Chapter Nine: Healing

"No, no sweetie." Eleanor leaned over her son and readjusted his arm. "Here, throw it straight. That's it."

It was autumn and Mother and Son were standing in the garden of the Potter Manor. The trees were an explosion of red and gold and the grass beneath their feet was a dull and dry brown. A young James allowed his mother to manipulate his throwing arm and twist his wrist. Then she pulled away, pushing her hair out of her eyes. "Okay. Throw."

James drew his arm back and then released it, sending the scarlet Frisbee flying across the garden. He laughed delightedly for a moment, jumping slightly on the spot. His mother joined in a second later. The laughter soon died however, as they watched the flat disk sail neatly through the open study window. There was an angered yell. Eleanor clapped a hand to her mouth, and James giggled nervously as Lucas Potter's head, clean shaven at this moment in time, popped up angrily from behind the curtain, brandishing the Frisbee. "Eleanor! You trying to knock me out?"

Behind her hand, Eleanor began to giggle uncontrollably, joining her son, who was squealing with glee. Her husband rolled his eyes and threw the Frisbee back. He vanished behind the curtain and the disk landed with a soft smack against the earth. The two were still laughing uncontrollably as Lucas appeared once again from behind the curtain, camera in hand. There was a snap, a flash of light, and he disappeared again as his wife shrieked in protest...

James sighed and sniffed as he looked down at a large leather book. It was two weeks after the funeral, and he was slowly pulling himself back to something close to his old self. There were times though, like right now, when he was alone in the flat and his memory seemed to take him over completely, leaving him powerless.

On the page before him sat a photograph of him and his mother. Taken 10 years ago, it was stained brown with years of dust and sunlight. It showed them standing in the large manor garden in the middle of autumn, bundled up in coats and scarves. They were both laughing hard, identical in both the wide grins spread across their faces and the tangles of black hair ruffling in the wind. A Frisbee lay abandoned at their feet.

James sensed someone behind him and shut the photo album with a snap. He reached up and brushed a few drops of salty moisture from his face. At the same time someone sat down next to him and James didn't have to look to know it was Lily.

"Looking at photos?"

James nodded and reluctantly cracked open the album, revealing the two flushed faces that sat on the parchment. Lily pulled her hair back and leaned closer, smiling down at the younger James. "You were so cute!"

"Were?"

"Shut up!" Lily punched him gently on the arm, and he gave her a soft smile. Lily returned it and glanced back at the photo, running a long finger down the side of the page. Then she frowned slightly, "When did you get your glasses?"

"When I was ten," James peered down at the figures, examining his own face. So much younger, and so innocent, with no idea what it was to come. No idea how little time he had left with the merry woman next to him…

"I miss her," he whispered, and Lily's long arm snaked round him.

"I know," she replied, and James rested his head wearily on her shoulder as he continued to turn the brittle, yellowing pages.


The next day Sirius came bounding excitedly in the door. He was wearing his traditional jeans and white T-shirt, and he'd recently allowed his faultless hair to grow so it just grazed his collar – a look that had, if possible, increased his pulling power significantly. He glanced round the flat, obviously itching to talk to someone, and finally spotted Lily spread across the floor with a book. She glanced up, smiled, and then stuck her nose back into the printed pages. That is, until Sirius whipped the book out from under her.

"Hey!" she looked up at Sirius, who was examining it curiously.

"What's this? A book?"

She rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself, "What do you want Sirius?"

"I have a plan!"

"You do?" she asked warily.

"Yup!" Sirius threw the book back down and Lily caught it, slightly stunned. She carefully folded down the page she was on and shut the book with a gentle snap. Then she looked back up at Sirius, who was bouncing excitedly on the balls of his feet. "So… what's your plan?"

"It's gonna cheer James up! As well as being more than a little beneficial to me, obviously."

"Obviously." Lily sat up, her long red hair falling over her shoulder. "What is it then?"

