A/N Going to do more authors notes I think:) 1) I do not own any of the material here, J. does. 2)Thank you again to everyone who reads my fanfictions, but could more people review? I don't mind it it's constructive criticism lol.

Settling In

Lily hugged her parents, but not so much to make them think she had forgiven them. She may be in awe of James, but she was far from over the way they were ditching her. They hastily got back into the car and drove away, down the drive-way. Lily watched the BMW go until she could see it no more, and then sighed; she knew they weren't coming back.

James and Sirius were levitating her luggage up the stairs and into some room of the house. They were summoning various items (useless), like a banana and a magazine. Lily looked away and tried to find something that would stop her from bursting into tears.

Charlotte noticed the way Lily was huddled up, like she had taken a blow, and escorted her quickly into the house. She gave James and Sirius a meaningful look that made them go and unpack some of Lily's things. Lily looked around dimly at the kitchen. It was very modern, with marble surfaces and an aga. She sat down in one of the spiny chairs and smiled weakly at Charlotte.

"Thank you for doing this Mrs Potter." Charlotte was busy making a tea for Lily, and rolled her eyes at this.

"Please darling, it's the least I could do. And do call me Charlie, Charlotte is so formal! Now, you drink this up and then those useless boys will come and show you your room. D'you want me to come too?" Charlotte realised that Lily probably didn't want to be alone with a boy who had adored her for six years and a boy who was known for having a sense of humour to kill.

"Yes thank you." Lily said quietly. She sipped her tea, and in about five minutes the boys came down.

James looked at the scene in front of him. He frowned: Lily wasn't meant to be looking upset. Instead he put on his biggest grin and turned to his mother. "Mum, should we take Lily up now?" Charlotte nodded, but gestured that she was to come too. Lily hopped off the chair and slowly walked towards James and Sirius.

"Lily, you look…happy?" Sirius said. James wanted to punch him, why couldn't he just be normal? "In a good way." Lily merely ignored him and carried on after Charlotte. The corridor led to a grand staircase, with a chandelier hanging down.

"Wow, you've got a beautiful place here Charlie." Lily looked around at the priceless artworks and the ancient vases. She had known the Potters were rich, but not this rich.

"Oh, well. Matthew inherited it from his father, and we've added to it along the years."

They came to a little room, with lilac furnishings. There were pale purple walls and a deep purple bed. There was a bookshelf with books that even some muggles would read. She was busy looking at the titles when James and Sirius came in. Lily noticed all her things had been packed away (even her lingerie) and was nervous as to what they had seen. Charlotte stood just behind the doorframe and smiled genially at the three.

"So, Lily. This is your room…mine is just opposite it and Sirius' is next to it. Mum and Dad's is at the other end of the house so they won't be much use." James said happily. He had purposefully put her room opposite to his, in case she 'needed' anything. Lily felt a mixture of despair and elatedness. She was already missing her parents, but she was in a mansion, and with the two hottest boys in the year.

"Not that you'll be going to me if you need anything." Sirius added. James shot him a look to say: shut up. Lily filled the silence by coughing.

"Great." She said lightly. Charlotte got the boys out of her room and mouthed if you need us, just shout. Lily lay down on the bed, and got out her wand. She drew little hearts in the air and put them above her bed. The picture of all her family was already on her bedside table, and when Lily looked, she felt ashamed that Petunia wasn't in it. It was taken in her third year at Hogwarts, and Petunia had already declared their enmity and said she would not be in any photo that Lily was in.

Lily lay on her bed for hours, just thinking. James had been warned by Charlotte not to go in, but in the end he had tried. Lily, however, had put a lock charm on the door and the muffliato spell around the room. James had gone away in the end to moan to Sirius. At eight o'clock, Lily got dressed in her teddy pyjamas and sent a flying not to Charlotte:

Dear Charlie, I'm really sorry but I'm not hungry. Please eat without me. I'm sorry I haven't been much company yet but I'm really tired…and a bit grumpy. Lots of love, Lily x

Lily supposed she could seem really sarcastic if you read the note in the wrong way, but she wasn't prepared to go down stairs. Charlotte would understand. Lily slipped beneath the covers and found a little paper note there. It was from her parents.

Dearest Lily, We're so sorry that we had to go away. Having two daughters is quite a stress! We know you don't want to spend the summer holidays with James, but I've asked Charlotte to make sure they don't bother you too much. Please remember that we will always love you, whatever happens. Forget Petunia and her stupid ideas on magic. Love you, ladybird, Mummy and Daddy xxx

Lily burst into tears. She remembered how horrible she had been, and how much they wanted her forgiveness. She wouldn't give it to them. Lily cried herself to sleep that night, and even muffliato could not stop James and Sirius from hearing the sound of distress.

A/N If you don't like any ideas- please put why in the review!