Over the next years, Lily got to know Dudley, who insisted that she was his favourite Aunt. Take that Marge, Lily couldn't help but think. She still hadn't really ever spoken to Petunia and never was she ever going to speak to Vernon again. Dudley's wife joined them a few years after Dudley, and she was the sweetest person Lily could remember meeting. Their children arrived, too, all except the youngest that was unfortunately old and frail by now. His daughter, Nicole, loved meeting Lily, and insisted that she reminded her of her second cousin, once removed.

Molly and Arthur experienced the arrival of their other children, and daughter-in-laws. Fleur arrived first and she burst into tears when seeing Molly over Appolline's head, according to Fred. Charlie arrived soon after her and flung himself on Fred who was shocked, to say the least. Molly insisted they come each time one of the Weasley children who meant so much to Harry, arrived. Bill arrived two years after Fleur, and he hugged and kissed her before realising his brother was there, and he too grabbed Fred in a hug. Neither Bill nor Charlie had their scars any longer. Fleur and Bill could often be found discussing their grandchildren with Remus and Dora.

Lily met Audrey eighteen months later and two months after that Percy was arriving. Lily had been dragged out of the house by Molly, James following behind. Percy was gripping Fred before even acknowledging Audrey. Audrey didn't mind. She knew how close Percy had felt responsible for Fred's death, even long after George had finished hating him.

George was next, although it was a few years. Lily had never seen Fred show so much emotion than he did hugging his twin so close to him. George once again had two ears. His wife arrived soon after.

The appearances of the Weasley children had put James and Lily on edge, and everyone could see that. They were Harry's generation. He would be here soon, too. James often found Lily curled in the rocking chair in Harry's room, clutching a blanket he'd had as a baby to her face as she slept. Lily often woke in the middle of the night, only to find the other side of the bed empty. She'd look outside her window and see James in his stag form, casually relaxing in the yard.

Sirius was acting like a child at Christmas. He bounced around the Potter house most of the time and Lily suspected he was worried that he wouldn't feel the Call and therefore wanted to be with Lily and James when they got it. Or maybe he just wanted to be sure it would be Harry.

It was early one morning James sat up and glanced around in the dark of the room before hearing the knock on the door that had woken him. He tiptoed downstairs and was pleased to see Jean and Henry Granger at the door. Jean smiled and told him that they were hoping Lily and James would come and meet Hermione with them. James ran upstairs and shook Lily awake.

They stood together as Hermione Weasley's form came to view and she blinked. "Mum!" she cried, launching herself at Jean's chest, hugging her quickly before moving on to her father. Then she saw Molly and Arthur and rushed to hug them too. She looked up and glanced around at others and came to rest on Fred. She moved forward and hugged him too. "So you're my sister in law now?" Fred asked mockingly and Percy and Fleur rolled their eyes. "Real original" Percy muttered and Fleur giggled.

Hermione moved around the room, hugging more people as she went. Lily smiled when she did a double take after spotting James. Understanding quickly over took her face and she smiled softly as she moved over to them. She smiled at her best friends parents, "Hello, Mr and Mrs Potter. I'm Hermione"

"We know" James said. Lily stepped forward and hugged the younger women – well, older, younger women – "Thank you" Lily said to her as she stepped back.

"For what, Mrs Potter?" she asked, confusion written all over her face.

"For being such a good friend to Harry" Lily explained, "And, please, call me Lily"

"And thanks for the flowers, and being with Harry that first Christmas, too" James added.

"I wouldn't have wanted to have been anywhere else" Hermione said.

It was some months later that Alice popped around to say hello. Lily had been sitting with James and Sirius in the lounge when they heard the door open and a voice call out. "Lil... James... Is Anyone home?"

"In the lounge, Ally" Lily called back, recognising the voice.

A moment later, Alice stepped into the room followed by two men. One was Frank, the other –

"Neville!" Sirius exclaimed.

Lily stood up and approached the small family. "Hi, Neville, I'm Lily Potter. I believe you may know my son" she shook his hand.

"Maybe a little" he replied and the room's occupants laughed.