"Hang on, let me put this stuff away," said Sirius, and Lily noticed the rucksack slung casually over his shoulder. He moved into his bedroom and Lily cracked open her book, hoping that Sirius would get or lost or something in the piles of mess that make up his bedroom.

A moment later James arrived home from his first day back at the office. To Lily's dismay, he was also sporting a spectacular black eye. James had barely stepped over a threshold when Lily was on him, book abandoned and staring in horror as she cradled his face and gaped at the black and blue swelling, which was taking up what seemed to be half on his face. "Oh my god!" she muttered, "What happened?"

"I kicked about twenty Death Eater's arses is what happened!" smiled James, throwing down his bag with a crash and looking down at her. He looked tired, but had more colour in his cheeks than Lily had seen in a while.

Lily snatched her hands away. "What?"

"Well, okay they weren't real Death Eaters..."

"But you're all bruised!"

"Huh?" James looked confused, reached up to prod at the spot Lily was staring at, and winced when he made contact with the black eye. "Ouch! What the…?"

Lily sighed and let go off him, rubbing her temple tiredly. "It's a black eye James."

"Oh… right!" James gently pressed his fingertips against the mass of colour thoughtfully. "I should go fix that. Hang on."

Lily watched him go, shaking her head in bemusement as he made his way towards the bathroom and the only mirror. As he neared it, Sirius emerged from his bedroom. "Hey James. Wow. That's gorgeous."

"Thanks," replied James, still slightly flushed with his success, and disappeared into the bathroom. Sirius waited until the door had shut behind him before scuttling across to Lily. He actually rubbed his hands together in glee as he grinned at her. "Can I show you my plan now?"

"What?"

"My 'how-to-cheer-James-up-in-one simple-step' plan!"

Lily stared blankly at him for a second before remembering what he was talking about. "Oh… go on then."

"Great!" He grabbed hold of her hand and dragged her out of the front door and down the staircase. They scrambled down the stairs with a large amount of excess noise and exploded out onto the street. Sirius let Lily go and she hastily began to pat down her hair, before looking up and freezing.

Sirius was gesturing grandly towards a huge motorbike so shiny it nearly blinded her. It was a mass of black paint, silver mechanics and leather seating, and there was something strange about it. Lily could tell that Sirius, or someone, had tinkered with it somehow, though she couldn't put her finger on what had changed. However, the bike just shouted 'Sirius' and, for some reason, fitted him perfectly. But still…

Lily gaped at Sirius. "What is that?" she hissed after a second. "Is this your," she twitched her fingers above her head in imaginary quote marks, "'brilliant plan' to cheer James up? How in gods name…"

"Sweet Merlin!" James had suddenly appeared behind Lily, changed out of his work robes and gawking at the bike. His wide eyes slowly travelled down the slick black body and onto Sirius leaning against it. "What…?"

"Yep!" Sirius grinned and patted the handlebar fondly. "I brought a bike... A flying bike!"

"A flying bike?" squeaked Lily, but was drowned out by James' shout.

"You're kidding me!"

James shoved Lily out the way and practically ran towards the shining motorbike. He was soon stood next to Sirius and joining him in exclaiming over every shining part. Sirius pointed something out and James started, straightening up and looking confusedly down at him. A second later they were roaring with side-splitting laughter, doubling over and supporting themselves on the leather saddle. Lily rolled her eyes, but a small smile grew over her face.

It was the first time she had heard James laugh in two weeks.


Next week the Order of the Phoenix met in the back room of the Hogs head. James sat with a group of others around a large oval table, hair on end after a stomach-churning ride on Sirius' bike. There was a lack of chairs in the dingy room so he had Lily perched lightly on his knee, legs crossed and one foot jiggling nervously. James had his head resting sleepily on her shoulder. He would have thought that being part of a secret society would have been more fun than this - So far it seemed like he spent most of his time here listening to other people talk.

Suddenly, James' head snapped off his girlfriends shoulder and his hazel eyes narrowed for a second. He leant across and pointed out a detail on the floor plan spread in front of him. "What's this?"

"Looks like an Owlery."

