gently tears it open with bated breath, not wanting to get over excited for something that may not be what he hopes. As the envelope opens, he can smell a familiar perfume wafting out of the contents. "Lily," he breathes as he gently removes the folded parchment.

James!

I'm sorry I haven't written sooner, but I have just been so busy! My sister, Petunia, is extremely jealous and angry about me being a witch. It's becoming unbearable to live with her. She is always muttering under her breath that I'm a freak. If I hadn't been to Hogwarts, I think I might have agreed with her. To a muggle, we are kinda freaky. This isn't the point of my letter though. I want you to know I miss you. I'm sorry I didn't share this with you sooner, but I have, in a way, fallen for you. I received a letter from Dumbledor, and I am sure if I got it, you did to. Please, in your return letter, let me know if you will be at the place called Grimmauld on the 23rd of September. James, I haven't removed your necklace except for showers. I just, want you to know that, I believe I have fallen for you. I didn't want anyone to know because I was scared. I guess my reputation was more important to me than my feelings, and I am sorry. It was stupid of me, but I hope that now we can start over and maybe something will come of it. I hope to see you soon Jamie….I hope you don't mind Jamie…I thought it was cute. If nothing else, we should go to Diagon Alley and just hang out, maybe get some lunch. Well, uhm, good-bye James!

Yours Truly,

Lily Evans

James sighed to himself before writing a return letter to Lily, explaining that he would, indeed be seeing her on the 23rd and would indeed love to hang out with her at Diagon Alley someday. He folded the letter gently before reopening it scribble on the bottom that he would love to be Jamie. He tied the letters to the post owl and dropped some silver sickels in the pouch strapped to its leg as it took off through the window. He watched the owl until it disappeared into the dark before heading downstairs to show Sirius the letter from Dumbledor; Lily's letter was to be a secret. No one but James needed to see the words the Lily had entrusted to him.

Sirius understood what the letter meant, and agreed that they should meet with Dumbledor, however vague he was. James glanced at the calendar before saying, "Sirius, that's tomorrow, the owl must have gotten lost with the post for a while. We need to go in the morning out into the back and apparate." Sirius nodded before running upstairs and beginning to pack his clothes up. James followed quickly, confused as to his friend's reaction. "Padfoot, what are you doing? We will probably be there only a few days. Do you really think you need everything," he asked quietly. Sirius sighed and closed the lid of his truck, which now held all of his possessions, thanks to a simple shrinking charm, "If they can allow me back in that house that means dear old mum is gone. The house is mine. I am going to claim it as my own as it is."

"If that is how you feel, then I'll help you move in." James gave his friend a simple smile and helped him latch it shut. That last night together was spent with music and laughter, who would have known that the end was so near? As night fell, so did James' heart when he realized the seriousness of the situation at hand. If this was to lead to war, he might not have another chance to admit his feelings. As a shadow passed over the moon, he whispered, "I love you Lily."