"Well, couldn't you use that?" He glanced around the table, and then at Lily. "I mean, how many people lock their Owlery's? Otherwise the owls couldn't get in!"

"He has a point…"

Just then Marlene McKinnon came in through a back door, balancing a sliver tray on one hand. "Hello everyone!" she chirruped perkily, "I brought some biscuits! Here," she offered the tray to Peter, who happily helped himself, "I made them myself."

Peter made an approving noise through a mouthful of crumbs, and Marlene's bright eyes crinkled in a smile. She moved across to Sirius. "Sirius?"

"You know I'll have anything that's been touched by your lovely hands Marlene," grinned Sirius. Lily giggled and Marlene blushed slightly, while James nearly choked on his own saliva.

"You!" Marlene gave Sirius a playful swat on the shoulder, but let him help himself to four large biscuits, which he shoved into his mouth and chewed appreciatively. Marlene moved on and continued to offer her treats around.

"Do you not have any shame?" asked James seriously as soon as she was out of earshot, and Sirius shrugged.

"If you've got it…" He took another bite from the chocolate filled biscuit and winked at Lily. James rolled his eyes.

"Well, what do you think?" came a familiar voice, and Sirius and James both spun round to face Benjy Flenwick. His handsome face was pleasant, though his eyebrows rose slightly as the duo glanced nervously at each other, then across at Remus, who shrugged. There was a moment of silence.

"Uh…Can you repeat the question please?" asked Sirius finally, and James smiled in what he hoped was a charming way. In the corner, Gideon and Fabian Prewett laughed.

Benjy sighed. "We've received word that the Death eaters may be planning an attack sometime soon. We were wondering whether you five would consider joining us on the defensive."

"What? Like," Sirius glanced at James, his eyes bright at the prospect, "Like fighting?"

"Yes," replied Benjy with his usual simplicity. James and Sirius both broke into large grins and nodded madly. The idea of actually fighting was more than they could have hoped for when they wished for excitement. The other three were also nodding, though with slightly less vigour.

Those three had always been the planners, and had left the physical work, whether it be fighting or pranking, to the pair. They didn't back down however, and spent the rest of the meeting discussing tactics with the others.

When the meeting drew to an end they were all in good spirits, looking forward to getting out of the dark and dusty room and into the sunny street. James and Lily had decided to go for a quick drink in the bar before leaving, and had bagged a double table by the window. The dust danced in front of them, illuminated by sunlight, as James put down two drinks and then took a chair opposite Lily.

"Remus! Pete! Come have a go on my bike!" called Sirius from the bar, grabbing the helmet that he didn't wear from where it sat on the side. The other two laughed and waved goodbye to James and Lily, before following him outside. There was a pause, and then the sound of laughter drifting in from the street. Lily took a sip of her drink and James glanced out the window.

He could see Sirius and his bike racing up and down the cobbled street with Peter standing on the back, hooting with laughter. As he watched Remus jogged after them and grabbed hold of Peter's coat, hoisting himself up by the collar. The remaining order members, who were standing casually around, chuckled as the bike turned sharply and then, without warning, rocketed into the clear summer sky and disappearing over the houses. James could hear the three's joyous whoops for a long time before they were whipped away by the breeze.

He settled back, smiling to himself, and caught Lily watching him fondly. "What?" he asked and she shook her head.

The two spent the next twenty minutes in light-hearted conversation, discussing everything from Sirius' bike to the pros and cons of various vegetables. Then they drained the last few drops from their glasses and left into the street. As they passed the window the barman saw James say something and Lily laugh, give him a playful shove into nearby bush, and run away while he flailed amongst the leaves.


"Uh… James?"

Back at the flat, Lily came out of the bathroom, brushing her hair until it shone scarlet. She shut the door softly behind her and looked across at him before throwing the brush on a nearby shelf and fluffing up her hair with her fingers. James blinked and straightened up slowly from where he was organising his notes from Auror training. "Yeah?"

"This weekend – would you come with me to visit my parents?"

James' whole body tensed and Lily winced. She knew it was too soon – she knew it. "Don't worry if you don't want to," she reprimanded hastily, "its fine. I can just call them…"

"No. Don't do that. I'll come," interrupted James, recovering quickly and turning back to his work, picking up the loose pieces of parchment. He slipped them into a folder as Lily stood in front of the closed door. James piled the folders up in a corner before turning back to her, hands shoved in his pockets and eyebrows slightly raised. "So…" His eyes ran up and down her lean frame, and she blushed underneath his pretty obvious examination.

Lily smiled flirtatiously and leant back against the door, her arms tucked behind her as James moved closer. He placed one hand against the wood above her and flashed her a wicked smile. "So Lily. How would you like to spend this fine Wednesday afternoon?"

Lily raised her eyebrow, her green eyes glinting, "Oh, I'm sure I could think of something…"

James' grin increased and he leant down towards her, their lips brushing together gently, and before either of them knew it they were pressed hard against the door, breathing heavily. Lily's hands were wrapped in James' mane of black, tangled hair and his hands were tracing the soft skin of her stomach.

That was when Sirius, Remus and Peter walked in, flushed from their ride through the skies and chatting cheerfully.

There was a moment of horrific silence as James and Lily prised themselves apart and turned their heads, very slowly, to stare at the three intruders.

Sirius had turned rather green. "Oh Merlin," he croaked. "Guys! That's what bedrooms are for!"

"That and sleeping," pointed out Remus, who was also looking rather pale.

"… Neh," agreed a speechless Peter. There was another pause, in which Lily and James jumped apart. James made an attempt to flatten his hair, which was even more haywire than usual, and Lily tugged at her shirt. Remus, Peter and Sirius all averted their gaze, swallowing hard and obviously trying not to laugh at their friend's embarrassment.

"Well…" stuttered Lily after a second, "I…I should go." With her face glowing as red as her hair, and her lips still flushed and swollen, she hurried towards the door. She didn't avert her gaze from the floor as she pushed past the boys (Sirius jumped backwards as if James' germs were infectious) and vanished out into the corridor.

The others all stared at the door closing behind her before turning back to James, who wasn't looking too happy at being interrupted. "You arseholes," he said, and they smiled anxiously in apology.

There was another silence until, predictably, Sirius spoke, his eyebrows drawn down and an unusual expression on his face. "I feel sullied. And dirty."

James made a rude hand gesture and Sirius beamed back in reply. "Anyway… you won't guess what happened to us! That crazy old bat that's moved in downstairs had another go at us!" He was referring to the grumpy old woman who had just started renting out the flat two floors below. She was only about 5 foot in height but had the loudest voice James had ever heard. In the three days she had been there she had come pounding on James and Sirius' door more than a few times complaining about the noise. Needless to say, they weren't too fond of her, and longed for the days when the building was more or less deserted.

"Really!" James was still standing in his previous position, stony faced and cross armed.

Sirius didn't pick up on the sarcasm. "Yeah! I mean, what is wrong with her? She just goes on and on and on…"

"And on and on…" continued Peter.

"And on and on…"

"I think he's got the idea guys," interrupted Remus, and then turned to James. "But seriously – no Sirius- she's completely mental! I mean, I was treading normally! She's obviously never actually heard a herd of elephants or she wouldn't have compared…"

"Basically," Sirius cut across, "we've decided enough is enough. Show him Moony."

Remus reached into his bag and slowly pulled out a box, which was rattling slightly. Pausing for dramatic effect, he prised open the lid and pulled out what at first glance looked like a yellow pompom. That was, until a large pink tongue emerged from somewhere behind all the fuzz. James gave a 'ah' of comprehension. "A puffskein! I used to have one of these!"

Sirius smiled knowingly. "Then you'll know how much bloody mess they can make when pissed off…!"

James glanced sharply up at Sirius, then back at the puffskein, which was purring contentedly in Remus' hands. It had been a while since they'd pranked anyone… it was harder to find opportunities to do so without a steady supply of authority figures. He smirked and raised an eyebrow. "What were you thinking?"